Aging and Mental Health, 25(7), 2021, pp.1273-1280.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
...15.39) included measures of COVID-19 worry, depression, general anxiety, health anxiety, hostile and benevolent ageism, preparedness for future care, and demographic information. Results: Age and living alone were positively associated with greater COVID-19 worry, as were health anxiety, general anxiety, benevolent ageism, and preparedness for future care needs via gathering information. A significant interaction indicated that among individuals reporting lower health anxiety, greater preference for gathering information was positively associated with greater COVID-19 worry; however, for individuals having high health anxiety, gathering information about future care was not related to COVID-19 worry, as their COVID-19 worry levels were moderately high. Conclusion: Older age was associated
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of worry for many, but older adults have been identified as more vulnerable to serious cases and may therefore feel more concerned about the virus. We assessed whether COVID-19 worry was related to indicators of mental health and preparedness for future care, in an adult lifespan sample. Method: An online study (n = 485; age 18–82, M = 49.31, SD = 15.39) included measures of COVID-19 worry, depression, general anxiety, health anxiety, hostile and benevolent ageism, preparedness for future care, and demographic information. Results: Age and living alone were positively associated with greater COVID-19 worry, as were health anxiety, general anxiety, benevolent ageism, and preparedness for future care needs via gathering information. A significant interaction indicated that among individuals reporting lower health anxiety, greater preference for gathering information was positively associated with greater COVID-19 worry; however, for individuals having high health anxiety, gathering information about future care was not related to COVID-19 worry, as their COVID-19 worry levels were moderately high. Conclusion: Older age was associated with greater COVID-19 worry, perhaps in response to the much publicized greater risk for negative outcomes in this population. In spite of this specific concern, indicators of older adults’ continued mental health emerged. Preparedness for future care is also highlighted, as well as clinical implications.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Aging and Mental Health, 24(12), 2020, pp.1977-1984.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Depression and anxiety are common in later life, particularly when people are frail. This leads to reduced quality of life, faster decline in physical health and increased health/social care use. Available treatments are commonly not tailored to people with frailty. We explored frail older peoples’ experiences of depression and/or anxiety and how services could be adapted people had low expectations of their wellbeing at this point in life due to multiple physical health issues and so anxiety and mild depressive symptoms were normalised. There was a particular reluctance and uncertainty regarding help-seeking for anxiety. Treatments were considered appropriate where they aligned with coping skills developed over their lifetime, and facilitated independence
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objectives: Depression and anxiety are common in later life, particularly when people are frail. This leads to reduced quality of life, faster decline in physical health and increased health/social care use. Available treatments are commonly not tailored to people with frailty. We explored frail older peoples’ experiences of depression and/or anxiety and how services could be adapted to their needs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 28 older people in the UK purposively sampled for practice location and severity of frailty and anxiety/depression. We asked about symptoms, interactions with physical health, help-seeking, treatments and what might help in future. We audio-recorded and transcribed interviews, using thematic analysis to inductively derive themes. Results: Frail older people had low expectations of their wellbeing at this point in life due to multiple physical health issues and so anxiety and mild depressive symptoms were normalised. There was a particular reluctance and uncertainty regarding help-seeking for anxiety. Treatments were considered appropriate where they aligned with coping skills developed over their lifetime, and facilitated independence and problem-solving skills. Most older people felt their knowledge of mental health was limited and relied upon information about and endorsement of therapies from an expert. This was usually their GP, but access was often problematic. Online methods of accessing information and therapies were not popular.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
depression, older people, anxiety, mental health problems;
... 15% of those with Asperger syndrome are in employment. This report presents the findings of a small project in which four adults with Asperger Syndrome were supported at work. During the project a mental health occupational therapy specialist and an employment consultant jointly ran sessions with each participant to identify areas of difficulty that cause anxiety. These areas were addressed
Individuals with Asperger syndrome experience particular difficulties with social interaction and communication. These individuals have average or above intellectual ability, a strong preference for routines, difficulties in understanding specific aspects of language and communication, as well as other people’s thoughts, beliefs and intentions. Despite high abilities in many areas, only around 15% of those with Asperger syndrome are in employment. This report presents the findings of a small project in which four adults with Asperger Syndrome were supported at work. During the project a mental health occupational therapy specialist and an employment consultant jointly ran sessions with each participant to identify areas of difficulty that cause anxiety. These areas were addressed and this study evaluates the improvements which had been made. The report concludes that with some targeted, individual support and understanding of an individual’s difficulties and potential, employees can be supported and their equality promoted. This can be achieved through a range of techniques and with the support of a variety of organisations.
The pressures of modern social work have caused anxiety and depression among some staff. Five useful tips are provided to help overcome this. The tips are: how to spot signs of depression and anxiety, what can be done to help yourself, how to deal with depression at work, external help and keeping yourself well.
The pressures of modern social work have caused anxiety and depression among some staff. Five useful tips are provided to help overcome this. The tips are: how to spot signs of depression and anxiety, what can be done to help yourself, how to deal with depression at work, external help and keeping yourself well.
A project on Merseyside has pioneered bibliotherapy as a treatment for people with acute depression and anxiety. The service, 'Get into reading', is delivered by the charity Reader Organisation. The article reports on how the service works.
A project on Merseyside has pioneered bibliotherapy as a treatment for people with acute depression and anxiety. The service, 'Get into reading', is delivered by the charity Reader Organisation. The article reports on how the service works.
Subject terms:
therapies, therapy and treatment, anxiety, depression;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 193(11), November 2008, pp.389-394.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Pregabalin is a novel compound that has been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and is licensed for the treatment of the disorder in the European Union. The current study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pregabalin, an 2-ligand, in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in people 65 years and older. This was a double-blind, randomised (2:1), placebo-controlled, 8-week trial of pregabalin, in flexible doses of 150–600 mg/day, in the treatment of DSM–IV generalised anxiety disorder with a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA) total score 20. The primary outcome was end-point (week 8 or last visit, with last observation carried forward (LOCF)) change in HRSA total score. A total of 273 patients (women, 78%; mean age, 72 than placebo in the HRSA total score from week 2 (–9.8 (s.d.=0.6) v. –7.2 (s.d.=0.8); P=0.0052) through week 8 (–14.4 (s.d.=0.6) v. –11.6 (s.d.=0.8); P=0.0070). Significant improvement was observed in the pregabalin group on both the HRSA psychic and somatic anxiety factors. There was a significantly greater decrease from baseline in mean Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score of generalised anxiety disorder in patients 65 years and older. The anxiolytic efficacy of pregabalin had an early onset (by 2 weeks) and significantly improved both psychic and somatic symptoms of anxiety.
Pregabalin is a novel compound that has been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and is licensed for the treatment of the disorder in the European Union. The current study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pregabalin, an 2-ligand, in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in people 65 years and older. This was a double-blind, randomised (2:1), placebo-controlled, 8-week trial of pregabalin, in flexible doses of 150–600 mg/day, in the treatment of DSM–IV generalised anxiety disorder with a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA) total score 20. The primary outcome was end-point (week 8 or last visit, with last observation carried forward (LOCF)) change in HRSA total score. A total of 273 patients (women, 78%; mean age, 72 years (s.d.=6); mean baseline HRSA total score, 26 (s.d.=4.6)) were randomised and received study treatment. On the primary intent-to-treat LOCF analysis, pregabalin was associated with a 2-point greater reduction in HRSA total score than placebo (12.87 v. 10.7; P<0.05). In a post hoc repeated measures mixed-effect model analysis, pregabalin was associated with significantly greater improvement than placebo in the HRSA total score from week 2 (–9.8 (s.d.=0.6) v. –7.2 (s.d.=0.8); P=0.0052) through week 8 (–14.4 (s.d.=0.6) v. –11.6 (s.d.=0.8); P=0.0070). Significant improvement was observed in the pregabalin group on both the HRSA psychic and somatic anxiety factors. There was a significantly greater decrease from baseline in mean Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score with pregabalin compared with placebo (–5.48 (s.d.=0.46) v. –4.02 (s.d.=0.59); P=0.041). Pregabalin was well-tolerated, with almost all adverse events in the mild-to-moderate range, and self-limiting (median duration of 4–16 days). Discontinuations due to adverse events were similar for pregabalin (10.7%) and placebo (9.4%). Pregabalin, in doses of 150–600 mg/day, was a safe and effective treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in patients 65 years and older. The anxiolytic efficacy of pregabalin had an early onset (by 2 weeks) and significantly improved both psychic and somatic symptoms of anxiety.
British Journal of Psychiatry, 192(6), June 2008, pp.474-475.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
The incidence of depression is higher in women than men but the reverse pattern is seen with suicide. In a cohort of 50 692 Norwegians we found that suicide risk associated with comorbid anxiety and depression was two-fold higher in men than women, although statistical evidence for a difference was weak. If real, these gender differences could reflect either a more severe symptom profile in men with self-reported anxiety and depression, perhaps because of gender differences with regard to the stigma associated with mental illness, or gender differences in the way men respond to mental illness (e.g. self-medication/help-seeking).
The incidence of depression is higher in women than men but the reverse pattern is seen with suicide. In a cohort of 50 692 Norwegians we found that suicide risk associated with comorbid anxiety and depression was two-fold higher in men than women, although statistical evidence for a difference was weak. If real, these gender differences could reflect either a more severe symptom profile in men with self-reported anxiety and depression, perhaps because of gender differences with regard to the stigma associated with mental illness, or gender differences in the way men respond to mental illness (e.g. self-medication/help-seeking).
British Journal of Psychiatry, 191(10), October 2007, pp.279-281.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Amphetamine-type stimulants are the second most widely used drugs in the world. Overprescription results in diversion for recreational use and the development of dependence. The internet plays a significant role in global misuse of amphetamine-type stimulants, permitting uncontrolled dispensing by online pharmacies and providing information on techniques for illicit manufacture.
Amphetamine-type stimulants are the second most widely used drugs in the world. Overprescription results in diversion for recreational use and the development of dependence. The internet plays a significant role in global misuse of amphetamine-type stimulants, permitting uncontrolled dispensing by online pharmacies and providing information on techniques for illicit manufacture.
Subject terms:
leisure activities, addiction, anxiety, drug misuse;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(4), April 2007, pp.339-343.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Surveys have found that otherwise well individuals report delusional experiences. Previous studies have shown an association between psychotic symptoms and exposure to trauma. The aim was to explore the association between trauma and delusional experiences in a community sample. Respondents (n=10 641) were assessed for delusional experiences, exposure to various types of traumatic experiences and the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The endorsement of delusional items was examined in people exposed to traumatic events who did or did not have PTSD. Exposure to any traumatic event but without the development of PTSD was associated with increased endorsement of delusional experiences (relative risk 2.68, 95% CI 2.18–3.30) and there was a significant dose–response relationship between the number of types of traumatic events and endorsement of such experiences. A diagnosis of PTSD further increased endorsement of delusional experiences. The association between PTSD and delusional experiences remained significant after adjusting for factors associated with psychotic symptoms. Further investigation into the pathways between trauma, delusions and psychosis may provide insights into shared aetiological mechanisms underpinning these conditions.
Surveys have found that otherwise well individuals report delusional experiences. Previous studies have shown an association between psychotic symptoms and exposure to trauma. The aim was to explore the association between trauma and delusional experiences in a community sample. Respondents (n=10 641) were assessed for delusional experiences, exposure to various types of traumatic experiences and the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The endorsement of delusional items was examined in people exposed to traumatic events who did or did not have PTSD. Exposure to any traumatic event but without the development of PTSD was associated with increased endorsement of delusional experiences (relative risk 2.68, 95% CI 2.18–3.30) and there was a significant dose–response relationship between the number of types of traumatic events and endorsement of such experiences. A diagnosis of PTSD further increased endorsement of delusional experiences. The association between PTSD and delusional experiences remained significant after adjusting for factors associated with psychotic symptoms. Further investigation into the pathways between trauma, delusions and psychosis may provide insights into shared aetiological mechanisms underpinning these conditions.
Subject terms:
post traumatic stress disorder, psychoses, anxiety, depression;
FERGUSSON David M., HORWOOD L. John, BODEN Joseph M.
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Psychiatry, 189(6), December 2006, pp.540-546.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Debate surrounds the underlying structure of internalising disorders including major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, phobias and panic disorders. The aim was to model the within-time and across-time relationships of internalising symptoms, incorporating effects from generalised internalising and disorder-specific components of continuity. Data were gathered from a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 953 New Zealand children. Outcome measures included DSM–IV symptom scores for major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, phobia and panic disorder at the ages of 18, 21 and 25 years. Structural equation modelling showed that, within-times, a common underlying measure of generalised internalising explained symptom score comorbidities. Across-time correlation of symptom
Debate surrounds the underlying structure of internalising disorders including major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, phobias and panic disorders. The aim was to model the within-time and across-time relationships of internalising symptoms, incorporating effects from generalised internalising and disorder-specific components of continuity. Data were gathered from a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 953 New Zealand children. Outcome measures included DSM–IV symptom scores for major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, phobia and panic disorder at the ages of 18, 21 and 25 years. Structural equation modelling showed that, within-times, a common underlying measure of generalised internalising explained symptom score comorbidities. Across-time correlation of symptom scores was primarily accounted for by continuity over time in generalised internalising. However, for major depression and phobia there was also evidence of across-time continuity in the disorder-specific components of symptoms. Internalising symptoms can be partitioned into components reflecting both a generalised tendency to internalising and disorder-specific components.