Current Psychiatry Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: Emotions are prominent in theories and accounts of schizophrenia but are largely understudied compared to cognition. Utilizing the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Negative Valence Systems framework, we review the current knowledge of emotions in schizophrenia. Given the pivotal role of threat responses in theories of schizophrenia and the substantial evidence of altered threat responses, we focus on three components of Negative Valence Systems tied to threat responses: responses to acute threat, responses to potential threat, and sustained threat.

Recent findings: Individuals with schizophrenia show altered responses to neutral stimuli during acute threat, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis connectivity in response to potential threat, and threat responses associated with sustained threat. Our review concludes that Negative Valence Systems are altered in schizophrenia; however, the level and evidence of alterations vary across the types of threat responses. We suggest avenues for future research to further understand and intervene on threat responses in schizophrenia.

Abstract

Purpose of review: We review recent research (2018-2023) on gender differences in suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicidal ideations and attempts, death by suicide). We examine research studies in the following areas: developmental period, substance use, and special populations (Veterans, sexual and gender minorities).

Recent findings: Novel results were found in these different areas. For example, suicide rates for female youth are increasing at a faster rate relative to male youth. Further, some evidence suggests that heavy alcohol use/binge drinking is a significant and growing risk factor for suicidal behaviors in women. Military service may be a more significant risk factor for suicidal behaviors among male Veterans compared to female Veterans. Additionally, suicide rates are rising for gender minority youth/young adults. Recent research on gender differences in suicide outcomes demonstrates findings that align with previous research, as well as new insights on this important topic.

Purpose of review: This paper provides an overview of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the possible implications in the delivery of mental health care.

Recent findings: Generative AI is a powerful technology that is changing rapidly. As psychiatrists, it is important for us to understand generative AI technology and how it may impact our patients and our practice of medicine. This paper aims to build this understanding by focusing on GPT-4 and its potential impact on mental health care delivery. We first introduce key concepts and terminology describing how the technology works and various novel uses of it. We then dive into key considerations for GPT-4 and other large language models (LLMs) and wrap up with suggested future directions and initial guidance to the field.

Purpose of review: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) impact many aspects of reproductive health for women and non-binary and transgender individuals assigned female at birth. In this narrative review, we highlight considerations and recent research related to (1) the premenopausal period, (2) pregnancy and postpartum, and (3) the menopausal transition.

Recent findings: Most recent research has focused on pregnancy and the postpartum period, and specifically on elucidating perinatal risk factors, adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes (and modifiable contributors such as smoking), long-term child health, and psychotropic medications (with reassuring results related antipsychotic-associated gestational diabetes mellitus and neurodevelopmental outcomes). Much less recent focus has been on menstruation and menopause, although some research has highlighted the relative worsening of illness peri-menstrually and peri-menopausally. Despite the many important reproductive considerations for those with SSD, many aspects including menstruation and menopause have received very little attention. Further research is needed on how to best support women, non-binary, and transgender people assigned female at birth with SSD throughout the lifespan.

Purpose of review: This paper presents OPTIC as a framework to guide the conceptualization and implementation of telebehavioral health (TBH) in a comprehensive, structured, and accessible manner.

Recent findings: There is a need for comprehensive frameworks for TBH implementation, yet current models and frameworks described in the literature have limitations. Many studies highlight favorable outcomes of TBH during COVID-19, along with increased adoption. However, despite the plethora of publications on general telehealth implementation, knowledge is disparate, inconsistent, not comprehensive, and not TBH-specific. The framework incorporates five components: Originating site, Patient population, Teleclinician, Information and communication technologies, and Cultural and regulatory context. These components, abbreviated using the acronym OPTIC, are discussed, with examples of implementation considerations under each component throughout the project cycle. The value and larger implications of OPTIC are discussed as a foundation for stakeholders involved with TBH, in addition to key performance indicators, and considerations for quality enhancement.

Purpose of review: Postpartum depression (PPD) and breastfeeding are important, interrelated health factors. It is established that women who breastfeed exclusively have lowered likelihood of developing significant PPD. Yet, many questions remain around what factors are involved. The purpose of this review is to provide updated information about the relationship between PPD and breastfeeding.

Recent findings: Both psychological and physiological factors have emerged as important moderators and mechanisms of the relationship between postpartum depression and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding self-efficacy, self-compassion, and engagement with the infant during feeding all modify or mediate the relationship, and a complex dynamic relationship among cortisol, oxytocin, progesterone, and estrogen is involved. Importantly, recent intervention studies suggest psychosocial interventions may impact both breastfeeding and mood. Providers and researchers should recognize the interrelationship between the breastfeeding and PPD and apply this understanding to patient care through integrated education and care for both mood and breastfeeding enhancement.

Purpose of review: The COVID-19 pandemic and protracted home confinement required adjustments to schedules and routines generating concern about children's sleep. This review describes general considerations regarding children's sleep, changes and disturbances in their sleep during the pandemic, and the association of sleep measures with health and psychological outcomes in general and in the context of the pandemic.

Recent findings: A number of studies found an increase in the duration of children's sleep with later bedtimes and waketimes for some children. The research also documented sleep disturbances and associations between children's sleep and psychological outcomes. The extent to which increased sleep duration and changed sleep behaviors translated into improved sleep quality and/or a change in sleep disturbances remains unclear. This review suggests the importance of considering children's sleep in other mass trauma situations including, for example, natural and man-made disasters, as well as pandemics.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight the challenges related to the study of the relationship between social media use and youth mental health and propose a path forward in intervention-focused research.

Recent findings: Recent findings relay the need to conceptualize the effects of social media use on youth mental health in a nuanced way. Unique, discrete social media experiences may either contribute to an individual's well-being, ill-being, or both. Social media use may contribute to well-being for one person, but ill-being for another. Similarly, social media use may contribute to well-being for one person at one point in their life but then contribute to ill-being at a different point in their life. As such, it is difficult to make broad overarching conclusions about this incredibly nuanced relationship. Intervention-focused research include authors' plans to create a social media single session intervention (SSI) designed to promote insight about social media's effects on well- or ill-being, as well as self-efficacy and knowledge to make changes to social media use.

Purpose of review: This critical review primarily aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of recent studies conducted within the past 3 years, with a specific focus on the use of art therapy within Syrian child and adolescent refugee populations. The central objective of this inquiry is to explore the impact of art therapy interventions and provide critical insights into their effectiveness in enhancing the mental well-being and resilience of these young refugees.

Recent findings: Recent research conducted within the past 3 years highlights the effectiveness of art therapy as an intervention strategy within Syrian child and adolescent refugee populations. These studies emphasize that art therapy offers a safe and supportive space for these young refugees to express emotions, process trauma, and improve their psychological well-being. It has shown promise in mitigating trauma-related challenges and fostering resilience among this group of refugee populations. Furthermore, art therapy plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identities and has proven to be versatile and adaptable to various artistic modalities. These findings underscore the potential of art therapy as a valuable tool for supporting the mental well-being and resilience of Syrian children and adolescent refugees, warranting further exploration and integration into their care and support programs. Recent studies on the use of art therapy within Syrian child and adolescent refugee communities reveal its potential as a powerful intervention strategy for enhancing mental well-being and resilience in this vulnerable population. The review identifies six key themes, highlighting the therapeutic benefits and versatility of art therapy. As we move forward, these findings offer promising future directions for research and practice in art therapy with this specific group of refugees, emphasizing the need for continued exploration and integration of this approach in supporting Syrian child and adolescent refugees.