{"title":"Quetiapine combined with escitalopram in the treatment of bipolar depression.","authors":"Pingping Zhang, Jinchang Huang, Zheng Xiong, Xueqin Liu, Haiying Peng","doi":"10.1177/00912174251316653","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251316653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of escitalopram combined with quetiapine vs quetiapine alone in the treatment of depressive episodes of bipolar disorder (BPD).MethodsEighty-eight hospitalized patients with a BPD depressive episode were recruited into the study. All patients were randomized to a control group (n = 44) or the intervention group (n = 44). Members of the control group received quetiapine fumarate alone, with an initial dose 50 mg twice/day; the dose was increased by 50-100 mg daily until 300-600 mg/d was reached. The treatment group received quetiapine at the same doses plus escitalopram, with the initial dose of escitalopram 10 mg/d, adjusting the dose to 20 mg/d after 1 week. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Scores on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), along with levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MIF, SOD, CAT, MDA and GSH-Px, were compared between groups.ResultsAmong those in the intervention group, 88.6% of participants experienced a 50% or greater reduction in HAMD score compared to 70.5% in the control group (<i>P</i> < .05). Participants in the intervention group also experienced a significantly greater reductions in IL-6, IL-1β, MIF and MDA levels (<i>P</i> < .05), and a significant increase in SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels compared to the control group (<i>P</i> < .05).ConclusionEscitalopram oxalate combined with quetiapine is more effective than quetiapine alone in the treatment of patients with bipolar depressive episodes. This combination can effectively improve the symptoms of depression, inhibit the body's inflammatory response, regulate the state of oxidative stress, and does not increase the risk of mania.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"624-636"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143366740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eman Fouad Mohamed, Amany Elshabrawy Mohamed, Amira Mohamed Youssef, Mohammad Gamal Sehlo, Eman Seif Alnasr Soliman, Abdallah Saad Ibrahim
{"title":"Prevalence and correlates of problematic pornography use among undergraduate medical students in Egypt.","authors":"Eman Fouad Mohamed, Amany Elshabrawy Mohamed, Amira Mohamed Youssef, Mohammad Gamal Sehlo, Eman Seif Alnasr Soliman, Abdallah Saad Ibrahim","doi":"10.1177/00912174251329440","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251329440","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivePornography use can become addictive when a person loses control of watching sexual materials, such as sex graphic images and movies, and is unable to stop doing so despite negative consequences. Pornography addiction is a disorder that can impair mental health, behavior, and performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of problematic pornography use among medical students in Egypt.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 614 undergraduate medical students selected from each of the 6 academic years at a faculty of medicine in Egypt. The short version of the problematic pornography consumption scale (PPCS-6) was used to determine problem pornography use. Sociodemographic information and academic performance data were collected, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was administered to assess depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.ResultsNearly one-quarter (23.3%) of students had problematic pornography use. Problematic pornography use was associated with older age and male sex. Students with problematic pornography use reported fewer hours studying and had lower test scores in the previous year than those without problematic pornography use. Medical students with problematic pornography had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms compared to those without.ConclusionsProblematic pornography use is a common problem among medical students at a university in Egypt, is present in nearly one-quarter of students, and is significantly associated with older age, male sex, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as well as poorer academic performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"714-731"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Damian Swieczkowski, Aleksander Kwaśny, Michal Pruc, Zuzanna Gaca, Lukasz Szarpak, Wiesław J Cubała
{"title":"Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a rapid-acting treatment for cancer-related depression and anxiety: Evidence from a network meta-analysis.","authors":"Damian Swieczkowski, Aleksander Kwaśny, Michal Pruc, Zuzanna Gaca, Lukasz Szarpak, Wiesław J Cubała","doi":"10.1177/00912174251337572","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251337572","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo evaluate psilocybin's efficacy in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in cancer patients based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsThis systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) followed PRISMA and Cochrane Handbook guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library data up to July 2024 were analyzed. Two RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Changes in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were assessed on day 1 and on 2-week follow-up. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0.ResultsPsilocybin significantly reduced BDI scores at day 1 post-administration (MD = 2.26; <i>P</i> = 0.01), though effects were not sustained at 2 weeks. STAI state scores showed substantial reductions at both day 1 (MD = 11.52; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and 2 weeks (MD = 12.66; <i>P</i> < 0.001). STAI trait scores also improved on both day 1 and day 14. The highest psilocybin dose (0.3 mg/kg) was the most effective, with SUCRA values of 87.81% (BDI), 91.58% (STAI state), and 94.2% (STAI trait).ConclusionsFindings suggest psilocybin may rapidly reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in cancer patients, but methodological limitations, including the small number of trials, necessitate cautious interpretation. Larger, high-quality RCTs are needed to verify its clinical potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"603-623"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144052068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, combined antipsychotic and antidepressant treatment for bipolar depression, duration of birth control pill use and risk of depression, handgrip strength and cognitive function, mood disorders in epilepsy, and mental health issues among physicians.","authors":"Harold G Koenig","doi":"10.1177/00912174251369880","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251369880","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"599-602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144977314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nevena D Randjelovic, Dragana I Ignjatovic-Ristic, Marina V Petronijevic, Kristina Z Dugalic
{"title":"Risk of suicide among oncologists in Serbia.","authors":"Nevena D Randjelovic, Dragana I Ignjatovic-Ristic, Marina V Petronijevic, Kristina Z Dugalic","doi":"10.1177/00912174251320720","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251320720","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThere is limited research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among oncologists. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal thoughts among these healthcare providers in Serbia.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2024 involving 159 oncologists from Serbia and the Republic of Srpska. Respondents completed an online questionnaire which assessed socio-demographic and work characteristics and included the Risk Assessment Suicidality Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Brief Resilience Scale.ResultsResults indicated that 21.4% of oncologists reported elevated suicidality scores. Medical oncologists had the highest average suicidality scores compared to surgical and radiation oncologists, although these differences were not statistically significant. Key associated factors with suicidality included seeing a psychiatrist, undergoing psychiatric therapy, having family history of depression, and family history of suicide attempts and/or suicide. Resilience and sense of personal accomplishment were inversely associated with suicidality.ConclusionsThe finding that 1 in 5 oncologists had elevated suicidality scores underscores the urgent need for mental health support for members of this profession, particularly those showing signs of distress. Interventions should promote resilience, enhance personal accomplishment, and ensure easy access to psychiatric care. While these results contribute to the limited data on suicidality among oncologists, they also identify gaps that future studies should address, such as the need for larger sample sizes and the exploration of other potential risk factors. Addressing oncologists' mental health challenges is critical to reducing suicide risk and fostering well-being in this high-risk profession.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"681-697"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143426552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between duration of birth control pill use and risk of depression among US women.","authors":"Yajing Sun, Chen Zhang","doi":"10.1177/00912174251334309","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251334309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo explore the association between the duration of birth control pill use (DBCPU) and the risk for depressive symptoms among women in the United States.MethodCross-sectional data from 4996 American women obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2012, were analyzed to evaluate the association between DBCPU and depressive symptoms using multivariate logistic regression models, fitted smooth curves, and subgroup and threshold analyses.ResultsStatistically significant differences (<i>P</i> < 0.05) were found for DBCPU, age at menarche, age stratification, race, and marital status. The adjusted weighted logistic regression model revealed a negative correlation between DBCPU and depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that this association was stronger among women without diabetes. The restricted cubic splines plot indicated that the risk for depressive symptoms decreased as DBCPU increased. Threshold effect analysis identified an inflection point at 9.3, with a more significant risk reduction below this value (odds ratio 0.94 [95% confidence interval 0.90-0.98]; <i>P</i> = 0.006).ConclusionLong-term oral contraceptive use may be an effective intervention strategy for the prevention and treatment of depression in women; however, further prospective studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"637-647"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144006524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Self-prescription of opioids, sedative-hypnotics, and other psychotropic medications among physicians in South Korea.","authors":"Agnus M Kim, Min Kyoung Han, Younsuk Choi","doi":"10.1177/00912174251327927","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251327927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveLittle is known about the actual practice of self-prescription among physicians, especially regarding potentially habit-forming drugs. This study was conducted to describe the self-prescription of opioids, sedative-hypnotics, and other psychotropic medications among physicians in South Korea.MethodsThe self-prescription data on physicians from 2020 to 2023 were obtained from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The prevalence of self-prescription and the average number of pills of self-prescribed potentially habit-forming drugs were presented in comparison with the prescription of these drugs among the general population.ResultsThe total number of practicing physicians in Korea ranged from 110,492 in 2020 to 118,951 in 2023. About seven percent of practicing physicians self-prescribed opioids, sedative-hypnotics, or other potentially habit-forming drugs, which was less than one fifth the proportion prescribed among the general population. Zolpidem was the most commonly self-prescribed medication, with other sedatives, anxiolytics, and appetite suppressants also being frequently self-prescribed. Although the prevalence of self-prescription among physicians was lower than the prevalence of similar prescriptions in the general population, the number of pills of these medications per physician who self-prescribed was higher than that prescribed in the general population.ConclusionsDespite a lower prevalence of self-prescribed opioids, sedative hypnotics, and other potentially habit-forming drugs compared to the prescription of these medications in the general population, a higher number of pills self-prescribed in physicians compared to that prescribed in the general population suggests that self-prescribing of potentially habit-forming drugs, at least for some physicians, may be a problem. If these results are confirmed, closer monitoring of the self-prescribing habits of physicians in South Korea may be needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"698-713"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143694315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiyu Chen, Xieting Zhou, Hang Li, Qing Zhang, Juan-Juan Qin
{"title":"Longitudinal bidirectional association between hand grip strength and cognitive function in Chinese older adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.","authors":"Jiyu Chen, Xieting Zhou, Hang Li, Qing Zhang, Juan-Juan Qin","doi":"10.1177/00912174251332728","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251332728","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study examined the longitudinal association between handgrip strength and cognitive function and the temporal sequence of changes in both factors in a national longitudinal cohort of Chinese older adults.MethodData were derived from 3 waves (2011 baseline, 2013 follow-up, 2015 follow-up) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants were those with no memory-related disorders at baseline and follow-up, and those who had complete handgrip strength and cognitive data. Handgrip strength in at least one hand was measured in all 3 waves. The highest recorded value during the handgrip test was used as the outcome of the strength measurement. Mental intactness and episodic memory were used to assess the overall cognitive function at each wave of data collection. Cross-lagged panel models were used to examine the relationship between handgrip strength and cognition over time.ResultsA total of 2550 participants were included in the data analysis. Age of participants at baseline was 60-83 years, and 43.9% were female (n = 1120). The 5.7% of participants with weak muscle strength (n = 145) had slightly lower cognitive function than those in the normal group. Cross-lagged panel analysis showed that baseline overall cognitive scores predicted subsequent handgrip strength. At the same time, handgrip strength at baseline predicted subsequent overall cognitive scores. The results remained robust after accounting for confounding factors.ConclusionThere was a longitudinal bidirectional correlation between handgrip strength and cognitive function in elderly Chinese individuals. Future studies should determine whether interventions to improve one (e.g., handgrip strength) might slow the development of the other (e.g., cognitive impairment).</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"648-661"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Youngoh Bae, Chaeyoon Kang, Unbi Choi, Hohyun Jung, Seung Won Lee
{"title":"Risk of mood disorders after epilepsy diagnosis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study in South Korea.","authors":"Youngoh Bae, Chaeyoon Kang, Unbi Choi, Hohyun Jung, Seung Won Lee","doi":"10.1177/00912174251336045","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251336045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveEpilepsy is a globally prevalent neurological condition associated with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. This study analyzed the prevalence of and hazard ratios for mood disorders, as well as risk factors, among patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy using a comprehensive South Korean national health database.MethodHealth insurance and health examination data (2004-2013) were utilized in this retrospective cohort study. Patients newly diagnosed with epilepsy based on International Classification of Diseases-10th revision codes and without a mood disorder history were included. Mean follow-up duration was 3.6 years and 4.1 years for the epilepsy and control cohorts, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic and health variables were used to estimate the risk of developing mood disorders post-epilepsy diagnosis.ResultsA total of 2210 patients with epilepsy and 22,100 matched controls without epilepsy were included. Those with epilepsy exhibited a 3-fold increased risk of developing mood disorders compared with controls (incidence rate ratio: 3.10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.75-3.49]). The risk was highest in the first two years post-diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.42 [95% CI: 2.90-4.03]). A notable increase in risk was also observed 8-10 years post-diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.07 [(95% CI: 1.14-8.22]), indicating a sustained long-term risk.ConclusionsEpilepsy significantly increases the risk of mood disorders, with the highest risk observed shortly after diagnosis. Continuous monitoring and tailored interventions are essential for managing patients' mental health. Integrated care approaches are needed to treat epilepsy and associated mood disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"662-680"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association Between Serum Uric Acid/Creatinine Ratio and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Evidence from Two Large Population-Based Studies in China and the United States.","authors":"Jiang-Yu Tu, Meng-Qin Tu","doi":"10.1177/00912174251384015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00912174251384015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveEmerging evidence suggests that serum uric acid (SUA) can modulate depressive symptoms, potentially via mechanisms involving oxidative stress. However, whether the serum uric acid/creatinine ratio (SUA/Cr)-a biomarker reflecting net uric acid production-is linked to depressive symptoms in middle-to-late life populations remains unknown.MethodsLongitudinal and cross-sectional analyses were conducted utilizing nationally representative samples from two countries: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for longitudinal assessment and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for cross-sectional evaluation. Multivariable Cox and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between the SUA/Cr and depressive symptoms. Dose-response relationships were modeled using restricted cubic splines (RCS), while sensitivity analyses assessed the stability of results. ResultsFrom CHARLS (N = 4317), multivariable Cox regression revealed an inverse relationship between SUA/Cr and depressive symptoms (P-linearity<0.05), with each 1-unit increase linked to a 3% lower risk (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94-0.99). Q4 showed reduced risk vs Q1 (HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77-0.97). NHANES analysis of cross-sectional data (N = 18 677) confirmed this inverse association (P- linearity<0.05), with a 6% lower odds of significant depression per 1-unit SUA/Cr increase (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.87-1.03). Q3 and Q4 had significantly lower odds vs Q1 (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64-0.95, and OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65-0.98, respectively). RCS curves confirmed dose-response relationships in both cohorts. Findings remained consistent in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionDepressive symptoms in middle-to-late adulthood were found to be negatively correlated with SUA/Cr levels in longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses. These findings suggest that SUA/Cr levels may function as a biological indicator to facilitate early detection and proactive intervention for depressive disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"912174251384015"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145193808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}