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PloS One 2024To review published Physical Activity (PA) on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents aged 5 to 18 years during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures.
PROPOSE
To review published Physical Activity (PA) on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents aged 5 to 18 years during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures.
METHODS
From the database creation to April 2022, 10 databases are retrieved, with 4427 records filtered, 14 included in this research. The research takes Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) evaluation standards.
RESULTS
The thesis selects 14 studies from 6 countries, involving 400009 children and adolescents. These studies happened during the lockdown of COVID-19 (from December 2019 to April 2021). During the lockdown of COVID-19, schools were closed, which was considered part of a more extensive lockdown. Schools were closed for 1 to 4 weeks. There were 10 high quality studies (71.4%) and 4 medium quality studies (28.6%). 4 studies report that the pandemic reduces the time of PA but increases the time of watching screen and sitting. 10 studies (71.4%) identify that PA is positive for the mental health, because it helps reduce mental symptoms to a certain extent, especially anxiety, depression, and emotional disorders. 5 studies show that PA may not improve the mental health of children and adolescents under 12 during the pandemic. 4 studies indicate that the influence of PA on mental health of children and adolescents is determined by the amount of activity, including the extent, intensity, frequency, and duration, etc.
CONCLUSIONS
In this narrative synthesis of reports from the class suspension period, reports that PA has a improve on the mental health of children and adolescents to a certain extent. it is found that PA may be helpful in reducing mental health symptoms of children and adolescents who are influenced by class suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, stakeholders of the mental health of children and adolescents around the world should recommend PA because it is a practicable and beneficial way for long-term mental support.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Child; Adolescent; Mental Health; Exercise; Schools; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Child, Preschool; Anxiety; Quarantine
PubMed: 38917211
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299158 -
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Jun 2024Anxiety disorders have a far-reaching impact on society, with profound implications on both mental and physical health. In response, there is growing interest in manual...
CONTEXT
Anxiety disorders have a far-reaching impact on society, with profound implications on both mental and physical health. In response, there is growing interest in manual therapy modalities, with emerging research suggesting their potential to alleviate related symptoms.
OBJECTIVES
To establish a consensus regarding manual therapy modalities for addressing anxiety symptoms, a systematic review of current literature was conducted.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted between May and August 2023, utilizing a systematic search on both PubMed and Google Scholar, adhering to the defined inclusion criteria. In addition, information was gathered utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Both authors (KLW and TH) conducted the literature review. The inclusion criteria include articles written in English, peer-reviewed, anxiety conditions documented, and manual therapy delivered by a respectfully qualified professional. Manual therapy modalities include massage therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), foot reflexology, acupressure, manual therapy, healing touch, therapeutic touch, and gentle touch. After initial data collection, both researchers independently screened articles utilizing two metrics: a level of evidence (LOE) table and a screening criterion incorporating unique elements from the search process. The quality of the included articles was assessed utilizing Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT). When reviewer discrepancies arose, authors reread full-text studies and discussed the inclusion and exclusion criteria to achieve consensus.
RESULTS
The data searches identified 8,979 articles, with 239 articles remaining after duplicates and nonapplicable articles were removed. A total of 42 articles met the inclusion criteria, with only 40 articles able to be obtained for full-article review. After full review and the exclusion of articles with invalid author conclusions, meta-analysis, or systematic reviews, 34 articles were included in the review. All articles received an LOE rating of 2 or better and aligned with our specific screening criteria. Based on SORT, each modality was assigned a "B" rating. Among the included articles, n=27 demonstrated statistical significance in favor of manual therapy modalities as an anxiety treatment. The positive results for the aforementioned manual therapies on anxiety symptom improvement are shown: 15/18 (83 %) massage therapy, 2/6 (33 %) OMT, 5/5 (100 %) foot reflexology, 1/1 (100 %) acupressure, 1/1 (100 %) manual therapy, 0/2 (0 %) healing touch, 1/1 (100 %) therapeutic touch, and 1/1 (100 %) gentle touch.
CONCLUSIONS
A pattern emerged, wherein individuals receiving manual therapy interventions displayed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety intensity. Considering the positive results, manual therapy should be considered an effective strategy for anxiety management.
PubMed: 38905700
DOI: 10.1515/jom-2024-0001 -
BMC Psychiatry Jun 2024There is uncertainty about the optimum dose of omega-3 fatty acids for anxiety symptoms. We aimed to find the dose-dependent effect of omega-3 supplementation on anxiety... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
There is uncertainty about the optimum dose of omega-3 fatty acids for anxiety symptoms. We aimed to find the dose-dependent effect of omega-3 supplementation on anxiety symptoms.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2022 to find randomized trials that assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on anxiety symptoms in adults. Investigators performed the literature search and screened the titles/abstracts and full-texts and between-reviewer agreement was assessed as Cohen's kappa coefficient. We conducted a random-effects dose-response meta-analysis to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.
RESULTS
A total of 23 trials with 2189 participants were included. Each 1 gram per day supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a moderate decrease in anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.70, 95%CI: -1.17, -0.22; GRADE = low). The non-linear dose-response analysis indicated the greatest improvement at 2 g/d (SMD: -0.93, 95%CI: -1.85, -0.01), and that supplementation in a dose lower than 2 g/d did not affect anxiety symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids did not increase adverse events (odds ratio: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.89, 1.61; GRADE = moderate).
CONCLUSIONS
The present dose-response meta-analysis suggested evidence of very low certainty that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly improve anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvements at 2 g/d. More trials with better methodological quality are needed to reach more robust evidence.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42022309636).
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Anxiety; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38890670
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05881-2 -
BMC Pediatrics Jun 2024Accidental and assault gunshot wounds (GSWs) are the second leading cause of injury in the United States for youth ages 1- to 17-years-old, resulting in significant... (Review)
Review
Identifying mental health outcomes and evidence-based psychological interventions for supporting pediatric gunshot wound patients: A systematic review and proposed conceptual model.
BACKGROUND
Accidental and assault gunshot wounds (GSWs) are the second leading cause of injury in the United States for youth ages 1- to 17-years-old, resulting in significant negative effects on pediatric patients' mental health functioning. Despite the critical implications of GSWs, there has yet to be a systematic review synthesizing trends in mental health outcomes for pediatric patients; a gap the present review fills. Additionally, this review identifies evidence-based psychological interventions shown to be effective in the treatment of subclinical symptoms of psychological disorders in the general population.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted using five databases: American Psychological Association (APA) PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Education Resource Information Center (ERIC), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Systems Online (MEDLINE). Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Findings suggest pediatric GSW patients are at a significantly elevated risk for mental health disorders when compared to other- (e.g., motor vehicle collision) and non-injured youth. Disorders include post-traumatic stress, disruptive behavior, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Hospital-based violence intervention programs, cultivating supportive relationships with adults in one's community, and trauma-focused outpatient services were identified as effective interventions for treating subclinical psychological symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Depicted in the proposed conceptual model, the present study delineates a direct association between pediatric GSWs and subsequent onset of mental health disorders. This relation is buffered by evidence-based psychological interventions targeting subclinical symptoms. Results suggest brief psychological interventions can help treat mental health challenges, minimizing risk for significant long-term concerns. Cultural adaptations to enhance the utility and accessibility of interventions for all patients are recommended.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Evidence-Based Practice; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Psychosocial Intervention; Wounds, Gunshot; Infant
PubMed: 38890635
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04878-w -
BMC Women's Health Jun 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental health disorder with females experiencing higher rates of depression (11.6%), anxiety (15.7%) and...
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental health disorder with females experiencing higher rates of depression (11.6%), anxiety (15.7%) and physiological distress (14.5%) than males. Recently, the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been proposed to be a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis and symptom severity of MDD due to its role in neurotransmitter production, inflammatory response and even regulation of the female reproductive cycle. This review critically evaluates evidence regarding ECS levels in female-sexed individuals with depressive disorders to further understand ECS role.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature review of available research published prior to April 2022 was identified using PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, AMED and Scopus (Elsevier). Studies were included if they reported ECS analysis of female-sexed individuals with depression and were excluded if they did not differentiate results between sexes, assessed mental health conditions other than depression, tested efficacy of endocannabinoid/n-acylethanolamine/cannabis or marijuana administration and that were unable to be translated. Critical appraisal of each included study was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews.
RESULTS
The 894 located citations were screened for duplicates (n = 357) and eligibility by title and abstract (n = 501). The full text of 33 studies were reviewed, and 7 studies were determined eligible for inclusion. These studies indicated that depressed female-sexed individuals have altered levels of ECS however no significant pattern was identified due to variability of study outcomes and measures, limiting overall interpretation.
DISCUSSION
This review suggests potential involvement of ECS in underlying mechanisms of MDD in female sexed-individuals, however no pattern was able to be determined. A major contributor to the inability to attain reliable and valid understanding of the ECS levels in female-sexed individuals with depression was the inconsistency of depression screening tools, inclusion criteria's and analysis methods used to measure eCBs. Future studies need to implement more standardised methodology to gain a deeper understanding of ECS in female-sexed individuals with depressive disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION : This review was submitted to PROSPERO for approval in April 2022 (Registration #CRD42022324212).
Topics: Humans; Endocannabinoids; Female; Depressive Disorder, Major; Sex Factors; Male
PubMed: 38886733
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03168-y -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Studies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome in military and civilian subjects have shown...
BACKGROUND
Studies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome in military and civilian subjects have shown simultaneous improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD symptoms, suggesting that HBOT may be an effective treatment for PTSD. This is a systematic review and dosage analysis of HBOT treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms.
METHODS
PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Systematic Review Database were searched from September 18 to November 23, 2023, for all adult clinical studies published in English on HBOT and PTSD. Randomized trials and studies with symptomatic outcomes were selected for final analysis and analyzed according to the dose of oxygen and barometric pressure on symptom outcomes. Outcome assessment was for statistically significant change and Reliable Change or Clinically Significant Change according to the National Center for PTSD Guidelines. Methodologic quality and bias were determined with the PEDro Scale.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included, all with < 75 subjects/study, total 393 subjects: seven randomized trials and one imaging case-controlled study. Six studies were on military subjects, one on civilian and military subjects, and one on civilians. Subjects were 3-450 months post trauma. Statistically significant symptomatic improvements, as well as Reliable Change or Clinically Significant changes, were achieved for patients treated with 40-60 HBOTS over a wide range of pressures from 1.3 to 2.0 ATA. There was a linear dose-response relationship for increased symptomatic improvement with increasing cumulative oxygen dose from 1002 to 11,400 atmosphere-minutes of oxygen. The greater symptomatic response was accompanied by a greater and severe reversible exacerbation of emotional symptoms at the highest oxygen doses in 30-39% of subjects. Other side effects were transient and minor. In three studies the symptomatic improvements were associated with functional and anatomic brain imaging changes. All 7 randomized trials were found to be of good-highest quality by PEDro scale scoring.
DISCUSSION
In multiple randomized and randomized controlled clinical trials HBOT demonstrated statistically significant symptomatic improvements, Reliable Changes, or Clinically Significant Changes in patients with PTSD symptoms or PTSD over a wide range of pressure and oxygen doses. The highest doses were associated with a severe reversible exacerbation of emotional symptoms in 30-39% of subjects. Symptomatic improvements were supported by correlative functional and microstructural imaging changes in PTSD-affected brain regions. The imaging findings and hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects indicate that PTSD can no longer be considered strictly a psychiatric disease.
PubMed: 38882688
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1360311 -
BMJ Mental Health Jun 2024To describe the pattern of the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the impact of containment measures on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To describe the pattern of the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the impact of containment measures on these trends.
METHODS
We identified articles published until 30 August 2021 that reported the prevalence of mental health problems in the general population at two or more time points. A crowd of 114 reviewers extracted data on prevalence, study and participant characteristics. We collected information on the number of days since the first SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study country, the stringency of containment measures and the number of cases and deaths. We synthesised changes in prevalence during the pandemic using a random-effects model. We used dose-response meta-analysis to evaluate the trajectory of the changes in mental health problems.
RESULTS
We included 41 studies for 7 mental health conditions. The average odds of symptoms increased during the pandemic (mean OR ranging from 1.23 to 2.08). Heterogeneity was very large and could not be explained by differences in participants or study characteristics. Average odds of psychological distress, depression and anxiety increased during the first 2 months of the pandemic, with increased stringency of the measures, reported infections and deaths. The confidence in the evidence was low to very low.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed an initial increase in the average risk of psychological distress, depression-related and anxiety-related problems during the first 2 months of the pandemic. However, large heterogeneity suggests that different populations had different responses to the challenges imposed by the pandemic.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Prevalence; Mental Disorders; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Anxiety; Mental Health; Depression
PubMed: 38876492
DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2024-301018 -
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... May 2024The increasing emergencies and humanitarian challenges have worsened the mental health condition of women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The increasing emergencies and humanitarian challenges have worsened the mental health condition of women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
AIM
To assess the prevalence, determinants and interventions to address mental health among women in fragile and humanitarian settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
METHODS
Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines, we reviewed 59 peer-reviewed published studies (PubMed, IMEMR) and grey literature (WHO/IRIS) from January 2001 to February 2023, focusing on women's mental health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. We then conducted a descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic characteristics.
RESULTS
Among the 59 studies reviewed, only 13 of the 48 peer-reviewed studies focused primarily on women's mental health, 11 grey literature records mostly presented grouped regional data, 11 of the 25 studies on mental health among migrants were about those taking refuge in high-income countries. The average prevalence of mental disorders from 32 cross-sectional studies on women aged 12-75 years was 49%, average prevalence of anxiety was 68%, post-traumatic stress disorder was 52%, and depression was 43%. Women exhibited higher level depression than men. Age, educational disparities, and limited access to services were important risk factors for mental health disorder. Several promising interventions emerged.
CONCLUSION
More efforts should be made to provide customized, context-specific solutions to the mental health challenges of women in humanitarian and fragile settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including allocation of more resources to mental health programmes, addressing barriers, enhancing mental health surveillance, and reduction of stigma.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Mediterranean Region; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Middle East; Prevalence; Women's Health
PubMed: 38874297
DOI: 10.26719/2024.30.5.369 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Patients with cancer experience significant psychosocial distress. Stressors include interpersonal difficulties like loneliness, isolation, thwarted belongingness,...
OBJECTIVE
Patients with cancer experience significant psychosocial distress. Stressors include interpersonal difficulties like loneliness, isolation, thwarted belongingness, communication impediments, and conflicts. Interventions are required that address their specific psychosocial needs. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a promising concept for the treatment of psychosocial distress associated with cancer because it addresses patients' interactions and role transformations. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding interventions for patients with cancer based on IPT.
METHODS
A systematic review following PRISM guidelines was conducted, including randomized controlled trials of IPT-based interventions in patients with cancer, assessing effects on distress, depression, and anxiety.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included, sampling 390 patients in total. Seven out of eight studies assessed exclusively women with breast cancer. Two studies described IPT interventions and showed stronger improvement in depression and anxiety compared to TAU and equal improvement in depression compared to other psychotherapy interventions. Six studies described remote Interpersonal Counselling (IPC). One found remote IPC to be superior to control conditions regarding depression, and one found remote IPC to be superior to attention control, but not active control conditions. No study found remote IPC to be superior to control conditions regarding distress.
DISCUSSION
There are few randomized controlled trials of IPT for patients with cancer. Results regarding depression and anxiety are promising for in-person IPT, but mixed for remote IPC.
CONCLUSION
The review suggests in-person IPT, but not remote IPC, may yield benefits for patients with cancer. Research on the subject is scarce, and to inform implementation of IPT interventions, research with diverse groups of patients with cancer is required.
SYSTEMATIC TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, Identifier CRD42023410687.
PubMed: 38873503
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1367807 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Health systems including mental health (MH) systems are resilient if they protect human life and produce better health outcomes for all during disease outbreaks or... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Health systems including mental health (MH) systems are resilient if they protect human life and produce better health outcomes for all during disease outbreaks or epidemics like Ebola disease and their aftermaths. We explored the resilience of MH services amidst Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa; specifically, to (i) describe the pre-, during-, and post-Ebola disease outbreak MH systems in African countries that have experienced Ebola disease outbreaks, (ii) determine the prevalence of three high burden MH disorders and how those prevalences interact with Ebola disease outbreaks, and, (iii) describe the resilience of MH systems in the context of these outbreaks.
METHODS
This was a scoping review employing an adapted PRISMA statement. We conducted a five-step Boolean strategy with both free text and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to search 9 electronic databases and also searched WHO MINDbank and MH Atlas.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 1,230 publications. Twenty-five studies were included involving 13,449 participants. By 2023, 13 African nations had encountered a total of 35 Ebola outbreak events. None of these countries had a metric recorded in MH Atlas to assess the inclusion of MH in emergency plans. The three highest-burden outbreak-associated MH disorders under the MH and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) framework were depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety with prevalence ranges of 1.4-7%, 2-90%, and 1.3-88%, respectively. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a concerning lack of resilience within the MH systems, as evidenced by the absence of pre-existing metrics to gauge MH preparedness in emergency plans. Additionally, none of the studies evaluated the resilience of MH services for individuals with pre-existing needs or examined potential post-outbreak degradation in core MH services.
DISCUSSION
Our findings revealed an insufficiency of resilience, with no evaluation of services for individuals with pre-existing needs or post-outbreak degradation in core MH services. Strengthening MH resilience guided by evidence-based frameworks must be a priority to mitigate the long-term impacts of epidemics on mental well-being.
Topics: Humans; Africa; Disease Outbreaks; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Mental Health Services; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 38873302
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369306