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Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.) Apr 2021Two primary compounds of the cannabis plant (), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), differentially and dose-dependently affect mood and anxiety. In...
OBJECTIVE
Two primary compounds of the cannabis plant (), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), differentially and dose-dependently affect mood and anxiety. In this systematic review, the authors summarize the design and results of controlled trials assessing the effects of THC and CBD on affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
METHODS
A keyword search of eight online literature databases identified eight randomized controlled trials of defined CBD or THC doses for the target populations.
RESULTS
A 1-month trial of daily THC (up to 3 mg per day) for anxiety disorder reduced anxiety symptoms, but symptoms were very low throughout the study. Another trial of sequential, single-day, low-dose THC in social anxiety disorder found no symptom changes. Two studies reported that single-dose CBD pretreatment reduced anxiety in laboratory paradigms among individuals with social anxiety disorder. A study of daily CBD for 4 weeks among adolescents with social anxiety disorder indicated modest symptom improvements. One crossover trial involving 10 patients with PTSD showed that THC added to standard pharmacotherapy reduced self-reported nightmares. Two small studies of THC for hospitalized patients with unipolar or bipolar depression found no improvement of depression; instead, anxiety and psychotic symptoms emerged in >50% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
With only eight very small studies, insufficient evidence was found for efficacy of CBD and THC to manage affective disorders, anxiety disorders, or PTSD. Therefore, medical cannabis should not be recommended for treating patients with these disorders. Further research should investigate the safety and efficacy of managing psychiatric disorders with cannabinoids.
Topics: Adolescent; Anxiety Disorders; Cannabidiol; Cannabinoids; Humans; Mood Disorders; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 33530732
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000189 -
JAMA Psychiatry Mar 2024Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental disorders in adults. Psychotherapies are among the most recommended treatments for GAD, but which... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental disorders in adults. Psychotherapies are among the most recommended treatments for GAD, but which should be considered as first-line treatment needs to be clarified.
OBJECTIVE
To use a network meta-analysis to examine the short- and long-term associations of different psychotherapies with outcomes of effectiveness and acceptability in adults with GAD.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were searched from database inception to January 1, 2023, to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of psychotherapies for adults with GAD.
STUDY SELECTION
RCTs comparing any type of psychotherapy against another or with a control condition for the treatment of adults (≥18 years, both sexes) with a primary diagnosis of GAD were eligible for inclusion.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This study followed Cochrane standards for extracting data and assessing data quality and used the PRISMA guideline for reporting. Risk of bias of individual studies was assessed using the second version of the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis was used to rate the certainty of evidence for meta-analytical results.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Eight psychotherapies were compared against one another and with 2 control conditions. Primary outcomes were severity of GAD symptoms and acceptability of the psychotherapies. Random-effects model pairwise and network meta-analyses were conducted. For effectiveness, standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled, and for acceptability, relative risks with 95% CIs were calculated.
RESULTS
Data from 65 RCTs were included. Effect size estimates on data from 5048 participants (mean [SD], 70.9% [11.9%] women; mean [SD] age, 42.2 [12.5] years) suggested that third-wave cognitive behavior therapies (CBTs) (SMD, -0.76 [95% CI, -1.15 to -0.36]; certainty, moderate), CBT (SMD, -0.74 [95% CI, -1.09 to -0.38]; certainty, moderate), and relaxation therapy (SMD, -0.59 [95% CI, -1.07 to -0.11]; certainty, low) were associated with reduced GAD symptoms vs treatment as usual. Relative risks for all-cause discontinuation (indication of acceptability) signaled no differences compared with treatment as usual for all psychotherapies (eg, relative risk, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.64-1.67] for CBT vs treatment as usual). When excluding studies at high risk of bias, relaxation therapy lost its superiority over treatment as usual (SMD, -0.47; 95% CI, -1.18 to 0.23). When considering anxiety severity at 3 to 12 months after completion of the intervention, only CBT remained significantly associated with greater effectiveness than treatment as usual (SMD, -0.60; 95% CI, -0.99 to -0.21).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Given the evidence in this systematic review and network meta-analysis for its associations with both acute and long-term effectiveness, CBT may represent the first-line therapy of GAD. Third-wave CBTs and relaxation therapy were associated with short-term effectiveness and may also be offered.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Psychotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37851421
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3971 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Feb 2023The literature on racism and anxiety-related disorders, especially social anxiety, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, is notably lacking. This report... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The literature on racism and anxiety-related disorders, especially social anxiety, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, is notably lacking. This report aims to review recent evidence demonstrating the link between racial discrimination and various anxiety-related disorders.
RECENT FINDINGS
Anxiety-related disorders were the most significant mediator for daily discrimination and suicidal thoughts, above both depression and substance use. Further, studies showed that racial discrimination promotes posttraumatic stress and racial trauma among people of color. Systemic racism puts people of color at a higher risk for anxiety disorders than White people. Clinical case examples provide lived evidence of diverse racial and ethnic individuals suffering from anxiety-related disorders, with the development and worsening of symptoms due to racism and microaggressions. There is a prominent need for recent research on anxiety-related disorders and racism. Recommendations for clinicians and future research directions are provided. These actions are required to address bias and mental health inequities and empower people of color.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Racism
PubMed: 36645562
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01408-2 -
Journal of Behavior Therapy and... Dec 2022Although a great deal of research has focused on various aspects of control and their relations to psychopathology, new insights and therapeutic potential could be...
Although a great deal of research has focused on various aspects of control and their relations to psychopathology, new insights and therapeutic potential could be revealed through an examination and perhaps emphasis on fears of losing control. Although elements of control-related beliefs and phenomena have been highlighted in association with obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder, this paper will give a fresh perspective on fears and beliefs about losing control, with implications for understanding and perhaps treating a broad range of psychological problems including panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others. New research questions and hypotheses are proposed, along with potential implications for expanded research into this domain and for clinical applications within a cognitive-behavioural approach.
Topics: Fear; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Panic Disorder; Phobia, Social; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 36113905
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101768 -
International Journal of Psychiatry in... Sep 2022The diagnosis of anxiety disorders, like other psychiatric disorders also, is operationalised since the introduction of diagnostic manuals. The diagnostic criteria of... (Review)
Review
The diagnosis of anxiety disorders, like other psychiatric disorders also, is operationalised since the introduction of diagnostic manuals. The diagnostic criteria of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) have been tightened in the last decades. This leads to the exclusion of patients with a high level of anxiety, but not fulfilling certain of the GAD-criteria, from effective treatment. Such so-called subsyndromal, subthreshold or subclinical GAD-states, however, often exhibit a comparable burden of disease like the full syndromal disorder and often tend to develop into the full syndromal disorder. The purpose of this review is - beside systematically reporting the papers found in respective data bases from 2013 onwards - to summarise the relevant data regarding definitions, epidemiology and consequences of subsyndromal anxiety states in order to give a comprehensive review.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Syndrome
PubMed: 34314295
DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2021.1941120 -
European Archives of Psychiatry and... Oct 2023We report on a meta-analysis of Silexan, a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, in subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
We report on a meta-analysis of Silexan, a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, in subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
METHODS
The present analyses are based on all currently completed 5 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating Silexan in adult out-patients who received Silexan 1 × 80 mg/day or placebo for ten weeks according to random assignment (n = 1213). Efficacy was assessed based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), several anxiety self-rating scales, the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health status questionnaire.
RESULTS
After ten weeks' treatment, Silexan was significantly superior to placebo in reducing the HAMA total score (including the psychic and somatic anxiety sub-scores) and self-rated anxiety. Based on a ≥ 50% HAMA total score reduction, the responder rate ratio was 1.34 favoring Silexan, and the rate ratio of subjects much or very much improved according to the CGI was 1.51. Silexan was also significantly superior in improving the physical and mental health summary scores of the SF-36. There were no significant between-group differences concerning the occurrence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and premature withdrawal due to AEs.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrates that Silexan exerts significant anxiolytic effects in subthreshold anxiety, GAD and MADD that were consistently reflected in investigator ratings and patient-reported outcomes, including improvement of health-related life-quality, while showing favorable tolerability and safety.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Plant Oils; Oils, Volatile; Anxiety Disorders; Lavandula; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Double-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36717399
DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w -
Journal of Affective Disorders Oct 2023Maternal and paternal perinatal depression and anxiety are theorised to adversely impact infant development. Yet, few studies have assessed both mental health symptoms...
BACKGROUND
Maternal and paternal perinatal depression and anxiety are theorised to adversely impact infant development. Yet, few studies have assessed both mental health symptoms and clinical diagnoses within the one study. Moreover, research on fathers is limited. This study therefore aimed to examine the association between symptoms and diagnoses of maternal and paternal perinatal depression and anxiety with infant development.
METHOD
Data were from the Triple B Pregnancy Cohort Study. Participants included 1539 mothers and 793 partners. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview in trimester three. Infant development was assessed at 12-months using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development.
RESULTS
Antepartum, maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with poorer infant social-emotional (d = -0.11, p = .025) and language development (d = -0.16, p = .001). At 8-weeks postpartum, maternal anxiety symptoms were associated with poorer overall development (d = -0.11, p = .030). No association was observed for clinical diagnoses in mothers, nor paternal depressive and anxiety symptoms or clinical diagnoses; albeit risk estimates were largely in the expected direction of adverse effects on infant development.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests that maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms may adversely impact infant development. Effects were small but findings underscore the importance of prevention, early screening and intervention, alongside consideration of other risk factors during early critical periods.
Topics: Male; Female; Pregnancy; Infant; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Depression; Cohort Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Fathers; Mothers; Depression, Postpartum
PubMed: 37302506
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.06.020 -
La Tunisie Medicale Nov 2023The relationship between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders has been highlighted for a long time. Idiopathic epilepsy is known to have a benign course in most cases....
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders has been highlighted for a long time. Idiopathic epilepsy is known to have a benign course in most cases. However, the association of psychiatric disturbances could worsen the disease outcome.
AIM
To study the frequency of psychiatric symptoms in patients with idiopathic epilepsy, and to assess the determinant factors in the patient group with these manifestations.
METHODS
In one-year prospective study, consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy were included. Those with a known psychiatric follow-up or with post ictal psychiatric disturbances were excluded. Psychiatric symptoms were evaluated with the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Scale. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
Among 101 consecutive patients with idiopathic epilepsy, psychiatric symptoms were diagnosed in 61% of them. Anxiety (36.6%), psychotic features (21%) and depression (15.8 %) were the most commonly found psychiatric manifestations. Female gender (p < 10-3) and longer duration of epilepsy (p = 0.046) were significantly associated with occurrence of psychiatric disturbances. Patients under Carbamazepine and Valproic acid showed a lower frequency of depression (respectively p = 0.018 and p = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS
Occurrence of psychiatric disturbances was frequent in idiopathic epilepsy, with psychotic manifestations and anxiety being the most common of them. Female gender and long disease course were the main determining factors of psychiatric manifestations and should be considered in management of idiopathic epilepsy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Epilepsy; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety
PubMed: 38468585
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Affective Disorders Mar 2023The perinatal period is increasingly recognized as a vulnerable time for the development and exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms. Research has often focused on...
BACKGROUND
The perinatal period is increasingly recognized as a vulnerable time for the development and exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms. Research has often focused on perinatal depression, with much less information on perinatal anxiety. This study examined the psychometric structure of all internalizing (anxiety and mood disorder symptoms) in the perinatal period.
METHODS
Participants were primarily community adults receiving prenatal care from an academic medical center (N = 246). Participants completed a structured clinical interview using the Interview for Mood and Anxiety Symptoms (IMAS) during pregnancy (28-32 weeks gestation) and the postpartum (6-8 weeks). Clinical interviews dimensionally assessed all current anxiety, mood, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms as well as lifetime psychiatric diagnoses.
RESULTS
Confirmatory factor analyses identified three latent factors onto which psychiatric symptoms loaded: Distress (depression, generalized anxiety, irritability, and panic symptoms), Fear (social anxiety, agoraphobia, specific phobia, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms), and Bipolar (mania and obsessive-compulsive symptoms) in both pregnancy and the postpartum. The fit statistics of the models indicated adequate to good fit in both models.
LIMITATIONS
The IMAS is validated against the DSM-IV-TR rather than the DSM-5 and assessments of psychiatric symptoms were focused only on the current pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS
A three-factor model consisting of Distress, Fear and Bipolar latent factors was the best-fitting model in pregnancy and the postpartum period and showed stability across time. The structure of internalizing symptoms has important implications for future perinatal research and can be utilized to guide treatment by highlighting which psychiatric symptoms may be most similar during the perinatal period.
Topics: Adult; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Phobic Disorders; Mood Disorders; Depressive Disorder; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 36610596
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.111 -
BMC Public Health Jan 2022Suriname is a Low-middle income country consisting of diverse population groups. Epidemiological studies concerning mental disorders like depression and anxiety had not...
BACKGROUND
Suriname is a Low-middle income country consisting of diverse population groups. Epidemiological studies concerning mental disorders like depression and anxiety had not been conducted until 2015. The treatment gap for mental disorders in Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) may reach 76-80% as treatment is not always readily available. In this study, we estimate and compare the prevalence of potential cases of depression and anxiety, as well as the size of the treatment gap in a rural (Nickerie) and urban (Paramaribo) region of Suriname, a lower middle-income country.
METHODS
Subjects were selected by a specific sampling method of the national census bureau. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) was used to assess depression. Generalized anxiety disorder was assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and The Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ), the Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ) were used to assess Panic disorder. The treatment gap was calculated by estimating the percentage of subjects with depression or anxiety that did not seek out professional help.
RESULTS
About 18% of the respondents from Nickerie and 16% from Paramaribo were at risk of depression and the established cut-off values of the instruments used indicate that about 3-4% in both regions may suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Women in both samples were most at risk of high anxiety about body sensations and maladaptive thoughts about panic. The treatment gap varies between 78 and 100% for the two disorders.
CONCLUSIONS
A high depression rate has been found in both areas, especially among young females. In addition, a high treatment gap is noted which insinuates that more therapeutic strategies are required to tackle depression and anxiety in Suriname.
Topics: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Female; Humans; Rural Population; Suriname; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34998381
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12454-5