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Schizophrenia Bulletin Mar 2022Anhedonia, the reduced capacity to experience pleasure, has long been considered a prominent feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Many domain-specific... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Anhedonia, the reduced capacity to experience pleasure, has long been considered a prominent feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Many domain-specific conceptualizations of anhedonia and pleasure capacity have been developed, and there currently exist a variety of self-report assessment tools that purport to assess these various domains. The current systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42020156169) aimed to quantify overall and domain-specific self-reported anhedonia in people with schizophrenia compared to nonpsychiatric controls. We performed a literature search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Embase databases for dissertations and peer-reviewed articles published in English prior to June 2021. Studies employing a psychometrically validated self-report measure of anhedonia, pleasure experience or affect in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorders; studies utilizing at least one clearly defined healthy or community control group for comparison; and studies providing sufficient data to calculate effect sizes were included in this review. Random and mixed effects meta-analyses, meta-regressions, and subgroup comparisons were run across domains of anhedonia to explore weighted mean effect sizes and their associated moderators. In total, 146 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 390 Hedges' g effect sizes from the included comparisons. People with schizophrenia reported moderate-to-large elevations in overall and domain-specific anhedonia. A sensitivity analysis accounting for high risk of bias studies did not significantly impact results. Lastly, patient sex, education, negative symptom severity, antipsychotic class, and trait negative affect differentially moderated effect sizes across domains of anhedonia. Despite the heterogeneity inherent in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, self-reported anhedonia is ubiquitously reported across self-report measures in this population.
Topics: Adult; Anhedonia; Female; Humans; Male; Psychometrics; Schizophrenia; Self Report
PubMed: 34891171
DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab136 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jan 2022BDSM is an abbreviation used to reference the concepts of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism, enacted by power exchanges between...
INTRODUCTION
BDSM is an abbreviation used to reference the concepts of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism, enacted by power exchanges between consensual partners. In recent years, attention has shifted from the idea of BDSM as a pathological and tabooed niche practice towards viewing BDSM as a healthy form of intimacy.
AIM
This systematic review brings together all existing literature on the biology of BDSM and places it in a broader biological context.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and PsycARTICLES, of which 10 articles are included and discussed in this systematic review.
RESULTS
There is evidence for cortisol changes in submissives as a result of a BDSM interaction, suggesting involvement of the physiological stress system. Endocannabinoid changes implicate the pleasure and reward system. In dominants, this biologically measured pleasure seemed to be dependent on power play rather than pain play. Testosterone and oxytocin are also implicated in BDSM, though their role is less evident. Research into brain region activity patterns related to BDSM interest suggests a role for the parietal operculum and ventral striatum in the context of the pleasure and reward system, the primary and secondary somatosensory cortex in the context of pain perception, empathy-related circuits such as the anterior insula, anterior midcingulate cortex and sensorimotor cortex and the left frontal cortex in the context of social and sexual interactions. Pain thresholds are shown to be higher in submissive individuals and a BDSM interaction may cause pain thresholds to rise in submissives as well.
CONCLUSION
BDSM interactions are complex and influenced by several psychological, social and biological processes. Though research is limited, there is emerging evidence for an interaction between several biological systems involved in these types of interests and activities. This means there is an important role for future research to replicate and supplement current results. Wuyts E, Morrens M. The Biology of BDSM: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:144-157.
Topics: Biology; Humans; Masochism; Pleasure; Sadism; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 34876387
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.11.002 -
The International Journal of Eating... Feb 2022Anhedonia, or loss of pleasure, is related to deficits in reward processing across a variety of psychiatric disorders. In light of research suggesting abnormal reward... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Anhedonia, or loss of pleasure, is related to deficits in reward processing across a variety of psychiatric disorders. In light of research suggesting abnormal reward processing in eating disorders (EDs), the study of anhedonia in EDs may yield important insights into the role of reward in eating pathology. This meta-analysis and review aimed to provide both a quantitative and qualitative synthesis of the existing literature on this topic.
METHOD
We conducted this research (or these meta-analyses) according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched four databases for both peer-reviewed and unpublished literature, and included studies only if a self-report or clinical interview measure of anhedonia was administered to a sample with an ED diagnosis.
RESULTS
We included 21 studies in the systematic review, and 10 studies in two meta-analyses that compared anhedonia between ED and control samples (n = 9 studies) and within different ED diagnoses (n = 5 studies). Meta-analyses revealed that anhedonia was significantly higher in ED groups compared to healthy controls, but there was no significant difference in anhedonia between ED diagnostic groups. A qualitative review of the literature also suggested that anhedonia may be correlated with increased ED symptom severity.
DISCUSSION
Findings indicated that anhedonia is elevated in EDs and may be a relevant treatment target. Future research should examine how self-reported anhedonia may correlate with components of reward processing in EDs in order to improve theoretical models as well as targeted interventions.
Topics: Anhedonia; Anorexia Nervosa; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Reward; Self Report
PubMed: 34811779
DOI: 10.1002/eat.23645 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2021The effects of rotigotine transdermal patch (RTG) on the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) outcomes remain controversial. The aim of this review was...
The effects of rotigotine transdermal patch (RTG) on the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) outcomes remain controversial. The aim of this review was to determine the efficacy and safety of RTG on the neuropsychiatric symptoms of PD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing RTG and placebo in PD up to May 10, 2021. We analyzed the data using Review Manager 5.2 software. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Approach. In order to avoid false-positive results caused by random error, we use TSA software for trial sequential analysis (TSA). We included 10 studies (1,844 patients). The meta-analysis showed that, compared with placebo, RTG can significantly improve the scores for Apathy Scale (MD = -1.68, 95% confidence interval, CI: -2.74 to -0.62, = 0.002; moderate certainty), Beck Depression Inventory-II (MD = -1.19, 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.11, = 0.03; moderate certainty), the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (MD = -3. 66, 95% CI: -4. 30 to -3.01, < 0.00001; moderate certainty), the sleep/fatigue domains of the Parkinson's Disease Non-motor Symptom Assessment Scale (MD = -2.03, 95% CI: -3.08 to -0.98, = 0.0001; moderate certainty), the mood/apathy domains of the Non-motor Symptom Scale (MD = -2.48, 95% CI: -4.07 to -0.89, = 0.002; high certainty), the eight-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (MD = -4. 93, 95% CI: -6.79 to -3.07, < 0.00001; moderate certainty), and the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (MD = -3.52, 95% CI: -5.25 to -1.79, < 0.0001; high certainty). However, there was no statistically significant difference on the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (MD = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.58 to 0.34, = 0.61). Our results showed that RTG exerts a positive effect on sleep. According to the TSA, the results implied that, except for the Beck Depression Inventory-II, conclusive evidence have been obtained in the RTG group. It has been proven in our meta-analysis that rotigotine has good safety and tolerability. RTG can effectively improve the neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with PD.
PubMed: 34744967
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.722892 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jan 2022Major depressive disorder is characterized by a depressed mood or feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities. Depressed individuals have a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder is characterized by a depressed mood or feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities. Depressed individuals have a cognitive impairment, low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, feeling helpless and hopeless. The factors that have been associated with depression include the lack of social support, living in rural areas, suffering from chronic diseases, smoking, and alcohol abuse. This study aimed to investigate the global prevalence of major depressive disorder in the elderly.
METHOD
The electronic database such as Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, Mag Iran, and IranDoc were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of major depressive disorderin the elderly published up to March 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Heterogeneity between the studies was evaluated using the I index. Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test was used to assess publication bias.
RESULT
A total of 20 studies involving 18953 participants were included in this study. The global prevalence of major depression in the elderly was 13.3 % (95 % CI: 8.4-20.3 %). In the subgroup analysis, the prevalence of major depression in elderly women was 11.9 % (95 % CI: 7.6-18.6) and men 9.7 % (95 % CI: 5.2-17.3). No comparison was made between the two sexes, but based on the confidence intervals and large overlap, the two groups are not statistically different. Among continents, Australia had the highest prevalence of major depression in the elderly at 20.1 % (CI: 14.5-27.2 %). This was followed by Europe at 12.9 % (95 % CI: 5.1-28.9 %).
CONCLUSION
Major depressive disorder has a growing trend in the elderly population of the world. The prevalence of major depression in the elderly depends on various clinical and demographic factors such as age and gender. Therefore, mental health and the quality of life (QoL) of the elderly are important. The present study emphasizes the importance of social support in mental health that can reduce depression in the elderly.
Topics: Aged; Depressive Disorder, Major; Europe; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34742925
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.041 -
The International Journal on Drug Policy Jan 2022A range of societal changes have created positive and encouraging environments for women's alcohol use. Within this context, in Western countries there is evidence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A range of societal changes have created positive and encouraging environments for women's alcohol use. Within this context, in Western countries there is evidence of rising rates of alcohol consumption and related harms among midlife and older women. It is timely and important to explore the role of alcohol in the lives of midlife women to better understand observed data trends and to develop cohort specific policy responses. Focussing on Western countries and those with similar mixed market systems for alcohol regulation, this review aimed to identify 1) how women at midlife make sense of and account for their consumption of alcohol; 2) factors that play a role; and 3) the trends in theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research that explores women's drinking at midlife.
METHODS
A meta-study approach was undertaken. The review process involved extracting and analysing the data findings of eligible research, as well as reviewing the contextual factors and theoretical framing that actively shape research and findings.
RESULTS
Social meanings of alcohol were interwoven with alcohol's psycho-active qualities to create strong localised embodied experiences of pleasure, sociability, and respite from complicated lives and stressful circumstances in midlife women. Drinking was shaped by multiple and diverse aspects of social identity, such as sexuality, family status, membership of social and cultural groups, and associated responsibilities, underpinned by the social and material realities of their lives, societal and policy discourses around drinking, and how they physically experienced alcohol in the short and longer term.
CONCLUSION
For harm reduction strategies to be successful, further research effort should be undertaken to understand alcohol's diverse meanings and functions in women's lives and the individual, material, and socio-cultural factors that feed into these understandings. As well as broad policies that reduce overall consumption and "de-normalise" drinking in society, policy-makers could usefully work with cohorts of women to develop interventions that address the functional role of alcohol in their lives, as well as policies that address permissive regulatory environments and the overall social and economic position of women.
Topics: Aged; Alcohol Drinking; Data Collection; Female; Harm Reduction; Humans; Pleasure; Qualitative Research; Social Behavior
PubMed: 34653766
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103453 -
Health Communication Apr 2023The quest for a Viagra equivalent for women has both reignited concerns over female oppression and rekindled hope for gender equality. Communication about decreased...
The quest for a Viagra equivalent for women has both reignited concerns over female oppression and rekindled hope for gender equality. Communication about decreased desire in women has come under intense scrutiny, especially in terms of the ways in which it may legitimize one view or the other. We present a systematic review of academic research on public communication about low libido in women and drugs/devices designed to increase it. A total of 1,309 records were screened, with 20 studies identified for final analysis (6 monographs, 11 articles, and 3 book chapters). Existing research found that the frame predominated, according to which women sought to increase their libido of their own accord to enhance their individual sexual pleasure. The frame was described as somewhat less common; here, women resorted to treatment to save their relationships as they feared that inability to fulfill their "wifely duty" could alienate their partners. Importantly, scholars often reported that the empowered and handmaid frames co-occurred. The frame, which suggested fluctuations in libido were normal and should not be medically treated, was described in existing work as least common. These results seem to suggest that low libido in women was constructed as a problem in need of a solution more often than not. As this may prompt women to think of their bodies as malfunctioning machines, it is possible that the framing of low libido in public communication can exacerbate existing trends toward pathologizing the waning of desire.
Topics: Female; Humans; Libido; Communication; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners
PubMed: 34493138
DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1971356 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021Depression is one of the most common problems faced by older adults. Reminiscence therapy, defined as using the recall of past events, feelings, and thoughts...
Depression is one of the most common problems faced by older adults. Reminiscence therapy, defined as using the recall of past events, feelings, and thoughts facilitating pleasure, is one type of psychotherapy that could alleviate depressive feelings among older adults, improve their quality of life, and help them live independently. Reminiscence therapy originated from geriatric psychiatry, and is an effective non-pharmacological intervention that could be structured or unstructured and be conducted individually or in a group. The current systematic review was designed to summarize and review existing evidence on the effect of reminiscence therapy on depression in older adults. We conducted a systematic review from January 2000 to Mar 2021 using 10 electronic databases in English and Chinese languages, including Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsychInfo, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, CNKI, and WANFANG. We excluded studies that didn't use randomized controlled trials (RCT) from the meta-analysis. The selected studies were scored using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The RevMan 5.0 was used in subgroup analysis depending on how the interventions were classified. We extracted 527 studies based on keyword searches, of which 10 RCTs met inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis yielded high heterogeneity, and the analyses of significant subgroups showed that reminiscence therapy has a significant effect on relieving depressive symptoms in older adults. Reminiscence therapy benefits older adults with chronic illness and those on antidepressants as well. The effect and cost-effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy were higher than individual reminiscence therapy. And some specific types of group reminiscence therapy have a significant effect on improving depression and secondary outcomes, including life satisfaction. Although the effectiveness of structured and unstructured group reminiscence on depression has no significant differences according to current evidence, the structured therapy is more replicable, generalizable, and user-friendly due to its detailed protocol for new therapists. Furthermore, reminiscence therapy is more effective for older women and older adults with more severe depressive symptoms. Reminiscence therapy significantly increased older adults' remission from depression and quality of life immediately after the intervention. However, the evidence-based protocol and implementation of reminiscence interventions need to be further developed and standardized to facilitate global use. Moreover, it remains unclear on the long-term effect of reminiscence therapy. Based on the limitations of the current study, more rigorous evidence is needed from studies with large sample sizes, RCT design, and longer follow-up periods. Future studies could also explore the effect of different types of reminiscence therapy. Furthermore, qualitative data should be included to better understand older adults' narrative and experiences with reminiscence therapy. Future studies could also investigate the impact of reminiscence therapy on older relatives as a part of outcome measure to explore the efficacious mechanism of reminiscence therapy in alleviating older adults' depressive symptoms.
PubMed: 34484066
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.709853 -
BMJ Open Sep 2021To critically appraise and synthesise the evidence in relation to both the receipt and delivery of LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) inclusive...
OBJECTIVES
To critically appraise and synthesise the evidence in relation to both the receipt and delivery of LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) inclusive sexual health education.
DESIGN
A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search of three online databases (EMBASE, PsychINFO and SocINDEX) from January 1990 to May 2021 was conducted.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies included were (1) peer-reviewed; (2) English; (3) quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods; that evaluated (4) inclusive sexual health in an educational or online setting and (5) focused on training or educating. Studies were excluded if (1) the population was not LGBTI+ inclusive; (2) the studies did not focus on original data or (3) the study was not available in full text.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. A narrative synthesis was then completed employing content analysis focusing on the results section of each article.
RESULTS
Of the 5656 records retrieved, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies noted that both LGBTI+ youth and those who facilitate sexual health education are turning to online sources of information. Current sexual health education programmes operate mainly from a heterosexual perspective, creating a sense of exclusion for LGBTI+ youth. This is compounded by a lack of training, or provision of an inclusive curricula, resulting in facilitators feeling ill equipped or inhibited by their personal biases.
CONCLUSIONS
LGBTI+ youth are not experiencing inclusive and comprehensive sexual health education. In parallel, educators report poor access to information, training and resources remain the primary reasons. There is a need to standardise sexual health curricula, making them LGBTI+ inclusive and incorporate holistic aspects of health such as pleasure and healthy relationships. Online approaches should be considered in the future, as they represent equality of access for both sexual health education professionals and LGBTI+ youth alike.
Topics: Adolescent; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Sex Education; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 34475162
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047856 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Oct 2021In the absence of an effective screening test, women with a high genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer are recommended to undergo risk-reducing bilateral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The impact of risk reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy on sexual function in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and women with Lynch syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
In the absence of an effective screening test, women with a high genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer are recommended to undergo risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) once childbearing is complete. This reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 96%, but can result in undesirable side effects, including menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of RRBSO on sexual function in women at high risk of breast/and or ovarian cancer.
METHODS
A literature search of the AMED (Allied and complementary medicine), Embase and Medline databases was performed, using search terms including sexual function, risk reducing and oophorectomy. Results were filtered according to the PRISMA protocol. Quality assessment of studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were pooled in meta-analysis.
RESULTS
There were 21 eligible studies, 10 of which reported sufficient data for meta-analysis. Most studies were retrospective cohort or observational studies. Fifteen of the 21 studies (71%) reported a negative impact of RRBSO on sexual function. Participant numbers ranged from 37 to 1522. Meta-analysis was performed with studies including 3201 patients. This demonstrated that RRBSO has a statistically significant negative impact on sexual function (SMD -0.63, [-0.82, -0.44], p = 0.03). There was a trend towards reduced sexual pleasure and increased discomfort but this did not reach statistical significance. There was minimal change in the frequency of sex. There was a significant increase in vaginal dryness post-RRBSO (SMD 9.25, [3.66, 14.83], p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in sexual function between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal RRBSO. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not abolish this negative impact.
CONCLUSION
Sexual function declines post RRBSO, independent of menopausal status. Comprehensive pre-operative counselling regarding anticipated menopausal and sexual symptoms is key to setting realistic patient expectations and minimising post-operative distress. Information and support regarding management of these side effects should be available to all patients.
Topics: BRCA1 Protein; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; Female; Humans; Mutation; Ovarian Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Salpingo-oophorectomy
PubMed: 34416580
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.08.001