Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences

The overestimation of the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression in waitlist controlled trials: a meta-analytic comparison with usual care controlled trials
Cuijpers P, Miguel C, Harrer M, Ciharova M and Karyotaki E
There is considerable evidence that waiting list (WL) control groups overestimate the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression. It is not clear, however, what are the exact causes for this overestimation. We decided to conduct a meta-analytic study to compare trials on psychotherapy for depression with a WL control group against trials with a care-as-usual (CAU) control group.
Testing whether multi-level factors protect poly-victimised children against psychopathology in early adulthood: a longitudinal cohort study
Blangis F, Arseneault L, Caspi A, Latham RM, Moffitt TE and Fisher HL
Exposure to multiple forms of victimisation in childhood (often referred to as poly-victimisation) has lifelong adverse effects, including an elevated risk of early-adulthood psychopathology. However, not all poly-victimised children develop mental health difficulties and identifying what protects them could inform preventive interventions. The present study investigated whether individual-, family- and/or community-level factors were associated with lower levels of general psychopathology at age 18, among children exposed to poly-victimisation. Additionally, it examined whether these factors were specific to poly-victimised children or also associated with fewer mental health difficulties in young adults regardless of whether they had been poly-victimised.
A guide for planning triangulation studies to investigate complex causal questions in behavioural and psychiatric research
Treur JL, Lukas E, Sallis HM and Wootton RE
At the basis of many important research questions is causality - does X causally impact Y? For behavioural and psychiatric traits, answering such questions can be particularly challenging, as they are highly complex and multifactorial. 'Triangulation' refers to prospectively choosing, conducting and integrating several methods to investigate a specific causal question. If different methods, with different sources of bias, all indicate a causal effect, the finding is much less likely to be spurious. While triangulation can be a powerful approach, its interpretation differs across (sub)fields and there are no formal guidelines. Here, we aim to provide clarity and guidance around the process of triangulation for behavioural and psychiatric epidemiology, so that results of existing triangulation studies can be better interpreted, and new triangulation studies better designed.
Gender disparity and post-traumatic stress disorder and elevated psychological distress in humanitarian migrants resettled in Australia: the moderating role of socioeconomic factors
Handiso DW, Boyle JA, Paul E, Shawyer F and Enticott JC
Humanitarian migrants are at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and elevated psychological distress. However, men and women often report varying degrees of stress and experience different challenges during migration. While studies have explored PTSD, psychological distress, gender, and resettlement stressors, they have not explored the interplay between these factors. This study aims to address that gap by investigating gender disparities in PTSD and psychological distress among humanitarian migrants in Australia, with a focus on the moderating role of socioeconomic factors.
The public health significance of prior homelessness: findings on multimorbidity and mental health from a nationally representative survey
Chilman N, Schofield P, McManus S, Ronaldson A, Stagg A and Das-Munshi J
The associations of prior homelessness with current health are unknown. Using nationally representative data collected in private households in England, this study aimed to examine Common Mental Disorders (CMDs), physical health, alcohol/substance dependence, and multimorbidities in people who formerly experienced homelessness compared to people who never experienced homelessness.
Surge in antidepressant usage among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from an interrupted time series analysis
Di Valerio Z, Fortuna D, Montalti M, Alberghini L, Leucci AC, Saponaro A, Sangiorgi E, Berti E, Rolli M and Tedesco D
Depressive disorders are a major public health issue in Western societies, particularly among adolescents, young adults and women. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, increasing depression and anxiety symptoms, especially in younger people. This study focuses on the hard-hit Emilia-Romagna Region (ERR) in Italy, examining changes in antidepressant (AD) drug use post-COVID-19 to understand the pandemic's effect on mental health.
Rethinking Outsider Art in the digital age: an overview of Cara Macwilliam's artistic practice
Celik IE
Heterogeneity in 10-year course trajectories of moderate to severe major depressive disorder among veterans
Panaite V, Luther SL, Finch DK, Cohen NJ, Schultz SK, Tsalatsanis A and Pfeiffer PN
Epidemiological studies show that despite the episodic nature, the long-term trajectory of depression can be variable. This study evaluated the heterogeneity of 10-year trajectory of major depressive disorder (MDD) related service utilization and associated clinical characteristics among US Veterans with a first diagnosis after 9/11.
Hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 and the risk of self-harm readmission: a French nationwide retrospective cohort study
Chauvet-Gelinier JC, Cottenet J, Jollant F and Quantin C
The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the risk of self-harming behaviours warrants further investigation. Here, we hypothesized that people with a history of hospitalization for self-harm may be particularly at risk of readmission in case of SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization.
Network analytical investigation of relationships between symptoms of common mental disorders among refugees and asylum seekers in Türkiye
Kurt G, Ekhtiari M, de Graaff A, Ersahin M, Specker P, Sijbrandij M, Nickerson A and Acartürk C
Forcibly displaced people, such as refugees and asylum-seekers (RAS), are at higher risk of mental disorders, mainly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Little is known about the complex relationships between these mental disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse RAS. To investigate this, the present study applied a novel network analytical approach to examine and compare the central and bridge symptoms within and between PTSD, depression and anxiety among Afghan and Syrian RAS in Türkiye.
Association of a history of depression with infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth: a longitudinal cohort study
Liang C, Chung HF, Dobson AJ and Mishra GD
The role of depression in subsequent infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association of a history of depression with these adverse outcomes using a longitudinal cohort study of women across their reproductive life span.
A longitudinal birth cohort study of child maltreatment and mental disorders using linked statewide child protection and administrative health data for 83,050 Queensland residents from 1983 to 2014
Kisely S, Leske S, Ogilvie J, Thompson C, Siskind D and Allard T
Most information about the association between childhood maltreatment (CM) and subsequent psychiatric morbidity is based on retrospective self-reports. Findings from longitudinal studies using prospective reports to statutory agencies may be subject to attrition. We therefore compared the prevalence to age 30 of inpatient psychiatric diagnoses in those who experienced agency-reported CM with those of the rest of the cohort using administrative data to minimise loss to follow-up.
A longitudinal network of psychotic-like experiences, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and adverse life events: a cohort study of 3,358 college students
Sun M, Sun H, Ma Z, Zhong S, Yang X, Li Y, Zhou H and Zhou L
Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), especially for persistent PLEs, are highly predictive of subsequent mental health problems. Hence, it is crucial to explore the psychopathological associations underlying the occurrence and persistence of PLEs. This study aimed to explore the above issues through a longitudinal dynamic network approach among PLEs and psychological and psychosocial factors.
Predictors of new-onset suicide risk and persistent suicide risk among young adult lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic: a follow-up study
Yen CF, Tsai CS, Chang YP and Wang PW
The aim of this 4-year follow-up study was to examine the predictive effects of demographics, three types of sexual stigma, three types of self-identity confusion, anxiety, depression, family support and problematic Internet use before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on new-onset suicide risk and persistent suicide risk in young adult lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan.
The pain and mental health comorbidity
Bhatt K, Palomares AC, Jutila L, Rohde I, Forget P and
The roots of the concept of depth art
Stojčetović G
Peer-led recovery groups for people with psychosis in South Africa (PRIZE): Results of a randomized controlled feasibility trial
Asher L, Rapiya B, Repper J, Reddy T, Myers B, Faris G, Petersen I, Hanlon C and Brooke-Sumner C
The aims of this feasibility trial were to assess the acceptability and feasibility of peer-led recovery groups for people with psychosis in a low-resource South African setting, to assess the feasibility of trial methods, and to determine key parameters in preparation for a definitive trial.
Young adults, particularly young women, account for an increasingly large share of Dutch mental healthcare expenditure over the period between 2015 and 2021
Dijkstra L, Gülöksüz S, Batalla A and van Os J
There is increasing concern over the mental distress of youth in recent years, which may impact mental healthcare utilisation. Here we aim to examine temporal patterns of mental healthcare expenditures in the Netherlands by age and sex in the period between 2015 and 2021.
Global patterns and trends of suicide mortality and years of life lost among adolescents and young adults from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Yan N, Luo Y, Mackay LE, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Shiferaw BD, Wang J, Tang J, Yan W, Wang Q, Gao X and Wang W
We aimed to report an overview of trends in suicide mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years by sex, age group, Socio-demographic Index (SDI), region and country from 1990 to 2021 as well as the suicide mortality with age, period and birth cohort effects.
The risks of adverse events with venlafaxine for adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Kamp CB, Petersen JJ, Faltermeier P, Juul S, Siddiqui F, Moncrieff J, Horowitz MA, Hengartner MP, Kirsch I, Gluud C and Jakobsen JC
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression worldwide. Previous reviews have demonstrated that venlafaxine lowers scores on depression rating scales, producing statistically significant results but the relevance to patients remains uncertain. Knowledge of the incidence of the adverse effects associated with venlafaxine has previously been based on the results of non-randomised studies. Our primary objective was to assess the risks of adverse events with venlafaxine in the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder in randomised trials.
Challenges in transitioning from adolescent to Adult Mental Health Services for young adults with ADHD in Italy: an observational study
Roberti E, Clavenna A, Basso E, Bravaccio C, Riccio MP, Pincherle M, Duca M, Giordani C, Scarpellini F, Campi R, Giardino M, Zanetti M, Tessarollo V, Costantino I, and Bonati M
Ensuring a successful transition to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) is fundamental for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients to prevent adverse scenarios in adults (e.g., psychiatric disorders, substance or alcohol abuse). Yet, most European nations do not have appropriate transition guidelines and still fail to adequately support transition processes. This study aims to enquire about the current transition paths in Italy and the perceived experiences of the patients and their clinicians.
The effectiveness of Problem Management Plus at 1-year follow-up for Syrian refugees in a high-income setting
de Graaff AM, Cuijpers P, Elsawy M, Hunaidy S, Kieft B, Gorgis N, Twisk JWR, Zakarian Y, Bouman TK, Lommen MJJ, Acarturk C, Bryant R, McDaid D, Morina N, Park AL, Ventevogel P and Sijbrandij M
Problem Management Plus (PM+) has been effective in reducing mental health problems among refugees at three-month follow-up, but there is a lack of research on its long-term effectiveness. This study examined the effectiveness of PM+ in reducing symptoms of common mental disorders at 12-month follow-up among Syrian refugees in the Netherlands.
Mediating pathways between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and type 2 diabetes mellitus: evidence from a two-step and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Zhang J, Chen ZK, Triatin RD, Snieder H, Thio CHL and Hartman CA
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health burden, more prevalent among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to the general population. To extend the knowledge base on how ADHD links to T2D, this study aimed to estimate causal effects of ADHD on T2D and to explore mediating pathways.
Interactions of the CSF3R polymorphism and early stress on future orientation: evidence for the differential model of stress-related growth
Gan Y, Wang L, Chen Y, Zheng L, Wu X, Chen G and Hu Y
This study aims to explore the concept of future orientation, which encompasses individuals' thoughts about the future, goal-setting, planning, response to challenges and behavioural adjustments in evolving situations. Often viewed as a psychological resource, future orientation is believed to be developed from psychological resilience. The study investigates the curvilinear relationship between childhood maltreatment and future orientation while examining the moderating effects of genotype.
Racial and ethnic disparities in social isolation and 11-year dementia risk among older adults in the United States
Grullon J, Soong D and Wong R
Social isolation has been implicated in the development of cognitive impairment, but research on this association remains limited among racial-ethnic minoritized populations. Our study examined the interplay between social isolation, race-ethnicity and dementia.
Capturing the clinical complexity in young people presenting to primary mental health services: a data-driven approach
Gao CX, Telford N, Filia KM, Menssink JM, Albrecht S, McGorry PD, Hamilton M, Wang M, Gan D, Dwyer D, Prober S, Zbukvic I, Ziou M, Cotton SM and Rickwood DJ
The specific and multifaceted service needs of young people have driven the development of youth-specific integrated primary mental healthcare models, such as the internationally pioneering services in Australia. Although these services were designed for early intervention, they often need to cater for young people with severe conditions and complex needs, creating challenges in service planning and resource allocation. There is, however, a lack of understanding and consensus on the definition of complexity in such clinical settings.
Outsider art in Croatia
Bilopavlovic D
Let's talk about recovery in mental health: an international Delphi study of experts by experience
Guerrero E, Barrios M, Sampietro HM, Aza A, Gómez-Benito J and Guilera G
The concept of recovery is featured in the strategic plans of the World Health Organization as well as in other national mental health plans; however, there have been differing interpretations of what it means. This article aims to achieve a consensus on the key aspects of recovery in mental health from the perspective of movements of users and survivors of psychiatry at an international level. Four specific objectives were proposed in this study: (1) to identify what recovery in mental health means, (2) to identify the indicators that a person is progressing in their recovery, (3) to determine the factors that facilitate the recovery process, and (4) to determine the factors that hinder the recovery process.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and suicide: a longitudinal study in Taiwan
Chen MH, Pan TL, Cheng CM, Chang WH, Bai YM, Su TP, Chen TJ and Tsai SJ
Research evidence has established an association of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. However, further investigation is required to determine whether individuals with OCD have higher risk of death by suicide compared with those without OCD.
Effectiveness of group problem management plus in distressed Syrian refugees in Türkiye: a randomized controlled trial
Acarturk C, Kurt G, İlkkurşun Z, de Graaff AM, Bryant R, Cuijpers P, Fuhr D, McDaid D, Park AL, Sijbrandij M, Ventevogel P and Uygun E
Despite high levels of psychological distress, mental health service use among Syrian refugees in urban settings is low. To address the mental healthcare gap, the World Health Organization developed group problem management plus (gPM+), a scalable psychological intervention delivered by non-specialist peer facilitators. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gPM+ in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among Syrian refugees in Istanbul, Türkiye.