Search Results (99)

Background/Objectives: To characterize functional brain activation during smiling and to assess cognitive profiles in patients with Ochoa (Urofacial) syndrome (UFS). Materials and Methods: In a block-design fMRI paradigm, participants alternated between imitating a smiling emoji and viewing a fixation cross. Images were preprocessed and analyzed in SPM12; Smile > Rest contrasts were tested with a voxelwise threshold of p < 0.001 (uncorrected). Cognitive levels were assessed using age-appropriate Wechsler scales administered by certified psychologists. Results: Six patients (mean age 20 years; 50% female) with genetically/clinically confirmed UFS were included. Smile > Rest elicited robust activation in the supplementary motor area (highest Z = 4.70), insula (largest cluster), dorsal anterior cingulate, primary motor cortex, and frontal eye fields, among others. Five patients completed cognitive testing; Full-Scale IQ ranged 50–74, consistent with mild intellectual disability to borderline intellectual functioning. Conclusions: During voluntary smiling, UFS patients exhibit activation patterns that overlap extensively with those reported in healthy cohorts. Nevertheless, cognitive performance was limited in this sample. Given the rarity of UFS and the small cohort, findings should be interpreted cautiously and validated in multicenter studies. Full article

This rapid literature review was conducted to better understand the evidence base for interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being in disaster response workers. Three databases were searched: MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, and Embase. Grey literature reviewed included results of a Google Scholar search and organisation-recommended reports and articles. Of the 959 screened records, 25 studies were included, 13 of which evidenced the benefit of the studied intervention, and two included screening tools to identify at-risk workers. The results showed that evidence-based interventions exist to support disaster response workers to varying degrees in terms of perceived stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, burnout, sleep quality, somatic symptoms, irrational performance beliefs, and emotional and social well-being. Identified interventions featured neurofeedback, psychoeducation, mindfulness, reflective practice, and adjustments to cognitions or behaviours. Interventions varied in delivery (online with pre-recorded content, asynchronous, and guided learning), context (delivered to groups, individuals, and in work or private settings), and facilitator (psychologists, mental health practitioners, and medical doctors). Several interventions improved aspects of psychological well-being in disaster response workers; however, most findings were produced by quasi- or non-experimental designs, suggesting further research is required to clearly ascertain their benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dementia is a leading cause of cognitive decline, with significant challenges for early detection and timely intervention. The lack of effective, user-centred technologies further limits clinical response, particularly in underserved areas. This study aimed to develop and describe a co-design process for creating a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)-compliant, AI-powered Smart Assistant (SmartApp) to monitor neurocognitive decline, while ensuring accessibility, clinical relevance, and responsible AI integration. Methods: A co-design framework was applied using a novel combination of Agile principles and the Double Diamond Model (DDM). More than twenty iterative Scrum sprints were conducted, involving key stakeholders such as clinicians (psychiatrist, psychologist, physician), designers, students, and academic researchers. Prototype testing and design workshops were organised to gather structured feedback. Feedback was systematically incorporated into subsequent iterations to refine functionality, usability, and clinical applicability. Results: The iterative process resulted in a SmartApp that integrates a DSM-5-based screening tool with 24 items across key cognitive domains. Key features include longitudinal tracking of cognitive performance, comparative visual graphs, predictive analytics using a regression-based machine learning module, and adaptive user interfaces. Workshop participants reported high satisfaction with features such as simplified navigation, notification reminders, and clinician-focused reporting modules. Conclusions: The findings suggest that combining co-design methods with Agile/DDM frameworks provides an effective pathway for developing AI-powered clinical tools as per responsible AI standards. The SmartApp offers a clinically relevant, user-friendly platform for dementia screening and monitoring, with potential to support vulnerable populations through scalable, responsible digital health solutions. Full article

New theologies developed in tandem with evolutionary biology during the nineteenth century, which have been called metaphysical evolutionisms and evolutionary theologies. A subset of these theologies analyzed here were developed by thinkers who accepted biological science but rejected both biblical creationism and materialist science. Tools from the cognitive science of religion, including conceptual metaphor theory (CMT) and blending theory, also known as conceptual integration theory (CIT), can help to explain the development of these systems and their transformation between the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries. The analysis focuses on several stable and popular blends of ideas, which have continued with some alteration into the twenty-first century. The three blends evaluated here are Progressive Soul Evolution, Salvation is Evolution, and Evolution is Therapy. Major contributors to these blends are the Theosophist and theologian Helena P. Blavatsky and psychologist Frederic W. H. Myers, both influenced by the spiritualist movement, particularly the ideas of the spiritualist and biologist Alfred Russel Wallace. The influence of these blends can be seen in the twentieth-century “Aquarian Frontier,” a group of 145 thinkers and organizations identified in 1975 by counterculture historian Theodore Roszak. Part of the appeal of these blends may be seen in their use of metaphors, including the Great Chain of Being and A Purposeful Life is a Journey. The application of the polysemic term evolution in a sense that does much of the theological work of salvation in Christianity can in part be explained by applying the principles of blending theory, including the vital relation “achieve a human scale,” as well as compressions of time and identity. These blends have been successful because they meet the needs of a population who are friendly towards science but disenchanted with traditional religions. The blends provide a satisfying new theology that extends beyond death for a subset of adherents, particularly in the New Age and spiritual but not religious (SBNR) movements, who combine the agency of self-directed “evolution” with the religious concepts of grace and transcendence. Full article

Although smart device use among children is increasing, most interventions overlook their cognitive and emotional development or rely too heavily on external control. Such approaches often overlook the developmental needs of children for emotional regulation and autonomy. Therefore, this study aims to propose a child-centred user experience (UX) framework to support digital self-regulation in preschool-aged children. The proposed system integrates multiple psychological theories—including Piaget’s concept of animistic thinking, executive function theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy—to support cognitive and emotional regulation during screen use. Key features include persistent visual cues to enhance time awareness and behavioural anticipation, narrative-based character interactions to foster empathy and agency, and ritualised closure routines supported by multimodal and tangible interaction elements. Developed as a mobile prototype, the system was iteratively refined through two-stage consultations with child and adolescent psychiatrists and a developmental psychologist, including formative design feedback and follow-up expert review. Their feedback provided preliminary validation of the system’s developmental validity and emotional coherence. These findings suggest that affectively attuned UX design is a viable alternative to conventional control-based screen-time interventions in early childhood. Full article

Plant vegetation is nature’s symphony, offering sensory experiences that influence ecological systems, human well-being, and emotional states and significantly impact human societal progress. This study investigated the emotional and perceptual impacts of specific monocultural vegetation (palm and rubber) in Nigeria, through audiovisual interactions using facial expression analysis, soundscape, and visual perception assessments. The findings reveal three key outcomes: (1) Facial expressions varied significantly by vegetation type and time of day, with higher “happy” valence values recorded for palm vegetation in the morning (mean = 0.39), and for rubber vegetation in the afternoon (mean = 0.37). (2) Gender differences in emotional response were observed, as male participants exhibited higher positive expressions (mean = 0.40) compared to females (mean = 0.33). (3) Perceptual ratings indicated that palm vegetation was perceived as more visually beautiful (mean = 4.05), whereas rubber vegetation was rated as having a more pleasant soundscape (mean = 4.10). However, facial expressions showed weak correlations with soundscape and visual perceptions, suggesting that other cognitive or sensory factors may be more influential. This study addresses a critical gap in soundscape research for monocultural vegetation and offers valuable insights for urban planners, environmental psychologists, and restorative landscape designs. Full article

Background: Optimal health requires self-direction for exercise regime consistency. Boredom may cause abandoning regular exercise. Experiencing psychological flow—a concept psychologist Csikszentmihalyi originated—may avert boredom. Method: A search of post-2020 peer-reviewed publications following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews investigates the range of research on this topic. The databases searched are OVID, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The keywords are “Csikszentmihalyi AND flow AND exercise AND boredom”. Included returns contain all the keywords. Those excluded are reviews, books, reports missing any keywords, non-English reports, reports not based on research studies, and research published before 2020. Results: Two databases returned the included results: OVID (n = 3) and Google Scholar (n = 8). Conclusions: (1) Boredom is not evident when experiencing exercise-programme psychological flow. (2) Psychological flow evolves with self-directed changes in an exercise programme. (3) Successful exercise programme modifications during COVID-19 considered the imposed limitations. (4) Exercise regimes that are neither excessive nor extreme promote optimal health. And (5) optimal health accounts for exercise skill level and gender. Additionally, cognitive bias is avertable with a research team. Studies should include the research date and location and how flow reduces boredom, permitting accurate comparisons. Full article

Background/Objectives: Most survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may suffer from cognitive, mental difficulties, and fatigue, which negatively impact their quality of life, despite a good physical recovery. However, no definitive data are available on this topic, so this study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a centralized, sub-regional screening system for OHCA survivors in Italy and the prevalence of these disorders. Methods: OHCA survivors discharged with good neurological outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) ≤ 2 and modified Ranking Scale (mRS) ≤ 3) from hospitals in the “Lombardia CARe” registry will be evaluated by a clinical psychologist using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EQ-5D-5L for quality of life, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) at pre-discharge or within 15 days and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients with clinical issues will be referred for psychological support or to a community rehabilitation program. Feasibility will be defined as a recruitment rate ≥ 80% and acceptability as a retention rate ≥ 50% over 12 months. Results: Based on historical data from the Lombardia CARe, an estimated 350 eligible survivors are expected, which will allow estimation of a prevalence ranging between 20% and 30% with 5% precision and 95% confidence. Conclusions: This study will be the first in Italy to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a centralized, sub-regional system for pre-/post-discharge evaluation of cognitive impairment, mental health, and quality of life in a large cohort of OHCA survivors, documenting the prevalence of these disorders. Full article

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based intervention for managing distress associated with tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia. This paper summarises key points from the 2025 Tonndorf Lecture presented at the third World Tinnitus Congress and the 14th International Tinnitus Seminar in Poland. The lecture addressed (1) the theoretical foundations of CBT for these conditions, (2) clinical evidence on CBT delivered by psychologists, audiologists, and digital self-help, and (3) the proportion of patients who may benefit from CBT. Research demonstrates that CBT can effectively reduce distress related to tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia. Both psychologist- and audiologist-delivered CBT approaches have demonstrated significant improvements in reducing the impact of tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia on patients’ quality of life, while guided internet-based CBT also demonstrates positive outcomes. Unguided internet-based CBT is also effective, though it faces challenges such as higher dropout rates. Despite these promising results, not all patients experience the same level of benefit. Some continue to experience distress even after completing CBT, highlighting the need for alternative or complementary interventions and ongoing support. This paper estimates that approximately 1 in 52 individuals with tinnitus require CBT, indicating that while tinnitus is relatively common, the need for intensive therapy is comparatively small. To enhance treatment outcomes, future research should compare the effectiveness of psychologist- and audiologist-delivered CBT, explore hybrid models that combine face-to-face and digital interventions, and address challenges with internet-based CBT, particularly for hyperacusis and misophonia. Furthermore, incorporating neuroimaging and physiological measures in future randomised controlled trials could provide objective insights into the neural mechanisms underlying symptom improvement, ultimately helping to refine CBT interventions. Identifying characteristics of non-responders to CBT may also guide the development of more tailored therapeutic approaches. Full article

Sexual dysfunction following abdominal or pelvic surgery is a significant concern that impacts the quality of life (QoL) for both men and women. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges and re-educational strategies associated with post-surgical sexual dysfunction. It highlights the physical and psychological repercussions of surgeries such as hysterectomies, pelvic organ prolapse repairs, radical prostatectomies, and rectal cancer resections. These procedures often lead to complications like dyspareunia, erectile dysfunction, and altered body image, necessitating comprehensive re-educational approaches. The review emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), biofeedback, manual therapy, and advanced techniques like botulinum toxin injections and sacral neuromodulation. For men, strategies such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), vacuum erection devices (VEDs), intracavernosal injections, and penile prostheses are explored for their efficacy in restoring erectile function. Psychological support, including cognitive–behavioral therapy and couples counseling, is underscored as essential to addressing emotional and relational aspects of recovery. A multidisciplinary approach involving physiatrists, urologists, gynecologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and sexual health counselors is advocated for to optimize outcomes. Integrating physical therapy modalities, as well as psychological and relational therapies, into individual rehabilitation projects is crucial for improving sexual function and overall QoL post-surgery. Future research should focus on refining these established strategies and investigating the potential of innovative therapeutic modalities. Full article

Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystemic genetic disorder characterized by the formation of benign tumors in various organs, including the central nervous system, skin, kidneys, and heart. The diagnosis is based on well-defined clinical criteria, such as those from Schwartz (2007) updated in 2012 by the International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Group. The study aims to investigate the clinical, imaging, and molecular characteristics of patients diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and to explore the correlation between specific genetic mutations (TSC1 and TSC2 genes) and the severity of clinical manifestations. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective longitudinal study of 13 patients diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis, identified in the records of the Bihor Regional Center for Medical Genetics (BRCMG) within the Bihor County Emergency Clinical Hospital from 1984 to 2024. Clinical, imaging, and molecular features were assessed. Patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, including a geneticist, pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, and psychologist. Clinical and imaging data were retrospectively collected from the congenital malformations and genetic disease records of BRCMG Bihor and statistically analyzed. Results: All patients showed clinical and imaging signs consistent with the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. Neurological manifestations were present in 83% of patients, including epilepsy and cognitive delays. Renal lesions were detected in 46% of cases, and dermatological lesions, such as facial angiofibromas, were observed in 69% of patients. Mutational variants identified in the TSC2 gene correlated with a more severe clinical presentation, including severe intellectual disability and treatment-resistant seizures, compared to variants in the TSC1 gene. Conclusions: Our study, although involving a small number of patients, highlights the clinical heterogeneity of tuberous sclerosis and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in patient management. Early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are essential to improving the quality of life for patients. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of therapeutic interventions and genetic correlations within the studied population. Full article

Background: Up to 80% of patients experience late effects (LE) one year after surgery for peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). We tested the feasibility and outcome of a treatment strategy to address LEs. Methods: During January 2021–May 2023, patients who had undergone surgery for CRC-PM in Denmark were screened for biopsychosocial LEs (anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence, insomnia, cognitive impairment, pain, fatigue). Patients scoring according to clinical cut-offs were referred to a Multi-Disciplinary Team conference (MDT). The patients, surgeon(s), nurse(s), and psychologists participated in the MDT, identified key concerns and proposed a personalized intervention. Pre- and post-intervention, patients completed a “Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing” (MYCaW) questionnaire, rating the two most distressing LEs and general wellbeing on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: Of 28 eligible patients, 13 (59 years (mean), 85% women) accepted referral, participated in the MDT, and were offered a personalized intervention. The intervention was completed by 11 patients. Improvement in MYCaW score was observed 1 month postintervention for all three items: (1) the primary LE (p = 0.003, Hedges’s g 1.54), (2) the secondary LE (p < 0.001, Hedges’s g 1.65), and (3) general wellbeing (p = 0.005, Hedges’s g 1.09). This improvement was sustained 6 months postintervention. The 15 non-participants were, in general, older (66 years (mean), men 73%). Conclusions: Screening for LEs and conducting an MDT can provide a personalized intervention plan, which patients are able to complete and may benefit from. Full article

The study of decision making is currently significant in various areas of knowledge, particularly in an interdisciplinary approach involving psychologists, economists, sociologists, cognitive scientists, and political scientists. This article explores the decision-making process in a new field: the mystical lived experience; i.e., approaches the perception of something present as unknown, the perception of mystery, within the decision-making process. It emphasizes that every perception requires a response, more or less conscious, and the mystical lived experience is no exception. The goal is to enhance our understanding and interpretation of the dynamics of mystical experience using a phenomenological analysis of the decision-making process as a hermeneutic key. The philosophical and anthropological background of this article draws from Karl Rahner’s transcendental experience, while the phenomenological and psychological perspective is informed by Louis Roy’s experiences of transcendence and Juan Martin Velasco’s studies on mysticism. The article first establishes the theoretical foundations of this new approach and then applies a decision-making analysis to the significant decisions made by St. Ignatius of Loyola, as detailed in his autobiography. Full article

Although worry is a normal cognitive process experienced by adolescents, for a significant number, it can reach intense and uncontrollable levels. If left untreated, these worries can lead to significant mental health problems that are maintained into adulthood. Adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may be more prone to cognitive biases (that precede worry) and therefore highly vulnerable to worry. Limited research has examined worry in adolescents with NDDs; however, most studies have focused on measuring anxiety. The present research administered an instrument specifically developed to measure worry to 404 10 to 16-year-old mainstream school-aged adolescents, 204 (123 males, 81 females) of whom had a formally diagnosed NDD. A measure of depressive symptoms was also administered. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a satisfactory fitting model for worry. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed no interaction effects or main effect for worry according to NDD/non-NDD status. There were, however, main effects for sex, with females scoring significantly higher than males on worry about academic success and the future; worry about peer relationships; combined worry score; and depressive symptoms. The findings of this study offer psychologists and educators a brief validated measure of worry that is suited to mainstream school adolescents with or without NDDs. The wider implications of the findings in the context of education and intervention for students with NDDs are discussed. Full article

The objective of this study was to compare the perspectives of psychiatrists, psychologists, and theologians on schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder. A cross-sectional research design was utilized, involving a random sample selected from the official registries of these professionals. The findings revealed significant differences in how these groups conceptualize mental disorders. The preferred concepts varied depending on the specific disorder. For instance, when it came to schizophrenia, psychiatrists showed a greater inclination towards the psychodynamic concept compared to psychologists, who leaned more towards the cognitive and social constructivist concepts. In the case of depression, psychiatrists favored biological, psychodynamic, and spiritual concepts, while psychologists tended to prefer the cognitive concept. Theologians consistently favored the spiritual concept across all four diagnoses, in comparison to both psychiatrists and psychologists. This research holds significant value for both theoretical understanding and practical applications, and future studies should consider incorporating qualitative, in-depth research to explore the complexities of these concepts related to mental disorders. Full article