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Diagnostics
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Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition
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Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 9366

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Elaine Chapman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
Interests: psychology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will highlight the latest advancements in mental health diagnosis and screening. It will showcase innovative techniques and technologies that improve accuracy, efficiency, and early detection in mental illnesses. With contributions from leading experts, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and offers a roadmap for future research in this critical area.

Dr. Elaine Chapman
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • mental health
  • diagnosis
  • screening
  • marker
  • prognosis

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 277 KB  
Article
Inflammatory and Metabolic Blood Parameters Associated with Aggression, Impulsivity, and Suicide Risk Among Male Patients with Antisocial Personality Disorder in a Forensic Psychiatry Unit in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
by Berçem Afşar Karatepe and Gülay Tasci
Diagnostics 2026, 16(6), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16060831 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is strongly associated with violence, substance use, criminal behavior, and elevated suicide risk. Although inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation have been implicated in severe psychiatric disorders, the biological correlates of impulsivity, aggression, and suicide risk in forensic ASPD populations [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is strongly associated with violence, substance use, criminal behavior, and elevated suicide risk. Although inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation have been implicated in severe psychiatric disorders, the biological correlates of impulsivity, aggression, and suicide risk in forensic ASPD populations remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether routine hematological, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters are associated with these clinical features. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 57 male individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) who had committed crimes and were referred to the Forensic Psychiatry Department of Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital in Turkey by the court, and 56 age-matched healthy controls. Participants completed standardized assessments of impulsivity (BIS-11), aggression (BPAQ), and suicide probability (SPS). Hematological indices, inflammatory markers, and routine biochemical parameters were analyzed. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Results: Compared with age-matched controls, individuals with ASPD showed markedly higher impulsivity, aggression, and suicide probability, alongside substantially higher rates of substance use, imprisonment history, and suicide attempts (all p < 0.001). Hematological and inflammatory analyses revealed lower red blood cell (RBC) counts and elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and CRP–albumin ratio (CAR) in the ASPD group (all p < 0.05). Biochemical profiling showed reduced glucose, total protein, albumin, HDL, ALT, and vitamin B12 levels, with increased uric acid levels in ASPD (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis indicated that being married and having higher education were protective against ASPD, whereas higher uric acid and CAR levels were associated with increased risk. Conclusions: The findings indicate that criminal offenders with ASPD show increased inflammatory markers and altered hematological and biochemical profiles. Routine blood parameters, combined with psychometric assessments, may help identify individuals at higher behavioral risk and support early risk stratification in forensic psychiatric settings, although causal relationships cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition)
19 pages, 314 KB  
Article
Assessment of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Medical Students and Their Association with Religiosity: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Stipe Vidović, Zenon Pogorelić, Marija Olujić, Ana Pešikan, Ena Kolak, Ivana Groznica, Marija Jelić Vuković, Dubravka Biuk, Marija Heffer and Dunja Degmečić
Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010172 - 5 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1398
Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among medical students and may adversely affect academic functioning and professional development. Early identification of these symptoms and their associated factors is therefore essential. Religiosity has been suggested as a potential modifier of mental health outcomes, [...] Read more.
Background: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among medical students and may adversely affect academic functioning and professional development. Early identification of these symptoms and their associated factors is therefore essential. Religiosity has been suggested as a potential modifier of mental health outcomes, although existing evidence remains inconsistent. This study aimed to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety, levels of religiosity, and their associations among medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at the University of Osijek, Croatia, from 29 September to 5 October 2025. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and religiosity using the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL). Results: A total of 260 students (197 females, 63 males) completed the survey. At least mild depressive and anxiety symptoms were reported by 54.2% and 58.1%, respectively; 9.2% had moderately severe or severe depression, and 25% reported moderate to severe anxiety. Suicidal or self-harm ideation in the past two weeks occurred in 12.8%. Female students had higher median depression (p = 0.01) and anxiety scores (p = 0.005) than male students; however, these differences did not remain statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. Religiosity was not associated with PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores after correction; however, categorical analyses indicated that students with moderate to high religiosity more frequently reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms (p = 0.037). Conclusions: The high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation underscores the need for continuous mental health screening, early identification of risk factors, and implementation of preventive programs among the student population, particularly medical students as future healthcare professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition)
12 pages, 424 KB  
Article
Incidence of Anxiety Diagnosis up to Four Years Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and New York
by Sagar Changela, Roham Hadidchi, Sophia Wu, Ekram Ali, Alex Liu, Thomas Peng and Tim Q. Duong
Diagnostics 2025, 15(20), 2605; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15202605 - 16 Oct 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1048
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at an elevated risk of developing anxiety. This study investigated the association and risk factors of anxiety diagnosis in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients up to four years post index date. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at an elevated risk of developing anxiety. This study investigated the association and risk factors of anxiety diagnosis in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients up to four years post index date. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case–control study on a cohort consisting of 1.3 million patients, of which 85,229 had a clinical anxiety diagnosis (defined by ICD code) and 1,214,598 did not from the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, from 1 March 2020 to 31 January 2024. COVID-19 patients were those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction. COVID-19 negative patients were those who did not have a recorded positive test. The outcome was an anxiety diagnosis between one month and four years post-index date. Analysis was performed with unmatched and matched cohorts. The matched variables included age, sex, race, and ethnicity. The multivariate logistic regression adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval were computed. Results: COVID-19 was more prevalent among patients with anxiety compared to those without anxiety (6.92% vs. 4.14%, p < 0.001). COVID-19 patients were more likely to develop anxiety compared to non-COVID-19 patients (multivariate aOR = 2.13 [2.06–2.20] for unmatched cohort, and aOR = 1.26 [1.22, 1.31] for the matched cohort). Female (aOR = 1.54 [1.52, 1.56]), Black (aOR = 1.38 [1.35, 1.41]), Asian (aOR = 1.48 [1.41, 1.55]) (vs. White), and Hispanic patients were more likely to develop anxiety compared to their counterparts (unmatched cohort). Conclusions: COVID-19 is associated with a greater likelihood of having anxiety. Black and Hispanic patients were at higher risk, suggestive of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating health disparities. An improved understanding of long-term anxiety is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems for COVID-19 survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 1485 KB  
Article
Emotional Disorders, Risk Factors, and Correlations of Post-Partum Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Sexual Function During Post-Partum Period
by Panagiotis Eskitzis, Vasiliki Michou, Christiana Arampatzi, Ioannis Tsakiridis and Dimitrios Papoutsis
Diagnostics 2025, 15(9), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15091065 - 22 Apr 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3382
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the presence of emotional disorders, the risk factors associated with these disorders, and the level of sexual function observed after childbirth. Additionally, the study aimed to explore how sexual function affects post-partum depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to investigate the presence of emotional disorders, the risk factors associated with these disorders, and the level of sexual function observed after childbirth. Additionally, the study aimed to explore how sexual function affects post-partum depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as how these emotional disorders, in turn, impact sexual function. Methodology: A total of 336 women participated in the study, who were asked to complete four questionnaires: a general women’s personal information questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the PTSD Scale (PCL-5), and the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI). Results: The results showed that 33% of mothers scored on the EPDS above 14 points, which was considered a threshold value for the prognosis of post-partum depression. In addition, the women scored an average of 20.8 points on the FSFI, and thus, their level of sexual functioning was characterized as moderate. According to the total score of the PCL-5 scale, it was observed that 17.6% of the mothers show post-traumatic stress after childbirth and satisfy all four criteria of this scale. Lastly, multiple regression analysis showed that factors such as annual family income and negative body image had a significant contribution to the models. Conclusions: Finally, it was observed that reduced sexual functionality in women is linked to post-partum depression and post-traumatic stress after childbirth. In conclusion, our research emphasizes the need for further exploration of the psychological and emotional challenges women face during the puerperium, which can negatively affect sexual health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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16 pages, 473 KB  
Review
International Validity of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ): A Scoping Review
by Teodora-Simina Dragoiu, Florentina Ligia Furtunescu, Adela Caramoci and Oliver R. Runswick
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030486 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 926
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mental health screening in athletes is an essential process to support well-being and sustainable performance. The Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) represents the ten-item triage step of the Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool-1 (SMHAT-1), created by the International Olympic Committee. We aimed [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mental health screening in athletes is an essential process to support well-being and sustainable performance. The Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) represents the ten-item triage step of the Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool-1 (SMHAT-1), created by the International Olympic Committee. We aimed to gather relevant information concerning the validity of the APSQ in different cultural settings. Methods: The study was designed as a scoping review and included 19 articles from Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Articles were written in English and tested the APSQ validity. Results: Different studies used the original or the translated version of APSQ and tested its benchmarked validity against other validated questionnaires, ran confirmatory and exploratory analyses, test–retest stability, calculated diagnostic metrics, and internal consistency. Most studies agreed on the good internal consistency, with optimal Cronbach’s alpha values, test–retest reliability, three-factor solution, convergent validity with scales assessing distress, divergent validity with well-being scales as demonstrated by significant correlation coefficients. The cut-off showed good accuracy for anxiety and depressive symptoms in terms of AUC, sensitivity, and specificity, but, in some cases, a limited ability (based on the AUC) to detect sleep concerns, alcohol misuse, substance use, and disordered eating (as measured by BEDA-Q). Some authors suggested that using different cut-offs, including all questionnaires from SMHAT-1 Step 2, or using a clinical interview, might mitigate these concerns. Conclusions: Different cultural environments might influence the validity of APSQ. A structured translation and validation study is advised before implementing APSQ in a different language. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 1924 KB  
Review
Risk-Stratified Screening for Perinatal Depression and Anxiety: Integrating Sexual Function, Self-Esteem, and Psychosocial Context
by Roxana Ana Maria Dinescu, Alexandru Catalin Motofelea, Paul-Manuel Luminosu, Mihai Loichita, Nadica Motofelea and Ioan Sas
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030412 - 28 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1165
Abstract
Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety are common but often under-detected. Current screening relies on depression-centered instruments and may miss relational drivers including sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem, and psychosocial adversity. Objective: To synthesize evidence on sexual function, self-esteem/body image, and psychosocial context [...] Read more.
Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety are common but often under-detected. Current screening relies on depression-centered instruments and may miss relational drivers including sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem, and psychosocial adversity. Objective: To synthesize evidence on sexual function, self-esteem/body image, and psychosocial context as correlates of perinatal depression and anxiety, and propose a risk-stratified screening framework. Methods: We conducted a narrative evidence synthesis of studies from January 2010 to May 2025 (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science) examining associations between perinatal mood/anxiety outcomes and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), self-esteem/body image (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and psychosocial factors (perceived support, intimate partner violence). Results: Sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent and consistently associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Longitudinal evidence demonstrated bidirectional pathways: mood symptoms reduced sexual satisfaction, while sexual difficulties intensified relational strain and symptom persistence. Low self-esteem and negative body image mediated links between physiological changes and postpartum depression. Psychosocial adversity, particularly low partner support and intimate partner violence, identified high-risk subgroups with greater severity and slower recovery. Single-instrument approaches (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale alone) may miss pregnancy-specific anxiety and postpartum relational drivers. Conclusions: A staged, risk-stratified model is recommended: assess pregnancy-specific anxiety alongside depression screening in the second/third trimesters; postpartum, selectively add sexual function and self-esteem assessment for women with elevated symptoms or psychosocial risk. Integration within defined referral pathways may improve detection and enable targeted perinatal mental health care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health Diagnosis and Screening, 2nd Edition)
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