The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Training on Cognitive, Social, and Physical Functioning in High-Functioning Older Adults (CoSoPhy FX): 2-Arm, Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the health care of older individuals, particularly in the domains of cognition, physical activity, and social engagement. However, existing VR products and services have limited availability and affordability; hence, there is a need for a scientifically validated and personalized VR service to be used by older adults in their homes, which can improve their overall physical, cognitive, and social well-being. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of the CoSoPhy FX (Cognitive, Social, and Physical Effects) study was to analyze the effects of a VR-based digital therapeutics app on the cognitive, social, and physical performance abilities of healthy (high-functioning) older adults. This paper presents the study protocol and the results from the recruitment phase. METHODS: A group of 188 healthy older adults aged 65-85 years, recruited at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, were randomly allocated to the experimental group (VR dual-task training program) or to the control group (using a VR headset app showing nature videos). A total of 3 cognitive exercises were performed in various 360° nature environments delivered via a VR head-mounted display; the participants listened to their preferred music genre. Each patient received 3 sessions of 12 minutes per week for 12 weeks, totaling a minimum of 36 sessions per participant. Attention and working memory (Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery) were used as primary outcomes, while other cognitive domains in the Central Nervous System Vital Signs battery, quality of life (World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire) were the secondary outcomes. The group-by-time interaction was determined using linear mixed models with participants' individual slopes. RESULTS: In total, 122 (39%) of the initial 310 participants failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a recruitment rate of 61% (188/310). Among the participants, 68 successfully completed the intervention and 62 completed the control treatment. The data are currently being analyzed, and we plan to publish the results by the end of September 2024. CONCLUSIONS: VR interventions have significant potential among healthy older individuals. VR can address various aspects of well-being by stimulating cognitive functions, promoting physical activity, and facilitating social interaction. However, challenges such as physical discomfort, technology acceptance, safety concerns, and cost must be considered when implementing them for older adults. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of VR-based interventions, optimal intervention designs, and the specific populations that would benefit most. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05369897; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05369897. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53261.

Adaptation and validation of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) - screen version. / Polska adaptacja i walidacja wersji przesiewowej Skali Oceny Ryzyka Samobójstwa z Uniwersytetu Columbia (C-SSRS).

OBJECTIVES: To perform an adaptation and psychometric validation of the Polish version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) screen version in a clinical sample of patients admitted to the psychiatric hospital. METHODS: This was a single-center, observational and cross-sectional study. A total of 318 consecutive patients completed a set of questionnaires upon their admission to acute psychiatric units. The set comprised C-SSRS screener and the reference measures: the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire - Revised (SBQ-R), the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale - Revised (CESD-R), the Scale of Psychache, the Purpose in Life scale (PIL), and alcohol misuse screen test (CAGE). RESULTS: Cronbach's α of the C-SSRS was 0.89. Two latent components were identified in the factor analysis: (1) suicidal thoughts, intentions and plans, and (2) history of suicidal attempts. There were differences in the mean scores of all the utilized questionnaires (namely, SBQ-R, the Psychache scale, CAGE, SIDAS, PIL and CESD-R) between the C-SSRS risk groups (p=0.01). The C-SSRS risk group was associated with the category of the primary psychiatric diagnosis (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Polish version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale screener is a questionnaire with good psychometric features to assess the suicidal risk among psychiatric in-patients. It can be used for the purposes of a routine assessment of suicidal risk among hospitalized patients.

Virtual reality-based training may improve visual memory and some aspects of sustained attention among healthy older adults - preliminary results of a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Older age and cognitive inactivity have been associated with cognitive impairment, which in turn is linked to economic and societal burdens due to the high costs of care, especially for care homes and informal care. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions using new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD), might offer an alternative to maintain or improve cognition. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VR-based Digital Therapeutics application for improving cognitive functions among healthy older adults. METHODS: Seventy-two healthy seniors (experimental group N = 35, control group N = 37), aged 65-85 years, were recruited by the Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (a VR-based cognitive training which consists of a warm-up module and three tasks, including one-back and dual-N-back) or to the control group (a regular VR headset app only showing nature videos). The exercises are performed in different 360-degree natural environments while listening to a preferred music genre and delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD). The 12-week intervention of 12 min was delivered at least three times per week (36 sessions). Compliance and performance were followed through a web-based application. Primary outcomes included attention and working memory (CNS-Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery). Secondary outcomes comprised other cognitive domains. Mixed linear models were constructed to elucidate the difference in pre- and post-intervention measures between the experimental and control groups. RESULTS: The users performed, on average, 39.8 sessions (range 1-100), and 60% performed more than 36 sessions. The experimental group achieved higher scores in the visual memory module (B = 7.767, p = 0.011) and in the one-back continuous performance test (in terms of correct responses: B = 2.057, p = 0.003 and omission errors: B = -1.950, p = 0.007) than the control group in the post-test assessment. The results were independent of participants' sex, age, and years of education. The differences in CNS Vital Signs' global score, working memory, executive function, reaction time, processing speed, simple and complex attention, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, motor speed, and psychomotor speed were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: VR-based cognitive training may prove to be a valuable, efficacious, and well-received tool in terms of improving visual memory and some aspect of sustainability of attention among healthy older adults. This is a preliminary analysis based on part of the obtained results to that point. Final conclusions will be drawn after the analysis of the target sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05369897.

Combined cold-water immersion and breathwork may be associated with improved mental health and reduction in the duration of upper respiratory tract infection - a case-control study.

A polar plunge is a term referring to an ice-cold water immersion (CWI), usually in the winter period. It is also a part of a specific training program (STP) which currently gains popularity worldwide and was proven to display paradigm-shifting characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare the indices of mental functioning (including depression, anxiety, mindfulness) and duration of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) measured among the study participants. A set of questionnaires was distributed via the Internet. Participants declaring regular STP practice were selected (N = 77). Two groups were matched based on a case-control principle: the first one (the control group) comprised participants who did not declare nor CWI practice, nor STP practice. The second one comprised participants declaring regular CWI practice only. The CWI only group displayed better mental health indices and shorter URTIs compared to the control group. Moreover, the STP group also displayed better general mental health, less somatic complaints, and shorter URTIs compared to the CWI only group. This study suggests the existence of CWI's potential in boosting mental health and immune system functioning, however when complemented by a specific breathwork, this potential can be increased. However, further research is required.

The prevalence of occupational burnout and its individual and situational predictors among addiction therapists.

This study assesses the prevalence and individual and organizational predictors of occupational burnout among addiction therapists. A total of 452 addiction therapists from a representative sample of 184 Polish alcohol treatment facilities (outpatient and inpatient) participated in the study (facility response rate = 42%). The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory was used to measure occupational burnout, and 15 subscales of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II were administered to assess psychosocial work conditions. In addition, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the abbreviated six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale measured other important dimensions of addiction therapists' psychosocial functioning. Logistic regression was used for the analysis of the data. Occupational burnout was noticeably prevalent in the study group: 62% of respondents experienced exhaustion and 50% experienced disengagement from work, both to at least a moderate degree. Situational (organizational) variables were the most important predictors, explaining much more of the variance in both dimensions of burnout than the individual factors, of which only depression was significantly related to higher levels of exhaustion. Coronavirus anxiety played a marginal role in explaining the severity of burnout. The current study is one of the first attempts to assess the level of occupational burnout among addiction therapists and to comprehensively investigate the factors contributing to it. The findings provide useful information for the development of interventions aimed at preventing or reducing burnout in this professional group.

Factors associated with suicide attempt risk in adolescent inpatient psychiatric care: toward a practical model.

Suicide is an important social and medical problem, particularly among children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to determine the association of the psychiatric diagnosis and selected psychosocial factors with the risk of suicide attempts among patients of an adolescent psychiatric unit. A retrospective analysis was performed on a database of consecutive N = 1311 patients aged 13-18 years of the adolescent psychiatric ward. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the main psychiatric diagnosis, for factors selected from the database to determine their influence on the relative risk of a suicide attempt. Primary diagnoses of mood disorders and emotional and behavioral disorders were associated with an increased risk of a current admission after a suicidal attempt, a history of past suicidal attempts and non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI). History of NSSI was associated with a fourfold increase probability of a suicide attempt. Truancy, sexual abuse, heartbreak and frequent conflicts were related to a rise in suicidal attempt risk. Learning difficulties were found to be linked to increased probability of suicidal attempt, but only among women. The current study confirms that the primary diagnosis, NSSI and well-recognized psychosocial factors (including family- and school-related factors) may prove useful in the assessment of suicidal risk among adolescents admitted to a psychiatric ward.

The Association between Personality Factors and Metabolic Parameters among Patients with Non-Alcoholic-Fatty Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) states a serious problem for public health. The introduction of effective methods of treatment and prevention is crucial to avoid complications of these diseases. Among them, we can specify psychological factors that affect everyday life and determine the patient's attitude towards therapy, and what follows, their compliance in treatment. The literature indicates these connections in various ways; in our study, we extend this view to include a broader perspective of human personality. OBJECTIVE: We decided to investigate the associations between personality factors and metabolic parameters in patients with NAFLD and T2DM in order to better understand the patient's approach to the treatment of a chronic disease, such as those mentioned, and to establish the basis for further research implementing psychological interventions in the treatment of NAFLD and T2DM. METHODS: One hundred participants with NAFLD and T2DM underwent blood tests and anthropometric measures. Each of them was asked to complete five questionnaires evaluating their personality properties. RESULTS: We revealed that a rise in body mass index is related to a fall in the emotional intelligence factor of utilizing emotions, and a rise in emotional perception. The decrease in task-oriented coping style and a rise in emotion-oriented coping style are associated with a waist-hip ratio increase. The increase in fasting plasma glucose is predicted by a decrease in task-oriented coping style score. A fall in social diversion coping style score is associated with a high-density lipoprotein increase; in turn, a triglycerides increase is connected with a decline in rhythmicity score. CONCLUSIONS: The personality factors are in relationship in the management of NAFLD and T2DM. They affect a patient's approach to treatment, which is very important, because we know lifestyle and dietary interventions are an important part of the treatment of these diseases. The compliance manifests by lifestyle modifications, taking medications regularly, measuring blood glucose, and inspection visits in outpatients' clinics are a large part of a diabetic's life. Future studies introducing psychological intervention to improve, e.g., coping styles or rhythmicity are needed to implement new methods of patient management.

Chronotype and the Big-Five personality traits as predictors of chronic fatigue among patients with sarcoidosis. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis may seriously hamper patients' quality of life despite fairly good prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, chronotype and severity of fatigue symptoms, in the context of selected clinical variables and general mental health among patients with sarcoidosis. METHODS: The study group comprised 60 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis. They were asked to share relevant clinical data and complete a set of questionnaires: Fatigue Asessment Scale (FAS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the NEO Five Factor Inventory and Composite Scale of Morningness. RESULTS: In linear regression analysis, FAS score was predicted by female sex, active sarcoidosis status, Morning Affect and Conscientiousness. In principal component analysis, FAS score and all GHQ-28 subscale scores (somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and depressive symptoms) formed a single component explaining 60% of variance. The factor loading for each variable exceeded 0.6. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological burden appeared to rise with the severity of the fatigue, regardless the inactive/active phase of sarcoidosis. The severity of fatigue may be linked to patient's poor morning affect. The profile of psychological burden presented by the patients may be associated with their personality and clinical presentation of sarcoidosis.

The relationship between occupational burnout and work ability among firefighters: exploring the mediating effects of insomnia, depressive symptoms, loneliness and alcohol misuse.

Purpose: Firefighting is a profession associated with a high risk of elevated levels of occupational stress and burnout. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the mediating effects of insomnia, depressive symptoms, loneliness and alcohol misuse in the relationship between two dimensions of burnout (i.e., exhaustion and disengagement) and work ability among firefighters. Methods: A total of 460 firefighters from various regions of Poland completed a set of self-report questionnaires to assess constructs of interest. A mediation model was constructed to verify hypothesized paths, adjusted for socio-demographic and work-related background characteristics. Model parameters were estimated using a bootstrapping procedure, with sampling set at N = 1000. Results: The proposed model explained 44% of variance in work ability. Higher levels of both exhaustion and disengagement predicted worsened work ability. When mediators were controlled for, these effects remained statistically significant. Depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness were found to be partial mediators of the association between exhaustion and work ability, and between disengagement and work ability. The mediating effects of insomnia and alcohol misuse were non-significant. Conclusions: Interventions aimed at counteracting the decrement in work ability among firefighters should target not only occupational burnout, but also depressive symptoms and a sense of loneliness as factors mediating its detrimental effects.

The Utility of Rectal Water Contrast Transvaginal Ultrasound for Assessment of Deep Bowel Endometriosis.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity that infiltrates at least 5-mm deep below the peritoneal layer. Imagining examinations are the first-choice methods to detect DIE. The aim of this study is to assess whether rectal water contrast transvaginal sonography (RWC-TVS) can be a useful tool for the estimation of the size of deep bowel endometriotic nodules. This retrospective study includes 31 patients subjected to RWC-TVS who underwent surgery due to deep bowel endometriosis between January 2021 and December 2022. Nodule dimensions measured via ultrasound were compared to those of histopathological samples taken after surgery. In total, 52% of patients had endometriosis limited only to the intestines, 19% had endometriotic nodules located at uterosacral ligaments and posterior vaginal fornix, 6% at the anterior compartment, and 13% at a different location. Additionally, 6% of patients had nodules at more than two locations. In all but one case, the intestinal nodules could be seen on RWC-TVS images. The largest nodule dimension measured via RWC-TVS and the size of the equivalent histopathological sample correlated (R = 0.406, p = 0.03). Thus, RWC-TVS allows for the detection of DIE and moderate estimation of the nodule sizes and should be practiced during a diagnostic process.

Can morning affect protect us from suicide? The mediating role of general mental health in the relationship between chronotype and suicidal behavior among students.

Although chronotype has been associated with suicidal behavior, current research suggest that this relationship may be mediated by other factors. The aim of this study was to assess whether chronotype, specifically morningness, may predict suicidal behavior and whether this relationship may be mediated by general mental health, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and/or social functioning among young adults. The study group comprised 306 students: 204 (65.8%) women, 101 (32.6%) men and one who chose not to identify with either option (0.3%). The participants completed The Composite Scale of Morningness, The General Health Questionnaire, 30-item version, Suicide Acceptance Questionnaire and The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised. Correlations between the continuous variables of interest revealed a weak, but significant, negative association between morning affect (CSM) and suicidal behavior (SBQ-R); a moderate positive association was found between suicidal behavior (SBQ-R) and depression/anxiety, and a weak one between suicidal behavior (SBQ-R) and interpersonal relations (GHQ-30). The models predicting suicidal behavior, and chronotype-related variables as predictors of suicidal behavior, were then tested. Although the morning affect predicted suicidal behavior, this effect became irrelevant when combined with mental health characteristics: psychopathological symptoms of depression and anxiety and the quality of interpersonal relations. Our findings imply that the role of chronotype is secondary to general mental health: mental disorder symptoms should be considered as the core risk factors for suicide and serve as the focus for suicide risk assessments.

The Relationship between Selected Factors (Temperament, Bipolar Traits, Sleep Quality, Severity of Addiction) and Depressive Symptoms in Alcohol-Dependent Men.

Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between alcohol addiction and mood disorders. Alcohol-dependent patients with depression tend to demonstrate clinically more severe manic symptoms, which complicates the process of diagnosis and therapy. However, the predictors indicating the risk of mood disorders in addicted patients remain unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between personal dispositions, bipolar traits, depth of addiction, quality of sleep, and depressive symptoms in alcohol-dependent men. The study group comprised 70 men (age M = 46.06, SD = 11.29) diagnosed with alcohol addiction. The participants completed a battery of questionnaires: BDI, HCL-32, PSQI, EPQ-R and MAST. The results were tested using Pearson's correlation quotient and general linear model. The findings indicate that some of the studied patients are likely to have mood disorders of clinically significant severity. High neuroticism and poor sleep quality are independent predictors of depressive symptoms in alcohol-dependent patients. Among the components of sleep quality, problems with falling asleep and waking up at night appear to be most strongly associated with depressive symptoms. The intensity of depressive symptoms may relate to the intensity of certain bipolar features, such as risk-taking activity and irritability. High neuroticism and poor sleep quality are independent predictors of depressive symptoms in the studied group.

The relationship between chronotype, dispositional mindfulness and suicidal ideation among medical students: mediating role of anxiety, insomnia and social dysfunction.

The aim of the study was to assess whether chronotype and subjective amplitude may predict suicidal ideation independently of mindfulness, and whether anxiety/insomnia and social dysfunction may be mediators of the relationship between chronotype and suicidal thoughts among medical students. The study group comprised 600 students of the medical faculties (191 men and 409 women), with a mean (SD, range) age of 21.94 (1.81, 18-31) years. The participants completed the Chronotype Questionnaire, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Two items from GHQ-28 depression scale were extracted to measure suicidal ideation. The FFMQ score correlated negatively with the suicidal ideation score. The total effect of chronotype was insignificant when controlled for FFMQ. In the case of indirect effects, subjective amplitude score predicted suicidal ideation via both anxiety/insomnia and social dysfunction scores. The FFMQ score predicted suicidal ideation only via the social dysfunction scale. The direct effect of subjective amplitude was insignificant. Our findings indicate that the flexibility (or rigidity) of circadian rhythm may be linked to the intensity of experienced suicidal ideation, but only via anxiety/insomnia and social dysfunction, independently of mindfulness and morningness-eveningness.

Chronotype and poor sleep quality in young adults - a pilot study on the role of rumination.

BACKGROUND: Eveningness has been associated with poor sleep quality and depression. However, chronotype has also been shown to be a multidimensional construct, not limited to a merely morningness-eveningness orientation. It has also been proposed that other factors may also mediate the relationship between chronotype and its mental health sequelae. This pilot study explores the role of rumination as a mediator between chronotype and sleep quality, chronotype and depressive symptoms. METHODS: A sample of 144 participants completed The Morningness-Eveningness-Stability-Scale Improved (MESSi), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)). The results were tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and the Sobel test. RESULTS: Rumination was linked to poor sleep quality and increased depression. Morning affect and Distinctness (i.e. rigidity, or the subjective amplitude of the circadian rhythm) correlated with rumination. Rumination was a partial mediator of the associations between Morning Affect and sleep quality, Morning Affect and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Rumination may play a role in the association between chronotype (particularly Morning Affect and Distinction) and sleep quality and depression. The recognition of this association might serve as a basis for clinical psychoeducational and therapeutic programs targeting both adjustment of the circadian rhythm and rumination as a psychopathological sign.

Being an adult sibling of an individual with autism spectrum disorder may be a predictor of loneliness and depression - Preliminary findings from a cross-sectional study.

Background: The aim of this study is to compare depression and loneliness among adult siblings of people on the autism spectrum, adult siblings of normotypic individuals, and adults raised alone (only child). In recent years, an increasing interest in the perspective of siblings of children diagnosed with autism has been observed, with studies among this population particularly concerned with the developmental trajectories of children and adolescents at "high risk" for ASD, rarely focusing on their mental well-being. Methods: The respondents filled out: the survey on sociodemographic data designed by the authors, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI, measure of depression), and De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS, assessment of loneliness). Results: A rise in BDI and an increase in the DJGLS score were predicted by having a sibling diagnosed with ASD. Those effects were independent of subjects' sex, educational status, place of residence, or a number of siblings. Conclusion: The results underline a fundamental need for the development of mental hygiene programs for families where children with autism spectrum are accompanied by healthy siblings.

Depression and loneliness may predict work inefficiency among professionally active adults.

PURPOSE: Both depression and loneliness have been recognized as major public health issues, yet investigation into their role among young and middle-aged, professionally active persons is still required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether depression and loneliness may independently predict inefficiency at work among professionally active adults. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study on a representative, nationwide sample. 1795 questionnaires were gathered from among professionally active adults from Poland from 1 to 31 July 2018 with a direct pen-and-paper interview. The sample was chosen by means of the stratified random method. The survey included a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure depression and questions, devised by the authors, relating to loneliness and inefficiency at work. Regression models were constructed with depression and loneliness as predictors of inefficiency at work, unadjusted and adjusted for selected sociodemographic, health- and work-related factors. RESULTS: In the unadjusted models, both depression and loneliness were independently associated with an increase of work inefficiency and absence from work, with effect sizes being higher for loneliness than for depression. After accounting for the control variables (i.e., sociodemographic, work- and health-related factors), the PHQ-9 score, but not the loneliness score, was associated with an increased probability of frequent thoughts about changing or leaving a job. CONCLUSION: Depression and loneliness independently predicted occupational functioning and differentially affect its various aspects. Counteracting depression and loneliness among employees should be regarded as a public health priority.

Who Benefits from Fermented Food Consumption? A Comparative Analysis between Psychiatrically Ill and Psychiatrically Healthy Medical Students.

Probiotic therapies and fermented food diets hold promise for improving mental health. Although in this regard psychiatric patients appear to benefit more than healthy individuals, no research has been performed to directly evaluate this hypothesis. The present study examined a cohort of medical students facing a stressful event, and some of the students reported suffering from chronic psychiatric diseases. The amount of fermented food consumption was calculated with the use of seven-day dietary records, while depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. In psychiatrically healthy medical students under psychological stress (n = 372), higher fermented food consumption was associated with more depressive and anxiety symptoms. In contrast, psychiatrically ill medical students (n = 25, 6.3% of all the participants) were found to present a negative association between the amount of fermented food consumed and the severity of depressive symptoms (adjusted ß -0.52, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.19, p = 0.0042); however, this relationship was insignificant for anxiety symptoms (adjusted ß -0.22, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.15, p = 0.22). A significant interaction was found between the consumption of fermented food and psychiatric diagnosis in predicting depressive symptoms (p = 0.0001), and a borderline significant interaction for anxiety symptoms (p = 0.053). In conclusion, psychiatrically ill people, but not healthy ones, may benefit from fermented food consumption in terms of alleviation of depressive symptoms. Our findings require cautious interpretation and further investigation.

Astma jako choroba psychosomatyczna.

In psychosomatic diseases, the damage to organs is overlaid with symptoms induced by a mental factor. Bronchial asthma is a chronic bronchitis, often of an allergic etiology, accompanied by attacks of dyspnea, which can be induced by severe stress. The mechanism involves induction of a bronchospasm, dependent on the cholinergic system, by cold air. Another aspect is the relationship of bronchial asthma with the development of mood disorders. The mechanism of such depression is the product of the psychogenic factor and the effect of inflammatory mediators on the central nervous system. The mental factor plays an important role in the clinical picture of bronchial asthma. However, this issue requires further research, especially regarding the use of psychotherapy in the management of a patient suffering from bronchial asthma.

The Association between Depression and Perceived Stress among Parents of Autistic and Non-Autistic Children-The Role of Loneliness.

Having an autistic child significantly impairs the functioning of the family, including the wellbeing of the parents. The aim of this study was to assess whether loneliness mediates the relationship between perceived stress and the severity of depressive symptoms in the studied sample of parents. This cross-sectional study involved 39 parents of autistic children and 45 parents of non-autistic children. They completed a set of tests: a survey on sociodemographic and clinical data and psychometric questionnaires, i.e., Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), and Perceived Stress Questionnaire (KPS). A rise in external and intrapsychic stress, independently, was linked to a rise in the severity of depressive symptoms. The severity of depression, loneliness and stress was higher among parents of autistic children compared with parents of non-autistic children. Intrapsychic stress exhibited an indirect effect through loneliness on the worsening of depressive symptoms.

Association Between Consumption of Fermented Food and Food-Derived Prebiotics With Cognitive Performance, Depressive, and Anxiety Symptoms in Psychiatrically Healthy Medical Students Under Psychological Stress: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Gut microbiota-based therapeutic strategies, such as probiotic and prebiotic preparations, may benefit mental health. However, commonly consumed fermented and prebiotic-containing foods have not been well-tested. The aim of the present study was to determine whether consumption of fermented food and food-derived prebiotics is associated with cognitive performance, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in psychiatrically healthy medical students under psychological stress. Methods: The study protocol with data analysis plan was prospectively registered. Food consumption was evaluated with a 7-day dietary record. Cognitive performance was modeled with academic examination performance in relation to subject knowledge. Pre-exam depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Results: In total, 372 medical students (22.7 ± 1.1 years of age, 66% female) completed the study. No relationship was observed between cognitive performance under stress and either fermented food (adjusted ß 0.02, 95% CI -0.07-0.11, p = 0.63) or food-derived prebiotics consumption (adjusted ß -0.00, 95% CI -0.09-0.09, p = 0.99). High intake of fermented food was associated with more severe depressive (adjusted ß 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.20, p = 0.032) and anxiety symptoms under stress (adjusted ß 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.22, p = 0.0065); however, no such link was observed for food-derived prebiotics (adjusted ß 0.03, 95% CI -0.07-0.13, p = 0.50 and -0.01, 95% CI -0.11-0.08, p = 0.83, for depression and anxiety, respectively). Conclusions: Under psychological stress in medical students, consumption of fermented food and food-derived prebiotics appears to be not associated with cognitive performance. High intake of fermented food, but not food-derived prebiotics, may be associated with severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The safety of fermented food in this regard therefore requires further clarification.