Behavioral Symptoms Research Articles

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome: A factor analysis of the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

The PCL-5 is a psychometrically sound measure of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although the scale is commonly applied to past external traumas (e.g., combat, assault), PTSD symptoms have also been assessed about potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events that represent ongoing internal threats. To date, there is a paucity of studies that have examined the updated scale factor structure for PTSD in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS). MethodsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA, CFA) were conducted using PCL-5 data completed by 830 patients enrolled in the REactions to Acute Care and Hospitalization (REACH) study, an observational cohort study of patients recruited from the emergency department during evaluation for ACS. Follow-up measurement invariance tests were conducted on pre-selected models and on the best-fitting model identified by EFA to evaluate invariance across diagnosis (confirmed v. rule-out ACS), sex, and language. ResultsThe EFA identified a two-factor model with “Memories of Trauma” (MT) and “Cognitive Behavioral Symptoms” (CBS) factors offering a balanced fit and interpretability. In CFAs, the Anhedonia CFA model performed the best overall. Measurement invariance tests supported strong invariance across confirmed and ruled-out ACS, male and female sex, and English and Spanish language for all models. LimitationsOnly 34 % of the sample was diagnosed with ACS at discharge, which limits generalizability. ConclusionOur study contributes to the understanding of PTSD in the context of internal traumatic reminders and may guide future research and clinical practice by informing intervention targets to improve health and well-being after suspected ACS.

Synbiotic supplementation may globally improve non-motor symptoms in patients with stable Parkinson’s disease: results from an open label single-arm study

Gut microbiota changes and brain-gut-axis (BGA) dysregulation are common in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Probiotics and prebiotics are emerging as a potential therapeutic approach for PD patients. The aim of this paper was to assess the neurological and gastroenterological effects in PD patients with constipation after the administration of a synbiotic product, with a focus on behavioral and cognitive symptoms. We enrolled patients with stable PD who met diagnostic criteria for functional constipation and/or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation according to Rome IV Criteria. Patients received a synbiotic treatment (Enterolactis Duo, containing the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DG and the prebiotic fiber inulin) for 12 weeks. A neurological and a gastroenterological evaluation were collected before and after the treatment. In addition, 16S rRNA gene profiling and short chain fatty acid quantification were performed to characterize the microbial ecosystem of fecal samples collected before (n = 22) and after (n = 9) the synbiotic administration. 30 patients were consecutively enrolled. After treatment, patients performed better in MDS-UPDRS part 1 (p = 0.000), SCOPA-AUT (p = 0.001), TAS-20 (p = 0.014), HAM-D (p = 0.026), DIFt (p = 0.003), PAS-A (p = 0.048). Gastroenterological evaluations showed improvements in PAC-SYM score (p < 0.001), number of complete bowel movement (p < 0.001) and BSFS (p < 0.001). After the synbiotic administration, we observed a significant increase in the abundance of the order Oscillospirales, as well as the Oscillospiraceae family and the species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii within this order in fecal samples. Synbiotic treatment demonstrates potential efficacy in ameliorating non-motor features in PD patients.

Efficient machine learning models across multiple datasets for autism spectrum disorder diagnoses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents a complex neurodevelopmental challenge with diverse behavioral symptoms that overlap with other mental disorders, complicating diagnosis. Challenges in existing systems include the complexity and diversity of ASD symptoms, as well as the need for innovative and efficient detection strategies across different age groups. The application of machine learning (ML) offers a promising avenue for revolutionizing ASD prediction and diagnosis. The proposed work aims to overcome these challenges by leveraging ML and Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) techniques, combined with comprehensive datasets and advanced analytics, to enhance ASD detection and prediction capabilities. This study introduces the Autism Spectrum Disorder Detection (ASDD) Framework, which systematically applies ML and AutoML across text-based datasets for various age groups. A combined dataset is generated through the concatenation of various data sources, enriching the diagnostic scope. The framework incorporates AutoML tools such as Lazy Predict, TPOT, and AutoKeras, alongside feature selection methods like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Chi-Square. It also employs robust hyperparameter optimization techniques, including Bayesian optimization, Random Search, and genetic algorithms, and uses advanced ensemble methods like voting and bagging to boost prediction accuracy. An empirical evaluation of 27 distinct ML models across seven datasets, including a synthesized dataset named DB8, demonstrates exceptional performance, with many models achieving 100% accuracy and perfect F1 scores in various contexts. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the proposed framework in advancing ASD detection and prediction methodologies.

Subjective experiences of language brokering among adolescents: Resilience, relationships, risky behaviors, and mental health outcomes.

Adolescents from immigrant families often translate or interpret communication on behalf of their parents, a process known as language brokering (LB). From a poststress growth framework, these LB experiences may yield opportunities for personal development and resilience or may contribute to risky behaviors and poor mental health. In this study, frequency of LB and subjective feelings of LB are tested as they relate to family relationships, resilience, risky behaviors, and mental health outcomes. In this study, 188 adolescents who language broker (female = 128, male = 60; Mage = 16.19 years, SD = 1.01; 5% African American/Black, 24% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 8.5% White, 52% Latino/Hispanic, and 11% mixed/multiracial) completed an online questionnaire about their frequency of LB (i.e., weekly and in general), extent of LB, feelings about LB (i.e., efficacy, burden, and intrusiveness), positive and negative attitudes toward LB, relationships with parents, engagement in risky behavior, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Findings indicated that feelings of efficacy and positive attitudes toward LB associated with resilience. Positive attitudes and a lack of negative attitudes associated with better family relationships. Risky behaviors were associated with age, extent and intrusiveness of LB, and a lack of positive attitudes. Female, extent of LB, and positive attitudes were related to anxiety. Building efficacy and fostering positive attitudes toward LB may foster positive outcomes and prevent deleterious outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Subsyndromes and symptom clusters: Multilevel factor analysis of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia with intensive longitudinal data.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are dynamic phenomena with a high amount of intraindividual variability. We applied a multilevel framework to identify subsyndromes (between-person factors) that represent clinically relevant profiles of BPSD and identify symptom clusters (within-person factors) that represent contextually driven daily symptom experiences. This study used an intensive longitudinal design in which 68 co-residing family caregivers to persons living with dementia were recruited to proxy report on their care recipient's daily symptom experiences of 23 different BPSD for eight consecutive days (n=443 diaries). A multilevel exploratory/confirmatory factor analysis was used to account for nested data and separate within-person variances from between-level factor estimates. Exploratory factor analysis identified a 4-between 3-within factor structure based on fit statistics and clinical interpretability. This study offers major methodological and conceptual advancements for management of BPSD within Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by introducing two related but distinct concepts of subsyndromes and symptom clusters. Because behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are dynamic temporal phenomenon, this introduces measurement error into aggregate group-level estimates when trying to create subsyndromes. We propose a multilevel analysis to provide a more valid and reliable estimation by separating out variance due to within-person daily fluctuations. Using a multilevel exploratory factor analysis with intensive longitudinal data, we identified distinct and meaningful groups of BPSD. The four factors at the between-person level represented subsyndromes that are based on how BPSD co-occurred among persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). These subsyndromes are clinically relevant because they share features of established clinical phenomena and may have similar neurobiological etiologies. We also found three within-person factors representing distinct symptom clusters. They are based on how BPSD clustered together on a given day for an individual with AD and related dementias. These clusters may have shared environmental triggers.

Symptom Network Analysis in a Large Sample of Children and Adults with a Chronic Tic Disorder.

Chronic tic disorders (CTD) are multifaceted disorders characterized by multiple motor and/or vocal tics. They are often associated with complex tics including echophenomena, paliphenomena, and coprophenomena as well as psychiatric comorbidities such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our goal was to uncover the inter-relational structure of CTD and comorbid symptoms in children and adults and to understand changes in symptom structure across development. We used network and graph analyses to uncover the structure of association of symptoms in childhood/adolescence (n = 529) and adulthood (n = 503) and how this structure might change from childhood to adulthood, pinpointing core symptoms as a main target for interventions. The analysis yielded core symptom networks in young and adult patients with CTD including complex tics and tic-related phenomena as well as touching people and objects. Core symptoms in childhood also included ADHD symptoms, whereas core symptoms in adults included symptoms of OCD instead. Interestingly, self-injurious behavior did not play a core role in the young CTD network, but became one of the central symptoms in adults with CDT. In addition, we found strong connections between complex motor and vocal tics as well as echolalia and echopraxia. Next to other complex tics, echophenomena, paliphenomena, and coprophenomena can be regarded core symptoms of CTD. ADHD symptoms are closely related to CTD in childhood, whereas symptoms of OCD and self-injurious behavior are closely associated with CTD in adults. Our results suggest that a differentiation between motor and vocal tics is somewhat arbitrary.

PvuII-ESR1 gene polymorphism in premenstrual dysphoric disorder in South Indian women

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects nearly 3–9% of the women in the reproductive age during the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle characterized by symptoms varying in severity and affecting the quality of life. Earlier research studies conducted have reported independent relationships between PvuII-ESR1-polymorphism and psychological traits in PMDD and risk for cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms. However, as the studies are few in number and the results are not consistent, there is a need for our study to link between the PvuII-ESR1gene and PMDD. Methodology: All nonpregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years and attending the OBG or Medicine or Psychiatry OPD for a routine health checkup were recruited into the study. The cross-sectional study recruited 35 samples each in the control and PMDD groups using a validated screening PMDD Assessment Scale Questionnaire (PMDDASQ). Mann–Whitney’s U test and Chi-square test were used to calculate P values for the continuous and categorical variables. Tetra-primer–amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the PvuII-ESR1gene polymorphism after isolation of genomic DNA from the whole blood. Results: Data-Analysis Pak tool and Med-Calc software were used for data analysis. The PvuII-ESR1 genotype distribution was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in both PMDD and controls. The PMDDASQ scoring showed a significance with P ≤ 0.05. Pearson’s Chi-Squared test performed for genotypes and alleles did not show any significant association with the phenotype. Conclusion: PvuII-ESR1 SNP (T/C rs2234693) does not show any association with phenotype between the control and PMDD. However, PMDDAS questionnaire can be used to differentiate the women who are controls from PMDD.

State-level variation in the prevalence of child psychopathology symptoms in the US: Results from the ABCD study

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of clinically meaningful youth mood, anxiety, behavioral, and attention symptoms across US states. MethodData are drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study baseline wave, which included 11,876 children ages 9-10. Statistical weighting strategies generated projected state-specific prevalence estimates for the 17 states where ABCD collected data based on state socio-demographics. Twenty dimensions of mental health were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist using recommended cut-scores to assess clinical and sub-threshold symptoms. ResultsPsychopathology symptom prevalence varied by state and outcome. Projected prevalence of internalizing problems ranged from 11.0% [95% CI: 9.8%, 12.2%; Oklahoma] to 7.9% [95% CI: 6.9%, 9.0%; Maryland] across states. Projected prevalence of externalizing problems ranged from 6.9% [95% CI: 6.1%, 7.8%; South Carolina] to 4.5% [95% CI: 3.7%, 5.4%; California]. Regions with high symptoms included sections of the South (e.g., Oklahoma, South Carolina) and Vermont. Conduct problems had the most variability across states (i.e., greatest state-level prevalence 91% higher than the lowest). Attention problems had the least variability across states (greatest state-level prevalence 26% higher than the lowest). ConclusionsClinically meaningful psychopathology symptoms are common in children across the US, with substantial state-level variability in prevalence. Understanding variability in the prevalence of psychopathology symptoms across the US can help to inform resource allocation to increase the availability of youth mental health services.

Concussion in Female Athletes of Contact Sports: A Scoping Review.

Recent studies have described higher incidences of concussion, with more severe symptoms and worse outcomes in female athletes compared with male athletes. To compile current knowledge about sex-specific differences in incidence, biomechanics, biomarkers, imaging, and outcomes of concussion in athletes participating in contact sports to better understand which fields should be explored in more detail. Scoping review; Level of evidence, 3. The PubMed database was searched for articles published between January 2000 and November 2020 using the Medical Subject Headings terms "craniocerebral trauma" and "brain concussion" combined with the contact sports "football,""soccer,""hockey," and "boxing." Eligibility criteria were based on the recommendations of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. It focused on sex-specific differences within 5 major topics: (1) epidemiology, (2) biomechanics, (3) biomarkers, (4) imaging, and (5) specific concussion outcome variables, including neurocognitive performance, injury severity, and behavioral and psychological symptoms. A total of 22 studies were included. Eight studies investigated the incidence of concussion, with 4 of the 8 finding a significantly higher incidence rate for female versus male athletes. Six studies that focused on biomechanics found that female athletes received fewer impacts with lower magnitudes. One study addressed biomarkers, showing that S100 calcium-binding protein B and neuron-specific enolase were increased after a game in female athletes, and the level of increase was similar to the changes found in male athletes. Based on the 3 imaging studies, affected brain tissue was greatest in areas associated with tau pathology in chronic traumatic encephalopathy. One study showed a lower hypointensity burden index after a season of ice hockey for female athletes, while another study showed more regions with white matter alterations. Seven studies examined concussion outcomes, with 4 studies showing more severe neuropsychological deficits; in addition, female athletes reported more and worse symptoms than male athletes. The results of this review indicated that female athletes had a higher risk of sustaining a concussion, although they received fewer impacts with lower magnitudes than male athletes. Biomarkers were able to be used equally for both sexes. Female athletes also had a higher neuropsychological deficit and increasingly worse symptoms after a concussion.

Therapeutic Doll Interventions for People Living with Dementia in Care Homes: A Scoping Review.

Doll therapy is a psychosocial intervention that has been commonly used within dementia care for many decades. The practice of doll therapy involves supporting people with dementia to engage with a therapeutic doll and this has been associated with positive changes in a person's wellbeing and behavior. While there have been several systematic reviews that have focused on behavioral outcomes, limited reviews have explored the broader psychosocial outcomes associated with doll therapy in care home settings. A scoping review of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Four electronic databases were searched systematically (CINAHL Plus, Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed). Twelve primary research studies from the past ten years (2013-2023) were included in this review. Primary data were synthesized using a narrative synthesis methodology. The three main themes from this review relate to a reduction in levels of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), increased communication skills, and a reduction in caregiver distress. Doll therapy has the potential to be an effective person-centered intervention that can enhance quality of life for people living with dementia in care home settings.

Symptom clusters and network analysis in patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the complex relationships among symptoms and symptom clusters in patients with gynecologic cancer receiving chemotherapy using symptom network analysis, and to identify core symptoms and core symptom clusters. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from December 2023 to June 2024, including 221 patients with gynecologic tumors. Participants completed demographic and clinical information questionnaires and the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-C). Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used to screen covariates, exploratory factor analysis to determine symptom clusters, and network analysis to identify core symptoms and core symptom clusters. ResultsA total of 221 patients were included, with an average age of 58.73 years (SD ​= ​11.50). Fatigue (n ​= ​197, 89.1%) and lack of appetite (n ​= ​192, 86.9%) were the most common symptoms, while fatigue (mean ​= ​4.17, SD ​= ​2.07) and distress (mean ​= ​3.43, SD ​= ​2.20) were the most severe symptoms. Several distinct symptom clusters were identified: sickness behavior, gastrointestinal, psychological, and side-effect clusters. In the constructed network, fatigue emerged as the most central symptom (rs ​= ​1.28), while the sickness behavior cluster was identified as the most central symptom cluster (rs ​= ​1.11). ConclusionsPatients with gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy commonly experience a range of symptoms. Our findings suggest that targeted interventions focusing on the sickness behavior symptom cluster may help reduce the overall symptom burden and assist caregivers in developing more effective symptom management strategies.

Impact of premenstrual tension syndrome on academic performance among female university students from the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study.

Premenstrual tension syndrome can vary in type and severity among females, potentially affecting their academic performance. This study aims to examine the prevalence and severity of premenstrual tension syndrome symptoms in female university students and their impact on academics. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among female university students from Ras Al Khaimah, UAE over 6 months, from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. The updated premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and severity of symptoms. A total of 251 respondents were included in the study. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between PMT and academic performance. The results showed that 78.9% of the participants experienced premenstrual tension syndrome, with 16.3% of them reporting premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The majority of participants reported mild to moderate symptoms, with anxiety and depressed mood being the most common psychological symptoms. In terms of behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms and feeling overwhelmed were the most prevalent. Furthermore, 90% of participants reported a negative impact on their academic performance, with paying attention in class being the most affected. The study also found that PMT disorder had a significant impact on physical activities and extracurricular activities. Our study showed a high prevalence of premenstrual disorders among female students and their influence on physical activity and extracurricular participation. The study highlights the importance of implementing therapies for PMT syndrome and providing support to improve academic performance and overall quality of life.

Drug Addiction Clinical Study Among Patients Admitted to the Alqana Center for Social Rehabilitation

Background: Drug addiction is a worldwide issue; 5.6% of the world's population aged 15 to 64 took drugs at least once in 2016. For the majority of medicines, younger individuals use them more than older people do. Drug abuse seems to be on the increase in several ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, particularly among young men aged 15 to 30. Illicit drug abuse account for around 14% of the overall health burden among young males. Younger individuals are also more prone to die from drug abuse issues. Aims of study is to assess the severity of problems related to drug addiction. in Baghdad city and to study epidemiological features of drug addiction among Patients Admitted to the Alqana Center for Social Rehabilitation. Patients and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study of 300 individuals diagnosed as a drug addiction patient according to the criteria established by the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", Fifth Edition, text revision, often called the DSM-V-TR or DSM-5-TR. From the medical department at Alqana Center for Social Rehabilitation in Baghdad. The research was carried out from 25/December/2023 to 30/June/2024. Results: the demographic characteristics of the study sample. In with a mean and a standard deviation (SD) of age of 29.33±18.68. Individuals aged 20-29 year had the highest proportion to addiction, with a rate of 42.7%. Conversely, 89.3% of the participants were male. The majority,86.7%, live in urban regions. The majority of patients had 51.7% unmarried, with only 36.0% being married and 12.3% was divorced. The main rate among drug addiction patients was 38.7% primary education ,33.0% secondary education, and 16.0% was illiterate patient, while lowest patient 12.3% at collage. According to the statistics in the table,76.3% of the participants were free business. 95.0% cigarette smoker. presented the result of psychological symptoms as show 93.0% of study addictive patient have mood swings, and in the same table the behavioral and social symptoms showed as 97.0% of study patient had poor performance and/or attendance at work or school. Also, physical symptoms of addiction showed as 74.7% of patient suffering from disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia Regarding to the withdrawal symptoms of drug addiction presented in Table (3), results showed as 95.7% fatigue, 85.3% muscle pain or aches, 81.0% irritability and agitation, 76.0% trembling and tremors, 69.3% hunger, 50.7% anxiety, 36.7% sweating, 30.7% insomnia, 25.3% loss of appetite, 22.7% depression, 20.7% confusion, 22.3% nausea, 9.3% seizures, 8.0% dilated pupils, 3.3% vomiting, and 2.3% paranoia. Conclusion: the majority of addicted patient was male. the main symptoms were Poor performance and/or attendance at work or school and mood swing. The highly complication was fatigue. Regarding the way of addiction, the tablets is vast majority and enjoyment is the most common cause of addiction. Recommendations: It's possible that other important differences between the factors seen in this study would become clearer if multicenter study, the sample size was larger and the duration of the addiction study had been longer.

COVID-19 and Its Influence on Prevalence of Dementia and Agitation in Australian Residential Aged Care: A Comparative Study

Agitation is one of the most common and persistent behavioral and psychological symptoms among persons with dementia (PWD) in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). While most studies have explored the general impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of aged care residents, there has been limited research on the pandemic’s impact on agitation in dementia within RACFs. This knowledge is crucial to ensuring that RACFs are better equipped to handle future public health emergencies. Therefore, this retrospective cohort study investigates the impact of the pandemic on agitation incidents within 40 Australian RACFs. Using Python, we extracted agitation symptoms from nursing notes and compared the frequency and percentage of symptom occurrence pre-pandemic versus during-pandemic. Chi-square tests examined any significant change in the prevalence of dementia and agitation in dementia between the comparative groups and periods. Dementia prevalence dropped significantly during the second year of the pandemic, with a concurrent increase in early-onset dementia cases. Overall, agitation symptoms decreased by 20.1%, but six symptoms significantly increased: resisting (28.98%), wandering (11.78%), restlessness (3.19%), complaining (10.1%), arguing (2.36%), and outbursts (1.74%). Conversely, pacing decreased by 15.88% and speaking loudly decreased by 10.9%. Over half of the care recipients with dementia experienced agitation symptoms 2–5 times each year, increasing from 50.56% in 2019 to 58.28% in 2021. Despite the co-occurrence of symptoms such as falls, confusion, and weakness, there was no evidence to suggest that these comorbidities were specific to COVID-19; rather, they appeared to be prevalent even before the pandemic. Persons with agitation in dementia had a significantly higher death rate during the COVID-19 pandemic than otherwise.

Review Article: The Autism Disease: Symptoms, Genomics, Causes and Pharmacological Therapy for the Behavioral associated with disease

One of the most confusing conditions is autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), for which neither a precise cause nor a conclusive cure has yet been discovered. Autism can be defined as a disorder that typically manifests in children at a young age and affects many areas of their development. It develops in an abnormal way, exhibiting an unbalanced social interaction style marked by recurring behavioral patterns and difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication. The frequency of ASDs has dramatically increased over the past few decades, inspiring numerous researchers worldwide to investigate all facets of the condition, from origin to intervention and diagnosis. This study addresses ASDs, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, modalities of therapy, and the counseling needs of Jordanian families. As one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, ASDs are characterized by stereotyped behaviors and poor social interaction. There is a significant and intricate genetic component to ASDs, with numerous patterns of familial inheritance and an estimated 1,000 potential genes. The past ten years have seen a rapid advancement in identifying the genes responsible for autism, thanks to genomic technologies. This study describes pharmaceutical treatments for the behavioral symptoms associated with ASDs in adolescents, children, and adults. The categories of symptoms include inattention and hyperactivity, social impairment, aggression, irritability, and stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Medications covered in the list include α-2 agonists, atomoxetine, mirtazapine, memantine, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), and antipsychotics. In children with ASDs, SRIs are generally less effective and less tolerated compared to adults. The most effective medications for treating irritability in ASDs are antipsychotics, which can also help with other symptoms. While psychostimulants show promise when used to treat inattention and hyperactivity in individuals with ASDs, they are less effective and have more side effects compared to their use in individuals with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs). Although more research is needed, memantine and D-cycloserine appear to be beneficial in treating social impairment.

Investigating the impact of climate change on mental health among Libyan Arabs: a validation study of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale

Anxiety, especially within the realm of eco-anxiety, has become an increasingly significant focus of research. In our exploration of eco-anxiety within the Arab Libyan population, we employed a cross-sectional approach and successfully validated the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13). Across two separate subsamples, both Exploratory (n = 790) [M = 21.64 (SD = 3.51), % women = 86.8] and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n = 829) [M = 22.24 (SD = 3.76), % women = 84.6] confirmed the validity of HEAS-13. This scale effectively captured four distinct dimensions of eco-anxiety: affective symptoms, rumination, behavioral symptoms, and anxiety regarding one’s negative impact on the planet. Moreover, the total HEAS-13 and its dimensions had good internal consistency coefficients, ranging from 0.65 to 0.82. The findings highlight significant correlations between eco-anxiety subscales, behavioral symptoms, and rumination, indicating distinct profiles of eco-anxiety. Additionally structural equation modelling analysis revealed that eco-anxiety dimensions serve as a significant predictor of various psychological symptoms, climate change perception and climate value, emphasizing the interconnectedness between eco-anxiety and psychological distress. Furthermore, Sex-specific differences in eco-anxiety and its associations with climate change perceptions are explored, suggesting heightened awareness and involvement among females. The results emphasize eco-anxiety as a quantifiable psychological phenomenon, demonstrably measured through our 13-item eco-anxiety scale and associated with the mental health outcomes.

A Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 for Children With Developmental Delays and Disorders.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) frequently serve pediatric patients with developmental delays and disorders (DD/D). Although the most widely used primary care behavioral health screener, the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17), is validated for use with children without DD/D, it is unclear whether this measure accurately identifies behavioral health symptoms in youth with DD/D. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the PSC-17 for children with DD/D. Medical record data from 3596 pediatric patients at a primary care clinic were analyzed. Descriptive analyses, measurement invariance testing, and internal consistency evaluations were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the PSC-17. The results of these analyses support the use of the PSC-17 for behavioral health screening for children with DD/D. Behavioral health screening in this population is critical, because the timely identification of behavioral health concerns can facilitate early intervention, which may enhance long-term functioning.

Clinical and Market Analysis of NanoBEO: A Public-Worth, Innovative Therapy for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)-Emerging Evidence and Its Implications for a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Decision-Making in National Health Systems.

According to scientific literature, some 99% of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffer from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), also known as neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs). In particular, agitation is one of the most difficult disorders to treat. States of agitation represent a very serious problem as they make these subjects dangerous for themselves and others and worsen as the disease advances. To date, there are no specific solutions for treating agitation. The only authorized drug is risperidone (as well as brexpiprazole, approved by the FDA on 11 May 2023), which can be used for no longer than 6-12 weeks because it increases the risk of death-owing to cardiocerebrovascular accidents-by 1.6-1.7 times. In order to address the latter noteworthy unmet medical need, NanoBEO was produced. The aim of the present work is to generate the health technology assessment (HTA) of this nanotechnological device. The latter consists of a controlled release system, based on solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with bergamot essential oil (BEO). The results of the present research assessed the current evidence in the field of non-pharmacological treatments for this condition, including relevant primary preclinical and clinical data studies supporting the use of this device and the production of the operative plan for its launch on the market. The findings offer recommendations for decision-making on its implementation in dementia. NanoBEO represents a public-worth innovation in this neglected area, marking a significant advancement in the history of dementia, moving from academic research to product development.

The association between aspects of expressive suppression emotion regulation strategy and rumination traits: a network analysis approach

Expressive suppression is an abnormal emotion regulation strategy, and its relationship with rumination traits is unclear. In this study with 395 participants in China (33.9% female, Mean age = 21.22, SD = 2.11), we estimated the association between expressive suppression and rumination traits, using the Rumination Response Scale (RRS) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) respectively. Considering there may be complex correlations between different behavioral symptoms of expressive suppression (“Keeping emotions to myself”, “Inhibiting positive emotion responses”, “Controlling emotions by not expressing them”, “Inhibiting negative emotion responses”) and different subtypes of rumination traits, this study employed a symptom-based network analysis method to uncover the differential association between rumination traits and expressive suppression, and the key symptoms linking the two. The study found the S3 node (Controlling emotions by not expressing them) had significant positive correlations with symptom rumination, brooding, and reflective pondering. Among the network, the S3 node acts as a bridge between two variables. This suggests that interventions targeting the S3 symptom may improve rumination traits. The present study was a cross-sectional study with limitations in revealing the causal relationships between expression suppression and rumination traits. Future studies could employ longitudinal tracing methods to explore the relationship between them.

Developmental cascades from maternal depressive symptoms in childhood to adolescents' friendship quality: A 13-year longitudinal study.

Adolescent friendships of positive quality promote well-being for decades to come. But what impedes the development of positive friendship quality? The present study examined whether maternal depressive symptoms during early childhood predict children's friendship quality into adolescence, and whether observed negative parenting behavior and children's earlier friendship quality, social skills, and their own depressive symptoms in middle childhood mediate these associations. We used six waves of data from a prospective longitudinal community sample (N = 396). The study followed children and their mothers across 13 years from child ages 2-15 years (52% female, 67% White, 26% Black), collecting multi-informant data (from mothers, children, teachers, and behavioral observations). The significance of indirect effects was estimated with structural equation modeling. Exposure to high levels of maternal depressive symptoms in early childhood (child ages 2-5 years) was negatively correlated with children's later adolescent friendship quality (at age 15). Structural equation models revealed that this association was mediated by children's poorer social skills (age 7) and friendship quality (age 10). Negative parenting behavior and children's depressive symptoms did not mediate this association. Maternal depressive symptoms have downstream associations with children's friendship quality into adolescence, including via children's social skills. Promoting the social skills of children exposed to maternal depressive symptoms could have long-term positive effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).