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BMC Research Notes Oct 2019Adequate sleep is integral to better mental health and facilitates students' learning. We aimed to assess sleep quality among medical students and to see whether it was...
OBJECTIVE
Adequate sleep is integral to better mental health and facilitates students' learning. We aimed to assess sleep quality among medical students and to see whether it was associated with their mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress) and academic performance.
RESULTS
A total of 206 responded, and 95 of them had complete data on demography, lifestyle, academic performance, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). The prevalence of poor sleep was 63.2%; it was higher among students who were physically inactive and had more screen time. Poor sleepers demonstrated higher academic performance than sufficient sleepers (p = 0.04). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 42%, 53%, and 31% respectively. Sleep quality was significantly associated with depression (p = 0. 03), anxiety (p = 0.007), and stress (p = 0.01).
Topics: Academic Performance; Adult; Anxiety; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Prevalence; Saudi Arabia; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Stress, Psychological; Students, Medical
PubMed: 31639038
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4713-2 -
American Family Physician Nov 2016Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It is common, affecting at least 12 million...
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It is common, affecting at least 12 million U.S. men. The five-question International Index of Erectile Function allows rapid clinical assessment of ED. The condition can be caused by vascular, neurologic, psychological, and hormonal factors. Common conditions related to ED include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, testosterone deficiency, and prostate cancer treatment. Performance anxiety and relationship issues are common psychological causes. Medications and substance use can cause or exacerbate ED; antidepressants and tobacco use are the most common. ED is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in men with metabolic syndrome. Tobacco cessation, regular exercise, weight loss, and improved control of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are recommended initial lifestyle interventions. Oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the firstline treatments for ED. Second-line treatments include alprostadil and vacuum devices. Surgically implanted penile prostheses are an option when other treatments have been ineffective. Counseling is recommended for men with psychogenic ED.
Topics: Alprostadil; Chronic Disease; Erectile Dysfunction; Exercise; Healthy Lifestyle; Humans; Male; Penile Prosthesis; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Tobacco Use Cessation; Vacuum; Vasodilator Agents; Weight Loss
PubMed: 27929275
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Test anxiety is a common issue among college students, which can affect their physical and psychological health. However, effective interventions or therapeutic... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Test anxiety is a common issue among college students, which can affect their physical and psychological health. However, effective interventions or therapeutic strategies are still lacking. This study aims to evaluate the potential effects of JYLP-326 on test anxious college students.
METHODS
Sixty anxious students were enrolled and randomly allocated to the placebo group and the probiotic group. Both groups were instructed to take placebo and JYLP-326 products twice per day for three weeks, respectively. Thirty unanxious students with no treatments were assigned to a regular control group. The anxiety, depression, and insomnia questionnaires were used to measure students' mental states at the baseline and the end of this study. 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were performed to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota and fecal metabolism.
RESULTS
The questionnaire results suggested that JYLP-326 administration could relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in test anxious students. The gut microbiomes of the placebo group showed a significantly greater diversity index than the control group (p < 0.05). An increased abundance of and at the genus level was observed in the placebo group, and the relative abundance of and decreased. Whereas, JYLP-326 administration could partly restore the disturbed gut microbiota. Additionally, test anxiety was correlated with disordered fecal metabolomics such as a higher Ethyl sulfate and a lower Cyclohexylamine, which could be reversed after taking JYLP-326. Furthermore, the changed microbiota and fecal metabolites were significantly associated with anxiety-related symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that the intervention of JYLP-326 could be an effective strategy to alleviate anxiety, depression, and insomnia in test anxious college students. The potential mechanism underlying this effect could be related to the regulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety; Depression; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Lactobacillus plantarum; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Test Anxiety; Probiotics; Mental Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Feces
PubMed: 37033942
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1158137 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa Sep 2018The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Portuguese medical students compared to students of other faculties, and the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Portuguese medical students compared to students of other faculties, and the possible impact those symptoms have on academic performance.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 750 students: 512 medical students and 238 nonmedical students. All students anonymously completed a socio-demographic survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation coefficient or Kruskal-Wallis test.
RESULTS
We found a prevalence of 21.5% (n = 161) for anxiety symptoms and 3.7% (n = 28) for depressive symptoms. Being a medical student was more significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.034) compared with other students. Depressive symptoms were slightly associated with poor academic performance (p < 0.01). A percentage of 59.6% (n = 96) of students with anxiety symptoms and 46.4% (n = 13) of students with depressive symptoms did not seek medical or psychological care at that time.
DISCUSSION
Medical students in this sample seem to have more symptoms of anxiety, possibly explained by a higher number of female students in that sample. Depressive symptoms could be associated with poor academic performance in both groups, but an evident correlation was not established.
CONCLUSION
Considering the high levels of anxiety symptoms, the possible impact of depressive symptoms in academic performance and the lack of psychiatric or psychological follow-up reported in this study, it is urgent to develop adequate means of support to improve students' well-being and mental health.
Topics: Academic Performance; Anxiety; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Female; Humans; Male; Portugal; Prevalence; Students, Medical; Young Adult
PubMed: 30332368
DOI: 10.20344/amp.9996 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The technique is known to facilitate reprocessing of...
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The technique is known to facilitate reprocessing of maladaptive memories that are thought to be central to this pathology. Here we investigate if EMDR therapy can be used in other conditions. We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. We searched for published empirical findings on EMDR, excluding those centred on trauma and PTSD, published up to 2020. The results were classified by psychiatric categories. Ninety articles met our research criteria. A positive effect was reported in numerous pathological situations, namely in addictions, somatoform disorders, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, disorders of adult personality, mood disorders, reaction to severe stress, anxiety disorders, performance anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), pain, neurodegenerative disorders, mental disorders of childhood and adolescence, and sleep. Some studies reported that EMDR was successful in usually uncooperative (e.g., Dementia) or unproductive cases (e.g., aphasia). Moreover, in some severe medical conditions, when psychological distress was an obstacle, EMDR allowed the continuation of treatment-as-usual. Furthermore, the effects observed in non-pathological situations invite for translational research. Despite a generally positive outlook of EMDR as an alternative treatment option, more methodologically rigorous studies are needed. We discuss the advantages and limitations and possible implications for the hypothesised mechanisms of action.
PubMed: 34616328
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644369 -
Journal of Alternative and... Jul 2008Study aims were to evaluate effects of Bacopa monnieri whole plant standardized dry extract on cognitive function and affect and its safety and tolerability in healthy... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
Study aims were to evaluate effects of Bacopa monnieri whole plant standardized dry extract on cognitive function and affect and its safety and tolerability in healthy elderly study participants.
DESIGN
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a placebo run-in of 6 weeks and a treatment period of 12 weeks.
SETTING/LOCATION
Volunteers were recruited from the community to a clinic in Portland, Oregon by public notification.
SUBJECTS
Fifty-four (54) participants, 65 or older (mean 73.5 years), without clinical signs of dementia, were recruited and randomized to Bacopa or placebo. Forty-eight (48) completed the study with 24 in each group.
INTERVENTIONS
Standardized B. monnieri extract 300 mg/day or a similar placebo tablet orally for 12 weeks.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome variable was the delayed recall score from the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Other cognitive measures were the Stroop Task assessing the ability to ignore irrelevant information, the Divided Attention Task (DAT), and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) letter-digit test of immediate working memory. Affective measures were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD)-10 depression scale, and the Profile of Mood States. Vital signs were also monitored.
RESULTS
Controlling for baseline cognitive deficit using the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration test, Bacopa participants had enhanced AVLT delayed word recall memory scores relative to placebo. Stroop results were similarly significant, with the Bacopa group improving and the placebo group unchanged. CESD-10 depression scores, combined state plus trait anxiety scores, and heart rate decreased over time for the Bacopa group but increased for the placebo group. No effects were found on the DAT, WAIS digit task, mood, or blood pressure. The dose was well tolerated with few adverse events (Bacopa n = 9, placebo n = 10), primarily stomach upset.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides further evidence that B. monnieri has potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance in the aging.
Topics: Aged; Anxiety; Bacopa; Cognition; Depression; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Preparations; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 18611150
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0018 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2019Anxiety has long been associated with diminished performance within a number of domains involving evaluative interpersonal interactions, including Sex, Sport, and Stage.... (Review)
Review
Anxiety has long been associated with diminished performance within a number of domains involving evaluative interpersonal interactions, including Sex, Sport, and Stage. Here, we pose three questions: (1) how do these disparate fields approach and understand anxiety and performance; (2) how does the understanding of the issue within one field offer insight to another field; and (3) how could each field benefit from the ideas and strategies used by the others. We begin with a short review of models of anxiety/arousal and performance and then explore definitions, models, presumed underlying physiological processes, and characterizing and influencing factors within each domain separately in a narrative review. This discussion is followed by a synthesis that identifies elements specific to and common across the various domains, with the latter captured in a model of essential characteristics. Concluding remarks note the potential value of promoting increased cross-disciplinary conversation and research, with each domain likely benefiting from the conceptualizations and expert knowledge of the others.
PubMed: 31379665
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01615 -
PloS One 2023The purpose of the present study was to determine the perception of schoolchildren whether their academic performance improved or worsened during the pandemic, analyzing...
The purpose of the present study was to determine the perception of schoolchildren whether their academic performance improved or worsened during the pandemic, analyzing their social anxiety, gender, use of masks in the classroom, and school year. The total sample was 107 primary school students (25 in the fourth, 40 in the fifth and 42 in the sixth grade), with a mean age of 10.51 years old (SD = 1). The gender were 58 girls and 49 boys, from a school in the province of La Coruña (Spain). The study was based on a quantitative methodology, and the design was cross-sectional, descriptive, observational and correlational. The social anxiety questionnaire (CASO-N24) was used to assess social anxiety, and an ad hoc self-report register was elaborated to evaluate sociodemographic variables. The results indicated that 44.8% of the schoolchildren considered that the pandemic had neither improved nor worsened their academic performance. Although 38.3% considered that high and very high social anxiety increased progressively as the school year progressed, both in boys and girls. Besides, the schoolchildren who presented very low and low social anxiety improved their grades in Physical Education, while those who presented high social anxiety worsened them. In conclusion, having a low social anxiety, lower grades before the pandemic and higher grades after, makes children perceive an improvement in their academic performance during the pandemic.
Topics: Male; Child; Female; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; COVID-19; Academic Performance; Fear; Anxiety
PubMed: 36634072
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280194 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023Research on Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) among amateur musicians is of great interest due to inconsistent results in literature. In addition, amateur music represents...
INTRODUCTION
Research on Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) among amateur musicians is of great interest due to inconsistent results in literature. In addition, amateur music represents an important part of musical culture in Germany. Accordingly, the performance experiences of young wind players represent a relevant issue for research and musical practice.
METHODS
In the present study, 67 young amateur musicians of a brass choir were examined. Using two different questionnaires, both the dispositional MPA (K-MPAI) and the performance-specific MPA during a joint concert (Performance-specific Questionnaire for Musicians, PQM) were assessed. The PQM measures the symptoms of MPA, functional coping with MPA and self-efficacy before, during and after a specific performance. The PQM was completed by the musicians an app directly after the concert.
RESULTS
Results showed that about 90% of the young amateur musicians had a low dispositional MPA, but about 10% showed high values. For the concrete performance, however, musicians with high dispositional MPA also experienced a very moderate to low MPA in the concert. On average, the musicians were quite nervous before the performance. After the performance, they showed low levels of MPA. Three types of MPA found in previous studies could be confirmed among the amateur musicians, with three quarters being assigned to the positive type, showing low levels of symptoms associated with consistently high levels of self-efficacy and positive functional coping.
DISCUSSION
The results provide a differentiated picture of different expressions of MPA in young amateur musicians. They also raise further questions about the correlation between dispositional and performance-specific assessment of MPA in musicians in general.
PubMed: 37583605
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1208311