Anxiety disorders (Health Sciences)

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychostimulant used by approximately 52 million people
worldwide. Chronic MA abuse leads to detrimental physiological and neurological changes, as well as increases
in anxiety and depression, and decreases in overall fitness and quality of life. Exercise has been reported to possibly
reverse physiological and neurological damage caused by previous MA use, and to reduce anxiety and depression
in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, clinically appraise and synthesise the available
evidence for the effectiveness of exercise, compared to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), standard care or no intervention,
on decreasing anxiety and depression and improving fitness and quality of life in previous MA users.
Methods: Seven computerised databases were searched from inception to May 2017, namely Scopus, Cochrane
Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect. Search terms included exercise, methamphetamine,
fitness measures, depression, anxiety and quality of life. Randomised and non-randomised controlled- or clinical trials
and pilot studies, published in English, were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was critically appraised
according to the PEDro scale. Heterogeneity across studies regarding control groups and assessment intervals rendered
meta analyses inappropriate for this review and results were thus described narratively using text and tables.
Results: Two hundred and fifty-one titles were identified following the initial search, and 14 potentially-relevant
titles were selected and the abstracts reviewed. Three studies (two randomised controlled trials and one quasi-experimental
pilot) were included, with an average PEDro score of 6.66. Exercise resulted in significantly lower depression
and anxiety scores versus CBT (p = 0.001). Balance also significantly improved following exercise versus standard care
(p < 0.001); as did vital capacity, hand-grip and one-leg stand with eyes closed. There were significant changes in all
subdivisions of the Quality of Life Scale Questionnaire (p < 0.05), except psychology (p = 0.227).
Conclusions: Level II evidence suggests that exercise is effective in reducing anxiety and depression and improving
fitness in previous MA users, and Level III-2 evidence suggests that exercise is beneficial for improving quality of life in
this population. Overall recovery in previous MA dependents might be significantly enhanced by including exercise
in the rehabilitation process. Further research is required to strengthen these conclusions and to inform policy and
health systems effectively.

Research on worry during the past 15 years has revealed a remarkable amount of knowledge about this pervasive human phenomenon. Worry involves a predominance of verbal thought activity, functions as a type of cognitive avoidance, and inhibits emotional processing. Worry also produces not only anxious experience but depressive affect as well. Recent evidence suggests that the very private experience of worry is developmentally connected to enmeshed childhood relationships with the primary caregiver and is currently associated with significant interpersonal problems, especially those involving tendency to be overly nurturing to others. At the physiological level, worry is characterized peripherally by parasympathetic deficiency and autonomic rigidity and centrally by left-frontal activation.

Introducción. Vivimos en un mundo globalizado que se mantiene conectado mediante el internet. Determinar la veracidad de la información que recibimos es difícil, más aún en aquella relacionada con la salud. El internet es una de las fuentes más populares para la búsqueda de información relacionada con la salud y esta conducta se incrementa en el contexto de brotes epidemiológicos. En el contexto de la pandemia actual, se ha encontrado un incremento de ansiedad por temas de salud, siento la principal preocupación el estar infectado por SARS-CoV-2. Estrategia de búsqueda: Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed de todos los artículos publicados hasta el 30 de junio de 2020. La búsqueda de términos incluyo las palabras clave sugeridas por el vocabulario controlado Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) y conectores. Cibercondria, COVID-19 y Salud Mental: Es crucial el papel de los medios de comunicación, porque podrían inducir ansiedad en la población. La cibercondría implica experimentar ansiedad después de buscar información médica y abordar problemas de salud mediante el internet. Se origina como un comportamiento que busca la sensación de seguridad, sin embargo, tiene un carácter repetitivo y excesivo, lo que conduce a empeorar las preocupaciones. Uno de los riesgos es que los pacientes desarrollen desconfianza hacia el médico y mayor probabilidad de automedicación. La prevalencia de este ente, en nuestro país y en muchos otros es desconocida. En el marco de esta pandemia, es importante que la investigación se enfoque hallar pronto un medicamento eficaz o una vacuna; sin embargo, no debemos ignorar la salud mental de la población, que se ha visto impactada por todos los cambios sociales en nuestras vidas. Conclusiones: La cibercondría es un ente clínico nuevo, que conlleva a la búsqueda excesiva y repetitiva de información sobre temas de salud, en internet; incrementando la ansiedad en las personas. En el contexto de la actual pandemia es necesario evaluar dicho aspecto.

Pre operative is an early stage to prepare patients everything possible to be in operation, more than two thirds of patients waiting for surgery experience anxiety. The result of the anxiety the patient pre surgery which was great then there is a possibility the operation could not be carried out. One way to overcome anxiety is by way deep breathing relaxation techniques with five finger hypnosis. This study aims to determine the effect of deep breathing relaxation technique with five finger hypnosis therapy on the patient's pre operative anxiety in RSUD. Dr. H. Kumpulan Pane Tebing Tinggi. This study uses quasy experiment with the design of the one group pre and post test design. Number of samples in this study were 31 respondents. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Collecting data in this study using a questionnaire. Based on the result of study respondents anxiety level prior to deep breathing relaxation techniques with hypnosis therapy five finger, mild anxiety (16,1 %), moderate anxiety (61,3%), and severe anxiety (22,6 %). After deep breathing relaxation techniques with hypnosis therapy five fingers, mild anxiety (83, 9%), and moderate anxiety (16, 1 %). The test used in this study by using the wilcoxon test. Wilcoxon test result with a value of z =-4. 107. There is a significant influence in breath relaxation techniques with hypnotic therapy five fingers against anxiety patients pre operative in RSUD Dr. H. Kumpulan Pane Tebing Tinggi p value = 0.000 (p < 0,1). This research can be used by the patient pre operative in overcoming anxiety is experienced.

The problem of anxiety with earth humans on this continuum of Omni Earth has been explicated. It is emphasized that anxiety occurs as a result of disharmony or lack of synchronization of the out of phase vibration of the physical body with its ethereal driving soul aspect. It is suggested that in the event of occurrence of anxiety, it is best not to depend on the counsel of the duality-driven binary-logic brain to provide answers for the cause of the anxiety in the body as the brain is quite limited in its mammon of stored knowledge, which is only gathered during the course of the present incarnation. Furthermore, it is advised that if anxiety pursues, it is prudent to resort to self-reflection via meditation with the requisite that the chatter of the active conscious mind must first be muted. This way, the sub-conscious mind will take over, which through the intuitive efforts of the heart and the thymus it is possible to seek the counsel of the HIGHERSELF or the Universal Mind residing in the higher dimensions of consciousness. And, once such a connection is made, it is envisaged that the higher mind encourages the incarnate to engage in creational endeavors that will institute body comfort and tranquility as well as serve the purpose of acquiring expanded consciousness – the two primary directives mandated by the Prime Creator. The subject of money as the ‘root of all evils’ has been expounded upon with the conclusive deduction that money is a primary source of causing anxiety in human body residing on this current continuum of Omni Earth. It is further elucidated that the introduction of money has been ‘purposeful’ for a horde of soul-less aliens who are currently controlling our present hologram of reality. Furthermore, it is cautioned that excessive use of mind-occupying electronic instruments such as the cellular phones is pointless that deprives us from the precious time that could otherwise be expended on uplifting creational endeavors that transmute anxiety as well as ensure tranquility and self-contentment. Finally, it is advised that by disallowing anxiety we are destined to not only enlighten the mind and incite tranquility and creationism, but to also avoid unwarranted karma. It also has the added advantage of starving our jail keepers by negating their parasitic and vampiric urges against feeding energetically upon us.

It has been explicated by the author before that as natural organic sentient or consciousness beings, we essentially function as quantum electro-biochemical computers in which our mind provides the software and our brain epitomizes its hardware. And, while the subject of mind was elucidated before in a companion paper, this paper concentrates on the question of brain as the hardware and a means for recording and playing back our memories whose usage serve the purpose of being able to function within our environment. In this regard, a distinction is made among three different portions of the brain that include the Outer, the Middle, and the Lower Inner brain. Furthermore, it is elucidated that while the Outer and Middle brain are always conscious, our Lower Inner brain operates in the subconscious or unconscious mode. Accordingly, a distinction is made between two types of memories recorded within our psyche that may be classified as the explicit and the implicit memories. And, while explicit memories operate in the conscious mode, the implicit memories that may also be referred to as the instinctual memories always operate in the subconscious, and practically, unconscious mode. Furthermore, as the implicit memories are mostly governed by emotion raising the question of our survival, the Lower Inner part of the brain is also referred to as the ‘Survival Brain.’ Furthermore, as it epitomizes the part of our brain that has been highly manipulated and distorted with regard to its proper functioning, it is also referred to as the ‘Reptilian Brain’ that includes the so-called our ‘Brainstem,’ connecting our Midbrain to our Spinal Cord and the core of our Central Nervous System. It is also explicated that in terms of its operation, the brain can be modelled as a system of ‘Traffic Stop Light.’ In this respect, the ‘Upper-Outer’ and the ‘Middle’ Brains that are conscious, respectively, operate in the ‘Red’ (Stop or Freeze) and ‘Yellow’ (Fight or Flight’) light modes, while the ‘Lower Inner-Survival-Reptilian’ brain that epitomizes the Subconscious-Unconscious Brain, functions in the ‘Green’ (‘Relax’) light mode. Thus, when instinctual memories become activated and surface in our consciousness when there is concern for our danger and the chance of feeling unsafe, which is immediately followed by a sensation of anxiety and fear, the Middle Brain lights in the Yellow mode, advising caution. Accordingly, it triggers a sense of ‘Flight’ or ‘Fight’ action in which ‘Flight’ is a rather passive response to the triggered feeling of Victim Consciousness in which there is a concern for self-security and personal safety that is often followed by resorting to some form of addictions to alleviate the feelings of anxiety or fear, that is accompanied by pain, suffering, misery, etc., as one form of self-destructive solution (or lack of it). In contrast, feelings of lack of trust in Self followed by a sense of being abandoned or betrayed by God for possibly a perceived sense of shame and guilt one is afflicted with, and exacerbated with a sense of lack of self-esteem or unworthiness and such, giving rise to Victim Consciousness, may trigger a ‘Fight’ response in which the individual wishes to get some self-satisfaction at any costs, even turning to progressively an egotist, narcissist, or psychopath at the expense of others. In this respect, both ‘Flight or Fight’ response is triggered by fear, specifically fear of feeling unsafe or fear of failure to succeed. Note that the instinctual or implicit memories were initially devised for gaining knowledge and wisdom and skills that are recorded in the Subconscious Mind as a matter of repetition of the same or similar tasks that may be recalled naturally, automatically, and without any conscious efforts, at a later time. However, due to negative aliens’ intrusion in our Subconscious Mind, it has practically turned into an Unconscious Mind as a result of atrophy for having become distant or disconnected from the Inner Spirit-HIGHERSELF and the God-SOURCE. Accordingly, the negative aliens have managed to distort-reverse such memories through the imposition of holographic inserts or utter fake memories, these implicit memories are now almost entirely composed of shocking, traumatic, or devastating memories that now routinely come on the surface of consciousness inciting fear or dread through finding association with certain stimuli of similar themes or nature recorded primarily in the past and parallel times.  And, the only exception involves the procedural memories with respect to how to do certain tasks, which are mainly attained in this lifetime.

Research into the use of transitional objects (Winnicott, 1971) by adult clients in psychotherapy has given little attention to the question of how a transitional object (TO) works. This question is addressed through the use of a semi-structured interview. Data was collected on the clinical practice and theoretical understanding of TO emergence and use of three psychodynamic-interpersonal (PI) and three Gestalt psychotherapists. A grounded theory analysis suggests that a TO works by a process of embodiment which can be structured with reference to a four-level model consisting of physical, process, contextual and conceptual levels. Therapists of both orientations emphasized the TO as a focus of intersubjectivity within the therapeutic relationship. Differences between the PI and Gestalt therapists are also examined. The clinical implications of this four-level model of embodiment for the use of TOs in psychotherapy are explored, together with suggestions for further research.

Background: Cyberchondria is excessive worrying about one’s health that develops following internet search for medical and health information. Aim: This study investigates how the development of cyberchondria relates to characteristics of the person searching the internet including their medical history, age, and health-related anxiety. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2015 and 2016. The “Dr. Net” survey consisted of 32 questions based on previously published surveys probing the use of internet search for health-related information. Participants were recruited from the authors’ own social network by receiving a hyperlink through social media platforms and e-mails. One hundred and ninety-one English-speaking individuals, majority from Canada and the USA, completed the “Dr. Net” questionnaire online and anonymously through SurveyMonkey®. Results: Females sought health-care advice earlier than males (**P = 0.005). Younger age groups exhibited higher frequencies of internet search, daily versus weekly, versus monthly versus yearly, with differences between the 21 and 30 versus >60 (***P = 0.000), 21–30 versus 51–60 (**P = 0.011), 21–30 versus 31–40 (**P = 0.019), 31–40 versus 51–60 (**P = 0.012), 41–50 versus 51–60 (**P = 0.021), and <20 versus >60 years’ age groups (**P = 0.024). 30.7% reported developing cyberchondria. Indicators of cyberchondria correlated with older age (r = 0.154, P=**0.036), negative medical history (r = 0.191, **P = 0.013), health anxiety (r = 0.268, ***P = 0.000), and hypochondria (r = 0.142, P = 0.062). Less than four percent perceived their internet search as disadvantageous. Conclusion: Cyberchondria was reported by a third of those who conducted health-related internet searches, with higher frequencies in older, previously healthy individuals who had health anxiety.

The aim of this study was to examine how transitional objects (TOs) work from the perspective of adult clients in psychotherapy. Data were collected using a semistructured interview with 6 female clients in humanistic psychotherapy. Grounded-theory analysis of this material suggests that a TO works through a 5-phase process of ‘holding’ in which the client successively integrates 3 themes: (a) the continuity of the therapist's existence, (b) connectedness with the therapist, and (c) the development of a new sense of self. A spiral microtheory is proposed that shows how these themes interact across time and relate to the client's experience of shame. The analysis suggests a use of TOs that is broader than D. W. Winnicott's (1953) conception and includes selfobject functions (H. Kohut, 1971).

Summary in English (article is in German):
Based on the approach of Kurt Lewin the human psyche is seen as a tension system system, which is a self-ordering structure of subsystems which constantly strives for a balance. This mental tension system is by no means oriented to mere relaxation, but to a but on a balanced equilibrium of tension and relaxation. A reduction of the tension level can be induced by relaxation techniques. can be achieved. Proven relaxation techniques, such as autogenic training, progressive relaxation and fantasy exercises are effective methods to induce relaxation and thereby and thus on a psychological psychological as well as physiological level. lower the level of tension. The practice relaxation can also improve physical well-being and body body awareness, as well as and self-confidence. promote. In particular, the question is explored, under which conditions and in which therapy situations the and in which therapy situations the appropriate. For this purpose, some selected tense situations of the client will be situations that may be important for practicing relaxation. relaxation: e.g. sleep disturbances, severe stressful situations, anxiety disorders anxiety disorders, as well as solving thinking tasks and test anxiety. Finally, the therapy situation of practicing relaxation is reflected and possible problems that may arise in the process problems are addressed.

Zusammenfassung:
Ausgehend vom Ansatz Kurt Lewins wird die menschliche Psyche als Spannungssystem aufgefasst, das ein selbstordnendes Gefüge von Teilsystemen darstellt, das ständig nach einem Gleichgewicht strebt. Dieses psychische Spannungssystem ist dabei keinesfalls auf bloße Entspannung ausgerichtet, sondern auf eine ausgewogene Balance von Anspannung und Entspannung. Eine Reduktion des Spannungsniveaus kann durch Entspannungstechniken induziert werden. Bewährte Entspannungsverfahren, wie etwa das Autogene Training, die Progressive Relaxation und Fantasieübungen stellen wirksame Methoden dar, um Entspannung zu induzieren und damit auf psychischer wie auch auf physiologischer Ebene das Spannungsniveau senken. Das Üben von Entspannung kann darüber hinaus das körperliche Wohlbefinden und das Körperbewusstsein verbessern, sowie das Sicherheitsgefühl und Selbstvertrauen fördern. Es wird insbesondere der Frage nachgegangen, unter welchen Bedingungen und in welchen Therapiesituationen die Anwendung sinnvoll und angemessen ist. Dazu werden einige ausgewählte Spannungssituationen der Klientin näher beleuchtet, die für das Einüben von Entspannung Bedeutung haben können: etwa Schlafstörungen, schwere Belastungssituationen, Stresszustände, Angststörungen, sowie das Lösen von Denkaufgaben und Prüfungsängste. Schließlich wird die Therapiesituation des Übens von Entspannung reflektiert und werden mögliche, dabei auftretende Probleme angesprochen.

Evidence from imaging and anatomical studies suggests that the midcingulate cortex (MCC) is a dynamic hub lying at the interface of affect and cognition. In particular, this neural system appears to integrate information about conflict and punishment in order to optimize behavior in the face of action-outcome uncertainty. In a series of meta-analyses, we show how recent human electrophysiological research provides compelling evidence that frontal-midline theta signals reflecting MCC activity are moderated by anxiety and predict adaptive behavioral adjustments. These findings underscore the importance of frontal theta activity to a broad spectrum of control operations. We argue that frontal-midline theta provides a neurophysiologically plausible mechanism for optimally adjusting behavior to uncertainty, a hallmark of situations that elicit anxiety and demand cognitive control. These observations compel a new perspective on the mechanisms guiding motivated learning and behavior and provide a framework for understanding the role of the MCC in temperament and psychopathology.

This paper describes a new approach for diagnosing anxiety and depression in young children. Currently, diagnosis in this population requires hours of structured clinical interviews spread over days and weeks. Mental health problem often develop early to be more specific at the age of 5 to 12.This leads to a major drop down in the overall development of the child. The various factors that trigger depression and anxiety are determined. Using supervised machine learning classification algorithm such as logistic regression a model is build to predict the internalizing disorder among a group of children and suggestion for treatment are provided.

Objectives: To investigate undergraduate students’ test anxiety level; to measure
the correlation between undergraduate students test anxiety with their
academic achievement; and to measure the correlation of undergraduate students’
test anxiety from the perspective of their gender.
Methodology: Students of eight departments at University of Swat constituted
the study sample. Among these, 126 undergraduate level students were selected
through simple random sampling technique. The tool used for the study was
Westwide Test Anxiety Scale. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 21.
Results: Among the selected respondents, there were 89 (70.63%) male and
37 (29.37%) female students. Our results revealed that 39.7% of undergraduate
university students were suffering from moderately high test anxiety. Male students
had 44.9% while female students had 27% moderately high test anxiety.
The correlation coefficient between CGPA and test anxiety of students was -.317
which shows inverse relationship. The average CGPA of male students was 2.8
while female students had a CGPA of 3.19. The mean test score of male undergraduate
students was 3.25 ±0.60 and female under graduate students was
3.13 ±0.77, p value .366.
Conclusion: Moderately high test anxiety was found in undergraduate university
students which was similar in both male and female students. Female students
showed better performance as compared to male students.
Key Words: Test anxiety, Academic achievement, Undergraduate students

The authors examine 6 theories of panic attacks as to whether empirical approaches are capable of falsifying them and their heuristic value. The authors conclude that the catastrophic cognitions theory is least falsifiable because of the elusive nature of thoughts but that it has greatly stimulated research and therapy. The vicious circle theory is falsifiable only if the frightening internal sensations are specified. The 3-alarms theory postulates an indeterminate classification of attacks. Hyperventilation theory has been falsified. The suffocation false alarm theory lacks biological parameters that unambiguously index dyspnea or its distinction between anticipatory and panic anxiety. Some correspondences postulated between clinical phenomena and brain areas by the neuroanatomical hypothesis may be falsifiable if panic does not depend on specific thoughts. All these theories have heuristic value, and their unfalsifiable aspects are capable of modification.

Building from the works of Jacques Derrida, this article explores health anxiety's aporetic relationship with medicine through a deconstructive approach. I argue that attention to Derrida's writings (and in particular, his concepts of pharmakon and autoimmunity) may prove useful in explaining the cyclical character of health anxiety and its ambivalent response to medical reassurance. What's more, I demonstrate how structuralist interpretations of health anxiety as a signifier without referent prove insufficient within a Derridean account. Such a reading emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary medical humanities as well as critical reflections on the possible limitations of Western medical semiotics.

İnternette tekrarlayan tıbbi bilgi aramanın bir sonucu olarak sağlık anksiyetesinin şiddetlenmesi için literatürde “siberkondri” terimi kullanılmaktadır. Siberkondri sıklığı ve olası risk etmenleri ile ilgili sınırlı sayıda çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma, üniversite çalışanlarında siberkondri düzeyi ve ilişkili etmenleri belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bu kesitsel çalışma 335 akademik ve akademik olmayan üniversite personeli üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veriler, 17’si sosyodemografik özellikler ve sağlık hizmeti kullanımı ile ilgili ve 33’ü Siberkondri Ciddiyet Ölçeği sorusu olmak üzere 50 sorudan oluşan bir anket aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Siberkondri ile ilişkili faktörleri değerlendirmek için çok değişkenli doğrusal regresyon kullanılmıştır. Katılımcıların ortalama siberkondri puanı 71,1±17,6'dır. Siberkondri puanı 35 yaş altı çalışanlarda daha yüksekti (p=0,001). Televizyonda sağlıkla ilgili yayınları izleyenlerde, hekim önerisi olmadan tetkik yaptıranlarda ve hekim önerisi olmadan ilaç kullananlarda siberkondri puanının daha yüksek olduğu bulunmuştur (p<0,05). Pamukkale Üniversitesi çalışanlarında siberkondri düzeyi orta düzeydedir. Yaş, TV’de sağlıkla ilgili yayınları izlemek, hekim önerisi dışında tetkik yaptırmak ve hekim önerisi dışında ilaç kullanmak siberkondri ile ilişkili etmenlerdir.

Both lay concept and scientific theory have embraced the view that nonpathological worry may be helpful for defining and analyzing problems. To evaluate the quality of problem elaborations, concreteness is a key variable. Two studies with nonclinical student samples are presented in which participants elaborated topics associated with different degrees of worry. In Study 1, participants' elaborations were assessed using problem elaboration charts; in Study 2, they were assessed using catastrophizing interviews. When participants' problem elaborations were rated for concreteness, both studies showed an inverse relationship between degree of worry and concreteness: The more participants worried about a given topic the less concrete was the content of their elaboration. The results challenge the view that worry may promote better problem analyses. Instead they conform to the view that worry is a cognitive avoidance response.

Research on the relationship between hypertension and variables linked to negative affectivity has given rise to divergent findings and differing interpretations. The main objective of this paper was therefore to shed light on the issue by analyzing measures of depression, anxiety and anger in adults suffering from hypertension (HTN). Based on a case-control design, a group of individuals suffering from HTN (n=50) was compared with a control group of the same number of cases, age and sex. In general, the HTN Group showed higher levels of depression in its somatic dimension and of trait anger in its temperament dimension. Individuals with HTN presented symptoms of irritability and loss of energy (depressive-somatic symptoms) and propensity to anger easily (temperament anger symptoms). It has been demonstrated in preceding researches that addressing these comorbid psychological factors is of importance in increase adherence to medical treatment in patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension or similar pathologies.

Anxiety disorders are one of the leading mental health concerns worldwide and have a serious impact on patients’ quality of life. This case study addresses the question of whether acupuncture can be an effective treatment for anxiety. A 53-year-old male patient with a chief complaint of three years of anxiety that had been aggravated by economic and social hardship experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic was treated with four weekly treatments of acupuncture. At the end of the course of treatment, the patient reported improvement of his anxiety as well as alleviation of associated symptoms including worrying, insomnia and muscular pain.

Mitte der 60er Jahre fanden Liebert und Morris (1967), daß sich Prüfungsangst faktorenanalytisch in zwei Komponenten aufteilen ließ, eine emotionale Komponente und eine kognitive. Morris und Liebert (1970) konnten in der Folge zeigen, daß für die unter Prüfungsangst zu beobachtenden Leistungsdefizite vor allem die kognitive Angstkomponente--"Worry" (Besorgnis)--von Bedeutung war, während die emotionale Komponente alleine Leistungsunterschiede nicht aufklären konnte. In den folgenden zwei Jahrzehnten erwies sich Besorgnis als ein für die kognitive Angstforschung äußerst fruchtbares Konstrukt. Inzwischen muß, zumindest im Bereich der Prüfungsangst, Besorgnis als ein in bezug auf Ursachen, Korrelate und Interventionen gut erforschtes Phänomen betrachtet werden (vgl. z.B. die Metaanalyse von Hembree, 1988). Anfang der 80er Jahre bekam die Besorgnisforschung einen neuen Impuls, diesmal von seiten der klinischen Psychologie. Besorgnis wurde in die dritte, revidierte Fassung des "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) als Differentialkriterium aufgenommen, mit dem sich das Generalisierte Angstsyndrom (GAS) von anderen Angststörungen unterscheiden ließ. Zwar wurden im DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) viele Merkmale des GAS revidiert bzw. anders gewichtet; Worry jedoch blieb als das zentrale Kriterium erhalten und hat durch den Wegfall anderer Merkmale sogar an Gewicht gewonnen. Mit dieser Revision der Kriterien ist das GAS inzwischen eine reliabel diagnostizierbare Störung geworden (Wittchen, Kessler, Zhao & Abelson, 1995). Deren Ätiologie ist jedoch noch wenig geklärt, und auch GAS-spezifische Therapieverfahren sind erst in Ansätzen vorhanden (s. Becker, 1995).

The term "cyberchondria" has been used in the literature for the exacerbation of health anxiety as a result of searching for medical information on the Internet. There are limited studies on the prevalence and potential risk factors of cyberchondria. This study was carried out to determine the level of cyberchondria and related factors in university employees. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 academic and non-academic university staff. The data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of 50 questions, 17 of which were related to sociodemographic characteristics and healthcare utilization, and 33 of which were Cyberchondria Severity Scale questions. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate factors associated with cyberchondria. The mean cyberchondria score of the participants was 71.1±17.6. The cyberchondria score was higher among staff aged ≤35 (p=0.001). It was found that the cyberchondria score was higher in those who watched health-related broadcasts on TV, who received laboratory tests and procedures without a physician's referral and who took medication without a doctor's advice (p<0.05). The level of cyberchondria among Pamukkale University employees was moderate. Age, watching health-related broadcasts on TV, receiving laboratory tests and procedures without a physician's referral and taking medication without a doctor's advice were factors associated with cyberchondria.

Dispositional anxiety is a well-established risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders along the internalizing spectrum, including anxiety and depression. Importantly, many of the maladaptive behaviors characteristic of anxiety, such as anticipatory apprehension, occur when threat is absent. This raises the possibility that anxious individuals are less efficient at gating threat’s access to working memory, a limited capacity workspace where information is actively retained, manipulated, and used to flexibly guide goal-directed behavior when it is no longer present in the external environment. Using a well-validated neurophysiological index of working memory storage, we demonstrate that threat-related distracters were difficult to filter on average and that this difficulty was exaggerated among anxious individuals. These results indicate that dispositionally anxious individuals allocate excessive working memory storage to threat, even when it is irrelevant to the task at hand. More broadly, these results provide a novel framework for understanding the maladaptive thoughts and actions characteristic of internalizing disorders.

The book covers primary types of anxiety and anxiety disorders, their causes, developmental trends and modern methods of treatment. The book discusses their neurocognitive models, neurobiological mechanisms and non-medicated methods of treatment, as well as the certain cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for anxiety and related disorders. This book aims at assisting people, who want to overcome their anxiety and anxiety disorders with or without professional help. It is also a useful guide for mental health specialists and professionals in treating patients in related fields (psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, neurologists, social workers and educators). The book is the product of the author’s professional activities and personal experience.

Introduction: This study aimed at examining the psychometric properties of Work Stress Scale for Correctional Officers (WSSCO). Methods: One hundred nineteen correctional officers (109 males and 10 females) employed in Turkey participated in this study. In addition to WSSCO, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were administered to the participants. Results: The internal consistencies and the item-total correlations were acceptable both for the whole scale and for its subscales; namely, “work overload,” “role conflict and role ambiguity,” “inadequacies in physical conditions of prison,” “threat perception,” and “general problems.” Test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.77 for total scale, and test-retest reliability coefficients ranged between 0.68 and 0.78 for the subscales. The total scale and most of the subscales were positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, and negatively correlated with perceived social support. Furthermore, all subscales significantly differentiated high depressive symptomatology group from the low depressive symptomatology group. Conclusions: The present results revealed that the psychometric properties of WSSCO were quite adequate. The scale can provide a potentially useful tool for research on job stress in correctional officers.

Objectives: The therapeutic use of nutrient-based ‘nutraceuticals’ and plant-based ‘phytoceuticals’ for the treatment of mental disorders is common; however, despite recent research progress, there have not been any updated global clinical guidelines since 2015. To address this, the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders (CANMAT) convened an international taskforce involving 31 leading academics and clinicians from 15 countries, between 2019 and 2021. These guidelines are aimed at providing a definitive evidence-informed approach to assist clinicians
in making decisions around the use of such agents for major psychiatric disorders. We also provide detail on safety and tolerability, and clinical advice regarding prescription (e.g. indications, dosage), in addition to consideration for use in specialised populations.

En la literatura científica se encuentra un gran número de controversias y resultados dispares a la hora de explicar la relación entre la hipertensión arterial y algunas variables vinculadas a la afectividad negativa, como la depresión, la ansiedad y la ira. Teniendo esto en cuenta, en la presente investigación se planteó como objetivo principal analizar medidas de ansiedad, depresión e ira en personas adultas que padecen de hipertensión arterial (HTA). A partir de un diseño de caso-control, se contrastaron dos grupos, uno conformado por personas con HTA (n = 50) y otro de control equiparado en número de casos, edad y sexo. A nivel general, el grupo de HTA mostró mayores niveles de depresión (en su dimensión somática) y de ira-rasgo (en su dimensión de temperamento). Asimismo, las personas con HTA presentaron síntomas de irritabilidad y pérdida de energía (síntomas depresivo-somáticos), además de que tendían a enojarse con facilidad o rápidamente (síntomas de temperamento de ira). E...

Background: Cyberchondria is excessive worrying about one’s health that develops following internet search for medical and health information. Aim: This study investigates how the development of cyberchondria relates to characteristics of the person searching the internet including their medical history, age, and health-related anxiety. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2015 and 2016. The “Dr. Net” survey consisted of 32 questions based on previously published surveys probing the use of internet search for health-related information. Participants were recruited from the authors’ own social network by receiving a hyperlink through social media platforms and e-mails. One hundred and ninety-one English-speaking individuals, majority from Canada and the USA, completed the “Dr. Net” questionnaire online and anonymously through SurveyMonkey®. Results: Females sought health-care advice earlier than males (**P = 0.005). Younger age groups exhibited higher frequencies of internet search, daily versus weekly, versus monthly versus yearly, with differences between the 21 and 30 versus &amp;gt;60 (***P = 0.000), 21–30 versus 51–60 (**P = 0.011), 21–30 versus 31–40 (**P = 0.019), 31–40 versus 51–60 (**P = 0.012), 41–50 versus 51–60 (**P = 0.021), and &amp;lt;20 versus &amp;gt;60 years’ age groups (**P = 0.024). 30.7% reported developing cyberchondria. Indicators of cyberchondria correlated with older age (r = 0.154, P=**0.036), negative medical history (r = 0.191, **P = 0.013), health anxiety (r = 0.268, ***P = 0.000), and hypochondria (r = 0.142, P = 0.062). Less than four percent perceived their internet search as disadvantageous. Conclusion: Cyberchondria was reported by a third of those who conducted health-related internet searches, with higher frequencies in older, previously healthy individuals who had health anxiety.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En base a estudios anteriores sobre los niveles de ansiedad en la danza profesional (De Castro, 2011), surge el interrogante en torno a la influencia de la edad de los bailarines y la variabilidad de sus valores de AR. La hipótesis defendida es la independencia de ambas variables entre sí, y que la AR no está relacionada con la edad de los artistas.
OBJETIVOS: Analizar la posible relación entre los niveles de AR de los bailarines profesionales y su edad a través de este estudio prospectivo.
METODOLOGÍA: Se ha analizado la edad y la AR de bailarines consagrados de tres compañías de danza internacionales. Participantes: Se utilizó un muestreo probabilístico intencional, seleccionando 44 bailarines (23 mujeres y 21 hombres) de la Compañía Nacional de Danza de España, el Ballet Nice Méditerranée de la Ópera de Niza de Francia y el Béjart Ballet Lausanne de Suiza, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. La edad de los sujetos oscila entre los 19 y los 43 años. Instrumentos: Se aplicó el STAI de Spielberger (AE y AR) y se efectuó la recogida de los datos relativos a la edad y género de los participantes. Procedimiento: Los datos se analizaron utilizando el paquete estadístico IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Se trabajó sobre las posibles correlaciones entre las variables AR y edad.
RESULTADOS: El STAI reveló una AR media de 13,55 y un 56,8% de sujetos con el nivel más bajo de AR (percentil 10). La media de la variable relativa a la edad es de 27,63 años, y los resultados del análisis de la correlación entre AR y edad no son estadísticamente significativos.
CONCLUSIÓN: En base a los resultados obtenidos, podemos concluir que el bailarín consagrado presenta unos muy bajos niveles de AR, característica que no se relacionaría de forma significativa con su edad.