Long-term Mental Health Research Articles

Long-term physical and mental health outcomes of Ebola Virus Disease survivors in Kenema District, Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional survey.

The 2013-2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa was the deadliest in history, with over 28,000 cases. Numerous physical and mental health symptoms have been reported in EVD survivors, although there is limited prior research on how the health of survivors compares to the general population. We conducted a survey of EVD survivors in Kenema District, Sierra Leone and a population-based sample of community members who lived in EVD-affected areas but were not diagnosed with EVD, and compared resulting data about self-reported symptoms, duration, and severity between EVD survivors and community members through multivariate regression models. This study found that more than six years after the epidemic, survivors were significantly more likely to experience both physical and mental health symptoms than community members, with respective adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 2.65 (95% CI, 2.28-3.09), p < 0.001, and 11.95 (95% CI, 6.58-21.71), p < 0.001. The most highly reported physical health symptoms experienced by EVD survivors were joint pain (75.5%), headaches (67.3%), and vision problems (44.5%), and the most prevalent psychological symptoms were spells of terror and panic (25.5%) and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (20.0%). EVD survivors were significantly more likely than community members to report the symptoms as lasting for a longer period, a median of 6.0 (3.0-7.0) years, and with higher severity. The results indicated that six years after the epidemic, EVD survivors in Kenema District, Sierra Leone are experiencing worse physical and mental health than their peers. These findings of the long-term, debilitating health issues following EVD infection should be considered when designing and implementing future epidemic responses.

Exploring healthcare professionals' knowledge of how to identify and respond to child sexual abuse.

Evidence on the incidence of child sexual abuse (CSA) indicates it is a global epidemic that adversely affects the short- and long-term physical and mental health outcomes of those affected. Learning from safeguarding practice reviews suggests healthcare professionals (HCPs) are in a unique position to identify and intervene when they suspect CSA. However, research suggests that HCPs have insufficient knowledge to identify CSA, intervene and manage the individual's care. This article reports the findings of a systematic literature review that explored HCAs' knowledge of how to identify and respond to CSA. The findings from the published research on this topic indicate that HCAs have limited knowledge and confidence, which can prevent them from fulfilling their mandatory safeguarding roles. The literature review emphasises the need to improve training to ensure better health outcomes for children and young people who have been sexually abused.

Improving psychological and social support needs after traumatic birth: A qualitative study

IntroductionEmergency deliveries increase maternal risk for postpartum depression (PPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One in three women describe their birth experience as traumatic, but patient-centered support needs are unclear. We conducted a qualitative study of women with traumatic birth to identify patient-centered priorities to optimize mental health support. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with women who experienced an emergency during birth, and who self-identified as experiencing traumatic birth. The Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire and PTSD Checklist were completed. Interviews included open-ended questions about birth events that improved or worsened their delivery experience, perceptions of mental, physical, and emotional support provided by staff, and patient perspectives about psychological and social support referrals after emergent deliveries. ResultsA majority of participants met positive screening criteria for PTSD at the time of interviews. Birth experiences were affected by prenatal expectations, as well as the style and quality of clinical staff communication during and after delivery. There were four key themes central to their experiences and perceptions: (1) Emotional Impact and Intensity, (2) Factors Influencing Birth Experience, (3) Perceived Lack of Emotional Support, and (4) Desire for Post-Birth Follow-Up and Support. Participants almost unanimously desired to be offered psychosocial services after birth trauma. ConclusionThere are significant gaps in emotional support and communication for patients experiencing traumatic births. Offering structured, in-hospital mental health referrals may address immediate psychological needs, aid in trauma recovery, and potentially mitigate long-term mental health consequences. These findings advocate for a more holistic approach to postpartum care that prioritizes both physical and emotional well-being.

Links Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Peer Relationships and Mental Health Outcomes in Western Australian Youth

Peer relationships are critical in the development of positive mental health during childhood and adolescence. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can adversely affect the development of positive peer relationships, and thus, have significant long-term implications for mental health. This study explored the long-term relationships between ADHD symptoms, peer relationships and mental health in Western Australian adolescents. Participants were drawn from a sample of 1489 young people: n = 623 males with a mean age of 13.79 years (SD = 1.61) and n = 866 females, with a mean age of 14.29 years (SD = 1.51). Data were collected at three timepoints across three successive years, with different numbers of participants contributing data at each timepoint. Participants completed measures of ADHD symptoms and existing peer problems in the first year; five measures of peer relationships in the second year; and four measures of mental health in the third year. Multiple regression and path analyses were used to determine whether ADHD symptoms predicted scores on the peer relationship and mental health measures and whether peer relationships mediated links observed between ADHD symptoms and mental health. ADHD symptoms significantly predicted both long-term problematic peer relationships and long-term adverse mental health outcomes. Three peer relationship variables were significant mediators of relationships between ADHD symptoms and mental health: sense of belonging, friendships and perceived isolation. ADHD symptoms significantly predict poor peer relationships and adverse mental health outcomes in Western Australian youth, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis has been assigned. Early interventions for young people with ADHD symptoms are needed for such individuals to enjoy positive mental health in their adult years.

The Internal Causes of Pressure and Anxiety in the Living Environment of K-pop Idols

K-pop idols play a crucial role in South Korea’s cultural and economic development, with numerous new groups emerging annually. They present a polished image that promotes the country, but behind this facade lies significant mental health distress. This paper aims to analyze the long-term mental health issues faced by K-pop idols, highlighting the need for increased awareness and intervention to address these challenges. The study employs case analysis to investigate this issue. Reviewing historical materials and news reports identifies numerous instances of extreme behavior by idols suffering from mental illness. The paper focuses on a particularly representative case, detailing how intense industry pressures and personal struggles culminated in the idol’s suicide. Further analysis of various cases reveals two primary causes of mental health issues among K-pop idols. This study aims to shed light on the harsh realities faced by K-pop idols and advocates for greater attention to their mental health, hoping to mitigate the severe consequences of this ongoing issue.

ProtAct-Us from serious injuries with long-term consequences

Abstract Battling serious injuries and long-term consequences in road traffic remains one important issue in the overall goal of resilient future road transport and its Vision Zero. Challenges of increasing personal transport in urban areas coupled with autonomous vehicles and shuttles, new mobility devices and the overall need to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users as well as all types of vehicle occupants’ require solid medical background knowledge paired with innovative engineering approaches. EU Horizon Europe is currently funding the ProtAct-Us consortium (2024-2027) that aims at protecting all Road User Groups from serious injury and long-term physical, cognitive and mental health consequences related to road crashes through innovatively interlinked research action between medical and engineering methods and approaches. ProtAct-Us works on the following goals and challenges: i) Medical data correlation, standardisation and classification of long-term consequences of road crashes; ii) Robust and reliable medical, epidemiological and engineering tools like agreed methods to collect information on long-term consequences, upgraded Human Body Models and virtual assessment methods for the extremities, head, neck and face allowing for effective countermeasure development for all road users; iii) Reduction of long-term consequences and related socio-economic cost of road crash related injuries for all road users. The ProtAct-Us solutions will influence new standards in respect of extending current injury codification system with relevant long-term aspects, allowing new physical as well as virtual safety assessment procedures and adaption of rules and regulations to be implemented. Finally, scientifically well-founded suggestion for future implementation into policy, regulatory, and standardization guidelines for an inclusive safety improvement approach for in- as well as post-crash will be provided.

Long-term mental health impairments in survivors of critical illness

Abstract Background Survivors of critical illness frequently suffer from long-term disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and mental impairments (post-intensive care syndrome). However, long-term studies are scarce and healthcare services for critical illness survivors are limited, not only in Germany. Therefore, we followed-up on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during post-intensive care unit (ICU) rehabilitation and up to 1 year after critical illness onset. Methods Patients at Schoen Clinic Bad Aibling in Germany were eligible for this prospective cohort study after receiving ≥5 days of mechanical ventilation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; subcategory score ≥8) was conducted after ICU discharge (V1), at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (V2) and 1 year after critical illness onset (V3). The Impact of Event Scale-6 (score ≥1.75) was conducted to assess PTSD at V3. Multiple logistic regressions were performed. Results We included 250 patients (62±14 years, 34% female, median stay on ICU 55 days, median duration of rehabilitation 65 days). 10% died before V3. Anxiety decreased during rehabilitation (effect size r = 0.35, p&amp;lt;.001), but increased again until V3 (r = 0.42, p&amp;lt;.001). At V3, 54% suffered from anxiety. Depression also decreased during rehabilitation (r = 0.46, p&amp;lt;.001), and increased again until V3 (r = 0.39, p&amp;lt;.001). At V3, 44% showed depressive symptoms and 38% suffered from PTSD. COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with increased anxiety (p&amp;lt;.001), depression (p=.068), and PTSD at V3 (p=.028), compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, longer duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with increased anxiety (p=.041) and depression (p=.019) at V3. Conclusions Mental health impairments frequently occur in critical illness survivors, and they seem to worsen after rehabilitation. As these impairments can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, tailored healthcare services are urgently needed. Key messages • Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are frequent in critical illness survivors, even 1 year after critical disease onset. This calls for tailored healthcare services. • Patients with COVID-19 and longer mechanical ventilation suffer from more severe mental health impairments.

Gaza’s hidden crisis: adults, children, and generations of psychological torment to come

ABSTRACT For more than a year, the world has been exposed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the destruction, medical devastation, and the death toll of this crisis. What has been largely missing from the picture, has been an attention to the long-term mental health impact of the ongoing trauma among the Palestinian civilians and the Israeli hostages in Gaza. This article anticipates the enduring generational impact of war trauma on mental health of the civilians in Gaza, drawing from the author’s clinical and research experiences of Iraqi, Syrian, Afghan, African, and Ukrainian war-exposed civilians, refugees, and survivors of torture. Across most different studies, war exposure leads to PTSD in nearly 30–50% of adult civilians, and similar rates of depression and anxiety. Civilians in Gaza, facing daily horrors and a profound sense of helplessness, are likely experiencing even greater psychological distress. Children, significantly affected during critical developmental stages, are at risk of long-term mental and physical health issues. The psychological, cultural, and epigenetic aspects of the intergenerational transmission of trauma can lead to psychological torment across generations. Addressing the mental health needs of these populations is crucial to mitigating the profound and lasting impact of war.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer People's Experiences of Stigma Across the Spectrum of Inpatient Psychiatric Care: A Systematic Review.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identity groups (LGBTQ+) face high rates of poor mental health. In the most severe and emergent of instances, inpatient psychiatric care may be required. LGBTQ+ people report experiences of mistreatment in healthcare settings broadly, such as denial of healthcare services and harassment from healthcare providers and other patients. However, little is known about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in inpatient psychiatric care settings, specifically. The purpose of this review was to assess the existing literature for descriptions of LGBTQ+ people's experiences within inpatient psychiatric care. We searched multiple databases (i.e., PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed articles that described the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within inpatient psychiatric care that were published in English. The included articles (N = 14) were analysed using a conceptual model of stigma and organised within those strata (structural, interpersonal and individual stigma) across the inpatient experience, (admission, inpatient unit, and discharge). Themes identified included: noninclusive intake tools and pervasive misgendering during the admission process; lack of healthcare infrastructure, inadequate training and lack of cultural humility, pervasive discrimination and victimization, silencing of LGBTQ+ patients, and feelings of fear and shame while on inpatient units, and lack of community resources during the discharge process. Clinicians should consider the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people to enact identity-affirming care practices that may increase mental healthcare engagement and improve long-term mental health outcomes.

Supporting young people through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a multi-site qualitative longitudinal study

BackgroundThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, youth have experienced substantial stress due to abrupt changes in education, finances, and social life, compounding pre-existing stressors. With youth (ages 15–26) often at critical points in development, they are vulnerable to long-term mental health challenges brought on by pandemic trauma.MethodsTo identify youth experiences throughout the pandemic and examine changes over time, we conducted semi-structured interviews among n = 141 youth in two Canadian provinces (Ontario and British Columbia) and across the country of Ireland at three time points over the course of more than one year (August 2020-October 2021). We conducted a qualitative longitudinal analysis using an inductive content approach.ResultsCategories identified were (1) coping with hardship; (2) opportunities for growth; (3) adapting to new ways of accessing services; (4) mixed views on the pandemic: attitudes, behaviour, and perception of policy response; (5) navigating COVID-19 information; (6) transitioning to life after the pandemic; and (7) youth-led recommendations for government and service response. The findings also reveal trends in health and wellness in accordance with prolonged periods of lockdown, changes in weather, and return to normalcy after the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Key recommendations from youth include incorporating youth voice into decision making, communicating public health information effectively to youth, enhancing service delivery post-pandemic, and planning for future pandemics.ConclusionsThese results provide insights into the extensive longitudinal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people across three geographical locations. Actively involving youth in decision making roles for future pandemics or public health emergencies is critical.

A Comprehensive Review on the Screening Models for the Pharmacological Assessment of Antipsychotic Drugs

Background: Psychosis is a debilitating mental disorder characterized by a profound disconnection from reality, manifesting in symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The pathophysiology of psychosis is multifaceted, involving an interplay of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors. Neurobiologically, dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems particularly dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic pathways-plays a central role, with excessive dopaminergic activity linked to positive symptoms and glutamatergic dysfunction implicated in cognitive impairments. Genetic predisposition, evidenced by significant heritability and associations with specific genetic variants, intersects with environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and substance use to influence the onset and progression of psychosis. Cognitive disruptions, including deficits in attention, memory, and executive function, exacerbate the disorder’s impact. This phenomenon has led to short-term as well as long-term psychosocial and mental health implications for all. Objective: To determine the antipsychotic activity of pharmaceuticals, numerous antipsychotic screening models are available. Determining the optimal animal model for measuring antipsychotic activity is the primary goal of this study. Methods: A search for literature was carried out using several keywords, including "Antipsychotic," "In-vivo models," "In-vitro models," and "Behavior models," on the databases Science Direct and PubMed. For the purpose of obtaining the most appropriate articles to fulfil the goal of this review article, the search was customized by using the necessary filters. Results: Research and review articles based on neuroleptic screening models are available to determine the antipsychotic activity of novel pharmacological compounds. Conclusion: Following our research, we identified several helpful models for evaluating the antipsychotic activity of pharmaceuticals and proposed that combining invitro and in-vivo techniques with behavioral methodologies might yield the most appropriate results for our field of study.

Long-Term Mental Health Outcomes of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Neonates: An 18-Year National Cohort Study

To evaluate the association between neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the subsequent development of mental health conditions in children and adolescents. This was a retrospective cohort study, utilizing data from individuals born in South Korea between 2002 and 2005 and followed up until 2021, using the National Health Insurance Database. The cohort included 1,893,314 participants born during that period, with 927 diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia during the neonatal period (the exposed cohort). They were matched 1:10 with 9,270 unexposed individuals (the unexposed cohort) based on key demographic factors. The median age at the first mental health disorder diagnosis was 9 years (interquartile range, 5-15 years), with 5,698 individuals (55.9%) being male. During an average follow-up of 15.2 years, the incidence rate was 481/10,000 person-years in the exposed and 138/10,000 person-years in the unexposed cohort. By the age of 18 years, the cumulative incidence in the exposed cohort was 54% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 50%-57%), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.18 (95% CI; 2.81-3.60) compared with the unexposed cohort, and adjusted hazard ratios for early- and late-onset mental health disorders of 4.48 (95% CI; 3.84-5.22) and 1.89 (95% CI; 1.61-2.22), respectively. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings, and a subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk among individuals with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who required prolonged respiratory support or oxygen. Half of children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in our cohort developed mental health disorders by the age of 18 years, emphasizing the need for interventions and support for such individuals.

Promoting Resilience in Healthcare Workers: A Preventative Mental Health Education Program.

Healthcare workers face greater risks for mental health conditions and chronic stress due to the demanding nature of their roles. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges and increased vulnerabilities to long-term mental health conditions. The present study adapts an existing resilience-based educational workshop program to address the time constraints and unique needs of the healthcare workforce in a post-COVID-19 world. Expanded from its initial focus on resilience, the workshop curriculum incorporates psychoeducation on common mental health issues. Between July 2022 and June 2024, a 15 min "huddle" format offered on-site training to equip HCWs in a large urban health system with coping strategies to prevent, manage, and recover from stress. Attendance and anonymous feedback were collected at each session via brief electronic surveys. Participant responses (n = 1403) obtained immediately post-huddle suggested positive impact on stress management, perceived leadership support, and resilience. Findings show the potential of brief huddles to improve mental health and resilience in healthcare workers and similar workforces. Our findings support the efficacy of brief, evidence-based educational huddles in enhancing resilience, mental health awareness, and coping skills among HCWs. This model holds significant potential for widespread implementation across healthcare and other high-stress workplaces.

Acceptance as a possible link between past psychedelic experiences and psychological flexibility

Increased psychological flexibility (PF) may underlie the lasting positive effects of psychedelic experiences on mental well-being. The associations between different components of PF, psychological inflexibility (PI), and well-being with psychedelic use are not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional internet survey of participants (N = 629) with experience of classical psychedelics. Using network analysis, we examined how aspects of a single psychedelic experience (mystical-type features and psychological insights) and the frequency of past psychedelic use, were associated with current PF and PI components, as well as with mental well-being and ill-being. Mediation analyses explored whether PF mediated the relationship between past psychedelic use and well-being or ill-being. The network analysis linked psychological insight to the PF component Acceptance, with no association found between the frequency of past use and PF. Mediation analyses showed PF mediates the association between past psychedelic use and well-being and ill-being. These results suggest that the quality and depth of the psychedelic experience, rather than the frequency of use, are primarily linked to psychological flexibility, particularly Acceptance, and overall well-being. This underscores the importance of treating PF as a multidimensional construct to better understand the long-term mental health benefits of psychedelics.

Achievement Motivation and Stress Coping Styles of Physical Education Major

This study conducted in-depth research and statistics on the achievement motivation and stress coping methods of college students majoring in physical education at Hunan University of Science and Technology. The research subjects were college students majoring in physical education at Hunan University of Science and Technology. Understand their current evaluation of their achievement motivation and stress coping styles in physical education. The results show: The survey of student respondents shows that the gender distribution is basically balanced (males account for 50.77%, females account for 49.23%), mainly including sophomores and seniors. The interviewees generally affirmed the achievement motivation and stress coping style of physical education. However, although male and female students are consistent in their achievement motivation, the sociocultural factors that may affect this phenomenon were not explored in depth, which limits a comprehensive understanding of gender differences. Reduced performance among senior students in motivation to pursue success and avoid failure may be due to increased academic stress and psychological exhaustion. However, research has not analyzed the specific impact of these factors in detail, resulting in insufficient recommendations on how to effectively support older students. Although participants showed diversity in stress coping strategies, a tendency toward avoidance strategies may impact their long-term mental health. Research has not fully explored how to cultivate students' more active coping styles to enhance their ability and resilience to cope with stress.

Self-compassion as a protective factor against post-traumatic stress symptoms induced by adverse childhood experiences: A cross-sectional study among Japan air self-defense force new recruits

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may result in long-term mental health complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ACEs are known to be more frequent among military personnel, despite their need to maintain their mental health to accomplish their missions. Self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and understanding, can mitigate the psychological effects of adversity but is also affected by adversity. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the complex relationships between ACEs, self-compassion, and PTSD symptoms among 752 new recruits of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, of whom 537 with ACEs completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the independent effect of self-compassion, measured using the Self-Compassion Scale, on PTSD symptoms. Mediation effect analysis with self-compassion as a mediator was conducted on the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms. We confirmed high levels of ACEs among our participants compared to a healthy population of a previous study, and approximately 6% presented PTSD symptoms above a threshold. Self-compassion was significantly negatively associated with PTSD symptoms (β = −.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], −.34 to −.11). Mediation effect analysis revealed that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms, explaining 6.9% of this effect, and ACEs were negatively associated with self-compassion (β = −.13, 95% CI, −.22 to −.04). These findings suggested that self-compassion is a protective factor against PTSD symptoms, whereas ACEs can decrease self-compassion. Further research should explore educational interventions to enhance self-compassion among individuals with ACEs to mitigate PTSD symptoms.

Long Term Physical and Mental Health Outcomes of Older Adults Following a Major Burn Injury: A Burn Model System Investigation.

Older adults are at a higher risk of complications after burn injuries since many physical and mental changes are compounded by increasing age. Few studies have targeted the long-term effects of burns on older adults. Therefore, this study will investigate the long-term physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. 3129 participants from the Burn Model System Database were divided into 3 cohorts based on their age at injury (18-54, 55-64, and 65+). Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were derived from the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) and the Veterans RAND 12-item (VR-12) health surveys and analyzed to measure recovery at preinjury, discharge, 2-year follow-up, and 5-year follow-up. ANOVA, T-score analysis, and linear mixed-effects models were utilized to assess for significant differences in outcome scores. PCS scores were significantly different between the 18-54 cohort and 65+ cohorts at the preinjury and 2-year time intervals (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), but not at the 5-year follow up (P=0.28). MCS scores were significantly different between the 18-54 cohort and 65+ cohorts at all time intervals measured (p=0.001, p<0.001, P<0.001, and p=0.005 respectively), though the change in MCS scores over time were not significantly different between age cohorts across time (p=0.088). This supports that patients 65 years and older have a different physical function recovery trajectory when compared to patients under 64 years. These findings underscore the belief that for physical recovery after a burn injury, individualized physical rehabilitation plans will provide the most benefit for patients across all ages.

The impact of climate change-related disasters on mental health and epigenetics: a narrative review

Climate change has contributed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, leading to both immediate physical harm and long-term mental health consequences. Survivors often experience psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as a result of these traumatic events. This narrative review explores the intersection of climate change-related disasters, mental health outcomes, and epigenetic modifications. Specifically, we summarize recent findings on how environmental stressors influence both mental health and epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, could mediate the effects of climate change-related stress on mental health, potentially contributing to the onset of mental disorders like depression, panic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We also discuss other epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, and emphasize the importance of longitudinal studies to capture the dynamic nature of epigenetic changes over time. Finally, we propose future research directions to deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between climate change-related disasters, mental health outcomes, and epigenetic mechanisms, which will pave the way for more effective mental health interventions and policy integration.

Stress, Adaptation and Causal Pathways to Mental Health Disparities

Abstract The present article addresses the evolutionary dimension of stress process, specifically focusing on the conceptual division into ontologically ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’ stressors. A study conducted in Kyiv, Ukraine (n = 208) in 2020 examined the relationships between both stressor types and measures of short- and long-term mental health outcomes for both positive and negative sides of mental health spectrum. Three empirical observations are noted. (1) Modern stressors but not ancient stressors had a significant effect on depression measure, despite being rated as less severe stressors by the participants. (2) Neither type of stressors was found to affect flourishing. (3) High current socioeconomic status and high degree of social cohesion attenuated the effects of modern stressors (but not that of ancient stressors) on depression; at the same time, socioeconomic status did not diminish the participants’ perceived stress levels. The theoretical implications for the adaptationist perspective on stress, mental health and health disparities are discussed.

Psychological distress among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: patterns over time

BackgroundCOVID-19 added to healthcare provider (HCP) distress, but patterns of change remain unclear. This study sought to determine if and how emotional distress varied among HCP between March 28, 2021 and December 1, 2023.MethodsThis longitudinal study was embedded within the 42-month prospective COVID-19 Cohort Study that recruited HCP from four Canadian provinces. Information was collected at enrollment, from annual exposure surveys, and vaccination and illness surveys. The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was completed approximately every six months after March 28, 2021. Linear mixed effects models, specifically random intercept models, were generated to determine the impact of time on emotional distress while accounting for demographic and work-related factors.ResultsBetween 2021 and 2023, the mean K10 score fell by 3.1 points, indicating decreased distress, but scores increased during periods of high levels of mitigation strategies against transmission of SARS-CoV-2, during winter months, and if taking antidepression, anti-anxiety or anti-insomnia medications. K10 scores were significantly lower for HCP who were male, older, had more children in their household, experienced prior COVID-19 illness(es), and for non-physician but regulated HCP versus nurses. A sensitivity analysis that included only those who had submitted at least five K10 surveys consisted of the factors in the full model excluding previous COVID-19 illness, occupation, and season, after adjustment. Models were also created for K10 anxiety and depression subscales.ConclusionsK10 scores decreased as the COVID-19 pandemic continued but increased during periods of high mitigation and the winter months. Personal and work-place factors also impacted HCP distress scores. Further research into best practices in distress identification and remediation is warranted to ensure future public health disasters are met with healthcare systems that are able to buffer HCP against short- and long-term mental health issues.