Associations Between Global Mental Health and Response to an App-Based Meditation Intervention in Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Patients

Background: Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance are common problems that greatly affect quality of life for many myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients. App-based mindfulness meditation is a feasible nonpharmacologic approach for managing symptoms. However, previous research has not considered how patients’ overall mental health may influence their responsiveness to these interventions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory, secondary analysis of the effects of a smartphone meditation app, Calm, on depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in MPN patients based on patients’ baseline levels of Global Mental Health (GMH). Methods: Participants (N = 80) were a subset of MPN patients from a larger feasibility study. Patients were enrolled into an intervention (use Calm for 10 minutes daily for 4 weeks) or educational control group. Results: In multilevel models, there were significant 3-way interactions between time, group, and baseline GMH for depression and anxiety symptoms, with participants in the meditation intervention who reported the poorest baseline GMH experiencing the greatest reduction in symptoms over time. For both intervention and control participants, poorer initial GMH was associated with increases in sleep disturbance symptoms over time. Conclusions: Mindfulness meditation apps, such as Calm, may be effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in MPN patients, particularly for those experiencing mental health difficulties. Given the need for accessible tools to self-manage chronic cancer–related symptoms, especially strong negative emotions, these findings warrant larger efficacy studies to determine the effects of app-based meditation for alleviating depression and anxiety in cancer populations.

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Testing the Effects of the Shamiri Intervention and its Components on Anxiety, Depression, Wellbeing, and Academic Functioning in Kenyan Adolescents: Study Protocol for a Five-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

10.31234/osf.io/6xdka ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katherine E. Venturo-Conerly ◽

Tom L Osborn ◽

Akash R Wasil ◽

Huong Le ◽

Emily Corrigan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Academic Performance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Growth Mindset ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Multi Level ◽

Secondary Outcomes ◽

Over Time

Background: Treatments for youth mental disorders are a public health priority, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where treatment options remain limited due to high cost, elevated stigma, and lack of trained mental health professionals. Brief, accessible, and non-stigmatizing community-based interventions delivered by lay-providers may help address treatment needs in SSA. One such intervention, the Shamiri Intervention, consisting of three elements (growth mindset, gratitude, and value affirmation) has been tested in randomized controlled trials with school-going Kenyan adolescents. This three-element Shamiri Intervention has been shown to significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms and improve social support and academic performance relative to a control group. In this trial, we aim to investigate the effects of each element of the Shamiri Intervention.Methods: In this five-arm randomized controlled trial, we will test each of the intervention components (growth mindset, gratitude, and value affirmation) against the full Shamiri Intervention and against a study-skills control intervention. Students (Nplanned=1288) at participating secondary schools who are interested in participating in this universal intervention will be randomized in equal numbers into the five groups. The students will meet in groups of 8-15 students led by local high school graduate lay-providers. These lay-providers will receive 10 hours of training, plus expert supervision once a week throughout the intervention delivery. Multi-level models will be used to compare trajectories over time of the primary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, academic performance, and wellness) and secondary outcomes in each intervention group to the control group. Multi-level models will also be used to compare trajectories over time of the primary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, academic performance, and wellness) and secondary outcomes of those in the single-element interventions compared to the full Shamiri Intervention. Finally, effect sizes (calculated as mean gain scores) will be used to compare all groups on all measures. Discussion: This trial will shed light on the mechanisms and outcomes targeted by each individual intervention, helping prioritize which mental health interventions are most important to disseminate.

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The effect of intolerance of uncertainty on anxiety and depression, and their symptom networks, during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/gtekh ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jack L Andrews ◽

Meiwei Li ◽

Savannah Minihan ◽

Annabel Songco ◽

Elaine Fox ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

First Year ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Network Analyses ◽

Over Time

Individuals vary in their ability to tolerate uncertainty. High intolerance of uncertainty is a known risk factor for mental health problems. In the current study we examined the degree to which intolerance of uncertainty predicted depression and anxiety symptoms and their interrelations across the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined these associations across three time points (May 2020 – April 2021) in an international sample of adults (N = 2087, Mean age = 41.13) from three countries (UK, USA, Australia) with varying degrees of COVID-19 risk. We found that individuals with high and moderate levels of intolerance of uncertainty reported reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms over time. However, symptom levels remained significantly elevated compared to individuals with low intolerance of uncertainty. Individuals with low intolerance of uncertainty had low and stable levels of depression and anxiety across the course of the study. Network analyses further revealed that the relationships between depression and anxiety symptoms became stronger over time among individuals with high intolerance of uncertainty and identified that feeling afraid showed the strongest association with intolerance of uncertainty. Our findings are consistent with previous work identifying intolerance of uncertainty as an important risk factor for mental health problems, especially in times marked by actual health, economic and social uncertainty. The results highlight the need to explore ways to foster resilience among individuals who struggle to tolerate uncertainty, as ongoing and future geopolitical, climate and health threats will likely lead to continued exposure to significant uncertainty.

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Body Dissatisfaction and Mental Health Outcomes of Youth on Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

10.1542/9781610025423-body ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 101-109

Author(s):

Laura E. Kuper ◽

Sunita Stewart ◽

Stephanie Preston ◽

May Lau ◽

Ximena Lopez

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Attempt ◽

Body Dissatisfaction ◽

Hormone Therapy ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Over Time

OBJECTIVES Our first aim was to examine baseline differences in body dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety symptoms by gender, age, and Tanner (ie, pubertal) stage. Our second aim was to test for changes in youth symptoms over the first year of receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy. Our third aim was to examine potential differences in change over time by demographic and treatment characteristics. Youth experiences of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) are also reported. METHODS Participants (n = 148; ages 9–18 years; mean age 14.9 years) were receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy at a multidisciplinary program in Dallas, Texas (n = 25 puberty suppression only; n = 123 feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy). Participants completed surveys assessing body dissatisfaction (Body Image Scale), depression (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms), and anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders) at initial presentation to the clinic and at follow-up. Clinicians completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms and collected information on youth experiences of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and NSSI. RESULTS Affirmed males reported greater depression and anxiety at baseline, but these differences were small (P < .01). Youth reported large improvements in body dissatisfaction (P < .001), small to moderate improvements in self-report of depressive symptoms (P < .001), and small improvements in total anxiety symptoms (P < .01). No demographic or treatment-related characteristics were associated with change over time. Lifetime and follow-up rates were 81% and 39% for suicidal ideation, 16% and 4% for suicide attempt, and 52% and 18% for NSSI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Results provide further evidence of the critical role of gender-affirming hormone therapy in reducing body dissatisfaction. Modest initial improvements in mental health were also evident.

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Testing the effects of the Shamiri Intervention and its components on anxiety, depression, wellbeing, and academic functioning in Kenyan adolescents: study protocol for a five-arm randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05736-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Katherine E. Venturo-Conerly ◽

Tom L. Osborn ◽

Akash R. Wasil ◽

Huong Le ◽

Emily Corrigan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Academic Performance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Growth Mindset ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Multi Level ◽

Secondary Outcomes ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background Treatments for youth mental disorders are a public health priority, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where treatment options remain limited due to high cost, elevated stigma, and lack of trained mental health professionals. Brief, accessible, and non-stigmatizing community-based interventions delivered by lay providers may help address treatment needs in SSA. One such intervention, the Shamiri Intervention, consisting of three elements (growth mindset, gratitude, and value affirmation) has been tested in randomized controlled trials with school-going Kenyan adolescents. This three-element Shamiri Intervention has been shown to significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms and improve social support and academic performance relative to a control group. In this trial, we aim to investigate the effects of each element of the Shamiri Intervention. Methods In this five-arm randomized controlled trial, we will test each of the intervention components (growth mindset, gratitude, and value affirmation) against the full Shamiri Intervention and against a study skills control intervention. Students (Nplanned = 1288) at participating secondary schools who are interested in participating in this universal intervention will be randomized in equal numbers into the five groups. The students will meet in groups of 8–15 students led by local high school graduate lay providers. These lay providers will receive a brief training, plus expert supervision once a week throughout the intervention delivery. Multi-level models will be used to compare trajectories over time of the primary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, academic performance, and wellness) and secondary outcomes in each intervention group to the control group. Multi-level models will also be used to compare trajectories over time of the primary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, academic performance, and wellness) and secondary outcomes of participants in the single-element interventions compared to the full Shamiri Intervention. Finally, effect sizes (calculated as mean gain scores) will be used to compare all groups on all measures. Discussion This trial will shed light on the mechanisms and outcomes targeted by each individual intervention, helping prioritize which mental health interventions are most important to disseminate. Trial registration PACTR Trial ID: PACTR202104716135752. Approved on 4/19/2021.

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Trajectories of depression and anxiety symptoms over time in the transition to university: Their co-occurrence and the role of self-critical perfectionism

10.31234/osf.io/zxg8h ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shelby L. Levine ◽

Nassim Tabri ◽

Marina Milyavskaya

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Latent Class ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Symptom Development ◽

Transition To University ◽

Symptom Trajectories ◽

Over Time

Little is known about how mental health symptoms develop during the transition to university. Most anxiety and depression research fail to consider how symptom development differs over time across different individuals, and how symptom co-occurrence influences the severity of mental heath problems. Students (N = 658) completed online surveys on mental health prior to starting university and every 2 months until April. To better understand mental health problems during this transitional period, latent class growth curve analyses were run to determine how anxiety and depressive symptoms co-develop over time, as well, if self-critical perfectionism was a transdiagnostic risk factor for more severe symptom trajectories in this transition. About 40% of students experienced depression and anxiety symptoms prior to entering/ during the transition to university. There is substantial variation between students in terms of how they experience depression and anxiety symptoms, and research needs to take this heterogeneity into account to properly identify which students might benefit most from resources. Self-critical perfectionism was a transdiagnostic risk factor, such that students higher in this trait experienced more severe anxiety and depressive symptom trajectories during this transition. This research further implicates the importance of understanding and studying individual differences in symptom development.

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Trajectories of depression and anxiety symptoms over time in the transition to university: Their co-occurrence and the role of self-critical perfectionism

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579421000626 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Shelby L. Levine ◽

Nassim Tabri ◽

Marina Milyavskaya

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Symptom Development ◽

Transition To University ◽

Symptom Trajectories ◽

Over Time

Abstract Little is known about how mental health symptoms develop during the transition to university. Most anxiety and depression research fails to consider how symptom development differs over time across different individuals, and how symptom co-occurrence influences the severity of mental health problems. Students (N = 658) completed online surveys on mental health prior to starting university and every 2 months until April. To better understand mental health problems during this transitional period, latent class growth curve analyses were run to determine how anxiety and depressive symptoms co-develop over time, as well, if self-critical perfectionism was a transdiagnostic risk factor for more severe symptom trajectories in this transition. About 40% of students experienced depression and anxiety symptoms prior to entering/during the transition to university. There is substantial variation between students in terms of how they experience depression and anxiety symptoms, and research needs to take this heterogeneity into account to properly identify which students might benefit most from resources. Self-critical perfectionism was a transdiagnostic risk factor, such that students higher in this trait experienced more severe anxiety and depressive symptom trajectories during this transition. This research further implicates the importance of understanding and studying individual differences in symptom development.

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The effects of short-term mindfulness-based group intervention utilising a school setting for Japanese adolescents with trauma

Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools ◽

10.1017/jgc.2020.18 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Daisuke Ito ◽

Yuki Kubo ◽

Ayako Takii ◽

Asuka Watanabe ◽

Tetsuhiro Ohtani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

High School Students ◽

Group Intervention ◽

School Setting ◽

Control Group ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Short Term ◽

School Students ◽

Japanese Adolescents ◽

Intervention Session

Abstract The use of mindfulness as a tool to improve mental health has received increased attention. Schools provide ideal environments for short-term prevention and skill development for mental health. Further, teachers can promote and reinforce students’ daily use of mindfulness. This study explored the effects of a short-term group mindfulness-based intervention on the mental health of adolescents who have experienced trauma. A total of 49 high school students received a mindfulness-based intervention session followed by homework and teacher reinforcement. The results suggest that a short-term group intervention for mindfulness can potentially improve mindfulness attention awareness and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. As there was no control group, additional research examining the effectiveness of the intervention is essential.

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The Effect of Dialectic Behavioral Counseling on Depression, Anxiety, and Postpartum Hematocrit Level

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1728780 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (04) ◽

pp. 275-282

Author(s):

Nasrin Pour Amiri ◽

Atefeh Ahmadi ◽

Firoozeh Mirzaee ◽

Moghadameh Mirzai ◽

Nader Shahrokhi

Keyword(s):

Postpartum Depression ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Hematocrit Level ◽

Negative Experience ◽

Behavioral Counseling

Abstract Objective Childbirth is a biological, psychological, and sociological event that can be a positive or negative experience, and, without support, this period may be potentially damaging. Parturition may distort maternal emotions and lead to short- or long-term disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety. The present research aims to study the effects of dialectic behavioral therapy-based counseling on depression, anxiety symptoms, and postpartum hematocrit level. Methods The current research is a clinical trial study, and the sample was selected using parturients who were referred to the Health General Center with a diagnosis of postpartum depression and anxiety. The sample size consisted of 116 subjects who agreed to participate in the study. The patients in intervention group underwent group dialectic behavioral counseling (10 sessions/one session per week) and the control group did not receive any type of intervention. The patients were assessed in the first and last sessions as well as 2 months after the end of the sessions, using the Beck depression scale and Spielberg anxiety scale as well as the results of hematocrit tests. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) Results The results implied the effectiveness of dialectic behavioral therapy on reduction of the depression score, anxiety symptoms (p-value ≤ 0.0001), and hematocrit level (p-value = 0.04). The participants' depression, anxiety, and hematocrit levels decreased in the experiment group compared to the control group, and this decrease has remained until the 2-month follow-up. Conclusion It seems that dialectic behavioral counseling reduces the levels of postpartum depression, anxiety, and hematocrits.

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COVID-19 pandemic related long-term chronic stress on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the general population

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03385-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tian Qi ◽

Ting Hu ◽

Qi-Qi Ge ◽

Xiao-Na Zhou ◽

Jia-Mei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Chronic Stress ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Factors Associated

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than 1 year, causing far-reaching and unprecedented changes in almost all aspects of society. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety, and explore the factors associated with it. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to assess mental health problems from February 2 to February 9, 2021 by using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The insomnia severity index (ISI), demographic data and COVID-19 related variables were measured by a self-designed questionnaire. The factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified by Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results In the study that 1171 participants enrolled, the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among general people was 22.6 and 21.4% respectively in the present study. Living alone was a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms, while regular exercises was a potential protective factor. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with the severity of insomnia symptoms and the negative feelings about pandemic. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic- related chronic stress has brought about profound impacts on long-term mental health in the general population. The level of insomnia and a negative attitude towards the pandemic are significantly correlated with unfavorable mental health. However, we failed to found a significant association of age and gender with the mental health symptoms, although they were recognized as well-established risk factors during the outbreak by some other studies. This discrepancy may be because the acute and chronic effects of the pandemic are influenced by different factors, which reminds that more attention should be paid to the intrinsic psychological factors and physical reactions towards COVID-19.

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Prevalence of mental health symptoms among male and female Australian professional footballers

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001043 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. e001043

Author(s):

Özgür Kilic ◽

Sean Carmody ◽

Judith Upmeijer ◽

Gino M M J Kerkhoffs ◽

Rosemary Purcell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Alcohol Misuse ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Male And Female ◽

Health Symptoms

ObjectiveDetermining the prevalence of mental health symptoms (MHS) among Australian professional footballers compared with former players. A secondary aim was to assess whether MHS were associated with recent injury and psychological resilience.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 149 male (mean age: 24 years) and 132 female (mean age: 23 years) Australian A-League and W-League professional footballers (study group) and 81 former male footballers (control group, mean age: 39 years) for analysis. MHS and psychological resilience were assessed through validated questionnaires. Severe injuries were assessed through a single question. The adjusted Wald method was used to assess the primary aim. Logistic regression analyses was used to assess the secondary aim.ResultsThe most prevalent MHS among active footballers and former footballers was sport-related psychological distress (63%) and alcohol misuse (69%), respectively. Global psychological distress, sleep disturbance, alcohol misuse and substance misuse were significantly lower among active male footballers than among former players. Increased psychological resilience among active male footballers was associated with a decrease in symptoms of sport-related and global psychological distress, anxiety and depression of 9%, 14%, 23% and 20%, respectively. Increased psychological resilience among female players was associated with 10% decrease in symptoms of depression. Problem gambling and sleep disturbance was associated with injury in the previous 6 months among active male and female footballers, respectively.ConclusionsMHS are prevalent among active and former professional footballers. Higher level of psychological resilience is associated with decreased reporting of MHS. Severe injury is associated with problem gambling and sleep disturbance.

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