World Journal of Psychiatry最新文献

{"title":"Acupuncture on 5-hydroxytryptamine levels and clinical outcomes in depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Yi Wang, Peng-Tao Wu, Ittipalanukul Penpat, Fei-Cui Zeng, Qun Lu, Zhi-Hai Hu","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113049","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression is a prevalent global mental health issue with substantial disease burden. Although pharmacotherapy remains the first-line treatment, its efficacy and tolerability are limited. Acupuncture, a core modality in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promise in improving depressive symptoms <i>via</i> neurotransmitter modulation. However, prior meta-analyses often considered manual and electroacupuncture together, increasing heterogeneity. This review focuses solely on traditional acupuncture to clarify its therapeutic role and provide evidence for standardized clinical application.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in patients with depression and explore its feasibility as an adjunctive treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty randomized controlled trials on traditional acupuncture for depression-whose quality was assessed using the Cochrane tool-were included in this meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Secondary outcomes were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Scale for the Side Effects (SERS), and serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels. RevMan 5.4 software was employed for the meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results revealed that acupuncture significantly reduced HAM-D, SDS, and MADRS scores. Although BDI-II scores improved in some studies, its overall effect was not statistically significant. Acupuncture also significantly improved HAMA and PSQI scores and increased serum 5-HT levels. Notably, SERS analysis indicated that acupuncture can significantly alleviate adverse reactions associated with antidepressants. However, most pooled results revealed substantial heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The efficacy of traditional acupuncture improving symptoms, sleep, and anxiety and alleviating antidepressant side effects is highly encouraging. However, the low quality of the included studies warrants cautious interpretation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"113049"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865452/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gradient boosting machine model predicts psychiatric complications after deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.","authors":"Sha Liao, Ji-Wei Tang, Yong Li","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113124","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective method for treating the motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, complications such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and delirium that occur after DBS surgery can severely affect a patient's quality of life and the therapeutic effect.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To construct a gradient boosting machine (GBM) risk model to predict the risk of mental complications such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in patients with PD after DBS surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively collected data on patients with PD treated at a top-tier hospital in China between June 2023 and December 2024. During this period, 234 cases were screened and analyzed, of which 70% were included in the modeling set and the remaining 30% in the test set. The modeling set was used to construct the risk prediction model, whereas the test set was used to validate the predictive performance of the model. Additionally, we used the GBM model to predict outcomes for 65 patients with PD who visited the hospital between January 2025 and April 2025, and analyzed the application effect of the model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In a cohort of 234 patients undergoing DBS, the incidence of psychiatric complications such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment was 37.61%. Age, surgery duration, fasting time, family relationship health assessment scale scores, and unified PD rating scale III scores were identified as independent influencing factors. Based on these variables, the constructed GBM model demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with an accuracy of 80.0%, sensitivity of 95.7%, and specificity of 78.6%. Decision curve analysis revealed that the model's clinical benefit and applicability are optimal when the threshold is between 0.09 and 0.70.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prediction model constructed based on the GBM algorithm has good predictive performance and can provide a reference for clinical medical staff to identify groups at high risk for mental complications such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and delirium after DBS.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"113124"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture alleviates depression and gastrointestinal dysfunction by rebalancing GABAergic activity in the central amygdala.","authors":"Hong-Kun Ma, Shan-Lan Zhu, Xue-Yan Li, Yi Yuan, Qing-Yang Huang, Hao Wang, Guo-Ming Shen, Xi-Yang Wang","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.114736","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.114736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression is frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal disturbances, reflecting the close interplay between emotional regulation and gut physiology. The central amygdala (CeA), particularly its GABAergic neurons, has been identified as a critical hub within the brain-gut axis. However, the mechanisms by which CeA inhibitory neurons mediate comorbid depressive and gastrointestinal symptoms remain poorly understood, and their potential as therapeutic targets has not been fully explored.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate CeA GABAergic mechanisms linking mood and gastric function and to appraise the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to induce depressive-like behavior and gastric dysfunction. Behavioral tests, gastric motility assays, and fluorescent gastric emptying imaging were performed. CeA GABAergic activity was examined using immunofluorescence, calcium imaging, and chemogenetic modulation. EA was applied at CV12 and ST36 acupoints, and its therapeutic effects were evaluated across behavioral and gastric measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CUMS mice exhibited reduced exploration, anhedonia, increased immobility, impaired gastric motility, and delayed gastric emptying. Immunofluorescence and calcium imaging revealed hyperactivation of CeA GABAergic neurons. Chemogenetic activation reproduced depressive-like behavior and gastric dysfunction, whereas inhibition alleviated them. EA improved behavioral outcomes, restored gastric motility, and partially reversed the pathological effects of CeA overactivation. These findings demonstrate that CeA GABAergic neurons are central to the comorbidity of depression and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and that EA exerts its therapeutic effects by modulating their activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EA attenuates depressive-like and gastric deficits in CUMS mice, with evidence implicating CeA GABAergic neurons as a contributory node.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"114736"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865527/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of psychological nursing on anxiety, depression, wound healing, and satisfaction in patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma.","authors":"Jin Zhu, Yan-Hua Zhu, Yun Yang","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.108614","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.108614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer for which surgical treatment is currently the primary clinical approach. However, due to the large surgical incision, noticeable scarring can easily occur postoperatively, affecting the patient's facial aesthetics. As such, providing appropriate nursing support during the perioperative period is essential.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the impact of psychological nursing on anxiety, depression, wound healing rates, and satisfaction in patients with superficial BCC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical data from 87 patients with superficial facial BCC, who were treated at the Central Hospital of Enshi Prefecture Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture between February 2023 and February 2025, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to nursing method: Control (routine nursing, <i>n</i> = 42); and intervention (psychological in addition to routine nursing, <i>n</i> = 45). Anxiety and depression symptoms, wound healing rate, pain level, postoperative complications, quality of life, and satisfaction with nursing were compared between the groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After the nursing intervention, the study group exhibited significantly lower Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale scores than the control group (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The wound healing rate in the intervention group (91.11%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (80.95%) (<i>P</i> < 0.05), and the visual analog scale score was lower in the intervention group (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The total incidence of complications in the intervention group (6.67%) was lower than that in the control group (19.05%) (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Postoperative quality of life and satisfaction with nursing were higher in the intervention group (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Psychological nursing intervention(s) effectively alleviated negative emotions, promoted wound healing, reduced pain, improved satisfaction, and reduced postoperative complications in patients with superficial facial BCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"108614"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865459/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictive role of family dysfunction on psychological morbidity in breast cancer patients.","authors":"Zhi-Juan Li, Liang-Ying Chen, Xiu-Fen Zhuang, Pan-Pan Yang, Yan Fang","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113887","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113887","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast cancer affects over 2.3 million women worldwide annually, with 30%-50% experiencing psychological morbidity, including anxiety and depression. Family functioning plays a crucial role in patients' psychological adaptation to cancer, yet the specific predictive relationship between family dysfunction dimensions and psychological outcomes remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to systematically examine how family dysfunction predicts psychological morbidity in breast cancer patients.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore the predictive role of family dysfunction on psychological morbidity in breast cancer patients and develop a clinical risk prediction model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 285 breast cancer patients from June 2022 to March 2025 at a provincial tertiary hospital. Family functioning was assessed using the Family Assessment Device, and psychological health was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors. A comprehensive risk prediction model was developed and validated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall psychological morbidity rate was 41.5% (<i>n</i> = 118), with anxiety symptoms in 28.1% and depressive symptoms in 31.9% of patients. Family dysfunction was present in 32.8% of patients, with communication dysfunction being most prevalent (41.8%). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between all family dysfunction dimensions and psychological morbidity indicators, with communication dysfunction showing the strongest correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.542 for anxiety, <i>r</i> = 0.518 for depression, both <i>P</i> < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that overall family dysfunction was an independent predictor of psychological morbidity (odds ratio = 3.247, 95% confidence interval: 1.832-5.756, <i>P</i> < 0.001), explaining 23.6% of variance (Nagelkerke <i>R</i> ² = 0.236).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Family dysfunction significantly predicts psychological morbidity in breast cancer patients, with communication dysfunction being the most critical dimension. The developed risk prediction model demonstrates good accuracy for clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"113887"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865462/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of excessive smartphone duration and unlock frequency with non-suicidal self-injury in college students.","authors":"Jian Yin, Guang-Dong Wang, Pei-Xi Wu, Hui Yang, Ze-Shi Liu, Yan-Ping Zhang","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.112817","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.112817","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The mental health impact of smartphone use remains incompletely understood. Although several prior studies have suggested a correlation between smartphone usage and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), reliance on self-reported data limits the accuracy of exposure assessment. Objective measurements are needed to elucidate this relationship better.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine the associations of objectively assessed smartphone duration and unlock frequency with NSSI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 17851 college students from China. NSSI was assessed using the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory, which includes ten NSSI behaviors. Smartphone duration and unlock frequency were objectively monitored through participant-submitted screenshots. Binary logistic and restricted cubic spline models were used for analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 17851 participants, 460 (2.6%) exhibited NSSI in the past month. The mean (SD) weekly smartphone duration and unlock frequency were 49.1 (29.9) hours and 390.9 (278.2) times. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and negative life events, smartphone use was significantly and positively associated with NSSI. Compared to students with 0-21 hours/week of smartphone duration, those with ≥ 63 hours/week exhibited a significantly higher risk (odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.11). Similarly, compared to students with 0-50 times/week of smartphone unlock frequency, those with ≥ 400 times/week (odds ratio = 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.00) had significantly higher NSSI risk. Restricted cubic spline analyses confirmed a monotonic increase in NSSI risk with increasing smartphone duration (<i>P</i> value for non-linear = 0.971) and unlock frequency (<i>P</i> value for non-linear = 0.225).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Excessive smartphone duration and unlock frequency are associated with an elevated risk of NSSI among college students, underscoring the need to consider smartphone use behaviors in NSSI prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"112817"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating electromyographic biofeedback in stroke rehabilitation: A paradigm shift in motor and psychological recovery.","authors":"Fu-Gang Luo, Jun-Jie Wang, Hao-Yu Xing, Wen-Ye Wu, Kai-Jie Fang, Juan Yan","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.115160","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.115160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A retrospective study by Yu <i>et al</i> demonstrated the efficacy of adding electromyographic biofeedback to conventional rehabilitation in improving motor function and reducing anxiety in stroke survivors. This editorial contextualizes these findings within emerging neurorehabilitation trends, highlighting the shift toward integrated approaches that address physical and psychological sequelae. Pooled data from 15 studies (<i>n</i> = 1850) revealed that electromyographic biofeedback enhanced Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores for the upper (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.82) and lower limbs (<i>d</i> = 0.79), while reducing anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale: <i>d</i> = -0.75) and depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: <i>d</i> = -0.71). Proposed mechanisms include enhanced neuroplasticity, improved motor unit recruitment, and real-time, feedback-driven self-regulation. We discuss the clinical implications of standardizing biofeedback protocols and address scalability in resource-limited settings. Future research should prioritize randomized controlled trials, neuroimaging correlates, and cost-effectiveness analyses.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"115160"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865413/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-coding RNA in extracellular vesicles and the occurrence and progression of psychiatric disorders: A narrative review.","authors":"Yang Cao, Peng-Fei Li, Lin Zhu, Ke Li, Kuan-Jun He","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113037","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in psychiatric disorders gains increasing prominence, attention has shifted to their dysregulated expression in these conditions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, play a crucial role as key mediators of cellular communication within the brain and between peripheral tissues. Their influence on neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal stress responses underscores their significance in psychopathophysiology. Due to their stability, disease-specific expression, and functional roles, EV-encapsulated ncRNAs have emerged as highly promising biomarkers. This review systematically explores the interactions between EV-derived ncRNAs and psychiatric disorders, evaluating their diagnostic potential and therapeutic applications in the field of psychiatry.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"113037"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865466/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Domino effect of evening chronotype: How chronotype topples adolescent mental health through sleep and social functioning.","authors":"Yun-Tian Xie, Qi Liu, Yu-Xuan Liu","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113937","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.113937","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This commentary elucidates the novel sequential mediation pathway (evening chronotype - sleep quality - social functioning - mental health) identified by Zhao <i>et al</i>, framing it as a coherent \"domino effect\" that links biological predisposition to psychosocial outcomes in adolescents. The analysis extends beyond summary to critically examine how this model advances the theoretical understanding of circadian-related psychopathology by specifying previously understudied mechanisms. The findings necessitate a paradigm shift in intervention design - away from correcting chronotype itself and toward targeting the malleable mediators of sleep and social functioning. A \"chrono-health\" approach is proposed, integrating sleep hygiene with social-skills training within ecologically valid settings such as schools and communities. Finally, the implications of these results are discussed for future longitudinal and experimental research, as well as for policy-making aimed at creating supportive, timing-friendly environments for neurodiverse adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"113937"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865441/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Internet plus-based post-discharge continuity care for mild-to-moderate depression: An exploratory study.","authors":"Pei-Pei Lin, Wei-Wei Lv, Chun-Mian Chen","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.112054","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v16.i2.112054","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Depression is a prevalent global mental health disorder affecting over 300 million individuals, with studies indicating a 34% rise in cases from 2001 to 2020. In China, depression accounts for 3.0% of psychiatric disorders among adolescents, severely impairing patients' quality of life. Despite pharmacological efficacy in acute-phase treatment, post-discharge relapse rates remain high (50% within one year), highlighting the need for effective continuity-of-care interventions. Traditional follow-up models (&lt;i&gt;e.g.&lt;/i&gt;, outpatient visits or telephone calls) face limitations, including inefficient symptom monitoring and low medication adherence (26.4% decline post-discharge). Emerging evidence supports \"Internet\"-based interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which improve adherence (76% &lt;i&gt;vs&lt;/i&gt; 54%) and outcomes. However, few studies have explored \"Internet+\"-enabled extended nursing for mild-to-moderate depression. This study investigates an integrated \"Internet+\" continuity-of-care model leveraging WeChat to enhance post-discharge management, targeting anxiety/depression reduction, cognitive improvement, and nurse professional identity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;To explore the application of the \"Internet+\" concept in post-discharge continuity of care for patients with mild to moderate depression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;From January 2024 to December 2024, 82 patients with mild and moderate depression who met the discharge criteria were selected as participants and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 41 each). The control group received conventional continuity care, while the observation group was provided with an integrated \"Internet+\"-based extended nursing model in addition to standard care. Both groups underwent a comprehensive three-month intervention program. Comparative assessments were conducted between the two groups regarding anxiety and depression levels, cognitive function, medication adherence, satisfaction rates, quality of life, and nursing staff's professional identity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;After the intervention, the observation group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to the control group (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05 for all). Specifically, they exhibited lower scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (7.14 ± 3.08) and Hamilton Depression Scale (6.11 ± 1.05), along with a higher score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (26.82 ± 1.53). Medication compliance was also significantly higher in the observation group (90.24%) than in the control group (70.73%) (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, patient satisfaction ratings across all surveyed domains-including overall satisfaction, the service effect of nursing staff, professional knowledge and skills, communication and listening abilities, time management and punctuality, friendliness and care, privacy protection, and the rationality of nursing service costs were significa","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"16 2","pages":"112054"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865439/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}