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Given the high prevalence of adolescent mental health problems, promoting understanding and implementation of protective factors is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts addressing adolescent mental health problems. This study aims to investigate whether consistency and inconsistency in protective factors are associated with adolescent mental health problems and to inform adolescent mental health interventions that target the unique needs of adolescents and promote adolescent mental health. We used multistage cluster sampling to conduct psychological resilience, social support, and mental health questionnaires from April to June 2023 among 10,653 Chinese adolescents (52.3 % were boys). Data were analyzed using polynomial regressions with response surface analysis. The higher levels of psychological resilience and social support in adolescents were associated with fewer mental health problems (anxiety: a1 = −1.83, P < 0.001; depression: a1 = −2.44, P < 0.001; and perceived stress: a1 = −1.20, P < 0.001). When the level of psychological resilience was greater than social support, the greater the discrepancy the higher the perceived stress among adolescents (a3 = 1.19, P < 0.001). Moreover, the consistency of psychological resilience and social support had a greater impact on girls' mental health (anxiety: a1 = −1.97, P < 0.001; depression: a1 = −2.71, P < 0.001; perceived stress: a1 = −1.23, P < 0.001). The cross-sectional study design limited the inference of causal relationships between variables. These results emphasize that adolescents need a balanced development of protective factors and targeted intervention programs for different mental health problems. • China's early adolescents have higher prevalence of anxiety, depression and perceived stress. • Consistency between resilience and social support levels is associated with fewer mental health problems in adolescents. • The lower the level of social support is than resilience, the higher the adolescent's perceived stress. • Consistency of psychological resilience and social support has a greater impact on girls' mental health. • This study emphasizes the importance of balanced developmental protective factors for adolescent mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodResultsConclusionsAnxiety disorders are prevalent among youth and adults. Increasing studies examined the dynamic associations between momentary fluctuations of anxiety and well-being, primarily focusing on the severity of general anxiety. Scant research has explored the co-fluctuations between different anxiety symptoms and mental health outcomes.The current study evaluated the multi-level factor structure and assessed the subclinical symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia (SP), and panic disorder (PD) in a sample of non-clinical young adults (N = 271, Mage = 18 years, 72% female, 68% non-White) who participated in a 30-day daily diary study.Between persons, GAD, SP, and PD were positively correlated with depressive symptoms, stress, as well as emotional and peer problems. Within persons, both SP and PD were positively associated with stress, peer and emotional problems on the same day. Across days, there was positive reciprocal relation between PD and stress, whereas negative reciprocal link was observed between SP and emotional problems.Current findings showed dynamic and distinct patterns in the associations between different anxiety symptoms and several mental health outcomes, which emphasizes the need to disentangle between- and within-person variation of anxiety symptoms with intensive longitudinal designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated associations between chronotypes (Morning [M], Neither [N], Evening [E]), sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, years with migraines, sleep quality (PSQI), anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D), migraine disability (MIDAS), headache frequency, and pain intensity (VAS) in 80 individuals with migraine. Significant age differences emerged (p < 0.001), with M-types being the oldest. BMI also varied, with M-types presenting the highest median BMI (p = 0.005). While migraine duration and headache frequency showed no significant variance, sleep quality did, with E-types reporting the poorest sleep (p = 0.030). Anxiety and depression were significantly worse in E-types (HADS-A: p = 0.002; HADS-D: p = 0.010). Differences in MIDAS levels were notable (p = 0.038); however, differences in MIDAS scores were not significant (p = 0.115). Pain intensity varied, with E-types experiencing the most severe pain (p = 0.009). Post-hoc analysis showed higher MIDAS scores in E-types compared to N-types (χ2 = 6.56, p = 0.038, ε2 = 0.0831). The findings highlight the need for thorough patient evaluations and tailored care, considering the complex interplay of factors affecting migraine severity, particularly among different chronotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is a truth universally acknowledged that the diagnosis of cancer is a huge stress for both individuals and families. While many psychosocial variables have been shown to influence the mental well-being, these factors are so complicated and interlinked with each other, that their integrated effect on oral cancer patients, who constitute a large morbid group of patients, is yet to be recognized. Aims and Objectives: The present research work aims to find more about the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among patients with cancers of the oral cavity and work out on some key potentially predictive factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out for patients of oral cancer, attending the radiation oncology out-patient department (OPD) at Medical college, Kolkata, between April 2022 and March 2023, a 1-year period. A total of 89 patients with oral cancer were interviewed with questionnaires on demographic variables, depression anxiety stress scale 21, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer. Chi-square tests and Spearman Correlation tests were conducted where appropriate to explore relationships between different variables. Results: The prevalence of stress symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms was 44% (39/89), 60% (53/89), and 84% (75/89), respectively, among the patients interviewed. Addiction history of the patients was an important association found in this study. Conclusion: The prevalence of stress and depressive symptoms was high among the oral cancer patients attending the Radiation Oncology OPD at our institution as well as levels of anxiety. Certain social variables such as relationship with spouse, children, and other family members had a profound effect on the mental well-being of the patients. Furthermore, certain factors such as addiction to tobacco and its different forms reduced the coping up capability of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a parent-report scale measuring young children's anxiety symptoms involving five specific anxiety symptoms (separation anxiety, physical injury fears, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety) that load on a higher-order factor representing general anxiety shared by all specific anxiety symptom subtypes. Although the PAS has been widely used to assess anxiety symptoms in young children, few studies have tested its measurement invariance for group comparisons. Using data from a sample of 2,221 children and their parents/carers in the United Kingdom, this study investigated the measurement invariance of the higher-order model of the PAS across child age (4–6 years vs. 6–7 years), gender (girls vs. boys), parental anxiety (low vs. high level), and children's living circumstances (before vs. after the removal of COVID-19 restrictions). Our findings demonstrated the good factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the higher-order model of the PAS in all subgroups and supported its configural, metric, and scalar invariance across these subgroups. Therefore, the findings suggest that the PAS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing specific anxiety symptoms and general anxiety among young children in the United Kingdom and that comparisons can be made between the subgroups under examination. Public Significance Statement: The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing specific anxiety symptoms and general anxiety in young children in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, given that the findings indicate measurement invariance of the higher-order model of the PAS, the specific anxiety symptom subscales and general anxiety scale of the PAS can be compared across child age, child gender, parent/carers' anxiety levels, and children's living circumstances (e.g., before and after the removal of the COVID-19 restrictions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition. Comparisons of one's own well-being to different aversive standards may contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety symptoms. Objectives: Our primary goal was to investigate whether aversive well-being comparisons predict anxiety symptoms and vice versa. Additionally, we aimed at examining exploratorily whether well-being comparisons are reciprocally related to metacognitive beliefs about worrying and external control beliefs. Methods: In this two-wave longitudinal survey design, 922 participants completed measures of anxiety, metacognitions about the uncontrollability of worries, external locus of control, and the Comparison Standards Scale for Well-being (CSS-W) at two timepoints, three-months apart. The CSS-W assesses the frequency, perceived discrepancy, and affective impact of social, temporal, counterfactual, and criteria-based comparisons. Results: When autoregressive effects were adjusted for, aversive comparison frequency, comparison affective impact, and uncontrollability of worries at the first timepoint predicted subsequent anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, well-being comparison frequency and discrepancy at the second timepoint were predicted by baseline anxiety symptoms. External locus of control predicted comparison frequency and discrepancy. Conclusions: Well-being comparisons contribute distinct variance to anxiety symptoms and vice versa, pointing to a vicious cirlcle of symptom escalation. These findings have significant implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with hypertension (HTN) are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can be reduced with blood pressure (BP) control. Anxiety can contribute to high BP and low heart rate variability (HRV). Although relationships between social support, self-rated health-status (SRHS), anxiety and measures of HRV and BP have been suggested, they have not been clearly established. This cross-sectional correlational study aimed to 1) examine relationships between social support, SRHS, and anxiety; and 2) examine if HRV mediated relationships between anxiety symptoms and BP. Patients with primary HTN were recruited from a cardiovascular outpatient clinic using convenience sampling (N = 300). Data included scale scores for SRHS, social support, and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). A handheld limb-lead electrocardiogram monitor measured HRV, using the ratio of low-frequency bands to high-frequency bands; an automatic sphygmomanometer measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively). Path analysis of structural equation models examined relationships between variables; the bootstrap method examined the mediating effects of HRV. Analysis showed scores for SRHS and social support had a direct effect on anxiety scores. Scores for anxiety directly affected HRV and BP. HRV also had a direct effect on BP. Bootstrapping indicated HRV mediated the relationship between anxiety symptoms and BP. The final model indicated SRHS, social support, and anxiety symptoms together explained 80% of SBP and 33% of DBP. These findings suggest HRV could be used to measure the effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing anxiety and improving control of BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comorbid anxiety and depression predict a poorer prognosis than either disorder occurring alone. It is unclear whether self-reported anxiety symptom scores identify patients with depression in need of more intensive mental health services. This study evaluated how anxiety symptoms predicted treatment receipt and outcomes among patients with new depression diagnoses in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Electronic medical record data from 128,917 VHA patients (71.6% assessed for anxiety, n = 92,237) with new diagnoses of depression were analyzed to examine how Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores predicted psychotropic medication prescriptions, psychotherapy receipt, acute care service utilization, and follow-up depression symptoms. Patients who reported severe symptoms of anxiety were significantly more likely to receive adequate acute phase and continuation phase antidepressant treatment, daytime anxiolytics/sedatives, nighttime sedative/hypnotics, and endorse more severe depression symptoms and suicidal ideation at follow-up. Patients who reported severe symptoms of anxiety at baseline were less likely to initiate psychotherapy. The GAD-7 may help identify depressed patients who have more severe disease burden and require additional mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Innovative technologies, including virtual reality (VR), can be used for conducting VR exposure therapy (VRET) for individuals with psychiatric disorders, including claustrophobia. Unfortunately, there is a lack of studies on the effect of VR in treating claustrophobia in Arab countries, including Jordan. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of VRET on minimising anxiety symptoms at 1 week post‐therapy and the physiological arousal measures (heart rate, O2 saturation and mean arterial pressure) of participants before and following therapy. Methods: A pre‐/post‐test one‐group design was used, and participants (N = 44) who suffered from claustrophobia from Al‐Zaytoonah University of Jordan were recruited. VRET was conducted using the Cave experience, which consists of four stages and was carried out in 4 to 6 sessions during the period from April to September 2023. Results: The findings revealed a significant difference between pre‐ and post‐VR simulation intervention for anxiety symptoms and physiological measures; in addition, the participants perceived the usability of VR therapy. Conclusion: This study suggested that VRET was effective in managing claustrophobia, particularly in minimising anxiety symptoms. Therefore, VRET can be integrated into the therapeutic methods for individuals with claustrophobia. Also, healthcare professionals, including mental health counsellors, can adopt such therapy in their management and treatment plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Individuals in sexual minority groups experience unique forms of stress and are at increased risk of mental health problems compared to their heterosexual counterparts; however, research is scarce on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this relationship. The present study aimed to explore the mediating effects of irrationality and self-compassion in the relationship between minority stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: Between March 2022 to June 2022, we recruited online a sample of 304 Romanian adults who identified as sexual minorities (Mage = 22.65, SD = 5.23). They completed questionnaires that addressed minority stress, irrational beliefs, self-compassion, and symptoms of anxiety or depression. Results: The findings showed significant associations between minority stress, irrationality, self-compassion, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Minority stress was related to anxiety and depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly, through two paths (a self-compassion path and an irrationality and self-compassion path). Conclusions: Our results indicated that self-compassion and irrationality are serial mediators in the relationship between minority stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Policy Implications: These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how minority stress is related to anxiety and depressive symptoms and provide important guidance to reduce psychological distress in sexual minority young adults. Furthermore, it has important implications for developing prevention and intervention programs designed for sexual minorities individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as acquired cerebral damage caused by an external mechanical impact, which has the potential to lead to transient or enduring debilitation. TBI is associated with many forms of long-lasting psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders. As anxiety is highly debilitating by causing impaired social functioning and decreased quality of life for the afflicted, especially in the form of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, certain efforts have been made to explore the factors associated with it, and one such factor is TBI. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on January 26th, 2024 for observational case–control or cohort or cross-sectional studies assessing the incidence of anxiety symptoms or disorders in patients with TBI compared to healthy individuals or the same individuals if pre-TBI information regarding anxiety was available. We calculated the pooled incidence and relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95CI) using the inverse variance method. Publication bias was assessed using Eggers's regression test. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Sub-group analyses were conducted for the type of anxiety (anxiety disorder vs anxiety symptoms), TBI severity, and type of anxiety disorders. Results: The incidence rate of anxiety after traumatic brain injury was 17.45% (95CI: 12.59%, 22.31%) in a total of 705,024 individuals. Moreover, TBI patients were found to be 1.9 times as likely to have anxiety compared to their non-TBI counterparts [Random effects model RR = 1.90 [1.62; 2.23], p-value < 0.0001] using a population of 569,875 TBI cases and 1,640,312 non-TBI controls. Sub-group analysis revealed TBI severity was not associated with anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder was the most common type of anxiety disorder reported post-TBI. Conclusion: Patients who have experienced a TBI exhibit a significantly greater incidence of anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders in the aftermath when compared to healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsVirtual reality exposure therapy offers a unique opportunity to treat social anxiety disorder. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy compared to waitlist comparators or other interventions for individuals with social anxiety disorder in alleviating anxiety symptoms.A three-step comprehensive search for the randomized controlled trials of virtual reality exposure therapy was conducted from inception to 7 December 2023. The overall effect was measured using Hedges’ g and determined using t-statistics at a significance level of p < 0.05. Sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were carried out.A total of 17 randomized control trials were retrieved from nine electronic databases. Virtual reality exposure therapy has greater efficacy than waitlist comparators in reducing anxiety symptoms at post-intervention and follow-up assessment. Virtual reality exposure therapy demonstrates a similar effect to other interventions at post-intervention and follow-up assessment. We observed a greater effect for participants with symptomatic social anxiety when we combined the intervention with cognitive behavioral therapy compared to its counterpart. Meta-regression analyses found no significant covariate.Overall, virtual reality exposure therapy can provide supplementary therapy for improving anxiety symptoms. Additional high-quality and large-scale trials with long-term follow-up are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of persons with dementia (PWD) are mainly cared for by their family members in the home. Evidence is however scarce on family caregivers' psychosocial burden and quality of life in Asian countries including Malaysia. This study describes the baseline data of a telephone-delivered psychoeducational intervention study and examines the determinants of outcome measures (caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy) among Malaysian family caregivers to PWD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study originated from the baseline survey of a randomized control trial of 121 family caregivers recruited from lists of PWD who were registered at memory and psychiatry clinics in three tertiary care hospitals in Malaysia. The participants were assessed for caregiver burden by the Zarit Burden Interview, depressive and anxiety symptoms by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, quality of life by the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure Scale, and caregiving self-efficacy by the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy. Results: Prevalence of caregiver burden was 69.4%, depressive symptoms 32.2% and anxiety symptoms 32.2%. Family caregivers to PWD having perceived peer support e.g., social/family/friend/significant other supports were less likely to report caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and more likely to report higher levels of quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy. Being married and PWD's ability to self-care were associated with lesser likelihood of experiencing caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms. The other determinants of greater probability of reporting better quality of life were caregivers' employment and having Islamic faith. Marital status (married), PWD's ability to self-care, spousal relationship with PWD and shared caregiving process were associated with higher likelihood of reporting caregiving self-efficacy. Conclusion: Caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent in family caregivers to PWD in Malaysia. Social support and caregiving related factors influence family caregivers' quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy. Implementing psychoeducational intervention and support in the psychiatry and memory clinics may help improve the psychosocial burden, quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy in family caregivers of PWD. Trial registration: ISRCTN14565552 (retrospectively registered). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzes the relationship between anxiety symptoms (state and trait) and motivation to learn among Accounting students. The research is quantitative and descriptive, involving 181 students. Validated questionnaires were used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability tests, normality tests, correlation, and regression. The results indicate that most students have moderate levels of state anxiety and trait anxiety, as well as motivation to learn. The analysis showed an inverse relationship between anxiety and motivation, where state anxiety proved to be a significant factor that negatively influences motivation to learn. Additionally, it was found that trait anxiety is not a relevant predictor of motivation to learn when analyzed together with state anxiety. The study highlights the importance of addressing students' mental health to improve their motivation and academic performance, suggesting that higher education institutions should implement measures to manage anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of COVID-19 may make the imminence of death prescient for undergraduate students, increasing death anxiety and worsening mental health. Formal death education may provide benefits such as reduced fear of COVID-19 and death anxiety, and improved mental health. In this study, 86 undergraduate students completed a pre- and post-semester online questionnaire on fear of COVID-19, death anxiety, and mental health outcomes. Findings indicate indirect effects of death anxiety on fear of COVID-19 to anxiety. Moreover, fear of COVID-19, individual concerns about death, and death anxiety were reduced over the semester for undergraduate students in formal death education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burn injuries are defined as injuries caused by applying heat, chemicals, electrical current, or radiation to the external or internal surface of the body, which destroys the tissue. Studying psychological outcomes of burns as depression, anxiety, PTSD and disturbed self-image is crucial for a better understanding of the symptoms of existing psychological problems and prediction of their upcoming, therefore better management, which in turn improves the quality of life of these patients. Aim: To assess (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress) symptoms, disturbed self-image, and the role of social support in burn patients for better management to improve the quality of life in those patients. Objectives: The current study is designed to detect the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, disturbed self-image, and clinical correlates of these disorders and to assess the role and degree of social support among burn patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 burn patients admitted at Burn Centers in Hehia General Hospital from August 2023 to Mars 2024. All enrolled participants were subjected to a semi-structured interview, Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Self-image Assessment Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and The Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Informed written consent was obtained from the patients after a full explanation of the procedure in the study. Sociodemographic data, Burn-related features, and psychiatric assessment based on the above-mentioned scales were taken from all patients. Results: The study found a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, disturbed selfimage, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among burn patients. The severity of psychological impacts was associated with factors like being female, single marital status, living in urban areas, and higher total body surface area burned. Social support was generally high, especially among rural residents and those with higher-degree burns. Conclusion: One of the most horrific experiences a person may have is a burn injury, which has long-lasting effects on a person's physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's routine, bringing uncertainty and stress, leading to mental health issues. This situation is particularly acute among Chinese prospective graduates in higher education stage as they cannot predict the outcomes of their studies, graduation, and career development, and therefore experience career-related stress. Methods: This study included 4041 prospective graduates in higher education stage (using handy sampling) recruited in March 2020 as participants (MAge = 22.56, SD = 1.865), utilizing a Sparse Gaussian Graphical Model for regularized partial correlation network analysis of depression symptoms (by PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (by GAD-7), and career-related stress, which aims to explore the role of career-related stress in the symptom networks of depression and anxiety among prospective graduates in their final semester. Results: The results revealed that fatigue, sad mood, and psychomotor symptoms in depression, as well as uncontrollable worry and trouble relaxing in anxiety, were central symptoms in the network. Additionally, sad mood and guilt belonging to depressive symptoms, and feeling afraid, restlessness, and irritability belonging to anxiety symptoms, served as bridge symptoms connecting symptom communities. Specifically, guilt as a depressive symptom showed a strong association with employment stress in career-related stress. There were no significant differences in network structure and global strength based on participants' gender. However, despite no significant differences in network structure, the global strength of prospective graduates fromWuhan was significantly lower than samples from non-Hubei provinces, possibly indicative of a Typhoon Eye Effect. Discussion: The findings of this study can inspire psychological professionals in higher education institutions to provide support for mental interventions and therapies for prospective graduates, and addressing career development issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Having no or few confidants is found to be associated with more severe mental health problems and a higher prevalence of depression in adults, but research examining this association in adolescents is scarce. Social relationships may be particularly critical during adolescence, as it is an important developmental period during which vulnerability to mental health problems increases. The present study examined the relationship between having no or few confidants and anxiety/depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional self-report survey targeting 7–12th grade students (age range: 12–18) was conducted in public junior and senior high schools in Mie and Kochi, Japan. Data from 17,829 students (49.7% boys) were analyzed. Associations between anxiety/depressive symptoms (12-item General Health Questionnaire; score range: 0–12) and the number of confidants (None, 1–3, or ≥ 4) were examined using multilevel regression analyses. The analyses were stratified by gender and school level (junior/senior high), and adjusted for experiences of being physically abused and bullied and the interactions of these experiences with the number of confidants. Results: Having no or 1–3 confidants was associated with more anxiety/depressive symptoms, compared to having ≥ 4 confidants (p < 0.001) in all stratified groups. Having no confidants was associated with more anxiety/depressive symptoms than having 1–3 confidants (p < 0.001); in senior high boys, no difference was observed between having no confidants and having 1–3 confidants. In addition, in senior high boys, victims of bullying who have confidants reported significantly less anxiety/depressive symptoms than the victims who have no confidants (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Adolescents who had no or few confidants had more anxiety/depressive symptoms. Attention needs to be paid to better identify these adolescents, and avenues to support them need to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parent-child separation poses a significant challenge for left-behind children (LBC). However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the correlation between left-behind characteristics and the psychological symptoms of LBC. This study investigated psychological symptoms among LBC and explored associations between left-behind characteristics and those symptoms. Methods: Using stratified cluster sampling, 1,832 LBC aged 13–18 years from three cities in East China were selected for analysis. Participants' depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the General Anxiety Disorder 7, respectively. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in detection rates of psychological symptoms among LBC in different groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to infer associations between left-behind characteristics and psychological symptoms. Results: Depression and anxiety symptoms were detected in 32.86% and 33.24%, respectively, of participating LBC. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in detection rates of depression symptoms by sex, grade, and timing of parent-child separation. Statistically significant differences were observed in anxiety symptom rates by sex, grade, type of caregiver, and timing of mother-child separation. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association between LBC's anxiety symptoms and mother-child separation that occurred during post-primary school, and type of caregiver (father only or mother only). Our findings confirm a positive association between left-behind characteristics and anxiety symptoms among LBC. Conclusion: The timing of mother-child separation and type of caregiver are potential risk factors for the development of anxiety symptoms in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychological conditions among adults worldwide. However, further research is needed on the role of variables such as health indices, stressful events, social cognition, and executive functioning in predicting anxiety symptoms. We conducted two studies to explore the association between these variables and anxiety symptoms in adults. In the first study, we evaluated 548 participants ranging in age from 18 to 73. We administered two anxiety scales and two instruments to assess physical and mental health dimensions and the number of threatening life events experienced. A subsample of 275 participants participated in the second study, where they completed tasks measuring working memory, verbal fluency, and emotion recognition. We used linear regression models to identify the relationship between participants' anxiety levels and demographic, health, and psychosocial variables. In the first study, our findings revealed that participants with poorer mental and physical health and those who had experienced more stressful events displayed higher anxiety levels. Age, sex, physical and mental health were significant predictors of anxiety scores. In the second study, we identified negative correlations between anxiety and social cognition and executive function scores. However, only executive functions emerged as a predictor for anxiety. Overall, the factors of sex, age, mental and physical health, and executive function performance appear to be relevant in understanding anxiety levels and symptoms in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) was designed to assess parenting self-efficacy in parents of infants during the first year. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric characteristics of the KPCS in Portuguese mothers during the first-year postpartum. A sample of 383 mothers were recruited at two public outpatient units in Northern Portugal. Mothers completed the KPCS, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms at least one time between two weeks, three, six and 12 months postpartum. Good fit was found for a factor model with three subscales: parenting, support and child development. The KPCS presented good internal consistency. Regarding the criterion validity of the KPCS, significant effects of mother's age were found on the development subscale and significant associations were found between mother's depressive and anxiety symptoms and the KPCS total scale and subscales. Optimal clinical cut-offs were suggested. Findings provided evidence on the psychometric characteristics of the KPCS which can be used to assess parenting self-efficacy in Portuguese mothers during the first-year postpartum, possibly identifying mothers with low parenting self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychiatric symptomatology and medications used in their treatment may be modifiable risk factors associated with cognitive function, although findings from population-based studies spanning the full adult age range are lacking. This study aimed to investigate associations between psychiatric symptomatology, psychotropic medication use and cognitive function in a population-based sample of men. Data for 537 men were drawn from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Cognitive function (psychomotor function, attention, working memory and visual learning) was determined using the Cog-State Brief Battery. Current depressive and anxiety symptomatology was determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and psychotropic medication use was self-reported. Linear regression models were developed to determine associations between psychiatric symptomatology and psychotropic medication use with each cognitive measure. Depressive symptomatology was associated with lower overall cognitive function (b-0.037 ± 0.010, η2 = 0.025, p < 0.001), psychomotor function (b 0.006 ± 0.002, η2 = 0.028 p < 0.001) and attention (b 0.004 ± 0.001, η2 = 0.021, p < 0.001), whereas psychotropic use was associated with lower overall cognitive function (b − 0.174 ± 0.075, η2 = 0.010, p = 0.021), attention (b 0.017 ± 0.008, η2 = 0.008, p = 0.038 and working memory (b 0.031 ± 0.012, η2 = 0.010, p = 0.010). Anticonvulsant use was associated with lower overall cognitive function (b − 0.723 ± 0.172, η2 = 0.032, p < 0.001), attention (b 0.065 ± 0.018, η2 = 0.029, p < 0.001) and working memory (b 0.088 ± 0.026, η2 = 0.022, p < 0.001). All relationships were found to have a small effect. There were no significant associations between anxiety symptomatology and antidepressant and anxiolytic use with any of the cognitive domains. Depressive symptomatology and anticonvulsant use were associated with lower cognitive function. Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in these relationships can advance knowledge on the heterogeneity in cognitive ageing and aid in prevention initiatives. • What is the primary question addressed by this study? What are the associations between depressive and anxiety symptoms, and psychotropic medication use with cognitive function? • What is the main finding of this study? Depressive symptoms and the use of psychotropics, in particular anticonvulsants were associated with lower cognitive functioning. • What is the meaning of the finding? Our study highlights the importance of mental wellbeing in cognitive health, and the need for further research between these exposures on cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is a truth universally acknowledged that the diagnosis of cancer is a huge stress for both individuals and families. While many psychosocial variables have been shown to influence the mental well-being, these factors are so complicated and interlinked with each other, that their integrated effect on oral cancer patients, who constitute a large morbid group of patients, is yet to be recognized. Aims and Objectives: The present research work aims to find more about the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among patients with cancers of the oral cavity and work out on some key potentially predictive factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out for patients of oral cancer, attending the radiation oncology out-patient department (OPD) at Medical college, Kolkata, between April 2022 and March 2023, a 1-year period. A total of 89 patients with oral cancer were interviewed with questionnaires on demographic variables, depression anxiety stress scale 21, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer. Chi-square tests and Spearman Correlation tests were conducted where appropriate to explore relationships between different variables. Results: The prevalence of stress symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms was 44% (39/89), 60% (53/89), and 84% (75/89), respectively, among the patients interviewed. Addiction history of the patients was an important association found in this study. Conclusion: The prevalence of stress and depressive symptoms was high among the oral cancer patients attending the Radiation Oncology OPD at our institution as well as levels of anxiety. Certain social variables such as relationship with spouse, children, and other family members had a profound effect on the mental well-being of the patients. Furthermore, certain factors such as addiction to tobacco and its different forms reduced the coping up capability of the patients.

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as acquired cerebral damage caused by an external mechanical impact, which has the potential to lead to transient or enduring debilitation. TBI is associated with many forms of long-lasting psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders. As anxiety is highly debilitating by causing impaired social functioning and decreased quality of life for the afflicted, especially in the form of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, certain efforts have been made to explore the factors associated with it, and one such factor is TBI. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on January 26th, 2024 for observational case–control or cohort or cross-sectional studies assessing the incidence of anxiety symptoms or disorders in patients with TBI compared to healthy individuals or the same individuals if pre-TBI information regarding anxiety was available. We calculated the pooled incidence and relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95CI) using the inverse variance method. Publication bias was assessed using Eggers’s regression test. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Sub-group analyses were conducted for the type of anxiety (anxiety disorder vs anxiety symptoms), TBI severity, and type of anxiety disorders. Results The incidence rate of anxiety after traumatic brain injury was 17.45% (95CI: 12.59%, 22.31%) in a total of 705,024 individuals. Moreover, TBI patients were found to be 1.9 times as likely to have anxiety compared to their non-TBI counterparts [Random effects model RR = 1.90 [1.62; 2.23], p-value

Abstract Background The majority of persons with dementia (PWD) are mainly cared for by their family members in the home. Evidence is however scarce on family caregivers’ psychosocial burden and quality of life in Asian countries including Malaysia. This study describes the baseline data of a telephone-delivered psychoeducational intervention study and examines the determinants of outcome measures (caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy) among Malaysian family caregivers to PWD. Methods This was a cross-sectional study originated from the baseline survey of a randomized control trial of 121 family caregivers recruited from lists of PWD who were registered at memory and psychiatry clinics in three tertiary care hospitals in Malaysia. The participants were assessed for caregiver burden by the Zarit Burden Interview, depressive and anxiety symptoms by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, quality of life by the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure Scale, and caregiving self-efficacy by the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy. Results Prevalence of caregiver burden was 69.4%, depressive symptoms 32.2% and anxiety symptoms 32.2%. Family caregivers to PWD having perceived peer support e.g., social/family/friend/significant other supports were less likely to report caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and more likely to report higher levels of quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy. Being married and PWD’s ability to self-care were associated with lesser likelihood of experiencing caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms. The other determinants of greater probability of reporting better quality of life were caregivers’ employment and having Islamic faith. Marital status (married), PWD’s ability to self-care, spousal relationship with PWD and shared caregiving process were associated with higher likelihood of reporting caregiving self-efficacy. Conclusion Caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent in family caregivers to PWD in Malaysia. Social support and caregiving related factors influence family caregivers’ quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy. Implementing psychoeducational intervention and support in the psychiatry and memory clinics may help improve the psychosocial burden, quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy in family caregivers of PWD. Trial registration ISRCTN14565552 (retrospectively registered).

Abstract Background Having no or few confidants is found to be associated with more severe mental health problems and a higher prevalence of depression in adults, but research examining this association in adolescents is scarce. Social relationships may be particularly critical during adolescence, as it is an important developmental period during which vulnerability to mental health problems increases. The present study examined the relationship between having no or few confidants and anxiety/depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional self-report survey targeting 7–12th grade students (age range: 12–18) was conducted in public junior and senior high schools in Mie and Kochi, Japan. Data from 17,829 students (49.7% boys) were analyzed. Associations between anxiety/depressive symptoms (12-item General Health Questionnaire; score range: 0–12) and the number of confidants (None, 1–3, or ≥ 4) were examined using multilevel regression analyses. The analyses were stratified by gender and school level (junior/senior high), and adjusted for experiences of being physically abused and bullied and the interactions of these experiences with the number of confidants. Results Having no or 1–3 confidants was associated with more anxiety/depressive symptoms, compared to having ≥ 4 confidants (p

Abstract Background Parent-child separation poses a significant challenge for left-behind children (LBC). However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the correlation between left-behind characteristics and the psychological symptoms of LBC. This study investigated psychological symptoms among LBC and explored associations between left-behind characteristics and those symptoms. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, 1,832 LBC aged 13–18 years from three cities in East China were selected for analysis. Participants’ depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the General Anxiety Disorder 7, respectively. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in detection rates of psychological symptoms among LBC in different groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to infer associations between left-behind characteristics and psychological symptoms. Results Depression and anxiety symptoms were detected in 32.86% and 33.24%, respectively, of participating LBC. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in detection rates of depression symptoms by sex, grade, and timing of parent-child separation. Statistically significant differences were observed in anxiety symptom rates by sex, grade, type of caregiver, and timing of mother-child separation. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association between LBC’s anxiety symptoms and mother-child separation that occurred during post-primary school, and type of caregiver (father only or mother only). Our findings confirm a positive association between left-behind characteristics and anxiety symptoms among LBC. Conclusion The timing of mother-child separation and type of caregiver are potential risk factors for the development of anxiety symptoms in this population.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms commonly manifested throughout the progression of schizophrenia. However, the prevalence of these symptoms, alongside their co-occurrence, remains uncertain, and clinical correlates remain elusive. This study seeks to investigate the prevalence of such symptoms and their demographic and clinical associations among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study included 19,623 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia based on the ICD-10 criteria. Participants were recruited from community-dwelling patients registered in the local health system in Hangzhou of China between August 1 and October 30, 2022. The prevalence rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as their co-occurrence, were determined to be 19 % (95%CI = 18.5–19.6 %), 37.4 % (95%CI = 36.8–38.0 %), and 17.7 % (95%CI = 17.2–18.2 %), respectively. Patients prescribed quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone exhibited significantly lower prevalence rates of these symptoms (P < 0.01). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.60, P = 0.006). Additionally, age, social relationships, and sleep status were significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence, in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Given the pervasive nature and detrimental consequences of these symptoms among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, comprehensive evaluation and implementation of efficacious interventions are highly recommended. • High occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, often co-occurring, in individuals with schizophrenia. • Reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia patients through various antipsychotics. • Correlation observed between depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia patients. • Demographic and clinical characteristics shape depressive and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media is viewed to be a key contributor to worsening mental health in adolescents, as most recently reflected in a public health advisory by the US Surgeon General. We provide new evidence on the causal effects of social media on mental health of college students during the Covid‐19 pandemic, exploiting unique, longitudinal data collected before the Covid‐19 pandemic began and at two points during the pandemic. We find small insignificant effects of social media 4 months into the pandemic during a period of social distancing, but large statistically significant negative effects 18 months into the pandemic when colleges were mostly back to normal operations. Using rich data on substance use, exercise, sleep, stress, and social support, we find some evidence of substitution away from activities that better support mental health at later stages of the pandemic but not at early stages. We find that the negative effects of social media are mostly concentrated among socially‐isolated students. Both social support and resilience protect students from the negative effects of social media use. Policy implications include regulating social media while also bolstering social support and resilience as important protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) often experience anxiety, which may jeopardize the treatment success. The efficacy of music interventions in reducing anxiety remains contentious. This randomized trial aimed to evaluate the impact of music listening on anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing initial RT. Methods First-time RT patients were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), Distress Thermometer (DT), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-C) were administered pre- and post-RT. Changes in physiological anxiety symptoms were monitored over 10 consecutive days starting from the first day of RT. The experimental group received music during RT; the control group did not. The generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the pre–post difference in the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C scores between the music intervention and control group. Results This study included 50 patients each in the experimental and control groups. BSRS-5 and DT scores were significantly reduced in the experimental group post-RT (p = 0.0114 and p = 0.0023, respectively). When music listening was discontinued, these scores rebounded. While the posttest BAI-C score was significantly lower in the experimental group (p

Abstract Background Patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) cannot be assessed for their mental health using a suitable and practical measure. The purpose of the study is to investigate the usefulness of several anxiety and depression scales in patients with FD, offering recommendations for clinical identification and therapy. Methods From September 2021 to September 2022, patients were sought and selected. The psychological symptoms were assessed using ten depression or anxiety questionnaires. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Spearman analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and single factor analysis were applied. Results Prospective analysis was performed on 142 healthy individuals and 113 patients with FD. In the case group, anxiety and depression symptoms were more common than in the control group, and the 10 scales showed strong validity and reliability. HAMD had the strongest connection with the PHQ-9 score on the depression scale (0.83). The score correlation between SAS and HAMA on the anxiety analysis scale was the greatest at 0.77. The PHQ-9, SAS, HAMD, and HAMA measures performed exceptionally well in detecting FD with anxiety or depression symptoms (AUC = 0.72, 0.70, 0.70, 0.77, and 0.77, respectively). Conclusions PHQ-9, SAS, HAMD, and HAMA scales have good application performance in FD patients. They can assist gastroenterologists in evaluating anxiety and depression symptoms, and provide reference and guidance for subsequent treatment.

Background: Patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) often experience anxiety, which may jeopardize the treatment success. The efficacy of music interventions in reducing anxiety remains contentious. This randomized trial aimed to evaluate the impact of music listening on anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing initial RT. Methods: First-time RT patients were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), Distress Thermometer (DT), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-C) were administered pre- and post-RT. Changes in physiological anxiety symptoms were monitored over 10 consecutive days starting from the first day of RT. The experimental group received music during RT; the control group did not. The generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the pre–post difference in the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C scores between the music intervention and control group. Results: This study included 50 patients each in the experimental and control groups. BSRS-5 and DT scores were significantly reduced in the experimental group post-RT (p = 0.0114 and p = 0.0023, respectively). When music listening was discontinued, these scores rebounded. While the posttest BAI-C score was significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.0001), the pre–post difference between the two groups was not significant (p = 0.0619). On cessation of music listening, the BAI-C score also rebounded. Conclusions: For cancer patients undergoing initial RT, music listening intervention significantly reduced anxiety symptoms measured using the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C scores after two weeks. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of music listening intervention in reducing anxiety symptoms, thereby potentially improving the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Causal relationships between psychopathological symptoms, personality traits, coping mechanisms, and sleep bruxism (SB) were studied in the past, giving inconsistent results mostly based on self-assessment evaluations. This polysomnography-based cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationships between severe SB, personality traits (according to the Big Five model), and coping strategies with objective polysomnographic verification. Methodology: The study included 66 participants divided into severe SB (SSB) (n=32) and no or mild SB (n=34) groups based on video-polysomnography performed in the sleep laboratory. Questionnaire assessment included the use of the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Mini-COPE, International Personality ItemPool Big Five Markers 20-Item version, andOral Behavior Checklist. Results: Participants with SSB presented with fewer self-reported anxiety (p=0.008) and depressive (p=0.01) symptoms than the non- or mild-SB groups. The SSB group scored significantly higher in Big Five personal traits such as extraversion (p=0.007), emotional stability (p=0.013), and intellect (p=0.004), while regarding coping strategies, the SSB group was less likely to use negative strategies: self-distraction (p=0.036), denial (p=0.006), venting (p=0.03), behavioral disengagement (p=0.046), and self-blame (p=0.003), and turning to religion (p=0.041). The intensity of oral parafunctional behaviors was comparable in both groups (p=0.054). Emotional stability was a moderate protective factor (p=0.004), and the self-blame strategy was a strong risk factor (p<0.001) for increased oral parafunctional behavior intensity. Phasic activity negatively correlated with anxiety symptom severity (p=0.005), whereas tonic (p=0.122) and mixed (p=0.053) phenotypes did not. SB intensity was a protective factor against anxiety symptoms (p=0.016). Conclusion: In terms of psychopathology, severe sleep bruxers tend to present less severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, while some of their personality traits (extraversion, emotional stability, and intellect) were more strongly pronounced. SSB is possibly related to the lesser use of the "maladaptive" coping strategies and there were no specific coping strategies preferred by SSB participants, compared to the other group. These observations require further studies, as it should be determined whether SB (especially phasic activity) might be a form of a somatization/functional disorder. Further research should focus on the psychogenic background of oral parafunctional behaviors, which occur more often in less emotionally stable personalities and in people using self-blame coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is relatively common among middle-aged and older people and is a significant public health problem. However, research on the relationship between arthritis and mental health in older populations is currently limited. Data were obtained from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale were used to evaluate depressive and anxiety symptoms. Arthritis status was self-reported. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the impact of arthritis on depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression/anxiety symptoms. A total of 11,104 participants aged ≥65 years (mean age, 83.1 ± 11.1 years) were included in the analysis. We detected positive associations of arthritis with depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.57, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.33 to 1.86), anxiety symptoms (adjusted OR: 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.15 to 1.90), and comorbid depression/anxiety symptoms (adjusted OR: 1.88, 95 % CI: 1.41 to 2.5) in the older adult population. Participants with arthritis had higher anxiety (adjusted linear regression coefficient: 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.24 to 0.63) and depression (adjusted linear regression coefficient: 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.57 to 1.14) scores compared with those without arthritis. In addition, there were no significant interaction effects between arthritis and participant characteristics on depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or comorbid depression/anxiety symptoms. Arthritis was positively associated with depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and comorbid depression/anxiety symptoms among older adults. Further cohort studies are needed to validate these associations. • Given population aging occurring in China, arthritis cases among older adults will continue to increase. • Evidence linking arthritis with anxiety, comorbid depression/anxiety is scarce in elderly adults. • Arthritis is associated with higher risk of depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression/anxiety in the older adults. • More attention should be paid to arthritis in older adults to aid early detection of mental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the mental health status and influencing factors of workers in electronic enterprises in a city. Methods From January to July 2023, a purposive sampling method was adopted to select workers from 9 electronic enterprises in a city as the study subjects. The China Occupational Stress Measurement Core Scale, the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Chinese version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to evaluate occupational stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms, respectively. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results A total of 468 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.50% . The detection rates of occupational stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms among these workers were 34.62%, 73.50%, and 34.83%, respectively. The regression analysis results showed that the occupational stress risk of workers in management positions was 3.399 times (P < 0.01) higher than that of workers in production positions. The risk of occupational stress for workers with an employment time of 2 -4 years was 6.601 times higher than that of workers with an employment time longer than 10 years (P < 0.05), and the risk of occupational stress in the 5-10 year group was 4.016 times higher than that of workers with an employment time longer than 10 years (P < 0.05). The risk of depressive symptoms of workers in medium-sized enterprises was 1.816 times (P < 0.01) higher than that of workers in small and micro -enterprises. The risk of anxiety symptoms of workers in medium - sized enterprises was 1.961 times (P < 0.01) higher than that of workers in small and micro-enterprises, and the risk of anxiety symptoms of workers in management positions was 2.289 times (P < 0.01) higher than that of workers in production positions. Conclusions The workers in electronic enterprises in the city had a relatively high level of occupational stress, and health problems such as depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were prominent. It is recommended that enterprises ensure the weekly working hours within 48 hours, appropriately increase the salary and benefits, reasonably arrange job positions according to individual characteristics, and adopt appropriate health intervention measures to reduce the risk of mental health problems among employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Background Trait emotional intelligence is associated with anxiety and depression symptoms and quality of life in cancer patients. However, studies on the relationship of trait emotional intelligence with anxiety, depression, and quality of life in gastric cancer patients are limited. This study investigates the relationship of trait emotional intelligence with depression and quality of life in gastric cancer patients to provide a theoretical basis for clinical management. Methods A total of 270 patients with gastric cancer treated in our hospital from July 2020 to July 2023 were selected, of which 31 patients with missing questionnaire entries and missed visits were screened out, resulting in the enrolment of 239 gastric cancer patients in this study. In this survey, self-administered general information questionnaires, namely Trait Emotional Intelligence Short Form (TEIQue-SF), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used. Results TEIQue-SF total scores were positively correlated with QLQ-C30 scores (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with HADS-A and HADS-D scores (p < 0.001). TEIQue-SF total score was a superior positive predictor of the QLQ-C30 score (β = 0.412, p < 0.001) and a superior negative predictor of the HADS score (β = –0.740, p < 0.001). TEIQue-SF total score (β = 0.141, p = 0.006) and HADS score (β = –0.665, p < 0.001) were good predictors of QLQ-C30 score. The direct effect of TEIQue-SF total score on QLQ-C30 score was 0.141, while HADS score between TEIQue-SF total score and QLQ-C30 score had a mediated effect value of 0.492. Conclusion Trait emotional intelligence not only directly affects the quality of life, but also indirectly affects the quality of life through anxiety and depression. Clinicians should pay attention to the anxiety, depression, and emotional intelligence of patients with gastric cancer to help them improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with mental health problems are at higher risk of musculoskeletal diseases. However, the association between low muscle mass (LMM) and anxiety symptoms remains uninvestigated. This cross-sectional study enrolled 174,262 adults (73,833 women, 100,429 men), aged 18 to 89, who completed the anxiety scale and body composition analyses. Using bio-electrical impedance analysis, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (kg)/height (m2). LMM was defined as SMI < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.4 kg/m2 in women. Anxiety symptoms were screened using the Clinical Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS) with cut-off scores of 20, 30, and 40. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. LMM prevalence was 20.17% in women, 3.86% in men (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in LMM group decreased from mild (CUXOS > 20: women, 32.74%, men, 21.17%) to moderate (CUXOS > 30: 13.34%, 7.32%), to severe anxiety symptoms (CUXOS > 40: 4.00%, 1.73%). In multivariable-adjusted models, LMM was associated with mild (aOR (95% confidence interval)), women, 1.13 (1.08–1.17); men, 1.17 (1.08–1.27)), moderate (1.17 (1.11–1.24); 1.35 (1.19–1.53) and severe anxiety symptoms (1.18 (1.07–1.3), 1.36 (1.06–1.74)), demonstrating an increased risk of ORs with escalating anxiety severity. LMM was independently associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health issue that significantly affects patients' quality of life and functioning. Despite available treatments, many patients continue to suffer due to incomplete symptom resolution and side effects. This manuscript examines Vortioxetine's role in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treatment, highlighting its potential to reshape therapeutic strategies due to its unique Multimodal action and proven broad-spectrum efficacy in multiple depressive domains. A detailed examination of Vortioxetine's pharmacological aspects, including indications, dosage, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics, is provided, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness. The discussion extends to Vortioxetine's role in acute-phase treatment and maintenance of MDD and its profound impact on specialized depression domains. Vortioxetine is distinguished for its novel multimodal serotonin modulation mechanism, showcasing significant promise as an innovative treatment for MDD. Its efficacy, which is dose-dependent, along with a commendable tolerability profile, positions it as a potential leading option for initial treatment strategies. The discourse on dosage titration, particularly the strategy of initiating treatment at lower doses followed by gradual escalation, underscores the approach toward minimizing initial adverse effects while optimizing therapeutic outcomes, aligning with the principles of personalized medicine in psychiatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to classify patterns of trauma exposure among disaster victims using latent class analysis (LCA) and to examine group differences in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive symptoms over three years. Data were obtained from a 3-year panel survey of Korean disaster victims (male = 461, female = 513) who responded to four types of trauma experiences: threatened death, injury or disease, witnessing injury or death, and loss of family or relatives in 2017. The LCA yielded three classes: the low-threat (66.1%), life-threat (29.4%), and multi-threat (4.5%) groups. One-way analysis of variance showed that the multi-threat group had the highest levels of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms significantly decreased between 2017 and 2018 in the life-threat and multi-threat groups. However, there were no differences between 2018 and 2019 in any groups. These results highlight the importance of early intervention during the proximal period after trauma, particularly in individuals exposed to multiple types of traumatic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication in pregnancy. Moderate‐intensity physical activity during pregnancy can lower the risk of GDM. However, the relationship between moderate‐intensity physical activity and correlated factors among pregnant people at high risk for GDM remains unknown. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in China. Two hundred fifty‐two participants completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pregnancy Physical Activity Self‐Efficacy Scale, Physical Activity Knowledge Questionnaire, Physical Activity Social Support Scale, 7‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a sociodemographic data sheet. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct and indirect associations between the study variables. Results: A total of 51.6% of the participants did not meet the current physical activity guidelines. Only physical activity self‐efficacy was significantly correlated with moderate‐intensity physical activity. Physical activity self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between moderate‐intensity physical activity and knowledge of physical activity, social support for physical activity, and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, knowledge of physical activity was also associated with improved moderate‐intensity physical activity mediated by reduced anxiety symptoms and increased physical activity self‐efficacy. Conclusion: Our study revealed a high prevalence of not meeting current physical activity guidelines among pregnant people at high risk for GDM. Physical activity self‐efficacy played an important mediating role in predicting moderate‐intensity physical activity. Future studies should focus on enhancing self‐efficacy to improve moderate‐intensity physical activity for pregnant people at high risk for GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) cannot be assessed for their mental health using a suitable and practical measure. The purpose of the study is to investigate the usefulness of several anxiety and depression scales in patients with FD, offering recommendations for clinical identification and therapy. Methods: From September 2021 to September 2022, patients were sought and selected. The psychological symptoms were assessed using ten depression or anxiety questionnaires. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Spearman analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and single factor analysis were applied. Results: Prospective analysis was performed on 142 healthy individuals and 113 patients with FD. In the case group, anxiety and depression symptoms were more common than in the control group, and the 10 scales showed strong validity and reliability. HAMD had the strongest connection with the PHQ-9 score on the depression scale (0.83). The score correlation between SAS and HAMA on the anxiety analysis scale was the greatest at 0.77. The PHQ-9, SAS, HAMD, and HAMA measures performed exceptionally well in detecting FD with anxiety or depression symptoms (AUC = 0.72, 0.70, 0.70, 0.77, and 0.77, respectively). Conclusions: PHQ-9, SAS, HAMD, and HAMA scales have good application performance in FD patients. They can assist gastroenterologists in evaluating anxiety and depression symptoms, and provide reference and guidance for subsequent treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption and sleep quality with anxiety symptoms has been highly emphasized. However, past studies have focused on college students in plains areas, while fewer research studies have been conducted on Tibetan college students at high altitudes. Whether this association changes due to ethnicity or altitude is unclear. The present study will contribute to the prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among Tibetan college students at high altitude. Methods: A self-assessment questionnaire was administered to 3,026 university students (1,491 boys students, 49.27%) on SSBs consumption, sleep quality and anxiety symptoms status in the Tibetan Plateau, a high-altitude region of China. Logistic regression analysis and ordered logistic regression analysis in generalized linear model were used to analyze the association between SSBs consumption and sleep quality with anxiety symptoms. Results: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among Tibetan college students at high altitude was 26.9%. SSBs consumption of =1 times/week, 2-5 times/week, and = 6 times/week were 20.7, 28.1, and 45.7%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (2 value of 134.353, p < 0.001). Anxiety detection rates for Sleep quality of Good (PSQI =5), Moderate (PSQI 6-7), and Poor (PSQI >7) were 16.8, 19.8, and 32.0%, respectively, and the difference was also statistically significant (2 value was 73.761, p < 0.001). The ordered logistic regression analysis in the generalized linear model showed that, overall, the group of college students with SSBs =1 times/week and sleep quality of Good served as the reference group, and the group with SSBs =6 times/week and sleep quality of Poor (OR: 5.06, 95% CI: 3.75-6.83) had the highest risk of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: SSBs consumption and sleep quality were associated with anxiety symptoms, and there was an interaction effect. Effective control of SSBs consumption and improvement of sleep quality may be important factors in preventing and reducing the occurrence of anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]