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We used a daily diary design to evaluate a daily model of stress generation that included both daily sadness and hostility as precipitants, and interpersonal competence as a moderator variable. Our results indicated that daily stress generation was precipitated by daily hostile, but not sad, mood. Participants’ skill at initiating interactions influenced daily stress generation in an unexpected direction. Specifically, the positive daily relationship between hostility and dependent stress was stronger for those with higher initiation scores. The results suggest that stress generation at the daily level functions differently than stress generation involving major life events. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research on stress generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: University students are a target population for a number of research studies due to a high prevalence of mental health and psychosocial problems. Aims: To examine the relationship between depressive symptoms, hostility, and substance use among university students in Jordan. Methods: This is a descriptive correlation study. Data were collected on demographics, depressive symptoms, hostility, and substance use from 572 university students in Jordan. Results: Almost 75% of the university students exhibited some degree of depressive symptoms. Tobacco, painkillers, stimulants, tranquilizers, inhalants, and alcohol respectively were the most used substances. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with hostility and tobacco use. Similarly, depression had a positive correlation with the frequency of using painkillers, inhalants, stimulants, tranquilizers, and heroin. Male and female university students were not different in their depressive symptoms, hostility, and frequency of substance use. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms, hostility, and substance use were positively correlated. Mental health care providers need to understand the relationship between depressive symptoms and hostility and substance use among university students in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined, first, differences in dispositional and situational coping, and psychological distress between political ex-prisoners and their matched controls, and second, coping effectiveness in protecting mental health from impacts of imprisonment and military trauma. Thirdly, we tested the hypothesis that compatibility (“goodness of fit”) between dispositional and situational coping would predict low psychological distress. Participants were 184 men recruited from a Palestinian community sample, 92 were former political prisoners and 92 non-prisoners. The dispositional coping was assessed as a general response style to hypothetical stressors and situational coping as responses to their own traumatic experiences. Psychological distress was measured by SCL-90-R, and posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and somatoform symptoms by scales based on CIDI 2.1 diagnostic interview. The results showed that, compared to non-prisoners, the political ex-prisoners employed less avoidant, denying, and emotion-focused coping strategies. Military trauma was associated with avoidant and denying coping only among non-prisoners. The ex-prisoners showed more mental health and medical problems, especially when exposed to military trauma. None of the coping styles or strategies were effective in protecting the mental health in general or in either groups. However, main effect results revealed that the high level of active and constructive and low level of emotion-focused coping were associated with low levels of psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Psychotic symptoms are distributed along a continuum that extends from normality to diagnosable psychotic disorders and the presence of psychoticism among individuals in the general population may lead to morbidity and social impairment. This study examined a model in which psychoticism leads to several important psychological consequences. The analysis included 134 African Americans with no psychiatric history who were being seen in medical walk-in clinics for non-emergency medical problems. Psychoticism, perceived hassles, depression, hostility, and hopelessness were measured. The Linear Structural Relations Program (LISREL) was used to test the fit of the data to the proposed model, a trimmed hierarchical version, and two alternative models. The data supported a model in which psychoticism has substantial effects on several important characteristics: perceived daily hassles, depression, and hostility. Depression mediated the association between psychoticism and hopelessness. Goodness-of-fit indices for a final trimmed model that eliminated one path from the initial postulated model revealed good fit to the data, and the two alternative models were found not to fit the data. Like psychosis itself, psychoticism appears to cause meaningful dysfunction even among non-psychiatric individuals from the general population. Additional research is needed to further characterize the detrimental effects of psychoticism or self-reported psychotic symptoms in the general, non-psychiatric population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Adverse behavioral profiles, particularly depression and hostility, increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and affect recovery after CAD events. We sought to determine the effects of outpatient phase II cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs in CAD patients with high levels of psychological distress. Methods: We studied 500 consecutive patients both before and after phase II CRET programs and compared 109 patients with the highest quintile of psychological distress (HD) with 115 patients with the lowest quintile of psychological distress (LD). Results: At baseline, patients with HD were younger (P < 0.00 1), had higher weight (+ 11%; P < 0.00 1), body mass indices (BMI) (+9%; P < 0.01), triglycerides (+66%; P < 0.0001), and glycosylated hemoglobin (+ 9%; P = 0.03), and had higher scores for depression, hostility, anxiety, and somatization (all P < 0.0001), but had lower values for exercise capacity(- 15%; P = 0.02), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (- 10%; P < 0.01), and total quality of life (QoL) (-26%; P < 0.0001), and all 6 major components of QoL compared with LD. After CRET, patients with HD had significant reductions in weight (-2%; P < 0.01), % fat (-6%; P < 0.001), BMI (-2%, P < 0.01), and scores for anxiety (-49%), depression (-47%), somatization (-34%) and hostility (-38%) (all P < 0.000 1), and increases in exercise capacity (+54%; P <0.0001), HDL cholesterol (+ 10%; P < 0.0001), and total Q0L (+23%; P < 0.000 1), and the 6 components of QoL studied. Compared with patients with LD, those with HD had statistically greater improvements in HDL (P = 0.03), triglycerides (P = 0.03), BMI (P = 0.02), as well as all behavioral characteristics and QoL (P < 0.0001), and had similar improvements in all other factors assessed. Conclusions: These data support the routine assessment of high-risk behavioral characteristics in patients with CAD and demonstrate the marked improvements that occur after phase IT CRET programs in CAD patients with high psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of the present study was to compare psychiatric symptoms between adolescents with and without Internet addiction, as well as between analogs with and without substance use. Methods: A total of 3662 students (2328 male and 1334 female) were recruited for the study. Self-report scales were utilized to assess psychiatric symptoms, Internet addiction, and substance use. Results: It was found that Internet addiction or substance use in adolescents was associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. Hostility and depression were associated with Internet addiction and substance use after controlling for other symptoms. Conclusions: This result partially supports the hypothesis that Internet addiction should be included in the organization of problem behavior theory, and it is suggested that prevention and intervention can best be carried out when grouped with other problem behaviors. Moreover, more attention should be devoted to hostile and depressed adolescents in the design of preventive strategies and the related therapeutic interventions for Internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of an integrative bio-behavioral approach to coronary heart disease. We explored relationships between psychological characteristics and traditional biomedical risk factors of coronary heart disease, by using specific methods not commonly used in Slovakia (VCE interview, RIA serotonin levels assessment). A structured interview was conducted with 89 patients, who were divided into 4 diagnostic groups: 1) cardiac patients after myocardial infarction (MI), 2) patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, 3) patients with depression, and 4) participants with growth hormone insufficiency. The VCE interview (Friedman, Ghandour, 1993) was used to assess the levels of free-floating hostility and time urgency. Beck's questionnaires (BDI, BAI) and Zung's inventory were employed in order to explore depression and anxiety. The B.P.A.I. questionnaire was used as the measure of anger and hostility. Medical and biochemical examinations were also performed (e.g., BMI, blood pressure, Doppler, EKG, cholesterol, serotonin). ANOVA, Pearson's coefficients and factor analysis were used as the statistical methods. Cardiac patients after MI scored significantly higher in free-floating hostility, time urgency and total score of the VCE interview compared to all other groups. It has been shown that results of the VCE structured interview are efficient in distinguishing patients with coronary heart disease from patients without this disorder. Cardiac patients also had higher levels of anxiety and depression, which were significantly associated with the lowest serotonin levels in this group. The group of patients with metabolic syndrome had higher levels of the above-mentioned variables compared to the group with depression and growth hormone insufficiency, which illustrates on the psychological level that metabolic syndrome might be perceived as an antecedent of future coronary heart disease. The trend of higher cardiac risk in patients suffering from depression was also partially confirmed. The results of the present study showed that psychosocial factors, especially free-floating hostility and time urgency, are strongly connected to the somatic risk factors which play an important role in the origin and development of coronary heart disease. More attention should be paid to psychosocial factors when considering the treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We examined the relation of hostility, anger, and depression to 10-year changes in the third (C3), and fourth (C4) complement in 313, apparently healthy male participants enrolled in the Air Force Health Study (AFHS), a 20-year study designed to evaluate the health consequences of dioxin exposure. Hostility, depression, and anger were assessed using subscales from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), which was administered in 1985. Given the high intercorrelations among these psychological scales, we used a principal component analysis to generate a composite score representing the linear combination of the hostility, anger, and depression scales. The dependent variables, C3 and C4 levels, were determined from samples collected in 1992, 1997, and 2002. Regression analyses controlling for age, race, alcohol use, body mass index, and cigarette use as well as onset of disease, and use of lipid lowering and blood pressure medications during follow-up revealed a significant time×composite score interaction for C3 complement (p <.0003), but not C4. Post-hoc analyses revealed that high composite scores were associated with larger 10-year increases in C3. These observations suggest that men who are hostile and are prone to experience frequent and intense feelings of anger, and depression show activation of the complement system, and specifically increases in C3, that may contribute to the development of coronary heart disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Affect and motivation are known to arise in the social-cognitive process transference, which occurs when a new person minimally resembles a significant other, implicitly activating the mental representation of this significant other (Andersen, Reznik, & Manzella, 1996) and indirectly, the relational self (i.e. Andersen & Chen, 2002). Triggering the significant-other representation should also indirectly activate any self-discrepancy held from this other's perspective, resulting in shifts in discrete affect and self-regulation. Participants (n = 110; 34 men, 76 women) with an actual-ideal or actual-ought self-discrepancy from their parent's perspective (Higgins, 1987) learned about a new person who did or did not minimally resemble this parent. As predicted, this evoked positive evaluation of the new person, that is, a positive transference, and yet, as a function of self-discrepancy, also increased discrete negative mood with ideal-discrepant individuals becoming more dejected and ought-discrepant individuals more hostile and less calm. Self-regulatory focus shifted as well in terms of motivation to avoid emotional closeness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who experience violence are significantly more likely to have serious health problems above and beyond any injuries they might incur. The intriguing question is why this is so. In this article, the author describes how three sequelae of violence against women--depression, hostility, and sleep disturbance--can increase the risk of disease. One possible mechanism by which these sequelae increase risk is by elevating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines have an adaptive function in fighting infection and repairing injured tissues. However, chronically high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in a wide range of diseases. The author focuses on two illnesses that have not received much attention in the violence against women (VAW) literature: cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the precursor to type 2 diabetes. Preliminary studies also suggest that treatments that can lower inflammation may be promising adjuncts for survivors of VAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Psychiatric manifestations have been reported in cases of manganism, and mood disorders are often observed in manganese (Mn) exposed workers. We examined neuropsychiatric symptoms among formerly Mn-exposed workers 14 years after cessation of exposure. Materials and methods: A study was conducted in 1990 among workers from a ferro- and silico-Mn plant and unexposed working men referents from the same region in South-West Quebec. At follow-up in 2004, 77 former Mn-workers and 81 referents agreed to participate and responded to a neuropsychiatric symptom checklist, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI); scores were transformed into T-scores based on a normative population. Cumulated exposure indices (CEI) were computed for each former Mn-worker. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used. Results: Mean T-scores were significantly higher among former Mn-workers than referents on scales of Depression and Anxiety. Mean T-scores of psychological distress increased with the CEI tertiles, with significant associations for the scales Somatization, Depression, Anxiety and Hostility. Former Mn-workers in the two highest tertiles of CEI showed a higher risk for T-scores ≥63 for Hostility (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.5–38.9), Depression (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1–8.4) and Anxiety (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1–8.4). Conclusion: These results suggest that past exposure to Mn may have lasting consequences on neuropsychiatric symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is some evidence for an association between Cluster C Personality Disorders (CCPD) and suicidal behavior. We compared depressed inpatients with and without CCPD in terms of suicidal behavior and associated psychopathology. Cluster A or B personality disorder co-morbidity were exclusion criteria for both groups (cases and controls). Depressed inpatients with "pure" CCPD had higher levels of suicidal ideation but not more previous suicide attempts compared with patients without CCPD. Greater suicidal ideation in depressed patients with CCPD in our study was associated with more hostility. Future studies examining the relationship between suicidal ideation and hostility in CCPD may clarify whether treatment focused on hostility might be of use for decreasing suicidal ideation in depressed patients with CCPD (Spitzer, Williams, Gibbon et al., 1990). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the contribution of ecological and work conditions can be an important part of the development of depression, anxiety in the research of hard mental work in isolation from the usual relax, frequent overworkings and a decrease the numbers of days off can increase the risk of mental disorder. Objectives: the research of the dependence of the risk of depression, anxiety, level of distress on the ecological and work conditions of managers in far taiga conditions. Methods: there were researched 117 people. In order to investigate depression, anxiety we used PHQ-9, GAD-7, SCL-90-R. A visualanalogue scale was used to research the social and work indicators of life satisfaction, the level of relax. Results: a decrease in the level of relax correlated with depression and anxiety (p <0.05). An increase in the level of anxiety correlated with the level of relax, number of worked years (p <0.05). The intensity of the distress experienced correlated the number of worked years and the position (p <0.05). A low level of relax leads to an increase in the intensity of distress experienced (p <0.05). Such symptoms as somatic, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, increase with a decrease in the level of leisure (p <0.05). The same result is observed with a decrease in the level of relax, but interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility (p <0.05) are dependent factors. Conclusions: there is necessary to improve the conditions of work and relax at the enterprise, to eliminate overworking, and to maintain an appropriate psycho-hygienic management policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of psychological distress and personality traits on self-rated compliance with glaucoma treatment. Methods: One hundred patients with primary open-angle glaucoma participated in the study. General Health Questionnaire, Symptom Distress Checklist, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Defense Style Questionnaire, and Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire were used. Results: Forty-two percent of patients with glaucoma classified as “noncompliers,” those who omitted more than two doses per week. Noncompliers presented more severe symptoms of glaucoma. Depression was found to be associated with poor compliance, whereas adoption of immature defensive style further increased the risk for noncompliance with glaucoma treatment. Conclusions: Depression is associated with self-reported noncompliance with glaucoma treatment, whereas certain personality traits are involved in the increased risk for noncompliance. Further assessment of the depressive feelings by an ophthalmologist and treatment of depression as well as proper psychotherapeutic approaches for maladaptive personality features could be an essential strategy to diminish compliance problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This 14-year longitudinal study examined the independent association between perceived social support and the 5-year progression of depressive tendencies while taking into account the potential effects of childhood/adolescent anger and later hostility. From the on-going population based study of “Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns”, 553 male and 860 female participants responded to a revised version of Beck''s Depression Inventory in 1992 and 1997. Hostility and perceived social support were assessed by self-rated questionnaires in 1992. Childhood/adolescent anger was assessed by parent-reports in 1983. Our results showed that higher levels of perceived social support were associated with the decrease of depressive tendencies after 5 years and lower levels of depressive tendencies prospectively and after 5 years. This association persisted after adjusting for childhood/adolescent anger and later hostility. In addition, hostility was strongly related to the 5-year increase of depressive tendencies and higher levels of depressive tendencies. Social support may therefore be a long-term protective factor from depression irrespective of personality characteristics, such as hostility and anger. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Increased levels of homocysteine have been associated with anger and depression separately. We investigated the association of anger attacks in major depressive disorder (MDD) with serum levels of homocysteine. Methods: Homocysteine serum levels were measured in 192 outpatients with nonpsychotic MDD, mean age 39.9 ± 10.7 (range 19–65), 53% women, at baseline of an open-trial antidepressant treatment. We used the Massachusetts General Hospital Anger Attacks Questionnaire to evaluate anger attacks, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Axis I Disorders—Patient Edition (SCID-I/P) to diagnose MDD and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression to measure depression severity. Results: In the multiple regression analysis split by anger attacks adjusted for parameters of depression, creatinine, vitamin B12, folate, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption, serum levels of homocysteine were positively correlated with length of current major depressive episode (t value, 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], .09 to .43; p = .004) and HAM-D-17 scores (t value, 2.48; 95% CI, .07 to 0.64; p = .016) in patients with anger attacks but not in those without anger attacks. Conclusions: Anger attacks in MDD may moderate the relationship of homocysteine serum levels with the severity and length of the depressive episode. Future studies are warranted to confirm and clarify the nature of this moderating effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chronically elevated systemic inflammation has a dramatic impact on health for older individuals. As stress-related responses, both hostility and pain perception may contribute to inflammation which in turn may maintain negative emotion and pain over time. We used structural equation modeling to examine the degree to which trait hostility and pain were uniquely associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum IL-6 levels over a 6-year span in a sample of older adults. The sample included 113 present or former caregivers of a spouse with dementia and 101 non-caregivers. After accounting for depression, health behaviours, and other risk factors, which were also assessed longitudinally, pain and, to a lesser extent, hostility were uniquely associated with plasma levels of CRP but not IL-6. When examined separately, the association between pain and CRP was significant only for caregivers, while the association between hostility and CRP was comparable for the two groups. These findings suggest that hostility may play a role in a cycle of inflammation among older adults, and that pain may be particularly problematic for those under chronic stress. Our results also shed light on inflammation as a mechanism underlying the effects of hostility on cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We posited that if personality traits were to influence disease development, then there would have to exist a stable link between personality and certain indicators of health status. This hypothesis was evaluated by measuring the stability of blood pressure (BP)–personality associations over a 10-year interval. One hundred and twelve participants completed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and personality questionnaires twice, over a 10-year time interval. Stability coefficients (r) for measures of depression, hostility, self-deception and impression management were 0.35, 0.55, 0.26 and 0.41, respectively. BP was also fairly stable (r =.44 and r =.59 for systolic/diastolic BP). Associations between personality indicators and BP were noted for depression, hostility, and impression management at baseline. Hostility additionally correlated with diastolic BP 10 years later. Further analyses revealed differential results for men and women, as well as a more pronounced linkage in individuals with a positive family history of hypertension. Multiple regression analyses were utilized to assess gender differences. High self-deception was found to predict significant variance in 10-year BP. Higher age and low hostility were both independent predictors of 10-year BP in women. These results support the hypothesis that personality traits can play a role in disease development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Study aim: There is evidence that the second exteroceptive suppression period of temporalis muscle activity (ES2) is modulated by the 5-HT neuronal activity in the brainstem, and the aggression trait is also connected with the cerebral 5-HT neuronal innervation. We therefore studied the temporalis ES2 in subjects with high and low aggression traits. Methods: Sixty-five subjects with either low or high aggression trends, judged by clinical interview, answered the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ), the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scales (SSS) and the Plutchik–van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP). These also underwent a temporalis ES2 test procedure. Twenty-two subjects with a high ZKPQ aggression trait score and 27 with a low score were selected for data analysis. Results: On average, the high aggression group displayed significantly reduced temporalis ES2 duration, elevated ZKPQ Impulsive Sensation Seeking, Neuroticism-Anxiety and Aggression-Hostility, and PVP scores. The personality traits were not related with either latency or duration of temporalis ES2 in any group. The PVP score, however, was negatively correlated with ES2 duration in all 49 subjects. Conclusions: This study demonstrates neurophysiologic signs of brainstem dysfunction in subjects with high aggression traits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The extent to which loneliness is a unique risk factor for depressive symptoms was determined in 2 population-based studies of middle-aged to older adults, and the possible causal influences between loneliness and depressive symptoms were examined longitudinally in the 2nd study, In Study 1, a nationally representative sample of persons aged 54 and older completed a telephone interview as part of a study of health and aging. Higher levels of loneliness were associated with more depressive symptoms, net of the effects of age. gender, ethnicity, education, income, marital status, social support, and perceived stress. In Study 2, detailed measures of loneliness, social support, perceived stress, hostility, and demographic characteristics were collected over a 3-year period from a population-based sample of adults ages 50-67 years from Cook County, Illinois. Loneliness was again associated with more depressive symptoms, net of demographic covariates, marital status, social support, hostility, and perceived stress. Latent variable growth models revealed reciprocal influences over time between loneliness and depressive symptomatology. These data suggest that loneliness and depressive symptomatology can act in a synergistic effect to diminish well-being in middle-aged and older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found that persistent hostility was associated with a different pattern of attributions than persistent sadness in dysphoric episodes (W. D. Scott, R. E. Ingram, & W. G. Shadel, 2003). In the present study, we attempted to extend these findings by examining another cognitive correlate of hostility in dysphoria: hostile cognition. Measures of dysphoria, trait anger, and hostile cognition were administered to college students. We found that the relationship between dysphoria and hostile cognition depended on the level of trait anger. Specifically, the presence of high trait anger in dysphoria was associated with high levels of hostile cognition whereas low trait anger in dysphoria was not associated with elevated hostile cognition. Moreover, the relationship between trait anger and hostile cognition was stronger among dysphoric participants. This finding adds to existing evidence of affective confounds in clinical research and suggests that discrete moods should be taken into account when assessing cognitive correlates in dysphoria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated hostility, social support, coping, depression, and their contributions to concurrent and posttreatment quality of life (QoL) among a group of patients participating in a 6-week cardiac rehabilitation program. Method: Both direct and mediational relationships among psychosocial factors, QoL baseline, and QoL outcome were examined using structural equation modeling analysis, while age, education, and severity of illness (risk for future event) were controlled. Results: The final model was well supported (χ 2=64.88, df=56, P>.05; CFI=.99, RMSEA=.04). Results indicated that baseline QoL, hostility, and depressive symptom severity directly and independently predicted QoL outcome, while depression and hostility were also associated with baseline QoL. Hostility, social support, and maladaptive coping also contributed to baseline and follow-up QoL by their associations with depression. Conclusion: Psychosocial characteristics were interrelated, and they predicted postrehabilitation QoL outcome directly or indirectly through depression symptom severity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We used two studies to examine whether mental health and hostility predicted temporary employment. Study 1 involved a cohort of 970 Finnish hospital employees (102 men, 868 women) who had temporary job contracts at baseline. After adjustment for demographics, organisational tenure and part-time work status, doctor-diagnosed psychiatric disorder predicted continuing in temporary employment instead of receiving a permanent job by the end of the 2-year follow-up. A higher level of hostility was also associated with temporary employment, but only among employees in low socioeconomic positions. In Study 2, anxiety and aggressive behaviour were measured in a cohort of 226 Finnish school children (116 boys, 110 girls) at 8 years of age. Anxiety in childhood predicted temporary employment at age 42. Aggressive behaviour in childhood was related to ongoing temporary employment status in adulthood among individuals in low socioeconomic positions. Our findings suggest that selection by individual characteristics operates between the temporary and permanent workforces. Mental health problems, a part of which are already seen in childhood, seem to restrict individuals’ possibilities to gain secure labour market positions. Hostility and aggressiveness seem to be related to labour market prospects only among individuals in low socioeconomic positions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sixty-five women (aged 32 - 54 yrs) were assessed at 2 months before to 8 months after total abdominal hysterectomy on four separate occasions. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Taylor's Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS), the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), Measurement of Masculinity-Femininity (MF), Likert scales and semantic differentials for psychological, somatic and sexual factors varied as assessment tools. High-dysphoric and low-dysphoric women were compared with regard to hysterectomy outcomes. Married nulliparae suffered from enhanced depression post-surgery. Pre-surgery anxiety, back pain and lack of dyspareunia contributed to post-surgery anxiety. Pre-surgery anxiety was related to life crises. Pre- and post-surgery hostility occurred in conjunction with poor sexual gratification. Post-hysterectomy health improved, but quality of sexual relationship was impaired. Partner support and knowledge counteracted hysterectomy aftermath. Post-hysterectomy symptoms constituted a continuum to pre-surgery signs of depression, anxiety or hostility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly accruing evidence from a diversity of disciplines supports the hypothesis that psychosocial factors are related to morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. We review relevant literature on (a)negative emotional states, including depression, anger and hostility, and anxiety; (b) chronic and acute psychosocial stressors; and (c) social ties, social support, and social conflict. All three of these psychosocial domains have been significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We also discuss critical pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways that likely operate in a synergistic and integrative way to promote atherogenesis and related clinical manifestations. We conclude by discussing some of the important challenges and opportunities for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent reviews (e.g., L. C. Gallo & K. Matthews, 2003; A. Rozanski, J. A. Blumenthal, & J. Kaplan, 1999; R. Rugulies, 2002) have identified 3 affective dispositions-depression, anxiety, and anger-hostility-as putative risk factors for coronary heart disease. There are, however, mixed and negative results. Following a critical summary of epidemiological findings, the present article discusses the construct and measurement overlap among the 3 negative affects. Recognition of the overlap necessitates the development of more complex affect-disease models and has implications for the interpretation of prior studies1 statistical analyses, prevention, and intervention in health psychology and behavioral medicine. The overlap among the 3 negative dispositions also leaves open the possibility that a general disposition toward negative affectivity may be more important for disease risk than any specific negative affect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common and impairing disorder. However, little is known about non-BDD symptoms and well-being in patients with this disorder. Seventy-five outpatients with DSM-IV BDD completed the Symptom Questionnaire, a validated self-report measure with four scales: depression, anxiety, somatic/somatization, and anger-hostility. Scores were compared to published norms for normal subjects and psychiatric outpatients. Participants in an open-label fluvoxamine trial completed the Symptom Questionnaire at baseline and endpoint. Compared to normal controls, BDD subjects had markedly elevated scores on all four scales, indicating severe distress and psychopathology. Compared to psychiatric patients, BDD subjects had higher scores on the depression, anxiety, and anger/hostility scales but not on the somatic/somatization scale. Scores on all scales significantly decreased with fluvoxamine. In conclusion, patients with BDD have markedly high levels of distress, are highly symptomatic, and have poor well-being in the domains of depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and anger-hostility. All of these symptoms significantly improved with fluvoxamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the negative and positive adjustment of divorced custodial parents across several areas of functioning, including depression, hostility, alcohol use, and well-being. Differences among custodial mothers and fathers were evaluated, followed by a series of hierarchical regressions that were used to evaluate factors contributing to negative and positive outcomes for the two groups. Compared to custodial fathers, custodial mothers were significantly younger, less likely to cohabit, and they had less income and more economic strain. In terms of their functioning, mothers experienced greater depression and hostility than fathers, but they were less likely to drink excessively. There were no differences in the family functioning, life satisfaction, personal mastery, or well-being of custodial mothers and fathers. We concluded that custodial parents differ in their negative adjustment, but not their positive adjustment, and that custodial fathers have fewer problems with adjustment than custodial mothers. We offer recommendations for gender-specific programs and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used data from the national Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies (DATOS) to investigate the associations that pre-treatment depression and hostility have with drug use and criminal behavior at 1 year and 5 year follow-up in patients with and without additional treatment involvement in the year prior to each follow-up. Following a naturalistic, non-experimental evaluation design, admissions to methadone treatment were followed up approximately 1 and 5 years later. Data analysis was conducted using multiple logistic regression. Eighteen programs from DATOS were included. An analytic sample consisting of 727 patients at 1 year follow-up and 432 patients at 5 year follow-up was included. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that greater depression predicted less drug use in the year preceding each follow-up, whereas greater hostility predicted increased drug use and more arrests at each follow-up. Furthermore, these predictive relationships appeared only among individuals not involved in additional treatment. Depression and hostility showed opposite associations with outcomes, underscoring the need to assess these psychological conditions separately and tailor treatment plans appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between traumatic events and suicide risk is well known. Most researches agree that Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) plays a major role in this link. However, less is known about the specific posttraumatic symptom constellation that predicts suicide risk. In the current study we examined the posttraumatic symptom''s profile which is associated with suicide risk, in a community sample of men with no known psychopathology. The research population included 103 men aged 25–45. They were administered the ‘Traumatic Event Questionnaire’, ‘PTSD Scale’, ‘Suicide Risk Scale’ (SRS) and the SCL-90. Results indicated that suicide risk was predicted by high levels of depression and hostility. High levels of arousal symptom and low levels of avoidance added a significant contribution to that prediction, suggesting that avoidance may serve as a buffer against suicide risk, while high levels of arousal may increase suicide risk. These findings may serve mental health professionals to identify high-risk persons also in a non-clinical population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the direct and mediated contributions of psychosocial variables to posttreatment physical functioning among 142 patients receiving cardiac rehabilitation. Two models were proposed and tested. In the first model, psychosocial factors were correlated and made to predict baseline and 6-week physical functioning. The results showed that after controlling for age, illness severity, baseline physical functioning, and other psychosocial correlates, optimism and social support still significantly predicted better posttreatment physical functioning. In the second model, we explored both the direct and mediational relationships between psychosocial factors and physical health outcomes. Optimism and social support were found to contribute to health outcomes not only directly but also indirectly through the mediation of less engagement in detrimental coping and lower depressive symptoms, whereas hostility and negative coping only predicted outcomes indirectly through mediators. These findings highlighted the importance of addressing psychosocial issues and their interrelationships in cardiac rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies of coping, hostility, and depressive symptoms have highlighted the significant relations between all possible pairs of these 3 variables. To more completely explore the nature of depressive symptoms, we link them all together in this study by testing a coping??hostility depressive symptoms path model. One hundred forty participants completed psychological questionnaires measuring coping strategies, hostility, and depressive symptoms. While controlling age and social class as covariates, SPSS stepwise regression analyses were used to examine relations among these 3 constructs. Results suggest that coping has a direct relation with depressive symptoms as well as an indirect relation mediated by hostility. Passive coping may lead to increased hostility, resulting in depressive symptoms. Active coping may have the opposite effect. These findings suggest that the inclusion of measures of both coping strategies and hostility yields a more thorough understanding of concomitants of depressive symptoms. From a clinical perspective, knowing what coping strategies a person uses and how much anger they experience and express may be useful in guiding the management of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the prognostic significance of depression and hostility has been established, little is known about how they operate together to influence disease processes. This study explored the independent and interactive relationships between these constructs and the expression of inflammatory markers implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. One hundred adults completed measures of cynical hostility and depressive symptoms, and had blood drawn to assess serum levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Depression was directly related to inflammatory markers, but hostility was not. A significant interaction between hostility and depression emerged. Among participants scoring low in depressive symptoms, hostility was positively associated with interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations. Hostility's association with these inflammatory markers was much weaker among participants with moderate depressive symptoms, however, and virtually nil among participants with severe depressive symptoms. Neither depression nor hostility was associated with interleukin-1β concentrations. These findings highlight the importance of considering both the independent and interactive relationships among psychosocial characteristics involved in disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regular use of ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) has been associated with depressed mood, anxiety and hostility, but it is not known whether such effects persist after people stop using the drug. Furthermore, little is known about what factors might influence the decision to quit using MDMA. The aim of the present study was to examine the reasons why ex-users had stopped using this drug and to assess their current levels of depression, anxiety, anger and aggression. Telephone interviews were conducted with people who used to take MDMA on a regular basis but who no longer used the drug. The participants comprised sixty-six ex-users who used to take MDMA regularly (at least once every 2 months over a period of at least 1 year), but who had not taken MDMA for at least 1 year (average 3 years). Participants were asked about why they had quit MDMA. They also completed questionnaires to assess trait mood. Ex-users could be divided into two groups based on their reason for quitting: (i) those who had quit for mental health reasons and (ii) those who had quit for circumstantial reasons. Approximately half of those in the mental health group scored in the range for clinical depression. In that group, current levels of depression and anxiety correlated significantly with the cumulative amount of MDMA that they had taken several years previously. These findings suggest that some users may either be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of MDMA or have pre-existing mental health problems for which they self-medicate by using ecstasy. The present study shows that some ex-users experience an impairment to mental health that persists for years after they stop using this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Although psychosocial factors are correlated, previous studies on risk factors for hypertension have typically examined psychosocial factors individually and have yielded inconsistent findings. Objective: To examine the role of psychosocial factors of time urgency/impatience (TUI), achievement striving/competitiveness (ASC), hostility, depression, and anxiety on long-term risk of hypertension. Design, Setting, and Study Population: A population-based, prospective, observational study using participant data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. A total of 3308 black and white adults aged 18 to 30 years (when recruited in 1985 and 1986) from 4 US metropolitan areas and followed up through 2000 to 2001. Main Outcome Measures: Fifteen-year cumulative incidence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, or taking antihypertensive medication). Results: The incidence of hypertension at year 15 was 15% from baseline and 13.6% from year 5. After adjusting for the same set of hypertension risk factors and each of the psychosocial factors of TUI, ASC, hostility, depression, and anxiety in 5 separate logistic regression models, higher TUI and hostility were significantly associated with risk of developing hypertension at 15-year follow-up for the total sample. Compared with the lowest score group, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for TUI was 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.03) for a score of 1; 1.47 (95% CI, 1.08-2.02) for a score of 2; and 1.84 (95% CI, 1.29-2.62) for a score of 3 to 4 (P for trend = .001). Compared with the lowest quartile group, the adjusted OR for hostility was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.76-1.47) for quartile 2; 1.38 (95% CI, 1.00-1.91) for quartile 3; and 1.84 (95% CI, 1.33-2.54) for quartile 4 (P for trend <.001). No consistent patterns were found for ASC, depression, or anxiety. Race- and sex-specific analyses and multivariable models with si... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the association between abuse in childhood and adverse adult health outcomes is well established, this link is infrequently acknowledged in the general medical literature. This paper has 2 purposes: (1) to provide a broad overview of the research on the long-term effects of child abuse on mental and physical health including some of the potential pathways, and (2) to call for collaborative action among clinicians, psychosocial and biomedical researchers, social service agencies, criminal justice systems, insurance companies, and public policy makers to take a comprehensive approach to both preventing and dealing with the sequelae of childhood abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the relationship between five theory-based variables and the severity of depression. The variables were self-concept, self and spouse ascribed hostility, spouses’ level of depression, and involvement in home activities. Methods: Based on DSM-IV criteria and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, 75 wife-depressed couples and 59 husband-depressed couples were included in the study. In addition to the BDI, both spouses completed questionnaires relating to self-concept, self- and spouse ascribed hostility, and involvement in home activities. Results: Multiple regression analyses for male and female patients and spouses revealed that in the four groups self-concept was significantly related to the severity of depression. Irrespective of clinical status, involvement in home activities was significantly associated with the severity of depression of women. The relationship between spouse ascribed hostility and the level of depression of both spouses in husband-depressed couples approached significance so did the relationship between patient’s and spouse’s level of depression in wife-depressed couples. In husband-depressed couples the association between spouses’ level of depression reached significance. Conclusions: The shared and gender-related predictors of severity of depression support an integrative theoretical approach to depression and offer practical implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the psychological reaction to conization before and after the operation compared to hysterectomy. To study the incidence of psychological stress related to conization, 60 women undergoing conization were compared to 40 women who had undergone hysterectomy.Method: Psychological disease was rated in the pre- and postoperative periods using the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ). Each patient was evaluated 2 weeks before the operation, and 3, 6 and 12 months after it.Results: Both the conization and hysterectomy groups showed a significant reduction in anxiety and depression at the 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups compared to the preoperative period. Two weeks before surgery, 8 conization patients (19.5%) showed an anxious status, while 10 (24.3%) presented high levels of anxiety and depression. Within hysterectomy patients, the occurrence was respectively of 4 (12.9%) and 10 women (32.2%). Twelve months after surgery, of the women with preoperative depression, only four (9.7%) conization and four (12.9%) hysterectomy patients presented a negative mood status. A similar trend was present for somatic symptoms but only in the conization group, because the hysterectomy patients did not show a reduction in these symptoms from the preoperative to the postoperative period. This result could be related to the surgical menopause due to the bilateral oophoriectomy executed in more than half of the hysterectomy group.Conclusion: In general, the results of the present study show that the conservative and nonconservative uterine surgery determines a good psychological prognosis in the short- and long-term postoperative periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the impact of torture on symptomatology among mass displaced adults. Method: A sample (total 131; 70 females, 61 males) of mass displaced adults from Kosovo, in Sweden, completed 3 months after a baseline study on trauma experiences and perceived symptoms, self-rated instruments measuring psychiatric symptoms, aggression and coping. Results: Torture is associated with poor coping (manageability); depression, anxiety and aggression are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. All psychiatric symptoms and poor coping (but not aggression) are associated with being female. Limitations of the study include a relatively small sample. Ongoing trauma and stress before repatriation may also influence the responses. Several lessons learnt for prevention are discussed. Conclusion: Anger and hostility are important consequences of torture. Further research is necessary to understand the associations among coping strategies, psychiatric symptoms, aggression, torture experience and gender over time after repatriation or applying for asylum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pregnancy, the total serum cholesterol concentration rises up to 43%, followed by a rapid fall after delivery. Mild depressive symptoms (‘postpartum blues’) are a common complication of the puerperium and affect 30–85% of women in the early postpartum period. Based on these observations, it has been suggested that the sudden fall in cholesterol levels after delivery could serve as a ‘natural model’ to test the suggested association between cholesterol and mood. The present study was designed to expand the database concerning the association between cholesterol levels and mood in the postpartum period and to address some methodological problems raised by previous studies. Forty-seven healthy primiparous women were interviewed with a structured clinical interview on two occasions: during late pregnancy (median: day −20 before the expected delivery) and during the early postpartum period (median: day 32 after delivery). On both occasions, serum concentrations of total and HDL cholesterol were measured and mood symptoms were assessed with the state form of Spielberger''s State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI), the state form of the State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We found significant, albeit moderate, relationships between serum cholesterol levels and mood symptoms in the postpartum period that were not present during late pregnancy. Lower postpartum levels of total cholesterol were associated with symptoms of anxiety (r=−0.30, P=0.04), anger/hostility (r=−0.31, P=0.04), and depression (r=−0.35, P=0.02), and lower postpartum levels of HDL cholesterol were associated with symptoms of anxiety (r=−0.34, P=0.02). This study confirms that the physiological fall in blood lipids in the postpartum period can be a useful model to test the relationship between serum cholesterol levels and mood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We examined the diathesis-stress model of sociotropy and autonomy in the prediction of dysphoria and self-reported hostility. Participants were 39 women who had recently relocated to the United States. Because participants relocated at approximately the same time and for the same reasons (husband enrolled in a university program), we were able to measure multiple stressors that occurred in the same context (relocation). We measured stress comprehensively using semistructured interviews and coded each negative stressor into interpersonal and achievement categories. The match between sociotropy and interpersonal stressors predicted dysphoria, whereas the match between autonomy and achievement stressors predicted hostility. Implications for the diathesis-stress model of sociotropy–autonomy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and level of anxiety, depression, and aggression in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures compared with those in patients with somatoform disorders and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-three patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs) and 23 age- and sex-matched patients with somatoform disorders (SDs) underwent a clinical and a semistructured psychiatric interview (MINI) and filled in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Twenty-three sex- and age-matched controls without psychopathology also underwent a clinical interview and completed the HAD and AQ. Results: PNES reported more minor head injuries in the past than did the two comparison groups, and more unspecific EEG dysrhythmias were observed on EEG. Twenty-one PNES patients and 18 with SDs had comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. However, the mean number of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses was higher in the PNES group (1.9 ± 0.3 compared with 1.5 ± 0.5 in the SD group; p = 0.003). Ten PNES patients additionally had a somatoform pain disorder, and seven had an undifferentiated somatoform disorder. Both patient groups reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and anger than did the healthy controls, but the PNES patients had significantly higher level of hostility than both comparison groups. Conclusions: Increased psychiatric comorbidity is known to be associated with poorer response to regular interventions, and hostility is associated with more hostile coping patterns, often interfering with treatment compliance. Thus the increased prevalence of soft neurologic signs and comorbid psychiatric disorders and increased hostility as well in the PNES group, emphasizes that assessment and treatment of patients with PNES referred to a tertiary center requires an integrated approach involving both neurologic and psychiatric resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the one-child policy was implemented in China in 1979, many investigators have studied the psychological consequences to children without siblings. Although the results are not conclusive, there is evidence that children who have siblings, rather than only children, have increased anxiety and depression. Whether the differences between students with and without siblings would continue when they reached university age is an interesting question. We used the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire to assess personality traits and the Plutchik–van Praag Depression Inventory to measure depressed mood in 134 university students with and 126 university students without siblings. Most students without siblings (93.7%) were reared in urban areas, while 90.3% of students with siblings came from rural areas. Parental professions were higher in social status and annual family incomes were higher in students without siblings. Increased neuroticism–anxiety, aggression–hostility, and depressed mood were found in students with siblings. Gender and annual family income were not significantly related to personality in the two groups, and birth-order position was not related to personality in the students with siblings. In contrast, the depression score was positively correlated with neuroticism–anxiety and aggression–hostility, but negatively correlated with parental occupation and annual family income. The greater competition to receive high education, reduced benefits from society, and lower level of social respect might nurture these personality traits in students with siblings. These findings might, in some limited aspects, indicate that the one-child policy affects personality traits and depressed mood in students with siblings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Domestically violent (DV) versus non-violent fathers were more hostile & depressed. • DV fathers reported more coparenting disrespect and communication difficulties. Each of these significantly mediated the path between DV and child outcomes. Most children exposed to father-perpetrated domestic violence (DV) continue to have contact or live with fathers, yet there is little research on the impact of fathering in the context of domestic violence. This paper aimed to identify pathways from children's exposure to father-perpetrated DV to compromised social-emotional outcomes. Based on extant literature on fathering and domestic violence, psychological, parenting, and coparenting features in DV fathers were identified as potential mediators of the relationship between child exposure to DV and their social-emotional outcomes. Participants were 123 fathers with confirmed histories of DV perpetration and 101 comparison fathers without such histories. Fathers completed self-report measures during two assessment sessions held at the university. Simple mediation analyses were used to examine pathways between fathers' DV perpetration and child internalizing and externalizing difficulties through potential mediators. Paternal depression, hostility, and coparenting difficulties significantly mediated the relationship between child exposure to DV and child internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Low paternal warmth was associated with child externalizing difficulties but did not function as a mediator. Paternal over-reactivity and laxness, in contrast, were not significantly correlated with DV perpetration or with child internalizing or externalizing outcomes. This study suggests that fathers' emotion regulation and coparenting difficulties are important correlates of his DV perpetration and of their children's psychological symptoms and should be considered as potential foci for parenting intervention with this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Existing literature supports the association between depression and self-harm, a prominent risk factor of suicide. Objectives: Analysis of psychological characteristics of women with depression and self-harming behavior and their differences from patients with depression without self-harm. Methods: The study involved 62 women with depression (age 16-23), 36 with self-harming, 26 did not have episodes of self-harm. Hamilton Scale (HDRS), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), SCL-90-R, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Body Investment Scale (BIS) were used. Results: Computer test execution time is shorter in the selfharming group, the total time in WCST and IGT tests is significantly shorter (T Test p<0.001), «inhibition» (HDRS) in this group is significantly lower. The self-harmed group demonstrates higher feelings of guilt (2.222±1.141 versus 1.367±1.326 in the nonself-harm group, p=<0.001), suicidal ideation (2.653±1.302 versus 1.100±1.373 p<0.001), psychopathological symptoms in SCL90-R: sensitivity (1.812±0.861 versus 1.185±0.553), hostility (1.388±0.965 versus 0.729±0.700 p=0.004), GSI (1.539±0.705 versus 1.205±0.473 p=0.039), and a special attitude towards body - a decrease of somatic symptoms (HDRS), decreased parameter of "protection" of body and the «attitude to the body» in Body Investment Scale (BIS). Conclusions: The study revealed psychological characteristics that distinguish a group of depressed women with self-harming: a mismatch of the severity of the components of depressive tirade - motor and ideator inhibition was less pronounced, while the affective component was significantly more pronounced. The body investment is reduced, the need to protect one's own body is ignored. High level of guilt, and the increased sensitivity characteristic of these patients can be a vulnerability factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The problem of specificity of psychological adaptation mechanisms at the patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is extremely actual. The aim is to investigate gender psychological characteristics associated with T2DM Objectives: In the comparative study 62 patients (28 male, 34 female; mean age 56,8±2,3 and 55,4±2,7 yrs.) with T2DM (HbA1c 7,3±1,3%) and visceral obesity (Grade 2) were included. Methods: Research methods: the Depression Scale of Zung, the Spielberger trait scale anxiety, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and MMPI test. Results: T2DM-female-patients in comparison with T2DM-male showed significantly higher personal anxiety scores (51,2+7,6 and 44,1+10,6 respectively; T<0,05), depression scores (44,2+7,6 and 36,7+8,4 respectively; T<0,05), while alexithymia scores were higher at T2DM-males (68,2+9,6 and 71,7+6,4 respectively; p<0,05). In MMPI test (after correction by K-scale) 46,8% of patients demonstrated profiles with elevated scale 1 score (above 70 T-scores, but below 80 T-scores) regardless of gender differences. However, the T-scores for T2DM-male patients were on the average by 1,07 higher than for T2DM-female (58,4 vs 54,4 respectively, -0,05), that indicated more higher concern related to own physical health condition. The female T2DM-patients significantly more often demonstrated profiles with scale 6 peak (exceeding 65 T-scores): 79,4% vs. 21,4%, which indicated the more higher accentuation of personality traits (concealed hostility; protest; rigidity, desire to blame the others for one's failure, et cetera). Conclusions: The patient's gender has to be taken into consideration at development of clinical, diagnostic and prevention activities of patients with T2DM and visceral obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This longitudinal study was implemented at two timepoints, i.e., during the peak and the remission of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Fear significantly decreased over time, while depression level significantly increased during the second wave compared to the first wave of the survey. • Younger age, lower-income, increased level of perceived stress, and current quarantine experience were significant predictors of depression escalation. • The use of negative coping strategy plays a potential intermediating role in the stress-related increase in hostility, while social support acts as a buffer in hostility in the general population under high stress. The current COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to physical health, but also brings a burden to mental health in the general Chinese population. However, the temporal change of mental health status due to pandemic-related stress in relation to protective and risk factors to hostility is less known. This study was implemented at two timepoints, i.e., during the peak and the remission of the COVID-19 pandemic. 3233 Chinese individuals participated in the first wave, and among them 1390 participants were followed in a second wave. The result showed that fear significantly decreased over time, while depression level significantly increased during the second wave compared to the first wave of the survey. Younger age, lower-income, increased level of perceived stress, and current quarantine experience were significant predictors of depression escalation. Younger people and individuals who had a higher initial stress response tended to show more hostility. Furthermore, the use of negative coping strategy plays a potential intermediating role in the stress-related increase in hostility, while social support acts as a buffer in hostility in the general population under high stress. As the whole world is facing the same pandemic, this research provides several implications for public mental health intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The novel GSK-3β inhibitor AF3581 has remarkable stabilizing properties on mood cycling, in animal models of mood disorders. • AF3581 prevented experimentally induced anhedonia in mice(down phase) and reduced the established aberrant hostile behavior towards intruder following long lasting isolation (up phase). • The efficacy of AF3581 in each animal model was always comparable to that of fully effective doses of reference drugs used. • In view of the promising pharmacological properties, AF3581 could be the prototype of a novel class of therapeutics for Bipolar Disorders. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N-[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzyme and highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N-[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzyme and highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N -[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzymeand highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N -[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzyme and highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N -[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzyme and highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N -[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzyme and highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase mediating phosphorylation on serine and threonine amino acid residues of several target molecules. The enzyme is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes and aberrant activity of GSK-3β has been linked to several disease conditions. There is now large evidence on the role of GSK-3β in the pathophysiology of mood disturbances with special regard to bipolar disorders. In the present study we further investigated the role of GSK-3β in bipolar disorders by studying AF3581, the prototype of a novel class of ATP-competitive GSK-3β inhibitors having the common N -[(1- alkylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide scaffold. Based on previous studies, AF3581 inhibits GSK-3β in the nanomolar range on purified human enzyme and highly selective with respect to other kinases. Current study demonstrates that the compound has efficacy both in the chronic mild stress paradigm of depression (mimicking the down phase of bipolar disorder) and on mice aggressiveness in the resident intruder model (mimicking the up phase). These findings underline the importance of aberrant GSK-3β activity in the development/ maintenance of mood oscillation in this peculiar pathological condition. Moreover, the present work also suggests a therapeutic potential for selective GSK-3 β inhibitors in the management of bipolar disorders patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Emotion adjustment is significantly negatively associated with Internet Gaming Disorder. • Emotion adjustment moderates the association between emotion concealment and Internet Gaming Disorder. • We believe the numerous problems arising from Internet Gaming Disorder could be partially resolved by employing emotion-focused therapy to intervene in the emotion-regulation deficit. Lack of control over Internet gaming habits may result in negative consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the emotional regulation of adults with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and the association of emotion regulation, depression, and hostility. Advertisements were used to recruit 69 young adults with IGD, 69 sex- and age-matched controls, and 69 sex- and age-matched regular gamers. The diagnosis of IGD was according to diagnostic interviews based on DSM-5 IGD research criteria. Participants completed the Affective Style Questionnaire, the center of epidemiological studies depression scale and the short-form Chinese version of Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory. In the IGD group, the emotion adjustment score was significantly lower, whereas the scores for depression, and hostility were significantly higher than in the other two groups. In addition, emotion adjustment is the most associated emotion regulation behavior of IGD, followed by emotion concealment. In IGD group, emotion adjustment had a negative correlation with depression and hostility. Our study demonstrate that emotion adjustment is significantly associated with IGD. The depression and hostility mediated the association. Knowing that emotion adjustment plays a critical role in IGD, future interventions should focus on this subscale of emotion regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The concept of negative affectivity includes anxiety, depression and hostility - i.e. negative emotional disposition that may contribute to the negative I-concept development in patients under influence of stress. In this context, the hostility is considered as the complex motivational condition, and the aggression is defined as a specific behavior determined by such condition. Objectives: The study of relevant negative emotional condition in somatic patients is of high scientific significance. Methods: The study population comprised of 32 esophagitis patents (11 males and 21 females, average age 29.7±9; average duration of disease: 3,7±2,1. Psychometric studies included scale anxiety and anger Spielberger, Zung scale and TAS Results: Аnalysis results showed that in esophagitis patients, the following psychological indices were significantly higher as compared to the healthy: reactive anxiety (46,28±8,21 vs. 37,34±9,23, р≤0,01); personal anxiety: 50,42±6,12 vs. 41,23±6,73; р<0,01; alexithymia level: 70,75 vs. 59,05±9,16, р<0,01) and Zung depression score (43,53±5,26 vs. 36,29±5,95, р<0,01). The level of aggression: anger as event reaction: 12,32±2,08 vs 8,63±2,43, р<0,01; and hostility score: 0,98±0,69 vs. 0,47±0,38; р <0,001. Correlational analysis revealed that increased duration and severity of depression (r=0,743; р <0,01) was related with growing anger as event reaction (r=0,409; р <0,01) and hostility (r=0,435; р < 0,01); elevated level of personal anxiety (r=0,639; р <0,01), alexithymia score (r=0,334; р <0,01). The discovered negative emotional conditions indicated prominent interpersonal conflict in this subset of patients Conclusions: The data obtained indicate high level of aggression / hostility in this subset of patients and suggest the need for psychopharmaceutical and psychotherapeutic care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]