Disorder Scores Research Articles

Long-Term Effectiveness of Dupilumab in Severe Uncontrolled Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a complex immunological disease associated with significant morbidity and reduced health-related quality of life. Dupilumab is an anti-T2-inflammatory biological drug registered for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, indicated by integrated care pathways when optimal medico-surgical treatment yields insufficient control of sinonasal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to confirm the long-term efficacy of dupilumab in the treatment of severe uncontrolled CRSwNP. Multicentric data collection of patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP treated with Dupilumab was retrospectively performed. Mixed Model Anova test was used to evaluate the effect of the biological therapy in the improvement of nasal polyp score and quality of life measured with Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The study showed a statistically significant and progressive improvement in the Nasal Polyp Score with a decrease from a median baseline value of 6 (IQR 5-6) to 0 (IQR 0-2) at 24 months. Furtherly, optimal results were found for SNOT-22 scores from baseline (62 ± 19) to 6 months (15± 11), with further variations on each successive timepoint remaining below the minimal clinically important difference. VAS scores of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sleep disorders, and craniofacial pain, demonstrated consistent and significant improvements over time until one year of treatment, confirming substantial relief for the most pertinent symptoms of the condition. The results of this study show high therapeutic efficacy and safety of dupilumab for severe CRswNP particularly in the first 6-12 months, with sustained benefits up to 24 months.

THE IMPACT OF PERSONALITY TRAITS ON COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY EFFECTIVENESS IN ADULTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: A PRE-POST EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Objective: This study examined the Impact of Personality Traits on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effectiveness in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder. Design: Pre-Post Experimental Design Place and duration of study: Lahore, Pakistan, June 2024- September 2024. Subject and method: The participants were adults ranging in age between 18-65 years diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. The sample was selected through purposive sampling from different psychiatric hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. The sample size was 40 (20 male & 20 female), equally divided and randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group. In the pre assessment phase, Big Five inventory and Hamilton Depression Scales were employed to assess the participants’ personality traits and severity of their depression. In the intervention phase 16 group sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy were carried out followed by re-assessment in the post assessment phase. Result and conclusion: The results confirmed that there is a significant difference in pre and post assessment score of Major Depressive Disorder in experimental group (t=9, p<.00). Results also showed that Personality traits are likely to impact the effectiveness of Cognitive behavioral therapy where Conscientiousness (M=18.25, SD=4.99) showed the highest significant difference with depression (p<.005). Moreover, Agreeableness also showed significant difference (p<.005) with depression (M=18.30), (SD=5.19). The findings indicated that clients with these two personality traits benefit the most from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as compared to participants with other personality traits.

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Vietnamese Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aims to determine the prevalence of OSA in children with ADHD, compare the differences in clinical characteristics between children with ADHD-OSA and those without OSA (ADHD-nonOSA), and to identify the correlation between OSA and ADHD in children. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 524 children with ADHD, aged 6-12years, at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital from October 2022 to September 2023. Respiratory polygraphy was used to determine the prevalence of OSA in this study population; clinical data of children with ADHD-OSA and ADHD-nonOSA were collected and analyzed in each group. The severity of ADHD symptoms was measured by the Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Diagnosis Rating Scale (VADPRS questionnaire), and the severity of OSA was defined by Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The prevalence of OSA in children with ADHD was 23.3%, with the majority of moderate-to-severe OSA. Significant differences were observed in sleep onset time, total sleep duration, and various sleep-related behaviors, such as bedtime resistance and difficulty waking up in the morning, between children with ADHD-OSA and ADHD-nonOSA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.005, respectively). The severity levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and behavioral disorders were significantly higher in children with moderate-to-severe OSA compared to those with mild OSA (p < 0.005, p < 0.005, and p < 0.001, respectively). There were significant correlations between AHI with inattention scores (r = 0.677; p < 0.0001), hyperactivity scores (r = 0.438; p = 0.05), behavioral disorder scores (r = 0.342; p < 0.05), and anxiety/depression scores (r = 0.357; p < 0.05) measured by VADPRS questionnaire. OSA is a common sleep-related breathing disorder in children with ADHD, which might exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Thus, screening of OSA in children with ADHD is essential during the management of ADHD in this population.

Polygenic risk scores in relation to suicidality among youth with or at risk for bipolar disorder.

The risk of suicide among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) is among the highest of all psychiatric disorders. The etiology of suicidality is complex and multifactorial, with genetic factors playing a prominent role according to twin-, family-, and molecular genetic studies. This study examines polygenic risk scores from adult studies in relation to suicidality in youth with or at risk for BD. Primary analyses examined the association of polygenic risk scores for suicide attempt, based on adult genome-wide association study data, with suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempt in 232 youth (mean age 16.7 years), including 125 with, and 107 at high-risk for, BD. We also tested polygenic risk scores for risk tolerance, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, BD, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in secondary analyses. Polygenic risk scores for suicide attempt were not significantly associated with suicidal ideation, self-harm, or suicide attempt. Higher polygenic risk scores for major depressive disorder were nominally associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation in the overall sample (beta = 0.36, se(beta) = 0.16, p = 0.017), controlling for covariates. Our finding that polygenic risk for depression is associated with suicidal ideation converges with prior findings in youth and adults. While present findings are constrained by sample size, they underscore the importance of undertaking genome-wide association studies in youth, rather than relying solely on prior adult genome-wide association studies.

Bupropion Showed Neuroprotective Impacts Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Background: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the most prevalent form of brain stroke, affecting many patients worldwide. It is believed that oxidative stress and inflammation play major roles in the damage that occurs after the initiation of the disease. Objectives: Therefore, for the first time, the current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of bupropion against cerebral I/R damage in a rat model. Methods: Forty male rats were divided into four groups: Control, cerebral I/R, and two diseased groups that received 60 and 100 mg/kg of bupropion. One day after induction of the disease, behavioral tests, including grid walking, novel object recognition, and modified neurological severity score (mNSS), were performed on the rats. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, were measured in the rats' brain homogenates. Additionally, the levels of MDA, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and NO2- were measured. Results: Bupropion administration was associated with improved performance in the novel object recognition and grid walking behavioral tests, as well as in the neurological disorder scores, in cerebral I/R rats. Moreover, BCAAO-induced inflammation was reduced by the administration of this drug, evidenced by reduced levels of cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 and upregulation of IL-10. Additionally, membrane lipid peroxidation was reduced in the cerebral I/R rats receiving 100 mg/kg bupropion, and the level of SOD activity was improved in these animals. Finally, the administration of bupropion prevented the increase in NO2- levels induced by BCAAO. Conclusions: In conclusion, bupropion has neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

Social and Polygenic Risk Factors for Time to Comorbid Diagnoses in Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Phenome-Wide Survival Analysis.

Persons with substance use disorders (SUD) often suffer from additional comorbidities, including psychiatric conditions and physical health problems. Researchers have explored this overlap in electronic health records (EHR) using phenome wide association studies (PheWAS) to characterize how different indicators are related to all conditions in an individual's EHR. However, analyses have been largely cross-sectional in nature. To characterize whether various social and genetic risk factors are associated with time to comorbid diagnoses in electronic health records (EHR) after the first diagnosis of SUD. Leveraging those with EHR and whole-genome sequencing data in All of Us (N = 287,012), we explored whether social determinants of health are associated with lifetime risk of SUD. Next, within those with a diagnosed SUD (N = 17,460), we examined whether polygenic scores (PGS) were associated with time to comorbid diagnoses performing a phenome-wide survival analysis. Participating health care organizations across the United States. Participants in the All of Us Research Program with available EHR and genomic data. Social determinants of health and polygenic scores (PGS) for psychiatric and substance use disorders. Phecodes for diagnoses derived from International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions, Clinical Modification, codes from EHR. Multiple social and demographic risk factors were associated with lifetime SUD diagnosis. Most strikingly, those reporting an annual income <$10K had 4.5 times the odds of having an SUD diagnosis compared to those reporting $100-$150K annually (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 4.01, 5.01). PGSs for alcohol use disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder were associated with time to their respective diagnoses (HR AUD = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.14; HR SCZ = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.20; HR PTSD = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.22). A PGS for ever-smoking was associated with time to subsequent smoking related comorbidities and additional SUD diagnoses HR SMOK = 1.6 to 1.16). Social determinants, especially those related to income have profound associations with lifetime SUD risk. Additionally, PGS may include information related to outcomes above and beyond lifetime risk, including timing and severity.

The relationship between intravenous olfactory test and taste disorder in patients with olfactory disorder.

The intravenous olfactory test (alinamin test [AT]) is a retronasal olfactory assessment and may evaluate the flavour disorder; however, studies assessing whether AT accurately determines the severity of taste disorders are lacking. Our study aims to evaluate the relationship between AT and subjective taste disorders in the patiensts with olfactory disorder. Between April 2019 and March 2020, 228 patients visited our smell clinic reporting olfactory disorders. Of these, 193 patients who underwent AT were included in this study. We evaluated the differences in AT response, latency time, and duration time between patients with and without subjective taste disorder. We also assessed the degree of subjective taste disorder experienced by patients using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the correlation between latency and duration time of AT. To assess taste perception more broadly, we inquired about the presence of disorder using the term "taste" rather than "flavour," without focusing on any specific type of taste disorder. Of the included 193 patients, 62 reported awareness of a taste disorder. The duration time of AT was significantly shorter in patients with subjective taste disorder. A weak correlation was found between the VAS scores for subjective taste disorders and the duration time of AT. Our results showed that among the patients with olfactory disorders, the duration time of AT was reduced for those with subjective taste disorders.

IMPACT OF UPLIFT, A GROUP TELEHEALTH INTERVENTION, ON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN ADULTS WITH CF

Despite high rates of anxiety and depression, research regarding the effect of psychological interventions on people with CF (pwCF) is limited. We evaluated the impact of UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts), a group telehealth intervention using mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT), on symptoms of anxiety and depression in pwCF. This multicenter randomized trial compared changes in symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in adult pwCF who participated in the 8-week UPLIFT intervention to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. Follow up assessments occurred immediately after and 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Primary outcome measures were change in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scores modeled in separate linear mixed-effects models. Sixty-six pwCF participated. At baseline, 43 (65.15%) had some minimal symptoms of depression (PHQ-9≥5) and 44 (66.67%) had some minimal symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7≥5). During the 12 month follow up period, the overall change in PHQ-9 was greater in the UPLIFT group compared to TAU (p = .049). Analysis of individual time points showed a statistically significant difference between groups in change from baseline immediately post-treatment (-2.321, SD 0.684 vs 0.362, SD 0.656, p = .005); differences persisted but were not statistically significant at 6 and 12 months. Similar trends for changes in GAD-7 were non-significant. Participation in UPLIFT, a group telehealth intervention using MBCT, provides short-term improvement in symptoms of depression, as measured by changes in PHQ9. Improvement in symptoms of anxiety were suggested but could not be statistically confirmed.

Polygenic and Polyenvironment Interplay in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorder and Affective Psychosis; the EUGEI First Episode Study.

Multiple genetic and environmental risk factors play a role in the development of both schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and affective psychoses. How they act in combination is yet to be clarified. We analyzed 573 first episode psychosis cases and 1005 controls, of European ancestry. Firstly, we tested whether the association of polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression (PRS-SZ, PRS-BD, and PRS-D) with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and affective psychosis differed when participants were stratified by exposure to specific environmental factors. Secondly, regression models including each PRS and polyenvironmental measures, including migration, paternal age, childhood adversity and frequent cannabis use, were run to test potential polygenic by polyenvironment interactions. In schizophrenia-spectrum disorder vs controls comparison, PRS-SZ was the strongest genetic predictor, having a nominally larger effect in nonexposed to strong environmental factors such as frequent cannabis use (unexposed vs exposed OR 2.43 and 1.35, respectively) and childhood adversity (3.04 vs 1.74). In affective psychosis vs controls, the relative contribution of PRS-D appeared to be stronger in those exposed to environmental risk. No evidence of interaction was found between any PRS with polyenvironmental score. Our study supports an independent role of genetic liability and polyenvironmental risk for psychosis, consistent with the liability threshold model. Whereas schizophrenia-spectrum disorders seem to be mostly associated with polygenic risk for schizophrenia, having an additive effect with well-replicated environmental factors, affective psychosis seems to be a product of cumulative environmental insults alongside a higher genetic liability for affective disorders.

Expression of Random Sequences and de novo Evolved Genes From the Mouse in Human Cells Reveals Functional Diversity and Specificity.

Proteins that emerge de novo from noncoding DNA could negatively or positively influence cellular physiology in the sense of providing a possible adaptive advantage. Here, we employ two approaches to study such effects in a human cell line by expressing random sequences and mouse de novo genes that lack homologs in the human genome. We show that both approaches lead to differential growth effects of the cell clones dependent on the sequences they express. For the random sequences, 53% of the clones decreased in frequency, and about 8% increased in frequency in a joint growth experiment. Of the 14 mouse de novo genes tested in a similar joint growth experiment, 10 decreased, and 3 increased in frequency. When individually analysed, each mouse de novo gene triggers a unique transcriptomic response in the human cells, indicating mostly specific rather than generalized effects. Structural analysis of the de novo gene open reading frames (ORFs) reveals a range of intrinsic disorder scores and/or foldability into alpha-helices or beta sheets, but these do not correlate with their effects on the growth of the cells. Our results indicate that de novo evolved ORFs could easily become integrated into cellular regulatory pathways, since most interact with components of these pathways and could therefore become directly subject to positive selection if the general conditions allow this.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ВПЛИВУ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ МЕРЕЖ НА ХАРЧОВУ ПОВЕДІНКУ КОРИСТУВАЧІВ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ МЕРЕЖ

Purpose. To study the impact of social media on users' eating behavior, followed by an analysis of the factors that mediate this impact. Methods. An empirical study was conducted using comparative and correlation analysis. The sample consisted of 50 respondents using a preliminary questionnaire, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), the Intuitive Eating Scale - 2 (IES-2 by T. Tylka) in the adaptation of Yashchyshina Yu, Fateeva M., Comfortable way of media communication by I. Pidhirna, Self-efficacy scale and Cyber addiction "Cyber Addiction Test Questionnaire" (TQ) by Y. Aseyeva, K. Aymedov. Results. It has been shown that groups of respondents may have the same indicators of social media use and their average values of eating behavior questionnaires are often different and may indicate a tendency or absence of eating disorders. Groups of respondents who want to change their body shape and pay attention to other people's photos on social networks are more likely to limit themselves and to be prone to emotional eating disorders. Conclusion. The study found that the scores of the eating disorders and intuitive eating scales may indicate an abnormal value or indicate a negative impact on the personality in different groups of subjects (men, desire to lose weight, attention to photos, etc.). However, it is difficult to argue that it is the time spent on social media that has a negative impact on a person and their eating behavior. Accordingly, it is important not only to measure the amount of time spent, but also to analyze how social media is used by the users themselves. Comparing users who follow weight loss groups and fitness content with the general group of social media users provides clearer data on the actual impact of social media on the individual.

An Online Mindfulness-based Intervention Decreases Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Indian Healthcare Providers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic contributed enormously to the psychosocial distress of Indian healthcare providers. The mental well-being of the healthcare community remains an underappreciated priority in India. The primary objective was to observe the results of an online brief mindfulness-based intervention on stress, anxiety, and depression, and the secondary objective was to examine its effects on mindfulness characteristics and World health Organization (WHO) quality of life among Indian healthcare providers during pandemic times. The study population was randomized into two groups to attend either "mindfulness" sessions or "usual care" sessions. The outcome variables were stress (using the perceived stress scale: PSS), anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder scores: GAD7), depression (patient health questionnaire: PHQ9), mindfulness characteristics (Freiburg mindfulness inventory: FMI), and quality of life (WHO-QOL100). These variables were recorded pre- and postprogram. Statistical analysis included the use of unpaired and paired t -tests. The postsession mean scores in the "mindfulness" group compared to the "usual care" group decreased significantly in PSS, GAD7, and PHQ9, with p < 0.0001, p = 0.0102, and p = 0.0462, respectively. There was an increase in FMI with p < 0.0001 and in WHO-QOL domains 1, 2, and 4, with p = 0.0008, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.0194, respectively. The online brief mindfulness-based intervention created a positive effect on stress, anxiety, and depression. The postprogram mindfulness characteristics and WHO quality of life also improved in Indian healthcare providers during pandemic times. Further large-scale research will be needed to support these beneficial effects.

The Impact of Alpha-s1 Casein Hydrolysate On Chronic Insomnia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial

BackgroundAlpha-s1 casein hydrolysate (ACH; Lactium®) is recognized as a supplementary treatment to enhance sleep quality. However, limited studies utilizing objective sleep assessment tools have resulted in a lack of substantial validation. This study aimed to assess the effects of ACH on both subjective sleep assessments and objective polysomnography (PSG) recordings in a hospital-based cohort of Taiwanese individuals with chronic insomnia. MethodsIn this 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 36 participants diagnosed with chronic insomnia were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the ACH or placebo groups. Initially, participants in the ACH group received 600 mg of ACH daily, which was reduced to 300 mg for the latter two weeks; the placebo group received maltodextrin capsules throughout the study. The study utilized polysomnography (PSG), along with detailed sleep questionnaires including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Global Sleep Disorders Score (GSDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), to assess improvements in sleep quality and related health markers. The efficacy of the intervention was assessed through measures of sleep efficiency, stage distribution, and psychological well-being, comparing results from before to after the treatment phase. ResultsThe study demonstrated that ACH treatment notably enhanced sleep quality, evidenced by significant improvements in ISI, GSDS, PSQI, ESS, and HADS scores at both week 2 and 4 (all p-values < 0.05) compared with baseline scores. When compared to the placebo group, the ACH group experienced a marked reduction in GSDS scores over time (p = 0.045). Furthermore, PSG data revealed a significant decrease in sleep onset latency from baseline in the ACH group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.012; -7.7 ± 16.0 minutes vs. 6.1 ± 17.7 minutes for ACH and placebo groups, respectively). These results indicate that ACH treatment effectively improved sleep initiation and overall sleep quality. ConclusionACH Supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, particularly by reducing GSDS scores and sleep onset latency, demonstrating its potential as an effective intervention for chronic insomnia. Future studies with larger samples and exploration of long-term effects are needed to confirm these results.

Toddler Screen Time: Longitudinal Associations with Autism and ADHD Symptoms and Developmental Outcomes.

Greater screen time is associated with increased symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (autism), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and lower scores on measures of development in preschool-aged community samples. In the current longitudinal study, we examined screen time differences at 18months of age based on clinically-defined outcomes (i.e., Autism, ADHD Concerns, Comparison) determined at age 3-5years in a genetically-enriched sample based on family history, along with prospective associations between toddler screen time and preschool autism/ADHD symptoms and developmental achievement. Participants (n = 82) included children at high and low familial likelihood for autism and ADHD. Children with Autism and ADHD Concerns outcomes experienced significantly more screen exposure at 18months than children without autism or elevated symptoms of ADHD. Greater screen time at 18months was also associated with preschool symptoms of autism and ADHD and lower developmental achievement across the sample. Preschoolers with neurodevelopmental challenges experienced more screen exposure earlier in development than same-age peers, increasing potential for negative developmental impacts.

Gene-based therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy types 1 and 2 : a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite numerous studies identifying the advantages of therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), healthcare professionals encounter obstacles in determining the most effective treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gene-based therapy for SMA. A systematic search was conducted from inception to May 2024 across databases, and all studies assessing the effects of gene-based therapy on patients with SMA types 1 and 2 were included. The outcomes measured were survival, the need for ventilatory support, improvements in motor function, and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. A total of 57 studies (n = 3418) were included, and the meta-analyses revealed that onasemnogene abeparvovec showed the highest survival rate (95% [95% CI: 88, 100]), followed by risdiplam (86% [95% CI: 76, 94]) and nusinersen (60% [95% CI: 50, 70]). The number of patients needing ventilatory support was reduced after treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec (risk ratio = 0·10 [95% CI: 0·02, 0·53]). Onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam had similar proportions of patients with improvements in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders score of ≥4 points (92% [95% CI: 62, 100] vs 90% [95% CI: 77, 97]). In contrast, nusinersen had the smallest improvement (74% [95% CI: 66, 81]). The most frequently observed adverse drug reactions were headaches, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disorders. Gene-based therapy benefits patient survival and improves motor function. Onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam appear highly effective, whereas nusinersen exhibits moderate effectiveness.

Effects of a 12-Week Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Symptoms in Adolescents.

Participation in regular physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits, including improvement in adolescents' mental health. The current study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week physical activity intervention on psychological symptoms of adolescents. The sample of this controlled randomized study was composed by 150 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years old. PA intervention is an adaptation of the ActTeens Program, which includes structured PA sessions delivered during Physical Education classes. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure psychological symptoms. To analyze the effects of the intervention on psychological symptoms, generalized estimating equations (GEEs) models were constructed. After 12 weeks, there were no significant intervention effects for emotional problems (mean difference: -0.14; 95% IC: -1.1-0.82), conduct problems (mean difference: 0.14; 95% IC: -0.6-0.8), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (mean difference: -0.66; 95% IC: -1.4-0.1), peer problems (mean difference: 0.2; 95% IC: -0.6-1.0), prosocial behavior (mean difference: 0.00; 95% IC: -0.8; 0.8) and overall mental health score (mean difference: 0.15; 95% IC: -2.0; 2.3). No improvement in psychological symptoms was observed after 12 weeks of PA intervention. Future studies should explore how PA in different dimensions and contexts may impact positively on adolescents' mental health.

The effect of polygenic liability to mental disorders on COVID-19 outcomes in people with depression: the mediating role of anxiety

Abstract Background Genetic vulnerability to mental disorders has been associated with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcomes. We explored whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for several mental disorders predicted poorer clinical and psychological COVID-19 outcomes in people with pre-existing depression. Methods Data from three assessments of the Australian Genetics of Depression Study (N = 4405; 52.2 years ± 14.9; 76.2% females) were analyzed. Outcomes included COVID-19 clinical outcomes (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] infection and long COVID, noting the low incidence of COVID-19 cases in Australia at that time) and COVID-19 psychological outcomes (COVID-related stress and COVID-19 burnout). Predictors included PRS for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety. The associations between these PRSs and the outcomes were assessed with adjusted linear/logistic/multinomial regressions. Mediation (N = 4338) and moderation (N = 3326) analyses were performed to explore the potential influence of anxiety symptoms and resilience on the identified associations between the PRSs and COVID-19 psychological outcomes. Results None of the selected PRS predicted SARS-CoV-2 infection or long COVID. In contrast, the depression PRS predicted higher levels of COVID-19 burnout. Anxiety symptoms fully mediated the association between the depression PRS and COVID-19 burnout. Resilience did not moderate this association. Conclusions A higher genetic risk for depression predicted higher COVID-19 burnout and this association was fully mediated by anxiety symptoms. Interventions targeting anxiety symptoms may be effective in mitigating the psychological effects of a pandemic among people with depression.

Long-term changes on behavioral addictions symptoms among adults with attention deficithyperactivity disorder treated withmethylphenidate.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioral addictions (BAs) are highly comorbid but little is known about the effect of anti-ADHD medications on behavioral addiction symptoms. Thus, the aim of this naturalistic prospective study was to investigate the long-term changeson BAs symptoms among methylphenidate-treated adults with a primary diagnosis of ADHD. 37 consecutive adult ADHD outpatients completed a baseline and follow-up assessment of ADHD, mood and BAs symptoms (internet, shopping, food, sex addictions and gambling disorder) after one year of methylphenidate (flexible dose) treatment. Internet addiction test scores pre-treatment were significantly higher than post-treatment scores (p < 0.001). The same trend was seenfor the shopping addiction (p = 0.022), food addiction scores (p = 0.039) and sex addiction scores (p = 0.047). Gambling disorder scores did not differ pre and post treatment since none of the included patients reported significant gambling symptoms at baseline. The rate of ADHD patients with at least one comorbid BA was reduced after methylphenidate treatment (51.4% vs 35.1%). The correlation analyses showed a moderate positive correlation between the changes in sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms, cognitive impulsivity, mood and anxiety symptoms and changes in internet addiction symptoms. This is the first study showing that after one-year of treatment with methylphenidate,adult ADHD patients show a significant reduction on internet, food, shopping and sex addiction symptoms. Further controlled studies with larger samples should replicate these preliminaryresults and elucidate the role of methylphenidate and other moderator factors (such as concomitant psychological treatments or lifestyle habits changes) on BAs improvements.

Evaluating the impact of rock climbing on mental health and emotional well-being in adolescents.

Rock climbing (RC) has gained attention as a therapeutic tool in psychiatric settings that merges physical exertion with mental engagement. It has potential to enhance mental health, through improved self-efficacy and social interaction, making it a novel intervention for addressing anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RC as a physical activity on anxiety, depression, and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents. The current study included 57 athletes aged 14.5 ± 1.7 years and 91 adolescents aged 13.6 ± 1.2 years, matched for age and gender, who were not professionally involved in sport. In addition to the socio-demographic form, a detailed psychiatric assessment was carried out by the child psychiatrist; using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) to detect psychiatric conditions. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version (RCADS-CV) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were also administered to the adolescents in the study. In the comparative analysis of the RCADS-CV outcomes between the athlete and control groups, the athletes demonstrated notably lower scores for both Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), yielding p-values of < 0.001 and 0.031, respectively. Although the mean scores for social phobia, OCD, panic disorder, and MDD were lower in the athlete group, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the correlation analysis, a moderately significant correlation was found between the duration of doing sport and the scale scores for SAD (p:0.010), OCD (p:0.014), and panic disorder (p:0.016). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of SDQ scores. These results suggest that RC, through its unique combination of physical exertion and mental focus, may offer protective benefits against certain anxiety disorders among adolescents. Further studies should be conducted to explore the potential use of RC as a preventive program for both healthy adolescents, as well as those with psychiatric disorder.

Midwifery-led brief counseling on the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage: quasi-experimental study

BackgroundPostpartum hemorrhage is a preventable cause of maternal mortality all over the world and a significant contributor to post-traumatic stress among women.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 on 60 primiparous women with postpartum hemorrhage in Zahedan, Iran. The participants were identified and randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received face-to-face individual counseling based on Gamble’s counseling model, conducted by a midwife. The counseling lasted from 40 to 60 min and took place over two sessions; one within the first 48 to 72 h in the ward, and a follow-up telephone session two weeks postpartum. Assessments were made using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II) before the intervention and four weeks after the last post-test session for the two groups, either in person or by phone.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the post-traumatic stress score (PCL-5) in the intervention group significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder score (PPQ-II) after midwife-led brief counseling in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group, as determined by an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for pre-test effects (p =0.05).ConclusionsMidwife-led brief counseling may be effectively implemented by developing a localized clinical guideline based on midwifery recommendations following traumatic births caused by postpartum hemorrhage.