Indicators Of Psychopathology Research Articles

Maternal psychopathology is differentially associated with adolescent offspring neural response to reward given offspring ADHD risk

Reinforcement sensitivity is a hypothesized attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) intermediate phenotype but its role in transgenerational transmission of ADHD-linked psychopathology risk is largely unknown. We examined, in a carefully phenotyped, N = 123 sample of adolescents (Mage = 15.27 years, SD = 0.984; 61.78% boys), whether (1) parental psychopathology is differentially associated with fMRI-indexed neural response to reward receipt and (2) both maternal and paternal psychopathology are associated with neural response to reward; across adolescents at-risk for and not at-risk for ADHD. Indices of parental psychopathology were differentially associated with adolescent offspring neural response to reward such that across measures, parental psychopathology was negatively or not associated with offspring superior frontal gyrus (SFG) response to reward receipt in adolescents at-risk for ADHD, but parental psychopathology was positively associated with offspring SFG response in adolescents not at-risk. Further, across measures, greater maternal psychopathology was associated with blunted adolescent SFG response to reward in adolescents at-risk for ADHD whereas greater maternal externalizing problems were linked to enhanced adolescent SFG response in adolescents not at-risk. Across measures, paternal psychopathology was not associated with adolescent response to reward, in either group. ADHD risk confers differential reward-related susceptibility to the effects of parental psychopathology. Results also show this association is nonspecific in terms of parental psychopathology type but is specific to maternal psychopathology.

Affirmative Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Group Intervention for Sexual Minorities (Free2Be): A Non-Randomized Mixed-Method Study for Feasibility with Exploratory Analysis of Effectiveness

ObjectivesDespite sexual minority (SM), i.e. individuals who identify as lesbian women, gay men, bisexual, or pansexual, individuals presenting worse mental health outcomes when compared to heterosexual individuals, they face more difficulties in accessing affirmative and quality health services. This study is a mixed-method non-randomized single-arm trial targeting SM individuals assessing the feasibility and exploratory findings from an affirmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention (Free2Be).MethodEighteen participants who self-identified as SM, with a mean age of 30.80 years old, underwent a face-to-face group intervention with 13 weekly sessions (Free2Be). Feasibility was assessed in three domains (acceptability, practicality, and preliminary effectiveness) with self-report questionnaires and hetero-report interviews, during and after the intervention, and using a mixed-methods approach. Using a pre–post and participant-by-participant design, changes were assessed in self-reported internalized stigma, psychopathology indicators, and mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion processes.ResultsThe Free2Be was acceptable and feasible in all three domains. Participants who completed the intervention (≥ 80% of attendance) revealed significant or reliable decreases in stress and social anxiety symptoms, self-criticism, and fear of compassion for the self.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence of the feasibility of the intervention. This affirmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention seems to be feasible and acceptable for SM individuals. These promising findings warrant further investigation within a pilot study.

Promoting sleep health during pregnancy for enhancing women’s health: a longitudinal randomized controlled trial combining biological, physiological and psychological measures, Maternal Outcome after THERapy for Sleep (MOTHERS)

BackgroundSleep is vital for maintaining individuals’ physical and mental health and is particularly challenged during pregnancy. More than 70% of women during the gestational period report insomnia symptoms. Sleep dysfunction in the peripartum increases the risk for a cascade of negative health outcomes during late pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. While psychological interventions are considered the first line treatment for sleep difficulties, they are still scarcely offered during pregnancy and there is a lack of longitudinal research combining psychological and physiological indices.MethodsThe present protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial aimed at testing the long-term effectiveness of an automatized digitalized psychoeducational intervention for insomnia for expectant mothers complaining insomnia symptoms without comorbidity. Outcomes include physiological, hormonal, and subjective indices of maternal psychopathology, stress, and emotional processes, and sleep and wellbeing of the family system.The trial is part of a longitudinal study evaluating expectant mothers from early pregnancy (within the 15th gestational week) to 6-months postpartum through 6 observational phases: baseline (BSL), 6- and 12-weeks from BSL (FU1-FU2), 2-to-4 weeks after delivery (FU3), and 3- and 6-months after delivery (FU4-5). We plan to recruit 38 women without sleep difficulties (Group A) and 76 women with sleep difficulties (Group B). Group B will be randomly assigned to digital psychological control intervention (B1) or experimental psychoeducational intervention targeting insomnia (B2). At 3 time points, an ecological-momentary-assessment (EMA) design will be used to collect data on sleep and emotions (diaries), sleep-wake parameters (actigraphy) and stress reactivity (salivary cortisol). We will also test the DNA methylation of genes involved in the stress response as biomarkers of prenatal poor sleep. Information on partner’s insomnia symptoms and new-borns’ sleep will be collected at each stage.DiscussionThe proposed protocol aims at testing an easily accessible evidence-based psychoeducational intervention for expectant mothers to help them improving sleep, health, and wellbeing in the peripartum. The results could improve the understanding and management of sleep difficulties and peripartum depression.Trial registrationThe study protocol has been registered on 22 April 2024 with ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS), ID: NCT06379074. Protocol version: April 23, 2024.

Poverty trajectories and child and mother well-being outcomes in Ireland: findings from an Irish prospective cohort

BackgroundPoverty is associated with poor outcomes, yet exposure to distinct poverty trajectories in early childhood is not well understood.ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of different trajectories of household poverty and their...

Role of history of traumatic life experiences in current psychosomatic manifestations.

Although the relationship between traumatic experiences (TEs) and psychosomatic manifestations (pain, somatization, somatosensory amplification [SSA], and alexithymia) has been widely described, very few studies have investigated how these variables correlate with each other and with a history of TEs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how current psychosomatic manifestations are correlated with major and minor adult- and childhood TEs. One hundred and forty-six patients (91 with pain) from the Pisa Gift Institute for Integrative Medicine Psychosomatics Lab., Italy, were assessed for pain, history of TEs (divided into major and minor based on whether or not they meet the DSM-5 Criterion A for post-traumatic stress disorder), alexithymia, somatization, and SSA. TEs were positively correlated with age, the sensorial dimension and intensity of pain, somatization, psychopathology index, SSA, and alexithymia. Using the somatization score (controlled for age) as a covariate, the previous correlations between psychosomatic dimensions and TEs lost their statistical significance: SSA (total TEs: from r = 0.30, p = 0.000 to r = -0.04, p = 0.652); alexithymia (total TEs: from r = 0.28, p = 0.001 to r = 0.04, p = 0.663); sensorial dimension of pain (total TEs: from r = 0.30, p = 0.015 to r = 0.12, p = 0.373); and pain intensity (total TEs: from r = 0.38, p = 0.004 to r = -0.15, p = 0.317). Interestingly, the tendency to report more intense pain was mainly predicted by minor TEs in childhood (β = 0.28; p = 0.030). The number of lifetime TEs is positively correlated with the sensorial dimension and intensity of pain but not its affective and cognitive dimensions. However, the former relationship depends on the presence of somatization. The intensity of pain is associated with minor rather than major TEs, especially when they occur in childhood.

Testing Criterion Validity in Hierarchical Models of Psychopathology: Comparison of Latent-Variable and Factor-Score Approaches

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology is a quantitative diagnostic system that is gaining traction as a framework for studying the correlates of mental-health problems. However, it remains unknown how best to operationalize hierarchically related psychopathology dimensions during criterion validity tests. In a series of simulations, we evaluated the performance of latent-variable (i.e., structural equation modeling [SEM]) and factor-score representations of hierarchical psychopathology constructs in criterion validity analyses. In models based on continuously distributed psychopathology indicators (e.g., symptom composites), SEM and factor-score methods both tended to yield unbiased estimates of criterion validity coefficients. In contrast, for models based on dichotomous indicators (e.g., categorical diagnoses), SEM led to more accurate estimates than factor scores in most cases. We offer recommendations for psychopathology researchers based on these results and provide an R function ( https://osf.io/u3j5d/ ) that investigators can use to apply the approaches studied here in real-world data sets.

Deriving the Transdiagnostic Scales From the Personality Assessment Inventory and SPECTRA: Indices of Psychopathology: A Demonstration.

Transdiagnostic models of psychopathology address many of the shortcomings common to categorical diagnostic systems. These empirically derived models conceptualize psychopathology as a few broad interrelated and hierarchically arranged dimensions, with an overarching general psychopathology dimension, the p-factor, at the apex. While transdiagnostic models are gaining prominence in mental health research, the lack of available tools has limited their clinical translation. The present study explored the potential of creating transdiagnostic scales from the joint factor structure of the Personality Assessment Inventory, Alternative Model of Personality Disorder trait scales (AMPD), and the clinical scales of the SPECTRA: Indices of Psychopathology (SPECTRA). Exploratory factor analysis in a clinical sample (n = 212) identified five factors corresponding to the Negative Affect/Internalizing, Detachment, Antagonism/Externalizing, Disinhibition/Externalizing, and Thought Disorder transdiagnostic dimensions. Goldberg's "Bass-Ackward" method supported a hierarchical structure. Five composite transdiagnostic scales were created by summing each factor's highest loading PAI and SPECTRA scales. A global psychopathology scale was created by summing the five composite scales. All the composite scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Correlations between the composite scales and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 provide initial validity evidence for four composite and global scales. The composite thought disorder scale had no conceptually corresponding NEO domain. Clinical implications and study limitations are discussed.

Psychometric Properties of the Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) among Turkish-Speaking Adults

Previous research supports the tripartite framework of meaning in life (MiL). The Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) is a self-report measure drawing upon the tripartite framework. 3DM includes coherence, purpose, and significance. The primary goal of the present research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the 3DM, and to assess how 3DM and its subscales relate to mental health and psychopathology indicators in a Turkish-speaking adult sample. The present research recruited a sample of 702 participants (Female = 540). Confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance analyses, Pearson’s correlation tests, reliability analyses, regression analyses, and independent samples t-tests were utilized. The first-order confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the Turkish version replicated the 11-item three-factor structure of the 3DM: [(χ2= 181, df =40, p =.00)], CFI = .98, TLI = .97, RMSEA = .071, 90%CI[.060, .081], SRMR = 0.03. Internal consistency coefficients of the subscales and the 3DM total showed strong reliability with strong item-total correlations. The correlation coefficients of the 3DM supported concurrent and divergent validity. The 3DM predicted well-being and psychopathology indicators. Measurement invariance analyses of the subscales demonstrated that coherence, purpose, and significance scales were consistent and equivalent across gender. The results indicate that the Turkish version of the 3DM is a valid and reliable scale when administered among adult Turkish-speaking people.

MMPI-2-RF validity scales add utility for predicting treatment engagement during partial psychiatric hospitalizations.

Partial psychiatric hospitalizations are resource-intensive clinical services designed to stabilize patients in the short term, prevent inpatient hospitalizations, and encourage long-term recovery. Typically, providers base their referral decisions on categorical diagnoses and subjective impressions of patient distress without closely considering the evidence for reporting biases. The present study followed veterans (n = 430) participating in partial psychiatric hospitalization services. We evaluated the extent to which clinical diagnoses at intake predicted treatment variables and changes in later mental health care utilization. Using hierarchical linear regressions with bootstrap confidence intervals, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form content-based validity scales demonstrated incremental utility for predicting patient outcomes beyond intake diagnoses. Elevated Fp-r ("Infrequent Psychopathology Responses") scores independently predicted an increased number of times arriving late for partial hospitalization programming, self-report of worse current functioning at intake, and a relative increase in mental health care encounters in the 12 months following discharge. Low K-r ("Adjustment Validity") scores independently predicted self-report of worse current functioning at both intake and later discharge from partial hospitalization. Thus, indicators of severe psychopathology overreporting as well as the unlikely disavowal of emotional adjustment (i.e., high Fp-r, low K-r) predicted engagement with health care services and self-presentations of symptoms over and above the diagnostic impressions from referring providers. We discuss how indicators of content-based invalid responding on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form have real-world value for understanding patient behavior and shaping clinical interventions among vulnerable populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Counseling in the face of crisis: supporting mental health in Tor Vergata University students during the Covid-19 era.

This study aims to present an overview of the clinical experience of the counseling service "Sportello Studenti". The service offers free diagnostic and therapeutic psychological assistance to all Tor Vergata University of Rome students. Preliminary findings on the prevalence of anxious, depressive, and prodromal symptoms in a subset of participants recruited during the initial three-year period of the service's operation (2019-2022) are presented. Beck's Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Prodromal Questionnaire 16 (PQ-16) and Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) have been used to investigate principle psychopathological dimensions. 261 students aged 18 to 35 completed the assessment (180 female - 69%). Mild widespread depressive symptoms (35.5%) and mild to severe suicide ideation (5.1%) were highlighted. Ninety students (37.2%) result at a higher risk condition for psychosis. A significant statistical correlation between negative psychopathological indicators, such as suicidal thoughts and age, suggests that younger students exhibit higher susceptibility and vulnerability to mental health issues. The increasing prevalence of distress among young individuals represents an urgent public health concern that necessitates immediate intervention. It is crucial for countries to adopt a comprehensive approach to promoting psychological and mental health. University counseling services serve as an effective initial intervention to address the negative impact of mental illness on academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being in young individuals. They also play a pivotal role in the early identification of individuals at risk of developing severe psychiatric disorders. Sportello Studenti has proven to be a valuable initiative addressing the mental health needs of University of Tor Vergata students, underscoring the significance of promoting psychological well-being.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Psychopathology, Uncertainty and Alexithymia: A Clinical and Differential Exploratory Study.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents a complex pathology affecting a large number of people. Research suggests that psychological factors influence coping with T1DM. This study aimed to investigate the presence and role of psychopathology, alexithymia and uncertainty in people affected by T1DM. The sample consisted of 137 patients (88 females, 49 males) affected by T1DM aged from 11 to 19 years old (Mean: 13.87; SD: 2.40). The diagnostic protocol consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, Self-administration Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and Intolerance to Uncertainty Scale-12 (IUS-12). Descriptive, differential, correlational and regression analyses were performed in order to examine the relationships between these variables. The results suggested the sample had high levels of psychopathological indexes, alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty. Also, there were significant differences between TAS-20 and IUS-12 distributions with respect to psychopathology. Correlations and multivariate linear regressions indicated age, gender and education significantly predicted alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty. This data suggest the presence of elevated psychopathology, alexithymia and uncertainty in people with diabetes.

Internalizing psychopathology and its links to suicidal ideation, dysfunctional attitudes, and help-seeking readiness in a national sample of college students

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests that multiple emotional disorders may be better assessed using dimensional models of psychopathology. The current study utilized a cross-sectional population survey of college students (N = 8613 participants) to examine the extent to which broad psychopathology factors accounted for specific associations between emotional problems and clinical and behavioral validators: suicidality, dysfunctional attitudes, and treatment seeking. MethodsConfirmatory factor models were estimated to identify the best structure of psychopathology. Models were then estimated to examine the broad and specific associations between each psychopathology indicator and the clinical and behavioral validators. ResultsThe hierarchical model of psychopathology with internalizing problems at the top, fear, and distress at the second level, and five specific symptom dimensions at the third level evidenced the best fit. The associations between symptom indicators of psychopathology and clinical and behavioral validators were relatively small and inconsistent. Instead, much of the association between clinical and behavioral validators and emotional problems operated at a higher-order level. LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the survey precludes the ability to make conclusions regarding causality. ConclusionsResearchers should focus on investigating the shared or common components across emotional disorders, particularly concerning individuals presenting with higher rates of suicidal ideation dysfunctional attitudes, and help-seeking behavior. Using higher-order dimensions of psychopathology could simplify the complex presentation of multiple co-occurring disorders and suggest valid constructs for future investigations.

Changing Ourselves

Abstract: Change in personality is viewed in two contrasting ways. Sometimes it is seen as an indicator of psychopathology or inauthenticity, associated with reduced well-being. Yet the ability to change oneself is also viewed as a sign of positive self-development, a process of becoming more authentic and associated with increased well-being. This meta-analysis sought to compare these two perspectives and determine whether personality change can contribute to a good life. Sixteen independent samples (24,000 participants) were analyzed to test the relationships between traits change and authenticity, traits change and well-being, and values change and well-being. Trait change was positively related to authenticity, while value change was associated with increased well-being. Moderator analysis indicated that the type of change (over role or time) did not influence the relationship between trait change and authenticity, nor did the length of time over which change took place influence the personality change and well-being relationship. Including traits and values allows a more holistic understanding of personality change and demonstrates that personality change is not damaging to living well, having instead a minimally positive association with well-being and authenticity.

High state boredom vastly affects psychiatric inpatients and predicts their treatment duration

Boredom is a ubiquitous, aversive human experience typically elicited by low information and monotony. Boredom can occur either as a transient mental state that prompts individuals to adapt their behavior to avoid monotony or as a temporally stable trait, describing a chronic susceptibility to feeling bored. Increased trait boredom was found to correlate with various psychopathologies and indicators of mental burden. However, the role of state boredom in psychopathological conditions and its implications for psychiatric treatment remain elusive. Here, we address this issue by investigating state boredom and trait boredom in a cohort of psychiatric inpatients and a healthy control cohort. We find that in both groups, state boredom, even more than trait boredom, shows remarkable associations with psychopathology. In the inpatient group, state boredom is implicated broadly in multiple mental disorders and shows an association with treatment in closed psychiatric wards. Furthermore, through statistical modeling, we find that high-state boredom during inpatient therapy is predictive of a longer therapy duration. Thus, we show that state boredom constitutes an indicator of mild and severe psychopathology in different mental disorders, affecting the outcome of psychiatric patients. Potential therapeutic interventions are discussed, aiming to enhance information flow in the brain in order to alleviate boredom in clinical settings.

Measures of Early-life Behavior and Later Psychopathology in the LifeCycle Project - EU Child Cohort Network: A Cohort Description.

The EU LifeCycle Project was launched in 2017 to combine, harmonize, and analyze data from more than 250,000 participants across Europe and Australia, involving cohorts participating in the EU-funded LifeCycle Project. The purpose of this cohort description is to provide a detailed overview of the major measures within mental health domains that are available in 17 European and Australian cohorts participating in the LifeCycle Project. Data on cognitive, behavioral, and psychological development has been collected on participants from birth until adulthood through questionnaire and medical data. We developed an inventory of the available data by mapping individual instruments, domain types, and age groups, providing the basis for statistical harmonization across mental health measures. The mental health data in LifeCycle contain longitudinal and cross-sectional data from birth throughout the life course, covering domains across a wide range of behavioral and psychopathology indicators and outcomes, including executive function, depression, ADHD, and cognition. These data span a unique combination of qualitative data collected through behavioral/cognitive/mental health questionnaires and examination, as well as data from biological samples and indices in the form of imaging (MRI, fetal ultrasound) and DNA methylation data. Harmonized variables on a subset of mental health domains have been developed, providing statistical equivalence of measures required for longitudinal meta-analyses across instruments and cohorts. Mental health data harmonized through the LifeCycle project can be used to study life-course trajectories and exposure-outcome models that examine early life risk factors for mental illness and develop predictive markers for later-life disease.

Measuring self-disgust in adolescence: Adaptation and validation of a new instrument for the Portuguese adolescent population

ABSTRACT Self-disgust is a complex emotion related to feeling aversion or revulsion about internal and personal physical attributes, personality, functioning and behaviours. The aim of the present study was to adapt, validate and examine the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Self-Disgust Scale, in a sample of Portuguese adolescents (MSDS-A). Participants were 540 adolescents (n = 308females, 57%), with ages between 13 and 18 years. Data were analysed through SPSS and MPLUS was used to perform a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Self-report questionnaires were used to assess several indicators of psychopathology and self-compassion. Results from the CFA showed that a 4-factor model with a second order factor presented good fit indices. The full scale and its factors showed good internal consistency, adequate temporal stability, and good convergent, divergent and incremental validity. The MSDS-A seems a valid measure to assess self-disgust in adolescents, with important implications to clinical context and research.

(008) Psychosexual, Relational and Clinical Correlates of Orgasmic Function and Female Orgasm Disorder in Women Consulting for Sexual Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Female Orgasm Disorder and its risk factors are still under-investigated. Objective To describe the psychological, relational and clinical correlates of orgasmic function during partnered sexual activity in women consulting for sexual symptoms. Methods In an observational retrospective study, we collected data from a consecutive sample of 430 heterosexual, sexually active women (mean age 46±12.9 years) consulting for sexual symptoms. All patients underwent a structured interview and a physical, gynecologic and laboratory examination; they completed a series of validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT-A and BUT-B), the Sexual Inhibition/Excitation Scale (SIS/SES), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Results 268 subjects (62%) reported a persistent distressing decrease of the frequency of orgasm for at least six months. Among them, 93 (22% of the whole sample) reported a mild decrease, 91 (21%) a severe decrease, and 19% reported anorgasmia. Nine women described Anorgasmia as lifelong. The severe decrease of orgasm frequency during partnered sexual activity was associated with the inability to reach orgasm with masturbation (p=0.009). After adjusting for age and menopausal status, the FSFI Orgasm (FSFI-O) domain was negatively associated with MHQ total score (p=0.001), an index of general psychopathology, and with body image concerns, explored through both BUT-A and BUT-B global measures. The stronger correlation emerged with the BUT-A Avoidance subscale (p=0.005). Among other psychological parameters, significant, negative correlations were observed between FSFI-O and a reported diagnosis of psychiatric disease, including mood disorders (p=0.001), use of antidepressants (p=0.001), chronic stress (p=0.002), and familiar conflicts (p=0.008). Noteworthy, no correlation was observed between FSFI-O and Inhibition/Excitation measures. When exploring sexual and relational parameters, we found that women displaying higher FSFI-O scores were more likely to be engaged in a stable sexual relationship (p=0.003), to report at least three sexual encounters per month (p<0.001) and lack of marital conflict (p=0.004). Among sexual dysfunctions in the male partner, as perceived by the woman, only low desire showed a clear negative correlation with FSFI-O (p=0.002). FSFI-O was also positively correlated with the Dyadic Satisfaction (p<0.001) and the Dyadic Cohesion subscales (p=0.032). Finally, when considering clinical parameters, women with a history of endometriosis (p=0.008), genitourinary disorders (i.e., recurrent vulvovaginitis or urinary tract infections; p=0.027), urinary incontinence (0.017) and pelvic surgery (i.e. hysterectomy; p=0.017) reported significantly lower FSFI-O scores. FSFI-O was not correlated with metabolic or hormonal laboratory parameters, including estradiol, prolactin or testosterone levels. When considering the diagnosis of severe FOD, the main clinical risk factors were psychiatric diseases (OR 1.566, CI 1.034;2.370), past Unwanted sexual experiences (OR 1.679, CI 1.109;2.541), urinary incontinence (OR 1.644, CI 1.132;1.387) and past pelvic surgery (OR 1.710, CI 1.129;2.591). Conclusions Orgasmic function was correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, use of antidepressants, body image concerns, marital conflicts and low partner’s desire, independently of age and menopausal status. Risk factors for severe FOD were psychiatric diseases, abuse history, urinary incontinence and past pelvic surgery. Disclosure No

The Bidimensional Model of Mental Health: an empirical approach in a general population sample

Background: Comprehensive mental health research is proposed as an important resource for individual well-being, as opposed to indicators of psychopathology. Objectives: We present an approach to the Bidimensional Model of Mental Health (BDSM) that considers psychological distress and subjective well-being as two separate but related dimensions. Methods: In a sample of 290 adults from the community, with 55.2% women and a mean age of 28.6 (Dt = 12.0). Results: The continuous results confirm a two-dimensional structure of psychopathology (PS) and subjective well-being (BS). The proposed model proposes classification into four groups according to the above result, namely, complete mental health (high BS, low PS, 62.2%), vulnerable (low BS, low PS, 11.4%), symptomatic but content (high BS, high PS, 11.4%) and troubled (low BS, high PS, 15%). The categorical results indicate that the problem and symptomatic groups obtained higher mean scores in trait worry, experiential and behavioral avoidance, and in turn, the symptomatic group scored higher in resistance to distress and in the more adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies; on the contrary, the vulnerable group obtained lower means in the latter. The results of the vulnerable and symptomatic groups confirm the coexistence of well-being and psychopathology. Conclusions: The promotion of subjective well-being is proposed when considering health in a more comprehensive way, because of its potential to generate profound and lasting benefits for individuals and the community in general.

Alcohol use disorder criteria exhibit different comorbidity patterns.

Alcohol use disorder is comorbid with numerous other forms of psychopathology, including externalizing disorders (e.g. conduct disorder) and, to a lesser extent, internalizing conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety). Much of the time, overlap among alcohol use disorder and other conditions is explored at the disorder level, assuming that criteria are co-equal indicators of other psychopathology, even though alcohol use disorder criteria span numerous varied domains. Emerging evidence suggests that there are symptom clusters within the construct of alcohol use disorder that relate differentially with important external criteria, including psychopathology and allied personality traits (e.g. impulsivity, novelty-seeking). The present study mapped individual alcohol use disorder criteria onto internalizing and externalizing dimensions. We used multivariate and factor analytical modeling and data from two large nationally representative samples of past year drinkers (n = 25 604; 19 454). United States. Psychopathology was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule, yielding alcohol use disorder criteria, internalizing diagnoses (i.e. major depressive disorder, dysthymia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, agoraphobia and panic disorder) and externalizing diagnoses and symptoms (i.e. antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder and three impulsivity items drawn from borderline personality disorder criteria). Alcohol consumption was assessed in terms of past-year drinking frequency, usual amount of alcohol consumed on drinking days, binge drinking frequency, intoxication frequency, and maximum number of drinks in a 24-hour period. Four different patterns emerged. First, several alcohol use disorder criteria were relatively weakly associated with externalizing and internalizing. Secondly, withdrawal was associated with internalizing, but this association was not specific to distress. Thirdly, there was a general lack of specificity between alcohol use disorder criteria and narrower forms of internalizing, despite what might be predicted by modern models of addiction. Fourthly, recurrent use in hazardous situations reflected higher degrees of externalizing and lower internalizing liability. Different symptom combinations appear to yield differential expressions of alcohol use disorder that are disorder-specific, or reflect broader tendencies toward externalizing, internalizing or both.

Maternal anxiety, exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and socioemotional development of offspring

The COVID-19 pandemic context may predispose mothers to increased maternal psychopathology, which may be associated with offspring socioemotional development. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between prenatal anxiety and depression and exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic with offspring socioemotional development, controlling for postnatal anxiety and depression. A total of 105 mother-child dyads were assessed in pre- and postnatal periods. Questionnaires were used to assess the impact of the pandemic, indicators of psychopathology, and the socioemotional development of the offspring. Results suggest that negative pandemic experiences are indirectly associated with offspring socioemotional development via prenatal maternal anxiety symptomatology and after controlling for postnatal anxiety and depression. These indicators predispose to emotional deficits and increase the risks of psychopathological and neurodevelopmental disorders. It is important to adopt health policies that provide timely assessment of development in early childhood to reduce the risks associated with these deficits.