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Journal of Health Psychology Jan 2024Healthcare professionals may experience barriers to seeking healthcare that differ from the general population. We explored healthcare professionals' anticipated...
Healthcare professionals may experience barriers to seeking healthcare that differ from the general population. We explored healthcare professionals' anticipated responses to experiencing chest pain following a period of stress using qualitative story completion method with healthcare professionals ( = 44). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, which identified three themes: '"Do I cry or just carry on?": A Culture of Suffering in Silence' identified worries that expressing health concerns would be perceived as weakness, with potential impact on career opportunities. Participants also described self-diagnosis and self-medication rather than help-seeking. '"Me? Have a panic attack?": Psychosomatic Shame' suggested mental health issues may be ignored due to stigma. '"We definitely don't take care of ourselves": Prioritising Pressures of Multiple Responsibilities over Self-care' identified real or perceived pressures to de-prioritise their health. Future research should explore the design of confidential, time efficient support for healthcare professionals that tackle cultural norms and barriers to self-care.
PubMed: 38282370
DOI: 10.1177/13591053231221400 -
Journal of Behavior Therapy and... Jun 2024The relation between fear and interpretation bias has been widely studied in children. However, much less is known about its content-specificity and how interpretation...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The relation between fear and interpretation bias has been widely studied in children. However, much less is known about its content-specificity and how interpretation biases predict variance in avoidance. The current study examined different interpretation bias tasks, the role of priming and the ability of the interpretation bias tasks to predict spider fear-related avoidance behaviour.
METHODS
169 children with varying levels of spider fear performed a behavioural avoidance task, two versions of the Ambiguous Scenarios Task (AST; with and without priming), and a size and distance estimation task.
RESULTS
Both versions of the AST and the size-estimation were significantly related to self-reported spider fear and avoidance. These relations were content-specific: children with higher levels of spider fear had a more negative interpretation bias related to spider-related materials than to other materials, and a more negative bias than children with lower levels of spider fear. Furthermore, self-reported spider fear, the AST with priming, and the size-estimation predicted unique variance in avoidance behaviour.
LIMITATIONS
Children varied in their level of spider fear, but clinical diagnoses of spider phobia were not assessed. The participants of this study were not randomly selected, they were children of parents with panic disorder or social anxiety disorder or no anxiety disorder and could therefore partly be seen as children at risk.
CONCLUSIONS
The results support cognitive models of childhood anxiety and indicate that both controlled and automatic processes play an important role in fear-related behaviour.
Topics: Child; Humans; Animals; Phobic Disorders; Fear; Anxiety Disorders; Spiders
PubMed: 38281333
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101941 -
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2023This systematic review examined the existing literature to determine the evidence supporting the efficacy of online group treatments for anxiety-, obsessive-compulsive-...
BACKGROUND
This systematic review examined the existing literature to determine the evidence supporting the efficacy of online group treatments for anxiety-, obsessive-compulsive- and trauma-related disorders (AOTDs).
METHODS
A systematic review using the PUBMED, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials databases with no language, date, or study design filters was performed. The inclusion criteria comprised studies that examined individuals who had received a formal diagnosis of AOTDs, were aged 18 years or older, and had baseline and endpoint assessments of symptom severity using formal tools.
RESULTS
Five studies on social anxiety disorder (SAD), four on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and one on tic disorders (TDs) were found. The studies were open-label ( = 2) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ( = 8), with five of the RCTs being non-inferiority trials. Most studies were conducted in the US and investigated psychological CBT based interventions via internet-based therapies (IBT: = 4), video teleconferencing (VTC: = 5) or a combination of both ( = 1). In SAD, IBT studies associated with a clinician assisted web-based forum (here termed "forum-enhanced" studies) were superior to waiting lists and not inferior to similar versions that were also "forum enhanced" but self-guided, "telephone enhanced" by a contact with a non-specialist, and "email enhanced" by a contact with a clinician individually. Studies involving VTC have shown comparable effectiveness to in-person interventions across some online group CBT based treatments for PTSD. Two open trials also demonstrated symptoms reductions of social anxiety and tics through VTC.
CONCLUSION
There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of online group treatments for SAD and PTSD. Further studies from different research groups may be needed to replicate the use of these and other forms of online treatments in individuals with SAD, PTSD, and other clinical populations, such as OCD, panic disorder, agoraphobia and specific phobias.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023408491.
PubMed: 38273884
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1286865 -
Translational Psychiatry Jan 2024The serotonin (5-HT) system is heavily implicated in the regulation of anxiety and trauma-related disorders such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder,...
The serotonin (5-HT) system is heavily implicated in the regulation of anxiety and trauma-related disorders such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. However, the neural mechanisms of how serotonergic neurotransmission regulates innate panic and fear brain networks are poorly understood. Our earlier studies have identified that orexin (OX)/glutamate neurons within the perifornical hypothalamic area (PFA) play a critical role in adaptive and pathological panic and fear. While site-specific and electrophysiological studies have shown that intracranial injection and bath application of 5-HT inhibits PFA neurons via 5-HT receptors, they largely ignore circuit-specific neurotransmission and its physiological properties that occur in vivo. Here, we investigate the role of raphe nuclei 5-HT inputs into the PFA in panic and fear behaviors. We initially confirmed that photostimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the PFA of rats produces robust cardioexcitation and flight/aversive behaviors resembling panic-like responses. Using the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B, we determined that the PFA receives discrete innervation of serotonergic neurons clustered in the lateral wings of the dorsal (lwDRN) and in the median (MRN) raphe nuclei. Selective lesions of these serotonergic projections with saporin toxin resulted in similar panic-like responses during the suffocation-related CO challenge and increased freezing to fear-conditioning paradigm. Conversely, selective stimulation of serotonergic fibers in the PFA attenuated both flight/escape behaviors and cardioexcitation responses elicited by the CO challenge and induced conditioned place preference. The data here support the hypothesis that PFA projecting 5-HT neurons in the lwDRN/MRN represents a panic/fear-off circuit and may also play a role in reward behavior.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Serotonin; Carbon Dioxide; Rats, Wistar; Fear; Panic; Serotonergic Neurons
PubMed: 38272876
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02769-3 -
BMC Cancer Jan 2024Observational studies have explored the association of psychiatric disorders and the risk of brain cancers. However, the causal effect of specific mental illness on...
BACKGROUND
Observational studies have explored the association of psychiatric disorders and the risk of brain cancers. However, the causal effect of specific mental illness on glioma remains elusive due to the lack of solid evidence.
METHODS
We performed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationships between 5 common psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and panic disorder) and glioma. Summary statistics for psychiatric disorders and glioma were extracted from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and 8 genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets respectively. We calculated the MR estimates for odds ratio of glioma associated with each psychiatric disorder by using inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method. Sensitivity analyses such as weighted median estimator, MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO were leveraged to assess the strength of causal inference.
RESULTS
A total of 30,657 participants of European ancestry were included in this study. After correction for multiple testing, we found that genetically predicted schizophrenia was associated with a statistically significant increase in odds of non-glioblastoma multiforme (non-GBM) (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23, P = 0.0096). There is little evidence for the causal relationships between the other 4 psychiatric disorders with the risk of glioma.
CONCLUSIONS
In this MR analysis, we revealed an increased risk of non-GBM glioma in individuals with schizophrenia, which gives an insight into the etiology of glioma.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mental Disorders; Glioma
PubMed: 38262954
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11865-y -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among cancer patients.
METHODS
This review adhered to the PICO/S framework and guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework (PROSPERO CRD42023433639). We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library from the establishment date of the databases until June 9, 2023 for observational studies that reveal risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among cancer patients. Software Review Manager 5 (vision 5.4) was used for Meta-analyses.
RESULTS
4,921 studies were obtained through the search of the databases, 40 of which were eligible. Meta-analysis revealed that suicidal ideation in cancer patients was significantly associated with marital status, living alone, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, education, psychiatric illness history, social functioning, childhood adversity experience, financial problems, pain, depression, demoralization, vomiting, residence and anxiety.
CONCLUSION
Being unmarried, living alone, less educated, living in rural, financial problems, pain, vomiting, PTSD, psychiatric illness history, lower social functioning, childhood adversity experience, anxiety, depression, demoralization, panic disorder were risk factors for suicidal ideation among cancer patients. This review provided evidence-based information for identifying and reducing the risk of suicide in cancer survivors.: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023433639.
PubMed: 38259550
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1287290 -
Przeglad Menopauzalny = Menopause Review Dec 2023The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge, and, as during the SARS outbreak in 2002, there was scope of overestimation of risk by pregnant women,...
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge, and, as during the SARS outbreak in 2002, there was scope of overestimation of risk by pregnant women, leading to increased fear and anxiety. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of the pandemic on pregnant women so better-informed decisions can be taken to spread awareness and alleviate their anxieties.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study in a single tertiary care centre of Eastern India including 292 participants. The inclusion criteria were all pregnant women of any gestational age attending the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar for antenatal check-up or delivery. The exclusion criteria were patients with severe morbidities and patients not willing to participate. The primary outcome was to determine the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women and to measure the anxiety level of pregnant women during the COVID-19 crisis. The secondary outcome was to determine the correlation between demographic aspects and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women.
RESULTS
A self-designed questionnaire was used. Anxiety was scored using the generalised anxiety disorder scale. More than half the participants (57.9%) were not at all worried about acquiring the infection. Of all, 99.3% were scored to have no anxiety and 0.7% had moderate anxiety. Significant association of the level of anxiety was found with living with people at high risk of contracting the disease ( = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
The widespread awareness activities were effective and successful, as the pregnant women at the grassroots level faced minimal anxiety and were aware and assured. Studies like this help to provide feedback and formulate educational activities in future pandemics. The change in the effect on people, from panic in the previous pandemics to assurance in the current one, as found in our study, indicates the commendable work done to spread well founded information far and wide by the government, health care institutions, and workers.
PubMed: 38239404
DOI: 10.5114/pm.2023.133593 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Apr 2024There is a dearth of scholarship that explicates the effects of religious participation on anxiety disorders among Black Americans. A better understanding of the links...
BACKGROUND
There is a dearth of scholarship that explicates the effects of religious participation on anxiety disorders among Black Americans. A better understanding of the links between religious participation, a coping resource, and anxiety disorders among Black Americans remains essential, given Black Americans are less likely than their white counterparts to seek professional treatment for mental health problems, leading to greater unmet mental health needs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether religious participation is associated with the prevalence, persistence, and severity of anxiety disorders among Black adults.
METHODS
We used a national sample of Black adults (N = 4999) from the National Survey of American Life, a cross-sectional study conducted from 2001 to 2003. Five anxiety disorders were assessed: posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. Three dimensions of religious participation were assessed: organizational, non-organizational, and subjective religious participation. Weighted logistic and linear regressions were estimated to examine the associations between religious participation and anxiety disorders.
RESULTS
Findings indicate that organizational religious participation and subjective religiosity were associated with lower odds of anxiety disorders and decreased severity. Findings for non-organizational religious participation in relation to the prevalence, persistence, and severity of anxiety disorders were mixed.
LIMITATIONS
The study limitations include the utilization of self-reported measures, cross-sectional study design, and age of the data set.
CONCLUSIONS
Different dimensions of religious participation have differing effects on anxiety disorders. Religious participation may be an important resource for Black Americans in coping and preventing anxiety disorders.
Topics: Adult; Humans; United States; Black or African American; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Religion; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38232778
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.085 -
Public Health Feb 2024To update an earlier review, published in 2016, on the health and other outcomes associated with children and young people's consumption of energy drinks (EDs). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To update an earlier review, published in 2016, on the health and other outcomes associated with children and young people's consumption of energy drinks (EDs).
STUDY DESIGN
Review article.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Systematic searches of nine databases (ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, DARE, Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science) retrieved original articles reporting the effects of EDs experienced by children and young people up to the age of 21 years. Searches were restricted by publication dates (January 2016 to July 2022) and language (English). Studies assessed as being weak were excluded from the review. Included studies underwent narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 57 studies were included. Boys consumed EDs more than girls. Many studies reported a strong positive association between ED consumption and smoking, alcohol use, binge drinking, other substance use and the intentions to initiate these behaviours. Sensation-seeking and delinquent behaviours were positively associated with ED consumption, as were short sleep duration, poor sleep quality and low academic performance. Additional health effects noted in the updated review included increased risk of suicide, psychological distress, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, depressive and panic behaviours, allergic diseases, insulin resistance, dental caries and erosive tooth wear.
CONCLUSIONS
This review adds to the growing evidence that ED consumption by children and young people is associated with numerous adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Where feasible and ethical, additional longitudinal studies are required to ascertain causality. The precautionary principle should be considered in regulatory policy and restriction of ED sales to this population.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42021255484.
Topics: Child; Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Energy Drinks; Dental Caries; Alcohol Drinking; Substance-Related Disorders; Smoking
PubMed: 38228408
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.08.024 -
Neuropsychobiology 2024The role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in catecholamine neurotransmitter metabolism has led to the investigation of variants of the corresponding gene in the...
To Each His Own Fear: Gender-Related Association of Anxiety, Substance Use, and Eating Disorders in a Representative Birth Cohort Sample of Young Adults with Either COMT Val158Met allele.
INTRODUCTION
The role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in catecholamine neurotransmitter metabolism has led to the investigation of variants of the corresponding gene in the etiology of different psychiatric disorders, but the results are inconclusive.
METHODS
We have examined the relationship between COMT Val158Met single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4680) and the occurrence of psychiatric disorders in a highly representative birth cohort sample of young adults in the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (original n = 1,238). The lifetime occurrence of psychiatric disorders at the age of 25 years was assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview.
RESULTS
Both Val- and Met-alleles of the COMT Val158Met were associated with specific psychiatric disorders. Met-allele carriers had a significantly higher occurrence of agoraphobia (3.2% vs. 0.5%; χ2 = 4.10; p < 0.05) compared to Val/Val homozygotes. Also, the occurrence of panic disorder was significantly higher in female Met-allele carriers than in Val/Val homozygote females (10.2% vs. 3.6%; χ2 = 4.62 p = 0.03). In contrast, the occurrence of generalized anxiety disorder was higher in Val/Val females when compared to Met-allele carriers (12.7% vs. 6.8%; χ2 = 4.16; p = 0.04). Also, female Val/Val homozygotes (15.5%) had a higher occurrence of eating disorders than Met-allele carriers (6.1%) of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (χ2 = 10.39; p = 0.002). In the whole sample, Met-allele homozygotes had a higher occurrence of alcohol use and substance use disorders than Val-allele carriers (χ2 = 3.62 and 3.68, respectively; p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
In a regional highly birth cohort representative sample, either COMT rs4680 variant was observed in association with specific psychiatric disorders.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Alleles; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Birth Cohort; Catechol O-Methyltransferase; Fear; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Genotype; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 38228118
DOI: 10.1159/000535912