Mental Health Concern Research Articles

Recent advancements in postpartum depression prediction through machine learning approaches: a systematic review

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern affecting mothers worldwide, irrespective of demographic factors. Detecting and managing PPD at an early stage is crucial for effective intervention. In the context of mental health, intelligent predictive models based on machine learning (ML) have emerged as valuable tools. However, there remains a relative scarcity of research specifically targeting postpartum mental health due to several prominent factors that collectively impede the widespread adoption and practical implementation of ML in the field of PPD. This paper provides an updated overview of ML approaches for PPD prediction. A systematic search across IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus yielded 1,074 relevant articles. The performance of ML algorithms varies depending on the dataset and the problem being addressed. Notably, the findings reveal that the random forest (RF) algorithm consistently demonstrates the highest predictive accuracy, followed by support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), XGBoost, and AdaBoost. The development of advanced data techniques in PPD has encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers in psychiatry and computer science that holds great potential for refining the accuracy and reliability of PPD predictive models, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes for mothers and their families through early detection, intervention, and support.

Assessing Strengths and Well-Being in Primary Care for Adolescents With Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns.

As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in meeting adolescent behavioral health needs, primary care providers (PCPs) were a locus for interventions to address adolescent mental health and substance use concerns. Strength-based approaches may support PCP promotion of positive behavioral health in adolescents, but competing priorities or other factors may inhibit their use. We analyzed health record review data from 31 primary care practices to assess utilization of strength-based approaches during the health supervision visit (HSV) for adolescents with and without behavioral health concerns. We found that most had strengths identified (78%) or well-being topics addressed (83%). However, adolescents screening positive for depression were 40% less likely to have strengths identified, whereas those screening positive for anxiety or substance use were 89% and 163%, respectively, more likely to have well-being topics addressed. Primary care providers may need support for integrating strength-based approaches when managing adolescents screening positive for depression.

Adolescents' Mental Health Concerns in Pre- and During COVID-19: Roles of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Emotional Resilience.

Limited research has explored the trend of adolescent mental health concerns pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic and how such mental health concerns are explained by emotional resilience and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and severity of mental health concerns among U.S. adolescents and examine the mediating role of emotional resilience in the relationship between ACEs and mental health concerns (i.e., anxiety and depression). Using the 2018-2021 National Survey of Children's Health, we analyzed a large sample of 12-17 aged adolescents. Descriptive statistics of the prevalence and severity of mental health concerns were conducted. Further, four separate mediation analyses were conducted to examine the association between ACEs, emotional resilience, and mental health concerns for each year. Two key findings are as follows. First, the prevalence and severity of mental health concerns have shown an upward trend across pre- and during COVID-19. Second, all paths in the mediation models were found to be statistically associated with one another over four years. We used parents' reports for variables of interest; further we used a single item to capture emotional resilience. This study not only demonstrates the trend of adolescent mental health concerns before and during COVID-19 but also highlights the crucial role of emotional resilience as a mediator of ACEs and mental health concerns. Findings emphasize the imperative for prevention and intervention efforts to strengthen adolescents' emotional capacity to cope with childhood adversities and additional life challenges.

Parental care and overprotection predict worry and anxiety symptoms in emerging adult students

Anxiety disorders represent a prevalent mental health concern, with escalating rates, especially among emerging adults. University students, in particular, face a myriad of academic and life stressors that can amplify feelings of worry and anxiety. While early parental bonding seem to predict anxiety disorders later in life, the applicability to emerging adult students and its applicability to predict sub-clinical and transdiagnostic anxiety features remain unclear. This study aims to examine i) the relationship between demographic variables and key features of anxiety disorders (i.e., worry and anxiety symptoms); and ii) the predictive association between early parental bonding and anxiety-related features. A sample of 370 university students in Italy (n = 279 females; M age = 20.84 years, SD age = 1.81 years) completed the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Females reported higher levels of worry and anxiety compared to males. Significantly higher worry and anxiety symptoms were reported by individuals who experienced affectionless control (low care and high overprotection) as compared to those exposed to optimal parenting (high care and low overprotection). Predictive models indicated that scores of parental care (i.e., the principal component between maternal and paternal care scores) and parental overprotection (i.e., the principal component between maternal and paternal overprotection scores) are robust predictors of worry and anxiety symptoms. However, this relationship showed a gender-specific pattern: lower parental care was more significant in predicting anxiety features in males, while high overprotection was more significant in females. The findings contribute to the comprehension of the risk factors influencing the susceptibility of emerging adult students to anxiety disorders.

Keeping Color in Mind: Racial Disparities within Mental Health Care

Health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege, or is it? Systematic issues curated throughout history have fostered the existence of public health disparities at all levels. Still, the level of impact and who it has affected most almost directly correlates with the color of one’s skin. While medical health inequality remains a pressing matter for disadvantaged groups, the mental health concern for people of color (POCs) is neither researched nor discussed enough. Despite the multitude of barriers, it is critical to address mental well-being to prevent and eliminate suicides, introduce strategies to reduce the impacts of mental illness and consider the role that race has when administering tests and treatment. The review of relevant literature will analyze the current research done on racial prejudices and how they adversely affect marginalized groups, why they continue to exist despite prior efforts, and proposed solutions to challenge these discrepancies. Its objective is to increase awareness and education regarding mental health disparities and how they relate to people of color to ultimately aid in diminishing the continuation of these unjust practices and catalyze vital changes in both POCs’ right to impartial access and quality of mental health care.

Characterizing Mental Health Status and Service Utilization in Chinese Americans With Type 2 Diabetes in New York City: Cross-Sectional Study.

Emerging evidence indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more prone to mental health issues than the general population; however, there is a significant lack of data concerning the mental health burden in Chinese Americans with T2D. The aim of this study was to explore the comorbid mental health status, health-seeking behaviors, and mental service utilization among Chinese Americans with T2D. A cross-sectional telephone survey was performed among 74 Chinese Americans with T2D in New York City. We used standardized questionnaires to assess mental health status and to gather data on mental health-seeking behaviors and service utilization. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis. A total of 74 Chinese Americans with T2D completed the survey. Most participants (mean age 56, SD 10 years) identified as female (42/74, 57%), were born outside the United States (73/74, 99%), and had limited English proficiency (71/74, 96%). Despite nearly half of the participants (34/74, 46%) reporting at least one mental health concern (elevated stress, depressive symptoms, and/or anxiety), only 3% (2/74) were currently using mental health services. Common reasons for not seeking care included no perceived need, lack of information about Chinese-speaking providers, cost, and time constraints. The cultural and language competence of the provider was ranked as the top factor related to seeking mental health care. Chinese Americans with T2D experience relatively high comorbid mental health concerns yet have low service utilization. Clinicians may consider team-based care to incorporate mental health screening and identify strategies to provide culturally and linguistically concordant mental health services to engage Chinese Americans with T2D.

Rate of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Interns/House Officers in Nigeria

Abstract Background Medical school is one of the most academically and emotionally demanding programs. The mandatory house job and internship year adds to the already high level of stress associated with medical school. The amount of time and effort invested is considerable. This dedication could be harmful to the young trainees' health, causing worry, despair, and stress. This study was undertaken to determine the rate of anxiety, depression, and stress among interns and house officers in Nigeria. Materials and Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey in which 138 participants were conveniently recruited. The study used a self-report questionnaire with two sections that took approximately 10 minutes to complete. The first section collected sociodemographic information of the participants and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used in the second segment to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. Results The rate of depression, anxiety, and stress among the participants in this study is 37.3, 42.5, and 15.7%, respectively. In this study, only duration of training has significant association with depression and stress (p < 0.05). However, all other sociodemographic variables showed no significant association with depression, anxiety, and stress (p > 0.05). Conclusion The significantly high level of depression, anxiety, and stress found among the participants revealed that depression, anxiety, and stress are of public mental health concern. These may have negative effects on cognitive functioning, learning, and patient care.

Efficacy of Pharmacological Treatments in Managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Abstract Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a significant mental health concern characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday activities. Despite its prevalence, there is a scarcity of research on pharmacological management strategies for GAD, particularly within the Saudi Arabian context. This study aims to address this gap by identifying and evaluating the most commonly used pharmacological strategies among adults in Saudi Arabia. It will assess the effectiveness of these strategies, examine factors influencing the preference of these strategies, and explore the prevalence and impact of adverse effects associated with them. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed stratified random sampling to select a representative sample of adults aged 18 years and above from various regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants provided data through self-administered questionnaires, which included information on sociodemographic characteristics, GAD symptoms, pharmacological strategies utilized, their effectiveness, and any adverse effects. The study’s analytical approach encompassed statistical methods such as correlation, regression, and Chi-square tests, aiming to uncover relationships and patterns among the collected data, particularly focusing on treatment efficacy and the occurrence of adverse effects. Results: We found a demographic skewing among Saudi patients with GAD, particularly toward young adults aged 18–24 and women. The majority of these patients were diagnosed with GAD and had been experiencing symptoms for less than six months. In addition, there was a notable willingness among them to seek professional help. The most commonly used pharmacological strategy was classified as “Others,” with a high satisfaction rate reported by users. Adverse effects were infrequent, affecting only a minority of patients frequently. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors demonstrated the highest mean improvement in GAD symptoms, indicating their effectiveness. Our study also emphasized the importance of considering medication side effects, especially for individuals with a greater tendency to adverse events. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans, medication efficacy, and side effect profiles for managing GAD in Saudi Arabia. It also underscores the need for evidence-based treatment guidelines and suggests areas for future research to optimize GAD treatment strategies based on individual patient needs and therapy responses.

Unraveling School Adolescent Depression: Insights into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Adolescent depression presents a significant global mental health concern, exerting profound impacts on various facets of young people's lives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a leading intervention for tackling adolescent depression, grounded in principles derived from cognitive theory. This review delves into the effectiveness, mechanisms, and outcomes of CBT in addressing adolescent depression, synthesizing findings from a range of empirical studies including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The review underscores the consistent efficacy of CBT in diminishing depressive symptoms among adolescents, elucidating mechanisms such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation that underpin its therapeutic effects. Additionally, CBT yields favorable outcomes beyond mere symptom reduction, encompassing enhancements in social connections and academic performance. Nonetheless, challenges such as limited accessibility and hurdles in engaging adolescents persist in CBT implementation. To surmount these obstacles, forthcoming research ought to concentrate on devising innovative delivery approaches, such as internet-based interventions and school-centered programs. In essence, CBT stands as a pivotal component in the treatment of adolescent depression, furnishing a holistic framework to address the intricate interplay of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral elements, thereby fostering the mental well-being of adolescents on a global scale.

Online Interventions to Improve Mental Health of K-12 Teachers: A Scoping Review

Purpose: To explore mental health interventions using online technologies for school teachers and identify characteristics and effects on teachers’ mental health improvement.Methods: The method of Arksey and O’Malley was referenced. Two researchers independently searched seven electronic databases. Eleven experimental studies of online mental health interventions for K-12 teachers were analyzed for publication information, intervention characteristics, and summaries of outcome evaluations.Results: Publication years ranged from 2014 to 2023. Most studies were conducted in Europe. Teleconferencing was the most frequently used. Virtual reality has seen recent development. Cognitive factors were frequently evaluated to ensure the program’s effectiveness, including mental health awareness and coping skills. Thus, cognitive behavior therapy was the most significant component of interventions to improve teachers’ health.Conclusion: Our scoping review illustrates recent trends of online interventions to improve teachers’ mental health. Due to very limited information on Korean teachers, it is necessary to adopt available online interventions considering educational systems and teachers’ characteristics. Highly accessible modality, person-centered contents of mental health concern, and careful protection of teachers’ privacy are recommended for promoting mental health of teachers.

A School-Based Evaluation of the FRIENDS Resilience Programs: Implications for Mental Health Concerns in Rural Students

A School-Based Evaluation of the FRIENDS Resilience Programs: Implications for Mental Health Concerns in Rural Students

Emergency department mental health presentations in young children: a retrospective chart review

AimTo characterise key features of young people presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a mental health complaint when comparing children (aged 7 to 12 years) and teenagers (13 years and greater).MethodsRetrospective review of all ED mental health presentations in children aged 7–17 years presenting over a 12‐month period in 2018 to a tertiary children's hospital in Victoria, Australia. Univariate analyses were carried out to examine the relationship between children and teenagers and a number of key presentation variables. Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated for ED management outcomes.ResultsThere were 1691 ED mental health presentations in 2018. Of these presentations, 407 (24%) were children aged 12 years or less. The remaining 76% (1284) were teenagers. The younger aged cohort were more likely to be male (OR 2.43, CI 1.92–3.08) and have a past history of autism spectrum disorder (OR 1.92, CI 1.45–1.84). They were more likely to have a presenting complaint of acute behavioural disturbance (OR 2.03, CI 1.59–2.60), be physically restrained (OR 2.01, CI 1.18–3.37) and have sedative medication provided (OR 2.87, CI 1.63–5.04). The older aged cohort were more likely to have a past history of depression (OR 0.19, CI 0.12–0.29) and a presenting complaint of intentional self‐poisoning (OR 0.33, CI 0.15–0.65).ConclusionsChildren aged 12 years or less represent one‐quarter of all young people presenting to the ED with a mental health concern. They experience high rates of acute behavioural disturbance and are more likely to require restrictive interventions during their presentation.

An initial test of a new self-guided internet-based intervention for social anxiety: iExposure

ABSTRACT Social anxiety is a prevalent mental health concern that impacts approximately 12% of the US population. There is a need for targeted mechanism-focused interventions for social anxiety that are also highly scalable. Using a recently developed naturalistic paradigm with simulated teleconferencing interactions as the central treatment element, we developed a new self-guided internet-based intervention for social anxiety called iExposure. This randomized clinical trial aimed at testing two mechanism-driven exposure augmentation strategies for social anxiety. Participants (N = 53) were randomized to four sessions of either (a) standard iExposure (n = 18), (b) iExposure +Attention Control (n = 22), or (c) iExposure + Attention Guidance (n = 13) and administered over two weeks. At follow-up across conditions, there were large reductions in communication anxiety d = -1.51 and moderate reductions in social anxiety d = -0.60. The attention control condition led to larger reductions in social anxiety compared to standard iExposure d = -0.81 and attention guidance did not enhance iExposure for general symptoms of social anxiety, d = -0.27. These findings provide preliminary support for the utility of iExposure. Further research is needed with a larger sample to understand its efficacy with regard to the role of attention augmentation strategies.

Assessing the Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life in Medical Students

Background: Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among medical students, with signifi cant implications for Health-related Quality of Life (HrQol). Understanding the factors contributing to depression and their impact on HrQol is crucial for developing targeted interventions to support students’ well-being. Aim: This literature review aims to assess the impact of depression and other related factors on HrQol in medical students, exploring the prevalence, associated risk factors, and implications for overall well-being. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed Central and Scopus databases, focusing on studies addressing depression, burnout, anxiety, and other factors infl uencing HrQol in medical students. Inclusion criteria were applied to select relevant articles, resulting in a fi nal selection of 15 articles for detailed analysis. Data extraction included study design, sample characteristics, methodology, results, and conclusions. Results: The review revealed a high prevalence of depression among medical students, particularly among female students and those facing socio-economic challenges. Factors associated with depression include gender, socioeconomic status, obesity, chronic diseases, addiction, and academic stress. Depression was found to signifi cantly impact HrQol, leading to lower mental health-related QoL scores compared to physical health scores. Other factors such as stress levels, family support, sleep quality, and academic demands also infl uenced HrQol outcomes among medical students. Conclusion: Addressing depression and its impact on HrQol is essential to promote the overall well-being of medical students. Tailored interventions targeting depression, stress management, family support, and sleep quality are crucial for improving HrQol and mitigating the adverse eff ects of mental health challenges in this population. Keywords: Academic performance; medical student; HRQOL; Health-related quality of life.

A Study of Mental Health Concerns Among College Students in Mumbai: Current Challenges and Interventions

A Study of Mental Health Concerns Among College Students in Mumbai: Current Challenges and Interventions

Antidepressant adherence among outpatients with major depressive disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a global mental health concern, with treatment often involving antidepressant (AD) medications. However, adherence to these medications remains a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing medication adherence among individuals with MDD in Erbil, Iraq. This study was conducted at Erbil Psychiatric Hospital, a leading mental healthcare facility in Erbil city. Participants aged 18 to 65, diagnosed with MDD as per the DSM-5 criteria, were treated with antidepressants. The recruitment of 106 participants was facilitated by their treating psychiatrists at the hospital. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, standard for social science research. Out of the 106 participants, 64.2% were females, and 35.8% were males. The largest age group was 35–45, comprising 33% of the sample. A vast majority (99.1%) were under regular follow-up, with only 0.9% experiencing relapse. The primary antidepressant used was selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (72.6%). Most participants (61.3%) reported very high medication adherence. The notable barriers included treatment duration (13.4%), forgetting to take antidepressants (11.9%), frequent medication refills (17.9%), cultural and religious beliefs (19.3%), stigma (19.3%), travelling issues (42.9%), and lack of hospitals and clinics (30.8%). Healthcare facilitators such as effectiveness of antidepressants (27.5%), patient-provider relationship such as trusting healthcare providers (50.7%), and reminders such as keeping pills in visible places (65.9%) were prominent facilitators aiding adherence. Future research should focus on culturally tailored interventions and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. By addressing socio-cultural nuances and enhancing mental health support, more effective strategies can be developed to tackle medication adherence challenges in Erbil’s unique context.

Parent-identified gaps in preparation for the postpartum period in the United States: An integrative review.

In the United States, 35% of all pregnancy-related deaths occur between 24 h and 6 weeks after delivery, yet the first outpatient visit is not typically scheduled until 6 weeks postpartum. Thus, the ability to independently navigate this period is critical to maternal well-being and safety. However, previous research suggests that many women feel unprepared to manage the challenges they encounter during this time, and there is a current need to synthesize the existing evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this integrative review is to describe parent-identified gaps in preparation for the postpartum period in the United States. Using the Integrative Review framework by Whittemore and Knafl, a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and a hand-search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1995 and 2023. Results were reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies that met eligibility criteria were synthesized in a literature matrix. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Four themes were identified: Mental Health Concerns, Physical Concerns, Infant Feeding and Care Concerns, and General Concerns and Recommendations. Many women, regardless of parity, reported feeling unprepared for numerous postpartum experiences, including depression, anxiety, physical recovery, breastfeeding, and infant care. Parents reported difficulty differentiating normal postpartum symptoms from complications. Hospital discharge teaching was viewed as simultaneously overwhelming and inadequate. Parent recommendations included the need for earlier and more comprehensive postpartum preparation during pregnancy, delivered in multiple formats and settings. Parents also reported the need for earlier postpartum visits and improved outpatient support. Our findings indicate that many parents in the United States feel unprepared to navigate a wide variety of emotional, physical, breastfeeding, and infant-care experiences. Future research should explore innovative educational approaches to postpartum preparation during pregnancy as well as outpatient programs to bridge the current gaps in postpartum care.

Did childhood adversity increase the vulnerability of university students to the negative mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Objective To examine a potential synergistic effect of history of childhood adversity and COVID-19 pandemic exposure on the association with mental health concerns in undergraduate students. Participants: We used U-Flourish Survey data from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during-pandemic) first-year cohorts (n = 3,149) identified at entry to a major Canadian University. Methods Interactions between childhood adversity (physical and sexual abuse, and peer bullying) and COVID-19 pandemic exposure regarding mental health concern (depressive and anxiety symptoms, suicidality, and non-suicidal self-harm) were examined on an additive scale. Results We found a positive additive interaction between physical abuse and pandemic exposure in relation to suicidality (combined effect was greater than additive effect (risk difference 0.54 vs. 0.36)). Conversely, less than additive interactions between peer bullying and pandemic regarding depression and anxiety were observed. Conclusions Childhood adversities have diverse reactions to adult stressor depending on the nature of the childhood adversity and the mental health outcomes.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression Symptoms Among Aquaculture Workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression symptoms among aquaculture workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Material and Methods: The study involved 1,220 aquaculture workers in coastal and offshore areas of Hai Phong, Vietnam; from March 2022 to September 2022. It was a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study, utilizing direct interviews with aquaculture workers to identify depression symptoms and associated factors. The Depression-Anxiety- Stress Scale (DASS 21) was used to assess depression symptoms. Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms among aquaculture workers was 28.7%, with 20.9% experiencing mild depression, 6.3% moderate depression and 1.5% severe depression. Several factors were associated with depression symptoms; including gender (OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.56-2.63), being single or divorced (OR=1.44; 95% CI 1.04-1.99), age ≥60 (OR=1.63; 95% CI 1.05-2.55) compared to those under 40, chronic illnesses (OR=3.16; 95% CI 2.43-4.11), poor sleep quality (OR=2.84; 95% CI 2.13-3.79), alcohol abuse (OR=1.36; 95% CI 1.06-1.75), and irregular physical exercise (OR=2.09; 95% CI 1.62-2.70). Conclusion: Depression disorder is a mental health concern among aquaculture workers. To alleviate depression symptoms, workers should consider lifestyle adjustments, incorporate regular physical exercise, and undergo routine health check-ups for timely counseling and treatment.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

United Healthcare announced new survey findings from its second annual Student Behavioral Health Report, revealing college students are more likely to self‐report whether they or a roommate/friend encountered high‐risk mental or behavioral health concerns in the past year compared with high school students, the online news agency, businesswire, reported May 16. Findings further show that a significant gap remains between what college students self‐report and what parents of college students perceive. By contrast, parents of high schoolers report perceptions closely aligned with the experiences high school students self‐report. Data reveal that among college students, 77% self‐reported that they, or a classmate or friend, encountered at least one mental or behavioral health concern in the past year, including anxiety/stress (55%), depression (41%) and suicidal ideation and intent (13%). These figures represent a near 50% jump compared to self‐reported high school student experiences with the same concerns (35%, 20% and 9%, respectively). Among its findings, the Student Behavioral Health Report also revealed an association between more frequent discussions of students' mental or behavioral health and significant increases in the number of students self‐reporting that they felt “supported.”