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JMIR MHealth and UHealth May 2024Unaddressed early-stage mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and mild depression, can become a burden for individuals in the long term. Digital phenotyping... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Unaddressed early-stage mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and mild depression, can become a burden for individuals in the long term. Digital phenotyping involves capturing continuous behavioral data via digital smartphone devices to monitor human behavior and can potentially identify milder symptoms before they become serious.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic literature review aimed to answer the following questions: (1) what is the evidence of the effectiveness of digital phenotyping using smartphones in identifying behavioral patterns related to stress, anxiety, and mild depression? and (2) in particular, which smartphone sensors are found to be effective, and what are the associated challenges?
METHODS
We used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) process to identify 36 papers (reporting on 40 studies) to assess the key smartphone sensors related to stress, anxiety, and mild depression. We excluded studies conducted with nonadult participants (eg, teenagers and children) and clinical populations, as well as personality measurement and phobia studies. As we focused on the effectiveness of digital phenotyping using smartphones, results related to wearable devices were excluded.
RESULTS
We categorized the studies into 3 major groups based on the recruited participants: studies with students enrolled in universities, studies with adults who were unaffiliated to any particular organization, and studies with employees employed in an organization. The study length varied from 10 days to 3 years. A range of passive sensors were used in the studies, including GPS, Bluetooth, accelerometer, microphone, illuminance, gyroscope, and Wi-Fi. These were used to assess locations visited; mobility; speech patterns; phone use, such as screen checking; time spent in bed; physical activity; sleep; and aspects of social interactions, such as the number of interactions and response time. Of the 40 included studies, 31 (78%) used machine learning models for prediction; most others (n=8, 20%) used descriptive statistics. Students and adults who experienced stress, anxiety, or depression visited fewer locations, were more sedentary, had irregular sleep, and accrued increased phone use. In contrast to students and adults, less mobility was seen as positive for employees because less mobility in workplaces was associated with higher performance. Overall, travel, physical activity, sleep, social interaction, and phone use were related to stress, anxiety, and mild depression.
CONCLUSIONS
This study focused on understanding whether smartphone sensors can be effectively used to detect behavioral patterns associated with stress, anxiety, and mild depression in nonclinical participants. The reviewed studies provided evidence that smartphone sensors are effective in identifying behavioral patterns associated with stress, anxiety, and mild depression.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Stress, Psychological; Anxiety; Phenotype; Smartphone
PubMed: 38780995
DOI: 10.2196/40689 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Midwives may be key stakeholders to improve perinatal mental healthcare (PMHC). Three systematic reviews considered midwives' educational needs in perinatal mental... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Midwives may be key stakeholders to improve perinatal mental healthcare (PMHC). Three systematic reviews considered midwives' educational needs in perinatal mental health (PMH) or related interventions with a focus on depression or anxiety. This systematic review aims to review: 1) midwives' educational/training needs in PMH; 2) the training programs in PMH and their effectiveness in improving PMHC.
METHODS
We searched six electronic databases using a search strategy designed by a biomedical information specialist. Inclusion criteria were: (1) focus on midwives; (2) reporting on training needs in PMH, perinatal mental health problems or related conditions or training programs; (3) using quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods design. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for study quality.
RESULTS
Of 4969 articles screened, 66 papers met eligibility criteria (47 on knowledge, skills or attitudes and 19 on training programs). Study quality was low to moderate in most studies. We found that midwives' understanding of their role in PMHC (e.g. finding meaning in opening discussions about PMH; perception that screening, referral and support is part of their routine clinical duties) is determinant. Training programs had positive effects on proximal outcomes (e.g. knowledge) and contrasted effects on distal outcomes (e.g. number of referrals).
CONCLUSIONS
This review generated novel insights to inform initial and continuous education curriculums on PMH (e.g. focus on midwives' understanding on their role in PMHC or content on person-centered care).
REGISTRATION DETAILS
The protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021285926).
PubMed: 38711873
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1345738 -
Neuropsychology Review Apr 2024Hormonal treatments (HT) for prostate cancer (e.g., androgen deprivation therapy) yield clinical and survival benefits, yet adverse cognitive changes may be a side... (Review)
Review
Hormonal treatments (HT) for prostate cancer (e.g., androgen deprivation therapy) yield clinical and survival benefits, yet adverse cognitive changes may be a side effect. Since psychosocial factors are largely modifiable, interventions targeting these factors may help mitigate these adverse cognitive effects. This systematic review aimed to identify a range of psychosocial factors associated with cognitive function in individuals with prostate cancer undergoing HT and to determine whether these factors mitigate or exacerbate this effect. Applying PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of relevant databases conducted in September 2023 using terms related to prostate cancer, hormone therapy, and cognitive outcomes was undertaken. The search yielded 694 unique abstracts, with 11 studies included for analysis examining the relationship between cognitive function and the following psychosocial factors: psychological distress, fatigue, insomnia, and coping processes. Findings were mixed with only two studies reporting significant associations between cognitive performance with fatigue and depression. Three studies that included measures of perceived cognitive function identified associations with depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, illness threat appraisals, and coping styles. However, no studies found evidence for an association between self-reported and objective measures of cognitive functioning. Evidence regarding the association of interpersonal factors is lacking. Moreover, whether these factors mitigate or exacerbate the effect of HT on cognitive function still needs to be determined. Overall, the research exploring the association between psychosocial factors and cognitive function in prostate cancer survivors undergoing HT is still in its infancy. Further research is required to optimize the implementation of neuropsychological interventions for prostate cancer survivors.
PubMed: 38642173
DOI: 10.1007/s11065-024-09639-1 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Recent developments in the fields of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) have shown significant improvements in automatic text processing. At the... (Review)
Review
Recent developments in the fields of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) have shown significant improvements in automatic text processing. At the same time, the expression of human language plays a central role in the detection of mental health problems. Whereas spoken language is implicitly assessed during interviews with patients, written language can also provide interesting insights to clinical professionals. Existing work in the field often investigates mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. However, there is also work investigating how the diagnostics of eating disorders can benefit from these novel technologies. In this paper, we present a systematic overview of the latest research in this field. Our investigation encompasses four key areas: (a) an analysis of the metadata from published papers, (b) an examination of the sizes and specific topics of the datasets employed, (c) a review of the application of machine learning techniques in detecting eating disorders from text, and finally (d) an evaluation of the models used, focusing on their performance, limitations, and the potential risks associated with current methodologies.
PubMed: 38596627
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1319522 -
Nature Human Behaviour Jun 2024Receiving touch is of critical importance, as many studies have shown that touch promotes mental and physical well-being. We conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO:... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Receiving touch is of critical importance, as many studies have shown that touch promotes mental and physical well-being. We conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022304281) systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis encompassing 137 studies in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies in the systematic review (n = 12,966 individuals, search via Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science until 1 October 2022) to identify critical factors moderating touch intervention efficacy. Included studies always featured a touch versus no touch control intervention with diverse health outcomes as dependent variables. Risk of bias was assessed via small study, randomization, sequencing, performance and attrition bias. Touch interventions were especially effective in regulating cortisol levels (Hedges' g = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 1.31) and increasing weight (0.65, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.94) in newborns as well as in reducing pain (0.69, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.89), feelings of depression (0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78) and state (0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.84) or trait anxiety (0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.77) for adults. Comparing touch interventions involving objects or robots resulted in similar physical (0.56, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.88 versus 0.51, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.64) but lower mental health benefits (0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.49 versus 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.73). Adult clinical cohorts profited more strongly in mental health domains compared with healthy individuals (0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.80 versus 0.37, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.55). We found no difference in health benefits in adults when comparing touch applied by a familiar person or a health care professional (0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73 versus 0.50, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.61), but parental touch was more beneficial in newborns (0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.88 versus 0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.61). Small but significant small study bias and the impossibility to blind experimental conditions need to be considered. Leveraging factors that influence touch intervention efficacy will help maximize the benefits of future interventions and focus research in this field.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Touch; Therapeutic Touch; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38589702
DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8 -
Journal of Mental Health (Abingdon,... Apr 2024University non-continuation, also termed as university dropout in literature, is a concern for institutions. Elevated stress levels, mental distress, and psychiatric... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
University non-continuation, also termed as university dropout in literature, is a concern for institutions. Elevated stress levels, mental distress, and psychiatric issues affect academic performance and thus may contribute to non-continuation. There is a lack of systematic reviews exploring the link between mental health and university non-continuation.
AIM
This systematic review aims to bridge this gap, by investigating the prevalence of non-continuation and mental health conditions among university students, and the impact of mental health on university non-continuation.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines this review synthesized data from 67 studies, utilising both narrative synthesis and meta-analytic techniques.
RESULTS
The results revealed that the included studies reported a range of university non-continuation rates (5.9% to 43.6%) with a pooled prevalence of 17.9%, 95% CI [14.2%, 22.3%]. The prevalence of mental health concerns among students varied widely (2.2% to 83.6%), with a pooled prevalence of 26.3%, 95% CI [16.0%, 40.0%]. Depression, OR = 1.143 (95% CI [1.086, 1.203] p<.001), stress, OR = 1.413 (95% CI [1.106, 1.805], p=.006), and other mental health conditions, OR = 1.266 (95% CI [1.133, 1.414], <.001), were associated with higher non-continuation.
CONCLUSION
Some mental health conditions elevate non-continuation risks, and addressing mental health may enhance student retention in higher education.
PubMed: 38588717
DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2332812 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews May 2024The potential of physical activity in preventing mental health issues has garnered interest among health professionals. We conducted a systematic umbrella review of... (Review)
Review
The potential of physical activity in preventing mental health issues has garnered interest among health professionals. We conducted a systematic umbrella review of evidence supporting the relationship between physical activity and the prevention of mental health complications. Our findings revealed a significant association between higher physical activity levels and reduced risk of depression (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72 - 0.82). This association was consistent across various age groups, sex, and geographical regions. Interestingly, low and moderate-intensity physical activity showed the most significant protective effects against depression (low-intensity: OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75-0.56; moderate-intensity: OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87). Our analysis also showed significant associations between higher physical activity levels and prevention of anxiety disorders (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61-0.82). However, the evidence regarding the association between physical activity and psychosis/schizophrenia risk was less clear. These findings underscore the physical activity's potential as a preventative measure against mental health complications, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity in mental health interventions.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Psychotic Disorders; Schizophrenia; Exercise; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38527637
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105641 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews May 2024Major depressive, bipolar, or psychotic disorders are preceded by earlier manifestations in behaviours and experiences. We present a synthesis of evidence on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Major depressive, bipolar, or psychotic disorders are preceded by earlier manifestations in behaviours and experiences. We present a synthesis of evidence on associations between person-level antecedents (behaviour, performance, psychopathology) in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood and later onsets of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder based on prospective studies published up to September 16, 2022. We screened 11,342 records, identified 460 eligible publications, and extracted 570 risk ratios quantifying the relationships between 52 antecedents and onsets in 198 unique samples with prospective follow-up of 122,766 individuals from a mean age of 12.4 to a mean age of 24.8 for 1522,426 person years of follow-up. We completed meta-analyses of 12 antecedents with adequate data. Psychotic symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety, disruptive behaviors, affective lability, and sleep problems were transdiagnostic antecedents associated with onsets of depressive, bipolar, and psychotic disorders. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity and hypomanic symptoms specifically predicted bipolar disorder. While transdiagnostic and diagnosis-specific antecedents inform targeted prevention and help understand pathogenic mechanisms, extensive gaps in evidence indicate potential for improving early risk identification.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Adult; Child; Young Adult; Bipolar Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major; Prospective Studies; Psychotic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38494121
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105625 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Jun 2024Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition affecting the exocrine glands, which can adversely affect the sexual activities of women with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition affecting the exocrine glands, which can adversely affect the sexual activities of women with pSS.
OBJECTIVES
The study sought to evaluate the performance of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score in women with pSS regarding desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain compared with those of healthy individuals.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted by examining studies published up to May 2023 using Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed with the search terms "sexual" and "Sjögren's syndrome."
RESULTS
Out of the 228 articles retrieved, 9 met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Six of these studies were cross-sectional, involving 229 women with pSS and 303 control subjects. Results from the meta-analysis showed that women with pSS had significantly lower scores in all 6 FSFI subdomains and the total FSFI score compared with healthy individuals. Lubrication showed the largest decrease, followed by pain. In addition, women with pSS exhibited significantly higher standardized mean differences in depression and in anxiety, as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, when compared with control subjects.
CONCLUSION
This updated meta-analysis underscores the importance of assessing genitourinary atrophy, disease-related psychological changes, and dyspareunia in women with pSS. It also emphasizes the need for customized therapeutic approaches to address these sexual dysfunctions effectively.
Topics: Humans; Sjogren's Syndrome; Female; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 38481023
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae009 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine May 2024It is well documented that public safety personnel are exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) at elevated frequency and demonstrate higher prevalence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It is well documented that public safety personnel are exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) at elevated frequency and demonstrate higher prevalence of trauma-related symptoms compared to the general population. Lesser studied to date are the organizational consequences of workplace PTE exposure and associated mental health outcomes such as acute/posttraumatic stress disorder (ASD/PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
METHODS
The present review synthesizes international literature on work outcomes in public safety personnel (PSP) to explore whether and how PTE and trauma-related symptoms relate to workplace outcomes. A total of N = 55 eligible articles examining PTE or trauma-related symptoms in relation to work outcomes were systematically reviewed using best-evidence narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Three primary work outcomes emerged across the literature: absenteeism, productivity/performance, and costs to organization. Across n = 21 studies of absenteeism, there was strong evidence that PTE or trauma-related symptoms are associated with increased sickness absence. N = 27 studies on productivity/performance demonstrated overall strong evidence of negative impacts in the workplace. N = 7 studies on cost to organizations demonstrated weak evidence that PTE exposure or trauma-related mental health outcomes are associated with increased cost to organization.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on available evidence, the experience of workplace PTE or trauma-related symptoms is associated with negative impact on PSP occupational functioning, though important potential confounds (e.g., organizational strain and individual risk factors) remain to be more extensively investigated.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Anxiety; Workplace
PubMed: 38458612
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23577