Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ruth M. Farrell, Madelyn Pierce, Christina Collart, Caitlin Craighead, Marissa Coleridge, Edward K. Chien, Uma Perni, Richard Frankel, Angela Ranzini, Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, Susannah S. Rose
Summary: The study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on patients' decisions regarding prenatal genetic testing in the United States, leading to increased anxiety and altered perceptions of the risks and benefits of testing. However, most participants' decisions were not altered by the pandemic.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joanna Baran, Justyna Leszczak, Rafal Baran, Anna Biesiadecka, Aneta Weres, Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska, Katarzyna Kalandyk-Osinko
Summary: This study aimed to assess changes in prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms, and found that factors such as average socioeconomic status, history of anxiety disorders, past neurosis or depression, lack of or inadequate level of assistance from healthcare professionals, as well as lactation problems and postpartum pain may significantly affect the appearance of postnatal depression symptoms. The study revealed a significant increase in postpartum depression among mothers, but no statistically significant change between prenatal and postnatal anxiety levels.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolas Berthelot, Julia Garon-Bissonnette, Christine Drouin-Maziade, Vanessa Bergeron, Thibaut Series
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of an online mentalization-based prenatal group program, STEP-COVID, on psychological distress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed a significant decrease in distress and post-traumatic symptoms, and an increase in positive affectivity in the intervention group, compared to the control group where only post-traumatic symptoms improved. Women in the intervention group also reported greater changes in resilience-promoting factors during pregnancy. These findings suggest that brief online interventions like STEP-COVID can help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of pregnant women.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Asma S. Albtoosh, Ahmad A. Toubasi, Khaled Al Oweidat, Manar M. Hasuneh, Abdullah H. Alshurafa, Daniah L. Alfaqheri, Randa I. Farah
Summary: This study assessed the symptoms of postacute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome (PACS) and found that COVID-19 survivors experienced different symptoms at different stages after infection, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficit. COVID-19 vaccination may decrease the prevalence of PACS symptoms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Carmen Sandi, Megan R. Carey
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science and society while also bringing attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As chairs of the ALBA Network, we reflect on the challenges posed by the pandemic and the spotlight it has placed on these important issues.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marianna de Abreu Costa, Christian Haag Kristensen, Carolina Blaya Dreher, Gisele Gus Manfro, Giovanni Abrahao Salum
Summary: This study investigated the changes in COVID-19 anxiety and its dimensions over a period of 16 months in a sample of individuals suffering from mental distress in Brazil. The results showed that pandemic anxiety decreased over time, and concerns about others being infected were more significant than the fear of personal infection.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kathryn Y. Manning, Xiangyu Long, Dana Watts, Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, Gerald F. Giesbrecht, Catherine Lebel
Summary: The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic may have long-term impacts on children and highlighted the important role of social support for pregnant individuals and developing infants. These findings provide timely evidence for informing clinical practice and policy, underscoring the importance of social support.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Cindy H. Liu, Sunah Hyun, Carmina Erdei, Leena Mittal
Summary: The study aimed to identify risk and protective factors related to general prenatal distress and COVID-19-specific prenatal distress among U.S. pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlighted the need for interventions such as mindfulness-based therapy and the importance of financial assistance and support for pregnant women during this period.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Denise M. Werchan, Cassandra L. Hendrix, Amy M. Hume, Margaret Zhang, Moriah E. Thomason, Natalie H. Brito
Summary: This study found that maternal psychosocial stress and COVID-19 infection during pregnancy jointly predicted lower infant attention scores at 6 months, which is a known marker of risk for neurodevelopmental disorder. In turn, infant attention predicted socioemotional function and risk for neurodevelopmental disorder at 12 months. These data suggest that maternal psychosocial stress may modulate the effects of gestational infection on neurodevelopment and highlight malleable targets for intervention.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Derek Daniel Morgan, Connad Dael Higgins, Paul B. Ingram, Christy Rae Rogers
Summary: Understanding the relationship between economic pressures, COVID-19 stress, and mental health outcomes for parents is crucial during this global pandemic. This study found that economic pressure can negatively impact parents' mental health, with COVID-19 stress mediating this relationship. Coping strategies also play a role, with approach strategies associated with higher rates of anxiety symptoms and avoidant strategies associated with more depressive and anxious symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aranka Ballering, Sander K. R. van Zon, Tim Colde Hartman, Judith G. M. Rosmalen, Lifelines Corona Res Initiative
Summary: This study analyzed the nature, prevalence, and severity of long-term symptoms related to COVID-19, while correcting for symptoms present before SARS-CoV-2 infection and controlling for the symptom dynamics in the population without infection. The findings showed persistent symptoms in COVID-19-positive participants, with some core symptoms significantly increased compared to before COVID-19, suggesting potential mechanisms driving post-COVID-19-related symptomatology need further research.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meredith Vanstone, Rebecca H. Correia, Michelle Howard, Elizabeth Darling, Hamideh Bayrampour, Andrea Carruthers, Amie Davis, Dima Hadid, Erin Hetherington, Aaron Jones, Sujane Kandasamy, Cassandra Kuyvenhoven, Jessica Liauw, Sarah D. McDonald, Caroline Mniszak, Monica L. Molinaro, Manisha Pahwa, Tejal Patel, Marina Sadik, Njideka Sanya, Katrina Shen, Devon Greyson
Summary: This project aims to examine the impact of individual health decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal care and health outcomes. It includes a quantitative study to assess differences in maternal vaccination, perinatal care, and mental health care among different birth groups, as well as a qualitative study to understand how pregnant people's perceptions of COVID-19 risk influence their decision-making process. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of the pandemic on pregnant individuals and inform future healthcare policies and interventions.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Nadzirah Rosli, Elaina Rose Johar, Nursyafinaz Rosli, Nor Fazilah Abdul Hamid
Summary: This study explores the effects of anxiety, individual resilience, and conspiracy beliefs on attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines among the population of Malaysia, with a focus on Muslim individuals. The results indicate that anxiety is positively associated with vaccination attitudes, while conspiracy beliefs have a negative impact, and individual resilience is positively related to vaccination attitudes. The study also reveals differences and similarities between males and females in this regard.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Amanda Koire, Natalie Feldman, Carmina Erdei, Leena Mittal, Cindy H. Liu
Summary: Prenatal generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and underdiagnosed condition that has negative health consequences for both the pregnant individual and child. This study examined the relationship between GAD diagnosis and treatment status during pregnancy and postpartum mental health outcomes, taking into account individual psychological factors and COVID-19-related health worries.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Amber-Lee Di Paolo, Suzanne King, Mia A. McLean, Belinda Lequertier, Guillaume Elgbeili, Sue Kildea, Hannah G. Dahlen
Summary: This study explores the impact of prenatal objective hardship and subjective distress on postpartum anxiety, and investigates the moderating effects of resilience, tolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive appraisal. The results show that resilience, tolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive appraisal all moderate the effect of objective hardship on anxiety. Additionally, a neutral/positive cognitive appraisal buffers the effect of subjective distress on anxiety.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)