Psychiatry Int., Volume 7, Issue 2 (April 2026) – 41 articles

Background/Objectives: Research has shown a high prevalence of co-occurring trauma-related disorders and cocaine use disorder (CUD). However, there remains a need for preclinical studies to determine how traumatic event exposure influences vulnerability to CUD development and relapse. In this study, we assessed the impact of traumatic event exposure using a threat conditioning (TC) paradigm, which models traumatic event exposure through associative threat learning on cocaine-seeking behavior in adult male and female rats. Methods: Adult male and female rats were exposed to a single TC session. After TC, the rats underwent cocaine self-administration (SA), extinction training, cue-primed reinstatement, and cocaine-primed reinstatement testing. A parallel cohort was subjected to a sucrose SA cohort to assess whether TC altered non-drug reward seeking in the form of sucrose SA. Results: In the cocaine cohort, stressed male rats exhibited greater cue- and cocaine-primed reinstatement relative to non-stressed males, whereas no reinstatement differences emerged in female rats. In the sucrose cohort, stressed females displayed increased sucrose pellet delivery during self-administration compared to non-stressed females, but no differences were observed during sucrose reinstatement in either male or female rats. Conclusions: These findings indicate that trauma exposure prior to cocaine use influences cocaine relapse-related behavior, as well as non-drug reward reinforcement earning, in a sex-specific manner. Overall, these results highlight the value of associative stress models such as TC for studying trauma–addiction comorbidity and the need to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms driving these sex-specific outcomes. Full article

Background: Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder with a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity, including anxiety and depression, which compound functional impairment and reduce health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-pharmacological neuromodulatory intervention targeting both pain and affective circuits; however, predictors of HRQoL improvement following rTMS remain poorly characterized. Methods: In this exploratory observational study, 32 adults with migraines underwent 10–40 rTMS sessions. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF and Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Migraine-QoL). Psychiatric burden, headache impact, and disability were evaluated using HAMA, HAMD, HIT-6, and MIDAS at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t-tests, Spearman correlations, and linear regression identified predictors of QoL change. Results: Both WHOQOL-BREF and Migraine-QoL improved significantly following rTMS (p < 0.001). Antipsychotic use was associated with greater overall QoL improvement (p = 0.026). Given the very small subgroup size (n = 7), this finding should be interpreted with extreme caution and considered hypothesis-generating only. Higher baseline HIT-6 and HAMA correlated with greater Migraine-QoL gains (p = 0.001 and p = 0.013). In multivariate regression, higher headache severity independently predicted Migraine-QoL improvement (R² = 0.514, p < 0.001). Conclusions: rTMS produced clinically meaningful QoL improvements in migraine. Headache burden emerged as an independent predictor, while associations with anxiety severity and antipsychotic use should be considered exploratory. Full article

Impulsivity is a core transdiagnostic construct in adolescent psychiatry, associated with emotional dysregulation, behavioral disorders, and increased vulnerability to mental health problems. Adolescents engaged in performing arts education may experience heightened psychosocial stressors that challenge self-regulatory capacities during a critical neurodevelopmental period. Methods: This mixed-methods study examined psychosocial and family-related factors associated with impulsivity in adolescent students enrolled in drama programs. Two focus groups with 28 upper-grade students (grades 11–12) explored subjective experiences of stress, emotional overload, and family communication. Based on these findings, a 77-item questionnaire was developed and administered to 90 ninth-grade students. Impulsivity was assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Results: An exploratory stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified perceived school-related stress (β = 0.370, p < 0.001), conflictual parental communication (β = 0.273, p = 0.013), and discomfort during school discussions at home (β = 0.331, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of higher impulsivity scores. Conclusions: The findings highlight the interaction between neurodevelopmental vulnerability and environmental stressors in shaping impulsivity during adolescence. These results are clinically relevant for child and adolescent psychiatry, emphasizing the importance of early psychosocial interventions targeting stress regulation and family communication to prevent the escalation of impulsivity-related psychopathology. Full article

Debates regarding involuntary treatment for substance use disorders have intensified in the context of escalating overdose mortality and system-level strain. These proposals raise fundamental questions in psychiatric ethics concerning decisional capacity, agency, proportionality, and the justification for liberty restrictions. Addiction presents a distinctive challenge: decisional capacity may appear intact at discrete moments, while agency remains predictably unstable across time in conditions of chronic risk. This Perspective argues that addiction exposes limitations in strictly moment-based applications of the capacity doctrine. Drawing on ethical theory, clinical reasoning, and selected empirical literature, the manuscript evaluates involuntary addiction treatment primarily through normative criteria of justification rather than relying solely on outcome estimation. It identifies evidentiary limitations in the current literature and articulates heightened substantive and procedural thresholds that must be satisfied for coercive interventions to be ethically defensible. These include demonstrable impairment linked to near-term serious harm, exhaustion of less restrictive alternatives, clearly defined therapeutic objectives, and independent oversight with outcome monitoring. This paper does not advocate for categorical endorsement or rejection of involuntary treatment; rather, it proposes structured guardrails to guide psychiatric engagement under conditions of uncertainty. Full article

Background: COVID-19 increased psychological distress among healthcare workers. Italian studies have suggested lower distress levels among mental health professionals compared to hospital-based colleagues. Methods: In May 2025, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study in community mental health centers and non-psychiatric hospital outpatient departments in Sardinia, Italy, involving 101 professionals from three community mental health centers and 97 staff members from four non-psychiatric hospital outpatient departments. The SF-12 was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the PHQ-9 was used to assess depressive symptoms. Results were also compared with pre-pandemic community samples. Results: Mental health professionals reported fewer depressive symptoms and better quality of life than hospital-based colleagues: PHQ-9 ≥ 10: 10.9% vs. 35.0% (11/101 vs. 34/97) (OR = 0.23; 95%CI 0.11–0.47; p < 0.001); PHQ-9 ≥ 9: 14.8% vs. 38.1% (OR = 0.31; 95%CI 0.16–0.60; p < 0.001). Mean PHQ-9 score: 4.45 ± 3.51 vs. 8.35 ± 3.95 (p < 0.001). Low HRQoL (SF-12 ≤ 36): 34.6% vs. 62.9% (35/101 vs. 61/97) (OR = 0.31; 95%CI 0.19–0.52; p < 0.001). No significant within-group differences were found by sex, age, or professional role. Compared with pre-pandemic community data, the well-being of mental health professionals remained stable. Limitations: Cross-sectional design and convenience sampling limit causal inference and generalizability. Conclusions: The organizational structure, operational flexibility, and peer collaboration typical of community-based services may contribute to the sustained psychological well-being of mental health professionals. The community-based model deserves consideration for future reforms aimed at improving staff well-being. Full article

Schizoaffective disorder is a complex psychiatric condition that often requires specialized treatment, particularly when resistant to standard therapies. Comorbidities like chronic inflammatory diseases can complicate the diagnosis, suggesting shared pathophysiological mechanisms. This case study examines the role of chronic systemic inflammation in psychiatric disorders, focusing on a patient with treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder, psoriasis, and hypophysitis. The 40-year-old male patient, admitted for psychopathological decompensation, was initially treated with clozapine, which was effective but discontinued due to severe sialorrhoea. He was then switched to olanzapine, showing continued improvement in his psychiatric symptoms and good tolerability. Following optimization of antipsychotic treatment, the patient’s delusional thoughts diminished, verbalization stopped, and associated distress reduced. Interestingly, the psoriatic lesions also improved. This case highlights the potential connection between severe, treatment-resistant psychosis, endocrine dysfunction caused by hypophysitis, and psoriasis, suggesting that chronic systemic inflammation may be a shared underlying factor. The overlap between these conditions underscores the importance of considering inflammation’s role in psychiatric illnesses and emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach when managing psychosis with somatic comorbidities. Full article

Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness significantly affect sleep quality, particularly among elderly individuals living in nursing homes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality and depression, anxiety, and loneliness among elderly residents of nursing homes in Indonesia, as well as to explore the underlying pathway mechanisms. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to assess correlational relationships among elderly individuals residing in nursing homes in Jakarta and Tangerang. Data were analyzed using JASP statistical software through descriptive, bivariate, and path analyses. The results demonstrated significant associations between poorer sleep quality and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Path analysis revealed a significant chain mediation pattern, in which loneliness was associated with higher anxiety levels, anxiety was associated with depressive symptoms, and depressive symptoms were associated with poorer sleep quality (β = −0.040, p = 0.045). These findings indicate that sleep disturbances in the elderly are statistically associated with interconnected psychological factors, highlighting the importance of comprehensive psychosocial interventions to improve sleep quality in this population. Full article

The majority of people with mental disorders in low-, middle-, and high-income countries do not receive any intervention for their symptoms, despite enormous advances in developing evidence-based psychosocial treatments and medications. The perspective and viewpoint article discusses and illustrates digital and technology-based interventions and activities in everyday life that have been shown to reduce symptoms of mental disorders. The article begins with background on the treatment gap and a discussion of why treatments do not reach people in need. Digital and technology-based interventions and everyday activities are presented to complement current treatments with the goal of scaling interventions to serve more people in need and to circumvent many of the usual barriers that preclude people from seeking or receiving traditional mental health services. Interventions in each of the categories are illustrated. The challenge is to integrate such interventions in mental health practices, to better promote these at the population level, and to monitor their impact. Full article

This study modeled the factor structure of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), quantified its internal consistency, tested for longitudinal invariance, and estimated associations with measures of depression, parent stress, family functioning, and child psychopathology. Data were from 200 parents enrolled in an on-going study of children with chronic health conditions recruited from a pediatric hospital. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) modeled the GAD-7 factor structure, and multiple-group CFA tested longitudinal invariance over 48 months. A one-factor model showed the best fit to the data, and the omega hierarchical was 0.89 and 0.88 at baseline and 48 months, respectively. The GAD-7 demonstrated longitudinal invariance. Internal consistency was good at both assessments (α > 0.75). Correlations with other measures were significant and at least small in magnitude. Known-group validity (parents with vs. without depression) showed very large effects (d > 2.0). The GAD-7 is psychometrically robust in parents of children with chronic health conditions. Full article

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is increasingly recognized as involving psychomotor slowing and impaired cortical timing. Objective vibrotactile assessments can quantify sensory and cognitive integration, potentially identifying mechanistic biomarkers of depression. Objective: To determine whether tactile performance metrics from the Brain Gauge system differentiate individuals with depression from healthy controls and to identify the most predictive domains using cross-validated modeling. Methods: Eighty-two adults (43 with depression, 39 controls) completed the Brain Gauge battery assessing reaction time (RT), RT variability, amplitude and duration discrimination, temporal order judgment, accuracy, and cortical plasticity. Results: After FDR correction, participants with depression showed significantly slower and more variable tactile responses (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). Speed and RT variability remained independent predictors (OR = 4.14; OR = 0.015), yielding an AUC = 0.86 (sensitivity = 0.87; specificity = 0.77). These findings suggest reduced cortical stability and efficiency in depression. Conclusions: Tactile timing measures—particularly Speed and RT variability—objectively capture psychomotor and temporal instability in MDD. Cross-validated logistic modeling supports their potential as non-invasive digital biomarkers for depression phenotyping and monitoring. These findings suggest tactile timing instability as a clinically relevant neurofunctional dimension of major depressive disorder, with potential applications in psychiatric phenotyping, objective symptom monitoring, and future precision-guided treatment strategies. Full article

Substance use disorder (SUD) undermines social connection, identity, and well-being. While art therapy is formally incorporated into clinical treatment, far less is known about how informal, group-based creative activities contribute to recovery. This qualitative study examines whether and how participation in a creative arts group fosters social support and human flourishing among individuals with SUD. We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews of eight adults enrolled in SUD outpatient treatment at the Johns Hopkins Broadway Center for Addiction who voluntarily participated in a creative arts class. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative, thematic approach. Analysis revealed four themes: (1) Social connectedness and support—artmaking fostered camaraderie, accountability, and peer encouragement; (2) Holistic and supportive environment—the group offered a safe, nonjudgmental space that affirmed participants beyond their addiction; (3) Emotional renewal through art—creative engagement reduced anxiety, promoted joy, and provided a constructive outlet for emotions; and (4) Reclaiming agency through artistic expression—participants experienced autonomy, skill development, and identity building, which fostered hope and personal growth. Overall, participants viewed artmaking as a catalyst for relational and personal transformation. These exploratory findings generate hypotheses for future research on the role of informal creative arts groups within recovery-oriented care settings. Full article

The mental health of children/adolescents is closely related to family functioning. However, there are factors that impair family functioning, such as parental psychopathology, parenting styles, and beliefs about physical punishment, which may require intervention by psychology and psychiatry. Given the lack of literature, the main objectives of this research are: to explore the association between parenting styles and the personality traits that constitute the Dark Triad, to analyze the association between beliefs about physical punishment and the personality traits that make up the Dark Triad, and to test the mediating effect of beliefs about physical punishment between the traits of the Dark Triad and parenting styles. The sample consisted of 290 parents of school-age children/adolescents between 7 and 16 years old, consisting of 231 female and 59 male participants. The main results suggest that Machiavellianism and narcissism are positively associated with authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and psychopathy with authoritarian; personality traits are associated with beliefs about physical punishment, and beliefs about physical punishment influence the relationship between the Dark Triad and parenting styles. In short, parental psychopathology seems to have an influence on the way parents educate their children and on their beliefs about physical punishment. Full article

We aimed to investigate factors associated with post-earthquake coping strategies and to examine the relationship between coping styles and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels. This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals presenting to 22 primary health centers in the Adana and Osmaniye provinces of Türkiye between 13 and 17 March 2023. Data were collected using a structured sociodemographic form, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Coping with Earthquake Stress Scale. The mean age of the participants (n = 434) was 38.27 ± 13.84 years, and 63.4% were female. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 32.95%. A weak negative correlation was found between PCL-5 scores and positive reappraisal scores (r = −0.192, p < 0.01), whereas no significant associations were observed between PTSD symptom scores and other coping strategies. Positive reappraisal scores were positively correlated with both religious coping (r = 0.248) and seeking social support (r = 0.316) (p < 0.01). Individuals who experienced family-related losses reported higher religious coping scores. These findings suggest that positive reappraisal may be associated with lower PTSD symptom levels in the early post-disaster period, highlighting the potential importance of adaptive cognitive coping strategies in primary care settings. Full article

Evidence on whether music listening supports academic performance, particularly among students with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), remains mixed. We explored associations between music listening while studying and academic performance (GPA: grade point average) among college students, and to evaluate whether the associations differed by ADHD status. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from college students and conducted linear regression models with self-reported GPA as the dependent variable. Models were adjusted for sex, academic level, college affiliation, primary study location, weekly study hours, and preferred genre of music. A total of 541 students participated. Most of the students were at undergraduate level (84%), with a mean age of 20.78 years and mean GPA of 3.50. Among students with ADHD, listening to music while studying was associated with higher GPA (β = 0.42; p < 0.01), whereas preferring country music was associated with lower GPA (β = −0.33; p < 0.01). Undergraduate students with ADHD were associated with lower GPA (β = −0.31; p = 0.033). Among students without ADHD, preferring rap was associated with higher GPA (β = 0.30; p < 0.001), and CHBS affiliation (β = −0.15; p = 0.034) and listening to jazz (β = −0.16, p = 0.03) were associated with lower GPA. Associations between music listening and GPA differed by ADHD status and by preferred genre, suggesting the potential value of individualized recommendations rather than one-size-fits-all guidance. Full article

Psychopathy is a complex personality trait involving emotional and behavioral deficits that often overlap with alexithymia and reduced empathy. While it is reasonable to assume that the cognitive and behavioral traits associated with this construct may be influenced by specific sociocultural factors, research examining these cross-cultural variations remains scarce. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between psychopathy traits, empathy, and alexithymia in Brazilian (n = 171) and British (n = 167) adults. Participants completed the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, the Basic Empathy Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. British participants scored significantly higher on primary, secondary, and total psychopathy, as well as on difficulties describing feelings, compared to Brazilians. Regression analyses indicated that affective empathy and alexithymia dimensions were statistically associated with psychopathy scores in both groups. The regression models accounted for substantially more variance in primary psychopathy, marked by narcissism, grandiosity, and emotional detachment, in the British group than in the Brazilian one (36.4% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.05). Our findings are consistent with sociocultural differences in psychopathy traits and highlight the importance of investigating these constructs from a cross-cultural perspective to better characterize contextual differences and refine assessment and intervention. Full article

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder worldwide, affecting up to 30% of the population, and is frequently accompanied by cognitive complaints and measurable cognitive impairments. Chronic insomnia is characterized by persistent hyperarousal across physiological, cognitive, and neurobiological domains, which may compromise multiple cognitive systems. This review synthesizes current evidence on the impact of insomnia on major cognitive domains, including attention, language, memory and learning, executive functions, perceptual–motor skills, and social cognition. We critically evaluate methodological factors contributing to heterogeneous findings across studies, such as variability in diagnostic criteria, insomnia phenotypes, cognitive assessments, and sample characteristics. Additionally, we summarize emerging evidence on neuroanatomical and molecular correlates of insomnia-related cognitive impairment, including alterations in hippocampal and prefrontal brain structures, amyloid-β accumulation, dysregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotransmitter imbalance, neuroinflammation, and disrupted signaling pathways. Insights from preclinical studies show mechanistic links between sleep loss, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and memory decline. Despite substantial advances, the precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in insomnia remain incompletely understood, suggesting that cognitive impairment arises from the convergence of multiple biological processes rather than a single causal pathway. A deeper mechanistic understanding is essential for developing targeted interventions for preventing cognitive decline in individuals with insomnia. Full article

Background: The present study investigated automatic and intentional inhibitory control processes in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) within the framework of the dual-process theory, comparing their performance with that of typically developing children in ocular motor tasks. The aim was to determine whether deficits in ADHD involve both controlled and automatic inhibitory mechanisms. Methods: 104 children (M = 10.92, SD = 1.97) divided into three groups (ADHD-Inattentive, ADHD-Combined, and control) were tested using the Delayed Ocular Response (DOR) task, which measures intentional inhibitory control by requiring the suppression of reflexive saccades toward peripheral stimuli, and the Saccadic Interference (SI) task, which evaluates automatic inhibitory control by assessing susceptibility to distractor interference during goal-directed saccades. Results: In the DOR task, ADHD groups exhibited a higher number of premature saccades, fewer correct saccades, and lower accuracy compared to controls, with no differences between ADHD subtypes, indicating an impairment in intentional inhibitory control. Performance on the SI task did not differ significantly among groups, suggesting preserved automatic inhibitory control in children with ADHD. Conclusions: These findings indicate that ADHD is characterized by deficits in intentional inhibitory processes rather than in automatic inhibitory mechanisms, contributing to a more differentiated understanding of inhibitory control dysfunctions in this disorder. Full article

(1) Background: While anticipatory anxiety is well-established in the psychological literature, the specific phenomenon of distress experienced during waiting for positive, rationally certain outcomes remains under-theorized and clinically under-recognized. (2) Methods: This paper presents a conceptual analysis and theoretical proposal introducing ‘Waiting Anxiety,’ defined as a hypothesized pattern of anticipatory distress characterized by heightened cognitive rumination, physiological arousal, and emotion regulation failure during periods of delayed resolution, specifically when the awaited outcome is positive and rationally certain (e.g., an approaching wedding, confirmed promotion, or approved visa). (3) Results: Distinct from traditional anticipatory anxiety tied to threat perception, waiting anxiety is proposed as a paradoxical form of distress that emerges despite primary outcome certainty. The construct is theoretically grounded in emotion regulation failures, temporal perception distortions, and impatience mechanisms, and is illustrated through five clinical cases. (4) Conclusions: This paper argues for waiting anxiety as a hypothesized psychological pattern warranting empirical investigation. Future psychometric, epidemiological, and neurobiological research is needed to establish its validity, prevalence, and clinical utility. If validated, integration into clinical frameworks could improve understanding of affective experience during positive life transitions. Full article

Suicidal behavior among adolescents and young adults represents a growing public health concern due to its high prevalence and its negative impact on psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between emotional regulation, attachment styles, cyberviolence, and suicidal ideation among Chilean university students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 1083 participants, using the Suicidal Ideation Frequency Inventory, the Close Relationship Experience Questionnaire (ECR-R), the Spanish Modified Version of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) and the Cyber Dating Violence Instrument for Teens (CyDAV-T). Bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression were conducted to identify significant predictors of suicidal ideation. The results revealed a high prevalence of suicidal ideation, particularly among women (19.06%; p < 0.001). Difficulties in emotion regulation were strongly associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation (p < 0.001), whereas adequate (p < 0.001) or excellent (p < 0.01) regulation functioned as a significant protective factor. In addition, a disorganized attachment style was identified as a risk factor (p < 0.05), especially among women (p < 0.01). In conclusion, emotion regulation emerges as a key protective factor against suicidal ideation, underscoring the importance of implementing socioemotional training programs within university settings. Full article

Background: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has largely been used in adolescents to screen for mental health difficulties and prosocial capabilities. The objective is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SDQ in university students. Methods: This work included a large sample (N = 1256), 64.6% women with a mean age of 22.96 years (SD = 6.15). Results: The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a six-factor solution was the most tenable. The study of measurement invariance (MI) revealed strong measurement invariance both by gender and age. The study of relations with other variables indicated that the SDQ subscales were statistically significantly correlated with indicators of self-esteem, emotional well-being, stress, and emotional regulation. Finally, the internal consistency of the scores for the Total Difficulties Score was 0.763. Conclusions: These results allow confirming the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SDQ for its use in university students. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into the everyday lives of children, influencing how they learn, communicate, and develop emotionally. As AI assumes a more central role in children’s digital ecosystems, AI literacy—the ability to understand, engage with, and make informed decisions about AI systems—is no longer a luxury but a developmental necessity. This review explores how AI literacy intersects with children’s mental health, particularly through the lens of socioeconomic status. Drawing on Digital Capital Theory and Cumulative Advantage/Disadvantage Theory, the paper examines how inequalities in access to AI-related resources shape the emotional and psychological experiences of children. It argues that while AI literacy can enhance well-being across all social groups, its impact is especially transformative for children from low-income backgrounds. Children from middle- and high-income families often experience modest emotional gains from AI engagement, having already benefited from consistent digital exposure and support. In contrast, low-income children—who often begin with limited access and lower confidence—stand to gain disproportionately in terms of emotional resilience, self-esteem, and digital confidence when their AI literacy improves. The review concludes with policy and practice recommendations that prioritize equitable access and tailored interventions, especially for underserved populations who have the most to gain from both the cognitive and emotional benefits of AI literacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently persists into adulthood and is characterized by heterogeneous clinical presentations influenced by gender, demographic and psychosocial factors. Although gender-related differences in adult ADHD have been reported, individuals residing in rural settings remain underrepresented in empirical research. Guided by Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) framework, this study examined gender differences and psychosocial correlates of ADHD subtypes among adults in a rural Canadian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using de-identified medical record data collected between February 2021 and January 2024 from a rural outpatient clinic in Northern British Columbia, Canada. The sample comprised 660 adults aged 19 years and older with a documented ADHD diagnosis. The combined presentation was the most common (67.0%), followed by the inattentive presentation (30.3%), while the hyperactive/impulsive presentation was rare (2.7%). In bivariate analyses, ADHD presentation was not significantly associated with gender, age group, employment status, or marital status. Prescribed ADHD medication differed across presentations (χ² (1) = 12.36, p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of individuals with the inattentive presentation reporting pharmacological treatment. In the pooled logistic regression model, prescribed ADHD medication was the only variable independently associated with presentation (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.38–0.77, p = 0.001). In gender-stratified models, this association remained evident among women, whereas no stable inferential conclusions could be drawn for men or gender-diverse participants. Conclusions: Within a GBA+ perspective, the findings suggest that gender may shape recognition and entry into care, rather than the clinical subtype identified at assessment, underscoring the need for a comprehensive assessment in rural clinical practice. Full article

This study aimed to examine the differences in self-compassion (SC) subcomponents between anorexia nervosa (AN) subtypes, the restricting type (ANR) and binge-eating/purging type (ANBP), with a focus on perceived isolation and self-judgment. This retrospective exploratory study included 40 patients with AN at a Japanese tertiary hospital. The participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Between-group comparisons were conducted using t-tests, and logistic regression was used to examine associations with the AN subtype. Compared with the ANR group, the ANBP group was older at the time of assessment, had a longer illness duration, and showed significantly more depressive symptoms, more severe eating pathologies, and lower SC scores. Specifically, patients with ANBP had significantly higher scores on the negative SCS subscales of self-judgment and isolation, indicating greater self-criticism and perceived isolation. In logistic regression analyses adjusting for the EDE-Q mean score, higher isolation scores were significantly associated with the ANBP subtype (odds ratio = 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.37–9.63, p = 0.01). In this exploratory sample, perceived isolation was more prominent in ANBP and may reflect affective and interpersonal difficulties related to this subtype. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and warrant replication in larger (ideally multi-site and longitudinal) samples. If replicated, targeting these self-compassion dimensions may inform the development of subtype-sensitive interventions. Full article

The rising prevalence of physical comorbidities among patients with mental illness has increased the relevance of physical rehabilitation within psychiatric care. However, specific physical rehabilitation practices in specialized psychiatric hospitals in Japan remain insufficiently documented. This exploratory and descriptive study aimed to characterize the rehabilitation content provided and to categorize patient characteristics and comorbidities in a single specialized psychiatric hospital using an expert-led consensus approach. Clinical data from 150 patients (median age 71.0 years) who received physical rehabilitation were retrospectively analyzed. Patient categorization was conducted through a multidisciplinary consensus-building process involving an expert panel of physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and nurses, each with over 10 years of clinical experience. Using a hierarchical rule set based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and clinical referral data, five distinct categories were identified: Disuse Syndrome (41%), Neurologic Disorders (20%), Lower Limb Lesions (18%), Parkinson’s Syndrome (15%), and Upper Limb Lesions (6%). Across all categories, rehabilitation interventions focused on foundational motor therapies, such as range of motion (27%) and strength training (23%). Mobility-oriented interventions were selectively provided to patients with high bedridden status based on clinical potential. Overall, practices in this setting primarily targeted disuse syndrome and maintenance of basic motor function and were delivered with input from multiple professional disciplines; such practices may inform future research on structured multidisciplinary rehabilitative approaches, especially for aging psychiatric populations. Full article

In recent years, imaginative techniques have effectively addressed the growing demand for brief, evidence-based treatments applicable in various contexts. Among these, Imagery with Rescripting (ImRs) was developed within the Schema Therapy model. ImRs can be applied individually or in combination with other protocols, demonstrating significant outcomes even after just one session. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the applications of ImRs, with a specific focus on its effectiveness in trauma-related disorders. The search string used was “(‘imagery with Rescripting’) AND ((‘Trauma’ OR ‘PTSD’ OR ‘dissociation’))”. The following databases were utilized: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and PsychInfo. The research included English-language and Italian-language studies, encompassing experimental and observational designs, case reports, and case series. Samples consisted of healthy participants or clinical populations aged 18 years and older, with no temporal limitations. A total of 56 articles were selected. The results highlight the efficacy of this intervention, whether administered individually or as part of combined protocols, across a wide range of diagnostic categories, including healthy samples, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder (BDP), sleep disorders, psychotic spectrum disorders, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. The studies also support hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying the technique: ImRs facilitates the reprocessing of the meaning associated with mental representations and reduces the occurrence of negative intrusive images related to past events. This process alters and rewrites the individual’s negative memories and images. The narrative review supports the effectiveness of ImRs in treating various psychopathological disorders, both trauma-related and non-trauma-related. In addition to highlighting the effectiveness of ImRs when appropriately integrated with other techniques, the review emphasizes the importance of conducting efficacy studies on larger samples to evaluate ImRs as a standalone intervention model. Full article

Fairbairn’s structural theory of mind is an effective framework in Object Relations Psychotherapy for understanding the internal organization of Object Relations structures. However, traditional Object Relations psychotherapy relies heavily on verbal intervention. This raises a critical hypothesis: can these frameworks be effectively integrated with non-verbal expressive therapies, and can artistic output symbolize internal Object Relations structures? This study integrates Fairbairn’s theories with the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) to address this gap. This integration is particularly vital for non-verbal populations where mental health constraints or emotional overwhelm hinder verbalization. This paper presents a detailed case study of a 20-year-old Malaysian male diagnosed with schizophrenia, who presented with severe trauma and profound Alogia. Following one year of integrated Object Relations Expressive Psychotherapy, the client’s progress is analyzed. Seven of his paintings are presented to illustrate how shifts in his object relations were symbolized and processed through his expressive work. Full article

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been less frequently and extensively investigated in university students than in children, despite substantial evidence demonstrating its significant impact on academic performance and negative affect, such as anxiety. We conducted two studies to address this gap. Methods: The objective of our first study (n = 233) was to assess the prevalence of subclinical ADHD among medical students and examine its associations with comorbid mental health conditions, such as Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21). In the second pilot intervention study (n = 16), we compared the ratio of negative and positive emotions (PANAS) and anxiety (STAI-S-5) before and after neurofeedback-based relaxation training in two groups of students: one with high scores and another with low scores on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Results: According to our results, more than 50% of students showed risk for ADHD symptoms, and linear regression analyses revealed a strong association between ADHD symptoms and the prevalence of negative affect. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in ADHD and DASS scale scores between students who were falling behind and those progressing in line with the curriculum. Further results of the second study were inconclusive in several areas. In the examined group, a significant increase was observed in one of the core symptoms of ADHD—mind wandering—by the end of the intervention, compared to the baseline. Additionally, frustration levels were significantly higher at the second measurement point among participants with higher ASRS scores. Conclusions: Compared to the literature, it can be concluded that while longer interventions tend to be effective, two sessions are insufficient to reduce symptom. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to compare the parent-reported quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents diagnosed with a chronic mental health disorder to that of those with a chronic somatic disorder. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted between two clinical groups: one comprising patients with psychiatric diagnoses and the other with somatic diagnoses. QoL was assessed using the CHIP-CE/PRF questionnaire completed by caregivers. Statistical analyses evaluated differences across domains such as well-being, self-esteem, peer relationships, family engagement, and academic performance. Results: Parents of children with somatic conditions reported significantly higher scores in the domains of health and well-being (U = 799.50, p = 0.002), peer relations (U = 872.50, p = 0.009), and academic performance (U = 445.50, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in emotional and somatic symptoms or behavior at home. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, from a parental perspective, psychiatric disorders are associated with lower perceived quality of life in several key areas of functioning. These results emphasize the need for targeted support strategies and coordinated care for families of children with mental health conditions. Full article

Background: Military police officers are exposed to occupational stressors associated with mental health, coping strategies, and work engagement. This study examined mental health indicators and their associations with coping strategies and work engagement among military police officers in the pre-pandemic period. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted in 2018 with 773 Brazilian military police officers from São Paulo (n = 506) and Paraná (n = 267). Participants completed the Work Stress Scale (WSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and the Scale of Problem Coping Modes (EMEP). Results: The prevalence of occupational stress was 30.2%, with high proportions of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization. Burnout was interpreted dimensionally (MBI-HSS subscales), with 17.6% (n = 134) joint prevalence of the high Emotional Exhaustion + high Depersonalization + low Personal Accomplishment profile, alongside frequent mixed profiles (e.g., 38.3% with high Depersonalization + low Personal Accomplishment). In the multivariable model, the 6 h shift was associated with higher odds of stress (OR = 7.76; 95% CI: 1.02–58.79), while the absence of self-reported health/quality-of-life issues was associated with lower odds (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.39–0.94), along with Emotional Exhaustion (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10–1.20) and Depersonalization (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04–1.20). In sensitivity analysis, work shift was not associated with stress (aOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.66–2.21). Stress and burnout dimensions were negatively correlated with work engagement (r = −0.52), problem-focused coping, and social support and positively correlated with emotion-focused coping. São Paulo officers reported higher engagement and greater use of problem-focused coping and social support, whereas those in Paraná reported greater reliance on emotion-focused coping. Conclusions: Stress and burnout dimensions may coexist with high engagement, supporting the need for integrated institutional strategies that address organizational stressors (e.g., workload schedules) and strengthen potentially protective coping repertoires, while accounting for contextual differences between units. The high prevalence of burnout profiles underscores the urgency of preventive interventions to mitigate syndromic manifestations in high-stress occupations. Full article

Suicide is a serious and global health problem, with important consequences for individuals and for society. Understanding health workers’ perspectives is important for understanding how clinicians think about this topic and their attitudes toward and adherence to current guidelines. These findings can also have implications for future directions in guideline development and suicide-prevention policy. The purpose of this study was to investigate health workers’ experiences with and perceptions of suicide risk assessments. We conducted an electronic survey in which we asked health workers (N = 183) 18 questions about their experiences with and opinions about suicide risk assessments, suicide prevention, risk factors for suicide, and questions relating to the Norwegian guidelines for suicide risk assessment. The health workers in this study consisted of psychologists, doctors, nurses, and social workers from three different Norwegian hospitals. We found that the professional groups differed significantly in their responses. We also found significant differences between staff at the different hospitals in how they perceived the risk factors and standardized questions. In general, the respondents were skeptical regarding the emphasis on standardized suicide risk assessments. Furthermore, respondents perceived suicide as at least partly preventable. There were some differences between professions and hospitals. This may be due to cultural and educational aspects. Suicide risk prevention is complex, involving a variety of factors. Methodological limitations should be taken into consideration. Future research should further explore health workers’ concerns about standardized suicide risk assessments. Full article