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Background/Objectives: Personalized and self-initiated dietary adjustments have been shown to alleviate mental and somatic complaints. Here, we investigated the potential role of gut microbiome alterations underlying these effects. Methods: For this purpose, participants (n = 185) underwent a four-week self-initiated dietary intervention and filled out weekly questionnaires on their dietary intake, somatic and mental symptoms, and physical activity. Results: Overall, the participants lost weight, had alleviated mental and somatic complaints, reduced their total caloric and percentual carbohydrate intake, and ate less processed, party-type, and traditional Dutch food items, but ate more Pescatarian type food items, while keeping their fiber intake unaltered. Baseline and endpoint gut microbiota analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed an overall increase in Gemmiger formicilis and reductions in Peptostreptococcaceae and Ruminococcus bromii over the four-week dietary intervention. While these bacterial alterations were considered to be beneficial for the host, they were not individually correlated with alterations in, or endpoint levels of, somatic and/or mental complaints. Instead, individual increases in Ruminococcus bicirculans (a well-known utilizer of plant cell wall polysaccharides) were strongly correlated with reductions in mental complaints, even though overall R. bicirculans remained unaltered over the course of the four-week self-initiated dierary intervention. Conclusions: Our results suggest that overall altered versus individually correlated microbiota abundances and their relations with host health characteristics over the course of a self-chosen dietary intervention may represent different levels of regulation, which remain to be further untangled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although studies have found that job satisfaction has an impact on workers’ physical and mental health, research has generally not focused on the psychological well-being of adult workers and a gender differential analysis has not been conducted. The aim of the current research is to determine the importance of job satisfaction for mental symptoms and well-being among adult working women and men. We also examine gender differences in job satisfaction. A non-probability sample of 1977 Spanish workers (51.6% men and 48.4% women) aged between 36 and 65 years was used in this cross-sectional study. Six questionnaires and self-report scales were used to assess the participants. For both men and women, higher job satisfaction was associated with lower depressive, somatic, anxiety, and social dysfunction symptoms; higher life satisfaction; and greater psychological well-being. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that after controlling for the effects of self-esteem and social support, higher job satisfaction predicted greater life satisfaction, fewer mental symptoms, and greater psychological well-being, although the effect of job satisfaction on psychological well-being was somewhat stronger for men than for women. We conclude that job satisfaction is important for the mental health, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction of adult working women and men.

Objectives: Menopause, a biological milestone, marks a pivotal phase in women's lives characterized by ovarian function cessation and age-related changes. Our objective was to investigate menopausal symptoms and knowledge among women aged 40-60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted between June 1 and September 30, 2005, in the Nilufer Public Health Education and Research Area (NPHERA) region, aimed to assess menopausal symptoms and their correlates among 1013 women aged 40-60. The individuals included in the study were selected through a systematic sampling method, stratified by neighborhood weights and age groups based on the NPHERA 2004 Work Report and regional data, as well as information from the Health Centers Information System (HCIS), where the Electronic Health Records (EHR) are registered. Results: The mean age of natural menopause was found to be 46.7 ± 4.8 years, showcasing sociodemographic factors' influence. Postmenopausal women experienced higher rates of symptoms, with physical and mental exhaustion (82.8%), irritability (78.4%), and depressive mood (76.4%) prevailing. Logistic regression revealed that employment status significantly influenced menopausal status. Moreover, the age at menopause correlated positively with the age of the woman's mother. Conclusion: This study contributes insights into menopausal experiences in developing countries, emphasizing the need for tailored healthcare approaches. Longitudinal investigations are warranted to comprehensively understand these associations and enhance women's quality of life during menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although time use is one of people's most important resources, there are social forces and inequalities that shape how time is used. The aim of this research is to examine gender differences in time use from adolescence to old age and to analyze the association of such use with sociodemographic characteristics and with women's and men's health and well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 5700 women (54.2%) and men (45.8%) from the Spanish general population, aged 14 to 85 years. Participants were assessed using five self-reported measures of time use, health, mental symptoms, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, social support, and masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits. The results showed that although there were important differences in life cycle stage and occupation, women spent more time than men on housework, childcare, and caring for sick relatives, while men spent more time than women on enjoying activities and exercise. More time spent on housework was associated with worse health and well-being for women and more exercise with better health and well-being for both genders. It is concluded that gender is relevant to time use and the impact of different uses of time on health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating violence constitutes a serious social and health problem. This study aims to increase knowledge on dating violence in emerging adulthood by analysing the relevance of gender and of having or not having a current partner in the victimization and perpetration of such violence. It also analyses the association between dating violence and mental health, as well as the relevance of traditional gender role attitudes and the internalization of feminine/expressive and masculine/instrumental traits in the victimization and perpetration of such types of violence. The participants were 930 Spanish emerging adults who were assessed by six self-report questionnaires and scales. Men reported more psychological and physical violence victimization and physical violence perpetration than women, and women and men without a current partner reported more psychological and sexual violence than women and men with a current partner. Dating violence victimization was associated with more mental symptomatology, less life satisfaction, and lower self-esteem in men with a current partner and in women without a current partner. The main predictor of dating violence victimization was dating violence perpetration, and the main predictor of dating violence perpetration was victimization by such violence. More traditional gender role attitudes also predicted greater victimization and perpetration of dating violence, except among women without a current partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional view is that mental symptoms and problematic Internet use are positively related. Still, other researchers have questioned this view, and they believe that mental symptoms are negatively associated with problematic Internet use. Since then, this controversy has continued yet. The current study attempts to use meta-analysis to explore the relationship between mental symptoms and problematic Internet use in mainland Chinese students to provide a reliable basis for resolving this dispute. Sixty-three articles were included in this study, including 66 sample sizes and 47,968 subjects. It found that mental symptoms are positively correlated with problematic Internet use (r =.288, 95% confidence interval [.255,.320]). The correlation is affected by regions. Compared with coastal areas, problematic Internet users in the non-coastal areas are more likely to be affected by mental symptoms. In addition, gender differences also significantly affect the relationship between mental symptoms and problematic Internet use. The correlation coefficient between mental symptoms and problematic Internet use of girls is significantly higher than that of boys. Moreover, year also significantly affects the relationship between mental symptoms and problematic Internet use—the correlation increases by growing years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although time use is one of people’s most important resources, there are social forces and inequalities that shape how time is used. The aim of this research is to examine gender differences in time use from adolescence to old age and to analyze the association of such use with sociodemographic characteristics and with women’s and men’s health and well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 5700 women (54.2%) and men (45.8%) from the Spanish general population, aged 14 to 85 years. Participants were assessed using five self-reported measures of time use, health, mental symptoms, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, social support, and masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits. The results showed that although there were important differences in life cycle stage and occupation, women spent more time than men on housework, childcare, and caring for sick relatives, while men spent more time than women on enjoying activities and exercise. More time spent on housework was associated with worse health and well-being for women and more exercise with better health and well-being for both genders. It is concluded that gender is relevant to time use and the impact of different uses of time on health and well-being.

Background: Nurses involved in healthcare delivery during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic experience higher levels of burnout, job satisfaction, and mental symptoms than other healthcare professionals did.Objectives: This study examined nurses' burnout level, job satisfaction, and mental symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive, correlational study was conducted on 262 nurses working at a foundation university hospital in Istanbul between July and December 2021. The data were collected by using the Nurse Information Form, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale, and Mental Symptom Checklist. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Spearman correlation, and Bonferroni post hoc test.Results: Nurses’ Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Mental Symptom average scores were 70.36±11.00, 2.80±0.49, and 1.20±0.79, respectively. A statistically significant negative and weak relationship was found between burnout, and job satisfaction average scores (r=-0.380; P

Copyright of Journal of Health Academics / Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Health Academics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Purposes (1) To summarize the mental conditions that may accompany persistent symptoms following acute infection by SARS-CoV-2, often termed Long Covid; (2) to formulate treatment based upon the brain cells that are dominantly affected. Methods (1) Review the reports relating to the mental symptoms occurring in Long Covid. (2) Review the drugs that address the brain cells affected in Long Covid, and suggest pharmacotherapy for those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal. Results Long Covid affects ~ 10% of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, and mental symptoms affect ~ 20% of persons with Long Covid. The brain cell-types that have been demonstrated as dominantly affected in Long Covid are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, endothelial cells/pericytes, and microglia. Lithium and fluoxetine each address all of those four cell-types. Low dosage of each is likely to be well-tolerated and to cause neither clinically important adverse events (AE) nor serious adverse events (SAE). Conclusion For those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal, lithium and fluoxetine should be administered in combination for both depth of benefit and reduction of dosages.

Purpose: Descriptive psychopathology (DP) is the language of psychiatry and is dedicated to the description of mental symptoms. Despite its core importance, a systematic review identified a series of shortcomings in its training. This Delphi study seeks to provide guidance for better didactic and clinical training in DP. Method: The authors used the Delphi method in order to gather, pool, and optimize the knowledgeable opinion of a highly qualified panel of international experts on how to improve DP training. A preliminary phase with open-ended questions was the basis to elaborate a Delphi questionnaire consisting of 14 questions on didactic and clinical training, which was then used in two successive Delphi rounds. Twenty-nine international experts in DP participated throughout the study. Results: A series of hierarchical lists on how to improve DP training were elaborated. Regarding didactic training, the experts valued the contents and educational methods, as well as recommended authors and texts. Regarding clinical training, the experts valued educational methods, desirable characteristics in clinical supervisors, how to improve the supervisors' expertise, useful aspects and facilitating questions for direct supervision, and the suitability of including other evaluators besides the supervisor. In the final survey, 94% of the experts considered that the Delphi method had been effective to obtain and improve their opinions. Conclusions: Insufficient direct supervision in live interviews was considered the most important problem. A series of general measures were proposed to improve DP training: (i) adapting DP training throughout residency, with introductory and advanced levels; (ii) making DP training compulsory in psychiatry curricula; (iii) assessing residents' DP knowledge and clinical use; and (iv) training the trainers/supervisors in both content (DP) and form (how to train/supervise residents). Within didactic training, epistemology of DP and contemporary and classic authors/texts were the highest rated contents, while supervised discussions based on cases, videos, or readings were the highest rated methods. Within clinical training, 8 aspects of DP that could guide the supervisor were highly rated: mental state examination, dialogue, empathy and understanding, attitude/willingness, knowledge-practice bridge, mental symptom formation, implications for decision-making, and the written report of the encounter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory compared to a low-calorie diet on the physical and mental health of patients with knee OA. Methods: In this randomized parallel clinical trial, participants were selected among overweight and obese women aged 40 years or older with mild to moderate OA. Sixty women with a ratio of 1:1 were randomly assigned to receive either low-calorie or anti-inflammatory accompanied by a low-calorie diet for two months. The dietary intake and weight of participants were measured. Study variables were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC), visual analog pain scale (VAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-I), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) to indicate the quality of life (QoL). Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in demographic and baseline variables except for the emotional well-being subscale of QoL. There was significant difference in anti-inflammatory compared to low-calorie diet in terms of weight (MD (95% CI): − 4.02 kg (− 6.77 to − 1.28); p = 0.005), VAS (MD (95% CI): − 0.97 (− 1.53 to − 0.41); p = 0.001), WOMAC-total score (MD (95% CI): − 9.91 (− 15.05 to − 4.78); p < 0.001), WOMAC-pain subscale (MD (95% CI): − 3.30 (− 5.30 to − 1.29); p = 0.002), WOMAC-physical function (MD(95% CI): − 5.48 (− 9.41 to − 1.53); p = 0.007), depression (p = 0.003), anxiety (p = 0.011), QoL-physical functioning (0.041), and QoL-pain (0.010) after the intervention. Conclusion: An anti-inflammatory accompanied by a low-calorie diet resulted in greater weight loss and greater improvement in pain intensity, functional status, depression, anxiety, and some dimension of QoL in overweight and obese women with knee OA compared to the low-calorie diet. Trial registration number and date of registration: IRCT201610220030424N2; 2018-04-23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The healthcare workers in pediatric liver transplantation units are exposed to various stresses; however, their burnout has not been clarified yet. This study aimed to determine burnout, psychological symptoms and empathy levels in healthcare workers, to examine the relationship between these variables and to investigate the predictors of burnout. Method: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on healthcare workers in Turgut Özal Medical Center Pediatric Liver Transplant Institute. The participants filled out a questionnaire that investigating demographic and occupational characteristics, and including questions from Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Brief Symptom Inventory. Results: Fifty healthcare workers participated in the study. Based on moderate and higher severity scores, 48% of the participants were emotionally exhausted, 22% of them were depersonalized. All of them had a high perception of personal accomplishment. There was a correlation between psychological symptoms level and emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment as well as empathy and personal accomplishment. Not choosing the profession and the department willingly, age, education level, marital status, duration of profession, unit, not receiving in‐service training, empathy, depressive symptoms and hostility scores predicted different aspects of burnout. Conclusion: Considering that burnout and psychological stress lead to reduced professional abilities and the development of serious complications, the results obtained can guide managers on the measures to be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating violence constitutes a serious social and health problem. This study aims to increase knowledge on dating violence in emerging adulthood by analysing the relevance of gender and of having or not having a current partner in the victimization and perpetration of such violence. It also analyses the association between dating violence and mental health, as well as the relevance of traditional gender role attitudes and the internalization of feminine/expressive and masculine/instrumental traits in the victimization and perpetration of such types of violence. The participants were 930 Spanish emerging adults who were assessed by six self-report questionnaires and scales. Men reported more psychological and physical violence victimization and physical violence perpetration than women, and women and men without a current partner reported more psychological and sexual violence than women and men with a current partner. Dating violence victimization was associated with more mental symptomatology, less life satisfaction, and lower self-esteem in men with a current partner and in women without a current partner. The main predictor of dating violence victimization was dating violence perpetration, and the main predictor of dating violence perpetration was victimization by such violence. More traditional gender role attitudes also predicted greater victimization and perpetration of dating violence, except among women without a current partner.

Abstract Background The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) are tools designed for personality dispositions for mental health symptoms. The present study was conducted to compare these models in terms of their relative sensitivity to the symptoms of personality disorders (PDs) and non-personality disorders (NPDs). Methods Subjects in this cross-sectional study were 1232 (805 female; 63.5%) community samples in western Iran. Data were collected using the PID-5, the TEMPS-A, the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ-4). Correlations and Regression models were used to examine associations between traits and symptoms. Results Maladaptive traits assessed by the PID-5 were more strongly associated with PD symptoms, whereas affective temperaments measured by the TEMPS-A were more strongly associated with NPD symptoms. Conclusion The present findings highlighted the practical utility of both the PID-5 and TEMPS-A indicating risk for psychopathology, but also suggest a distinction between PDs and NPDs in terms of underlying personality dispositions.

Background: Diagnosing and identifying the psychological origin of pseudocardiac symptoms and comorbid conditions such as poor sleep quality is very difficult due to its extensive and complex nature. The present study was conducted to determine the contribution of symptoms of personality disorders (PDs) and clinical disorders (CDs; i.e., psychological symptoms measured using the Symptom Checklist-90) to the manifestation of pseudocardiac symptoms and poor sleep quality. Methods: Subjects in this cross-sectional study were 953 (64.3% female; 28.8 ± 6.2 years) community samples in the west of Iran who were selected by convenience sampling. After applying the inclusion criteria, data were collected using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ-4), and the Scale for Pseudo-Cardiac Symptoms and Poor Sleep Quality (SPSQ). Pearson correlations, factor analytical techniques, and hierarchical regression models were used to examine associations between symptoms of PDs/CDs and outcome factors. Results: Factor analytical techniques confirmed both the integrated structure of symptoms of PDs and CDs. Both pseudo-cardiac symptoms and poor sleep quality were more strongly associated with symptoms of CDs than PDs. The results of the hierarchical analysis show that the CDs factor alone could explain the total variance of both pseudo-cardiac symptoms (change in R2 = 0.215 vs. 0.009; p < 0.001) and poor sleep quality (change in R2 = 0.221 vs. 0.001; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The different capabilities of two unique factors for the symptoms of PDs and CDs were confirmed by factor analytical methods and regression analysis techniques. Although each of the symptoms of PDs and CDs independently contributes to the manifestation of pseudo-cardiac symptoms and poor sleep quality, the CDs factor is the psychopathological core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between mental symptoms and incident functional disability among middle-age and older adults in South Africa.Methods: Longitudinal data from two consecutive population surveys (2014/2015-2018/2019) in Agincourt, South Africa, were analysed.Results: In total, 298 of 3813 participants without functional disability in wave 1 (8.8%) had functional disability in wave 2. The prevalence of baseline functional disability was 9.1%. In the fully adjusted models for people without functional disability at baseline, depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.08-2.80) among men and lower life satisfaction among men (AOR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.80-0.93) and among women (AOR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98) increased the odds of incident functional disability. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, poor sleep quality, restless sleep, and loneliness were not significantly associated with incident functional disability.Conclusions: Depressive symptoms among men and lower life satisfaction among both sexes were independently associated with incident functional disability in ageing rural South Africans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundDiagnosing and identifying the psychological origin of pseudo-cardiac symptoms and comorbid conditions such as poor sleep quality is very difficult due to its extensive and complex nature. The present study was conducted to determine the contribution of symptoms of personality disorders (PDs) and clinical disorders (CDs; i.e., psychological symptoms measured using the Symptom Checklist-90) to the manifestation of pseudo-cardiac symptoms and poor sleep quality.MethodsSubjects in this cross-sectional study were 953 (64.3% female; 28.8 ± 6.2 years) community samples in the west of Iran who were selected by convenience sampling. After applying the inclusion criteria, data were collected using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ-4), and the Scale for Pseudo-Cardiac Symptoms and Poor Sleep Quality (SPSQ). Pearson correlations, factor analytical techniques, and hierarchical regression models were used to examine associations between symptoms of PDs/CDs and outcome factors.ResultsFactor analytical techniques confirmed both the integrated structure of symptoms of PDs and CDs. Both pseudo-cardiac symptoms and poor sleep quality were more strongly associated with symptoms of CDs than PDs. The results of the hierarchical analysis show that the CDs factor alone could explain the total variance of both pseudo-cardiac symptoms (change in R2 = 0.215 vs. 0.009; p

The risk for development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be predicted by somatic or mental symptoms and dietary alterations aimed at improvement of those symptoms could potentially delay development of NCDs. The goal of this study was to identify whether self-initiated dietary changes could reduce mental and somatic symptoms in relatively healthy individuals. Participants (n = 494) recruited from the Dutch population filled out weekly questionnaires on dietary intake, somatic and mental symptoms and physical activity at baseline and during dieting for four weeks. There was a significant reduction in mental and somatic symptoms, body weight, and waist circumference at four weeks, whereas physical activity remained unchanged. Five dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis labelled “Processed foods”, “Animal source foods”, “Wheel of Five”, “Traditional Dutch”, and “Party”. Reduction in mental symptoms was correlated to increased physical activity and increased intake of Wheel of Five foods. Reduction in somatic symptoms was correlated to body weight loss and less Processed foods, more Wheel of Five foods, and lower intake of fat and protein. Higher intake of protein and fat and lower intake of carbohydrates, however, were correlated to body weight loss. In conclusion this research showed that a self-initiated dietary change can lead to a significant reduction of mental and somatic symptoms.

Background: The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) are tools designed for personality dispositions for mental health symptoms. The present study was conducted to compare these models in terms of their relative sensitivity to the symptoms of personality disorders (PDs) and non-personality disorders (NPDs). Methods: Subjects in this cross-sectional study were 1232 (805 female; 63.5%) community samples in western Iran. Data were collected using the PID-5, the TEMPS-A, the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ-4). Correlations and Regression models were used to examine associations between traits and symptoms. Results: Maladaptive traits assessed by the PID-5 were more strongly associated with PD symptoms, whereas affective temperaments measured by the TEMPS-A were more strongly associated with NPD symptoms. Conclusion: The present findings highlighted the practical utility of both the PID-5 and TEMPS-A indicating risk for psychopathology, but also suggest a distinction between PDs and NPDs in terms of underlying personality dispositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered routines throughout the world, creating closures and social isolation. Preliminary studies conducted during the pandemic have shown that children and adolescents are mainly affected by social distancing and the lack of a supportive framework. The purpose of the present study was to compare mental health symptoms of 430 children and adolescents who sought mental health services in the community before vs. during the pandemic. The study examined children's perceived burden of the pandemic, reports of emotional and behavioral problems (SDQ) anxiety (SCARED), depressed moods (SMFQ-C), and difficulty in emotional regulation (DERS), as well as intervening variables such as age and gender. Furthermore, the effect of difficulty in emotional regulation on children's mental health symptoms was explored. Findings indicate an increase in all mental health symptoms excluding anxiety, during the pandemic. Boys reportedmore difficulty in emotional regulation during the pandemic than before, and girls reported more emotional and behavioral problems. Children reported an increase in emotional and behavioral problems and adolescents in peer relationship problems. Difficulty in emotional regulation predicted all mental health symptoms in both samples, more so in girls and adolescents. These initial findings support the need for further studies to examine the long-term mental health effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Mental symptoms are the first manifestations of hyperthyroidism. They include anxiety, dysphoria, irritability, emotional lability, sleep disorders, intellectual dysfunction, mania or depression. Anxiety is the main symptom and requires more detailed study. Objectives The objective was to determine symptomatology of anxiety in patients with hyperthyroidism and compare with euthyroid patients. Methods The study included 56 patients with hyperthyroidism (high free T3 and free T4, suppressed TSH) and 32 euthyroid patients (normal free T3, free T4 and TSH) of the control group. For psychiatric assessment State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI], Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D], and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAM-A] were used. Results Total scores obtained from STAI, HAM-D and HAM-A were significantly greater in the hyperthyroidism group than that of the euthyroid group (p

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de Caracas is the property of Academia Nacional de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, mindful attention awareness (MAA) and cognitive flexibility (CF) were considered as structures that protect the mental health of teacher trainees. The main purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between mindful attention awareness, cognitive flexibility levels, and mental symptoms of teacher trainees. The sample is consisted of 396 teacher trainees from Turkey. Data were collected by Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory. The model was predictive associational survey model. Data analyses were made by Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression techniques. Significant negative correlations were found between mental symptoms and both mindful attention awareness and cognitive flexibility, especially its control sub-dimension. As a result of regression analysis mindful attention awareness and cognitive flexibility control sub-dimensions together explain 31% of mental symptoms. MAA co-operates with CF as mental health protective structures, and the growth of mindful attention awareness creates positive effects on cognitive flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of daily use of Gerovital H3 (G.H.3.) tablets on relieving mental symptoms and improving health-related quality of life among Chinese older adults population.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, totally 100 eligible participants were randomly allocated into the G.H.3. group or the placebo group, administered either G.H.3. or placebo tablets and were followed up for three months. All of the participants were required to report their subjective feelings about quality of life, low mood, and anxiety by filling out Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and a 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36 scale). Physicians were responsible for evaluating the related mental health indications through physical examinations at the baseline and at the end of the intervention period.ResultsParticipants were men and women between 50 and 89 years of age, with a median of 62.53 years. Before the intervention, the demographic characteristics and the baseline SF-36 scores, low mood, and anxiety statuses were comparable (p > 0.05). After the 12-week intervention, the scores of role-physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), mental health (MH) and health transition (HT), mental composite score (MCS) of the G.H.3. group were higher than the placebo group (p < 0.05), There were no significant differences in other domains in SF-36 and PCS between the two groups(p > 0.05), the scores of SDS and SAS in the G.H.3. group were both lower than the placebo group(p < 0.01), the prevalence rates of low moods in the G.H.3. group and the placebo group were 20.8 % and 34.0 % respectively, no significant difference was found (χ (2) =2.127,p = 0.145), while the prevalence rate of clinical anxiety concerns in the G.H.3. group was 2.1 %, which was significantly lower than the placebo group, 22.0 % (χ (2) =9.040,p < 0.001).ConclusionsPreliminarily use of G.H.3. shows positive effects in supporting mental health and improving general health and well-being while promoting the recovery of cognitive function among older adults. Most of SF-36 domains including PF, RP, BP, GH, VT, RE, MH, and HT, as well as the overall quality of life in MCS might benefit from taking G.H.3. tablets. Average levels of low moods and anxiety concerns were both reduced and the prevalence rate of clinical anxiety concerns were reduced.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of daily use of Gerovital H3 (G.H.3.) tablets on relieving mental symptoms and improving health-related quality of life among Chinese older adults population.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, totally 100 eligible participants were randomly allocated into the G.H.3. group or the placebo group, administered either G.H.3. or placebo tablets and were followed up for three months. All of the participants were required to report their subjective feelings about quality of life, low mood, and anxiety by filling out Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and a 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36 scale). Physicians were responsible for evaluating the related mental health indications through physical examinations at the baseline and at the end of the intervention period.ResultsParticipants were men and women between 50 and 89 years of age, with a median of 62.53 years. Before the intervention, the demographic characteristics and the baseline SF-36 scores, low mood, and anxiety statuses were comparable (p > 0.05). After the 12-week intervention, the scores of role-physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), mental health (MH) and health transition (HT), mental composite score (MCS) of the G.H.3. group were higher than the placebo group (p < 0.05), There were no significant differences in other domains in SF-36 and PCS between the two groups(p > 0.05), the scores of SDS and SAS in the G.H.3. group were both lower than the placebo group(p < 0.01), the prevalence rates of low moods in the G.H.3. group and the placebo group were 20.8 % and 34.0 % respectively, no significant difference was found (χ (2) =2.127,p = 0.145), while the prevalence rate of clinical anxiety concerns in the G.H.3. group was 2.1 %, which was significantly lower than the placebo group, 22.0 % (χ (2) =9.040,p < 0.001).ConclusionsPreliminarily use of G.H.3. shows positive effects in supporting mental health and improving general health and well-being while promoting the recovery of cognitive function among older adults. Most of SF-36 domains including PF, RP, BP, GH, VT, RE, MH, and HT, as well as the overall quality of life in MCS might benefit from taking G.H.3. tablets. Average levels of low moods and anxiety concerns were both reduced and the prevalence rate of clinical anxiety concerns were reduced.

This study focussed on harmful exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic and conventional farming using interview data of Finnish farmers over the winter of 2014–2015. The data consisted of 2,169 full-time farmers, out of whom 231 (11%) practiced organic farming and 1,938 (89%) conventional farming. Exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould ('smell of root cellar') were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms were slightly more common among organic farmers, but the associations were not statistically significant in regression modelling. Risk factors for mental symptoms included animal production, hired labour, female gender, constant hurry, working alone, economic uncertainty, and inadequate recovery from workdays. Risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms included older age, female gender, constant hurry, economic uncertainty, difficult working postures, heavy lifting and carrying, and inadequate recovery. Workload and recovery, managing the transition period and better follow-up of the occupational well-being were identified as concerns among organic farmers. Practitioner summary: Converting from conventional to organic farming has become increasingly common. Farmer interviews indicated that exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were similar in both types of farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GNAL mutations (DYT25) have lately been identified as the firstly proven cause of focal adult-onset dystonia. We report here a new mutation in the GNAL gene in two siblings with dystonia. The new mutation is called NM 001,142,339:c.97C > T. Our research emphasizes the possible effects of new mutation on disease risk and the significance of genetic tests for GNAL mutations in confirming the molecular diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Descriptive psychopathology (DP, sometimes called psychopathology or phenomenology) is the language of psychiatry and is dedicated to the description of mental symptoms. Due to its importance, there is an ongoing case to put it back at the heart of psychiatry and its training. This study seeks to examine the literature on how to train psychiatry residents in DP, including reported educational interventions and educational methods. Method: The authors conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA and BEME guidelines to identify literature on how to train psychiatry residents in DP. In May 2019, they searched in Embase, ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science; of 7,199 initial results, 26 sources were finally included for analysis. The assessment tools were the CRAAP test, Kirkpatrick's 4 levels, and (when applicable) the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results: The mean CRAAP score was 38.885 of a possible 50 (SD 0.983; range: 36.859–40.910). Fourteen sources (53.8%) had some kind of training evaluation: Kirkpatrick's level 1 was present in nearly all (13) and was the highest in half of them (7). Regarding the educational interventions, the mean MERSQI score was 10.592 of a possible 18 (SD 2.371; range 9.085–12.098). Lectures were the most widely reported educational method (5); among those in clinical settings, the live supervised interview with feedback was the most usual (4). Conclusions: Despite its core importance as the language of psychiatry, the literature about training psychiatry residents in DP is scarce and heterogeneous. General lack of training evaluation and ongoing overemphasis on Kirkpatrick's levels 1–2 at the expense of levels 3–4 are causes for concern. During the review process, the authors identified a selection of educational interventions that could serve as the basis for the design of new training efforts in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Topics for future research are also suggested, such as the role of DP in competency-based training frameworks now in vogue and a series of neglected contents. Finally, the combined use of the CRAAP test and the MERSQI may be useful for future systematic reviews in medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco use may deteriorate mental health and increase health risk behaviours. Aim: The aim of this investigation was to identify associations between tobacco use and mental illness symptoms and health risk behaviours in individuals 15 years or older in South Africa. Setting: Community-based national population sample in South Africa. Methods: Cross-sectional data were analysed from the ‘South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) 2012’, using a sample of 15 310 individuals 15 years or older (median age 33 years). Measures included information on tobacco use, sociodemographic factors, mental symptoms and health risk behaviour. Results: Compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users were associated with psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adjusted logistic regression analysis, and with sleeping problems in unadjusted analysis. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were highly associated with a drinking problem. In terms of dietary variables, less than daily and daily tobacco use increased the odds of inadequate fruit intake and salty food intake, and daily tobacco use decreased the odds of fast food consumption. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were inversely associated with physical inactivity, and daily tobacco use was associated with not always washing hands before eating. Conclusions: The study showed that compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users had significantly poorer mental health (psychological distress and PTSD) and increased odds for several health risk behaviours (drinking problem, inadequate fruit intake, salty food consumption and not always washing hands before eating) as compared to non-tobacco users.

The purpose of this study is to explore relationships between the practice of exercise, gender, and health, from adolescence to old age, testing the magnitude of gender differences throughout the life cycle in the practice of exercise of Spanish people. A cross‐sectional study with 4,575 women and 4,334 men, aged 13–85 years, was conducted. The participants were assessed on the weekly hours they dedicated to the practice of exercise, masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits, mental health symptomatology, and self‐rated health). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in the age groups of adolescence, late adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and older age. Results showed that men dedicated significantly more hours to the practice of exercise than women within all age groups, except in older age (men´s average = 4.07; women´s average = 2.55). The masculine/instrumental trait played a mediating role between gender and practice of exercise hours. Furthermore, a decline in the amount of time dedicated to exercise from adolescence to older age was found, with higher drops in men. Finally, the practice of exercise was associated with better self‐rated health and less mental symptoms. These results underline the important role that gender and masculine‐instrumental trait play on the practice of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relation of smoking to residual mental symptoms and lack of pleasure in male patients with stable schizophrenia. Methods: Totally 160 male patients with stable schizophrenia in a hospital were divided into to the smoking group and non-smoking group. The were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS), Chinese-Version of the Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale(RPAS-C), Chinese-Version of the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale(RSAS-C),Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence(FTND) and the selfmade clinical characteristics information table.T-test was used to compare the differences of mental symptoms and pleasure loss between the two groups, and correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to explore the relation of smoking to residual mental symptoms and pleasure loss in patients.Results: The total PANSS scores, RPASC scores and RSAS-C scores were higher [(74±8) vs.(70±5), (21±5) vs.(11±3),(13±4) vs.(7±3)] and the negative symptom scores were lower [(19±3) vs.(21±3)] in the smoking group than in the non-smoking group. Negative symptom scores were negatively correlated with FTND scores(r=-0.25,OR=0.84). The scores of RPAS-C and RSAS-C were positively correlated with FTND scores(r=0.52,0.48,OR=1.19).Conclusion: It suggests that smoking may affect the degree of residual mental symptoms and lack of pleasure in male patients with stable schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized trial evaluates whether automated telephony could be used to perform daily assessments in paroled offenders (N = 108) during their first 30 days after leaving prison. All subjects were called daily and answered assessment questions. Based on the content of their daily assessments, subjects in the intervention group received immediate feedback and a recommendation by automated telephony, and their probation officers also received a daily report by email. The outcome variables were analyzed using linear mixed models. The intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group in the summary scores (M = 9.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.5, 18.7], p = .038), in mental symptoms (M = 4.6, CI = [0.2, 9.0], p = .042), in alcohol drinking (M = 0.8, CI = [0.1, 1.4], p = .031), in drug use (M = 1.0, CI = [0.5, 1.6], p = .000), and in most stressful daily event (M = 1.9, CI = [1.1, 2.7], p = .000). In conclusion, automated telephony may be used to follow up and to give interventions, resulting in reduced stress and drug use, in paroled offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco use may deteriorate mental health and increase health risk behaviours. Aim: The aim of this investigation was to identify associations between tobacco use and mental illness symptoms and health risk behaviours in individuals 15 years or older in South Africa. Setting: Community-based national population sample in South Africa. Methods: Cross-sectional data were analysed from the 'South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) 2012', using a sample of 15 310 individuals 15 years or older (median age 33 years). Measures included information on tobacco use, sociodemographic factors, mental symptoms and health risk behaviour. Results: Compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users were associated with psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adjusted logistic regression analysis, and with sleeping problems in unadjusted analysis. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were highly associated with a drinking problem. In terms of dietary variables, less than daily and daily tobacco use increased the odds of inadequate fruit intake and salty food intake, and daily tobacco use decreased the odds of fast food consumption. Past tobacco use, less than daily, and daily tobacco use were inversely associated with physical inactivity, and daily tobacco use was associated with not always washing hands before eating. Conclusions: The study showed that compared to non-tobacco users, daily tobacco users had significantly poorer mental health (psychological distress and PTSD) and increased odds for several health risk behaviours (drinking problem, inadequate fruit intake, salty food consumption and not always washing hands before eating) as compared to non-tobacco users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Mental symptoms are prevalent among populations, but their associations with premature mortality are inadequately understood. We examined whether mental symptoms contribute to cause-specific mortality among midlife employees, while considering key covariates. Methods Baseline mail survey data from 2000–02 included employees, aged 40–60, of the City of Helsinki, Finland (n = 8960, 80 % women, response rate 67 %). Mental symptoms were measured by the General Health Questionnaire 12-item version (GHQ-12) and the Short Form 36 mental component summary (MCS). Covariates included sex, marital status, social support, health behaviours, occupational social class and limiting long-standing illness. Causes of death by the end of 2013 were obtained from Statistics Finland (n = 242) and linked individually to survey data pending consent (n = 6605). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were calculated using Cox regression analysis. Results For all-cause mortality, only MCS showed a weak association before adjustments. For natural mortality, no associations were found. For unnatural mortality (n = 21), there was a sex adjusted association with GHQ (HR = 1.96, 95 % CI = 1.45–2.64) and MCS (2.30, 95 % CI = 1.72–3.08). Among unnatural causes of death suicidal mortality (n = 11) was associated with both GHQ (2.20, 95 % CI = 1.47–3.29) and MCS (2.68, 95 % CI = 1.80–3.99). Of the covariates limiting long-standing illness modestly attenuated the associations. Conclusions Two established measures of mental symptoms, i.e. GHQ-12 and SF-36 MCS, were both associated with subsequent unnatural, i.e. accidental and violent, as well as suicidal mortality. No associations were found for natural mortality due to diseases. These findings need to be corroborated in further populations. Supporting mental health through workplace measures may help counteract subsequent suicidal and other unnatural mortality among midlife employees.

Abstract: As rapidly developing research disciplines and enterprises, the translational sciences have made significant impact on research direction in medicine. Psychiatry has likewise been affected, and in this regard, the translational neurosciences have been the major drivers. This paper explores the conceptual underpinnings of this enterprise in relation to psychiatry. It shows that translation is used in a metaphorical sense in this context but that this can be misleading because of the resultant connotation that there is equivalence between neurobiological states and mental states. Furthermore, this equivalence is reinforced by the unidirectional flow or bottom up approach of the translational process. Given that the epistemological basis to psychiatry is fundamentally different to that underlying medicine, questions are raised concerning the application of the translational neurosciences approach to mental symptoms and mental disorders. The hybrid structure of mental symptoms and mental disorders demands that attention is paid to the “semantic” as well as the neurobiological constituents. Neglect of the former would carry implications for the validity of research findings as well as have ethical consequences for treating patients. Translational neurosciences may have greater validity in those mental disorders and mental symptoms whose constitution and sense are carried by the neurobiological elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]