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Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health

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A special issue of Diseases (ISSN 2079-9721).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2024 | Viewed by 6889

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Felix Bratosin

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Guest Editor

Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: gut microbiome; infectious diseases; antimicrobial resistance; respiratory infections; opportunistic infections
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Liana Dehelean

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Guest Editor

Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: psychiatry; bipolar disorder; child and adolescent psychiatry

Dr. Mariana Bondrescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: mental health; adult psychiatry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will examine the intricate connection between various medical domains and mental health. We aim to spotlight the multifaceted aspects of mental well-being, exploring the interrelation of numerous factors that influence quality of life, stress levels, anxiety, depression, and overall mental health across a range of medical settings. Our objective is to consolidate research and insights that depict the synergistic points of diverse medical disciplines in comprehending and ameliorating mental health. We plan to lay special emphasis on innovative research methodologies, incorporating advanced tools and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance the understanding of mental health concerns profoundly and extensively.

We invite submissions exploring the complex network of elements impacting mental health in different medical contexts, including psychosocial dynamics, neurobiological dimensions, environmental factors, and institutional frameworks that might influence quality of life and mental health. We particularly value studies that provide in-depth analyses, unearth new insights, and suggest actionable interventions.

Dr. Felix Bratosin
Prof. Dr. Liana Dehelean
Dr. Mariana Bondrescu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diseases is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

mental health
multidisciplinarity
interdisciplinary basics
quality of life
stress levels
anxiety
depression
psychosocial dynamics
neurobiological dimensions

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression Levels in Patients with Long-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study

by Adrian Vasile Bota, Felix Bratosin, Iulia Bogdan, Susa Septimiu-Radu, Adrian Cosmin Ilie, Sonia-Roxana Burtic, David Vladut Razvan, Raluca Tudor, Mirela Florica Indries, Andrei Nicolae Csep, Ariadna Petronela Fildan, Camelia Melania Budea and Iosif Marincu

Diseases 2024, 12(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12010021 - 11 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigates the psychosocial effects of long-COVID Syndrome, a domain still not extensively researched. It specifically evaluates the quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression levels in COVID-19 survivors, differentiating between those with and without long-COVID Syndrome. Conducted at the Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania, the study utilized a cohort of patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. The following standardized tools: WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, COPE-60 for coping strategies, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were employed for the assessment. The sample consisted of 86 patients displaying persistent post-acute symptoms and 432 asymptomatic patients at the 6-month post-discharge mark. Patients with frequent post-acute symptoms reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (8.2 ± 1.4), cognitive difficulties (7.5 ± 1.6), and respiratory challenges (7.8 ± 1.3), along with a markedly lower overall quality of life (7.0 ± 1.5) compared to their asymptomatic counterparts. HADS scores revealed elevated depression (6.8 ± 1.9) and anxiety (7.1 ± 2.3) in the symptomatic group. Quality of life, as evaluated through the use of WHOQOL-BREF, showed lower scores in the symptomatic cohort across physical (58.8 ± 15.8), mental (56.3 ± 16.4), and social domains (50.2 ± 17.5). COPE-60 findings indicated a higher prevalence of disengagement (56.4%) and emotion-focused coping strategies (61.8%) in the symptomatic group, in contrast to 30.1% and 37.0%, respectively, in the asymptomatic group. The study highlights that long-COVID Syndrome significantly deteriorates the quality of life and is associated with increased depression and anxiety levels. The prevalent use of disengagement and emotion-focused coping strategies among patients with persistent symptoms suggests a need for enhanced psychosocial support tailored to this subgroup. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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12 pages, 849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Botulinum Toxin Effectiveness and Quality of Life in Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A One-Year Prospective Study

by Luca Castiglione, Marius Murariu, Estera Boeriu and Ileana Enatescu

Diseases 2024, 12(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12010015 - 03 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1741

Abstract

This study hypothesized that botulinum toxin (Botox) therapy would sustainably reduce sweat production in axillary hyperhidrosis patients over one year and significantly improve various quality-of-life aspects, including psychological well-being, social interactions, and daily functioning. The objectives were to quantitatively measure changes in sweat production and qualitatively assess the evolving impact on patients’ quality of life over one year. Conducted prospectively at the Pius Brinzeu Clinical Emergency Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, this study complied with ethical standards and included adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis unresponsive to conventional treatments. Participants underwent Botox injections and were evaluated at baseline, six months, and one year, using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), WHOQOL-BREF, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), among other tools. Involving 81 patients, the study showed significant improvements in sweat production and quality-of-life metrics. Sweat production decreased from 0.81 g to 0.23 g per 15 min over one year (p < 0.001). HDSS scores reduced from 3.4 to 1.5, indicating a decrease in symptom severity (p < 0.001). The DLQI total score, assessing life quality impact, notably dropped from 19.9 to 6.9 (p < 0.001). Quality-of-life domains also showed significant improvements, especially in the social (from 65.3 to 73.4, p < 0.001) and environmental aspects (from 68.0 to 72.1, p < 0.001). Higher HDSS and sweat production were significantly associated with a lower quality of life on the DLQI (B coefficients of −4.1 and −2.5, respectively). Botulinum toxin therapy proved effective in reducing sweat production and improving the quality of life in axillary hyperhidrosis patients over a one-year period. These improvements were statistically significant in both physical and psychosocial domains. The study highlights the potential long-term benefits of Botox therapy for hyperhidrosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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Other

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13 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Influence of Personality Traits on Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review Based on the NEO-FFI Scale

by Oana Neda-Stepan, Cătălina Giurgi-Oncu, Andreea Sălcudean, Elena Bernad, Brenda-Cristiana Bernad and Virgil Radu Enătescu

Diseases 2024, 12(5), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050082 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 192

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern with profound implications for mothers, families, and societies. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research findings to understand better how personality traits, as assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), contribute to the development and progression of PPD. Conducted in January 2024, this review searched major databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to December 2023, focusing on the NEO-FFI’s role in evaluating PPD. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies were selected based on strict criteria, including the exclusive use of NEO-FFI for personality assessment and a focus on postpartum women. A total of seven studies were included after a rigorous two-step screening process, and their data were qualitatively synthesized. The review covered a total of 4172 participants, with a prevalence of clinically significant postpartum depression symptoms ranging from 10.6% to 51.7%. Notably, Neuroticism emerged as a significant predictor of PPD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96–1.20) in some studies to as high as 1.87 (95% CI: 1.53–2.27) in others. In contrast, traits like Extraversion and Conscientiousness generally showed protective effects, with lower scores associated with reduced PPD risk. For instance, Extraversion scores correlated negatively with PPD risk (Beta = −0.171) in one study. However, the impact of other traits such as Openness and Agreeableness on PPD risk was less clear, with some studies indicating negligible effects. The review highlights Neuroticism as a consistent and significant predictor of PPD risk, with varying impacts from other personality traits. The findings suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions in maternal mental health care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive personality evaluations in prenatal and postnatal settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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16 pages, 597 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Impact of Systemic Treatments on Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with RAS-Positive Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

by Vlad Braicu, Pantea Stelian, Lazar Fulger, Gabriel Verdes, Dan Brebu, Ciprian Duta, Camelia Fizedean, Flavia Ignuta, Alexandra Ioana Danila and Gabriel Veniamin Cozma

Diseases 2024, 12(4), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12040079 - 20 Apr 2024

Viewed by 303

Abstract

This systematic review critically evaluates the impact of systemic treatments on outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in patients with RAS-positive stage IV colorectal cancer, with studies published up to December 2023 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. From an initial pool of 1345 articles, 11 relevant studies were selected for inclusion, encompassing a diverse range of systemic treatments, including panitumumab combined with FOLFOX4 and FOLFIRI, irinotecan paired with panitumumab, regorafenib followed by cetuximab ± irinotecan and vice versa, and panitumumab as a maintenance therapy post-induction. Patient demographics predominantly included middle-aged to elderly individuals, with a slight male predominance. Racial composition, where reported, showed a majority of Caucasian participants, highlighting the need for broader demographic inclusivity in future research. Key findings revealed that the addition of panitumumab to chemotherapy (FOLFOX4 or FOLFIRI) did not significantly compromise QoL while notably improving disease-free survival, with baseline EQ-5D HSI mean scores ranging from 0.76 to 0.78 and VAS mean scores from 70.1 to 74.1. Improvements in FACT-C scores and EQ-5D Index scores particularly favored panitumumab plus best supportive care in KRAS wild-type mCRC, with early dropout rates of 38–42% for panitumumab + BSC. Notably, cetuximab + FOLFIRI was associated with a median survival of 25.7 months versus 16.4 months for FOLFIRI alone, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating targeted therapies with chemotherapy. In conclusion, the review underscores the significant impact of systemic treatments, particularly targeted therapies and their combinations with chemotherapy, on survival outcomes and QoL in patients with RAS-positive stage IV colorectal cancer, and the need for personalized treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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12 pages, 583 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sexual Functioning and Impact on Quality of Life in Patients with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

by Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier, Ionut Andrei Paunescu, Alaviana Monique Faur, Gabriel Veniamin Cozma, Andiana Roxana Blidari and Calin Muntean

Diseases 2024, 12(4), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12040066 - 26 Mar 2024

Viewed by 735

Abstract

This systematic review investigates the intersection of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), sexual functioning, and associated quality of life (QoL), aiming to understand the comprehensive impact of EOCRC on these critical dimensions. Through an extensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up until November 2023, this study synthesized evidence from the literature while adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The studies included EOCRC patients under 50 years, which examined sexual functioning and QoL using validated instruments, and were published in English. After a rigorous screening process, five relevant studies were identified from an initial pool of 2184 articles. This review includes data from five studies involving 2031 EOCRC patients. The key findings revealed a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with up to 50% of men experiencing impotence and 58% reporting sexual dysfunction, alongside 36% of women in some studies. Pain was described by 12% to 31% of patients. Anxiety and depression were notably prevalent, affecting up to 69% of participants. EOCRC profoundly impacts sexual functioning and QoL, with a significant prevalence of sexual dysfunction and psychological distress among affected individuals. These findings suggest the need for oncological management strategies that include not only medical treatment but also psychological support and sexual health interventions. This systematic review emphasizes the importance of holistic patient care approaches, advocating for further research and clinical attention to address the complex needs of younger EOCRC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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16 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Utility of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in Assessing Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Exercise Training Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

by Ilona Emoke Sukosd, Silvius Alexandru Pescariu, Cosmin Faur, Alexandra Ioana Danila, Catalin Prodan-Barbulescu and Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu

Diseases 2024, 12(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12040064 - 22 Mar 2024

Viewed by 837

Abstract

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in assessing quality of life improvements among patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing various forms of exercise training rehabilitation, including telemedicine and in-person modalities, across all stages of HF, irrespective of ejection fraction (EF) and clinical status. The aim was to collate evidence from studies employing the KCCQ as a measure of quality of life (QoL). A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, including literature up until October 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on patients diagnosed with HF undergoing exercise training rehabilitation assessed by KCCQ. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 3905 patients from various global locations and conducted between 2012 and 2022. Results indicated significant heterogeneity in exercise interventions and patient characteristics. Notably, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) showed a marked improvement in KCCQ scores (from 68.0 to 80.0) compared to moderate continuous training (MCT) and control groups, underscoring its potential for enhancing QoL. Additionally, a significant improvement in the 6-min walking test (6MWT) outcomes was observed, with an average increase of 106 m (95% CI: 60, 152) in one study, reflecting physical capacity enhancements. However, the difference in KCCQ scores between intervention and control groups was not statistically significant in several studies. In conclusion, the KCCQ’s effectiveness is highlighted by its ability to detect clinically meaningful improvements in QoL across diverse exercise modalities, including HIIT and MCT, tailored to the specific needs of HF populations. The consistent correlation between KCCQ score improvements and enhanced physical outcomes, such as the 6MWT, supports its reliability in capturing the nuanced benefits of exercise interventions on patient well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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14 pages, 900 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Assessment of SF-36 Survey for Quality-of-Life Measurement after Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review

by Vlad Barbos, Bogdan Feciche, Silviu Latcu, Alexei Croitor, Vlad Dema, Razvan Bardan, Flaviu Ionut Faur, Tudor Mateescu, Dorin Novacescu, Gherle Bogdan and Alin Adrian Cumpanas

Diseases 2024, 12(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12030056 - 16 Mar 2024

Viewed by 822

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of the literature on individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), utilizing the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) as a primary assessment tool. The review was designed as an exhaustive literature search across three major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to December 2023, using the PRISMA guidelines. The selection process refined 2281 identified articles down to 11 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. These studies encompassed a diverse demographic and clinical profile of 774 participants, with follow-up durations ranging from 3 to 130 months, thereby offering insights into both short-term and long-term HRQoL outcomes. The results highlighted significant alterations in individuals’ HRQoL across various domains post-radical cystectomy. Notably, the Physical Functioning (PF) and Bodily Pain (BP) domains generally scored higher, indicating a moderate to high perceived physical health status. However, the Role Physical (RP) and Role Emotional (RE) domains showed variability, reflecting the challenges in daily role fulfillment and emotional adjustment post-surgery. A marked variability in physical recovery was observed, with studies reporting significant differences in PF and RP scores between patient groups. The General Health (GH) and Vitality (VT) domains sometimes reflected perceived deteriorations, whereas the Mental Health (MH) scores suggested that many patients maintained or achieved high levels of well-being post-operatively. The conclusions drawn from this systematic review underscore the profound and multi-faceted impact of radical cystectomy on HRQoL, varying widely between studies, being influenced by geographic factors, surgical methods, and the time of evaluation. The findings emphasize the necessity for holistic patient care approaches that address both physical and emotional rehabilitation, aiming to improve HRQoL outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinary Basics in Mental Health)

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