Psychosocial crisis intervention for coronavirus disease 2019 patients and healthcare workers / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Shelter hospital was an alternative way to provide large-scale medical isolation and treatment for people with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to various reasons, patients admitted to the large shelter hospital was reported high level of psychological distress, so did the healthcare workers. This study aims to introduce a comprehensive and multifaceted psychosocial crisis intervention model.@*METHODS@#The psychosocial crisis intervention model was provided to 200 patients and 240 healthcare workers in Wuhan Wuchang shelter hospital. Patient volunteers and organized peer support, client-centered culturally sensitive supportive care, timely delivery of scientific information about COVID-19 and its complications, mental health knowledge acquisition of non-psychiatric healthcare workers, group activities, counseling and education, virtualization of psychological intervention, consultation and liaison were exhibited respectively in the model. Pre-service survey was done in 38 patients and 49 healthcare workers using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item (PHQ-2) scale, and the Primary Care PTSD screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (PC-PTSD-5). Forty-eight healthcare workers gave feedback after the intervention.@*RESULTS@#The psychosocial crisis intervention model was successfully implemented by 10 mental health professionals and was well-accepted by both patients and healthcare workers in the shelter hospital. In pre-service survey, 15.8% of 38 patients were with anxiety, 55.3% were with stress, and 15.8% were with depression; 16.3% of 49 healthcare workers were with anxiety, 26.5% were with stress, and 22.4% were with depression. In post-service survey, 62.5% of 48 healthcare workers thought it was very practical, 37.5% thought more practical; 37.5% of them thought it was very helpful to relief anxiety and insomnia, and 27.1% thought much helpful; 37.5% of them thought it was very helpful to recognize patients with anxiety and insomnia, and 29.2% thought much helpful; 35.4% of them thought it was very helpful to deal with patients' anxiety and insomnia, and 37.5% thought much helpful.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Psychological crisis intervention is feasible, acceptable, and associated with positive outcomes. Future tastings of this model in larger population and different settings are warranted.

Validación de escala de ansiedad preoperatoria Amsterdam y necesidad de información en adultos, Chile 2019 / Validation of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Need Scale in Adults, Chile 2019

Introducción: El estudio evidencia la ventaja de obtener un instrumento validado que permita evaluar el nivel de ansiedad e información en pacientes en período prequirúrgico, responde a la Gestión del Cuidado, con valoraciones efectivas y cuidados pertinentes. Objetivo: Validar la Escala de Ansiedad Preoperatoria de Ámsterdam y necesidad de información en pacientes adultos que recibieron intervención quirúrgica. Métodos: Estudio instrumental de análisis psicométrico, realizado en una clínica privada de Chile, en el 2019. Población de estudio, pacientes ingresados para intervención quirúrgica. Tamaño de población estimada total 1200 pacientes. El tamaño muestral se calculó referente al número de pacientes intervenidos el año anterior, se consideró muestra significativa un 50 por ciento de la población. Etapas: 1) Traducción, retrotraducción y adaptación lingüística. 2) Validación de contenido. 3) Validación de constructo, con pruebas de coeficiente de KMO, prueba de esfericidad de Bartlett, análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. 4) Fiabilidad con test de dos mitades (r Spearman-Brown) y alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: El Coef. KMO = 0,72 y la prueba de Barlett (p = 00). Por correlación de variables se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio, donde se rechazó la hipótesis nula. El modelo unifactorial permitió tener pruebas de X 2 = 9032, p-valor = 0,13, RMSR = 0,063, RMSEA = 0,041 y CFI = 0,98. Fiabilidad r- Spearman-Brown = 0,91 y Alpha de Cronbach de 0,95. En la prueba r-Pearson se obtuvieron correlaciones > 0,62. Conclusión: La versión adaptada al español de la escala APIAS confirma las propiedades psicométricas originales de la escala, haciéndola válida y fiable para aplicar en población objetivo(AU)

Introduction: A study evidences the advantage of obtaining a validated instrument that allows assessing patients' preoperative anxiety and information levels and responds to care management, with effective assessments and relevant care. Objective: To validate the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety scale and the information need of adult patients who received surgery. Methods: An instrumental study of psychometric analysis was conducted at a Chilean private clinic in 2019. The population included 1200 patients admitted for surgery. The sample size was calculated according to the number of patients operated on in the previous year; 50 percent of the population was considered a significant sample. The study consisted of four stages: 1) translation, back translation and linguistic adaptation; 2) content validation; 3) construct validation, using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin's (KMO) tests of coefficient, Bartlett's test of sphericity, as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis; and 4) reliability with two-half test (r Spearman-Brown) and Cronbach's alpha. Results: The KMO coefficient was 0.72 and Barlett's test yielded a p value of 00. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out using correlation of variables, rejecting the null hypothesis. The single-factor model permitted to obtain a chi-square test value of 9032, a p-value of 0.13, a root mean square residual of 0.063, a root mean square error of approximation of 0.041, and a complement factor I of 0.98. Spearman-Brown r reliability was 0.91 and for Cronbach's alpha it was 0.95. In the r-Pearson test, correlations higher than 0.62 were obtained. Conclusion: The adapted Spanish version of the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale confirms the original psychometric properties of the scale, making it valid and reliable for application in the target population(AU)

Psychological and behavioral problems in children and adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic: a Scoping review / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the psychological and behavioral problems and related influencing factors in children and adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.@*METHODS@#China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched using the method of subject search for articles published up to March 31, 2022, and related data were extracted for Scoping review.@*RESULTS@#A total of 3 951 articles were retrieved, and 35 articles from 12 countries were finally included. Most of the articles were from the journals related to pediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, and epidemiology, and cross-sectional survey was the most commonly used research method. Psychological and behavioral problems in children and adolescents mainly included depression/anxiety/stress, sleep disorder, internet behavior problems, traumatic stress disorder, and self-injury/suicide. Influencing factors were analyzed from the three aspects of socio-demographic characteristics, changes in living habits, and ways of coping with COVID-19.@*CONCLUSIONS@#During the COVID-19 epidemic, the psychological and behavioral problems of children and adolescents in China and overseas are severe. In the future, further investigation and research can be carried out based on relevant influencing factors to improve the psychological and behavioral problems.

Thumb-tack needles based on "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" for sequela of COVID-19 during recovery period / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of thumb-tack needles based on "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" on sequela symptoms, mental state and pulmonary ventilation function in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during recovery period.@*METHODS@#Fifty cases of COVID-19 during recovery period were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with thumb-tack needles at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taiyuan (LU 9). The patients in the control group were treated with sham thumb-tack needles at identical acupoints as the observation group. The treatment in the two groups was given once a day, 7-day treatment was taken as a course of treatment, and totally two courses of treatment were given. The TCM symptom score, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score, pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], peak expiratory flow [PEF]), the severity of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction and pulmonary imaging changes in the two groups were compared before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the total scores and each item scores of TCM symptom scale, HAMA scores and HAMD scores in the two groups were reduced after treatment (P<0.05). Except for the symptom scores of dry throat and dry stool, the total score and each item score of TCM symptom scale, HAMA score and HAMD score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, FVC, FEV1 and PEF in the two groups were increased after treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The severity of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in the two groups was reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the severity in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the lung shadow area in the two groups was decreased (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was smaller than the control group (P<0.05). The improvement of imaging change in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The thumb-tack needles based on "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" could significantly reduce the sequela symptoms, anxiety and depression in patients with COVID-19 during recovery stage, and improve the pulmonary ventilation function.

Association of Increased Amygdala Activity with Stress-Induced Anxiety but not Social Avoidance Behavior in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Chronic stress leads to many psychiatric disorders, including social and anxiety disorders that are associated with over-activation of neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). However, not all individuals develop psychiatric diseases, many showing considerable resilience against stress exposure. Whether BLA neuronal activity is involved in regulating an individual's vulnerability to stress remains elusive. In this study, using a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), we divided the mice into susceptible and resilient subgroups based on their social interaction behavior. Using in vivo fiber photometry and in vitro patch-clamp recording, we showed that CSDS persistently (after 20 days of recovery from stress) increased BLA neuronal activity in all the mice regardless of their susceptible or resilient nature, although impaired social interaction behavior was only observed in susceptible mice. Increased anxiety-like behavior, on the other hand, was evident in both groups. Notably, the CSDS-induced increase of BLA neuronal activity correlated well with the heightened anxiety-like but not the social avoidance behavior in mice. These findings provide new insight to our understanding of the role of neuronal activity in the amygdala in mediating stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex Mediates Hyperalgesia and Anxiety Induced by Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats / 神经科学通报·英文版

Central sensitization is essential in maintaining chronic pain induced by chronic pancreatitis (CP), but cortical modulation of painful CP remains elusive. Here, we examined the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the pathogenesis of abdominal hyperalgesia in a rat model of CP induced by intraductal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS treatment resulted in long-term abdominal hyperalgesia and anxiety in rats. Morphological data indicated that painful CP induced a significant increase in FOS-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and ACC, and some FOS-expressing neurons in the NTS projected to the ACC. In addition, a larger portion of ascending fibers from the NTS innervated pyramidal neurons, the neural subpopulation primarily expressing FOS under the condition of painful CP, rather than GABAergic neurons within the ACC. CP rats showed increased expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 1, and increased membrane trafficking and phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B and the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluR1 within the ACC. Microinjection of NMDAR and AMPAR antagonists into the ACC to block excitatory synaptic transmission significantly attenuated abdominal hyperalgesia in CP rats, which was similar to the analgesic effect of endomorphins injected into the ACC. Specifically inhibiting the excitability of ACC pyramidal cells via chemogenetics reduced both hyperalgesia and comorbid anxiety, whereas activating these neurons via optogenetics failed to aggravate hyperalgesia and anxiety in CP rats. Taken together, these findings provide neurocircuit, biochemical, and behavioral evidence for involvement of the ACC in hyperalgesia and anxiety in CP rats, as well as novel insights into the cortical modulation of painful CP, and highlights the ACC as a potential target for neuromodulatory interventions in the treatment of painful CP.

Psychological Problems Experienced by Patients with Bowel Endometriosis Awaiting Surgery / Problemas psicológicos vivenciados por pacientes com endometriose intestinal aguardando cirurgia

Abstract Objective To assess the most common psychological disturbances in women with deep endometriosis and bowel involvement who are waiting surgical treatment and to evaluate what forms of coping are used to solve the problem. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study of 40 women diagnosed with deep endometriosis and intestinal symptoms. They completed two questionnaires: one for anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [ HADS]) and the Scale of Mode of Confronting Problems (EMEP, in the Portuguese acronym). Results We found that 77.1% of the patients had anxiety and depression, with anxiety being the most prevalent (87.5% of the patients); 90% of the patients used problem focused and religious introspection as their main modes of confronting problems. Conclusion In the use of the HADS questionary, two psychological aspects were the most present in women with deep endometriosis awaiting surgical treatment: anxiety and depression. The most used forms of coping to solve the problem were problem coping and religious practices.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os distúrbios psicológicos mais comuns em mulheres com endometriose profunda e acometimento intestinal que aguardam tratamento cirúrgico e avaliar as formas de enfrentamento que são usadas para resolver o problema. Métodos Estudo observacional transversal com 40 mulheres com diagnóstico de endometriose profunda e acometimento intestinal. As pacientes responderam dois questionários: para ansiedade e depressão (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS, na sigla em inglês) e outro para enfrentamento dos problemas (EMEP). Resultados Constatamos que 77% das pacientess apresentaram ansiedade e depressão, sendo a ansiedade a mais prevalente (87,5%); 90% das pacientes usaram a forma religiosa e focada no problema como sua principal estratégia de enfrentamento. Conclusão Os aspectos psicológicos mais encontrados em mulheres com endometriose profunda e intestinal que aguardam tratamento cirúrgico são ansiedade e depressão. As formas mais usadas de enfrentamento para resolver o problema foram práticas religiosas e focada no problema.

Prevalence and risk factors for post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression in sepsis survivors after ICU discharge

Objective: Sepsis survivors present a wide range of sequelae; few studies have evaluated psychiatric disorders after sepsis. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence of and risk factors for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in sepsis survivors. Method: Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms in severe sepsis and septic shock survivors 24 h and 1 year after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge were assessed using the Beck Anxiety/Depression Inventories and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. Differences in psychiatric symptoms over time and the influence of variables on these symptoms were calculated with marginal models. Results: A total of 33 patients were enrolled in the study. The frequencies of anxiety, depression and PTSD 24 h after ICU discharge were 67%, 49%, and 46%, respectively and, among patients re-evaluated 1 year after ICU discharge, the frequencies were 38%, 50%, and 31%, respectively. Factors associated with PTSD included serum S100B level, age, and Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) score. Factors associated with depression included patient age and cumulative dose of dobutamine. IQCODE score and cumulative dose of haloperidol in the ICU were associated with anxiety after ICU discharge. Conclusion: Patients who survive sepsis have high levels of psychiatric symptoms. Sepsis and associated treatment-related exposures may have a role in increasing the risk of subsequent depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The effects of intraday operation time on pain and anxiety of patients undergoing septoplasty / Os efeitos do tempo de cirurgia intradia na dor e ansiedade de pacientes submetidos à septoplastia

Abstract Introduction Anxiety and pain levels of septoplasty patients may vary according to intraday operation time. Objective To investigate the effects of septoplasty operation and intraday operation time on anxiety and postoperative pain. Methods Ninety-eight voluntary patients filled out the hospital anxiety and depression scale to measure the anxiety level three weeks before, one hour before and one week after surgery. Forty-nine patients were operated at 8:00 am (morning group); other 49 were operated at 03:00 pm (afternoon group). We used a visual analogue scale to measure postoperative pain. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared, as were the scores of the groups. Results Median hospital anxiety and depression scale scores one hour before the operation [6 (2-10)] were significantly higher compared to the median scores three weeks before the operation [3 (1-6)] (p < 0.001), and one week after the operation [2 (1-6)] were significantly lower compared to the median scores three weeks before the operation [3 (1-6)] (p < 0.001). Hospital anxiety and depression scale scores one hour before the operation were significantly greater in the afternoon group [8 (7-10)], compared to the morning group [4 (2-6)] (p < 0.001). Postoperative first, sixth, twelfth and twenty-fourth-hour pain visual analogue scale scores were significantly higher in the afternoon group compared to the morning group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Septoplasty might have an increasing effect on short-term anxiety and postoperative pain. Performing this operation at a late hour in the day might further increase anxiety and pain. However, the latter has no long-term effect on anxiety.

Resumo Introdução Os níveis de ansiedade e dor em pacientes submetidos à septoplastia podem variar de acordo com o tempo de cirurgia intradia. Objetivo Investigar os efeitos da cirurgia de septoplastia e do tempo de cirurgia intradia na ansiedade e dor pós-operatória. Métodos Noventa e oito pacientes voluntários preencheram a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) para medir o nível de ansiedade três semanas antes, uma hora antes e uma semana após a cirurgia. Quarenta e nove pacientes foram operados às 8h (grupo da manhã) e 49 foram operados às 15h (grupo da tarde). Usamos a Escala Visual Analógica para medir a dor pós-operatória. Os escores pré e pós-operatórios foram comparados, assim como os escores dos grupos. Resultados As medianas dos escores da HADS uma hora antes da operação [6 (2-10)] foram significativamente mais altas em comparação com as medianas dos escores da HADS três semanas antes da operação [3 (1-6)] (p < 0,001) e as medianas dos escores da HADS uma semana após a operação [2 (1-6)] foram significativamente mais baixas em comparação com as medianas dos escores três semanas antes da operação [3 (1-6)] (p < 0,001). Os escores da HADS uma hora antes da operação foram significativamente mais altos no grupo da tarde [8 (7-10)], em comparação ao grupo da manhã [4 (2-6)] (p < 0,001). Os escores da EVA para dor na primeira, sexta, 12ª segunda e 24ª hora do pós-operatório foram significativamente mais altos no grupo da tarde em comparação com o grupo da manhã (p < 0,001). Conclusão A septoplastia pode ter um efeito crescente sobre a ansiedade em curto prazo e na dor pós-operatória e a feitura dessa cirurgia em hora mais tardia pode aumentar ainda mais a ansiedade e a dor. No entanto, isso não tem efeito em longo prazo na ansiedade.

Anxiety in candidates for radical prostatectomy in a university hospital

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Metabolic changes caused by anxiety can interfere in both the surgery itself and the recovery process. One way to reassure the patient is to clarify how the procedure will be performed and discuss the possible complications. This study aimed to investigate the anxiety level of candidates for radical prostatectomy at a university hospital. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer were studied prospectively. Data collection involved the administration of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a radical prostatectomy knowledge test. RESULTS: The results showed that 94.1% of the patients reported having received clarifications from the physician or healthcare team regarding the surgery and 23.5% reported having received information on the probability of a medical error during surgery. The most cited postoperative complications were sexual impotence and urinary incontinence. A significant association was found between the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score and the complications cited (p=0.0004); patients who marked a larger number of possible complications had a higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the explanations given by the multidisciplinary health team are not achieving their maximum potential in terms of lowering patient anxiety.

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric healthcare workers

INTRODUCTION@#Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at risk of psychological distress. This study evaluates the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs in a national paediatric referral centre.@*METHODS@#This was a survey-based study that collected demographic, work environment and mental health data from paediatric HCWs in the emergency, intensive care and infectious disease units. Psychological impact was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with psychological distress.@*RESULTS@#The survey achieved a response rate of 93.9% (430 of 458). Of the 430 respondents, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were reported in 168 (39.1%), 205 (47.7%) and 106 (24.7%), respectively. Depression was reported in the mild (47, 10.9%), moderate (76, 17.7%), severe (23, 5.3%) and extremely severe (22, 5.1%) categories. Anxiety (205, 47.7%) and stress (106, 24.7%) were reported in the mild category only. Collectively, regression analysis identified female sex, a perceived lack of choice in work scope/environment, lack of protection from COVID-19, lack of access to physical activities and rest, the need to perform additional tasks, and the experience of stigma from the community as risk factors for poor psychological outcome.@*CONCLUSION@#A high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was reported among frontline paediatric HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal psychoneuroimmunity and organisational prevention measures can be implemented to lessen psychiatric symptoms. At the national level, involving mental health professionals to plan and coordinate psychological intervention for the country should be considered.

Frecuencia de ansiedad y depresión en pacientes coordinados para cirugía electiva en el Hospital de Clínicas Manuel Quintela / Frequency of anxiety and depression in patients coordinated for elective surgery at the Hospital de Clínicas Manuel Quintela

Los trastornos depresivos y de ansiedad son más frecuentes en pacientes que se encuentran a la espera de un acto anestésico-quirúrgico. Estos se consideran factores de riesgo de complicaciones posoperatorias de allí el interés de detectarlos en la consulta preoperatoria. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia de ansiedad y depresión en pacientes pre-quirúrgicos en el Hospital de Clínicas utilizando la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) validada en español mediante un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se realizó una encuesta a una muestra tomada al azar, de pacientes prequirúrgicos obtenida de la consulta externa o de las consultas provenientes de salas de internación quirúrgica del Hospital de Clínicas entre julio y septiembre de 2019. La prevalencia global de ansiedad y depresión fue de 44% y 14,5%, respectivamente. Un mayor nivel de depresión fue asociado al sexo femenino, no encontrándose asociación entre otras variables como edad, tipo de cirugía u hospitalización, y la mayor frecuencia de cualquiera de los trastornos. Se concluye que los niveles de ansiedad son relativamente elevados y, junto a la depresión, pueden ser detectados en la consulta preoperatoria de manera sencilla utilizando el instrumento propuesto.

The depressive and anxiety disorders are more frequent in patients who are waiting a surgical procedure. These are risk factors of postoperative complications. The objective of this work was to determine the incidence of anxiety and depression in the preoperative period at the University Hospital using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale validated in spanish through an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A socio-demographic characterization of patients was carried out and aspects related to imminent surgery were described. The study was conducted in a random sample of pre-surgical patients who attended an outpatient clinic or were hospitalized at the Hospital de Clínicas, between July and September 2019. The global incidence of anxiety and depression was 44% and 14.5% respectively. A mayor level of depression was observed in females, no other statistically significant evidence was found to support an association between the other variables (age, type of surgery, hospitalization) and the higher prevalence of any of the disorders. We concluded that the level of anxiety is high in our population and deserves to be detected, through the implementation of a simple instrument.

Self-Report Measurement of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic in Senior Undergraduate Dental Students

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior undergraduate dental students' psychological health by measuring depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Material and Methods: 259 fifth-year dental students participated in this study, including 156 females (60.2%) and 103 males (39.8%), aged 20-25. An online-based questionnaire was created, including a few questions about learning, post-graduation challenges, and fear of the virus exposure. Students were asked to define their acute anxiety state by visual facial anxiety scale (VFAS) and depression, anxiety, and stress levels by The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42). All data were analyzed statistically. Results: Participants stated online learning platforms were insufficient for clinical competence (91.5%), the COVID-19 pandemic changed post-graduation career perspectives (29.3%), and they feared exposure to COVID-19 while performing their profession (82.6%). Acute anxiety levels of the students were recorded as 95.4% mild to highest. Mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress scores of the participants were 82.1%, 79.6%, and 72.9%, respectively. Higher mean values for all depression, anxiety, and stress parameters were obtained in females than males (p<0.05). Conclusion: Data showed that the psychological health of senior undergraduate dental students had been affected adversely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19, salud mental y enfermedades psiquiátricas: revisión de la literatura en PubMed, durante los primeros meses de pandemia / COVID-19, mental health and mental disorders: review of the literature published in PubMed, during the first months of the pandemic

La literatura ha estudiado los efectos de anteriores epidemias en la salud mental de la población. En el contexto de la actual pandemia COVID-19, resulta de interés estudiar lo publicado referente a esta temática, considerando que, a diferencia de epidemias recientes, la actual se ha presentado a nivel mundial, con mayores cifras de contagio y mortalidad, con períodos de restricciones sociales más prolongados, alterando diversas dimensiones en la vida de la población. Las distintas implicaciones de la pandemia COVID-19 en la salud mental y las enfermedades psiquiátricas se recopilaron, de forma general, mediante la literatura publicada en PubMed durante los primeros meses de pandemia. La literatura evidencia que la actual pandemia ha influido negativamente en diversas dimensiones de la salud mental de la población general y específicas. Otras implicaciones revisadas son: abuso de alcohol y drogas, reacciones de duelo, agravamiento de trastornos mentales previos, y el rol e importancia de las redes sociales, servicios de salud mental y telepsiquiatría, entre otros.

The literature has studied the effects of previous epidemics on the mental health of the population. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is of interest to study what has been published regarding this issue, considering that unlike recent epidemics, the current one has occurred worldwide, with higher numbers of contagion and mortality, with periods of longer social restrictions, altering various dimensions in the life of the population. The different implications of the COVID-19 pandemic with mental health and psychiatric diseases were collected in a general form, using the literature published in PubMed during the first months of the pandemic. The literature shows that the current pandemic has negatively influenced various dimensions of mental health in the general and specific population. Other implications reviewed are: alcohol and drugs, grief, patients with previous mental disorders, social networks, mental health services, telepsychiatry, among others.

Factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression during social distancing in Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of clinical signs and symptoms of severe/extreme stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as their associated factors, among Brazilians during social distancing. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted in April/May 2020 with 3,200 Brazilians over 18 years old. Respondents' sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using an online questionnaire, which also included the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess emotional symptoms. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression models with robust variance. RESULTS Our results show the prevalence of severe/extreme stress was 21.5%, anxiety 19.4%, and depression 21.5%. In the final model, sociodemographic, clinical, and Covid-19-related factors were associated with severe/extreme stress, anxiety, and depression in Brazilians during social distancing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We found the main factors associated with severe/extreme depression to be young women, brown, single, not religious, sedentary, presenting reduced leisure activities, history of anxiety and depression, increased medication use, and Covid-19 symptoms. CONCLUSION This study may help develop and systematically plan measures aimed to prevent, early identify, and properly manage clinical signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Is ionizing radiation a risk factor for anxiety in employees?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Workers describe many physical and mental symptoms when working in radiation areas. This study aimed to assess these symptoms in radiation workers using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). METHODS: A total of 42 radiation workers (22 males and 20 females, mean age 34±7 years) and 47 control subjects (22 males and 27 females, mean age 31± 8 years) who work in non-radiation areas in the hospital were included in the study. All participants anonymously filled out the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The demographic data of workers were not significantly different between groups. In the BAI, the dizzy or lightheaded (p =0.01), terrified (p= 0.01), unsteady (p=0.02), heart-pounding and racing (p=0.02) items were significantly higher in the radiation-exposed group compared to the control group. -The BAI score was also significantly higher in the radiation-exposed group (11.1±6.8 vs. 8.7±3.8, p =0.04) CONCLUSION: These results suggest the possibility that radiation may play a role in the psychometric properties of workers. The effects of radiation on the health of employees need to be further investigated and understood.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Ao trabalhar em áreas de radiação, trabalhadores descrevem muitos sintomas físicos e mentais. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar esses sintomas em trabalhadores expostos à radiação utilizando a Escala de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI - Beck Anxiety Inventory). MÉTODOS: Um total de 42 trabalhadores expostos à radiação (22 homens e 20 mulheres, com idade média de 34±7 anos) e 47 controles (22 do sexo masculino e 27 do sexo feminino, com idade média de 31±8 anos) que trabalham em áreas do hospital sem radiação foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os participantes responderam anonimamente ao questionário da BAI. RESULTADOS: Os dados demográficos dos trabalhadores dos dois grupos não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Na BAI, os itens de tonturas ou vertigens (p =0,01), medo (p= 0,01), instabilidade (p=0,02) e batimento cardíaco mais forte e acelerado (p=0,02) foram significativamente mais elevados no grupo exposto à radiação em comparação ao grupo de controle. A pontuação da BAI também foi significativamente maior no grupo exposto à radiação (11,1 ± 6,8 versus 8,7 ± 3,8, p = 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem a possibilidade de que a radiação pode desempenhar um papel importante nas propriedades psicométricas dos trabalhadores. Os efeitos da radiação na saúde dos funcionários precisam ser mais bem investigados e compreendidos.

Espectro Autista y Covid­19: Sugerencias para el manejo durante la pandemia / Autism Spectrum Disorder and COVID-19: Management Advice during the Pandemic

Introducción: La pandemia del COVID-19, nos acompaña desde marzo de 2020, trayendo una serie de medidas de confinamiento y alteración de las rutinarias diarias para controlar su expansión. Estos cambios alterarían la salud mental, tanto de los niños con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA), como la de sus cuidadores. Objetivo: Explorar diseño de estrategias para el manejo de pacientes con TEA durante la pandemia. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda de información bibliográfica de estudios publicados entre enero y octubre del 2020 en Pubmed, PsychINFO, Science Direct, Google y Google Scholar. Se seleccionaron 19 trabajos para revisión en base a términos libres y MeSH. Desarrollo: Los gobiernos debieron tomar medidas extremas para el control de la pandemia, como el confinamiento. Los cuidadores de niños con TEA dan cuenta del aumento de irritabilidad, angustia, y conductas auto y heteroagresivas en los niños con TEA. En relación a los cuidadores, se ha reportado un aumento de su nivel de ansiedad, y sobre todo preocupaciones sobre el futuro y su estabilidad laboral. Sin embargo, esto les permitió estar más atentos a los cambios emocionales y conductuales de sus hijos. Son variadas las estrategias sugeridas en la literatura, coincidiendo la mayoría en el uso de material didáctico y audiovisual para explicar la infección y su prevención, lo que a su vez ayudaría a los niños con TEA a la comprensión del cambio en sus rutinas. El mantener contacto social con sus amigos y profesores, realizar actividad física y adecuar las rutinas diarias a este nuevo escenario, son algunas de las estrategias más recomendadas. Conclusión: La incertidumbre que acompaña a la pandemia nos mantiene expectante a los nuevos cambios. El poder entregar una información clara y concreta a los niños con TEA sobre el COVID-19, además de mantener sus rutinas, actividades físicas y contacto con sus pares y educadores, ayudará a sortear de mejor manera las alteraciones emocionales y conductuales que puedan presentar.

Abstract. Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us since March 2020, bringing a series of confinement measures and alteration of daily routines to control its expansion. These changes might affect the mental health of both children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers. Aim: To explore the design of strategies for the management of patients with ASD during the pandemic. Method: A search of bibliographic information of studies published between January and October 2020 in Pubmed, PsychINFO, Science Direct, Google and Google Scholar was carried out. 19 papers were selected for review based on free terms and MeSH. Results: Governments had to take extreme measures, such as confinement, to control the pandemic. Caregivers report increased irritability, distress, and self and hetero-aggressive behaviors in children with ASD. In relation to caregivers, an increase in their level of anxiety has been reported, and especially concerns about the future and their job stability. However, this has allowed them to be more attentive to their children's emotional and behavioral changes. The strategies suggested in the literature are varied, with the majority agreeing on the use of educational and audiovisual material to explain the infection and its prevention measures, which in turn would help children with ASD to understand the change in their routines. Maintaining social contact with friends and teachers, engaging in physical activity and adapting daily routines to this new scenario are some of the most recommended strategies. Conclusion: The uncertainty that accompanies the pandemic keeps us waiting for new changes. Being able to deliver clear and concrete information to children with ASD about COVID-19, in addition to maintaining their routines, physical activities and contact with their peers and educators, will help them to deal better with the emotional and behavioral changes that they may face.