Attention deficit in primary-school-age children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder measured with the attention network test: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To review and meta-analyze patterns of attention deficit in primary-school-age children with ADHD measured with the neuropsychological attention network test (ANT). Methods: Six electronic databases were searched to 5.05.2022. Selection criteria included prospective cohort and intervention studies; ANT used; primary-school-age; diagnosis of ADHD/at high risk. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria (N = 3,826). Compared with controls, children with ADHD had higher scores for Reaction Time (Hedges' g = 0.433; 95% CI: 0.135-0.731), Reaction Time Variability (Hedges' g = 0.334; 95% CI: 0.012-0.657), and Alerting Network (Hedges' g = 0.235; 95% CI: 0.021-0.449) while children at high risk had higher Alerting Network scores (Hedges' g = 0.176; 95% CI: 0.003-0.349) and Correctness scores (Hedges' g = 1.956; 95% CI: 0.020-3.892). Conclusions: Children with ADHD and at risk of ADHD had different ANT results from children without ADHD only for the alerting network. There were no significant differences for executive and orienting outcomes. Children at risk of ADHD also made more errors (commission and omission) measured with the ANT compared with children without ADHD. Reaction time was longer and reaction time variability higher in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD, and in children at risk of ADHD compared with children without ADHD. Preregistration: A protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (registration number: CRD42021249768).

Effectiveness of the third wave cognitive behavior therapy for peripartum depression treatment-A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effectiveness of third-wave cognitive behavior therapies in the treatment of peripartum depression. METHOD: A systematic review of the effectiveness of psychological interventions in treating peripartum depression focus on the Third Wave has been conducted. The electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Clinical Trials were searched, using a combination of different search terms. Data were independently extracted by two authors and a synthesis of the results was offered. Methodological quality was assessed by three authors, using ROBE-2 and MINORS. Search date was conducted in February 2022 and the search was re-run in November 2022 for new entries. FINDINGS: Six papers were included and reported, focused on, the effectiveness of Third Wave approach interventions in reducing depressive symptoms. Papers included the following intervention approaches: Behavioral intervention (n = 2), Mindfulness (n = 2), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (n = 1) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (n = 1). All six papers were consistent in that interventions lead to a decrease in depression symptoms. However, risk of bias evaluation showed that all were critical low, but one paper was high quality. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Systematic review showed that third-wave approaches are promising in effectiveness to reduce depression symptoms in peripartum women. However, more high-quality studies with follow-up are needed.

Stress is not so bad-cortisol level and psychological functioning after 8-week HIIT program during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Amid extensive pregnancy exercise research, the impact of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on pregnant women's mental health is underexplored. Despite exercise benefits, it can trigger stress responses like elevated cortisol. This study fills the gap by investigating correlations between hair cortisol levels, mental health, and HIIT effects in pregnant women. Methods: We conducted a randomized control trial among 38 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 31.11 ± 4.03 years, 21.82 ± 4.30 week of gestation; mean ± SD). The experimental group comprised 22 women engaged in an 8-week high-intensity interval training program (HIIT). The comparative group consisted of 16 pregnant women undergoing an 8-week educational program (EDU). Before and after the interventions, all women were evaluated using the following tools: Hair cortisol level measurements, Beck Depression Inventory - II for depressive symptoms assessment, Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire for childbirth fear measurement, 12-item Short Form Health Survey to gage health-related quality of life, International Physical Activity Questionnaire for physical activity level estimation, and a Progressive maximal exercise test to evaluate maternal exercise capacity. Results: The key finding of our study reveals that women engaged in the HIIT intervention exhibited a distinct cortisol production pattern in contrast to the EDU group practicing standard moderate intensity physical activity. In the HIIT group, there was an increase in hair cortisol levels, while the EDU group showed a notable decrease. Remarkably, HIIT stimulated cortisol production without adversely impacting fear of childbirth and psychophysical condition during pregnancy. In fact, only the HIIT group showed a significant enhancement in mental health. Conclusion: No links were discovered between hair cortisol levels and the severity of depressive symptoms, psychophysical well-being, or fear of childbirth. Hence, based on our research, employing cortisol levels during pregnancy as an indicator of negative stress or depression risk appears unwarranted.

Can we hit prenatal depression and anxiety through HIIT? The effectiveness of online high intensity interval training in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In recent years high intensity interval training (HIIT) has grown in popularity. However, it rarely represents training interventions in experimental studies in pregnant populations. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess changes in depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, fear of Covid-19 and quality of life after an 8-week supervised online HIIT program, compared to an educational (self-performed physical activity) program. METHODS: We conducted a randomized control trial among 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 32 ± 4 years, 22 ± 4 week of gestation; mean ± SD). There were 34 women in the experimental group, who participated in an 8-week high intensity interval training program (HIIT group). The comparative group was constituted of 20 pregnant women who attended 8-week educational program (EDU group). RESULTS: The most important finding was that mental health improved somewhat in both groups after the intervention, but only the HIIT group improved statistically significantly. The positive trends in lowering the severity of depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, and fear of Covid-19 were observed in both groups. However, the positive response to the intervention was stronger in the EDU group. As a secondary outcome, there was a significant decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness level in the EDU group, while the HIIT group maintained unchanged level of maximal oxygen uptake. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT seems to be beneficial for women with uncomplicated pregnancies to maintain adequate quality of life and mental health. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal HIIT in pregnant women in various psychological conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: We conducted this study in Poland, in 2021. It was approved by the Bioethics Commission at the District Medical Chamber in Gdansk (KB-8/21). The full study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05009433).

Postpartum depression crisis since the second lockdown and 'screening paradox': many women identified, very few treated.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to stressful situations, such as emergencies, infectious diseases, and natural disasters, may lead to a heightened risk of perinatal mental health problems. Declared on March 11th, 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic triggered an additional burden on women in the perinatal period. Safety recommendations, such as social distancing and isolation, were opposite to the usual advice given to new mothers. Besides fear, changes in financial stability and daily life reorganization contributed to increased depressive symptoms. As the periods of epidemic waves and lockdowns were associated with a more significant burden for young families, we aimed to assess the intensification of depressive and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic concerning the time intervals of the three lockdowns introduced in Poland. METHODS: 1588 postpartum women took part in the online self-assessment with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and General Anxiety Disorder 2 (GAD-2) questionnaire between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. This self-screening is a part of a prevention program The Next Stop: Mum, implemented in the North of Poland. RESULTS: The highest severity of PPD symptoms and anxiety were observed during the second lockdown in Poland: the mean score in the EPDS and anxiety assessment was significantly higher than the mean scores from previous pandemic periods. Since the second lockdown, the average EPDS and GAD-2 scores remained similarly high. Moreover, with the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of women with elevated symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety began to increase. However, the Polish National Health Fund data indicate that only 0,7% of women giving birth in the northern macro-region of Poland received diagnosis and help from public funds. In The Next Stop: Mum project, 250 women benefited from psychological consultations. CONCLUSION: Increased severity of depression and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic indicates the need for additional psychological support for postpartum women. However, very few women are diagnosed in health facilities in the first year postpartum and thus are rarely referred for further treatment. The study shows that the availability of services and the focus on social and individual barriers may be critical factors in implementing perinatal mental health programs and practices. This may be especially needed in a country where the screening obligation is new. In case of a further pandemic, policymakers and health care professionals should be aware that the duration of the restrictions and the repetition of lockdowns are associated with the aggravation of symptoms. The online screening without the possibility to discuss the results is only partially effective in increasing referrals for possibly affected women.

'Next Stop: Mum': Evaluation of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Strategy in Poland.

In the article we present a mid-point evaluation of the postpartum depression (PPD) prevention strategy in Poland. As PPD is associated with potential negative consequences for the mother and infant, the need to introduce screening and treatment is vital. The project covered over 21,500 women in the first year postpartum. The average score in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), in a screening provided in direct contact, was 4.73 (SD = 4.14, n = 7222), and increased in 55% of women in the follow-up study. In online screening the average score in the EPDS assessment was 16.05 (SD = 5.975, n = 10,454). The 'probable depression' rate (EPDS > 12) in 'direct' contact is 7.3%, and on the online platform-77%. Additionally, 26% of possibly affected mothers assessed in 'direct' contact benefited from psychological consultations. The average score in the EPDS among mothers who benefitted from consultations is 16.24 (SD =4.674, n = 231). Approx. 82% of healthcare providers raised their knowledge of PPD after training sessions. Maintaining the assumptions of the program: training for medical staff, screening conducted throughout the first twelve months postpartum, online platform with the possibility of self-screening and early psychological intervention seem to be justified actions, leading to a higher number of women with risk of PPD referred.

The effect of the Baduanjin exercise on COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being and lower back pain of college students during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effect of Baduanjin exercise on COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and the lower back pain of college students during the coronavirus pandemic in China. SETTING: The study was carried out in a temporary experimental center of four universities in Wenzhou city in Zhejiang Province, China. POPULATION: 387 participants who were college students were allocated to two groups: the Baduanjin exercise group(BEG, n = 195); and the Control group(CG,n = 192). METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial,387 participants who were college students were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to 12-week Baduanjin exercise group (BEG, n = 195)and 12-week Control group(CG,n = 192).CAS(Coronavirus Anxiety Scale), PWBS(Psychological Well-being Scale),NMQ( Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), was used to assess COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and lower back pain at second times ( before and after the intervention). The paired t-test and an independent t-test (with a 95% confidence interval) was used to compare the outcome variables of the two groups. RESULTS: Within-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention. In contrast, the Baduanjin group had a significant improvement before and after the intervention. Between-group comparison, the Baduanjin group had a significant difference from the control group. The intervention effect on the Baduanjin exercise group was remarkably better than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Participants in the Baduanjin group significantly improved the corvid-19-related anxiety score decreased from ( 5.22 ± 0.45 to 5.07 ± 0.27, p < 0.05). The total psychological well-being score increased from (70.11 ± 8.65 to 84.12 ± 7.38,p < 0.05) and the prevalence of low back pain decreased from (22.45 ± 1.67 to 18.35 ± 1.05, p < 0.05) among college students. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, the Baduanjin exercise contributes to the reduction of the perceived anxiety related to COVID-19, decreases the prevalence of the lower back pain, and improves the psychological well-being of college students. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04432038. Registered on June 16, 2020.

Dimensions of Athlete-Coach Relationship and Sport Anxiety as Predictors of the Changes in Psychomotor and Motivational Welfare of Child Athletes after the Implementation of the Psychological Workshops for Coaches.

(1) Background: Coach workshops based on seven principles (inspiration, explanation, expectation, support, reward, appreciation, growth, and winning) enhance the sport experience of adult athletes. Here, we report effects of such workshops with coaches of child athletes and the predictors of those changes. (2) Methods: Study participants were 8 coaches of 57 children aged between 9 and 12 years old (girls practicing gymnastics and boys practicing football). Three coaches of 28 children attended three workshops over 12 weeks, while a control group of 5 coaches of 29 children attended no workshops. Measures of motivation, relationships, anxiety, and psychomotor performance were taken on children before and after the intervention. (3) Results: There were significant effects of the workshop on motivation and psychomotor performance. The analysis of the predictors the intervention used in this study might be effective for enhancing psychomotor performance and motivation while considering components of Athlete-Coach relationship and anxiety levels as moderators. (4) Conclusions: The beneficial effects of the workshop are encouraging but need to be investigated with higher numbers of coaches and children from various sport disciplines.

Heterogeneity of the attentional system's efficiency among very prematurely born pre-schoolers.

Very preterm birth increases the risk of ADHD as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. Deficits within the attentional system were previously signaled in preterm children; however, studies lacked in consideration of an intragroup differentiation. Thus, this study aimed to verify whether deficits in the attentional mechanisms are inter-individually differentiated among very prematurely born children and if so, which biomedical and non-biomedical factors are associated with the profile of deficits within the attentional system. We tested the efficiency of attentional processes among 5-year-old children with the Attention Network Task - Child Version. The results have indicated that 26% of very preterm children presented with the suboptimal functioning of the attentional system (more than 1 SD below mean score of full-term children in attentional alerting and orienting), whereas 74% were characterized by the normal efficiency of attention. The profile of attentional deficits observed among very preterm preschoolers was associated with significantly lower birth weight and decreased family living standard. Very prematurely born children are thus a relatively heterogeneous group in terms of the efficiency of attentional system and deficits apply to only some of those children. Early developmental support aimed at enhancing attentional functioning should be addressed to children with lower birth weight in the first place.

The need for additional mental health support for women in the postpartum period in the times of epidemic crisis.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to identify possible intensification of mental health difficulties among women seeking support in the postpartum period during the epidemic state in Poland. We assumed that the epidemic crisis, social isolation, and restrictions in hospitals which affect pregnant and postpartum women - lack of family labors, lack of the possibility to be with the newborn when he/she is hospitalized, may increase fear and reduce psychosocial resources of women, hinder their normal process of transition to motherhood and thus contribute to the intensified severity of depressive symptoms. METHODS: The study participants were women seeking support at the on-line platform of the project 'Next Stop: Mum', which is a part of the postpartum depression prevention's program implemented by the Ministry of Health in Poland, and enables remote self-screening for the severity of the postpartum depression symptoms with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale developed by Cox and collaborators. The analyzed data in this study were obtained from 139 women: 61 filled forms from October 1 - November 10, 2019 (non-epidemic period), and 78 filled forms from February 20-March 30 (beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic), 2020. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the severity of postpartum depression symptoms were observed among women making a self-assessment with EPDS scale at the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland (M = 15.71; SD = 6.23), compared to the pre-epidemic neutral period (M = 13.56; SD = 6.46). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the epidemic crisis may be associated with an increased need for additional caution and support of women's mental health in the postpartum period. We believe that recommendations for medical staff, policy, and families of women struggling with postpartum depression symptoms during crisis should be widespread as the second wave of COVID-19 disease may develop in the autumn-winter 2020 and spring 2021.

Improvement of the breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum mental health after lactation consultations - Observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding may be undermined by common mental health difficulties in the postpartum, leading to an early breastfeeding cessation. The relationship may also be the opposite: problems with effective breastfeeding and breastfeeding cessation may increase the postpartum mental health difficulties. The purpose of this study was the assessment of the effectiveness of lactation consultations in strengthening the breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal postpartum mental health. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: 160 Polish women (90 consultation participants and 70 controls) completed a structured interview, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale twice: before lactation consultation and one month later. SETTING: Research was conducted in the city of Gdansk, Poland. FINDINGS: Study revealed that women seeking lactation support exhibited greater mental health difficulties while their breastfeeding self-efficacy was similar to the control group. Initial breastfeeding self-efficacy was negatively correlated with the severity of the postpartum mental health problems. One month after lactation consultations, a significant increase in the breastfeeding self-efficacy and significantly reduced symptoms of mental health difficulties (somatic symptoms, functional disorders, and anxiety and insomnia) were observed among mothers. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Women willing to benefit from the lactation consultations may exhibit symptoms of mental health difficulties that may be associated with difficulties in breastfeeding. Strengthening the breastfeeding confidence during lactation consultations, may reflect in the improvement of the woman's mental health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Midwives and lactation consultants can make a difference in the mental health promotion by offering breastfeeding interventions which address the emotional needs of a mother.

How do new mothers perceive screening for perinatal depression?

BACKGROUND: Countries recognize the risk of mental health difficulties during the perinatal period and the potential benefits of screening and early detection of depressive symptom-atology. This study aimed to analyse mothers' views on screening for postpartum depression (PPD) in Poland, where a new standard of perinatal care imposed (from January 2019) the obligation to monitor women' postpartum mental state. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: 150 women participated in the study. In the first stage, PPD symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS) among postpartum women during midwives' home visits. The second stage consisted of a telephone survey with the EPDS and questions exploring mothers' perception of midwife competencies in screening for PPD. RESULTS: Most women identified as relatively high midwives' competencies in communicating information about PPD, interpretation of the EPDS score and their ability to create comfortable conditions of the assessment and further discussion about postpartum mental health changes. Women with an elevated level of PPD symptoms assessed as significantly lower midwives' competence in this last aspect and those who had a caesarean section tend to assess as lower the usefulness of provided information on care of a newborn. CONCLUSIONS: Midwives should be aware and prepared for a possible critical attitude of patients, which may be a sign of a depression. Otherwise, medical staff may not be willing to interact with a mother and offer her help and support. The ability to create a friendly condition in spite of adversity can contribute to the desire of women to undergo screening, discussion about the result and further treatment.

Attentional system of very prematurely born preschoolers.

Recent studies indicate that premature children are at risk for difficulties with cognitive development and have increased incidence of ADHD as well as other behavioral disorders. Although the exact mechanism accounting for these children's neuropsychological abnormalities is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that the cognitive and behavioral disturbances seen in this population may result from a slower development of the attentional system. However, it remains unclear whether prematurity affects the development of the entire attention system or if prematurely born children have a selective insufficiency of components of this system (i.e., orienting, alerting, executive). We compared the efficiency of the attentional system of very prematurely born children and full-term controls at 5 years of age, using the Attention Network Task-Child Version. In comparison to full-term peers, very preterm children exhibited inefficient orienting of attention, whereas there was no group difference in the efficiency of alerting and executive aspects of attention. The reason for the selectively suboptimal orienting of attention in very prematurely born preschoolers remains unclear; it is possible that the neural substrates of this attentional subsystem are particularly underdeveloped in the preschool period in this cohort. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Improvement of Attention, Executive Functions, and Processing Speed in Elderly Women as a Result of Involvement in the Nordic Walking Training Program and Vitamin D Supplementation.

Research indicates that life satisfaction declines with age, and cognitive abilities are gradually reduced-mainly attentional functioning and cognitive processing speed. Therefore, scientists seek to find protective factors and test possible intervention programs; moderately intensive physical activity stands out as particularly promising. In this context, we evaluated the influence of Nordic Walking training supported by vitamin D supplementation (as this nutrient is especially deficient in older people in Poland) on the cognitive and psychological functioning of elderly women. A total of 52 healthy elderly women took part in a Nordic Walking training program complemented by vitamin D supplementation. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Trail Making Test and the D2 Test of Attention. Quality of life and severity of depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Form Health Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory 2. Significant improvements in all aspects of cognitive functioning was observed (p = 0.01-0.47). The study also showed a decrease in depressive symptoms (p = 0.026). Physical activity and adequate levels of vitamin D can be the key factors in maintaining self-reliance in old age. Involvement in Nordic Walking training, supported by vitamin D supplementation, can strengthen the cognitive functioning of older people-reflected in higher attentional capabilities, better executive functions, and improved cognitive processing speed.