Search Results (777)

Background: Dietary advice for Paralympic athletes (PAs) with a spinal cord injury (PAs-SCI) requires particular attention and has been widely studied. However, currently, no particular attention has been addressed to nutritional guidelines for athletes with an amputation (PAs-AMP). This study aimed at filling up this gap, at least partially, and compared veteran PAs-SCI with PAs-AMP. Methods: A sample of 25 male PAs (12 with SCI and 13 with AMP), recruited during two training camps, was submitted to the following questionnaires: allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Starvation Symptom Inventory (SSI), neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), orthorexia (ORTO-15/ORTO-7), alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and Mediterranean diet adherence (MDS). The PAs were also submitted to the following measurements: dietary Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and intakes, body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), basal energy expenditure (BEE), peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), peak power, peak heart rate (HR), post-exercise ketosis, and antioxidant response after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to voluntary fatigue. Results: Compared to PAs-AMP, PAs-SCI had higher NBD and lower VO_2peak (p < 0.05), peak power, peak HR, peak lactate, phase angle (PhA) of the dominant leg (p < 0.05), and ORTO15 (p < 0.05). The latter was related to NBD (r = −0.453), MDS (r = −0.638), and ORAC (r = −0.529), whereas ORTO7 correlated with PhA of the dominant leg (r = 0.485). Significant differences between PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI were not found in the antioxidant response, glucose, and ketone levels after CPET, nor in dietary intake, AUDIT, AQUA, NMQ, SSI, BEE, HGS, and FM%. Conclusions: The present study showed that PAs-SCI and PAs-AMP display similar characteristics in relation to lifestyle, energy intake, basal energy expenditure, and metabolic response to CPET. Based on both the similarities with PAs-SCI and the consequences of the limb deficiency impairment, PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI require personalized nutritional advice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multifactorial prevention of falls in persons with dementia has minimal or non-significant effects. Personalised prevention is recommended. We have previously shown that gait speed, basic activities of daily living (ADL), and depression (high Cornell scores) were independent predictors of falls in persons with mild and moderate cognitive impairment. This study explored person-specific risks of falls related to physical, mental, and cognitive functions and types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), mixed Alzheimer’s disease/vascular dementia (MixADVD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods: The study used data from “The Norwegian Registry of Persons Assessed for Cognitive Symptoms” (NorCog). Differences between the dementia groups and predictors of falls, gait speed, ADL, and Cornell scores were analysed. Results: Among study participants, 537/1321 (40.7%) reported a fall in the past year, with significant variations between dementia diagnoses. Fall incidence increased with age, comorbidity/polypharmacy, depression, and MAYO fluctuation score and with reduced physical activity, gait speed, and ADL. Persons with VD and MixADVD had high fall incidences and impaired gait speed and ADL. Training of physical fitness, endurance, muscular strength, coordination, and balance and optimising treatment of comorbidities and medication enhance gait speed. Improving ADL necessitates, in addition, relief of cognitive impairment and fluctuations. Relief of depression and fluctuations by psychological and pharmacological interventions is necessary to reduce the high fall risk in persons with DLB. Conclusions: The fall incidence and fall predictors varied significantly. Personalised interventions presuppose knowledge of each individual’s fall risk factors. Full article

Acromegaly is caused by an excessive secretion of growth hormone and the secondary elevation of IGF-1 levels, leading to progressive changes in multiple body systems, including the craniofacial region and oral cavity. Dental manifestations such as mandibular overgrowth, macroglossia, malocclusion, periodontal disease, and prosthetic difficulties represent not only a clinical component of the disease but also a significant therapeutic and diagnostic challenge. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the relationship between acromegaly and oral health and to analyze the role of interdisciplinary collaboration between endocrinologists and dentists in patient care. For this narrative review, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases covering the period from 2000 to 2025. Sixty-two peer-reviewed publications meeting the methodological and thematic criteria were included in the analysis, including original studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and case reports. The results indicate significant correlations between disease activity and the severity of periodontal and microbiological changes, while effective endocrine treatment only results in the partial regression of morphological changes. Particular attention was given to the role of the dentist in recognizing the early symptoms of the disease, planning prosthetic and surgical treatment, and monitoring therapy-related complications. Interdisciplinary collaboration models, including integrated clinics and co-managed care, were also described as optimal systemic solutions for improving treatment quality. The conclusion drawn from the analysis are as follows: there is a need for the permanent integration of dentistry into the standard of interdisciplinary care for patients with acromegaly, in both diagnostic and therapeutic dimensions. Increasing awareness among dentists and developing integrated collaboration models may reduce the time to diagnosis, improve patients’ quality of life, and enable the more effective management of craniofacial complications in the course of this rare disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: A growing body of literature has demonstrated that living with food insecurity (FI) increases risk for mental health concerns in addition to nutritional deficits (e.g., suboptimal micronutrient consumption, excessive macronutrient consumption, malnutrition). Yet, research is needed to improve our understanding of subpopulations potentially at increased risk for mental health concerns when living in the context of FI. The current study examined psychosocial health across women of different developmental life stages all living with FI. Methods: Female clients of a large, urban food bank (N = 680) living with FI completed measures of mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a cross-sectional design conducted on site at the food bank. Results: Consistent with past research, FI severity was correlated with poorer psychosocial health across all variables. A multivariate analysis of covariance compared women living with FI across 4 developmental life stages (young adult, early midlife, late midlife, and older adult; age range = 18–94 years), controlling for FI severity and race/ethnicity, on outcomes related to mental health and HRQOL. Women in early and late midlife reported higher anxiety, eating disorder symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment than younger and older women. Conclusions: The mental health toll of living with FI is profound; midlife may comprise a developmental period of increased vulnerability to experience this mental health burden of living with FI for women. Thus, efforts are needed to develop innovative pathways for interventions to support the mental health of midlife women living with FI, likely involving multi-level and/or multicomponent approaches to resource access. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with substantial global impact. Although current therapies can provide symptomatic relief, they are often associated with high costs and adverse effects. Natural compounds with a history of traditional medicinal use have emerged as promising alternatives. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of berberine in both cellular and animal models of PD. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) exhibited decreased viability and increased oxidative stress, both of which were significantly alleviated by berberine treatment based on cell viability assays and DCFH-DA staining. Western blot analysis revealed that berberine modulated the AMPK–PGC-1α–SIRT1 signaling pathway and restored the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3B and P62, suggesting that berberine could improve mitochondrial function and autophagy balance. In vivo studies using a 6-OHDA-induced PD mouse model further confirmed these effects, showing that berberine could improve motor function and lead to molecular changes consistent with in vitro studies. Additionally, safety evaluations indicated no significant hepatotoxicity based on AST and ALT levels. Body weight also remained stable throughout treatment. Collectively, our findings suggest that berberine can not only alleviate PD-related symptoms but also target key pathological mechanisms, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Food addiction (FA) is an emerging psychiatric condition that presents behavioral and neurobiological similarities with other addictions, and its early identification is essential to prevent the development of more severe disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of anthropometric measures, eating habits, symptoms related to eating disorders (ED), and lifestyle features to predict the symptoms of food addiction. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 702 university students (77.3% women; age: 22 ± 6 years). The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), anthropometric measurements, and a set of self-report questions on substance use, physical activity level, and other questions were administered. A total of 6.4% of participants presented symptoms compatible with food addiction, and 8.1% were at risk for ED. Additionally, 26.5% reported daily smoking, 70.6% consumed alcohol, 2.9% used illicit drugs, and 29.4% took medication; 35.3% did not engage in physical activity. Individuals with food addiction had higher BMI (p = 0.010), waist circumference (p = 0.001), and body fat (p < 0.001) values, and a higher risk of eating disorders (p = 0.010) compared to those without this condition. In the multivariate logistic model, non-dairy beverage consumption (such as coffee or alcohol), vitamin D deficiency, and waist circumference predicted food addiction symptoms (R²_Nagelkerke = 0.349). Indeed, the machine learning approaches confirmed the influence of these variables. Conclusions: The prediction models allowed an accurate prediction of FA in the university students; moreover, the individualized approach improved the identification of people with FA, involving complex dimensions of eating behavior, body composition, and potential nutritional deficits not previously studied. Full article

This narrative review examines the effects of caffeine on brain health in older adults, with particular attention to its potential for dependence—an often-overlooked issue in geriatric care. Caffeine acts on central adenosine, dopamine, and glutamate systems, producing both stimulating and rewarding effects that can foster tolerance and habitual use. Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes prolong caffeine’s half-life and increase physiological sensitivity in the elderly. While moderate consumption may enhance alertness, attention, and possibly offer neuroprotective effects—especially in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia—excessive or prolonged use may lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive or motor impairment. Chronic exposure induces neuroadaptive changes, such as adenosine receptor down-regulation, resulting in tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, including headache, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms, often mistaken for typical aging complaints, may reflect a substance use disorder yet remain under-recognized due to caffeine’s cultural acceptance. The review explores caffeine’s mixed role in neurological disorders, being beneficial in some and potentially harmful in others, such as restless legs syndrome and frontotemporal dementia. Given the variability in individual responses and the underestimated risk of dependence, personalized caffeine intake guidelines are warranted. Future research should focus on the long-term cognitive effects and the clinical significance of caffeine use disorder in older populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Research has focused largely on older women, while experiences of younger women remain relatively underexplored despite challenges unique to this population. Informed by the biopsychosocial model of illness, this study aims to assess the symptom burden, treatment goals, and information needs of younger women complaining of prolapse by analyzing questionnaire responses from an existing electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire—Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF) dataset. Methods: Mixed-methods content analysis was conducted using free-text data from an anonymized multi-site ePAQ-PF dataset of 5717 responses collected across eight UK NHS trusts (2018–2022). A quantitative, deductive approach was first used to identify younger women (≤50 years old) with self-reported prolapse. ePAQ-PF scores for younger women with prolapse were compared with those aged >50 years, using Mann–Whitney tests. Free-text response data were analyzed inductively to qualitatively explore younger women’s symptom burden, treatment goals, and information needs. Results: Of the 1473 women with prolapse identified, 399 were aged ≤50 years. ePAQ-PF scores of the younger cohort demonstrated significantly greater symptom severity and bother than those aged >50, particularly in bowel, prolapse, vaginal, body image, and sexual health domains (p < adjusted threshold). Qualitative analysis undertaken to understand women’s concerns and priorities produced five health-related themes (physical health; functionality; psychosocial and emotional wellbeing; reproductive and sexual health; and healthcare journeys) and a sixth intersecting theme representing information needs. Conclusions: The findings highlight the substantial symptom burden of younger women with prolapse, as well as treatment goals and information needs specific to this population. The development of age-specific resources is identified as a requirement to support this group. Full article

The literature has been scarce in addressing parental interference/family abduction and its relationship with depressive symptoms. Due to this, the objective of this study was to examine the association between family abduction/parental interference and depressive symptoms in a national sample of 11,568 children and adolescents aged 12 to 18 from Chile. Robust linear regression models were conducted to assess how these experiences are related to depressive symptoms while controlling for age. Our results show that children and adolescents who reported these experiences in their lives presented higher levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, although all forms of caregiver victimization were associated with depressive symptoms, parental interference/family abduction also showed a significant association, even when controlling for sociodemographic variables. These findings highlight the need for attention to the phenomenon of family abduction/parental interference, especially concerning its potential associations with mental health outcomes such as depression. Theoretically, the study contributes to the limited body of research on this form of caregiver victimization, and practically, it provides evidence that may inform future prevention strategies and mental health policies targeting children and adolescents exposed to high-conflict family dynamics in the Chilean context. Full article

Background: The most common female endocrinopathy is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting 10–20% of women of reproductive age. It is associated with a wide range of hormonal and biochemical abnormalities and long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks. It is characterized by infertility due to chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology, and is often associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. Hyperinsulinemia further increases androgen production and reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, thereby aggravating symptoms. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is often present in PCOS patients, and increasing evidence suggests that it may also be associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, body mass index (BMI), and androgen levels in women with PCOS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data from 195 women diagnosed with PCOS and not yet receiving therapy at a gynecologic endocrinology unit of a university-based tertiary clinical center, between 2019 and 2024, were analyzed. The parameters recorded were age, body mass index (BMI), 25(OH) vitamin D levels, androgen hormone levels (testosterone, androstenedione), glucose-insulin responses during a 3-point oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Statistical analyses, including linear regression, Pearson, and Spearman correlation tests were used to assess associations between variables. Results: The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (18–42), and the mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m² (17–51). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 84.1% of patients, hyperandrogenism in 45.8%, and insulin resistance in 44.5%. A significant inverse correlation was found between BMI and vitamin D levels (r = −0.31, p =< 0.01) indicating that higher BMI is associated with lower vitamin D status. Similarly, BMI also showed a significant negative correlation with SHBG levels (r = –0.45, p < 0.01), suggesting that increasing body weight is linked to reduced SHBG concentrations. In addition, BMI was significantly positively correlated with 2 h insulin levels (r = 0.43, p =< 0.01) and with testosterone levels (r = 0.21, p = 0.01). These findings suggest that increased adiposity intensifies insulin resistance and is linked to both vitamin D deficiency and elevated androgen levels. Moreover, the combination of hyperinsulinemia and low vitamin D further disrupts hormonal balance by promoting ovarian androgen production and decreasing SHBG levels, thereby increasing the bioavailability of testosterone. A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin D levels and 2 h insulin levels (r = −0.28, p =< 0.01), indicating that lower vitamin D status is associated with increased insulin resistance. Furthermore, 2 h insulin levels showed a significant positive correlation with testosterone levels (r = 0.32, p =< 0.01), suggesting that greater insulin resistance is linked to higher androgen production. Additionally, vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with testosterone (r = −0.18, p = 0.02), demonstrating that a lower vitamin D status may further contribute to the hyperandrogenic environment. Vitamin D levels also showed a significant positive correlation with SHBG concentrations (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), indicating that a higher vitamin D status may be associated with increased SHBG levels. In contrast, 2 h insulin levels were inversely correlated with SHBG (r = −0.43, p < 0.01), reflecting the suppressive effect of hyperinsulinemia on SHBG production. Conclusions: Insulin resistance, BMI, and vitamin D deficiency are closely related to each other and to the severity of PCOS, which is confirmed by the correlations with androgen levels. The revealed relationships draw attention to the special importance of vitamin D supplementation and the correction of carbohydrate metabolism in alleviating the symptoms of the disease and reducing long-term health risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Muscle dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, is prevalent among males who engage in the non-medical use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). These individuals often experience severe psychopathology, including mood instability, compulsivity, and a distorted body image. Despite its clinical severity, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated structured psychological treatments in this subgroup. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol in reducing MD symptoms and associated psychological distress among male steroid users. Results: Participants in the CBT group showed significant reductions in MD symptoms from the baseline to post-treatment (MDDI: p < 0.001, d = 1.12), with gains sustained at follow-up. Large effect sizes were also observed in secondary outcomes including depressive symptoms (PHQ-9: d = 0.98), psychological distress (K10: d = 0.93), disordered eating (EDE-Q: d = 0.74), and exercise addiction (EAI: d = 1.07). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Significant group × time interactions were found for all outcomes (all p < 0.01), indicating CBT’s specific efficacy. Discussion: This study provides the first RCT evidence that CBT significantly reduces both core MD symptoms and steroid-related psychopathology in men engaged in AAS/PED misuse. Improvements extended to mood, body image perception, and compulsive exercise behaviors. These findings support CBT’s transdiagnostic applicability in addressing both the cognitive–behavioral and affective dimensions of MD. Materials and Methods: In this parallel-group, open-label RCT, 59 male gym-goers with DSM-5-TR diagnoses of MD and a history of AAS/PED use were randomized to either a 12-week CBT intervention (n = 30) or a waitlist control group (n = 29). CBT sessions were delivered weekly online and targeted distorted muscularity beliefs, compulsive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation. Primary and secondary outcomes—Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI), PHQ-9, K10, EDE-Q, EAI, and BIG—were assessed at the baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. A repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests were used to analyze time × group interactions. Conclusions: CBT offers an effective, scalable intervention for individuals with muscle dysmorphia complicated by anabolic steroid use. It promotes broad psychological improvement and may serve as a first-line treatment option in high-risk male fitness populations. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes and investigate implementation in diverse clinical and cultural contexts. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has been associated with overconsumption of calories and lipids, compared to the healthy population, and summer temperatures have been reported to be closely related to the prevalence of UC. To evaluate the effects of dietary and lifestyle factors on UC, a combination of 2.0% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), a high-fat/high-sugar diet, and exposure to high temperature and humidity was used to construct mouse models of UC. Changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI) scores, histopathological analysis, serum lipid levels, serum diamine oxidase (DAO), and D-Lactate (D-LA) levels, as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins in colonic tissue, were all assessed to study the impacts of the high-fat/high-sugar diet and high-temperature/high-humidity exposure on the progression of UC. The symptoms observed in the UC mouse model induced by 2.0% DSS alone were similar to those seen in patients with UC, while the high-fat and high-sugar diet, along with humid and hot exposure, exacerbated DSS-induced UC in the mice. This included more severe histopathological damage to the colon tissue, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-1β), and a more significantly compromised intestinal barrier, characterized by the destruction of ZO-1 and elevated levels of DAO and D-LA. Additionally, the high-fat/high-sugar diet and high-temperature/high-humidity exposure led to further disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism in the mice, which were not observed in those treated with DSS alone. This study is the first to investigate the effects of a high-fat/high-sugar diet and high-temperature/high-humidity exposure on the progression of UC. Full article

Background: More than merely determining our sleep pattern, our body’s internal clock also improves the quality of our sleep, alleviates the symptoms of depression, and maintains the balance of our gut flora. Methods: We carried out a 12-week randomized controlled trial with 99 adults from Kolkata, New Delhi, and Pune who reported sleep problems and symptoms of depression or anxiety. Participants received either a probiotic formulated to improve sleep quality and reduce depressive symptoms or a placebo. We tracked sleep using overnight studies and wearable devices, assessed depressive symptoms with standardized questionnaires, and analyzed stool samples to profile gut bacteria and their metabolites using gene sequencing and metabolomics. Advanced statistics and machine learning helped us pinpoint the key microbial and metabolic factors tied to sleep and mental health. Results: At the start, participants with disrupted sleep and depressive symptoms had fewer beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, more inflammation-related microbes, and lower levels of helpful short-chain fatty acids. These imbalances were linked to poorer sleep efficiency, less REM sleep, and higher depression and anxiety scores. After 12 weeks, those taking the circadian-supporting probiotic saw a statistically significant increase in beneficial gut bacteria, improved sleep efficiency (+7.4%, p = 0.02), and greater reductions in depression and anxiety compared to the placebo. Increases in SCFA-producing bacteria most strongly predicted improvements. Conclusions: Our results show that taking a probiotic supplement can help bring your gut back into balance, support better sleep, and lift symptoms of depression and anxiety. This offers a hopeful and practical option for people looking for real relief from these deeply connected challenges. Full article

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that diet can modify Parkinson’s disease (PD) outcomes, although there is disagreement about what should be included and excluded in such a diet. Existing evidence suggests that adherence to the MIND and Mediterranean (MEDI) diets are associated with reduced PD symptoms, but only a few variables from the adherence scales are responsible for the statistically observed improvement. Objectives: The goal was to use patient-reported outcomes in a large cohort to identify the foods and dietary patterns (PRO diet) most strongly associated with the fewest PD symptoms over time, and to develop a composite adherence scale to enable comparisons between MEDI, MIND, and PRO. Methods: Data were obtained from the prospective longitudinal natural history study and from Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP)—a study designed to identify behaviors associated with patient-reported outcomes (PRO-PD). Upon the completion of the binary and food frequency data collection, using various predictive models and considering congruence with historical data, the PRO diet was created via an iterative process. Our goal was to create a new scale and compare its performance to the existing MIND and MEDI scores. The comparison was made at baseline, using the regression models for PRO-PD and the different scales as the predictors. The models were compared via the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). To examine whether baseline adherence levels predicted subsequent symptom trajectories, the baseline PRO diet adherence and subsequent slope of progression were evaluated. Results: Data from 2290 individuals with PD were available for this analysis. The Mediterranean and MIND diets showed almost identical effects. For both the diets, the effect they had on non-motor symptoms was about twice the effect on motor symptoms. The slopes for the total PRO-PD for MEDI, MIND, and PRO-21 were −64.20467, −64.04220, and −28.61995, respectively. The AIC value differences were substantial (>2), indicating meaningful improvements in the model fit for total PRO-PD, as follows: MEDI: 28,897.24, MIND: 28,793.08, and PRO-21: 27,500.71. The subset of individuals who were most adherent to the PRO-21 diet at baseline had the slowest subsequent progression, as measured by a 43% reduced PRO-PD slope, compared to the less adherent groups. Conclusions: The PRO-21 outperformed the MIND and MEDI diets in the model fit, overcoming the ceiling effects and showing orders of magnitude and superior explanatory power for variance in PD outcomes, despite the smaller per-unit effect sizes. However, its rigorous demands may introduce barriers related to cost, feasibility, and sustainability, underscoring the need for future intervention trials to assess real-world feasibility, adherence, side effects, and clinical impact. Full article

Background. Cognitive-behavioral theories suggest that obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) develop from maladaptive misinterpretations and coping strategies of unwanted intrusive thoughts (UITs). Models of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) propose that these symptoms stem from similar misinterpretations of common UITs relating to perceived defects in appearance and illness. This study examines whether maladaptive misinterpretations and control strategies leading to the escalation of obsessional UITs to OCD symptoms also have a similar effect on the development of BDD and IAD. More specifically, we examined whether misinterpretations and neutralizing responses mediate the associations between the frequency of disorder-specific UITs and symptoms of these disorders. Method. A total of 625 non-clinical participants from four countries completed the Questionnaire of Unpleasant Intrusive Thoughts (QUIT) that assesses OCD, BDD and IAD-related UITs and their associated misinterpretations and neutralizing strategies, as well as self-report measures of OCD, BDD, and IAD symptoms. Parallel multiple mediation models were conducted. Results. The frequency of OCD, BDD and IAD-related UITs predicted symptoms of each disorder. Dysfunctional appraisals and neutralizing behaviors mediated the associations between disorder-specific UITs and symptoms in OCD and IAD. The IAD model accounted for a smaller proportion of variance than the OCD model. No mediating effects were found for BDD symptoms. Conclusions. Experiencing disturbing UITs is a transdiagnostic risk factor of OCD, BDD and IAD, and is associated with symptoms of these disorders. Maladaptive interpretation of UITs and neutralizing strategies should be specific targets in the assessment and treatment of OCD and IAD. The absence of mediation effects for BDD could be due to the limitations observed on the self-report used to assess BDD symptoms and/or the low relevance of the misinterpretations and control strategies assessed by the QUIT, which are more typically endorsed by individuals with OCD. Full article