Impact of Vitamin B6 Status on Psychological Distress in a Longitudinal Study of HIV-1 Infection

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Shor-Posner ◽  
Daniel Feaster ◽  
Nancy T. Blaney ◽  
Hugo Rocca ◽  
Emilio Mantero-Atienza ◽  
...  

Objective: Inadequate vitamin B6 status has been associated with altered neuropsychiatric function, possibly through its effect on the metabolism of neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT). The present eighteen month longitudinal study evaluated the relationship between vitamin B6 status and psychological distress in HIV-1 infected individuals, controlling for the influence of negative life events, social support and coping style. Method: Biochemical measurements of nutritional status, and dietary intake evaluations were obtained in HIV-1 seropositive homosexual men, (at baseline: CDC Stages II and III, n = 70; Stage IVA, IVC2 n = 18) at six month intervals. Alterations in nutrient status (e.g., vitamin B6 adequate to inadequate; inadequate to adequate), were compared with changes in psychological distress, measured by the Profile of Mood States, using a multiple regression analysis. Results: A significant decline in psychological distress was demonstrated with normalization of vitamin B6 status from inadequate to adequate status ( p < 0.02). A decrease in psychological distress was also observed with increased tryptophan intake in subjects who were vitamin B6 adequate ( p < 0.02). Conclusions: Significant effects for the nutritional variables remained even when negative life event stressors, social support, and coping style were controlled, suggesting that vitamin B6 status may be an important co-factor in determining level of psychological distress over time in HIV-1 infected individuals.

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-79
Author(s):  
Riley J. Luke ◽  
Michael Daffern ◽  
Jason L. Skues ◽  
Justin S. Trounson ◽  
Jeffrey E. Pfeifer ◽  
...  

Imprisonment can be an intensely stressful experience, and efforts to limit distress are critical to prevent adverse events such as suicide. This study examined whether time spent in prison predicted psychological distress in young adult and adult prisoners, and whether coping style moderated this relationship. While time spent in prison was not associated with distress, the use of avoidance coping was associated with higher levels of prisoner distress. Seeking social support was associated with lower levels of distress, but only for older adult prisoners. These results can be drawn upon to guide psychological treatments designed to lessen prisoner distress.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen L Siedlecki

Abstract Background and Objectives The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the measures implemented to curb its spread may have deleterious effects on mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes since opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. The purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Research Design and Methods Participants (N = 1,318) aged 18-92 years completed an online survey assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Results Social support and coping style were found to relate to psychosocial outcomes. Avoidant coping was the strongest mediator of the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Discussion and Implications Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2859
Author(s):  
M. Pilar Matud ◽  
Amelia Díaz ◽  
Juan Manuel Bethencourt ◽  
Ignacio Ibáñez

Emerging adulthood is a critical period of life that entails many life transitions in living arrangements, relationships, education and employment, which can generate stress and psychological distress in the emerging adult. The aim of the present study was to assess the relevance of stress, coping styles, self-esteem and perceived social support in the distress of emerging adult women and men. The sample consists of 4816 people (50% females) from the Spanish general population, ranging in age from 18 to 29 years old. All participants were assessed through questionnaires and scales that assess psychological distress, stress, coping styles, self-esteem and social support. Women scored higher than men in psychological distress, chronic stress, minor daily hassles, emotional coping style and social support, whereas men scored higher than women in rational and detachment coping styles and in self-esteem. Psychological distress was significantly predicted in women and men by high emotional coping style, lower self-esteem, high number of life events, and less social support. Another statistically significant predictor in men was less detachment coping style, whereas in women it was high chronic stress. The results of this research are relevant to healthcare professionals interested in improving the mental health of the emerging adult.


1999 ◽  
Vol 54B (4) ◽  
pp. P240-P245 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. C. Comijs ◽  
B. W. J. H. Penninx ◽  
K. P. M. Knipscheer ◽  
W. van Tilburg

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Yu ◽  
Mingli Li ◽  
Zhixiong Li ◽  
Weiyi Xiang ◽  
Yiwen Yuan ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological status of the general population in mainland China during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to explore the factors influencing psychological distress, in order to provide the basis for further psychological intervention programs.MethodsWe administered three questionnaires on-line to a convenience sample of the general population from different regions of mainland China from February 1 to February 4, 2020. We used the Mandarin versions of the six-item Kessler psychological distress scale (K6), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). We also collected demographic data and other information related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing psychological distress.ResultsOf 1607 respondents, 1588 returned valid questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Nearly one quarter (22.8%) had high levels of psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 13). Individuals with higher psychological distress spent more time searching for information about COVID-19, had a history of contact with epidemic areas, more frequently adopted a negative coping style, and reported less social support than those with lower psychological distress.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 outbreak in China has a great impact on the mental health status of the general population. Positive coping strategies and increased social support are significantly correlated with decreased psychological distress, and may serve as the basis for psychological interventions.


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