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Mental Health

The autophagy-lysosome pathway: a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease
Jiao F, Meng L, Du K and Li X
Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such as α-synuclein in neurons. As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways, the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins. Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance of α-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Moreover, multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Thus, this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson's disease. In this review, we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy. Then, we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson's disease-related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Finally, we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy-lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson's disease.
A functional tacrolimus-releasing nerve wrap for enhancing nerve regeneration following surgical nerve repair
Daeschler SC, So KJW, Feinberg K, Manoraj M, Cheung J, Zhang J, Mirmoeini K, Santerre JP, Gordon T and Borschel GH
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00036/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Axonal regeneration following surgical nerve repair is slow and often incomplete, resulting in poor functional recovery which sometimes contributes to lifelong disability. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies available to promote nerve regeneration. Tacrolimus accelerates axonal regeneration, but systemic side effects presently outweigh its potential benefits for peripheral nerve surgery. The authors describe herein a biodegradable polyurethane-based drug delivery system for the sustained local release of tacrolimus at the nerve repair site, with suitable properties for scalable production and clinical application, aiming to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery with minimal systemic drug exposure. Tacrolimus is encapsulated into co-axially electrospun polycarbonate-urethane nanofibers to generate an implantable nerve wrap that releases therapeutic doses of bioactive tacrolimus over 31 days. Size and drug loading are adjustable for applications in small and large caliber nerves, and the wrap degrades within 120 days into biocompatible byproducts. Tacrolimus released from the nerve wrap promotes axon elongation in vitro and accelerates nerve regeneration and functional recovery in preclinical nerve repair models while off-target systemic drug exposure is reduced by 80% compared with systemic delivery. Given its surgical suitability and preclinical efficacy and safety, this system may provide a readily translatable approach to support axonal regeneration and recovery in patients undergoing nerve surgery.
The predictive value of supervised machine learning models for insomnia symptoms through smartphone usage behavior
Simon L, Terhorst Y, Cohrdes C, Pryss R, Steinmetz L, Elhai JD and Baumeister H
Digital phenotyping can be an innovative and unobtrusive way to improve the detection of insomnia. This study explores the correlations between smartphone usage features (SUF) and insomnia symptoms and their predictive value for detecting insomnia symptoms.
Association of obesity to reaction time and visual memory in schizophrenia
Toimela JS, Halt AH, Kerkelä M, Kampman O, Suvisaari J, Kieseppä T, Lähteenvuo M, Tiihonen J, Ahola-Olli A, Veijola J, Holm M and
Both overweight and cognitive deficits are common among people with schizophrenia (SZ) and schizoaffective disorder. The results in earlier studies have been inconsistent on whether overweight is associated with cognitive deficits in psychotic disorders.
Implementing an evidence-based behavioral weight-loss program in community mental health centers: A randomized pilot study
Gudzune KA, Jerome GJ, Goldsholl S, Dalcin AT, Gennusa JV, Fink T, Yuan CT, Brown KL, Minahan E, Wang NY and Daumit GL
Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). A prior randomized controlled trial demonstrated the efficacy of a lifestyle style intervention tailored to this population; however, such interventions need to be adapted and tested for real-world settings.
Experiences of Help-Seeking for Severe Mental Health Problems in Young Pakistani Women: A Preliminary Qualitative Study
Causier C, Johns L, Radez J, Hassan H, Maughan D and Waite F
Almost three quarters of mental illnesses start by the age of 25, yet youth (18-25-year-olds) are often underrepresented in U.K. services. This is particularly true for those of ethnic minorities. In this study, we aimed to understand how young Pakistani women and their parents make decisions to seek help for severe mental health problems, and the barriers and facilitators to accessing professional help. Young Pakistani women with experience of severe mental health problems and their parents were recruited from a community sample. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six young people and two parents. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Pakistani culture and its interplay with British culture strongly influenced the decisions and ability of young Pakistani women and their parents to help-seek, largely through the role of stigma. Low mental health literacy, stigma, and a lack of culturally informed services were identified as the most common barriers to accessing care. These barriers fed into the internalized stigma these young women experienced which, through fear of damaged reputation and personal prejudices, posed further barriers to seeking help. Participants highlighted recommendations for both individual-level (e.g., increased education and awareness) and service-level (e.g., greater choice over care) change to facilitate accessibility of professional help. Young Pakistani women face multiple culturally related challenges to accessing care for severe mental health problems at both the individual- and service-level. Novel suggestions to address these challenges, such as including youth peer support workers in services, may facilitate more inclusive and accessible services.
The Importance of Empathy, Social Determinants of Health, and Mental Well-being in Wound Care
Oropallo A
Combined EEG-tDCS approach in resting state to reduce comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms in affective disorders: A sham-controlled pilot study
Couto TA, Gao F, Lak DC and Yuan Z
Continuous challenges have been imposed on mental health science by Anxiety and Depression disorders as the most prevalent and debilitating psychiatric conditions worldwide. Pharmacologic and cognitive behavioral therapies, either alone or in combination, have been considered as the first-line therapies, however, resistant symptomatology is prevalent in comorbid conditions with symptoms remaining after interventions. The demand for new therapeutic solutions has given space to the development of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (NIBS), and the transmagnetic direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported as a safe and well-tolerated technique for the treatment of several mental health conditions, including Anxiety and Depression disorders. Relying on quantitative electroencephalography(qEEG)- tDCS approach, the current study aims to inspect the effect of tDCS intervention on patients who suffer from anxiety-depression comorbidity, in particular, the impact of tDCS intervention on qEEG spectral power activity and resting-state connectivity organization during eyes closed and eyes open protocols. QEEG data were acquired from eight patients suffering from moderate to severe anxiety-depression comorbid symptoms along with poor coping skills to manage stress and negative affect. Twelve control subjects allocated in the control group exhibiting low to moderate symptoms in both anxiety and depression conditions went also through the qEEG data acquisition. In addition, a sham-controlled study was conducted, and the patient group went through resting-state qEEG-tDCS neuromodulation once a week for ten weeks. Various-stage qEEG recordings were performed to inspect the efficacy of tDCS treatment during the modulation of brain regions involved in the regulation of affective responses. Our results demonstrated that after tDCS neuromodulation, the patients' groups exhibited decreased absolute power abnormalities over the left anterior cingulate cortex and reduced abnormal activity in the alpha band over posterior regions; improved functional connectivity indexes; decreased anxiety and depressive scores while positive affect score was improved. Besides the promising improvements, our study did not find a significant tDCS effect on perceived stress and negative affect scores. Consistently, significant differences in absolute spectral power over the left anterior cingulate cortex were detected among the patient group, as compared to the controls, as expected. Therefore, our study offers preliminary data to understand the neuroplasticity changes that potentially result from the manipulation of cortical excitability during affective regulation protocols followed by the consequent decrease of comorbid anxiety and depressive symptomatology. The pilot study was followed by prospective registration with ChiCTR2200062142.
Perceptions of Responsibilities by Primary Care Staff in a Patient-Centered Medical Home
Wakefield BJ, Farag A, Paez MB and Stewart GL
To examine the extent to which Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) members have a shared understanding/ agreement upon and enact responsibilities within the team.
Traumatic injury to the posterior fossa: a secondary analysis and description of case series from the NEXUS head injury dataset
Cooper RJ, Akie TE, Gujral T, Rana S, Bui K, Factora R, Quinones A, Gupta M, Hendey GW, Rodriguez RM and Mower WR
Traumatic brain injuries involving the posterior fossa are rare and case reports indicate they often result in severe outcomes. We seek to describe characteristics and outcomes of traumatic posterior fossa injuries.
The way forward is collaborative: Climate change and mental wellbeing
George BR
Sensitive fluorescence assay of chloramphenicol coupled with two-level isothermal amplification using a self-powered catalyzed hairpin assembly and entropy-driven circuit
Xiong Z, Wang C, Liu C, Jiang Y, Li Y and Yun W
Two levels of nucleic acids-based isothermal amplification normally require a long reaction time due to the low concentration of catalyst, which limits its practical application. A sensitive fluorescence assay of chloramphenicol (CAP) was developed coupled with two-level isothermal amplification using a self-powered catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) and entropy-driven circuit (EDC). CAP can bind with its aptamer to open its closed structure. The opened hairpin can initiate self-powered CHA and EDC. The product of CHA can circularly catalyze the CHA with increasing concentration. In principle, the product of CHA plays the role of catalyst and increases with the progression of the reaction. Compared with the normal two levels of amplification, the amplification efficiency of our strategy is much higher due to the self-powered reaction by the CHA product. Thus, the reaction time is shortened to 110 min in this strategy. Moreover, the detection limit for CAP can achieve 0.1 pM and shows promising prospects for practical application.
Self-reported problems and functional difficulties in anxious pregnant women in Pakistan: The use of a patient-generated mental health outcome measure
Rauf N, Park S, Zaidi A, Malik A, Atif N and Surkan PJ
Anxiety during pregnancy affects women worldwide and is highly prevalent in Pakistan. The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) questionnaire is an instrument used in therapy to assess patient-generated problems and the consequent functional difficulties. Using the PSYCHLOPS, we aimed to describe the type of problems and the consequent functional difficulties faced by anxious pregnant women in Pakistan. Secondarily, we sought to explore if a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention brought about changes in the severity score for certain problems or functional difficulties. Anxious pregnant women were recruited from the Obstetrics/Gynecology Department of a tertiary hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Of 600 pregnant women randomized to receive a psychosocial intervention for prenatal anxiety delivered by non-specialist providers, 450 received ≥1 intervention session and were administered the PSYCHLOPS. Eight types of problems were identified; worries about the unborn baby's health and development (23%), concerns about family members (13%), and financial constraints (12%) were the most frequently reported primary problems. Severity scores between baseline and the last available therapy session indicated the largest decrease for relationship problems (mean = 2.4) and for concerns about family members (mean = 2.2). For functional difficulties, 45% of the participants reported difficulties in performing household chores, but the intervention showed the greatest decrease in severity scores for mental or emotional functional difficulties. Focus on certain types of patient-generated problems, e.g., relationship problems, could anchor therapy delivery in order to have the greatest impact. Tailored CBT-based intervention sessions have the potential to address important but neglected problems and functional difficulties in anxious pregnant women.
'School-based screen-and-treat': An effective blueprint for expediating access to care in children experiencing PTSD following disasters
Cobham VE and McDermott B
While 5%-10% of children exposed to natural disasters develop PTSD, few children access support. This paper reports on the proactive 'screen-and-treat' approach deployed following devastating floods in Queensland, Australia, in 2011 and presents results for children in the Lockyer Valley (the most impacted community).
Author Response to OSIN-D-24-00437: Letter to the Editor regarding "Associations between ultra-distal forearm bone mineral density and incident fracture in women"
Holloway-Kew KL, Betson AG, Anderson KB, Kotowicz MA and Pasco JA
Non-peer professionals' understanding of recovery and attitudes towards peer support workers joining existing community mental health teams in the North Denmark Region: A qualitative study
Lerbæk B, Johansen K, Burholt AK, Gregersen LM, Terp MØ, Slade M, Castelein S and Jørgensen R
Peer support is a collaborative practice where people with lived experience of mental health conditions engage in supporting like-minded. Peer support impacts on personal recovery and empowerment and creates value at an organisational level. However, the implementation of peer support into existing mental health services is often impeded by barriers embedded in organisational culture and support in role expectations. Non-peer professionals' recovery orientation and attitudes towards peer support workers (PSWs) are essential factors in the implementation of peer support, and this study explored non-peer professionals' understanding of recovery and their attitudes towards PSWs joining existing community mental health teams in one region of Denmark. In total, 17 non-peer professionals participated in three focus groups. Thematic analysis led to three themes: (1) Recovery is a process of "getting better" and balancing personal and clinical perspectives; (2) Realising recovery-oriented practice: a challenging task with conflicting values; and (3) Expectations and concerns about peer support workers joining the team. Recovery-oriented practice faces challenging conditions in contemporary mental health services due to a dominant focus on biomedical aspects in care and treatment. Implementation facilitators and barriers in the employment of PSWs point towards fundamental aspects that must be present when employing PSWs in an organisation. The issues described leading up to the employment of PSWs reflected in this study underpin the importance of preparing an organisation for the employment of PSWs based on the available knowledge.
Family influence on stigma internalisation in people with severe mental illness: A grounded theory study
Yin M, Li Z and Li X
The internalisation of stigma has adverse effects on the recovery and quality of life of people with severe mental illnesses. Studies have shown that life experiences in one's close environment are highly relevant in explaining the onset and development of self-stigma. Families play a critical role in the daily care of people with severe mental illness and have a profound impact on patient recovery. This qualitative study explored the influence of family on stigma internalisation among people with severe mental illness in the context of Chinese culture. A grounded theory design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients with severe mental illness and 10 family members, and observations were carried out among five of the families. The data analysis followed three steps (open, axial and selective coding) and involved the use of a constant comparative method and memo writing. The COREQ reporting checklist was used to report the results. Our findings revealed that families can facilitate and impede stigma internalisation in people with severe mental illness via negative or positive daily interactions. A theoretical framework was developed to present the potential effects of the identified family factors on stigma internalisation. Three major family factors influencing patients' internalised stigma were identified, namely, "beliefs of family members" at the individual level, "responses within the family" at the intrafamilial level and "differentiated family environment" at the level of the whole family system, in which "biased beliefs of family members" could bring about "negative responses within the family" and further result in patients' internalised stigma. Our findings suggested that mental health stigma internalised by ill people should be viewed within the broad context of the family. Family-based programs aimed at improving positive interactions and support within the family need to be developed and launched, with particular attention given to interventions for affiliate stigma, coping with stigma and families' negative responses towards people with severe mental illness to prevent the internalisation of stigma by patients.
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the risk of delivering a small for gestational age baby: Kuopio Birth Cohort
Kukkonen A, Hantunen S, Voutilainen A, Ruusunen A, Backman K, Kirjavainen PV, Ylilauri M, Voutilainen R, Pasanen M and Keski-Nisula L
High caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with restricted fetal growth. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal caffeine intake during early and late pregnancy and the risk of delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) baby.
Service design for children and young people with common mental health problems: literature review, service mapping and collective case study
Pryjmachuk S, Kirk S, Fraser C, Evans N, Lane R, Neill L, Camacho E, Bower P, Bee P and McDougall T
The mental health of children/young people is a growing concern internationally. Numerous reports and reviews have consistently described United Kingdom children's mental health services as fragmented, variable, inaccessible and lacking an evidence base. Little is known about the effectiveness of, and implementation complexities associated with, service models for children/young people experiencing 'common' mental health problems like anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and self-harm.
Asking those who know their needs best: A framework for active engagement and involvement of childhood cancer survivors and parents in the process of psychosocial research-A workshop report
Weiler-Wichtl LJ, Schneider C, Gsell H, Maletzky AM, Kienesberger A, Röhl C, Bocolli A, Gojo J, Hansl R, Zettl A, Hopfgartner M and Leiss U
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in healthcare research is crucial for effectively addressing patients' needs and setting appropriate research priorities. However, there is a lack of awareness and adequate methods for practicing PPIE, especially for vulnerable groups like childhood cancer survivors.
Systematic review and meta-analysis: relative age in attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder
Frisira E, Holland J and Sayal K
Youngest students in their class, with birthdates just before the school entry cut-off date, are overrepresented among children receiving an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis or medication for this. This is known as the relative age effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises the evidence on the influence of relative age on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis and medication prescribing. As no review to date has investigated the association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, this is also examined. Following prospective registration with PROSPERO, we conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched seven databases: Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Cochrane Library. Additional references were identified from manual search of retrieved reviews. We performed a meta-analysis of quantitative data. Thirty-two studies were included, thirty-one investigated ADHD and two ASD. Younger relative age was associated with ADHD diagnosis and medication, with relative risks of 1.38 (1.36-1.52 95% CI) and 1.28 (1.21-1.36 95% CI) respectively. However, risk estimates exhibited high heterogeneity. A relative age effect was observed for teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms but not for parent ratings. With regard to ASD, the youngest children in their school year were more likely to be diagnosed with ASD. This review confirms a relative age effect for ADHD diagnosis and prescribed ADHD medication and suggests that differences in teacher and parent ratings might contribute to this. Further research is needed on the possible association with ASD.
A Prototype Software Framework for Transferable Computational Health Economic Models and Its Early Application in Youth Mental Health
Hamilton MP, Gao C, Wiesner G, Filia KM, Menssink JM, Plencnerova P, Baker DG, McGorry PD, Parker A, Karnon J, Cotton SM and Mihalopoulos C
We are developing an economic model to explore multiple topics in Australian youth mental health policy. To help make that model more readily transferable to other jurisdictions, we developed a software framework for authoring modular computational health economic models (CHEMs) (the software files that implement health economic models). We specified framework user requirements for: a simple programming syntax; a template CHEM module; tools for authoring new CHEM modules; search tools for finding existing CHEM modules; tools for supplying CHEM modules with data; reproducible analysis and reporting tools; and tools to help maintain a CHEM project website. We implemented the framework as six development version code libraries in the programming language R that integrate with online services for software development and research data archiving. We used the framework to author five development version R libraries of CHEM modules focussed on utility mapping in youth mental health. These modules provide tools for variable validation, dataset description, multi-attribute instrument scoring, construction of mapping models, reporting of mapping studies and making out of sample predictions. We assessed these CHEM module libraries as mostly meeting transparency, reusability and updatability criteria that we have previously developed, but requiring more detailed documentation and unit testing of individual modules. Our software framework has potential value as a prototype for future tools to support the development of transferable CHEMs.Code: Visit https://www.ready4-dev.com for more information about how to find, install and apply the prototype software framework.
Assessing the joint effects of mitochondrial genes and physical activity on the psychiatric phenotype of subjective well-being based on the UK Biobank data
Shi P, Wang B, Shi S, Chu X, Liu C, Kang M, Hui J, Gou Y, Zhou R, Liu Y, Jia Y, Zhang F and Wen Y
Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important measure for mental health status. Previous research has shown that physical activity can affect an individual's well-being, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we aim to evaluate the potential interactions between mitochondrial genes and physical activity (PA) as well as their combined effects on individual well-being. SWB phenotype data in UK Biobank were enrolled for this study including nine aspects such as work/job satisfaction, health satisfaction, family relationship satisfaction, friendships satisfaction, financial situation satisfaction, ever depressed for a whole week, general happiness, general happiness with own health and belief that own life is meaningful. We made analysis for each aspects separately. Firstly, mitochondria-wide association studies (MiWAS) was conducted to assess the association of mitochondrial Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms SNP with each aspect of SWB. Then an interaction analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation and PA was performed to evaluate their joint effect on SWB status. Meanwhile, these two analysis were made for female and male group separately as well as the total samples, all under the control of possible confounding factors including gender, age, Townsend Deprivation Index (TDI), education, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and 10 principal components. MiWAS analysis identified 45 mtSNPs associated with 9 phenotypes of SWB. For example, m.15218A > G on MT-CYB in the health satisfaction phenotype of the total subjects. Gender-specific analyses found 30 mtSNPs in females and 58 in males, involving 13 mtGenes. In mtDNA-PA interaction analysis, we also identified 10 significant mtDNA-PA interaction sets for SWB. For instance, m.13020 T > C (MT-ND5) was associated with the SWB financial situation satisfaction phenotype in all subjects (P = 0.00577). In addition, MiWAS analysis identified 12 mtGene variants associated with SWB, as MT-ND1 and MT-ND2. However, in mtDNA-PA interactions we detected 7 mtDNA affecting psychiatric disorders occurring, as in the friendships satisfaction phenotype (m.3394 T > C on MT-ND1). Our study results suggest an implication of the interaction between mitochondrial function and physical activity in the risk of psychiatric disorder development.
Current Developments in the Prevention and Improvement of Intestinal Disorders: A Mini-Review
Santa K and Ohsawa T
Recently, the number of patients who manifest intestinal disorders has increased. Particularly, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, which include Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), are on the rise, especially in the young generation. Behcet's disease (an autoimmune disease) and bowel obstruction are also common intestinal disorders. Furthermore, colorectal cancer, including colon and rectum cancer and small intestinal cancer, are the typical disorders in the intestine. Other disorders in the digestive tract are infectious diseases like Helicobacter pylori infection. Even though symptomatic treatments have been increasing for the treatment of intestinal disorders, the ways of improving and preventing these diseases are still controversial.
Timing Matters: A Longitudinal Study Examining the Effects of Physical Activity Intensity and Timing on Adolescents' Mental Health Outcomes
Yan W, Wang Y, Yuan Y, Farid M, Zhang P and Peng K
Physical activity is universally acknowledged for its benefits to mental health; however, the specific intensities and timings that best benefit adolescents' mental health, crucial due to their significant influence on daily schedules, have not been thoroughly investigated. This study addresses the substantive research gap by exploring the varied effects of physical activity intensity (light versus moderate to vigorous) and timing (weekdays versus weekends and holidays) on adolescent mental health. Utilizing a large-scale longitudinal dataset (N = 84,054; N = 44,623) from 158 schools, this research describes the current state of adolescent physical activity and investigates the effects of physical activity on mental health outcomes, including positive (i.e., life satisfaction, positive mental health) and negative indicators (depression, anxiety), over a 6-month period. Participants were adolescents aged 9-19 years (mean age = 12.73 ± 2.43 years, 48.9% female), with the analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results showed that as adolescents grow older, their engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during both weekdays and weekends/holidays tends to decrease, while light physical activity during weekdays increases. Multilevel regression analysis indicated that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during weekends/holidays at Time 1 positively correlated with better mental health outcomes at Time 2 (six months later), featuring enhanced positive indicators and reduced negative ones. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on weekdays at Time 1 was positively linked to mental health at Time 2. Light physical activity during weekends/holidays at Time 1 positively predicted life satisfaction and positive mental health at Time 2. In contrast, light physical activity on weekdays at Time 1 negatively correlated with life satisfaction at Time 2. The study underscores the importance of promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, particularly on weekends and holidays, to improve mental health outcomes among adolescents.
Neuropsychological tests associated with symptomatic HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in a cohort of older adults in Tanzania
Fotheringham L, Lawson RA, Urasa S, Boshe J, Mukaetova-Ladinska EB, Rogathi J, Howlett W, Dekker MCJ, Gray WK, Evans J, Walker RW, Makupa PC and Paddick SM
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) prevalence is expected to increase in East Africa as treatment coverage increases, survival improves, and this population ages. This study aimed to better understand the current cognitive phenotype of this newly emergent population of older combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated people living with HIV (PLWH), in which current screening measures lack accuracy. This will facilitate the refinement of HAND cognitive screening tools for this setting.
Intersectional HIV- and Depression-Related Stigma Among People with HIV Entering HIV Care in Cameroon
Filiatreau LM, Ebasone PV, Dzudie A, Wainberg M, Yotebieng M, Anastos K and Parcesepe AM
Mental health-related stigma is a prominent barrier to improved mental health outcomes globally and may be particularly harmful to populations with other stigmatized identities. We aimed to understand intersectional depression- and HIV-related stigma among people with HIV (PWH) entering HIV care in Cameroon. Using baseline data from a cohort of PWH entering HIV care in Cameroon between 2019 and 2020, we characterized depression- and HIV-related stigma in the population overall and by sociodemographic sub-group. We also explored substantively meaningful variation in stigma endorsement by depressive symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and causal attribution of depression. Among those with elevated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores > 4), we estimated the association between stigma type and depressive symptom severity using binomial regression. Among 398 participants, 49% endorsed low HIV- and depression-related stigma (N = 195), 10% endorsed high HIV- and depression-related stigma (N = 38), 29% endorsed high depression-related stigma only (N = 116), and 12% endorsed high HIV-related stigma only (N = 49). Respondents with and without heightened depressive symptoms commonly believed depressive symptoms were caused by HIV (N = 140; 32.9%). Among those with elevated depressive symptoms, the prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms was higher among those endorsing high HIV-related stigma only (prevalence ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 2.37) compared to those reporting low HIV- and depression-related stigma. HIV- and depression-related stigma are both common among PWH entering HIV care in Cameroon. The consistent association between HIV-related stigma and poor psychosocial well-being among people with HIV necessitates the urgent scale-up of evidence-based HIV-related stigma interventions specifically.
Time for a Kids Progress Administration: US Department of the Treasury Stepping Up
Halfon N, Russ SA and Counts NZ
Matched vs Nonmatched Placebos in a Randomized Trial of COVID-19 Treatments
Reis G, Savassi LCM, Ferreira TS, Reis LLF, Simplicio MIC, Ribeiro LB, Silva EADSM, Lat PK, Harari O, Forrest JI, Dron L, Park JJH, Thorlund K and Mills EJ
Matched placebo interventions are complex and resource intensive. Recent evidence suggests matched placebos may not always be necessary. Previous studies have predominantly evaluated potential bias of nonmatched placebos (ie, differing on dose, frequency of administration, or formulation) in pain and mental health, but to date no systematic examination has been conducted in infectious disease.
Exploring Resilience Among Midlife and Older Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adults: A Multidimensional Analysis
Nelson CL
Research on resilience in sexual minority midlife and older adults is limited. Using a multidimensional approach, this study examined trait resilience (optimism), resilience as a dynamic process (perceived control), and relational resilience (social support), analyzing their roles in physical and mental health among sexual minority adults. Analyzing data from MIDUS 2 and MIDUS Refresher, we examined a sample of 492 participants, comprising 164 sexual minority and 328 propensity-matched heterosexual individuals. Among sexual minority participants, perceived control was associated with fewer chronic conditions and optimism with lower depressed affect. Among heterosexual participants, perceived control was associated with both outcomes. Subgroup analyses found variations, particularly among lesbian and bisexual women. Resilience measures were not associated with the health outcomes for gay or bisexual men. This study highlighted the complex roles of trait resilience and dynamic resilience processes in association with health outcomes among sexual minority midlife and older adults across diverse subgroups.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the measure of insight into cognition-self-report in psychosis-risk and non-clinical Mexican young adults
Fresán A, Domínguez T, Flores Y, Nieto L, Sheinbaum T, Robles R and Medalia A
Cognitive disturbances typically precede the onset of overt psychotic symptoms and represent a neurobiological marker for psychosis risk that is also associated with poor functional outcomes. The Measure of Insight into Cognition-Self Report (MIC-SR) is a widely used 12-item questionnaire that assesses the perceived frequency of cognitive impairment in the domains of executing functioning, attention, and memory. However, the MIC-SR is not available in Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide. The present study aimed to provide a Spanish version of the MIC-SR and examine its psychometric properties in psychosis-risk and non-clinical Mexican young adults.
Successful Aging and Subjective Aging: Toward a Framework to Research a Neglected Connection
Sabatini S, Rupprecht F, Kaspar R, Klusmann V, Kornadt A, Nikitin J, Schönstein A, Stephan Y, Wettstein M, Wurm S, Diehl M and Wahl HW
Research related to subjective aging, which describes how individuals perceive, interpret and evaluate their own aging, has substantially grown in the past two decades. Evidence from longitudinal studies shows that subjective aging predicts health, quality of life, and functioning in later life. However, the existing literature on successful aging has mostly neglected the role of subjective aging. This paper proposes an extended framework of successful aging linking subjective aging conceptually and empirically to Rowe and Kahn's (1997) three original key criteria of successful aging (i.e., avoiding disease and disability, maintaining high cognitive and physical function, and engagement with life). A particular focus is placed on subjective aging as an antecedent of successful aging. A review of the empirical subjective aging literature shows that subjective aging concepts consistently predict all three of Rowe and Kahn's criteria of successful aging. Mechanisms underlying these relations are discussed at three levels, namely psychological, behavioral, and physiological pathways. The proposed addition also takes into consideration the interconnections between subjective aging and successful aging throughout the lifespan and across historical time. Finally, we discuss the importance of facilitating successful aging through systematic interventions that support more positive views of aging at the individual and societal level.
Psychotic-like experiences and associated factors in resident physicians: A Canadian cross-sectional study
Paquin V, Guay E, Moderie C, Paradis C, Nahiddi N, Philippe FL and Geoffroy MC
Medical residency training is associated with a range of sociodemographic, lifestyle and mental health factors that may confer higher risk for psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in residents, yet little research has examined this question. Thus, we aimed to document the prevalence and associated factors of PLEs among resident physicians.
Effects of a Multicomponent Intervention With Cognitive Training and Lifestyle Guidance for Older Adults at Risk of Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Wang P, Yang T, Peng W, Wang M, Chen X, Yang Y, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Wang F, Sun S, Ruan Y, Ding Y, Yao Y and Wang Y
This study examined the effects of a multicomponent intervention program on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). This was a 2-arm, randomized controlled trial in which a multicomponent intervention was applied. Participants were recruited from June 2020 to August 2020, randomization and intervention began in August 2020, and the entire program ended in January 2021. It included cognitive training (mnemonic strategy training) and lifestyle guidance (diet, sleep, and exercise guidance) for 7 weeks. A total of 123 Chinese community-dwelling older adults experiencing MCI or SCD were randomly divided into a multicomponent intervention group (n = 62) and a health education group (n = 61). The global cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The cognitive domains outcomes included memory functions measured using the immediate and delayed tests of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) and Logical Memory Test (LMT), and executive function and attention measured using the Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Digit Span Test (DST). Data were collected at baseline and postintervention. For cognitive outcome, the results of linear mixed-effect model showed significant time × group effects in the MMSE (Cohen =0.63 [95% CI, 0.27 to 1.00], = 10.25, = .002). This study found significant time × group effects in AVLT-immediate (Cohen = 0.47 [95% CI, 0.11 to 0.83], = 8.18, = .005), AVLT delayed (Cohen = 0.45 [95% CI, 0.10 to 0.81], = 4.59, = .034), LMT-delayed (Cohen = 0.71 [95% CI, 0.34 to 1.07], = 4.59, = .034), DSST (Cohen = 0.27 [95% CI, -0.08 to 0.63], = 4.83, = .030), and DST (Cohen =0.69 [95% CI, 0.33 to 1.05], = 8.58, = .004). The results support the feasibility and effectiveness of the multicomponent intervention program in improving cognitive function in community dwelling older adults at risk of dementia. The high adherence of this program shows its potential for promotion in the community and supports a larger and longer trial. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061420).
"I am a survivor!": Violently Injured Black Men's Perceptions of Labeling After a Violent Firearm Injury
Baker NS, VanHook C, Ziminski D, Costa J, Mitchell M and Lovelady N
Self-appraisal after a life-altering event is a critical process for individuals, often comprised by assigned labels that may not align with an individuals' perceptions of themselves or of their situation. Existing research within this victim-survivor dichotomy largely rests in the interpersonal violence space, with a victim assuming legal recourse and wrongdoing, and a survivor associating with positive personal characteristics like grit and resilience. Much existing literature on self-appraisal after interpersonal injury is heavily concentrated within the sexual violence literature, and this study applies these concepts to a sample of Black men injured by firearms. Ten Black men enrolled in a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) were interviewed to understand how they label their experience of firearm injury, and if their perceptions aligned with common labels seen among other populations and/or in other areas of study (e.g., cancer, domestic violence). Each participant assigned themselves their own label, with three labels emerging: survivor, victim and survivor, and neither victim nor survivor. The results illustrate the nuance of experiences beyond the victim-survivor dichotomy, and how labels and personal identities may shift following injury into new terms and considerations of resilience and trauma processing. More research is warranted to understand the factors that shape self-labeling within this population, including influences of masculine norms, racialized stereotypes, community context, and availability of services. Findings support public awareness campaigns to reframe surviving violence as a strength, and for community partners and practitioners to increase access to culturally competent and trauma-informed mental healthcare.
Validity and reliability of an Arabic-language version of the postpartum specific anxiety scale research short-form in Jordan
Hijazi HH, Alolayyan MN, Al Abdi RM, Hossain A, Fallon V and Silverio SA
The English-language Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS) is a valid, reliable measure for postpartum anxiety (PPA), but its 51-item length is a limitation. Consequently, the PSAS Working Group developed the PSAS Research Short-Form (PSAS-RSF), a statistically robust 16-item tool that effectively assesses PPA. This study aimed to assess and validate the reliability of an Arabic-language version of the PSAS-RSF in Jordan (PSAS-JO-RSF).
Radiographic Recognition of Mental Nerve for Secured Dental Implant Placement by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Mosul City Population
B Rasheed A, H Alrigbo M and Al-Rawee RY
The study aims to estimate precisely the different levels of mental loop and foramina in the Mosul population of Nineveh governorate in Iraq. It is a cross-sectional study of a previously saved database in the cone-beam computed tomography device. The study sample was 357 patients selected randomly from the database of patients at the Oral Radiology Unit at the Maxillofacial Department in Al-Salam Teaching Hospital. The study variables are mental foramen (MF) position, shape, radiograph appearance, and mental loop presence and direction. The results show that the age group from 19 to 30 years shows the highest percentage (40.1%). Females show more than half of the cases (59.7%). The MF position's highest percentage is shown in 2 areas with the slight differences. These are the long axis of first premolar and the area between first premolar and second premolar (42.6%, 40.9). According to shape variation round shapes are the uppermost percent (53.8%). More than 60% of cases (66.1%) show continuity with the inferior alveolar canal and 50% show no loop presence, and the mental nerve leaves the foramen in a perpendicular direction. In conclusion localization of the MF, nerve, and its loop precisely in both horizontal and vertical directions, both hard and soft tissues in a continuous view. Before arranging any surgical procedure, anatomic markers are crucial. To reduce the danger of harm to the foramen region, the authors thus advised cone-beam computed tomography before scheduling implant surgery, particularly in the mental region of the jaw.
Pregnancy experiences of transgender and gender-expansive individuals: A systematic scoping review from a critical midwifery perspective
Thomas EG, Goodarzi B, Frese H, Schoonmade LJ and Muntinga ME
Evidence suggests that transgender and gender-expansive people are more likely to have suboptimal pregnancy outcomes compared with cisgender people. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the role of midwifery in these inequities by analyzing the pregnancy experiences of transgender and gender-expansive people from a critical midwifery perspective.
Cognitive flexibility and resilience measured through a residual approach
Notebaert L, Clarke PJF, Meeten F, Todd J and Van Bockstaele B
Resilience refers to the process through which individuals show better outcomes than what would be expected based on the adversity they experienced. Several theories have proposed that variation in resilience is underpinned by cognitive flexibility, however, no study has investigated this using an outcome-based measure of resilience.
What variables predict stigmatizing attitudes toward people with mental disorders and their treatment in Filipinos and Americans?
Ramos N and McNally RJ
In the United States, Asian Americans express greater stigma toward those with mental disorders and report lower rates of seeking mental health treatment than do White Americans. However, research on these topics in Filipino cultural groups, especially Filipinos living in the Philippines (i.e., Filipino nationals), is sparse. To support the design of interventions to decrease stigma and improve rates of seeking treatment, we assessed attitudes toward mental disorders and help-seeking in Filipinos. U.S. national (i.e., American) and Filipino national participants completed an online survey containing the Mental Illness Stigma Scale, a Theory of Planned Behavior questionnaire measuring attitudes toward seeking treatment, and queries regarding demographic and psychosocial factors. Filipinos expressed significantly more stigma regarding relationship disruption, interpersonal anxiety, and poor hygiene, alongside increased perceived subjective norms opposing seeking treatment and decreased perceived behavioral control over getting treatment if necessary. We ran a linear mixed effects regression on each nationality separately to identify relationships between stigma and psychosocial factors. For Filipinos, increased parental education predicted decreased perceived relationship disruption and interpersonal anxiety; urbanization was associated with greater trust in mental health professionals, and having a close relative with a disorder led to decreased belief in patient recoverability. For Americans, increased participant education predicted decreased interpersonal anxiety, increased perceived recoverability, and improved perceived behavioral control over getting treatment if necessary, and having a close relative with a disorder predicted improved perceived treatability. The results guide programs for decreasing stigma and increasing treatment-seeking behavior. Limitations, future research directions, and possible interventions are discussed.
A Web-Based Intervention for Insufficiently Active College Students: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy
Hartson KR, Della LJ, King KM, Liu S, Chatman JM and Rhodes RE
One third of college students do not achieve aerobic activity levels recommended for physical and mental health. The web-based "I Can Be Active!" intervention was designed to help college students increase their physical activity. The intervention was grounded in the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework which emphasizes translating intention into sustainable action.
Comparing outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation between ethnic-religious groups in Israel
Gal G, Lourie J, Roe D, Gelkopf M, Khatib A and Shadmi E
Psychiatric rehabilitation for people with severe mental illness (SMI) has many documented benefits, but less is known about cultural related aspects. To date, no comparison of psychiatric rehabilitation outcomes between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs has been carried out. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the outcome measures of Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews consuming psychiatric rehabilitation services. As part of the Israeli Psychiatric Rehabilitation Reported Outcome Measurement project (PR-ROM), a cross-sectional study comparing different ethnic-religious groups was performed. Data is based on 6,751 pairs of psychiatric rehabilitation consumers and their service providers. The consumers filled questionnaires on quality of life (QoL) and functioning, and their providers completed mirroring instruments. The findings revealed that QoL and functioning ratings were lower among Muslim Arabs compared to Jews on both consumers' and providers' ratings. Among Muslim Arabs, differences in outcomes according to the service's location were indicated. The observed differences between Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews with SMI in the PR-ROM point to the need for culturally adapted rehabilitation services that take into account how cultural differences may affect the benefits of such services.
Exploring Social Interactions in the Context of Justice System Involvement: Perspectives of Patients and Psychiatric Nurses
Paradis-Gagné E, Cader M, Holmes D, Bernheim E and Filion J
Psychiatric nurses who work with people who are involved with the justice system experience ethical and moral tension arising from their dual role (care and control). This is known to significantly affect the development of a therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients. (a) better understand how justice system involvement affects people living with mental disorders and the nurses who work with them; (b) explore the influence of judiciarization on social interactions between these actors. Grounded theory (GT) was used as the qualitative methodology for this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. The study was carried out in three different units of a psychiatric institution: Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Brief Intervention Unit. A sample of 10 patients and 9 psychiatric nurses was recruited ( = 19). Theoretical sampling was used to recruit participants. We followed the iterative steps of qualitative GT analysis (open coding, axial coding, constant comparison, and modelization). Three main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (a) Experience of Justice System Involvement, (b) Crisis, (c) Relational Aspects and Importance of the Approach. These results will inform nurses and healthcare providers about the impacts of justice system involvement on people living with mental illness and how clinical practices can be better adapted to this population with complex health needs.
Apolipoprotein ɛ4 is associated with increased risk of fall- and fracture-related hospitalisation: the Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women
Pratt J, Dalla Via J, Sale C, Gebre AK, Stephan BCM, Laws S, Zhu K, Lim WH, Prince RL, Lewis JR and Sim M
Apolipoprotein ɛ4 (APOE ɛ4) may be a genetic risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle function, which could have implications for fall and fracture risk. We examined the association between APOE ɛ4 status and long-term fall- and fracture-related hospitalisation risk in older women. 1276 community-dwelling women from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women (mean age ± SD = 75.2 ± 2.7 years) were included. At baseline, women underwent APOE genotyping and detailed phenotyping for covariates including prevalent falls and fractures, as well as health and lifestyle factors. The association between APOE ɛ4 with fall-, any fracture-, and hip fracture-related hospitalisations, obtained over 14.5 years from linked health records, were examined using multivariable-adjusted Cox-proportional hazard models. Over 14.5 years, 507 (39.7%) women experienced a fall-related hospitalisation, 360 (28.2%) women experienced a fracture-related hospitalisation, including 143 (11.2%) attributed to a hip fracture. In multivariable-adjusted models, compared to non-carriers, APOE ɛ4 carriers (n=297, 23.3%) had greater risk for a fall- (HR 1.48 95%CI 1.22-1.81), fracture- (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.01-1.63) or hip fracture-related hospitalisation (HR 1.83 95%CI 1.29-2.61). The estimates remained similar when specific fall and fracture risk factors (fear of falling, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, grip strength, timed-up-and-go, hip BMD, vitamin K status, prevalent diabetes, HbA1c, cholesterol, abbreviated mental test score) were added to the multivariable model. In conclusion, APOE ɛ4 is a potential risk factor for fall- and fracture-related hospitalisation in community-dwelling older women. Screening for APOE ɛ4 could provide clinicians an opportunity to direct higher risk individuals to appropriate intervention strategies.
The 4AT, a rapid delirium detection tool for use in hospice inpatient units: Findings from a validation study
Arnold E, Finucane AM, Taylor S, Spiller JA, O'Rourke S, Spenceley J, Carduff E, Tieges Z and MacLullich AM
Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome with adverse outcomes, which is common but often undiagnosed in terminally ill people. The 4 'A's test or 4AT (www.the4AT.com), a brief delirium detection tool, is widely used in general settings, but validation studies in terminally ill people are lacking.
Is Antipsychotic Drug Use During Pregnancy Associated with Increased Malformation Rates and Worsening of Maternal and Infant Outcomes? A Systematic Review
Sani G, Callovini T, Ferrara OM, Segatori D, Margoni S, Simonetti A, Lisci FM, Marano G, Fischetti A, Kotzalidis GD, Segni FD, Fiaschè F, Janiri D, Moccia L, Manfredi G, Alcibiade A, Brisi C, Grisoni F, Stella G, Bernardi E, Brugnami A, Ciliberto M, Spera MC, Caso R, Rossi S, Boggio G, Mastroeni G, Abate F, Conte E, Quintano A, Chiara L, Monti L, Camardese G, Rinaldi L, Koukopoulos AE, Chieffo DPR, Angeletti G and Mazza M
There is much debate about continuing antipsychotic medication in patients who need it when they become pregnant because benefits must be weighed against potential teratogenic and malformation effects related to antipsychotics themselves. To address this, we conducted a systematic review on the PubMed, PsycINFO and CINHAL databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov register using the following strategy: (toxicity OR teratogenicity OR malformation* OR "birth defect*" OR "congenital abnormality" OR "congenital abnormalities" OR "brain changes" OR "behavioral abnormalities" OR "behavioral abnormalities") AND antipsychotic* AND (pregnancy OR pregnant OR lactation OR delivery OR prenatal OR perinatal OR post-natal OR puerperium) on September 27, 2023. We found 38 studies to be eligible. The oldest was published in 1976, while most articles were recent. Most studies concluded that the antipsychotics, especially the second-generation antipsychotics, were devoid of teratogenic potential, while few studies were inconclusive and recommended replication. Most authoritative articles were from the Boston area, where large databases were implemented to study the malformation potential of psychiatric drugs. Other reliable databases are from Northern European registers. Overall conclusions are that antipsychotics are no more related to malformations than the disorders themselves; most studies recommend that there are no reasons to discontinue antipsychotic medications in pregnancy.
Antipsychotic Medication Continuation vs Taper and Discontinuation in Patients With Schizophrenia and Other Nonaffective Psychotic Disorders
Andrade C
Schizophrenia is a major mental illness that is managed with long-term antipsychotic medication as a standard of care. Antipsychotic medications, however, are associated with many subjective and objective adverse effects. These adverse effects have driven the study of risk-mitigation strategies such as targeted intermittent therapy and dose reduction and drug discontinuation. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of these strategies have been synthesized in meta-analysis; both strategies have been associated with no functional benefits and with an increased risk of relapse. The RCTs, however, have been criticized because, in many, patients were abruptly switched to the target dose or too rapidly tapered, thereby predisposing the RCT to failure of the intervention. Two important RCTs examined gradual individualized dose reduction and discontinuation. One, conducted in first-episode psychosis patients who were free from positive symptoms for 6 months, found that, at 18-month follow-up, dose reduction was associated with a higher risk of relapse (number needed to harm [NNH] = 5) and with no functional benefits. However, after return to routine clinical care, at a 7-year follow-up, the dose reduction group had better functional outcomes and similar clinical outcomes relative to the maintenance treatment group. The other RCT, conducted in patients with relapsing psychosis, found that, at a 2-year follow-up, dose reduction was associated with a higher risk of relapse (NNH = 5) and with no improvements in social, cognitive, quality of life, satisfaction, and other domains. Many large nationwide observational studies have found that antipsychotic discontinuation by patients with first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia is associated with increased relapse, rehospitalization, suicide mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. There is also the ethical matter that attempts to identify the few who may benefit from antipsychotic dose reduction and discontinuation may compromise the health and stability of the many who require long-term maintenance treatment.
Neighborhood social composition and refugee mental health - quasi-experimental evidence of associations from a Danish population register study
Schofield P, Jamil de Montgomery C, Damm AP and Agerbo E
Refugees are at an elevated risk of some mental disorders with studies highlighting the contributing role of post-migration factors. Studies of migrant groups show neighborhood social composition, such as ethnic density, to be important. This is the first longitudinal study to examine this question for refugees and uses a novel quasi-experimental design.
A pilot study of performance enhancement coaching for newly appointed urology registrars
Cooper L, Wadhwa K, Rochester M, Biyani CS and Doherty R
To assess the feasibility of performance enhancement coaching (PEC) for newly appointed Urology registrars (ST3s), specifically: whether the concept appealed, and which areas beyond technical skills acquisition were felt to be most relevant or useful.
User Dynamics and Thematic Exploration in r/Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights From Overlapping r/SuicideWatch Users
Zhu J, Jin R, Kenne DR, Phan N and Ku WS
In 2023, the United States experienced its highest- recorded number of suicides, exceeding 50,000 deaths. In the realm of psychiatric disorders, major depressive disorder stands out as the most common issue, affecting 15% to 17% of the population and carrying a notable suicide risk of approximately 15%. However, not everyone with depression has suicidal thoughts. While "suicidal depression" is not a clinical diagnosis, it may be observed in daily life, emphasizing the need for awareness.
Workplace Injury Compensation and Mental Health and Self-Harm Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Wadhwa S, Taouk Y, Spittal MJ and King T
Workers' compensation systems aim to financially support injured workers. However, seeking compensation often leads to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This review examines previous studies to investigate the relationship between workers' compensation and mental health and self-harm outcomes. A three-tiered search strategy across five databases identified studies that examined workers' compensation claims as an exposure or risk factor, with outcomes related to mental health, self-harm and suicidality. Nine full-text studies were included; however, heterogeneity limited generalizability. Most studies supported an association between pursuing compensation and poorer mental health and self-harm outcomes. Some studies attributed this to specific aspects of the system such as justice perception and navigation of the claims system. Findings suggest an association between workers' compensation and mental health or self-harm outcomes. Inconclusive findings highlight the need for further research. Understanding the psychiatric impacts of pursuing compensation is crucial to help formulate a more accessible compensation system.
Early pharmacological interventions for prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals experiencing acute traumatic stress symptoms
Bertolini F, Robertson L, Bisson JI, Meader N, Churchill R, Ostuzzi G, Stein DJ, Williams T and Barbui C
Acute traumatic stress symptoms may develop in people who have been exposed to a traumatic event. Although they are usually self-limiting in time, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe and debilitating condition. Pharmacological interventions have been proposed for acute symptoms to act as an indicated prevention measure for PTSD development. As many individuals will spontaneously remit, these interventions should balance efficacy and tolerability.
The Impact of Chronic Diseases on Mental Health: An Overview and Recommendations for Care Programs
Akif A, Qusar MMAS and Islam MR
The current achievement of medical advancement is noteworthy; however, the occurrence of chronic diseases is increasing day by day, with a significant percentage of affected people are suffering from a mental health crisis. This article aims to present a thorough yet brief review of methods that can be employed to build the emotional wellness of chronic patients.
Development and evaluation of a personalised sleep care plan on child and adolescent in-patient mental health wards
Anderson KN, Bowles R, Fyfe C, Weddle R and Keown P
The study evaluated a package of measures to improve sleep on psychiatric wards admitting patients from children and young people's services (CYPS). Sleep disturbance has significant impact on adolescent mental health, and in-patient wards can directly cause sleep disturbance, independent of the problem that led to admission. We developed a CYPS-specific package (TeenSleepWell) that promoted a better sleep environment, enhanced staff education about sleep, screened for sleep disorders, and raised awareness of benefits and side-effects of hypnotics. This included personalised sleep care plans that allowed a protected 8 h sleep period when safe.
Acute sleep deprivation reduces fear memories in male and female mice
Foilb AR, Taylor-Yeremeeva EM, Schmidt BD, Ressler KJ and Carlezon WA
Sleep problems are a prominent feature of mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite its potential importance, the role of sleep in the development of and/or recovery from trauma-related illnesses is not understood. Interestingly, there are reports that sleep deprivation immediately after a traumatic experience can reduce fear memories, an effect that could be utilized therapeutically in humans. While the mechanisms of this effect are not completely understood, one possible explanation for these findings is that immediate sleep deprivation interferes with consolidation of fear memories, rendering them weaker and more sensitive to intervention. Here, we allowed fear-conditioned mice to sleep immediately after fear conditioning during a time frame (18 hr) that includes and extends beyond periods typically associated with memory consolidation before subjecting them to 6 hr of sleep deprivation. Mice deprived of sleep with this delayed regimen showed dramatic reductions in fear during tests conducted immediately after sleep deprivation, as well as 24 hr later. This sleep deprivation regimen also increased levels of mRNA encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule implicated in neuroplasticity, in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), a brain area implicated in fear and its extinction. These findings raise the possibility that the effects of our delayed sleep deprivation regimen are not due to disruption of memory consolidation, but instead are caused by BDNF-mediated neuroadaptations within the BLA that actively suppress expression of fear. Treatments that safely reduce expression of fear memories would have considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of conditions triggered by trauma.
Persistent effects of repeated adolescent and adult heroin vapor inhalation in female Wistar rats
Gutierrez A and Taffe MA
Adolescent drug exposure has been associated with more severe mental health outcomes related to substance abuse and anxiety disorders. The aim of the present study was to contrast the long-term effects of repeated heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence with similar heroin exposure in adulthood. Groups of female Wistar rats underwent twice daily 30-minute sessions of heroin or propylene glycol (control) vapor inhalation from postnatal days (PND) 36-45 or PND 85-94, respectively. Nociception was assessed after vapor inhalation sessions and forty days later, for the Adolescent-Exposed and Adult-Exposed groups. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed with an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and spatial learning was assessed with a Barnes maze. Acute effects of naloxone (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) and heroin (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) on thermal nociception were determined on PND 140/189 and PND 149/198, respectively. Repeated heroin vapor inhalation produced anti-nociceptive tolerance across sessions in both adolescent and adult rats, with the adolescents exhibiting more complete tolerance. Heroin vapor inhalation produced anxiolytic effects, regardless of age of exposure. There were no effects of heroin on spatial learning. Naloxone produced acute hyperalgesia in all but the Adolescent-Exposed heroin group, and heroin anti-nociception was blunted in both heroin-exposed groups at the highest heroin dose. Repeated heroin vapor inhalation can produce lasting effects on nociception and anxiety-like behavior that persist for months after the exposure. Importantly, these findings suggest that adolescent exposure to heroin vapor produces specific effects on nociception that are not observed when exposure occurs in adulthood.
Crystal methamphetamine and its effects on mental and oral health: A narrative review
Alqarni H, Aldghim A, Alkahtani R, Alshahrani N, Altoman MS, Alfaifi MA, Helmi M and Alzaid AA
The purpose of this comprehensive literature review is to present the available evidence on the effects of methamphetamine on mental and oral health, as well as provide an overview of the most widely used medical and dental care strategies in the management of meth mouth. For this purpose, PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched for relevant articles, yielding 115 search results, which were further scrutinized for their relevance, leaving 55 for a detailed review. The analysis of the gathered data indicates that a comprehensive patient-centered approach that takes into consideration the physical, mental, and social aspects is crucial for mitigating the detrimental effects of increasing methamphetamine use.
Health-related quality of life of adult and adolescent patients living with alopecia areata in Australia
Sinclair R, Eisman S, Lee CMY, Hitschfeld M, Witcombe D and Pereira CDF
To understand the experiences of adolescent and adult patients living with alopecia areata (AA) in Australia regarding symptom severity and the impact on psychosocial well-being and work/classroom productivity.
A Web-Based Intervention Using "Five Ways to Wellbeing" to Promote Well-Being and Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial
Prydz MB, Czajkowski NO, Eilertsen M, Røysamb E and Nes RB
Compromised well-being and mental health problems pose a significant threat to individuals and societies worldwide. Resource-intensive psychological treatments alone cannot alleviate this burden. There is a need for low-cost, evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing illness and promoting well-being. Five activity domains appear to be linked with well-being promotion across populations: connecting with others, being active, taking notice, learning, and being generous/giving. The activities mentioned are part of the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework and the web-based intervention Five Ways to Wellbeing for All (5waysA).
Latent profiles of telehealth care satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with cardiac conditions in an outpatient setting
van Schalkwijk D, Lodder P, Everaert J, Widdershoven J and Habibović M
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine was advocated and rapidly scaled up worldwide. However, little is known about for whom this type of care is acceptable.
Foreign Body in the Airway Mimicking Tumour in an Adult: A Case Report
Šimon R, Šimonová J, Čuchrač L, Klimčík R and Vašková J
Foreign body (FB) aspiration is an infrequent cause of respiratory distress in adults. Advancing age, central nervous system disorders or trauma, drug or alcohol addiction, neuromuscular diseases, and mental health issues and illnesses are the main risk factors. The authors present an atypical clinical presentation of a 3-week-lasting foreign body aspiration mimicking a tumour that led to severe acute respiratory insufficiency and required aggressive artificial lung ventilation. Diagnosis of FB was based on the results of the chest computed tomography (CT) scans and flexible bronchoscopy, which, however, initially assumed a neoplastic disease in the right main bronchus. During FB extraction via flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy inserted through an 8.5 mm endotracheal tube high-frequency ventilation through a catheter placed between the vocal cords was used to ensure adequate alveolar ventilation and maintain sufficient oxygenation. After extraction of the FB, thoracosurgical intervention was performed to resolve empyema as a septic complication of the FB aspiration. After this therapy, a complete resolution of pleural empyema and lung atelectasis was observed.
Utilization Trends of Phosphodiesterase Type-5 Inhibitors for Erectile Dysfunction Between 2019 and 2023 in Tanzania
Sangeda RZ, Kadinde AW, Masatu CF, Mwalwisi YH, Yahya-Malima KI and Fimbo AM
Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) profoundly affects millions of people globally, including interfering with mental health and quality of life. Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) such as sildenafil are pivotal in ED treatment. This study aimed to examine the utilization patterns of PDE5Is in Tanzania. Materials and methods In this retrospective longitudinal study, data on sildenafil and other similar PDE5Is imported between 2019 and 2023 were sourced from the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA). Pre-processing and visualization were performed using Microsoft Power BI Desktop, and further analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Utilization trends were ascertained through curve fitting, Holt's linear trend model, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. The defined daily doses (DDDS) per 1000 inhabitants (DID) were calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System and the DDD methodology endorsed by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. Results Between 2019 and 2023, there was a pronounced increase in the importation of approximately 587 consignments of PDE5Is. Employing the Holt model (R-square = 0.843), a substantial increase from 0.220910 DID in 2019 to 0.534272 DID by 2025 was observed and anticipated. The period witnessed sildenafil dominating 75.5% of the total use, with Erecto being the most consumed brand (37.6% of total DID). Notably, 2022 had the highest surge (27.2% of the total), albeit a slight decline was observed in 2023 (20.5%). This trend was supported by a linear regression model (R-square = 0.889). Conclusion We found increasing annual trends of PDE5Is of utilization. This requires critical oversight and effective policies to ensure appropriate use and risk minimization.
Getting to Fidelity: Consensus Development Process to Identify Core Activities of Implementation Facilitation
Smith JL, Ritchie MJ, Kim B, Miller CJ, Chinman MJ, Kelly PA, Landes SJ and Kirchner JE
Transferring successful implementation strategies from research to practice requires approaches for assessing fidelity to the strategy's core components. Implementation facilitation (IF) is a strategy involving an interactive process of problem-solving, enabling, and supporting individuals in efforts to implement clinical innovations that occurs in the context of a recognized need for improvement and supportive interpersonal relationships. Because IF is a dynamic strategy involving numerous activities, our objective was to conduct a rigorous consensus development process to identify core activities for monitoring fidelity to IF when applied in clinical settings. We first conducted a scoping literature review to identify the range of activities used when IF has been applied in clinical settings, searching multiple citation databases for English-language articles including "facilitation" or other commonly-used terms for the strategy published from 1996-2015. Through multi-stage screening, 135 articles (from 94 studies) were identified for data extraction on IF activities, frequency with which IF activities were identified as 'core' by study authors, and study outcomes. From the literature review, we identified 32 distinct IF activities and developed definitions/examples for each. Next, we conducted a 3-stage, modified-Delphi expert panel consensus development process to identify core IF activities across three implementation phases (i.e., Pre-Implementation, Implementation, Sustainment). The expert panel identified 8 core activities for the Pre-Implementation Phase, 8 core activities for the Implementation Phase, and 4 core activities for the Sustainment Phase. This work provides an important foundation for developing measures/tools to assess use of core IF activities to ensure the strategy is delivered with fidelity.
Summary Document Research on RDS Anti-addiction Modeling: Annotated Bibliography
Blum K, Baron D, McLaughlin T, Thanos PK, Dennen C, Ceccanti M, Braverman ER, Sharafshah A, Lewandrowski KU, Giordano J and Badgaiyan RD
Annotated bibliography of genetic addiction risk severity (GARS) publications, pro-dopamine regulation in nutraceuticals (KB220 nutraceutical variants), and policy documents. Further research is required to encourage the field to consider "Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) Anti-addiction Modeling" which involves early risk identification by means of genetic assessment similar to GARS, followed by induction of dopamine homeostasis by means of genetically guided pro-dopamine regulation similar to KB220. These results suggest that genetically based treatments may be a missing piece in the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD).
Depressive symptoms are not associated with clinically important levels of digital home blood pressure in the electronic Framingham Heart Study
Lee J, Wang X, Liu C, Pathiravasan CH, Benjamin EJ, McManus DD and Murabito JM
Depressive symptoms are common and share many biopsychosocial mechanisms with hypertension. Association studies between depressive symptoms and blood pressure (BP) have been inconsistent. Home BP monitoring may provide insight.
Nursing Students' Beliefs and Willingness to Implement Evidence-Based Nursing Practice at Umm Al-Qura University: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Abo Elmagd MH and Alharbi M
Background It is essential to provide evidence-based practice (EBP) courses for undergraduate nursing students. For this reason, students' beliefs and intentions to implement EBP should be measured to ensure that EBP courses are effective. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate Saudi nursing students' EBP beliefs (EBPB) and implementation before they enroll in an EBP course. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Two scales were used: the EBPB scale and the EBP implementation (EBPI) scale. The questionnaire was available for completion a single time before the second-year nursing students were introduced to the EBP course. Results The study revealed that the mean age for students is 20 ± 0.83. Nearly two-thirds (61.54%) of students are female. It can be noted that 71.5% have not attended any EBP programs. Additionally, 65.38% of students understand the concept of EBP, and 68.46% are willing to apply EBP nursing care. Therefore, there is a positive correlation between the EBPB scale variable and the EBPI scale. Conclusion This study highlights the positive attitude of undergraduate nursing students toward EBP. Nursing education programs must place more emphasis on integrating EBP curricula into their teaching strategies, with a focus on developing students' knowledge, skills, and values in EBP.
Addressing cortex dysregulation in youth through brain health check coaching and prophylactic brain development
Blum K, Braverman ER, Gold MS, Dennen CA, Baron D, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Elman I, Gondre-Lewis MC, Ashford JW, Newberg A, Madigan MA, Jafari N, Zeine F, Sunder K, Giordano J, Barh D, Gupta A, Carney P, Bowirrat A and Badgaiyan RD
The Carter Center has estimated that the addiction crisis in the United States (US), if continues to worsen at the same rate, may cost the country approximately 16 trillion dollars by 2030. In recent years, the well-being of youth has been compromised by not only the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic but also the alarming global opioid crisis, particularly in the US. Each year, deadly opioid drugs claim hundreds of thousands of lives, contributing to an ever-rising death toll. In addition, maternal usage of opioids and other drugs during pregnancy could compromise the neurodevelopment of children. A high rate of DNA polymorphic antecedents compounds the occurrence of epigenetic insults involving methylation of specific essential genes related to normal brain function. These genetic antecedent insults affect healthy DNA and mRNA transcription, leading to a loss of proteins required for normal brain development and function in youth. Myelination in the frontal cortex, a process known to extend until the late 20s, delays the development of proficient executive function and decision-making abilities. Understanding this delay in brain development, along with the presence of potential high-risk antecedent polymorphic variants or alleles and generational epigenetics, provides a clear rationale for embracing the Brain Research Commission's suggestion to mimic fitness programs with an adaptable brain health check (BHC). Implementing the BHC within the educational systems in the US and other countries could serve as an effective initiative for proactive therapies aimed at reducing juvenile mental health problems and eventually criminal activities, addiction, and other behaviors associated with reward deficiency syndrome.
Relationship Between Personality Traits and Workplace Bullying Victims in Saudi Arabia
Alduraibi KM, Alfarhan AI, Alghaith DM, Alharbi AD and Almosa MS
Background Workplace bullying is persistent aggressive behavior, including verbal or physical abuse, exhibited in a working environment. The impact of workplace bullying in any industry leads to negative outcomes in multiple dimensions, such as issues with mental health, problems with physical health, and a reduction in productivity in the workplace. This study aims to measure the relationship between personality traits and workplace bullying victims. Moreover, it explores how personality traits predict being a victim of workplace bullying. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 participants from various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a self-administered survey, which included sociodemographic questions, the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) for bullying assessment, and the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI-10) for personality trait assessment. The statistical analysis encompassed descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as the correlation test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. These analyses were conducted using the SPSS software version 27.0.1 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Personal-related bullying was more prevalent compared to work-related bullying, particularly "facing disregard of opinion" was the most frequent type of bullying. Moreover, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience were demonstrated as major self-perceived personality traits among participants. Some sociodemographic factors were reported to be significantly associated with both bullying and personality trait scores. Personality traits such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion were adversely correlated while openness to experience and neuroticism were positively correlated with bullying. Conclusions Our study illustrates the current prevalence of workplace bullying in Saudi Arabia and its impact on participants' mental health and productivity. We identified a significant correlation between self-perceived personality traits and the risk of experiencing workplace bullying. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, enabling them to develop targeted interventions to reduce bullying within work settings in Saudi Arabia.
Identification of stress-induced epigenetic methylation onto dopamine D2 gene and neurological and behavioral consequences
Blum K, Bowirrat A, Baron D, Elman I, Makale MT, Cadet JL, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Ahmed R, Gondre-Lewis MC, Dennen CA, Braverman ER, Soni D, Carney P, Khalsa J, Modestino EJ, Barh D, Bagchi D, Badgaiyan RD, McLaughlin T, Cortese R, Ceccanti M, Murphy KT, Gupta A, Makale MT, Sunder K and Gold MS
The D2 dopamine receptor () gene has garnered substantial attention as one of the most extensively studied genes across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Since its initial association with severe alcoholism in 1990, particularly through the identification of the allele, numerous international investigations have been conducted to elucidate its role in different conditions. As of February 22, 2024, there are 5485 articles focusing on the gene listed in PUBMED. There have been 120 meta-analyses with mixed results. In our opinion, the primary cause of negative reports regarding the association of various gene polymorphisms is the inadequate screening of controls, not adequately eliminating many hidden reward deficiency syndrome behaviors. Moreover, pleiotropic effects of variants have been identified in neuropsychologic, neurophysiologic, stress response, social stress defeat, maternal deprivation, and gambling disorder, with epigenetic DNA methylation and histone post-translational negative methylation identified as discussed in this article. There are 70 articles listed in PUBMED for DNA methylation and 20 articles listed for histone methylation as of October 19, 2022. For this commentary, we did not denote DNA and/or histone methylation; instead, we provided a brief summary based on behavioral effects. Based on the fact that Blum and Noble characterized the allele as a generalized reward gene and not necessarily specific alcoholism, it now behooves the field to find ways to either use effector moieties to edit the neuroepigenetic insults or possibly harness the idea of potentially removing negative mRNA-reduced expression by inducing "dopamine homeostasis."
Effects of Beliefs, Conspiracy Theories, and Vaccine Hesitancy on the Vaccination Status of Patients with Severe Mental Illness in a Tertiary Psychiatric Care Hospital in Türkiye
Kucukparlak İ, Fikret Giynas F and Gica S
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy and the adoption of conspiracy theories by patients with severe mental illness in Türkiye.
Comparison of Apathy and Cognitive Symptoms in Pre- and Postoperative Period in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Polat S, Erdem M and Çekinmez M
The aim of the study was to investigatie apathy and cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease patients who underwent deep brain stimulation surgery on bilateral subthalamic nuclei.
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cognitive Deficits in Depression: A Systematic Review
Jin J, Al-Shamali HF, McWeeny R, Sawalha J, Shalaby R, Marshall T, Greenshaw AJ, Cao B, Zhang Y, Demas M, Dursun SM, Dennett L and Suleman R
Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of mental health-related burden globally and up to one-third of major depressive disorder patients never achieve remission. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a non-invasive intervention used to treat individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Since the last transcranial direct current stimulation review specifically focusing on cognitive symptoms in major depressive disorder, twice as many papers have been published.
Effect of yoga-based exercises on functional capacity, dyspnea, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and sleep of infected healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective clinical trial
Önal R, Kutay Ordu Gökkaya N, Korkmaz S, Utku B and Yaşar E
The study aimed to investigate the effect of yoga-based exercises on functional capacity, dyspnea, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Satisfaction of Patients and Their Relatives Who Are Reminded of Their Appointments and Treatments with ""
Teksin MG, Karslıoğlu EH, Arıkoğlu Y and Çayköylü A
Community Mental Health Centers have been established in Turkey for patients with chronic psychiatric disorders actively engaged in treatment. The Treatment Collaboration Portal is a web-based voice response platform offered to Community Mental Health Centres to support the treatment compliance processes of patients. The Treatment Collaboration Portal automatically reminds patients or their families of injection treatments and psychiatry appointments at regular intervals. The purpose of this study is to determine the satisfaction of patients or their relatives enrolled in the Treatment Collaboration Portal and the reasons why.
The Association Between Clozapine Plasma Concentration, CYP2D6 (*10, *2) Polymorphisms and Risk of Adverse Reactions
Qu K, Zhou Q, Zhu H, Zhou Z, Shen Y, Tian L and Su X
The aim of this article was to study the relationships between the risk of adverse reactions, plasma concentration, and cytochrome P450 2D6 rs1065852 (*10) and rs16947 (*2) polymorphisms for clozapine.
The Relationship Between Depression, Anxiety and Stress Levels on Suicidal Behavior in Patients with Schizophrenia
Taktak Ş and Seki Öz H
Suicide is a major public health problem, and most people, who attempt suicide, have a psychiatric disorder. The preventable nature of suicide has further warranted the conduct of studies on suicide.
Reintroduction of Clozapine following Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a Young Patient with Resistant Schizophrenia
Chandad M, Chlihfane R, Kodad S, Oneib B and Elghazouani F
The incidence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome justifies the immediate discontinuation of the drug in question and the reinstitution of therapy with another drug. In the case of resistant schizophrenia treated with clozapine, there are insufficient therapeutic options. We report the case of a young patient followed up for resistant schizophrenia who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome after 5 years of therapy with clozapine. Clozapine therapy was successfully reinitiated, and the dosage was increased to 300 mg/day over 62 days. In light of this clinical case and a review of the literature, we report the possibility of reintroducing clozapine following an incidence of malignant syndrome in patients with resistant schizophrenia with respect to certain rules; in particular, a slow increase in dose after a reasonable period of time and close monitoring.
Atypical choroid plexus papilloma: Diagnosis and differentials: A case report
Andour H, Ben El Hend S, Mandour C, Allaoui M and Fikri A
Atypical choroid plexus papilloma is a rare World Health Organization grade 2 intraventricular tumor arising from the epithelium of the plexus choroid with intermediate clinical-pathological features between the benign choroid plexus papilloma and the malignant choroid plexus carcinoma. The main criteria for differentiation are histopathologic, with difficulties in distinguishing it from choroid plexus papilloma based on imaging features. We report the case of a 4-year-old female presenting with headaches and altered mental status. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right lateral ventricular mass with some atypical characteristics, which were confirmed on pathological examination as an atypical choroid plexus papilloma.
Role of Social Support in Reducing the Severity of Menopausal Symptoms among Women Living in Rural Mysuru, Karnataka: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study
Divya KL, Nimithamohan K, Bilimale AS, Muralidhar K, Krupp K and Madhivanan P
Menopause is an unspoken and unaddressed aspect of a women's life, surrounded by many myths and taboos within the Indian context. Although a majority of menopausal women experience moderate to severe symptoms that can affect their physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being, there is poor health literacy as well as health-seeking behavior among them. The importance of social support, especially at a difficult time like menopause, is bound to minimize the severity of menopausal symptoms.
Communal Riots and Its Psychological Impact: A Systematic Review Study in Indian Context
Irshad S
In the Indian setting, communal riots characterized by intergroup violence have been common and have had an impact on the lives of both people and communities. The goal of this systematic review is to investigate the psychological effects of Indian communal riots in depth. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the study aims to identify recurring themes, patterns, and variances in the psychological effects encountered by victims of community violence.
Social Determinants of Health Impacting the Experience of Young Adults With Cancer at a Single Community Urban Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Cunningham JM, Ferraro K, Durfee J and Indovina KA
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients receive palliative medicine consultation at a late stage and face diagnostic delays. Failure to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and AYA-specific needs can adversely impact patient experience. This retrospective observational cohort study used data from chart review to assess the frequency of SDOH impacting AYA patients and setting of initial diagnosis at a US urban safety-net hospital. The association of SDOH variables with delays in treatment, loss of follow-up, and no-shows was tested using Chi-square and -tests. One hundred seventy five patient charts were reviewed. Sixty-two percent were diagnosed in acute care settings. Substance use disorders, financial, employment, and insurance issues were associated with delayed treatment, with weak to moderate effect sizes. Mental health diagnoses, substance use disorder, homelessness, and financial burdens were associated with patient no-shows, with moderate to large effect sizes. Twenty-five percent of patients received palliative medicine consultation; 70% of these occurred at end of life. This study demonstrates the impact of SDOH on AYA cancer care and the need for policy allowing for intervention on SDOH.
The Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Depressive Symptoms in College Students: mediation by Parenting Style and Gender's Moderating Effect
Jin Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Niu S, Sun H, Liu Y and Liu N
Stressful life events have a significant impact on the mental health of college students. Depression, as a prevalent psychological issue, has garnered attention in the field of college student mental health and is closely linked to it. Additionally, parenting style is identified as an important factor influencing the development of college students' mental health. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between these three factors.
Sexual Harassment Among Chinese Psychiatrists and Its Impact on Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Xiao Y, Liu L, Chen TT, Zhang Z and Wu XH
Sexual harassment (SH) is a prevalent issue in various professional fields worldwide. The current study aims to investigate the incidence of SH targeting psychiatrists in China and explore its impact on quality of life (QOL).
An Effect of Chronic Negative Stress on Hippocampal Structures and Functional Connectivity in Patients with Depressive Disorder
Zhang L, Zhang Y, Guo W, Ma Q, Zhang F, Li K and Yi Q
Depressive disorder is a mental health disorder with complicated etiopathogenesis. Environmental stress and neurodevelopment combined with other factors contribute to the occurrence of depression. Especially for the depressive disorder with chronic negative stress, it has characteristics of recurrence and poor curative effect because of unclear mechanism. Here, we investigated the hippocampal structures and functional connectivity (FC) according to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with depression who underwent chronic negative stress.
Mediating roles of meaning in life and psychological flexibility in the relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress in teachers
Yildirim M, Dilekçi Ü and Manap A
Employees may experience stress in the workplace for various reasons. Psychological strengths may help them to cope with emerging challenges and foster mental health and work productivity. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in life and psychological flexibility in the relationships between perceived occupational stress and job satisfaction, job performance and psychological distress. This cross-section study included 554 teachers (56.0% males;  = 36.99 ± 7.88 years) at all school levels in Türkiye. The research data was collected through a convenience sampling method using an online survey. Participants completed self-report measures of meaning in life, psychological flexibility, perceived occupational stress, job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. Pearson product-moment correlation and parallel mediation model using PROCESS macro (Model 4) were utilized to analyze the data. The results showed that perceived occupational stress had a significant effect on meaning in life, psychological flexibility, job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. Also, meaning in life and psychological flexibility had significant effects on job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. Furthermore, meaning in life and psychological flexibility partially mediated the relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. These findings highlight the significance of considering meaning in life and psychological flexibility as crucial factors in mitigating the impact of occupational stress on employee mental health and work productivity. By focusing on enhancing employees' sense of meaning and their ability to adapt flexibly to workplace challenges, organizations can potentially create a better environment that fosters positive outcomes for both employees and the organization. However, the impact of occupational stress on job performance, job satisfaction and psychological distress may change over time. To address this concern, future research should test the model through a longitudinal study design.
A patient-centered model of mental health care for trauma and minority stress in transgender and gender diverse people: A bottom-up network analysis
Salomaa AC, Berke D, Harper K, Valentine SE, Sloan CA, Hinds Z, Gyuro L, Herbitter C, Bryant WT, Shipherd JC and Livingston NA
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are disproportionately exposed to traumatic and high-impact minority stressors which can produce an array of transdiagnostic symptoms. Some clinical presentations align well with established evidence-based treatments, but others may require patient-centered modifications or combined approaches to address treatment needs. In this study, we employed a novel, bottom-up approach to derive insights into preferred intervention strategies for a broad range of trauma- and TGD-minority stress-related expressions of clinical distress. Participants (18 TGD individuals, 16 providers) completed a q-sort task by first sorting cards featuring traumatic experiences and/or minority stressors and transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms into groups based on perceived similarity. Next, participants sorted interventions they believed to be most relevant for addressing these concerns/symptoms. We overlayed networks of stressors and symptoms with intervention networks to evaluate preferred intervention strategies. TGD networks revealed transdiagnostic clustering of intervention strategies and uniquely positioned the expectancy of future harm as a traumatic stressor. Provider networks were more granular in structure; both groups surprisingly emphasized the role of self-defense as intervention. While both networks had high overlap, their discrepancies highlight patient perspectives that practical, material, and structural changes should occur alongside traditional clinical interventions.
Influence of physical exercise on negative emotions in college students: chain mediating role of sleep quality and self-rated health
Mu FZ, Liu J, Lou H, Zhu WD, Wang ZC and Li B
Negative emotions in college students are a significant factor affecting mental health, with suicide behaviors caused by negative emotions showing an annual increasing trend. Existing studies suggest that physical exercise is essential to alleviate negative feelings, yet the intrinsic mechanisms by which it affects negative emotions have not been fully revealed.
Evaluation of dry eye disease symptomatology and mental health status among patients with different COVID-19 statuses
Ruan F, Kong WJ, Fan Q, Dong HW, Zhang W, Wei WB and Jie Y
To evaluate dry eye disease (DED) symptomatology and mental health status in different COVID-19 patients.
Beyond the Individual: A Multidisciplinary Model for Critical Thinking in the Intensive Care Unit
Jagpal SK, Alismail A, Lin E, Blackwell L, Ahmed N, Lee MM and Chiarchiaro J
Health profession educators readily identify with the goal of fostering healthcare providers who are critical thinkers focused on quality patient care. In the following paper, we aim to delve into critical thinking at the team level and help educators begin the process of creating a shared mental model focusing on cognition to identify gaps and opportunities for growth in their trainees. We will distinguish between microcognition (an individual's own critical thinking process in a controlled environment), macrocognition (critical thinking process in a real-world environment), and team cognition (the interaction and relationship among team members to augment macrocognition). A common case example will be used to guide the discussion as well as provide a model framework to be used for clinician educators in the future.
A Study on the Psychological Profile and Coping With the Disease in Patients With Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Rudilla D, Molina M, Valenzuela C, Casanova Á and Ancochea J
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that affects women almost exclusively. We aimed to determine the psychological profile in patients with LAM, and their potential association with sociodemographic and clinical features, and to know their role in coping with the disease.
The Chinese Version of the Compensatory ADHD Behaviors Scale (CABS): A Study on Reliability, Validity, and Clinical Utility
Zhang S, Chen C, Zhou Y, Pan M, Li H, Zhao M, Dong M, Si F, Liu L, Wang Y and Qian Q
With the further development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research, more and more assessment tools related to ADHD have been used. However, there is still no measurement instrument to evaluate the compensatory behavior of ADHD in China. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Compensatory ADHD Behaviors Scale (CABS) adapted in Chinese and explore ecological characteristics in adults with ADHD using the CABS.
Prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia
Zhong Y, Li Y, Hu A and Zhang XY
Several studies have reported that Internet addiction (IA) is more prevalent in the psychiatric disorder population. However, the prevalence of IA and its relationship with clinical variables among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of IA and its clinical correlates in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia, which has not yet been reported.
How autistic women are aware of their body and take care of their health? Focus on menstruation cycles and gynecological care
Ferrara R, Ricci L, Ricci P, Iovino L, Ricci S, Damato FM, Cicinelli G and Keller R
The combination of femininity and inequality is an increasingly studied in the field of social medicine, even more if the girls or women in question experience conditions of disability or neurodivergence. The onset of menstruation, menarche, constitutes a significant and transformative event in women's lives comprising a true and proper watershed in mental and reproductive health and sexual welfare. The onset of menstruation has a profound effect not just for girls but, in the case of disabled girls, for the whole family. In this scoping review, we have researched the literature in studies which consider the issue of menstruation and autism. The works in scientific literature have been selected which, in the last 5 years, investigated the issue of menstrua-tion for autistic girls and/or women.
Relationship between electronic cigarette use, dual smoking habits, and psychological distress among youth in Northern Thailand: A cross-sectional study
Phetphum C, Prajongjeep A and Phuengnam K
Amidst the escalating trend of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and dual smoking habits among youth, understanding their potential impact on psychological well-being is imperative. Limited research has explored this relationship, particularly among youth in settings where e-cigarettes are banned. This study investigates the relationship between current e-cigarette and traditional cigarette use patterns and the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms among youth in Thailand.
A Phenomenological Qualitative Exploration of Mind-Body Therapy Use and Effectiveness Among Young, Middle, and Older Adult Cancer Survivors
Singh S, Nguyen T, Deleemans J, Oberoi D, Piedalue KA and Carlson LE
Having been diagnosed with and treated for cancer can have negative psychosocial repercussions that may differ across the lifespan. Mind-body therapies (MBTs), such as tai-chi/qigong (TCQ) or mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR), have shown promise in decreasing negative psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors, but few studies have explored potential differences in MBT use and effectiveness across age groups.
Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety, depression and burnout in gynecology and obstetrics residents during the COVID-19 pandemic
Amaral MLC, da Silva IM, Bello AF, da Silva FC, Romão GS and Trapani A
To determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and burnout in residents of Gynecology and Obstetrics during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and its associated factors.
Anxiety and fear of COVID-19 as potential mechanisms to explain vaccine hesitancy among adults
Fadhel FH, Sufyan NS, Alqahtani MMJ and Almaamari AA
Vaccine hesitancy is a significant global problem resulting from the interaction of multiple factors, including mental health factors. However, the association of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy with mental health has not been well-examined, especially in Arab culture. This study aims to identify the correlation between anxiety/fear of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy among Saudi adults.
Accelerating implementation of adolescent digital health prevention programs: analysis of insights from Australian stakeholders
Raeside R, Todd A, Sim KA, Kang M, Mihrshahi S, Gardner LA, Champion KE, Skinner J, Laranjo L, Steinbeck K, Redfern J and Partridge SR
Chronic disease risk factors are increasing amongst adolescents, globally. Digital health prevention programs, which provide education and information to reduce chronic disease risk factors need to be equitable and accessible for all. For their success, multiple highly engaged stakeholders should be involved in development and implementation. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders' support for, and perspectives on potential public health impact of digital health prevention programs for adolescents and potential pathways for future implementation.
A cross-sectional mental-health survey of Chinese postgraduate students majoring in stomatology post COVID-19 restrictions
Zhang Y, Jia Y, MuLaTiHaJi M, Mi Y, Mei Y, Sun T, Shi H, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zou R, Niu L and Dong S
The psychological status of Chinese postgraduate students majoring in stomatology after the COVID-19 restrictions still remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental status through a cross-sectional survey and gather related theoretical evidence for psychological intervention on postgraduate students majoring in stomatology.
Real-time personalized feedback in mHealth for adolescents
Dietvorst E, Hillegers MH, Legerstee JS, Vries LP, Vreeker A and Keijsers L
Mobile Health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve early identification, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems. Grow It! is a multiplayer smartphone app designed for youth aged 12-25, allowing them to monitor their emotions and engage in daily challenges based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Recently, a personalized mood profile was added to improve the app. We investigated whether real-time personalized feedback on mood enhances app engagement, user experience, and the effects on affective and cognitive well-being. Sample A ( = 1269, age = 18.60 SD = 3.39, 80.6% girls, 95.4% Dutch) played the original app without feedback on their mood, and an independent Sample B ( = 386, age = 16.04 SD = 3.21, 67.6% girls, 82.9% Dutch) received the renewed version with personalized real-time feedback on their mood. Participants who received personal feedback did not have higher app engagement ((1750,400) = 1.39, = .206,  = 0.07; (692,905) = 0.36, = .971,  = 0.0) nor higher user experience ((177,596) = 0.21, = .831,  = 0.02; ((794) = 1.28, = .202,  = 0.12; χ (659,141) = 2.83, = .091). Players of the renewed version (Sample B) experienced significant improvements in affective ((175) = 3.01, .003,  = 0.23) and cognitive well-being ((175) = 3.48, = <.001,  = 0.26) over the course of three weeks. The renewed version Grow It! has the potential to enhance youths' affective and cognitive well-being. However, adding real-time insights did not seem to affect app engagement nor user experience.
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