-
Cureus Mar 2024Introduction Nomophobia is an emerging phobia resulting from people's excessive interaction with mobile phones. This phobia is rapidly increasing due to significant...
Introduction Nomophobia is an emerging phobia resulting from people's excessive interaction with mobile phones. This phobia is rapidly increasing due to significant technological innovations and widespread acceptance and usage of mobile phones worldwide. Nomophobia is often associated with complications such as panic attacks, irritability, and anxiety. Smartphone usage is particularly high among the younger population, raising concerns as it generates distress and leads to various problems. This study aims to determine the prevalence of nomophobia among undergraduates. Method The study utilized the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) with a minimum sample size of 136. A total of 300 Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, California) were circulated, out of which 172 responses were received. A Google Form comprising 20 questions related to smartphone use and nomophobia was designed and distributed to all undergraduate students, who were requested to complete the form. The data based on their responses were subsequently analyzed. Results In this study, approximately 31.40% of students disagreed with experiencing panic when running out of credits or hitting monthly data limits. Additionally, 24.42% of students agreed that not having smartphones made them worried, as their family and friends could not contact them. About 16.86% of students strongly disagreed with feeling uneasy because they could not stay updated without their phones. Furthermore, 16.28% strongly agreed that they felt anxious due to the inability to contact their family and friends when not having smartphones. Conclusion It can be concluded from this study that nomophobia is present among undergraduate students. The overall usage of smartphones has increased in this population, highlighting the emergence of a serious disorder that warrants attention. Consequently, the usage of smartphones should be reduced through structured training programs, as this proves to be an effective method for enhancing undergraduates' understanding of the prevention and treatment of nomophobia.
PubMed: 38681298
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57056 -
Journal of Public Health Research Apr 2024A syndrome centered on the dysregulation of behavioral rhythms (DBR) is discussed. Recent pandemic brought to observe: (1) Having a DBR affecting sleep patterns, eating...
A syndrome centered on the dysregulation of behavioral rhythms (DBR) is discussed. Recent pandemic brought to observe: (1) Having a DBR affecting sleep patterns, eating habits, and social interactions, before the lockdown period, was a determinant for depressive episodes during the lockdown; (2) In tighter lockdowns, DBR triggered depressive episodes in bipolar patients; (3) DBR in healthcare workers under pressure was a determinant of burnout; (4) DBR influenced the course of chronic diseases by altering immune responses. In addition, it was found that scoring positive on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was closely associated with the dysregulation of sleep rhythms. MDQ is a screening tool for bipolar disorder (BD), criticized for detecting too many false positives. Studies showed that positivity to the MDQ implied a severe impairment of quality of life even in people without psychiatric diagnoses. According to this evidence, three different hyperactivation levels could be proposed (from normality to pathology): firstly, an adaptive increase in energy (e.g. athletes performing well); secondly, a DBR determined from the continuous stimulation of stress hormones, with possible positive scores on the MDQ without a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, like in burnout syndromes and, thirdly, hyperactivity during manic episodes. The Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS), the second level of the scale, is proposed as a working hypothesis. DYMERS is also seen as a vulnerable condition that may evolve in other disorders (including BD) according to the individual susceptibility (including genetic predisposition) and the specific nature/level of the stressor.
PubMed: 38680762
DOI: 10.1177/22799036241248022 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2024Technological addiction refers to behavior characterized by excessive and prolonged use of technological devices; reactions of anger, frustration, or panic when unable...
Technological addiction refers to behavior characterized by excessive and prolonged use of technological devices; reactions of anger, frustration, or panic when unable to use them; and unsuccessful attempts to reduce the time spent on them [...].
Topics: Humans; Smartphone; Behavior, Addictive; Internet Addiction Disorder; Internet
PubMed: 38673347
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040436 -
The Lancet. Psychiatry Jun 2024Globally, mental health conditions pose a substantial burden of disease. Despite the availability of evidence-based pharmacological and psychological treatments, the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
A transdiagnostic group exercise intervention for mental health outpatients in Germany (ImPuls): results of a pragmatic, multisite, block-randomised, phase 3 controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Globally, mental health conditions pose a substantial burden of disease. Despite the availability of evidence-based pharmacological and psychological treatments, the symptoms of a substantial subgroup of patients do not respond to these interventions, and only a minority of patients have access to them. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ImPuls, a 6-month transdiagnostic group exercise intervention, plus treatment-as-usual, compared with treatment-as-usual alone in outpatients with various mental disorders.
METHODS
In this pragmatic, two-arm, multisite, randomised controlled trial in Germany, ten outpatient rehabilitative and medical care facilities were involved as study sites. Participants were outpatients diagnosed according to ICD-10 with one or more of the following disorders based on structured clinical interviews: moderate or severe depression, primary insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, or agoraphobia. Participants were required to be aged between 18 years and 65 years, insured by the health insurers Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse Baden-Württemberg or Techniker Krankenkasse, fluent in German, and without medical contraindications for exercise. Blocks of six participants were randomly allocated to ImPuls plus treatment-as-usual or treatment-as-usual alone (allocation ratio: 1:1), stratified by study site. The randomisation sequence was generated by an external data manager. The team responsible for data collection and management was masked to the randomisation sequence. The ImPuls intervention comprised evidence-based outdoor exercises lasting 30 min, and aimed at achieving at least moderate intensity. It also incorporated behavioural change techniques targeting motivational and volitional determinants of exercise behaviour. Treatment-as-usual was representative of typical outpatient health care in Germany, allowing patients access to any standard treatments. The primary outcome was global symptom severity at 6 months after randomisation, measured using self-report on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) and analysed in the intention-to-treat sample. No individuals with lived experience of mental illness were involved in conducting the study or writing the final publication. Safety was assessed in all participants. The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00024152) with a completion date of June 30, 2024.
FINDINGS
600 patients provided informed consent, were recruited to the study, and underwent a diagnostic interview between Jan 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. Following this, 199 were excluded on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and one withdrew consent during the baseline assessment. Of the 400 eligible participants, 284 (71%) self-identified as female, 106 (27%) self-identified as male, and nine (2%) self-identified as other. The mean age was 42·20 years (SD 13·23; range 19-65). Ethnicity data were not assessed. 287 (72%) participants met the criteria for moderate or severe depression, 81 (20%) for primary insomnia, 37 (9%) for agoraphobia, 46 (12%) for panic disorder, and 72 (18%) for PTSD. 199 participants were allocated to the intervention group of ImPuls plus treatment-as-usual and 201 to the control group of treatment-as-usual alone. 38 (19%) participants did not receive the minimum ImPuls intervention dose. ImPuls plus treatment-as-usual demonstrated superior efficacy to treatment-as-usual alone in reducing global symptom severity, with an adjusted difference on BSI-18 of 4·11 (95% CI 1·74-6·48; d=0·35 [95% CI 0·14-0·56]; p=0·0007) at 6 months. There were no significant differences in the total number of adverse events or serious adverse events between the two groups. There was one serious adverse event (male, torn ligament) related to the intervention.
INTERPRETATION
ImPuls is an efficacious transdiagnostic adjunctive treatment in outpatient mental health care. Our findings suggest that exercise therapy should be implemented in outpatient mental health care as an adjunctive transdiagnostic treatment for mental disorders such as depression, insomnia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and PTSD. Transdiagnostic group exercise interventions might ameliorate the existing disparity in care provision between the many individuals in need of evidence-based treatment and the few who are receiving it.
FUNDING
The German Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee of Germany.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Germany; Middle Aged; Adult; Mental Disorders; Exercise Therapy; Outpatients; Treatment Outcome; Psychotherapy, Group; Ambulatory Care; Aged
PubMed: 38670127
DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(24)00069-5 -
Neuroscience Bulletin Jun 2024
PubMed: 38662273
DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01203-4 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024
PubMed: 38645691
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1403768 -
Acta Psychologica Jun 2024The study's significance lies in the multitude of challenges facing individuals today, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, military conflicts like the war in Ukraine, and the... (Review)
Review
The study's significance lies in the multitude of challenges facing individuals today, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, military conflicts like the war in Ukraine, and the escalating rates of cancer morbidity and mortality. These factors contribute to the onset of anxiety and depressive disorders, disrupting various aspects of individuals' mental functioning and social interactions. Addressing these disorders effectively necessitates a comprehensive approach, combining pharmacological interventions with psychotherapeutic strategies under the guidance of specialized professionals. In this regard, the study is aimed at identifying aspects and features of the development of psychological problems and personality disorders in the modern world filled with various stressors. The leading methods of studying this problem are analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, comparison, experiment and systematisation of approaches that will help determine a wide range of mental disorders. Theoretical methods were used to analyze the literature and summarize theoretical material on anxiety and depressive disorders. Diagnostic methods were used to assess the psychological state of the study population. The study examines significant clinical syndromes and vegetative disorders that disrupt normal lifestyle, hinder daily activities, and impede professional growth. It evaluates the roles of psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers in assisting individuals with anxiety disorders. It outlines preventive measures for anxiety and depression, while also delving into various types of anxiety disorders. The research proposes diverse methods to prevent emotional anxiety and instability. It underscores the importance of devising novel strategies for diagnosis and therapy, emphasizing a comprehensive approach involving psychotherapeutic support, medical intervention, and adaptive behavioral techniques. The findings of the study hold both practical and theoretical significance for professionals in psychology, psychiatry, psychoanalysis, and sociology who provide support for individuals with anxiety and depressive disorders. Furthermore, the insights provided may be pertinent to researchers and scholars investigating the psychological well-being of contemporary society amidst adverse external circumstances.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Anxiety Disorders; Depressive Disorder; Personality Disorders
PubMed: 38642453
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104285 -
Journal of Anxiety Disorders Jun 2024First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) experience high rates of mental health problems and face barriers to accessing mental healthcare.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) experience high rates of mental health problems and face barriers to accessing mental healthcare. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) is an effective and accessible treatment for various mental health concerns. Canadian PSP report favorable attitudes toward ICBT, and preliminary outcomes demonstrate that they benefit from it. Expanding on this research, the current study consisted of a longitudinal observational study of 560 Canadian PSP who participated in ICBT. It was designed to assess the longer term effectiveness of ICBT and moderators of outcomes by gender, linguistic and occupational group, and years of occupational experience. We evaluated symptom change at 8, 26, and 52 weeks post-enrollment, and results among PSP who had elevated clinical scores, showed large reductions (Hedges' g) in symptoms of depression (g = 1.3), anxiety (g =1.48), posttraumatic stress (g =1.24), panic (g =1.19), and anger (g =1.07) and moderate reductions in symptoms of social anxiety (g =.48-.56). Moderator analyses revealed modest differences in pre-treatment symptoms among certain groups but no group differences in symptom change over time. Clients showed good completion of treatment materials and reported high treatment satisfaction. The results suggest further study of ICBT tailored to PSP is warranted, including evaluating ICBT tailored for PSP in other countries.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Longitudinal Studies; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Adult; Middle Aged; Internet; Canada; Treatment Outcome; Depression; Internet-Based Intervention; Anxiety; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 38640867
DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102861 -
PloS One 2024Anxiety disorders are common and debilitating which is why treatment is so important. According to the guidelines, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the highest...
BACKGROUND
Anxiety disorders are common and debilitating which is why treatment is so important. According to the guidelines, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the highest level of effectiveness among psychotherapeutic treatments and is the recommended procedure. However, not everyone responds well or at all to CBT which makes a wider range of therapy options valuable. Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) comes to mind as an alternative with its strength-based approach focusing on enhancing well-being and life satisfaction. Additionally, it has not yet been extensively studied how the processes that occur during treatment sessions and between treatment sessions effect treatment outcome. Thus, to lessen the lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of PPT as an anxiety treatment the planned study examines and compares the effectiveness of CBT and PPT as well as the effect of intrasession and intersession processes of the two therapy approaches.
METHOD
The study is in the planning stage and consists of an efficacy and a process study. The efficacy study is a randomized controlled comparative study of patients with anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder and/or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia) with two active treatment conditions (PPT and CBT) and a control group (CG; positive psychotherapy with minimal therapeutic supervision) in an online group setting. There are three measurement time points: before treatment begins (T0), at the end of the ten-week treatment (T1), and a follow-up after three months (T2). The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of PPT and CBT in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and to compare the efficacy of online-based PPT with minimal therapeutic supervision and online-based PPT with intensive therapeutic supervision in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The process study will be used to evaluate both the intrasession processes and the intersession processes of the therapy in the two intervention groups. In addition, the process variables that predict the success of the therapy and the extent to which PPT and CBT differ in the therapy processes will be tested. The study is registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (№ DRKS00027521).
DISCUSSION
To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled comparative study to examine the effectiveness of CBT and PPT for anxiety disorders in an online group setting.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety Disorders; Psychotherapy; Anxiety; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Agoraphobia; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38625877
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299803 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Apr 2024Panic disorder is a common and important disease in clinical practice that decreases individual productivity and increases health care use. Treatments comprise... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Panic disorder is a common and important disease in clinical practice that decreases individual productivity and increases health care use. Treatments comprise medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, adverse medication effects and poor treatment compliance mean new therapeutic models are needed.
OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that digital therapy for panic disorder may improve panic disorder symptoms and that treatment response would be associated with brain activity changes assessed with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
METHODS
Individuals (n=50) with a history of panic attacks were recruited. Symptoms were assessed before and after the use of an app for panic disorder, which in this study was a smartphone-based app for treating the clinical symptoms of panic disorder, panic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. The hemodynamics in the frontal cortex during the resting state were measured via fNIRS. The app had 4 parts: diary, education, quest, and serious games. The study trial was approved by the institutional review board of Chung-Ang University Hospital (1041078-202112-HR-349-01) and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
RESULTS
The number of participants with improved panic symptoms in the app use group (20/25, 80%) was greater than that in the control group (6/21, 29%; χ=12.3; P=.005). During treatment, the improvement in the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) score in the app use group was greater than that in the control group (F=7.03; P=.01). In the app use group, the total PDSS score declined by 42.5% (mean score 14.3, SD 6.5 at baseline and mean score 7.2, SD 3.6 after the intervention), whereas the PDSS score declined by 14.6% in the control group (mean score 12.4, SD 5.2 at baseline and mean score 9.8, SD 7.9 after the intervention). There were no significant differences in accumulated oxygenated hemoglobin (accHbO) at baseline between the app use and control groups. During treatment, the reduction in accHbO in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC; F=8.22; P=.006) and the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; F=8.88; P=.005) was greater in the app use than the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Apps for panic disorder should effectively reduce symptoms and VLPFC and OFC brain activity in patients with panic disorder. The improvement of panic disorder symptoms was positively correlated with decreased VLPFC and OFC brain activity in the resting state.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Research Information Service KCT0007280; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=21448.
Topics: Humans; Panic Disorder; Mobile Applications; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
PubMed: 38608270
DOI: 10.2196/51428