Treatment Of Mental Health Disorders Research Articles

Affective Computing in Mental Health: The Role of Facial Expression Recognition

Affective computing has emerged as one of the leading interdisciplinary disciplines that utilize technology to detect and interpret human emotions, and so it provides critical information for the mental health monitoring process. The present study addresses the facial expression recognition as an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. By discussing the physiological and psychological implications that facial expressions may have, we analyze how FER systems can supplement the traditional approach to mental health evaluation by providing real-time feedback and timely intervention. Improved algorithms for machine learning and computer vision techniques in FER systems enhance the accuracy and efficiency of FER systems, thus increasing their applicability in teletherapy, clinical assessment, and personal well-being applications. This discussion paper shall also touch on the issues and ethical concerns of FER technology, such as privacy and the potential for misinterpretation. Our results indicate that FER can be a meaningful contributor to care for personal mental health by continuous monitoring and understanding of emotional well-being.

The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia significantly reduce the daily functioning and quality of life of individuals. Traditional treatments often fall short, thus opening interest in complementary therapies like animal assisted therapy (AAT) which encourages the human-animal bond and gives emotional and psychological support. This review evaluated the efficacy of AAT in treating mental health disorders, and understanding its mechanisms and benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted (using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 2 decades. Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. Benefits included reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improved social functioning and quality of life. AAT offered a complementary treatment for mental health disorders, providing emotional comfort, improving mood, and serving as a nonpharmacological option for individuals. However, challenges such as individual preferences, allergies, ethical concerns for therapy animals, and logistical issues must be addressed. Future research should focus on the long-term effects and mechanisms involved to optimize the application of AAT in the clinical setting, and alternatives like robotic companion pets could also be explored.

Could intranasal oxytocin enhance the effects of psychotherapy in individuals with mental disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Interest in the therapeutic potential of oxytocin for the treatment of mental health disorders, especially those involving social dysfunction, has increased considerably in recent years. To date, most studies have only evaluated oxytocin as monotherapy, with highly inconsistent results. A new line of research is exploring the effects of combining oxytocin with psychotherapy. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of intranasal oxytocin combined with psychotherapy in individuals with psychiatric disorders. Only randomized clinical trial design was eligible for inclusion. A search of relevant databases yielded 2480 articles published through April 30, 2024. Of these, 13 trials (518 participants) were included in this review and 4 of them in a meta-analysis. The trials evaluated a range of different psychotherapeutic interventions, oxytocin doses, and mental disorders. Overall, the trials suggested that combined treatment reduced negative mental representations, decreased stress, and increased therapeutic alliance. Meta-analysis showed that combined treatment significantly reduced depressive symptoms (d= −1.58, 95 % CI: −3.15 to −0.01). However, the treatment with oxytocin had no significant effects on psychiatric symptoms (d= 0.00, 95 % CI: −0.56–0.57) or social functioning (d = 0.21, 95 % CI: −0.07–0.49). Limitations included the heterogeneity and limited sample sizes of the trials. The findings suggest that the combination of intranasal oxytocin and psychotherapy may be an effective therapeutic approach to reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with mental disorders and may improve retention and therapeutic alliance.

Pharmacotherapy Effectiveness in Treating Mental Disorders in Kosovo's Specialized Institutions

Abstract: In various global regions, specialized institutions rigorously supervise pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders. In Kosovo, the absence of such dedicated infrastructure highlights the need for continuous evaluations to refine and enhance treatment practices. Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of pharmacotherapeutic strategies for mental health disorders at specialized centers in Kosovo. Methodology: The research followed the protocols set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patient data were collected from medical records. A total of 400 patients were analyzed, selected randomly from different cities with sample sizes ranging from 50 to 90 per city. Results: Medication was administered orally in 106.8% of the cases, with no significant differences in administration methods between centers (Chi-Test = 36, p > 0.22) (Tab. 4). Most prescribed medications were classified as non-essential (85.9%). Of the medications prescribed, 69.2% were antipsychotics, 22.3% were anxiolytics, and 14.8% were antidepressants, making up 100% of all drugs used. Conclusion: In Kosovo's mental health facilities, oral administration is the predominant method (PO), with 22.9% of cases involving parenteral administration. The majority of prescribed medications were non-essential (85.9%). Antipsychotics were the most commonly prescribed (69.2%). Often, second-line medications are used as the initial treatment choice. The use of effective but high-risk medications is common (e.g., Clozapine at 100.0% from the SDA group). Ineffective medications were observed in 2.50% of cases, and a misalignment between treatment and drug indications occurred in 7.50% of cases.

CCNP Innovations in Neuropsychopharmacology Award: The psychopharmacology of psychedelics: where the brain meets spirituality.

For 3000 years, psychedelics have been used in religious contexts to enhance spiritual thinking, well-being, and a sense of community. In the last few years, a renaissance in the use of psychedelic drugs for mental disorders has occurred in Western society; consequently, a pressing scientific need to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying their actions has arisen. Psychedelics mainly bind to serotonin (5-HT) receptors, particularly 5-HT2A receptors, but may also bind to other receptors. Unlike conventional psychotropic drugs used in psychiatry, psychedelics introduce a distinctive complexity. They not only engage in receptor activation, but also exert influence over specific neural circuits, thereby facilitating transformative cognitive experiences and fostering what many have identified as a spiritual contemplation or mystical experience. This comprehensive review describes clinical studies that have examined the propensity of psychedelics to enhance spiritual, mystical, and transcendent cognitive states. This multifaceted nature, encompassing diverse components and paradigms, necessitates careful consideration during the investigation of psychedelic mechanisms of action to avoid oversimplification. The present review endeavours to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the actions of 2 principal psychedelic substances, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), with a focus on monoamine and glutamate receptor mechanisms; molecular aspects, such as neuroplasticity and epigenetics; as well as the impact of psychedelics on brain circuits, including the default mode network and the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical network. Given their distinctive and intricate mechanisms of action, psychedelics necessitate a novel conceptual framework in psychiatry, offering insight into the treatment of mental health disorders and facilitating the integration of the realms of brain, mind, and spirituality.

A systematic review and meta analysis on digital mental health interventions in inpatient settings

E-mental health (EMH) interventions gain increasing importance in the treatment of mental health disorders. Their outpatient efficacy is well-established. However, research on EMH in inpatient settings remains sparse and lacks a meta-analytic synthesis. This paper presents a meta-analysis on the efficacy of EMH in inpatient settings. Searching multiple databases (PubMed, ScienceGov, PsycInfo, CENTRAL, references), 26 randomized controlled trial (RCT) EMH inpatient studies (n = 6112) with low or medium assessed risk of bias were included. A small significant total effect of EMH treatment was found (g = 0.3). The effect was significant both for blended interventions (g = 0.42) and post-treatment EMH-based aftercare (g = 0.29). EMH treatment yielded significant effects across different patient groups and types of therapy, and the effects remained stable post-treatment. The results show the efficacy of EMH treatment in inpatient settings. The meta-analysis is limited by the small number of included studies.

Genetic Influences on Mental Health

Mental and physical health are two most crucial factor that deciding the happiness and development of each individual in the world. Physical health problem is quite obvious and easy to be recognized through advanced and modern technology. However, mental health sometimes invisible and hard to be revealed by the machines and the patients themselves. It is believed that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of various mental health conditions. Based on extensive research, scientists categorize major mental illnesses into several types, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. The primary causes of these mental health issues are rooted in organic, psychological, abnormal physical structures, and endogenous factors. Treatment for mental health disorders includes a range of therapies such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), psychotherapy, and rehabilitation. It is essential for individuals to adopt different measures such as regular exercise, maintaining a positive attitude towards life’s challenges, helping others, and following a healthy diet to escape from mental health issues. This research used a survey conducted with over 200 participants to understand more about the relationship between mental health and genetics, offering recommendations for reducing the incidence of mental health issues.

A Case Study of Female Clients’ Experiences of Psychotherapy in Islamabad

The current study is based on a qualitative analysis of experiences of five female patients who are under treatment for mental health disorders. The main aim was to highlight the contribution of psychosocial factors in the development of their symptoms and analyze the challenges they face in seeking treatment. Selection of the cases was done using purposive sampling technique and five clients within age range of 25-43 years were selected who had been in psychotherapy for at least ten sessions. Sessions of the clients were recorded by notes taking by the researcher with consent while they took session with their counselor. Thematic analysis of the notes reveals that women suffering from different mental health disorders lack social support from family and friends. Their family issues and social support emerged as significant factors triggering symptoms of anxiety, depression, post- partum depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. The major challenges in utilizing mental healthcare services includes lack of awareness about mental disorders, stigma and perceived side effects of medications. The study highlights need for gender specific therapeutic interventions taking social and cultural factors into consideration to provide holistic treatment.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression among children of 3–17 years old with and without visual impairments in United States: An analysis of 2018–2019 NSCH data

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and mental health treatment among US youth (aged 3–17 years) with and without VI, based on the 2018–2019 NSCH data. This study focused on children (aged 3–17 years) with and without VIs from the 2018 to 2019 NSCH. Accounting for the NSCH sampling plan, Complex Samples was used to estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and treatment for mental health disorders among children aged 3–17 years with and without VIs. Chi-square tests based on raw sample size of the estimated proportions The overall anxiety prevalence for children with VIs was about 13% ( p < .001) higher than those without VIs. Depression prevalence among children with VIs was about 10% ( p < .001) higher than those without VIs. Children with VIs had more than 2× higher anxiety (19.9% vs 6.9%), and more than 4× higher depression prevalence (13% vs 3%) compared to children without VIs. These findings help identify children with VIs as a population subgroup who is at risk for experiencing these mental health disorders, and reinforce the need for research on the etiology, development, and consequences of mental health disorders for this population.

Contrasting the pharmacokinetic performance and gut microbiota effects of an amorphous solid dispersion and lipid nanoemulsion for a poorly water-soluble anti-psychotic

Increasing attention is being afforded to understanding the bidirectional relationship that exists between oral drugs and the gut microbiota. Often overlooked, however, is the impact that pharmaceutical excipients exert on the gut microbiota. Subsequently, in this study, we contrasted the pharmacokinetic performance and gut microbiota interactions between two commonly employed formulations for poorly soluble compounds, namely 1) an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) stabilised by poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) K-30, and 2) a lipid nanoemulsion (LNE) comprised of medium chain glycerides and lecithin. The poorly soluble antipsychotic, lurasidone, was formulated with ASD and LNE due to its rate-limiting dissolution, poor oral bioavailability, and significant food effect. Both the ASD and LNE were shown to facilitate lurasidone supersaturation within in vitro dissolution studies simulating the gastrointestinal environment. This translated into profound improvements in oral pharmacokinetics in rats, with the ASD and LNE exerting comparable ∼ 2.5-fold improvements in lurasidone bioavailability, compared to the pure drug. The oral formulations imparted contrasting effects on the gut microbiota, with the LNE depleting the richness and abundance of the microbial ecosystem, as evidenced through reductions in alpha diversity (Chao1 index) and operational taxonomical units (OTUs). In contrast, the ASD exerted a ‘gut neutral’ effect, whereby a mild enrichment of alpha diversity and OTUs was observed. Importantly, this suggests that ASDs are effective solubility-enhancing formulations that can be used without comprising the integrity of the gut microbiota – an integral consideration in the treatment of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, due to the role of the gut microbiota in regulating mood and cognition.

Novel online enfacement illusion for investigating self-perception in mental disorders: an experimental study protocol

BackgroundRemote research methods and interventions for mental health disorders have become increasingly important, particularly for conditions like eating disorders (EDs). Embodiment illusions, which induce feelings of ownership over another person?s body or body parts, offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying self-perception issues in EDs and potential interventions. However, existing research using these illusions has been limited to face-to-face settings. We illustrate a novel online protocol to induce the enfacement illusion (embodiment illusion principles applied to one’s face) in an ED-based sample.MethodsParticipants complete a 2-hr virtual session with a researcher. First, baseline trait/state ED psychopathology measures and a self-face recognition task occur. Second, participants experience two testing blocks of the enfacement illusion involving synchronously and asynchronously mimicking a pre-recorded actor’s facial expressions. After each block, subjective and objective enfacement illusion measures occur alongside state ED psychopathology reassessment.DiscussionSuccessfully inducing enfacement illusions online could provide an affordable, accessible virtual approach to further elucidate the mechanistic role of self-perception disturbances across psychopathologies such as EDs. Moreover, this protocol may represent an innovative, remotely-delivered intervention strategy, as ‘enfacement’ over another face could update negative self-representations in a cost-effective, scalable manner.

A Transformative Trip? Experiences of Psychedelic Use

Psychedelic experiences are often compared to “transformative experiences” due to their potential to change how people think and behave. This study empirically examines whether psychedelic experiences constitute transformative experiences. Given psychedelics’ prospective applications as treatments for mental health disorders, this study also explores neuroethical issues raised by the possibility of biomedically directed transformation—namely, consent and moral psychopharmacology. To achieve these aims, we used both inductive and deductive coding techniques to analyze transcripts from interviews with 26 participants in psychedelic retreats. Results indicate that psychedelic experiences can constitute transformative experiences. Twenty participants reported experiences or insights that were seemingly inaccessible or impossible to attain if not for the psychoactive effects of psychedelics. All participants besides one reported some change in identity, values, beliefs, desires, and behavior—changes in behavior being the most common. Participants also reported feeling capable deciding to use psychedelics in part due to information seeking prior to their retreats. Finally, several participants reported an enhanced capacity for enacting changes in their lives. Our results underscore both the importance of subjective embodiment to transformation and the role of transformative agency in shaping outcomes of the psychedelic experience. We examine our results relative to neuroethical issues and advocate for centering the person in psychedelic research and neuroethical inquiry about psychedelics to avoid pitfalls associated with psychedelics’ potential as moral psychopharmacological agents.

Evaluation of TrpM and PsiD substrate promiscuity reveals new biocatalytic capabilities.

N-methylated tryptamines, such as the hallucinogenic natural products, psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are gaining interest from the medical community due to their potential as next generation treatments for mental health disorders. The clinical relevance of these compounds has driven scientists to develop biosynthetic production routes to a number of tryptamine drug candidates, and efforts are ongoing to expand and further develop these biosynthetic capabilities. To that end, we have further characterized the substrate preferences of two enzymes involved in tryptamine biosynthesis: TrpM, a tryptophan N-methyltransferase from Psilocybe serbica, and PsiD, the gateway decarboxylase of the psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. Here, we show that TrpM can N-methylate the non-native amino acid substrate, 4-hydroxytryptophan, a key intermediate in the Escherichia coli-based recombinant psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. However, the ability to incorporate TrpM into a functional psilocybin biosynthesis pathway was thwarted by PsiD's inability to use N,N-dimethyl-4-hydroxytryptophan as substrate, under the culturing conditions tested, despite demonstrating activity on N-methylated and 4-hydroxylated tryptophan derivatives individually. Taken together, this work expands upon the known substrates for TrpM and PsiD, further increasing the diversity of tryptamine biosynthetic products.

The effectiveness of virtual reality training on knowledge, skills and attitudes of health care professionals and students in assessing and treating mental health disorders: a systematic review

Background Virtual reality (VR) training can enhance health professionals’ learning. However, there are ambiguous findings on the effectiveness of VR as an educational tool in mental health. We therefore reviewed the existing literature on the effectiveness of VR training on health professionals’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes in assessing and treating patients with mental health disorders.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO (via Ovid), the Cochrane Library, ERIC, CINAHL (on EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection, and the Scopus database for studies published from January 1985 to July 2023. We included all studies evaluating the effect of VR training interventions on attitudes, knowledge, and skills pertinent to the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders and published in English or Scandinavian languages. The quality of the evidence in randomized controlled trials was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. For non-randomized studies, we assessed the quality of the studies with the ROBINS-I tool.ResultsOf 4170 unique records identified, eight studies were eligible. The four randomized controlled trials were assessed as having some concern or a high risk of overall bias. The four non-randomized studies were assessed as having a moderate to serious overall risk of bias. Of the eight included studies, four used a virtual standardized patient design to simulate training situations, two studies used interactive patient scenario training designs, while two studies used a virtual patient game design. The results suggest that VR training interventions can promote knowledge and skills acquisition.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that VR interventions can effectively train health care personnel to acquire knowledge and skills in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. However, study heterogeneity, prevalence of small sample sizes, and many studies with a high or serious risk of bias suggest an uncertain evidence base. Future research on the effectiveness of VR training should include assessment of immersive VR training designs and a focus on more robust studies with larger sample sizes.Trial registrationThis review was pre-registered in the Open Science Framework register with the ID-number Z8EDK.

Implementation of a Perinatal Mental Health Program in a Private Maternal–Fetal Medicine Practice [ID 2683639

INTRODUCTION: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that treatment for mental health disorders be equitably available and accessible to all pregnant women. We detail the implementation of a perinatal mental health program within a statewide maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) practice. METHODS: A retrospective quality improvement study was conducted among pregnant patients at a large, private MFM practice in New Mexico from October 2021 to September 2023. The primary outcome aimed to describe implementation of a perinatal mental health program and determine the demand for care of mood and anxiety disorders among pregnant patients being seen for antenatal high-risk obstetric care. RESULTS: In October 2021, an initial psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMH-NP) employed by our MFM practice began providing care to pregnant patients. In June 2022, a second PMH-NP joined and a third was added in February 2023. No advertising of this new program was conducted to better serve existing patients. Patients are screened during each MFM visit with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), a nine-item depression scale. Patients scoring higher than 4 were offered consultation with the PMH-NP and the patient elected to then schedule the visit. Additionally, patients with mood or anxiety disorders listed on their active problem list were queried by a clinician, offered consultation with the PMH-NP, and the patient elected to then schedule the visit. In 2021, 47 patients were seen with a total of 96 visits. In 2022, 284 patients were seen with a total of 1,046 visits. In 2023, 367 patients were seen with a total of 1,331 visits. CONCLUSION: Although ACOG recommends mental health treatment be available for all pregnant women, New Mexico lacks sufficient services. Implementation of a perinatal mental health program integrated within our MFM practice was successful with strong uptake by patients and year-over-year growth.

An Overview of Degradation Strategies for Amitriptyline.

Antidepressant drugs play a crucial role in the treatment of mental health disorders, but their efficacy and safety can be compromised by drug degradation. Recent reports point to several drugs found in concentrations ranging from the limit of detection (LOD) to hundreds of ng/L in wastewater plants around the globe; hence, antidepressants can be considered emerging pollutants with potential consequences for human health and wellbeing. Understanding and implementing effective degradation strategies are essential not only to ensure the stability and potency of these medications but also for their safe disposal in line with current environment remediation goals. This review provides an overview of degradation pathways for amitriptyline, a typical tricyclic antidepressant drug, by exploring chemical routes such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and photodegradation. Connex issues such as stability-enhancing approaches through formulation and packaging considerations, regulatory guidelines, and quality control measures are also briefly noted. Specific case studies of amitriptyline degradation pathways forecast the future perspectives and challenges in this field, helping researchers and pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide guidelines for the most effective degradation pathways employed for minimal environmental impact.

Perceptions of Mental Health Professionals on Nutritional Psychiatry as an Adjunct Treatment in Mainstream Psychiatric Settings in New South Wales, Australia.

Background Nutritional psychiatry refers to the practice of using food, or nutrition, as alternative or complementary treatment for mental health disorders. It is a growing area of research that has shown links between the biological processes in the gut and how the food we consume can impact cognitive function, which then can impact our mood and behaviour. However, there is a lack of understanding on the knowledge and education of nutritional psychiatry in mental health clinicians, and further, how nutritional psychiatry, if at all, is practised in psychiatric clinical settings. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perceptions, knowledge, and education of mental health professionals within the state of New South Wales, Australia regarding their clinical practice and knowledge of nutritional psychiatry. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a self-administered structured questionnaire created by the authors was successfully completed by 40 mental health professionals (mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, medical officers, and other allied health workers) who were working in New South Wales, Australia. 49 questionnaires were attempted with nine excluded due to these being predominantly incomplete, including demographic data only or empty,ensuring integrity of the remaining data and analysis. The questionnaire aimed to uncover their perceptions, knowledge, and education in nutritional psychiatry and its role in mental health settings. The questionnaire included 16 questions that covered various themes such as the frequency and importance of discussing nutrition with patients, nutrition referrals for issues regarding nutrition, the value of including nutritional psychiatry in their clinical practice, and clinician training and willingness to train or gain further education in nutritional psychiatry. Data was analysed through a series of frequency tables to categorise patterns and identify patternsthrough the use of descriptive statistics in our analysis of the distribution of attitudes and practicesamong mental health professionals regarding nutritional psychiatry. Results A total of 40 mental health clinicians successfully completed the survey and their results were analysed. The results suggest that most clinicians (85% to 93%) recognised the importance of nutrition in mental health, however, revealed variousbarriers which hinderedtheir clinical practice such as a lack of time, knowledge, and access to nutritional services. Further, 54% of clinicians rated their knowledge of nutritional psychiatry as low, however, 92% revealed that they would attend nutritional psychiatry training if given the opportunity. Additionally, the clinicians reported varied levels of education in nutrition, with 43% reporting no education at all on nutrition in their preclinical studies. Conclusions Clinicians recognise the importance of nutrition in mental health settings, but revealed lack of time, knowledge, and nutritional services as barriers in clinical practice. Further, clinicians reported a lack of pre-clinical education on nutrition together with an overwhelming interest in engaging with nutritional psychiatry education if it were made available. These conclusions provide important insights for higher education and health policy.

Transcending Self Therapy-Virtual Reality (TST-VR) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Completion in Veterans.

Transcending Self Therapy (TST) is an integrative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders (SUD). Virtual reality (VR)-based enhancement of treatment for mental health disorders holds potential as an innovative and immersive adjunct to standards of care. However, outside of cue-conditioning applications, how VR may assist SUD treatment is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the association between engagement with a VR version of TST and residential SUD treatment completion. In a program evaluation, 51 consecutive military veterans admitted to a residential SUD treatment program were afforded access to VR equipment programmed to enable ad libitum exploration of a virtual wooded retreat with stations that reinforced psychoeducation concepts of TST, meditation, and other therapeutic activities. Administrative records were reviewed, and treatment completion data were collected for veterans who opted to receive a TST-VR headset (n = 36) and those who did not (n = 15). Engagement with the VR gear and program was related to treatment completion. Veterans who opted to accept the VR program and related training in its use were significantly more likely to complete treatment than those who did not (86.1% vs 60.0%; p = 0.039). These data suggest that either VR-based reinforcement of TST concepts improved the treatment experience or motivation for change, and/or that individuals with poor general treatment motivation are unlikely to choose VR-enhancement of SUD treatment and complete treatment in general. Both possibilities have important implications for VR SUD treatment research.

Individual-Specific Animated Profiles of Mental Health.

How important is the timing of the pretreatment evaluation? If we consider mental health to be a relatively fixed condition, the specific timing (e.g., day, hour) of the evaluation is immaterial and often determined on the basis of technical considerations. Indeed, the fundamental assumption underlying the vast majority of psychotherapy research and practice is that mental health is a state that can be captured in a one-dimensional snapshot. If this fundamental assumption, underlying 80 years of empirical research and practice, is incorrect, it may help explain why for decades psychotherapy failed to rise above the 50% efficacy rate in the treatment of mental-health disorders, especially depression, a heterogeneous disorder and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Based on recent studies suggesting within-individual dynamics, this article proposes that mental health and its underlying therapeutic mechanisms have underlying intrinsic dynamics that manifest across dimensions. Computational psychotherapy is needed to develop individual-specific pretreatment animated profiles of mental health. Such individual-specific animated profiles are expected to improve the ability to select the optimal treatment for each patient, devise adequate treatment plans, and adjust them on the basis of ongoing evaluations of mental-health dynamics, creating a new understanding of therapeutic change as a transition toward a more adaptive animated profile.

Digital mental health interventions for the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers: Integrative literature review.

This study aimed to provide a critical analysis of the current literature on the use of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for the management and treatment of mental health disorders among refugees and asylum seekers. These groups are among the most disadvantaged compared to the general population in terms of health and socio-economic status, due to conflicts and wars. The number of refugees fleeing their home countries is growing exponentially, and refugees experience trauma, torture, persecution and human right abuses, which have a profound effect on their mental health and overall well-being. The researchers conducted an integrative literature review from electronic databases Medline, CINAHL and Google Scholar, selecting articles published in English from 2010 to 2023. The thematic analysis of the 10 articles identified in the review revealed four main themes and two sub-themes: (1) types of digital health intervention/apps used; (2) barriers encountered in digital health intervention; (3) user experience of the digital health intervention and (4) mapping gaps. Two sub-themes were identified located in Theme 2: (2.1) Language and demographic barriers and (2.2) Structural barriers. The study showed that the use of DMHIs was associated with positive experiences among refugees and asylum seekers. Limited mental health care is offered to refugees and asylum seekers due to a range of logistical, political, economic, geographical, language, cultural and social barriers. DMHIs have the potential to overcome and/or moderate these barriers. The study concludes that the scaled implementation of effective DMHIs holds the possibility to improve the wider distribution of mental health care among refugees and asylum seekers. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of DMHIs and to scale up studies for their utilisation among this group. In summary, this study highlights the potential of DMHIs in improving the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers. The results of this study have important implications for mental health service providers, policymakers and researchers to address the mental health needs of this vulnerable/priority group.