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Although the prevalence is unknown, affective disorders are more common in children with epilepsy than in healthy controls. The purpose of the present study was to examine the occurrence of anxiety in children and adolescents with epilepsy and to determine factors associated with elevation of these symptoms. Children and adolescents (n=101) between the ages of 6 and 16 years were given the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety were reported by 23% of the patients. Based on regression analysis, factors significantly associated with increased anxiety included the presence of comorbid learning or behavioral difficulties, ethnicity, and polytherapy. Results suggest the need to monitor children and adolescents with epilepsy for affective symptoms in order to provide appropriate interventions.

Parental beliefs and attitudes concerning epilepsy may significantly impact adjustment and quality of life for both the child and family. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between parental anxiety and quality of life in pediatric patients with ongoing epilepsy. Subjects were parents (n=200) of children between the ages of 6 and 16 years who had been diagnosed and treated for epilepsy for at least 1 year. Parents were given quality of life and anxiety questionnaires during the child's clinic visit. A stepwise regression analysis suggested that severity of comorbid conditions, parental anxiety, seizure control, and number of medications were significantly associated with quality of life for these children. Parents with increased anxiety whose children had poorly controlled seizures and a comorbid disability were found to have diminished quality of life.

To explore longer-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and participation outcomes and goals of children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injuries (ABI) and their families in a region of the UK and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional survey of (5-18 CYP) and their parent-carers 12–43 months following ABI. Included measures of HRQoL, participation, family function and parental wellbeing and demographic and free text questions. Ninety-five responses (30% response) were received. 67% of CYP were at risk of impaired HRQoL, 72% had severely impaired participation. 53% of parent-carers reported reduced HRQoL and family functioning, 37% of parent-carers screened positive for anxiety/depression. Relationships exist between CYP participation and HRQoL and parental HRQoL and family functioning. Goals were overwhelmingly activity and participation focused. Participants described the global impact of an ABI on the CYP and family as well as the additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CYP and family wellbeing. ABI significantly impacts CYP participation and both CYP and parent-carer wellbeing in the long-term, potentially further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rehabilitation interventions should address both participation and the psychological wellbeing of CYP with ABI and their parent-carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Employee mental health is a strategic initiative for global organizations and maintaining staff wellbeing is a key focus for British horseracing. Workforce wellbeing is increasingly linked to employee recruitment, retention, and productivity, challenges currently facing the horseracing sector. Improving staff wellbeing is paramount to maintaining high standards of equine welfare, ensuring the industry's social license to operate is upheld. Research in horseracing has identified a range of factors influencing staff wellbeing; however, the role of injury in anxiety and depression scores is unknown for this population. Over two thirds of injured staff were experiencing anxiety and over half were experiencing depression. Anxiety and depression scores were related to employment status, working hours, and type of injury. Higher anxiety and depression scores were negatively associated with help-seeking and pain management behaviors during injury, as well as increased risk of using alcohol as a coping method, both for pain-relief at work and socially. The findings from this study may provide opportunities to influence mental health post-injury within horseracing, through the development of educational resources aimed at reducing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and developing industry-wide early screening protocols for mental health in injured staff. Horseracing has identified several factors influencing staff wellbeing; however, the relationship between injury, anxiety, and depression is yet to be established. This study investigated anxiety and depression scores and their association to pain management, coping, and help-seeking behaviour in injured British horseracing staff. An online retrospective survey was completed by 175 participants, identifying injury prevalence, coping strategies, occupational risk factors, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Analysis identified 65.14% (n = 114) of staff reported anxiety scores above the threshold (≥8) and 59.52% (n = 104) of staff reported depression scores ≥8. Median anxiety and depression scores were higher for staff who viewed their employer as unhelpful (anxiety p = 0.001; depression p = 0.020). Heightened anxiety and depression were associated with an increased likelihood to use pain medication to manage at work, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), alcohol, nicotine, and prescription drugs (p < 0.05). Implications for staff wellbeing is evident; anxiety and depression risks are high following injury, which may influence help-seeking behaviour, perceived job security, and coping mechanisms. This paper suggests it is vital to continue to investigate poor mental health and injury in racing staff and the implications for equine welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural responses vary significantly within the Reptile Class when stressed, fearful or frustrated, making it very difficult to observe or measure their emotional state. Reptiles are not commonly seen in general veterinary practice which can mean that suitable accommodation is not always available, and as there is a huge variation in a reptile's ability, or lack of, to signal changes in emotional state, it can be challenging for veterinary nurses to identify and address the stress response. The veterinary practice can reduce negative behavioural responses by managing transportation, sampling and handling methods to improve the patient experience. This article refers to reptile species commonly kept as companion animals in the UK, including snakes, lizards and tortoises, which may be presented for veterinary treatment. It also examines possible routes to the identification of Reptile species as suitable pets, and indeed the suitability of Reptiles as pets at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]