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Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives
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Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives

A special issue of Diseases (ISSN 2079-9721). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuro-psychiatric Disorders".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 2214

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lavinia-Alexandra Moroianu

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dunărea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
Interests: anxiety disorders; depression; psychiatry; serotonin; addiction; mental health care; stigma; oral health and psychiatry; diabetes and mental health; therapeutic relationship; psychosomatics
Dr. Oana Maria Isailă

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Legal Medicine and Bioethics, Faculty of Dentistry, “Carol Davila University” of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: multidisciplinary education in mental health ethics; decision-making capacity; confidentiality; informed consent; advance directives; vulnerability; victimization; suicide and self-harm; domestic violence; ethical issues in psychiatric research; violence risk assessment; medical-legal implications of mental illness; dignity; autonomy
Dr. Cecilia Curis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunărea de Jos University, 800201 Galati, Romania
Interests: therapeutic relationship; nutrition; psychosomatics; psychotherapy; hypnosis; food addiction; Ericksonian therapy; melotherapy; empathy; mindfulness
Prof. Dr. Cristina Bredicean

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. “Dr. Victor Popescu” Military Emergency Clinical Hospital, 300080 Timisoara, Romania
2. Department of Neuroscience, Discipline of Psychiatry, Center for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, No. 2 E. Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: consultation-liaison psychiatry; alexithymia; resilience; digital addictions; community psychiatry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mental health represents a central challenge in contemporary medicine, requiring continuous adaptation to emerging therapies, comorbidities, and patient needs.

This Special Issue “Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives” aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of mental health management and care, clinical strategies and emerging therapeutic options in the management of mental health, emphasizing the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach in delivering comprehensive and effective services. Recent advancements underscore a shift towards integrated care models that acknowledge the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in mental well-being.

In the current global context, the emphasis on prevention has become essential. Promoting mental health within communities, implementing early interventions, and reducing social and economic risk factors contribute to strengthening both individual and collective resilience.

The latest updates in mental health management involve embracing technology, with increasing use of mobile health (mHealth) applications, telepsychiatry, and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations enhance accessibility, offer real-time data collection, and provide personalized support, ranging from virtual therapists to predictive analytics for early intervention.

A multidisciplinary approach connecting professionals from the medical field is paramount. This collaboration fosters holistic patient assessment, leading to tailored treatment plans that address not only symptoms but also underlying life stressors and physical health comorbidities. By leveraging diverse expertise, teams ensure comprehensive support, streamlined care coordination, and a greater focus on long-term wellness. Challenges like stigma and communication barriers within teams are actively being addressed, with an emphasis on clear role definitions and shared goals. The ultimate aim is to move beyond episodic care to a preventive, patient-centered model that significantly improves outcomes and enhances the overall quality of life for individuals navigating mental health challenges/ disorders.

Particular attention may be given to innovative approaches applied in vulnerable contexts—such as rural areas, refugee populations, conflict zones, oncology patients, or individuals with chronic illnesses—where interdisciplinary strategies become vital for ensuring the continuity of care and equitable access

We welcome papers exploring innovative care models, structured education programs, and integrated multidisciplinary approaches that integrate ethical and clinical perspectives to enhance the quality of care and life for individuals with mental disorders.

Original research articles, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and expert perspectives contributing to the optimization of care in mental disorders and their complications are invited. This Special Issue welcomes submissions from both clinical and translational researchers on evidence-based, patient-centered approaches.

We aim to bring together the complementary voices of clinicians, researchers, and practitioners from related fields, shaping a future in which mental health is treated with the same priority, scientific rigor, and human compassion as any other dimension of health.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lavinia-Alexandra Moroianu
Dr. Oana Maria Isailă
Dr. Cecilia Curis
Prof. Dr. Cristina Bredicean
Guest Editors

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. Diseases 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 1800 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

  • prevention and early intervention
  • anticipating factors for anxiety and depression
  • ⁠personalised and precision mental healthcare
  • stigmatisation
  • artificial intelligence
  • mHealth
  • telepsychiatry and online therapy
  • ethical issues
  • psychosomatics

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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27 pages, 2039 KB  
Article
Psychiatric Comorbidity, Functional Status, and Neuroinflammatory Pathways in Cancer Patients with and Without Type 2 Diabetes
by Ana-Maria Pâslaru, Iulian Bounegru, Drăguș Laurențiu and Anamaria Ciubară
Diseases 2025, 13(10), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13100335 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Background: Cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety frequently coexist, with shared mechanisms involving systemic inflammation and neuroinflammatory pathways. Understanding these interactions is critical for improving multidisciplinary oncological care. Methods: We conducted a monocentric [...] Read more.
Background: Cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety frequently coexist, with shared mechanisms involving systemic inflammation and neuroinflammatory pathways. Understanding these interactions is critical for improving multidisciplinary oncological care. Methods: We conducted a monocentric cross-sectional study (n = 174). Beyond descriptive and univariate analyses, we fitted multivariable models: linear regressions (HADS-Anxiety/Depression) with robust HC3 errors and the predictors ECOG, T2DM, age, sex, and residence, and logistic regression for ECOG ≥ 3. We assessed collinearity and model fit, and performed sensitivity checks. Results: Psychiatric comorbidity was present in 58% of patients, while more than 80% of those with available HADS data (n = 136) exceeded the clinical threshold for anxiety or depression. No significant differences in ECOG status were observed between patients with and without T2DM (mean ECOG 2.5 in both groups). Higher ECOG remained positively associated with both HADS-Depression (adjusted β = 2.77, 95% CI −1.03–6.57, p = 0.149) and HADS-Anxiety (β = 1.62, 95% CI −2.76–6.00, p = 0.468), although not statistically significantly. T2DM showed no independent association with either outcome (Depression β = −2.91, p = 0.130; Anxiety β = −0.80, p = 0.595). In logistic regression, T2DM was not significantly associated with ECOG ≥ 3 (aOR = 3.58, 95% CI 0.23–56.66, p = 0.365). Conclusions: The psychiatric burden is high among Romanian cancer patients, irrespective of T2DM status, and strongly associated with functional decline. These findings support the relevance of a neuroinflammatory framework linking somatic comorbidities and psychological distress. Routine psychiatric screening, early intervention, and integration of psycho-oncology into multidisciplinary care are recommended. Future prospective studies should incorporate inflammatory biomarkers to better define underlying mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives)
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15 pages, 1534 KB  
Article
Managing Dentophobia in the Digital Age: The Role of Internet Addiction and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
by Dorina Stan, Dragoș Voicu, Pușica Zainea, Alexandra Toma and Anamaria Ciubară
Diseases 2025, 13(9), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13090308 - 21 Sep 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Background: Dentophobia, a significant barrier to dental healthcare, may be influenced by an increased dependency on digital technology and internet addiction, particularly among younger populations. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) compared to traditional methods in [...] Read more.
Background: Dentophobia, a significant barrier to dental healthcare, may be influenced by an increased dependency on digital technology and internet addiction, particularly among younger populations. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) compared to traditional methods in managing dentophobia, particularly among individuals exhibiting high levels of internet dependency. Methods: A comparative study involving two groups, each consisting of 50 young adults aged 18–30 years, diagnosed with dentophobia, was conducted. Group A participants, who exhibited high familiarity and borderline addictive behavior towards digital technologies, received VRET using VR-BOX glasses across four specific dental scenarios: dental chair positioning, oral examination, anesthesia administration, and dental drilling procedures. Group B received traditional “tell–show–do” management without VR assistance. Anxiety levels were evaluated using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) before and after interventions and at follow-up intervals of one week, three months, and six months. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in anxiety scores across all follow-up periods. Mild to phobic anxiety scores demonstrated no significant differences between VRET and traditional method groups. The average MDAS scores post-intervention were similar, indicating comparable effectiveness between both treatment modalities. Conclusions: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy effectively reduces dentophobia among young adults, particularly those with significant internet dependency. Although VRET’s effectiveness was similar to conventional methods, it holds considerable promise for improving treatment adherence and comfort among digitally dependent individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives)
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Other

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15 pages, 309 KB  
Case Report
Psychological Involvement in the Journey of a Patient with Localized Prostate Cancer—From Diagnosis to Treatment
by Daniela Mihalcia Ailene, Gabriela Rahnea-Nita, Alexandru Nechifor, Liliana Florina Andronache, Mihaela Emilia Dumitru, Alexandru-Mihai Rebegea, Cristina Stefanescu, Roxana-Andreea Rahnea-Nita and Laura-Florentina Rebegea
Diseases 2025, 13(10), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13100319 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 343
Abstract
Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common neoplasia in men, and its clinical evolution is highly influenced by psycho-emotional factors, especially in elderly patients. Comorbidities, the perception of one’s identity and its impact on life quality become relevant variables in the [...] Read more.
Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common neoplasia in men, and its clinical evolution is highly influenced by psycho-emotional factors, especially in elderly patients. Comorbidities, the perception of one’s identity and its impact on life quality become relevant variables in the therapeutic decision. Sexual dysfunction after treatment along with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction are significant problems in patients with prostate cancer. Case presentation: The present study presents the oncological evolution of an elderly patient with a dual diagnosis, prostate adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma, who faced a significant amount of medical and psychological challenges. Reluctance to hormone therapy was closely linked to the fear of sexual dysfunction, a very common reaction in elderly men concerned with maintaining autonomy and intimacy. The peculiarity of the case consists in the interaction between the evolution of the disease, the therapeutic decisions and the psychological impact on the patient. Discussion: Androgen deprivation therapy negatively influences multiple aspects of sexual function, significantly impairing the life quality of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. In this context, therapy through acceptance and commitment is the appropriate one, its main purpose being to change the patient’s relationship with suffering—from struggle and rejection to active acceptance and value of the present. The intervention of the psychologist or the psychotherapist is essential in decision-making counseling, using coping techniques, the clarification of personal values and the involvement of the family in the decision-making process. Oncological psychology helps the patient redefine their life goals and priorities, not just to choose a treatment. Conclusions: Sexuality and psychological health are deeply affected by prostate cancer. Psychological flexibility and emotional support can mitigate this negative impact. The integration of therapy through acceptance and commitment in the rehabilitation after treatment increases effectiveness and patient satisfaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives)
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13 pages, 1178 KB  
Case Report
Unraveling Dual Cognitive Disorders: A Case Report and Literature Review on Marchiafava–Bignami Disease and Possible Alzheimer’s Disease
by Floris Petru Iliuta, Mirela Manea, Aliss Madalina Mares, Corina Ioana Varlam, Constantin Alexandru Ciobanu, Adela Magdalena Ciobanu, Radu-Mihail Lacau and Mihnea Costin Manea
Diseases 2025, 13(9), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13090310 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, particularly in those aged 65 and older. Dementia can also occur under age 45, known as young-onset dementia (YOD), although this is rarer. Marchiafava–Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare disorder characterized by demyelination [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, particularly in those aged 65 and older. Dementia can also occur under age 45, known as young-onset dementia (YOD), although this is rarer. Marchiafava–Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare disorder characterized by demyelination and necrosis of the corpus callosum, primarily affecting individuals with chronic alcohol use. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman admitted for psychiatric and neurological evaluation due to a multidomain cognitive disorder with a sudden onset approximately four years prior, which progressed rapidly, resulting in complete dependence on others for daily activities. Her medical history included moderate depression, chronic alcohol consumption, and professional exhaustion. Psychological assessments revealed severe neurocognitive impairment. MRI scans highlighted significant bilateral parietal atrophy, hippocampal atrophy, and demyelinating lesions in the corpus callosum, consistent with MBD. Despite initial inconsistencies in biomarkers, later tests showed elevated tau protein, phosphorylated tau, and amyloid-beta, supporting an AD diagnosis. Clinical presentation, combined with neuroimaging findings and chronic alcohol consumption history, led to a diagnosis of AD with young onset and chronic MBD. This case illustrates the complexities involved in diagnosing overlapping neurodegenerative disorders. The coexistence of MBD and AD complicates the treatment plan, requiring a multifaceted approach addressing both neurodegenerative and nutritional aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health—Management and Care, Multidisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives)
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