Search Results (153)

Background: Growing evidence indicates that oral microbiome dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation, immune activation, and neural dysfunction. These processes may influence the onset and progression of major neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This review integrates clinical, epidemiological, and mechanistic findings linking periodontal pathogens and oral microbial imbalance to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), depression, and anxiety. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify recent studies examining alterations in the oral microbiota, microbial translocation, systemic inflammatory responses, blood–brain barrier disruption, cytokine signaling, and neural pathways implicated in brain disorders. Results: Evidence from human and experimental models demonstrates that oral pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Treponema denticola, can disseminate systemically, alter immune tone, and affect neural tissues. Their virulence factors promote microglial activation, cytokine release (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), amyloid-β aggregation, and α-synuclein misfolding. Epidemiological studies show associations between oral dysbiosis and cognitive impairment, motor symptoms in PD, and alterations in mood-related taxa linked to stress hormone profiles. Immunometabolic pathways, HPA-axis activation, and the oral–gut–brain axis further integrate these findings into a shared neuroinflammatory framework. Conclusions: Oral dysbiosis emerges as a modifiable contributor to neuroinflammation and brain health. Periodontal therapy, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and targeted inhibitors of bacterial virulence factors represent promising strategies to reduce systemic and neural inflammation. Longitudinal human studies and standardized microbiome methodologies are still needed to clarify causality and evaluate whether restoring oral microbial balance can modify the course of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

Background: In recent decades, interest has grown in the link between lipid metabolism and mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) play a crucial role in brain function, neuroplasticity, and emotional regulation. Deficiency or an imbalanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio, typical of Western diets, has been associated with an increased risk of mood disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorder. Objective: This review critically synthesizes neurobiological and clinical evidence on the role of omega-3s in mood disorders, assessing mechanisms, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses, with a focus on inflammatory biomarkers and their integration into a personalized psychiatry framework. Methods: A narrative review of epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and experimental research was conducted, evaluating mechanistic pathways (synaptic, inflammatory, neuroplastic, and redox) and clinical moderators (particularly inflammatory markers and dietary lipid profiles). Results: Consistent evidence indicates that EPA-enriched formulations (≥60%) exert antidepressant effects, particularly in patients with elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α). In contrast, DHA-only preparations show limited efficacy, and outcomes vary depending on dietary omega-6/omega-3 balance. However, the literature remains heterogeneous in design, sample size, and biomarker stratification, which limits generalizability and contributes to conflicting findings across studies. Conclusions: While omega-3 fatty acids represent promising adjunctive interventions for mood disorders, methodological weaknesses and inconsistent formulations hinder definitive conclusions. Future research should prioritize biomarker-guided, precision-based approaches to clarify therapeutic efficacy and optimize clinical use. Full article

Depression is a common mood disorder, and growing evidence has revealed the critical role of gut microbiota in its onset and progression. The gut–brain axis, which connects the central nervous system and intestinal microecology, offers new strategies for depression intervention. In this study, an acute depression model was established in mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the potential antidepressant effects and mechanisms of Bifidobacterium animalis CP-9 were investigated. The results indicated that CP-9 may exert antidepressant effects through multiple pathways, including modulation of peripheral and central inflammatory responses, restoration of gut microbiota balance, enhancement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and regulation of neurotransmitter metabolism such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Notably, intervention with CP-9 at a dose of 10⁸ CFU/mL significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in mice, suggesting its promising potential in the prevention and treatment of mood disorders. Full article

Chronic psychological stress impairs neuroendocrine balance and increases the risk of mental health disturbances, including anxiety, sleep disruption, and low mood. The gut–brain axis has emerged as a promising target for stress modulation, particularly through psychobiotic interventions. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of a combined psychobiotic formulation (Neuralli Mood), comprising live Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128) and heat-treated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23 (HT-PS23), on the psychological and physiological stress responses in a high-stress occupational population. A total of 116 healthy participants with elevated perceived stress (PSS ≥ 14), primarily firefighters, were randomly assigned to receive the dual-strain supplement or placebo for 8 weeks. Stress-related outcomes were assessed by using validated psychological scales and serum biomarkers. Compared with placebo, the psychobiotics group showed significantly greater reductions in overall job stress perception (JSS), state anxiety (STAI), and insomnia severity (ISI) (all p < 0.05). Additionally, serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and norepinephrine levels were significantly reduced post-intervention, whereas cortisol levels remained unchanged. These findings suggested that combining live and heat-treated psychobiotic strains may provide a safe and effective strategy for alleviating psychological stress and regulating neuroendocrine function in high-risk populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although α-blockers are commonly used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), their differential neuropsychiatric safety profiles remain underexplored. Some studies have suggested an increased risk of cognitive decline, mood disorders, and falls, but the results remain inconclusive. Methods: We conducted a large retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX global network, identifying over 264,000 men treated with a single α-blocker between 2005 and 2023. Patients were grouped by α-blocker type—tamsulosin, doxazosin, terazosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, or prazosin—and matched 1:1 using propensity scores to adjust for demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. The primary outcomes were new-onset dementia, depression, and unintentional injuries, assessed at 1-, 3-, and 10-year intervals. The median follow-up duration was approximately 5.5 years, ranging from 1824 to 2200 days across cohorts, indicating balanced observation periods among the six α-blocker groups. Results: Among the included patients, tamsulosin (n = 213,690) and prazosin (n = 1184) were associated with significantly higher risks of neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and injury-related outcomes. Alfuzosin (n = 10,138) exhibited the most favorable safety profile across all endpoints. The findings remained robust in sensitivity analyses, excluding patients with prior malignancy or other α-blocker exposure. Conclusions: Substantial differences in long-term neuropsychiatric safety exist among α-blockers. Given its favorable profile, alfuzosin may be the preferred agent in patients at elevated risk of cognitive or psychiatric disorders. These findings highlight the need for individualized α-blocker selection and long-term pharmacovigilance in BPH management. Full article

The beneficial effects of exposure to nature on health and well-being, including enhanced relaxation and improved mood and attention, are well-established. Less evidence exists on understudied outcomes related to clinical populations (e.g., substance use outcomes, decision-making), mainly from laboratory experiments warranting outdoor studies. The purpose of this scoping review was to review and summarize the rich experimental literature of nature exposure on psychological outcomes, and form updated methodological recommendations for future outdoor basic experiments isolating the effect of nature exposure. Four databases and ten systematic reviews were searched. From 6394 references, 60 articles (reporting experiments or secondary analyses) comparing natural versus control-built environments, utilizing short exposure in the environment, and examining psychological outcomes were included and synthesized. We discuss limitations and innovative approaches and provide methodological recommendations. Future research should recruit large and gender-balanced samples, expand to clinical populations, include baseline measurements, assess individual differences, and investigate behavioral and other outcomes that are sparse in the literature. Researchers might consider expanding the dichotomous green–gray environments, pay attention to the sense of safety and participant masking, and assess and report environmental conditions. These recommendations may facilitate investigating unique outcomes that are missing in the literature, which hold implications for nature-prescription and intervention programs. Full article

Due to the highly individualised presentation of sport-related concussion (SRC), multi-domain assessments examining cognitive, migraine, vestibular, ocular, mood, sleep, and neck-related function have been suggested to assist clinicians with diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. Normative data on such assessments for female, community players from countries outside the U.S. are needed. This study aimed to (i) describe normative data from community-level Ladies Gaelic Football players using a multi-domain assessment, and (ii) compare findings between adolescent and adult players. A total of 138 LGF players without SRC (101 adults, 37 adolescents) completed a multi-domain SRC assessment including Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition, Concussion Clinical Profiles Screening, Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS), Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT^®), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Migraine Disability Assessment, and Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, and neck dynamometry. Normative data were summarised using descriptive statistics, while differences in test scores between adolescents and adults were examined using parametric or non-parametric tests. While adolescents and adults scored similarly on most measures, adolescents scored worse on ImPACT^® visual–motor speed (d = 0.09) and reaction time (r = 0.52), SCAT5 concentration (V = 0.38), total modified Balance Error Scoring System (r = 0.42), and CP Screen vestibular profile (r = 0.38) (p < 0.05). This is the first study to describe and compare normative data for multidomain SRC assessments in adolescent and adult female, community athletes. Differences in some tests between adolescents and adults highlight the need for demographic-specific normative data when interpreting post-SRC assessment results. Full article

Background/Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often characterized by mood instability and occupational imbalance, leading to impaired functioning and reduced quality of life. Despite increasing recognition of occupational therapy’s (OT’s) role in mental health, few interventions comprehensively describe both their development process and their theoretical rationale. This article aims to present the systematic development of the mood–occupation balance reciprocal model (MOBILE) intervention for people with MDD, guided by the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for complex intervention. Methods: Development followed three phases: (1) identifying the evidence base, (2) developing theory, and (3) modeling processes and outcomes. Theoretical foundations integrated occupation- and mood/function-based models with client-centered, lived-experience perspectives. A preliminary ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study on mood and daily function interplay further informed the intervention development. Input from focus groups with occupational therapists and individuals with lived experiences supported its iterative refinement. Following MRC guidelines, a small pilot study (N = 2) was conducted with inpatients diagnosed with MDD to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and EMA procedures. The pilot evaluated recruitment, adherence, engagement, and practicality of delivery within a clinical setting. Results: The pilot study, although it included only two inpatients and thus limits generalizability, demonstrated high adherence, engagement, and feasibility. The EMA protocol was well tolerated, leading to minor refinements that enhanced its clinical applicability. Stakeholders emphasized the program’s relevance, adaptability, and the value of personalized planning tools. Conclusions: The MOBILE intervention is delivered as an individualized program to enhance mood stability and daily functioning among inpatients with MDD. It provides a theoretically grounded, context-sensitive framework integrating personalized goal setting and strategy use with the construction of a balanced routine. Implications: This article provides a comprehensive account of development procedures to support future evaluation, implementation, and integration into OT mental health practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Older women who habitually wear makeup exhibit better cognitive and psychological functioning. However, physical characteristics associated with habitual makeup use in this population remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate physical, cognitive, and psychological characteristics of community-dwelling older women who habitually use makeup. Methods: This health survey included 295 community-dwelling women aged ≥65 years. Weekly makeup use frequency; cosmetic types used; grip strength; sit-and-reach distance; one-leg standing time; maximum walking speed; and scores on timed up-and-go (TUG) test, Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale-5 (GDS-5), and EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L, Japanese version) were statistically analyzed and compared between makeup and non-makeup groups. Further, the following four groups, based on lipstick and eyebrow product use, were compared: lipstick users, eyebrow products users, both-users, and neither-users. Results: The make-up group had lower age (p = 0.001), lower TUG scores (p = 0.011), lower fastest walking speed (p = 0.022), and lower GDS-5 scores (p = 0.009) and higher grip strength (p = 0.011), one leg standing time (p = 0.008), and EQ-5D-5L scores (p = 0.049). After adjusting for age, the make-up group showed significantly lower GDS-5 scores (p = 0.008) and higher EQ-5D-5L scores (p = 0.038). Comparison by cosmetic types revealed significantly lower age (p = 0.004) and TUG (p = 0.007), GDS-5 (p = 0.002), and EQ-5D-5L (p = 0.034) scores and higher EQ-5D-5L scores in users than in non-users. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association with TUG (odds ratio [OR], 0.653; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.448–0.952) and GDS-5 (OR, 0.592; 95% CI, 0.415–0.843) in both-users. Conclusions: Habitual lipstick and eyebrow cosmetic use may be associated with improved mood, quality of life, and dynamic balance in older women. Full article

Endocrine disruptors contaminate indoor and outdoor air, water, and food. Besides modifications of the androgen/estrogen balance, endocrine disruptors can alter thyroid function, metabolic balance, immune defenses, and brain development during fetal life, childhood, and adolescence. Among the consequences of fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors, neurobehavioral disorders, particularly psychiatric disorders (for example, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), attention deficit disorders, and mood disorders, occupy a special place. Therefore, endocrine disruptors are also neuroendocrine disruptors. This review article first summarizes the direct and transgenerational effects of endocrine disruptors. Then, data from a French national cohort of patients whose mothers were treated with synthetic hormones (estrogens and/or progestogens) during their pregnancy(ies) are used to describe the psychiatric disorders developed by children exposed in utero and the multigenerational and potentially transgenerational impacts. Full article

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 950 million women worldwide. However, conventional pharmacological treatments offer limited improvements. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the FemmeBalance supplement in relieving PMS symptoms. Methods: We conducted a single-group study of 38 women, aged 18–40, with self-reported PMS symptoms. Participants received the FemmeBalance supplement (two capsules/day) for four menstrual cycles, completing the premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST) and study-specific questionnaires at baseline and on day 7 of each cycle. Skin changes were also assessed using dermatologist-graded facial photos. Results: By the first menstrual cycle, all PSST parameters showed significant improvement except insomnia. The greatest improvement was observed in interest in social activities, which improved by 40.13% in the fourth cycle. In addition, period heaviness was significantly decreased by the fourth cycle. Dermatologist skin grading showed improved overall skin health in 91.18% of participants. Moreover, 77.1% of the participants reported reduced PMS symptom severity, and 71.4% reported they would recommend the supplement. Conclusion: FemmeBalance was significantly effective in improving several PMS symptoms, including physical discomfort, mood disturbance, and skin health. The supplement also improved social functioning and overall menstrual health, suggesting that it could be an alternative to conventional PMS treatments. Full article

Recent advancements in cosmetic science and personal care represent a fundamental shift from conventional esthetics toward integrative solutions that support both physical health and emotional well-being. This review highlights the latest innovations in ingredients and technologies across skincare, hair care, and dental care, emphasizing their role in enhancing physiological resilience, modulating immune responses, and promoting emotional balance. A key focus is the development of multifunctional personal care products that bridge the gap between external esthetics and internal physiological benefits, reflecting the growing intersection of cosmetic and health sciences. Additionally, this review examines the therapeutic potential of aromatherapy and phytoncides in enhancing mood, reinforcing the critical role of mental well-being in overall health. As the personal care industry continues to evolve, the convergence of chemistry and medical disciplines relevant to cosmetic science—including those focused on skin, hair, oral health, sensory perception, mental well-being, and longevity—is driving a new era of holistic, evidence-based self-care that enhances both esthetic appearance and overall health. Full article

Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), are among the leading causes of disability worldwide and are frequently associated with treatment resistance, functional impairment, and high comorbidity with metabolic dysfunction. Increasing evidence implicates insulin resistance (IR) as a key pathophysiological factor linking metabolic and psychiatric illness. IR is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, impaired neuroplasticity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered reward processing mechanisms that may contribute to core depressive features such as anhedonia, cognitive slowing, and emotional dysregulation. These processes are further exacerbated by the metabolic side effects of many psychotropic medications, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that worsens both psychiatric and physical health outcomes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), initially developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, have emerged as promising candidates to address this metabolic–psychiatric interface. Beyond improving glycemic control and promoting weight loss, GLP-1 RAs exert central actions relevant to mood disorders, including modulation of dopaminergic reward pathways, enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis, attenuation of neuroinflammation, and regulation of appetite and energy balance. Preclinical studies demonstrate that GLP-1 RAs reduce microglial activation, promote hippocampal neurogenesis, and normalize stress-induced behavioral changes. Early clinical trials in patients with metabolic disorders suggest improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and cognitive function, with some effects independent of weight loss or glycemic outcomes. Observational evidence also indicates reduced antidepressant use and psychological distress in diabetic and obese populations receiving GLP-1 RAs. While these findings are promising, large randomized controlled trials in primary psychiatric populations are lacking. Key challenges include clarifying dose–response relationships, disentangling central from peripheral effects, and addressing safety and adherence concerns in individuals with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Future research should focus on biomarker-informed stratification, comparative trials with standard treatments, and integration of GLP-1 RAs into multimodal care frameworks. Overall, GLP-1 RAs represent a biologically plausible and clinically relevant approach to bridging metabolic and psychiatric care, with the potential to improve outcomes in patients with mood disorders who carry a high metabolic burden. Full article

Background: Smoking is a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with significant gender differences influencing smoking behavior and cessation. Aim: This study aimed to investigate smoking abstinence self-efficacy (ASE), decisional balance (DB), quitting desire, and their predictors among adult male and female smokers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 375 male and 220 female adult smokers recruited via social media. Data were collected through an online survey assessing personal health, smoking behavior, desire to quit, ASE, and DB. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of earnest quitting desire, high ASE, and negative DB. Results: Males were more likely to smoke for 10 or more years (70.7% vs. 29.1%), maintain regular smoking patterns (86.9% vs. 54.1%), and exhibit high nicotine dependence (29.3% vs. 6.4%) compared to females. A higher proportion of females (76.8%) than males (66.9%) expressed a strong desire to quit. ASE was generally higher in males, with 49.6% showing average levels, while 46.4% of females had low ASE, particularly in social and positive mood contexts. Females displayed a higher prevalence of negative DB (73.6% vs. 58.1%), indicating greater awareness of smoking’s drawbacks. Both genders acknowledged the cons of smoking, though males perceived fewer pros. Conclusions: A complex interplay of factors influences smoking behavior and cessation among adult smokers. Gender differences also play a crucial role in smoking cessation factors among Saudi adults. Tailored cessation strategies addressing self-efficacy and motivation are recommended to enhance quitting success. Full article

The importance of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep behaviour in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been explored in isolation. However, adolescents experience health benefits when these behaviours are balanced appropriately throughout the day, and are considered to be interconnected rather than isolated. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of adolescents living with T1D towards these behaviours collectively. The participants were 15 adolescents (aged 11–18 years) with T1D, recruited using online methods and word of mouth. Online semi-structured interviews were transcribed using intelligent verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. We identified the following four central themes and five subthemes: (1) sleep and physical activity are understood and valued above sedentary behaviour; (2) recognition of movement behaviours’ interconnection; (3) movement behaviours’ interaction with health outcomes (mood, glycaemic control, and glycaemic control as a barrier to movement behaviours); and (4) movement behaviours within the environmental context of the adolescent (school and caregivers). Adolescents with T1D are aware of the interconnectedness of each movement behaviour and the positive influence a balanced approach can have on mood and T1D management. The findings provide important information for future holistic interventions promoting healthy behaviours that target the adolescent, their school environment, and their caregivers. Full article