World Journal of Psychiatry最新文献

{"title":"Effect of negative mood, serum inflammatory factors, miR-155, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.","authors":"Qi Zhang, Yue Zhao, Guang-Yu Cheng","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99573","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Abdominal postoperative patients are susceptible to postoperative depression resulting from pain and stress, which can hinder their rehabilitation. Acupuncture has shown potential to relieve this condition.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To analyze the mechanism by which acupuncture relieves postoperative depression in patients post-abdominal surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Abdominal postoperative patients with depression between January 2015 and December 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups using the random throwing method: Observation (250 cases, fluoxetine hydrochloride + acupuncture treatment) and control (250 cases, fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment). Changes in negative emotions Hamilton Depression Scale 24, serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6], miR-155 expression levels, and BDNF levels were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements were observed in the observation group compared to the control group in all assessed parameters after six weeks (<i>P</i> < 0.05). This suggests that the combination of fluoxetine hydrochloride and acupuncture may be more effective in managing postoperative depression than medication alone.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Acupuncture complies with the principle of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and ensures the pertinence and effectiveness of treatment. In addition, it not only actively improves depressive symptoms but also effectively regulates the serum level of inflammatory factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"99573"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758059/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459744","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":"Comprehensive view of suicide: A neuro-immune-endocrine approach.","authors":"María D Ponce-Regalado, Enrique Becerril-Villanueva, José Luis Maldonado-García, Martha C Moreno-Lafont, Gabriela Martínez-Ramírez, Salomón Jacinto-Gutiérrez, Rodrigo Arreola, Karla Sánchez-Huerta, Arturo Contis-Montes de Oca, Karla María López-Martínez, Elizabeth Bautista-Rodríguez, José Miguel Chin-Chan, Lenin Pavón, Gilberto Pérez-Sánchez","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.98484","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.98484","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Suicide is defined as the act of a person attempting to take their own life by causing death. Suicide is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a multitude of factors, including psychosocial, cultural, and religious aspects, as well as genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. From a biochemical perspective, it is crucial to consider the communication between the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems when studying the etiology of suicide. Several pathologies involve the bidirectional communication between the peripheral activity and the central nervous system by the action of molecules such as cytokines, hormones, and neurotransmitters. These humoral signals, when present in optimal quantities, are responsible for maintaining physiological homeostasis, including mood states. Stress elevates the cortisol and proinflammatory cytokines levels and alter neurotransmitters balance, thereby increasing the risk of developing a psychiatric disorder and subsequently the risk of suicidal behavior. This review provides an integrative perspective about the neurochemical, immunological, and endocrinological disturbances associated with suicidal behavior, with a particular focus on those alterations that may serve as potential risk markers and/or indicators of the state preceding such a tragic act.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"98484"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758041/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459715","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":"Catatonia induced by antipsychotics in an adolescent male patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report.","authors":"Wen-Qi Geng, Xiao-Xi Yang, Jin-Ya Cao, Jing Wei","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.102259","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.102259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect multiple organs or systems. The involvement of the central nervous system can result in the manifestation of epilepsy, an acute confusional state, and other rare neuropsychiatric presentations, such as catatonia.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>We present a case of an adolescent male patient with first-onset SLE who presented with neuropsychiatric symptoms including epilepsy and delirium. The initial utilization of olanzapine to alleviate symptoms of agitation precipitated the emergence of catatonia, which was mitigated by discontinuing olanzapine and supplementing with lorazepam. In this case, whether the catatonia was secondary to the utilization of antipsychotics or to an organic disease is a question that warrants differential diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Multidisciplinary collaborative management is the cornerstone for the successful management of severe cases of SLE.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"102259"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459631","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":"Improving the outcome in leukemia patients by controlling subthreshold depression and cancer-related fatigue.","authors":"Fa-Yang Xiang, Xin-Ke Li","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99299","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99299","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with leukemia often suffer from the combined effects of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and subthreshold depression, which mutually exacerbate each other in a vicious cycle. In this editorial, we comment on the article by Liu <i>et al</i>, published in the <i>World Journal of Psychiatry</i>. We further elucidate the profound impact of subthreshold depressive symptoms on the experience of CRF and complications in patients with leukemia. This editorial highlights the importance of early identification and treatment of subclinical depression, and advocates for a multidisciplinary and integrated treatment approach that includes social support, psychological interventions, and individualized treatment plans. Future research needs to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the interaction between the two to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"99299"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459730","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":"Determinants of generalized anxiety and construction of a predictive model in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.","authors":"Yi-Pu Zhao, Wei-Hua Liu, Qun-Cheng Zhang","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.98447","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.98447","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently experience exacerbations requiring multiple hospitalizations over prolonged disease courses, which predispose them to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This comorbidity exacerbates breathing difficulties, activity limitations, and social isolation. While previous studies predominantly employed the GAD 7-item scale for screening, this approach is somewhat subjective. The current literature on predictive models for GAD risk in patients with COPD is limited.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;To construct and validate a GAD risk prediction model to aid healthcare professionals in preventing the onset of GAD.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This retrospective analysis encompassed patients with COPD treated at our institution from July 2021 to February 2024. The patients were categorized into a modeling (MO) group and a validation (VA) group in a 7:3 ratio on the basis of the occurrence of GAD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to construct the risk prediction model, which was visualized using forest plots. The model's performance was evaluated using Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 271 subjects were included, with 190 in the MO group and 81 in the VA group. GAD was identified in 67 patients with COPD, resulting in a prevalence rate of 24.72% (67/271), with 49 cases (18.08%) in the MO group and 18 cases (22.22%) in the VA group. Significant differences were observed between patients with and without GAD in terms of educational level, average household income, smoking history, smoking index, number of exacerbations in the past year, cardiovascular comorbidities, disease knowledge, and personality traits (&lt;i&gt;P &lt;&lt;/i&gt; 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lower education levels, household income &lt; 3000 China yuan, smoking history, smoking index ≥ 400 cigarettes/year, ≥ two exacerbations in the past year, cardiovascular comorbidities, complete lack of disease information, and introverted personality were significant risk factors for GAD in the MO group (&lt;i&gt;P &lt;&lt;/i&gt; 0.05). ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curve for predicting GAD in the MO and VA groups was 0.978 and 0.960. The H-L test yielded &lt;i&gt;χ&lt;/i&gt; &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; values of 6.511 and 5.179, with &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.275 and 0.274. Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual GAD occurrence risks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The developed predictive model includes eight independent risk factors: Educational level, household income, smoking history, smoking index, number of exacerbations in the past year, presence of cardiovascular comorbidities, level of disease knowledge, and personality traits. This model effectively predicts the onset of GAD in patients with COPD, enabling early identification ","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"98447"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758039/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459733","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":"Cumulative effects of stress-sensitivity factors on depressive symptoms and suicide risk: A prospective study.","authors":"Xue-Mei Qin, Meng-Qi Xu, Ya-Qi Qin, Fang-Zhou Shao, Mo-Han Ma, Wen-Wen Ou, Guan-Yi Lv, Qian-Qian Zhang, Wen-Tao Chen, Xiao-Tian Zhao, Ao-Qian Deng, Jin-Tao Xiong, Ling-Si Zeng, Yi-Lin Peng, Mei Huang, Shu-Yin Xu, Mei Liao, Li Zhang, Ling-Jiang Li, Yu-Meng Ju, Jin Liu, Bang-Shan Liu, Yan Zhang","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99996","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sensitivity to stress is essential in the onset, clinical symptoms, course, and prognosis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Meanwhile, it was unclear how variously classified but connected stress-sensitivity variables affect MDD. We hypothesize that high-level trait- and state-related stress-sensitivity factors may have different cumulative effects on the clinical symptoms and follow-up outcomes of MDD.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate how stress-sensitivity factors added up and affected MDD clinical symptoms and follow-up results.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective study, 281 MDD patients were enrolled from a tertiary care setting. High-level stress-sensitivity factors were classified as trait anxiety, state anxiety, perceived stress, and neuroticism, with a total score in the top quartile of the research cohort. The cumulative effects of stress-sensitivity factors on cognitive dysfunction, disability and functional impairment, suicide risk, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were examined using an analysis of variance with linear trend analysis. Correlations were investigated further using multiple regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Regarding high-level stress-sensitivity factors, 53.40% of patients had at least one at baseline, and 29.61% had two or more. Four high-level stress-sensitivity components had significant cumulative impacts on MDD symptoms at baseline (all <i>P</i> < 0.001). Perceived stress predicted the greatest effect sizes of state-related factors on depressive symptoms (partial <i>η</i> ² = 0.153; standardized <i>β</i> = 0.195; <i>P</i> < 0.05). The follow-up outcomes were significantly impacted only by the high-level trait-related components, mainly when it came to depressive symptoms and suicide risk, which were predicted by trait anxiety and neuroticism, respectively (partial <i>η</i> ² = 0.204 and 0.156; standardized <i>β</i> = 0.247 and 0.392; <i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To enhance outcomes of MDD and lower the suicide risk, screening for stress-sensitivity factors and considering multifaceted measures, mainly focusing on trait-related ones, should be addressed clinically.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"99996"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758051/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459677","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":"Sodium channel mutation <i>SCN1A</i> T875M, D188V and associated dysfunction with drug resistant epilepsy.","authors":"Pradeep Kumar Dabla, Swapan Gupta, Swati Singh, Aroop Viswas, Manisha Yadav, Subash Chandra Sonkar, Bidhan Chandra Koner","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.100738","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.100738","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The NaV1.1 sodium channel alpha subunit, encoded by <i>SCN1A</i>, is crucial for initiating and propagating action potentials in neurons. <i>SCN1A</i> gene has long been an established target in the etiology and therapy of epilepsy. However, very few studies have investigated the relevance of genetic variations in epilepsy and anti-epileptic drug resistance.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate associations between polymorphisms, rs121917953 T/A and rs121918623 C/T, and drug resistance in epilepsy patients in the north Indian population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 100 age- and sex-matched epilepsy patients (50 drug responsive and 50 drug resistant subjects) were recruited and <i>SCN1A</i> rs121918623 C/T* and rs121917953 T/A* polymorphisms were analyzed by the allele specific-PCR technique. <i>χ</i> ² and Fisher's exact test were used to estimate differences between the distribution of <i>SCN1A</i> rs121918623 and rs121917953 gene polymorphisms among various groups. The association between distinct rs121917953 genotypes and drug resistance was analyzed using logistic regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For the <i>SCN1A</i> rs121917953 T/A* (D188V) polymorphism, a significantly higher proportion of individuals with AT genotype were observed in the drug-resistant group as compared to the drug-responsive group. Additionally, a higher risk association was exhibited by AT genotype for drug resistance with an odds ratio of 3.51 and <i>P</i> value = 0.017. For the <i>SCN1A</i> rs121918623 C/T* (T875M) polymorphism, no significant difference in genotype distribution was observed between the drug-resistant and drug-sensitive groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate that the <i>SCN1A</i> polymorphism D188V is associated with a higher risk of drug resistance for the AT variant as compared to the homozygous TT wild-type. Further research is needed at the functional level and in larger cohorts to determine the potential of these genes as a therapeutic target in epilepsy subjects.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"100738"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459582","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":"Addressing social function in the treatment of depression: A call for holistic approaches.","authors":"Muhammed Fatih Tabara","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.102658","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.102658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article discusses the importance of addressing social functioning impairment in patients with residual depressive symptoms, as highlighted in the study by Liao <i>et al</i>. The authors showed that social dysfunction persists in many patients despite symptom remission. This observation calls for a shift in depression treatment strategies, with an emphasis on integrating social functioning as a key treatment goal. This article suggests targeted interventions that focus on both symptomatic relief and the restoration of social function.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"102658"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459699","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 222-nm ultraviolet disinfection combined with psychological care on the emotional and hospital infection of critical patients.","authors":"Li-Juan Wang, Mei-Juan Wang, Lan Jing, Ran Su, Qiu-Ju Jian, Zhi-Yun Zhang, Mei-Lian Xie","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99449","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99449","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Empathetic psychological care improves mood and enhances the quality of life in critically ill patients.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To study the impact of combining 222-nm ultraviolet (UV) disinfection with empathetic psychological care on emotional states, nosocomial infection rates, and quality of life in critically ill patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 202 critically ill patients admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital (December 2023 to May 2024) were randomly assigned to control (Ctrl, <i>n</i> = 101) or observation groups (Obs, <i>n</i> = 101). The Ctrl group received 222-nm UV disinfection and routine care, while the Obs group received 222-nm UV disinfection with empathetic psychological care. Emotional states [Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)], hospital infection rates, quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey), and patient satisfaction were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At baseline, there were no significant differences in SAS and SDS scores between the groups (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Following care, both groups demonstrated reductions in SAS and SDS scores, with the Obs group exhibiting a significantly greater reduction (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The Obs group also experienced a significantly lower overall hospital infection rate (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Similarly, while baseline 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores did not differ significantly between the groups (<i>P</i> > 0.05), post-care scores improved in both groups, with a greater improvement observed in the Obs group (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Additionally, the Obs group reported higher patient satisfaction ratings (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The combination of 222-nm UV disinfection and empathetic psychological care improves emotional states, reduces hospital infection rates, enhances the quality of life, and increases patient satisfaction among critically ill patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"99449"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758054/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459724","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":"Evaluating the impact of virtual reality on reducing restrictive practices in psychiatric wards.","authors":"Akpoveta Eguono Deborah, Uchenna Esther Okpete, Haewon Byeon","doi":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.101287","DOIUrl":"10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.101287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Phiri <i>et al</i>, which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices (RPs). Specifically, this RCT investigated the impact of VR on the handling of aggressive patients by psychiatric staff compared to traditional training methods. Despite significant reductions in perceived discrimination in the VR group, there were no major improvements in self-efficacy or anxiety levels. The system usability scale rated the VR platform highly, but it did not consistently outperform traditional training methods. Indeed, the study shows the potential for VR to reduce RPs, although fluctuations in RP rates suggest that external factors, such as staff turnover, influenced the outcomes. This manuscript evaluates the study's methodology, results, and broader implications for mental health training. Additionally, it highlights the need for more comprehensive research to establish VR as a standard tool for psychiatric staff education, focusing on patient care outcomes and real-world applicability. Finally, this study explores future research directions, technological improvements, and the potential impact of policies that could enhance the integration of VR in clinical training.</p>","PeriodicalId":23896,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"15 2","pages":"101287"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459747","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}