bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Varenicline for the Treatment of Nightmares and Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) - Two Case Reports
Authors: Lampen-Imkamp S. , Dillo W. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:Varenicline is a drug used for smoking withdrawal symptoms. It reduces cravings by binding to alpha4-beta2-nicotine-acethylcholine-receptors of the central nervous system. Side effects are nausea, headache, sleeping disorders. Patients with PTSD complain of depressions, social isolation, insomnia, nightmares and flashbacks. These symptoms often cause a severe drug abuse. We present two patients complaining of sleeping disorders caused by nightmares. These symptoms were significantly reduced under treatment with Varenicline due to a nicotine abuse.Method:Patient A was a woman with a history of sexual abuse in childhood. Besides a drug abuse of benzodiazepines she presented a nicotine addiction. She was increasingly affected by nightmares and insomnia. Patient B was a woman, who grew up in a children's protectory, where she was involved in violence. A PTSD was accompanied by alcohol and benzodiazepine abuse. The PTSD caused episodes of depression with suicidal ideation, nightmares and insomnia.Results:Both patients were treated with Varenicline for smoking cessation. After few days of treatment, they reported improved sleeping behaviours and diminished nightmares.Conclusion:Currently only few studies confirm the effectiveness of alpha1-receptor-agonists (Prazosin) in PTSD-associated nightmares. Our case reports demonstrated the effectiveness of Vareniclin in the treatment of nightmares and sleeping disorders in two patients. The treatment with Vareniclin lead to modified dreaming behaviours with positive, less threatening dreams. Therefore a placebo-controlled study to assess the effectiveness of Vareniclin in the treatment of nightmares is necessary.
The Influence of Depression and Obesity on Sleep Quality in Children/adolescents
Authors: Leibow M. , Abaro-Thomas L. , Devore S. , Doan M. , Pivonka-Jones J. , Hamai K.Y. , Randall K. Freier 
Published: March 2009

Aims:Limited to no literature exists on the association among sleep quality, obesity and depression in pediatric populations. This study aims to explore this association by examining the sleep quality of children and adolescents before and after a twelve-week comprehensive multidisciplinary pediatric obesity program.Methods:Archival data from the pediatric obesity program included 71 children ages 6-17 (M=10.24, SD=2.74 ) who had been assessed pre and post intervention using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), a Sleep Questionnaire, and physician derived Body Mass Index (BMI). On all measures, higher scores indicate presence of symptoms of depression, sleep difficulties, or obesity.Results:High scores on the CDI proved to predict poor sleep quality both at intake and exit. Hierarchical regression exhibited change in BMI from intake to exit and predicted sleep quality. As BMI decreased from intake to exit, sleep quality increased.Conclusions:The current study suggests that sleep quality is influenced by the level of depression in children and adolescents both at pre and post intervention measures. Both depression and BMI influenced sleep quality. When the effect of BMI was accounted for, depression significantly predicted sleep quality. The more depressed children/adolescents reported to be, the lower their quality of sleep. Thus, this study suggests the importance of sleep and depression in the treatment of pediatric obesity. This research supports the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing pediatric obesity.
Personality Traits and Sleep Patterns/problems in Medical Students
Authors: Maia B.R. , Soares M.J. , Gomes A. , Marques M. , Pereira A.T. , Valente J. , Azevedo M.H. , Macedo A. 
Published: March 2009

Aim:This study examines the relationship between the personality traits of Neuroticism and Extroversion and sleep patterns and others sleep behaviours in medical students.Method:Neuroticism and Extroversion were assessed using the Portuguese version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Sleep was assessed with a self-response questionnaire covering a wide range of sleep-wake habits and difficulties. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed with seventeen items of the questionnaire and four factors were extracted: Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Timing, Insufficient Sleep and Dreams/Nightmares. A total of 203 third year medical students (127 females, 62.6%) mean age 20.01 (SD=1.09; Range=18-24) participated in the study.Results:There were no significant gender differences in Neuroticism and Extroversion mean scores (Neuroticism: p=.454; Extroversion: p=.891). Extroversion was significantly correlated with Sleep Timing (p=.000), whereasthere was a trend for Neuroticism to be associated with Sleep Disturbance (p=.095). Concerning the relationship of Neuroticism and Extroversion mean scores with other Sleep problems, Neuroticism was found associated with concentration difficulties in the morning (p=.006), inadequate sleep duration (p=.001), sleep problems (p=.012), and use of sleep medication (p=.052). No significant associations were found with Extroversion.Conclusion:Neuroticism was significantly associated with sleep problems, use of sleep medication, inadequate sleep duration, and concentration difficulties in the morning. Extroversion was correlated only with later Sleep Timing.
Sleep Patterns and Health Behaviours in Medical Students
Authors: Marques M. , Soares M.J. , Gomes A. , Maia B.R. , Pereira A.T. , Valente J. , Azevedo M.H. , Macedo A. 
Published: March 2009

Aim:The objective of this study was to examine the sleep patterns of medical students and its associations with significant health behaviours.Methods:Sleep was assessed with a self-response questionnaire covering a wide range of sleep-wake habits and difficulties. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed with seventeen items of the questionnaire and four factors were extracted: Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Timing, Insufficient Sleep and Dreams/Nightmares. The questionnaire also included questions on coffee use, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and physical exercise. The sample consisted of 212 females (M age=20.32 years, SD=1.26) and 128 males (M age=20.19 years, SD=1.23) third year medical students.Results:Habitual alcohol intake was reported by 6.5% of the students (males=14.8% vs females=1.4%; p=.000) and regular physical exercise by 37.9% (males=47.7% vs females=32.1%; p=.004); The mean number of coffee cups used per day was 2.16±1.16 (males M=2.18±1.35 vs females M=2.13±1.03; NS) and the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 3.69±5.71 (males M=4.41+6.55 vs females M=3.25±5.10; NS). Students who regularly practice physical exercise reported less Sleep Disturbance (p=.004). Habitual alcohol intake was significantly associated with Sleep Timing (p=.051) and Insufficient Sleep (p=.007). Significant correlations were also found between cigarette smoking and Sleep Timing (p=.000), Dreams/nightmares (p=.023) and Insufficient Sleep (p=.001). Coffee use was correlated only with Sleep Timing (p=.000).Conclusion:In this sample of healthy young adults habitual alcohol intake and cigarette smoking was associated with Insufficient Sleep and regular physical exercise was associated with less Sleep Disturbance.
No NREM Phase 3-4 (Deep Sleep) Among Benzodiazepine Abuse Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)
Authors: Peles E. , Schreiber S. , Adelson M. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:As benzodiazepines (BDZ) abuse is highly prevalent among former heroin addicts, current MMTpatients, and poor sleep is highly prevalent complaint, we studied objective sleep patterns by polysomnography (PSG) and it relation with BDZ abuse.Methods:Urine results for BDZ (and opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines) which are routinely monitored, were taken at the month before PSG night. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self report questionnaire, questionnaire for pain (chronic pain defined if patient had current pain that lasted for ≥6month, of moderate or worse intensity), and DSM-IV-TR lifetime psychiatric diagnosis were studied.Results:Of 67 patients, 44(64.7%) were positive to BDZ. Patients included 86% males, 64.2% with any DSM-IV-TR axis I psychiatric diagnosis, 47% with chronic pain, with no differences between BDZ groups. PSQI scores and objective sleep efficiency were similar between yes and no BDZ groups (12.4±4.1 vs. 11.1±4.5, p=0.3, and 78±17.4% vs. 74±19.5%, p=0.4), but architecture differed notably. Specifically, 23(53.5%) of BDZ group had no non-REM deep sleep (phases 3+4) at all as compared with 4(16.7%) of the no-BDZ patients. REM phase was shorter among BDZ group (10.5±8.9 vs. 15.4±7.3, F=5.4, p=0.02). No other differences were found, and the absence of phase 3-4 was not related to methadone dose, treatment duration, or history of opiate abuse.Conclusions:Chronic / prolonged use of BDZ (which at times are prescribed for sleep), may disturb sleep, as shown to absolutely delete all restorative sleep phase. BDZ discontinuation is of important, but further studies are needed to establish the best way.
Prevalence of Insomnia in Nursing and Midwifery Students
Authors: Shamsaei F. , Cheraghi F. 
Published: March 2009

Background:Sleep is absolutely essential for normal, healthy function. Sleep disturbances are one of the most common under diagnosed and under treated health problems among the adult population. The disturbances in sleep and wake process caused physical and mental disorders.Purpose of study:The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sleeping problems to in the nursing and midwifery students.Methods:This research is a descriptive study. The participants consist of 321 individual were selected by census sampling. Data were collected by questionnaire that concluded 2 parts; A- demographic factors B- questions related to sleep disorders.Results:Outcome showed that nearly one-three of nursing and midwifery students suffered from insomnia. The percentage was significantly higher among women (37.1%) than among men (23.1%). The prevalence of insomnia was higher in nursing students (39.3%) than midwifery students (31.2%).Conclusion:Sleep disorders distracted the physical and mental health of students. It impacted on academic performance and decreased educational achievement of students. Emotional stress and anxiety are some factors of sleep disorders, with recognizing these factors, we can operate effective interventions.
Traumatic Childhood Events and Potential Consequences in Adult Health
Authors: Amaral A.P. , Serra A. Vaz 
Published: March 2009

Aims:The objectives of the study were:1.Investigating the impact of early traumatic experiences in adult physical and mental health;2.Analysing the relationship between early traumatic experiences and adult vulnerability to stress.Method:The sample consisted of 552 adults of the general population. Individuals filled out a series of questionnaires inquired about physical and mental symptoms and early traumatic experiences. A correlational design was used.Results:In relation to mental health, observed that the higher the impact of the situation of rape, aggressive family and alcoholism in parents, during childhood, more psychopathological symptoms have in adulthood. When we regard to physical health, sexual abuse and aggressive family are the early experiences most relevant, they are related with the perceived state of health at present, 1 year ago and 5 years ago, and with the existence of chronic disease. We must also add that, greater the impact of living in an aggressive family, in childhood, greater the vulnerability to stress in adulthood.Conclusion:Given the results obtained, the main conclusion can be drawn from this study are: The higher the degree of impact of traumatic experiences in childhood, worse physical and mental health, and greater vulnerability to stress in adulthood.
Cumulative Effect of Life Events in Physical and Mental Health
Authors: Amaral A.P. , Serra A. Vaz 
Published: March 2009

Aims:This study examines the cumulative effect of life events in physical and mental symptoms. We have two main goals:1.Investigating the cumulative effect of life events in the health of the individual;2.Examining the relationship between the nature of adverse events and type of symptoms presented in terms of physical and mental health.Method:Data collection was performed in the general population, in 2 different moments: time 1 (T1) and time 2 (T2) spaced of nine months. The sample consisted initially by 552 individuals, and by 328 individuals at T2. A correlational design was used.Results:The number of life events, with impact on the individual, accumulated throughout the 9 months shows significant relationships with the physical and mental health in last evaluation. The hassles with impact for the individual are the events most relevant in terms of health. Certain circumstances of life are more closely related to mental health (changing the frequency of familiar meetings, the non-recognition of tasks, the workload increased). Others are more related to physical health (have been robbed or stolen, infidelity).Conclusion:Findings suggest the importance of hassles in the heath and some specificity in the relation with the life events and the physical and mental symptoms.
Impact of Psychoeducation on Professional Stress Reduction within Prison Guards
Authors: Bravo-Mehmedbasic A. , Salčić D. , Kučukalić A. , Fadilpaić S. , Čaković L. , Mehmedika-Suljic E. 
Published: March 2009

Aim:Evaluation of psychoeducation effects on professional stress consequences within prison guards.Method:In the research were included 122 prison guards from three prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All of them have been tested before and after psychoeducation was finished using following instruments: Index of reaction, STAI questionnaire, SAMAČA questionnaire.Results:Differences between first and second measuring of subjects included in this study in Sarajevo prison indicated statistically significant reduction of stress reactions, improvement of coping strategies and communication skills. In prisons in Zenica and Kula there are differences between first and second measurement in stress reactions reduction, improvement of coping strategies and overcoming of stress and improvement of communication skills as well, which are not statistically significant. In Kula Prison, significant differences between two measurements in attitudes of prison guards toward detainees were observed.Conclusions:Results of this study show that prison guards within prisons where are detained persons with long period of imprisonment (Zenica, Kula) are more exposed to professional stress, comparing to prison guards who are employed in investigation prison (Sarajevo). Psychoeducation resulted in positive effects and it should be obligatory included in prison guards training with the aim of decreasing of psychological consequences of prolonged professional stress to which they are exposed to. Psychoeducation should be on continuous basis and led by educated mental health professionals.
The Real Cost of Sickness-absence in Mental Health: A Cognitive Behavioural Perspective [P03-242]
Authors: Dovey A. , Wilday S. 
Published: March 2009

The number of employees experiencing psychological problems related to occupational stress has increased rapidly in Western countries and mental illness is now cited as one of the top three causes of certified sickness absence.Worldwide economic issues are now synthesising various cultural beliefs and behaviours and should Western factors have an influence then one could presume workplace mental health problems will increase worldwide. The presentation will focus on the literature pertaining to the potential function of sickness absence for the individual as well as the known maintenance factors for anxiety and depression from a CB perspective.The presentation will highlight that the basic CB premise of emotional disorder implicates the potential for an individuals response to symptoms to have a maintenance role in the course of both anxiety and depression. The potential impact of sickness absence for anxiety and depression via the loss of the benefits of employment (e.g. structure, activity and social contact) the potential for the development of sick role behaviour (e.g. reduced activity, social isolation) as well as the reinforcement of avoidant coping are considered significant.In conclusion the presenters propose that sickness absence for individuals with anxiety and/or depression can function as a maintenance factor for both disorders. The implications for the future use of sickness absence as a standalone intervention within this group will be discussed. The audience will have an opportunity to reflect on the potential effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy within the workplace
‘The Body Keeps the Score’ Revisited: Changes in Lipid Levels and Coronary Disease Risk in Army Veterans Suffering from Chronic PTSD
Authors: Kulenovic A. Dzubur , Kucukalic A. , Malec D. , Fisekovic S. , Suljic E. Mehmedika , Mehmedbasic A. Bravo 
Published: March 2009

Aim:To assess possible differences in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDLC, Index of arteriosclerosis and Established risk factor for arteriosclerosis and 10 year risk of coronary disease between veterans with combat experience with PTSD and veterans with combat experience without PTSD. To compare and analyze differences between groups in socio-demographic characteristics, trauma exposure, coping strategies and quality of life.Method:Plasma lipid parameters were determined and risk factors calculated for 50 subjects in the PTSD group and 50 subjects in the non-PTSD group. Groups were homogenized in gender, age, BMI, smoking status and somatic or psychiatric co-morbid disorders or the use of medications influencing blood lipid levels. Trauma exposure, coping strategies and quality of life were assessed with referenced psychometric instruments, socio-demographic characteristics with use of questionnaire.Results:Subjects in the PTSD group had significantly higher levels of all plasma lipid parameters except for HDL-C that was significantly lower. Risk factors were significantly higher in PTSD group. There was no significant difference in indices of exposure to combat trauma. Secondary traumatization was significantly more frequent in PTSD group. There were significant differences in socio-economic parameters, quality of life assessment and repertoire of coping strategies.Conclusions:The results of this study provide further evidence for the onnection of chronic PTSD and blood lipids abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors. The results indicate the importance of posttraumatic environment factors and coping strategies for the occurrence and persistence of PTSD.
Anger, Social Dysfunction and Psychopathological Distress in Hearing- Impaired Patients
Authors: Forghieri M. , Monzani D. , Galeazzi G.M. , Gherpelli C. , Rigatelli M. 
Published: March 2009

It has been demonstrated that subjects suffering from hearing impairment present significant emotional reactions and socio-situational limitations when compared to controls (Monzani et al., 2008).Aim:To evaluate the relationship between hearing loss severity, anger expression, perceived handicap, social dysfunction and psychopathological distress in adult patients suffering from acquired hearing loss.Method:297 hearing impaired subjects were consecutively recruited by the ENT Clinic of the Modena and Reggio Emilia University from 1/1/07. Each patient were submitted to pure-tones audiometry and the pure tone average threshold (PTA) was calculated over 0.5,1, 2, 4 kHz. Socio-demographic data were collected (age, educational level, employment, marital status). Every patient was also administered the following questionnaire in their Italian validated version: Social Functioning Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2. Descriptive statistics were used to assess sociodemographic data; Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate relationships between test scores and hearing loss level.Results:Mean age was 53.79 (SD ±13.65); 44.8% were males. Hearing impairment level didn't significantly relate with objective social functioning level (p=.311), but with the subjective emotional and socio-situational perceived handicap (p=.000); moreover it significantly correlates with individual psychopathological tendency to phobic reaction (p=.006) and to anger general expression index (p=.021). Furthermore it directly relates with state anger (p=.021) and inversely relates with external expressed anger (p=.023).Conclusion:Anger felt but not expressed might be a key element in determining subjective social impairment in hearing loss patients and contribute to their well-known psychological distress.
Acute Effect of Blue Light Exposition on Well-being and Melatonin Secretion in Humans
Authors: Franke L. , Sülflow D. , Stark K. , Piazena H. , Uebelhack R. 
Published: March 2009

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of blue light emitting diode units in suppression of melatonin secretion and to evaluate whether a single exposure can improve well being in healthy males and females (20/30) and in 15 women with premenstrual syndrome.Methods:All study participants were of morning-type with a regular sleep schedule. On control day 1, the subjects were kept under dim illumination (< 10 lx) from 19:00 to 22:30. On day 2, after 1.5h in dim light, the subjects were exposed for 60 min to blue light (12.15 μM/cm², TurboLite, Germany) following by 30 min dim light. Blood samples were collected every 30 min for melatonin assay. Zerssen's complaints scale was used to assess mental und physical well-being at 19:00 (pre-test) and at 22:30 (post-test) after dim illumination or blue light exposure. In addition a visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleepiness was applied.Results:Overall, blue light improved significantly mental and physical complaints from pre-test to post-test (reduction in sum score of the Zerssen's complaints scale by in average 30%) and reduced sleepiness, as measured by the VAS. There were gender-related differences, as well as differences related to the menstrual phase in females. Blue light reduced but not suppressed the gradual increase of melatonin in plasma with time mostly pronounced in the follicular phase.Conclusion:A single exposition with blue light of low radiant flux density, as applied in our study, seems to be helpful in reducing mental and physical distress.