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BMC Psychology Jul 2024Despite widespread engagement in contemplative religious practices, comparatively little research has been conducted on their potential effects on well-being.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Despite widespread engagement in contemplative religious practices, comparatively little research has been conducted on their potential effects on well-being. Furthermore, few studies have focused on how an explicitly religious framing may impact the outcomes of such practices. In this online randomized controlled trial (N = 702), we tested the well-being effects of a contemplative prayer practice called Centering Prayer on self-identifying Christians. We compared 1) presenting the practice with an explicitly religious framing (experimental condition), 2) presenting the practice without an explicitly religious framing (active control), and 3) presenting simple instructions to reflect on the day, without any instructions regarding a meditation-like practice (passive control). After randomization into one of these three conditions, participants were asked to complete their assigned practice daily for 28 days. We hypothesized that the religious framing version of the practice would increase well-being over the active and passive control conditions. Well-being was assessed at three follow-up time points: one day, one week, and one month after the practice period. We found no group differences between the conditions on our primary outcome measure of well-being at one-week post-intervention. Each group increased in well-being from baseline to follow-up. We found significant group differences on acute measures of spiritual experience, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and Daily Spiritual Experience Questionnaire (DSES). These results suggest that a religious framing may not enhance well-being effects but may alter spiritual outcomes related to contemplative practices.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adult; Christianity; Stress, Psychological; Middle Aged; Meditation; Religion and Psychology; Young Adult
PubMed: 38956692
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01836-0 -
Reproductive Health Jul 2024Recent studies revealed an elevated likelihood of unintended pregnancies among women with psychiatric disorders compared to their counterparts without such...
BACKGROUND
Recent studies revealed an elevated likelihood of unintended pregnancies among women with psychiatric disorders compared to their counterparts without such vulnerability. Despite the importance of understanding family planning decision-making in this group, qualitative inquiries are lacking. This study explored family planning decisions among women with psychiatric disorders.
METHODS
Utilizing a qualitative approach, three focus group discussions were conducted with purposive sampling: women with a history of unintended pregnancies (N = 3), women without children (N = 5), and women with a history of intended pregnancies (N = 9), all of whom had self-reported psychiatric disorders. Using thematic framework analysis, we investigated the themes "Shadow of the past," reflecting past experiences, and "Shadow of the future," reflecting future imaginaries, building upon the existing "Narrative Framework."
RESULTS
The Narrative Framework formed the foundation for understanding family planning among women with psychiatric disorders. The retrospective dimension of focus group discussions provided opportunities for reflective narratives on sensitive topics, revealing emotions of regret, grief and relief. Childhood trauma, adverse events, and inadequate parenting enriched the "Shadow of the past". The "Shadow of the present" was identified as a novel theme, addressing awareness of psychiatric disorders and emotions toward psychiatric stability. Social influences, stigma, and concerns about transmitting psychiatric disorders shaped future imaginaries in the shadow of the future.
CONCLUSIONS
This study enlightens how family planning decision-making in women with psychiatric disorders might be complex, as marked by the enduring impact of past experiences and societal influences in this sample. These nuanced insights underscore the necessity for tailored support for women with psychiatric disorders.
Topics: Humans; Female; Focus Groups; Mental Disorders; Decision Making; Adult; Family Planning Services; Qualitative Research; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Young Adult
PubMed: 38956660
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01836-8 -
Journal of Eating Disorders Jul 2024Plasma lipid concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) seem to be altered.
BACKGROUND
Plasma lipid concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) seem to be altered.
METHODS
We conducted a naturalistic study with 75 adult female patients with AN and 26 healthy female controls (HC). We measured plasma lipid profile, sex hormones and used self-report questionnaires at admission and discharge.
RESULTS
Total cholesterol (median (IQR): 4.9 (1.2)) and triglycerides (TG) (1.2 (0.8)) were elevated in AN at admission (BMI 15.3 (3.4)) compared with HC (4.3 (0.7), p = 0.003 and 0.9 (0.3), p = 0.006) and remained elevated at discharge (BMI 18.9 (2.9)) after weight restoration treatment. Estradiol (0.05 (0.1)) and testosterone (0.5 (0.7)) were lower in AN compared with HC (0.3 (0.3), p = < 0.001 and 0.8 (0.5), p = 0.03) and remained low at discharge. There was no change in eating disorder symptoms. Depression symptoms decreased (33 (17) to 30.5 (19), (p = 0.007)). Regression analyses showed that illness duration was a predictor of TG, age was a predictor of total cholesterol and LDL, while educational attainment predicted LDL and TG.
CONCLUSION
Lipid concentrations remained elevated following weight restoration treatment, suggesting an underlying, premorbid dysregulation in the lipid metabolism in AN that persists following weight restoration. Elevated lipid concentrations may be present prior to illness onset in AN.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
PubMed: 38956654
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01055-3 -
Global Health Research and Policy Jul 2024Global health reciprocal innovation emphasizes the movement of technologies or interventions between high- and low-income countries to address a shared public health...
Global health reciprocal innovation emphasizes the movement of technologies or interventions between high- and low-income countries to address a shared public health problem, in contrast to unidirectional models of "development aid" or "reverse innovation". Evidence-based interventions are frequently adapted from the setting in which they were developed and applied in a new setting, presenting an opportunity for learning and partnership across high- and low-income contexts. However, few clear procedures exist to guide researchers and implementers on how to incorporate equitable and learning-oriented approaches into intervention adaptation across settings. We integrated theories from pedagogy, implementation science, and public health with examples from experience adapting behavioral health interventions across diverse settings to develop a procedure for a bidirectional, equitable process of intervention adaptation across high- and low-income contexts. The Mutual capacity building model for adaptation (MCB-MA) is made up of seven steps: 1) Exploring: A dialogue about the scope of the proposed adaptation and situational appraisal in the new setting; 2) Developing a shared vision: Agreeing on common goals for the adaptation; 3) Formalizing: Developing agreements around resource and data sharing; 4) Sharing complementary expertise: Group originating the intervention supporting the adapting group to learn about the intervention and develop adaptations, while gleaning new strategies for intervention implementation from the adapting group; 5) Reciprocal training: Originating and adapting groups collaborate to train the individuals who will be implementing the adapted intervention; 6) Mutual feedback: Originating and adapting groups share data and feedback on the outcomes of the adapted intervention and lessons learned; and 7) Consideration of next steps: Discuss future collaborations. This evidence-informed procedure may provide researchers with specific actions to approach the often ambiguous and challenging task of equitable partnership building. These steps can be used alongside existing intervention adaptation models, which guide the adaptation of the intervention itself.
Topics: Capacity Building; Humans; Global Health; Learning
PubMed: 38956652
DOI: 10.1186/s41256-024-00369-8 -
Trials Jul 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting overall quality of life. Approximately one...
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting overall quality of life. Approximately one third of individuals with depression do not fully respond to treatments (e.g., conventional antidepressants, psychotherapy) and alternative strategies are needed. Recent early phase trials suggest psilocybin may be a safe and efficacious intervention with rapid-acting antidepressant properties. Psilocybin is thought to exert therapeutic benefits by altering brain network connectivity and inducing neuroplastic changes that endure for weeks post-treatment. Although early clinical results are encouraging, psilocybin's acute neurobiological effects on neuroplasticity have not been fully investigated. We aim to examine for the first time how psilocybin acutely (intraday) and subacutely (weeks) alters functional brain networks implicated in depression.
METHODS
Fifty participants diagnosed with MDD or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) will be recruited from a tertiary mood disorders clinic and undergo 1:1 randomization into either an experimental or control arm. Participants will be given either 25 mg psilocybin or 25 mg microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) placebo for the first treatment. Three weeks later, those in the control arm will transition to receiving 25 mg psilocybin. We will investigate whether treatments are associated with changes in arterial spin labelling and blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast neuroimaging assessments at acute and subacute timepoints. Primary outcomes include testing whether psilocybin demonstrates acute changes in (1) cerebral blood flow and (2) functional brain activity in networks associated with mood regulation and depression when compared to placebo, along with changes in MADRS score over time compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes include changes across complementary clinical psychiatric, cognitive, and functional scales from baseline to final follow-up. Serum peripheral neurotrophic and inflammatory biomarkers will be collected at baseline and follow-up to examine relationships with clinical response, and neuroimaging measures.
DISCUSSION
This study will investigate the acute and additive subacute neuroplastic effects of psilocybin on brain networks affected by depression using advanced serial neuroimaging methods. Results will improve our understanding of psilocybin's antidepressant mechanisms versus placebo response and whether biological measures of brain function can provide early predictors of treatment response.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06072898. Registered on 6 October 2023.
Topics: Humans; Psilocybin; Affect; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Brain; Depressive Disorder, Major; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Adult; Neuronal Plasticity; Young Adult; Male; Antidepressive Agents; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38956594
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08268-6 -
BMC Psychiatry Jul 2024Suicide rates in older adults are much higher than those in younger age groups. Given the rapid increase in the proportion of older adults in Korea and the high suicide...
BACKGROUND
Suicide rates in older adults are much higher than those in younger age groups. Given the rapid increase in the proportion of older adults in Korea and the high suicide rate of this age group, it is worth investigating the mechanism of suicidal ideation for older adults. Generally, adverse childhood experiences are positively associated with suicidal ideation; however, it is not fully understood what mediating relationships are linked to the association between these experiences and current suicidal ideation.
METHODS
The data from 685 older Korean adults were analyzed utilizing logistic regression, path analyses, and structural equation modeling. Based on our theoretical background and the empirical findings of previous research, we examined three separate models with mental health, physical health, and social relationship mediators. After that, we tested a combined model including all mediators. We also tested another combined model with mediation via mental health moderated by physical health and social relationships.
RESULTS
The univariate logistic regression results indicated that childhood adversity was positively associated with suicidal ideation in older adults. However, multivariate logistic regression results demonstrated that the direct effect of childhood adversity became nonsignificant after accounting all variables. Three path models presented significant mediation by depression and social support in the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation. However, combined structural equation models demonstrated that only mediation by a latent variable of mental health problems was statistically significant. Social relationships moderated the path from mental health problems to suicidal ideation.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite several limitations, this study has clinical implications for the development of effective strategies to mitigate suicidal ideation. In particular, effectively screening the exposure to adverse childhood experiences, early identification and treatment of depressive symptoms can play a crucial role in weakening the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation in older adults.
Topics: Humans; Suicidal Ideation; Male; Female; Republic of Korea; Aged; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Social Support; Health Status; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Depression; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38956575
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05919-5 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2024The minority of people with an eating disorder receive treatment. Little is known about predictors of receiving treatment.
BACKGROUND
The minority of people with an eating disorder receive treatment. Little is known about predictors of receiving treatment.
METHODS
Using data from the Growing Up Today Study we identified correlates of receiving treatment for an eating disorder among the 1237 U.S. women who answered questions on treatment history in 2013 and reported meeting criteria for subthreshold eating disorder in ≥ 1 year between 1996 and 2013. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the relative odds of receiving treatment.
RESULTS
Approximately 11% of the women reported receiving treatment for an eating disorder. Independent of type of eating disorder, those who had received a diagnosis of depression or anxiety were more likely (odds ratio (OR) = 3.05 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87-4.97) to receive treatment for an eating disorder. Women with obesity were approximately 85% less likely to receive treatment (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.46) regardless of their type of eating disorder or history of depression of anxiety diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Most women meeting criteria for an eating disorder do not receive treatment. Women with BED or obesity are the least likely to receive treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Adult; Young Adult; Adolescent; United States; Depression; Anxiety; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38956563
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19283-2 -
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Jul 2024The 2016 EQ-5D-3L value set for Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) allows for the calculation of EQ-5D-5L values via the crosswalk algorithm. The 2016 value set was based on...
PURPOSE
The 2016 EQ-5D-3L value set for Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) allows for the calculation of EQ-5D-5L values via the crosswalk algorithm. The 2016 value set was based on methods predating the EQ-VT protocol, now considered the gold standard for developing EQ-5D value sets. Furthermore, direct elicitation of EQ-5D-5L is preferred over crosswalked values. This study aimed to produce an EQ-5D-5L value set for T&T.
METHODS
A representative sample (age, sex, geography) of adults each completed 10 composite Time Trade-Off (cTTO) tasks and 12 Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) tasks in face-to-face interviews. The cTTO data were analyzed using a Tobit model that corrects for heteroskedasticity. DCE data were analyzed using a mixed logit model. The cTTO and DCE data were combined in hybrid models.
RESULTS
One thousand and seventy-nine adults completed the valuation interviews. Among the modelling approaches that were explored, the hybrid heteroskedastic Tobit model produced all internally consistent, statistically significant coefficients, and performed best in terms of out-of-sample predictivity for single states. Compared to the existing EQ-5D-5L crosswalk set, the new value set had a higher number of negative values (236 or 7.6% versus 21 or 0.7%). The mean absolute difference was 0.157 and the correlation coefficient between the two sets was 0.879.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a value set for the EQ-5D-5L for T&T using the EQ-VT protocol. We recommend this value set for QALY computations relating to T&T.
Topics: Humans; Trinidad and Tobago; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged; Health Status; Psychometrics; Young Adult; Adolescent
PubMed: 38956543
DOI: 10.1186/s12955-024-02266-7 -
BMC Psychiatry Jul 2024Many factors contribute to quality of life (QoL) in patients with schizophrenia, yet limited research examined these factors in patients in China. This cross-sectional...
BACKGROUND
Many factors contribute to quality of life (QoL) in patients with schizophrenia, yet limited research examined these factors in patients in China. This cross-sectional study explores subjective QoL and its associated factors in patients.
METHODS
The QoL was assessed using the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS). Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and seven factors were extracted. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8). The Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) and Rating Scale for Extrapyramidal Side Effects (RSESE) were used to evaluate the side effects of medications.
RESULTS
We recruited 270 patients (male:142,52.6%, mean age:41.9 ± 9.4 years). Positive correlations were observed between SQLS and its subdomains with the total score of BPRS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, AD8, TESS, and RSESE (all P < 0.005). Patients who were taking activating second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) had lower scores on total SQLS, Motivation/ Energy domain of SQLS (SQLS-ME) as well as Symptoms/ Side effects domain of SQLS (SQLS-SS) compared to those taking non-activating SGAs (all P < 0.005). Multiple regression analysis showed that depressive/ anxiety symptoms and cognitive impairment had significant negative effects on QoL (P ≤ 0.001), while activating SGAs had a positive effect (P < 0.005). Blunted affect and unemployment were inversely associated with the motivation/energy domain (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our findings emphasize the important role of depression/anxiety symptoms and cognitive impairment in the QoL of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Activating SGAs and employment may improve the QoL of these individuals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This protocol was registered at chictr.org.cn (Identifier: ChiCTR2100043537).
Topics: Humans; Male; Quality of Life; Schizophrenia; Female; Antipsychotic Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Employment; China; Schizophrenic Psychology; Chronic Disease; Cognitive Dysfunction; Anxiety; Depression
PubMed: 38956530
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05929-3 -
BMC Medicine Jul 2024The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, with evidence suggesting an enduring mental health crisis. Studies worldwide observed increased... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, with evidence suggesting an enduring mental health crisis. Studies worldwide observed increased usage of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics during the pandemic, notably among young people and women. However, few studies tracked consumption post-2021. Our study aimed to fill this gap by investigating whether the surge in the number psychotropic drug consumers in France persisted 2 years after the first lockdown, particularly focusing on age and gender differences.
METHODS
We conducted a national retrospective observational study based on the French national insurance database. We retrieved all prescriptions of anxiolytics, hypnotics, and antidepressants dispensed in pharmacies in France for the period 2015-2022. We performed interrupted time series analyses based on Poisson models for five age classes (12-18; 19-25; 26-50; 51-75; 76 and more) to assess the trend before lockdown, the gap induced and the change in trend after.
RESULTS
In the overall population, the number of consumers remained constant for antidepressants while it decreased for anxiolytics and hypnotics. Despite this global trend, a long-term increase was observed in the 12-18 and 19-25 groups for the three drug classes. Moreover, for these age classes, the increases were more pronounced for women than men, except for hypnotics where the trends were similar.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of people using antidepressants continues to increase more than 2 years after the first lockdown, showing a prolonged effect on mental health. This effect is particularly striking among adolescents and young adults confirming the devastating long-term impact of the pandemic on their mental health.
Topics: Humans; France; Female; COVID-19; Retrospective Studies; Adolescent; Adult; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Psychotropic Drugs; Child; Male; Aged; Antidepressive Agents; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Sex Factors
PubMed: 38956514
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03496-8