Mental Disorders Research Articles

Multimodal examination of daily stress rhythms in chronic Cannabis users.

Chronic cannabis users frequently report stress relief as their primary reason for use. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the neuroendocrine stress response, and diurnal cortisol rhythms may be disrupted in chronic cannabis users. The objectives were to determine whether cannabis users demonstrate disruptions in diurnal stress rhythms and examine the acute effects of cannabis on stress-related outcomes in cannabis users' natural environments. Eighty-two participants (39 cannabis users, 43 non-users) collected saliva samples to quantify cortisol concentrations and provided subjective stress ratings at 8 time points throughout the day. They wore a medical-grade wearable device for 24h that recorded physiological indicators of stress (heart rate variability, electrodermal activity). Cannabis users collected additional saliva samples before and after cannabis use to examine acute effects of cannabis use. Cannabis users exhibited significant dysregulations in diurnal cortisol rhythms, including a blunted cortisol awakening response, flattened diurnal cortisol slope, and elevated afternoon cortisol concentrations. There were no differences in diurnal heart rate variability or electrodermal activity except for elevated evening heart rate in cannabis users. Finally, there were significant decreases in cortisol, subjective stress, and electrodermal activity following acute cannabis use in cannabis users' natural environment. These results provide evidence of dysregulated diurnal cortisol rhythms in cannabis users that were related to later waking times and acute stress-relieving properties of cannabis use in naturalistic environments. Future research should examine the direction of the relationship between cannabis use and diurnal cortisol rhythms and potential implications for other psychological disorders.

Diseases Caused by and Behaviors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection

Toxoplasma gondii is an Apicomplexan parasite that is estimated to infect at least one-third of the global human population. T. gondii infection may be transmitted horizontally or vertically. The main risk factors for transmission to humans are related to diet, especially the consumption of undercooked meat, along with soil contact. In immunocompetent persons, the acute infection may go undetected as it typically produces minor, non-specific symptoms that are self-limited. After infection is established, recurrent retinochoroiditis is the most common clinical disease. In contrast, severe systemic or cerebral toxoplasmosis may be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals. Furthermore, congenital toxoplasmosis acquired in utero may have devastating consequences if not recognized and promptly treated. A growing body of research has identified associations between latent T. gondii infection, and personality traits and risk-taking behaviors. Other studies have documented associations between latent infection and psychiatric conditions that include schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. With no current treatment regimens being curative of T. gondii infection, effective prevention measures at both the public health and individual levels are vitally important.

Opportunities of integrated care to improve equity for adults with complex needs: a qualitative study of case management in primary care

BackgroundPeople living in precarious socio-economic conditions are at greater risk of developing mental and physical health disorders, and of having complex needs. This places them at risk of health inequity. Addressing social determinants of health (SDH) can contribute to reducing this inequity. Case management in primary care is an integrated care approach which could be an opportunity to better address SDH. The aim of this study is to better understand how case management in primary care may address the SDH of people with complex needs.MethodsA case management program (CMP) for people with complex needs was implemented in four urban primary care clinics. A qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews and a focus group with key informants (n = 24). An inductive thematic analysis was carried out to identify emerging themes.ResultsPrimary care case managers were well-positioned to provide a holistic evaluation of the person’s situation, to develop trust with them, and to act as their advocates. These actions helped case managers to better address individuals’ unmet social needs (e.g., poor housing, social isolation, difficulty affording transportation, food, medication, etc.). Creating partnerships with the community (e.g., streetworkers) improved the capacity in assisting people with housing relocation, access to transportation, and access to care. Assuming people provide their consent, involving a significant relative or member of their community in an individualized services plan could support people in addressing their social needs.ConclusionsCase management in primary care may better address SDH and improve health equity by developing a trusting relationship with people with complex needs, improving interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration and social support. Future research should explore ways to enhance partnerships between primary care and community organizations.

A national platform for advancing self-care processes for the most common illnesses and conditions: designing, evaluating, and implementing

BackgroundEffective self-care practices are crucial for maintaining health and well-being, as inadequate self-care can lead to increased health risks and decreased overall quality of life. To address these issues, one promising approach involves leveraging progressive web app (PWA) platforms to educate and empower individuals with necessary self-care services. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate a national self-care PWA platform, aiming to enhance accessibility and effectiveness in promoting health and self-care practices. The platform designed to improve self-care processes can be utilized by mothers, children, adolescents, youth, adults, and patients with emotional and mental disorders.MethodsThis study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, during 35 meetings with 19 health care providers including physicians and another group of professionals, the most common illnesses and conditions that require self-care were identified. Platform capabilities were then assessed based on stakeholder opinions. Subsequently, during 15 meetings 19 health care providers identified a comprehensive list of conditions benefiting from dedicated decision aids to enhance individuals’ self-care processes. In the second phase, a progressive web app platform was designed based on these common illnesses and conditions and capabilities and subsequently evaluated. To usability evaluation the platform, 26 evaluators utilized the system for two weeks. The QUIS 5.5 questionnaire was employed for evaluation, and the results were analyzed using SPSS 23. In the final phase, the system was implemented at the Smart University of Medical Sciences (SMUMS), affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran.ResultsBased on the most common illnesses and conditions (n = 87) and identified capabilities, the national self-care platform was designed with eight sections catering to ‘Maternal and child health services,’ ‘Mothers,’ ‘Infants,’ ‘Teenagers,’ ‘Adults,’ ‘Elderly,’ ‘Health of All Age Groups,’ ‘Patients with Mental and Emotional Health Disorders,’ and ‘General Information’ for user education. Furthermore, the platform features 54 decision aids (DA), teleconsultation services, and a self-care magazine (Access link: https://khodmoragheb.ir/). These features were integrated to provide comprehensive support and resources for self-care. A mean exceeding 7 was attained across all evaluated dimensions, indicating that evaluators generally agreed the platform performed well.ConclusionThe designed national self-care platform offers a promising solution for managing healthcare challenges. This innovative approach addresses the specific needs of individuals and extends its reach to Persian-speaking patients worldwide, fostering a global impact. By embracing self-care practices on an international scale, this platform contributes to a more inclusive and accessible healthcare landscape for individuals in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and beyond.

Prehospital Restraint Use in Pediatric Patients With Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies.

The aims of the study are to characterize children with mental and behavioral health conditions (MBH) transported by emergency medical services (EMS) and examine differences in patient, emergency department (ED), and EMS transport characteristics based on restraint interventions during EMS transport. This is a retrospective cohort study of EMS patients with MBH crises, aged 5-18, transported to 2 pediatric EDs over 9 years. Demographic and ED data were collected electronically; EMS data were extracted manually from prehospital care records. Field interventions studied included pharmacologic and mechanical restraints by EMS clinicians. Univariate analysis compared variables between patients who received EMS restraints and those who did not and multivariable logistic regression identified patient factors independently associated with EMS restraint use. Among 10,264 patients transported by EMS for MBH crises, 1400 encounters were randomly selected, with 768 records available. EMS restraint interventions were used in 73 (9.5%) patients: 5 (0.7%) received only pharmacologic restraints, 58 (7.6%) received only physical restraints, and 10 (1.3%) received both. Those who received EMS restraints were more likely to be younger (35.6% vs 19.6%, P = 0.001), male (71.2% vs 44.6%, P < 0.0001), and had longer scene times (13 vs 9 min). Restraint use was more common when patients were picked up from schools (30.1% vs 14.8%, P = 0.007). EMS-restrained patients were also more likely to receive physical (12.3% vs 2.3%, P < 0.0001), mechanical (15.1% vs 1.0%, P < 0.0001), or pharmacologic (24.7% vs 3.9%, P < 0.0001) restraints in the ED. Predictors of EMS restraint use were male sex (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-5.17) and being picked up from schools (odds ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-3.81), whereas age group, race, and insurance type were not independent predictors. Nearly 1 in 10 pediatric patients experiencing mental health crises and transported by EMS required restraint interventions in the field. Male patients, younger aged children, and those picked up from school represent a distinct and vulnerable population that could benefit from specialized prehospital care to manage agitation.

The impact of oral health on depression: A systematic review.

As of 2020, about 21% of adults in the United States have a diagnosable mental health disorder, excluding substance use and developmental disorders. Depression, predicted by the WHO to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030, is linked to various systemic conditions and has been associated with poor oral health. Both behavioral factors, like poor dental hygiene and irregular visits, and biological mechanisms, such as changes in salivary immunity, contribute to this connection, which impacts overall well-being and quality of life. This systematic review aims include: (1) Does tooth loss affect depression? (2) Does oral pain, such as that experienced during chewing and speaking, impact depression? (3) Does oral functionality, including chewing and speaking, influence depression? (4) Does overall oral health affect depression? We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EBSCO host, Medline, and Google Scholar databases from January 2000 to June 2024 using relevant keywords. Studies examining the impact of oral health parameters (tooth loss, oral pain, oral functionality, overall oral health) on depression were included. Articles were included if (1) full text manuscripts in English were available, (2) the study described the association of oral health and depression, and (3) the independent value was an oral related factor and the dependent value was depression. The following were excluded from our analysis: (1) any articles where oral factors were not the independent value, (2) systematic reviews, (3) case reports, and (4) duplicate studies among our databases. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Tooth loss, oral pain, and impaired oral functionality were consistently associated with increased depressive symptoms across the included studies. Greater tooth loss was linked to higher odds of both onset and progression of depression. Oral pain exacerbated depressive symptoms, while difficulties in chewing or speaking were associated with elevated risks of depression. There is a bidirectional relationship between oral health and depression, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health initiatives. Integrating oral health assessments into routine medical care, and developing targeted interventions are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of poor oral health on mental health outcomes.

Applying an osteopathic intervention to improve mild to moderate mental health symptoms: a mixed-methods feasibility randomised trial.

The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in the United Kingdom necessitates the exploration of novel treatment modalities. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of four osteopathic interventions on psychophysiological and mental health outcomes. A mixed-methods feasibility study with an explanatory sequential design was implemented. The quantitative phase involved randomising 42 participants into four intervention groups: (1) high-velocity and articulation techniques (HVAT), (2) soft-tissue massage (STM), (3) craniosacral therapy (CST), and (4) a combination approach. Primary outcome measures encompassed recruitment rate, assessment duration, questionnaire completion, intervention attrition, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included validated assessments of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological flexibility, heart rate variability (HRV), and interoception, administered pre- and post-intervention. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to evaluate pre-post intervention changes. The qualitative phase comprised semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. The study achieved a recruitment rate of 21 eligible participants per month, with 54.8% of respondents meeting eligibility criteria. All 33 participants who completed the study underwent interventions and assessments within the allocated one-hour timeframe, with full questionnaire completion. The attrition rate was 21%. No adverse events were reported. Qualitative analysis revealed positive participant experiences, with themes highlighting good practitioner communication, intervention accessibility, and increased bodily awareness. Some participants found the questionnaire battery burdensome. Exploratory quantitative analyses showed variations in effects across interventions for heart rate variability, interoceptive accuracy, and mental health measures, but these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size. This study provides evidence supporting the feasibility and acceptability of a larger-scale RCT investigating osteopathic interventions for individuals presenting with mild psychological symptoms. The preliminary findings suggest potential efficacy in improving mental health outcomes, warranting further investigation. Trial registration NCT05674071, registered 06/01/2023.

Basic instruments for measuring the quality of life in patients after stroke (literature review)

Improvements in drug therapy have led to an increase in the number of patients surviving after the acute period of the stroke. A significant proportion of stroke patients experience consequences such as impaired motor function, psychological and social disorders. This affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. General and specialized tests are used to assess the QoL in patients after a stroke. The purpose of the study. Systematization of information about the main questionnaires used in assessing QoL in patients after the acute period of stroke. The search for relevant sources devoted to the topic of work was carried out in the bibliographic database Pubmed / Medline and the Google information system. The following keywords were used in the search queries: “quality of life”, “stroke”, “indicators” etc. Test names were also used as keywords. The characteristics of a number of general and specialized questionnaires that allow analyzing QoL in patients after a stroke are considered. Key practical information about the main questionnaires used abroad is summarized. Information on their applicability in domestic studies of QoL in patients who have suffered from a stroke is presented. The instruments that are most widely used in foreign practice are noted. The tests reviewed (general and specific) have usually acceptable psychometric properties (validity and reliability), although none are ideal or suitable for all situations. Continuing the development of comprehensive methods for assessing QoL in patients with stroke consequences at are best suited for everyday clinical practice remains one of the important tasks of medicine. Further development and widespread introduction of promising methods of QOL analysis into regular medical practice will increase the information content of assessments of the outcomes of therapy and rehabilitation.

Comparison of dry and wet electroencephalography for the assessment of cognitive evoked potentials and sensor-level connectivity

BackgroundMultipin dry electrodes (dry EEG) provide faster and more convenient application than wet EEG, enabling extensive data collection. This study aims to compare task-related time-frequency representations and resting-state connectivity between wet and dry EEG methods to establish a foundation for using dry EEG in investigations of brain activity in neuropsychiatric disorders.MethodsIn this counterbalanced cross-over study, we acquired wet and dry EEG in 33 healthy participants [n = 22 females, mean age (SD) = 24.3 (± 3.4) years] during resting-state and an auditory oddball paradigm. We computed mismatch negativity (MMN), theta power in task EEG, and connectivity measures from resting-state EEG using phase lag index (PLI) and minimum spanning tree (MST). Agreement between wet and dry EEG was assessed using Bland–Altman bias.ResultsMMN was detectable with both systems in time and frequency domains, but dry EEG underestimated MMN mean amplitude, peak latency, and theta power compared to wet EEG. Resting-state connectivity was reliably estimated with dry EEG using MST diameter in all except the very low frequencies (0.5–4 Hz). PLI showed larger differences between wet and dry EEG in all frequencies except theta.ConclusionDry EEG reliably detected MMN and resting-state connectivity despite a lower signal-to-noise ratio. This study provides the methodological basis for using dry EEG in studies investigating the neural processes underlying psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Gender differences and mental distress during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Japan

BackgroundTo identify risk factors for mental distress and investigate whether the factors were different between men and women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), using KOKOROBO data, which is an online platform that aims to facilitate access to mental health services.MethodsWe used baseline data on KOKOROBO users 13 years of age or older in Japan who accessed it from October 11, 2021, to April 6, 2023, excluding those receiving treatment for mental health problems. Global severity, based on the most severe measure on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression with baseline characteristics for each gender, and for under 30 and 30 years of age or older in women. We conducted the same analysis of suicidal ideation for each gender.ResultsIn the 686 men and 1274 women, 117 (17.1%) and 100 (7.8%) had minimal global severity respectively, and the rest suffered from mental distress to some extent. For women, ages under 30 years (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.352, 95%CI: 0.231–0.539, P < 0.001), marriage (aOR: 0.453, 95%CI: 0.274–0.746, P = 0.002), and concerns about COVID-19 infection were associated with global severity, while having children (aOR: 0.509, 95% CI: 0.284–0.909, P = 0.023) and decrease of going out during the COVID-19 pandemic had a protective effect on global severity and suicidal ideation for men, respectively. Living with family was a risk factor for mental distress in unmarried women over 30 years of age. Less communication with family or others and responding to the questionnaire late at night (00:00–05:59) were associated with severe global severity in both genders.ConclusionsAge, living arrangement, marriage, having children, concerns about COVID-19 infection, and lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic had gender-specific effects on mental distress, while frequent communication and regular life rhythm maintained mental health in both genders. Young women and, unmarried middle-aged women living with their families tended to experience mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.Trial registrationThe Ethics Committee of the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry approved this study (approval number B2020141) on April 15, 2021.

Mental health status and influencing factors among Chinese college students in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period

After almost 3 years of battling against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the static infection prevention had evolved to a dynamic management model at the end of 2022. However, the considerable rebound from pandemic in some areas is generally accompanied by increasing public pressure and depression. Hence, we investigated the impacts of the pandemic on the mental health and sleep quality of college students in China by conducting a cross-sectional survey on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students (n = 1105) through the Questionnaire Star survey platform. Demographic data, COVID-19-related stressors, information from four standardized scales (namely anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep), and other information were gathered through the survey. A total of 1120 questionnaires were collected, of which 1105 met the inclusion criteria. Most respondents were medical students (64%), and almost all of them had received the COVID-19 vaccine (99%). More people had been infected with COVID-19 (75%), with 33% showing mild to severe anxiety. A total of 54% of the respondents had mild to severe depression, 70% had moderate to severe perceived stress, and 28% had sleep disturbances. Further, analysis showed that the level of mental health was correlated with sleep. In addition, respondents from the medical specialty experienced more severe depression and anxiety (P &lt; 0.01), and the increase in stress after the outbreak, in terms of anxiety and depression, became significantly more pronounced (P &lt; 0.001). After the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the mental health level of college students was affected to some extent. The COVID-19 cases surge in some areas also resulted in psychological pressure and negative mental health among college students to a large extent even after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the exigency to address the COVID-19 cases, attention must also be focused on the associated mental health problems, which require more systematic resolution from relevant authorities or departments.

Institutionalised Pre-School Childcare and Reported Maltreatment: A Survey in East Germany

Child abuse increases the risk of adult mental health problems. Limited research explores the association of early institutional childhood care in the GDR with experienced childhood abuse and mediates anxiety and depression in adulthood. The sample includes N=1743 individuals born in the GDR (1949-1983). In multi-group path analyses (stratified men/women), we analysed the influence of pre-school care as a predictor and experienced child abuse (CTS) as a mediator variable for anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9) in adulthood. There are no direct effects of pre-school care on anxiety and depression. Childhood trauma significantly affected current mental health (women β=0.253-0.610; men β=0.092-0.439). Analyses suggest no link between early institutional care and childhood abuse. Considering other contextual factors in childcare is crucial for establishing population-wide prevention strategies for child safety.

School-based eating disorder prevention programmes and their impact on adolescent mental health: systematic review.

Growing evidence indicates an association between disordered eating and a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. This study aimed to explore whether reducing risk factors for eating disorders, such as body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, through school-based programmes can enhance adolescent mental health. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science from the date of inception to 15 October 2023. Data were synthesised by using a systematic narrative synthesis framework, and formal assessments were conducted to assess the quality of the included studies. After title/abstract screening and full-text assessment, 13 articles met the pre-specified inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 14 studies (n = 5853). Notably, three studies encompassed multiple programmes, leading to the identification of 17 eating disorder prevention programmes. Among these programmes, seven (41%) employed dissonance-based approaches. Topics covered in the programmes included psychoeducation, body acceptance, sociocultural issues, nutrition and physical activities, self-esteem and stress coping. Ten (59%) of the programmes were effective in improving adolescent mental health. Six of the 14 studies (43%) did not specify follow-up time, and quality assessments found the majority to be of either high (five studies, 36%) or fair (eight studies, 57%) quality. The findings from the ten effective programmes consistently support the use of body acceptance strategies in improving the mental health of adolescent students. Brief interventions delivered by trained, non-licensed facilitators appear good for the sustainable implementation of in-school psychological services to support well-being among adolescents.

Horizontal inequity in the use of mental healthcare in Australia.

For people experiencing mental health problems, timely access to high-quality healthcare is imperative for improving outcomes. However, limited availability of services, high out-of-pocket costs, insufficient health literacy and stigmatizing attitudes may mean people do not receive the necessary treatment. We analyze Australian longitudinal data to document the extent and predictors of horizontal inequity in mental healthcare use among people with a newly developed mild or moderate mental disorder. Importantly, we compare people with similar health, residing in the same area, thus controlling for differences in healthcare needs and availability of services. Results suggest that mental healthcare use is not significantly associated with household income or financial hardship. In contrast, we find significant inequities by educational attainment, with university graduates around 50% more likely to receive mental healthcare than high-school dropouts. These findings are robust across subsamples and alternative modeling approaches, including panel data models with individual fixed-effects. Additional explorations of the education gradient suggest a potential pathway through mental health-specific knowledge and attitudes.

Exploring and comparing central mental health problems between rural primary and secondary school teachers—insight from a large sample symptom network analysis

Exploring and comparing central mental health problems between rural primary and secondary school teachers—insight from a large sample symptom network analysis

Impact of extreme bushfire seasons on rates of occupational injury and disease compensation claims in first responders.

This study aimed to use workers' compensation (WC) data to explore the impact of the extreme bushfires on injury/disease claim rates amongst first responders (FR) compared with other occupations and off-seasons. Data on WC claims for FR (ambulance officers, paramedics, firefighters, police) and other occupations were obtained from WorkSafe Victoria 2005-2022. Negative binomial regression models adjusting for age, gender and number of employed people were used to estimate incident rate ratios of all injury/disease, mental, musculoskeletal and respiratory claims among FR in summer and extreme bushfires compared to off-season/summer and other occupations. There were 120,022 claims in 2005-2022; 54% were musculoskeletal injuries. Claims rates were significantly higher for all injuries/diseases, mental, musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions in FR than other occupations across off-season, summers and extreme bushfires. FR were 1.5-3.9 times more likely to claim for mental health conditions during extreme bushfires than off-season compared with other occupations. Firefighters were at increased risk of all injury/disease and mental and musculoskeletal injury claims during summer and extreme bushfires than off-seasons. Ambulance officers and paramedics had the highest claim rates, particularly in off-seasons, with a higher risk of all injury/disease and mental claims in extreme bushfires than in summers. Respiratory and mental claims were increased amongst police and other occupations during extreme bushfires. Extreme bushfire events were associated with increased mental claims rates in all FR, with the highest in firefighters. Strategies to better prevent and manage injury/disease risk in FR are urgently required, particularly for mental health conditions.

Covid-19 pandemic and its economic and psychological impacts on Saudi workers: An empirical study in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial economic and psychological impact on workers in Saudi Arabia. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on the financial and mental well-being of Saudi employees in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Purpose: The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in significant economic and societal ramifications. Current study indicates that the pandemic has not only precipitated an economic crisis but has also given rise to several psychological and emotional crises. This article provides a conceptual examination of how the pandemic impacts the economic and mental health conditions of Saudi workers, based on contemporary Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) models. Method: The current study employed a qualitative methodology and utilized a sample survey strategy. The data was gathered from Saudi workers residing in major cities of Saudi Arabia. The samples were obtained from professionals such as managers, doctors, and engineers, as well as non-professionals like unskilled and low-skilled laborers, who are employed in various public and private sectors. A range of statistical tools, including Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson’s Correlation, Factor analysis, Reliability test, Chi-square test, and regression approach, were employed to analyze and interpret the results. Result: According to the data, the pandemic has caused a wide range of economic problems, including high unemployment and underemployment rates, income instability, and different degrees of pressure on workers to find work. Feelings of insecurity (about food and environmental safety), worry, dread, stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns have been generated by these challenges. The rate of mental health decline differs among demographics. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has universally affected all aspects of our lives worldwide. It resulted in an extended shutdown of educational institutions, factories, offices, and businesses. Without a question, it has profoundly transformed the work environment, professions, and lifestyles of billions of individuals worldwide. There is a high occurrence of poor psychological well-being among Saudi workers. However, it has been demonstrated that both economic health and mental health interventions can effectively alleviate the mental health burden in this population.

Effects of job stress and emotional labor on depression in call-center workers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of job stress and emotional labor on depression among call center workers. Data collection was conducted from October 2 to October 30, 2023. The subjects were 175 workers at a large IT call center located in Seoul, Korea. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. As for data analysis, differences in job stress, emotional labor, and depression were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between job stress, emotional labor, and depression. Finally, multiple regression analysis was conducted on factors affecting depression. As a result of this study, the factors affecting call center workers' depression were the number of family members living together (t=-2.650, p=0.009), job stress (t=3.743, p&lt;0.001), and emotional labor (t=2.064, p=0.041), (F=10.306, p&lt;.001). In other words, the greater the number of call center workers' family members living with, the lower the level of depression, the higher job stress and the higher the emotional labor, the higher the level of depression. In conclusion, workplaces should conduct a full survey on the level of job stress and emotional labor to reduce the level of depression among call center workers. In addition, measures are needed to reduce job stress, and depending on the results, professional counseling and healing programs are needed for workers who complain of mental illness.

Prediction of borderline personality disorder based on childhood trauma with the mediating role of experiential avoidance

IntroductionTraits of borderline personality disorder are important for the determination of the prognosis of mental illnesses and in evaluating risks of negativity as well as impulsivity. But, there is a lack of information about the distribution characteristics of borderline personality disorder traits and symptoms within clinical groups. The goal of the current study was to predict borderline personality disorder based on childhood trauma, using experiential avoidance as a mediator.MethodsAll male patients hospitalized in local psychiatric health centers with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder comprised the statistical population of the current study. The number of 60 patients were selected by the purposeful sampling method. The questionnaire included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and the Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms (BSL-23).Results and discussionThe results demonstrated that there is a considerable and positive relationship between childhood trauma and experiential avoidance (r = 0.711, p&amp;lt; 0.01). In the mediating model, childhood trauma had significant direct predictive effects on borderline personality disorder (β = 0.546, p&amp;lt; 0.01). Also, between childhood trauma and BPD, experienced avoidance acts as a moderating factor. (β = 0.304, p&amp;lt; 0.01).

Access to psychological therapies amongst patients with a mental health diagnosis in primary care: a data linkage study.

Significant numbers of people in England have fallen into a gap between primary care psychological therapies and specialist mental health services. We aim to examine pathways to care by looking at demographic variation in detection and referral to primary and secondary psychological services in south London. Longitudinal descriptive study using a record linkage between a primary care database (Lambeth DataNet) and a secondary care mental health database (CRIS). We extracted data on mental health diagnosis, prescriptions and episodes of care in mental health services for all patients of working age registered from 1 January 2008 to 1 March 2018 (pre-covid era). Of those with a mental disorder detected in primary care (n = 110,419; 26.8%); 33.7% (n = 37,253) received no treatment; 21.3% (n = 23,548) exclusively accessed psychological treatment within NHS Talking Therapies and 7.6% accessed secondary care psychological therapies. People from minoritised groups were more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medication as the only treatment offered compared to the White British group. Men, Black African and Asian groups were less likely to access NHS Talking Therapies. People with a personality disorder diagnosis had the highest prevalence and number of NHS Talking Therapies treatment episodes (48.0%, n = 960), a similar percentage (44.1%, n = 881) received secondary care psychology treatment. Our study highlights marked inequalities in access to psychological therapies for men and people from some minoritised ethnic groups across primary and secondary care and how individuals with personality disorders are offered multiple short-term courses in NHS Talking Therapies even where this is not recommended treatment.