Discover mental health最新文献

{"title":"An assessment of the association between therapeutic relationships and insight among those with acquired brain injury and intellectual disability.","authors":"Andrea Sica, Corinne McCabe, Kevin Tierney","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00150-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00150-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The association between therapeutic relationships (TR) and Insight into overall deficit and skill among clinical populations is supported by a very limited number of studies. Even fewer of these have explored the association in brain injury or disability populations, and none have explored the association outside of therapeutic settings with qualified professionals such as psychologists. In fact, the impact of TR on Insight when interventions are delivered by frontline, non-clinically trained staff is virtually unexplored. This explorative, correlational study of 24 adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) (N = 11) and intellectual disability (ID; N = 13) and their 24 keyworkers aimed to address this gap. The Scale To Assess Therapeutic Relationships (STAR) provided the measure of TR while the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS) provided the measure of Insight. Participants were recruited from a residential community service. Spearman's rho correlations between the STAR and PCRS and each of their subscales revealed no significant correlations in the overall sample. However, several post-hoc correlations reached statistical significance within the ABI group. These findings support the hypothesis of an interplay between TR and Insight following ABI. Reasons why this interplay was not found in the overall sample or the ID group are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11861831/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Digital detox: exploring the impact of cybersecurity fatigue on employee productivity and mental health.","authors":"Filiz Mizrak, Hatice Gökçe Demirel, Okan Yaşar, Turhan Karakaya","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00149-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00149-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the growing phenomenon of cybersecurity fatigue and its implications for employee productivity and mental health in the high-demand sectors of information technology (IT), finance, healthcare and education. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the study surveyed 351 employees from these industries to analyze the relationships between cybersecurity fatigue, work efficiency, and mental health indicators, including stress and anxiety. The findings highlight cybersecurity fatigue as a significant factor contributing to burnout, reduced productivity, and increased psychological strain. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrates the moderating effects of digital detox initiatives and mental health support strategies in mitigating fatigue and improving employee well-being and organizational performance. This research addresses a critical gap by focusing on the human dimensions of cybersecurity management and offers practical recommendations for simplifying protocols and fostering resilience. The study provides actionable insights for organizations operating under stringent cybersecurity requirements, enabling them to enhance employee satisfaction and performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11861440/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A narrative review on the psychosocial domains of the impact of organ transplantation.","authors":"Nicholas Aderinto, Gbolahan Olatunji, Emmanuel Kokori, Ikponmwosa Jude Ogieuhi, Abdulrahmon Moradeyo, Nathnael Abera Woldehana, Zainab Doyinsola Lawal, Busayo Adetunji, Grace Assi, Muhammad Wajeeh Nazar, Yewande Abigail Adebayo","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00148-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00148-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review explores organ transplantation, spanning historical developments, psychosocial impacts, and future directions. In the pre-transplantation phase, evaluations of psychosocial factors, including substance use, mental health, and social support, are essential for successful outcomes. However, linking total psychosocial risk scores to post-transplant outcomes remains challenging despite available tools and assessments. Patient selection criteria and psychological assessments are pivotal in achieving successful transplantation outcomes. The age of donors significantly impacts transplant outcomes across various organs, highlighting the urgency of addressing organ shortages. Meticulous patient selection, including thorough psychosocial evaluations, ensures recipients possess the necessary emotional resilience and support systems for successful transplantation. Both pre- and post-transplantation psychological evaluation processes are crucial for assessing and supporting individuals throughout the transplant journey. Posttransplant evaluations continue to monitor adjustment difficulties, medication adherence, and complex emotions, enabling timely intervention and personalized support. The waiting period before transplantation presents significant challenges, including uncertainty, anxiety, and social isolation. Robust emotional support and coping mechanisms are crucial during this transitional phase, fostering resilience and hope among waitlist candidates. Psychological challenges during and after transplantation, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, are common among recipients. Coping mechanisms, such as religious/spiritual approaches, social support, and participation in support groups, play pivotal roles in patient adjustment and recovery. Ethical considerations are paramount in ensuring fair and effective transplantation practices, including organ allocation, adherence to post-transplant care, financial burdens, and the interplay between medical and psychosocial factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11850674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143484861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between disease management self-efficacy, mental toughness, and quality of life in cardiovascular patients.","authors":"Parisa Janjani, Parisa Nosrati, Arash Ziapour, Mehdi Khezeli, Sahand Geravand, Reza Heidari Moghadam, Murat Yıldırım","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00133-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00133-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. Understanding the psychological factors that influence the well-being of cardiovascular patients is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study investigates the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between self-efficacy for disease management, mental toughness, and quality of life in cardiovascular patients.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a specialized cardiology hospital in western Iran in 2022. The research employed correlation structure analyses and structural equation modeling. A total of 313 eligible patients with coronary artery disease participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires on coping strategies, self-efficacy in disease management, mental toughness, and quality of life. Of these, 303 valid responses were and analyzed using SPSS version 26 and PLS_3 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicated that self-efficacy and mental toughness are directly and indirectly related to quality of life through the mediation of problem-oriented coping style. Self-efficacy positively influenced problem-oriented coping styles (β = 0.226), which in turn enhanced quality of life (β = 0.192). Mental toughness showed a direct positive effect on quality of life (β = 0.276) and an indirect effect through problem-oriented coping (β = 0.032). However, Structural Equation Modeling did not confirm the mediation of emotion-oriented coping style, indicating no significant influence from self-efficacy or mental toughness on quality of life through this path. Additionally, patients with higher self-efficacy in managing their disease reported higher quality of life (β = 0.352).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results highlight the importance of boosting self-efficacy and mental toughness in patients to improve their coping strategies and overall quality of life. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating these psychological factors into their treatment plans to achieve better patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11850667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Direct observation systems for child behavior assessment in early childhood education: a systematic literature review.","authors":"Maha Al-Hendawi, Esraa Hussein, Sughra Darwish","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00139-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00139-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic literature review critically assessed the use of direct observation systems (DOSs) in early childhood educational research, highlighting their role in the objective and systematic evaluation of child behavior and classroom dynamics. Our comprehensive analysis distinguishes between standardized and non-standardized observation systems regarding their applications, target groups, and capabilities for assessing diverse behavioral constructs in early childhood education settings. We synthesized data from 88 empirical studies, including standardized (47 studies) and non-standardized (41 studies) approaches. While the standardized DOS was defined as that which was consistently replicated across multiple research projects, the non-standardized DOS was tailored to the unique requirements of individual studies. Our findings suggest that while the standardized DOS offers a reliable method for generalized behavioral assessment, the non-standardized DOS is also widely and effectively used because it provides the flexibility required for more targeted behavioral evaluations. The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and the Individualized Classroom Assessment Scoring System (inCLASS) represent commonly used standardized tools, while non-standardized systems demonstrate particular strength in context-specific applications. The majority of the research was situated within pre-elementary contexts, with standardized studies having a median sample size of 158 compared to 136 non-standardized studies. Gender representation across the studies was notably equitable. A significant portion of related research has focused on populations at-risk of or diagnosed with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBDs) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), accounting for 59.6% of standardized studies and 80.5% of non-standardized studies. DOS predominantly addressed emotional regulation (42%) and externalizing behaviors (21%).</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11850679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the effects of long-COVID on mental health in the United States: a population based study.","authors":"Anusua Datta","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00142-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00142-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While most individuals recover fully from COVID-19, a significant proportion of survivors experience prolonged symptoms lasting three months or more, a condition commonly referred to as long-COVID. Long-COVID conditions have been associated with reduced quality of life. By utilizing a nationally representative sample of nearly a million Americans, this study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of long-COVID on anxiety and depression in the U.S.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilize the Household Pulse Survey data, which provides the first population-based sample on the prevalence of long-COVID, beginning with its June 2022 wave. This survey also includes questions on respondents' mental health status-specifically anxiety and depression. We employ a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences framework to conduct research using control groups, to predict anxiety and depression among individuals who suffered from long-COVID.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Approximately 51.8% of those surveyed tested positive for COVID-19 and of these 27.3% reported suffering from long-COVID. Individuals with long-COVID were twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression relative to those with mild/asymptomatic COVID-19. Our analysis at the sub-group level revealed that younger adults and females were disproportionately affected, reporting higher rates of anxiety and depression in both the COVID-19 and long-COVID groups. Additionally, individuals with lower income and educational attainment were more likely to experience mental health challenges. Relative to the reference group (Asians), Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics exhibited significantly higher odds of anxiety and depression in both groups. Notably, long-COVID was linked to a higher incidence of depression among males, which is consistent with previous research.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study fills a significant gap in the literature regarding the mental health effects of long-COVID. The findings from this study provide strong evidence of the link between long-COVID and anxiety and depression, utilizing a large nationally representative sample, and employing rigorous analysis with control groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11850688/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shared interactions of six neurotropic viruses with 38 human proteins: a computational and literature-based exploration of viral interactions and hijacking of human proteins in neuropsychiatric disorders.","authors":"Elif Asli Ozer, Aleyna Keskin, Yusuf Huseyin Berrak, Fatma Cankara, Fusun Can, Yasemin Gursoy-Ozdemir, Ozlem Keskin, Attila Gursoy, Hale Yapici-Eser","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00128-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00128-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Viral infections may disrupt the structural and functional integrity of the nervous system, leading to acute conditions such as encephalitis, and neuropsychiatric conditions as mood disorders, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Investigating viral interactions of human proteins may reveal mechanisms underlying these effects and offer insights for therapeutic interventions. This study explores molecular interactions of virus and human proteins that may be related to neuropsychiatric disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Influenza A virus (IAV) (H1N1, H5N1), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV1&2) were selected as key viruses. Protein structures for each virus were accessed from the Protein Data Bank and analyzed using the HMI-Pred web server to detect interface mimicry between viral and human proteins. The PANTHER classification system was used to categorize viral-human protein interactions based on function and cellular localization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Energetically favorable viral-human protein interactions were identified for HSV-1 (467), CMV (514), EBV (495), H1N1 (3331), H5N1 (3533), and HIV 1&2 (62425). Besides immune and apoptosis-related pathways, key neurodegenerative pathways, including those associated with Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, were frequently interacted. A total of 38 human proteins, including calmodulin 2, Ras-related botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), PDGF-β, and vimentin, were found to interact with all six viruses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study indicates a substantial number of energetically favorable interactions between human proteins and selected viral proteins, underscoring the complexity and breadth of viral strategies to hijack host cellular mechanisms. Further in vivo and in vitro validation is required to understand the implications of these interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11846830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143477283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mediating effect of intolerance of uncertainty between fear of war and mental health in adults during the Israel-Palestine war of 2023.","authors":"Yelda Najem, Diana Malaeb, Fouad Sakr, Mariam Dabbous, Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Souheil Hallit, Sahar Obeid","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00144-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00144-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Israel-Palestine war of 2023 has exposed many individuals to prolonged fear and uncertainty, contributing to significant psychological and behavioral consequences. Fear of war has been shown to exacerbate negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, aggression and suicidal ideation and reduce overall wellbeing. Intolerance of uncertainty is a trait characterized by difficulty coping with ambiguous situations. It was regarded as a potential mediator in the association between fear of war and these outcomes. Therefore, this study's aim is to investigate the mediating effect of intolerance of uncertainty between fear of war and mental health including anxiety, depression, aggression, suicidal ideation and wellbeing in adults during the Israel-Palestine war of 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employs a cross-sectional design; it included a total of 484 Lebanese participants. A snowball sampling method via Google forms was employed by the research team to collect data. They were assessed with self-reported measures using The War-related Media Exposure Scale (WarMES), the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form (BPAQ-SF), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) and The World Health Organization 5-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Higher fear of war was significantly associated with more inhibitory and prospective anxiety. More prospective anxiety and inhibitory anxiety were significantly associated with more aggression, higher suicidal ideation, higher depression, lower wellbeing and higher anxiety. Fear of war was directly associated with depression, anxiety and lower wellbeing. Whereas the results did not show a direct association with aggression and suicidal ideation. The mediation analysis revealed that inhibitory anxiety and prospective anxiety fully mediated the relation between fear of war and aggression and partially mediated the relation between fear of war and depression, anxiety and wellbeing. Whereas the association between fear of war and suicidal ideation was fully mediated by prospective anxiety but not by inhibitory anxiety.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding the role of intolerance of uncertainty is crucial to developing interventions aimed to reduce mental health challenges in populations affected by conflict.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11846796/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143477282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Competence required while caring for people living with mental illness in the ambulance care setting: a Delphi study.","authors":"Mats Holmberg, Staffan Hammarbäck, Henrik Andersson","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00140-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00140-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People living with mental illness form a significant component of individuals presenting to emergency care services. Ambulance care embraces the care and treatment given to people of all ages who have suffered a sudden illness or injury and is carried out twenty-four-seven, regardless of setting and organizational belonging.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim was to explore ambulance clinicians' competence requirements in caring for people living with mental illness.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study had a deductive and explorative design. A Delphi method was adopted using a group of experienced individuals recruited from the emergency care chain and non-governmental organizations (N = 15). An initial open-ended questionnaire was distributed covering three questions about; (1) knowledge, (2) skills and (3) attitudes that ambulance clinicians need to care for people living with mental illness. The informants' answers were analysed using a manifest content analysis ending up in statements designed into a questionnaire that was sent out digitally in two rounds.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 57 statements that reached consensus could be categorised as referring to knowledge (n = 26), skills (n = 13) and attitude (n = 18).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ambulance clinicians are expected to manage a range of incidents involving people living with mental illness, demanding knowledge of mental illness and the skills of mental health assessment, to ensure ambulance clinicians have the ability and non-judgmental attitude to make appropriate decisions within a caring encounter.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11845652/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143469908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bouncing back after trauma: music therapy, gender, and mental health in conflict-ridden settings.","authors":"Ali Bitenga Alexandre, Amani Kasherwa, Juvenal Bazilashe Mukungu Balegamire, Jonathan Yoyu Tunangoya, Lampard Omari Mukanga, Freddy Zihindula Buhendwa, Marc Ombeni Rusagulira, Masheka Mirango Hilaire, Phillipe Amani Busane, Gilbert Mubalama Mugisho, Denis Mukwege Mukengere","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00137-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00137-1","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;The aim of this study was to assess the impact of music therapy with songwriting on mental health of vulnerable women and men in conflict-ridden setting settings. We examine the impact on participants' mental health (specifically anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms), the extent to which improvement was sustained for an extended period of time, and whether there were gender differences in improvement. Such an assessment is central in appraising the strength and relevance of mental health services offered to vulnerable populations in post conflict settings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;This study is a longitudinal mixed method evaluation of music therapy with songwriting comparing mental health symptoms of participants before and after exposure to the program rather than a clinical trial with a control group. Participants in the Healing in Harmony (HIH) program were screened for anxiety, depression and PTSD before treatment, immediately after treatment and 6 months later. The Hopkins Symptoms checklists were used to evaluate anxiety and depression among 128 women and 60 men exposed to the HIH program from April to August 2021 in Mulamba in eastern DRC. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was used to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Average scores range from 1 to 4, with higher values indicating higher levels of the symptoms. Participants were classified as positive for each outcome when they scored equal to 1.75 or higher for anxiety and depression, and 2.5 or higher for PTSD. The qualitative component of the study  draws from   four focus group discussions (FGDs), two of which were conducted immediately after treatment and two six months later to gain an in-depth understanding of participants' experiences with the HIH.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;At the aggregate level, the rates of anxiety, depression and PTSD before treatment among participants were respectively 91.4, 90.4 and 36.7%. Immediately after treatment, the rates dropped significantly to 14.3, 15.9 and to 2.1%, respectively. The mean scores of the three mental health disorders were high before treatment but dropped significantly after treatment. The aggregate mean scores for anxiety, depression, and PTSD before and after treatment were 2.55 vs 1.29, p &lt; 0.001, 2.38 vs 1.35, p &lt; 0.001 and 2.27 vs 1.30, p &lt; 0.001, respectively. The only statistically significant difference between men and women was the mean score of depression before treatment (women 2.44 vs men 2.24, p &lt; 0.05). Both men and women demonstrated statistically significant improvement in mental health immediately after treatment across all categories (p &lt; 0.001). Six months after treatment, aggregate scores show that improvement was sustained across all categories. For depression and PTSD, scores showed a small but statistically significant improvement over the immediate post-treatment scores (by 0.03 and 0.01, respectively, p &lt; 0.05), while anx","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11842637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143460997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}