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Brain Sciences
Special Issues
Anxiety, Depression and Stress
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Anxiety, Depression and Stress

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 18 January 2026 | Viewed by 1291

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sung Joon Cho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Psychiatry, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
2. Workplace Mental Health Institute, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
Interests: mood disorder; anxiety disorder; schizophrenia; stress; social and community psychiatry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Anxiety, depression, and stress have emerged as some of the most urgent mental health challenges of our time. These conditions are deeply embedded in the fabric of modern society, driven by chronic work demands, shifting social dynamics, and global uncertainties. They disrupt daily functioning, lower the quality of life, and impose significant burdens not only on individuals but also on families and healthcare systems.

Contemporary biomedical models conceptualize depression and anxiety as neural network disorders involving widespread brain changes. Current guidelines emphasize a biopsychosocial approach, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors. Alongside treatments such as NMDA modulators, brain stimulation, and anti-inflammatory agents, growing evidence supports third-wave CBT, VR therapy, EMDR, online CBT, and social support as effective psychosocial interventions.

This Special Issue aims to explore a wide range of high-quality research related to the causes, treatment, and prevention of anxiety, depression, and stress. We welcome submissions covering clinical interventions, neurobiological mechanisms, psychosocial factors, innovative therapies, and policy strategies. Original research articles, systematic reviews, and novel methodological approaches are all encouraged.

Through this collaborative effort, we hope to deepen the scientific understanding and contribute to the development of more effective responses to these pervasive mental health issues. Your valuable contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of research and clinical practice in this important field.

Dr. Sung Joon Cho
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • stress
  • NMDA modulators
  • brain stimulation
  • anti-inflammatory agents
  • psychosocial interventions

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
The Efficacy and Central Remodeling Mechanism of a Composite TMS Pattern in First-Episode and Recurrent Depressive Disorders
by Li Pu, Jiang Wu, Shan Huang, Dandan Liu, Xi Tan, Hongmei Yan, Guojian Yan and Dezhong Yao
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080801 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 645
Abstract
Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol incorporating intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and low-frequency TMS in adults diagnosed with first-episode and recurrent depressive disorders. Methods: A prospective, double-blind, parallel-group trial was conducted involving [...] Read more.
Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol incorporating intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and low-frequency TMS in adults diagnosed with first-episode and recurrent depressive disorders. Methods: A prospective, double-blind, parallel-group trial was conducted involving 42 participants (21 with first-episode depressive disorder and 21 with recurrent depressive disorder) recruited from Chengdu, China. All subjects received 10 sessions of TMS over two weeks. The primary outcome measure was suicidal ideation, assessed using the Beck scale for suicide ideation. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and cognitive function. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were also recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.21.0, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: Both patient groups exhibited significant reductions in suicidal ideation following the composite TMS intervention. Secondary outcomes showed significant improvements in sleep quality, overall depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and cognitive function. Notably, a significant association was found between improvements in sleep quality and depressive symptoms in the first-episode group, suggesting differential underlying mechanisms compared to recurrent depression. Limitations: The relatively short intervention and follow-up period limits the ability to assess the long-term sustainability of the observed benefits. Future studies with extended follow-up periods are warranted to evaluate the persistence of TMS effects and the potential need for maintenance sessions. Conclusions: The combined protocol of iTBS and low-frequency TMS effectively reduces suicidal ideation and improves various clinical outcomes in both first-episode and recurrent depressive disorders, indicating the effectiveness of the physical intervention, especially for the first-episode patients. These findings underscore the importance of personalized treatment strategies based on the clinical history of depressive episodes. Further research with longer follow-up periods is warranted to assess the long-term sustainability of TMS effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anxiety, Depression and Stress)
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14 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Delving into the Perception, Use, and Context of Duloxetine in Clinical Practice: An Analysis Based on the Experience of Healthcare Professionals
by Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon, Miguel A. Ortega, Melchor Alvarez-Mon and Javier Quintero
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(7), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070757 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 491
Abstract
Background and objectives: Duloxetine is widely used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and various types of neuropathic pain. While its efficacy is well documented in clinical trials, less is known about how it is perceived and [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Duloxetine is widely used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and various types of neuropathic pain. While its efficacy is well documented in clinical trials, less is known about how it is perceived and utilized in routine psychiatric practice. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 80 psychiatrists from Spain to assess real-world clinical attitudes toward duloxetine. Methods: Participants completed a 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire that examined familiarity, perceived efficacy in multiple conditions (MDD, GAD, neuropathic pain, somatization, and quality of life), and perspectives on tolerability, safety, adherence, and overall satisfaction. Results: Survey results indicated that a large majority of psychiatrists frequently prescribe duloxetine, particularly for patients with MDD and comorbid chronic pain. Notably, 94% rated it as either “more effective” or “much more effective” for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Psychiatrists reported a high perceived efficacy of duloxetine: 94% rated it as “more effective” or “much more effective” for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and 93% gave similarly positive ratings for general neuropathic pain. For somatization, 70% found it “effective” or “very effective”, and 83% observed improvements in quality of life for many of their patients. Psychiatrists generally reported favorable perceptions of duloxetine’s tolerability profile: 97.5% rated it as the antidepressant associated with the least weight gain, and 82.5% perceived fewer sexual side effects compared to other options. Sedation and gastrointestinal side effects were generally considered mild or less severe. In terms of treatment adherence, 69% rated it as “better” or “much better” than other antidepressants, and 80% found its combination with other antidepressants to be “favorable” or “very favorable”. Overall satisfaction was high, with 99% of psychiatrists reporting being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with its use. The side effect profile was generally viewed as manageable, with low perceived rates of weight gain, sedation, and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, 96% of respondents expressed a willingness to recommend duloxetine to their colleagues. Conclusions: Psychiatrists reported highly favorable attitudes toward duloxetine, viewing it as a flexible treatment option in routine care. However, these findings reflect clinicians’ subjective perceptions rather than objective clinical outcomes and should be interpreted accordingly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anxiety, Depression and Stress)
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