Mental Disorders In Women Research Articles

Lifestyle aspects are associated with common mental disorders in women over 40 years older in a population-based study

Background & AimsCommon mental disorders (CMD) are more prevalent in women, as well as noncommunicable diseases. Diet and physical activity are lifestyle modifiable factors that might help on managing these conditions. MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the association between lifestyle aspects (diet and physical activity) and common mental disorders in women aged 40+ years. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study (2015 ISA-Nutrition) with a representative sample of São Paulo-SP-Brazil urban residents. The present study was conducted with data from 467 women aged 40+ years old. Common Mental Disorders (dependent variable) were investigated by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20); the independent variables of interest were: the inflammatory potential of the diet was evaluated by dietary inflammatory index (DII), and physical activity level (evaluated by IPAQ) adopting the leisure dimension of physical activity. We considered as adjusting variables the presence of self-reported Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD), the age intervals (defined as 40-45, 46-50, 51-55, 56-60, 61+ years old), schooling, (according to years of formal education), Body Mass Index (BMI); and ethnicity (self-declared skin color). Simple and multi-adjusted logistic regression models were performed to investigate the associations. ConclusionsThe main findings indicate that the prevalence of CMD was 32.2%, and the frequency of having one or more NCD was 67.2%. In the final regression model, CMD was associated with the highest tertile of the DII (OR=2.215; p=0.003) and having three, and four or more NCD (OR= 6. 735; p<0.001, and OR= 3.874; p=0.033, respectively). Altogether, our results indicate that dietary inflammatory characteristics, and physical activity, along with NCD, are associated with CMD, in women aged 40+ years old, in different dimensions.

Association between obesity and common mental disorders in women: a population-based study in Southern Brazil.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and common mental disorders (CMD) among women. This is a cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of 981 adult women (20-60years of age) living in the urban area of the municipality of São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil, in 2015. The presence of CMD was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20 ≥ 8). Obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI ≥ 30.0kg/m2). Prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association between obesity and CMD were measured by Poisson regression with robust variance, including their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The mean age of the sample was 40.3years (standard deviation = 11.4years). The prevalence of CMD was 33.7% (95% CI 30.8-36.7), while obesity was 31.2% (95% CI 28.3-34.1). The occurrence of CMD was higher in women with low levels of education and belonging to lower economic class, as well as smokers and those who were insufficiently active. Obesity was more prevalent in older women (50-60years old) with less schooling, who did not consume alcohol, and those who were insufficiently active. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, women with obesity were 22% more likely to have CMD when compared to those without obesity (PR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.02-1.45; p = 0.030). This study demonstrated a significant association between obesity and the presence of CMD among women. Additionally, the prevalence of obesity and CMD were high in this population group.

Self-mutilation: a systematic review.

Self-mutilation lesions can represent a clinical diagnosis challenge for healthcare professionals, as patients do not admit to self-mutilation. This leads to failed diagnoses due to the similarity of this condition to other diseases. Searches on the subject were carried out at the PubMed, Periódicos Capes, Scopus, Science Direct and WoS databases, according to the following inclusion criteria: articles in English, Portuguese or Spanish, published from 2018 to June 2023, encompassing case reports, case series and literature reviews. Men are slight more affected by self-mutilation injuries, also presenting the most serious lesions. Self-mutilation injuries are reported globally, mostly in the Asian and American continents. Clinical presentations are varied, but morphology is, in most cases, associated to the form/instrument used for self-mutilation. Greater evidence of diagnosed mental disorders in women and underreporting of these cases in men due to low demands for specialized treatment are noted. A higher prevalence of self-mutilation lesions was verified for men, affecting a wide age range, with the highest number of cases in the USA. The most affected body areas are arms and external genitalia, mostly due to knife use. An association between self-mutilation injuries and mental disorders is clear, with most cases being previously undiagnosed.

Associations between pregnancy loss and common mental disorders in women: a large prospective cohort study.

Increasing evidence suggests that pregnancy loss can lead to negative emotional outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, for women. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term risk of mental disorders among individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss. To investigate the associations between pregnancy loss and the risk of common mental disorders. In the UK Biobank, a total of 218,990 women without any mental disorder at baseline were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and followed until October 2022. Information on the history of pregnancy loss was obtained through self-reported questionnaires at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between pregnancy loss and common mental disorders. During a median follow-up time of 13.36 years, there were 26,930 incident cases of common mental disorders. Incidence rates of common mental disorders were elevated among women with a history of stillbirth (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.23), miscarriage (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10), or pregnancy termination (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.17-1.25) compared to those without such experiences. Furthermore, the risk of common mental disorders significantly increased in women with two or more miscarriages (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.19) or two or more pregnancy terminations (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.30-1.48). Pregnancy loss is associated with an increased risk of common mental disorders in women later in life. These findings may contribute to the enhancement of long-term monitoring and prevention of common mental disorders for women with such a history.

Social inequalities, residential greenness and common mental disorders in women: evidence from the Born in Bradford family cohort study

BackgroundGreen space may promote mental health in vulnerable groups but evidence is mixed. We explored prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) and associations with green space in a deprived urban multi-ethnic population. MethodsWe included 4737 women from the Born in Bradford cohort (64% South Asian origin, 49% most deprived population decile). Green space was measured using the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) around home addresses and availabiltiy of major green spaces within 300 m. CMD were identified from health records (diagnosis and prescriptions) and self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms. Area deprivation, ethnicity, education, physical activity, use, and satisfaction with green spaces were collected. Linear and logistic regression models explored the distribution of CMD and residential greenness for different socio-economic groups and associations between greenness metrics and CMD. Mediators (physical activity) and moderators (green space use and satisfaction) were explored. FindingsThirty percent of participants showed at least one CMD indicator. White British and the least and most educated groups had higher CMD rates. South Asian and Black ethnic groups had less surrounding greenness and greater availability of major green spaces; however used them less frequently. No relationships between green space and CMD were apparent. For those unsatisfied with their local park, living within 300 m of a major green space increased risk of anxiety symptoms, but not other CMD indicators. InterpretationAvailability of quality green spaces alone may not be enough to confer health benefits for populations experiencing high rates of CMD and multiple environmental and social stressors.

Applying the structural equation model approach to study the simultaneous relationship between women’s empowerment and mental disorder in Egypt

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to examine whether women’s empowerment and mental disorder affect each other in a one-way or two-way simultaneous relationship. Accordingly, the study fills a gap in the literature since it is the first attempt to examine the simultaneous relationship between women’s empowerment and mental disorder in Egypt. To achieve this, the study aims to examine the most important dimensions of women’s empowerment and mental disorder that affect each other simultaneously, and the most important determinants affecting women’s empowerment and mental disorder.Design/methodology/approachThe study depends on the cross-sectional data from the “Survey of Young People in Egypt” implemented in 2014. Married women aged 14–35 are included in the analysis (N = 3052). Recursive and nonrecursive structural equation models are used to examine the simultaneous relationship between women’s empowerment and mental disorder using AMOS, which stands for Analysis of Moment Structures (Version 22).ResultsWomen’s education has a positive significant impact on women’s empowerment and mental health. Violence has a positive significant impact on mental disorder, while it has a negative impact on women’s empowerment. Sexual harassment has a negative impact on treatment with spouse dimension. Regarding the one-way relationship, the results show that the more empowered the woman, the better her mental health is. Considering the two-way simultaneous relationship, the findings show that there is a partial two-way simultaneous relationship.ConclusionThere is a relationship between women’s empowerment and mental health, indicating that they affect each other simultaneously. Awareness of the importance of psychological counselling and treatment for mental disorders in women is needed.

Prevalence and determinants of perinatal mental disorders in women with gestational diabetes in New Zealand: Findings from a national longitudinal study.

Concurrent diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and mental disorders is associated with adverse outcomes for mother and child, but there is limited information about prevalence or which women are at risk. This study was a prospective cohort study of women with gestational diabetes from 10 hospitals in New Zealand who reported anxiety (6-item Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and health-related quality of life (36-Item Short-Form General Health Survey) at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis (baseline), 36 weeks' gestation, and 6 months postpartum. Potential predictors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Among 414 respondents, 17% reported anxiety, 16% vulnerability to depression and 27% poor mental health-related quality of life at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis. At 36 weeks' gestation, prevalence decreased for vulnerability to depression (8%) and poor mental health-related quality of life (20%). Younger maternal age, Pacific ethnicity, previous history of gestational diabetes, and older gestational age at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis were associated with poorer mental health outcomes. At 6 months postpartum the prevalence of mental disorders did not differ from in late pregnancy and they were associated with later gestational age at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis and elevated 2-hour postprandial glucose concentrations. Perinatal mental disorders are common at time of diagnosis among women with gestational diabetes in New Zealand and had decreased by late pregnancy and at 6 months after birth. These disorders are more common among women with specific risk factors who may therefore benefit from additional support.

Sociodemographic and clinical features of men and women with eating disorders: a diagnosis-matched, retrospective comparison among inpatients.

Eating disorders (EDs) are among the most severe mental disorders in women and men, often associated with high symptom burden and significant limitations in daily functioning, frequent comorbidities, chronic course of illness, and even high mortality rates. At the same time, differences between men and women with EDs remain poorly explored. In this study, we compared 104 men to 104 diagnosis-matched women with EDs regarding sociodemographic and clinical features. Using latent class mixture modelling, we identified four distinct patient subgroups based on their sociodemographic features. Men with EDs had significantly higher odds than women to belong to a "single-childfree-working" class. Moreover, while there were few overall differences in ED-related symptoms and general psychopathology between men and women, single-childfree-working men with EDs presented with higher general psychopathology symptoms than men in the other classes. We discuss how considering sex and gender along with further sociodemographic differences in EDs may help to improve ED diagnosis and treatment.

Domestic Factors as Determinant of Sickness Absence with Psychiatric Disorders: A Scoping Review of Nordic Research Published between 2010-2019.

Uneven division of domestic factors may contribute to sex differences in sickness absence with psychiatric disorders. The aim of this scoping review was to compile current Nordic research on domestic factors and sickness absence with psychiatric disorders. A systematic search was performed to identify studies from the Nordic countries published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Twelve studies were included. Marital status, family situation, work-home interference (in both directions), social affiliation, and loss of child/young adult (suicide, accident, or natural death) were identified as measures of domestic factors. In 8 of the 12 studies, domestic factors were used as co-variates, while four used them as the main exposure. Social affiliation, home-to-work conflict, and total workload were not associated with the outcome. One study found that parents with children older than two years, widows/widowers, and those divorced or unmarried had an increased risk of sickness absence with psychiatric disorders. One study found that work-to-home conflict was associated with sickness absence with stress-related diagnoses in men, and with other mental disorders in women. Finally, one study found that losing a son or daughter aged 16-24 years increased the risk of future sickness absence with a psychiatric disorder regardless of the cause of death. Future studies need to develop concepts, study designs, and measurements to move this research area further. In particular, the concept of "unpaid domestic work" needs theoretical and empirical development.

Mindfulness improves the mental health of infertile women: A systematic review.

Infertility in women causes mental health problems, the bad ones. Women with infertility need psychological treatment using mindfulness interventions. This study's purpose was to analyze mindfulness's effect on the mental health of women with infertility through a systematic review. The method used in this systematic review was by searching through the following databases; ProQuest database, Wiley Library, Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Sage Journal, Cochrane Library, and Cambridge Core from January 2011 to December 2021. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Results show that the use of mindfulness was found to be effective in reducing mental disorders in women with infertility. Nine articles that meet the criteria for inclusion. According to a study on the effects of mindfulness on infertile women, affect increasing mental health levels by reducing mental health disorder scores. Mindfulness has been proven to be an effective intervention for women undergoing infertility-related mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression. However, different types of mindfulness-based interventions are used to target different mental health issues. For example, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) targets stress and anxiety while Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) targets depression. Additionally, specific mindfulness for example, for the midwifery profession can be developed to improve the quality and treatment outcomes of healthcare for women struggling with infertility problems.

Household food insecurity, low maternal social support and maternal common mental disorders in East Mamprusi Municipality, Ghana

IntroductionBoth household food insecurity and maternal common mental disorders are public health concerns in Ghana but studies on them, and their interrelatedness are scarce. Social support is an independent determinant of mental health but can also moderate the link between risk factors and mental illness. Identifying the risk factors of mental illness may provide opportunities for intervention and help reduce disease burden and impact. This study examined the association between household food insecurity or low maternal social support and maternal common mental disorders in East Mamprusi Municipality, Ghana.MethodsThis was a community-based, cross-sectional study involving 400 mothers with children 6–23 months selected using multi-stage sampling. Summary scores for household food insecurity, maternal social support, and maternal common mental disorders were measured using Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), Medical Outcome Study Social Support Scale (SSS), and WHO Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 items (SRQ-20) respectively in personal interviews. Poisson regression models were fitted to determine the association of household food insecurity or low maternal social support with maternal common mental disorders, controlling for selected socio-demographic variables.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 26.7 (± 6.68) years, and the mean FIES, SSS, and SRQ-20 scores were 5.62 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.29–5.96] out of 8, 43.12 (95% CI: 41.34–44.90) out of 100, and 7.91 (95% CI: 7.38–8.45) out of 19 respectively. About two-thirds of the households (71.9%), and 72.7% and 49.5% of the women had food insecurity, low social support and probable common mental disorder respectively. In the adjusted analyses, a unit increase in FIES score was associated to a 4% increment in the predicted SRQ-20 score [Incident Risk Ratio (IRR) 1.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02, 1.06; p = 0.001], and the predicted SRQ-20 score of the women belonging to low social support category was 38% higher compared to that of women of high social support category (IRR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.66; p = 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of household food insecurity and common mental disorders among mothers are high, and both household food insecurity and low social support are significantly related to common mental disorders in women. Interventions to reduce both household food insecurity, and common mental disorders in women are warranted, and should include social support for women.

A Psychosocial Risk Assessment Tool to Predict Postnatal Depression in Women with Complicated Pregnancy

Introduction: Few studies have reported the role of psychosocial risk factors by a validated scale in predicting mental disorders in women with complicated pregnancy. This study investigated the role of a psychosocial risk assessment tool in the prediction of postnatal depression in women with complicated pregnancy. Methods: A prospective study was performed on pregnant women with complicated pregnancy from December 2019 to June 2020. A total of 125 pregnant women filled the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Brief Symptom Inventory 53-items (BSI-53). Also, the patients completed EPDS during 6-weeks of postpartum. An expert mental specialist conducted the interviews based on the DSM-5. Results: More than half of the women with complicated pregnancy were diagnosed to have at least one mental disorder. The mean risk scores of ANRQ including the childhood social support from the respondent’s mother, history of mental illness, perceived level of support available postpartum, significant life events in the past 12 months, and personality traits with high anxiety were higher in women with mental disorders than those without mental disorders. The results emphasized that the total score of ANRQ was the strongest positive predictor for postnatal depression score of EPDS (β = 0.569, p=&lt;0.001), for the total score of BSI-53 (β = 0.666 p=&lt;0.001), and for GSI (β = 0.237, p=0.019). Conclusion: The study proposes that the use of a validated psychosocial risk assessment tool alongside a screening psychological tool, like EPDS, is reliable for prediction of mental disorders and help women with complicated pregnancy at risk for prevention of depression at antenatal visits.

Influence of hysterectomy due to leiomyoma on woman’s psychological status

The objective: to study the clinical-psychopathological features and psycho-emotional symptoms and borderline mental disorders in women of reproductive age after hysterectomy due to leiomyoma.Materials and methods. An assessment of the psychological state of 160 women after hysterectomy for leiomyoma was carried out. 90 patients of them (average age – 45.9±1.3 years old) had transvaginal hysterectomy, both classic and laparoscopically assisted one with opportunistic salpingectomy (I group) and 70 patients (average age – 47.2±1.6 years old) – abdominal hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy (II group). The control group included 50 women 45.7±1.3 years old with asymptomatic leiomyoma. Clinical psychopathological, anamnestic and experimental psychological methods were used. Pathopsychological methods included methods of visual presentation of the personality profile using the Minnesota Multifaceted Personality Questionnaire. The survey was conducted at the pre-operative period, during the adaptation period and during 12 months. Statistical processing of monitoring data was carried out according to the φ-criterion using the statistical analysis software package STATISTICA v. 10 and Microsoft Office Excel application. Results. The results of the questionnaire determined that 44 (48.89 %) patients of the I group and 33 (47.14 %) women of the II group had disorders related to anxiety, and 6 (6.67 %) and 5 (7 .14 %) of the patients of both groups, respectively, were diagnosed depression before surgical treatment. After hysterectomy the number of patients with an anxiety disorder increased to 52 (57.78 %) in the I group and 41 (52.57 %) – II group, with depression – to 10 (11.11 %) and 8 (11.43 %) women, respectively. However, the psychopathological analysis with psychologists in 12 months after hysterectomy determined affective symptoms in 11 (15.7±7.0 %), and latent depression with a somatopsychic correlation, manifested by a feeling palpitation, cardialgias, vegetative disorders was found in 8 (11.4±6.0 %) cases. The type of personality accentuation influenced the development of psychoemotional manifestations. In this structure, the largest rate consisted of psychoasthenic and hysterical character traits. The age of the patient was important when analyzing additional psychological factors. Women under 44 years old associated hysterectomy with loss of femininity with premature aging of the organism. The patients with successful implementation of their role in the family and society had better postoperative psychological adaptation.Conclusions. There is a trend toward an increased number of anxiety and depressive disorders after hysterectomy in women with leiomyoma. After 12 months, affective symptoms were present in 11 (15.7±7.0 %) cases and in 8 (11.4±6.0 %) cases – hidden depression. Postoperative rehabilitation should include a consultation with a psychologist to identify and treat borderline mental disorders, which will lead to the initiation of compensatory and adaptive reactions of the body and the normalization of the psycho-emotional status.

The relationship between national cultural dimensions, maternal anxiety and depression, and national breastfeeding rates: An analysis of data from 122 countries

IntroductionBreastfeeding is a natural and universal practice across countries and cultures. It is estimated that several thousand lives could be saved per year if optimal breastfeeding practices were adopted across countries. In addition, breastfeeding has numerous health, emotional and developmental benefits for both the mother and her infant. Despite widespread awareness of these benefits, rates of breastfeeding initiation and maintenance remain suboptimal, both in high- and in low- and middle-income countries. Unfavorable breastfeeding outcomes are related to several factors, including variations in cultural values and the occurrence of common mental disorders in women during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. However, the relative contributions of culture and mental health to variations in national breastfeeding rates have not been examined to date.MethodsIn the current study, recent United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) data on lifetime breastfeeding rates is analyzed in two stages, to first explore and then confirm the impact of cultural values and maternal mental health status at a cross-national level.ResultsIt was found that the estimated prevalence of both depression and anxiety disorders in women of childbearing age was negatively correlated with breastfeeding rates. Significant associations were also observed for the cultural dimensions of individualism-collectivism and masculinity-femininity. The association between anxiety disorders and breastfeeding outcomes remained significant in multivariate analysis incorporating demographic and health variables that could exert a confounding effect.DiscussionThese results suggest that both cultural values and the assessment and treatment of maternal mental illness should be components of any programme aimed at communicating the benefits of breastfeeding or at improving breastfeeding outcomes. The inclusion of these components could help promote the values of cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness and equity in breastfeeding from a global perspective.

The Relationship Between Access to Abortion and Mental Health in Women of Childbearing Age: Analyses of Data From the Global Burden of Disease Studies.

Background It has often been suggested that restricting access to legal abortion could have a negative impact on the mental health of women seeking this procedure. The recent judgment of the United States Supreme Court in the Dobbs case has brought the question of the psychological impactof changes in abortion policy into focus. The results of studies on the link between induced abortion and mental health are contradictory, and interpreting the results of these studies is complex due to a multitude of potential confounding factors. However, there is little data on the relationship between the availability of legal abortion and its effects onthe mental health of women of childbearing age in the general population. Objective The objective of the current study was to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between access to legal abortion and the prevalence of common mental disorders in women of childbearing age at a cross-national level while correcting for potential confounding factors. Methods The current study employs both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of nation-level data for 197 countries and regions. As data on global abortion policy were compiled in 2009 and 2017 by the Guttmacher Institute, data on access to legal abortion for these yearswere examined in relation to the prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression in women of childbearing age for each country, obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Studies for the most recent subsequent year (2010 and 2019). The relationship between changes in abortion policy and changes in the prevalence of these disorders in each country was examined for the aforementioned period. All analyses were adjusted for the potential confounding effects of gender development, gender inequality, and intimate partner violence. Cross-sectional associations were examined using Pearson's bivariate and partial correlations, while longitudinal associations were examined using a general linear model and analyses of covariance. Results At the cross-sectional level, broad legal access to abortion was associated with a lower prevalence of depression in women aged 25-49 years, however, this association was not significant after correcting for measures of gender development, gender inequality, and intimate partner violence. At the longitudinal level, a slight but significant decrease in the prevalence of anxiety disorders in women aged 25-49 years was observed in countries where access to legal abortion was broadened in the period 2009-2017. This association remained marginally significant after adjustment for the above confounders. Conclusions The current study suggests that there is a modest relationship between access to legal abortion and its effects on themental health of women aged 25-49 years. However, this relationship appears to be largely indirect in nature and influenced by factors, such as gender development, gender inequality, and intimate partner violence. These results may lead to further exploration of the links between reproductive rights and mental health of women in the general populationand drawattention to the influence of gender inequality and intimate partner violence on mental health of women of childbearing age.

Santé mentale et Covid : toutes et tous concernés. Une revue narrative

The COVID-19 pandemic (caused by the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus) led to unprecedented challenges to public health, the healthcare system, and our daily lives (including work and education), particularly during the first wave in early 2020. In order to control infection of the virus, many countries have imposed restrictive measures to promote social distancing, ranging from curfews and school closures to widespread lockdown. At the beginning of 2022, there were 135,000 deaths from Sars-CoV-2 in France (nearly 6 million worldwide). Beyond the possible impact of Sars-CoV-2 on the brain, the pandemic has created complex human situations, with a possible impact on the mental health of populations. In this narrative review, we summarize current data on the impact of the pandemic on mental health in the general population and identify the most vulnerable groups. The goal is to provide more targeted prevention for these populations. Our review has identified several subgroups of subjects at higher risk of disorder in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: those bereaved by COVID-19, adolescents, students, people with COVID (with potentially direct brain damages), and finally, health care workers. Gender disparities were accentuated, leading to more mental disorders in women. Longitudinal follow-up studies are needed to better identify the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of different populations, and also to define personalized prevention strategies. Screening and prevention measures must be taken to limit the impact of this pandemic on mental health. More generally, the “one health” approach, which places human health at the interface of environmental and animal health, seems essential to avoid the occurrence of this type of pandemic and its consequences in the future.

The Mental Health of Women with Gestational Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: There is evidence that women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of the common mental disorders of anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic may have exerted an additional burden on the mental health of this population. The aim of this analysis was to compare levels of symptoms of common mental disorders and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic between pregnant and postnatal women exposed and unexposed to gestational diabetes. Methods: Cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative data from an online survey administered across 10 countries to women who were pregnant or up to 6 months postpartum from 15 June to October 31, 2020. Women self-reported gestational diabetes and completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 items) measures. The COPE-IS (Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences-Impact Survey) tool was also administered. Complete case analyses were conducted on a sample of 7,371 women. Results: There was evidence of an association between gestational diabetes and increased levels of depression symptoms, which was robust to adjustment for age, education, and employment status. There was only evidence of an association with anxiety in postnatal women. There was also evidence that women with gestational diabetes, particularly those in the postnatal period, experienced higher levels of pandemic-related distress, although they did not experience higher levels of COVID-19 infection in this sample. Conclusions: The increased risk of common mental disorders in women with gestational diabetes underscores the importance of integrated physical and mental health care for pregnant and postnatal women both during and beyond the pandemic. Clinical Trial Registration no. NCT04595123.

Women’s mental health during the COVID 19 pandemic and the problem of domestic violence in a lockdown situation

IntroductionThe current situation caused by restrictive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic provokes the high level of aggressiveness and all forms of domestic violence. These results in mental health problems.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to find out the consequences of domestic violence against women and to identify psychological problems and mental disorders in women.MethodsA cohort of 18 females was examined by psychiatrists and psychologists. All women turned to specialists at the Moscow Institute of Psychiatry for help.Results All women were victims of violence by their husbands and partners. Lockdown situation associated with COVID 19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of domestic violence. Clinical assessment has revealed different depressive symptoms, anxiety, fear, suicidal tendencies forming the clinical picture of adjustment disorder (2 cases), acute reaction to stress (3 cases), post-traumatic stress disorder (2 cases), depressive episode (8 cases), eating disorders behavior in the form of bulimia and anorexia (3 cases).Conclusions The research has revealed that domestic abuse against women associated with lockdown situation during the COVID 19 pandemic often results in psychological and long-term mental health problems. In these cases, prevention is needed to combat violence against women with the participation of public health specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Anxiety and depression in women of reproductive age with thyroid disease

Background. The problem of pathology of the affective sphere, especially anxiety and depressive disorders, at the present stage of development of society is especially relevant among general medical problems. In recent years, there has also been a pathomorphosis of mental disorders in various somatic and endocrine diseases. A link between thyroid disease and mental disorders, including autoimmune thyroiditis, has been found. Further research on this issue is important. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of mental disorders in women with subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism on the background of autoimmune thyroiditis. Materials and methods. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in 176 women of reproductive age (18 to 44years) with subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism with autoimmune thyroiditis compared with healthy women. The examination was conducted before the start of therapy for the underlying disease. Results. It was found that out of the 176 women surveyed, 37.5% of them had anxiety syndrome, 13.6% had depression, 10.8% of women had comorbid anxiety disorder and depression, and 38.1% of those surveyed had normal results. The group of women with autoimmune thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism was dominated by clinically severe anxiety (40.9%) and depression (15.1%), the percentage of detected subclinical anxiety and depression was 7.6% and 7.6%, respectively, while the group of women with autoimmune thyroiditis and euthyroidism was dominated by subclinically expressed anxiety (37.1%) and depression (8.6%), and the percentage of clinically expressed anxiety and depression was 5.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Conclusions. Anxiety-depressive syndrome is 3.5 times more common in patients with thyroid diseases than in healthy women. There is a direct correlation of weak strength between the level of TSH in women with subclinical hypothyroidism and the number of points scored during the survey on both scales HADS-depression (r=0.12, p&lt;0.05) and HADS-anxiety (r=0.14, p&lt;0.05). There was a direct correlation of weak strength between the level of TPO Ab and the number of points scored during the survey in both scales HADS-depression (r=0.17, p &lt;0.05) and HADS-anxiety (r=0.19, p&lt;0.05).

The association of mitochondrial DNA copy number with incident mental disorders in women: A population-based follow-up study

BackgroundAvailable evidence suggests that mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) may differ among patients with mental disorders compared to the general population. However, whether mtDNA-CN is independently associated with the subsequent incidence of mental disorders remains unclear. Material and methodsWe used droplet digital PCR to measure the absolute mtDNA-CN in DNA samples obtained from a population-based follow-up study, which included a total of 2354 middle-aged women (52–63 years) who were free of mental disorders at baseline. After 17 years (median) of follow-up, 727 participants were diagnosed with mental disorders. ResultsIn the univariate Cox regression, lower baseline mtDNA-CN (mtDNA-CN < 117) was associated with a higher risk of mental disorders (HR = 1.16, p = 0.047). In addition, smoking, marital status and sleeping quality were associated with both mtDNA-CN and mental disorders. After adjusting for these variables, the association between mtDNA-CN and mental disorders decreased and became non-significant (HR = 1.07, p = 0.36). Stratification of data according to the subtype of mental disorders, showed that low mtDNA-CN was associated with a higher risk of alcohol or drug use disorders (HR = 1.82, p = 0.045 after adjusting). ConclusionIn the present study, we could not find any independent association between mtDNA-CN blood and the most common mental disorders in a population-based follow-up study of Swedish women, except for alcohol and drug use disorders. The use of blood mtDNA-CN as a biomarker of mental disorders, in addition to other risk factors, needs to be further examined in future studies.