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Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-25-5885
Background Depression, increasingly recognized as a critical factor impacting mental health, notably affects various populations, including teachers. This study aimed to delineate the specific characteristics of depressive symptom networks among Chinese teachers, identify the core symptoms of depression within this demographic, and examine the variations in depressive symptom networks across different genders and teaching stages. Method The study encompassed 1,670 teachers. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Central symptoms were identified through centrality indices. Network stability was examined via a case-dropping procedure. Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) was used to identify the activating symptoms. Results “Personal devaluation” exhibited the highest and most stable centrality values in the network. “Depressed Affect” and “Emptiness of Life” were identified as the activating symptoms in the network. No significant differences were observed in the network structure and global strength of depression between teachers of different genders. However, significant differences in the network’s global strength were found between junior and senior high school teachers. Conclusion “Personal devaluation” emerged as the core depressive symptoms among teachers in China. “Depressed Affect” and “Emptiness of Life” serve as the gateways that activate the entire teacher depression network. Paying close attention to these symptoms could potentially alleviate the experiences of depression in this demographic.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-25-5852
South Asian female college students in the United States face mental health challenges shaped by intersecting experiences of discrimination and violence. This study examined how discrimination and violence contribute to depression in this population. An anonymous, cross-sectional, web-based survey (N=673) was distributed nationally through South Asian organizations, listservs, and social media. Validated measures assessed day-to-day discrimination, college-based discrimination, experiences of violence during college, and depression (PHQ-9). Bivariate analyses and multivariate linear regression examined associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Over half of participants (51.1%) reported college-based discrimination, 66.1% reported experiencing violence during college, and 25.7% met the criteria for depression. In adjusted models, day-to-day discrimination (β=0.261, p<0.001) and college violence (β=0.207, p<0.001) were significant predictors of depression. Bisexual and questioning/unsure students also reported higher depression scores than heterosexual peers. Discrimination and violence are key social determinants of mental health among this population. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive mental health services, intersectional campus policies, and evidence-based interventions to promote health equity among minority women in higher education.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5745
Background Healthcare worker stress, anxiety, burnout, and trauma have been widely documented across global healthcare systems. Staff in maternal and neonatal units frequently encounter emotionally distressing events and work under high pressure with limited resources. In Zambia, despite some gains in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, fatality rates remain above national targets, exposing staff to repeated occupational trauma. Objective(s) This study aimed to assess the psychological well-being of staff in maternal and neonatal intensive care units, identify specific needs and stressors, and develop practical recommendations to improve resilience and support staff mental health. Methods A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted at Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH) and Arthur Davison Children's Hospital (ADCH), two major tertiary hospitals in Zambia. Data were collected over four days in February 2025. The study included 87 (out of 161) healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, and doctors. The Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) and the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5) were used to collect quantitative data, which were analysed using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Open-ended survey questions provided qualitative data, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was granted by the hospital ethics committee. Results High rates of clinical symptoms were observed. The overall prevalence of symptoms in the past 30 days was: anxiety (62%), depression (68%), burnout (50%), and secondary traumatic stress (46%). Junior doctors demonstrated the highest rates of depression (83%) and burnout (67%). The obstetrics and gynaecology and labour wards had the highest rates of secondary traumatic stress symptoms. Key qualitative themes identified were professional stressors, team and leadership issues, and the emotional burden of the work. Conclusion This study highlights an urgent need for both psychological and organizational support for maternal and neonatal healthcare staff in Zambia. The findings indicate that burnout and secondary traumatic stress are highly prevalent, particularly among junior doctors and those in high-risk wards. Targeted interventions at both systemic and individual levels are necessary to protect the well-being of healthcare workers and improve patient outcomes.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-6655.jcap-24-4898
The structuring of one’s own identity is a fundamental and demanding evolutionary task of adolescence. The positive resolution of this task, that is the acquisition of a healthy and integrated identity, is closely linked to adolescents’ ability to develop one’s own Life Story, namely an internalized and evolving self-story. The structuring of one’s own identity, which is the foundation of positive development, requires adolescents to develop a good level of mental functioning and access to autobiographical memory. This work aims to deepen the importance of mental functions and autobiographical memory in the development of adolescents’ identity and life story and, accordingly, in preventing identity diffusion, aggressiveness and depression among adolescents. Specifically, given their relevance in relation to this, it has been decided to examine the mental functions of 1) Differentiation and Integration, 2) Mentalization and Reflexive function and 3) Meaning and directionality and the Self defining memories, a particular class of autobiographical memories.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-23-4730
Background Osteoarthritis and depression are both key barriers to healthy aging and greatly heighten the risk for many negative health issues that seriously impact life quality. When combined what are the implications? Aim This mini review examines 2023 data pertaining to osteoarthritis and depression and older adults and a possible theoretical framework of stress that may direct our approaches in the future. Methods and Procedures Articles published between January 1 and August 15 2023 that addressed the current topic of interest and that were extracted from PUBMED, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were carefully read and their key points arepresented in narrative form. Results As in the past, very few tangible theory-based prospective analyses that employ valid measures of depression and examine any association of any form of osteoarthritis longitudinally and in a consistent manner prevail. Several reports use the same or similar large cohort to draw upon, and find various degrees of clinical implications, but this may not embrace the need for more inclusivity, sampling strategies, control and diversity issues, as well as embracing the role of cognitions positive and negative. Conclusion Without efforts to develop sound research designs of diverse and carefully differentiated osteoarthritis substantive samples it is impossible to delineate the origin or implications of the osteoarthritis-depression linkage reported currently or arrive at a deep understanding of its relevance, to life quality and public health costs. What is needed to protect against or minimize either or both these clinically related disabling correlates in the aged population warrants timely study.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4229
Background Osteoarthritis, a serious joint disease, said to represent a generally declining state of wellbeing and function among many older adults has been shown to be affected to a considerable degree by various negative beliefs and inactions rather than degradation alone. Aim This review examines the case of depression as this pertains to the older adult with osteoarthritis of one or more joints. Specifically, the most up to date information on this topic was sought, as care improvements over the past decade have not shown any impactful population wide results. Method Reviewed were relevant 2021-2022 research and review articles specifically pertaining to what is being observed currently by researchers as far as osteoarthritis-depression linkages goes, as these may reveal opportunities for more profound research, and practice-based endeavors. Results In line with 60 years of prior research, it appears a clinically important role for depression in some osteoarthritis cases cannot be ruled out. It further appears that if detected and addressed early on, many older adults suffering from osteoarthritis may yet be enabled to lead a quality life, rather than a distressing and excessively impaired state of being. Those older osteoarthritis cases requiring surgery who suffer from concomitant depressive symptoms are likely to be disadvantaged in the absence of efforts to treat and identify this psychosocial disease correlate. Conclusion Providers and researchers are encouraged to pursue this line of inquiry and begin to map clinical osteoarthritis measures with those that can track cognitive patterns, musculoskeletal, features and inflammatory reactions along with valid depression indicators among carefully selected osteoarthritis sub groups.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-21-3935
Background Anxiety and depression are key barriers to healthy aging and greatly heighten the risk for many negative health issues that seriously impact life quality. Aim This mini review examines the potential of low level laser treatments or photobiomodulation therapy for ameliorating severe anxiety and depression in older adults. Methods and Procedures Articles that adressed the current topic of interest extracted from PUBMED and Google Scholar were carefully and presented in narrative form. Results Photobiomodulation therapy appears to be a safe efficacious modality for ameliorating various degrees of anxiety and depression and for improving cognition, and is supported by several well established mechanisms of action at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Conclusion More research to examine who might benefit most from this form of therapy, and in what respect in this area of growing global concern and few intervention options is strongly warranted.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2579
Objective Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease. We aimed to investigate whether this risk differed between individuals with a naturally occurring and other reasons for menopause within a large population-based Iranian sample. Study Design A total number of 1763 postmenopausal women (defined by amenorrhea for more than a year, or FSH > 30-40 mIU/ml), 900 of them with a natural menopause and 863 of them with other reasons for menopause caused by (hysterectomy without oophorectomy or one side oophorectomy, hysterectomy with oophorectomy or two side oophorectomy without hysterectomy) were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. Biochemical and hematological risk factors were measured in all the subjects and the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20 Results There was a significant difference in the presence of cardiovascular disease in the natural menopause group compared with other reasons for menopause group (p<0.05). There was also a meaningful difference between the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the natural menopause individuals compared with other reasons for menopause group (p<0.05). Discussion High prevalence of CVD, depression and anxiety in other reasons in menopause women were observed among Mashhad urban females. It should be considered as a noticeable message. Furthermore, studies are necessary to determine different parameters between evaluating CVD, depression and anxiety among menopauses women.
Aug 2018
The present study was designed to examine differences among cancer patients who died by medical/natural causes or by suicide. This study aims to identify protective and risk factors for suicide in individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Unlike previous studies that examined suicidality in cancer patients, our study did not find significant differences between patients with a cancer diagnosis at TOD who died by suicide and those who died by natural or medical causes.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-18-2099
Overview: Dementia is a serious brain disease that impacts negatively in several areas of patient’s functioning. Depression has a strong link with dementia and is part of the behavior and psychological symptoms (BPSD). Behavior management for depression is recommended as a first-line psychological treatment for dementia patients. However, there are no systematic reviews examining the efficacy of behavior management for depression in dementia. Objective: To examine the efficacy of behavior management (BM) for depression in dementia patients. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched (1999 to 2015) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were selected according to eligibility criteria. Data was pooled, quality assessment was completed, and a meta-analysis was performed. Results: This review included ten randomized controlled trials. In the four studies where behavior management was a focused intervention, no significant treatment effect was observed (standardized mean difference SMD -0.20; 95 % CI -0.96 to 0.56). In the remaining six studies in which behavior treatment was involved as a component, the analysis showed a trend favored the intervention, but it was not significant (SMD -0.12; 95 % CI -0.25 to 0.01). Conclusion: There is no evidence for behavior management alleviating depression in dementia patients. Future research examining the efficacy of specific behavior management techniques for milder forms of dementia and multimodal interventions are recommended.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-17-1582
Depression in the general population has been associated with inadequate or lack of social support. Evidence from the disability field has been limited. This study investigated the relationship of perceived social support to depression in Persons with Disability (PWDs) using a descriptive survey design. Data was collected from 317 PWDs using the Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software. Findings revealed significant relationship between perceived social support and depression in PWDs and meaningful social support ameliorated severity of depressive symptoms. Though etiology of acquisition of the disability, either by birth or later in life, had less likelihood on being depressed, respondents who acquired their disability later in life had significant depression levels than those who were born disabled. Implications of findings for the treatment of depression in PWDs are discussed.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-17-1564
The objective of this first part of our study was to investigate associations of road traffic noise, socioeconomic and -demographic risk factors, and health access on depression on borough level. We investigated in a large metropolis associations between prevalence rates of depression per borough (n = 67 boroughs) in all age groups (excluding the age group of 0–17 years) using health claims data (year 2011) and the variables “social deprivation” and “number of family members”, which were obtained from a previously conducted principal component analysis, and by using multivariate regression model. Additionally, the proportion of borough area affected by noise > 65 db(A) and physician density used as a surrogate parameter for health access were considered as potentially associated factors for depression. The results demonstrated that depression might be associated with increasing social borough deprivation. Additionally, the number of family members used as a proxy measure for positive family support showed decreasing prevalence rates the more family members were present. Furthermore, proportions of borough areas affected by noise > 65 db(A) was positively associated with depression. Our ecological study design has the advantage that a large number of large-scale, population-based aggregated data could easily be obtained and analysed and first potential associations could be found and discussed. To improve our findings, future studies will use data from a survey and data from the Hamburg City Health Study, a local follow-up health study, to better elucidate the individual risk factors together with environmental living and working conditions.
Mar 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1262
Background. Emotional deterioration is frequently found in patients with chronic kidney disease, but some patients are affected by depressed mood without fulfilling the criteria of a depressive disorder. Those patients might rather suffer from an apathy symptom. Apathy as a symptom of a medical disease is accompanied by loss of motivation and interest, cognitive impairments, and emotional distress. Our study tested how groups of apathetic and depressed chronic kidney disease patients responded to a single haemodialysis session on measures of mood. Methods. 21 haemodialysis patients were assigned to subgroups (depressed, apathetic only, without depression and apathy) according to clinical relevant cut-offs. Sensitive questionnaires were administered to monitor mood state in general and mood changes before and after a single haemodialysis session in the chronic kidney disease patients. The results were compared to 20 age-matched healthy controls receiving no treatment. Results. Fortheen dialysis patients had eighter apathy or depressen and seven had neighter apathy nor depression. Mood state was seriously affected in all haemodialysis patients with depressed patients showing the largest effect compared to healthy controls. Patients with apathy and patients without apathy and depression were comparable in their mood state. We observed a positive mood change after the haemodialysis only in patients without apathy and depression. Their mood state improved significantly and reached nearly the level of healthy controls. Conclusions. The absence of a short-term mood change in apathetic dialysis patients makes them comparable to dialysis patients with depression. We argue that apathetic patients lack the probable mood brightening effect of the haemodialysis. The lack of emotional improvement by dialysis sessions could also lead to decreased adherence of the patients. Hence, apathy seems to be a serious symptom in chronic kidney disease that is worth to be considered at least in the diagnostic process. Accompanying psychotherapeutic care for these patients would be desirable
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-848
Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder following childbirth. Depression occurring at this crucial stage in a child’s life is known to have far reaching and potentially damaging consequences for the mother, the baby and her family. Whilst a number of risk factors have been identified in the literature as contributing to the development of postpartum depression, including a past psychiatric history and lack of social support, some of these are not easily modifiable through psychological interventions. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the contribution of specific psychological factors, including maternal beliefs about motherhood and perfectionism and perceived social support, in the development of postpartum depression. Seventy-three pregnant women consented to take part and returned questionnaires during the third trimester of their pregnancy. Of those women, 61 also completed questionnaires 4-6 weeks following the birth of their baby. Significant associations were identified for postpartum depression and the psychological variables of perfectionistic beliefs and social support, whereas many demographic factors were not significantly implicated in the development of depression. Using a multiple hierarchical regression analysis, the study examined whether maternal beliefs about motherhood and beliefs about perfectionism predicted more of the variance in postpartum depression scores than other demographic variables, including a past history of emotional difficulties. As predicted, beliefs about motherhood and perceptions of poor social support from friends and family were significant predictors of postpartum depression, when the influence of antenatal depression scores were accounted for. A past history of emotional difficulties was also retained in the final model, whereas beliefs about perfectionism were not. These findings have implications for clinical services, highlighting the need for refined assessments of expectant mothers’ beliefs about motherhood and their perceptions of their social support during pregnancy and the need for more refined psychological interventions that address these beliefs.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1260
Relationship between dementia is very complex and individual. There are some pathogenetic processes that may be common to both conditions: neurotransmitter deficits, vascular changes and beta amyloid deposits. Presence of depression in persons with dementia have serious consequences on progression of dementia, quality of life and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Therefore, it is important to treat effectively even minor depressive symptoms.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1111
Recently the results of a large, prospective population study, important for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia were presented 1. The authors emphasize their conclusion already in the title of the paper and state “Stressful life events are not associated with the development of dementia”. They discuss many studies, which lead to an opposing conclusion, namely that there is the causal relationship between stressful, adverse life events and the risk of dementia, however they quote also two other papers leading to a denial of such a relationship.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1175
Objective: To examine the relationships between Australian nursing students’ anxiety, depression, personality and family interaction with psychological well-being and suicidal ideation. Participants: A sample of 201 nursing students completed a series of structured questionnaires in an Australian University. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. After explanation of this study, 201 nursing students voluntarily participated. Six reliable and structured questionnaires were used to do data collection. SPSS was used for data analysis including descriptive data, Pearson Correlation, and Stepwise Multiple Regression. Results: Anxiety and depression were positively associated with suicidal ideation and had negative relationships with psychological well-being. Positive personality and family interaction were positively associated with psychological well-being and negatively with suicidal ideation. Parents’ harsh discipline had a negative relationship with the nursing students’ psychological well-being. Conclusions: Depression, personality, and positive family interaction were significant predictors of Australian nursing students’ psychological well-being. Anxiety, depression, and harsh discipline were significant predictors of suicidal ideation
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-15-817
Objective: To examine whether having metabolic syndrome (MS) among seniors is associated with using anti-depression medication. Methods: A total of 1366 (617 men and 749 women) individuals aged 60+ years from the NHANES 2007/08 survey who had no reported heart disease and/or cancers but had information on prescribed medications in previous month were included in this analysis. All subjects were categorized into three prescribed drug use status, ie, none (group 1); no anti-depressants (group 2); and with anti-depressants (group 3). MS was defined with the criteria of the ATP III. Results: Over 80% of individuals reported taking prescribed medications with 6% of men and 16% of women respectively having used anti-depressants. About 36% of men and 40% of women respectively were considered to have MS. Results from multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that in comparing to group 1, the odds ratios (95% CI) of MS was 2.73 (1.96, 3.82) for group2 and 2.25 (1.07, 4.69) for group 3, respectively. Both group 2 and 3 had a similar metabolic risk profile, in comparing to group 1, they had higher odds of having diabetes and high level of blood pressures. Conclusion: Seniors with medications are more likely to be with MS, diabetes, and high level blood pressures. However, the observed the cardio-metabolic risk association seems similar between seniors using anti-depressant drugs and using other prescribed medications.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-15-719
This clinical study explores associations among basal serum cortisol, depressive symptoms, and medial temporal lobe atrophy in patients with MCI and Alzheimer's disease. It discusses stress‑axis dysregulation as a potential contributor to neurodegeneration and outlines implications for assessment and intervention.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-15-825
The prevalence of young adults endorsing depressive symptomatology is thought to peak during late adolescence. While there has been a wealth of research assessing the relationship between decline of the prefrontal cortex and how this process impacts depression and therapy in older adults, very little is known about the relationship on the younger end of the continuum. The current study sought to explore whether there is also a significant relationship between executive functioning and depression in younger adults. In addition, different types of executive dysfunction were assessed to better understand the possible implications for therapy in younger adults with depressive symptomatology. Data from 1,730 college-aged participants were collected on measures of depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, CES-D) and executive dysfunction (Dysexecutive Questionnaire, DEX). In addition, three factors of the DEX were assessed; Executive cognition (EC), emotional/ behavioral control (EMO), and metacognition (MC). Correlations between CES-D scores and the full DEX survey were statistically significant (R = .45, p < .001) as were correlations between CES-D scores and scores on each individual factor (p< .001). A multiple linear regression was run to demonstrate the predictive value of each individual DEX factor as a function of CES-D scores (p < .001). Results suggested that there was a clear relationship between depressive symptoms and executive dysfunction and that all factors of the DEX appeared to be affected by depressive symptoms in this population. The implications of these results for therapy, particularly the use of problem-solving therapy or complimentary executive functioning training are discussed.
Sep 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-14-499
Medical advances in obstetrics and hematology have encouraged researchers to investigate the reproductive risk in women with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) attempting motherhood. However, few hematological studies have been completed focused specifically on the reproductive mental health of Black women with SCD. Historically women with SCD have been guided away from childbirth under the premise that they were not emotionally or physically capable of managing children. One question that remains unclear, from the limited research available in this area, is whether the presence of children serves to influence mood and pain in Black women with SCD. The current study examined the effects of the presence of children on self-reported pain and depressive symptoms and the relationship between pain and psychological functioning in African American women with SCD. Self-reported rates of depression, pain intensity, and pain severity were evaluated in 70 African American females with SCD. Results of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) did not find differences in reported mood or pain between women with and without children. The current study serves as an initial observation upon which replication of the current findings and future prospective studies can be conducted. The study may ultimately mature into an area of research that guides reproductive decision-making for women with SCD and their doctors.
Sep 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-13-218
The increased association between depression and diabetes mellitus is generally acknowledged. Recent studies suggest that depression leads to diabetes.However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for this association remain unclear.Literature and our data indicate that inflammatory and/or stress factors in depression up-regulate tryptophan (TRP) conversion into kynurenine (KYN), a substrate for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. Deficiency of vitamin B6, a co-factor of the key enzymes of KYN – NAD pathway, shunts KYN metabolism from formation of NAD towards production of xanthurenic (XA) and kynurenic (KYNA) acids. Human and experimental studies reveal that XA, KYNA and their metabolites interfere with production, release and biological activity of insulin. We propose that inflammation- and/or stress-induced up-regulation of TRP – KYN metabolism in combination with vitamin B6 deficiency is one of the mechanisms mediating increased risk of diabetes in depression. Consequently, monitoring formation of diabetogenic KYN derivatives might help to identify subjects-at-risk for the development of diabetes. Pharmacological down-regulation of the TRP – KYN – NAD pathway and maintenance of adequate vitamin B6 status might help to prevent the development of diabetes in depression and other conditions associated with inflammation/stress–induced excessive production of KYN and vitamin B6 deficiency, e.g., obesity, cardiovascular diseases, aging, menopause, pregnancy, and hepatitis C virus infection.
Jan 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-25-5920
The present study examines the effectiveness of Cognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) in women diagnosed with breast cancer and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on reducing PTSD symptomatology and improving their mental health state (depression, self-esteem, post- traumatic growth, quality of life, therapeutic alliance). Additionally, the investigation includes the determination of the demographic, socio-economic and medical factors’ impact on mental health indicators in women with breast cancer and PTSD. The sample was 188 women with breast cancer and PTSD at the Chemotherapy Unit of ‘Agios Andreas’ General Hospital in Patras. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis in order to determine any statistically significant correlations between the experimental and the control group and between psychological scales and the demographic and socio-economic factors. The findings confirm the effectiveness of CAT in women with breast cancer and PTSD in reducing PTSD and depressive symptoms, improving self-esteem and quality of life, achieving greater post-traumatic growth, and fostering a better therapeutic relationship with the therapist. The demographic, socio-economic and medical factors examined affected dissimilarly each psychological scale, as statistically significant associations were found with some scales but not with others.
Dec 2025
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) has proven effective in over 120 outcome studies, particularly for anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. This conceptual paper proposes a theoretical integration of ISTDP with Solution- Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and clinical hypnosis. Each modality offers unique strengths—ISTDP enables rapid emotional processing, SFBT builds client resilience and solutions, and hypnosis enhances neuroplasticity and emotional receptivity. Drawing on existing empirical and neuroscientific literature, this paper synthesizes these modalities into a unified clinical framework. The integrated model emphasizes accelerated change through emotional access, strategic future orientation, and unconscious facilitation. Case examples illustrate the framework's practical applications across complex clinical presentations. The integration addresses gaps in single-modality treatments and provides a cost-effective, neurobiologically supported method of intervention. This article offers clinicians structured decision- making strategies and practical tools for real-time integration, while outlining future directions for empirical research.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-25-5849
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition marked by episodes of mania and depression, significant functional impairment, and challenges with treatment adherence. Current guidelines highlight the importance of both medication and psychosocial approaches in treatment. This review explores the primary psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation helps recognize early symptoms, improves medication compliance, and prevents relapses. It is simple to implement and cost-effective. Family-Focused Therapy (FFT) enhances family communication, reduces emotional expression, and lowers the frequency of depressive episodes. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) supports maintaining social stability by addressing disturbances in biological rhythms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) decreases depressive symptoms and boosts treatment adherence by restructuring automatic thoughts. Additionally, cognitive and functional rehabilitation programs improve attention, memory, and executive functioning. Peer support groups and digital e-health tools, though supportive, have limited evidence of effectiveness. In summary, multicomponent psychosocial interventions serve as a valuable addition to medication, helping to prevent relapses, improve functioning, and enhance quality of life in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-25-5775
A number of developmental factors increase risk for adolescent rumination. This particular kind of repetitive negative thinking pattern often begins in the context of familial stressors and parental modeling. Though rumination can be effectively targeted with rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RF-CBT), it is unknown whether caregiver-child co-rumination (1) affects caregiver views of their child’s psychopathology, (2) or interferes with youth rumination- focused treatment. The present study uses data from a randomized clinical trial of RF-CBT to examine whether caregiver-child co-rumination, or caregivers’ own rumination patterns, are associated with bias in parental perception of their adolescent’s depression symptoms. We also examine if co-rumination scores at baseline moderate rumination scores for youth at treatment termination, and whether treatment effects dampen or decay more significantly post-treatment among youth with higher caregiver-child co-rumination. Youth (N = 76) were randomized to either 10-14 sessions of RF-CBT (n = 38) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 38) and completed interviews and surveys at pre-treatment baseline, post-treatment, and 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow up. Results indicate that neither caregiver rumination nor co-rumination scores bias caregivers’ views of their child’s depression symptoms. In terms of reduction in child’s rumination scores, estimated treatment effects were larger for patients with higher baseline co- rumination scores, and there was no statistically significant difference in treatment effect decay over time in high versus low co-rumination groups. Results indicate co-rumination overall does not dampen the effect of RF-CBT, and those experiencing the highest levels of co-rumination may benefit most from treatment.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-25-5659
Background Older adults with disabling osteoarthritis may be severely impacted by negative emotions and pain, especially if they feel isolated. Review Aims 1) To summarize the research base concerning the presence of depression in older adults suffering from osteoarthritis; 2) To examine the degree to which mitigating loneliness is desirable in this regard and may be helped by one of the many emergent robotic social devices offering companionship; and 3) To provide directives for professionals who work or are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods Reviewed were current publications detailing some aspect of osteoarthritis in the older adult, depression, emergent loneliness and social isolation, and the role and impact of robotic personal ‘friends’ in this realm. Results Collectively, these data reveal efforts to reduce and mitigate different degrees of depression in older adult osteoarthritis cases are needed and that social robots may help quell isolation. Implication Those older adults with osteoarthritis suffering from depression and emergent loneliness and social isolation may benefit from robotic human or pet like contacts and interactions regardless of cause and overall health status, but the key is still loneliness prevention.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4921
Hippocrates trusted foodstuff, maybe medicine, and healthcare management, administration, and costing are important. Nutraceuticals, derived from "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," cover differing healing areas like “antagonistic-hard, cold and cough, sleep difficulties, digestion, cancer prevention, osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol management, pain relievers, depression, and diabetes”. “Stephen De Felice”, “founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, created the term in 1989”.Functional foods, like milk and orange juice, supply health benefits that surpass food, in the way that a better lifestyle and a lower risk of ailment. Nutraceuticals, in another way, involve fortified dairy products like milk that help avoid or cure illnesses and disorders apart from anaemia.Conventional arrangements like Solvents extraction , Soxhlet distillation ,maceration and “Non conventional designs” like ‘Microwave assisted origin’, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction are used to restore the bioactive material from plants for nutraceuticals.”The Indian Health and Dietary Supplement Association” supports drug, nutraceutical, herbaceous, and direct selling energies by categorising them based on chemical arrangement, food type, and conventional arrangement.This paper gives a brief review on nutraceuticals ,its history , its market trend , extraction techniques , benefits and its applications .
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-24-4890
Knee joint osteoarthritis, a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life, not only impacts life quality significantly and severely, but is also strongly associated with the persistence of intractable pain, depression, helplessness, and a high falls injury risk. This narrative overview synthesizes the knowledge base regarding painful knee osteoarthritis and what is known about Tai Chi exercise participation in the context of reducing knee joint disability and its associated risk of one or more injurious falls, as well as pain and depression. To this end, all relevant articles published in the English language on the topic were sought. While most reports rely on Eastern observations, rather than Western medicine studies, collectively, these data reveal that Tai Chi practiced widely in Asia for many centuries may have an enormous positive impact on reducing distress and increasing function and autonomy among older adults living in the community and diagnosed as having knee osteoarthritis. They specifically suggest the increasing numbers of older adults diagnosed as having knee osteoarthritis can safely practice selected Tai Chi exercises with the expectation that consistent applications will enhance mobility, reduce pain and depression, plus instability and possible injurious falls, while reducing fatigue, even if surgery is forthcoming.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2688-5328.ijp-23-4624
Periauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (pVNS) has been proven safe and effective in reducing chronic pain and related comorbidities in numerous clinical studies. This multicenter, interventional study used a non-randomized, interrupted time-series analysis to test the efficacy of an 8-week treatment protocol using the Stivax neurostimulator device. Subjects (n=33, 15 F, 18 M, age 40-77) were recruited at 3 clinic sites in California and Colorado. All subjects had long-term chronic pain and had failed other treatments. Subjects were treated with the Stivax device 3 times (2 weeks on, 1 week off). Subjective assessments of pain (Visual Analog Scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), depression (PHQ-9), and activity (IPAQ-E) were collected at baseline and weekly. Objective blood levels of pain-related cytokines collected at the end of weeks 2 and 8. Most subjects reported reduced pain, disability, and depression, with increased activity levels. At the end of week 8, subjects reported an average reduction in pain by 38.5% (3 subjects reported no pain), depression by 43.6% (2 subjects reported no depression), disability by 38.6% (2 subjects reported no disability), and an average 26.1% increase in activity level (5 subjects doubled their activity level). Levels of the pain-related cytokines IL-1ꞵ, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17α, IL-21, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and FLT3-ligand showed improvement at week 8. pVNS is believed to “reset” central sensitization underlying chronic pain and other central sensitization syndromes, engaging the body’s pain modulation systems. Our results indicate that pVNS can clinically significantly improve chronic pain and associated morbidities without adverse effects.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-22-4351
Molecular imaging is a new method in examining physiological studies in molecular dimensions. Among the various methods that have been introduced for this purpose, the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) method has made it possible to more accurately study the activities of the brain region as well as tumors in different parts of the body. MRS imaging is a type of non– invasive imaging technique that is used to study metabolic changes in the brain, stroke, seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression and also metabolic changes in other parts of the body such as muscles. In fact, since metabolic changes in the human body appear faster than anatomical and physiological changes, the use of this method can play an important role in the early detection and diagnosis of cancers, infections, metabolic changes and many other diseases. (Graphical Abstract) Graphical Abstract. CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) radiation source for magnetic resonance biospectroscopy in metabolic and molecular imaging and diagnosis of cancer.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-22-4106
Background SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represented an unexpected psychological stress, being a major threat to health and limiting daily’s life, especially for the fragile population. How could the people with (pw) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cope with this emergency? Objective To observe the pwMS’s psychological reaction in comparison with non affected persons and to evaluate the impact of lifestyle changes on psychological symptoms, due to the pandemic. Methods The study was observational, retrospective, controlled, focused on good clinical practice and conducted at Niguarda Hospital. PwMS and controls filled a web survey containing anamnestic data, habits, depression and anxiety self-questionnaires. The primary outcome was the pwMS’s psychological anxiety and depression score compared with controls. Results On April, 10 2020, 88/165 pwMS and 187 controls joined the study. Unexpectedly, no significant differences between groups were observed for depression mean score: 6.6(5.2) in pwMS and 6.2(4.8) in controls and for anxiety: 5.9(4.8) and 5.0(4.2). PwMS focused on health concern more often than controls, but they respected the restrictions more easily and benefited from practical activities more than controls. Conclusion PwMS showed a proper psychological resilience in comparison with controls. These findings might guide the clinical interviews and suggest both the areas to be supported and the strengths to be promoted in pwMS.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-21-3979
Background Aging, a state often associated with poor emotional health status greatly impedes life quality and independence for many. Aim This mini review examines the potential of the concept of positive psychology as an active approach to fostering successful or more successful, rather than suboptimal aging. Methods and Procedures Articles that addressed the current topic of interest and were located in the PUBMED, Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Google Scholar electronic data bases were carefully sought and analyzed and presented in narrative form. Results Various forms of positive psychology appear to provide a safe efficacious evidence based approach for purposes of ameliorating various degrees of anxiety and depression and for improving cognition, life quality, and health well-being in diverse subgroups of older adults Conclusion More research to examine who might benefit most from this highly promising form of intervention, and in what respect appears to have considerable merit in light of the growing populations of older adults and few intervention options to help them to age optimally and as successfully as possible.
Sep 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-21-3838
COVID-19 also known as Corona Virus is a new strain of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease. While its virology is yet to be properly understood, its impact by way of human deaths is well registered. Stigma of infected persons is least mentioned as a ‘sub-strain’ that can push people into social isolation and exclusion (like in the book of Leviticus 13) leading to COVID-19 Related Depression (C-19RD). Using inter-disciplinary approach, this paper seeks to understand how this can happen in a COVID-stricken world.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-21-3773
L-tryptophan is an essential α-amino acid, necessary for the normal growth in newborns, nitrogen balance in adults, protein synthesis, precursor of serotonin, melatonin, niacin, and albeit inefficiently in human, also the precursor of indole alkaloids and auxins in plants. This current study was designed to investigate the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing Treatment (Blessing) on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of L-tryptophan using LC-MS analytical technique. L-tryptophan sample was divided into two parts, one part of L-tryptophan was considered as the control sample (no Biofield Energy Treatment was provided), while the second part was treated with the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment/Blessing remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi and termed as the treated sample. The mass spectra of both the control and treated samples with respect to the chromatographic peak at retention time (Rt) 2.1 minutes exhibited the mass of the molecular ion peak adduct with hydrogen ion at m/z 205.08 (calcd for C11H13N2O2+, 205.1), along with low molecular fragmented mass peaks at m/z 188, 159, and 102 for C11H12N2O2+, C10H11N2+, and C8H6+, respectively were also observed. The isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 15N/14Nor17O/16O) in the treated L-tryptophan was significantly increased by 35.93% compared with the control sample. Hence,the 13C, 2H, 15N, and 17O contributions from C11H13N2O2+ to m/z 206.08 in the treated L-tryptophan was significantly increased compared to the control sample. It could be hypothesized that the changes in the isotopic abundance and mass peak intensities due to the modification in nuclei possibly through the interference of neutrino particles using the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment. The Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed L-tryptophan with increased stable isotopic abundance ratio might have changed the physicochemical properties with higher force constant in the molecule. The new form of treated L-tryptophan would be a better and more stable in the supplements, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations, which would be advantageous for the prevention and treatment of pellagra, depression, kynurenine. It could also maintain the normal label of tryptophan and avoid increase of its metabolite, lower the neurotoxin and a metabotoxin behavior, glutaric aciduria type I (glutaric acidemia type I) disorder, eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), incurable and sometimes fatal flu-like neurological condition, etc. As tryptophan is the precursor for the plant hormones like indole alkaloids and auxins, hence, this treated L-tryptophan would be advantageous for the improvement of yield, productivity, and quality of crops and other plants.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3682
Background to the Issue Many older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus. Aims This report sought to examine what has been published in 2020 on this health condition from the perspective of the variable of widely imposed social isolation strategies designed to mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease, and to especially keep older community dwelling adults ‘safe’ from infection. Methods Reviewed were all articles published in 2020 in PUBMED from January 1-December 24, 2020 on osteoarthritis and COVID-19 isolation impacts, plus relevant past osteoarthritis and isolation literature among older adults. The focus was on ascertaining how social isolation and distancing strategies might impact current community-dwelling adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis and whether more should be done specifically to mitigate any potentially preventable ‘socially’ induced negative health impact among this group, in spite of the laudable goals of this public health strategy. Results Older adults with osteoarthritis living in the community who are asked to self-isolate, may incur more osteoarthritis pain and disability than would otherwise be encountered if actions taken to counter this possibility are not forthcoming. Advocated over and above basic care approaches are several psychosocial strategies including the role of mobilizing various forms of social support. Conclusion Data indicate a need for concerted thoughtful and immediate attention to offset isolation, fear, and anxiety and depression effects as part of a carefully devised integrated plan of management to reduce excess osteoarthritis disability, as well as excess COVID-19 risk among otherwise free living older adults already compromised by osteoarthritis.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-20-3491
Climate change is a global challenge which is likely to affect the mankind in substantial ways. Not only climate change is expected to affect physical health, it is also likely to affect mental health. Increased frequency of disasters with climate change can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression. Changes in climate may require population to migrate, which can lead to acculturation stress. It can also lead to increased rates of physical illnesses, which secondarily would be associated with psychological distress. Using a qualitative approach, this research explores the mental health status of migrant women in two urban slum areas in Dhaka city. The purpose of this study is to perform a review of existing secondary data and present mental health scenario of climate migrant women among slum dwellers and amplified gaps in knowledge regarding psychological health care system in Bangladesh. It is found that there is a lack of mental health preparedness and response in majority parts in the country specially the city slum, where aid cannot be reached to the sufferers. The paper concludes with a discussion of what can and should be done to tackle the expected mental health issues consequent to climate change and migration.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-20-3497
This paper explores the two major preventive concepts of the unpredictable life-threatening viral infection caused by Coronavirus that is ravaging the entire world from the beginning of the year 2020, as it pertains to mental health. Through scientific consultations, the expectation is that effective vaccine for the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) may not come into the market this year. Two (among others) preventive measures, namely Social Distancing and Quarantine are suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Using the principle of explorative research, this study established the flipside of quarantine and social distancing from the metal health perspective. It was discovered that there is a relationship between a long period of self-isolation and a high probability of concerned persons having anxiety, stress, and depression, which gradually leads to mental and emotional health issues. Consequently, mental health affects the overall health and affects how we handle different situations during the Covid-19 pandemic. By considering this important matter, this article recommended different ways to improve mental health during the pandemic in the quest to keep oneself away from psychological issues arising due to the Covid-19 situation.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3269
Abdominal obesitywith a big belly is one of the worse type of morbid obesity that is associated with different health failure outcomes. Central obesity leads to an increased risk of health complications such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance,type 2 diabetes, heart disease and various cancers. Abdominal obesity also can specifically cause to spinal nerve pain and backache. Depression and disability are other subsequent hazards of central fatness. More importantly ,excessive central body fat ultimately contributes in all-causes of early mortality. In regards to this, individuals with abdominal obesity is urgently needed to reduce central obesity using behavior modifications. Changes in diet and performing some exercise in everyday living are essential steps.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-20-3213
Introduction Scientific evidence has established the benefits of meditation and sound vibrations on emotional and physiological health. Aim of the Study The study explored changes in mood and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) after HSB Sound Bath Meditation on healthy individuals. The objectives of the study were to understand if a 40-minute-long seated HSB Sound Bath Meditation results in changes (a) in mood measured via Positive And Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and Abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS) Survey and (b) in physiological parameters, as measured by HRV. Methods The psychological parameters were measured with PANAS (N=77) and Abbreviated POMS, (N=17). The physiology was measured with HRV parameters such as Heart Rate (HR), Stress Index (SI) and Root Mean Square of Standard Deviation (RMSSD) using the EmWave Pro device (N=15). HRV data analysis was conducted with Kubios HRV Premium and analyzed using a paired T-Test. Results All the subjects after meditation showed improvement in Positive Affect (PA) and a reduction in Negative Affect (NA). The HRV parameters showed a trend showing overall relaxation with a significant reduction in HR, SI and an increase in RMSSD. Consistent with changes in positive, negative mood and HRV, all the participants showed a reduction in tension, anger, fatigue, depression and confusion and improvement in esteem related affect and vigor. Conclusion The findings show that seated HSB Sound Bath Meditation session has a positive impact on mood-related measures and physiology. Future work in this area could explore comparison with a control group and a longer study duration comprising multiple sessions.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-19-3093
The present study aims to investigate how dispositional mindfulness affects the mental well-being of cancer patients through the way they perceive stress. A total of 182 moderate and advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients volunteered to complete the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results showed that perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and all dimensions of the mental well-being as captured by the GHQ (i.e. anxiety/depression, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence), and perceived stress was positively correlated with all the dimensions of mental well-being. Results of the Structural Equation Model showed that the model fit the data very well (χ2/df = 1.72，RMSEA = 0.063 (95% CI = 0.014 ~ 0.103), CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.970, SRMR=0.041). Further analyses showed that dispositional mindfulness predicted all the dimensions of psychological well-being. Specifically, higher levels of dispositional mindfulness predicted reduced subjective perceptions of stress, which in turn predicted lower levels of anxiety/depression, social impairment, and loss of confidence. This study indicated a possible mechanism of intervention focused on improving mindfulness capability. Future work is encouraged to investigate the long-term influence of dispositional mindfulness on perceived stress and psychological well-being in cancer patients with other types of cancer.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-18-2564
The widely held belief that emotional and psychological processes affect our physical health, mental health and general well-being are central to a holistic view of the individual, and as such, it is a useful foundational concept in integrative medicine. The purpose of this paper is to review substantial amounts of the latest research and recent findings on this issue to enable us to throw some light on how inhibitory factors to emotional expression and experience can endanger our health, both physically and psychologically including our general wellbeing. In addition, the connection between repression of emotion and certain mental disorders like depression and scientifically proven healthy ways to manage issues bordering on emotion was outlined. The information contained in this paper is just as important to health care providers and also to the patients they deal with
Aug 2018
Background: Co-morbidities are associated with increasing risk of mortality, hospitalizations and costs of treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients. Identification of Co- morbidities related to COPD phenotypes may guide individualized therapies and achieve better prognosis. Methods: A prospective study of one hundred ten patients of confirmed COPD diagnosis were carried out and divided into five different phenotypes with related co-morbidities. History taking, clinical examination, Chest X-ray, Computed chest Tomography, laboratory investigations, arterial blood gas, Echocardiography and Electrocardiography were done for all patients. St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, COPD assessment test (CAT score) and BODEx (BMI, FEV1, dyspnea and exacerbations) were used for assessment of disease impact on quality of life, severity, and exacerbation respectively. Results: Emphysema group were 31% among all cases with mean age 61.8±9.1, frequent exacerbator group and Chronic bronchitis phenotype were 18% with mean age 64.4±11.3, and 48.8±9 respectively. COPD with bronchiectasis group were 19% with mean age 60.3±6 and Asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS) were 12% with mean age 62.8±15.8. There was significant difference as regards age between different group of phenotypes P- value <0.001. There was significance difference in BODEx index and in (CAT) score among different COPD phenotypes P-value 0.020, 0.001 respectively. There was significant difference in all items of SGRQ among different COPD phenotypes P–value 0.001. Diabetes was commonly presented in 50 % ACOS cases, Ischemic heart disease was present more in Emphysema 22.9%, Osteoporosis was more in COPD with bronchiectasis 28.6%, Cor-pulmonale was more present in frequent excerbator 65%, and Anemia more common in COPD with bronchiectasis 23.8%. Depression was more common in frequent excerbator phenotype (45.0 %). Gastro-esophageal reflux was the most common co-morbidities (58 %) then cor-pulmonale 41.8%, systemic hypertension 40 % and pulmonary hypertension 28%. Conclusion: The presence of significant co-morbidities is important modifying risk factors for severity in COPD. They contribute to the overall severity in individual patients, have a major impact on quality of life, and major causes of hospitalization. Co-morbidities can be associated with any clinical phenotype.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-18-2243
Background and Objective: Sleep as a sign of the God wisdom and power, is the agent of stability and tranquility. Sleep has a spiritual dimension. Sincere dreams are the continuation of prophecy and guidance of the God. This study aimed to explain the dream theory from the perspective of Islam. Materials and Methods: This evolutionary study has focused on these questions: “what is the process of dreaming in Islam? Can people control their dreams”? Islamic evidences were taken from the verses and narrations related to the words “soul, sleep, dream and death”, using al-Mu’ayyim, authentic Shi’a commentary books, Bihar al-Anwar, Kofi principles, the Book of Resurrection and life after death. The religious and scientific evidences were analyzed based on the Walker and Event content analysis method. Dream theory was extracted from religious evidence. Results: Based on "revelation epistemology" during sleep, the ‘template of a higher universe’ travels to the unseen world and divine guidance can be provided. People with spiritual health) (owners of the Sound heart) can control the type of their dream, and solve problems by the guidance of God. In the perspective of Islam, there are three types of dreams: sometimes is divine guidance and glory from God, sometimes is sorrow from the devil, and sometimes are conflicts of daily living or past events. Conclusion: Regarding the spiritual aspect of sleep and its deep impact on physical and mental health, it is essential for medical staff to become familiar with dream theory from the perspective of Islam. They should explain to patients and family members the importance and impact of sleep on the acceleration of tissue repair and the treatment of anxiety and depression. To those who are willing to enjoy the divine guidance through the dream, they can teach the Islamic method of dream control.
Jun 2018
Objectives: Torture survivors suffer psychosocial distress such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Patients with PTSD and depression have increased risk for suicidal behavior. The aim of this study is to identify those torture and war survivors who have suicidal thoughts and describe their psychological profile as assessed in SCL-90-R. The patients of the Swiss Red Cross Centre for Torture Victims receiving psychotherapy were monitored with the SCL-90-R (N=58). Results: Out of 56 patients 32 (57%) declared that they did not suffer under the thought to end their own life (0=not at all), 10 (18%) indicated that they suffered substantially (scale value 3) or extremely (4) while 14 (25%) suffered somehow (1, 2). The endorsement of the suicide ideation correlates highly with all SCL-90-R scales, particularly with the scale Depression and PTSD indicating that the patients with suicide ideation also show considerable psychopathology. The scale Depression explained 40% of the variance of the suicide thoughts item and the scale Anger-hostility added another 5%. Conclusion: Suicide prevention should be an important part of the treatment and care in dealing with war and torture survivors.
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-18-2110
Purpose: There are nearly 170,000 new cases of breast cancer in China every year, and this number is showing an increasing trend. Mental health plays an important role in promoting the physical rehabilitation of patients. Therefore, attention paid to their psychological problems needs to be reinforced. The current study aims to investigate the mental health states of the breast cancer patients and provides the references for their psychosomatic rehabilitation in the future work. Methods: A total of 643 breast cancer patients completed the whole study. A questionnaire survey on anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and posttraumatic growth (PTG) was conducted in Jiangsu Women and Children Health Hospital. Results: 13.53% breast cancer patients had anxiety; 21.5% had depression; the prevalence of PTSD was 7.15%, while the prevalence of PTG was 26.12%; Anxiety levels in older patients were significantly lower than those in the other two groups; PTG levels in older patients were significantly lower than those in the other two groups. Conclusion: Breast cancer patients have certain emotional distress and stress symptoms, but they also experience psychologically positive changes. And age shows various differences on anxiety and PTG. Clinical medical personnel should pay attention to the patient's psychological rehabilitation when concerning about the physical rehabilitation of patients. Patients in different ages have different mental health problems, thus the medical staff shall provide differential nursing plans for them.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-18-2111
The continuous waves of refugees from Africa and the Middle East to Europe present major inter¬cultural challenges to European health professionals and to society at large. A recent workshop in Sicily brought together local physicians, nurses, psychologists and managers of governmental agencies, along with representatives from Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Tunisia, Jordan and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) to develop training programs aimed at formulating dialogue between regional professionals and refugees. A major barrier refugees face is a lack of verbal and cultural communication, which hinders their smooth absorption into the new society. Cultural mediators who speak Arabic and Italian and understand the refugees' faith, tradition and beliefs are vital to successfully build bridges of trust between caregivers and refugees. Most asylum seekers experience anxiety, fear, and depression upon arrival in Europe. To achieve trust, all workshop participants agreed to develop a palliative care model that would best suit the unique circumstances now facing some Mediterranean countries and assist in overcoming the suffering of refugees during their initial stay in Europe. Such a model would include bio-psychosocial elements, essential for a culturally sensitive approach and based on core ethical principles.
Mar 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-17-1785
Sleep is vital for the maintenance of physical health and mental wellbeing. Sleep also plays a cardinal role in the process of healing. It is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans suffer chronically from sleep disturbances and insufficiency, which not only hinders daily functioning but also adversely affects health, quality of life and longevity.1 Deficient sleep is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, depression, frequent mental distress, as well as increased mortality, and reduced quality of life and productivity.1,2Aging, medical conditions, pain, and mental illness further aggravate sleep disturbances such as insomnia, sleep fragmentation and daytime sleepiness.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 The a common treatment for sleep disturbances and insomnia is pharmacological therapy. Benzodiazepines may have negative long-term side effects including residual daytime sedation and tolerance development. Withdrawal difficulties may increase dependency. In the older patient there are safety issues related to daytime sedation including increase risk of falls. With the importance of sleep in hospital recovery and the side effects of sleep medication becoming more widely recognized, there has been an impetus to s use nonpharmacological alternatives , such as music.. This pilot study builds on the potential impact of music’s effectivity by introducing music therapy as a safe, cost effective and culturally sensitive intervention.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-17-1604
Objective To compare Brief Adlerian Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (B-APP) plus venlafaxine versus venlafaxine plus usual care on pain and depressive symptomatology of depressed patients with cancer pain. Methods A total of 100 patients with pain and mood depression, according to DSM IV-TR, were randomized to receive treatment with B-APP plus venlafaxine (n=51) or venlafaxine plus usual care (n=49). The sample was evaluated at baseline and after 10 weeks with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS); the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI); the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC); the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Dosage Record and Treatment Emergent Symptom scale (DOTES). Only at the endpoint was the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale (VSSS-54) also administered. Results A significant reduction in VAS and HADS scores was observed in both treatments, but a higher significance (p<0.01) was present only in subjects also treated with psychotherapy. A significant change was obtained in Mini-MAC scores (p<0.01) for Fighting Spirit, Fatalism, Anxious Preoccupation (p<0.01) and Avoidance items (p<0.05) only in patients treated with combined therapy. The combined group also showed more satisfaction with the treatment in their responses to the VSSS-54. Conclusions Brief Adlerian Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (B-APP) in combination with venlafaxine was superior to usual care and venlafaxine in improving depressive symptomatology and reducing pain.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-17-1430
HIV and AIDS remains a major health problem in South Africa even after two decades since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Long term survival with HIV is associated with new health related issues and a risk of functional limitation/disability. The aim of this study was to assess the impact and predictors of functional limitation associated with HIV/AIDS among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa. This study is a cross-sectional survey using a cohort in an urban area in Gauteng province South Africa. Questionnaires that were interview administered were used to collect information on demographics, disability, mental and physical health state, adherence and livelihood. A total of 1044 participants with an average age of 42±12 years, were included in the study and 51.9% of the participants reported functional limitation (WHODAS ≥ 2). These were reported mainly in the participation (40.2%) and mobility domains (38.7%). In addition, adherence to ARV, physical health symptoms and depression were strongly associated with functional limitations/disability. HIV as a chronic disease is associated with functional limitations that are not addressed and pose a risk of long term disability and negative adherence outcomes. Therefore, wellness for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) needs to include interventions that can prevent and manage disability.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-17-1673
Ketamine’s potential as a fast-acting reagent to treat MDD, especially treatment-resistant depression has caught much attention recently. Although much has been learned about the biological mechanisms underlying ketamine’s effect, there are a few critical issues remained to be resolved. This mini review will briefly discuss several controversial issues that warrant further studies, regarding the molecular, physiological, psychopharmacological, and behavioral effects of ketamine. Understand how ketamine works as an anti-depressant will open the door to better understanding of MDD and its treatment.
Mar 2017
The objective of this study was to examine differences between Latino and White older adults in attitudes toward suicide and physician-assisted suicide in chronic pain scenarios. We used a cross sectional study design at four outpatient care sites in San Antonio, Texas. The study sample included 204 subjects (106 Whites and 98 Latinos), 60 years of age and older, with Mini Mental State Examination scores of 24 or higher. No statistically significant between ethnic group differences in attitudes toward suicide or physician-assisted suicide in chronic pain scenarios were found. However, separate analyses by ethnic group showed that the factors associated with these attitudes differed between ethnic groups, with attitudes among Whites significantly and negatively associated with religiosity and those among Latinos significantly and positively associated with depression, while acculturation was significantly and negatively associated with attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide in chronic pain scenarios. This study’s findings suggest that depression and acculturation among Latino elders and religion among White elders are determinant factors of these attitudes in chronic pain, end-of-life scenarios. Further research is needed with more heterogeneous study samples, including Latino subgroups (e.g. Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans) and more diverse ethnic groups in terms of socioeconomic status and educational level characteristics.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1346
Theaim of study is to evaluate antidepressant-like activity of the new peptidergic neuroprotectoracetyl-(D-Lys)-Lys-Arg-Arg-amide, homologous of ACTH15-18 primary amino acids sequence, that demonstrates nootropic and neuroprotective properties. Using Porsolt swimming test (PST) efficacy of tetrapeptide neuroprotector KK-1 at a single dose of 0.02 mg/kg was investigated on 16 white random bred male rats (body mass equaled 180-220 grams). Imipramine (15 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference drug. Then depression was induced in these rats by reserpine (4 mg/kg, i.p.). The KK-1 (intranasally, i.n.) and imipramine were administered once a day during 3 days until the reserpine-induced depression was reproduced. The indices of rats behavior under the conditions of open-field test (OFT) and PST were evaluated. The influence of both drugs on specific reserpine-induced depressions symptoms (hypothermia and blepharoptosis) was also registered. The results were processed statistically. The tetrapeptide neuroprotector KK-1 reduced immobilization time of rats at PST (statistically significant differences compared with control group), exceeding efficacy of reference drug imipramine. Normalizing of locomotor and exploratory activity in the OFT, decreasing indices of rats helplessness behavior in PST by tetrapeptide neuroprotector KK-1 demonstrates its antagonism with depressive action of reserpine. The tetrapeptide KK-1 showed antidepressant-like action both in intact rats and in rats with the model of reserpine-induced depression. It reduced specific symptoms of depression – hypothermia and blepharoptosis, exceeding the activity of reference drug imipramine.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1306
Background. Suicide prevention programs centred on reinforcing protective factors are uncommon. Aims. Since leading a meaningful life is incompatible with suicide, a 14-week program designed to help participants realize meaningful personal goals was created to improve the psychological well-being (PWB) of depressed older adults (≥ 65 years). Method. Persons scoring 9 or above on the Beck Depression Inventory- II (M = 22.05) took part in the program (n = 24). Their levels of PWB, depression, and suicidal thoughts were compared to those of a control group (n = 18). The questionnaires were completed three times: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up (six months later). Results. Analyses showed that the program participants improved significantly on most indicators of wellbeing, including suicidal ideation, indicating that increasing protective factors could be an innovative way to prevent suicidal ideation. However, the changes were not significantly higher than those observed in the control group, except for meaning in life. Conclusions. The absence of difference between groups was partly justified by unexplained improvements of controls between post-test and follow-up. Future studies should develop suicide prevention program thatincrease protective factors that provide individuals with means to achieve an optimal state of functioning.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1324
An important step in the validation of disorder-specific etiological models is the examination of the predictive specificity of proposed vulnerability factors. It may advance the understanding of the emergence of comorbidity and the identification of at risk-populations for mental disorders. To enhance the currently limited evidence on the specificity of Beck´s cognitive diathesis-stress model of depression, the present study investigated longitudinal effects of dysfunctional attitudes and stressful life events on the development of depressive, eating disorder and aggressive symptoms in children and adolescents. A large sample of initially asymptomatic children and adolescents completed self-report symptom measures at study entrance and again approx. 20 months later, and reported stressful life events during the study interval. Stressful life events proved to be a risk factor to all investigated symptom domains. Dysfunctional attitudes at T1 were prospectively related to depressive symptoms, aggressive behavior and weight concerns at T2. However, types of associations varied as dysfunctional attitudes showed linear associations with weight concern, but nonlinear effects on depressive and aggressive symptomatology. Findings of the current study thus suggest that dysfunctional attitudes are not uniquely related to the development of depressive symptomatology in children and adolescents, but may contribute to adverse outcomes in various symptom domains. Thus, intervention efforts based on Beck´s vulnerability - stress model of depression may turn out to be useful in reducing vulnerability to a variety of outcomes in children and adolescents.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1301
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation of depressive symptoms in the relationship between cardiovascular risk and the health conservation of community-dwelling vulnerable diabetic elderly in order to provide a basis for planning nursing interventions to improve the health conservation of vulnerable diabetic elderly. Methods: The participants were 99 vulnerable diabetic elderly who registered at the community health centers in D city. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analyzed with the SPSS-WIN 19.0 program. The instruments were Sung’s Health Conservation Scale, the Arizona Heart Institute Cardiovascular Risk Factor Questionnaire, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korea version (GDSSF-K). Results: The mean score for health conservation was 100.52. Overall depressive symptoms were 11.84, cardiovascular risk was 20.35. There were significant correlations among the three variables: health conservation, depressive symptoms, and cardiovascular risk. Also, depressive symptoms had a proportional mediating effect in the relationship between cardiovascular risk and health conservation. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, health management programs focusing on cardiovascular risk management and depressive symptom improvement are highly recommended to promote health conservation in the vulnerable diabetic elderly
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1173
Many schoolchildren experience somatic complaints such as headaches, abdominal pain and fatigue. The aim of the current research is to test the full model of previously found associations between negative affect and somatic complaints in parents and children. Participants were 199 children (aged 8-13, 47% boys) and their parents (aged 31-61, mostly mothers (87%). Self-reports of children and parents on worry, anxiety, depression and somatic complaints were used and parents’ reactions to children’s emotions wereassessed. The results of the study show that childhood negative affect and parental somatic complaints are positively associated with childhood somatic complaints. In turn, childhood negative affect is related to children’s worrying and to parents’ responses to children’s emotions. The more anxious or depressed children felt, the more they worried. Maladaptive parental responses (such as reprimands and discomfort) to child emotions were positively related to depression. It was also found that parents who experienced more negative affect, reported more somatic complaints and tended to report more maladaptive responses towards their children’s emotions.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-7061.jcrc-14-426
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by Fecal Immunohistochemical Testing (FIT) followed by colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer mortality. Barriers to colonoscopy should be minimised. Objective: To compare psychological “risks” of colonoscopy in FIT positive (FIT+) subjects and those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Method: IBD patients undergoing colonoscopic CRC surveillance were age and gender matched with FIT+ individuals awaiting colonoscopy. Subjects completed Spielberger State and Trait Scales for current levels of anxiety, depression, anger and curiosity, versus long term personality tendencies. Results: 70 IBD respondents were matched with 70 FIT+ respondents, (57% male, mean age 57.6 years). FIT+ subjects demonstrated greater scores for state Anxiety (22.3 vs 20.3 p=0.024), Curiosity (24.3 vs 21.8 p=0.036), Anger (13.7 vs11.5 p=0.037) and Depression (23.8 vs21.2 p=0.002). Conclusion: FIT+ patients experience more anxiety and depression prior to their colonoscopy than IBD patients, which may reduce colonoscopy uptake and is important to address.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-14-592
Insomnia is highly prevalent and has severe negative consequences. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based treatment that is usually delivered individually. Given the high prevalence, accessible one-day CBT-I workshops (each for up to 30 people) were developed to be run in the community for the general public 1. These CBT-I workshops have been found to reduce levels of insomnia 23 and are now run on a routine basis. As yet, little is known about the impact of factors such as co-morbid depression or anxiety, or receipt of previous treatment, on the effectiveness of the CBT-I workshop. This study aimed to evaluate the accessibility and clinical effectiveness of a series of nine one-day CBT-I workshops (n=120) run in routine practice and to explore the impact of factors including co-morbid depression or anxiety and receipt of previous treatment, on the effectiveness of the CBT-I workshops. The CBT-I workshops were found to be effective at reducing insomnia at one-month follow-up and broadly accessible across a wide group of people in the community. In addition, significant reductions in depression and anxiety were found and the severity of depression or anxiety at baseline did not interfere with the effectiveness of the workshop. People with no previous experience of counselling or psychological therapy showed greater reduction of insomnia symptoms. It is concluded that the CBT-I workshop is an accessible and effective treatment for insomnia across a range of clinical severity and complexity. Further benefits include reductions in both depression and anxiety.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-14-567
Background: Depression is related to suicidal ideation, attempts, and completion. However, depression fails to provide any specific identification for suicide risk. Hopelessness has been found to provide a more accurate estimate of suicide risk than seen in depression severity, and hopelessness can serve as a useful predictor of eventual death by suicide. Aims: The present study was designed to examine various levels of hopelessness and their association with other symptoms experienced by depressed psychiatric inpatients. Method: 150 adult psychiatric inpatients were evaluated using a structured diagnostic interview and several standardized self-report questionnaires. All patients met criteria for a depressive diagnosis at the time of the evaluation. Patients were classified into four discrete categories of hopelessness using the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Results: No differences were observed when the four groups of depressed psychiatric inpatients were compared on demographic variables and background clinical events. However, several key differences were observed between groups on measures of depression severity, suicidal ideation, and tendencies to cope by distraction. Conclusions: It appears useful to evaluate suicide risk as it changes across different levels of hopelessness. Depressed patients with higher levels of hopelessness report more severe problems on several dimensions related to suicide risk.
Dec 2012 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-68
New research suggests that people living with HIV have the potential to be strong advocates for HIV prevention by passing on HIV prevention messages within their social networks. However, there is a paucity of research into the nature and prevalence of HIV prevention behaviours engaged in by HIV clients, and the psychosocial correlates of such advocacy, which are the goals of this analysis. We examined engagement in HIV prevention advocacy among 602 new HIV clients at two clinics in Uganda. Eighty nine percent reported encouraging others to get tested for HIV, 79% told people they know to use condoms when they have sex, and 61% reported discussing HIV more generally with friends and family. A client was classified as fully engaged in HIV prevention advocacy if they reported engaging in all three of the measured HIV prevention advocacy behaviors. In the bivariate analysis, being from the rural study site (p<0.001), higher levels of HIV disclosure to friends (p<0.001), greater hopefulness (p<0.001), and lower levels of depression (p<0.001) and internalized HIV stigma (p<0.001) were associated with full engagement in HIV prevention advocacy. In the multivariate analysis, being from the rural study site (OR=5.461, 95% CI=3.11-9.61), lower levels of internalized HIV stigma (OR=0.524, 95% CI=0.39-0.70) and higher levels of HIV status disclosure to friends (OR=2.040, 95% CI=1.23-3.38) remained significantly associated with full engagement in prevention advocacy. These data suggest that psychosocial adjustment and functioning may play a key role in empowering HIV clients to be advocates for prevention.