Web-Based Psychotherapy and Exercise Interventions for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders

The last decade has seen a renewed recognition of the interconnection of the mental and physical well-being of people living with anxiety and depression disorders. Research has assessed the impact of exercise and psychological interventions as monotherapy and complementary treatments to usual care and found considerable benefits to reduce psychiatric symptoms and improve better quality of life. There is growing interest in online interventions, and online counseling can be an alternative to traditional face-to-face therapies. Questions remain on the effectiveness and best practices to deliver such interventions. The authors identify and summarize research evaluating online psychotherapy and exercise interventions in individuals with anxiety and depression disorders. They address web-based psychotherapy interventions and web-based exercise interventions for anxiety and depression disorders, followed by combined web-based intervention with psychotherapy and exercise, and discuss strategies to improve adherence to treatments.

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The Influence of Illness Perception, Anxiety and Depression Disorders on Students Mental Health during COVID-19 Outbreak in Pakistan: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30128/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Aqeel ◽

Kanwar Hamza Shuja ◽

Jaffar Abbas ◽

Tasnim Rehna ◽

Arash Ziapour

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Illness Perception ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Depression Disorders

Abstract Background: Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at homes and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study focuses on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety, and depression disorders.Method: The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different public and private universities from twin cities, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception, and mental health disorders.Results: The findings indicated normal (43.2%) mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%), and severe (22.7%) level of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%), and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence, and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than the depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.Conclusion: The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals' mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders, and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental healthcare facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042093 ◽

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.

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SOCIAL NETWORKS, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.277 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S71-S71

Author(s):

Eleanor S McConnell ◽

Kirsten Corazzini ◽

T Robert Konrad

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Well Being ◽

Sensor Technology ◽

Web Based ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Care Partners ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Although the impact of dementia on the health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders (ADRD) and their care partners has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to how the disease impacts individuals within the context of their larger social networks. This symposium presents findings from a series of integrated studies aimed at strengthening measurement of health and well-being among older adults with living with dementia and well-being among members of their social networks. Findings will be presented from five studies: (1) a scoping review of social network measurement in older adults in chronic illness, including dementia, that emphasizes the use of technology in measuring older adults’ social networks; (2) a simulation study to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of sensor technology to measure social interaction among a person living with dementia and others in their immediate surroundings; (3) development of a web-based application that allows older adults to map and activate their social networks; (4) a qualitative analysis of interviews from persons living with dementia, their unpaid caregivers, and paid caregivers from an adult day health program concerning well-being focused outcomes; and (5) a mixed methods analysis of the feasibility of using both traditional and novel measures of health and well-being deployed among networks of people living with dementia. Emerging technologies for measuring social networks health and well-being hold promise for advancing the study of the relationship-based nature of care for people living with dementia.

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P–504 A randomised controlled trial comparing expectant management or intrauterine-insemination in couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception: the impact on health-related-quality-of-life

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.503 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

F Mol ◽

J Wessel ◽

H A Verhoeve ◽

J Maas ◽

J P D Bruin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Poor Prognosis ◽

Intrauterine Insemination ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Expectant Management ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Disorders ◽

The Impact

Abstract Study question Is health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis influenced by expectant management or intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation? Summary answer HRQoL did not differ, except for the relational domain which was lower after expectant management. Anxiety and depression disorders occurred frequently in both groups. What is known already In couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis, IUI with ovarian stimulation (IUI-OS) is a first line treatment. Not much is known about quality of live or depression and anxiety in these couples. The Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) is reliable for assessment within relational and social domains, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a reliable tool to detect anxiety and depression disorders. Study design, size, duration We performed a multicentre RCT in couples with unexplained subfertility with a poor prognosis of conceiving naturally within one year. Women were allocated 1:1 to six months expectant management or to six months IUI-OS. HRQoL was assessed with standard self-administered psychometric measures with established reliability and validity: FertiQol and HADS. We intended to include 1091 couples but after almost 4 years, the study had to stop due to slow inclusion and therefore lack of funding. Participants/materials, setting, methods Between June 2017 and September 2020, we recruited 178 women of wich 92 were assigned expectant management and 86 IUI-OS. All women who participated and could read Dutch were eligible for the HRQoL measurements because HRQoL questionnaires in foreign languages were not yet available online. Women completed the questionnaires before randomisation, 3 and 6 months after randomisation. We used mixed model analyses to assess differences between treatment groups and the effect of time. Main results and the role of chance One hundred sixty-two women could read Dutch and were invited (162/178 (91%)). Analyzable data of the FertiQol questionnaire were available for 80% (130/162). Compared to women allocated to IUI-OS, women allocated to expectant management had a lower FertiQol score in the relational domain (mean difference –4.3 (95% CI –7.3 to –1.3) but not in the social domain (mean diff van –0.8 (95% CI –4.5 to 2.9). Data of the HADS questionnaire were available of 156 women (96% (156/162)). Both groups had comparable scores in the Anxiety (mean difference –0.20; 95% CI 0.63; –0.99 to 0.6) and Depressions score (mean difference 0.002; 95% CI –0.67 to 0.67) at all three moments. At baseline, the incidence of an anxiety disorder (definition score 8 or higher) was 19% (30/156) and increased to 30% and 29% at 3 months and 6 months respectively. The incidence of a depression disorder (definition score 8 or higher) was 5% (7/156) and increased to 16% and 18% at 3 months and 6 months respectively. The incidences of anxiety or depression disorders did not differ significantly between expectant management and IUI. Limitations, reasons for caution Our randomized controlled trial did not reach the planned sample size. The results are only applicable to women with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis and not to all women with unexplained subfertility. Wider implications of the findings: Although often assumed, IUI-OS does not improve HRQoL compared to expectant management in all domains. IUI might prevent loss of quality of the relationship, but the impact seems small. Future studies should look into the high incidence of anxiety and depression disorders in these women and how to support them. Trial registration number Trial register NL5455 (NTR5599)

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Moderated Online Social Therapy: Viewpoint on the Ethics and Design Principles of a Web-Based Therapy System (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14866 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Simon D'Alfonso ◽

Jessica Phillips ◽

Lee Valentine ◽

John Gleeson ◽

Mario Alvarez-Jimenez

Keyword(s):

Social Networking Sites ◽

Well Being ◽

Web Based ◽

Strategic Design ◽

Holistic Concept ◽

Ethical Design ◽

Research Questions ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Made In

UNSTRUCTURED The modern omnipresence of social media and social networking sites (SNSs) brings with it a range of important research questions. One of these concerns the impact of SNS use on mental health and well-being, a question that has been pursued in depth by scholars in the psychological sciences and the field of human-computer interaction. Despite this attention, the design choices made in the development of SNSs and the notion of well-being employed to evaluate such systems require further scrutiny. In this viewpoint paper, we examine the strategic design choices made in our development of an enclosed SNS for young people experiencing mental ill-health in terms of ethical and persuasive design and in terms of how it fosters well-being. In doing so, we critique the understanding of well-being that is used in much of the existing literature to make claims about the impact of a given technology on well-being. We also demonstrate how the holistic concept of eudaimonic well-being and ethical design of SNSs can complement one another.

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E-Mail Usage in South Pacific Distance Education

Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, First Edition ◽

10.4018/978-1-59140-553-5.ch183 ◽

2005 ◽

pp. 1034-1039

Author(s):

Jonathan Frank ◽

Janet Toland ◽

Karen D. Schenk

Keyword(s):

Learning Styles ◽

Research Area ◽

Web Based ◽

Group Interactions ◽

Face To Face ◽

Web Based Learning ◽

Active Research ◽

The Impact ◽

E Mail ◽

Active Research Area

The impact of cultural diversity on group interactions through technology is an active research area. Current research has found that a student’s culture appears to influence online interactions with teachers and other students (Freedman & Liu, 1996). Students from Asian and Western cultures have different Web-based learning styles (Liang & McQueen, 1999), and Scandinavian students demonstrate a more restrained online presence compared to their more expressive American counterparts (Bannon, 1995). Differences were also found across cultures in online compared to face-to-face discussions (Warschauer, 1996). Student engagement, discourse, and interaction are valued highly in “western” universities. With growing internationalization of western campuses, increasing use of educational technology both on and off campus, and rising distance learning enrollments, intercultural frictions are bound to increase.

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E-Mail Usage in South Pacific Distance Education

Online and Distance Learning ◽

10.4018/978-1-59904-935-9.ch187 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 2325-2332

Author(s):

Jonathan Frank ◽

Janet Toland ◽

Karen D. Schenk

Keyword(s):

Learning Styles ◽

Research Area ◽

Web Based ◽

Group Interactions ◽

Face To Face ◽

Web Based Learning ◽

Active Research ◽

The Impact ◽

E Mail ◽

Active Research Area

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Everyday Experience of Front-Line Professionals and In/Formal Carers

International Journal of Public and Private Healthcare Management and Economics ◽

10.4018/ijpphme.2012070103 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 27-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Henglien Lisa Chen

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Needs Assessment ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Needs ◽

Term Care ◽

Face To Face ◽

Care Services ◽

Care Systems ◽

Informal Carers ◽

The Impact

To address the risks to families of the availability of care for their older family members, this paper explores the impact of different care systems on the way that relevant care actors contribute to the long-term care of older people. It is based on an empirical study of the care needs assessment and care provision in England, the Netherlands and Taiwan. The participants in the study include 143 care actors at national, regional and local levels across the countries. It found that the objective of providing care needs is similar in each of the countries studied. However, the everyday life of professionals and in/formal carers differs based on the care culture and care policy in each country. Overall, care professionals and formal carers experience satisfaction in their caring role when sufficient time is available for them to work with individuals. Face-to-face contact with older people is important to care professionals if adequate needs assessment could be performed. Helping informal carers extend their ability to carry out their role may improve their well-being as carers and reduce the demand for formal care services.

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PS1 - 127 A Mixed Method Study of a Peer Support Intervention for Newly Diagnosed Primary Brain Tumour Patients

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2016.352 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 43 (S4) ◽

pp. S8-S9

Author(s):

R. Cashman

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumour ◽

Peer Support ◽

Effective Means ◽

Well Being ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Face To Face ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Primary Brain Tumour ◽

Single Face ◽

The Impact

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an intervention designed to support newly diagnosed primary brain tumour patients. The intervention involved a structured, one time meeting between newly diagnosed patients and trained volunteer “veteran” primary brain tumour patients. Methods Two trained volunteers met for a single, face to face meeting on an individual basis with a total of 10 newly diagnosed patients. A combination of questionnaires and interviews were used to investigate the impact of the intervention for the new patients and the volunteers. Results: The intervention appeared to be of substantial value for both groups of participants. Analysis revealed that the newly diagnosed patients experienced a range of benefits, including those related to the themes of: increased hope; valued guidance; hearing what it’s really like; overcoming aloneness; and realignment of priorities. Veteran patients experienced a sense accomplishment and decreased anxiety as a result of the intervention. Only minor adverse effects and challenges were reported. Conclusions The findings provide initial evidence that the experimental intervention has the potential to be a safe, effective means of promoting psycho-social well-being in newly diagnosed patients and may also have positive effects for veteran patients. Further investigation into the use of one to one, peer support for brain tumour patients is an important research priority.

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Effect of Meditation on Social/Emotional Well-Being in a High-Performing High School

Professional School Counseling ◽

10.1177/2156759x20940639 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 2156759X2094063

Author(s):

Jane E. Bleasdale ◽

Margaret C. Peterson ◽

Sanford Nidich

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

School Counselors ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Social Emotional ◽

High Performing ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Impact

This study explored the impact of a meditation program on stress, anxiety, and depression in a high-performing high school. Using a randomized controlled design with 52 students, the study took place over 4 months. Students participated in Transcendental Meditation (treatment) or silent reading (active control) twice daily. We observed significant reductions in perceived stress ( p = .040), anxiety ( p = .028), anger ( p = .047), depression ( p = .024), and fatigue ( p = .075), and improvement in self-esteem ( p = .054). The program has important implications for school counselors because of the impact on social/emotional well-being.

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