Levels Of Symptoms Research Articles

Infertility in the Capital Region of Denmark: Prevalence and population characteristics

Abstract Background Infertility is a disease defined by failure to achieve a pregnancy within 12 months of trying. Infertility has-until now-not been monitored in Denmark for three decades. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of infertility in persons aged 25-44 years in the Capital Region of Denmark, and to describe characteristics of persons with infertility. Methods Life-long experience of infertility was assessed in the Danish Capital Region Health Survey 2021, including 56,245 participants from the general population aged ≥16 years (response rate 54.9%). In this study, only persons aged 25-44 years who had tried to have children (thus knowing their fertility) were included, resulting in 8,203 participants. Characteristics of persons with infertility were assessed using national registries (socio-demographics) and questionnaire data (health status). Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression models weighted for survey design and non-response were performed. Results Among persons aged 25-44 years, who had tried to have children, 20% had experienced infertility. Among those, 44% did not achieve the children they wanted. Infertility was most common among women (22%) and persons aged 35-44 years (21%). No associations were observed between infertility and ethnicity, education, and employment status. Persons with infertility were more likely to have poor physical health, have higher level of stress symptoms and have obesity compared with persons in same age group, who had tried to have children but not experienced infertility. Conclusions Infertility is very common in the general population and is associated with unmet fertility desires as well as poor physical health and high stress level. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on and prioritizing treatment and prevention of infertility and emphasize the need for further research in and continued monitoring of infertility. Key messages • Infertility is very common in the general population and associated with unmet fertility desires and poor health highlighting the importance of prioritizing treatment and prevention of infertility. • Continuous monitoring of infertility in the general population is essential as well as further research into risk factors and consequences of infertility.

Socioeconomic And Mental Health Challenges: Lessons From The COVID-19 Era

Abstract The relationship between work arrangements, financial difficulties, compliance with COVID-19 sanitary measures, and preexisting mental health issues amidst the ongoing pandemic is multifaceted. By merging data from the TEMPO cohort and other European cohort studies during the RESPOND European project, we seek to provide comprehensive about these dynamics for developing targeted interventions and policies aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of pandemics on mental well-being. Our analyses reveal significant associations between unemployment, financial strain, and elevated levels of symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after controlling for pre-pandemic socioeconomic and mental health factors, individuals experiencing unemployment or financial difficulties were more likely to report heightened mental distress. Additionally, our findings highlight gender-specific patterns in compliance with COVID-19 sanitary measures, with women exhibiting increased compliance amidst mental health difficulties, while men, particularly those with lower educational attainment, demonstrated decreased compliance. These preliminary results underscore the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, mental health, and public health behaviours during pandemics. In conclusion, our study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and strategies to address the intersecting challenges of mental health, employment, financial strain, and compliance with public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings emphasize the importance of considering socioeconomic disparities in designing effective interventions aimed at promoting public well-being and resilience in the face of future pandemics. By leveraging these insights, public health practitioners and policymakers can develop evidence-based approaches to support individuals and communities experiencing heightened vulnerabilities during times of crisis.

Optimism mitigated impacts of pre-operative depression and anxiety on post-operative distress in cardiac patients

ABSTRACT Both anxiety and depression are comorbid mortality risks in middle-aged and older patients with heart diseases. Open-heart surgery (OHS), a life-altering procedure, can induce psychological distress that impedes postoperative recovery. Extensive research has shown the health benefit of optimism, an indicator of hope—a Character Strength in positive psychology. It predicts low mortality in cardiovascular disease—the number one killer of all Americans. Few studies, however, have explored whether that optimism mitigates the negative impact of preoperative depression and anxiety on postoperative general psychological distress. This interdisciplinary clinical study evaluated a hypothetical model of these relationships prior to and 1 month following OHS in 311 U.S. patients using a three-wave survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to predict post-OHS general psychological distress. Optimism was indicated by two subscales in the Life Orientation Test (LOT). Based on the definition, general psychological distress was indicated by low symptom levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety as measured by the SCL-90 subscales. The final solution demonstrated a good fit. Optimism alleviates the negative effects of preoperative depression and anxiety, as indicators of poor mental health, on postoperative distress. Both older age and female gender were positively and directly associated with higher levels of post-OHS symptoms. The finding supports the beneficial role of optimism in mitigating the damage of poor mental health in the postoperative outcome of cardiac patients. The desirable function of character strength hope suggests that health providers should be attentive to and enhance inner strength for reducing the distress of cardiac patients in the postoperative recovery month.

“I Changed After the Death”: Symptoms of Psychopathology Predict Lower Agency and Communion Themes in Loss Narratives Over 16 Months

Abstract Purpose Some individuals struggle to adjust after the death of a close other. Constructing an adaptive narrative about the loss is important to adjustment but symptoms of psychopathology may interfere with this process. We examined whether psychopathology symptoms measured 2 months after the loss of a spouse or parent predicted loss narratives with lower agency and communion themes as well as more negative emotional tone and self-event connections. Method Participants included 507 adults from the Aarhus Bereavement Study who completed psychopathology symptom measures at 2, 6, 11, and 18 months after the death of their spouse or parent. Symptom measures included prolonged grief disorder (PGD), PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Eighteen months after the death, participants wrote a narrative about the loss and answered questions about its emotional qualities (i.e., tone, self-event connections). The narratives were content coded for agency and communion themes. Results Multiple regressions showed that higher PGD symptoms at 2 months predicted less adaptive loss narratives at 18 months, even after controlling for neuroticism and age. Conclusion Individuals who experience high symptom levels are struggling to construct adaptive loss narratives. This may hinder identity changes needed to accommodate their altered life circumstances.

Psychopathological Profile of Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis and Its Correlation to DLQI: Results from a Prospective, Monocentric Clinical Study

Background: Psoriasis is associated with a high psychological burden and comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychopathological profile of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis under systemic treatment and to explore the association between DLQI and alexithymia, depression, and other psychopathological disorders. Methods: In this monocentric, prospective clinical study, 104 adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were evaluated according to the disease severity (measured by PASI) influence of psoriasis on their quality of life (measured by DLQI) and their psychopathological profile (measured by the BDI, TAS-20, and SCL-90 questionnaires). Results: The psoriasis patients exhibited high levels of psychopathological symptoms, particularly for depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and anxiety. More than half of the psoriatic patients (56.7%) were diagnosed with minimal depression, 26.9% with mild depression, and 16.3% with moderate or severe depression. The symptoms of possible and confirmed alexithymia were present in 19.2% and 15.4% of the patients, respectively. The patients with alexithymia appeared to experience a more significant impact on their QoL. Specifically, the percentage of patients with alexithymia/possible alexithymia who had a DLQI of ≥2 was 77.8% vs. 51.5% in those without alexithymia. Conclusions: Our study illuminates the intricate connection between the disease severity and psychological components that impact the QoL of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It is advised that clinicians adopt a comprehensive approach to managing psoriasis, which involves addressing both the physical symptoms of the condition and the psychological impact. In cases of patients with a DLQI of ≥2, despite adequate clinical responses, evaluating the possible coexistence of general psychopathology is recommended.

Examining the relationship between religious volunteering and mental health screeners among firefighters

ABSTRACT Firefighters experience a high level of traumatic incidents in their work. This high level of exposure puts them at risk for trauma-related symptoms. These trauma symptoms include PTSD, suicide risk, alcohol misuse, and depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, repeated exposure has been found to lead to desensitization, flashbacks, irritability, and PTSD. Exposure to natural disasters may also impact ecospirituality. A survey was designed to include the Life Events Checklist, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, and the SBQ-R. This survey was administered to firefighters from Northwest Florida in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Participants were found to have higher levels of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk than the general population. Participants were further asked about their volunteering for religious organization activity. A significant relationship was found between volunteering for religious organization and mental health screeners. Religious volunteering predicted lower levels of PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. The effect size was small.

The effect of listening to music and drawing on coping with dysmenorrhea complaints in nursing students: randomized controlled trial

AimTo examine the effect of listening to music and drawing on coping with dysmenorrhea complaints of nursing students.MethodsThe study was a double-blind, three parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted between August 2023 and May 2024 at Bartın University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing. Ninety-six dysmenorrheic nursing students with regular menstrual cycles were included in the study and randomly assigned to three groups as drawing, music and control groups. Visual Analog Scale (100mmVAS of pain), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Menstrual Symptoms Scale (MSS) were applied to the students at baseline, 1st and 2nd months. The interventions were as follows: the music group listened to a 29-minute and 32-second song three days before menstruation and on the first day of menstruation in the third month composed by Juan Sebastian Martin-Saavedra, while the drawing group created art for the same duration. The pain scores, perceived stress, and menstrual symptoms were measured in all groups after the interventions.ResultsPretest, 1st and 2nd months 100mmVAS of pain score averages were 7.16 ± 1.99, 7.16 ± 1.99 and 7.50 ± 1.98 for the control group, 7.22 ± 1.64, 4.84 ± 1.80 and 2.13 ± 1.45 for the music group and 6.69 ± 1.80, 5.09 ± 1.55 and 2.91 ± 1.33 for the drawing group, respectively. Pretest, 1st and 2nd months PSS score averages were 28.75 ± 3.71, 29.09 ± 3.87 and 30.03 ± 4.16 for the control group, 29.91 ± 3.98, 14.06 ± 4.06 and 3.59 ± 3.82 for the music group and 27.38 ± 3.63, 18.13 ± 5.60 and 8.34 ± 5.46 for the drawing group, respectively. Pretest, 1st and 2nd months MSS score averages were 79.25 ± 15.41, 88.00 ± 20.08 and 90.66 ± 19.13 for the control group, 85.41 ± 10.77, 62.41 ± 15.23 and 34.00 ± 12.62 for the music group and 80.69 ± 11.07, 65.53 ± 15.37 and 47.31 ± 15.11 for the drawing group, respectively. Mean menstrual pain intensity, mean perceived stress level, and mean menstrual symptoms level in the art and music group decreased significantly at 1st and 2nd months post-intervention (p < .001). A significant increase in score levels was observed in the control group.ConclusionsBoth art and music practices are effective in significantly reducing menstrual pain, perceived stress, and menstrual symptoms in nursing students with dysmenorrhea. It is important to include listening to music and drawing on women’s health and disease nursing practices to control menstrual pain, perceived stress, and menstrual symptoms in dysmenorrhea.Clinical trials registration numberhttps://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT06027489; registered August 30, 2023.

Examining systemic inflammation as a pathway linking peer victimization to depressive symptoms in adolescence.

Adolescents exposed to victimization are at an increased risk for a variety of adverse mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms. Yet, the biological pathways underlying these associations remain poorly understood. Focusing on within-person processes, we examined whether low-grade systemic inflammation mediated the longitudinal associations between peer victimization and depressive symptoms in adolescence. 207 adolescents (at baseline Mage = 12.69 years; SD = 0.49; 43.5% female) participated in a multi-wave longitudinal study, with assessments repeated every 6 months over 1.5 years. At each assessment wave, participants self-reported their peer victimization experiences and depressive symptoms. Dried blood spots were collected at each wave using a finger prick procedure to assay a key marker of low-grade systemic inflammation, interkeukin-6 (IL-6). Data were analyzed using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models. The cross-lagged paths from IL-6 to depressive symptoms were significant across all models and waves (β12 = .13; β23 = .12; β34 = .08), indicating that when adolescents' levels of low-grade systemic inflammation were above their person-specific average, they reported increased levels of depressive symptoms in the subsequent months. However, no significant cross-lagged within-person associations emerged between peer victimization and either IL-6 or depressive symptoms. The findings provide no evidence for the hypothesized mediating role of inflammation in the within-person associations between peer victimization and depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, they extend prior research by indicating that elevated levels of low-grade systemic inflammation predict the development of depressive symptoms in adolescence.

Metabolic and Inflammatory Profiles in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with several coexisting diseases or comorbidities, including inflammatory and metabolic disorders. In fact, ASD symptoms may be associated with immune system dysfunction. However, studies investigating the peripheral blood levels of immune cells are lacking and have provided mixed findings. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the intensity level of ASD symptoms and the inflammatory and metabolic profiles in 154 children and adolescents (2–17 years). Methods: Bayesian multilevel models were used to examine the relationship between their symptom intensities and inflammatory/metabolic profiles. Results: Heavier children had higher values for triglyceride and insulin levels. Children with a level 3 of ASD intensity had higher free fatty acids levels. However, when adjusting for ASD intensity, gender, medication use, or weight status, older children appeared to have higher values of triglycerides, insulin levels, and free fatty acids. Conclusions: We concluded that as Brazilian children with ASD became older, they had a higher risk for insulin resistance.

The effect of posture regulation training on musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue level and job performance in intensive care nurses

BackgroundIntensive care units (ICUs) are one of the high-risk working areas in terms of musculoskeletal disability and ergonomic risks including the environment and posture factors. Correct posture technique is often ignored by nurses working in these units. This study was conducted to determine the effect of posture regulation training on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue level and job performance in nurses working in ICUs.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study with one-group pretest-posttest design included 64 intensive care nurses. The nurses received posture regulation training in three different sessions. The post-test was administered four months after the posture regulation training.ResultsThe nurses reported to frequently have aches, pains and discomfort in the neck, upper back and lumbar regions. After the posture regulation training, their level of pain, ache and discomfort in the neck, right and left shoulder, upper back, lower back and right/left foot areas decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The posture regulation training reduced the levels of behavior/severity and affect, which are sub-dimensions of fatigue, and increased the level of contribution to work, which is a sub-dimension of job performance (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe posture regulation training decreased the level of symptoms in the neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back and foot regions of intensive care nurses and partially improved their fatigue level and job performance. Therefore, posture regulation training should be added to in-service training programs and permanent measures should be taken for ergonomic risks in ICUs.

The collateral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: A gender-specific systematic review of disordered eating behaviour in the general population.

The COVID-19 pandemic initiated public health measures, impacting mental health and exacerbating disordered eating behaviours (DEB). This study aims to fill gaps in understanding DEB in the general population during the pandemic, emphasising gender dynamics and the experiences of gender and/or sexual minority (SGM) individuals. A systematic literature review followed PRISMA guidelines to investigate DEB during the pandemic, focusing on gender-sensitive analyses and SGM populations. Outcomes from the included studies were synthesised to identify patterns and associations related to DEB, particularly considering gender dynamics and SGM experiences. Significant gender associations with DEB were observed, with women consistently exhibiting higher scores. SGM populations also showed elevated DEB symptoms. Longitudinal studies indicated changes in DEB over time, with some decreases observed among men. The review underscores significant gender differences in DEB during the pandemic, with women exhibiting higher symptom levels. Lockdown measures had nuanced impacts on DEB, varying across studies. Various factors including pandemic-related stressors influenced DEB. Consideration of these factors can inform tailored interventions for DEB in the general population. Overall, the review enhances our understanding of how gender intersects with the pandemic's impact on DEB, emphasising the need for diverse approaches to address these behaviours.

Organic food consumption during pregnancy and symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders at 8 years of age in the offspring: the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)

BackgroundPartially driven by public concerns about modern food production practices, organic food has gained popularity among consumers. However, the impact of organic food consumption during pregnancy on offspring health is scarcely studied. We aimed to investigate the association between maternal intake of organic food during pregnancy and symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring at 8 years of age.MethodsThis study was based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN). The total study sample included 40,707 mother–child pairs (children born 2002–2009). Organic food consumption during pregnancy was assessed by six questions from a food frequency questionnaire in mid-pregnancy (sum score 0–18). Symptoms of ADHD and ASD in the offspring aged 8 years were measured by ADHD (0–54) and ASD (0–39) symptom scores based on the Parent/Teacher Rating Scale for Disruptive Behaviour disorders and the Social Communication Questionnaire. Associations between maternal intake of organic food during pregnancy and symptoms of ADHD and ASD in the offspring were analyzed using regression models with adjustment for covariates such as maternal anxiety and depression, including sibling analysis.ResultsMean ADHD and ASD symptom scores in the offspring differed only slightly by maternal intake of organic food. The covariate-adjusted unstandardized regression coefficient (adjusted(Adj)beta) with 95% confidence interval for the ADHD symptom score with one unit increase in organic food sum score was 0.03 (0.01, 0.05). Similarly, Adjbeta for autism symptom score was 0.07 (0.04, 0.10). For ADHD, the adjusted estimates weakened when adjusting for maternal symptoms of ADHD. The sibling analyses showed no significant results with Adjbeta − 0.07 (− 0.15, 0.01) and − 0.001 (− 0.12, 0.12) for ADHD and ASD outcomes, respectively.ConclusionsWe observed weak positive associations between frequent maternal organic food consumption during pregnancy and offspring ADHD and ASD symptom levels at 8 years of age. This trend weakened or disappeared after adjusting for maternal symptoms of ADHD, and in sibling analyses, suggesting that the associations mainly reflect genetic confounding. Our study indicates that consumption of organic food during pregnancy should neither be considered a risk factor nor protective against symptoms of ADHD and ASD in offspring.

Immigration‐related stress, depression, and positive parenting among undocumented Central American immigrant mothers

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to examine whether immigration‐related stress is associated with reduced positive parenting and whether this association is mediated by depressive symptoms in undocumented Central American immigrant mothers.BackgroundIn the context of “illegality,” parents can face myriad stressors related to their immigration status, which may lead to heightened emotions, including depressed mood. These experiences may affect family life, including the ways in which immigrant mothers parent their children.MethodThis study examined survey data generated in 2016–2017 by researchers using a community‐based participatory action research approach in partnership with Central American immigrant mothers residing in the Washington, DC, region. The sample for this study included 117 undocumented Central American immigrant mothers of children aged 3 to 11 years.ResultsControlling for age of child, mother's education, and relationship status, analyses revealed that immigration‐related stress was associated with heightened levels of depressive symptoms for mothers. However, mothers' symptoms of depression were not associated with positive parenting. Additionally, no association between immigration‐related stress and positive parenting was found.ConclusionsFindings suggest that mothers, although affected by immigration‐related stress in terms of their own mood symptoms, may deploy mechanisms such as parental self‐sacrifice to protect their children from anti‐immigrant harms.ImplicationsFindings hold implications for future research, including research approaches, and practice.

Influence of temperament and emotional dysregulation on depressive symptoms in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A structural equation modelling analysis

ObjectiveDepressive symptoms in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common. Clinical evidence suggests that affective temperaments and emotional dysregulation are reasonable putative explanatory factors of this association. In this study, we thus investigated the role of these features in influencing concomitant depressive symptoms in adults with ADHD. MethodsOutpatients with ADHD were consecutively enrolled. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), while the Temperament Evaluation Memphis for Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) was used to assess the affective temperament dimensions. We tested emotional dysregulation using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Structural equation modeling was performed to test the interplay between temperament, emotional dysregulation, and depressive symptoms, accounting for other clinical variables that showed an association with depressive symptoms at univariate level. ResultsA total of 164 individuals with ADHD (mean age of 29.8 ± 10.7 years), of which 61 (37.2%) women, were recruited. Data showed that, accounting for the possible influence of psychopharmacological treatment and ADHD severity, both emotional dysregulation (p < 0.001) and dysthymic temperament (p = 0.003), though not other affective temperament dimensions, might influence depressive symptoms in people with ADHD. ConclusionsDespite some limitations, our study emphasizes the role of dysthymic temperament and emotional dysregulation in contributing to levels of depressive symptoms among individuals with ADHD. A comprehensive temperament assessment in adults with ADHD can offer valuable insights for developing tailored treatment strategies and enhancing overall patient care.

Linking early emotional abuse/neglect with young adolescents’ social (versus general) anxiety symptoms: A developmental cascade through emotion regulation

Despite the widely documented implications of childhood emotional abuse/neglect for subsequent anxiety symptoms, the implicated mechanisms remain under-revealed, especially the various transdiagnostic and specific pathways related to early experiences of emotional abuse versus emotional neglect and different types of subsequent anxiety symptoms (social versus general). Using three-wave data from 844 Chinese adolescents (Meanage = 13.21 at Wave 1, SD = 0.39; 53 % Boys), we tested emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) as explanatory mechanisms underlying the links between childhood emotional abuse/neglect and subsequent social anxiety symptoms (SAS), while simultaneously considering general anxiety symptoms (GAS) for the identification of possible specificity. Results indicated that expressive suppression played a mediating role in the links between emotional neglect and both forms of anxiety symptoms, whereas cognitive reappraisal served as a linking mechanism only for the link between emotional neglect and GAS. No effects were identified for emotional abuse. All associations were identified after controlling for the baseline levels of anxiety symptoms, the baseline uses of emotion regulation strategies, and covariates (age, gender, and family socioeconomic status). Our findings re-confirm that emotion regulation is an important intermediate process accounting for anxiety-related sequelae of early emotional deprivation, suggesting that expressive suppression appears to be a more developmentally transdiagnostic process shaped particularly by early emotional neglect to contribute to different types of subsequent anxiety symptoms. Accordingly, educational and clinical practices on emotion regulation likely benefit the affective well-being of young adolescents whose childhood has been clouded with emotional neglect.

Relations Between Distinct Dimensions of Physical Activity and Preschoolers' ADHD Symptoms.

This study examined the unique and interactive effects of PA volume and within-person fluctuations in PA volume (i.e., intraindividual variability in PA volume; PA-var) on preschoolers' (N = 141; 47.5% girls) ADHD symptoms. Preschoolers wore accelerometers during the school day over a 2-week period. Teachers reported on children's hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV Preschool Version. In the context of regression models, higher levels of PA-var were linked with lower levels of impulsive symptoms. Higher levels of PA volume were linked with higher levels of hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, but only when PA fluctuation (i.e., PAvar) was relatively low. Post hoc analyses with teacher-reported impairment as the outcome revealed a significant interaction such that the positive association between PA volume and impairment was stronger at lower, as compared to higher, levels of PA-var. Larger fluctuations in preschoolers' PA volume may indicate lower risk for displaying impulsive symptoms. Moreover, preschoolers with high levels of PA that remain relatively consistent throughout the day may be at increased risk for exhibiting hyperactive and inattentive symptoms and related impairment, suggesting they are unable to regulate their activity to meet expectations in the school environment.

Unwanted Online Sexual Solicitation Among Young People in a Swedish Psychiatric Sample: Occurrence and Associations with Depression and Anxiety

ABSTRACT Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is a ubiquitous societal problem with negative health consequences. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) patients are burdened with more violence exposure than other groups, but more work is needed to chart their exposure to TFSV specifically and to understand how it relates to their mental health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of unwanted online sexual solicitation (UOSS) in a young Swedish psychiatric sample. We also aimed to measure the associations between psychiatric symptoms and exposure to UOSS, offline sexual harassment, cyberbullying, and offline bullying. We also aimed to analyze possible differences between boys and girls. Our results show a high occurrence of UOSS (48.61%), which is higher than in the general population. UOSS was significantly higher among girls (57.31%) than boys (20.59%), but boys in the CAP group were burdened with more UOSS victimization than boys in general. Co-occurrence of UOSS with other types of offline and online harassment was substantial. UOSS, together with age and offline sexual harassment, predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms among both girls and boys. UOSS also showed a significant interaction effect with gender, suggesting that boys exposed to UOSS suffer higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than girls exposed to UOSS. Preventing and treating mental health difficulties needs to consider contextual circumstances such as exposure to sexual violence online.

Prospective Relations Between Inferential Styles and Depressive Symptoms Among Children of Mothers with Major Depression

ABSTRACT Objective Current models of depression risk in children include both family history and cognitive models of risk; however, these models are rarely integrated. This study aimed to address this gap by examining how cognitive vulnerabilities featured in the hopelessness theory of depression – negative inferential styles for the causes, consequences, and self-characteristic implications of negative events – may increase risk for the intergenerational transmission of depression. Specifically, we examined whether children of mothers with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD), compared to children of never-depressed mothers, exhibit more negative inferential styles and whether maternal history of MDD moderates prospective relations between children’s inferential styles and depressive symptoms. Method Participants were 251 children (ages 8–14 at baseline; 51% girls; 81% Non-Hispanic White) of mothers with (n = 129) or without (n = 122) a history of MDD. Children’s inferential styles and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and then every 6 months for 2 years. Results Using random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs), we found that children of mothers with a history of MDD, compared to children of never-depressed mothers, had more negative inferential styles for the causes and consequences of negative events, but not for self-characteristics, and higher depressive symptom levels, across the follow-up. In addition, there were reciprocal, transactional relations between children’s inferential styles for causes and their depressive symptoms across the follow-up, with no evidence for moderation by maternal MDD. Conclusions Children’s inferential styles for the causes of negative events may be a useful marker of risk for the intergenerational transmission of depression, which could be targeted to reduce risk for depression.

Stressors and suicidal ideation in low-income adults in Malaysia: A serial mediation analysis of social support and mental health symptoms.

Studies have documented a heightened risk of suicidal ideation in response to stressors, especially among people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the mechanisms of this association remain elusive. Drawing on the social deterioration and counteractive models, this study aims to elucidate the pathways linking stressors to suicidal ideation through serial mediation of social support and mental health symptoms in Malaysia. Data were collected from 404 low-income adults (33.2% male and 66.8% female) receiving monthly financial assistance from Malaysia's social welfare department. We employed stressor measures (i.e. financial, family and work), the Oslo Social Support Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised. A total of 46.8% of participants reported mild-to-severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, with 11.1% classified as high risk for suicide. Direct and indirect effects were found. After controlling for age and gender, social support and mental health symptoms mediated the link between stressors and suicidal ideation. The serial mediation analysis indicates that stressors are connected to heightened suicidal ideation through a sequence involving insufficient social support, followed by elevated levels of mental health symptoms. Understanding the multifaceted relationships among stressors, social support, mental health symptoms and suicide ideation expands the potential for developing targeted interventions and preventive strategies tailored for vulnerable populations. Clinical work with low-income individuals may include implementing early systematic efforts to develop accessible mental health and integrated care services.

The effect of diet quality and body mass index on depression in older adults: a growth curve analysis

BackgroundNutrition not only plays an important role in one’s physical health, but also mental health. The causal association between nutrition and mental health remains unclear. While a healthy dietary pattern may protect one against mental illness, it is also possible that poor mental health could lead to unhealthy eating habits or choices. Furthermore, emerging studies suggest that a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms in older adults, contrasting the effect observed in other populations. With an ageing population, this study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of a healthy dietary pattern, BMI, and other covariates on depressive symptoms in older adults.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study between 2014 and 2017, with each follow-up assessment being one year apart. A total of 2081 participants above 65 years old (M = 79.65, SD = 7.94) completed the baseline assessment in 2014, which included basic demographics, self-reported eating habits, depressive symptoms, and the measurement of height and weight. Distance to supermarkets and fast food was calculated based on participants’ residential addresses. Two growth models were performed to assess the trajectory of change in depressive symptoms over time.ResultsOlder adults experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms over time (intercept = 2.68, p < .001; slope = -0.25, p < .001). At baseline, a higher diet quality (B = -0.95, p < .001), higher BMI (B = -0.09, p < .001), younger age (B = 0.40, p = .001), being a male (B = 0.76, p < .001), and having fewer chronic diseases (B = 0.39, p < .001) were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Over time, a higher diet quality (B = 0.14, p = .05), higher BMI (B = 0.02, p = .04), and fewer chronic diseases (B = -0.08, p < .001) predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms over time.ConclusionsA higher diet quality and higher BMI may serve as protective factors for depressive symptoms in older adults. Potential implications are being discussed.