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Background and aim Excessive intake of sugars and energy from drinks has been postulated to increase the risk of obesity, which may in turn be associated with mental health disorders. In addition, excessive intakes of alcohol and caffeine may co-occur with psychiatric disorders. The purpose of the present pilot study was to estimate energy, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intakes through the consumption of drinks in patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders and assess potential differences in drink consumption between the two disorders. Methodology The current study included 89 outpatients with schizophrenia (n = 36) and affective disorders (n = 53) attending the psychiatric clinic of the University General Hospital of Larissa (UGHL) in Greece. In addition to anthropometric measurements, the patients were asked to complete a specific, previously validated questionnaire on the frequency of drink consumption in order to estimate sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intakes. Results The participants had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.9 ± 5.6 kg/m2 without significant differences between the two types of mental disorders. Similarly, the mean waist circumference (102.6 ± 15.7 cm) and mean body fat percentage (32.9% ± 10.8%) were above the recommended values. The total energy intake from drinks was more than a third of the estimated daily energy requirements. Although there was no significant difference in the mean daily caffeine intake, those with affective disorders had a significantly higher intake of sugars from drinks (median (Mdn) = 80.0 (interquartile range (IQR) = 89.8) g/day) and alcohol (Mdn = 45.6 (IQR = 31.1) g/day), compared to those with schizophrenia (Mdn = 60.0 (IQR = 45.4) g/day and Mdn = 24.9 (IQR = 19.8) g/day, respectively). Conclusions Considering the link between high sugar and alcohol intake with excess body weight and mental health, these preliminary data are of particular concern and point to the need for better dietary counseling in order to improve the dietary behaviors of these patients.
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Background: Relationships among perinatal depression occurring a number of weeks before and after childbirth and smoking have been identified. Depression may lead to the inability to abstain from smoking during pregnancy. Objectives: This study aims to determine factors affecting smoking during pregnancy revealing potential relationships between depression and smoking patterns during and after pregnancy. Methods: A total of 206 mothers participated in the study. Data were collected through self-reporting as respondents were asked to answer questionnaires during the 12th week of pregnancy, during the 30th week of pregnancy, after childbirth, and during the period after pregnancy. Relationships between smoking behavior, sociodemographic variables, and feelings of perinatal depression were examined using chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. A follow-up investigation has been conducted after 2 years revealing the percentage of women returning to their smoking habits. Results: Smokers before (B = 0.568; p = 0.026) and during pregnancy (B = 1.238; p = 0.009) were more likely to express depression before childbirth. Average daily cigarette consumption before (B = 1.110; p = 0.001) and during pregnancy (B = 1.167; p = 0.002) was associated with depression during pregnancy. Women who smoked during pregnancy reported significantly more depressive symptoms after pregnancy (B = 1.757; p = 0.005) compared with nonsmokers and smokers who abstained during pregnancy. Average daily cigarette consumption during pregnancy (B = 1.402; p = 0.002) affects the expression of depression after pregnancy. Women who smoked before pregnancy (B = 0.568; p = 0.025) and their average daily cigarette consumption before pregnancy (B = 1.465; p = 0.025) were highly associated with the inability to abstain from smoking during pregnancy. However, the knowledge of risks of maternal smoking during pregnancy (B = -1.110; p = 0.001) and medical consult on abstaining (B = -1.238; p = 0.009) reinforced the maternal attempt to quit smoking. The follow-up investigation revealed an elevated amount of women returning to previous smoking patterns. Discussion: Perinatal depression is associated with smoking patterns during pregnancy. Assessment of depression and smoking is needed throughout perinatal period to support the health of women.
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BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate personality traits, psychological distress and functional disability in patients with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients participated in the study, 48 males and 19 females. The mean age was 37.6 years (SD: 10.92, range: 15 - 61). Seventy-five healthy individuals, age and sex matched, served as controls. Socio-demographic information and clinical data were collected. The following instruments were used: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II). RESULTS: Patients suffering from ONFH presented higher scores at the GHQ-28 compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Duration of disease (P < 0.047) and age (P < 0.023) were the main factors associated with psychological distress (P < 0.003). Personality traits such as image distorting (P < 0.025) and self-sacrificing (P < 0.029) were identified in patients with ONFH compared to healthy controls. Functional disability was associated with high scores at GHQ-28 scale (P < 0.001). The "adaptive personality structure", as measured by DSQ was negatively associated with functional impairment (P < 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ONFH more commonly present symptoms of psychological distress associated with distinct functional clinical parameters. The present study also reveals the role of personality traits. Further investigation could specify the possible influence of psychopathology and personality traits or coping strategies on the course of disease.
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The increasing use of computers and the internet - especially among young people - apart from its positive effects, sometimes leads to excessive and pathological use. The present study examined the relationship among the excessive use of the internet by university students, the alexithymia components and sociodemographic factors associated with internet users and their online activities. 515 university students from the University of Thessaly participated in the study. Participants anonymously completed: a) the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), b) the Toronto Alexithymia Test (TAS 20) and c) a questionnaire covering various aspects of internet use and demographic characteristics of internet users. Excessive use of the internet among Greek university students was studied within a multi-factorial context and was associated with the alexithymia and demographic factors in nonlinear correlations, forming thus a personalized emotional and demographic profile of the excessive internet users.
