Danuta Ochojska

Dr. Danuta Ochojska

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

12Years (2015-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 September 2022 in Sensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Marta KopańskaMarta Kopańska
Marta Kopańska
DODanuta Ochojska
Danuta Ochojska
RMRenata Muchacka
Renata Muchacka
ADAgnieszka Dejnowicz-Velitchkov
Agnieszka Dejnowicz-Velitchkov
ABAgnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Agnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Jacek SzczygielskiJacek Szczygielski
Jacek Szczygielski
Previous research and clinical reports have shown that some individuals after COVID-19 infection may demonstrate symptoms of so-called brain fog, manifested by cognitive impairment and disorganization in behavior. Meanwhile, in several other conditions, related to intellectual function, a specific pattern of changes in electric brain activity, as recorded by quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) has been documented. We hypothesized, that in post-COVID brain fog, the subjective complaints may be accompanied by objective changes in the QEEG profile. In order to test this hypothesis, we have performed an exploratory study on the academic staff of our University with previous records of QEEG originating in the pre-COVID-19 era. Among them, 20 subjects who revealed neurological problems in the cognitive sphere (confirmed as covid fog/brain fog by a clinical specialist) after COVID-19 infection were identified. In those individuals, QEEG was performed. We observed, that opposite to baseline QEEG records, increased Theta and Alpha activity, as well as more intensive sensimotor rhythm (SMR) in C4 (right hemisphere) in relation to C3 (left hemisphere). Moreover, a visible increase in Beta 2 in relation to SMR in both hemispheres could be documented. Summarizing, we could demonstrate a clear change in QEEG activity patterns in individuals previously not affected by COVID-19 and now suffering from post-COVID-19 brain fog. These preliminary results warrant further interest in delineating their background. Here, both neuroinflammation and psychological stress, related to Sars-CoV2-infection may be considered. Based on our observation, the relevance of QEEG examination as a supportive tool for post-COVID clinical workup and for monitoring the treatment effects is also to be explored.

Marta KopańskaMarta Kopańska
Marta Kopańska
DODanuta Ochojska
Danuta Ochojska
ADAgnieszka Dejnowicz-Velitchkov
Agnieszka Dejnowicz-Velitchkov
ABAgnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Agnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) is becoming an increasingly common method of diagnosing neurological disorders and, following the recommendations of The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS), it can be used as a complementary method in the diagnosis of epilepsy, vascular diseases, dementia, and encephalopathy. However, few studies are confirming the importance of QEEG in the diagnosis of mental disorders and changes occurring as a result of therapy; hence, there is a need for analyses in this area. The aim of the study is analysis of the usefulness of QEEG in the diagnosis of people with generalized anxiety disorders. Our research takes the form of case studies. The paper presents an in-depth analysis of the QEEG results of five recently studied people with a psychiatric diagnosis: generalized anxiety disorder. The results show specific pattern amplitudes at C3 and C4. In all of the examined patients, two dependencies are repeated: low contribution of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) wave amplitudes and high beta2 wave amplitudes, higher or equal to the alpha amplitudes. The QEEG study provides important information about the specificity of brain waves of people with generalized anxiety disorder; therefore, it enables the preliminary and quick diagnosis of dysfunction. It is also possible to monitor changes due to QEEG, occurring as a result of psychotherapy, pharmacological therapy and EEG-biofeedback.

15 May 2025 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MWMałgorzata Wąsacz
Małgorzata Wąsacz
ISIzabela Sarzyńska
Izabela Sarzyńska
DODanuta Ochojska
Danuta Ochojska
JBJoanna Błajda
Joanna Błajda
OBOliwia Bartkowska
Oliwia Bartkowska
Marta KopańskaMarta Kopańska
Marta Kopańska
Introduction: Overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of overweight and obesity on the psychosocial functioning and physical activity levels of children and adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted among 100 children and adolescents aged 9–18 from three institutions in the Podkarpackie Province: a primary school, a hospital ward, and a health resort. An original questionnaire was used, containing questions about body image, emotions related to eating, self-esteem, and physical activity. All participants were classified into appropriate BMI categories based on anthropometric data. Results: The analysis showed that 48% of respondents admitted to eating meals in secret, and 5% did so every day for a month. As many as 65.82% of participants stated that their body shape affects the way they think about themselves, and more than two-thirds felt frustrated with their figure. Statistically significant differences were observed in the perception of one’s own body and the level of its acceptance depending on the BMI category. In addition, 58.58% of respondents did not engage in physical activity to control their weight. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are associated with a negative body image, low self-esteem, unhealthy eating habits, and low levels of physical activity. The obtained results can be used by medical personnel, educators, and educational institutions to develop effective prevention programs aimed at counteracting the negative consequences of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.

31 August 2021 in Psychiatria Polska
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
DODanuta Ochojska
Danuta Ochojska
JPJacek Pasternak
Jacek Pasternak
This article provides an assessment of the problem of diagnostic errors in autism spectrum disorder. The fact that awareness of autism is on the increase has led to the emergence of a growing number of specialists, as well as other people professionally involved in education and the care of children, who have been noticing features of autistic disorders in ever-younger children. On the one hand, this is certainly beneficial in that the level of knowledge about the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is conducive to the identification of children's difficulties; on the other, however, there are concerns that the knowledge possessed by many of those who come into contact with children is often insufficient to diagnose this subtle and changing spectrum of disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are especially difficult to assess in small children due to the overlapping symptoms of various disorders. Additionally, periods of intensive development or regression also overlap. Children aged two or three are still too young to exhibit some of the behaviors specific to ASD, and the assessment of speech development and its understanding may be deceptive. The diagnosis of "under observation for possible autism" is often exaggerated. The article presents case studies concerning diagnostic errors in autism spectrum disorder, their consequences and vital conclusions.

24 January 2025 in Acta Neuropsychologica
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Marta KopańskaMarta Kopańska
Marta Kopańska
DODanuta Ochojska
Danuta Ochojska
ISIzabela Sarzyńska
Izabela Sarzyńska
JTJulia Trojniak
Julia Trojniak
ABAgnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Agnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Jacek SzczygielskiJacek Szczygielski
Jacek Szczygielski
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Neurofeedback therapy in children who have mild symptoms of autism or attention deficit disorder. The method we used is widely regarded as safe, non-invasive, and can be used in conjunction with other therapies for people with autism spectrum disorders. The study we conducted is a pilot study, which will serve as a foundation for more comprehensive research.A study was conducted with six children aged 8-10 years with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Neurofeedback was administered to all patients. The subject of the analysis was to assess the change in brain wave range with eyes closed, before and after Neurofeedback therapy.Following Neurofeedback therapy, significant differences were observed in Delta, Beta1, Beta2 and SMR waves. It was found that the amplitude of the Delta wave and Beta1 wave at the Cz point was higher prior to NFT treatment, whereas the amplitude decreased significantly following this intervention. Furthermore, the amplitudes of Beta2 and SMR waves were observed to increase in the parietal area P4.Neurofeedback can be a valuable approach to augment other therapeutic methods used in children with autism, particularly in the context of improving executive functions. Our study demonstrated that Neurofeedback is beneficial for treating individuals with combined disorders: ASD and ADD, adapting therapy to each child's needs. Our research and analysis of the results obtained by other authors confirm that it is necessary to create individual profiles of children with ASD using EEG due to the different specificity and intensity of symptoms and the presence of various disorders accompanied by this dysfunction. It depends largely on differences in the neurophysiology of ASD patients and additional conditions, primarily the degree of brain damage. It is therefore necessary to conduct further research in this area.

13 June 2022 in Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Marta KopańskaMarta Kopańska
Marta Kopańska
DODanuta Ochojska
Danuta Ochojska
KPK Pietluch
K Pietluch
SPS Półtorak
S Półtorak
ABAgnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
Agnieszka Banaś-Ząbczyk
INTRODUCTION. Physical activity is one of the intrinsic elements of human life. Systematic exercise is an important factor in preventing heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Lack of exercise increases the risk of non-communicable disease (NCD) and death worldwide. The outbreak of the