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Abstract Objective To examine the neuropsychological morbidity across the spectrum of patients presenting to a First Seizure Clinic, and test the hypothesis that cognitive and psychological compromise is especially prominent in those diagnosed with epilepsy. Methods A sample of 201 patients referred to the Austin Hospital First Seizure Clinic (FSC) underwent cognitive screening via telephone and psychological screening via online questionnaire, all prior to their diagnostic evaluation (and any attendant treatment recommendation) at the FSC. Rates of cognitive (i.e., scores

Abstract In Thailand, cardiovascular disease and mental health cause a large health and economic burden, with 10% of Thai adults and 32% of adolescents reporting depression. Forest bathing (FB) (mindful nature walking) is growing in popularity globally as a preventative health intervention. Most FB research compares FB with a non‐active control of unguided urban walking, finding improved health and well‐being in FB but not the urban condition. This controlled trial offers a unique and robust comparison of guided FB with an active control of guided mindful urban walking. This is also the first study testing the acceptability and effectiveness of guided FB in Thailand. In a crossover design, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, and mood in 30 participants were compared before and after 1 h of guided FB and a guided mindful urban walk. MANOVA and t‐test analyses revealed that heart rate and blood pressure reduced in both conditions, but more in the mindful urban condition. Whilst negative mood was reduced in the FB condition but increased in the mindful urban condition. The study offers evidence for the promising health and well‐being benefits of both guided FB and mindful urban walking. Poor mental health and health inequalities are of increasing global concern, hence further research into the effectiveness of alleviating these difficulties through inexpensive interventions such as guided FB and mindful walking are encouraged. The study also offers the first data indicating that FB was acceptable and effective in a Thai population. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Background The distance from the patient is a crucial factor in the communication with patients. The distance between patients and pharmacists varies depending on several factors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between comfort distance and patients' physical condition and mood by measuring this distance at a chemotherapy center. Methods A total of 114 patients were surveyed regarding their physical condition and mood. The distance at which the patients were best able to talk to the pharmacists was measured. For comfort distance measurement, the pharmacists were instructed to approach or move away from the patients. Results The correlation between physical condition, mood, and comfort distance was examined in both male and female patients, and no significant correlation was found; however, there was a strong correlation between physical condition and mood in female patients. We looked at correlations by further dividing patients into those over and under 65 years of age and found a slight correlation with comfort distance in women under 65. They tended to shorten the distance when they felt well and lengthen the distance when they felt not well. Conclusions No correlation was found between physical condition or mood and comfort distance in male or female. A slight correlation was observed when age was included; however, the results were not satisfactory. By directly measuring the distance in actual patients, we obtained an actual measurement of the comfort distance that synthesized the patient's condition and various backgrounds during chemotherapy, providing a foothold for future studies.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze whether early‐treated adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) can subjectively sense high phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations and whether a possible impact of Phe on objective measures of cognitive performance and mood reflects patients' self‐perception. Data from the PICO study, a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial, were analyzed. Twenty‐eight adults with PKU received either Phe capsules or placebo in two 4‐week intervention periods in a randomized order, with a 4‐week washout in between. The median Phe level increased from 852 μmol/L (interquartile range: 345) to 1455 μmol/L (interquartile range: 369). Neuropsychological assessments were performed at four study visits. At the end of the last study visit, patients were asked whether they could discern the Phe intervention period. Seven of 28 (25%) patients stated that they could not discern between the Phe and the placebo period. Twenty‐one of 28 (75%) patients subjectively thought to sense high Phe levels. Of the 21 patients, 12 (57%) correctly identified the Phe period, whereas 9 (43%) received placebo at the time when they thought they would receive the high Phe load. Binomial tests showed that the probability of 12 out of 21 is p = 0.140, and 12 out of 28 is p = 0.113. The “Right‐Guess” group showed significantly higher Phe changes than the “Wrong‐Guess” group. Cognitive performance and standardized mood assessment did not significantly differ, and both groups reported similar subjective negative impact on cognition and mood. In conclusion, adults with early‐treated PKU cannot effectively identify high Phe levels, although some individuals may be able to perceive more pronounced increases in Phe levels.

ABSTRACT Background and Aims In clinical practice and research, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) is one of the most frequently employed and consistent depression assessment instruments. Despite numerous international studies thoroughly establishing the psychometric properties of the BDI‐II, no notable study has validated the scale in Bangladesh, especially on the student sample as well as in nonclinical settings. Therefore, the current study was conducted with a view to assessing the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the BDI‐II in a sample of undergraduate students in the cultural context of Bangladesh. Methods The sample consisted of 1128 undergraduate students (55.9% males) aged from 18 to 28 (M = 22.35, SD = 1.41) from the university of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The factor structure of the BDI‐II was investigated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results The CFA revealed that the hypothesized two‐factor model of the BDI‐II had an acceptable fit [χ2/df = 3.030, GFI = 0.957, TLI = 0.949, and CFI = 0.955, RMSEA = 0.042] in the current sample, which confirms the factorial validity of the Bangla version of the BDI‐II. Cronbach's α value (for total scale α = 0.90; for the cognitive‐affective factor α = 0.88; and for the somatic factor α = 0.73) assured high internal consistency. The concurrent validity of the BDI‐II was confirmed by the correlation with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) in the expected direction. Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that the Bangla version of the BDI‐II is a valid instrument for assessing depression among the student community in Bangladesh. This study will also be very beneficial to research on mental health problems in Bangladesh.

Abstract Objective To examine the impact of potential measurement bias (i.e., differential item functioning [DIF]) across sex, age, employment, location, and substance use disorders on the screening properties of epidemiological surveys that utilise screening questions when estimating prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders. Methods Data comprised of 15,893 respondents who completed the 2020–2022 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Questions from the screening module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and DIF across subgroups of interest. Sensitivity, specificity, and classification rate were derived and compared across models that did and did not adjust for significant levels of DIF. Results Sources of DIF were identified across the items was due to age and sex at birth with relatively fewer items displaying DIF across employment, location, and substance use disorders. In terms of screening, the absolute differences in sensitivity and specificity between the DIF‐free and DIF models ranged from 0.001 to 0.091. Conclusions The current study found some evidence of DIF in the screening questions used to evaluate mental health disorder prevalence. However, the overall influence of DIF on screening into at least one mood and anxiety disorder module was found to be minimal.

ABSTRACT Aims/Introduction Diet directly affects glucose metabolism, and eating behavior is influenced by various daily life stressors. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between common psychosomatic stressors on endocrine hormones and eating behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional study was performed in 40 patients with type 2 diabetes. Resting hormone blood sampling and four self‐reported questionnaires were employed. Results Patients who scored higher on the ‘anger/hostility’ (AH) subcategory of the profile of mood state (POMS) questionnaire had significantly higher serum cortisol (β = 0.40, P = 0.01 by least squares adjusted for age and sex). In the eating behavior questionnaire, the subcategories of ‘feeling of hunger/satiation’ (β = 0.49, P

Abstract Objective Mental health complaints are prevalent among people with epilepsy, yet there are major barriers that prevent access to psychological care, including high out‐of‐pocket costs and a lack of accessible specialized services. The purpose of the current study is to examine the comparative efficacy, acceptability, cost‐effectiveness, and long‐term outcomes of a digital psychological intervention when delivered under two models of care (i.e., guided vs. unguided) in supporting the mental health and functioning of adults with epilepsy. Method Approximately 375 participants across Australia will be enrolled. Eligible participants will have a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, experience difficulties with their emotional health, be at least 18 years of age, and live in Australia. Participants will be randomized (2:2:1) to receive the Wellbeing Neuro Course, a 10‐week internet‐delivered program, with (i.e., guided) or without guidance by a mental health clinician (i.e., unguided), or be allocated to a treatment‐as‐usual waiting‐list control group. Participants will complete online questionnaires at pre‐, post‐treatment, and 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐up and consent to have their data linked to their medical records to capture healthcare system resource use and costs. Analysis Primary outcome measures will be symptoms of depression and anxiety. A cost‐utility analysis will be undertaken using the Australian healthcare system perspective and according to current economic evaluation guidelines. Resource use and costs to the healthcare system during the study period will be captured via data linkage to relevant administrative datasets in Australia. Significance The results of this trial will provide important data concerning the relative outcomes of these different models of care and will inform the integration of digital psychological interventions translation into healthcare services. Ethics and Dissemination The Human Research Ethics Committee of Macquarie University approved the proposed study (Reference No: 520231325151475). The results will be disseminated through peer‐reviewed publication(s). ANZCTR Trial Registration Number ACTRN12623001327673. Plain Language Summary This study seeks to find out if a 10‐week online psychological treatment can improve the mental health and well‐being of Australian adults with epilepsy. Around 375 participants will be randomly assigned to different groups: one will receive treatment with guidance from mental health clinician (guided group), one without guidance (unguided group), and one starting later (waiting control group). All participants will fill out the same outcome measures online. The main goal of this research is to compare these groups and assess how well the treatment works in improving mental health outcomes.

Abstract Background and aims Despite that 93% of people indicate that a mattress plays a pivotal role in achieving high‐quality sleep, there is a scarcity of research investigating the influence of mattresses on sleep quality, pain, and mood in nonclinical poor sleepers. The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of a pressure‐releasing medium‐firm grid mattress on sleep and health outcomes (e.g., mood, pain, daytime fatigue) of adults with nonclinical insomnia symptoms using a quasi‐experimental design. Methods Participants were 39 adults (mean age = 45.29) with nonclinical insomnia (i.e., occasional sleeplessness). Following 1 week of baseline assessments on their current mattress, they slept on a pressure‐relieving grid mattress for 8 weeks. Participants completed self‐report assessments of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Profile of Mood States, Daytime Fatigue Scale, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire, and Brief Pain Inventory at Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. Participants continually wore an Oura Ring to objectively assess sleep and daytime activity. The data were collected from January 2022 to April 2022 and were stored electronically. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were used to analyze mean time differences. Results Self‐reported sleep quality, perceived pain, perceived stress, mood, and daytime fatigue improved significantly from Baseline to Week 8, p's

Abstract Introduction Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has been associated with elevated amyloid levels and increased risk of future cognitive decline, as well as modifiable variables, including depression, anxiety, and physical inactivity. Participants generally endorse greater and earlier concerns than their close family and friends (study partners [SPs]), which may reflect subtle changes at the earliest stages of disease among participants with underlying neurodegenerative processes. However, many individuals with subjective concerns are not at risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, suggesting that additional factors, such as lifestyle habits, may be contributory. Methods We examined the relation between SCD, amyloid status, lifestyle habits (exercise, sleep), mood/anxiety, and demographic variables among 4481 cognitively unimpaired older adults who are being screened for a multi‐site secondary prevention trial (A4 screen data; mean ±SD: age = 71.3 ±4.7, education = 16.6 ±2.8, 59% women, 96% non‐Hispanic or Latino, 92% White]. Results On the Cognitive Function Index (CFI) participants endorsed higher concerns compared to SPs. Participant concerns were associated with older age, positive amyloid status, worse mood/anxiety, lower education, and lower exercise, whereas SP concerns were associated with older participant age, male gender of participant, positive amyloid status of participant, and worse participant‐reported mood/anxiety. Discussion Findings suggest that modifiable/lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, education) may be associated with participant concerns among cognitively unimpaired individuals and highlight the importance of further examining how modifiable factors impact participant‐ and SP‐reported concerns, which may inform trial recruitment and clinical interventions.

Objective: A recent randomized trial of a group psychosocial telehealth intervention (STRIDE) improved anxiety, depression, quality of life (QOL), symptom distress, coping, and self-efficacy to manage symptoms related to taking adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) in women with non-metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This study examined whether changes in coping and self-efficacy mediated intervention effects on anxiety, depression, QOL, and symptom distress., Method: Women (N = 100) were recruited between 10/2019-06/2021 from Massachusetts General Hospital and were randomized to STRIDE or to the medication monitoring control group. Participants completed self-report measures of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer scale), symptom distress (Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Scale), coping (Measure of Current Status-Part A), and self-efficacy (Self Efficacy for Managing AET Symptoms) at baseline and 24-week follow-up. Mediated regression models tested whether changes in coping ability and self-efficacy mediated the intervention effects on anxiety, depression, QOL, and symptom distress, controlling for key variables., Results: Improvements in coping across the 24-week study period mediated the effect of STRIDE on anxiety symptoms (indirect effect, B = -0.61, SE = 0.28, 95% CI: -1.28, -0.17), depressive symptoms (indirect effect, B = -0.50, SE = 0.21, 95% CI: -0.97, -0.15), and QOL (indirect effect, B = 3.80, SE = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.54, 6.49), but not symptom distress. Changes in self-efficacy did not mediate improvements in any of the proposed outcomes., Conclusion: Coping is an essential component of a brief group psychosocial intervention that drives improvements in mood and QOL for women with non-metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer taking AET., Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03837496., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Abstract Emotional and psychological difficulties cannot fully be explained by disease‐related factors in people with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study examined the relationship between anxiety, depression, demographic, objective and subjective PH factors, and self‐reported cognitive and behavioral processes, which have been associated with mood in clinical and nonclinical samples. This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from 77 adults with PH who took part in a randomized controlled trial of a self‐help intervention targeting anxiety in PH. Participants completed self‐report measures including: demographic (age, gender, ethnicity, education, employment) and clinical questionnaire (PH diagnosis, functional class, years since diagnosis), depression (PHQ‐9), anxiety (GAD‐7), health‐related quality of life (emPHAsis‐10), dyspnea (D12), and cognitive and behavioral processes (CBP‐Q) scale. Data were analyzed using correlational and regression analyses. Overall, 70% and 63% of participants scored above the clinical cut off for anxiety and depression, respectively. Demographics were not associated with anxiety or depression. PH‐related factors were correlated with depression but not anxiety. A multiple regression analysis suggested dyspnea and cognitive processes significantly predicted anxiety whereas behavioral processes were not a unique predictor. In contrast, dyspnea and behavioral processes predicted depression whereas cognitive processes did not. While a body of evidence exists demonstrating people with PH are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, less is known about factors that cause and maintain these disorders. Findings highlight the significance of subjective factors that could be a target for screening and psychological treatments for emotional difficulties, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Abstract Background and Aims The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic disrupted medical care of patients with chronic wounds, and in combination with other negative effects of lockdown measures, this may have a negative effect on mood and quality of life. Until now, the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated lockdowns for individuals with impaired wound healing have not been investigated. Methods An online survey was conducted to evaluate perceived immune fitness, mood, and health, both before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results Of the 331 Dutch pharmacy students that completed the survey, N = 42 participants reported slow healing wounds and/or wound infection and were allocated to the impaired wound healing group; the other N = 289 participants served as control group. The survey assessed mood, perceived immune fitness, and health correlates for (a) the year 2019 (the period before the lockdown), (b) the first lockdown period (March 15–May 11, 2020), (c) summer 2020 (no lockdown), and (d) the second lockdown (November 2020–April 2021). The analysis revealed that negative mood effects, reductions in quality of life, and perceived immune fitness during the two lockdowns were significantly more pronounced among individuals that reported impaired wound healing compared to the control group. The effects on mood, perceived immune fitness, and health correlates were most pronounced for the second lockdown period. Conclusion The COVID‐19 pandemic is associated with significantly poorer mood, quality of life, and reduced perceived immune fitness. These effects are significantly more pronounced among individuals with self‐reported impaired wound healing.

Issue Addressed: Nostalgia-the bittersweet reliving of the past-has been linked to social connection and psychological wellbeing. Although food consumption is often an intrinsically social experience, relatively little research has examined how individuals experience and understand how food consumption relates to feelings of nostalgia, food and mood., Methods: In the current study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Australians from varying cultural backgrounds to explore their experiences with nostalgia, food and mood., Results: Reflexive thematic analysis identified three key themes from the data: (i) The bittersweet experiences of food-evoked nostalgia-individuals' descriptions of food-evoked nostalgia and how it impacted their mood both positively and negatively (ii) social connection and identity continuity-participants' description of food-evoked nostalgia and how this provides an opportunity for social connection and identity continuity throughout life, which positively influences mood, and (iii) the role and relationship of food-evoked nostalgia and mood-individual descriptions of the important role that nostalgic food plays in their life, in addition to their relationship with food, and how this impacts mood., Conclusions: Understanding the positive component of nostalgic foods allowed individuals to bolster positive mood states with food-evoked nostalgia, increasing their quality of life. SO WHAT?: Understanding the link between food-evoked nostalgia and mood has significant implications, suggesting that negative mood states altered by nostalgic foods may result in positive mood states. Appropriate use of food-evoked nostalgia may increase the quality of life for individuals experiencing low mood states., (© 2024 The Author(s). Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.)

Summary Introduction Despite efforts to improve adherence to physical activity interventions in youth with obesity, low adherence and attrition remain areas of great concern. Objective The study was designed to determine which physiological and/or psychological factors predicted low adherence in adolescents with obesity enrolled in a 6‐month exercise intervention study aimed to improve body composition. Methods Three hundred four adolescents with obesity aged 14–18 years who volunteered for the HEARTY (Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth) randomized controlled trial completed physiological (body mass index, waist circumference, per cent body fat, resting metabolic rate and aerobic fitness) and psychological (body image, mood, self‐esteem and self‐efficacy) measures. Results One hundred forty‐one out of 228 (62%) randomized to exercise groups had low adherence (completed

Abstract Following an application from Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Spain, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to affron® and contributes to maintain a healthy mood. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim based on newly developed scientific evidence. The food proposed by the applicant as the subject of the health claim is affron®, an aqueous saffron extract with a content of the sum of crocins and safranal typically between 3.5% and 3.9%. The Panel notes that affron® is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect proposed by the applicant is ‘contributes to maintain a healthy mood’. The Panel notes that increase in positive mood is a beneficial physiological effect for individuals with low mood or anxiety. One human intervention study showed that consumption of affron® at a dose of 28 mg/day for 4 weeks improves mood in a population of adults with low mood. However, the results have not been replicated in other studies. The information supplied by the applicant did not provide evidence for a plausible mechanism by which affron® could exert the claimed effect. The Panel concludes that the evidence is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of affron® and increase in positive mood.

Abstract Introduction The image of one's own body derives from experimentation of one's own body pattern. The emotional experience can lead to a real or distorted self‐representation. After brain damage, a disorder of body image is frequent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of body image following acquired brain injury (ABI). Methods Forty‐six hospitalized patients were enrolled and subdivided into two groups depending on the etiology of the damage: traumatic or vascular. For each group, we considered their cognitive level and mood. Patients underwent a broad battery of tests to investigate different domains: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI‐II); Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM‐A); Clinical Insight Rating Scale (CIRS); Body Image Scale (BIS); Human Figure Drawing (HFD). The latter was used to assess the implicit body image of each patient. Results Both groups showed a significant relationship between BDI‐II and BIS. A positive correlation was found between BIS and HAM‐A, but only in the traumatic group. We showed a positive correlation between MoCA and HFD. In addition, we observed some subitems of MoCA as predictive variables in HFD, which differ in the two groups. In a traumatic group, the visuospatial domain is predictive in HFD, as well as age of patients’ and education. In the vascular groups, orientation, naming, abstraction, and language domains are instead predictive. Conclusions The results confirm the crucial role of the cognitive level and mood on self‐perception.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the present study was to investigate the safety and tolerability of the monoaminergic stabilizer (‐)‐OSU6162 in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In addition, a potential therapeutic effect of (‐)‐OSU6162 in ME/CFS was evaluated by means of observer‐rated scales and self‐assessment rating scales. Materials and Methods In the current study using an open‐label single‐arm design ME/CFS patient received treatment with (‐)‐OSU6162 during 12 weeks. The patients received the following doses of (‐)‐OSU6162: 15 mg b.i.d. during the first 4‐week period, up to 30 mg b.i.d. during the second 4‐week period and up to 45 mg b.i.d. during the third 4‐week period, with follow‐up visits after 16 and 20 weeks. Results Out of 33 included patients, 28 completed the 12 weeks treatment period. (‐)‐OSU6162 was well tolerated; only one patient discontinued due to an adverse event. Vital signs and physical examinations showed no abnormal changes. Blood analyses showed an increase in serum prolactin. Therapeutically, improvements were seen on the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale, the FibroFatigue scale, the Mental Fatigue Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. Conclusions (‐)‐OSU6162 is well tolerated in ME/CFS patients and shows promise as a novel treatment to mitigate fatigue and improve mood and health‐related quality of life in ME/CFS. Obviously, the present results need to be confirmed in future placebo‐controlled double‐blind trials.

Objective: Previous studies have highlighted the relevance of perfectionism, self-esteem, and anxio-depressive symptoms in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, the relationships between these factors and cardinal eating disorders (ED) symptoms remain unclear, particularly in AN subtypes. This study aimed to examine their interconnections using network analysis., Method: The sample included n = 338 inpatients with AN who completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Using network analysis, we estimated three networks: full sample, AN-restrictive (AN-R) and AN-binge/purging (AN-BP) subtypes. We estimated central and bridge symptoms using expected influence and conducted an exploratory network comparison test to compare AN subtypes., Results: Overvaluation of Weight and Shape, Concern over Mistakes, and Personal Standards were consistently central in all networks. The most central bridge symptoms across all networks were Concern over Mistakes and Self-Esteem. Concern over Mistakes bridged perfectionism and ED symptoms, while Self-Esteem was highly connected to all symptom clusters. Anxiety was significantly more central in the AN-R network compared to the AN-BP network., Conclusions: The present study contributes to a growing body of network studies suggesting that nodes related to perfectionism are just as central as cardinal ED symptoms, indicating the relevance of perfectionism in ED pathology. The high bridge centrality of self-esteem suggests that it may be an important link between perfectionism, mood, and ED symptoms. Future research should investigate the efficacy of targeting multiple psychological factors in the treatment of AN, as well as their potential transdiagnostic relevance., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Abstract Introduction NexQuest Natural Frequency Technology® (NFT®), intended to enhance biological function using naturally occurring frequencies, may be a nonpharmacological intervention to improve stress and health. The study purpose was to determine the effectiveness of NFT® for improving stress, sleep quality, mood, and cognition in adults. Methods Using a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover design, participants with high perceived stress (N = 42, M age = 43.8) were assessed at baseline (BL) and assigned to either the Placebo Watch (PW) or Wellness Watch (WW) condition for 2 weeks, and then 2 weeks in the alternate condition. Participants completed the following self‐report surveys of Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Food Craving Questionnaire, and Profile of Mood States, as well as the CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive test at BL and following each condition. Results The WW condition had significant improvements in sleep duration and Complex Attention compared to the PW group. Compared to BL, both conditions had significant improvements for perceived stress, food cravings, mood, sleep quality, and several cognitive tests, p's

Abstract Background/Objective The present research investigated potential effects of mindfulness training on emotion regulation and mood of future schoolteachers in a nonrandomized pre–post design, and whether these are influenced by the yoga component of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) and/or by homework practice. Method N = 169 university students received either mindfulness training (experimental groups), awareness activities (active control group), or no training (passive control group), in the context of university seminars. Allocation to groups was bound by the seminar chosen by participants, and in that sense was self‐selected. Mindfulness was trained in two adapted MBSR courses, one of which including yoga, and the other excluding yoga. Results Specific benefits of both mindfulness training groups were observed for emotion regulation in terms of an increase in cognitive reappraisal and a reduction in symptom‐focused rumination as well as depressive mood. No benefits of mindfulness training were observed for reductions in expressive suppression, self‐focused rumination, anxious, and negative mood or an increase in distraction and positive mood respectively. Mindfulness training with and without yoga was mostly equally effective. Outcomes were largely not moderated by practice quantity or quality, but reductions in depressive mood were mediated by gains in reappraisal and distraction. Conclusions Mindfulness training can be implemented in the context of university seminars to foster advantageous emotion regulation strategies and lower depressive mood in future schoolteachers. Discontinuing yoga within mindfulness interventions does not seem to reduce training benefits.

Objective: (i) To systematically identify constructs and outcome measures used to assess the emotional and mood impact of false positive breast screening test results; (ii) to appraise the reporting clarity and rationale for selecting constructs and outcome measures., Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were systematically searched from 1970. Studies using standardised and non-standardised outcome measures to evaluate the emotion or mood impact of false positive breast screening test results were eligible. A 15-item coding scheme was devised to appraise articles on clarity and rationale for selected constructs and measures., Results: Forty-seven articles were identified. The most investigated constructs were general anxiety and depression and disease-specific anxiety and worry. Twenty-two standardised general outcome questionnaire measures and three standardised disease-specific outcome questionnaire measures were identified. Twenty articles used non-standardised scales/items. Reporting of constructs and outcome measures was generally clear, but rationales for their selection were lacking. Anxiety was typically justified, but justification for depression was almost always absent. Practical and psychometric justification for selecting outcome measures was lacking, and theoretical rationale was absent., Conclusions: Heterogeneity in constructs and measures, coupled with unclear rationale for these, impedes a thorough understanding of why there are emotional effects of false positive screening test results. This may explain the repeated practice of investigating less relevant outcomes such as depression. There is need to develop a consensual conceptual model of and standardised approach to measuring emotional impact from cancer screening test results, to address heterogeneity and other known issues of interpreting an inconsistent evidence base., (© 2024 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a global surge in videoconferencing use for work/study-related reasons. Although these platforms heighten exposure to one's image, the implications of videoconferencing use on body image and eating concerns remain scantly examined. This study sought to investigate, in an Australian sample, whether videoconferencing for work/study-related reasons predicted increases in body dissatisfaction (BD), urge to engage in disordered eating (DE; restrictive eating, exercise, overeating/purging), and negative mood at the state level. Participants (N = 482, 78.8% women, M age  = 20.5 years [SD = 5.3]) completed baseline demographic measures, accompanied by an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of videoconferencing for work/study-related reasons, BD, DE urges, and negative mood six times a day for 7 days via a smartphone application. Most participants (n = 429; 89.0%) reported state-based videoconferencing use during the EMA phase. Consistent with expectations, state-based videoconferencing use was associated with an increase in state-level urges to engage in exercise. However, contrary to predictions, state-based videoconferencing use was linked to a decrease in state-level BD at the next assessment point and failed to predict negative mood and urges to engage in restrictive eating or overeating/purging at the state level. Given the simplified measure of videoconferencing use, the current research is considered preliminary and future replication and extension, using more nuanced measures, is warranted., (© 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Aversive emotions toward food and the consequences of eating are at the core of anorexia nervosa. Exposure therapy is effective to reduce anxiety and avoidance toward feared stimuli. Based on the inhibitory learning framework, this study examined the feasibility to induce social support or positive mood to enhance the impact of a single session virtual food exposure on food-related anxiety in anorexia nervosa., Method: One hundred and forty-five patients were randomized to: (1) virtual food exposure (i.e., baseline condition), (2) virtual food exposure plus positive mood induction (i.e., positive mood condition), or (3) virtual food exposure plus social support (i.e., social support condition). They completed self-report assessments of anxiety toward virtual foods, general anxiety, positive mood, social support, and hunger, before and after virtual food exposure. Number of eye gazes and touches toward foods were recorded during the virtual reality exposure., Results: Patients had lower levels of anxiety toward virtual foods in the positive mood condition, compared to the baseline condition [F (2,141)  = 4.36, p = .015; medium effect size]. They also touched food items more often in the baseline condition. No other significant changes were found., Discussion: Virtual food exposure enhanced by positive mood induction seems a feasible approach to strengthen the impact of food exposure in anorexia nervosa., Public Significance: This research contributes to the understanding of how patients with anorexia nervosa can be supported to overcome fear and anxiety around food. Virtual reality enables patients to expose themselves to difficult situations (e.g., kitchen with foods of various calorie contents) while experiencing positive stimuli, such as a loving and kind pet or a supportive avatar., (© 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Summary Objective The typical Western diet is deficient in omega‐3 and high in omega‐6 fatty acids (FAs). These FAs may play a role in depressive symptoms via inflammatory processes, especially in the context of obesity, a pro‐inflammatory state. This study investigated associations between omega‐3 and omega‐6 FA intake and depressive symptoms in adults seeking behavioural weight loss treatment (BWLT). Methods One hundred eighty‐eight persons with overweight or obesity (83.50% women, 93.10% White, 55.01 ± 10.09 years old, body mass index 36.02 ± 15.79 kg/m) seeking BWLT completed the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, which provides estimates of dietary FA intake, daily total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient composition of the diet. Depressive symptoms were measured via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Correlation and linear regression estimated associations between depressive symptoms and FAs. Results On average, participants reported consuming 1866.2 ± 665.1 kcals/d, with 38% of TEI from fat and an omega‐6:3 ratio of 9.2 (13.9 g omega‐6 to 1.5 g omega‐3). In univariate models, omega‐6 intake was associated with depressive symptoms (r = .182, p = .012); however, this association was no longer statistically significant after controlling for TEI. Omega‐3 intake was not associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion The expected association between omega‐3 and omega‐6 FAs and depressive symptoms was largely unsupported. A robust association between FA intake and depressive symptoms may have been masked by a high level of chronic inflammation in this sample caused by excess weight and overall poor diet. Additional research is needed to determine whether BWLT improves FA intake, and whether associations between FA intake and depressive symptoms are strengthened after successful weight loss and improved diet.

Circadian misalignment (CM) caused by shift work can increase the risk of mood impairment. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unclear. In the present study, we used long-term variable photoperiod (L-VP) in wild-type mice to better simulate real-life shift patterns and study its effects on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, which are closely related to mood function. The results showed that exposure to L-VP altered the activity/rest rhythms of mice, by eliciting phase delay and decreased amplitude of the rhythms. Mice with CM developed anxiety and depression-like manifestations and the number of mature oligodendrocytes (OL) was reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 regions. Mood impairment and OL reduction worsened with increased exposure time to L-VP, while normal photoperiod restoration had no effect. Mechanistically, we identified upregulation of Bmal1 in the PFC and hippocampal regions of CM mice at night, when genes related to mature OL and myelination should be highly expressed. CM mice exhibited significant inhibition of the protein kinase B (AKT)/mTOR signaling pathway, which is directly associated to OL differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, we demonstrated in the OL precursor cell line Oli-Neu that overexpression of Bmal1 inhibits AKT/mTOR pathway and reduces the expression of genes OL differentiation. In conclusion, BMAL1 might play a critical role in CM, providing strong research evidence for BMAL1 as a potential target for CM therapy., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To examine the effects of three programs aimed at maintaining moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on breast cancer survivors' quality of life, physical functioning, fatigue and mood., Methods: 161 survivors participated in a 12-month randomized controlled study and were assigned to one of three groups: Reach Plus, Reach Plus Message, or Reach Plus Phone. All participants received the same intervention for the first 3 months (weekly calls from peer coach) for MVPA adoption. In Months 4-9, Reach Plus monitored MVPA and received feedback reports. Reach Plus Message monitored MVPA and received weekly text/email messages and feedback reports. Reach Plus Phone participants monitored MVPA and received monthly calls from coaches and feedback reports. Intervention delivery ended at 9 months. Assessments were obtained at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12-months. Analyses used a series of longitudinal mixed effects models with subject-specific intercepts., Results: All groups improved significantly across time on psychosocial measures. At 9 months, Reach Plus Message and Reach Plus Phone reported better physical functioning compared to Reach Plus (b = 8.27, 95% CI: [2.27, 14.27]; b = 4.89, 95% CI: [0.01, 10.53]) respectively). At 12 months, Reach Plus Message reported better physical functioning than Reach Plus (b = 4.52, 95% CI: [0.01, 9.75]. Participants who met national PA guidelines reported significantly lower fatigue and higher physical functioning (at 9 and 12 months), and improved mood (at 12 months)., Conclusions: MVPA maintenance via weekly messages or monthly coach calls improved physical functioning. Maintaining MVPA at or above national recommendations was associated with improved physical functioning, mood and less fatigue., (© 2024 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Heart failure (HF) is a major disease in our society that often presents with multiple comorbidities with mutual interaction and aggravation. The comorbidity of HF and stroke is a high risk condition that requires particular attention to ensure early detection of complications, efficient diagnostic workup, close monitoring, and consequent treatment of the patient. The bi-directional interaction between the heart and the brain is inherent in the pathophysiology of HF where HF may be causal for acute cerebral injury, and - in turn - acute cerebral injury may induce or aggravate HF via imbalanced neural and neurovegetative control of cardiovascular regulation. The present document represents the consensus view of the ESC Council on Stroke, the Heart Failure Association and the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis to summarize current insights on pathophysiological interactions of the heart and the brain in the comorbidity of HF and stroke. Principal aspects of diagnostic workup, pathophysiological mechanisms, complications, clinical management in acute conditions and in long-term care of patients with the comorbidity are presented and state-of-the-art clinical management and current evidence from clinical trials is discussed. Beside the physicians perspective, also the patients values and preferences are taken into account. Interdisciplinary cooperation of cardiologists, stroke specialists, other specialists and primary care physicians is pivotal to ensure optimal treatment in acute events and in continued long-term treatment of these patients. Key consensus statements are presented in a concise overview on mechanistic insights, diagnostic workup, prevention and treatment to inform clinical acute and continued care of patients with the comorbidity of HF and stroke., (© 2023 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)