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Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and degenerative disease of the central nervous systemthat due to such reasons as its chronic nature, no prognosis, and absence of a definitive treatment causes stress in patients. Thus, this study was designed to examine the impact of peer educational program on stress in patients with multiple sclerosis in 2011. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 110 patients with multiple sclerosis were randomly allocated to test and control groups (each group including 55 patients). After preparing 5 multiple sclerosis patients as the peer group, six training sessions forthe test group were held by the peer group over two months. Data collection tool was DASS 21 questionnaire that assessed patients’ stress before and after 4 months which was completed by both groups. In order to analyze the results, SPSS software 16 was used. Results: The results showed that before intervention, there was not astatistically significant difference between the two groups in stress score(p=0.24) while a statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups after intervention (p=0.001). Also, stress score in test group was statistically significant (p=0.001) but there was not a statistically significant difference between the stress scores of the patients in the control groups (p=0.39). Conclusion: Peer group educational program caused stress reduction in patients with multiple sclerosis. Hence, it is recommended that peer groups be used for education of multiple sclerosis.

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Background: The presence of oxidant agents yields higher levels of free radical reaction products in erythrocyte membrane proteins and serum proteins. The aim of this study is to investigate the oxidative modifications of recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (rHFVIII) by spectrophotometric analysis. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, rHFVIII was incubated aerobically with vitamin C and ferro ions in metal catalyzed oxidation (MCO) system for 4 to 28 hr. Carbonyl assay was used as an index of protein oxidation. For this purpose, 2,4dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) was used. Reaction of this reagent with carbonyl groups produces dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives that their concentration was estimated by spectrophotometry. Results: Carbonyl groups in rHFVIII changed in the presence of vitamin C and ferro ions. Dose-dependent effects of vitamin C showed a decrease in carbonyl groups of rHFVIII whileferro ions increased oxidation and carbonyl group formation in this protein. Conclusion: These findings indicate that changes in carbonyl groups in rHFVIII are related to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Also, antioxidant mechanisms are activated in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

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Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important health problems in the world. B-cells are susceptible to damage by free radicals. Noticing the mechanism of cupping, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cupping together with drug therapy on biochemical factors and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 5ml of intravenous blood was obtained from diabetic patients in beginning and late stages of this disease who referred to a diabetes center. In addition to receiving metformin and glibenclamide, the patients underwent cupping after one month and were analyzed one month later. Blood samples obtained one month before and after the treatment were compared in terms of diabetes and oxidative stress indicators. To evaluate lipid peroxidation, TBA method was used and FRAPS method was employed to measure total serum antioxidants and blood factors by Pars Azmon kit. Results: Hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood sugar, blood sugar 2 hours after fasting, triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein as well as high-density lipoprotein showed significant increases. Aspartate transferase in diabetic patients significantly decreased after phlebotomy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cupping improves blood factors in diabetic patients and it is recommended to be used as a complementary treatment in patients with diabetes type II.

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Background: There is growing evidence that damage to spermatozoa by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in male infertility. This study was done to review the role of oxidative stress in male infertility. Materials and Methods: In this review article, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO-CINAHL databases were used for finding the relevant studies. Results: Under physiological conditions, a certain level of ROS is necessary for normal sperm function. However, an excessive level of ROS produced by leucocytes and immature sperms can cause damages to spermatozoa. Oxidative stress develops when there is an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defense system in male reproductive tract. High levels of ROS have been detected in the semen samples of 25-40% of infertile men. Oxidative stress can induce detrimental effects on standard seminal parameters and fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. Conclusion: Oxidative stress can induce impaired sperm function that results in poor pregnancy rate in natural conditions and assisted reproduction.

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Background: Heat stress reduces reproductive performance in farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heat stress and different concentrations of melatonin on nuclear maturation of ovine oocytes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, ovary collection and oocyte recovery were carried out by standard methods. Oocytes culture was in A: TCM199+10% FBS, 5µg/ml FSH, 0.01IU/ml LH, 100 IU/ml penicillin, and 100 IU/ml streptomycin, B: A+heat stress at 40 C0, and C and D:B+1 and 10 µM melatonin, respectively. Results: Heat stress significantly (P<0.05) decreased nuclear maturation in the treatment group in comparison with the control group (60.60 vs. 84.89). Also, 1 and 10 µM melatonin could improve oocytes to reach metaphase-II stage (60.60 vs. 76.92, 78.82, respectively). However, increasing the melatonin dose from 1 to 10 µM did not alter oocytes maturation. Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that melatonin improves ovine immature oocytes maturation during heat stress.

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Background: Exercise can counteract the negative effects of stress, but variations in exercise protocols and intensities have generated different results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of immobilization stress on cognitive performance and the moderating role of exercise.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult Albino-Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups. The animals underwent immobilization stress (2 hours per day×7 day), exercise (30 minutes per day×7 day), or no intervention. The rats were trained and tested using Morris water maze.

Results: The control group had better performance than the stress group in acquisition (p<0.01) and recall (p<0.05) in Morris water maze. There was not a significant difference between exercise-stress and control groups in water maze performance. Stress increased corticosterone levels (p<0.001), but exercise had a significant effect on decrement of corticosteron levels (p<0.001). Also, despite the absence of a significant difference between sham and exercise groups in the acquisition stage, the exercise group had a better performance in the recall stage (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Immobilization stress can impair acquisition and mild exercise has a protective effect against stress-induced negative effects. Corticosterone may be a major mediator in the protective effect of exercise against stress-induced cognitive impairment. In addition, the role of exercise in retrieval of past experiences is more prominent than their acquisition.

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Background: Urinary incontinence is a very common problem affecting the quality of life of many people, especially women. Hence, this study was done to investigate the results obtained from intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) method in treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out as census on female patients suffering from SUI who had been treated using IVS method in Najmieh Subespeciality Hospital, Tehran, during 2004-2009 years. Data were extracted through interviews and from patients’ medical records. Descriptive statistics (mean and percent) and inferential statistics (independent t-test and its exact version, Bootstrap, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exat test) were utilized and data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: A total of 357 women with mean age of 45.18±8.78 years participated in this study. Recovery rate of emergency and stress-related SUI by IVS method were 80.1% and 98%, respectively. In addition, urgency SUI had statistically significant correlations with diabetes, blood pressure, age, total number of deliveries, and normal vaginal delivery (NVD). Also, stress-related SUI had significant correlations with post-void residue (PVR), total number of delivery, NVD, and cesarean section.

Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that treatment response of IVS in this study is comparable and even better than other existing and customary modes of treatment

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Background: Focal dystonia is a chronic disease with unwanted side effects. In addition to physical symptoms, some psychological problems, particularly depression, anxiety and stress are common in patients with focal dystonia. The aim of this study was investigating the effectiveness of medication in comparison to medication plus EMG biofeedback on depression, anxiety and stress in females with chronic focal dystonia.

Materials and Methods: This was an experimental/interventional study with pre, post, and follow-up phases. The sample was consisted of 20 female patients with spasmodic torticollis and 10 patients with blepharospasm. All of the patients have been already diagnosed by neurologist They were randomly selected and assigned into medication and medication plus EMG biofeedback groups. Both of the groups were treated with botulinum toxin type A and the second group in addition to receiving the drug for 10 weeks also participated in 20 sessions of EMG biofeedback treatment. Data were collected through the DASS-42 questionnaire which was completed in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases.

Results: The mean of DASS-42 score in the Medication plus EMG biofeedback group showed a significantly higher decrease compared to the medication group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results suggested that medication plus EMG was more effective than medication alone in decreasing depression, anxiety and stress in females with chronic focal dystonia.

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Background: Increased insulin resistance, inflammatory factors and parameters of oxidative stress are associated with the development of diabetes complications. This study was designed to determine the beneficial effects of synbiotic Gaz on insulin resistance, inflammatory factor and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods: This randomized crossover double-blinded controlled clinical trial was performed among 62 diabetic patients aged 35-70 y. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume of either the synbiotic (n=62) or control Gaz (n=62) for 6 weeks. A 3-week washout period considered. The synbiotic Gaz was consisted of a probiotic viable and heat-resistance strain Lactobacillus sporogenes (1×107 CFU), 0.04 g inulin and 0.05 g stevia per 1 g as sweeteners' substances. Control Gaz (the same substance without probiotic bacteria and prebiotic inulin) was. Patients were received synbiotic and control foods in a 7 g package thrice a day. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 6-week intervention to measure insulin resistance, hs-CRP and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Results: Consumption of synbiotic Gaz, compared with control, resulted in a significant decrease in serum insulin (p=0.02) and hs-CRP levels (p=0.008). Supplementation with synbiotic Gaz led also to a significant increase in plasma total glutathione (p<0.0001) compared to the control.

Conclusion: In conclusion, consumption of synbiotic Gaz for 6 weeks resulted in decreased levels of serum insulin, hs-CRP and increased levels of plasma total glutathione.

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Background: Hospitalization of a child in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a very stressful experience for parents. High stress in father can product decline in psychological adaptation and associated problems. The present study aimed to determine effect of fathersʼ participation in the care of hospitalized child in PICU on fathersʼ stress and coping strategies.

Materials and Methods: This is a clinical trial with 60 fathers with children admitted to the PICU in intervention and control groups. Fathers in intervention group, participated in the care of the child in 5 times, during a 5-days course. Fathersʼ stress and coping strategies were surveyed in intervention group before and after participation course and in control group before and after a 5-days course.

Results: Fathersʼ stress in intervention group decreased significantly after participation (p˂0.001) but in control group difference was not significant after time course. Fathers in both groups applied similar coping strategies that majority were emotion focused.

Conclusion: Fathers having children in PICU would experience a lot of stress. Their participation in the care of the children would be very effective to decline their stress and reach most adaptation with disease, cure and cares in children.

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Introduction: Paints are composed of extensive variety of hazardous substances, such as organic solvents and heavy metals. Occupational exposure to paint increases oxidative stress, hematological disorders, and DNA injury. This study was performed to explore the beneficial effects of Selvit on the paint workers by measuring total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and blood parameters as main oxidative stress biomarkers.

Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 25 male workers who worked in the paint factory. Serum markers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and also hematological parameters were measured before and after using Selvit (14 days). SPSS software was used for data analyses and paired t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were applied.

Results: Results showed that after using the Selvit, an increase in TAC and a decrease in LPO were observed but they were not significant. Also, aspartate transaninase significantly decreased after using Selvit and high density lipoprotein significantly increased.

Conclusion: Selvit have beneficial effect on hematological parameters due to its antioxidant capacity.

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Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working adults worldwide. Chronic extra cellular hyperglycemia in diabetes stimulates reaction oxygen species (ROS) production and increase oxidative stress. Glutathion S- transferases (GSTs) enzymes have been shown to protect human from reactive oxygen compounds damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the genetic polymorphism of GSTP1 is associated with DR.

Materials and Methods: This case–control study, included 70 patients with DR and 70 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Statistical analysis was performed using the MedCalc program for Windows version 12.

Results: The prevalence of genotype frequencies of the GSTP1 Ile/Ile and Ile/Val were 71.42% and 28.57% respectively, in DR subject, whiles in healthy volunteers were 78.58% and 21.42%, respectively. Statistical analysis has not emerged significant difference from the comparison of either genotype (&Rho>0.05).

Conclusion: There was no evidence that GSTP1 variants were associated with DR in studied population. Further research is required to clarify role of GSTP1 in DR.

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Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of training, and noise stress on serotonin plasma level of Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: For many years, physical activity have been used for the treatment of different neuropsychological dieases. Twenty one male witar rats (9-10 weeks old and 170.82±20.57g weight) were randomly divided into three groups: the noise group (n=7), training+noise group (n=7), and the control group (n=7). The aerobic training was performed 5 days per week, for a 60-day period. The noise stress included exposure to traffic noise 5 hrs/per day over a 60-day period (range:85-110 dB).The control group was not exposed to any noise or exercise, and was kept away from the sources of stress the rats were kept under the same conditions. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and plasma serotonin concentrations were determined.For the statistical data analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used (&alpha&le0.05).

Results: Plasma serotonin concentration significantly decreased in noise groups, in comparison with the controls (21.9±2.1, vs.40.8±7.3 &mumol/m, respectively p<0.000). The plasma serotonin levels in the noise +training groups (36.2±3.1) were apparently near to the controls However, resistance training could significantly increase plasma serotonin concentration in the noise+training group rats.

Conclusion: Increased serotonin level following resistance exercises might reduced stress in subjects.

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Background: Heat shock proteins (HSP) can act as a cellular protection by facilitating reconstruction of denatured proteins. The aim of this study is evaluation of protective effects of glutamine consumption on HSP70 and cortisol response.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 soccer players divided into 4 groups: control (n=7), supplement (n=7), exercise (n=7) and exercise supplement (n=7). Supplements (glutamine) and placebo (Dextrin) to a 0.5 gram per kg of body weight and volume of 5 ml per kg of body weight one hour prior to the exercise protocol was used. exercise protocol include a 3-stage 20-minute run at 80% of maximum heart rate and rest 5 minutes. Blood samples of basal (after 12-14 hour overnight fasting), post exercise, and 90 minutes after exercise were gathered and HSP70 of serum and cortisol were measured with Elisa and RIA respectively. Data were analyzed with multivariate repeated measures (MANOVA) at p&le0.05 level.

Results: There was significant difference in HSP70 amounts between supplement group and exercise supplement group compared to the control group (p&le0.09, p&le0.019) and also supplement group with exercise supplement group (p&le0.032). Also there was significant difference Between post exercise and 90 min after exercise stages compared to basal stage (p&le0.08, p&le0.06) and between post exercise and 90 min after exercise (p&le0.030). In cortisol amounts between basal and 90 min after exercise stages (p&le0.026) there was significant difference.

Conclusion: Glutamine sitimulate of HSP70 induction and combination of supplement with exercise has a great HSP70 response thus athletes who wish to compete or have intense exercise, glutamine consumption is recommended.

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Background: Impulsivity is a core social pathology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to Effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy based on core distress tolerance and emotion regulation components on Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors.

Materials and Methods: Research method is a semi experimental socio-statistic approach consisting of experimental group (dialectical behavior therapy) and control group. Participants were patients referred to Amir Kabir Hospital in Arak. and who were Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors. Based on stratified random sampling, 16 patients (women) were placed in each group. Research tools included the structured diagnosis interview according to DSM-IV-TR (2000), Barrat impulsivity scale (1994) Distress Tolerance Scale (2005) Difficulties of Emotion Regulation Scale (2004) and dialectical behavior therapy were done for two months, 8 groups Sessions.

Results: The results of this study showed that there was significant difference between control and experimental groups after implementation of dialectical behavior therapy relying on component tolerance and regulation of emotional distress variables impulsive behavior and explosion furies (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Distress tolerance and emotion regulation components effective on Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors.

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Background: One of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs is oxidative stress that can damage the sperm and decrease fertility potential. Antioxidant agents in Imedeen like Lycophence GS and Biomarine complex play important role in preventing the direct and indirect effects of free radicals. So, in this study, the inhibitory effects of Imedeen on the damage caused by cyclophosphamide were investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 mature male mice were divided into six groups. The control group received physiological serum, the second group received CP with 12mg/kg/day dosage, the third group received Imedeen with 111µg/kg/day dosage, the fourth group received Imedeen with 222 µg/kg/day dosage, the fifth group received CP and Imedeen with one dosage and the last group received CP and Imedeen with double dosage. Sampling and studies on sperm quality were performed after 35 days.

Results: The results obtained from the caudal epididymal sperm analysis revealed that treated with CP caused significant decrease in sperm count, motility, and viability, while abnormal sperms increased as compared to control gruop. These changes were associated with significant increase in DNA damage and chromatin abnormality in the caudal epididymal spermatozoa as evidenced by Acridine Orange and Aniline Blue staining respectively. Notably administration of Imedeen caused a considerable recovery in above-mentioned parameters.

Conclusion: The results suggest that Imedeen as an antioxidant could diminish the side effects of cyclophosphamide in the reproductive system of male mice.

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Background: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status may be associated with glaucomatous damage. The purpose of this study was to compare the serum antioxidant status between primary angle closure glaucoma patients and healthy subjects.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study 66 primary angle closure glaucoma patients and 80 controls were enrolled. Peripheral blood sample obtained from patients. Superoxide dismutase(SOD) was assayed by inhibition the rate of adrenochrome formation. Catalase (CAT) was evaluated by decrease of H2O2 absorbance. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione reductase (GR) were determined following NADP oxidation or reduction. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was measured by increase in the absorbance of CDNB and glutathione conjugation.

Results: Antioxidant defense enzymes were significantly decreased in glaucoma patients over those of control groups. CAT (p<0.006), SOD (p<0.020) and GPX (p<0.004). A relative insignificant decrease of GR and GST activities was observed in glaucoma patients compared with healthy subjects.

Conclusion: The present study supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress is an important factor in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Although primary angle closure glaucoma has an anathomical basis but decrease in antioxidant defense enzymes activities may have a role in pathogenesis of this type of glaucoma.

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  Background: Stress is a mental or emotional disturbance that occurs in response to external stimuli and can also appear during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of maternal stress during pregnancy on the cerebellar structure changes and seizure threshold of their offspring .

  Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 pregnant female rats were divided into two groups: 1) Non stress group, and 2) Stress group which were under immobilization stress one hour for 14 days . The seizure threshold test in offspring was performed by injecting Pantilen tetrazol drug (PTZ)(n=8) . To investigate the cerebellum development, the offspring were divided into three groups . Control group: mothers did not any stress and offspring did not receive PTZ (n=4). Sham group: mothers did not stress but the offspring had received PTZ(n=4). Experimental group: mothers did stress and offispring did receive PTZ(n=4). After the section of cerebellum, the thickness of cerebellum layers and the number of cells in each layer were evaluated.

  Results: The mean of seizure threshold in the offspring whose mothers were under the stress of pregnancy significantly increased compared to children whose mothers no received stress (p<0.001). In the other side, mean number of purkinje cells in the experimental group significantly decreased compared with the other groups (p<0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean of granular and molecular layers thickness of cerebellum in the experimental group when compared with the other groups(p<0.05). However, mean cellular density in the granular layer of cerebellum in the experimental group significantly decreased compared to other groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Stress during pregnancy increased the seizure threshold in offspring and caused some developmental and structural disorders in the cerebellar rat offspring.

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Background: Post ischemic myocardial reperfusion can impair CABG outcomes and cause increased mortality, hospital stay and costs. Then, increased oxygen free radicals lead to lipid peroxidation and sulfhydryl group oxidation. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether N-acetylcysteine and Vitamin C as antioxidants could effect postoperative outcomes of on-pump CABG.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, patients who had undergone CABG were studied in 4 groups receiving Vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, Vitamin C & N-acetylcysteine and traditional drugs. The study population consisted of 50 patients in each group. Data were recorded in a checklist and analyzed by using SPSS 20.

Results: Mean pump time, ICU stay, hospital stay, the distribution of troponin positive serum, arrhythmia and need for reoperation were significantly different between groups. Gender distribution, mean cross-clamp time, serum creatinine level before and after surgery, the need for inotropic drugs and required dose level of it, showed no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: It seems that the combination of N-acetylcysteine and  Vitamin C had a stronger effect on the defference between the mean of pump time, hospital length stay and  length of ICU stay versus the administration of N-acetylcysteine or Vitamin C alone.

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Background: There are numerous negative side-effects of child sexual abuse such as post- traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. The purpose of this study is the use of Specific Recall Training on depression and anxiety in children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by Sexual Abuse.

Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up design and with a control group.34 children with post-traumatic stress disorder caused by sexual abuse were selected by available sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group was educated over 7 sessions of 1.5 hours by Specific Recall Training method. To collect data, the Spence children's anxiety questionnaire and children's depression questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed by using the SPSS-20 software and multivariate analysis of covariance method.

Results: The findings showed that specific recall training, significantly reduce depression and anxiety scores. In follow up, the pre-test effect, the long term effect of treatment on depression was observed (F=5.943, p=0.021), but it can't effectively reduce anxiety.

Conclusion: The results showed that specific recall training was effective on depression and anxiety in children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by sexual abuse. Therefore, counselors and therapists can use this method for the treatment of children with mentioned disorder.