Background: Patients with Panic Disorder (PD) direct their attention towards potential threat, followed by panic attacks, and increased sweat production. Onés own anxiety sweat odor influences the attentional focus, and discrimination of threat or non-threat. Since olfactory projection areas overlap with neuronal areas of a panic-specific fear network, the present study investigated the neuronal processing of odors in general and of stress-related sweat odors in particular in patients with PD. Methods: A sample of 13 patients with PD with/ without agoraphobia and 13 age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent an fMRI investigation during olfactory stimulation with their stress-related sweat odors (TSST, ergometry) as well as artificial odors (peach, artificial sweat) as non-fearful non-body odors. Principal Findings: The two groups did not differ with respect to their olfactory identification ability. Independent of the kind of odor, the patients with PD showed activations in fronto-cortical areas in contrast to the healthy controls who showed activations in olfaction-related areas such as the amygdalae and the hippocampus. For artificial odors, the patients with PD showed a decreased neuronal activation of the thalamus, the posterior cingulate cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. Under the presentation of sweat odor caused by ergometric exercise, the patients with PD showed an increased activation in the superior temporal gyrus, the supramarginal gyrus, and the cingulate cortex which was positively correlated with the severity of the psychopathology. For the sweat odor from the anxiety condition, the patients with PD showed an increased activation in the gyrus frontalis inferior, which was positively correlated with the severity of the psychopathology. Conclusions: The results suggest altered neuronal processing of olfactory stimuli in PD. Both artificial odors and stress-related body odors activate specific parts of a fear-network which is associated with an increased severity of the psychopathology.

We often form intentions but have to postpone them until the appropriate situation for retrieval and execution has come, an ability also referred to as event-based prospective memory. After intention completion, our cognitive system has to deactivate no-more-relevant intention representations from memory to avoid interference with subsequent tasks. In everyday life, we frequently rely on these abilities also in stressful situations. Surprisingly, little is known about potential stress effects on these functions. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the reliability of event-based prospective memory and of intention deactivation in conditions of acute psychosocial stress. To this aim, eighty-two participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test, a standardized stress protocol, or a standardized control situation. Following this treatment, participants performed a computerized event-based prospective memory task with non-salient and focal prospective memory cues in order to assess prospective memory performance and deactivation of completed intentions. Although the stress group showed elevated levels of salivary cortisol as marker of a stress-related increase in hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity throughout the cognitive testing period compared to the no-stress group, prospective memory performance and deactivation of completed intentions did not differ between groups. Findings indicate that cognitive control processes subserving intention retrieval and deactivation after completion may be mostly preserved even under conditions of acute stress.

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to examine the impact of organizational support on work-family conflict experienced by Taiwanese working women. A stress model of work and family interference was applied in the Taiwanese context; the current study examined whether the results of western studies of work-family conflict can be generalised to the Taiwanese population. The enactment of the Gender Equality of Employment Law in Taiwan in 2002 was a further impetus for the research. The study examined the effects of organizational family-friendly policies and cultural support of family responsibilities on work-family conflict and well-being. Women (aged between 15 and 64 years) in paid employment working in three public universities in northern Taiwan formed the sample population for this research. Stratified random sampling by occupation was used to enhance representativeness. The total sample consisted of 441 participants, made up of 288 general staff and 153 academic staff. The data was collected with several tested and widely used instruments (including the Family-Friendly Policies Usage and Satisfaction Questionnaires, Work-Family Culture Questionnaire, Work-Family Conflict Scale, Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, Family Satisfaction Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Physical Symptoms Inventory). Descriptive analysis was used to examine demographic variables and all the measures; correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between selected research variables; T-test, chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to characterize the differences between groups. Hierarchical multiple regression was performed to test the research hypotheses. The findings showed that work-family conflict was strongly linked with lower job and family satisfaction, greater stress and more severe physical ailments. Implementing family-friendly policies and creating a supportive work environment can help working women to manage their work-family conflict and improve their health outcomes. A supportive organizational culture has been confirmed by this research as important in preventing the negative consequences of work-family conflict. However, such conflict did not predict the levels of physical symptoms. Employer-supported dependant care policies were not associated with the level of work-family conflict. In addition, organizational cultural support did not predict the usage of family-friendly policies. This study has provided evidence that some relationships could be generalised, across western and Chinese societies, between organizational support and work-family conflict, and between work-family conflict and an individual's well-being, although specificities within each cultural remain and require different methods of assessment. In conclusion, a western theoretical model of work-family conflict was found to be acceptable and feasible to implement within the Taiwanese population, since the majority of the hypotheses were supported. This research provided valuable information for healthcare professionals, policy makers and organizations, presenting ways to help working women to manage the conflicting demands of work and family roles better.

Appendices were not supplied with the digital version of the thesis but are available in the print version. / The present research includes two studies. Study I was based on the research finding that exposure to nuclear radiation and other toxic chemicals results in those who were exposed not only believing their health to be affected, but experiencing significant and chronic stress. It was hypothesised that ongoing stress for New Zealand’s nuclear test veterans resulting from the inability to adapt to their past nuclear exposure would result in them experiencing greater depressive symptomatology, poorer perceived health, and poorer perceived memory performance than a control group. Psychological profiles of 50 nuclear test veterans and 50 age-matched Control participants were obtained through postal survey and face-to-face interview, using the Geriatric Depression Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, and the Memory Assessment Clinics Self-Rating Scale. As predicted, the nuclear veterans exhibited more depressive symptoms, and perceived their health and memory performance to be poorer than the Control group. A stress theory framework is applied to help conceptualise the experience of the nuclear veterans, and to provide an explanation for their lower scores and consequent poorer functioning. Through the pathway of poor perceived health leading to anxiety, health anxiety was considered a form of chronic stress the nuclear veterans were experiencing. Consequently, Study II aimed to examine whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) could be usefully applied to relieve this anxiety. Most psychotherapeutic approaches have been developed for problems that have an "irrational" or "pathological" foundation. However, these approaches often fit poorly with psychological distress that stems from cognitions that are reality-based and may need to be accepted rather than changed, such as in the case of nuclear exposure-related health anxiety. ACT may be particularly useful in these situations in which cognitive change is not warranted. Study II examined the use of ACT with 5 NZ nuclear test veterans (of either Māori or Pākehā descent) experiencing moderate to high levels of health anxiety. Results of self-report measures administered at baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and at 6-week follow-up indicated varying results amongst these men. One participant showed clinically significant post-treatment reductions in health anxiety, experiential avoidance, and general psychological distress that were maintained at follow-up. Two participants showed clinically significant post- vi treatment reductions in health anxiety, experiential avoidance, and distress, despite not engaging in therapy as they did not wish to make changes. For the same reason, a fourth participant chose not to engage in therapy, despite high baseline scores on all measures, and showed no improvement during or after therapy. The fifth participant had low baseline scores on all measures, maintaining these throughout therapy, and at follow-up. Results are explained in terms of cohort and gender effects, with suggestions for adapting ACT with NZ older adults, particularly males. Implications for the utility of ACT with toxic exposure populations, older adults, and various cultures are discussed.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Göteborg : Univ., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser. Del av upplagan utan uppsatser.

This diploma thesis deals with the topic of the social worker's mental hygiene in connection with dealing with the psychological stress arisen from their profession in the present day. Thesis contains the detailed depiction of the present day state of the social work profession in the context of the postmodern era. Due to professional sources the work analyses and explains personality particularity of social workers which are important for discharging this profession including the theme of the psychological stress of social workers, and the ways of coping with it are included as well. The main mental hygiene resources are fundamental and "superstructural" (the core of the social work) which are necessary for coping with the psychological stress. The thesis demonstrates the importance of cooperation of the three mainstays that are responsible for promoting and formation of the required position for the mental hygiene in social work - meant for employers, educators, and social workers as well. All these mainstays participate in enhancing the quality of social work. The lack of high-quality and appropriate mental hygiene in this profession thwarts the realization of first-rate social work. However, as this thesis outlines, it depends mainly on the social worker whether he or she can use the potential of the mental hygiene resources effectively or not.

This study analyzes how fear is the main emotion after personal freedom is restricted in an initial short-term incarceration in a holding cell. The theoretical part is divided into legal, psychological and ethical parts. The legal section describes the particular rights and responsibilities of individuals who are limited in their fundamental rights and freedoms after being detained by the Law Enforcement of the Czech Republic. Secondarily the individual state rights based on legislatives standards are also reviewed in this section, in respect to effects on a citizens rights and freedoms. The following section discusses the possible psychological and ethical effects. The field investigation part was conducted by a controlled research investigations using interviews with individuals currently in police custody. The research focuses on the actual emotional experience of fear incarceration.

No description available.

INTRODUÇÃO: O estresse tem sido foco de interesse em diferentes áreas de estudo devido às consequências no processo saúde-doença. Destaca-se a inexistência de estudos sobre o estresse crônico no período pré e pós-natal em unhas de mulheres que tiveram parto prematuro e sua relação o método canguru (MC). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito do Método Canguru na redução do estresse psicológico materno através de escalas psicométricas e o estresse biológico crônico através dos níveis de cortisol e desidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) em unhas de mães e bebês pré-termo (PT). MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo comparativo prospectivo. A amostra contou com 59 mães e 63 bebês, coletada num hospital com o MC implantado e em dois hospitais controle, sem o MC. Foram incluídos PT (?37 semanas), sem malformações, internados em UN; mães alfabetizadas, que tiveram contato prévio com o filho, não usuárias de drogas ou hormônios. O estresse crônico materno e do PT foi avaliado pelo Cortisol e DHEA das unhas. A primeira amostra de unhas maternas foi coletada na terceira semana de vida do PT. A segunda amostra das mães e a amostra das unhas dos PT foram coletadas três meses após parto. Para análise do cortisol e DHEA das unhas das mães foi utilizada a técnica de enzima imunoensaio e dos bebês a cromatografia líquida de alto desempenho com espectrometria de massa. As unhas foram analisadas em laboratórios especializados no Canadá. O estresse psicológico da mães foi analisado com uso das PSS-10 e PSS:NICU que foram respondidas pelas mães na semana da admissão e alta do PT. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de Cortisol e DHEA nas unhas das mães referente a gestação e puerpério não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos canguru e controle, porém, diferiu entre os tempos, sendo que, os níveis dos esteroides na gestação foi maior do que no puerpério em ambos os grupos. O estresse percebido (PSS-10) pelas mães referente a gestação (p=0,846) e puerpério (p=0,465) também não diferiu significativamente entre os dois grupos. O estresse indicado pela PSS:NICU na admissão foi moderado nos dois grupos. O maior escore foi observado na subescala alteração no papel de pais. Na alta o escore foi significativamente menor (p=0,00) no canguru do que no controle. Não houve qualquer relação entre o estresse crônico (cortisol, DHEA e razão Cort:DHEA) e o psicológico (PSS-10 na gestação e PSS:NICU no puerpério) e nem entre as duas medidas de estresse psicológico (PSS-10 e PSS:NICU na alta). O nível de cortisol foi menor nos PT submetidos ao canguru, porém, sem diferença significante (p=0,08). Diferiram significativamente a DHEA - menor no controle e a razão Cort:DHEA - menor nos PT do grupo canguru. Da análise da relação entre estresse crônico constataram-se: associação positiva entre Cort:DHEA da mãe e PT (?= 0,51canguru; ?= 0,43 controle). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostrou que é possível medir cortisol e DHEA em unhas de mães e de bebês PT de forma restrospectiva. Os dados sugerem que o MC pode contribuir com a regulação e redução do estresse crônico do PT e do estresse psicológico materno / INTRODUCTION: Stress has been a focus of interest in different areas of study due to the consequences in the health-disease process. We highlight the lack of studies on chronic stress in pre and postnatal period using fingernails of women who had preterm birth and its relation to the kangaroo mother care (KMC) to reduce chronic and psychological stress. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate maternal psychological stress using psicometrics tools and avaluate chronic stress of mothers and Preterm infant (PT) using the analysis of cortisol and DHEA in fingernails and analyse the implication of the kangaroo care (KMC) in reduce chronic stress. METHOD: This is a prospective comparative study. The sample were 59 mothers and 63 babies collected in a KMC\'s hospital and two controls (without the KMC). Were included PT babies (? 37 weeks), who were admitted to the NICU, those with no malformations. With regard to mothers were included that one who had saw the PT at least once and excluded those using drugs or taking hormones. Maternal and PT chronic\' stress were evaluated by fingernails\' cortisol and DHEA. The first maternal sample was collected in the third week post-delivery and the second sample in the third month after baby\'s birth. The baby\'s fingernail sample was collected in the third month of life. The enzyme immunoassay was used for analysis of mothers\' fingernails (cortisol and DHEA) and for babies\' were used high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Fingernail\'s analysis was done in Canada. The PSS-10 and PSS: mothers filled up NICU tools on first week in NICU and at discharge of the baby from this unit. RESULTS: The cortisol and DHEA\'s level in mothers\' fingernails showed no significant difference between groups. Steroids levels in pregnancy time were higher than in puerperium in both groups (KMC and control) however, showed significant difference between times, steroids levels were higher during gestation time than the puerperium in both groups. The same occurred with the PSS-10 score (KMC\'s score referring to pregnancy (p=0,846) and puerperium (p=0,465), also had no difference was between groups. The PSS: NICU\'s stress level at admission in both groups was moderate. The highest score was showed in the subscale Parental Role. At discharge the score was significantly lower (p=0,00) in the kangaroo than in the control. There was no relationship between chronic stress (cortisol, DHEA and Cort:DHEA) and psychological stress (PSS-10 in pregnancy and PSS: NICU in the puerperium) or between the two psychological measures of stress (PSS-10 and PSS: NICU on discharge). The cortisol level was lower in PT submitted to kangaroo, however, without significant difference (p = 0.08). They differed significantly in DHEA - lower in the control and the ratio Cort:DHEA - lower in the kangaroo group. From the analysis of the relationship between chronic stress, there was a positive association between Cort: DHEA of the mother and PT (? = 0.51 kangaroo; ? = 0.43 control). CONCLUSION: The study showed that it is possible to measure cortisol and DHEA in preterm infant and mothers\' fingernails retrospectively. The data suggests that KMC can contribute to regulate and to reduce chronic stress in preterm infant and to reduce psychological mother\'s stress

A influência das características laborais sobre a saúde mental dos trabalhadores pode decorrer de inúmeros fatores ou formas de organização do trabalho. Na atualidade, verifica-se os crescentes índices de sintomas psíquicos entre determinadas categorias profissionais, com destaque para os trabalhadores de saúde atuantes em ambiente hospitalar Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou identificar a ocorrência de Transtornos Mentais Comuns (TMC), a ocorrência da síndrome de Burnout, e a associação de ambos os transtornos nos trabalhadores de enfermagem, bem como elaborar propostas de intervenção para redução do desgaste psíquico. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, transversal com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. A pesquisa foi realizada em Hospital Público Universitário especializado em cardiologia, pneumologia e cirurgias cardíacas e torácicas. A amostra foi composta por trabalhadores de enfermagem que atuam em unidades de terapia semi-intensiva e intensiva pediátrica e neonatal, perfazendo um total de 92 participantes. Para a coleta de dados quantitativos foram utilizados: instrumento de caracterização sócio demográfica, Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), e o Maslach Burnout Inventory (MIB). Para os dados qualitativos, optou-se pela técnica de grupo focal, conduzido por questões norteadoras, com uma amostra de 17 trabalhadores de enfermagem. O período de coleta foi nos meses de junho e julho de 2012. Resultados: A análise dos resultados evidenciou a ocorrência de TMC em 44,60%(41) dos trabalhadores e a ocorrência de Burnout em 8,7%(8) trabalhadores. Houve associação estatística entre os TMC e o Burnout p=0,003, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Em relação aos TMC, as respostas dos trabalhadores foram distribuídas de acordo com os quatro grupos de sintomas avaliados pelo SRQ-20: Grupo somático, Decréscimo de energia vital, Humor depressivo-ansioso e Pensamentos depressivos. Em relação à sindrome de Burnout, os trabalhadores foram avaliados considerando-se a ocorrência de escores alto nas três dimensões (Desgaste Emocional, Despersonalização e Reduzida Realização Profissional) ou em uma delas apenas. Não foi constatada associação entre os transtornos e as variáveis sócio-demográficas. Houve associação entre ambos os transtornos. As sessões de grupo focal evidenciaram propostas de intervenção mediante três temas que emergiram das discussões: Aprender a lidar com a criança cardiopata grave, Receber o reconhecimento profissional e Repensar a gestão de pessoas. Conclusão: Os achados, em conjunto, evidenciam necessidade de medidas protetoras à saúde mental do trabalhador que assiste crianças cardiopatas graves. Palavras-chave: Estresse psicológico, Esgotamento profissional, Equipe de enfermagem, Hospitais públicos, Unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica, Unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal, Saúde do trabalhador. / The influence of work characteristics on mental health workers may be due to numerous factors or forms of work organization. At present, there is the growing rates of psychiatric symptoms among certain professions, especially health workers working in hospitals Objective: This study aimed to identify the occurrence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD), the occurrence of Burnout, and the association of both disorders among nursing staff, as well as elaborate proposals for intervention to reduce wear psychic. Methodology This is an exploratory study, cross-sectional with quantitative and qualitative approach. The research was conducted in a public University Hospital specialized in cardiology, pulmonology, thoracic and cardiac surgery. The sample consisted of nursing workers of care units, semi-intensive and intensive, pediatric and neonatal, making a total of 92 participants. For quantitative data collection was used: instrument of socio demographic, Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MIB). For qualitative data, we chose the technique of focal group, conducted by leading questions, with a sample of 17 nurse workers. The collection period was between June and July, 2012. Results The result of the analysis revealed the occurrence of CMD in 44.60% (41) of the workers and the occurrence of Burnout in 8.7% (8) of the workers. There was a statistical association between CMD and Burnout p = 0.003, considering level of significance 5%. Regarding CMD, the answer of the workers was distributed according to the four groups of prognostic evaluated by the SRQ-20: Somatic Group, Decrease of vital energy, Anxious-depressive humor and Depressive thoughts. Regarding Burnout syndrome, workers were evaluated considering the occurrence of high scores in all three dimensions (Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Reduced Professional Accomplishment) or only in one of them. There was no association between the disorders and sociodemographic variables. There was an association between both disorders. The focal group sessions revealed proposals for intervention through three issues that emerged from the discussions: Learn to deal with severe heart disease children, professional acknowledgment and rethink people management. Conclusion: Findings, during the sessions, highlight the need for protective measures of mental health for workers who assist children with heart disease