Examining predictors of help-seeking behaviours in patients with mood and anxiety symptoms

Profiling Generalized Anxiety Disorder on Social Networks: Content and Behavior Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite a dramatic increase in the number of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a substantial number still do not seek help from health professionals, resulting in reduced quality of life. With the growth in popularity of social media platforms, individuals have become more willing to express their emotions through these channels. Therefore, social media data have become valuable for identifying mental health status.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the social media posts and behavioral patterns of people with GAD, focusing on language use, emotional expression, topics discussed, and engagement to identify digital markers of GAD, such as anxious patterns and behaviors. These insights could help reveal mental health indicators, aiding in digital intervention development.

METHODS

Data were first collected from Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X) for the GAD and control groups. Several preprocessing steps were performed. Three measurements were defined based on Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count for linguistic analysis. GuidedLDA was also used to identify the themes present in the tweets. Additionally, users' behaviors were analyzed using Twitter metadata. Finally, we studied the correlation between the GuidedLDA-based themes and users' behaviors.

RESULTS

The linguistic analysis indicated differences in cognitive style, personal needs, and emotional expressiveness between people with and without GAD. Regarding cognitive style, there were significant differences (P<.001) for all features, such as insight (Cohen d=1.13), causation (Cohen d=1.03), and discrepancy (Cohen d=1.16). Regarding personal needs, there were significant differences (P<.001) in most personal needs categories, such as curiosity (Cohen d=1.05) and communication (Cohen d=0.64). Regarding emotional expressiveness, there were significant differences (P<.001) for most features, including anxiety (Cohen d=0.62), anger (Cohen d=0.72), sadness (Cohen d=0.48), and swear words (Cohen d=2.61). Additionally, topic modeling identified 4 primary themes (ie, symptoms, relationships, life problems, and feelings). We found that all themes were significantly more prevalent for people with GAD than for those without GAD (P<.001), along with significant effect sizes (Cohen d>0.50; P<.001) for most themes. Moreover, studying users' behaviors, including hashtag participation, volume, interaction pattern, social engagement, and reactive behaviors, revealed some digital markers of GAD, with most behavior-based features, such as the hashtag (Cohen d=0.49) and retweet (Cohen d=0.69) ratios, being statistically significant (P<.001). Furthermore, correlations between the GuidedLDA-based themes and users' behaviors were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed several digital markers of GAD on social media. These findings are significant and could contribute to developing an assessment tool that clinicians could use for the initial diagnosis of GAD or the detection of an early signal of worsening in people with GAD via social media posts. This tool could provide ongoing support and personalized coping strategies. However, one limitation of using social media for mental health assessment is the lack of a demographic representativeness analysis.

Psychometric evaluation of the Social Touch Questionnaire in Chinese adolescents

Social touch promotes psychological well-being through inducing positive effects on social affiliation and stress alleviation, especially in adolescence. However, there is a scarcity of instruments available for evaluating adolescents' attitude toward social touch in China. The present study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Social Touch Questionnaire (STQ) in Chinese adolescents. A total of 2839 high school students were enrolled, ranging in age from 11 to 19 years. The dimensions of the scale were conducted by exploratory factor analysis, and validated by confirmatory factor analysis. A three-factor model showed the best fit and consisted of the following subgroups: liking of informal social touch, liking of general social touch, and dislike of social touch. Furthermore, positive associations were found between social touch and interaction anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality. Short-term prediction of dislike of social touch in anxiety symptoms was determined, while no significant predictor of depressive symptoms was found. The STQ demonstrates reliability and validity as a self-report questionnaire designed to assess behaviors and attitudes toward social touch. It effectively adapts to the nuances of the Chinese context among adolescents.

Pornography and sexual function in the post-pandemic period: a narrative review from psychological, psychiatric, and sexological perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns had significant impacts on sexual functioning and behavior. Partnered sexual activity decreased overall, while solo sex activities such as masturbation and pornography consumption increased exponentially. Given the ongoing debate about the effects of pornography on sexual function, it was prudent to consider how the increase in porn consumption during the pandemic might have impacted sexual function in the post-pandemic period. Results indicated that despite the increased rates of use during lockdowns, there remains no evidence supporting the relationship between sexual dysfunction and porn use during and following the pandemic period. On the contrary, pornography consumption and solo sex activities offered an alternative to conventional sexual behavior during a highly stressful period and were found to have positive effects of relieving psychosocial stress otherwise induced by the pandemic. Specifically, those who maintained an active sexual life experienced less anxiety and depression, and greater relational health than those who were not sexually active. It is important to consider factors including frequency, context, and type of consumption when analyzing the impact of pornography on sexual function. While excessive use can have negative effects, moderate use can be a natural and healthy part of life.

The effects of sociodemographic factors on help-seeking for depression: Based on the 2017-2020 Korean Community Health Survey

When individuals face psychological difficulties that exceed their resources, consulting professionals for mental health treatment can be an effective way to overcome these difficulties. However, in general, only a few patients receive treatment for depression. The goal of the present study was to explore the help-seeking behaviors of currently employed individuals with depression and the factors influencing their help-seeking behaviors. This study used raw data from the Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) obtained from 2017 to 2020. A total of 6,505 employed individuals, who responded as having experiences of sadness or hopelessness that caused problems in their lives for more than two weeks and who scored more than nine points on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were included in our analysis. Help-seeking behavior was measured as receiving expert advice due to feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Of the 6,505 people with depression, only 1,781 (27.38%) received professional counseling for it. Male participants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.157-1.487), those aged 45-64 years (aOR = 1.192, 95% CI = 1.022-1.389) and more than 75 years (aOR = 1.446, 95% CI = 1.059-1.973), those not having a Medical Aid program (aOR = 1.750, 95% CI = 1.375-2.226), and those having low educational levels (aOR = .896, 95% CI = .830-.968) were less likely to seek professional help for depression. Our study found that help-seeking behaviors for depression in the Korean population were low. Furthermore, we identified the characteristics associated with individuals with depressive symptoms who chose not to receive help from mental health professionals. The results of this study provide insights to guide national interventions to increase help-seeking behaviors for depression.

GPs' and patients' views on the value of diagnosing anxiety disorders in primary care: a qualitative interview study

Background

In the UK between 1998 and 2008, GPs’ recording of anxiety symptoms increased, but their recording of anxiety disorders decreased. The reason for this decline is not clear, nor are the treatment implications for primary care patients.

Aim

To understand GPs’ and patients’ views on the value of diagnosing anxiety disorders in primary care.

Design and setting

In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 GPs and 20 patients, purposively sampled from GP practices in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Method

Interviews were held either in person or by telephone. A topic guide was used to ensure consistency across the interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.

Results

GPs reported preferring to use symptom rather than diagnostic codes in order to avoid assigning potentially stigmatising labels, and because they felt diagnostic codes could encourage some patients to adopt a ‘sick role’. In addition, their decision to use a diagnostic code depended on symptom severity and chronicity, and these were hard to establish in a time-limited clinical consultation. In contrast, patients commented that receiving a diagnosis helped them to understand their symptoms, and encouraged them to engage with treatment.

Conclusion

GPs may be reluctant to diagnose an anxiety disorder, but patients can find a diagnosis helpful in terms of understanding their symptoms and the need for treatment. As limited consultation time can discourage discussions between GPs and patients, followup appointments and continuity of care may be particularly important for the management of anxiety in primary care.

Factors Contributing to Parents' Psychological and Medical Help Seeking During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantine orders will impact the mental health of millions of individuals in the United States. Mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and other negative mental health sequelae are likely and likely to persist. These challenges will require response from the psychotherapeutic and medical community that addresses the mental health needs of the population. Using binary logistic regression (n = 322 at time 1, and n = 189 at time 2), researchers in the present study examined promotive factors related to having sought medical or behavioral health treatment during a 30-day period in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Approximately 10% of the sample indicated having sought either type of help. Results from the binary logistic regressions indicated those who sought counseling or medical help were those who reported increased depression symptoms at time 1. The likelihood of help seeking was heightened for those who reported greater caregiving burden, highlighting the need to consider the availability of services for those caring for children during this community-wide crisis.

Factors associated with initiation of community-based therapy for emerging adults with mood and anxiety disorders

AIM

The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) is a community-based early intervention program that has been shown to improve health outcomes for emerging adults (EAs) with mood and anxiety disorders. However, not all EAs who are admitted to the program initiate treatment. Our aim was to identify factors that distinguish those who initiated treatment from those who did not.

METHODS

FEMAP administered questionnaires to EAs upon first contact with the program, collecting information on a range of socioeconomic, patient and condition-related factors. We compared EAs who initiated treatment in the program (n = 318, 87.4%) to those who did not (n = 46, 12.6%). To examine factors associated with treatment initiation, we specified a parsimonious logistic regression model, using the method of purposeful selection to choose from a range of candidate variables.

RESULTS

Anxiety Sensitivity Index - Revised (ASI-R), binge drinking and cannabis use were included in the final logistic regression model. Each one-point increment in the ASI-R score was associated with a 1% increase in the odds of treatment initiation (OR = 1.014; 95% CI [1.003, 1.026]). No other variable was significantly associated with treatment initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides insight on the differences between EAs with mood and anxiety disorders who initiated targeted treatment services and those who did not. Anxiety sensitivity was significantly associated with treatment initiation at FEMAP. Our findings suggest that it may be anxiety sensitivity, rather than depression or functional impairment per se that drive treatment initiation among EAs.

Comorbidity of ADHD and adult bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are common mental disorders with a high degree of comorbidity. However, no systematic review with meta-analysis has aimed to quantify the degree of comorbidity between both disorders. To this end we performed a systematic search of the literature in October 2020. In a meta-analysis of 71 studies with 646,766 participants from 18 countries, it was found that about one in thirteen adults with ADHD was also diagnosed with BD (7.95 %; 95 % CI: 5.31-11.06), and nearly one in six adults with BD had ADHD (17.11 %; 95 % CI: 13.05-21.59 %). Substantial heterogeneity of comorbidity rates was present, highlighting the importance of contextual factors: Heterogeneity could partially be explained by diagnostic system, sample size and geographical location. Age of BD onset occurred earlier in patients with comorbid ADHD (3.96 years; 95 % CI: 2.65-5.26, p < 0.001). Cultural and methodological differences deserve attention for evaluating diagnostic criteria and clinicians should be aware of the high comorbidity rates to prevent misdiagnosis and provide optimal care for both disorders.

Factors and help-seeking behaviors associated with depression in Korean adults: Review of data from 2014 and 2016 Korea national health and nutrition examination surveys

As a health problem in Korea, the prevalence of depression is continuously increasing. This study examines factors and help-seeking behaviors associated with depression in Korean adults. Data was extracted from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2014 and 2016) using the PHQ-9 depression screening instrument. Among 10,459 participants (weighted frequency = 36,418,292) over 19 years old, 7.2% were classified as having depression including depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores ≥ 10) or depressive disorders diagnosed by psychiatrists. Among those with depression, 58.6% responded that they had never sought help. Statistically high odds ratios for being at risk for depression include being female, aged 19-39, living alone, low household income, low level of education (middle school or lower), occupation (unemployed/inactive), an ex- or current smoker, having a chronic disease, and being underweight. Statistically low odds ratios for seeking counselling, age ≥ 60 and lower than high household income; for seeing doctor, age 19-39 or ≥60; and for treatment, age 19-39, lower than middle household income, and more than once per week drinking frequency. Overall, there is a need to find persons having these risk factors and to develop tailored strategies that will encourage help-seeking behavior with help-seeking intention.