Murad Atmaca, Sevler Yildiz, Muhammed Fatih Tabara, Mehmet Gurkan Gurok, Mustafa Yildirim, Hanefi Yildirim
{"title":"Reduced pineal gland volume in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.","authors":"Murad Atmaca, Sevler Yildiz, Muhammed Fatih Tabara, Mehmet Gurkan Gurok, Mustafa Yildirim, Hanefi Yildirim","doi":"10.1177/00912174241287996","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174241287996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivePatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have changes in their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and as a result, have increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol and reduced secretion of melatonin. Examination of pineal gland volumes in patients with OCD compared to healthy controls, thus, is an important consideration and the focus of this study.MethodsA total of 20 patients with OCD and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were assessed, and structural magnetic resonance imaging was performed.ResultsPatients with OCD had a statistically significant smaller pineal gland volumes compared to healthy controls.ConclusionIn this pilot study, patients with OCD exhibited smaller pineal gland volumes compared to healthy control subjects. While this finding suggests a potential link between the pineal gland and OCD pathophysiology, further research with larger sample sizes and measurement of hormonal changes is necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"508-516"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142331576","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":"Post-stroke anxiety, pineal gland in OCD, insomnia, exercise and cognitive function, childhood trauma in functional seizures, detection of child mental health problems, and sources of mental health care in the congo: Treatments and epidemiology.","authors":"Harold G Koenig","doi":"10.1177/00912174251348970","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251348970","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"491-494"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200730","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}
Randi H Libbon, Meagan Watson, Sunita Ramocan, Abbie Pennetti, Laura Strom, Zachary Giano
{"title":"Associations between violent/sexual childhood trauma and maladaptive coping in patients with functional seizures.","authors":"Randi H Libbon, Meagan Watson, Sunita Ramocan, Abbie Pennetti, Laura Strom, Zachary Giano","doi":"10.1177/00912174251314216","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251314216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveFunctional seizures (FS) are a highly debilitating symptom of functional neurological disorder (FND). FS require a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment because the patient's initial presentation may be to neurology, emergency medicine, or primary care, and the treatment consists of psychotherapy. People with FS commonly experience severe childhood trauma, particularly sexual trauma. The present study examined associations between reported trauma and maladaptive coping mechanisms in the FS population.MethodsThis retrospective, observational study reports on 137 patients enrolled in the FS Clinic at the University of Colorado between March 2020 - March 2021. Linear regression was used to examine associations between self-reported childhood sexual and violent trauma and maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame and disengagement based on the Brief COPE. A quantile regression was generated for each of these outcomes.ResultsResults indicated that violent trauma and sexual trauma were reported by 47.5% and 61.6% of the sample, respectively. Of those exposed to violent trauma, 27.2% perceived it as extremely severe while 43.4% of those exposed to sexual trauma perceived it as extremely severe. Quantile regression for self-blame and disengagement showed significance for the 25th percentile of those who experienced violent trauma. Self-blame was significantly associated with the 50th and 75th percentile of those exposed to sexual trauma.ConclusionsThese findings supports the value of identifying trauma experienced by individuals with FS as it is associated with specific coping mechanisms that may affect treatment. Identifying prior trauma and current coping responses may assist in individualizing care for people with FS.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"553-568"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142967139","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":"Heart rate during moderate exercise and cognitive function among adolescents: An experimental study.","authors":"Krzysztof Janota, Bertrand Janota","doi":"10.1177/00912174241309712","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174241309712","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveExisting studies on the effects of physical activity on cognitive function have predominantly focused on pre- or post-exercise effects, leaving a gap in understanding with regard to immediate cognitive impacts during physical exertion. Understanding cognitive performance during activity could have significant implications for improving productivity and the development of therapeutic strategies.MethodsThis study examined the relationship between heart rate and cognitive performance, specifically attention, using the D2 attention test among 32 adolescents aged 12-18 years. Participants underwent attention assessments at rest and while moving at target heart rates of 100 bpm, 120 bpm, and 140 bpm. The influence of body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality on attention was also analyzed.ResultsA positive correlation between heart rate and attention was observed (r = 0.39, <i>P</i> < .005), indicating enhanced cognitive performance with increased heart rate. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between BMI and attention (r = -0.37, <i>P</i> = .039) and a positive correlation was found between sleep quality and attention (r = 0.66, <i>P</i> = .014).ConclusionThese findings suggest that moderate physical activity can enhance attention, which could inform the design of educational, therapeutic, and occupational strategies. Future research should explore the generalizability of these findings across different cognitive domains, age group, and setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"543-552"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142848265","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}
Y Deepa, A Vijay, L Nivethitha, G Nandhakumar, S Sathiya, A Mooventhan
{"title":"Effects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Y Deepa, A Vijay, L Nivethitha, G Nandhakumar, S Sathiya, A Mooventhan","doi":"10.1177/00912174241301279","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174241301279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveInsomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying sleep, or both. Aromatherapy is a commonly used complementary and alternative medicine practice by persons with insomnia. Previous studies have shown that use of chamomile oil during massage therapy improves the quality of sleep (QoS). However, to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of chamomile oil inhalation on the treatment of insomnia. The present study evaluated the effect of chamomile oil inhalation on QoS and insomnia severity in persons with insomnia.MethodsA total of 80 participants ages 18-35 with insomnia were randomly assigned to aromatherapy group (AG; n = 40) or a control group (CG; n = 40). Those in the AG group received chamomile oil inhalation, while those in the CG group engaged in their normal routine for 10 minutes a day, daily for 15 days. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were administered before and after the intervention.ResultsWithin-group analysis showed a significant reduction both in PSQI and ISI scores among those in the AG (<i>P</i> < 0.001 for both scores), whereas the CG reported a significant reduction in PSQI score (<i>P</i> = 0.033) and no significant changes in ISI score (<i>P</i> = 0.068). The between-group analysis after the intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in PSQI and ISI scores in the AG group (<i>P</i> < 0.001 for both) compared to the CG group. No participant in either group reported adverse events during or after the study.ConclusionFifteen days of chamomile oil inhalation before bedtime reduced insomnia severity and enhanced the quality of sleep for young adults suffering from insomnia. Further studies are needed to replicate the results of this study using an active control group.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"533-542"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142631861","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":"Effect of sertraline combined with psychological hotline-based Naikan therapy in the treatment of adolescents with depressive disorder.","authors":"Ziming Zhang, Liping He, Panchun Dong, Yu Tian, Tairong Ai, Zhixuan Wang, Hongli Wang, Cheng Ma, Fuqiang Mao, Lijie Zhang","doi":"10.1177/00912174251337180","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251337180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study examined the effect of sertraline combined with psychological hotline-based Naikan therapy (a structured form of self-reflection) in the treatment of adolescents with depressive disorder. Hotline-based Naikan therapy is where telephone operators who have been trained in this form of therapy help address psychological distress for callers through telephone counselling.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 93 adolescent outpatients with depressive disorder, with 47 participants assigned to the combined group and 46 to the sertraline alone group. Adolescents in the combined group received treatment using sertraline at the same dose as those in the sertraline alone group. Depression and anxiety levels in both groups were evaluated using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) at baseline and after the 2nd, 4th and 12th week of treatment.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups at baseline in terms of demographic or clinical characteristics. Participants in both the combined and sertraline groups reported no serious adverse reactions. By the end of the 12th week of treatment, significant between-group differences were found on the SDS and the SAS scores, favoring the combined treatment group (χ<sup>2</sup> = 6.68, <i>P</i> = 0.010 and χ<sup>2</sup> = 5.68, <i>P</i> = 0.017, respectively).ConclusionSertraline combined with psychological hotline-based Naikan therapy is more effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents with depressive disorder than in those receiving sertraline alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"517-532"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046072","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":"Safety and efficacy of fluoxetine in post-stroke anxiety: A pilot prospective randomized open blinded endpoint (PROBE) study.","authors":"Satish Barki, Deepti Vibha, Sudhir Pachipala, Kamalesh Tayade, Shubham Misra, Manabesh Nath, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Nand Kumar","doi":"10.1177/00912174241296233","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174241296233","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThe prevalence of post-stroke anxiety (PSA) is reported to be 20%-25%. There is insufficient evidence on the efficacy of antidepressants for treating anxiety in such patients. This Prospective Randomized Open Blinded Endpoint (PROBE) study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of fluoxetine in PSA.MethodsIn this single-center pilot study conducted in India, post-stroke patients (1-6 months after stroke) were randomized to fluoxetine (intervention group: 20 mg/ day for 12 weeks) or standard medical care (control group). The primary outcome was improvement in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) at 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes were anxiety remission (>50% improvement in HAM-A), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), quality of life (SF-36), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). A linear regression analysis was done for determinants of HAM-A to account for baseline differences in the intervention and control groups.ResultsA total of 60 patients were randomized (30 to the intervention group, 30 to the control group). The overall prevalence of post-stroke anxiety among participants in the study was 50.8%, and 31.5% experienced both anxiety and depression. The average HAM-A score at baseline was 11, and average follow-up score at study conclusion was 4. There was similar improvement in the HAM-A score at 12 weeks post-randomization in the intervention and control groups [fluoxetine: -8.0 (95% CI = -11.0 to -4.0); control: -7.0 (95% CI = -9.5 to -4.0); <i>p</i> = 0.91]. Likewise, there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups at 12 weeks post-randomization on the mRS, BI, SF-36, or HAM-D. There were no serious adverse events in either group during the study.ConclusionFluoxetine and standard medical care had comparable improvement in HAM-A in post-stroke patients with mild anxiety at 12 weeks. Further study of the pharmacological treatment of post-stroke patients with more severe anxiety is needed.Clinical trial registrationCTRI/2018/12/016568.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"495-507"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142512223","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}
Vandad Sharifi, Ramin Mojtabai, Zahra Shahrivar, Hadi Zarafshan, Lawrence Wissow
{"title":"Detection of child mental health problems by general practitioners in a low-resource setting.","authors":"Vandad Sharifi, Ramin Mojtabai, Zahra Shahrivar, Hadi Zarafshan, Lawrence Wissow","doi":"10.1177/00912174251336103","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251336103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo examine the accuracy of general practitioners (GPs) in identifying children with probable mental health problems, and to determine factors associated with accuracy.MethodThis study is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a trial involving 1051 children aged 5-15 years and their parents, recruited from 40 GP practices participating in a collaborative care network in Tehran, Iran. 'Probable mental health problem' was defined by a positive result on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). At the baseline visit, GPs, unaware of SDQ ratings, recorded if they noted any mental health problem in children and indicated the treatments or referrals they had provided. Multilevel regression analyses identified factors associated with GPs' correct detection of children with probable mental health problems.ResultsGPs labeled 311 children (29.7%) as having a mental health problem, and of those, referred 109 for psychiatric consultation. In contrast, the prevalence of 'probable mental health problems' was 35.3% (N = 369). Of children with probable mental health problems, GPs correctly identified 207 (56.1%), while failing to detect 162 (43.9%). In the adjusted regression analysis, correct identification was associated with higher SDQ total score, emotional problem and hyperactivity subscale scores. In addition, parents' poor mental health and a past history of mental health service use were also significantly and independently associated with correct identification of probable mental health problems by GPs.ConclusionsThese findings suggest the need for enhanced training of GPs in Iran, specifically in detecting less severe and less apparent mental health problems among children.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"569-580"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144030043","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":"Religion and mental health seeking behaviors in war-torn zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.","authors":"Bives Mutume Nzanzu Vivalya, Martial Mumbere Vagheni, Astride Lina Piripiri, Jean-Bosco Kahindo Mbeva","doi":"10.1177/00912174251316784","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00912174251316784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveAlthough religious leaders play an important role in providing informal mental health care to individuals struggling to seek religious and spiritual care, existing studies have not explored the role of psychiatric symptoms and motivating factors in seeking mental health services from religious leaders in religious listening centers and mental hospitals. This paper presents preliminary data from a survey aimed at assessing psychiatric symptoms and factors associated with access to spiritual services among 151 individuals at a religious listening center, as well as to determine the pathways of care among 150 patients attending a mental health clinic in conflict zones of the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.MethodA total of 301 participants were screened for psychiatric symptoms and factors motivating access to religious leaders using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine information on psychiatric symptoms and factors affecting access to spiritual and mental health services.ResultsNearly 6 in 10 individuals seeking spiritual help in the religious center had significant psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, 7 in 10 patients sought help for mental health needs from religious leaders and healers before seeking conventional mental health services. Among such individuals, there was a high prevalence of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, recurrent admissions, and poor adherence to psychotropic medication.ConclusionThese results highlight the need for greater integration of mental health services with the care provided by religious organizations within conflict zones such as the Congo. They also emphasize the need for greater promotion of person-centered care that considers and integrates patients' religious beliefs in their treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"581-594"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143030280","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}
Rutger V A Hollestelle, Jochem K H Spoor, Iscander M Maissan, Maxine Dibué
{"title":"Letter to the Editor; Regarding the Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter, as a Proxy for Intracranial Pressure.","authors":"Rutger V A Hollestelle, Jochem K H Spoor, Iscander M Maissan, Maxine Dibué","doi":"10.1177/00912174251365490","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00912174251365490","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50294,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"912174251365490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144762186","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}