Search Results (3,473)

Background and Objectives: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity, a fluctuating self-image, and persistent difficulties in maintaining close interpersonal relationships. Among university students, these traits may be associated with social adjustment and academic functioning difficulties. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of borderline traits within a Romanian student population and to investigate the associations between these traits and interpersonal difficulties encountered in family life, romantic relationships, and academic environments. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 151 undergraduate students enrolled in higher education institutions across Romania. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire available between March and May 2025. The instrument comprised items addressing socio-demographic characteristics, diagnostic criteria for borderline personality traits according to the DSM, as well as self-reported social behaviour patterns. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9, version 9.3.1 for Windows, employing Fisher’s exact test and the odds ratio (OR), with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants reported experiencing affective instability (71.5%) and distorted self-image (58.9%). Fear of abandonment was present in 29.4% of the respondents, while impulsivity was identified in 37.7%. Borderline personality traits were significantly associated with a range of social difficulties, including relational anxiety, outbursts of anger, peer conflicts, social withdrawal, and dissociative symptoms. Individuals who exhibited impulsivity, self-injurious behaviours, or dissociative episodes demonstrated a markedly increased risk of social dysfunction, with odds ratios ranging from 3 to 10 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The findings reveal a high prevalence of borderline traits within the analysed sample, along with statistically significant associations with social and emotional difficulties. These results underscore the importance of implementing psychological screening programs in universities, as well as early intervention strategies focused on the mental well-being of young adults. Establishing a supportive academic environment and fostering collaboration between faculty members and mental health professionals may play a key role in preventing symptom escalation and in promoting healthy personal and relational development. Full article

Physical and mental health are intrinsically linked. However, healthcare systems, training programs, and clinical practice often operate in silos, creating structural disincentives that exacerbate morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Integrated care models have consistently demonstrated improved outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and greater cost-effectiveness across a range of neuropsychiatric and chronic disorders. With the launch of the World Health Organization Brain Health Framework (2022) and the Swiss Brain Health Plan (2023–2033), important progress has been made toward integrating mental and brain health. However, current brain health concepts could be further strengthened by more explicitly incorporating the role of the body and physical health, including psychosomatic and social aspects, particularly in terms of their dynamic, bidirectional interactions with the brain. This article further outlines the health-related and economic benefits of integrated care, key challenges to the systematic implementation of mind–body integration within healthcare systems, and proposes strategic directions for embedding body–brain dynamics into research, education, and policy. This includes interdisciplinary teaching, harmonized conceptual models, composite clinical metrics, transferable interventions, and the removal of systemic barriers to establish integrated care pathways and reduce stigma through patient-centered empowerment. Ultimately, the “no health without brain health” ethos demands the conceptual and practical integration of dynamic, bidirectional body–brain interactions. Full article

Background: Eating disorder (ED) symptoms and body image (BI) concerns involve serious risks to the physical and mental health of women and men. Social networking sites have amplified the promotion of idealised body images, contributing to this issue. Objectives: This study examines the link between personal and emotional factors, social media body image-related behaviours, BI concerns, and ED symptoms, as well as the differential role of these factors according to gender. Methods: A cross-sectional design was applied. The participants were 201 Spanish adults (mean age = 28.26; 76.6% women) who completed self-reported measures on BI (MBSRQ), ED symptoms (EAT-26), perfectionism (EDI-2), anxiety, depression, stress (DASS-21), emotional dysregulation (DERS), life satisfaction (SWLS), and social media BI-related behaviours. Results: Significant relationships between ED symptoms and BI concerns with personal and emotional factors and social media body image-related behaviours have been found. Women have scored higher in ED symptoms and social media BI-related behaviours than men. Multiple regression analyses showed that the difficulty in accepting emotions and not posting images due to BI dissatisfaction were risk factors for ED symptoms in both men and women. Furthermore, the adverse effect of perfectionism and low life satisfaction on women’s ED symptoms were demonstrated, whereas in men, goal-directed behaviours were associated with ED risk. Conclusions: These results suggest that prevention programmes focusing on emotional regulation and healthier social media use can be effective for ED symptoms and BI concerns. Full article

Modern society faces a growing prevalence of mental disorders, with stress emerging as a critical factor affecting mental well-being. In recent years, breathwork has gained public and scientific recognition as a promising approach for enhancing psychological health. Despite the rapid growth in research, the field remains fragmented due to the diversity of breathing techniques. Moreover, recent findings have challenged several foundational concepts traditionally believed to underlie the therapeutic effects of breathwork. This review offers a comprehensive overview and comparison of the most widely practiced breathing techniques, with a focus on addressing key theoretical issues. We examine the primary psychophysiological pathways and mechanisms of breathwork, highlighting its influence on the nervous system as central to its effectiveness. We critically evaluate the role of breathing variables, including pace, ratio, breathing route, attention, and the use of biofeedback, in promoting the long-term neurobiological changes that have been associated with improved mental health. We argue that most breathwork techniques share core neurophysiological mechanisms that benefit well-being, regardless of the theoretical differences between specific techniques. Accumulating evidence suggests breathwork may serve as both a preventive and adjunctive therapy for chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, given its potential to target key risk factors and produce clinically relevant outcomes. Contemporary breathwork research, however, is limited by inconsistent study quality and methodological heterogeneity. By synthesizing current evidence and identifying critical knowledge gaps, this review aims to guide future research and advance understanding of breathwork’s therapeutic potential. Full article

The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress experienced during childhood may contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors in adulthood. The existing literature indicates that disordered eating habits are positively associated with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and low self-esteem. However, most research focuses on the concurrent relationships among these variables rather than examining whether low self-esteem and poor mental health in childhood can influence the emergence of disordered eating behaviors later in life. An online quantitative survey was conducted using questionnaires completed by 135 participants aged between 30 and 70 years. The results revealed that low self-esteem and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during childhood were associated with increased disordered eating behaviors in adulthood. These findings suggest that negative self-perceptions and poor mental health in childhood have lasting effects that extend into adulthood. This knowledge can be valuable for psychologists, mental health professionals, parents, and schools in designing intervention programs aimed at enhancing children’s and adolescents’ self-esteem, promoting good mental health, and fostering healthy eating habits. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is becoming increasingly common in contemporary society, is recognized for its considerable psychosocial impact on pregnant women throughout the perinatal phase. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible links between mental health status and dietary habits among pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, alongside examining how these factors correlate with clinical indicators like HbA1c measurements and the necessity for insulin therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included 82 pregnant participants, 37 with gestational diabetes mellitus and 45 without. Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels, which can be clinical indicators for the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, and the need for insulin treatment was recorded. Then, participants completed a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and clinical data as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale (SEES), and REZZY Eating Disorders Scale (REZZY). Data were statistically analyzed. Results: A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes was more frequent in the case group (18.9%) than in the control group (2.2%) (p = 0.020). OGTT positivity was detected in 56.8% of the case group, whereas all control participants had negative results (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in psychological symptom scores or eating behavior assessments (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were observed to score higher on measures of anxiety, depression, and emotional eating, particularly in response to negative emotions. These findings may indicate a potential association between gestational diabetes and psychological or behavioral factors related to metabolic regulation during pregnancy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder mainly affecting young adults and can greatly impair quality of life (QoL). Among its often overlooked but significant symptoms are bowel dysfunctions (BD), such as constipation and fecal incontinence, which can impact physical, emotional, and social well-being, especially in younger patients. This study aims to investigate the impact of BD on the QoL in young adults diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and mild disability. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the effect of BD on QoL in 110 young adults with RRMS and mild disability (EDSS ≤ 3.5). Bowel symptoms were assessed using the Wexner Incontinence and Constipation Scales, while QoL was measured with the MSQoL-54 questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed to examine correlations between BD severity and QoL domains. Results: Our findings showed significant correlations between the severity of intestinal symptoms and different domains of QoL, like physical functioning, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Abdominal pain and liquid fecal incontinence were especially linked to lower mental and physical health scores. Subgroup analyses also indicated gender-specific vulnerabilities, with women showing distinct effects on social and emotional dimensions. Conclusion: BD represents an important burden on bowel dysfunctions for young people with MS, deeply impacting various dimensions of QoL. This underscores an urgent need for an integrated, multidisciplinary care model that tackles physical symptoms but also psychological and social challenges. A holistic clinical strategy is vital to improving the overall well-being of this population. Full article

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a key pathogenic mechanism underlying numerous cardiometabolic disorders. While sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of IR are well-established, their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains understudied. This study explores the relationship between IR risk, as measured by TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR indices, and HRQoL in a large cohort of Spanish workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100,014 Spanish workers aged 18–69 years evaluated between January 2021 and December 2023. Exclusion criteria included incomplete clinical, laboratory, or questionnaire data. IR was assessed using TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR indices. HRQoL was measured using the SF-12 questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors, physical activity (IPAQ), dietary habits (MEDAS-14), and social class (based on CNAE-11 and Spanish Society of Epidemiology criteria) were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v29.0. Results: Higher IR risk was consistently associated with older age, male sex, lower social class, current smoking, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical inactivity. Lower HRQoL scores (both physical and mental components) were significantly associated with higher IR indices, particularly with METS-IR and SPISE-IR. These associations persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a robust association between insulin resistance risk and diminished health-related quality of life. The integration of validated IR indices and subjective health perception tools such as the SF-12 may enhance early identification of at-risk individuals in occupational health settings. Full article

Background: Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that usually begins in adolescence and often progresses to become a chronic and disabling illness. Difficulties in communication and anomalous language are considered core elements of the disorder. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of semantic deficits in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting that these deficits may constitute a core feature of the disorder. However, research in this area remains limited, particularly among individuals at high risk of developing the disorder. The central hypothesis of this study is that individuals with schizophrenia exhibit semantic processing deficits, even when cognitive function, psychopathology, and medication are controlled for. We also hypothesize that similar, albeit milder, deficits can be observed in individuals at high risk of developing the condition. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 155 participants divided into three groups: 46 with schizophrenia, 42 at high risk due to factors like substance use and high psychopathology, and 67 controls matched by sex, age, and education. Semantic processing was assessed using the semantic relations subtest from the BETA, controlling for medication and cognitive performance as possible confounding factors. Results: the results revealed significant differences among the three groups (F = 28.543; p < 0.001); the schizophrenia group performed poorly, followed by the high-risk group, and then the control group, which showed no deficits. Error patterns were also analyzed to assess group differences, revealing that the schizophrenia group had the lowest scores and the most specific deficits. These findings highlight the relevance of semantic evaluation in schizophrenia and, more importantly, in individuals at high risk of developing the disorder, as such deficits may serve as early biomarkers. Additionally, significant correlations were found between semantic performance and variables such as medication (r = −0.342; p = 0.020), cognition (r = −0.259; p = 0.001), and psychopathology (r = −0.566; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This emphasizes the need to control these factors to avoid misinterpreting semantic deficits in both schizophrenia and high-risk groups. The present research is not without limitations; for example, the study design does not allow for conclusions of causality but rather of correlation. Full article

We aimed to determine the mental health and cognitive outcomes at six months in people who had not been hospitalized with COVID-19 and who had tested positive or negative for COVID-19 in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Participants were matched 1:1 six months following their COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test. X2, t-test, and Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted to compare self-report and observer-rated mental health and cognitive outcomes between the two groups. We also conducted an age and gender-adjusted logistic regression analysis to explore risk factors associated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment among those who had tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 324 participants were enrolled (n = 162 per arm). Overall, 40.7% of those in the COVID-positive group were men, with an average age of 37.9 (SD 13.2) years. In the COVID-negative group, 41.4% were men, with an average age of 36.7 (SD 12.8). There were no statistically significant differences in mental health outcomes between the groups. On cognitive testing, while 21% of the COVID-positive participants and 14% of the COVID-negative participants had scores indicating significant cognitive impairment, the difference between groups was not significant, though this warrants further investigation in future research. In non-hospitalized patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, there is no evidence of an increase in mental health disorders compared to people who tested negative. Any increases in mental health disorders during the pandemic may be the effect of social changes rather than an effect of the virus itself. The exception may be the cognitive changes in those who tested positive. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of educational systems in ensuring inclusive schooling, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Disruptions to daily routines, the shift to remote learning, and the suspension of specialized services intensified pre-existing inequalities and affected the educational continuity and well-being of this group. Methods: This narrative review analyzes the educational discrimination experienced by students with ASD during the pandemic. A structured search was conducted across databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ERIC, Dialnet, and Google Scholar. Sixteen empirical studies published between 2020 and 2024 were selected based on criteria such as open access, focus on compulsory education, and direct analysis of pandemic-related exclusion. Results: The findings reveal four key challenges: unequal access to digital resources, the interruption of support services, increased family burden, and limited institutional responses. These factors contributed to emotional distress, regression in skills, and reduced participation in educational and social settings. Conclusions: The review concludes that the pandemic acted as a magnifying glass for structural barriers already present in inclusive education. Moving forward, educational systems must develop flexible, sustainable, and equity-oriented frameworks to ensure that students with ASD are not left behind during future crises. Full article

Objectives: Migrants are at greater risk of psychiatric hospitalization. This study aims to improve care for migrants hospitalized in psychiatric wards in Morocco by studying comprehensive clinical and epidemiological characteristics, focusing on potential risk factors to guide mental health intervention efforts. Methods: The present retrospective multicenter study retrieved sociodemographic, clinical data, and patient records of migrants admitted to a large Moroccan psychiatric hospital in the Rabat region between 2013 and 2023 in order to delineate characteristics and risk factors for psychiatric hospitalizations. Descriptive and univariable analyses were conducted using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed by Jamovi 2.3.28.0 software to predict rehospitalization. Results: A total of 102 patient files were analyzed. Of these, 72.5% were single men, 27.5% had mental health problems prior to migration, 23.5% had attempted suicide, and 88.2% had negative insight. Some 94.86% were hospitalized against their will, 73.5% were diagnosed with psychosis, and only 2 were diagnosed with a stress-related disorder. Some 34.3% were hospitalized. Factors significantly associated with hospitalized were divorced family status, presence of psychotic pathology, and number of family members between five and nine with OR = 5.28, CI [1.04–26.68], p = 0.044; OR = 5.95, CI [2.02–17.44], p = 0.001; and OR = 6.02, CI [1.71–21.11], p = 0.005, respectively. Shorter length of stay in Morocco, unemployment, asylum seekers, and use of restraints were more frequent in hospitalized patients. Conclusions: Identifying at-risk migrants and setting up culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services can reduce the number of hospital admissions and boost the training and awareness of healthcare professionals in this area. Full article

Background: Exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (Ex-CBT) is widely seen as the gold-standard treatment for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Yet, minoritized youth are underrepresented in efficacy studies, raising questions about the applicability of Ex-CBT to minoritized youth. Effectiveness data suggest systematic adaptation of Ex-CBT to address youth culture and context is likely needed, and many clinicians make adaptations and augmentations in practice. However, research on the specific strategies clinicians use to address their youth clients’ culture and context within anxiety and OCD treatment is lacking. In the current study, we assess practice-based adaptations, augmentations, and process-based approaches utilized when delivering treatment to youth for OCD and anxiety in public mental health clinics. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 16 clinicians from both specialty anxiety and general mental health clinics serving youth with anxiety or OCD in the public mental health system. Participating clinicians had a mean age of 32.19 (SD = 5.87) and 69% of therapists identified as female; 69% identified as White, 25% identified as Asian, and 6% as Black or African American. In qualitative interviews, clinicians shared how they addressed clients’ culture and context (e.g., social identities, stressors and strengths related to social identities and lived environment). Thematic analysis identified the strategies clinicians employed to address culture and context. Results: Clinicians reported incorporating culture and context through process-based approaches (e.g., building trust gradually, considering clients’ social identity stressors, engaging in self-awareness to facilitate cultural responsiveness) and through culturally adapting and augmenting treatment to promote person-centered care. Core strategies included proactive and ongoing assessment of clients’ cultural and contextual factors, adapting exposures and augmenting Ex-CBT with strategies such as case management and discussion of cultural context, and taking a systems-informed approach to care. Conclusions: Examining practice-based adaptations, augmentations, and process-based approaches to treatment for minoritized youth with OCD or anxiety can inform efforts to understand what comprises person-centered culturally responsive Ex-CBT. Empirical testing of identified strategies is a needed area of future research. Full article

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor impairment and commonly associated with comorbidities such as cognitive, communicative, and behavioural difficulties. While the physical and functional aspects of CP have been extensively studied, the mental health needs of this population remain largely underexplored, particularly concerning suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviours. The purpose of this review is to synthesise the existing literature on suicidality in individuals with CP, explore theoretical and clinical risk factors, and identify key gaps in the current evidence base. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted focusing on studies addressing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or related psychiatric outcomes in individuals with CP. Additional literature on risks and protective factors was included to support theoretical inferences and clinical interpretations. Results: Only a limited number of studies addressed suicidality directly in CP populations. However, several reports document elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, particularly among adults and individuals with higher levels of functioning. Communication barriers, chronic pain, social exclusion, and lack of accessible mental health services emerged as critical risk factors. Protective elements included strong family support, inclusive environments, and access to augmentative communication. Conclusions: Suicidality in individuals with CP is a neglected yet potentially serious concern. Evidence suggests underdiagnosis due to factors such as communication barriers and diagnostic overshadowing. Future research should prioritise disability-informed methodologies and validated tools for suicidal ideation, while clinicians should incorporate routine, adapted mental health screening in CP care to ensure early detection and person-centred management. Full article

Depression represents one of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, significantly impacting quality of life and posing substantial healthcare challenges. Traditional diagnostic methods rely on subjective assessments and clinical interviews, often leading to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and suboptimal outcomes. Recent advances in biosensing technologies offer promising avenues for objective depression assessment through detection of relevant biomarkers and physiological parameters. This review examines multi-modal biosensing approaches for depression by analyzing electrochemical biosensors for neurotransmitter monitoring alongside wearable sensors tracking autonomic, neural, and behavioral parameters. We explore sensor fusion methodologies, temporal dynamics analysis, and context-aware frameworks that enhance monitoring accuracy through complementary data streams. The review discusses clinical validation across diagnostic, screening, and treatment applications, identifying performance metrics, implementation challenges, and ethical considerations. We outline technical barriers, user acceptance factors, and data privacy concerns while presenting a development roadmap for personalized, continuous monitoring solutions. This integrative approach holds significant potential to revolutionize depression care by enabling earlier detection, precise diagnosis, tailored treatment, and sensitive monitoring guided by objective biosignatures. Successful implementation requires interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, clinicians, data scientists, and end-users to balance technical sophistication with practical usability across diverse healthcare contexts. Full article