Factors associated with prolonged COVID-related PTSD-like symptoms among adults diagnosed with mild COVID-19 in Poland.

COVID-19 has been considered a possible cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or similar conditions. However, what specific disease symptoms may contribute most to prolonged PTSD-like symptoms in COVID-19 survivors is unclear. The study aimed to present the factor structure of COVID-19 symptoms and identify which symptoms of COVID-19 best explain the subsequent presence of PTSD-like symptoms in mild COVID-19 survivors. COVID-positive adults (n = 341) completed online self-report scales at the baseline assessment (T1) and after approximately 4 months (T2), including The Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale; The Scale of Psychosocial Experience Related to COVID-19, The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5; and self-designed questionnaires evaluating the severity of COVID-related medical and neurocognitive symptoms and pre-pandemic variables. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors of COVID-19 symptoms: flu-like, respiratory, cold, neurological, and neurocognitive. Hierarchical logistic regression showed that besides selected control variables (anxiety and depression, presence of PTSD-like symptoms, COVID-related stigma in T1), neurocognitive symptoms of COVID-19 in T1 but not other symptoms of the disease were a significant predictor of the presence of PTSD-like symptom in T2. Findings suggest a need for a comprehensive neurocognitive assessment of people diagnosed with COVID-19 and prompt interventions targeting the prevention of potential risks for long-term PTSD-like states at the community level.

Time Goes Back-Time Perspective in Polish Men with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Risky Sexual Behavior.

Many relationships between time perspective and a propensity to engage in risky behaviors or developing addictions have been demonstrated. The aim of our study was to determine the differences in intensity of individual time perspectives in people with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) and risky sexual behavior (RSB). The analysis includes 425 men: 98 CSBD (age M = 37.99 years), 63 RSB (age M = 35.70 years), 264 without CSBD and RSB features constituting the control group (age M = 35.08 years). We used the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised, the Risky Sexual Behavior Scale and a self-constructed survey. The comparative analysis showed a higher intensity of past-negative (p = 0.040), a lower of past-positive (p < 0.001) and a present-fatalistic (p = 0.040) outlook in the CSBD group compared to the control group. Compared to the participants with RSB, the CSBD group was characterized by a higher intensity of past-negative (p = 0.010), a lower of past-positive (p = 0.004) and a present-hedonistic perspective (p = 0.014). The RSB group also achieved higher results from the present-hedonistic perspective (p = 0.046) compared to the control group. The CSBD patients indicate a stronger tendency to focus on negative past compared to non-CSBD men, both taking and not taking RSB. The time perspective profiles of RSB men are similar to those who do not engage in RSB. The distinguishing feature of men with RSB without CSBD is a greater ability to enjoy current experiences.

Anxious and Angry: Early Emotional Adaptation of Medical Students in a Situational Crisis on the Example of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is an example of a situational crisis resulting in emotional destabilization. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the level of anxiety and anger in medical students during the early adaptation to the situational crisis, and to estimate the risk factors for fear and anger in this group. METHODS: Participants were 949 medical students (M = 22.88, SD = 4.10) in the first stage on March 2020, and 748 (M = 22.57, SD = 3.79) in the second stage on June 2020. The STAI, STAXI-2, and our own questionnaire were used. RESULTS: First vs the second stage: anxiety state (p < 0.001), anger state (p = 0.326), and feeling angry (p < 0.05). The regression model (F(14.1681) = 79.01, p < 0.001) for the level of anxiety state explains 39% of the dependent variable variance (r2 = 0.39). The model for the anger-state level (F(6.1689) = 68.04, p < 0.001)-19% (r2 = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: During the early adaptation to the situational crisis, the general level of anxiety decreased, but anger was at the same level. The anxiety was explained by contact with potentially or objective infected persons, and the level of anger was based on the need for greater social support.

"All Hands on Deck": Psychological Characteristics of Women with Experience of Oncological Disease Participating in Sailing Cruise-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: In addition to searching for effective methods of treatment, interventions are sought to support well-being, quality of life, mental health, and recovery. Sailing has its specific features, including task orientation, challenges, contact with people, and nature. This specificity may be treated as a potential therapeutic factor, but it is also likely that people with certain psychological characteristics are involved in it. Therefore, the study aimed to assess some psychological features of women with cancer experience who decided to take part in the Onco-Cruise (Polish: Onko-Rejs). METHODS: Participants were 56 women (M = 46.73; SD = 9.21). We used NEO-FFI, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, and The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. RESULTS: Onco-Cruises participants were characterized by a high level of extraversion (M = 32.48; SD = 7.02; sten score M = 7.21; Mo = 7), openness (M = 31.50; SD = 6.31; sten score M = 7.41; Mo = 8), low neuroticism (M = 21.62; SD = 9.33; sten score M = 4.96), predominance of present hedonistic (M = 12.55, SD = 1.46) and future time perspective (M = 11.39; SD = 2.67), and the internal health locus of control (M = 23.25, SD = 5.43). CONCLUSION: Group sailing can be favorable for broadly understood health and cancer recovery, but people who choose this activity have certain psychological predispositions, especially indicating high needs for stimulation. Permanent features should be taken into account when proposing various interventions for oncology patients to best suit them to their natural possibilities and preferences and, thus, make them most effective.

The Style of Coping with Stress, the Health-Related Locus of Control, and the Level of Mindfulness of Patients with Chronic Somatic Diseases in Comparison to Healthy People.

Background: Psychological factors may be involved in both the development and treatment of somatic diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the style of coping with stress, health-related locus of control, and level of mindfulness of adult patients with the most common chronic somatic diseases compared with healthy subjects. Methods: 502 chronically ill people were examined (M = 49.27; SD = 14.25), including 288 women and 214 men. The control group consisted of 117 healthy people (M = 45.66; SD = 17.86). The diagnostic survey involved using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Differences between the clinical and control groups were demonstrated for MHLC: Internal (p < 0.001), Powerful Others (p < 0.05), and Chance (p < 0.001); CISS: Task (p < 0.001) and Avoidance (p < 0.05); and MAAS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: People with chronic somatic diseases, compared to healthy people, have a stronger external and weaker internal health-related locus of control, lower level of task and avoidance style for coping with stress, and lower level of mindfulness.

Medical students in the face of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an estimated risk of infection and the need for social support.

OBJECTIVES: A pandemic triggers certain attitudes and behaviors, resulting in the need for adequate social support. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing the estimated risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to assess the need for social support in a group of medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was conducted among 981 people, including 814 women and 167 men. For this purpose, a self-assessment survey with 22 multiple-choice questions was used. The online survey was conducted on March 20-April 2, 2020, which can be considered as the first stage of the pandemic in Poland. RESULTS: The tested model for the subjective SARS-CoV-2 infection risk assessment explained 32.6% of the dependent variable variance (F(7.945) = 66.61, p < 0.001). The model for adherence to the recommendations for reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission explained 9.5% of the variability (F(8.943) = 12.39, p < 0.001), and the model for an increased need for social support due to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic explained 27.4% of the variability (χ2(8) = 12.17, p = 0.144). CONCLUSIONS: Factors important for estimating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the need for social support in the group of medical students were determined. The subjective assessment of the stress level, infection symptoms experienced and the field of study proved to be crucial. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(4):473-84.

The Influence of Selected Psychological Factors on Medication Adherence in Patients with Chronic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient adherence to treatment is a relevant problem. This study aims to determine the impact of health locus of control, stress coping style and level of mindfulness on medication adherence in patients with a chronic illness. METHODS: The study included 768 people. The diagnostic survey involved the use of: Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). RESULTS: Participants were divided into two subgroups, i.e., adherent (n = 219) and non-adherent (n = 549). We observed significant differences between the subgroups in age, BMI, sex, place of residence, education, and for all MHLC subscales, two CISS subscales and MAAS. The identified medication adherence variables were: female gender (OR = 1.55), BMI (OR = 0.95), MHLC/Internal (OR = 0.95), CISS/Emotional (OR = 1.03), MAAS (OR = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: A strong internal health locus of control, a higher level of mindfulness and a lower level of emotional-stress coping style increase the likelihood of adherence with medication recommendations in patients with chronic diseases.

Exercise addiction symptoms and mental health during the forced exercises deprivation in greatest COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Poland. / Objawy uzaleznienia od cwiczen a zdrowie psychiczne w sytuacji wymuszonego ograniczenia treningów w trakcie najwiekszych restrykcji w zwiazku z pandemia COVID-19 w Polsce.

OBJECTIVES: The paper describes the relationship between the symptoms of exercise addiction, behavioral strategies in situations of limited workout possibilities and mental health state in exercising individuals. METHODS: The study included 391 participants, 286 women (73.1%) and 105 men (26.9%), aged 18 to 68 years. The respondents were surveyed online after 17-19 days of barriers to routine training due to greatest COVID-19 restrictions in Poland. Subjects completed the Exercise Dependence Scale, General Health Questionnaire - 28 (GHQ-28) and questionnaires enabling the collection of demographic and clinical data as well as data related to exercise behaviors. RESULTS: The variables related to exercise addiction and some related to behavioral changes are predictors of mental health, especially in terms of anxiety, insomnia and somatic symptoms. All the introduced variables accounted for 27.4% to 43.7% of the variation in the mental health status of the subjects, depending on GHQ subscales. Breaking the restriction rules by outdoor training protected against symptoms of psychological disorders, especially in relation to somatic symptoms (Beta = -0.23; p< 0.001). Individual assessment of stress induction in a given situation was a predictor of results in all GHQ subscales, which was the strongest for symptoms of anxiety and insomnia (Beta = 0.37; p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with features of exercise addiction are at risk of deterioration of their well-being during forced abstinence. In addition, the subjective level of stress induction in a given situation is an important determinant that conditions psychological well-being, especially the aggravation of depressive symptoms. People who ignore restrictions and have low levels of stress, experience lower psychological costs.

Risk of Developing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Severe COVID-19 Survivors, Their Families and Frontline Healthcare Workers: What Should Mental Health Specialists Prepare For?

Given the high mortality of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), having severe COVID-19 may be a life-threatening event, especially for individuals at high risk of complications. Therefore, in the article we try to answer two questions that are relevant to public mental health: Can we define groups who are at higher risk of developing pandemic-related PTSD? How can health specialists prepare for it? Given the results of previous research on PTSD in epidemic (e.g., SARS) survivors, we suggest that mental health professionals in countries touched by the pandemic should prepare for an increase in the PTSD prevalence, specifically in: individuals who have had severe COVID-19; family members of these patients and of patients who have died; and frontline healthcare workers witnessing COVID-19 patients' sudden deaths, or numerous life-threatening situations. We postulate that these groups at risk should be routinely screened for PTSD in primary medical and pediatric care. Mental health services should prepare for providing therapeutic interventions for individuals with PTSD in the vulnerable groups, and support to their families, especially children.

Selected psychological factors and medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between medication adherence (MA) and selected psychological factors in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in four rheumatology outpatient clinics in Silesia, Poland. The tests used were the Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The analysis involved 106 adult patients diagnosed with RA at least 6 months before, who were prescribed medication, with disease at any stage and with stable comorbidities. Software was used to perform analyses of frequency, basic descriptive statistics, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t-test for independent samples, intergroup univariate variance, Pearson's r correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation ρ coefficient, Fisher's exact test and stepwise linear regression. RESULTS: Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC), Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC) and age of the subjects, F(3, 102) = 8.05; p < 0.001 explained 16.8% of the variation in the adherence level for the entire group. In the group of women PHLC and IHLC, F(2, 80) = 10.04; p < 0.001 were included in the model, which explained 18.1% of variation in MA. PHLC was the most significant factor in the group of women (ß = 0.55; p < 0.001) and in the entire group (ß = 0.48; p < 0.001). In the group of men, Social Diversion Style (SDS), F(1, 21) = 5.81; p = 0.02 was included in the model, which explained 17.9% of the variation in the MA level. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified some psychological predictors of adherence, which explained 16.8% of the variability. Factors increasing the likelihood of medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis include a strong belief in the power of others, low level of internal health locus of control, and advanced age.

Selected psychological predictors of medication adherence in the older adults with chronic diseases.

Aim: The main goal of the study was to assess the significance of selected psychological factors related to the adherence to medication recommendations among the older adults with chronic diseases. Design: It was designed as a cross-sectional study, aimed at assessing the importance of selected psychological factors in complying with medication recommendations among older adults. Methods: The study involved 345 older adults with chronic diseases, assessed the importance of selected psychological factors, such as: health locus of control, stress coping and mindfulness in adhering to medication recommendations older persons. To answer the research questions, we performed frequency analyses, basic descriptive statistics analyses together with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t tests for independent samples, monofactorial analysis of variance in the intergroup diagram, analysis correlation with the Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation ρ analysis and stepwise linear regression analysis. Results: The study identified psychological predictors of medication adherence, which explained 12% of the variability. An emotion-oriented coping proved to be the most important factor. Additionally, powerful other health locus of control and mindful attention were shown to have a positive effect.

Neuropsychological disorders after COVID-19. Urgent need for research and clinical practice.

Purpose: Numerous studies suggest that infection with coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19 illness, can lead to changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, some individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection may also present the symptoms of neuropsychological disorders. The goals of this literature review is the synthesis of various perspectives and up-to-date scientific knowledge as well as the formulation of initial recommendations for clinical practice. Views: According to current state of knowledge, numerous SARS-CoV-2 infection-specific and nonspecific risk factors exist for brain damage, which might lead to neuropsychological impairments in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. The emerging evidence suggests significant behavioral and cognitive deficits in COVID-19 survivors, which are present in the early phase after recovery and persist for several months. Neuropsychological disturbances can potentially include a wide spectrum of disorders, yet deficits of attention, memory, executive functions, language and visuospatial orientation are among most commonly identified. The relationship between cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances and severity of COVID-19 symptoms needs to be submitted to further research. Conclusions: The scientific knowledge resulting from neuropsychological empirical studies during the COVID-19 pandemic allows for a postulate of an urgent evidence-based systematic neuropsychological research to be conducted among COVID-19 survivors. More than anything, the recovered individuals must be provided with adequate neuropsychological help in the form of neuropsychological diagnosis, monitoring and rehabilitation.

Can't get enough. Addiction to physical exercises: phenomenon, diagnostic criteria, etiology, therapy and research challenges. / Co za duzo to niezdrowo. Uzaleznienie od cwiczen fizycznych: zjawisko, kryteria diagnostyczne, etiologia, terapia, wyzwania badawcze.

Regular exercising has many health benefits and is rightly seen as positive, socially acceptable behavior. However, for the same reason, there is a high risk that patients and clinicians may overlook the danger of exercise addiction that causes harm in the somatic, emotional and interpersonal spheres. The current state of knowledge did not allow the inclusion of exercise addiction as a specific category in the current classifications ICD-10, ICD-11 and DSM-5. However, this disorder meets the general criteria for addiction and is therefore included in the canon of behavioral addiction. The purpose of the article is to present knowledge that will help in recognizing and understanding the physiological and psychological mechanisms associated with addiction to physical exercise and will introduce available methods of psychotherapy. The article is of areview nature and presents terminology, recognition criteria, epidemiological data, mechanisms of developing addiction, the most popular tools helpful in screening diagnosis or self-diagnosis and risk factors of developing exercise addiction. The authors also took into account the specific location of exercise addiction in the context of other mental disorders, controversies, inconsistencies in research results, and gaps in scientific data related to the discussed phenomenon. The summary proposes further research development pathways.

It is no joke. Metaphorical language and sense of humor in schizophrenia. / Tu nie ma zartów. Jezyk metaforyczny i poczucie humoru w schizofrenii.

The sense of humor has a positive influence on mental and social functioning of humans by supporting interpersonal competences and effective coping with difficult situations. The aim of this study was to present research conducted to this date and concerning processing of humoristic content by people with schizophrenia in relation to cognitive deficits associated with this illness and their neurobiological background. Understanding of humor and its effective use require many linguistic and extralingustic skills, including processing of signals from social environment, such as correct recognition of emotional messages, understanding of a context of a humoristic situation, or drawing correct conclusions on a mental status of other people. An efficient use of the metaphorical language allows experiencing amusement resulting from inaccuracies, different semantic interpretations, irony, and sarcasm. A tendency for excessive concretism reflected in problems with understanding nonliteral content and semantically complex language structures, as well as other cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia patients, frequently hinder the use of humoristic messages. Better understanding of mechanisms controlling the effective use of humor may help to develop therapeutic tools to improve the communication efficiency of schizophrenia patients, as well as positively influence their social functioning.