Does fear mediate the neuroticism-psychopathology link for adults living through the COVID-19 pandemic?

Background COVID-19 has globally increased psychological distress. Although research has shown a clear link between neuroticism and psychopathology, pandemic fears—manifesting as fear of death and coronavirus anxiety, have not been examined as mediating factors for explaining this connection during the pandemic. Methods Therefore, to fill this void in the literature, this study examined 259 U.S. MTurk adult workers in May 2020 using an online questionnaire. The study used the Patient Health Questionnaire, the 8-item Big Five Inventory neuroticism subscale, a single-item fear of death measure, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale as well as collected demographic information to perform correlational and meditation analyses. Results The results showed that both coronavirus anxiety and fear of death partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety. The results also found that those high in trait neuroticism who were fearful of death or had coronavirus anxiety showed heightened levels of depression and general anxiety. Conclusion This study’s findings were consistent with previous research and current work on pandemic-related distress. In addition, the results of these findings can help bring to light the connectedness of these psychopathological constructs with fears surrounding the pandemic—which can be useful to both researchers and mental health professionals alike.

Testing the EPDS and PHQ-9 Among Peripartum Adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya: a Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Cognitive interviewing is a well-recognised methodology to identify clinical and commonsensical relevance of mental health questionnaire items by our research participants. Depression is amongst the most common condition impacting pregnant and parenting adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Kenya, studies have reported depression prevalence estimates of 12-50% in peripartum adolescents. While young people prefer using English, there has not been enough data to point to how well they respond to Kiswahili translations of the commonly used tools. Method: Thirty-two participants between ages 14-18 years were approached and through informed consent for them to participate. We used Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in English and Kiswahili versions to carry out the interviews and were coded along with 4 domains of comprehension, retrieval, judgement, and patient response. The interviews were discussed within the team and tables were shared between 3 raters for further consensus. The interview transcripts were analyzed manually using thematic analysis. We used the findings from the interviews to make modifications to the existing English versions of EPDS and PHQ-9 and to modify Kiswahili versions too. Discussion: We found that adolescents had challenges in fully understanding items in both sets of tools however, EPDS was better received than PHQ-9. Psychometrically, the EPDS English version and Kiswahili versions fared better than the PHQ-9 English and Kiswahili versions. PHQ-9 presented considerable issues with regards to semantic clarity however had simpler response options in comparison to EPDS which was more experientially appropriate, but response options were not simple. On our thematic analysis, we felt that the adolescents were significantly challenged by the new, unanticipated pregnancy or motherhood experience. Poverty, poor partner support, discord with parents and distress in the family, and traumatic end of supportive and helpful relationships were the notable problems. We believe the cultural and linguistic modifications made on these tools would make them more suitable to be validated with a sample of pregnant adolescents. Conclusion: While sensitive cross-cultural translations for the commonly used open access depression tools is critical, it is also pertinent to understand whether these are developmentally appropriate. Our participants had multiple psychosocial and material challenges that necessitate measures sensitive to their age, social context, and health experiences. Additionally, we felt that both the tools may not be suitable for self-administration and may need the involvement of a case worker or community health worker.

Substance Use Disorders and Associated Factors Among Adult Psychiatric Patients in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2017. Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Substance use disorders are more common among people with mental illness than in the general population. It makes recovery from mental illness more difficult, leads to frequent thoughts of suicide and re-hospitalization. Objective: Aimed to assess the prevalence of substance use disorders and associated factors among adult psychiatric patients in Jimma Town, Southwest, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 300 patients with mental illness using the case tracing method. Participants were interviewed using the alcohol use disorder identification test questionnaire to assess Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Fagerstrom test tool for nicotine dependence and structured questionnaires were utilized to assess the socio-demographic characteristics of participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The variable that showed association with AUD and nicotine dependence at P < .25 in the bivariate analysis was entered into multivariable logistic regressions to control confounders for both outcome variables independently. The significance of association was determined by P < .05 and strength was described using an adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence level. Results: The prevalence of alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence was 14.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Female gender (AOR 0.15, 95% CI = 0.04-0.57), starting treatment within the first month of the onset of the illness (AOR 0.20, 95% CI = 0.05-0.82) and nicotine dependence(AOR 4.84, 95% CI = 1.85-12.67) associated with AUD. Additionally, being female (AOR 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01-0.25), joblessness (AOR 3.05, 95% CI = 1.30-7.16), absence of relapse of illness (AOR 0.18, 95% CI = 0.065-0.503), no improvement in illness (AOR 5.3, 95% CI = 1.70-16.50), and current khat use (AOR 3.09, 95% CI = 1.21-7.90) were associated with nicotine dependence. Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of substance use disorders among psychiatric patients in the community. Being female, experiencing a shorter duration of illness before initiating treatment, and nicotine-dependence were significantly associated with AUD. On the other hand, female sex and absence of relapse of illness were negatively associated with nicotine dependence whereas, joblessness, less improvement of illness, and khat chewing were positively associated with it. Therefore, services on substance use disorders have to be extended to the community level with wide-scale training for the town’s health care providers, including health extension workers who have direct contact with these individuals. Accordingly, comprehensive and suitable interventions were advised to be provided on factors contributing to substance use disorders in general.

Pseudobulbar Affect Symptoms in Nursing Home Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders

Background: Symptoms of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) often are misinterpreted as those of a mood disorder. Symptoms seen in patients with PBA can be influenced by a mood disorder and vice versa. Our aim in this study was to determine the occurrence rate of PBA symptoms and comorbid depressive symptoms in a cohort of nursing home patients with different subtypes of neurocognitive disorders (NCD)/dementia. Methods: Eighty patients were screened and 61 met the inclusion criteria. These individuals were divided into 5 groups according to NCD subtypes: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular, HIV, unspecified, or combined types. The Center for Neurologic Study–Lability Scale (CNS-LS) and the Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-SF) were used to screen for PBA and depressive symptoms, respectively. The Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) was used to determine patients’ baseline functioning. Fifty-nine patients successfully completed the CNS-LS and 42 completed the GDS. Results: Forty-four percent of individuals screened positive for PBA symptoms. Depressive symptoms were found among 23% of these patients. Not only were PBA-symptoms positive patients common among this nursing home residents, the PBA-symptoms positive patients were found to cluster mostly among those with NCD due to HIV (66.0%). PBA symptom-positive patients often received psychotropics. Conclusion: Better awareness, screening tools, and treatment approaches for patients with NCD expressing PBA-symptoms—especially those with NCD due to HIV Infection—are needed.

Effects on Mental Health After the COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results From a Population Survey Study in Lima, Peru

Background: COVID-19 has created a rapid onset health crisis severely affecting different countries, such as Peru. This pandemic also involved social changes, such as the COVID-19 lockdown, which has had negative effects on different aspects of peoples’ mental health. For this reason, the main objective of this work is to establish a model that explains the effects of the COVID-19-lockdown period on the mental health of a population sample in Peru. Methods: In this sense, online questionnaires were carried out using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and CPDI in 400 participants. To better explain the data, an ordinal logistic regression was carried out. Results: The model showed that the severity of stress due to COVID-19 is positively associated with the variables age (OR = 1.02; CI95 [1.01; 1.04]), depression (OR = 1.29; CI95 [1.14; 1.31]) and anxiety (OR = 1.49; CI95 [1.35; 1.66]), as well as with the presence of a deceased relative due to COVID-19 (OR = 3.53; CI95 [1.43; 8.82]). On the contrary, the presence of a family member who was hospitalized for COVID-19 is negatively correlated with COVID-19 related stress (OR = 0.30; CI95 [0.13; 0.69]). Conclusion: In conclusion, elderly people, having high levels of anxiety or depression, as well as having a deceased relative due to COVID-19 show higher levels of COVID-19 related stress. These factors play an important role in the intervention of future studies that plan to intervene in the mental health of the population affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ramelteon for Decreasing Delirium in Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

In intensive care unit (ICU) patients, delirium contributes to prolonged hospitalization, long-term cognitive impairment and increased mortality. Sleep disturbance, a risk factor for delirium, has been attributed to impaired melatonin secretion in critically ill patients. Ramelteon, a synthetic melatonin receptor agonist, is indicated for insomnia; there is limited, but growing evidence, to support its use for the prevention of delirium. The primary objective of this study is to describe the use of ramelteon and the incidence of delirium, assessed by Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) scores, in adult surgical ICU patients from May 22, 2016 to June 30, 2018. The primary endpoint is the number of delirium free days in the week prior to and post first ramelteon administration. A total of 231 patients were included in the study with 201 (87%) positive for delirium at least once during the study timeframe. The median number of CAM-ICU negative days in the week pre-ramelteon administration was 4 days (IQR 2-7 days) compared to 6 days (IQR 3-7 days) in the week post-first ramelteon administration ( P < .05). The time to CAM-ICU positive increased slightly to 3 days (IQR 1-7 days) following ramelteon initiation compared to 2 days (IQR 1-5 days) from initial ICU admission. Additionally, the median number of antipsychotic doses per patient decreased from 4 doses (IQR 1.25-14 doses) prior to ramelteon to 2 doses (IQR 1-4 doses) after ramelteon. Ramelteon administration was associated with a greater number of CAM-ICU negative days in surgical ICU patients. These findings describe a potential role for ramelteon in mitigating delirium in this patient population.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT-G) for Depressed HIV+ Postpartum Adolescents Delivered by Community Health Workers: A Protocol Paper

Introduction: Postpartum depression affects mothers at 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Adolescent pregnancy can lead the expectant girl to drop out of school, receive poor obstetric care, and family support. Adolescent mothers are prone to severe postpartum depression as compared to older women. Early sexual initiation increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and potentially increases HIV exposure. WHO recommends Group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) as an evidence-based intervention for use in both primary care and community settings. We will assess the acceptability and feasibility of community health workers (CHWs), delivering IPT-G among postpartum adolescents (PPA) living with HIV. Method: This is a pilot feasibility study testing CHWs’ delivery of IPT-G to postpartum adolescents and young women living with HIV who will be attending the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) clinics in 2 primary care health centers. Young women aged 15 to 24 years and 6 to 12 weeks postpartum will be eligible for participation. Our study is a two-arm intervention implementation study with one receiving group IPT and another one treatment-as-usual (TAU). We intend to treat the TAU group so that we will offer IPT-G post-intervention. There will be 2 groups running in the 2 facilities. Depression will be assessed using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS); those with EPDS >10 become eligible for the intervention. Besides, HIV-related stigma would be screened using HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument (HASI–P), and social functioning rated using the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). CHWs will deliver IPT-G for 8 sessions (1 session per week). The intervention group will receive immediate IPT-G, and the wait-list control group will receive deferred IPT-G as part of our intent to treat the group. Primary outcome measure and analysis: Descriptive statistics will be used to compare changes in depressive symptoms, HIV-related stigma, and social functioning between baseline and 8 weeks, and between 16 weeks and 24 weeks. The changes will be explored along with the differences between intervention and treatment as usual groups reporting effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Longitudinal continuous outcome variables across the time points will be analyzed using the Generalized Linear Model. For qualitative data, any emerging themes from KIIs and FGDs will be identified: framework matrixes, queries, and cross-tabulations will be used to analyze and interpret the data in view of assessing acceptability and feasibility of IPT-G. Ethics and dissemination The Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi approved this study of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee (Approval No. P97/02/2018). The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and also shared with Kenya’s National AIDS Control Council.

Unattended Mental Health Needs in Primary Care: Lebanon’s Shatila Palestinian Refugee Camp

Aims: This study examines factors potentially contributing to unattended mental health needs among primary care patients in Lebanon’s Shatila Palestinian Refugee Camp in order to understand the prevalence of such needs and improve clinical practice with refugees and other vulnerable groups. Methods: Data collection (2012-13) involved researcher administered structured surveys of primary healthcare-clinic patients (n = 254) using the K6, the PC-PTSD, and the Modified-MINI mental illness screens. Chi. Sq., ANOVA and Principal Component analysis evaluate associations and differences in sample characteristics; Logistic regression evaluates factors associated with unattended-positive-mental-health-screens. Results: The sample (n = 254) included 55% females and 45% males; aged 18 to 89, M = 40.4 (±13). About 51.6% (n = 132) screened positive for mental illness, for these individuals only 11.4% (15 of 132) spoke to their physician about mental illness or had an acknowledged record of psychological problems. Thus 88.6% (n = 117) of those who screened positive, had unattended positive-screens. Univariate tests indicated that patients with “negative-screens,” those with “attended positive-screens,” and those with “unattended positive-screens” differed in their social and psychological characteristics as well as their relationship with the primary care setting. Overall multivariable Logistic results indicated that patients with unattended positive-screens were 34% less likely to have higher SES scores for each step up in status [OR = 0.66; CI: 0.48-0.89] and 58% less likely to have access to a provider for advice or assistance [OR = 0.42; CI: 0.20-0.88]. They were 2.2 times more likely to be females [OR = 2.20; CI: 1.22-3.95], and 5.26 times more likely to attribute their mental illness to a physical illness [OR = 5.26; CI: 2.36-11.74]. Conclusion: Large numbers of patients screen positive for mental illness who do not have their mental health need addressed during their primary care visit. This seems an issue rooted in a lack of psychoeducation about what is mental versus physical illness, female specific access to care, stigma toward mental illness, and cross-SES-communication. Improved communication in primary care, especially as it serves vulnerable refugee populations might significantly reduce the prevalence of untreated mental illness.

Pain and Depression Are Associated With More Anxiety in ME/CFS: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study Between Norway and Spain

Objectives: Lasting, unexplained and high levels of pain may cause anxiety in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The objectives of the current study were to test assumptions of the association between pain and anxiety in patients diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and to clarify the role of depression in this relationship. Methods: Data were collected from 664 participants (age 18-65 years) with 133 ME/CFS patients and 201 healthy controls from Norway and 330 CFS patients from Spain. Binary logistic regression model was applied to test relationships between the included variables in the samples. Results: Both pain and depression made significant direct contributions to the level of anxiety. The strongest risk for higher levels of anxiety was the combination of high levels of depression and high levels of pain in the overall sample (OR = 49.70; P < 0.001), not so much in the Spanish cohort (OR = 11.99; P < 0.0001) and most of all in the Norwegian cohort (OR = 88.21; P < 0.001) sample. Conclusions: It was the combination of high pain levels and high levels of depression that to the greatest extent increased the risk of anxiety in patients with CFS/ME. Whatever diagnostic criterion that is applied, anxiety and depression should be mandatory to assess in the clinical assessments performed for diagnosing the ME/CFS. Approaches addressing anxiety-related pain and treatment of depression should be warranted.

The Management of Long-Term Psychiatric Sequelae in a Young Woman Who Suffered From Suspected Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis

We report the case of a 23-year-old woman who presented to our Psychiatry Unit with a complex psychiatric symptomatology, 6 years after suffering from a form of encephalopathy which was retrospectively and hypothetically labeled as autoimmune limbic encephalitis. Over the years, several psychopharmacological therapies had been initiated, but none of them led to substantial remission of symptomatology. During the first visit, symptoms were characterized by dysphoric mood with suicidal ideation, anxiety, delusional thoughts. Self-harm and psychogenic seizures with daily frequency were also reported. A therapy with slow-release lithium sulfate, lurasidone, and lorazepam was prescribed. After 6 months of treatment, psychopathological manifestations significantly improved.