Predictors of cosmetic surgery and its effects on psychological factors and mental health: a population-based follow-up study among Norwegian females

BackgroundThere is limited information about psychological predictors of cosmetic surgery and how cosmetic surgery influences subsequent changes in mental health and overall appearance satisfaction. To date, there is a lack of studies examining this issue, whereby representative population samples are assessed at an age before cosmetic surgery is typically conducted and followed up after such surgery has commonly been performed.MethodWe obtained data from a survey study following 1597 adolescent females from a representative Norwegian sample over a 13-year period. Participants provided information on cosmetic surgery, appearance satisfaction, mental health, risky sexual behavior, drug use and conduct problems at two time-points (overall response rate 67%).ResultsOf all participants, 78 (4.9%) reported having undergone cosmetic surgery, of whom 71 were operated on during the course of the study and seven before the first data collection. Symptoms of depression and anxiety [odds ratio (OR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–2.57] and a history of deliberate self-harm (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.46–5.68), parasuicide (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.53–7.08) and illicit drug use (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.07–5.82) predicted prospective cosmetic surgery. Moreover, those who underwent surgery during the course of the study experienced a greater increase than other females in symptoms of depression and anxiety (t=2.07, p=0.04) and eating problems (t=2.71, p<0.01). Patients' use of alcohol also increased more than among non-patients (t=2.47, p=0.01).ConclusionsA series of mental health symptoms predict cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery does not in turn seem to alleviate such mental health problems.

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Long-Term Outcomes of a Therapist-Supported, Smartphone-Based Intervention for Elevated Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Quasiexperimental, Pre-Postintervention Study

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/14284 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. e14284 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Marcos Economides ◽

Kristian Ranta ◽

Albert Nazander ◽

Outi Hilgert ◽

Philippe R Goldin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Point Reduction ◽

Patient Health ◽

Common Mental Health Problems ◽

Clinically Significant

Background Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and severely impacts one’s physical, psychological, and social functioning. To address access barriers to care, we developed Ascend—a smartphone-delivered, therapist-supported, 8-week intervention based on several evidence-based psychological treatments for depression and anxiety. A previous feasibility study with 102 adults with elevated depression reported that Ascend is associated with a postintervention reduction in depression symptoms. Objective We aimed to examine whether Ascend is associated with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, and importantly, whether reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety are maintained up to 12-months postintervention. Methods We assessed whether the previously reported, end-of-treatment improvements seen in the 102 adults with elevated symptoms of depression extended up to 12 months posttreatment for depression symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and up to 6 months posttreatment for anxiety symptoms (added to the intervention later and measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7] scale). We used linear mixed effects models with Tukey contrasts to compare time points and reported intention-to-treat statistics with a sensitivity analysis. Results The intervention was associated with reductions in symptoms of depression that were maintained 12 months after the program (6.67-point reduction in PHQ-9 score, 95% CI 5.59-7.75; P<.001; Hedges g=1.14, 95% CI 0.78-1.49). A total of 60% of the participants with PHQ-9 scores above the cutoff for major depression at baseline (PHQ≥10) reported clinically significant improvement at the 12-month follow-up (at least 50% reduction in PHQ-9 score and postprogram score <10). Participants also reported reductions in symptoms of anxiety that were maintained for at least 6 months after the program (4.26-point reduction in GAD-7 score, 95% CI 3.14-5.38; P<.001; Hedges g=0.91, 95% CI 0.54-1.28). Conclusions There is limited evidence on whether outcomes associated with smartphone-based interventions for common mental health problems are maintained posttreatment. Participants who enrolled in Ascend experienced clinically significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety that were maintained for up to 1 year and 6 months after the intervention, respectively. Future randomized trials are warranted to test Ascend as a scalable solution to the treatment of depression and anxiety.

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Depression, anxiety, and stress in partners of Australian combat veterans and military personnel: a comparison with Australian population norms

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.2373 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. e2373 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gail V. MacDonell ◽

Navjot Bhullar ◽

Einar B. Thorsteinsson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Combat Veterans ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Population Norms ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Previous Sample ◽

Comparative Population

Partners of Australian combat veterans are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. The present study provides a comparative analysis of the mental health of partners of veterans with that of the Australian normative data. To compare different types of groups of partners, the study samples comprised: (a) partners of Australian combat veterans (Sample 1:n= 282, ageM= 60.79,SD= 5.05), (b) a sub-sample of partners of Australian combat veterans from the previous sample (Sample 2:n= 50;M= 60.06,SD= 4.80), (c) partners of Special Air Services Regiment (SASR) personnel (Sample 3:n= 40, ageM= 34.39SD= 7.01), and (d) partners of current serving military (non-SASR) personnel (Sample 4:n= 38, ageM= 32.37,SD= 6.20). Respondents completed measures assessing their reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Samples 1 and 2 comprised partners of Australian military veterans who reported significantly greater symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress than the comparative population norms. The sample of SASR personnel partners (Sample 3) reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety, whereas the sample with non-SASR personnel partners (Sample 4) reported a significantly greater stress symptomatology than the comparative norms. Number of deployments was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in partners of non-SASR veterans (Sample 4). Lessons and protective factors can be learnt from groups within the current military as to what may assist partners and families to maintain a better level of psychosocial health.

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Sex and age differences in clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety among people in Australia in the first month of COVID-19 restrictions: a national survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042696 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e042696

Author(s):

Karin Hammarberg ◽

Thach Tran ◽

Maggie Kirkman ◽

Jane Fisher

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Age Differences ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Patient Health ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Sex And Age Differences ◽

Disproportionate Burden

ObjectivesTo identify sex and age differences in clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety and the factors associated with these differences among adults in Australia during COVID-19-related restrictions.DesignAnonymous online survey.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsAdults aged over 18 years living in Australia were eligible and 13 829 contributed complete data. Of these, 13 762 identified as female (10 434) or male (3328) and were included in analyses.InterventionsNone.Outcome measuresClinically significant symptoms of depression (≥10 on Patient Health Questionnaire 9) or anxiety (≥10 on Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7)), and experiences of irritability (GAD-7 item 6).ResultsWomen were more likely than men to have clinically significant symptoms of depression (26.3% (95% CI 25.4 to 27.1) vs 20.1% (95% CI 18.7 to 21.5), p<0.001) and anxiety (21.8% (95% CI 21.0 to 22.6) vs 14.2% (95% CI 13.0 to 15.4), p<0.001) and to have experienced irritability in the previous fortnight (63.1% (95% CI 62.1 to 64.0) vs 51.4% (95% CI 49.7 to 53.2), p<0.001). They were also more likely than men to be doing unpaid work caring for children (22.8% (95% CI 22.0 to 23.6) vs 8.6% (95% CI 7.7 to 9.6), p<0.001) and dependent relatives (9.8% (95% CI 9.2 to 10.3) vs 5.7% (95% CI 4.9 to 6.5), p<0.001) which made significant contributions to the mental health outcomes of interest. Loss of employment, fear of contracting COVID-19 and feeling a severe impact of the restrictions were associated with poorer mental health in women and men of all ages.ConclusionsRates of clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety were higher among women than men. Rather than being intrinsically more vulnerable to mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher risk of symptoms of anxiety and depression among women may in part be explained by their disproportionate burden of unpaid caregiving.

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Emotion regulation difficulties and interpersonal problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Predicting anxiety and depression

10.31234/osf.io/g5d8r ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ole Andre Solbakken ◽

Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽

Asle Hoffart ◽

Jon T. Monsen ◽

Sverre Urnes Johnson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emotion Regulation ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Interpersonal Problems ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Interpersonal Difficulties ◽

The Impact

Background: Central components of psychological functioning, such as difficulties in emotion regulation and interpersonal problems are likely to have been substantially impacted by COVID-19 and the amelioration measures of societal lock-down and social distancing. In turn, these factors are likely to predict mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety throughout the pandemic and beyond. Methods: To investigate this issue, we conducted an internet-based survey with 10,061 responders at the height of lock-down (T1). After social distancing measures had been eased (T2), 4,936 responders (49.1%) completed the survey again. Results: Emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal problems, and symptoms of depression and anxiety decreased from T1 to T2, but changes were minor. After controlling for age and gender, emotion regulation- and interpersonal difficulties were associated with anxiety and depression throughout the study period, and changes in all domains occurred in concert. More extensive problems with emotion regulation at T1 predicted greater reductions in both symptom domains as amelioration measures were eased, while the converse was true for interpersonal problems. Furthermore, the impact of initial emotion regulation difficulties on subsequent changes in both anxiety- and depressive symptoms was dependent on the level of interpersonal difficulties, so that high interpersonal problem load at T1 reversed the effect of emotion regulation difficulties on symptom development. Conclusions: The results suggest that emotion regulation- and interpersonal difficulties are highly central to mental health during the pandemic, and may be important targets for remediation to reduce mental health problems throughout the course of the pandemic and beyond.

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Impact of Longitudinal Social Support and Loneliness Trajectories on Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in France

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182312677 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (23) ◽

pp. 12677

Author(s):

Sandy Laham ◽

Leticia Bertuzzi ◽

Séverine Deguen ◽

Irwin Hecker ◽

Maria Melchior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Common Mental Health Problems ◽

Mental Health Study

(1) Background: Little is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted social support and loneliness over time and how this may predict subsequent mental health problems. This study aims to determine longitudinal trajectories of social support and loneliness in the French general population during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and study whether variations in these trajectories are associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety; (2) Methods: Analyses were based on data from 681 French participants in the international COVID-19 Mental Health Study (COMET) study, collected at four periods of time between May 2020 and April 2021. Group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) was used to determine social support and loneliness trajectories. Associations between the identified trajectories and symptoms of depression and anxiety, measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), were tested through multivariate linear regression models; (3) Results: Social support trajectories revealed four stable groups: ‘poor’ (17.0%), ‘moderate’ (42.4%), ‘strong’ (35.4%) and ‘very strong’ (5.1%). Loneliness trajectories also identified four groups: ‘low stable’ (17.8%), ‘low rising’ (40.2%), ‘moderate stable’ (37.6%) and ‘high rising’ (5.0%). Elevated symptoms of depression were associated with poor social support as well as all identified loneliness trajectories, while high levels of anxiety were associated with moderate stable and high rising loneliness trajectories; (4) Conclusions: High and increasing levels of loneliness are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic. Interventions to address loneliness are essential to prevent common mental health problems during the pandemic and afterwards.

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Vicarious Racism and Vigilance During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mental Health Implications Among Asian and Black Americans

Public Health Reports ◽

10.1177/00333549211018675 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003335492110186

Author(s):

David H. Chae ◽

Tiffany Yip ◽

Connor D. Martz ◽

Kara Chung ◽

Jennifer A. Richeson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Asian American ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Black Americans ◽

The United States ◽

Racial Group ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Increased Risk

Objectives Experiences of vicarious racism—hearing about racism directed toward one’s racial group or racist acts committed against other racial group members—and vigilance about racial discrimination have been salient during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined vicarious racism and vigilance in relation to symptoms of depression and anxiety among Asian and Black Americans. Methods We used data from a cross-sectional study of 604 Asian American and 844 Black American adults aged ≥18 in the United States recruited from 5 US cities from May 21 through July 15, 2020. Multivariable linear regression models examined levels of depression and anxiety by self-reported vicarious racism and vigilance. Results Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, among both Asian and Black Americans, greater self-reported vicarious racism was associated with more symptoms of depression (Asian: β = 1.92 [95% CI, 0.97-2.87]; Black: β = 1.72 [95% CI, 0.95-2.49]) and anxiety (Asian: β = 2.40 [95% CI, 1.48-3.32]; Black: β = 1.98 [95% CI, 1.17-2.78]). Vigilance was also positively related to symptoms of depression (Asian: β = 1.54 [95% CI, 0.58-2.50]; Black: β = 0.90 [95% CI, 0.12-1.67]) and anxiety (Asian: β = 1.98 [95% CI, 1.05-2.91]; Black: β = 1.64 [95% CI, 0.82-2.45]). Conclusions Mental health problems are a pressing concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from our study suggest that heightened racist sentiment, harassment, and violence against Asian and Black Americans contribute to increased risk of depression and anxiety via vicarious racism and vigilance. Public health efforts during this period should address endemic racism as well as COVID-19.

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Depression and anxiety symptoms in 17 teams of female football players including 10 German first league teams

British Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1136/bjsports-2017-098033 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (8) ◽

pp. 471-477 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Astrid Junge ◽

Birgit Prinz

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Football Players ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Generalised Anxiety Disorder ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

BackgroundInformation on the prevalence of mental health problems of elite athletes is inconclusive, most probably due to methodological limitations, such as low response rates, heterogeneous samples.AimsTo evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety symptoms in high-level female football players.MethodsFemale football players of 10 German first league (Bundesliga) and 7 lower league teams were asked to answer a questionnaire on players’ characteristics, the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale.ResultsA total of 290 players (184 first and 106 lower league players) took part in the study. The CES-D score indicated mild to moderate symptoms of depression in 48 (16.6%) and severe symptoms in 41 (14.1%) players. The GAD-7 score indicated an at least moderate generalised anxiety disorder in 24 (8.3%) players. The prevalence of depression symptoms and generalised anxiety disorders was similar to the female general population of similar age. However, significantly more second league players reported symptoms of depression than first league players, and thus the prevalence of depression symptoms in second league players was higher than in the general population. Only a third of the 45 (15.7%) players who stated that they currently wanted or needed psychotherapeutic support received it.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression and generalised anxiety symptoms in elite football players is influenced by personal and sport-specific variables. It is important to raise awareness of athletes’ mental health problems in coaches and team physicians, to reduce stigma and to provide low-threshold treatment.

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Long-Term Outcomes of a Therapist-Supported, Smartphone-Based Intervention for Elevated Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Quasiexperimental, Pre-Postintervention Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14284 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Marcos Economides ◽

Kristian Ranta ◽

Albert Nazander ◽

Outi Hilgert ◽

Philippe R Goldin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Point Reduction ◽

Patient Health ◽

Common Mental Health Problems ◽

Clinically Significant

BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and severely impacts one’s physical, psychological, and social functioning. To address access barriers to care, we developed Ascend —a smartphone-delivered, therapist-supported, 8-week intervention based on several evidence-based psychological treatments for depression and anxiety. A previous feasibility study with 102 adults with elevated depression reported that Ascend is associated with a postintervention reduction in depression symptoms. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine whether Ascend is associated with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, and importantly, whether reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety are maintained up to 12 months postintervention. METHODS We assessed whether the previously reported, end-of-treatment improvements seen in the 102 adults with elevated symptoms of depression extended up to 12 months posttreatment for depression symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and up to 6 months posttreatment for anxiety symptoms (added to the intervention later and measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7] scale). We used linear mixed effects models with Tukey contrasts to compare time points and reported intention-to-treat statistics with a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS The intervention was associated with reductions in symptoms of depression that were maintained 12 months after the program (6.67-point reduction in PHQ-9 score, 95% CI 5.59-7.75; P<.001; Hedges g=1.14, 95% CI 0.78-1.49). A total of 60% of the participants with PHQ-9 scores above the cutoff for major depression at baseline (PHQ≥10) reported clinically significant improvement at the 12-month follow-up (at least 50% reduction in PHQ-9 score and postprogram score <10). Participants also reported reductions in symptoms of anxiety that were maintained for at least 6 months after the program (4.26-point reduction in GAD-7 score, 95% CI 3.14-5.38; P<.001; Hedges g=0.91, 95% CI 0.54-1.28). CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence on whether outcomes associated with smartphone-based interventions for common mental health problems are maintained posttreatment. Participants who enrolled in Ascend experienced clinically significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety that were maintained for up to 1 year and 6 months after the intervention, respectively. Future randomized trials are warranted to test Ascend as a scalable solution to the treatment of depression and anxiety.

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Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety Disorders Among Bangladeshi Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction ◽

10.1007/s11469-021-00603-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Md. Omar Faruk ◽

Mohammed A. Mamun ◽

Abu Bakkar Siddique ◽

Mark D. Griffiths

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Dental Students ◽

Survey Study ◽

Dental Student ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractDental students are highly prone to mental health suffering due to the stressors related to their educational, academic, and clinical environment. However, there are no previous studies that evaluated the mental health problems among dental students in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study assessed the prevalence of depression and anxiety and its covariates. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the students of five (out of a total of nine) Bangladeshi public dental institutes. The survey included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, and questions relating to sociodemographic factors, personal suffering, and family mental health history. Results indicated that the prevalence rates for moderate to severe depression and anxiety were 27.4% and 18.2%, respectively. The risk factors for depression and anxiety were being female, coming from city areas, having past-year psychological and physical suffering, having past-year traumatic events, and having a family history of mental illness, as well as a range of suicide-related behaviors. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in the present study were relatively lower than other dental student cohorts residing outside Bangladesh. Further investigations are suggested based on the limitations and strengths of the present study.

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A fully automated conversational agent with artificial intelligence capabilities (Youper) for treating depression and anxiety: A nonrandomized feasibility trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12888 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jose Hamilton Vargas ◽

Thiago Antonio Marafon ◽

Diego Fernando Couto ◽

Ricardo Giglio ◽

Marvin Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Financial Incentives ◽

Empirical Support ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Conversational Agents ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Viable Solution

BACKGROUND Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, are significant global concerns. Many people with these conditions don't get the help they need because of the high costs of medical treatment and the stigma attached to seeking help. Digital technologies represent a viable solution to these challenges. However, these technologies are often characterized by relatively low adherence and their effectiveness largely remains empirical unverified. While digital technologies may represent a viable solution for this persisting problem, they often lack empirical support for their effectiveness and are characterized by relatively low adherence. Conversational agents using artificial intelligence capabilities have the potential to offer a cost-effective, low-stigma and engaging way of getting mental health care. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of Youper, a mobile application that utilizes a conversational interface and artificial intelligence capabilities to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults. METHODS 1,012 adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety participated in a real-world setting study, entirely remotely, unguided and with no financial incentives, over an 8-week period. Participants completed digital versions of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. RESULTS After the eight-week study period, depression (PHQ-9) scores of participants decreased by 48% while anxiety (GAD-7) scores decreased by 43%. The RCI was outside 2 standard deviations for 93.0% of the individuals in the PHQ-9 assessment and 90.7% in the GAD-7 assessment. Participants were on average 24.79 years old (SD 7.61) and 77% female. On average, participants interacted with Youper 0.9 (SD 1.56) times per week. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that Youper is a feasible, acceptable, and effective intervention for adults with depression and anxiety. CLINICALTRIAL Since this study involved a nonclinical population, it wasn't registered in a public trials registry.

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