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Design and methodology of the first open-label trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder: Considerations for a randomized controlled trial
Eaton E, Capone C, Gully BJ, Brown ZE, Monnig M, Worden MS, Swift RM and Haass-Koffler CL
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co-occur and are associated with more severe symptomatology than either disorder alone, increased risk of suicide, and poorer response to existing treatments. A promising therapeutic intervention is the integration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psychotherapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated MDMA- assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) as a Breakthrough Therapy for PTSD based on results from six Phase 2 clinical trials. Case data from the first study evaluating MDMA-AT study for AUD found the treatment was well tolerated and alcohol use was significantly reduced post treatment.
Prognostic value of Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers in the oldest-old: a prospective primary care-based study
Martino-Adami PV, Chatterjee M, Kleineidam L, Weyerer S, Bickel H, Wiese B, Riedel-Heller SG, Scherer M, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Wagner M, Schneider A and Ramirez A
Blood-based biomarkers offer a promising, less invasive, and more cost-effective alternative for Alzheimer's disease screening compared to cerebrospinal fluid or imaging biomarkers. However, they have been extensively studied only in memory clinic-based cohorts. We aimed to validate them in a more heterogeneous, older patient population from primary care.
Psychosocial determinants of academic achievement in Ethiopian higher education students, 2024. Systematic review and meta-analysis
Kassaw C, Demareva V, Negash M and Sime Y
Ethiopian students' academic achievement goes beyond just cognitive ability. It is interwoven with psychological and social factors. This analysis examines how these interconnected dimensions, including behaviour, emotions, and mental well-being, influence academic attainment. By revealing the multifaceted factors that shape student well-being and success, this review highlights their critical role in the higher education landscape.
Do people recover from the impact of COVID-19 social isolation? Social connectivity and negative affective bias
Bland AR, Roiser JP, Mehta MA, Robbins TW, Elliott R and Sahakian BJ
The Epidemiology of Psychedelic Use Among United States Military Veterans
Davis AK, Bates M, Lund EM, Sepeda ND, Levin AW, Armstrong SB, Koffman R, Hooyer K and Yehuda R
We sought to identify patterns of psychedelic use among United States military veterans, compare demographic variables and perspectives of those who did and did not report use, and characterize benefits and adverse outcomes associated with use. Respondents ( = 426) were recruited to complete an online cross-sectional survey. Approximately one-half (51%) reported using psychedelics. Most did so for healing/treatment (70%) and/or spiritual purposes (48%), and most (85%) reported benefiting from use. Those who used psychedelics reported they would be more likely to use VA services ( < .001, d = 0.64) and to return to the VA for care ( < .001, d = 0.79) if psychedelic therapy was offered. Almost two-thirds (59%) reported adverse outcomes associated with use. Equivalent proportions rated their psychedelic experiences as beneficial among those who did (89%) and did not (81%) report adverse outcomes. Fewer adverse outcomes were associated with being older, using psilocybin, feeling prepared and confident in the reasons for use, being in a comfortable setting, and being able to "trust, let go, and be open" (R = 0.77;  < .001). Psychedelics may offer benefits but may also lead to adverse outcomes without proper preparation and support. Future research should examine the utility of psychedelic-based approaches for veteran mental health care.
Amyloban, extracted from Hericium erinaceus, ameliorates social deficits and suppresses the enhanced dopaminergic system in social defeat stress mice
Wang T, Toriumi K, Suzuki K, Miyashita M, Ozawa A, Masada M, Itokawa M and Arai M
Social dysfunctions are common in various psychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism, and are long-lasting and difficult to treat. The development of treatments for social impairment is critical for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders. "Amyloban 3399," a product extracted from the mushroom Hericium erinaceus, markedly improves social dysfunctions in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and depression. However, the molecular mechanism(s) through which amyloban ameliorates social impairment remains unclear. To clarify this mechanism, in this study, we aimed to establish a mouse model of social defeat stress (SDS) and investigate the effects of amyloban on social deficits. Amyloban administration ameliorated social deficits and the dopamine system activity in SDS mice. These findings suggest that there is a possibility that amyloban may improve social deficits by suppressing the hyperactivation of the dopaminergic system. Amyloban may be an effective treatment for social dysfunctions associated with various psychiatric disorders.
Prevalence of disturbance of body image perception and engagement in risky behaviors for eating disorders motivated by the Korean wave
Belalcazar Vivas V
the global expansion of the Korean wave (hallyu) has led to the idealization of Korean beauty standards among fans. Celebrities share extreme diets and exercise routines through social media that help them lose weight and adhere to this standard, which has been shown in some studies conducted in Asia to significantly influence negative body image perception and risk for eating disorders.
Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among paramedic students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Alzahrani A, Keyworth C, Alshahrani KM, Alkhelaifi R and Johnson J
There are elevated mental health concerns in paramedic students, but estimates vary between studies and countries, and no review has established the overall prevalence. This systematic review addressed this by estimating the global prevalence of common mental health disorders, namely anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in paramedic students internationally.
Mentalization-based interventions in schools for enhancing socio-emotional competencies and positive behaviour: a systematic review
Chelouche-Dwek G and Fonagy P
Mentalization-based interventions (MBIs) have been increasingly applied in school settings to support the social-emotional development and mental health of children and adolescents. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of MBIs implemented in educational contexts for students aged 6-18 years. A comprehensive search was conducted in PsychInfo, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ERIC databases from inception to October 2023. The search strategy combined terms related to mentalization, school-based interventions, and the target age group. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022302757). Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed publications in English, studies published between 1980 and 2023, interventions based on mentalization principles, and a primary focus on children aged 6 to 18 years. Exclusion criteria involved non-mentalization based interventions and research outside the 6-18 age range. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tools from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data were synthesized narratively due to the heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes. Of the 5,250 articles screened, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising over 7,500 participants. The reviewed interventions targeted various aspects of mentalizing, such as emotion-understanding, empathy, perspective-taking, and Theory of Mind. Significant improvements were found in social-cognitive abilities, emotion regulation, and mental health outcomes, including reductions in disruptive behaviours. Interventions that combined mentalizing training for both students and teachers showed promising results. However, the long-term sustainability of these benefits remains unclear. Limitations of the reviewed studies include the lack of control groups, small sample sizes, and variations in outcome measures. The findings highlight the potential of MBIs as a promising approach to fostering socio-emotional competence, positive behaviour, and well-being in school-aged children. Future research should aim to establish the active components and optimal delivery of these interventions through well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger, more diverse samples and extended follow-up periods. The integration of MBIs within educational systems holds promise for promoting resilience and positive mental health outcomes in young people. Embedding MBIs within school curriculums and evaluating cost-effectiveness are important next steps to guide widespread implementation.
'Mental health is a mystery': patient perspectives on treatment engagement in the referral process to specialty geriatric mental health services
Del Rosario N, Mackenzie CS, Koven L, Reynolds KA and Furer P
Raue and Sirey proposed a theoretical treatment engagement model for older adults outlining steps from identifying mental health problems, referral to specialty care, and involvement in treatment. Using this model as a guide, the current study aimed to explore patient perspectives of their experience in the process of referral and first meeting with geriatric mental health services. Furthermore, the current study aimed to identify opportunities to enhance patient engagement in these beginning steps of the treatment engagement process.
Emotional food craving across the eating disorder spectrum: an ecological momentary assessment study
Arend AK, Blechert J, Yanagida T, Voderholzer U and Reichenberger J
Emotional eating during negative emotions might underlie disordered eating behavior (i.e., binge eating and food restriction). Positive emotions, by contrast, seem to promote healthier eating behavior. Naturalistic research on the links between emotions and eating across individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge-purge anorexia nervosa (AN-BP), and restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN-R) is, however, lacking.
School readiness profiles: Does the quality of preschool education matter?
Mariano M, Felix E, Ribeiro MVV, Perissinoto J, de Ávila CB, do Rosário MC, Fidalgo TM, Resegue R, Sanchez ZM, Surkan PJ, Martins SS and Caetano SC
Studies evaluating school readiness profiles and quality of early education are scarce and have produced inconsistent results. This study aimed to identify school readiness profiles, correlating them with the quality of education, in an epidemiological sample of 722 children (4 and 5 years old; 48.9% female). A four-class latent class analysis model best describes school readiness profiles. Fifty-eight percent of children were considered ready for school. The remaining children presented isolated or combined risks for academic underachievement and social maladjustment. High-quality preschools seem to be a protective factor only for at risk for poor academic achievement ( = 1.22). The prioritization of high-quality preschools could mitigate risk factors at the family and socioeconomic levels, increasing the chances for academic success. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Resilience in the aftermath of trauma: Classes of adjustment in at-risk youth
Correia-Santos P, Sousa B, Ford JD, Maia ÂC and Pinto RJ
Youth who have been exposed to potentially traumatic events are at risk of developing chronic and severe adjustment problems. However, some youth exposed to potentially traumatic events exhibit better-than-expected adaptation. Person-centered analyses, based on multiple criteria for adaptive behavior and adversity, are well-suited to empirically identifying different patterns of adaptation among high-risk youth.
Cognitive Mechanisms of Aberrant Self-Referential Social Perception in Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder: Insights From Computational Modeling
Lasagna CA, Tso IF, Blain SD and Pleskac TJ
Individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) show disruptions in self-referential gaze perception-a social perceptual process related to symptoms and functioning. However, our current mechanistic understanding of these dysfunctions and relationships is imprecise.
Romantic and sexual relationships of young adults born very preterm: An individual participant data meta-analysis
Mendonça M, Ni Y, Baumann N, Darlow BA, Horwood J, Doyle LW, Cheong JLY, Anderson PJ, Bartmann P, Marlow N, Johnson S, Kajantie E, Hovi P, Nosarti C, Indredavik MS, Evensen KAI, Räikkönen K, Heinonen K, van der Pal S, Woodward LJ, Harris S, Eves R and Wolke D
To compare romantic and sexual relationships between adults born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks of gestation) or with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) and at term, and to evaluate potential biological and environmental explanatory factors among VP/VLBW participants.
Barriers to professional psychological help among pregnant women in China: a qualitative study
Qiu L, Xu H, Li Y, Ma X, Zhang D and Yang Q
Pregnant women face significant physiological and psychological stressors, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Despite the importance of professional psychological assistance, many pregnant women in China do not seek help due to various barriers. This study aims to explore the experiences and challenges of pregnant women in seeking psychological help in China through qualitative methods.
Differences in the Use and Perception of Telehealth Across Four Mental Health Professions: Insights From a Secondary Analysis of Qualitative Data
Heinsch M, Tickner C, Betts D, Brosnan C, Vincent K and Canty J
There is growing evidence that the uptake and use of telehealth is influenced by the distinct specialty area or type of healthcare service provided, with mental health services presenting particular challenges. However, little is known about how telehealth use differs between different mental health professions, and no qualitative research has explored variations in telehealth use and perspectives at the profession level within Australian mental health services. To address this gap, we analyzed transcripts from 19 semi-structured interviews conducted with mental healthcare professionals in a local health district within New South Wales, Australia. A secondary analysis of the data revealed the distinct ways in which different mental health professions perceive and engage with telehealth depending on their specific role and approach to practice. Application of a systems theory lens highlighted the challenges each profession faces at different levels of telehealth engagement, and the macro-systemic power dynamics and hierarchies that shape profession-specific differences in telehealth use.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure effects on trajectories of maternal and adolescent mental health
DeSerisy M, Salas L, Akhundova E, Pena D, Cohen JW, Pagliaccio D, Herbstman J, Rauh V and Margolis AE
Parental psychological distress is a well-known risk factor for developmental psychopathology, with longer term parental distress associated with worse youth mental health. Neurotoxicant exposure during pregnancy is a risk factor for both poor maternal and youth mental health. The impact of one class of pollutant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), on long-term trajectories of maternal distress and youth self-reported mental health symptoms in adolescence has been understudied.
What does 'safe care' mean in the context of community-based mental health services? A qualitative exploration of the perspectives of service users, carers, and healthcare providers in England
Averill P, Bowness B, Henderson C and Sevdalis N
Having traditionally received limited attention in empirical research and safety improvement agendas, issues of patient safety in mental healthcare increasingly feature in healthcare quality improvement discourses. Dominant approaches to safety stem from narrow clinical risk management perspectives, yet existing evidence points to the limitations of this characterisation. Although mental healthcare is increasingly delivered in community-based settings, narratives of safety pertain primarily to hospital-based mental healthcare. Therefore, through exploratory qualitative interviews and one focus group, we aimed to examine how service users, carers, and healthcare providers conceptualise 'patient safety' in community-based mental healthcare.
Mothers and Babies Virtual Group (MBVG) for perinatal Latina women: study protocol for a hybrid type-1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial
Platt R, Polk S, Barrera AZ, Lara-Cinisomo S, Hirschhorn LR, Graham AK, Musci RJ, Hamil J, Echavarria D, Cooper L and Tandon SD
Immigrant Latinas (who are foreign-born but now reside in the USA) are at greater risk for developing postpartum depression than the general perinatal population, but many face barriers to treatment. To address these barriers, we adapted the Mothers and Babies Course-an evidence-based intervention for postpartum depression prevention-to a virtual group format. Additional adaptations are inclusion of tailored supplemental child health content and nutrition benefit assistance. We are partnering with Early Learning Centers (ELC) across the state of Maryland to deliver and test the adapted intervention.
Comparing cognitive behavioral therapy and social prescribing in patients with loneliness on long-term opioid therapy to reduce opioid misuse: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Tong ST, Ma KPK, Pleho A, Keiser B, Hsu C, Ehde DM, Curran MC, Tsui JI, Raue PJ and Stephens KA
Patients with chronic pain on opioids frequently experience loneliness, which is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher risk for opioid misuse and opioid use disorder. Given that almost half of opioids are prescribed in primary care, a critical need exists for the development and testing of interventions to reduce loneliness in primary care patients at risk for opioid misuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy and social prescribing have been shown to be efficacious in reducing loneliness and improving outcomes in other populations but have not been tested in patients at risk for substance use disorder. The overall objective of our study is to reduce opioid misuse and opioid use disorder by addressing loneliness in patients on long-term opioid therapy in real-world primary care settings.
Site-based and Digital Cohort Participation Among Transgender Women in the Eastern and Southern USA: Findings from the LITE Study
Reisner SL, Humes E, Stevenson M, Cooney EE, Adams D, Althoff KN, Radix A, Poteat TC, Mayer KH, Cannon CM, Malone J, Wawrzyniak A, Rodriguez AE, Schneider J, Haw JS, Wirtz AL and
Transgender women (TW) are highly burdened by HIV. There is increasing interest in digital (i.e., through internet-based interfaces) HIV research; yet few studies have assessed potential biases of digital compared to site-based data collection. This study examined differences in characteristics between TW participating via site-based versus digital-only modes in an HIV incidence cohort.
Health checkup practice and its associated factors among adults in South Gondar zone Ethiopia
Yirga GK, Bantie B, Hiruy EG, Baye AA, Kerebeh G, Shiferaw K and Wassie FD
Non-communicable diseases are the current global burden including in sub-Saharan Africa, which increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disorders and their complications due to a lack of health checks and delayed treatments. To assess health checkup practice among adults in the South Gondar zone of northeast Ethiopia in 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from July 30, 2022, to August 30, 2022. Three woredas (Debre Tabor, Guna Beyemidir, and Andabet) were selected by using a simple random sampling method from the south Gondar zone, and three kebeles were selected randomly from each woreda. A complete of 422 samples were selected by random sampling technique. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to identify the association between each variable with the outcome variable. A variable that had a p-value < 0.25 in binary logistic regression became a candidate for multivariate logistic regression then after factors p value < 0.05 was considered as predictors to the outcome variable. In this study, health checkup practice was 40.2%. Living with families (AOR 3.36; 95% CI 1.47-7.66), presence chronic disease (AOR 2.52; 95% CI 1.49-4.26), No self-medication practice (AOR 5.39; 95% CI 3.06-9.49) and having health insurance (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.68-5.430) were significantly associated with regular health checkup practice. Health checkup practice was low as compared to health policy recommendations and its health maintenance value. Creating awareness about health check-ups and prevention of disease complications will be taken by different stakeholders in the health care system.
International Headache Society Global Practice Recommendations for Preventive Pharmacological Treatment of Migraine
Puledda F, Sacco S, Diener HC, Ashina M, Al-Khazali HM, Ashina S, Burstein R, Liebler E, Cipriani A, Chu MK, Cocores A, Dodd-Glover F, Ekizoğlu E, Garcia-Azorin D, Göbel CH, Goicochea MT, Hassan A, Hirata K, Hoffmann J, Jenkins B, Kamm K, Lee MJ, Ling YH, Lisicki M, Martinelli D, Monteith TS, Ornello R, Özge A, Peres MFP, Pozo-Rosich P, Romanenko V, Schwedt TJ, Souza MNP, Takizawa T, Terwindt GM, Thuraiaiyah J, Togha M, Vandenbussche N, Wang SJ, Yu S and Tassorelli C
Acute treatment residual depression symptoms and functional impairment among depressive patients of different age groups and education levels in China: A prospective, multicenter, randomized study
Zu S, Wang D, Fang J, Xiao L, Zhu X, Wu W, Lin X, Wang G and Hu Y
A prospective, multicenter, randomized study evaluated the efficacy of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients after 2-3 months of acute treatment based on the dual factors of education and age.
Neighborhood resources are associated with neuropsychological outcomes among pediatric brain tumor survivors
Peterson RK, Choi JHS, Jacobson LA, Acharya S and King TZ
Cancer-related cognitive impairment in survivors of pediatric brain tumors is a public health concern, yet studies seldom explore the role of social determinants of health beyond treatment effects. We investigated the influence of neighborhood resources using the Child Opportunity Index (COI) on neuropsychological functioning in survivors. Intelligence (IQ) and untimed reading and math proficiency were assessed retrospectively in 190 survivors. Multiple regression analyses explored associations among the COI composite and indices (Education, Health-Environment, Social-Economic) and neuropsychological outcomes, controlling for cumulative neurological risk and treatment exposures (Neurological Predictor Scale; NPS) and parental education. Performance was on average within normal limits: IQ ( = 94.08, SD = 15.85, =.37) with 13.4% of scores below impairment thresholds; reading ( = 95.08, SD = 17.36, =.28) and math calculation ( = 91.84, SD = 18.82, =.43) with 16.92% and 20.63% of scores below impairment thresholds, respectively. Each COI domain predicted reading and IQ after controlling for NPS, parental education, and age at diagnosis; however, the Education domain was the only significant predictor of math outcomes. The COI domains significantly predicted IQ and untimed academic skills in survivors, revealing the critical role of neighborhood resources on cognition above and beyond parental education and treatment factors. This is among the first studies to illuminate the influence of neighborhood resources on cognition in survivors. Future research should examine neighborhood context, an understudied construct, with importance in the move toward precision medicine.
Cognitive and Social-Emotional Development in Girls With Fragile X Syndrome
Bartholomay KL, Lightbody AA, Ma Q, Jo B, Jordan TL and Reiss AL
To evaluate the developmental trajectory of key cognitive, social, and emotional features in girls with fragile X syndrome (FXS).
Neuropsychiatric symptoms: Risk factor or disease marker? A study of structural imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and incident cognitive decline
Guan DX, Rehman T, Nathan S, Durrani R, Potvin O, Duchesne S, Pike GB, Smith EE and Ismail Z
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) but can also manifest secondary to AD pathology. Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) refers to later-life emergent and persistent NPS that may mark early-stage AD. To distinguish MBI from NPS that are transient or which represent psychiatric conditions (non-MBI NPS), we investigated the effect of applying MBI criteria on NPS associations with AD structural imaging biomarkers and incident cognitive decline. Data for participants (n = 1273) with normal cognition (NC) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set were analyzed. NPS status (MBI, non-MBI NPS) was derived from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire and psychiatric history. Normalized measures of bilateral hippocampal (HPC) and entorhinal cortex (EC) volume, and AD meta-region of interest (ROI) mean cortical thickness were acquired from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans. Multivariable linear and Cox regressions examined NPS associations with imaging biomarkers and incident cognitive decline, respectively. MBI was associated with lower volume and cortical thickness in all ROIs in both NC and MCI, except for EC volume in NC. Non-MBI NPS were only associated with lower HPC volume in NC. Although both of the NPS groups showed higher hazards for MCI/dementia than No NPS, MBI participants showed more rapid decline. Although both types of NPS were linked to HPC atrophy, only NPS that emerged and persisted in later-life, consistent with MBI criteria, were related to AD neurodegenerative patterns beyond the HPC. Moreover, MBI predicted faster progression to dementia than non-MBI NPS.
Nicotine dependence and incident psychiatric disorders: prospective evidence from US national study
Airagnes G, Sánchez-Rico M, Deguilhem A, Blanco C, Olfson M, Ouazana Vedrines C, Lemogne C, Limosin F and Hoertel N
We examined the prospective associations between nicotine dependence and the likelihood of psychiatric and substance use disorders in the general adult population. Participants came from a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 18 years or older, who were interviewed 3 years apart in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (Wave 1, 2001-2002; Wave 2, 2004-2005). The primary analyses were limited to 32,671 respondents (13,751 male (47.9% weighted); mean age of 45 years (SD = 0.18)) who were interviewed in both waves. We used multiple regression and propensity score matching (PSM) to estimate the strength of independent associations between nicotine dependence related to the use of tobacco products at Wave 1 and incident psychiatric disorders at Wave 2. Psychiatric disorders were measured with a structured interview (Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV). All analyses adjusted for multiple potential confounders, including childhood (family history of substance use disorders, parental loss, vulnerable family environment), early-adolescence (self-esteem, social deviance, conduct disorder), late-adolescence (education, personality and psychiatric disorders), adulthood (divorce, stressful life events, social deviance, quality of life, history of alcohol or other substance use disorder), and sociodemographic factors. Multiple regression analysis and PSM converged in indicating that nicotine dependence was associated with significantly increased incidence of any psychiatric disorder (OR = 1.39(95%CI:1.20;1.60)), including substance use disorders (OR = 1.91(95%CI:1.47;2.47)), and anxiety disorders (OR = 1.31(95%CI:1.06;1.62)). Population Attributable Risk Proportions were substantial, ranging from 12.5%(95%CI:8.10;17.0) for any psychiatric disorder to 33.3%(95%CI:18.7;48.0) for any other drug use disorder. Supplementary analyses also indicated significant associations between nicotine dependence and persistence of psychiatric and substance use disorders among patients having a disorder at Wave 1. In the general adult population, nicotine dependence is associated with an increased likelihood for several psychiatric and substance use disorders. Given its high prevalence, these findings have important public health implications.
Contracted functional connectivity profiles in autism
Weber CF, Kebets V, Benkarim O, Lariviere S, Wang Y, Ngo A, Jiang H, Chai X, Park BY, Milham MP, Di Martino A, Valk S, Hong SJ and Bernhardt BC
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is associated with atypical brain network organization, with prior work suggesting differential connectivity alterations with respect to functional connection length. Here, we tested whether functional connectopathy in ASD specifically relates to disruptions in long- relative to short-range functional connections. Our approach combined functional connectomics with geodesic distance mapping, and we studied associations to macroscale networks, microarchitectural patterns, as well as socio-demographic and clinical phenotypes.
Neurocognition and academic achievement among bereaved children in the Generation R Cohort
Bolhuis K, Espinosa Dice AL, Jansen PW, Tiemeier H and Denckla CA
Childhood bereavement is an adverse event, yet children demonstrate considerable variability in health outcomes. Bereaved children are at risk of lower lifelong educational attainment, though the contribution of neurocognitive performance is yet to be investigated. Using data from the population-based Generation R Study wherein nearly 10,000 pregnant mothers were recruited between 2002 and 2006, we estimated the association of bereavement by age 10 years with four subtests of cognitive function and academic achievement at 13 years. Bereavement by 10 years of age was experienced by n = 796 (37.3%) of youth and was associated with a 1.12-point (SD = 0.55; p-value = 0.04) lower full-scale IQ at 13 years, which was mainly driven by lower matrix reasoning scores (β = -0.27, SE = 0.11, p < 0.02). There were no differences in academic achievement or other subtests of neurocognitive function between bereaved and non-bereaved children. Secondary analyses adjusting for pre-bereavement nonverbal cognitive ability and mental health problems revealed an overall association between bereavement and subsequent full-scale IQ and matrix reasoning, but only among those youth whose caregivers reported that the loss had an emotional influence on the child. These novel findings leveraging prospective assessments in a population-based birth cohort highlight risk and resilience mechanisms warranting further research.
Associations of quality of social support and accurate beliefs about curability among older adults with advanced cancer
Kehoe LA, Sohn MB, Wang L, Mohile S, Kamen C, Van Orden K, Wells M, Gilmore N, Arana-Chicas E, Gudina A, Yilmez S, Griggs L and Loh KP
Supporting older adults with advanced cancer to better understand their disease and its prognosis is important for shared decision-making. Social support is a potentially modifiable factor that may influence disease understanding. In this study, we examined the associations of quantity and quality of social support with patients' beliefs about the curability of their advanced cancer.
Needs, preferences, and patient participation for a randomized controlled trial on postneoadjuvant complete tumor response: A qualitative study of patients with esophageal cancer
Czornik M, Weis J, Kiemen A, Schmoor C, Hipp J and Hoeppner J
For patients with clinical complete response of non-metastatic esophageal cancer (EC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT), the two treatment options obligate postneoadjuvant surgery as the current standard treatment (surgery on principle) versus active surveillance with surgery as needed only in recurring loco-regional tumor as a possible future alternative or standard exist. Since these treatments are presumably equivalent in terms of overall survival, patient-centered information can encourage the discussion with the treating physician and can make it easier for patients to make trade-offs between the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment alternatives in a highly distressed situation.
Transferability of an executive function intervention in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial
Blasco M, García-Galant M, Ballester-Plané J, Laporta-Hoyos O, Caldú X, Leiva D, Boyd RN, Ortibus E, Pueyo R and
To evaluate the transfer effects of a home-based computerized executive function intervention on non-targeted cognitive functions (visual perception and memory), quality of life (QoL), and participation in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine whether any improvements were maintained 9 months after the intervention.
Social isolation and poor mental health in young people: testing genetic and environmental influences in a longitudinal cohort study
Thompson KN, Oginni O, Wertz J, Danese A, Okundi M, Arseneault L and Matthews T
We assessed genetic and environmental influences on social isolation across childhood and the overlap between social isolation and mental health symptoms including depression symptoms, conduct problems, and psychotic-like experiences from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants included 2,232 children from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study. Social isolation was measured at ages 5, 7, 10, 12, and 18. A Cholesky decomposition was specified to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on social isolation across ages 5, 7, 10, and 12. An independent pathway model was used to assess additive genetic (A), shared environmental (C), and non-shared environmental (E) influences on the overlap between social isolation and mental health problems from age 12 to 18. Genetic and non-shared environmental influences accounted for half of the variance in childhood social isolation. Genetic influences contributed to the continuity of social isolation across childhood, while non-shared environmental influences were age-specific. The longitudinal overlap between social isolation and mental health symptoms was largely explained by genetic influences for depression symptoms (r = 0.15-0.24: 82-84% A, 11-12% C, and 5-6% E) and psychotic-like experiences (r = 0.13-0.15: 81-91% A, 0-8% C, and 9-11% E) but not conduct problems (r = 0.13-0.16; 0-42% A, 42-81% C, 16-24% E). Our findings emphasise that rather than a risk factor or an outcome, social isolation is aetiologically intertwined with the experience of poor mental health. An integrative assessment of social isolation could be a helpful indicator of underlying mental health symptoms in young people.
Soccer and Vocational Training are Ineffective Delivery Strategies to Prevent HIV and Substance Abuse by Young, South African Men: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Rotheram-Borus MJ, Tomlinson M, Stewart J, Skiti Z, Rabie S, Wang J, Almirol E, Vogel L, Christodoulou J and Weiss RE
HIV and substance abuse are common among young men, associated with a cluster of risk behaviors. Yet, most services addressing these challenges are delivered in setting underutilized by men and are often inconsistent with male identity. This cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to reduce multiple risk behaviors found among young men township areas on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Young men aged 18-29 years (N = 1193) across 27 neighborhoods were randomized by area to receive HIV-related skills training during either: (1) a 12-month soccer league (SL) intervention; (2) 6-month SL followed by 6 months of vocational training (VT) intervention (SL/VT, n = 9); or 3) a control condition (CC). Bayesian longitudinal mixture models were used to evaluate behaviors over time. Because we targeted multiple outcomes as our primary outcome, we analyzed if the number of significantly different outcomes between conditions exceeded chance for 13 measures over 18 months (with 83%, 76%, and 61% follow-up). Only if there were three significant benefits favoring the SL/VT over the SL would benefits be significant. Outcome measures included substance use, HIV-testing, protective sexual behaviors, violence, community engagement and mental health. Consistent participation in the SL was typically around 45% over time across conditions, however, only 17% of men completed SL/VT. There were no significant differences between conditions over time based on the number of study outcomes. These structural interventions were ineffective in addressing young men's substance abuse and risk for HIV.Clinical Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered on 24 November 2014 with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02358226).
The intervention: Promoting healthy lifestyles during routine older people's mental healthcare
Aquilina C, Best LJ, Mohsin M and O'Callaghan C
Lifestyle is an important determinant of health. The intervention allows mental health clinicians to address lifestyle during routine mental health encounters.
Association and interaction effect of shift work and the risk for obstructive sleep apnea on diabetes mellitus in middle-aged Korean workers
Kim K, Kim HJ, Lee S and Lee W
To investigate the association of shift work and the risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with diabetes mellitus (DM), and the interaction effect of shift work and the risk for OSA on DM.
The researcher's guide to selecting biomarkers in mental health studies
Verhoeven JE, Wolkowitz OM, Barr Satz I, Conklin Q, Lamers F, Lavebratt C, Lin J, Lindqvist D, Mayer SE, Melas PA, Milaneschi Y, Picard M, Rampersaud R, Rasgon N, Ridout K, Söderberg Veibäck G, Trumpff C, Tyrka AR, Watson K, Wu GWY, Yang R, Zannas AS, Han LKM and Månsson KNT
Clinical mental health researchers may understandably struggle with how to incorporate biological assessments in clinical research. The options are numerous and are described in a vast and complex body of literature. Here we provide guidelines to assist mental health researchers seeking to include biological measures in their studies. Apart from a focus on behavioral outcomes as measured via interviews or questionnaires, we advocate for a focus on biological pathways in clinical trials and epidemiological studies that may help clarify pathophysiology and mechanisms of action, delineate biological subgroups of participants, mediate treatment effects, and inform personalized treatment strategies. With this paper we aim to bridge the gap between clinical and biological mental health research by (1) discussing the clinical relevance, measurement reliability, and feasibility of relevant peripheral biomarkers; (2) addressing five types of biological tissues, namely blood, saliva, urine, stool and hair; and (3) providing information on how to control sources of measurement variability.
Do poor psychosocial resources mediate health inequalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus? Findings from the Maastricht study
Sezer B, Albers J, Meisters R, Schram MT, Köhler S, Stehouwer CDA, Koster A and Bosma H
Low socioeconomic position (SEP) has been identified as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and psychosocial resources might be on the pathway in this association. We examined two poor psychosocial resources, low control beliefs and inferiority beliefs, that might link low SEP with T2DM. 8292 participants aged 40-75 living in Southern Netherlands participated in The Maastricht Study starting from September 2010 to October 2020 and were followed up to 10 years with annual questionnaires. SEP (education, income, occupation), low control beliefs, inferiority beliefs, and (pre)diabetes by oral glucose tolerance test were measured at baseline. Incident T2DM was self-reported per annum. We analysed the mediating roles of poor psychosocial resources by using counterfactual mediation analysis. People with low SEP had more often prevalent and incident T2DM (e.g. low education: HR = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.53-2.97). Low control beliefs and high inferiority beliefs were more common among people with low SEP. Moreover, low control beliefs and high inferiority beliefs were risk factors for T2DM (e.g. low control beliefs: HR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.08-2.09). The relationship between SEP and T2DM was partially mediated by control beliefs (8.0-13.6%) and inferiority beliefs (2.2-4.5%). We conclude that poor psychosocial resources are important in socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes. Researchers and practitioners should consider the psychosocial profile of people with lower SEP, as such a profile might interfere with the development, treatment, and prevention of T2DM. Further research should explore how poor psychosocial resources interact with chronic stress in relation to socioeconomic health inequalities.
Predicting treatment resistance in positive and negative symptom domains from first episode psychosis: Development of a clinical prediction model
Lee R, Griffiths SL, Gkoutos GV, Wood SJ, Bravo-Merodio L, Lalousis PA, Everard L, Jones PB, Fowler D, Hodegkins J, Amos T, Freemantle N, Singh SP, Birchwood M and Upthegrove R
Treatment resistance (TR) in schizophrenia may be defined by the persistence of positive and/or negative symptoms despite adequate treatment. Whilst previous investigations have focused on positive symptoms, negative symptoms are highly prevalent, impactful, and difficult to treat. In the current study we aimed to develop easily employable prediction models to predict TR in positive and negative symptom domains from first episode psychosis (FEP).
Examining the validity of an adaptive model of sustaining behaviors in long-distance relationships: Predicting intimacy and marital satisfaction
Tashkeh M, Lavasani FF, Farani AR, Tajrishi KZ and Farahani H
Long-distance romantic relationships present unique challenges, necessitating couples to employ adaptive strategies to maintain intimacy and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the validity of an adaptive model of sustaining behaviors in long-distance relationships and its capacity to predict marital intimacy and satisfaction. The model included mindfulness, sexual function, religious, and online social support domains. Data were collected online from 366 couples (aged 18 to 57; Mean = 34.82, SD = 7.34; 79.8 % female) engaged in long-distance relationships. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the acceptable fit of the four-factor model which was also invariant across gender groups. The results indicated significant associations between sustaining behaviors and marital intimacy and satisfaction, with varying predictive power among specific components. Notably, relationship/sexual mindfulness and marital sanction/religious communication within the religion domain emerged as robust predictors. Conversely, religious practice showed a significant negative association. Additionally, the realization component of the sexual function domain significantly predicted both marital satisfaction and intimacy, while its partnership component significantly predicted only marital intimacy. None of the social support components significantly predicted marital intimacy or satisfaction. These findings are important as they highlight the nuanced interplay between sustaining behaviors and relational well-being in long-distance relationships, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance relationship quality in this context.
Neural Basis of Pain Empathy Dysregulations in Mental Disorders - A Pre-registered Neuroimaging Meta-Analysis
He J, Bore MC, Jiang H, Gan X, Wang J, Li J, Xu X, Wang L, Fu K, Li L, Zhou B, Kendrick K and Becker B
Pain empathy represents a fundamental building block of several social functions, which have been demonstrated to be impaired across various mental disorders by accumulating evidence from case-control functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. However, it remains unclear whether the dysregulations are underpinned by robust neural alterations across mental disorders.
Parent-child interaction at age 5 months: genetic and environmental contributions and associations with later socio-communicative development
Hardiansyah I, Warreyn P, Ronald A, Taylor MJ and Falck-Ytter T
Characteristics of parent-child interaction (PCI) early in life have been associated with later development in the child. Twin studies can help to disentangle child contributions to parent-child interaction, for example, by assessing the influence of the child's genetics on his/her social environment, which includes parental behaviour.
Multivariate Association between Functional Connectivity Gradients and Cognition in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Yu JC, Hawco C, Bassman L, Oliver LD, Argyelan M, Gold JM, Tang SX, Foussias G, Buchanan RW, Malhotra AK, Ameis SH, Voineskos AN and Dickie EW
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSDs), which are characterized by social cognitive deficits, have been associated with dysconnectivity in "unimodal" (e.g., visual, auditory) and "multimodal" (e.g., default-mode and frontoparietal) cortical networks. However, little is known regarding how such dysconnectivity relates to social and non-social cognition, and how such brain-behavioral relationships associate with clinical outcomes of SSDs.
The iPeer2Peer mentorship program for adolescent thoracic transplant recipients: An implementation-effectiveness evaluation
Anthony SJ, Lin J, Selkirk EK, Liang M, Ajmera F, Seifert-Hansen M, Urschel S, Soto S, Boucher S, Gold A, Stinson JN and Kohut SA
An increase in self-management skills for adolescent thoracic transplant recipients may improve health outcomes and facilitate a successful transition to adulthood. The iPeer2Peer© program is an online peer mentorship program that has been successfully implemented as a self-management intervention in multiple chronic disease populations. This study aimed to determine the implementation and effectiveness outcomes of the iPeer2Peer program for adolescent thoracic transplant recipients.
Levels and outcomes of 12-step participation among sexual and gender minority subgroups
McGeough BL, Zemore SE, Dastur Z, Neilands TB, Lisha NE, Lunn MR, Obedin-Maliver J, Lubensky ME and Flentje A
Sexual minority (e.g., bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer) and gender minority (e.g., transgender, non-binary, gender expansive) individuals (SGMI) experience higher rates of alcohol and other substance use disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender (i.e., non-transgender) counterparts. 12-Step programs are currently the most common source of support for alcohol and other substance use-related problems in the United States. Little is known about rates and levels of participation and outcomes of SGMI in 12-Step programs. Examining SGMI with a lifetime alcohol or other substance use disorder, this study aims to: 1) describe lifetime attendance rates (any vs. none) and levels of participation (number of program activities) in 12-Step groups among SGMI overall and compare rates of attendance and levels of participation across sexual and gender minority identities and 2) determine how lifetime level of participation in 12-Step programs relates to past-year alcohol and other substance use outcomes.
Correlates and predictors of symptom severity over time in people under investigation for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Knoop I, Jones ASK, Gall N, Norton S, Pascoe W and Moss-Morris R
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a poorly understood chronic disorder characterised by an unexplained excessive increase in heartbeat upon standing. The aim of this study was to investigate psychosocial and physiological correlates and predictors of symptom severity over time in patients presenting with POTS-like symptoms.
Mechanisms of a mindfulness psyCho-behAvioRal intErvention (MCARE) on depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A longitudinal mediation analysis
Cui J, Zhang G, Xianyu Y, Zhang X, Cheng YX, Liu YJ, Xiong W, Liu W, Liu Q, Yang BX and Zou H
This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of mindfulness and illness perception in the effects of a social media-based Mindfulness psyCho-behAvioRal intErvention (MCARE) on depressive and anxiety symptoms among patients with ACS.
When is pharmacological intervention recommended for adults with social anxiety disorder?
Schneier FR
The Gratitude Model of Body Appreciation and Intuitive Eating: Replication and Extension of the Model to Explain Intuitive Eating Facets in Young Adult Women in China
Huang Z, Wang S, Lin Y, Cui T, Barnhart WR, Gaggiano CM, Ji F and He J
The current study aimed to replicate and extend the gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating in Chinese women. Using a sample of 957 young Chinese women, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test two previously established models derived from samples of American women (original model) and Japanese women (modified model). Results indicated that the modified model had a better fit and was largely replicated in the Chinese context. Higher gratitude was associated with lower appearance and others' approval of self-worth, higher body appreciation, and greater intuitive eating. Also, we further extended the model by exploring whether and how the model could explain the facets of intuitive eating. Results showed unique links between the core variables in the model and each facet of intuitive eating. Specifically, findings of the excellent model fit indicate that interventions focused on cultivating gratitude may be promising in promoting body appreciation and intuitive eating in young Chinese women. Also, interventions based on the model might be modified to address specific facets of intuitive eating, which may enhance the effectiveness of future interventions. Future research should use longitudinal and experimental designs and develop culturally adapted models to advance our understanding of how the gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating applies to Chinese women.
Multilevel analysis of individual and community factors of awareness of obstetric fistula among women of childbearing age in Nepal: analysis of recent Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 data
Fente BM, Abrham Asnake A, Negussie YM, Asmare ZA, Asebe HA, Seifu BL and Melkam M
According to the WHO, obstetric fistula (OBF) is an abnormal connection between the genital tract and the urinary tract that occurs as the result of obstetric trauma, typically from prolonged obstructed labour. In 2018, globally, 50 000 and 100 000 cases of OBF are reported each year. The core of activities focused on reducing fistulas depends on a review of the disorder's knowledge and the features of women at risk of having a lack of understanding. The effect of community-level factors on awareness of OBF was not yet known in Nepal. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the community-level and individual-level factors of awareness of OBF among childbearing-aged women in Nepal.
Intranasal Delivery of circATF7IP siRNA via Lipid Nanoparticles Alleviates LPS-induced Depressive-Like Behaviors
Ju M, Zhang Z, Gao F, Chen G, Zhao S, Wang D, Wang H, Jia Y, Shen L, Yuan Y and Yao H
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental disorder that significantly impacts social and psychological function, but no effective medication is currently available. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of MDD which are envisioned as promising therapeutic targets. However, nonviral-based delivery strategies targeting circRNA against MDD are not thoroughly investigated. Here, it is identified that circATF7IP is significantly upregulated in plasma samples and positively correlated with 24-Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) scores of MDD patients. Synergistic amine lipid nanoparticles (SALNPs) are designed to deliver siRNA targeting circATF7IP (si-circATF7IP) into the hippocampus brain region by intranasal administration. Intranasal delivery of SALNP-si-circATF7IP successfully alleviated the depressive-like behaviors in the LPS-induced mouse depression model via decreasing CD11bCD45 microglia population and pro-inflammatory cytokine productions (TNF-α and IL-6). These results indicate that the level of circATF7IP positively correlates with MDD pathogenesis, and SALNP delivery of si-circATF7IP via intranasal administration is an effective strategy to ameliorate LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors.
Identifying Psychosocial and Ecological Determinants of Enthusiasm In Youth: Integrative Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Machine Learning
Dolling-Boreham RM, Mohan A, Abdelhack M, Elton-Marshall T, Hamilton HA, Boak A and Felsky D
Understanding the factors contributing to mental well-being in youth is a public health priority. Self-reported enthusiasm for the future may be a useful indicator of well-being and has been shown to forecast social and educational success. Typically, cross-domain measures of ecological and health-related factors with relevance to public policy and programming are analyzed either in isolation or in targeted models assessing bivariate interactions. Here, we capitalize on a large provincial data set and machine learning to identify the sociodemographic, experiential, behavioral, and other health-related factors most strongly associated with levels of subjective enthusiasm for the future in a large sample of elementary and secondary school students.
Impacts of clinical psychiatric posting experience on specialization intention and associated factors among Nursing Science students
Njaka S, Hassan IIB, Nwedu AB, Bakar RSB and Cheng KY
Globally, there is increasingly high prevalence of mental disorders across all age groups and social classes with more being projected by 2030, but without commensurate resources for mental health care delivery especially in developing countries.
The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 criterion in patients with major depressive disorder without psychotic features: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies
Hassanzadeh E, Moradi G, Arasteh M and Moradi Y
In line with the publication of clinical information related to the therapeutic process of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and the updating of relevant treatment guidelines, the present meta-analysis study was designed and conducted to determine the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) criterion in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features.
Interdisciplinary CBT treatment for patients with odontophobia and dental anxiety related to psychological trauma experiences: a case series
Westad YAS, Flemmen GL, Solem S, Monsen T, Hollingen H, Feuerherm A, Havnen A and Hagen K
While cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment for odontophobia, research is sparse regarding its effect on patients with dental anxiety related to psychological trauma experiences. This study aimed to evaluate changes in symptoms and acceptability of interdisciplinary Torture, Abuse, and Dental Anxiety (TADA) team treatment for patients with odontophobia or dental anxiety. We also wanted to describe the sample's oral health status. The TADA teams offer targeted anxiety treatment and adapted dental treatment using a CBT approach.
Tractography of sensorimotor pathways in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Association with motor function
Caldú X, Reid LB, Pannek K, Fripp J, Ballester-Plané J, Leiva D, Boyd RN, Pueyo R and Laporta-Hoyos O
Neuroimaging studies of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) are scarce and the neuropathological underpinnings are not fully understood. We delineated the corticospinal tract (CST) and cortico-striatal-thalamocortical (CSTC) pathways with probabilistic tractography to assess their (1) integrity and (2) association with motor functioning in people with dyskinetic CP.
Social and emotional well-being intervention to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among Ukrainian refugees resettled in Massachusetts
Poudel-Tandukar K, Davis C, Mosijchuk Y and Poudel KC
Mental health problems are high among refugees due to their traumatic experiences of fleeing war and witnessing disasters and deaths due to violence and conflict. Refugees are exposed to various socio-cultural stressors during their migration journey before, during, and after arriving at the host country, which may increase their risk of mental health problems. Strength-based interventions may be beneficial to address their socio-cultural and psychological stressors by strengthening individual's strengths to address their problems.
Vicarious heterosexism-based stress induces alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis craving and negative affect among sexual minority young adults: An experimental study
Mereish EH and Miranda R
Sexual minority young adults are at increased risk for hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorder compared to heterosexual adults. Heterosexism-based stressors contribute and often explain inequities in alcohol outcomes. However, the extant research primarily relies on correlational designs, and often neglects the importance of alcohol craving, despite its foundational role in addiction. Leveraging a novel experimental mood induction paradigm, this study examined the effects of exposure to vicarious heterosexism-based stress on alcohol craving and negative affect among sexual minority young adults who drink heavily. We also examined its effects on cannabis and nicotine craving among participants who used cannabis and nicotine, respectively. Lastly, we examined moderating factors that could influence the impact of exposure to heterosexism-based stress on alcohol craving.
Caregivers' depressive symptoms and eating disorder severity in adults with anorexia and bulimia nervosa
Kocsis-Bogar K, Ossege M, Aigner M, Wancata J and Friedrich F
Negative affectivity of caregivers has been linked to difficulties in the caregiver-patient relationship and it is assumed to contribute to the maintenance of eating disorder (ED) symptoms.
The interplay of maternal and paternal postpartum depressive symptoms with children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms from childhood to adolescence: does socioeconomic status matter? A longitudinal cohort study
Clément M, Ahun MN, Orri M, Montreuil TC, St-André M, Herba CM, Moullec G and Côté SM
Maternal postpartum depression is an important risk factor for internalizing and externalizing problems in children. The role of concurrent paternal depression remains unclear, especially by socioeconomic status. This study examined independent and interactive associations of postpartum maternal and paternal depression with children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms throughout childhood and adolescence (ages 3.5-17 years).
Addressing Delayed Hospital Discharges for Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and a Mental Illness
Selick A, Volpe T, Morris S and Lunsky Y
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who also have a co-occurring mental illness are almost five times as likely to experience a delayed hospital discharge as adults with mental illness only. Such delays occur when a patient no longer requires hospital-level care but cannot be discharged, often because of a lack of appropriate postdischarge settings. Delayed discharges contribute to poor patient outcomes, increased system costs, and delayed access to care. Recently, practice guidance was developed in Canada, identifying 10 components of successful transitions for this population. Core to this guidance is a patient-centered, cross-sectoral approach, including the patient, family, hospital team, community health care providers, and IDD providers.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A Review of Theory, History, and Evidence of Efficacy
Stuart S, Schultz J, Molina AP and Siber-Sanderowitz S
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an empirically validated treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and trauma. IPT is based on the concept of "relational frame"-that an individual's experience of psychological distress impacts those around them, and that their social support network impacts the distressed individual. This concept, along with the specific techniques and tools that flow from it and the theoretical bases of IPT (attachment and interpersonal theory) make IPT unique. In this article we review the theoretical bases of IPT (attachment and communication) and provide a brief history of IPT, as well as the evidence supporting its use for a variety of disorders. We also describe its application to groups, adolescents, and other diverse populations. Future directions for research and treatment development are proposed, particularly research in the area of combining IPT with other psychotherapeutic modalities.
Sensory Dysfunction, Microbial Infections, and Host Responses in Alzheimer's Disease
Bathini P, Brai E, Balin BJ, Bimler L, Corry DB, Devanand DP, Doty RL, Ehrlich GD, Eimer WA, Fulop T, Hahn DL, Hammond CJ, Infanti J, Itzhaki R, Lathe R, Little CS, McLeod R, Moein ST, Nelson AR, Perry G, Shemesh OA, Tanzi RE, Webley WC, Schultek NM and Alberi Auber L
Sensory functions of organs of the head and neck allow humans to interact with the environment and establish social bonds. With aging, smell, taste, vision, and hearing decline. Evidence suggests that accelerated impairment in sensory abilities can reflect a shift from healthy to pathological aging, including the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. While the drivers of early sensory alteration in AD are not elucidated, insults such as trauma and infections can affect sensory function. Herein, we review the involvement of the major head and neck sensory systems in AD, with emphasis on microbes exploiting sensory pathways to enter the brain (the "gateway" hypothesis) and the potential feedback loop by which sensory function may be impacted by central nervous system infection. We emphasize detection of sensory changes as first-line surveillance in senior adults to identify and remove potential insults, like microbial infections, that could precipitate brain pathology.
The Development of Psychodynamic Psychiatry in China
Ren Z
The development of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychiatry in China is influenced by political, economic, cultural, and social ideology. The process of psychoanalysis entering China is also a reflection of Chinese history, mirroring China's transition from conservatism to openness, from focusing on tradition to embracing modernity, and from focusing on community and family to individualism. These changes align with the Chinese continuous exploration and pursuit of integration, adaptation, and individuation in the process of globalization, urbanization, and modernization. This article describes the continuous expansion and development of psychoanalysis and psychodynamics in China parallel to societal changes and how an increasing number of people have begun to engage in psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic practices and research. The author describes challenges to how psychoanalysis can better serve the Chinese people through clinical practice and in-depth research under the country's unique social, cultural, historical, and political background.
Pseudoreality and Technology: Smartphone-Related Factors Impacting Mental Health
Campbell C
This article explores the intricate relationship between smartphone usage and mental health and the unintended consequences of the rapid integration of this technology into daily life. It explores the ways in which smartphones disrupt opportunities for introspection and self-reflection, decrease engagement in external reality, increase engagement with realities of the virtual world, precipitate ego destabilization, and interfere with sleep and dreaming. The author explores ways in which the split between the real self and the ideal self is impacted by social media. The influence of smartphones on mental health is a complex and evolving issue, demanding ongoing research, understanding, and a heightened awareness of the potentially deleterious consequences of overusing technology in our ever-changing world.
Fifty Years of Psychiatric Classification and Epidemiology Interactions: What is a Mental Disorder?
Regier DA
Psychiatric clinical diagnostic formulation has evolved over time. The changes alter our understanding and our ability to provide a public health perspective on the epidemiology of mental disorders in large populations. Epidemiology is an important perspective and set of tools to assess prevalence, treated prevalence, untreated prevalence, individual risks for mental disorders, and possible links to the etiology of disorders by following the trails of environmental exposures, biological measures, interpersonal dynamics, and genetic risk factors. As communities develop health-care services to treat individuals with mental disorders, knowledge about their prevalence and treatment requirements is also important. Since severe mental disorders may require institutional care, the diagnostic criteria used may either protect an individual's liability for dangerous behavior (i.e. the insanity defense) or be used to control political and social dissidents. The criteria may also be used to determine evidence-based treatment options and eligibility for disability benefits. In this paper, using my vantage points as a physician scientist and public health officer, with leadership positions in national federal and professional mental health organizations, I address the developments in these areas over the past 50 years that have influenced institutional positions in the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. These perspectives may aid the next generation of investigators to advance the epidemiological and mental disorder classification scientific fields.
Testing the causal relationship of fat and sugar intake with depression and cortisol: a Mendelian Randomisation study
Buczkowska M and Iob E
Unhealthy diets high in fat and sugar content may have an impact on psychological health and increase the risk of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and stress levels. On the other hand, MDD and stress might be related to food choices and intake. However, it is not clear whether diet, and specifically fat and sugar intake, is causally related to stress and MDD, and whether this relationship may be bi-directional. This study utilised Mendelian Randomisation (MR) to investigate the causal nature of the relationship of fat and sugar intake with MDD and cortisol (as a proxy of stress), and to shed light on the direction of this relationship. Summary-level data for all exposure and outcome variables were obtained from large-scale, non-overlapping GWASs in individuals of European ancestry. Bidirectional analyses were performed: one with macronutrients as exposures and one with MDD/cortisol as exposures. Random-effects inverse-variance weighted regression was used as the primary analytic method for genetic instruments with at least two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) available (and individual Wald ratio was used when only one SNP was available). Higher levels of genetically predicted relative sugar intake were causally associated with lower MDD risk, for both genome-wide significant p-value threshold of p < 1 × 10, (OR = 0.553, 95% CI: 0.395-0.775) and relaxed p-value threshold of p < 1 × 10 (OR = 0.786, 95% CI: 0.630-0.981). No reverse causality was detected in the opposite direction as MDD was not associated with sugar consumption. The associations observed for all the other pairs of variables were weak and imprecise. A number of limitations was present in the study, such as low-SNP based heritability for some exposures, inability to prove whether variants were correlated with unmeasured confounders and self-reporting of MDD data. Lifestyle and/or pharmacological interventions targeting sugar-related physiological mechanisms may help to reduce depressive symptoms. However, more research is necessary on short- and long-term effects of sugar on the risk of MDD. Additionally, future studies should investigate whether the amount and type of sugar consumed may underlie the impact of sugar on mood and stress levels.
ADHD Assessment and Treatment Services in a Sample of U.S. Colleges and Universities
Aluri J, Terzian A, Mojtabai R and Arria A
Up to 2 million college students in the United States have been diagnosed as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition associated with negative academic, social, and psychiatric outcomes. The authors investigated the online availability and content of policies governing ADHD services at college clinics.
Exploring the complexity of cystic fibrosis (CF) and psychosocial wellbeing in the 2020s: Current and future challenges
Dobra R, Carroll S, Davies JC, Dowdall F, Duff A, Elderton A, Georgiopoulos AM, Massey-Chase R, McNally P, Puckey M and Madge S
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is traditionally associated with considerable and progressive multisystem pathology, onerous treatment burden, complex psychosocial challenges, and reduced life-expectancy [1-9].This decade has seen transformative change in management for many, but not all, people with CF. The most notable change comes from Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Receptor (CFTR) modulators, which bring significant benefits for people who are eligible for, and able to access, them [10]. However alongside, or perhaps because of, this exciting progress, the past few years have also brought important novel challenges to the psychosocial wellbeing of people with CF. This article, written as a collaboration between CF psychologists, social workers, physicians and nurses aims to provide an accessible overview of the novel psychosocial challenges now faced by children, their families, and adults with CF, and to invite consideration of their changing psychosocial requirements to inform future holistic care. Themes include geopolitical stressors such as the pandemic and its wake, a growing divide between those able or unable to access CFTR modulators, potential rapid changes in life expectancy secondary to these drugs and the inevitable associated challenges this brings; evolving body image, mental health side effects of CFTR modulators, the challenges of adherence in apparently well children and young adults, as well as the diagnostic conundrum and associated anxiety of the cystic fibrosis screen positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) label. It also highlights some unmet research and service delivery needs in the area.
Pathways to parenthood among transgender men and gender diverse people assigned female or intersex at birth in the United States: analysis of a Cross-Sectional 2019 Survey
Bane SS, Obedin-Maliver J, Ragosta S, Hastings J, Lunn MR, Flentje A, Capriotti MR, Lubensky ME, Tordoff DM and Moseson H
To assess pathways to parenthood, pregnancy outcomes, future pregnancy desire, and fertility counseling experiences among a cross-sectional sample of transgender men and gender diverse individuals assigned female or intersex at birth in the United States.
Global inequities in adverse pregnancy outcomes: what can we do?
Roberts JM, Abimbola S, Bale TL, Barros A, Bhutta ZA, Browne JL, Celi AC, Dube P, Graves CR, Hollestelle MJ, Hopkins S, Khashan A, Koi-Larbi K, Lackritz E, Myatt L, Redman CWG, Tunçalp Ö, Vermund SH and Gravett MG
The Health Equity Leadership & Exchange Network states that "health equity exists when all people, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other societal constructs, have fair and just access, opportunity, and resources to achieve their highest potential for health." It is clear from the wide discrepancies in maternal and infant mortalities, by race, ethnicity, location, and social and economic status, that health equity has not been achieved in pregnancy care. Although the most obvious evidence of inequities is in low-resource settings, inequities also exist in high-resource settings. In this presentation, based on the Global Pregnancy Collaboration Workshop, which addressed this issue, the bases for the differences in outcomes were explored. Several different settings in which inequities exist in high- and low-resource settings were reviewed. Apparent causes include social drivers of health, such as low income, inadequate housing, suboptimal access to clean water, structural racism, and growing maternal healthcare deserts globally. In addition, a question is asked whether maternal health inequities will extend to and be partially due to current research practices. Our overview of inequities provides approaches to resolve these inequities, which are relevant to low- and high-resource settings. Based on the evidence, recommendations have been provided to increase health equity in pregnancy care. Unfortunately, some of these inequities are more amenable to resolution than others. Therefore, continued attention to these inequities and innovative thinking and research to seek solutions to these inequities are encouraged.
Swipe to Inhale: Tobacco-Related Content on Social Media and Susceptibility to Tobacco Use
Lim CCW, Sun T, Hall W, Gartner C and Connor JP
Research has linked youth exposure and engagement with tobacco-related content on social media to behavioral changes; however, there is a lack of studies exploring the source and types of such content and their impact on youth's susceptibility to tobacco use. This study examined the association between the type and source of content posted on social media and susceptibility to tobacco use, defined as curiosity or intention to use tobacco or e-cigarettes.
Access to Dermatological Appointments Based on Insurance Types in Hawai'i
Tran A, Leibovitch E, Stafford M, Prabhudesai D, Chen JJ and Witten N
Although there is evidence that Medicaid beneficiaries in the continental United States experience barriers to accessing dermatological care, limited data exists on whether these same barriers exist in Hawai'i. Using a secret shopper study design, a total of 46 dermatology offices were contacted, 41 (89%) of which were accepting new patients. Thirty (73%) offices were located on O'ahu, and the remaining 11 (27%) were distributed among the neighboring islands (Hawai'i Island, Kaua'i, Maui). Overall, the acceptance rate for Medicaid (n=14) was 34%, which was significantly lower (P<.0001) than private insurance (n=39 (95%)) and Medicare (n=38 (93%)). The acceptance rate for patients with Medicaid insurance was lower for O'ahu offices (27%) than for neighboring islands' offices (55%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=.095). Differences in average wait times were not statistically significant among insurance types or between O'ahu and neighboring islands. Overall, these results suggest that Medicaid recipients compared to those with private insurance or Medicare might experience difficulty in accessing dermatological care in Hawai'i.
Single session and repeated anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increases reflective thinking but not working memory updating performance
Edgcumbe DR, Rivolta D, Nitsche MA and Thoma V
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has shown to have effects on different domains of cognition yet there is a gap in the literature regarding effects on reflective thinking performance.
Roles of empathy in altruistic cooperation in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder
Okuzumi S, Tei S, Itahashi T, Aoki YY, Hashimoto RI, Nakamura M, Takahashi H, Ohta H and Fujino J
Altruistic cooperation (AC) is essential in human social interactions. Previous studies have investigated AC-related behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), revealing that there is considerable individual variability in the behavior. However, this issue is still largely unexplored especially in the adult population.
Exploring barriers to seek mental health services among patients with severe mental illness and their caregivers in a modified assertive community treatment program: A qualitative thematic analysis
Arahanthabailu P, Praharaj SK, Purohith AN, Yesodharan R, Rege S and Appaji R
Affordability, lack of public mental healthcare facilities, inadequate insurance coverage, and stigma and discrimination are barriers to mental healthcare utilization in India. There is limited research on these barriers and the factors influencing the use of mental health services.
Beyond the screen: Examining the associations between cyberbullying, social media addiction, and mental health outcomes among medical students: A cross-sectional study
Parmar P, Yogesh M, Damor N, Gandhi R and Parmar B
Cyberbullying and excessive social media use are emerging issues among medical students, with potential implications for mental health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cyberbullying, social media addiction, and their associated mental health conditions, as well as to explore the associated factors among medical students.
Leveraging Digital Media to Promote Youth Mental Health: Flipping the Script on Social Media-Related Risk
Hamilton JL, Torous J, Szlyk HS, Biernesser C, Kruzan KP, Jensen M, Reyes-Portillo J, Primack BA, Zelazny J and Weigle P
Despite growing public concern about the negative impact of digital media for mental health problems, there are key ways in which digital media can be leveraged to prevent such outcomes. This article reviews research exploring the ways that digital media, particularly social media, can be used to prevent negative mental health outcomes and promote youth mental health and well-being.
The mind and motion: exploring the interplay between physical activity and Mild Behavioral Impairment in dementia-free older adults
Mudalige D, Guan DX, Ballard C, Creese B, Corbett A, Pickering E, Roach P, Smith EE and Ismail Z
Physical inactivity in mid-life is a modifiable risk factor for dementia. Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is a marker of potential neurodegenerative disease. We investigated the association between physical activity and MBI. Baseline data from the Canadian Platform for Research Online to Investigate Health, Quality of Life, Cognition, Behaviour, Function, and Caregiving in Aging (CAN-PROTECT) were used. Four categories of weekly physical activity (cardiovascular, mind-body, strength training, and physical labour) were derived from the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire. MBI was measured using the MBI-Checklist. Multivariable negative binomial regressions modelled the association between the standardized physical activity duration and MBI severity, adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, ethno cultural origin, occupation, hypertension, dyslipidemia, mobility, and body mass index. Every 1 SD increase in cardiovascular activity was associated with 8.42% lower MBI severity. In contrast, every 1 SD increase in physical labor duration was associated with 5.64% greater MBI severity. These associations were neither moderated by the frequency engaging in each physical activity nor by sex. Cardiovascular physical activity in older persons may reduce levels of non-cognitive dementia markers like MBI, comparable to effects seen in cognition, potentially modulating dementia risk.
Mental health in individual versus team sports
Reardon CL and Hitchcock M
Across all sports, there has been increasing realization that mental health symptoms and disorders in athletes are common. More specifically, there has been increasing study of differences in mental health between individual and team sport athletes. However, this topic is still under-developed, and no comprehensive review on the topic has been undertaken. This manuscript aims to provide a narrative review of mental health symptoms and disorders, spanning depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use and other addictive disorders, in individual versus team sports. Findings revealed that individual sports may be associated with relatively more negative mental health than team sports. This includes depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and concepts related to exercise addiction. Substance misuse and use disorders may be an exception to this pattern, with team sport athletes exhibiting higher rates of problematic alcohol use, use of certain forms of nicotine, and possibly use of illicit substances such as marijuana. Reasons for the greater overall mental health risk in individual versus team sports may include relatively more negative self-attribution after failure and less social cohesion/support. Steps can be taken to improve the sporting environment for all athletes-across individual and team sports-in order to optimize mental health outcomes.
Framing racial disparities within sports related concussion (SRC): an ecological framework for understanding biases and disparities in concussion care for black athletes
Wing S, Caiquo J, Butler C, Giza C and Babikian T
Privilege and marginalization associated with racial background have been posited as contributors to why Black athletes face disparities within their care, treatment, and recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC). However, empirical findings have limited exploration on how disparate outcomes have emerged, and the interaction with systems of biases, power and disenfranchisement. To understand concussion care disparities, a qualitative content analysis was conducted in three phases: [I] identifying salient literature on racial differences for Black athletes with SRC ( = 29), [II] qualitative analysis of literature to determine salient topics, themes and patterns within the literature, and [III] constructing a novel ecological-systems framework that encapsulates the 'why' and 'how' related to psychosocial and sociocultural experiences of power, access, and biases for Black athletes. The content analysis yielded two patterns, where concussion care decisions are influenced by (1) biased, unconscious beliefs that posit Black athletes as uniquely invincible to injury and pain, and (2) inadequate access to concussion knowledge and resources, which both moderate SRC injury risk, diagnosis, recovery and outcomes. Ultimately, our novel framework provides a clear thread on how historical, macro-level policy and perceptions can impact micro-level clinical care and decision-making for Black athletes with SRC.
A Machine Learning Model Based on CT Imaging Metrics and Clinical Features to Predict the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia After Traumatic Brain Injury
Li S, Feng Q, Wang J, Wu B, Qiu W, Zhuang Y, Wang Y and Gao H
To develop a validated machine learning (ML) algorithm for predicting the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Exploring the longitudinal impacts of academic stress and lifestyle factors among Chinese students
Han W, Altalbe A, Rehman N, Rehman S and Sharma S
Several cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations have demonstrated a robust association between academic stress, physical activity, mental health history, and time management skills. However, the existing literature exhibits inconsistencies in the relationship between academic stress and its predictive effects on physical activity and mental health history. In addition, there is a scarcity of scholarly research that concentrates on the significance of time management skills within this particular context. Furthermore, limited research has investigated these variables' longitudinal associations and causal pathways. Therefore, the present research explores the longitudinal relationships among academic stress, physical activity, mental health history, and time management skills among university students.
Incidence of postpartum depression among women with postpartum haemorrhage in Kano, northern Nigeria
Tsiga-Ahmed FI, Umar MU, Adamu AL, Sulaiman SK, Gboluwaga AT, Jalo RI, Ibrahim UM, Ayaba AK, Ahmed ZD, Sunusi SM, Abdullahi NT, Kabir HS, Abu SM and Galadanci HS
The burden of postpartum depression (PPD), an important but largely neglected cause of maternal morbidity, is often increased by the presence of common co-morbidities, such as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Additionally, stress and the absence of social support can amplify PPD risk. Understanding the relationship between these conditions will help identify at-risk women and allow prompt intervention. Using a prospective cohort design, we recruited 72 women who had experienced PPH and another 72 women who had not within 24 h of delivery to assess the risk of PPD among them. The cumulative incidence of PPD among all participants was 15.3% (19/124). There was insufficient evidence to suggest that women with PPH have a higher risk of PPH than women without PPH (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.55-3.13). Poor social support and high perceived stress increased the risk of PPD. We recommend screening for PPD among women with high perceived stress and low social support.
Examining bystander intervention for peer depression and sociodemographic correlates among university students in Singapore
Lim BWZ, Koh YS, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Samari E, Ong WJ, Kwok KW, Chong SA and Subramaniam M
The Advancing Research To Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma (ARTEMIS) study evaluated the impact of an intervention developed and implemented in Singapore on attitudes towards depression in university students. We aimed to assess the likelihood of university students intervening when their peers suffer from depression, before and after the ARTEMIS intervention.
Looking back, moving forward: An introduction to the special issue honoring the 100th anniversary of the global alliance for behavioral health and social justice
McLeigh JD, Jaffe G, Walker DK, Wertlieb D, Spaulding W and Beardslee W
Since its founding, American Orthopsychiatric Association (AOA) has been at the forefront of working at the intersection of mental health and social justice. In (Shore & Mannino, 1975), former organization president and journal editor Milton Shore and Fortune Mannino wrote that the association had consistently held a philosophy that included (a) a commitment to an interdisciplinary approach in the study of mental health problems and the development of mental health programs; (b) an emphasis on prevention as well as treatment; (c) the integration of the clinical and the social; (d) a major focus on the social scene and its interweaving with mental health problems in individuals within society; and (e) an avoidance of dilettantism, superficiality, and well-meaning generalizations through a commitment to high-quality research, thoughtful analysis of mental health issues, and high professional standards of practice in all areas of mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Measuring the quality of self-care of elderly patients with dementia in a developing country
Buwembo DR, Gumikiriza-Onoria JL, Kamada L, Kaddu-Mukasa M, Kagaayi J, Kiguli J, Sajatovic M, Nakasujja N and Makumbi F
In developing countries like Uganda, people with dementia are cared for by non-medically trained family members with minimal support from the formal healthcare system. The quality of care in this setting is largely unknown but significantly affects the well-being of those with dementia. A tool designed to measure the quality of informal care for old frail adults with or without dementia was translated into Luganda. A committee of experts reviewed and finalized the translation, which was pilot-tested and then used to measure the quality of dementia self-care. We consecutively enrolled 105 caregivers of elderly people with dementia; the median age was 35 years (Interquartile Range 26-47 years), and 67% were females, taking care of a grandparent (44%) or a parent (34%). We used confirmatory factor analysis to assess for structural validity and computed correlation coefficients and Cronbach's alpha to assess for discriminant validity and internal reliability, respectively. The three-factor model applied to the 20 items, adequately fit the data (Comparative Fit Index = 0.88, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.87, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.08; 90% Confidence Interval (0.06-0.09), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.089). There was good discriminant validity, and correlation coefficients between dimensions/scales and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale scores were low. There was good internal reliability with all items Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.69 to 0.89. Our findings demonstrated that this culturally adapted, shorter measurement tool is valid and reliable. The tool can be used by researchers, health workers, and agencies to assess the quality of self-care for elderly people with dementia in Uganda.
The Role of Physical Exercise in Cognitive Preservation: A Systematic Review
Kaufman M, Dyrek P, Fredericson M, Oppezzo M, Roche M, Frehlich L and Noordsy D
Dementia, or major neurocognitive disorder, is one of the most common causes of disability and dependency in older adults with far-reaching social, physical, and economic impacts. In the absence of adequate treatment, much research has been directed towards prevention. Physical exercise has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, amplify production of neurotrophic factors, and enhance brain volume. Whether these changes on a structural and cellular level result in cognitive preservation is less clear. This systematic review synthesizes findings from seventeen randomized controlled trials that examine the effects of physical activity on global cognition, memory, and executive function in older adults. Cognitive benefits of exercise are strongest for those who are cognitively intact or with mild cognitive impairment. In studies with long-term follow up, cognitive gains tended to decay after cessation of physical intervention suggesting that sustained physical exercise may be required to preserve cognitive function in older adults prior to onset of dementia.
Self-help digital mental health intervention in improving burnout and mental health outcomes among healthcare workers: A narrative review
Aye LM, Tan MM, Schaefer A, Thurairajasingam S, Geldsetzer P, Soon LK, Reininghaus U, Bärnighausen T and Su TT
Healthcare workers face burnout from high job demands and prolonged working conditions. While mental health services are available, barriers to access persist. Evidence suggests digital platforms can enhance accessibility. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews on the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for healthcare professionals. This review aims to synthesize evidence on DMHIs' effectiveness in reducing burnout, their acceptability by users, and implementation lessons learned.
Establishing partnerships with people with lived experience of mental illness for stigma reduction in low- and middle-income settings
Mendon GB, Gurung D, Loganathan S, Abayneh S, Zhang W, Kohrt BA, Hanlon C, Lempp H, Thornicroft G and Gronholm PC
Social contact refers to the facilitation of connection and interactions between people with and without mental health conditions. It can be achieved, for example, through people sharing their lived experience of mental health conditions, which is an effective strategy for stigma reduction. Meaningful involvement of people with lived experience (PWLE) in leading and co-leading anti-stigma interventions can/may promote autonomy and resilience. Our paper aimed to explore how PWLE have been involved in research and anti-stigma interventions to improve effective means of involving PWLE in stigma reduction activities in LMICs. A qualitative collective case study design was adopted. Case studies from four LMICs (China, Ethiopia, India and Nepal) are summarized, briefly reflecting on the background of the work, alongside anticipated and experienced challenges, strategies to overcome these, and recommendations for future work. We found that the involvement of PWLEs in stigma reduction is commonly a new concept in LMIC. Experienced and anticipated challenges were similar, such as identifying suitable persons to engage in the work and sustaining their involvement. Such an approach can be difficult because PWLE might be apprehensive about the negative consequences of disclosure. In many case studies, we found that long-standing professional connectedness, continued encouragement, information sharing, debriefing and support helped the participants' involvement. We recommend that confidentiality of the individual, cultural norms and family concerns be prioritized and respected during the implementation. Taking into account socio-cultural contextual factors, it is possible to directly involve PWLEs in social contact-based anti-stigma interventions.
Morphological Correlates of Behavioral Variation in Autism Spectrum Disorder Groups in A Maternal Immune Activation Model
Ünal D, Varol AB, Köse TB and Koçak EE
Clinical heterogeneity is one of the biggest challenges for researchers studying underlying neurobiological mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We aimed to use polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)] induced maternal immune activation mice model to investigate the behavioral variation and the role of brain circuits related to symptom clusters in ASD. For this purpose, behavioral tests were applied to offsprings and regional thickness was measured from histological brain sections in medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum.
Parenting stress, dyadic coping and endocrine markers of stress and resilience in foster and biological mothers
Reindl V, Lohaus A, Heinrichs N and Konrad K
Foster parents have been shown to report higher levels of parenting stress but also more dyadic coping (DC) behaviors in their partnership than biological parents, which might be an important protective factor that helps them cope with daily stressors. Here, we examined how parenting stress and DC are related in foster and biological parents and whether these are reflected in long-term alterations of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity. A total of 79 foster mothers and 131 biological mothers participated in a longitudinal study. At the initial assessment, children were aged 2-7 years and lived for an average of 18 months in their current foster family. Mothers' cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations and their cortisol/DHEA ratios were assessed in scalp hair twice with approximately 11 months in between, while their perceived parenting stress and DC were measured by self-report questionnaires. Results showed no significant differences between foster mothers and biological mothers in cortisol, DHEA and cortisol/DHEA concentrations. While more DC was longitudinally related to lower levels of parenting stress across both study groups, no significant associations were found to endocrine markers. Thus, these findings indicate that increased parenting stress levels were not, or not strongly, reflected in HPA axis alterations as assessed in hair. Our findings thus add evidence for non-significant associations between self-reported perceived stress and chronic HPA axis markers. Future studies may explore whether early interventions, including those aimed at promoting and maintaining positive DC, are beneficial in preventing the development of stress-related illnesses in foster parents.
Chronic pain after traumatic brain injury: a collaborative care approach
Curran MC, Lucas S, Fann JR, Zumsteg JM and Hoffman JM
Chronic pain is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), frequently limits daily activities, and is associated with negative outcomes such as decreased community participation. Despite the negative impact of chronic pain, few people with TBI receive effective treatment. This paper describes a collaborative care (CC) intervention, TBI Care, adapted specifically to treat chronic pain in people living with TBI, emphasizing expert clinician input, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, and other non-pharmacological approaches for decreasing pain interference.
Can biosampling really be "non-invasive"? An examination of the socially invasive nature of physically non-invasive biosampling in urban and rural Malawi
Ndambo MK, Bunn C, Pickersgill M, Stewart RC, Crampin AC, Nyasulu M, Kanyenda B, Mnthali W, Umar E, Reynolds RM and Manda-Taylor L
Glucocorticoids are understood to represent useful biomarkers of stress and can be measured in saliva, hair, and breastmilk. The collection of such biosamples is increasingly included in biobank and cohort studies. While collection is considered "non-invasive" by biomedical researchers (compared to sampling blood), community perspectives may differ. This cross-sectional, qualitative study utilising eight focus groups aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of collecting ostensibly "non-invasive" biological samples in Malawi. Breastfeeding women, couples, field workers, and healthcare providers were purposively sampled. Data about prior understandings of, barriers to, and feasibility of "non-invasive" biosampling were analysed. Participants described biomaterials intended for "non-invasive" collection as sometimes highly sensitive, with sampling procedures raising community concerns. Sampling methods framed as "non-invasive" within biomedicine can consequently be considered "invasive" by prospective sample donors. Biomedical and community framings of "invasiveness' can therefore diverge, and the former must respond to and be informed by the perspectives of the latter. Further, considerations of collection procedures are shaped by therapeutic misconceptions about the immediate health-related utility of biomedical and public health research. When researchers engage with communities about biosampling, they must ensure they are not furthering therapeutic misconceptions and actively seek to dispel these.
Factors encouraging participation in social activities after hospital discharge in people with severe mental illness who received occupational therapy
Nagashima I, Hayasaka T, Teruya K, Hoshino M, Murao M, Matumoto Y, Maruki T, Katagiri T, Imamura Y, Kurihara M, Oe Y, Tsuboi T, Watanabe K and Sakurai H
Occupational therapy (OT), a vital part of psychiatric rehabilitation, encourages participation in social activities, which is critical for the recovery of people with severe mental illnesses (SMI). However, the effects of OT on the subsequent social activities of patients with SMI have not been fully clarified. We aimed to identify the factors that encourage post-discharge social activity participation among patients with SMI who received OT.
Domestic violence and associated factors among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries from the recent demographic and health survey data: a multilevel analysis
Melkam M, Fentahun S, Rtbey G, Andualem F, Nakie G, Tinsae T, Wassie YA, Lemma Seifu B and Fente BM
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a human rights violation that often involves violence against women, which appears to be the most prevalent type of abuse. IPV is a global public health issue with major human rights violations. Pregnant women's IPV needs special consideration because of the possible harm that might happen to mothers and their fetuses. The enormous global public health issue of IPV affects physical, mental, and sexual transgressions. Even though there were studies conducted on IPV among women, few studies were conducted among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study revealed IPV and associated factors among pregnant women from the recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in sub-Saharan African countries.
Preparation for implementation of evidence-based practices in urban schools: A shared process with implementing partners
Eiraldi R, Comly R, Wolk CB, Rabenau-McDonnell Q, McCurdy BL, Khanna MS, Jawad AF, Banks J, Clark S, Popkin KM, Wilson T and Henson K
Shifting organizational priorities can negatively affect the sustainment of innovations in community settings. Shifting priorities can present barriers to conducting clinical research in schools if a misalignment occurs between school district priorities and the aims of the study. Often this misalignment occurs due to a shift during the period between when the study is submitted for funding and when research activities begin. Participatory research approaches can be employed to restore alignment between study processes and school district priorities. The purpose of the study is to describe data from a shared process with district partners. The shared process resulted in modifications to the main study's implementation processes and strategies in order to restore alignment with evolving school priorities while remaining faithful to the aims of the study.
Editorial: Regulation of AMPA receptors in brain diseases, from the genetic to the functional level, volume II
Jiménez-Sánchez L, Wong TP and Ouro A
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