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- Mitchell, Amanda M, et al.
(author)
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HOPELESSNESS THE "ACTIVE INGREDIENT"? ASSOCIATIONS OF HOPELESSNESS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS WITH INTERLEUKIN-6
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. - : Baywood Publishing. - 0091-2174 .- 1541-3527. ; 46:1, s. 109-117
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Previous research has revealed a relationship of depressive symptoms and hopelessness with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which are associated with elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). The objective of this study was to explore whether depressive symptoms and hopelessness are independent predictors of IL-6 levels. Method: Hopelessness, depressive symptoms, and IL-6 were measured in 45 Swedish adults (26 women and 19 men; age range: 31-65 years). Two separated linear regressions were conducted with hopelessness and depressive symptoms serving as individual predictors of IL-6. Another regression analysis examined whether the two predictors predict IL-6 when controlling for each other. The regression coefficients of the models with one predictor and with both predictors were compared. Results: As predicted, after adjusting for age, BMI, illness, smoking, and gender, more depressive symptoms and more hopelessness predicted higher IL-6 levels in independent regressions. When controlling for each other, hopelessness, but not depressive symptoms, predicted IL-6 levels. Finally, when controlling for hopelessness, the regression between depressive symptoms and IL-6 level was significantly reduced; however, there was no significant change in the regression between hopelessness and IL-6 level when controlling for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Thus, these results suggest that depressive symptoms and hopelessness are not independent predictors of IL-6 levels. Future research should explore the interplay of hopelessness and depressive symptoms on other risk factors of CVDs.
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- Ryding, EL, et al.
(author)
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Becoming the kind of doctor that you want to be. A qualitative study about participation in Balint group work
- 2022
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In: International journal of psychiatry in medicine. - : SAGE Publications. - 1541-3527 .- 0091-2174. ; 57:4, s. 283-292
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although wide-spread and appreciated, the benefit of Balint group work has been difficult to determine. Qualitative studies provide new angles for research. The aim of this study is to explore how participants in a Balint group for at least 1.5 years experienced the group work and how they were affected by their participation. Method Focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 19 members of four different Balint groups. The participants were experienced residents or younger specialists in general practice as well as from hospital specialities. A thematic analysis was performed. Results The main themes that emerged were: Investigating emotions, Development of the physician’s identity as well as Safety in the group and with the leader. The participants reported relief from stress as well as increased ability to understand the emotional side of patient encounters. They struggled to find their identity as doctors and specialists, often gaining a sense of pride in their work and becoming more secure. The group with a certified Balint leader felt like a safe place. Conclusions For younger doctors, participation in a Balint group for at least 1.5 years can help them build their professional identity by means of a deeper understanding of doctor-patient relationships. The role of Balint group work in relation to professional identity warrants further study.
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- Shor-Posner, G., et al.
(author)
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Psychological burden in the era of Haart : Impact of selenium therapy
- 2003
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In: International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. - : Sage Publications. - 0091-2174 .- 1541-3527. ; 33:1, s. 55-69
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To determine the impact of nutritional (selenium) chemoprevention on levels of psychological burden (anxiety, depression, and mood state) in HIV/AIDS. Method: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled selenium therapy (200 mug/day) trial was conducted in HIV+ drug users from 1998-2000. Psychosocial measures (STAI-State and Trait anxiety, BDI-depression, and POMS- mood state), clinical status (CD4 cell count, viral load), and plasma selenium levels were determined at baseline and compared with measurements obtained at the 12-month evaluation in 63 participants (32 men, 31 women). Results: The majority of the study participants reported elevated levels of both State (68%) and Trait (70%) anxiety. Approximately 25% reported overall mood distress (POMS > 60) and moderate depression (BDI > 20). Psychological burden was not influenced by current drug use, antiretroviral treatment, or viral load. At the 12-month evaluation, participants who received selenium reported increased vigor (p = 0.004) and had less anxiety (State, p = 0.05 and Trait, p = 0.02), compared to the placebo-treated individuals. No apparent selenium-related affect on depression or distress was observed. The risk for state anxiety was almost four times higher, and nearly nine times greater for trait anxiety in the placebo-treated group, controlling for antiretroviral therapy, CD4 cell decline (> 50 cells) and years of education. Conclusions: Selenium therapy may be a beneficial treatment to decrease anxiety in HIV+ drug users who exhibit a high prevalence of psychological burden.
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