Levels Of Psychopathological Symptoms Research Articles

Exposure to Intimate-Partner Violence and Resilience Trajectories of Adolescents: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Latent Transition Analysis.

Despite the serious emotional and social consequences of adolescents' exposure to intimate-partner violence (IPV) and the high prevalence of this exposure, few analyses have focused on person-centered models or considered psychological IPV. Studies that address exposure to violence tend to focus on physical IPV. Therefore, in this study, we examine (across two waves) the trajectories of resilience among adolescents who have witnessed psychological IPV by conducting a latent transition analysis and predicting class membership through socio-demographic and individual-level protective factors. Using a sample of 879 (T1, fall 2020) and 770 (T2, spring 2022) adolescent Swiss students with mean ages of 11.74 (SD = 0.64) and 13.77 (SD = 0.53), we identified four distinct time-invariant resilience classes: comorbid-frustrated, internalizing-frustrated, comorbid-satisfied, and resilient. The classes characterized by some level of psychopathological symptoms and basic psychological-needs frustration were the most stable over time. Furthermore, we found the four typical resilience trajectories: recovery, chronic, delayed, and improving. Gender, socioeconomic background, and protective factors showed a significant prediction of class membership in wave 1, highlighting the importance of increasing sensitivity to psychological-IPV exposure on the one hand, and reinforcing the relevance of prevention in schools regarding the promotion of protective factors on the other.

Sleepless in Solitude-Insomnia Symptoms Severity and Psychopathological Symptoms among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland.

Since 25 March 2020, all schools, colleges, and universities in Poland have indefinitely closed and, where possible, have activated distance learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering that the undergraduate years are usually characterized by a high prevalence of emotional disorders and sleep problems, it can be expected that the current situation may have a remarkable impact on the student population. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of sleep problems among Polish university students as well as the relationship of insomnia symptoms severity with psychopathological symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and behavioral factors, such as substance use, changes in the amount of sleep, and the level of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 1111 Polish university students via an online survey conducted between IV and VI 2020. The survey included demographic variables, the level of psychopathological symptoms (General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-28), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), and symptoms of posttraumatic stress (Impact of Events Scale-Revised, IES-R). The results showed that over half of the studied group of students had some form of sleep disturbances during the period of data collection, with moderate-to-severe insomnia symptoms noted in 21.6%. At the same time, the majority of the sample declared they slept more during the pandemic. A significant positive correlation was observed between the severity of insomnia symptoms and PTSD symptoms, as well as GHQ scores, increased substance use, and decreased physical activity. An additional association between the presence of dreams related to the event and insomnia symptoms as well as GHQ scores has been found. The results suggest that sleep problems may be prevalent among university students during the pandemic. Moreover, although the symptoms of insomnia, as well as the severity of sleep disturbance, significantly correlated with all the investigated variables, the direction of those associations remains to be established.

A latent profile approach for the study of internet gaming disorder, social media addiction, and psychopathology in a normative sample of adolescents.

BackgroundFor a small minority of individuals, the overuse of digital technologies has been associated with negative factors, including psychological distress and psychopathological symptoms. Two technology-based addictions – internet gaming disorder (IGD) and social media addiction (SMA) – have been found to be related to comorbid disorders and impulsivity especially in adolescents and emerging adults’ populations, but results in this field are inconclusivePurposeUsing the latent profile analysis (LPA), this study identified different profiles of adolescents characterized by unique patterns of psychopathological risks, and similar levels of impulsivity, IGD, and SMA.Participants and methodsA total of 643 participants (312 males; Mage =16.02 years) were divided into three age groups (early, mid-, and late adolescence). They completed a battery of scales comprising: Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale for Adolescents, and Symptom Checklist-90-R.ResultsLPAs revealed distinct profiles across early, mid- and late adolescence with regards to the psychopathological variables taken into account. Specifically, only two profiles were identified in the 14–15 year age group, whereas three profiles emerged in the 16–17 year age group.ConclusionThis study highlighted that the profiles identified in each age group differed in terms of psychopathological risk (low, medium and high), showing instead similar (and non-clinical) scores in technology-based addictions and impulsivity. Results could be useful in designing prevention and intervention programs in youth showing similar patterns for technology-based addictions, but different levels of psychopathological symptoms.

Personality, psychopathological symptoms and illness perception in mental disorders: Results from Russian MMPI-2 validation study

IntroductionAccording to common-sense model illness representation regulates her coping both in somatic and mental illnesses.ObjectivesAs a personal reaction illness representation should partially depend not only on diagnosis and symptoms but also on personality. Aim is to identify direct and indirect effects of personality and psychopathological complaints in illness representation in mental disorders.MethodsEighty patients (20 males) from MMPI-2 validation sample (Butcher et al., 2001) filled revised version of Illness Perception Questionnaire and Symptom Checklist 90-R. Eleven patients met ICD-10 criteria for addictions, 28 – for mood disorders, 20 – for schizophrenia and schizotypal disorder, 21 – for acute stress reactions.ResultsAccording to moderation analysis, illness-related beliefs in mental disorders are relatively independent on clinical diagnosis and specific symptoms, but are associated with the overall level of psychopathological complaints. Regardless of the clinical group and complaints, depressive traits are associated with negative and emotional appraisal of illness. Social introversion and hypomanic activation serve as moderators of the relationship between complaints, illness duration and emotional representations.ConclusionsPersonality and overall level of psychopathological symptoms could be stronger predictor of illness-related beliefs than specific clinical factors in mental illness. Preliminary diagnostics of personality in mental illnesses could be used to reveal high-risk group for poor insight and non-compliance due to unrealistic beliefs. Research supported by the grant of President of the Russian Federation for the state support for young Russian scientists, project MK2193.2017.6.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Comparison of Psychopathological Symptoms in Adolescents Who Experienced Sexual Violence as a Victim and/or as a Perpetrator

ABSTRACTResearch on sexual violence victims and perpetrators indicates that victims in general are found to report higher levels of psychopathological symptoms, especially internalizing behavior, whereas perpetrators often show externalizing behavior. Little is known, however, about the psychopathology of perpetrators of sexual violence who have also experienced sexual victimization (victim-perpetrators). Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine this group within a sample of adolescents living in residential care or federal boarding schools. Participants reported their lifetime experience with sexual violence (both as victim and perpetrator) and completed the Youth Self Report. Results indicate that all three groups of adolescents with sexual violence experience report higher total problem scores than adolescents without this experience. Victim-perpetrators show results more similar to those of perpetrators only than those of victims only. The discussion deals with the implications of our findings for the treatment of victims of sexual violence.

Cortical and Autonomic Stress Responses in Adults with High Versus Low Levels of Trait Anxiety: A Pilot Study.

Stress responses are mediated by complex patterns of cortical and autonomic activity. Earlier studies showed increased recruitment of the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) and parasympathetic withdrawal during a stress task; however, it remains unclear whether these responses change in relation to different levels of psychopathological symptoms, such as trait anxiety. The present study examines the effect of a mathematical task (with a control condition and a stressful/experimental condition) on the PFC and autonomic activity, using a two-channel near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and an ECG monitoring system. After a preliminary screening of 65 subjects, a sample of 12 individuals (6 with the highest and 6 with the lowest scores on an anxiety questionnaire, i.e. the STAI trait) was selected. The two groups were similar regarding demographic variables (age, sex, body mass index) and baseline STAI-state scores. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare changes from baseline in oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb), heart rate (HR) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) between the two groups. Individuals affected by high levels of trait anxiety showed a reduced bilateral PFC activity during the entire experimental procedure compared to those with low anxiety. No differences in NIRS channels were found between the two groups. During both conditions, RMSSD was lower among individuals affected by high levels of anxious symptoms. Finally, throughout the procedure, changes in HR were higher in the anxious group. Overall, these findings suggest a reduced PFC activity and a larger parasympathetic withdrawal during a stress task in individuals with high levels of trait anxiety compared to those with low anxiety. These results could represent a starting point for future NIRS and ECG studies on the relationship between mental disorders and acute stress responses.

Understanding of self-harm behaviour in adolescents

IntroductionThe incidence and prevalence of self-harm behaviour, with or without suicidal intent, is on the rise, both in other countries as well as in Croatia. Understanding the nature of patients who show self-harm behaviour can help us to better understand the components that contribute to their morbidity and mortality.ObjectivesTo expand the understanding of self-harm behaviour in adolescents as a contribution to the planning and implementation of preventive and curative programs.AimsTo explore the psychopathological characteristics of adolescents with and without self-harm behaviour who seek psychiatric help for their mental health problems.MethodsIn this study participated 150 adolescents, aged 14–18 years, of which 52% showed some form of self-harm behaviour. During the initial examination of child and adolescent psychiatrist, participants completed self-reported questionnaires: functional assessment of self-mutilation (FASM, 1997) and the youth self report (YSR, 2001).ResultsStatistically significant difference between groups of female adolescents with and without self-harm behaviour was observed in all of eight problem scales, while in male adolescents it was observed in five of them. This indicates considerably higher level of psychopathological features in the group of patients with self-harm behaviour.ConclusionsIt is necessary to intensify monitoring of adolescents who show self-harm behaviour because of the overall level of psychopathological symptoms and the comorbidity which significantly complicates the therapeutic process. It is particularly important to continuously assess the suicide risk.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Who are shelter housing users and what do they expect?

Abstract Objectives Answers were sought to the following questions: who are sheltered housing users?; how do they evaluate the accommodation offer?; and what is the position of sheltered housing in the support systems for the mentally ill? Method Participants in the study were 302 people diagnosed with schizophrenia (F-20), who had been users of support systems in Warsaw, Cracow and Lublin for at least 3 months. In this sample, 34 participants lived in sheltered accommodation. The Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Community Support System Use Questionnaire and the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) were administered to each sample participant. Results Sheltered housing users turned out to be relatively young and well educated. They presented with low levels of psychopathological symptoms and difficulties in social functioning. Many of them were users of other rehabilitation programs, such as Community Self-Help Centers, patient clubs and supported employment programs. Accessibility of contacts with other people, learning new skills and a sense of security were considered to be the most important benefits of sheltered housing. Conclusions Sheltered housing should be a part of broader support systems, since only under such circumstances, living in sheltered accommodation can have a truly positive impact on the recovery process. When people with mental illness are offered sheltered housing, they should participate in the planning of a comprehensive psychosocial intervention, including also more active forms of support and rehabilitation.

Psychopathological symptoms in two generations of the same family: a cross-cultural comparison

The main aims of the present study were to compare the frequency and correlates of psychopathological symptoms in two generations of the same family in Japan and in England. The sample included 689 adolescents and one of their parents/guardians. All participants completed a set of questionnaires to measure psychopathological symptoms, self-construals, and perceived social support. In both parent and adolescent data, the Japanese sample reported significantly lower psychopathological symptoms than the English sample. The relationship between parental and adolescent psychopathology was significant in England, but not in Japan. In both countries, perceived social support and independent self-construal were generally associated with less psychopathological symptoms, and interdependent self-construal was associated with more symptoms. Additionally, in England, a significant interaction effect was found between social support and the self-construals. Participants with low independent and high interdependent self-construal had elevated levels of psychopathological symptoms when perceived social support was low. The present study illustrates the importance of culture in the transmission of psychopathological symptoms across different generations in the same family.

984 – Psychopathological symptoms and co-morbid disorders associated with internet addiction and pathological gambling: analyses of a clinical sample

Introduction Despite growing interest in internet addiction (IA), there is still no consensus in perceiving it as a distinct clinical disorder. Proposals of including IA in the DSM-V and possibly also ICD-11 have strengthened the notion that it has a lot of features justifying its nosological classification as a primary disorder. Objectives Besides a large number of epidemiological surveys, clinical examinations investigating psychopathological symptoms and co-morbidity in a standardized way are still missing. Hence, clinical data is very important in the research on IA as it might support data gained in representative studies. Aims The purpose of the study was to provide further clinical characterisation of IA. Methods A clinical sample from a specialized outpatient clinic in Germany was examined by clinical ratings (GAF; psychiatric co-morbidity) and questionnaires (SCL-90R, PHQ). Two clinical groups were included: Patients meeting criteria for IA (n=80) and patients with pathological gambling (n=80). For further statistical comparison, healthy controls (n=80) were recruited too. Results Both clinical groups scored significantly higher in SCL-90R and PHQ than the controls. Patients with IA showed similar profiles in SCL-90R as pathological gamblers with no significant differences in any sub-scale. Also, scores of GAF were similar. Expert ratings on co-morbidity indicate that depression is associated with both disorders. In IA also social phobia is common. Conclusions Patients with IA and pathological gamblers display comparable levels of psychopathological symptoms and impairment. IA seems to cause significant psychopathological strain similar to pathological gambling that is accepted as a clinical disorder since the 1980ies.

Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS): Implementability, subscale structure and responsiveness in the daily psychiatric hospital routine over the first 18 months

The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) includes 12 items designed to measure the problems patients have when admitted to a psychiatric hospital and to monitor to what extent these problems have diminished at discharge from hospital. The Danish version of the HoNOS was translated from the original English version in accordance with the WHO guidelines for scale translation. The HoNOS was evaluated for inter-staff agreement using a case vignette from the English training sessions. The HoNOS was then applied in a consecutive sample of 1769 inpatients over a period of 18 months. This sample covered 89% of all admissions in this period and was found representative with regard to age and gender. The diagnostic distribution according to ICD-10 showed that half of the patients were listed within schizophrenia and mood disorders. The HoNOS profile, using all 12 items of the scale, showed that schizophrenia was associated with hallucinations or delusional symptoms, with social and cognitive problems; mania with aggressive behaviour, with drinking or drug-taking and with anxiety; whereas depression was associated with suicidal behaviour, physical illness and depressed mood. Long-term stay in hospital was associated with a higher level of psychopathological symptoms at admission for schizophrenia, mania and depression. Among the diagnostic groupings, mania was associated with the greatest improvement in behavioural problems and psychological symptoms. The use of lithium was diagnostically associated with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. Within these categories, the lithium-treated patients had a greater improvement in behavioural problems and psychological symptoms than the non-lithium-treated. The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depressive patients was associated with a HoNOS admission profile of higher scores on psychological problems (delusions and depressed mood) than those seen in the non-ECT-treated depressive patients. The ECT-treated patients had a higher level of improvement at discharge. In conclusion, this first Scandinavian study with HoNOS showed that the scale is easy to implement in the daily routine of a psychiatric ward and that the HoNOS can give useful information about the quality of care in hospitalized patients.

Adverse psychological effects in women attending a second-stage breast cancer screening

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the emotional and psychopathological impact associated with a second-stage screening for breast cancer. Method: We used a short-term longitudinal design. Interviews were conducted with 1195 women of 45–65 years old in three temporal conditions (premammogram, postmammogram, and follow-up). Participants included women attending for regular breast cancer screening who were recalled for a further mammogram (i.e., second-stage breast cancer screening) and women who were not recalled. Affective-cognitive concerns about cancer (worry, fear, and perceived vulnerability) were rated using a 10-point Likert scale. Psychopathology was assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Check List-Revised (SCL-90-R). Results: Women attending the second-stage screening exhibited significantly higher levels of breast cancer worries, fears, and beliefs than women attending for routine screening before obtaining the results of the mammogram. This affective-emotional impact disappeared quickly and was not relevant 2 months following the mammogram. Despite the fact that levels of psychopathological symptoms were higher in the premammogram condition, there were no differences between groups on these measures. Conclusion: These results provide support for the hypothesis that women recalled for further mammograms tend to experience high levels of affective-cognitive distress but not psychopathological symptoms. Moreover, results do not sustain the prediction that this psychological impact persists beyond receipt of a negative result. Some recommendations to reduce these psychological side effects are suggested.

Guardianship Networks for Rural Psychiatric Patients

This paper describes the 'rural guardianship network' method of managing persons with severe mental illnesses and reports on a retrospective case-control study that compares the outcome of 561 schizophrenic patients from townships with guardianship networks to that of 103 schizophrenic patients from a township without guardianship networks. Each patient enrolled in a guardianship network is assigned a guardian--usually a family member--who ensures that the patient takes medication and gets medical follow-up, and reports any changes in the patient's condition to the village health worker or the township doctor who is responsible for psychiatric care. These guardians are supported and supervised by management groups at the village and township levels composed of government officials, medical administrators, physicians from township hospitals, and village health workers. Compared with patients who are not enrolled in guardianship networks, enrolled patients have significantly lower rates of hospital admission, lower rates of socially disruptive behaviour, and lower levels of psychopathological symptoms. The rural guardianship network is an effective and economical means of providing close supervision of mentally ill patients in their homes.