Showing 42 results for Anxiety
Ali Esfahani, Shirin Zeinali, Roghayeh Kiani,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women which leaves a profound impact on their psychosocial health and pain experience. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group psychotherapy based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on pain-related anxiety and cognitive emotion regulation of women with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, subjects were 68 women with breast cancer refereed to Shahid Ghazi Hospitalin Tabriz, Iran who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Then, they were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 34). The intervention group underwent eight 90-min sessions of ACT-based group therapy, while the control group received no any intervention. They completed Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale Short Form and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire before and one week after treatment. Collected ata were analyzed by using t test, chi-square test, ANCOA and MANCOVA.
Ethical Considerations This study has obtained its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (code: IR.TBZMED.REC.1397.287) and has been registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (code: IRCT2017100615590N5).
Results: The ACT-based intervention improved the dimensions of pain-related anxiety (8.44±1.5) and cognitive regulation of negative (8.40±3.5) and positive (8.39±7.5) affects (P<0.001).
Conclusion: ACT-based intervention can help breast cancer patients to accept their negative thoughts and current conditions.
Ayatollah Fathi, Solmaz Sadeghi, Ali Akbar Maleki Rad, Hossein Rostami, Karim Abdolmohammadi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anxiety is one of the clinical signs of viral diseases such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can threaten the immune system. This study aims to investigate the effect of health-promoting lifestyle and psychological well-being on COVID-19-induced anxiety in non-medical students
Methods & Materials: This is an analytical/correlational study conducted on 307 non-medical students of Islamic Azad University in Tabriz, Iran, who were participated voluntarily in the study. They completed the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale developed by Alipour et al. (2019), Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB), and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) developed by Walker et al. (1987). The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20 software by using the stepwise regression analysis
Ethical Considerations: This research conducted based on the Ethical Committee of University of Tabriz (TABRIZU.REC.1399.018).
Results: Two SPWB components of “personal growth” and “positive relations with others” were able to predict the COVID-19-induced anxiety, which together explained 72% of anxiety variance in students. Moreover, two HPLP components of “spiritual growth” and “responsibility” could predict the COVID-19-induced anxiety and together explained 9% of the anxiety variance.
Conclusion: Promoting personal and spiritual growth, having positive relations with others, and responsibility can significantly reduce the anxiety induced by the COVID-19.
Mohammad Rahmanian, Ali Reza Kamali, Hadi Mosalanezhad, Mahdi Foroughian, Navid Kalani, Naser Hatami, Mohammad Heidarnezhad, Esmaeal Rayatdoost, Samaneh Abiri,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a lot of stress and anxiety in the world. Given that health care workers are at the forefront of fighting against COVID-19, they are the first to be exposed to this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 402 medical and administrative staff working in hospitals and health centers affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Data collection tools were a demographic form and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Vice-Chancellor for Research of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.JUMS.REC.1399.046).
Results: The mean score of psychological symptoms of anxiety in the medical staff (46.91) was higher than in the administrative staff (42.63). Its physical symptoms were also higher in the clinical staff (12.80) compared to the administrative staff (10.94). There was a significant difference between the clinical and administrative staff in terms of anxiety (P=0.030).
Conclusion: Medical staff has higher psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety compared to the non-medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, in order to reduce the anxiety of medical staff, health policymakers should take the necessary measures to take care of this group.
Said Ariapooran, Marzieh Amirimanesh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nurses experience many psychological problems during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak, and compare these problems in nurses based on gender, educational level, marital status and department.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive study conducted on 312 nurses working in hospitals in Malayer, Iran. who were selected using census method. They completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Scale for Suicidal Ideation questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the collected data in SPSS v. 24 software.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Malayer University (Code: IR.MALAYERU.REC.1399.002).
Results: It was reported that 15.38% of nurses had moderate-to-severe depression; 46.47% had moderate-to-severe anxiety, 27.56% had plans for suicide, and 9.94% had active suicidal desire. The results of MANCOVA showed that depression (P=0.009) and anxiety (P=0.001) in female nurses was significantly higher than in male nurses. Depression and suicidal ideation of nurses with bachelor’s degree were higher compared to nurses with master’s degree (P=0.01). Anxiety and suicidal ideation of single nurses were higher compared to married nurses (P=0.01). Nurses in the emergency department (P=0.03), ICU/CCU (P=0.04) were more anxious than the pre-hospital emergency nurses.
Conclusion: Prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in nurses during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran is high. Therefore, it is recommended to use psychological therapies to reduce their depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation during the outbreak.
Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini Poor Abardeh, Mandana Niknam,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (8-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anxiety is one of the common disorders affecting the treatment process in patients with breast cancer. Regarding the importance of spiritual health on anxiety in cancer patients, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual health with existential anxiety and morbid anxiety in the female with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all female patients with breast cancer referred to Imam Reza Oncology and Radiotherapy Center in Mashhad in 2017. A total of 195 patients with breast cancer were selected through random sampling. Data collection tools included Beck Anxiety Inventory (1990), Lawrence & Good Existential Anxiety Inventory (1974), and Paulotzin & Ellison Spiritual Health Inventory (1982). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multivariate regression.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered by the Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University E-Campu (Code: 950261902191).
Results: The results showed a significant positive relationship between spiritual and existential dimensions of spiritual health with existential anxiety (P>0.01). But the relationship between two dimensions of spiritual health and patients’ anxiety was not significant (P>0.01).
Conclusion: Considering the importance of spiritual health in existential anxiety and morbid anxiety, strengthening spiritual health can influence cancer patients’ anxiety.
Saeed Nasiri, Mohammad Noori, Maryam Aslezaker,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Attention Control Training is a new cognitive intervention that improves emotion regulation by reducing attentional bias towards negative information. Given the significant association between death anxiety and emotion dysregulation and death-related attentional bias, this study aimed to assess attention control training as an intervention for reducing death anxiety.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, the Convenience Sampling Method sampled 50 university students in Tehran and was randomly assigned to 2 experimental and 1 control groups. Attention control training was delivered using death-related stimuli for the 1st experimental group and negative stimuli unrelated to death for the 2nd experimental group. The control group didn’t receive any interventions. In 3 measurements of pretest, posttest, and 3 months follow-up, death-related attentional bias, death anxiety, and sensitivity to mortality salience were assessed, respectively, using the Modified Stroop Test, Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale (MFODS), and Propensity to Moral Disengagement Scale (PMDS) after inducing Mortality Salience condition.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Code: IRCT20190406043181N1) and was approved by the research ethics committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.SBMU.MSP.REC.1398.539).
Results: The study showed that after completing attention control training, the 1st experimental group’s death-related attentional bias, death anxiety, and sensitivity to mortality salience were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and this reduction was maintained at 3 months of follow-up. No significant changes were observed in the other two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that attention control training is capable of significantly reducing death-related attentional bias, and this reduction in attentional bias leads to decreased death anxiety and sensitivity to mortality salience
Mahbobeh Karbalaei, Jahangir Karami, Parvaneh Karimi,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The type of circadian rhythms is essential in maintaining physical and mental health and recovery from the disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of circadian rhythms on sleep quality and corona anxiety in men and women.
Methods & Materials: The present study is a descriptive comparative causal description. The statistical population included all 18-50 who participated in the survey online. People who completed the questionnaire online were selected for sampling. The research instruments included the circadian inventory rhythms Horne and Ostberg (1976), Petersburg Quality of Sleep Questionnaire (1989), and Alipour et al.’s (2020) Corona-related Anxiety Scale in the Iranian sample. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the Scheffe test were used to analyze the data.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered with the Ethics Committee Razi University Technology Units Development Center at Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies (No.: 99133).
Results: The results showed that the mean of mental and corona physical anxiety in women and men with evening type is higher than in other classes. Men and women in the evening type have a lower sleep quality than in the morning and middle types. The results also showed significant differences between the types regarding corona anxiety, sleep quality, and sex. The difference between the mean of the morning type and evening types’ mean was more than other differences between the means.
Conclusion: Individual differences in morning-evening types seem to play an essential role in the quality of sleep and the experience of corona anxiety
Pardis Mirmoeini, Mohammad Hosseini Bayazi, Javad Khlatbari,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Given the increasing number of patients with multiple sclerosis and the psychological complications that affect this group, the present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion-focused therapy for these patients
Methods & Materials This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. A total of 45 patients with multiple sclerosis were selected from MS patients in Tehran Clinic, Tehran City, Iran, in 2020. They were randomly divided into three groups: the first group was under treatment based on acceptance and commitment therapy, the second group was assigned to the compassion-focused therapy, and the third group was the control. The participants completed the Connor and Davidson resilience questionnaire and the Pennsylvania concern questionnaire in the pretest and post-test stages. The first and second groups participated in eight sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy and ten sessions of compassion-focused therapy, respectively. The control group did not receive any intervention. The post-test was done at the end of the therapy sessions. Data were reported by analysis of covariance.
Ethical Considerations This research was approved by the Torbat Jam Branch, Islamic Azad University (Cod: IR.IAU.TJ.REC.1399.012).
Results The results of univariate analysis of covariance were obtained at the statistical level of P<0.05. In this regard, F=5.88 for resilience and F=42.60 for anxiety intensity were obtained, which indicated the greater effectiveness of acceptance and commitment treatment.
Conclusion Considering the effectiveness of both treatments, it is suggested that these treatments be given more attention to controlling patients’ psychological symptoms.
Maliheh Rahmani, Zahra Zanjani, Abdollah Omidi,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Various research studies have investigated the relationship between anxiety and worry. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation and mindfulness in the relationship between anxiety and worry.
Methods & Materials The present study follows a correlational design study. The research sample included 248 students of Kashan universities in Iran studying in the 2017-2018 academic year. The study data were collected using the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Pennsylvania state worry questionnaire (PSWQ), the Persian short form of cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire (CERQ-P-short form), and five-factor mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ). Then, the obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS v. 22 and AMOS v. 22 software.
Ethical Considerations The Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences approved the study (Code: IR.KAUMS.REC.1396.36).
Results The results showed a significant relationship between generalized anxiety and worry, worry and cognitive emotion regulation, worry and mindfulness, generalized anxiety and cognitive emotion regulation, and anxiety and mindfulness. The results of the structural equation modeling confirmed the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in the relationship between anxiety and worry. Also, the path coefficient of mindfulness and anxiety was removed from the model because it was not significant.
Conclusion Generally, cognitive emotion regulation plays a mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and worry. These findings seem applicable in the individual, family, educational, therapeutic, and interpersonal mental health fields.
Ms Kobraa Mastery Farahani, Dr Soghra Akbari Chermahini,
Volume 25, Issue 5 (12-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Investigating the psychological issues of patients with diabetes, especially in adolescence and youth, is particularly important. Therefore, this study aims to compare the health anxiety and response inhibition of people with type 1 diabetes with healthy people.
Methods: This research is a description of the causal and comparative types. Its statistical population consists of all boys and girls aged 14 to 24 years old with type 1 diabetes in Arak city who were referred to the treatment clinics of this city in 1400. From this population, 30 people were selected by purposive sampling, and 34 healthy teenagers participated in this study as a comparison group. The tools of this research included the health anxiety questionnaire (Salkoskis and Warwick, 2002) and the open-ended task, and multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.
Ethical Considerations: The present research has been registered with the code IR.ARAKU.REC.1401.015 in the Ethics Committee of Arak University.
Results: The present study's findings showed a significant difference between health anxiety and cognitive inhibition of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and healthy adolescents (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The results of this research show the higher level of health anxiety and poor performance of adolescents with type 1 diabetes in choosing the right answer and neglect the wrong answer, which indicates a weakness in their inhibition system. Considering the placement of these problems along with the psychological characteristics of adolescence, it is suggested to use suitable psychological treatment approaches and suitable cognitive rehabilitation interventions to solve or reduce these problems and increase the health of these patients.
Farnaz Ghorbani, Mostafa Ghandi, Navid Yousefi, Maryam Shokri Mojdeh,
Volume 25, Issue 6 (3-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Dentists are at high risk for COVID19 disease and spreading it to colleagues, families and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate COVID 19 epidemic anxiety among students and dental assistants of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: In this descriptive-Analytic cross-sectional study, 142 dental students who were willing to participate the study were surveyed. Data collection tools was included a demographic and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) questionnaire. After collecting information, each participant's anxiety score was measured from zero to 54. These raw scores were converted to standard T scores for comparability with other studies, and according to the scope of standard T studies, participants in one of three groups of no anxiety or mild (T≤ 39), moderate (60 ≤ T ≤ 40), And severe anxiety (T≥61), and then the data were analyzed with SPSS23 statistical software. Ethical code of this study is IR.QUMS.REC.1399.224 in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences.
Results: According to the results, the level of anxiety was higher in older age groups, among men against women, and among married against single people, respectively. Also, the level of anxiety caused by Coronaviruses pandemic was higher in undergraduate against postgraduate students. However, difference was not statistically significant (P <0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the study, it can be stated that the level of coronaviruses anxiety in dental students is mild. In these situation, measures to maintain the psychological health of students should be a necessity of the planning of the directors and professors of the dental school.
Phd Zahra Akhavisamarein, Mis Shirin Ahmadi, Mis Rana Pourzargar,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the destructive effects of the prevalence of infectious diseases such as Covid-19 and the resulting social crisis on physical and mental health, a leading study was conducted to investigate Pattern of structural relationships of Covid-19 epidemic anxiety based on self-control mediated by emotional resilience.
Methods: The method of this research was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population of the present study included all students of Mohaghegh University in the academic year 2021-2022. Corona, resilience, completed the self-control questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficient tests and structural equation modeling using Spss.25 and Lisrel 8.8 software were used to analyze the data.
Ethic: This research has been approved by the ethics code IR.ARUMS.REC.1400.045 in the ethics committee of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The results showed that coronary anxiety was negatively associated with self-control and emotional resilience. Emotional resilience is also positively associated with self-control. Model fit indices also confirmed the path of self-control over coronary anxiety mediated by emotional resilience.
Conclusions: According to the results of the current study, psychiatric clinics, counseling centers and health networks can use the findings of the research in the field of mental health and to face the covid-19 epidemic.
Miss Homa Rastegari, Dr Davood Hekmatpou, Dr Ramiz Kamrani, Dr Moloud Farmahini Farahani,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the common problems of patients with covid-19 is the occurrence of respiratory problems that may accompany the person for a long time. Also, based on clinical and research evidence, different degrees of anxiety and stress have been observed in those who have recovered from this disease. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on dyspnea and state anxiety in patients with covid-19.
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2021-2022. The study population consisted of 78 patients with covid-19 hospitalized in Amir al-Momenin Hospital in Arak city, who were selected by available sampling and divided into two groups of 40. In this study, the Spielberger anxiety inventory, Borg scale, MRC breathlessness scale and measurement of blood oxygen saturation were used. The test group received diaphragmatic breathing training on the day of discharge and performed the exercise for ten minutes, and after discharge, they performed diaphragmatic breathing twice a day (ten minutes each time) at home for a week. Questionnaires were completed by the patients before the intervention, immediately after and one week later. The data was analyzed with SPSS software version 23 at the level (P < 0.05).
Results: The findings showed that the mean anxiety score of the patients immediately and one week after the intervention in the test group was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.001). The mean oxygen saturation in the test group after the intervention was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). Also, a significant difference was observed between the mean dyspnea scores using the MRC and Borg dyspnea scales after the intervention in the two groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The results showed diaphragmatic breathing reduced anxiety and shortness of breath in patients with covid-19 after discharge. Therefore, teaching this simple and effective method is recommended for these patients during discharge from the hospital.
Hamid Akhavein Mohammadi, Majid Baradaran,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (7-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder can be described as a debilitating disorder characterized by negative evaluation by others, internal shame, negative self-concept, as well as high levels of anxiety and avoidance in specific social and functional situations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effective of hypnotherapy in promotion subjective well-being and sleep quality in people with generalized anxiety disorder.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and a control group design and conducted on 40 persons who had generalized anxiety disorder in Rasht, Iran in 2023 and were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (20 persons in each group). The hypnotherapy was conducted during 6 sessions in the experimental group, while the control group did not receive any treatment. The data were collected through the subjective well-being and sleep quality Inventory. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Payame Noor University (Code: IR.PNU.REC.1402.070).
Results: The results indicated that hypnotherapy was effective on subjective well-being (F= 33.38, P=0.001) and sleep quality (F= 5.10, P=0.03) in people with generalized anxiety disorder; this method also increased their subjective well-being and sleep quality.
Conclusions: The based on the results of the present study, hypnotherapy is effective in promotion subjective well-being and sleep quality in people with generalized anxiety disorder. It suggests that these method are used along with other psychological and pharmaceutical therapies for people with generalized anxiety disorder as a clinical intervention.
Mrs Elham Mohammadi, Dr Akram Bayati, Dr Sharare Khosravi, Dr Fakhredin Shariat Madari,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (7-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Seizure due to fever is the most prevalent neurological condition in children aged 6 to 60 months. A child's seizure can cause significant distress for parents, particularly the mother. Anxiety control and the well-being of the mother are crucial elements in managing child seizures.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 70 mothers with children experiencing febrile convulsions were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The division was done using an available sampling method. The mothers in the experimental group received an intervention based on Orem's self-care model, while the mothers in the control group received the usual care. Mothers' anxiety was assessed one day after the child's hospitalization and again three weeks later using the Spielberger questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher's test, and analysis of covariance in SPSS software version 25.
Results: The study showed that after one day of hospitalization, the anxiety score of mothers in the test group was 101.68, compared to 106.25 in the control group. Three weeks later, the test group's anxiety score decreased to 68.97, while the control group's score was 96.34. Importantly, the decrease in the test group was statistically significant compared to the control group (P = 0.000).
Conclusions: Engaging in self-care activities results in a decrease in maternal anxiety. Hence, it is recommended to employ this approach when caring for children who are hospitalized.
Miss Shahrzad Adili, Miss Zohreh Raeisi, Miss Nahid Akrami, Miss Zohreh Ranjbarkohan,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted with the aim of the effectiveness of philial therapy on social acceptability and anxiety sensitivity of children with symptoms of self-destructive mood disorder.
Methods: It was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a follow-up period. The statistical population included 9-12-year-old children with symptoms of suicidal mood disorder in Isfahan city. 30 children with symptoms of self-inflicted mood disorder and their mothers were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received Filial Landreth play therapy intervention (2013) during two months in 8 sessions of 60 minutes. Research tools included Ford and Robin's (1970) social acceptability questionnaire and Tsao et al.'s (2006) anxiety sensitivity questionnaire. The data obtained from the research was analyzed by the method of variance analysis with repeated measurements using SPSS-29 statistical software.
Results: The results showed that the filial therapy intervention had a significant effect on the social acceptability and anxiety sensitivity of children with symptoms of self-destructive mood disorder (P<0.001). In this way, this intervention was able to lead to the improvement of social acceptability and the reduction of anxiety sensitivity of these children.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that philial therapy using techniques such as lectures, discussion, role playing, group processes and supervision can be an effective treatment to improve social acceptability and reduce anxiety sensitivity of children with the symptoms of self-inflicted mood disorder should be used.
Toktam Masomi, Doctor Gholamreza Manshaee, Doctor Hadi Farhadi,
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness on cortisol levels in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.
Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test control group and a two-month follow-up period. The study population included all individuals with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder who referred to the clinics of the Psychological Services Center and Counseling in Region 3, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center of Welfare in Region 6, and the Aryaz Counseling and Psychological Services of Region 6, Tehran, from April 2022 to the end of autumn 2022.
Results: The sample consisted of 30 individuals (10 males and 20 females) with generalized anxiety disorder, selected purposefully and randomly assigned to a treatment group based on virtual reality and mindfulness (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). Pre-test, post-test, and follow-up cortisol levels were measured, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) was used as the entry criterion. Subsequently, the experimental group received an eight-session, 17-minute weekly treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness. Participants in this group, while immersed in a virtual environment, watched 360-degree virtual reality videos, "Walking by the Beach" and "Pebbles in the Lake," accompanied by mindfulness audio contemplation, "Being Present and Breathing," and "Wise Mind," using a VR headset and VR-ARBOX. The control group received no treatment.
Conclusions: After completing the interventions, post-tests and two-month follow-ups were conducted. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS23 software, revealing that the combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness was effective in reducing cortisol levels. It is suggested that this combined method is used as a clinical intervention in order to reduce the level of anxiety and cortisol of people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder alone or along with other psychological and pharmaceutical interventions.
Yasaman Kasiri, Dr Ghodratollah Abbasi, Dr Bahram Mirzayian,
Volume 26, Issue 6 (2-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: A woman due to menstruation, pregnancy and poor iron intake and absorption it is prone to iron deficiency anemia and its effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of process-based treatment on anxiety in women suffering from iron deficiency anemia and generalized anxiety disorder.
Methods: It was performed by utilizing a single-case experimental design. In doing this, six female participants suffering from iron deficiency anemia were selected through purposive sampling and placed under the individual process-based therapy during nine 60-minute sessions. In the pre-treatment stage, the participants responded to Newman, Zueling, Kachin and Constantino's fourth version of the generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire and underwent clinical interviews. They also completed the Beck's depression inventory in the baseline stages and third, sixth and ninth sessions of the intervention and finally at the 3-month follow up stages. The data were analyzed by the method of visual analysis, stable change index and recovery percentage formula, and the effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated using the Ingram criteria.
Results: The results showed that the percentage of overall recovery in depression for the first to sixth participants in the intervention stage was 49/26، 50/54، 59/27, 76/20، 54/41 و 57/83 and in the follow-up stages was 70/10، 64/70، 75/93، 78/61، 77/57 و 84/93; respectively. Also, the percentage of overall recovery in the intervention and follow-up stages was 57/90 and 75/30; respectively indicating to a success in therapy.
Conclusions: Process-based therapy reduces depression of the research participants and it is suggested to be used as a method of treatment and complementary to medical treatment to remedy comorbid mental disorders and improve the general performance of people with anemia.
Sara Derakhshan, Fateme Ganjeh, Korosh Rezaei, Elaheh Noroozi ,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic people, while one of the prominent sources of anxiety in patients is the time of discharge from the hospital. This study aimed to determine the effect of the SMART discharge protocol on the anxiety of diabetic foot ulcer patients.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 50 patients with diabetic foot ulcers Were divided equally into two control (25 patients) and intervention (25 patients) groups, randomly and based on the Inclusion criteria. In the intervention group, the SMART discharge protocol was implemented from their admission to the day of discharge. The Demographic information questionnaire and Spielberger questionnaire were used to determine patients' anxiety. The data were analyzed at two descriptive and inferential levels.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean score of anxiety for diabetic foot ulcer patients in the two groups before the intervention. In contrast, after the intervention, the mean anxiety score in the two groups showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001).
Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the smart discharge protocol was effective in reducing the anxiety of diabetic foot ulcer patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing officials and managers implement this protocol.
Ahmad Ansarifar, Isaac Rahimian-Boogar, Siavash Talepasand,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Sociodemographic factors and perceived anxiety have a significant impact on the development of somatic symptom disorder. This study aimed to investigate the role of demographic characteristics, social isolation, and perceived anxiety in predicting somatic symptom disorder.
Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study among adults aged 18 to 60 in Tehran in 2023, 437 participants were selected based on convenience sampling. The participants completed the Somatic Symptom Disorder Questionnaire (SSEQ), Social Isolation Questionnaire, and Perceived Anxiety Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The results indicated that social isolation and perceived anxiety have a positive and significant correlation with somatic symptoms disorder (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, education, and employment status) and somatic symptoms (P <0.01). Multiple correlation and regression coefficients among research variables were statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: The examined model was almost able to predict 22% of the somatic symptoms of the disorder. The results have implications for formulating interventions based on social isolation and perceived anxiety in controlling somatic symptoms. It is essential to pay attention to social isolation and perceived anxiety in the formulation and implementation of interventions and educational programs for the prevention and improvement of somatic symptom disorder.