The global epidemic of (mis)information, spreading rapidly via social media platforms and other outlets, can be a risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders among vulnerable individuals. Cyberchondria can be a vulnerability factor for developing anxiety in a pandemic situation, particularly when the Internet is flooded with (mis)information. The aim of our study was to examine how cyberchondria is related to changes in levels of COVID-19 concern and safety behaviours among persons living in Croatia during the period in which the first COVID-19 case was identified and when the country recorded its first fatality. Repeated cross-sectional data collection was conducted during two waves over a period of three weeks (N1 = 888; N2 = 966). The first began on the day of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Croatia (February 24th, 2020) and the second wave began three weeks later, on the day the first COVID-19 fatality was recorded in Croatia (March 19th, 2020). Participants completed an online questionnaire regarding various COVID-19 concerns and safety behaviours aimed at disease prevention (information seeking, avoidance and hygiene) and a measure of cyberchondria (Short Cyberchondria Scale, SCS). We analysed whether changes to the epidemiological situation during the period between the two waves of data collection led to an increase in COVID-19 related behaviour directly and indirectly via an increase in COVID-19 concerns. The results indicated that, between the two waves of research, there was a pronounced increase in concerns regarding COVID-19 (b = 1.11, p < .001) as well as significant behavioural changes (b = 1.18–2.34, p < .001). Also, results demonstrated that cyberchondria plays a moderating role in these changes. In the first wave, persons with severe cyberchondria were already intensely concerned with safety behaviours. High cyberchondria and high levels of concern about the COVID-19 are associated with intense avoidance behaviours, R2 = .63, p < .001. A moderated partial mediation model was confirmed, in which the effect of the epidemiological situation was weaker for those with higher results on the SCS (as indicated by index of moderated mediation between -.10 and -.15, p < .05). As such, cyberchondria is a contributing factor to long-term anxiety and its impact during pandemic on the general mental health burden should therefore be further investigated.

Amongst all women, anxiety sensitivity (physical concerns dimension) was identified as an important vulnerability factor for FOC. As such, the level of anxiety sensitivity, and any resulting fear or expectations of pain, should be assessed in expectant mothers by clinicians in prenatal settings. Furthermore, anxiety sensitivity should be an important target for psychological interventions aimed at managing FOC.

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Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty that has heightened fear and worry worldwide, thus elevating the potential for a growth in anxiety. This study aims to examine changes in levels of COVID-19 concern and safety behaviours among persons living in Croatia during the period in which the first COVID-19 case was identified and when the country recorded its first fatality. These changes were examined with respect to gender and family circumstances. Design. The repeated cross-sectional data were conducted over two time points over the 3 weeks (N 1 = 888; N 2 = 966). Methods. Participants completed online questionnaire regarding various COVID-19 concerns and safety behaviours aimed at disease prevention. Results. Findings demonstrate dramatic increase in concern and safety behaviours among participants during the 3 weeks between the first identified case and the first fatality. The results suggest that parents, and mothers especially, represent the most concerned group, regardless of age. People with chronic health conditions also expressed greater concern and safety behaviour than healthy participants, but with small effect size. Conclusion. These findings highlight the importance of developing clear guidelines for alleviating the negative effects on mental health through effective communication strategies that minimize fear and emphasize positive behavioural change.

Only a small number of studies have used quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) in research of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results are not consistent. The aim of the present investigation was to compare qEEG in combat veterans with and without PTSD. The hypothesis is that differences among qEEG characteristics will be found regarding the presence/absence of PTSD. Seventy-nine combat veterans with PTSD comprised the experimental group and 37 veterans without PTSD were included as controls. After the informed consent, they were investigated by the resting EEG recordings. The results demonstrate that PTSD veterans had decreased alpha power and increased beta power. These results suggest an altered neurobiology in PTSD. Various explanations have been offered for alpha activity decrease observed in PTSD veterans. Increased beta rhythm may play a role as a potential marker in differentiating subtypes of PTSD.