Differential correlates of prolonged grief and depression after bereavement in a population-based sample

Bereavement can lead to prolonged grief disorder (PGD) as well as episodes of major depression. Studies on the prevalence of PGD and its differences from postbereavement depression have not been conclusive. This study compared the correlates of depression and prolonged grief (PG) symptoms in a population-based random sample (N = 535) using the Beck Depression Inventory, Inventory of Complicated Grief-Revised, Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), and Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASAQ). Correlates of PG and depressive symptoms were examined using linear regression in 328 bereaved respondents. The prevalence of probable PGD based on PGD-2009 criteria was 3.0% among bereaved respondents and 1.9% in the total sample. PG was related to bereavement-related features including sex of the deceased, β = - .110, p = .026; time since loss, β = - .179, p = .001; the number of lifetime losses experienced, β = .157, p = .016; and perceived closeness with the deceased, β = .214, p < .001. Only lower income of the bereaved predicted depression, β = - .139, p = .018. In women, but not in men, the loss of a male family member (i.e., brother or son) was a significant predictor of PG symptoms, β = - .180, p = .006. The results confirm the qualitative distinction between depression and PG in a nonclinical sample and show that PG is mainly related to the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of the deceased or of death, whereas depression relates only to the characteristics of the bereaved person.

Geriatric competency and attitudes toward older adults among Turkish undergraduate social work students

The need for social workers educated about aging and eager to work with older adults will increase significantly as the older adult population rises rapidly. It is essential to determine the attitudes and competencies of social workers prepared to work in this field. This study aimed to evaluate Turkish undergraduate social work students' attitudes toward older adults and their geriatric social work competency. A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design was used in the study. The study included 308 fourth-year undergraduate students attending a social work program. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. The results indicated that students had slightly positive attitudes toward older people. As for the geriatric competency, the students rated highest in applying "values, ethics, and theoretical perspectives" and lowest in the "aging services, programs, and policies." Geriatric social work competence was strongly associated with positive attitudes toward older adults. These findings indicate the need to implement new learning opportunities early in academic programs to improve social work students' attitudes toward older adults and increase their knowledge and skills to address the aging population's needs.

Seeking New Meaning in the Shadow of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Research of Spiritual Issues and Experiences among Students in Turkish Society

Spirituality is one aspect to consider given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of in-depth qualitative studies on spirituality-related issues and experiences is limited. The present study investigated the spiritual problems and experiences of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out with 342 Muslim students undertaking a distance education program at a state university in Turkey. The study was carried out using the non-probability sampling method. The data was collected using Qualtrics through a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions related to spirituality during COVID-19. The data was analyzed using MAXQDA. The findings consisted of three categories, including spirituality during the pandemic, attitudes and behaviors related to the pandemic with a focus on spirituality, and feelings and thoughts about spirituality during the pandemic. There were fourteen subcategories, including resilience, meaning of life, coping mechanisms, acceptance, doubts, cleanliness, solidarity, risky behaviors, digitalization, religious rituals, inner peace, death, emotions, and hope. To meet the spiritual needs of students, it can be recommended to provide a suitable place for worship, to maintain the relations of individuals with religious centers and to direct them to spiritual counseling services.

12 Psychiatrists who Shaped Psychiatry in Turkey in the Republic's First Century

Who are the influential figures that molded Turkish Psychiatry into what it is today? This review introduces 12 psychiatrists who shaped psychiatry in Turkey during the first century of the Republic. The article presents Rasit Tahsin, the first neuropsychiatrist who establish an academic psychiatry department in Turkey; Mazhar Osman, who had so much influence that his name became a phrase to describe the mentally ill, and still lives on with the institutions he built; Ihsan Sukru, the founder of neuropathology in Turkey, a historical figure in viral encephalitis research; Fahrettin Kerim Gokay, famous for his political career and his fight against alcohol and tobacco; Rasim Adasal, a Cretian who is a cornerstone in Ankara psychiatry and a well-known figure in Turkish society life; Abdulkadir Ozbek, who introduced psychodrama to Anatolia-his 'earth'; Leyla Zileli, who disseminated psychoanalysis from Ankara to Turkey; Orhan Ozturk, a founding figure for the Journal, the Association, and Hacettepe; Ayhan Songar, a prominent figure in society and also in state bureaucracy; Ozcan Koknel, the amiable face of psychiatry in society and a respected voice; Oğuz Arkonaç, a vigorous advocate for the establishment of contemporary psychiatry with DSM III in Bakırköy and then in Turkey; and Gunsel Koptagel-Ilal, who progressed the work in the psychosomatics as one of Turkey's first female psychiatry academics. As with any list, we acknowledge that absolute consensus is not possible; we are preparing a more extensive selection to be published as a book next year. We present our selection to your liking, hoping that one or more of our colleagues reading this article will be included in the selection for the next century, reflecting our collective conscious creation of psychiatry in Turkey. Keywords: Neuropsychiatry, History, Medicine, Turkey, Psychoanalysis, Psychosomatics.

Psychological factors responsible for low adherence to mask-wearing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to >6 million deaths. Anti-mask movements may decrease the effects of preventive measures. Psychological factors that may be related to anti-mask behaviour are not well researched.

AIMS

This study aims to determine the psychological correlates of anti-mask attitudes and behaviour in an online general population sample, focusing on the possible role of claustrophobia.

METHOD

Data on attitudes and behaviour toward mask-wearing were collected from an online sample of 3709 people. Predictors of both anti-mask attitudes and behaviour were assessed with linear and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Few people (3.3%) were overtly opposed to mask-wearing; mask opposition was more common in men than women. Predictors of negative attitude toward mask-wearing and low adherence to mask-related measures were similar and included male gender, lower education, lower income, being employed, having had COVID-19 and lower COVID-19-related anxiety. Psychopathology measures did not show a prediction, whereas claustrophobia had a significant prediction that was over and above those of other predictors. Avoidance behaviour had similar predictors, except for higher COVID-19-related anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Although low adherence to mask-wearing during the pandemic was not related to having a mental disorder, it may partly be caused by psychological factors. Those who had a negative attitude also reported lower adherence behaviour, and were characterised by being male, having lower education, being employed and having lower COVID-19-related anxiety; claustrophobia was a strong predictor of attitude. Understanding psychological factors responsible for low adherence may help to decrease morbidity and mortality in future pandemics.

The prevalence and characteristics of misophonia in Ankara, Turkey: population-based study

BACKGROUND

Misophonia is defined as significant distress (anger, distress or disgust) when exposed to certain sounds that would not affect most people, such as lip smacking or gum chewing. Although misophonia is common, the aetiology, prevalence and effective treatments are largely unknown.

AIMS

Based on our proposed diagnostic criteria, we examined the prevalence of misophonia and its relationship with clinical and demographic variables in a large representative population sample.

METHOD

We used a household sample (N = 541) of all residents aged >15 years, living in 300 homes randomly selected in Ankara city centre, Turkey. All participants were assessed at their homes by trained interviewers, for sociodemographic variables, misophonic sounds and related factors, using a semi-structured interview (the Misophonia Interview Schedule) developed for the current research.

RESULTS

The current misophonia diagnosis prevalence was 12.8% (n = 69 of 541), although 427 (78.9%) participants reported at least one sound that was distressing. The mean number of misophonic sounds was 8.6 (s.d. 8.9, range 0-44); the figure was 17.6 in those with misophonia compared with 7.3 in those without misophonia. Of those with misophonia, only 5.8% contacted services for their condition. Predictors of misophonia diagnosis included younger age, family history of misophonia and previous contact with mental health services.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that misophonia is common in the general population, may cause significant disruption in daily life and is undertreated. Although more evidence is needed to classify misophonia as a psychiatric disorder, our findings support others who claim that the condition belongs to the group of mental disorders.

Prevalence and Associates of Fear of Falling among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to study the prevalence of fear of falling (FOF), and its association with physical performance, functionality, frailty, sarcopenia, and a variety of geriatric syndromes including cognitive impairment, depression, quality of life and hearing.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Community-dwelling older adults applied to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1021community-dwelling older adults >= 60 years of age applying to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital.

MEASUREMENTS

We screened for falls and FOF by single close-ended questions. We performed screening and assessment of probable sarcopenia by SARC-F test and handgrip strength evaluation according to EWGSOP2. We used timed up and go test (TUG), usual gait speed (UGS) for physical performance, and Katz- activities of daily living (ADL) and Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) for functional evaluation. We screened anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale.

RESULTS

The prevalence of FOF was 44.6% and falls, 37.7%. Prevalence of FOF in sarcopenia screening positive participants was 30.1%; in probable sarcopenic (35/20 kg) participants, 43.9%; in those with undernutrition, 45.7%; in fallers, 51.1%; in females, 80.4%; and in prefrail/frail was 74.7% Multivariate regression analyses revealed that female sex (OR=4.1, 95%CI= 2.0-8.4, p<0.001), anxiety (OR=2.7, 95%CI= 1.1-6.5, p=0.03) and ADL limitation (OR=2.5, 95%CI= 1.03-6.3, p=0.04) were independent associates of FOF.

CONCLUSION

FOF accompanied by fall experience or not is prevalent in community-dwelling older adults. It is associated with anxiety and ADL limitations apart from the female sex.

Association of serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels with psychological stress in patients with vitiligo

Background/aim

Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder that leads to serious psychological burden in patients, who are frequently reported to have depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between stress-related hormone levels and psychological stress in vitiligo.

Materials and methods

In this study 46 vitiligo patients and 46 controls were enrolled; their cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and cortisol/DHEAS levels were measured. Psychological burden was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale.

Results

Patients and controls did not differ in terms of cortisol, DHEAS, or cortisol/DHEAS. Patients had higher perceived stress than controls but did not differ in terms of depression scores. Correlation analyses revealed that cortisol/DHEAS correlated positively with perceived stress (P = 0.009, r = 0.272). The correlation between cortisol/DHEAS and perceived stress was stronger in the patient group (P = 0.013, r = 0.363) and close to zero among controls. In regression analyses, lower depression and higher perceived stress were shown to predict cortisol/DHEAS values.

Conclusion

Vitiligo patients significantly differed from the healthy population in terms of hormones and psychological distress. There was also an association between perceived stress and cortisol/DHEAS ratio in vitiligo. Abnormality of hormonal response to distress lowers DHEAS, which is known for its antioxidant properties, a possible mechanism for vitiligo development. Another important finding is the significance of using the composite variable cortisol/DHEAS, which seems to be more sensitive to distress than each of its components. We suggest its use in future studies on psychological distress–hormone relationships.

Anorexia Is Independently Associated with Decreased Muscle Mass and Strength in Community Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the association between anorexia and sarcopenia in community dwelling older adults.

METHOD

Anorexia was assessed by Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and sarcopenia defined by EWSGOP criteria. Study participants consisted of 442 patients from Turkish validation study of the SNAQ. Study is designed as cross-sectional in community dwelling outpatients.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle mass was determined by using bioimpedance analysis. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was calculated as SMM (kg)/height (m)2. Muscle strength was evaluated by hand grip strength (HGS) with Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Gait speed (GS) was assessed by usual 4 meters speed. Depression and quality of life were assessed by using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Euro-Quality of Life-5D(EQ-5D). Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were run to evaluate the association between poor appetite and components of sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Prevalences of low HGS, low gait speed and sarcopenia were higher in group with poor appetite (p=0.001, p<0.0001, p=0.036, respectively). Depression and constipation were more prevalent in participants with poor appetite (p<0.0001, p=0.033, respectively). SNAQ was correlated with SMMI and EQ-5D. Regression analysis showed that lower muscle mass, lower SMMI, and lower HGS were independently associated with poor appetite after adjustment for confounders. Neither gait speed nor diagnosis of sarcopenia was associated with poor appetite in regression analysis models.

CONCLUSION

We observed poor appetite has independent association with lower skeletal muscle mass and decreased muscle strength. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate exact relationship between poor appetite and sarcopenia.

Predictors of caregiver burden in mothers of children with leukemia and cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE

Caring for a sick child can lead to considerable burden in the caregiver. Comparative studies of burden in mothers of children with different types of disorders are rare.

METHODS

We assessed levels of and risk factors for burden in mothers of children with leukemia (n: 70) or with cerebral palsy (CP) (n: 69). Subjects were recruited from two hospitals in Ankara.

RESULTS

Levels of burden or depression were not different between groups. Burden was predicted by the presence of depression in the mother and severity of illness in both groups. In the leukemia group, mothers reported higher burden if the child was male or younger; no such relationship was observed in the CP group.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that type of illness has an effect on levels of burden. Mothers of children with leukemia should receive more attention, especially if their child is male or younger, to take preventive measures against burden.

Comparing SARC-F with SARC-CalF to Screen Sarcopenia in Community Living Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic value of the SARC-F combined with calf circumference (SARC-CalF) with the standard SARC-F to screen sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, diagnostic accuracy study.

SETTING

Geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults >= 65 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle mass (bioimpedance analysis device), muscle strength (hand grip strength-Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer), and physical performance (usual gait speed). Four currently used diagnostic criteria [European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS), and Society on Sarcopenia Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD) criteria] were applied. SARC-CalF was performed by using two different calf circumference threshold: standard cut-off 31 cm (SARC-CalF-31) and national cut-off 33 cm (SARC-CalF-33). The sensitivity/specificity analyses of the SARC-CalF and SARC-F tools were run. We used the receiver operating characteristics curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) to compare the diagnostic accuracy to identify sarcopenia.

RESULTS

We included 207 subjects; 67 male and 140 female with a mean age of 74.6±6.7 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 1.9% to 9.2%. The sensitivity of SARC-F was between 25% (EWGSOP) and 50% (IWGS); specificity was about 82%. For SARC-CalF-31 and SARC-CalF-33 sensitivity was in general similar -between 25-50%- which pointed out that SARC-CalF was not superior to SARC-F for sensitivity in this sample. Corresponding specificities for SARC-CalF-31 and SARC-CalF-33 were higher than SARC-F and were between 90-98%. Additionally, the AUC values, which indicates the diagnostic accuracy of a screening test, were in general higher for SARC-CalF-33 than the SARC-F and SARC-CalF-31.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported that addition of calf circumference item to SARC-F tool improved the specificity and diagnostic accuracy of SARC-F but it did not improve the sensitivity in a community-dwelling Turkish older adult population sample that had low prevalence of sarcopenia. The performance of SARC-CalF tool to screen sarcopenia is to be studied in different populations and living settings.

Performance of SARC-F in Regard to Sarcopenia Definitions, Muscle Mass and Functional Measures

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability and validity of Turkish version of SARC-F in regard to screening with current definitions of sarcopenia, muscle mass and functional measures.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling older adults aged >=65 years admitting to a geriatric outpatient clinic.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle mass (bioimpedance analysis), handgrip strength, usual gait speed, chair sit-to-stand test, functional reach test, short physical performance battery, SARC-F questionnaire, FRAIL questionnaire Sarcopenia was evaluated with 4 current different definitions: European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's (EWGSOP); Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) and Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD).

RESULTS

After cross-cultural adaptation, 207 subjects were analysed in the clinical validation study. Mean age was 74.6±6.7 years, 67.6% were women. Against EWGSOP, FNIH, IWGS and SCWD definitions of sarcopenia, sensitivity of SARC-F were %25, 31.6%, 50% and 40%; specificity were 81.4%, 82.4%, 81.8% and 81.7%, respectively. Positive predictive values were between 5.1-15.4% and negative predictive values were 92.3-98.2%. Against parameters of low muscle mass, sensitivity were about 20% and specificity were about 81%. Against parameters of function; for low hand grip strength, sensitivity of SARC-F were 33.7% (for Turkish cut-off); 50% (for FNIH cut-off); specificity were 93.7% (for Turkish cut-off) and 85.8% (for FNIH cut-off). Against low UGS, poor performance in chair sit to stand test, functional reach test, SPPB and presence of positive frailty screening sensitivity were 58.3%, 39.2%, 59.1%, 55.2% and 52.1% while specificity were 97.3%, 97.8%, 88.1%, 99.3% and 91.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The psychometric performance of Turkish SARC-F was similar to the original SARC-F. It revealed low sensitivity but high specificity with all sarcopenia definitions. Sensitivity and specificity were higher for muscle function tests reflecting its inquiry and input on functional measures. Our findings suggest that SARC-F is an excellent test to exclude muscle function impairment and sarcopenia. SARC-F is relatively a good screening test for functional measures.

Does Gender Affect the Relationship Between Anxiety Sensitivity and Social Anxiety?

OBJECTIVE

Although there are studies on the effects of gender and time on social anxiety and anxiety sensitivity, there is no consensus on how these variables moderate the relationship between the two. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the last year of medical school on social anxiety and to determine the predictors of social anxiety, focusing mainly on gender and anxiety sensitivity.

METHODS

The study was conducted at two time points. Demographic Information Questionnaire, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) were given to medical school students at Time 1 (n=153): beginning of 6th year of medical school; and at Time 2 (n=130): end of the 6th year.

RESULTS

Male gender predicted social anxiety at Time 1 but not at Time 2. Maternal education negatively predicted social anxiety in males; no prediction was observed for females. Psychiatric illness in the family and ASI scores predicted social anxiety. The total scores of social anxiety and anxiety sensitivity did not change over a course of 10 months. ASI subscale scores were not uniform in predicting social anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have confirmed the strong relationship between anxiety sensitivity and social anxiety. Higher maternal education appeared to be a protective factor against social anxiety among males but not among females. It is apparent that a whole educational year of internship does not lead to a significant reduction in social anxiety. We also showed that the physical sensations scale of ASI is sufficient to explain the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and social anxiety.

[Cognitive Dysfunctions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder]

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs after a traumatic event, and its diagnostic criteria include attention and memory deficits as well as symptoms of anxiety. We aimed to review the literature related to attention, memory, and executive functions in PTSD. Although studies on the subject are limited (in that there is no uniformity in terms of trauma type, selection of the control groups or types of neuropsychological tests used), most reported similar deficits in PTSD subjects in terms of memory and executive functions including attention. Since the presence of psychiatric comorbidities may disrupt neuropsychological functions, results of studies that have not controlled comorbidity may be questionable. However, studies that excluded the comorbid conditions reported similar deficits in cognitive functions in PTSD patients. The relationship between recovery from PTSD symptoms and change in cognitive functions has been examined in only a few studies, and most have reported an improvement for both memory and executive functions in remitted patients. The improvement in executive functions, however, has been limited by the difficulty of task. Cognitive deficits have been among the major causes of disabilities in PTSD patients. Therefore, the amount of improvement in cognitive dysfunctions by current treatments of PTSD deserves more attention.

Does trauma type relate to posttraumatic growth after war? A pilot study of young Iraqi war survivors living in Turkey

Positive personal gain after adverse life events and traumas is known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Several factors are suggested to promote PTG after stressful events, including type of trauma, in addition to younger age and female gender. Although conflicting findings exist, studies suggest that there may be less growth associated with personal traumas (i.e., physical or sexual assault, accidents) and more growth associated with shared traumas (i.e., disasters, loss). We examined whether certain types of war-related traumas are associated with more PTG in a sample of 203 Iraqi students living in Turkey who had experienced severe war-related traumatic events. They were assessed in group sessions, using a self-report battery that included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and War Trauma Questionnaire. War experiences were categorized into three types of trauma: trauma to self, trauma to loved ones, and adversity. Growth was measured by the Turkish version of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. Adversity-type events positively predicted growth, whereas trauma to self predicted growth negatively. Males and females showed a different pattern of relationship with growth. Correlations of growth with younger age and adversity observed in females were not seen in males. Our results show that different trauma types may lead to differing levels of growth, and this difference may be more pronounced when gender is taken into account.

[Traumatic Stress in Emergency Medical Technicians: Protective Role of Age and Education]

OBJECTIVE

Some professions carry higher risk of being traumatised; health care workers, especially those working at emergency services, are at higher risk in this respect. This study aims to examine the psychological effects of different types of work-related traumatic events on emergency health care staff and possible protective effects of factors such as age, education and experience.

METHOD

The targeted population was all emergency health care workers working at emergency wards and first-aid stations within the province of Nigde. Consenting subjects were given self-report questionnaires on traumatic stress and work-related traumatic events. 135 emergency workers (90 female, 45 male), with complete data sets were included in the study.

RESULTS

The subjects reported experiencing 6.8 types of different work-related traumas. Those who are older and with higher education reported higher numbers of event types. Traumatic stress levels were predicted by higher number of reported work-related trauma types. When analyzed separately within age and education groups, number of work-related traumatic events predicted traumatic stress among younger subjects and those with lower education; no such prediction was observed among older or more educated subjects.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that lower education and younger age independently predict negative psychological effects of work-related traumatic events. These findings may lead to changes in how emergency health care is organized in Turkey.

Accuracy of CBCT images in the assessment of buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant defects: effect of field of view

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the reliability and accuracy of cone beam CT (CBCT) images obtained at different fields of view in detecting and quantifying simulated buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant defects.

METHODS

Simulated buccal defects were prepared in 69 implants inserted into cadaver mandibles. CBCT images at three different fields of view were acquired: 40 × 40, 60 × 60 and 100 × 100 mm. The presence or absence of defects was assessed on three sets of images using a five-point scale by three observers. Observers also measured the depth, width and volume of defects on CBCT images, which were compared with physical measurements. The kappa value was calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement. Six-way repeated analysis of variance was used to evaluate treatment effects on the diagnosis. Pairwise comparisons of median true-positive and true-negative rates were calculated by the χ² test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between measurements. Significance level was set as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

All observers had excellent intra-observer agreement. Defect status (p < 0.001) and defect size (p < 0.001) factors were statistically significant. Pairwise interactions were found between defect status and defect size (p = 0.001). No differences between median true-positive or true-negative values were found between CBCT field of views (p > 0.05). Significant correlations were found between physical and CBCT measurements (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

All CBCT images performed similarly for the detection of simulated buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant defects. Depth, width and volume measurements of the defects from various CBCT images correlated highly with physical measurements.

Anxiety sensitivity: another reason to separate dental fears from blood-injury fears?

Although dental phobia is classified under the heading of blood-injury phobia, studies show differences between the two conditions in terms of frequency of fainting and gender distribution. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), which refers to discomfort and negative attributions to bodily anxiety sensations, was useful in differentiating panic anxiety from other phobic anxieties. No study has compared dental phobia with blood-injury phobia directly. We examined 61 subjects, working at a military aircraft factory, using measures on demographics, dental fears (MDAS - Modified Dental Anxiety Scale) and blood-injury fears (MBPI - Multidimensional Blood/Injury Phobia Inventory), in addition to Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Regression analyses revealed that dental phobia was predicted by ASI, whereas blood/injury phobia was not. Our results provide additional support for the proposed distinction between the two conditions.

[The validity and reliability study of MBPI (Multidimensional Blood/Injury Phobia Inventory)]

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to translate the 40-item MBPI (Multidimensional Blood/Injury Phobia Inventory) into Turkish and examination the reliability and validity figures of this scale.

METHOD

Trained interviewers assessed 477 factory workers using a battery of self-report measures including demographic information and MBPI that had been translated into Turkish by the study team. 61 of the 477 were also interviewed face-to-face by the investigator using the anxiety disorders/phobias sections of the CIDI (Composite International Diagnostic Interview).

RESULTS

MBPI had high internal consistency value (Cronbach alpha= 0.94). Validity studies showed scales successfully discriminated patient groups from healthy controls. Factor analysis of MBPI resulted in five factors; the factor contents were very similar to the original scale.

CONCLUSION

Our study has demonstrated the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of MBPI.