Search Results (1,333)

This article examines the representation of women’s madness in the novel Misiá Señora by Albalucía Ángel to argue that the protagonist’s diagnosis of madness and subsequent institutionalization serve as a social construct, lack a scientific foundation and function as mechanisms of social discipline. I contend that the psychiatric procedures to which she is subjected operate less as therapeutic interventions than as punitive correctives aimed at regulating her defiance of patriarchal authority and her transgression of normative gendered behavior. This essay begins by reviewing scholarship on the novel that does not question the mental health diagnosis attributed to the main character. It then undertakes a close reading of the protagonist’s institutionalization to demonstrate how Ángel’s novel reveals madness as a device to neutralize women who resist socially prescribed roles. The analysis draws on feminist critiques of the “psy” disciplines—particularly those that interrogate the gendered construction of mental illness and the historical role of these disciplines in policing women’s bodies, emotions, and conduct. The conclusions highlight that, in Misiá Señora, the protagonist’s pathologization functions as a disciplinary tool that reinforces hegemonic gender norms by framing dissent as clinical deviance and justifying coercive forms of control. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent decades, new technologies have been progressively integrated into various areas of mental health care. Mobile applications are potentially effective tools that allow psychiatric patients themselves to access self-management resources and tools within the community setting. Mental health nursing plays a key role in enabling patients to take an active role in their care and in promoting activities that foster their involvement and empowerment. The primary aim of this pilot study was to develop the PsyAPP mobile application to support both nurses and individuals with mental illness in managing care and improving health outcomes, and to assess its feasibility within a real-world clinical setting. Methods: A mobile application (PSYAPP) and a complementary web-based nursing management platform were designed and implemented. A total of 20 psychiatric patients enrolled in a partial hospitalization program in Soria (Spain) participated. Participants were assigned to experimental (app users) and control groups. Psychological empowerment, global functioning, and suicide risk were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Patients who used the application showed significantly greater psychological empowerment (W = 2.04, p ≤ 0.04) compared with the control group. Statistically significant improvements were observed in psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Regarding suicide risk, no statistically significant changes were detected between pre- and post-intervention measurements in either group. Overall, PSYAPP demonstrated feasibility and potential utility as an innovative tool to support mental health care follow-up. Conclusions: This study developed and implemented a mobile application designed to enhance mental health care by supporting both patients and psychiatric nurses. Results showed significant improvements in global functioning in both the app and control groups, suggesting that rehabilitative treatment contributed to overall progress. Suicide risk did not significantly change within groups, although improvements were seen in the full sample, likely due to clinical care rather than app use. Only the experimental group demonstrated increased psychological empowerment, indicating that the app may effectively enhance patient engagement and involvement in their own care. Full article

Background: Anxiety is highly prevalent among individuals living with disability, chronic illness, or hospitalisation, yet it often remains insufficiently addressed in healthcare settings. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been proposed as a complementary intervention to reduce anxiety; however, existing evidence is fragmented across populations and methodologies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024494109); no amendments were made to the protocol after registration. Four databases (Scopus, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PubMed) were searched for empirical studies (2013–2023) evaluating AAT delivered by trained professionals using domesticated species and reporting anxiety outcomes in individuals with disability, illness, or hospitalisation. Results: Thirty-one studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Across heterogeneous designs, most interventions—primarily using dogs or horses—reported significant post-intervention reductions in anxiety. Randomised clinical trials consistently showed superior results compared with control conditions. AAT demonstrated beneficial effects across populations including PTSD, paediatric hospitalisation, chronic illness, disability, acute care, and trauma exposure. Long-term outcomes were mixed, and methodological variability limited comparability across studies. Conclusions: AAT appears to be a promising complementary intervention for anxiety management within clinical, psychosocial, and healthcare settings. Evidence supports short-term anxiolytic effects across diverse populations, although standardisation and long-term evaluations remain insufficient. Future research should establish optimal intervention parameters, mechanisms of action, and strategies for integrating AAT into multidisciplinary mental healthcare. Full article

The rise in mental illnesses after the COVID-19 pandemic is well documented. However, it is not known whether the rates of mental illness comorbidity increased. The objectives of this study were to compare mental illness comorbidity rates before and after the pandemic among inpatients with SUD and to test associations between mental illness comorbidity, physical illness, and demographics. We used a retrospective cross-sectional design in a sample of inpatient discharges (N = 233,017) at Virginia public hospitals from January 2018 to December 2022. We used Z tests to compare rates of mental illness comorbidity pre- and post-pandemic and Chi-square tests to examine associations of mental illness comorbidity with physical illness and demographics. Single and comorbid mental illness significantly increased from pre- to post-pandemic, p < 0.0001. Mental illness comorbidity was significantly associated with sex, age, race, insurance, COVID-19/Long COVID, HIV/AIDS, COPD, hypertension, obesity, CVD, cancer, and diabetes (p < 0.0001). There was a significant increase in mental illness comorbidity, which was significantly associated with age, race, sex, and physical illnesses. Children/adolescents, females, American Indians, and individuals with HIV/AIDS had the highest rates of mental illness comorbidity. Public health action is needed to address the increase in complex medical needs among people with SUD. Full article

Background/Objectives: People suffering from mental illnesses are more likely to experience adverse social and health outcomes. Various interventions have been shown to help people with mental illness achieve better results in terms of symptom reduction, functional status, and quality of life. Psychiatric rehabilitation interventions integrate evidence-based practices, promising approaches, and emerging methods that can be effectively implemented to enhance health outcomes in this population. This study aims to examine whether the rehabilitative treatment provided to a group of patients with mental illness leads to improvements in health outcomes and psychiatric symptomatology. Methods: This study employed a retrospective quasi-experimental design. Data were collected between 2023 and 2025 within the Partial Hospitalization Program of the Psychiatry and Mental Health Service of Soria (Spain). The sample consisted of 58 participants who received rehabilitative treatment in this setting. Data were collected at the time of patients’ admission and at discharge. Gender, age, psychiatric diagnosis according to ICD-10, and the average length of stay in the rehabilitation program were assessed. The questionnaires administered were psychometrically validated scales related to heteroaggressiveness, perceived quality of life, global functioning, attitudes toward medication, and the risk of suicide. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale (t = −7.1, p < 0.001), with mean scores increasing from 42.17 at admission to 69.13 at discharge. Additionally, reductions in suicidal risk and hetero-aggressive behavior were noted, alongside improvements in quality of life and treatment adherence. Conclusions: The findings highlight the effectiveness of implementing activities and programs focused on psychiatric rehabilitation processes to promote positive health outcomes. Future research directions and practical implications are discussed to support the continued development and optimization of psychiatric rehabilitation programs. Full article

For individuals with mental illness who experience multidimensional marginalization, the risks of encountering discrimination and receiving inadequate care are compounded. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have propelled the provision of mental healthcare through the creation of digital mental health applications (DMHAs). DMHAs can be trained to identify specific markers of distress and resilience by incorporating community knowledge in machine learning algorithms. However, DMHAs that use rule-based systems and large language models (LLMs) may generate algorithmic bias. At-risk populations face challenges in accessing culturally and linguistically competent care, often exacerbating existing inequities. Creating equitable solutions in digital mental health requires AI training models that adequately represent the complex realities of marginalized people. This narrative review analyzes the current literature on digital mental health through an intersectional framework. Using an intersectional framework considers the nuanced experiences of individuals whose identities lie at the intersection of multiple stigmatized social groups. By assessing the disproportionate mental health challenges faced by these individuals, we highlight several culturally responsive strategies to improve community outcomes. Culturally responsive strategies include digital mental health technologies that incorporate the lived experience of individuals with intersecting identities while reducing the incidence of bias, harm, and exclusion. Full article

Considering the high prevalence of adolescent depression and anxiety, the profound functional consequences of untreated early psychosis and suicide being the number one cause of death in Australia among 15–19-year-olds, ensuring that teachers are literate about these disorders should be a high priority. Teachers’ disorder-specific literacy is a pragmatic response to healthcare system constraints. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence of teacher mental health literacy training programs, specifically for depression, anxiety, early psychosis and suicide risk. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Included studies were published in English between 2000 and 2024, focused on teachers working with students in Year 7–12 and measured teachers’ knowledge of depression, anxiety, psychosis or suicide risk. Studies were appraised for quality. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine evaluated knowledge of student depression, five evaluated knowledge of anxiety and five evaluated knowledge of psychosis, while nine studies focused on suicide risk. Providing disorder-specific training and evaluation, rather than general mental health literacy training, is recommended for future research. When healthcare systems lack the capacity to provide care for ill adolescents, schools often function as frontline sites for recognition and triage. Disorder-specific literacy is recommended for teachers so they can manage their real-world, health-system compensation role. Full article

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are important mental illnesses that are often associated with depression and anxiety, leading to significant negative consequences. However, research on this topic in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aims to examine the risk of EDs among male and female medical students at King Saud University (KSU) and assess their risk factors and association with anxiety and depression. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 425 participants was conducted, using a convenience sampling method. The study tools consisted of a questionnaire developed by the research team, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). Results: Almost half (49.6%) were classified as high risk for EDs. Obesity was much higher among high-risk students than low-risk students (p < 0.001). Anxiety and depression were greater among high-risk students than low-risk ones. A higher body mass index (BMI) and depression greatly increased the risk of EDs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings support the notion that medical students have a significant likelihood of developing EDs, especially if they have a high BMI and are depressed. The results show the importance of early identification and offering appropriate interventions to this vulnerable group. Full article

Depression is a mental illness with hidden characteristics that affects human physical and mental health. In severe cases, it may lead to suicidal behavior (for example, among college students and social groups). Therefore, it has attracted widespread attention. Scholars have developed numerous models and methods for depression detection. However, most of these methods focus on a single modality and do not consider the influence of gender on depression, while the existing models have limitations such as complex structures. To solve this problem, we propose a symmetric-structured, multi-modal, multi-layer cooperative perception model for depression detection that dynamically focuses on critical features. First, the double-branch symmetric structure of the proposed model is designed to account for gender-based variations in emotional factors. Second, we introduce a stacked multi-head attention (MHA) module and an interactive cross-attention module to comprehensively extract key features while suppressing irrelevant information. A bidirectional long short-term memory network (BiLSTM) module enhances depression detection accuracy. To verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the model, we conducted a series of experiments using the proposed method on the AVEC 2014 dataset. Compared with the most advanced HMTL-IMHAFF model, our model improves the accuracy by 0.0308. The results indicate that the proposed framework demonstrates superior performance. Full article

Amid increasing urbanization and escalating global mental health concerns, understanding the environmental determinants of mental illness has become a research priority. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research exploring the intersection of green spaces and mental illness. Drawing on 2136 peer-reviewed articles and review papers published between 1990 and 2024 from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, this study examined publication trends, geographic and institutional contributions, research hotspots, and thematic evolution. Findings reveal a sharp increase in scholarly output since 2012, reflecting heightened interdisciplinary engagement and alignment with global frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom are leading contributors. Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlights major themes such as green spaces, mental health, physical activity, urban planning, and air pollution. Despite notable progress, the field faces methodological inconsistencies, limited integration of air quality data, and a lack of representation from low- and middle-income countries. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the research progress and gaps, supporting the development of nature-based strategies and sustainable urban planning to mitigate mental illness and promote psychological resilience. Full article

Background/Objectives: The transition to higher education is a critical phase of human development that makes adolescents and young adults particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) among first-year undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A methodological study was conducted with 225 undergraduate nursing students, aged 17 to 18 years, from a higher education institution in central Portugal. Data were collected using the Google Forms platform. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test three competing models: a single-factor model, a three-factor correlated model, and a second-order factor model. Reliability was assessed using composite reliability, and validity was evaluated using average variance extracted and the Fornell–Larcker criterion for discriminant validity. Results: Factor analyses revealed that the three-factor correlated model fit the data best overall, showing superior fit indices compared to the competing models (χ²/df = 2.37; CFI = 0.90; and RMSEA = 0.08; TLI = 0.88 and SRMR = 0.04). Composite reliability was high across all tested models, ranging from 0.84 to 0.94. The analysis of score distributions by category revealed a high prevalence of severe or extremely severe symptoms of anxiety, stress, and, to a lesser extent, depression. A statistically significant association was found between higher symptom severity and prior familiarity with mental illness. Conclusions: The DASS-21 proved to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing psychological distress in higher education students. These findings underscore the urgent need for mental health programs in higher education institutions that focus on early detection and intervention, particularly for students initiating their studies and those with a history of mental health problems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Those suffering from psychiatric illnesses are at particular risk. Our study, conducted at an outpatient mental health facility in Northern Italy, aimed at delineating demographic and psychopathological features of youths aged 16–29 who attempted suicide and were referred to our community-based outpatient service. Methods: We identified 63 subjects, most of whom suffered from personality disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed. Results: Inferential analysis yielded significant results in terms of age at index suicide attempt across diagnostic groups. Patients with personality disorders attempted suicide at a younger age (M = 18.70) compared to those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (M = 23.64; η² = 0.32). Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood as a stress on the need of preventive approaches towards suicidality in young people in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Moreover, the difference of age at index suicide attempt across different diagnostic groups stresses the need for tailored clinical interventions based on the specific psychopathological trajectories and natural histories of the diseases. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition associated with severe pelvic pain and infertility. Beyond its somatic manifestations, it is increasingly recognized as a disorder with significant psychological sequelae. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between endometriosis-related chronic pain and mental health disorders, with the aim of highlighting the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary management strategies. Relevant literature was synthesized to explore the pathophysiology of endometriosis, mechanisms of pain chronification, and the prevalence and impact of psychiatric comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, body image disturbance, and sexual dysfunction. Chronic pain and diagnostic delays contribute substantially to psychological distress in patients with endometriosis. High rates of affective disorders have been consistently reported, with significant repercussions on social functioning, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life. Although treatment traditionally focuses on symptom control, evidence supports the efficacy of approaches that concurrently address mental health needs. Endometriosis represents a paradigmatic example of the interplay between chronic somatic illness and mental health. Future research should prioritize the integration of psychological assessment and intervention within endometriosis care pathways, alongside the development of targeted, biopsychosocial treatment models. Full article

Stress in the workplace has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health epidemic. Research examining the most stressful industries to work in the UK consistently ranks education among the highest groups, encompassing early years practitioners to higher education academics. One of the most commonly reported contributory factors is poor work–life balance, with high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation—key components of burnout—endemic. Related research has highlighted unprecedented mental health difficulties among children and young people; while many educators feel ill-equipped to manage the levels of mental distress they encounter in the classroom and playground on a daily basis, contributing to their own diminished wellbeing. The current author posits that at the heart of a well-functioning learning environment is the holistic wellbeing of every member of the education community. This paper brings together evidence from across different levels of education to expose systemic failures to address work-related stressors, highlighting gaps in effective support mechanisms to meet the needs of both learners and educators. Philosophical questions concerning professional identities and the function of a contemporary education system with mental health on its agenda are considered. Finally, recommendations are put forward to help tackle the current crisis and curb the exodus of professionals from across the sector. Full article

Children and adolescents with mental illness are at increased risk of developing overweight and obesity, a relationship that is complex, bidirectional, and often exacerbated by the weight-related side effects of psychotropic medications. This review addressed the research question: How are overweight and obesity addressed in children and adolescents with mental illness? Following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO was conducted, including studies in English or Scandinavian languages, across all designs, that focused on non-pharmacological approaches for this population aged 0–19 years. The search was completed in May 2025. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising four qualitative studies, four cohort studies, and one cross-sectional study. Based on inductive content analysis, three overarching themes were developed: approaches to weight and health, showing a predominant focus on individual lifestyle modifications; roles, resources, and prioritization, reflecting how constrained resources influence healthcare professionals’ decisions; and critical repercussions and future directions, highlighting the consequences for children, adolescents, and their families. Overall, interventions mainly target behavior change, with limited attention to structural or systemic factors. These findings underscore the need for tailored guidance and clear clinical strategies to support healthcare professionals and families in addressing weight-related issues in child and adolescent mental health care. Full article