{"title":"The NNDC Road Map for Depression Care and Focused Areas of Research.","authors":"","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.25023008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.25023008","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"217-218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995906/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059548","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":"Co-Occurring Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Impacts, Biopsychosocial Mechanisms, Assessment, and Treatment.","authors":"Sarah H Sperry, Elizabeth T C Lippard","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20240044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20240044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals with bipolar disorder are at significant risk for having a co-occurring substance use disorder-particularly, alcohol and cannabis use disorders. Having a co-occurring substance use disorder is associated with a more pernicious clinical course, lower quality of life, and poorer treatment outcomes. Despite its increased morbidity, there is little research and clinical evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of individuals with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders. This review details current knowledge on the prevalence, clinical correlates, and biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders. The authors present recent research that highlights underlying mechanisms of comorbidity, including aberrant reward processing, stress sensitization, early childhood maltreatment, and gene-environment interactions. Next, the authors review current evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and treatment of co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorder, highlighting areas of needed future clinical research.</p>","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"173-182"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144044265","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":"Psychedelics for Depression: Between Hopes and Uncertainties.","authors":"Trisha Suppes, Mathieu Fradet","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20250005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20250005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"206-207"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144013743","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}
Majd Al-Soleiti, Jennifer L Vande Voort, Balwinder Singh
{"title":"Anhedonia as a Core Symptom of Depression and a Construct for Biological Research.","authors":"Majd Al-Soleiti, Jennifer L Vande Voort, Balwinder Singh","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20240050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20240050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anhedonia is a key psychiatric symptom that has seen significant advances in its understanding in both clinical practice and research over the past few decades. Once considered primarily a feature of depression, recent studies have shown that anhedonia is also a core element of other psychiatric disorders and contributes to considerable morbidity, mortality, and suicidality. Emerging models of psychopathology and illness emphasize the transdiagnostic relevance of anhedonia. At the same time, neuroimaging research has provided deeper insights into its underlying pathophysiology, and several assessment scales with strong psychometric properties have been developed. Various treatment strategies-including psychopharmacology, neuromodulation, and psychotherapy-have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness. This review discusses the evolving understanding of anhedonia, its significance as both a symptom and a diagnostic marker, its prevalence, and its pathophysiological underpinnings. Additionally, the authors provide an overview of key assessment tools and explore the range of treatment approaches studied to date.</p>","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"163-172"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058037","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":"Road Map to Better Depression Care: A Road No Longer Less Traveled.","authors":"Mark A Frye","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20250007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20250007","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"123-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065439","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}
Stephane J Strong, Halle A Thomas, Zachary W Adams, Leslie A Hulvershorn
{"title":"Comorbid Cannabis Use and Mood Disorders Among Adolescents.","authors":"Stephane J Strong, Halle A Thomas, Zachary W Adams, Leslie A Hulvershorn","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20240049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20240049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescence is a unique developmental period marked by increased exploration and risk-taking, as well as important brain development milestones. Many people who use substances will begin using during adolescence, and cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance among adolescents. For adolescents with mood disorders, cannabis use (and, by extension, cannabis use disorder) is even more likely, and the associated consequences are even more significant. In this review, we explore the assessment of cannabis use disorder among adolescents, the impact of cannabis use on mood symptoms, level-of-care recommendations for adolescents with comorbid cannabis use and mood disorders, and effective treatment options.</p>","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"133-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995898/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144042415","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}
Rebekah S Huber, Sally Weinstein, Aimee E Sullivan, Melissa M Batt, Jennifer Vande Voort, Melinda Westlund Schreiner, Funlola Are, Ioanna Douka, Melissa DelBello, Manpreet K Singh, Leslie Hulvershorn, Ramnarine Boodoo, Christopher J Hammond, James R Brasic, Neera Ghaziuddin, Richard Dopp, Leslie Miller
{"title":"Challenges and Opportunities in Using Cognitive Screeners for Adolescents and Young Adults With Bipolar Disorder.","authors":"Rebekah S Huber, Sally Weinstein, Aimee E Sullivan, Melissa M Batt, Jennifer Vande Voort, Melinda Westlund Schreiner, Funlola Are, Ioanna Douka, Melissa DelBello, Manpreet K Singh, Leslie Hulvershorn, Ramnarine Boodoo, Christopher J Hammond, James R Brasic, Neera Ghaziuddin, Richard Dopp, Leslie Miller","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20240045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20240045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder often experience cognitive deficits that hinder academic performance and social interactions, affecting long-term outcomes. Identifying cognitive impairments is crucial for improving clinical management of bipolar disorder. Use of cognitive screeners is recommended to identify cognitive difficulties and for ongoing assessment. Although cognitive screeners are effective with adults, their use with adolescents and young adults is limited. This project assessed clinicians' attitudes and practices regarding cognitive screening of adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder. The National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Task Group developed a survey for clinicians treating adolescents and young adults (ages 14-25) with bipolar disorder, evaluating their knowledge of and attitudes toward cognitive screening and barriers to implementation. A total of 163 clinicians across 23 NNDC sites completed the survey. Most recognized the impact of cognitive deficits on functioning (87%) and treatment response (76%). More than 90% reported that cognitive assessments would be beneficial; however, 78% were unaware of available tools, and 64% reported barriers to implementation. Findings highlight a need for clinician education and addressing barriers to implementation. This article outlines the importance of using screeners in treatment of adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder and provides practical information for using screeners and recommendations for implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"23 2","pages":"125-132"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144001416","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":"Preventing Substance Use and Overdose Among Young Adults: The Role of Social Determinants of Health.","authors":"Christopher M Jones","doi":"10.1176/appi.focus.20240022","DOIUrl":"10.1176/appi.focus.20240022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The United States is in the midst of an evolving overdose crisis, driven by the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids (e.g., illicitly made fentanyl), the resurgence of stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine), and the introduction of adulterants (e.g., xylazine) into the illicit drug supply. These substance use challenges are happening against the backdrop of rising mental health challenges that are closely linked to substance use and overdose. As overdose deaths have increased, the demographic profile of those dying has shifted and now disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic minority populations. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are an underexplored component of the prevention response but are particularly salient in addressing substance use and overdose. Many SDOH have been linked to an increased risk for substance use and overdose, either directly or indirectly. The author examines the connection between SDOH and substance use and overdose, with a particular focus on young adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":73036,"journal":{"name":"Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)","volume":"22 4","pages":"474-482"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11571193/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142677713","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}