-
1.
Relaxation training significantly reduced blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Paschali, AA, Peppou, LΕ, Benroubi, M
Hormones (Athens, Greece). 2020;(2):215-222
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to test whether adding a relaxation training technique to the medical treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus could, adjusting for the non-specific factors of therapy, lead to an improvement in the patients' condition. METHOD Forty-six participants were randomly allocated either to an experimental (intervention) group, receiving weekly sessions of relaxation training, or to a control group (placebo) receiving weekly blood circulation training exercises. Measures included the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, blood glucose levels, high-density lipoprotein levels, cholesterol levels, body weight, HbA1c levels, the Mood Adjective Checklist (MACL), a diary checklist, and urine glucose levels. Assessment of psychological and physiological parameters was conducted before and upon completion of the intervention (8 weeks). RESULTS Trait anxiety and the main metabolic measurement of blood glucose levels and HbA1C revealed significant differences over time, predominantly among patients in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Relaxation techniques as an adjunct to medical treatment are a useful tool for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
-
2.
Double-blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract.
Haller, J, Krecsak, L, Zámbori, J
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2020;(3):660-668
Abstract
Earlier studies suggested that specific Echinacea preparations might decrease anxiety. To further study the issue, we performed a double blind, placebo controlled trial with a standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract. Participants were volunteers scoring above 45 points on the state or on the trait subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). They were treated with 40 mg Echinacea or with placebo tablets twice daily for 7 days followed by a 3 week-long washout period. Participants were also administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). In the Echinacea group, state anxiety scores decreased by approximately 11 points by the end of the treatment period, whereas the decrease was around 3-points in the placebo group (p< 0.01). The effect maintained over the washout period. The difference from placebo was significant from the 7th day of treatment throughout. Changes were less robust with trait anxiety scores, but the preparation performed better than placebo in patients with high baseline anxiety. Neither BDI nor PSS scores were affected by the treatments. Adverse effects were rare and mild, and all were observed in the placebo group. These findings suggest that particular Echinacea preparations have significant beneficial effects on anxiety in humans.
-
3.
The best route of administration of lavender for anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Sayed, AM, Morsy, S, Tawfik, GM, Naveed, S, Minh-Duc, NT, Hieu, TH, Ali, ZA, Shinkar, A, Doheim, MF, Hashan, MR, et al
General hospital psychiatry. 2020;:33-40
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is preliminary evidence for lavender as an anxiolytic agent through various routes of administration. Our goal is to elucidate the best route of administration for lavender as a treatment for anxiety. METHODS Thirteen electronic search engines were systematically scanned for relevant publications. The relevant articles were included after the title and abstract screening followed by the full-text screening. This study included randomized control trials reporting lavender for the treatment of anxiety. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017076711). Frequentist network meta-analysis and Bayesian meta-regression were conducted to report the best treatment modality and the effect of covariates on the effectiveness as an anxiolytic. Treatment arms were ordered according P-scores, where higher P-score indicates better treatment choice. RESULTS Forty studies were eligible for qualitative analysis, and 32 were included in quantitative analysis. Lavender aromatherapy was the best approach for the treatment of anxiety among other lavender modalities at the first week recording [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.57, 95% CI (-1.14-0.01), P-score = 0.72], in addition to achieve at the first time points [SMD = -0, 95% CI (-0.97 ̶ -0.16), P-score = 0.69], compared to placebo; however, lavender massage along with foot bath were found to be the most efficacious for anxiety treatment at the study endpoint [SMD = -1.10, 95% CI = (-7.41 ̶ 5.21), P-score = 0.65]. Furthermore, network meta-regression revealed that the duration of therapy influenced treatment, suggesting Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg (first rank probability = .116) as the favorable option for anxiety in long-term treatment. CONCLUSIONS Lavender aromatherapy is, clinically, superior in short-duration, while Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg is preferable for long-term treatment of anxiety.
-
4.
The effect of oral capsule of curcumin and vitamin E on the hot flashes and anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple blind randomised controlled trial.
Ataei-Almanghadim, K, Farshbaf-Khalili, A, Ostadrahimi, AR, Shaseb, E, Mirghafourvand, M
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2020;:102267
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The decline and eventual cessation of estrogen production cause a variety of symptoms during menopause, affecting each woman differently. Most women reported severe hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. The present study aimed to determine and compare the efficacy of curcumin and vitamin E on hot flashes and anxiety (primary objectives), sexual function, menopausal symptoms and adverse effects (secondary objectives). MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. The participants consisted of 93 postmenopausal women in Ahar city-Iran. They were assigned into three groups (two intervention groups and one control group). The first intervention group received oral capsule of curcumin (500 mg), the second intervention group was given oral tablets of vitamin E (200 IU/day), and the third group (control) received placebo twice a day for eight weeks. The participants completed the hot flash checklist one week before the intervention, and 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention. They also filled out the Anxiety Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Greene Climacteric Scale before the intervention, and 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention. One-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of demographic characteristics, mean number of hot flashes, mean score of anxiety, sexual function index and menopausal symptoms before the intervention (p > 0.05). The mean age of participants was 51.7 years. Mean number of hot flashes in the curcumin group (adjusted mean difference = -10.7, 95%confidence interval = -3.6 to -17.9, P = 0.001) and in the vitamin E group (-8.7, -0.6 to -15.0, P = 0.029) was significantly lower than the placebo group after the intervention. The first significant effect of curcumin on hot flashes was observed after four weeks (P = 0.027). However, there was no significant difference between vitamin E group and placebo four weeks after intervention (P = 0.052) and the first significant effect of vitamin E on hot flashes was observed after eight weeks (P = 0.025). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of sexual function index, anxiety and menopausal symptoms (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that oral intake of curcumin and vitamin E significantly reduced hot flashes in postmenopausal women but had no significant effect on anxiety, sexual function and menopausal symptoms.
-
5.
Effects of dietary and physical activity interventions on generic and cancer-specific health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression in colorectal cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
Ho, M, Ho, JWC, Fong, DYT, Lee, CF, Macfarlane, DJ, Cerin, E, Lee, AM, Leung, S, Chan, WYY, Leung, IPF, et al
Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice. 2020;(4):424-433
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effects of dietary and physical activity (PA) interventions on generic and cancer-specific quality of life (QoL), anxiety, and depression levels among adult Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. METHODS Two-hundred twenty-three adult CRC survivors within 1 year of completion of primary cancer treatment were randomized to receive dietary, PA or combined intervention, or usual care for a 12 monthduration, under a 2 (diet vs usual care) × 2 (PA vs usual care) factorial design. Generic and cancer-specific QoL was assessed using a Chinese version 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) scale, respectively. Anxiety and depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Linear mixed models were used for examining the intervention effects. RESULTS Participants receiving dietary intervention experienced a significant improvement in the generic measure of QoL (SF-6D utility scores, mean difference 0.042, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.081) at 12 months, the cancer-specific QoL scores (mean difference 3.09, 95%CI 0.13 to 6.04), and levels of depression (P = 0.015) at both 12 and 24 months follow-up. Participants receiving PA intervention only demonstrated a significant improvement in SF-6D utility index (mean difference 0.039, 95%CI 0.002 to 0.077) and physical functioning (mean difference 2.85, 95%CI 1.00 to 4.70) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Dietary intervention improved the generic and cancer-specific QoL and depression in CRC survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered on 17 October 2012 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01708824). IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS CRC survivors can benefit from dietary interventions in alleviating depression and improving overall health-related QoL.
-
6.
[Acupuncture ameliorates negative emotion in PCOS patients: a randomized controlled trial].
Zhang, HL, Huo, ZJ, Wang, HN, Wang, W, Chang, CQ, Shi, L, Li, D, Li, R, Qiao, J
Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion. 2020;(4):385-90
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and possible mechanism of acupuncture treatment for negative emotion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS A total of 40 PCOS patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. Both groups received lifestyle interventions (exercise and diet guidance) on the 5th day of menstruation. On the basis of above treatment, the patients in the observation group received acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guilai (ST 29), Futu (ST 32), Liangqiu (ST 34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Shenmen (HT 7), Baihui (GV 20) as the main acupoints, and connected the electroacupuncture (continuous wave, 2 Hz, 30 min), once every other day, 3 times a week. The treatment for 1 month was as one course and 4 courses were required totally in both groups. Before and after treatment, the body mass index (BMI), ferriman-gallway (F-G) score, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, self-rating depression scale (SDS) score, PCOS health-related quality of life questionnaire (PCOSQ) score were observed, meanwhile, serum sex hormone, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), progestin (P), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI) levels, and serumβ-endorphin levels were detected. RESULTS Compared with before treatment, the BMI, F-G score, SAS score, SDS score and serum FAI level were decreased and the PCOSQ score and the levels of serum SHBG andβ-endorphin were increased in the observation group after treatment (all P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the SDS score was decreased in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the F-G score, SDS score, SAS score, and serum FAI level were lower, and the PCOSQ score and serumβ-endorphin level were higher in the observation group after treatment (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION Applying acupuncture to the treatment of patients with PCOS can effectively relieve anxiety and depression, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation on the levels of serumβ-endorphin and androgen.
-
7.
Behavioral issues and quality of life in children with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Votto, M, Castagnoli, R, De Filippo, M, Brambilla, I, Cuppari, C, Marseglia, GL, Licari, A
Minerva pediatrica. 2020;(5):424-432
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease characterized by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation (≥15 eosinophils/high power field). In the last ten years, several epidemiological studies showed a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of EoE, especially in children in Western Countries. Although EoE often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms, adults and children may develop extraintestinal symptoms and behavioral issues. Also, the chronic nature of the disease, long-term therapies, and strict follow-up may impair the quality of life of patients and their family. This review summarizes current knowledge on the behavioral and psychosocial issues and quality of life of children and adolescents with EoE and their caregivers.
-
8.
Are depression and anxiety disorders associated with adductor pollicis muscle thickness, sleep duration, and protein intake in cancer patients?
de Sousa, DE, de Carli, MN, Fernandes, RC, Trindade, DB, Laviano, A, Pichard, C, Pimentel, GD
Experimental gerontology. 2020;:110803
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychological disturbances may be associated with compromised body composition and food intake. However, this has not been elucidated totally. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and whether there is an association between these disorders and adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT), protein intake and sleep duration, in gastrointestinal cancer patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study evaluated 117 patients of both genders diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Protein intake was assessed by the USDA food database; sleep duration by self-administered questionnaire; and APMT using the skinfold. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). RESULTS A total of 117 (65% male) patients were assessed, of which 40 (34%) had anxiety and 39 (33%) depression. There was a negative correlation between APMT and anxiety (r = -0.20, p = .020) and depression (r = -0.19, p = .03), and between anxiety and sleep duration (r = -0.30, p = .001). Although there was an inverse association between anxiety and APMT (OR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.79-0.99, p = .032) and sleep duration (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.58-0.87, p = .001), when adjusted for gender and age, the association remained only between anxiety and sleep duration (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.58-0.87, p = .001). CONCLUSION One-third of gastrointestinal cancer patients were classified as expressing anxiety and depression. Additionally, only sleep duration is associated with anxiety.
-
9.
Effect of high-quality nursing intervention on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure companied malnutrition: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yang, XM, Li, QM, Gao, QN
Medicine. 2020;(22):e20261
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study will assess the effect of high-quality nursing intervention (HQNI) on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure companied malnutrition (CHFM). METHODS We will retrieve electronic databases from the respective dates to February 29, 2020 without language and publication status restrictions: Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which examined the effect of HQNI on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM will be included. Two team members will separately perform article retrieval, duplicates excluding, scanning, data collection, and study quality assessment. In addition, this study will carry out data analysis by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS This study will provide high-quality synthesis and/or descriptive analysis of the latest evidence to assess the effect of HQNI on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM. CONCLUSION The findings of this study will exert evidence to judge whether or not HQNI is effective on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM. REGISTRATION NUMBER INPLASY202040069.
-
10.
Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Human Milk Macronutrients Content: A Prospective Observational Study.
Palnizky Soffer, G, Siri, M, Mangel, L, Mandel, D, Lubetzky, R
Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. 2020;(9):572-575
Abstract
Objective: The impact of maternal anxiety on the macronutrients content of human milk (HM) is unknown. We hypothesized that maternal stress generated by her infant's hospitalization will affect the mother's breast milk's macronutrients content. Materials and Methods: HM samples (2-3 mL) were collected from 21 mothers whose infants were hospitalized for 2-3 days between August 2016 and November 2017 due to neonatal fever. Samples were provided at three time points: first day of admission, second day of admission, and 1 week after discharge. The maternal anxiety level was measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Milk analyses for macronutrients were performed by infrared transmission spectroscopy. Results: Fat and energy contents of HM on day 7 were significantly higher compared with the day of admission (p = 0.019 and p = 0.022, respectively), whereas they were similar to values on day 2. The maternal anxiety level (STAI) at the time of infant admission was significantly higher than at 1 week after discharge (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the changes in fat content and changes in the STAI score between admission and 1 week after discharge. Conclusion: Short infant hospitalization is associated with a significant rise in maternal stress; however, macronutrients content of HM remained unaffected.