scholarly journals Mindfulness practice for protecting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lei Zhu ◽  
Rasmus Schülke ◽  
Deniz Vatansever ◽  
Dayou Xi ◽  
Junjie Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Peak Time ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

AbstractEmerging evidence shows that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is negatively affecting mental health around the globe. Interventions to alleviate the psychological impact of the pandemic are urgently needed. Whether mindfulness practice may protect against the harmful emotional effects of a pandemic crisis remains hitherto unknown. We investigated the influence of mindfulness training on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. We hypothesized that mindfulness practitioners might manifest less pandemic-related distress, depression, anxiety, and stress than non-practitioners and that more frequent practice would be associated with an improvement in mental health during the pandemic. Therefore, we assessed pandemic-related distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as the frequency of meditation practice at the peak of new infections (Feb 4–5; N = 673) and three weeks later (Feb 29–30; N = 521) in mindfulness practitioners via online questionnaires. Self-reported symptoms were also collected from non-practitioners at peak time only (N = 1550). We found lower scores of pandemic-related distress in mindfulness practitioners compared to non-practitioners. In general, older participants showed fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. In younger practitioners, pandemic-related distress decreased from peak to follow-up. Importantly, increased mindfulness training during the preceding two weeks was associated with lower scores of depression and anxiety at both assessments. Likewise, practice frequency predicted individual improvement in scores of depression, anxiety, and stress at follow-up. Our results indicate that mindfulness meditation might be a viable low-cost intervention to mitigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics.

Effectiveness of Prompt Mental Health Care: Preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Knapstad ◽  
L V Lervik ◽  
S M M Saether ◽  
L E Aaroe ◽  
O R F Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Prompt Mental Health Care (PMHC) service is a Norwegian initiative, adapted from the English ‘Improved Access to Psychological Therapy’ (IAPT), aimed at improving access to primary care treatment for anxiety and depression. Thus far, both PMHC and IAPT have been evaluated by cohort studies only. Albeit yielding promising results, the extent to which these are attributable to the treatment thus remains unsettled. This study investigates the effectiveness of PMHC compared to treatment as usual (TAU) at six months follow-up. Methods Randomized controlled trial with parallel assignment in two PMHC sites from November 2015 to March 2018. Participants were 681 adults (aged ≥18 years) considered for admission to PMHC due to anxiety and/or mild to moderate depression. These were randomly assigned on a 70:30 ratio. Main outcomes were recovery rates and changes in symptoms of depression and anxiety between baseline and follow-up. Primary outcome data were available for 73%/67% in the PMHC/TAU group. Sensitivity analyses based on observed patterns of missingness were conducted. Results A reliable recovery rate of 58.5% was observed in the PMHC group and 31.9% in the TAU group, yielding a between-group effect size (ES) of 0.61 [95% CI 0.37-0.85, p<.001]. The differences in degree of improvement between PMHC and TAU yielded an ES of -0.88 [95% CI -1.23-0.43, p < 0.001] for symptoms of depression and -0.60 [95% CI -0.90-0.30, p < 0.001] for symptoms of anxiety in favour of PMHC. All sensitivity analyses pointed in the same direction with small variations in point estimates. Findings were slightly more robust for depressive than anxiety symptoms. Conclusions The PMHC treatment was substantially more effective than TAU in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. This adaptation of IAPT is considered a viable supplement to existing health services to increase access of effective treatment for adults who suffer from anxiety and mild to moderate depression. Key messages This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of an IAPT-like treatment model in terms of a randomized controlled trial. Prompt Mental Health Care was substantially more effective than TAU in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety at 6-months follow-up.

scholarly journals Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in young adults 5 years after undergoing bariatric surgery as adolescents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kajsa Järvholm ◽  
Torsten Olbers ◽  
Markku Peltonen ◽  
Claude Marcus ◽  
Carl-Erik Flodmark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Purpose Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is increasingly used in adolescents. The aim was to explore symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adults over 5 years’ follow-up after undergoing MBS. Methods Beck Depression Inventory-2 and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety in 62 patients 1, 2, and 5 years after having Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at 13–18 years of age. Mental health, eating-related problems, and weight outcomes were tested for association with suicidal ideation at the 5-year follow-up. Results At the 5-year follow-up, the mean score for depression was 11.4 (± 12.4), indicating minimal symptoms of depression. The mean score for anxiety was 12.82 (± 11.50), indicating mild anxiety symptoms. Still, several participants reported moderate or severe symptoms of depression (26%) and anxiety (32%). Women reported more symptoms than men (P = 0.03 and 0.04). No significant changes were found in self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety between the 1-year and the 5-year follow-up (P = 0.367 and 0.934). Suicidal ideation was reported by 16% at the 5-year follow-up. Participants reporting suicidal ideation had lost significantly less excess weight than participants without suicidal ideation (P = 0.009). Conclusion Five years after adolescent MBS, a substantial minority still struggles with mental health issues, and women are more burdened than men. Our results indicate an association between less optimal weight loss and suicidal ideation 5 years after MBS. The findings emphasize the importance of offering long-term follow-up and mental health treatment several years after MBS. Level of evidence Level III, cohort study. Clinical trial registration The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00289705). First posted February 10, 2006.

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

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.

scholarly journals Improving Mental Health in Pregnancy for Refugee Women: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of a Screening Program in Melbourne, Australia (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Anne Boyle ◽  
Suzanne Willey ◽  
Rebecca Blackmore ◽  
Christine East ◽  
Jacqueline McBride ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
In Pregnancy

BACKGROUND Identifying mental health disorders in migrant and refugee women during pregnancy provides an opportunity for interventions that may benefit women and their families. Evidence suggests that perinatal mental health disorders impact mother-infant attachment at critical times, which can affect child development. Postnatal depression resulting in suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality postpartum. Routine screening of perinatal mental health is recommended to improve the identification of depression and anxiety and to facilitate early management. However, screening is poorly implemented into routine practice. This study is the first to investigate routine screening for perinatal mental health in a maternity setting designed for refugee women. This study will determine whether symptoms of depression and anxiety are more likely to be detected by the screening program compared with routine care and will evaluate the screening program’s feasibility and acceptability to women and health care providers (HCPs). OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are (1) to assess if refugee women are more likely to screen risk-positive for depression and anxiety than nonrefugee women, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); (2) to assess if screening in pregnancy using the EPDS enables better detection of symptoms of depression and anxiety in refugee women than current routine care; (3) to determine if a screening program for perinatal mental health in a maternity setting designed for refugee women is acceptable to women; and (4) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the perinatal mental health screening program from the perspective of HCPs (including the barriers and enablers to implementation). METHODS This study uses an internationally recommended screening measure, the EPDS, and a locally developed psychosocial questionnaire, both administered in early pregnancy and again in the third trimester. These measures have been translated into the most common languages used by the women attending the clinic and are administered via an electronic platform (iCOPE). This platform automatically calculates the EPDS score and generates reports for the HCP and woman. A total of 119 refugee women and 155 nonrefugee women have been recruited to evaluate the screening program’s ability to detect depression and anxiety symptoms and will be compared with 34 refugee women receiving routine care. A subsample of women will participate in a qualitative assessment of the screening program’s acceptability and feasibility. Health service staff have been recruited to evaluate the integration of screening into maternity care. RESULTS The recruitment is complete, and data collection and analysis are underway. CONCLUSIONS It is anticipated that screening will increase the identification and management of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy. New information will be generated on how to implement such a program in feasible and acceptable ways that will improve health outcomes for refugee women. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/13271

scholarly journals The Psychological Impact of Covid-19 on University Students: Their Expectations of Mental Health Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
M.Siyabend KAYA ◽  
Yavuz KOŞAN
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Effects

The current study focused on exploring the psychological impact of the COVID -19 outbreak on university students and participants' expectations of mental health professionals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 university students aged 18 to 33 years from 19 cities in Turkey. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify important aspects of the students' experiences. According to the results, the main effects of the epidemic COVID -19 on the participants were depression and anxiety. We found that participants used various ways to cope with COVID -19 such as reading books and paying attention to hygiene. Participants also indicated that they perceived some positive situations, such as the value of nature and humanity, the importance of family, and various negative situations, such as mental exhaustion. Finally, participants stressed that they had different expectations regarding psychosocial support and the planning of individual activities by mental health professionals

Healthy Mind Healthy You: An Online Study Comparing Standard Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with a Brief Mindfulness Program to Improve Well-Being (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louisa G Sylvia ◽  
Mitchell R Lunn ◽  
Juno Obedin-Maliver ◽  
Robert N McBurney ◽  
W Benjamin Nowell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
World Health ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Health Organization

BACKGROUND Mindfulness can improve overall well-being by training individuals to focus on the present moment without judging their thoughts. However, it is unknown how much mindfulness practice and training are necessary to improve well-being. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare standard with brief mindfulness training to improve overall well-being. METHODS Participants were recruited from 17 Patient-Powered Research Networks, online communities of stakeholders interested in a common area of research. Participants were randomized to either a standard 8-session mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) or a brief 3-session mindfulness training intervention accessed online. Participants were followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was well-being as measured by the World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Index. We hypothesized that MBCT would be superior to brief mindfulness training. RESULTS We randomized 4,411 participants, 88% of whom were white and 80% female sex assigned at birth. Baseline WHO-5 score mean was 50.3 (SD = 20.7). Average self-reported well-being in each group increased over the intervention period (baseline to 8 weeks) (model-based slope [95% CI] for MBCT group: 0.78 [0.63, 0.93]; brief mindfulness group: 0.76 [0.60, 0.91]) as well as the full study period (i.e., intervention plus follow-up; baseline to 20 weeks) (model-based slope [95% CI] for MBCT group: 0.41 [0.34, 0.48]; brief mindfulness group: 0.33 [0.26, 0.40]). Change in self-reported well-being was not statistically significantly different between MBCT and brief mindfulness during the intervention period (model-based difference in slopes [95% CI]: -0.02 [-0.24, 0.19], P = .80) or during the intervention period plus 12-week follow-up (-0.08 [-0.18, 0.02], P = .10). During the intervention period, younger participants (P = .05) and participants who completed a higher percentage of intervention sessions (P = .005) experienced greater improvements in well-being across both interventions, effects that were stronger for participants in the MBCT condition. CONCLUSIONS Standard MBCT improved well-being but was not superior to a brief mindfulness intervention. Younger patients and those able to complete more training sessions improved the most. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03844321, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844321

Prevalence and association of discrimination and bullying and the impact on mental health in an occupational setting

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Stratton ◽  
Michael J. Player ◽  
Ariane Dahlheimer ◽  
Isabella Choi ◽  
Nicholas Glozier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Male Dominated ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

PurposeDiscrimination and bullying contribute to mental ill-health in the workplace. At face value, they would seem linked but are often dealt with by different legislations. Workplace studies generally focus on bullying and population studies on discrimination. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence and relationship of discrimination and bullying in a male-dominated workforce, associated factors and relative impact on mental ill-health.Design/methodology/approachAn online cohort survey was conducted amongst employees of an Australian mining company, measuring discrimination, bullying, demographics and workplace and health factors over two months. Cross-sectional and prospective analyses assessed the prevalence of each, their association and their effects on depression and anxiety.FindingsA total of 580 employees (82% male) participated. There was no association between workplace bullying (n = 56, 9.7%) and discrimination (n = 160, 27.6%). Discrimination, but not bullying, was associated with higher depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation and lower well-being and resilience. After controlling for demographic, workplace and health and well-being factors, depression had the main effect on discrimination ß = 0.39, p = 0.003. Discrimination predicted an increase in depression scores at follow-up F (1, 129) = 4.88, p = 0.029.Originality/valueIn this male-dominated industry, discrimination was more prevalent than bullying. Discrimination, but not bullying, was associated with poorer mental health both cross sectionally and prospectively. Supporting the need to assess and manage discrimination and bullying in the workplace independently and the need for interventions to reduce a broader range of adverse interpersonal behaviours.

scholarly journals Psychological correlates and binge drinking behaviours among Canadian youth: a cross-sectional analysis of the mental health pilot data from the COMPASS study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e028558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Butler ◽  
Isabella Romano ◽  
Karen Patte ◽  
Mark A Ferro ◽  
Margaret de Groh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Canadian Youth

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine associations between depression, anxiety and binge drinking among a large sample of Canadian youth, while testing the moderating effect of flourishing. This research uses data from the Cannabis, Obesity, Mental health, Physical activity, Alcohol, Smoking, Sedentary Behaviour (COMPASS) study (2012–2021) with a large sample size collecting data on youth health behaviours within Canadian secondary schools.DesignCross-sectionalSetting14 secondary schools across Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.ParticipantsA sample of grade 9–12 students (n=6570) who participated in the Mental Health pilot of the COMPASS studyPrimary and secondary outcome measuresSelf-reported questionnaires assessed student binge drinking behaviours (5≥drinks), symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Revised)−10 scores≥10) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale scores≥10), and flourishing (Diener’s Flourishing Scale: 8–40).ResultsIn our sample of 6570 students, 37.0% of students reported binge drinking in the last year, and 41.4% and 31.7% of students report clinically-relevant symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Anxiety (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.57, (99% CI 0.15 to 2.22)) and depression (AOR: 1.98, (99% CI 0.76 to 5.13)) symptoms were not found to be associated with binge drinking and we did not detect any moderating role of flourishing. Rather, factors that were associated with increased odds of binge drinking included sports team participation (AOR: 1.67, (99% CI 1.37 to 2.03)) and use of other substances (tobacco (AOR: 3.00, (99% CI 2.12 to 4.25)) and cannabis (AOR: 7.76, (99% CI 6.36 to 9.46))). Similar associations were found for frequency of binge drinking.ConclusionsConsistent with existing literature, binge drinking behaviours were problematic, as well as clinically-relevant symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, mental health problems and well-being may not be responsible for explaining patterns of binge drinking in youth. Targeted intervention efforts towards student athletes and concurrent substance users are necessary for addressing binge drinking in youth populations.

scholarly journals Maintaining contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with positive mental health

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarai Pouso ◽  
Angel Borja ◽  
Lora E. Fleming ◽  
Erik Gómez-Baggethun ◽  
Mathew White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Negative Impacts

There is growing evidence that exposure to the natural world (blue-green spaces) has potential benefits for mental health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures adopted to control it provide a natural experiment to investigate the links between nature exposure and mental health under extreme conditions. Using a survey distributed online and based on 6,080 responses, we tested three hypotheses: (1) people will show different levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety depending on the level of lockdown (severity) and ability to maintain contact with outdoor spaces; and (2) where access to outdoor public spaces was restricted, those with access to private outdoor spaces (2a) or even a green-blue nature view (2b) will show fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and a more positive mood. Lockdown severity significantly affected mental health, while contact with nature helped people to cope with these impacts. The buffering effect of nature was especially relevant for those under strict lockdowns. People perceived that nature helped them to cope with lockdown measures; and emotions were more positive among individuals with accessible outdoor spaces and blue-green elements in their views. These findings can help decision-makers in developing potential future lockdown measures to mitigate the negative impacts, helping people to be more resilient and maintain better mental health.

scholarly journals Depression after Obstetric Fistula Repair

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Stokes ◽  
Jeffrey Wilkinson ◽  
Prakash Ganesh ◽  
William Nundwe ◽  
Rachel Pope
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Obstetric Fistula ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Fistula Repair ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Persistent Depression ◽  
Continence Status ◽  
Operative Assessment ◽  
Over Time

Aims: To measure depression using the PHQ-9 over time and to identify characteristics associated with persistent depression. Methods: A database of women undergoing obstetric fistula repair was used to examine association of depression with variables such as general demographics, type of obstetric fistula, surgical outcome, and continence status at the time of discharge. Results: 797 patients completed the PHQ-9 upon initial pre-operative assessment. 365 (45.8%) had a PHQ-9 score of 5 or higher, indicating symptoms of depression. Pre-operatively, depression was associated with the 18-34 year old age group and women with no children. Post-operatively, worse incontinence was associated with depression, however, over time depression was rarely found among women returning for follow-up. Conclusions: The decrease of depression seen over time is either due to selection bias or due to improved adjustment to one’s circumstances. Either way, this study underscores the need for ongoing follow-up, perhaps especially for those not presenting. Further studies are needed to assess the mental health of women who do not present for follow-up visits.

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