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Objective: To review the literature on the impact of gonadal hormones on features of borderline personality disorder. Background: Oestrogen flux and absolute sex hormone levels are known to be associated with various mood states in women. We investigated whether this was particularly relevant for borderline symptoms in women with or without borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: Systematic literature review. Discussion: There is some evidence that borderline symptoms are more severe during certain phases on the menstrual cycle in non-clinical samples of women. There is also a small evidence base that suggests that women with BPD show symptom exacerbation during the late luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Conclusion: More work is required to establish the nature and mechanisms of interactions between gonadal hormones and symptom expression in BPD patients, and therapeutic endeavours need stringent empirical testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Research has indicated potentially neutral or even positive cognitive effects of e-cigarette usage in adults, but whether these findings extend to adolescents remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine the interplay between e-cigarette use, mind wandering and self-efficacy, and mood. Method: The responses of 432 adolescents aged 11-18 years from an online survey were analyzed. Among them, 88 adolescents had used e-cigarettes. Results: Adolescents who have used e-cigarettes reported poorer academic self-efficacy, t (430) = 3.26, 95% CI [1.12, 4.51], p < 0.001; greater mind-wandering tendencies t(430) = −3.38, 95% CI [-4.14, −1.10], p < 0.001; and greater severity of depression, t(430) = −3.38, p < 0.001, anxiety t(430) = −2.67, p = 0.01, and stress t(430) = −3.32, p <.001. Increased frequency of e-cigarette use was also associated with attitudes toward e-cigarette use, r (86) = 0.31, p = 0.003 and lower academic self-efficacy, r (86) = −0.27, p =.010. However, there was no significant correlation between frequency of use and mind-wandering. Further network analysis suggested negative relationships between frequency of e-cigarette use, academic self-efficacy and mind-wandering. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a potential adverse impact of e-cigarette use on mind-wandering and academic confidence among adolescents. However, the direct or indirect relationship between e-cigarette use and these effects could not be definitively determined due to the cross-sectional survey design employed in our study. Nonetheless, our findings underscore the importance of considering developmental differences and the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents when assessing the impact of e-cigarette use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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, Mage = 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. Highlights: State videoconferencing use predicted increased urges for exercise, but not negative mood, or urges for binge‐eating/purging or restrictive eatingState videoconferencing use predicted decreased body dissatisfaction (i.e., increased body satisfaction)Encourage future research into the nuances of videoconferencing use and potential consequences of interface design features [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distinction has been made between primary and secondary exercise dependence, with the latter defined as excessive exercise secondary to disordered eating and weight concerns. Based on theoretical considerations from research on the roles of trait factors in addictions, the present study used validated scales to assess alexithymia, sensitivity to reward and punishment, emotion regulation and interoception in relation to exercise dependence symptoms in Australian male and female non-binge eaters (n = 228) and severe binge eaters (n = 126) aged 18–30 yr. In both groups, exercise dependence symptoms were significantly positively associated with reward sensitivity and interoceptive awareness, with the latter two variables predicting exercise dependence symptoms in hierarchical regression models; punishment sensitivity was significantly negatively related to such symptoms. Alexithymia was significantly associated with exercise dependence symptoms only in non-binge eaters; in severe binge eaters, alexithymia explained 0% of unique variance. Male sex was associated with more exercise dependence symptoms in severe binge eaters only. Participants in the severe binge group scored significantly higher on measures of exercise dependence, alexithymia, risky alcohol use, and sensitivity to reward and punishment, and significantly lower on emotion regulation, compared to those in the non-binge group. Hierarchical regression models explained 25% of variance in exercise dependence symptoms in non-binge-eaters and 43% in severe binge eaters. Findings are discussed in terms of the distinction between primary and secondary exercise dependence, the role of alexithymia, study limitations including data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, and suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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., (© 2024 The Author(s). International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Alexithymia, a trait dimension defined by difficulties identifying and describing feelings and an externally oriented thinking style, is often associated with negative moods such as depression, anxiety and stress as well as an insecure adult attachment style. The present study evaluated the hypothesis that the link between alexithymia and negative moods is mediated by insecure attachment, which implies a lack of social resources for coping with distress. A nonclinical online community sample of 206 male and female young adults recruited from throughout Australia completed validated measures of alexithymia, attachment security and negative moods. In a hierarchical regression model with demographic variables and socially desirable responding at step 1, alexithymia at step 2 and insecure attachment at step 3, the final model accounted for 62.4% of variance in negative moods, with alexithymia and insecure attachment as significant predictors. Bootstrapped mediation modelling, controlling for demographic variables and socially desirable responding, indicated partial mediation of the association between alexithymia and negative moods by insecure attachment. Results point to the role of insecure attachment in the negative moods often associated with alexithymia, presumably in addition to the deficient emotional self-regulation associated with alexithymia. What is already known about this topic: Alexithymia is associated with negative moods and maladaptive coping. Alexithymia is associated with insecure adult attachment styles. Alexithymia is associated with loneliness and interpersonal difficulties.What this topic adds: Insecure attachment mediated the association of alexithymia with negative moods. This suggests the role of insecure attachment in negative moods associated with alexithymia. Therapy for alexithymic clients may thus benefit from targeting insecure attachment, but replication is needed in clinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

Introduction: Depression is often an under-recognised feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is detrimental to physical and interpersonal functioning, negatively impacting a patient's clinical management, quality of life and well-being. We aimed to identify clinical predictors and management implications of depression in Australian PD patients.Methods: 103 PD and 81 Healthy Control (HC) subjects were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and other validated PD motor and non-motor symptom (NMS) tools.Results: Nearly twice as many PD patients were depressed, (38.9% vs 20.1%, p = 0.009), with a corresponding increase in depression severity on the BDI (11.9; standard deviation (SD) 8.8 vs 5.2; SD 5.5, p<0.001), and an odds ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval 1.2 - 4.7). Employment appeared to be a relative protective factor for depression, whilst patients requiring support services seemed to be more vulnerable to depression. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder, dyskinesias, impulse control disorder, higher daily levodopa equivalent dose, increased motor severity, as well as catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor and amantadine use, all showed associations with depression (p<0.05). Chronic pain, decreased physical activity, constipation and upper gastrointestinal dysfunction presented with an apparent increase in risk for developing depression and increased depression severity. Other NMS were also found to be associated with PD-related depression.Limitations: Potential selection bias of self-reporting data collection from specialist PD clinics in a single metropolitan area.Conclusion: Our findings provide novel insight into the prevalence of depression in PD, possible contributory factors and future treatment strategies targeting depression in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Single-item mood scales (SIMS) are used in clinical practice and research as simple and convenient measures to track mood and response to interventions but have rarely been formally evaluated in neurological samples. The current study sought to evaluate the psychometric properties of SIMS in verbal and visual formats. Participants: Sixty-one people living in community settings in metropolitan and regional Australia, with a history of traumatic brain injury. Methods: SIMS were compared with measures of related constructs (depressed mood and satisfaction with life) on two occasions between one and three weeks apart. Results: The study met COSMIN method quality criteria for evaluation of validity. The SIMS showed evidence of construct validity, having moderate magnitude correlation coefficients with measures of similar constructs, and conversely low and non-significant correlation with dissimilar constructs. There was also evidence of discriminant validity, with significant differences based on diagnostic status (participants with depression rated SIMS lower). Correlation coefficients on the SIMS between Times 1 and 2 were of moderate magnitude, with a small but statistically significant increase in mean ratings. Conclusions: the data support the SIMS as a valid measure that can be administered to track changes in mood in clinical practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke survivors report significant levels of psychological distress post stroke. To date, most studies conducted have focused on the relationship between psychological stress and functional outcomes in the acute phase of stroke. However, no studies had considered the role of stress over the chronic phase, where stress may continue to exert negative effects on cognitive and psychological processes. Further, the role of potentially modulatory variables, such as psychological resilience, on stroke outcomes has been understudied. The purpose of this study was to consider the relationships between stress and resilience with functional outcomes in long-term survivors of stroke. People (N = 70) who had experienced a stroke between 5 months and 28 years ago were included in the cross-sectional study, along with age-matched controls (N = 70). We measured stress using both the Perceived Stress Scale and biological markers, and resilience using both the Brief Resilience Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Stroke outcomes were assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale. We found that, compared with age-matched controls, stroke survivors reported greater levels of perceived stress, and lower levels of resilience. In stroke survivors, both perceived stress and resilience were independently associated with stroke outcomes in linear regression models. In particular, these relationships were observed for cognitive outcomes including mood, memory, and communication. The association between stress and stroke outcome did not differ across time post stroke. Given that resilience is a modifiable psychological construct, future research may consider whether strategies directed at enhancing resilience may improve recovery from stroke. Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000736347. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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., (© 2024 The Authors. Epilepsia Open published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International League Against Epilepsy.)

Mood problems are common after stroke, and screening is recommended. Training may support staff knowledge and implementation of screening, but the feasibility of training programmes in the Australian healthcare system has not been formally established. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a mood screening training for a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of stroke clinicians working in a post-acute inpatient rehabilitation service.Twelve staff from a rehabilitation service at a major hospital in Sydney, Australia participated in a 3-h interactive training session. The feasibility of running the course, assessment of knowledge gained via a consolidation exercise and quiz and acceptability of the training were assessed via focus groups.The in-person modality of the training hindered recruitment and assessment of participants' knowledge, though the actual measures themselves appeared appropriate. Nine participants provided feedback in two focus groups. Thematic analysis identified positive reactions to the training. However, low self-efficacy persisted and organisational/socio-cultural barriers to implementation emerged. Following training, the medical officers of the MDT had successfully implemented routine screening.Overall, the training appeared acceptable and to foster knowledge in staff. However, limitations to recruitment and administering evaluations were identified. The development of flexible online training may improve future evaluations of screening training programmes/pathways.

Background Stress, craving, and depressed mood have all been implicated in alcohol use treatment lapses. Few studies have examined all 3 factors. Progress has been limited because of difficulties with craving assessment. The Alcohol Craving Experience Questionnaire ( ACE) is a new measure of alcohol craving. It is both psychometrically sound and conceptually rigorous. This prospective study examines a stress-treatment response model that incorporates mediation by craving and moderation by depressed mood and pharmacotherapy. Methods Five hundred and thirty-nine consecutively treated alcohol-dependent patients voluntarily participated in an abstinence-based 12-week cognitive-behavioral therapy ( CBT) program at a hospital alcohol and drug outpatient clinic. Measures of stress, craving, depressed mood, and alcohol dependence severity were administered prior to treatment. Treatment lapse and treatment dropout were assessed over the 12-week program duration. Results Patients reporting greater stress experienced stronger and more frequent cravings. Stronger alcohol craving predicted lapse, after controlling for dependence severity, stress, depression, and pharmacotherapy. Alcohol craving mediated stress to predict lapse. Depressed mood and anticraving medication were not significant moderators. Conclusions Among treatment seeking, alcohol-dependent patients, craving mediated the relationship between stress and lapse. The effect was not moderated by depressed mood or anticraving medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with aphasia and their family members are at high risk of experiencing post stroke depression. The impact of early interventions on mood and quality of life for people with aphasia is unknown. Methods/design: This study will determine whether an early intervention for both the person with aphasia after stroke and their family members leads to better mood and quality of life outcomes for people with aphasia, and less caregiver burden and better mental health for their family members. This is a multicenter, cluster-randomized controlled trial. Clusters, which are represented by Health Service Districts, will be randomized to the experimental intervention (Aphasia Action Success Knowledge Program) or an attention control (Secondary Stroke Prevention Information Program). People with aphasia and their family members will be blinded to the study design and treatment allocation (that is, will not know there are two arms to the study). Both arms of the study will receive usual care in addition to either the experimental or the attention control intervention. A total of 344 people with aphasia and their family members will be recruited. Considering a cluster size of 20, the required sample size can be achieved from 18 clusters. However, 20 clusters will be recruited to account for the potential of cluster attrition during the study. Primary outcome measures will be mood and quality of life of people with aphasia at 12 months post stroke. Secondary measures will be family member outcomes assessing the impact of caregiving and mental health, and self-reported stroke risk-related behaviors of people with aphasia. Discussion: This is the first known program tailored for people with aphasia and their family members that aims to prevent depression in people with aphasia by providing intervention early after the stroke. Trial Registration: This trial is registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) as ACTRN12614000979651 . Date registered: 11 September 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological and intervention studies in nutritional psychiatry suggest that the risk of mood disorders is associated with what we eat. However, few studies use a person-centred approach to explore the food and mood relationship. In this qualitative study of 50 Australian participants, we explored individuals' experiences with food and mood as revealed during focus group discussions. Using a thematic template analysis, we identified three themes in the food and mood relationship: (i) social context: familial and cultural influences of food and mood , (ii) social economics: time, finance, and food security , and (iii) food nostalgia: unlocking memories that impact mood . Participants suggested that nutrients, food components or food patterns may not be the only way that food impacts mood. Rather, they described the social context of who, with, and where food is eaten, and that time, finances, and access to healthy fresh foods and bittersweet memories of foods shared with loved ones all impacted their mood. Findings suggest that quantitative studies examining the links between diet and mood should look beyond nutritional factors and give increased attention to the cultural, social, economic, and identity aspects of diet.

Background: Several clinical trials have examined diet and physical activity lifestyle changes as mitigation strategies for risk factors linked to cognitive decline and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the ability to modify these behaviors longer term, to impact cognitive health has remained elusive., Objective: The MedWalk trial's primary aim is to investigate whether longer-term adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and regular walking, delivered through motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (MI-CBT), can reduce age-associated cognitive decline and other dementia risk factors in older, independently living individuals without cognitive impairment., Methods: MedWalk, a one-year cluster-randomized controlled trial across two Australian states, recruited 60-90-year-old people from independent living retirement villages and the wider community. Participants were assigned to either the MedWalk intervention or a control group (maintaining their usual diet and physical activity). The primary outcome is 12-month change in visual memory and learning assessed from errors on the Paired Associates Learning Task of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Secondary outcomes include cognition, mood, cardiovascular function, biomarkers related to nutrient status and cognitive decline, MI-CBT effectiveness, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and health economic evaluation.Progress and Discussion:Although COVID-19 impacts over two years necessitated a reduced timeline and sample size, MedWalk retains sufficient power to address its aims and hypotheses. Baseline testing has been completed with 157 participants, who will be followed over 12 months. If successful, MedWalk will inform interventions that could substantially reduce dementia incidence and ameliorate cognitive decline in the community., Trial Registration: Registered on the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR 12620000978965 (https://www.anzctr.org.au).

Early research has shown variations in salt taste qualities in depression, anxiety, and stress. These studies evaluated changes to salt taste intensity and liking (pleasantness) of salt solutions but not of salty foods. Therefore, an Australian population survey (n = 424) was conducted where participants rated recalled intensity and liking of salt index foods and completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure these states. Standard least squares regression (post hoc Tukey's HSD) compared means between groups, and nominal logistic regression assessed differences in distributions between categories. Higher salt liking was found in participants with DASS-21 scores indicative of severe depression (68.3 vs. 60.0, P = 0.005) and severe anxiety (68.4 vs. 60.0, P = 0.001) in comparison to those with normal scores, in all models. Higher salt liking was found in participants with DASS-21 scores indicative of moderate stress (67.7 vs. 60.2, P = 0.009) in the unadjusted model only. Higher salt liking was found in females with DASS-21 scores indicative of anxiety and stress, and in males with indicative depression and anxiety. No relationships between salt taste intensity ratings and the mood states were found. Results indicate that liking salty foods is positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Further research on the relationships between salt liking and intake of salt and salty foods, and the biological mechanisms of these mood states are needed to direct the application of findings toward potential new risk assessment measures, dietary interventions, or therapeutics., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Objectives:With a longitudinal prospective design, we examined the impact of floods on the mental and physical health of older adults and explored risk and protective factors. Method:Two hundred and seventy four older adults (age ≥60) completed surveys before and after a flood event. Both the surveys included measures of anxiety, depression, self-reported health, and satisfaction with life; the post-flood survey also included questionnaires on flood experience, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stoicism, and psychological coping with floods. Results:Compared to those not personally affected (78.8%), personally affected individuals (21.2%) reported significantly higher PTSD symptoms, with about one in six reporting PTSD symptoms that might require clinical attention. Personally affected individuals also reported a greater increase in anxiety post-flood, but changes in their depressive symptoms and self-reported health were not significantly different from those not personally affected. Greater flood exposure and the lack of social support were the risk factors for poorer mental and physical health. Higher stoicism was associated with higher post-flood depression and poorer self-reported mental health. The use of maladaptive coping, such as venting and distraction, was associated with greater deterioration in mental health after floods, whilst emotion-focused coping such as acceptance, positive reframing, and humour, was protective against such deterioration. Conclusion:Floods had adverse psychological impacts on some older adults who were personally affected. Despite the evidence of resilience, a small proportion of older adults experienced significant difficulties after the floods. The findings in this study help understand older adults’ psychological responses to disasters and have practical implications for service planning and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a study to evaluate the association, if any, between overweight and obesity and positive and its negative effects. Participants included 273 women, aged 29-84 years, who were enrolled as part of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS). The study found that obesity was associated with greater negative affect scores, reflecting emotions such as distress, anger, disgust, fear and shame, and that this association is further impacted by physical illness.

Objective: Cycling Without Age (CWA) involves taking residents on outdoor trishaw (electric bicycle) rides driven by trained 'pilots'. This study explored the CWA experience from the perspective of residents and family members, staff and volunteer pilots from a residential aged care home in Queensland, Australia., Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Interviews were conducted with 21 participants. Transcripts were analysed thematically, with the interview questions determining a priori categories followed by coding of central themes., Results: Several themes emerged. For residents, seeing familiar places prompted reminiscences, and being outdoors elicited positive emotions. Family members reported CWA was a novel way to be with their loved one. Enabling residents to have time away from the care home with community contact was rewarding for pilots. Staff noted improvement in residents' mood post-ride, however, rides needed to be scheduled to fit in with their workflow., Conclusions: Cycling Without Age was perceived to offer a unique and meaningful experience, with benefits including sharing stories, being outside, and feeling part of the community., (© 2022 The Authors. Australasian Journal on Ageing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of AJA Inc’.)

Background: Chronic work-related stress is an independent risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and associated mortality, particularly when compounded by a sedentary work environment. The purpose of this study was to determine if an office worksite-based hatha yoga program could improve physiological stress, evaluated via heart rate variability (HRV), and associated health-related outcomes in a cohort of office workers. Methods: Thirty-seven adults employed in university-based office positions were randomized upon the completion of baseline testing to an experimental or control group. The experimental group completed a 10-week yoga program prescribed three sessions per week during lunch hour (50 min per session). An experienced instructor led the sessions, which emphasized asanas (postures) and vinyasa (exercises). The primary outcome was the high frequency (HF) power component of HRV. Secondary outcomes included additional HRV parameters, musculoskeletal fitness (i.e. push-up, side-bridge, and sit & reach tests) and psychological indices (i.e. state and trait anxiety, quality of life and job satisfaction). Results: All measures of HRV failed to change in the experimental group versus the control group, except that the experimental group significantly increased LF:HF (p = 0.04) and reduced pNN50 (p = 0.04) versus control, contrary to our hypotheses. Flexibility, evaluated via sit & reach test increased in the experimental group versus the control group (p < 0.001). No other adaptations were noted. Post hoc analysis comparing participants who completed ≥70% of yoga sessions (n = 11) to control (n = 19) yielded the same findings, except that the high adherers also reduced state anxiety (p = 0.02) and RMSSD (p = 0.05), and tended to improve the push-up test (p = 0.07) versus control. Conclusions: A 10-week hatha yoga intervention delivered at the office worksite during lunch hour did not improve HF power or other HRV parameters. However, improvements in flexibility, state anxiety and musculoskeletal fitness were noted with high adherence. Future investigations should incorporate strategies to promote adherence, involve more frequent and longer durations of yoga training, and enrol cohorts who suffer from higher levels of work-related stress. Trial registration: ACTRN12611000536965 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an overview of the tense, aspect and modality (TAM) system in Murrinh-Patha, a polysynthetic language of the Daly River region of northern Australia. Our aim is to provide a detailed account of the range of TAM categories and their uses, highlighting along the way areas of interest for theoretical semantic analysis. We build here on earlier descriptions of tense, aspect and mood in Murrinh-Patha, most notably work by Street, and argue for reanalysis and refinement in various places, resulting in what we believe to be a more accurate and revealing analysis of the overall system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that examines the relationship between mood change and workload of midwives in Australia. The researchers investigate 20 midwives in a metropolitan hospital regarding their daily fluctuations in subjective mood and workload. Study reveals that mood change influenced the safety, performance and psychological wellbeing of the midwives.

Abstract: The holiday and school-term sleep patterns of 310 Australian senior school students were surveyed in a longitudinal study, along with self-reported sleep quality, mood, daytime functioning, grades and circadian preference. Evidence was found that with the impact of school schedule, students accrued a significant sleep debt, obtaining insufficient sleep for their needs and reporting lowered mood and daytime functioning. Support was found for the hypothesis that trait circadian preference mediates mood, daytime functioning and academic grades through its effect on sleep variables at school time. It was concluded that while the imposition of school schedule negatively impacted on mood and daytime functioning for the sample as a whole, evening-oriented adolescents were the most vulnerable to poorer outcomes. These students obtained poorer quality and less sleep than morning-oriented students. Sleep factors impacted negatively on evening-oriented students’ mood and ability to function at school during the day, which in turn predicted poorer academic achievement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lists of life events are widely used in health outcomes research. As part of a large cohort study of women's health in Australia, age- and gender-specific life events lists were developed and administered to women in different age groups over time. In this article, we provide empirical evidence that recall of life events is subject to telescoping (i.e., remote events are reported to have occurred more recently) and to mood (women with lower mental health scores report more life events, especially perceived rather than factual events). Nevertheless, even after adjustment for confounders, there is a clear association between poorer physical health and more life events. Therefore, these results demonstrate a continuing need for lists of life events in health research but also highlight the methodological challenges in using them. Key words: life events, women's health, Medical Outcomes Study SF 36 scores, mood, epidemiology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a system of composite mood marking in the non-Pama-Nyungan languages of northern Australia, which generally mark modal meanings through combinations of prefixes and suffixes of the finite verb. The analysis focuses on the category of irrealis, which is typically marked with a specific prefix, and covers both meanings of counterfactuality (when combined with a past tense suffix) and of potentiality (when combined with non-past tense suffixes). The central problem in describing this category, as with irrealis categories more generally, is how to reconcile the feature of non-actualization found in the counterfactual uses with the feature of potentiality found in all other uses (including the counterfactual one). On the basis of the formal systematics of prefix-suffix combinations, as well as the internal semantic structure of counterfactual constructions, it is shown that non-actualization can be derived from past potentiality by general Gricean principles. In addition, this analysis suggests that some exceptional non-Pama-Nyungan systems that do not have an irrealis prefix can be diachronically related to the basic system with an irrealis prefix. The analysis proposed has implications for the more general typology of irrealis categories and for their relation with negation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between health insurance status and mood during pregnancy and following childbirth. Method: 320 women were recruited in the early stage of pregnancy to participate in a longitudinal, prospective study of the psychological aspects of childbirth among multiparous women. Study volunteers were surveyed during each trimester of pregnancy and 2 and 8 months following childbirth. A range of self-administered psychometric tests were used to assess mood (Profile of Mood State), locus of control, defence style and partner support. Demographic information including health insurance status was noted at study entry. Results: Public patients consistently had a more disturbed mood compared with private patients. This difference reached statistical significance during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and 8 months after birth. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to identify predictors of mood during pregnancy and following birth. A better mood score was positively associated with private health insurance, a more caring partner and mature defence style, and negatively associated with external locus of control and immature defence style. A distinct mood pattern during pregnancy and following childbirth was observed and is described. Conclusions: Public patients have a more disturbed mood during pregnancy and following childbirth compared with private patients. This information is relevant when planning social, psychological and psychiatric services that target childbearing women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Saffron, derived from the stigmas of the Crocus Sativus flower, has been shown in several studies to improve mood and wellbeing in adults experiencing low mood and anxiety. The goals of this study were to examine its mental and physical effects in healthy, recreationally active adults., Methods: In this 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 62 adults engaging in regular exercise were recruited and randomized to receive a placebo or 28 mg daily of a standardized saffron extract (affron®). Self-report outcome measures include the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, Profile of Mood States, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29. Participants also wore a wrist-worn heart rate, activity, and sleep monitoring device (WHOOP) to measure changes in sleep quality, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability. To help identify mechanisms of action associated with saffron intake, changes in plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, oxytocin, and neuropeptide Y were also measured., Results: Based on data collected from all participants, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in changes in any of the outcome measures. However, when changes were analyzed by sex, there were statistically significant greater increases in enjoyment associated with exercise (p =.009) and heart rate variability (p =.001) in male participants taking saffron compared to the placebo. No statistically significant between-group differences were identified in females., Conclusions: The results of this trial suggest saffron may have beneficial effects in recreationally active males, as evidenced by increased exercise enjoyment and heart rate variability. However, no such benefits were identified in females. Future research using larger sample sizes, varying treatment periods, and additional outcome measures will be required to validate the results from this study and help clarify the mechanisms of action associated with saffron intake.This study was prospectively registered on 30 October 2020 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial ID. ACTRN12621000501842)., Competing Interests: This study received funding from Pharmactive Biotech Products SL. The funder was not involved in the design of the research study, analysis of data, or in the writing of the report. ALL is the managing director of Clinical Research Australia, a contract research organization that has received research funding from nutraceutical companies. ALL has also received presentation honoraria from nutraceutical companies. SJS is an employee of Clinical Research Australia and declares no other conflicts of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Objective: The current study examined the performance of a healthy ageing population on the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological test battery in order to determine norms for use in an Australian setting. The effects of age, education, gender and mood on cognitive performance in healthy older individuals were also explored. Method: The CERAD neuropsychological battery was administered to a sample of healthy elderly subjects (n = 243). Subjects also completed an anxiety inventory and a depression scale. Means and standard deviations of different age, gender and education groups are reported as normative data. A Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was also calculated. Linear regression was applied to the five factors extracted from the PCA using age, education, gender and mood as independent variables. Results: All recorded means were within 1 SD of those reported in the original CERAD normative study. Five factors that loaded on measures of memory and learning, language, praxis and executive function were extracted. The independent variables age, education and gender all had significant effects on cognitive performance. However, mood had no such effect. Conclusions: Risk factors for cognitive decline indicated by the CERAD battery include age, education and gender. Anxiety and depression are not associated with CERAD cognitive performance. The CERAD battery is a valid and reliable neuropsychological tool that may assist in the detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in Australian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Up to 80% of reproductive-aged women experience premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form, affecting 2-5% of women. Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are used in the treatment of PMDD. Clinical practice suggests that a newer COCP containing nomegestrol acetate (2.5mg) and 17-beta estradiol (1.5mg), may be a suitable treatment for mood symptoms in PMDD., Materials and Methods: This was a clinical follow-up feasibility study of women who had attended the Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Women's Mental Health Clinic, with a diagnosis of PMDD. 67% of the sample also had concurrent cPTSD, 29% co-morbid anxiety, and 20% depression. They were recommended treatment with nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol. Eligible women were contacted by telephone to answer a questionnaire to assess women's subjective response to nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol, acceptability and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) after being recommended nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol. The paired-sample t-test was used to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the DASS-21 scores over the study observation period (before and after taking nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol)., Results: 35 (74.5%) women reported a subjective positive mood response to nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol, 31 (63.3%) adhered to the medication, and only 10 (20.4%) women reported side effects as the main reason for discontinuing nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol. There were statistically significant reductions ( p< 0.05) in the overall DASS-21 scores from before women commenced nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol and after commencement of treatment., Conclusions: This preliminary study supports the acceptability and effectiveness of nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol as a treatment for mood symptoms in PMDD. Further research, particularly a randomized controlled trial, is required to elucidate the effect of nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol treatment on mood in PMDD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Robertson, Thew, Thomas, Karimi and Kulkarni.)

Background/study context : F 2 -Isoprostanes are putative markers of oxidative stress, one of the processes associated with biological senescence. Evidence exists for elevated F 2 -Isoprostanes in chronic conditions including psychiatric disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between oxidative stress and mood in older healthy samples, to establish the influence on mental health. Given current aging demographics in many nations, management of brain and mental health is crucial for longevity, chronic disease management, and quality of life. Method : We investigated the relationship between F 2 -Isoprostanes, a marker for oxidative stress, and anxiety and mood in 262 healthy adults aged 60-75 years, using baseline data from the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI; ANZCTR12611000487910), a 12-month nutraceutical intervention study. Results : Higher F2 levels significantly predicted increased Depression-dejection and Anger-hostility subscale scores from the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Fatigue-inertia subscale was predicted by increased Body Mass Index. Spielberger State-Trait Inventory (STAI) scores were significantly higher in females. Conclusion : While the primary outcome data did not find a definitive relationship between F2 and total mood or general anxiety levels, the sub-scale data adds weight toward growing literature that biological processes such as oxidative stress are in part related to mood. This is a modifiable risk factor contributing to physical and mental wellbeing that are crucial to healthy aging.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide and the cardiovascular fitness levels of stroke survivors are diminished to an extent that impairs functioning and activities of daily living performance. While cardiovascular training seems an empirically appropriate intervention, the optimal dosage and intensity of cardiovascular training in stroke survivors remains unclear. The aim was to determine the safety and feasibility of moderate-intensity cardiovascular training following stroke, including measurement of adherence to training., Methods: A pilot, prospective, patient- and assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial conducted in a tertiary, metropolitan hospital-based community rehabilitation centre. Eligibility criteria included ambulant (> 100 m), 6 weeks-12 months post stroke. Moderate-intensity fitness training or control (low-intensity) exercise was offered biweekly for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included adverse events, peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), functional exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test, 10-m Walk Test) and health-related quality of life (Short Form-36) and mood (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ9)., Results: Feasibility: Seventy-one (50%) of 141 screened participants were eligible (29% did not agree to participate). Twenty participants (10 intervention, 10 control) were recruited. The median (%; IQR) supervised sessions was 19.5 (81%; 12, 20); and 20 (83%; 19, 22) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Progression of duration and intensity was limited; mean of 10 sessions to achieve target duration (30 min). There were no adverse events. Baseline peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) levels were low (15.94 ml/kg/min). Significant improvements in VO 2 peak in both groups were observed (p < 0.05). Although there were no significant between-group differences, this feasibility trial was not powered to detect change., Conclusions: Moderate-intensity fitness training was safe but achievement of target duration and intensity was challenging for stroke survivors. A definitive adequately-powered randomised trial is required. Alternative fitness training protocols may need to be explored., Trial Registration: The trial protocol was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN 12613000822785 ) on 25/07/2013.

Esports is becoming increasingly professionalized, yet research on performance management is remarkably lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the sleep and mood of professional esports athletes. Participants were 17 professional esports athletes from South Korea ( N = 8), Australia ( N = 4), and the United States ( N = 5) who played first person shooter games (mean age 20 ± 3.5 years, 100% male). All participants wore a wrist-activity monitor for 7-14 days and completed subjective sleep and mood questionnaires. Participants had a median total sleep time of 6.8 h and a sleep efficiency of 86.4% per night. All participants had significantly delayed sleep patterns (median sleep onset 3:43 a.m. and wake time 11:24 a.m.). Participants had a median sleep onset latency of 20.4 min and prolonged wake after sleep onset of 47.9 min. Korean players had significantly higher depression scores compared to the other groups ( p < 0.01) and trained longer per day than the Australian or United States teams (13.4 vs. 4.8 vs. 6.1 h, respectively). Depression scores were strongly correlated with number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset, and daily training time ( p < 0.05). As the first pilot sleep study in the esports field, this study indicates that esports athletes show delayed sleep patterns and have prolonged wake after sleep onset. These sleep patterns may be associated with mood (depression) and training time. Sleep interventions designed specifically for esports athletes appear warranted.

Evidence for diet quality representing a modifiable risk factor for age-related cognitive decline and mood disturbances has typically come from retrospective, cross-sectional analyses. Here a diet screening tool (DST) was used to categorize healthy middle-aged volunteers ( n = 141, 40-65 years) into "optimal" or "sub-optimal" diet groups to investigate cross-sectional associations between diet quality, cognitive function, and mood. The DST distinguished levels of nutrient intake as assessed by Automated Self-Administered 24-h dietary recall and nutrient status, as assessed by blood biomarker measures. Compared with the "sub-optimal" group, the "optimal" diet group showed significantly higher intake of vitamin E ( p = 0.007), magnesium ( p = 0.001), zinc ( p = 0.043) and fiber ( p = 0.015), higher circulating levels of vitamin B6 ( p = 0.030) and red blood cell folate ( p = 0.026) and lower saturated fatty acids ( p = 0.012). Regarding psychological outcomes, the "optimal" diet group had significantly better Stroop processing than those with a "sub-optimal" diet ( p = 0.013). Regression analysis revealed that higher DST scores were associated with fewer mood disturbances ( p = 0.002) and lower perceived stress ( p = 0.031), although these differences were not significant when comparing "optimal" versus "sub-optimal" as discrete groups. This study demonstrates the potential of a 20-item diet screen to identify both nutritional and psychological status in an Australian setting.

Consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables has been associated with greater feelings of vitality. However, these associations have rarely been tested in experimental trials. The aim of the current study was to test the effects of eating a vitamin C-rich food (kiwifruit) on subjective vitality and whether effects are driven by vitamin C. Young adults (n = 167, 61.1% female, aged 18–35 years) with plasma vitamin C < 40 µmol/L were allocated to three intervention conditions: kiwifruit (2 SunGold™ kiwifruit/day), vitamin C (250 mg tablet/day), placebo (1 tablet/day). The trial consisted of a two-week lead-in, four-week intervention, and two-week washout. Plasma vitamin C and vitality questionnaires (total mood disturbance, fatigue, and well-being) were measured fortnightly. Self-reported sleep quality and physical activity were measured every second day through smartphone surveys. Nutritional confounds were assessed using a three-day food diary during each study phase. Plasma vitamin C reached saturation levels within two weeks for the kiwifruit and vitamin C groups. Participants consuming kiwifruit showed a trend of improvement in mood disturbance, significantly decreased fatigue, and significantly improved well-being after two weeks of the intervention. Improvements in well-being remained elevated through washout. Consumption of vitamin C tablets alone was associated with improved well-being after two weeks, and additionally improved mood and fatigue for participants with consistently low vitamin C levels during lead-in. Diet records showed that participants consuming kiwifruit reduced their fat intake during the intervention period. Intervention effects remained significant when adjusting for condition allocation groupings, age, and ethnicity, and were not explained by sleep quality, physical activity, BMI, or other dietary patterns, including fat intake. There were no changes in plasma vitamin C status or vitality in the placebo group. Whole-food consumption of kiwifruit was associated with improved subjective vitality in adults with low vitamin C status. Similar, but not identical changes were found for vitamin C tablets, suggesting that additional properties of kiwifruit may contribute to improved vitality.

Background: Sleep disturbance is an issue reported by caregivers. Waking at night is a feature of dementia and by proxy, sleep disturbance among caregivers is reported to be high. Little is known about the characteristics of dementia caregivers' sleep and the factors that may influence sleep disruption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sleep characteristics and disturbances of Australian caregivers of a person living with dementia. In addition, it evaluated the psychological wellbeing of caregivers by evaluating associations between mood and sleep in this population., Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlation design. Participants were recruited with the assistance of Alzheimer's Australia, Dementia Australia and targeted social media advertising. In total, 104 adult, primary, informal caregivers of people with dementia participated, completing a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)., Results: In this study, 76% of caregivers were female who had been caring for someone living with dementia on average for 4.8 years. 44% of participants had two or more co-morbidities namely cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and diabetes. 94% of participants were poor sleepers with 84% with difficulty initiating sleep and 72% reporting having difficulty maintaining sleep. Overall, psychological distress was common with high levels of moderate to severe depression, anxiety and stress. Global PSQI scores were significantly positively associated with depression and anxiety, with the strongest correlation seen with stress scores. Depression scores were also moderately associated with daytime dysfunction. Stress was identified as a significant predictor of overall sleep quality., Conclusions: Sleep problems are common within the population of dementia caregivers. Due to the nature and duration of caregiving and the progression of dementia of the care recipient, there is the potential for a decline in the caregivers' mental and physical health. Caregivers of those living with dementia are more likely to have comorbidities, depression, anxiety and stress. Sleep quality is correlated with emotional distress in dementia caregivers although the direction of this association is unclear. Therefore, sleep and psychological wellbeing may be intertwined, with improvements in one aspect resulting in a positive impact in the other.

Background: Few people successfully maintain lost weight over the longer term. Mobile phones have the potential to deliver weight loss management programs that can encourage self-monitoring while also providing some behavioral therapy to assist users in developing personal skills that may be necessary for improved longer term weight loss maintenance. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a program supporting weight maintenance, which uses a behaviorally based mobile phone app to manage weight, food, exercise, mood, and stress. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial over 24 weeks, the full version of the app (MotiMate) was compared with a control app (monitoring only; excluding mood and stress) for its effect on weight, diet, and psychological well-being. Both apps had the same visual appearance and were designed to deliver all intervention content without face-to-face contact. The control version included features to track weight, food intake, and exercise with limited feedback and no encouraging/persuasive features. The intervention app included more persuasive and interactive features to help users track their weight, food intake, and physical activity and prompted users to enter data each day through notifications and included a mood and stress workshopping tool. Participants were recruited through advertising and existing databases. Clinic visits occurred at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. At all visits, the clinical trial manager recorded body weight, and participants then completed a computer-delivered survey, which measured psychological and lifestyle outcomes. Objective app usage data were recorded throughout the trial. Results: A total of 88 adults who had lost and maintained at least 5% of their body weight within the last 2 years were randomized (45 MotiMate and 43 control). Overall, 75% (66/88) were female, and 69% (61/88) completed week 24 with no differences in dropout by condition (χ21,87=0.7, P =.49). Mixed models suggested no significant changes in weight or psychological outcomes over 24 weeks regardless of condition. Of 61 completers, 53% (32/61) remained within 2% of their starting weight. Significant increases occurred over 24 weeks for satisfaction with life and weight loss self-efficacy regardless of app condition. Diet and physical activity behaviors did not vary by app or week. Negative binomial models indicated that those receiving the full app remained active users of the app for 46 days longer than controls (P =.02). Users of the full version of the app also reported that they felt more supported than those with the control app (P =.01). Conclusions: Although some aspects of the intervention app such as usage and user feedback showed promise, there were few observable effects on behavioral and psychological outcomes. Future evaluation of the app should implement alternative research methods or target more specific populations to better understand the utility of the coping interface. Trial Registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000474651; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366120 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, mood and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with CF and controls., Methods: Children (7-12years) and adolescents (13-18years) with CF and controls completed sleep evaluation: overnight oximetry and 14days of actigraphy. Age-appropriate questionnaires assessed mood (Children's Depression Inventory; CDI or Beck's Depression Inventory), HRQOL (CF Questionnaire-Revised; CFQ-R or PedsQL), and sleepiness (Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale)., Results: 87 CF and 55 controls recruited. Children with CF had poorer sleep quality, more sleepiness and lower mood than controls, with a negative correlation between mood score and sleep efficiency. Sleepiness score was predictive of mood score and multiple CFQ-R domains. Adolescents with CF also demonstrated poorer sleep and more sleepiness than controls, but no difference in mood. Reduced sleep quality predicted lower CFQ-R scores. No correlation between sleep, mood or HRQOL in controls., Conclusions: In children and adolescents with CF, impaired sleep quality is associated with lower mood and HRQOL in an age-specific manner. Future research will aid understanding of effective strategies for prevention and treatment of mood disorders and sleep disturbance in children with CF., (Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Given the well-established associations of the personality traits alexithymia, impulsivity, and reward sensitivity with problematic use of a variety of substances, including alcohol and cannabis, the present study sought to determine whether daily tobacco smoking is similarly linked to these traits. Male and female adults aged 18 to 40 years were recruited from the local Australian community, allowing comparison of demographically similar samples of current daily smokers (n = 47) to never-smokers (n = 59) on the relevant self-report measures. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that current smokers scored significantly higher than never-smokers on indices of negative mood, impulsiveness, and risky alcohol use, after controlling for social desirability. No significant group differences were found on indices of alexithymia, reward sensitivity, or punishment sensitivity. Results suggest that chronic daily cigarette smoking may be an exception to the maladaptive behaviors associated with alexithymia, and is driven primarily by mood regulation and poor impulse control.

The present study investigated the influence of a weight loss reality TV show on body satisfaction, mood and food consumption. Young Australian women (N = 99) first completed baseline measures of state body satisfaction and mood. They were then randomly allocated to either a weight loss or a home renovation programme and were provided with snack foods during viewing. Post-measures included state body satisfaction, state mood and trait dietary restraint and snack food consumption. BMI moderated the relationship between condition and body satisfaction and mood. Larger women experienced less body satisfaction and less positive mood in response to the weight loss programme. Dietary restraint moderated the relationship between condition and food consumption. A greater percentage of women with lower dietary restraint ate in the control condition; whilst a greater percentage of women with higher dietary restraint ate food whilst watching the weight loss programme. These findings highlight the potential negative impact of weight-focused reality TV on mood, body satisfaction and snack food consumption among some women., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms during childhood and adolescence have been associated with greater risk of later ecstasy use. Ecstasy users have reported using ecstasy to reduce depression or worry, or to escape. While these findings suggest that some people use ecstasy as a form of self-medication, limited research has been conducted examining the relationship between affective symptoms, coping styles and drug use motives in ecstasy users. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine if coping style and/or ecstasy use motives are associated with current mood symptoms in ecstasy users., Methods: A community sample (n=184) of 18-35 year olds who had taken ecstasy at least once in the past 12 months completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, ecstasy use motives and coping styles. Timeline follow back methods were used to collect information on lifetime ecstasy, recent drug use and life stress. Trauma exposure was measured using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Trauma List., Results: Coping motives for ecstasy use and an emotion-focused coping style were significantly associated with current depressive and anxiety symptoms. Emotion-focused coping mediated the relationship between a history of trauma and current anxiety symptoms and moderated the relationship between recent stressful life events and current depressive symptoms., Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of interventions targeting motives for ecstasy use, and providing coping skills training for managing stressful life events among people with co-occurring depressive/anxiety symptoms and ecstasy use., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of depressed mood and anhedonia in a sample of men with prostate cancer (PCa) and to determine which of these key symptoms contributed most to the overall depressive status of that sample., Method: From Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) responses collected on 526 PCa patients, direct comparisons were made between the prevalence of the first two DSM-IV-TR symptoms of Major Depressive Episode. These symptoms were then tested for their predictive power on depression total score and Zung's criteria for 'clinically significant' depression., Results: Mean scores for anhedonia were significantly higher than for depressed mood, and nearly 25 times as many patients had a high score for anhedonia as for depressed mood. The same pattern of results was apparent for those patients who had clinically significant levels of depression. Anhedonia was a more powerful predictor of total SDS depression score for the entire sample as well as for those patients with more severe depression., Conclusion: Because the biological basis for anhedonia is different to that for depressed mood, treatment options also differ for patients who show a preponderance of anhedonia in their depressive symptomatology. Suggestions are made for treatment choices for these PCa patients., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)