Standardized Diagnostic Interview Research Articles

Interaction of Val66Met Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and 5-HTTLPR Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms with Lifetime Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Primary Care Patients

Background/Objectives: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This longitudinal study aimed to explore the connection between two specific genetic polymorphisms, Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR, and the lifetime prevalence of PTSD in patients from primary care settings. We also examined the role of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors to provide a more comprehensive view of PTSD risk. Methods: We recruited a cohort of primary care patients and diagnosed PTSD using a standardized diagnostic interview. Genetic analyses focused on Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms. We applied logistic regression to assess the association between these genetic markers and PTSD, considering factors such as gender, family history of depression, and experiences of childhood maltreatment. Results: Our findings show that women, individuals with a family history of depression, and those exposed to childhood maltreatment have a higher risk of developing PTSD. While the Val66Met polymorphism was not significantly associated with PTSD, the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism showed a marginal relationship. No significant interaction was found between the two polymorphisms in relation to PTSD. Conclusions: This study underscores the multifactorial nature of PTSD, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The findings point to the importance of further research on genetic predispositions and highlight the value of early interventions for high-risk populations in primary care settings.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, parental stress, and attachment styles

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnostic entity concerning children with chronic irritability and severe anger outbursts. Currently, there is limited knowledge about the parental factors associated with the disorder. The aim of this study was to compare stress levels and attachment styles in parents of children with DMDD with those of parents of children with other diagnoses. Our sample consisted of 218 children (6–12 years, Mage = 9.68 years) referred to child mental health outpatient clinics. Clinicians used a standardized semi-structured diagnostic interview to identify diagnoses. Parental stress levels and attachment styles were assessed using parent reports. We found that parents of children with DMDD experience significantly higher levels of parenting stress related to factors in the child than parents of children with other diagnoses. Furthermore, parents of children with DMDD show a higher association with insecure adult attachment styles than parents of children without DMDD. Finally, an adult preoccupied-ambivalent attachment style explains the variability in parental stress in the DMDD group to a large degree. We discuss how parental stress and an insecure attachment style can be associated with negative parenting practices. An implication from this study could be that treatment results might be improved by involving parents more in treatment programs for children with DMDD.

Anxiety and Disruptive Behavior Symptoms and Disorders in Preschool-Age Offspring of Parents With and Without Bipolar Disorder: Associations With Parental Comorbidity

Objective: We examined the relative contribution of parental bipolar disorder (BPD) and psychiatric comorbidities (disruptive behavior disorders [DBD] and anxiety disorders) in predicting psychiatric symptoms and disorders in 2-5-year-old offspring. Methods: Participants were 60 families with a parent with BPD and 78 offspring and 70 comparison families in which neither parent had a mood disorder and 91 offspring. Parent and offspring diagnoses and symptoms were assessed using standardized diagnostic interviews and measures, with offspring assessors masked to parental diagnoses. Results: Offspring of parents with BPD had significant elevations in behavioral, mood and anxiety disorders and symptoms. Both parental BPD and DBD contributed to elevations in child disruptive behavioral symptoms, whereas child anxiety symptoms were more strongly predicted by comorbid parental anxiety. Parental BPD was a stronger predictor than comorbid DBD of child DBDs. Conclusion: Some of the elevated risk for disorders in preschoolers is accounted for by parental comorbidity.

Comparing the reliability and validity of youth-reported checklists and standardized interviews for categorical measurement of emotional and behavioral problems.

Self-completed checklists measuring youth mental health problems produce dimensional scale scores and can be converted to categorical classifications representing the presence/absence of psychopathology. We test whether categorical classifications from scale scores are equivalent psychometrically to categorical classifications of the same problems obtained by lay-administered standardized structured diagnostic interviews. The sample of n = 325 youth aged 12-18 (44% male) and their parent/caregivers come from combined test-retest reliability studies conducted in Ontario, Canada, from 2011 to 2015. Ontario Child Health Study Emotional Behavioural Scales-Brief Version (OCHS-EBS-B)scores converted to categorical classifications of emotional and behavioral problems were compared with interview classifications. We test hypotheses of statistical equivalence and inferiority, using a confidence interval approach to detect if differences lie within the smallest effect size of interest of ±0.18. We compare categorical classifications on: (1) test-retest reliability (ҡ), (2) content validity (between-instrument agreement), and (3) construct validity (strength of association with three mental health-related constructs). Average test-retest reliabilities were 0.695 (checklists) and 0.670 (interviews). The reliability of checklist emotional problem classifications was not inferior to interview classifications and the difference in reliability between instruments for behavioral problems was small (-0.036). Average between-instrument agreement was ҡ = 0.586 (observed) and ҡ = 0.841 (corrected for attenuation due to measurement error) indicating high content overlap. Statistical equivalence criteria were met in 5 of 6 construct validity comparisons. Categorical classifications of emotional and behavioral problems from youth-reported checklists are, on balance, equivalent to interview classifications. Checklists represent a simple, brief, inexpensive alternative to interviews.

Exploring shared neural substrates underlying cognition and gait variability in adults without dementia

BackgroundHigh gait variability is associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments and is predictive of cognitive impairment and dementia. The objective of this study was to identify cortical or subcortical structures of the brain shared by gait variability measured using a body-worn tri-axial accelerometer (TAA) and cognitive function.MethodsThis study is a part of a larger population-based cohort study on cognitive aging and dementia. The study included 207 participants without dementia, with a mean age of 72.6, and 45.4% of them are females. We conducted standardized diagnostic interview including a detailed medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and laboratory tests for cognitive impairment. We obtained gait variability during walking using a body-worn TAA along and measured cortical thickness and subcortical volume from brain magnetic resonance (MR) images. We cross-sectionally investigated the cortical and subcortical neural structures associated with gait variability and the shared neural substrates of gait variability and cognitive function.ResultsHigher gait variability was associated with the lower cognitive function and thinner cortical gray matter but not smaller subcortical structures. Among the clusters exhibiting correlations with gait variability, one that included the inferior temporal, entorhinal, parahippocampal, fusiform, and lingual regions in the left hemisphere was also associated with global cognitive and verbal memory function. Mediation analysis results revealed that the cluster’s cortical thickness played a mediating role in the association between gait variability and cognitive function.ConclusionGait variability and cognitive function may share neural substrates, specifically in regions related to memory and visuospatial navigation.

Family Accommodation in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Investigating Prevalence and Clinical Correlates in the NordLOTS Study.

Family accommodation (FA) involves the actions taken by family members, particularly parents, to accommodate a child´s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, reducing distress or impairment. This behavior may maintain compulsive and avoidant behavior, preventing corrective learning or habituation. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors influencing FA in a large Scandinavian sample of children with OCD. We assessed 238 children using standardized diagnostic interviews, OCD symptom severity assessments and questionnaires evaluating functional impairment and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. FA was measured using the Family Accommodation Scale, a 12-item clinician-rated interview. Our results confirmed a high frequency of accommodation, with approximately 70% of primary caregivers reporting some accommodation daily and 98% at least once per week. FA was associated with increased OCD symptom severity, contamination/cleaning symptoms, internalizing and externalizing behavior, and functional impairment. Linear regression analysis showed that high levels of FA are specifically associated with lower age, higher OCD symptom severity, parent-reported impairment, internalizing, and externalizing symptoms. A path analysis revealed that FA partially mediated the relationship between OCD severity, externalizing symptoms, and child's age, highlighting the role of FA in the progression of OCD and related symptoms. The findings emphasize the importance of evaluating FA before initiating treatment and specifically addressing it during the therapeutic process.

Assessment of Screening Tools to Identify Substance Use Disorders Among Adolescents

Efficient screening tools that effectively identify substance use disorders (SUDs) among youths are needed. To evaluate the psychometric properties of 3 brief substance use screening tools (Screening to Brief Intervention [S2BI]; Brief Screener for Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs [BSTAD]; and Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substances [TAPS]) with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. This cross-sectional validation study was conducted from July 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022. Participants aged 12 to 17 years were recruited virtually and in person from 3 health care settings in Massachusetts: (1) an outpatient adolescent SUD treatment program at a pediatric hospital, (2) an adolescent medicine program at a community pediatric practice affiliated with an academic institution, and (3) 1 of 28 participating pediatric primary care practices. Participants were randomly assigned to complete 1 of the 3 electronic screening tools via self-administration, followed by a brief electronic assessment battery and a research assistant-administered diagnostic interview as the criterion standard measure for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnoses of SUDs. Data were analyzed from May 31 to September 13, 2022. The main outcome was a DSM-5 diagnosis of tobacco/nicotine, alcohol, or cannabis use disorder as determined by the criterion standard World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module. Classification accuracy of the 3 substance use screening tools was assessed by examining the agreement between the criterion, using sensitivity and specificity, based on cut points for each tool for use disorder, chosen a priori from previous studies. This study included 798 adolescents, with a mean (SD) age of 14.6 (1.6) years. The majority of participants identified as female (415 [52.0%]) and were White (524 [65.7%]). High agreement between screening results and the criterion standard measure was observed, with area under the curve values ranging from 0.89 to 1 for nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis use disorders for each of the 3 screening tools. These findings suggest that screening tools that use questions on past-year frequency of use are effective for identifying adolescents with SUDs. Future work could examine whether these tools have differing properties when used with different groups of adolescents in different settings.

Executive function in children with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder compared to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, and in children with different irritability levels.

Addressing current challenges in research on disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), this study aims to compare executive function in children with DMDD, children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). We also explore associations between irritability, a key DMDD characteristic, and executive function in a clinical sample regardless of diagnosis. Our sample include children (6-12years) referred to child psychiatric clinics. Measures of daily-life (parent-reported questionnaire) and performance-based (neuropsychological tasks) executive function were applied. Identifying diagnoses, clinicians administered a standardized semi-structured diagnostic interview with parents. Irritability was assessed by parent-report. First, we compared executive function in DMDD (without ADHD/ODD), ADHD (without DMDD/ODD), ODD (without DMDD/ADHD) and DMDD + ADHD (without ODD). Second, we analyzed associations between executive function and irritability using the total sample. In daily life, children with DMDD showed clinically elevated and significantly worse emotion control scores compared to children with ADHD, and clinically elevated scores on cognitive flexibility compared to norm scores. Children with DMDD had significantly less working memory problems than those with ADHD. No differences were found between DMDD and ODD. Increased irritability was positively associated with emotional dyscontrol and cognitive inflexibility. For performance-based executive function, no diagnostic differences or associations with irritability were observed. We discuss how, in daily life, children with high irritability-levels get overwhelmed by feelings without accompanying regulatory capacities.

The Mood Disorder Assessment Schedule: Initial validation of a new measure for early identification of bipolar spectrum disorders in inpatient adolescents

Due to the significant impairment associated with subthreshold bipolar symptomatology and the harmful effects of delayed diagnosis, there is a great need for diagnostic tools that can facilitate early identification of bipolar spectrum disorders. The Mood Disorder Assessment Schedule (MDAS) is a newly developed measure that focuses on autonomous changes in mood and energy, a key indicator of bipolar spectrum problems which is not included in current diagnostic tools for bipolar disorders. The current study tested the ability of the MDAS to identify individuals at risk for bipolar spectrum disorders. In a cross-sectional sample of 396 inpatient adolescents, the MDAS identified a group of individuals with several bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD) indicators, including greater manic and depressive symptoms, affective lability, suicidal behavior, adverse reactions to antidepressants, and a family history of bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior. When compared to a standard diagnostic interview for bipolar disorders (i.e., Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia [KSADS]), the MDAS yielded stronger clinical utility in its ability to identify individuals with BSD indicators. Therefore, the MDAS appears to be a promising diagnostic tool for identifying adolescents at risk for BSDs and may help facilitate earlier diagnosis and prevent harmful effects of improper treatment.

Problem checklists and standardized diagnostic interviews: evidence of psychometric equivalence for classifying psychiatric disorder among children and youth in epidemiological studies.

The standard approach for classifying child/youth psychiatric disorder as present or absent in epidemiological studies is lay-administered structured, standardized diagnostic interviews (interviews) based on categorical taxonomies such as the DSM and ICD. Converting problem checklist scale scores (checklists) to binary classifications provides a simple, inexpensive alternative. Using assessments obtained from 737 parents, we determine if child/youth behavioral, attentional, and emotional disorder classifications based on checklists are equivalent psychometrically to interview classifications. We test this hypothesis by (1) comparing their test-retest reliabilities based on kappa (κ), (2) estimating their observed agreement at times 1 and 2, and (3) in structural equationmodels, comparing their strength of association with clinical status and reported use of prescription medication to treat disorder. A confidence interval approach is used to determine if parameter differences lie within the smallest effect size of interest set at ±0.125. The test-retest reliabilities (κ) for interviews compared with checklists met criteria for statistical equivalence: behavioral, .67 and .70; attentional, .64 and .66; and emotional, .61 and .65. Observed agreement between the checklist and interviews on classifications of disorder at times 1 and 2 was, on average, κ=.61. On average, the β coefficients estimating associations with clinical status were .59 (interviews) and .63 (checklists); and with prescription medication use, .69 (interviews) and .71 (checklists). Behavioral and attentional disorders met criteria for statistical equivalence. Emotional disorder did not, although the coefficients were stronger numerically for the checklist. Classifications of child/youth psychiatric disorder from parent-reported checklists and interviews are equivalent psychometrically. The practical advantages of checklists over interviews for classifying disorder (lower administration cost and respondent burden) are enhanced by their ability to measure disorder dimensionally. Checklists provide an option to interviews in epidemiological studies of common child/youth psychiatric disorders.

Social anxiety in adolescents and young adults from the general population: an epidemiological characterization of fear and avoidance in different social situations

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and, more generally, social fears are common in young people. Although avoidance behaviors are known to be an important maintaining factor of social anxiety, little is known about the severity and occurrence of avoidance behaviors in young people from the general population, hampering approaches for early identification and intervention. Symptoms, syndromes, and diagnoses of DSM-5 mental disorders including SAD were assessed in a random population-based sample of 14-21-year-olds (n = 1,180) from Dresden, Germany, in 2015/2016 using a standardized diagnostic interview (DIA-X-5/D-CIDI). An adapted version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale was used to ascertain the extent of social fears and avoidance. Diagnostic criteria for lifetime SAD were met by n = 82 participants, resulting in a weighted lifetime prevalence of 6.6%. Social anxiety was predominantly reported for test situations and when speaking or performing in front of others. Avoidance was most prevalent in the latter situations. On average, anxiety and avoidance first occurred at ages 11 and 12, respectively, with avoidance occurring in most cases either at about the same age as anxiety or slightly later. In the total sample, lifetime prevalence for most DSM-5 disorders increased with the severity of social anxiety and avoidance. Results underline the need for preventive or early intervention efforts especially regarding test anxiety and fear and avoidance of speaking in front of others. These situations are particularly relevant in youth. Avoidance behaviors may also be discussed as diagnostic marker for early case identification.

Prospective Associations of Lifetime Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Birth-Related Traumatization With Maternal and Infant Outcomes.

ObjectiveMany women experience traumatic events already prior to or during pregnancy, and delivery of a child may also be perceived as a traumatic event, especially in women with prior post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Birth-related PTSD might be unique in several ways, and it seems important to distinguish between lifetime PTSD and birth-related traumatization in order to examine specific consequences for mother and child. This post-hoc analysis aims to prospectively examine the relation of both, lifetime PTSD (with/without interpersonal trauma) and birth-related traumatization (with/without postpartum depression) with specific maternal and infant outcomes.MethodsIn the prospective-longitudinal Maternal in Relation to Infants' Development (MARI) study, N = 306 women were repeatedly assessed across the peripartum period. Maternal lifetime PTSD and birth-related traumatization were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for women. Maternal health during the peripartum period (incl. birth experience, breastfeeding, anxiety, and depression) and infant outcomes (e.g., gestational age, birth weight, neuropsychological development, and regulatory disorders) were assessed via standardized diagnostic interviews, questionnaires, medical records, and standardized observations.ResultsA history of lifetime PTSD prior to or during pregnancy was reported by 25 women who indicated a less favorable psycho-social situation (lower educational level, less social support, a higher rate of nicotine consumption during pregnancy). Lifetime PTSD was associated with pregnancy-related anxieties, traumatic birth experience, and anxiety and depressive disorders after delivery (and in case of interpersonal trauma additionally associated with infant feeding disorder). Compared to the reference group, women with birth-related traumatization (N = 35) indicated numerous adverse maternal and infant outcomes (e.g., child-related fears, sexual problems, impaired bonding). Birth-related traumatization and postpartum depression was additionally associated with infant feeding and sleeping problems.ConclusionFindings suggest that both lifetime PTSD and birth-related traumatization are important for maternal and infant health outcomes across the peripartum period. Larger prospective studies are warranted.ImplicationsWomen with lifetime PTSD and/or birth related traumatization should be closely monitored and supported. They may benefit from early targeted interventions to prevent traumatic birth experience, an escalation of psychopathology during the peripartum period, and adverse infant outcomes, which in turn may prevent transgenerational transmission of trauma in the long term.

Autistic traits in trichotillomania.

IntroductionAlthough many variables have been examined as potentially contributing to the manifestation of trichotillomania (TTM), little research has focused on problems in social interactions. Hair pulling has many similarities to the stereotypies seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and thus the present study examined autistic traits in adults with trichotillomania.MethodsFifty nontreatment‐seeking adults with DSM‐5 TTM were recruited. Participants completed standard diagnostic interviews, basic demographic information, and symptom inventories about TTM. Autistic traits were quantified using the Brief Autism‐ Spectrum Quotient (AQ‐10) which screens for autistic traits.ResultsThe sample comprised 50 participants, mean (standard deviation) age of 30.2 (5.6) years, 10% being male, 86% female, and 4% nonbinary. Eight of the participants had a history of major depressive disorder and six had a history of an anxiety disorder. No one had current or lifetime obsessive‐compulsive disorder. The mean AQ10 score was 3.5 (2.0), with 14.6% scoring 6 or greater. Autism scores correlated significantly only with family dysfunction and not with symptom severity or impulsivity.ConclusionsThis study examined autistic traits in a community‐based sample of adults with TTM and found elevated rates of probable ASD (based on a self‐report screening tool) among those with TTM. These results highlight the need to carefully screen for autistic traits in those with TTM. To what extent these traits may influence response to treatment, however, remains unclear.

The role of compulsivity in body-focused repetitive behaviors

Trichotillomania (TTM) and skin picking disorder (SPD) have been characterized as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) and have been grouped in the DSM-5 as part of the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Despite the clinical similarities between BFRBs and the compulsions of OCD, there has been little research regarding the degree to which compulsivity underpins these behaviors. 88 adults (69 female; mean age 30.9 years) with DSM-5 TTM or SPD completed standard diagnostic interviews, basic demographic information, symptom inventories about TTM and SPD, and measures of disability/functioning. Compulsivity was measured using the 15-item Cambridge-Chicago Compulsivity Trait Scale (CHI-T). Relationships between CHI-T scores and the other measures of interest were characterized using Pearson's correlations. Of the 88 participants, 48 (54.5%) had TTM, 37 (42.0%) had SPD and 3 (3.4%) had both. CHI-T total scores correlated with worse disability and quality of life but not with BFRB symptom severity. This study demonstrates that compulsivity is a marked contributor to worse disability and quality of life in people with BFRBs, more so than conventional measures of BFRB symptom severity (which did not correlate with disability/quality of life). Future work should include compulsivity measures in BFRB studies (including treatment trials) and explore its role in other related disorders.

Characteristics of post-traumatic embitterment disorder of inpatients in a general hospital in China.

Embitterment and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) is critical, merging through different cultures. We explored the prevalence and related clinical characteristics of PTED of inpatients in a general hospital in China. Two hundred inpatients (aged 18-65 years) from different departments were recruited by convenient sampling and standardized diagnostic interviews of PTED. Demographic data, Post-traumatic Embitterment Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PTED-21), the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-15) were collected on all participants. The prevalence of PTED was 21% (42/200) in inpatients in China; besides, the rate of increased syndromal embitterment is 28% (56/200), including 42 patients diagnosed with PTED. PTED was mainly associated with stressful events, such as illness, work and complicated interpersonal relationships. Rheumatology department and respiratory department have the highest and second highest prevalence of PTED among all departments. PTED-21 scores were significantly correlated with PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PHQ-15 (all P < 0.01). The present study shows that embitterment is a critical negative emotion in inpatients with somatic illnesses with comorbid depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms. PTED and feelings of embitterment should be given proper attention in diagnosing somatic patients, and it is crucial to enhance PTED screening and intervention in the future. Future intervention studies on post-traumatic embitterment disorder could be done in general and especially in psychosomatic and somatic medicine.

Hair androgen concentrations and depressive disorders in adolescents from the general population

Although the link between androgens and depression is well established in adults, the effects of cofactors on this association are less clearly understood, particularly in youth. Epidemiological cohort study of adolescents in Dresden, Germany. Analyses comprised data of 985 individuals assessed at baseline and of 512 individuals at 1-year follow-up. We investigated multivariable regression models for cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of hair testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and their cortisol ratios with 12-month diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD) and MDD without any anxiety disorder assessed with standardized diagnostic interview (DIA-X-5), and with dimensional depression scores (PHQ-9, PROMIS), separately for males and females. The potential moderating effect of social support was determined. Cross-sectional analyses yielded inverse associations of testosterone and DHEA with MDD and MDD without any anxiety disorders in males. In cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, baseline ratio cortisol/DHEA was significantly, inversely associated to PROMIS-depression in males. Only cross-sectional associations for ratio cortisol/DHEA and PROMIS-depression remained significant after Bonferroni-Holm correction. No robust associations were observed in female participants. Social support exerted no consistent moderating effect on the investigated association. The present observational cohort study showed no consistent association of hair androgen concentrations with depressive disorders in adolescents. However, findings provide some support for the association between the cortisol/DHEA ratio and depression in males. Longitudinal research designs in large samples are needed to understand the interplay between androgens, depression, and developmental and social factors in youth.

Repetitive negative thinking: transdiagnostic correlate and risk factor for mental disorders? A proof-of-concept study in German soldiers before and after deployment to Afghanistan

Background and objectivesDisorder-specific forms of Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) are associated with multiple diagnostic categories, indicating a transdiagnostic nature. Few studies examined content-independent RNT processes across groups of diagnosed mental disorders. Moreover, theory describes RNT processes as critically involved in the etiology of mental disorders, empirical evidence however is scarce. We first tested the transdiagnostic nature by examining levels of RNT across groups of internalizing and externalizing mental disorders compared to healthy individuals and explored RNT levels in a comorbid disorder-group. Second, we examined whether RNT predicts incident psychopathology.MethodsIn a sample of German soldiers (n = 425) scheduled for deployment in Afghanistan, we compared RNT levels between diagnosed groups with alcohol use disorders, anxiety disorders and healthy individuals cross-sectionally. Exploratory analyses were conducted comparing a comorbid disorder-group to healthy individuals and to both single-disorder-groups. Longitudinally, we examined the predictive value of pre-deployment RNT levels for incident psychopathology after deployment (n = 167). RNT was measured using the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ), DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed using the standardized Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).ResultsCross-sectional comparisons revealed that soldiers with alcohol use disorders and anxiety disorders showed significantly higher degrees of RNT compared to healthy soldiers. RNT levels in those with comorbid disorders were significantly higher compared to healthy soldiers but also compared to both single-disorder-groups. Longitudinal analyses revealed that higher levels of RNT prior to deployment were associated with a higher risk to have any incidental mental disorder after deployment. This however is only attributable to individuals with a PTQ score above a cut-off of 15.ConclusionsFindings provide evidence for RNT as a transdiagnostic correlate and a vulnerability factor for the development of mental disorders.

Somatic symptom disorder: a scoping review on the empirical evidence of a new diagnosis.

In 2013, the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) was introduced into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This review aims to comprehensively synthesize contemporary evidence related to SSD. A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. The main inclusion criteria were SSD and publication in the English language between 01/2009 and 05/2020. Systematic search terms also included subheadings for the DSM-5 text sections; i.e., diagnostic features, prevalence, development and course, risk and prognostic factors, culture, gender, suicide risk, functional consequences, differential diagnosis, and comorbidity. Eight hundred and eighty-two articles were identified, of which 59 full texts were included for analysis. Empirical evidence supports the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of SSD diagnostic criteria, but the further specification of the psychological SSD B-criteria criteria seems necessary. General population studies using self-report questionnaires reported mean frequencies for SSD of 12.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.5-13.3%], while prevalence studies based on criterion standard interviews are lacking. SSD was associated with increased functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and high comorbidity with anxiety and depressive disorders. Relevant research gaps remain regarding developmental aspects, risk and prognostic factors, suicide risk as well as culture- and gender-associated issues. Strengths of the SSD diagnosis are its good reliability, validity, and clinical utility, which substantially improved on its predecessors. SSD characterizes a specific patient population that is significantly impaired both physically and psychologically. However, substantial research gaps exist, e.g., regarding SSD prevalence assessed with criterion standard diagnostic interviews.

Prevalence of mental disorders in patients with cancer compared to matched controls – secondary analysis of two nationally representative surveys

Aim To compare prevalence rates of mental disorders in patients with cancer and general population controls. Method In two stratified nationally representative surveys, the 12-month prevalence of mental disorders was assessed in 2141 patients with cancer and 4883 general population controls by the standardized Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). We determined odds ratios (ORs) to compare the odds for mental disorders (combined and subtypes) in cancer patients with age- and gender-matched controls. Results The 12-month prevalences rate for any mental disorder was significantly higher in patients with cancer compared to controls (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.45). Prevalence rates were at least two times higher for unipolar mood disorders (major depression: OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.71–2.51; dysthymia: OR 2.93, 95% CI 2.13–4.02) and mental disorders due to a general medical condition (OR 3.31, 95% CI 2.32–4.71). There was no significant elevation for anxiety disorders overall (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.81–1.11). Mildly elevated prevalence rates emerged for post-traumatic stress disorder (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.11–2.23) and social phobia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07–2.31), while specific phobia (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67–1.00) and agoraphobia (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.33–0.73) were significantly less frequent in cancer. Conclusions While elevated depression rates reinforce the need for its systematic diagnosis and treatment, lower prevalences were unexpected given previous evidence. Whether realistic illness-related fears and worries contribute to lower occurrence of anxiety disorders with excessive fears in cancer may be of interest to future research.

State and trait anxiety in children with incontinence and their parents.

Maternal anxiety increases the risk for incontinence in children. The aim was to analyze anxiety in children with incontinence and their parents before (t1) and after 6months of incontinence treatment (t2). 40 children with incontinence and 40 controls completed the State-trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, their parents the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the State-trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline (t1) and 6months later (follow-up, t2). Psychiatric disorders were assessed by a standardized parental diagnostic interview (Kinder-DIPS), IQ was tested by a one-dimensional test. All children were neurologically examined. Children with incontinence underwent a guideline-based treatment during the 6months. At baseline, child and parental state and trait anxiety scores, as well as all CBCL scores were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. At t2, parental anxiety, CBCL scores, and child trait anxiety were significantly higher in patients versus controls, whereas child state anxiety decreased, and parental state anxiety increased from t1 to t2. Incontinence and anxiety are associated. While state anxiety decreases, trait anxiety can remain stable over time. Higher levels of anxiety can influence incontinence treatment and should be assessed in every patient.