scholarly journals Elevated Blood Ammonia Level Is a Potential Biological Risk Factor of Behavioral Disorders in Prisoners

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfeng Duan ◽  
Xiaoli Wu ◽  
Shan Liang ◽  
Feng Jin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Behavioral Disorders ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Biological Risk ◽  
Biological Risk Factor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Male Prisoners

Hydrothion (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) can be toxic for the human central nervous system and cause psychological disturbances and behavioral disorders. In order to evaluate the association between the two potential toxicants and mental health, in this study, we compare a male prisoner and control population. Forty-nine male prisoners and 52 control volunteers took part in the study. An aggressive behavior assessment, the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to characterize the participants’ mental health status. Venous blood was collected for detection of H2S and NH3. The results indicated that blood NH3was significantly higher in male prisoners than in controls. However, blood H2S was significantly lower. Blood NH3was also significantly and positively correlated with prisoners. In the multivariate adjusted models, after controlling for age, education, marital status, and BMI, we found a positive association between NH3and prisoners, but not blood H2S. While the functions of the two toxicants were quite different, blood NH3may be a potential biological risk factor for behavioral disorders and blood H2S showed neuroprotection. Additionally, the impact of other factors such as diet and gut bacteria should be considered when evaluating risk for behavioral disorders.

scholarly journals Family Physicians’ Standpoint and Mental Health Assessment in the Light of COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2093
Author(s):  
Tina Vilovic ◽  
Josko Bozic ◽  
Marino Vilovic ◽  
Doris Rusic ◽  
Sanja Zuzic Furlan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.

scholarly journals The impact of SARS-CoV-2 transmission fear and COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders, severe asthma, and other high-risk groups (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Çölkesen ◽  
Oguzhan Kilincel ◽  
Mehmet Sozen ◽  
Eray Yıldız ◽  
Sengul Beyaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Primary Immunodeficiency ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Primary Immunodeficiency Disorder ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of high-risk group patients for morbidity and mortality and its impact on public health in the long term have not been clearly determined. OBJECTIVE To determine the level of COVID-19 related transmission fear and anxiety in healthcare workers and patients with primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID), severe asthma, and the ones with other comorbidities. METHODS The healthcare workers and patients with PID, severe asthma (all patients receiving biological agent treatment), malignancy, cardiovascular disease, hypertension (90% of patients receiving ACEI or ARB therapy), diabetes mellitus (42 % of patients receiving DPP-4 inhibitor therapy) were included in the study. A total of 560 participants, 80 individuals in each group, were provided. The hospital anxiety and depression scale ( HADS ) and Fear of illness and virus evaluation (FIVE ) scales were applied to the groups with face to face interview methods. RESULTS The mean age was 49.30 years and 306 (55 %) were female. The FIVE Scale and HADS-A scale scores of health care workers were significantly higher than other groups' scores (p = 0.001 and 0.006). The second-highest scores belonged to patients with PID. There was no significant difference between the groups for the HADS-D score (p=0.07). The lowest score in all scales was observed in patients with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that in the pandemic process, patients with primary immunodeficiency, asthma patients, and other comorbid patients, especially healthcare workers, should be referred to the centers for the detection and treatment of mental health conditions.

Abstract 183: Depressive Symptoms and Incident Stroke in Black and White Participants in the REGARDS Study

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey L Austin ◽  
Michael G Crowe ◽  
Martha R Crowther ◽  
Virginia J Howard ◽  
Abraham J Letter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Stroke Incidence ◽  
Blacks And Whites ◽  
The Impact

Background and Purpose: Research suggests that depression may contribute to stroke risk independent of other known risk factors. Most studies examining the impact of depression on stroke have been conducted with predominantly white cohorts, though blacks are known to have higher stroke incidence than whites. The purpose of this study was to examine depressive symptoms as a risk factor for incident stroke in blacks and whites, and determine whether depressive symptomatology was differentially predictive of stroke among blacks and whites. Methods: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), is a national, population-based longitudinal study designed to examine risk factors associated with black-white and regional disparities in stroke incidence. Among 30,239 participants (42% black) accrued from 2003-2007, excluding those lacking follow-up or data on depressive symptoms, 27,557 were stroke-free at baseline. As of the January 2011 data closure, over an average follow-up of 4.6 years, 548 incident stroke cases were verified by study physicians based on medical records review. The association between baseline depressive symptoms (assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, 4-item version) and incident stroke was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic factors (age, race, and sex), stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and history of heart disease), and social factors (education, income, and social network). Results: For the total sample, depressive symptoms were predictive of incident stroke. The association between depressive symptoms and stroke did not differ significantly based on race (Wald X 2 = 2.38, p = .1229). However, race-stratified analyses indicated that the association between depressive symptoms and stroke was stronger among whites and non-significant among blacks. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were an independent risk factor for incident stroke among a national sample of blacks and whites. These findings suggest that assessment of depressive symptoms may warrant inclusion in stroke risk scales. The potential for a stronger association in whites than blacks requires further study.

Early Psychological Reactions in a Group of Individuals with Pre-existing and Enduring Mental Health Difficulties Following a Major Coach Accident

1996 ◽  
Vol 169 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen L. Chubb ◽  
Jonathan I. Bisson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Psychological Sequelae ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe impact of major trauma on individuals with pre-existing and enduring mental health difficulties is poorly understood.MethodTwenty individuals with pre-existing and enduring mental health difficulties were assessed with the Clinician Administered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale, the 28-item version of the GHQ, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale between four and eight weeks after their involvement in a major coach accident.ResultsTen (50%) individuals satisfied the full DSM–IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The questionnaire scores indicated a high level of psychological suffering among the group. On dividing the sample into those individuals with previous diagnoses of anxiety or depressive disorders and those with a previous diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia, the schizophrenia group displayed less marked psychological sequelae on all measures.ConclusionThere was a high incidence of early psychological sequelae among the group as a whole. Some diagnoses (e.g. depression and anxiety) may predispose to psychological sequelae while others (e.g. chronic schizophrenia) may not.

Psychological distress in Afghan journalists: a descriptive study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Jonas Osmann ◽  
Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar ◽  
Anthony Feinstein
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Afghanistan is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists. There are, however, no data on the mental health of Afghan journalists covering conflict in their country. The study aims to determine the degree to which Afghan journalists are exposed to traumatic events, their perceptions of organizational support, their rates of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, their utilization of mental health services and the effectiveness of the treatment received. Design/methodology/approach The entire study was undertaken in Dari (Farsi). Five major Afghan news organizations representing 104 journalists took part of whom 71 (68%) completed a simple eleven-point analog scale rating perceptions of organizational support. Symptoms of PTSD and depression were recorded with the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Behavioral comparisons were undertaken between those journalists who had and had not received mental health therapy. Findings The majority of journalists exceeded cutoff scores for PTSD and major depression and reported high rates for exposure to traumatic events. There were no significant differences in IES-R and CES-D scores between journalists who had and had not received mental health therapy. Most journalists did not view their employers as supportive. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to collect empirical data on the mental health of Afghan journalists. The results highlight the extreme stressors confronted by them, their correspondingly high levels of psychopathology and the relative ineffectiveness of mental health therapy given to a minority of those in distress. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Partners of young breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional evaluation of psychosocial issues and mental health.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 184-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Borstelmann ◽  
Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽  
Shari I. Gelber ◽  
Meghan E Meyer ◽  
Kathryn Jean Ruddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Maladaptive Coping ◽  
Psychosocial Concerns ◽  
The Impact

184 Background: While evidence of the challenges of cancer caregiving has been growing, scant research addresses the experience of partners of young adults with cancer. These individuals and their relationships may be particularly vulnerable to stress, especially when managing the complexity of cancer care and survivorship with their partner. We sought to evaluate psychosocial concerns and mental health in the partners of young survivors of early stage breast cancer (BC). Methods: We invited partners of young women w/BC diagnosed at age ≤ 40 yrs enrolled in a prospective cohort study to participate in a one-time survey evaluating psychosocial concerns including quality of life, coping, social support, financial insecurity, partnership concerns, parenting concerns, anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of anxiety (score > 8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Results: Most respondents (284/289) were male, with median age 43 yrs (range 27-65). The median time of survey completion was 62 months (range 16 -114) after their partner’s dx. Respondents were mostly white (93%), working full time (94%), and college educated (78%); 29% reported some financial stress, 74% were parenting children < 18 yrs, and 32% reported at least a fair amount of relationship concern. 42% (106/250) had anxiety (39/289 respondents (13%) had incomplete/missing HADS). In univariable analyses, lower education, working full time, parenting concerns, insufficient social support and maladaptive coping were associated (p < .05) with anxiety. In the multivariable model, only maladaptive coping remained significantly associated with anxiety (p < .01, OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.22, 4.39)). Conclusions: Partners of young BC survivors who used less constructive/more maladaptive coping strategies experience negative mental health outcomes after tx has ended. Caregivers’ anxiety may have implications for both their own and survivors’ health and QOL. Future interventions might focus on the development of constructive coping strategies to enhance adjustment and role effectiveness in dealing with the impact of cancer.

scholarly journals Psychological well-being in Italian families: An exploratory approach to the study of mental health across the adult life span in the blue zone

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kenneth Hitchcott ◽  
Maria Chiara Fastame ◽  
Jessica Ferrai ◽  
Maria Pietronilla Penna
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Blue Zone

Self-reported measures of psychological well-being and depressive symptoms were examined across differently aged family members, while controlling for the impact of marital status and personal satisfaction about family and non-family relations. Twenty-one grandchildren (i.e., ages 21-36 years) were recruited with their parents (i.e., 48-66 years old) and grandparents (i.e., 75-101 years of age) in the ‘blue zone’ of Ogliastra, an Italian area known for the longevity of its inhabitants. Each participant was individually presented a battery of questionnaires assessing their lifestyle and several perceived mental health indices, including the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS, Tennant et al., 2007), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (i.e., CES-D, Radloff, 1977). After assessing the level of concordance among adults sharing the same context, the Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) approach was used to assess the nested dataset. It was found that family membership (i.e., grandchildren versus parents and grandparents) predicted the WEMWBS score but not the CES-D when the impact of marital status and personal satisfaction about social (i.e., family and non-family) ties was controlled for. Moreover, two separate repeated-measure Analyses of Variance (ANOVAs) documented similar level of personal satisfaction about social relationships across the three family groups. In conclusions, satisfying social ties with friends and family members together with an active socially oriented life style seems to contribute to the promotion of mental health in adult span.

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