Attention deficit in primary-school-age children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder measured with the attention network test: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To review and meta-analyze patterns of attention deficit in primary-school-age children with ADHD measured with the neuropsychological attention network test (ANT). Methods: Six electronic databases were searched to 5.05.2022. Selection criteria included prospective cohort and intervention studies; ANT used; primary-school-age; diagnosis of ADHD/at high risk. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria (N = 3,826). Compared with controls, children with ADHD had higher scores for Reaction Time (Hedges’ g = 0.433; 95% CI: 0.135–0.731), Reaction Time Variability (Hedges’ g = 0.334; 95% CI: 0.012–0.657), and Alerting Network (Hedges’ g = 0.235; 95% CI: 0.021–0.449) while children at high risk had higher Alerting Network scores (Hedges’ g = 0.176; 95% CI: 0.003–0.349) and Correctness scores (Hedges’ g = 1.956; 95% CI: 0.020–3.892). Conclusions: Children with ADHD and at risk of ADHD had different ANT results from children without ADHD only for the alerting network. There were no significant differences for executive and orienting outcomes. Children at risk of ADHD also made more errors (commission and omission) measured with the ANT compared with children without ADHD. Reaction time was longer and reaction time variability higher in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD, and in children at risk of ADHD compared with children without ADHD.publishedVersio

Effectiveness of the third wave cognitive behavior therapy for peripartum depression treatment – a systematic review

Introduction: To investigate the effectiveness of third-wave cognitive behavior therapies in the treatment of peripartum depression. Method: A systematic review of the effectiveness of psychological interventions in treating peripartum depression focus on the Third Wave has been conducted. The electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Clinical Trials were searched, using a combination of different search terms. Data were independently extracted by two authors and a synthesis of the results was offered. Methodological quality was assessed by three authors, using ROBE-2 and MINORS. Search date was conducted in February 2022 and the search was re-run in November 2022 for new entries. Findings: Six papers were included and reported, focused on, the effectiveness of Third Wave approach interventions in reducing depressive symptoms. Papers included the following intervention approaches: Behavioral intervention (n = 2), Mindfulness (n = 2), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (n = 1) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (n = 1). All six papers were consistent in that interventions lead to a decrease in depression symptoms. However, risk of bias evaluation showed that all were critical low, but one paper was high quality. Conclusion and implications for practice and research: Systematic review showed that third-wave approaches are promising in effectiveness to reduce depression symptoms in peripartum women. However, more high-quality studies with follow-up are needed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

PREVENTING VIOLENCE AND SUPPORTING RELATIONSHIP OF PRETERM CHILD AND CAREGIVERS

W Polsce wcześniaki stanowią ok. 6–7% wszystkich rodzących się dzieci. Chociaż gwałtownemu rozwojowi technologii medycznej i neonatologii zawdzięcza się zdecydowany wzrost przeżywalności dzieci urodzonych skrajnie przedwcześnie, to coraz częściej są podnoszone pytania o ich dalszy rozwój zarówno w rozumieniu indywidualnym, jak i oddziaływania na system rodzinny. Według badań dzieci zarówno urodzone przedwcześnie, jak i z wewnątrzmacicznym zahamowaniem wzrostu częściej doświadczają różnych form przemocy ze strony opiekunów lub innych dorosłych w porównaniu z rówieśnikami urodzonymi o czasie. Wiadomo także, że matki dzieci urodzonych przedwcześnie znacznie częściej niż matki dzieci urodzonych o czasie przejawiają duże nasilenie lęku, niepokoju, a nawet objawów zespołu stresu pourazowego. Rozczarowanie, wynikające z bardzo dużej rozbieżności między oczekiwanym macierzyństwem a sytuacją przedwczesnego porodu, wzmacnia negatywny stan psychiczny rodzica. Kształtujące się na takiej bazie postawy rodzicielskie i stosowane metody wychowawcze mogą nie sprzyjać optymalnemu rozwojowi wcześniaka. Trudne zachowania dziecka i konieczność większych poświęceń rodziców – przy niesprzyjających warunkach społeczno-ekonomicznych – mogą stanowić znaczny czynnik ryzyka przemocy w rodzinie. W artykule poruszono problematykę wcześniactwa jako czynnika ryzyka krzywdzenia oraz opisano przykładowe programy profilaktyczne o charakterze prewencyjnym i interwencyjnym, uzupełnione o przykłady pochodzące z praktyki własnej.Premature children represent about 6–7% of all babies born in Poland. Although the rapid development of medical technology and neonatology owes a definite increase in survival rate of children born extremely prematurely, more and more frequently questions about further development of these children are raised, both in terms of a child’s individual development and its impact on the whole family system. According to research, children born prematurely and children with a diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction more often experience various forms of violence from caregivers and/or other adults, than children born at term. It is known that mothers of children born prematurely more often, compared to the mothers of children born at term, present with a high level of fear, anxiety and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Disappointment resulting from a very large discrepancy between the expected motherhood and the situation of premature labor strengthens the negative psychological state of a parent. The parental attitudes formed on this basis and the educational methods, used by parents, may not be conducive to the optimal development of a premature child. Difficult behaviors of the child, the need for greater sacrifices of parents, under unfavorable socio-economic conditions, may constitute a significant risk factor of child abuse. This publication deals with the issue of prematurity as a risk factor for abuse and describes exemplary prevention and intervention programs, supplemented with examples from our own practice

‘Next Stop: Mum’: Evaluation of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Strategy in Poland

In the article we present a mid-point evaluation of the postpartum depression (PPD) prevention strategy in Poland. As PPD is associated with potential negative consequences for the mother and infant, the need to introduce screening and treatment is vital. The project covered over 21,500 women in the first year postpartum. The average score in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), in a screening provided in direct contact, was 4.73 (SD = 4.14, n = 7222), and increased in 55% of women in the follow-up study. In online screening the average score in the EPDS assessment was 16.05 (SD = 5.975, n = 10,454). The ‘probable depression’ rate (EPDS > 12) in ‘direct’ contact is 7.3%, and on the online platform—77%. Additionally, 26% of possibly affected mothers assessed in ‘direct’ contact benefited from psychological consultations. The average score in the EPDS among mothers who benefitted from consultations is 16.24 (SD =4.674, n = 231). Approx. 82% of healthcare providers raised their knowledge of PPD after training sessions. Maintaining the assumptions of the program: training for medical staff, screening conducted throughout the first twelve months postpartum, online platform with the possibility of self-screening and early psychological intervention seem to be justified actions, leading to a higher number of women with risk of PPD referred

Improvement of Attention, Executive Functions, and Processing Speed in Elderly Women as a Result of Involvement in the Nordic Walking Training Program and Vitamin D Supplementation

Research indicates that life satisfaction declines with age, and cognitive abilities are gradually reduced—mainly attentional functioning and cognitive processing speed. Therefore, scientists seek to find protective factors and test possible intervention programs; moderately intensive physical activity stands out as particularly promising. In this context, we evaluated the influence of Nordic Walking training supported by vitamin D supplementation (as this nutrient is especially deficient in older people in Poland) on the cognitive and psychological functioning of elderly women. A total of 52 healthy elderly women took part in a Nordic Walking training program complemented by vitamin D supplementation. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Trail Making Test and the D2 Test of Attention. Quality of life and severity of depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Form Health Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory 2. Significant improvements in all aspects of cognitive functioning was observed (p = 0.01–0.47). The study also showed a decrease in depressive symptoms (p = 0.026). Physical activity and adequate levels of vitamin D can be the key factors in maintaining self-reliance in old age. Involvement in Nordic Walking training, supported by vitamin D supplementation, can strengthen the cognitive functioning of older people—reflected in higher attentional capabilities, better executive functions, and improved cognitive processing speed

Can we hit prenatal depression and anxiety through HIIT? The effectiveness of online high intensity interval training in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial

Background: In recent years high intensity interval training (HIIT) has grown in popularity. However, it rarely rep‑ resents training interventions in experimental studies in pregnant populations. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess changes in depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, fear of Covid‑19 and quality of life after an 8‑week super‑ vised online HIIT program, compared to an educational (self‑performed physical activity) program. Methods: We conducted a randomized control trial among 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton preg‑ nancy (age 32 ± 4 years, 22 ± 4 week of gestation; mean ± SD). There were 34 women in the experimental group, who participated in an 8‑week high intensity interval training program (HIIT group). The comparative group was consti‑ tuted of 20 pregnant women who attended 8‑week educational program (EDU group). Results: The most important finding was that mental health improved somewhat in both groups after the interven‑ tion, but only the HIIT group improved statistically significantly. The positive trends in lowering the severity of depres‑ sive symptoms, fear of childbirth, and fear of Covid‑19 were observed in both groups. However, the positive response to the intervention was stronger in the EDU group. As a secondary outcome, there was a significant decrease in cardiores‑ piratory fitness level in the EDU group, while the HIIT group maintained unchanged level of maximal oxygen uptake. Conclusions: HIIT seems to be beneficial for women with uncomplicated pregnancies to maintain adequate quality of life and mental health. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal HIIT in preg‑ nant women in various psychological conditions. Trial registration: We conducted this study in Poland, in 2021. It was approved by the Bioethics Commission at the Dis‑ trict Medical Chamber in Gdansk (KB‑8/21). The full study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05009433)