Signe Maria Schneevoigt Matthiesen

Bio: Signe Maria Schneevoigt Matthiesen is an academic researcher from Aarhus University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Anxiety & Randomized controlled trial. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 5 publications receiving 231 citations. Previous affiliations of Signe Maria Schneevoigt Matthiesen include Aarhus Municipality & Aarhus University Hospital.

Stress, distress and outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART): a meta-analysis

Abstract: background: A number of studies have investigated the relationship between psychological factors such as stress and distress (measured as anxiety and depression) and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The results, however, are inconsistent, and the strength of any associations remains to be clarified. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the results of studies reporting on the associations between stress, anxiety, and depression and ART outcomes. methods: Prospective studies reporting data on associations between stress or distress in female patients and ART outcome were identified and evaluated by two independent researchers according to an a priori developed codebook. Authors were contacted in cases of insufficient data reporting. Stress was defined as perceived stress, work-related stress, minor life events or major life events, and distress was defined as anxiety or depression.

The effect of an expressive writing intervention (EWI) on stress in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment: A randomized controlled pilot study

Abstract: Objectives. Infertile couples undergoing fertility treatments may experience stress and could benefit from psychological intervention. Expressive Writing Intervention (EWI) has shown promising results on various psychological outcomes, yet only one study has applied the method to infertility-related stress. Our aim was to assess feasibility and effectiveness of EWI for patients in treatment with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Design and participants. Patients enrolling in their first ART treatment at the fertility clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark were offered to participate. A total of 82 participants (45 women, 37 men), mean age: 33.17, were randomized to home-based EWI or neutral writing control group and completed an infertility-related stress questionnaire at treatment enrollment, 3 weeks later (at the time of down regulation), and 6 weeks after the intervention. The intervention took place 2 weeks after treatment start. Results. Mixed between-within ANOVA showed a main effect of time (Wilks Lambda = 0.68, F(2,28) = 6.48) as well as a significant interaction effect between group (control/ EWI) and time (Wilks Lambda = 0.83, F(2,28) = 2.92). Infertility-related stress decreases were observed after the intervention in the EWI group compared to controls. Six weeks after the intervention, stress tended to increase in both groups, with the control group, follow-up stress levels exceeding baseline stress scores, whereas the follow-up scores of EWI-participants’ did not exceed baseline levels. Conclusions. Our preliminary results suggest EWI to be a feasible, cost-effective, and efficient method for alleviating infertility-related stress, although results should be considered preliminary and further testing with a larger sample is warranted.

Predictors of pain during oocyte retrieval

Abstract: Introduction: Pain during oocyte retrieval remains prevalent despite detailed and specific pain management protocols. Exploring the role of psychosocial risk factors of pain during the oocyte retrieval could identify possible targets for prevention. The present study assessed pain prevalence and possible risk factors for experiencing extreme pain levels in a large cohort of women receiving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatment.Methods: Participants were 810 first attendees about to begin treatment with ART. The participants completed questionnaires at three time points: at their 21st day of the cycle, during the waiting time before the oocyte retrieval surgery and after the oocyte retrieval.Results: Fifty-one (6.9%) of the women reported the oocyte retrieval to be very or extremely painful. The results of a multiple logistic regression indicated that the significant predictors of high pain intensity, measured before the oocyte retrieval, were negative gynecological experiences and sid...

The computer program

Abstract: A computer program is a series of coded instructions for the computer to obey and represent a method of processing data. Programs can't be written in English. They must first be written using a special language called a programming language. A PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE (e.g. BASIC, PASCAL, and C+) consists of a set of codes and rules which can be used to construct commands for the computer. These commands are read and translated into electronic pulses needed to make the computer work. Programs are written by programmers. A computer language is a set of instructions used for writing computer programs. There are THREE (3) levels of languages: 1. MACHINE LANGUAGE – this was the first language available for programming. It varies from one computer to another, but the basic principles are the same. MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS are written using a series of 0's and 1's i.e. using a BINARY SYSTEM. All programs written today must be translated into machine language before they can be executed (used) by the computer. EXAMPLE: 110110001 2. ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE / LOW LEVEL LANGUAGE – these were developed to replace the 0's and 1's of machine language with symbols that are easier to understand and remember. Like with machine language, Assembly language varies form one make of computer to another so that a program written in one assembly language will not run on another make of computer. EXAMPLE: LDA 300 ADD 400 STA 500 3. HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE – these differ from low level languages in that they require less coding detail and make programs easier to write. High level languages are designed for the solution of problems in one ore more areas of the application and are commonly described as application-oriented or problem-oriented languages. High level languages are not machine dependant. Programs written in a high level language must be translated to a form which can be accepted by that computer, i.e.

Efficacy of psychosocial interventions for psychological and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women and men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the evidence on the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for improving pregnancy rates and reducing distress for couples in treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library between 1978 and April 2014. Study selection Studies were considered eligible if they evaluated the effect of any psychosocial intervention on clinical pregnancy and/or distress in infertile participants, used a quantitative approach and were published in English. Data extraction Study characteristics and results were extracted and the methodological quality was assessed. Effect sizes (ES; Hedges g) were pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I2, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s method. Possible moderators and mediators were explored with meta-analyses of variances (ANOVAs) and meta-regression. Results We identified 39 eligible studies (total N=2746 men and women) assessing the effects of psychological treatment on pregnancy rates and/or adverse psychological outcomes, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, infertility stress and marital function. Statistically significant and robust overall effects of psychosocial intervention were found for both clinical pregnancy (risk ratio=2.01; CI 1.48 to 2.73; p Conclusions The present meta-analysis suggests that psychosocial interventions for couples in treatment for infertility, in particular CBT, could be efficacious, both in reducing psychological distress and in improving clinical pregnancy rates.

Why People Are in a Generally Good Mood

Abstract: Evidence shows that people feel mild positive moods when no strong emotional events are occurring, a phenomenon known as positive mood offset. We offer an evolutionary explanation of this characteristic, showing that it improves fertility, fecundity, and health, and abets other characteristics that were critical to reproductive success. We review research showing that positive mood offset is virtually universal in the nations of the world, even among people who live in extremely difficult circumstances. Positive moods increase the likelihood of the types of adaptive behaviors that likely characterized our Paleolithic ancestors, such as creativity, planning, mating, and sociality. Because of the ubiquity and apparent advantages of positive moods, it is a reasonable hypothesis that humans were selected for positivity offset in our evolutionary past. We outline additional evidence that is needed to help confirm that positive mood offset is an evolutionary adaptation in humans and we explore the research questions that the hypothesis generates.