Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01646-2
Imran Gokcen Yilmaz-Karaman, Mariana Pinto da Costa, Betul Koseoglu, Asli Ugur Oktar, Florence Thibaut, Ann Færden
Purpose
Although the number of women in psychiatry has increased substantially, gender disparities remain in leadership and visibility at scientific meetings. Country income level also affects academic participation, but its impact within the field of psychiatry remains underinvestigated. This study examined gender and income disparities at the country level, as well as gender and income disparities within countries, at two consecutive World Congresses of Psychiatry (WCPs), held in Austria (2023) and Mexico (2024).
Methods
The scientific programs of WCP 2023 and WCP 2024 were systematically reviewed to identify all speakers and chairs. Data were extracted on gender, role, session type, and country income level, classified according to World Bank criteria. Gender was determined from congress profiles, photographs, pronouns, or the Gender API. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests with Bonferroni corrections, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
WCP 2023 featured 999 speakers/chairs, and WCP 2024 featured 574. Women’s representation increased significantly from 37.4% in 2023 to 43.4% in 2024 (χ² = 5.382, df = 1, p = 0.020). Participation from low- and middle-income countries also rose in 2024, while men’s representation from high-income countries declined. Several session types in 2024 reached or exceeded gender parity, including Distinguished Lectures (58.3%), Panel Discussions (50%), and Early Career Psychiatrist Sessions (60%).
Conclusions
Women’s representation at WCPs has shown encouraging improvement, although parity has not yet been achieved, and differences are evident by country income level. Hosting congresses in middle-income countries may support broader participation. Continued monitoring, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive conference policies can further strengthen gender equality and global representation in psychiatry.
{"title":"Gender and income disparities in World Psychiatry Congress participation (2023–2024)","authors":"Imran Gokcen Yilmaz-Karaman, Mariana Pinto da Costa, Betul Koseoglu, Asli Ugur Oktar, Florence Thibaut, Ann Færden","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01646-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01646-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Although the number of women in psychiatry has increased substantially, gender disparities remain in leadership and visibility at scientific meetings. Country income level also affects academic participation, but its impact within the field of psychiatry remains underinvestigated. This study examined gender and income disparities at the country level, as well as gender and income disparities within countries, at two consecutive World Congresses of Psychiatry (WCPs), held in Austria (2023) and Mexico (2024).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The scientific programs of WCP 2023 and WCP 2024 were systematically reviewed to identify all speakers and chairs. Data were extracted on gender, role, session type, and country income level, classified according to World Bank criteria. Gender was determined from congress profiles, photographs, pronouns, or the Gender API. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests with Bonferroni corrections, with significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>WCP 2023 featured 999 speakers/chairs, and WCP 2024 featured 574. Women’s representation increased significantly from 37.4% in 2023 to 43.4% in 2024 (<i>χ²</i> = 5.382, <i>df</i> = 1, <i>p</i> = 0.020). Participation from low- and middle-income countries also rose in 2024, while men’s representation from high-income countries declined. Several session types in 2024 reached or exceeded gender parity, including Distinguished Lectures (58.3%), Panel Discussions (50%), and Early Career Psychiatrist Sessions (60%).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Women’s representation at WCPs has shown encouraging improvement, although parity has not yet been achieved, and differences are evident by country income level. Hosting congresses in middle-income countries may support broader participation. Continued monitoring, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive conference policies can further strengthen gender equality and global representation in psychiatry.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-025-01646-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145910262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01653-3
Semra Etyemez, Kruti Mehta, Jennifer Faiz, Mehrose Ahmad, Ahmed Zaidi, Najia Atif, Atif Rahman, Abid Malik, Kristin M. Voegtline, Pamela J. Surkan, Lauren M. Osborne
Purpose
This study investigates Vitamin D levels across the perinatal period and relationships with perinatal anxiety and immune markers in women in Pakistan.
Methods
We analyzed plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cytokines and chemokines from 117 participants from the “Happy Mother-Healthy Baby” trial, which evaluated a non-specialist delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for perinatal anxiety. Blood samples were collected at four timepoints: T1 (10–22 weeks), T2 (22–26 weeks), T3 (34–38 weeks), and T4 (six weeks postpartum). Participants were categorized into anxiety groups using K-means clustering. Mixed-effect models were used to examine Vitamin D trajectories, and moderation analysis explored the impact of immune markers on the Vitamin D-anxiety relationship.
Results
Vitamin D levels were severely deficient across all timepoints (< 5 ng/ml) and declined significantly from T1 to T2 (β = -0.549, p = .006) before rebounding postpartum (β = 1.492, p < .0001). Despite this widespread Vitamin D deficiency, no significant differences in Vitamin D trajectories were observed across anxiety groups. Higher innate immune activity correlated with higher Vitamin D levels at T1. IL-6 and CXCL-8 levels moderated the Vitamin D and anxiety relationship at T2 (IL-6: β = 2.98, p = .015; CXCL-8: β = 0.72, p = .030); among those with higher levels of IL-6 and CXCL-8, higher Vitamin D levels were associated with higher levels of anxiety.
Conclusions
These findings indicate the need for further research on maternal Vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with immune function in low- and middle-income countries.
{"title":"Vitamin D levels and perinatal anxiety in an anxiety-focused behavioral intervention program in Pakistan","authors":"Semra Etyemez, Kruti Mehta, Jennifer Faiz, Mehrose Ahmad, Ahmed Zaidi, Najia Atif, Atif Rahman, Abid Malik, Kristin M. Voegtline, Pamela J. Surkan, Lauren M. Osborne","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01653-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01653-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study investigates Vitamin D levels across the perinatal period and relationships with perinatal anxiety and immune markers in women in Pakistan.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We analyzed plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cytokines and chemokines from 117 participants from the “Happy Mother-Healthy Baby” trial, which evaluated a non-specialist delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for perinatal anxiety. Blood samples were collected at four timepoints: T1 (10–22 weeks), T2 (22–26 weeks), T3 (34–38 weeks), and T4 (six weeks postpartum). Participants were categorized into anxiety groups using K-means clustering. Mixed-effect models were used to examine Vitamin D trajectories, and moderation analysis explored the impact of immune markers on the Vitamin D-anxiety relationship.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Vitamin D levels were severely deficient across all timepoints (< 5 ng/ml) and declined significantly from T1 to T2 (β = -0.549, <i>p</i> = .006) before rebounding postpartum (β = 1.492, <i>p</i> < .0001). Despite this widespread Vitamin D deficiency, no significant differences in Vitamin D trajectories were observed across anxiety groups. Higher innate immune activity correlated with higher Vitamin D levels at T1. IL-6 and CXCL-8 levels moderated the Vitamin D and anxiety relationship at T2 (IL-6: β = 2.98, <i>p</i> = .015; CXCL-8: β = 0.72, <i>p</i> = .030); among those with higher levels of IL-6 and CXCL-8, higher Vitamin D levels were associated with higher levels of anxiety.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>These findings indicate the need for further research on maternal Vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with immune function in low- and middle-income countries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145910362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01657-z
Vanessa Silva, Sérgio Soares, Rui Miguelote
Propose
To examine how chronic psychological stress alters gonadotropin dynamics and disrupts ovarian endocrine function in women with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and to discuss the modulatory role of leptin in this process.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study of 134 women, participants were classified into four groups: three subgroups of women with oligomenorrhea—PCOM with stress, PCOM without stress, and NON-PCOM/NON-STRESS—and a comparison group of eumenorrheic controls. Psychological stress was assessed with validated psychometric instruments (STAI, HADS, PSS-10), and a composite Stress Index was derived. PCOM was defined according to the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS. Stress status was classified using established cut-offs for each instrument, with non-stress cohorts defined by scores consistently below clinical thresholds. Hormonal profiling included LH, FSH, estradiol, AMH, leptin, cortisol, and ACTH. Mediation and moderation models were employed to examine the relationships among stress, leptin, the LH/FSH ratio, and ovarian endocrine markers, as AMH and estradiol.
Results
Women in the PCOM–STRESS group exhibited significantly lower LH levels, LH/FSH ratios, and AMH concentrations compared to PCOM–NON–STRESS, despite similar ovarian morphology and preserved FSH levels. Mediation analysis revealed that the LH/FSH ratio significantly mediated the effect of psychological stress on both estradiol and AMH levels. Moderation analysis indicated that leptin modulated the impact of stress on the LH/FSH ratio (interaction p = 0.004), with more pronounced suppressive effects of psychological stress under low leptin levels. Despite high psychological stress, women in the PCOM–STRESS group showed no activation of the HPA axis, suggesting neuroendocrine resilience or adaptation. These findings highlight the clinical value of assessing both psychological and metabolic context in women with ambiguous ovulatory dysfunction.
Conclusion
Chronic psychological stress in women with PCOM is associated with functional suppression of LH and ovarian endocrine output, reflecting an attenuation of the typical PCOS endocrine phenotype despite the polycystic ovarian morphology. Leptin modulates individual susceptibility to stress-induced reproductive suppression, acting as a potential permissive signal of hypothalamic resilience. Assessing gonadotropin ratios and metabolic context may improve diagnostic accuracy in women with ambiguous ovulatory dysfunction.
{"title":"Psychological stress and functional ovarian suppression in women with PCOM: an observational study of FHA-like neuroendocrine phenotypes","authors":"Vanessa Silva, Sérgio Soares, Rui Miguelote","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01657-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01657-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Propose</h3><p> To examine how chronic psychological stress alters gonadotropin dynamics and disrupts ovarian endocrine function in women with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and to discuss the modulatory role of leptin in this process.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p> In this cross-sectional study of 134 women, participants were classified into four groups: three subgroups of women with oligomenorrhea—PCOM with stress, PCOM without stress, and NON-PCOM/NON-STRESS—and a comparison group of eumenorrheic controls. Psychological stress was assessed with validated psychometric instruments (STAI, HADS, PSS-10), and a composite Stress Index was derived. PCOM was defined according to the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS. Stress status was classified using established cut-offs for each instrument, with non-stress cohorts defined by scores consistently below clinical thresholds. Hormonal profiling included LH, FSH, estradiol, AMH, leptin, cortisol, and ACTH. Mediation and moderation models were employed to examine the relationships among stress, leptin, the LH/FSH ratio, and ovarian endocrine markers, as AMH and estradiol.</p><h3>Results</h3><p> Women in the PCOM–STRESS group exhibited significantly lower LH levels, LH/FSH ratios, and AMH concentrations compared to PCOM–NON–STRESS, despite similar ovarian morphology and preserved FSH levels. Mediation analysis revealed that the LH/FSH ratio significantly mediated the effect of psychological stress on both estradiol and AMH levels. Moderation analysis indicated that leptin modulated the impact of stress on the LH/FSH ratio (interaction p = 0.004), with more pronounced suppressive effects of psychological stress under low leptin levels. Despite high psychological stress, women in the PCOM–STRESS group showed no activation of the HPA axis, suggesting neuroendocrine resilience or adaptation. These findings highlight the clinical value of assessing both psychological and metabolic context in women with ambiguous ovulatory dysfunction.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p> Chronic psychological stress in women with PCOM is associated with functional suppression of LH and ovarian endocrine output, reflecting an attenuation of the typical PCOS endocrine phenotype despite the polycystic ovarian morphology. Leptin modulates individual susceptibility to stress-induced reproductive suppression, acting as a potential permissive signal of hypothalamic resilience. Assessing gonadotropin ratios and metabolic context may improve diagnostic accuracy in women with ambiguous ovulatory dysfunction.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-025-01657-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145910246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01663-1
Katarína Polónyiová, Peter Teličák, Klaudia Kyselicová, Dóra Dukonyová, Daniela Ostatníková
Background
ASD has been more often diagnosed and researched in men than women, shaping diagnostic criteria which may not adequately capture the female presentation. Examining differences between girls and boys with ASD could enhance diagnostic accuracy and help reduce gender-related biases in research and clinical practice. The aim of this research was to analyze potential differences in autistic traits, intelligence, and executive functions of school-aged girls and boys diagnosed with ASD without intellectual disability.
Methods
The research sample consisted of 79 children with ASD, 20 girls and 59 boys, aged between 6 and 12 years. Autistic traits were measured by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Version and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, intelligence by the Woodcock-Johnson International Editions II, and executive functions by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2.
Results
Girls scored lower in the amount of restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, but showed more severe deficits in Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Regulation and clinical scales Shift and Initiate, as measured by BRIEF-2.
Conclusion
Our results indicate girls with ASD exhibit certain differences from boys with ASD, which may be diagnostically relevant and helpful for their early detection and access to necessary resources and support. Nevertheless, extensive further research on the sex/gender differences and female ASD presentation is still needed.
{"title":"Sex/gender differences in autistic traits, intelligence and executive functions of school-aged autistic children without intellectual disability","authors":"Katarína Polónyiová, Peter Teličák, Klaudia Kyselicová, Dóra Dukonyová, Daniela Ostatníková","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01663-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01663-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>ASD has been more often diagnosed and researched in men than women, shaping diagnostic criteria which may not adequately capture the female presentation. Examining differences between girls and boys with ASD could enhance diagnostic accuracy and help reduce gender-related biases in research and clinical practice. The aim of this research was to analyze potential differences in autistic traits, intelligence, and executive functions of school-aged girls and boys diagnosed with ASD without intellectual disability.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The research sample consisted of 79 children with ASD, 20 girls and 59 boys, aged between 6 and 12 years. Autistic traits were measured by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Version and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, intelligence by the Woodcock-Johnson International Editions II, and executive functions by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Girls scored lower in the amount of restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, but showed more severe deficits in Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Regulation and clinical scales Shift and Initiate, as measured by BRIEF-2.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our results indicate girls with ASD exhibit certain differences from boys with ASD, which may be diagnostically relevant and helpful for their early detection and access to necessary resources and support. Nevertheless, extensive further research on the sex/gender differences and female ASD presentation is still needed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-025-01663-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145910323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the first-line treatment for opioid dependence during pregnancy and recommended for at least one year postpartum or until a strong maternal-infant bond and stable family environment is established. Evidence on postpartum OAT retention is limited. We examined retention rates and associated maternal characteristics.
Methods
We linked OAT prescription authority to perinatal, mortality, and other data sources. We identified all opioid-dependent women who gave birth in New South Wales, Australia (1 January 2004-31 March 2020) while receiving OAT. We defined retention at 90, 180, and 365 days postpartum as continuous treatment over each period. We calculated retention rates and used generalised linear modelling to examine association between retention and maternal socio-demographic and clinical factors.
Results
There were 3933 childbirths among 2514 women on OAT. Retention rates were 93.3% (n = 3670) at 90 days, 88.4% (n = 3475) at 180 days, and 78.5% (n = 3086) at 365 days. Retention at 180 days was lower for those who gave birth after 2015, were Indigenous, had recent conviction or incarceration, initiated OAT after conception, received buprenorphine, or had a mental illness. We observed similar association patterns at 90 and 365 days.
Conclusions
Among women on OAT at childbirth, postpartum treatment retention was high but varied across subgroups. Lower retention among women who initiated OAT late in pregnancy or with social or clinical risk factors highlights the need for targeted support. Lower buprenorphine retention warrants ongoing monitoring and tailored care, particularly in settings where it is the preferred treatment during pregnancy.
{"title":"Postpartum retention in opioid agonist treatment for opioid dependence: A population-based cohort study","authors":"Joanna Zhou, Bianca Varney, Nicola Jones, Chrianna Bharat, Louisa Degenhardt, Alys Havard, Duong Thuy Tran","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01640-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01640-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the first-line treatment for opioid dependence during pregnancy and recommended for at least one year postpartum or until a strong maternal-infant bond and stable family environment is established. Evidence on postpartum OAT retention is limited. We examined retention rates and associated maternal characteristics.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We linked OAT prescription authority to perinatal, mortality, and other data sources. We identified all opioid-dependent women who gave birth in New South Wales, Australia (1 January 2004-31 March 2020) while receiving OAT. We defined retention at 90, 180, and 365 days postpartum as continuous treatment over each period. We calculated retention rates and used generalised linear modelling to examine association between retention and maternal socio-demographic and clinical factors.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>There were 3933 childbirths among 2514 women on OAT. Retention rates were 93.3% (<i>n</i> = 3670) at 90 days, 88.4% (<i>n</i> = 3475) at 180 days, and 78.5% (<i>n</i> = 3086) at 365 days. Retention at 180 days was lower for those who gave birth after 2015, were Indigenous, had recent conviction or incarceration, initiated OAT after conception, received buprenorphine, or had a mental illness. We observed similar association patterns at 90 and 365 days.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Among women on OAT at childbirth, postpartum treatment retention was high but varied across subgroups. Lower retention among women who initiated OAT late in pregnancy or with social or clinical risk factors highlights the need for targeted support. Lower buprenorphine retention warrants ongoing monitoring and tailored care, particularly in settings where it is the preferred treatment during pregnancy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12769642/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145905567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01644-4
Thanavadee Prachason, Angelo Arias-Magnasco, Bochao Danae Lin, Jim van Os, Bart P. F. Rutten, Lotta-Katrin Pries, Sinan Guloksuz
Purpose
To investigate sex-dependent effects of polygenic risk (PRS-SCZ) and exposome score (ES-SCZ) for schizophrenia, both independently and jointly, on distressing psychotic experiences (PEs) in early adolescents.
Method
Baseline to 3-year follow-up data of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) were used. PRS-SCZ and ES-SCZ were calculated to assess cumulative genetic and environmental (childhood adversity, cannabis use, hearing impairment, and winter births) risk for schizophrenia, respectively. The primary outcome was past-month distressing PEs at the 3-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included distressing PEs across four yearly assessments: lifetime (≥ 1 wave), repeated (≥ 2 or ≥ 3 waves), and persisting (≥ 4 waves). Sex-stratified multilevel logistic regression models were used to test the independent and joint associations of binary modes (> 75th percentile) of PRS-SCZ (PRS-SCZ75) and ES-SCZ (ES-SCZ75) on the outcomes. As sensitivity analysis, the sex-stratified analyses were repeated on a randomly selected unrelated sample, and the coefficients of males and females were compared.
Results
PRS-SCZ75 was not associated with past-month distressing PEs in either sex but significantly associated with lifetime and repeated (≥ 2 waves) distressing PEs only in females. In both sexes, ES-SCZ75 was significantly associated with all PE outcomes but did not additively interact with PRS-SCZ75 in predicting them. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings and revealed a significant sex difference in the association between PRS-SCZ75 and lifetime distressing PEs.
Conclusion
The influence of genomic risk for schizophrenia on distressing PEs might be sex-dependent, whereas that of the exposomic risk was universal in early adolescence. Further studies in larger samples are needed.
{"title":"Sex differences in the independent and combined effects of genomic and exposomic risks for schizophrenia on distressing psychotic experiences: insights from the ABCD study","authors":"Thanavadee Prachason, Angelo Arias-Magnasco, Bochao Danae Lin, Jim van Os, Bart P. F. Rutten, Lotta-Katrin Pries, Sinan Guloksuz","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01644-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01644-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>To investigate sex-dependent effects of polygenic risk (PRS-SCZ) and exposome score (ES-SCZ) for schizophrenia, both independently and jointly, on distressing psychotic experiences (PEs) in early adolescents.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>Baseline to 3-year follow-up data of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) were used. PRS-SCZ and ES-SCZ were calculated to assess cumulative genetic and environmental (childhood adversity, cannabis use, hearing impairment, and winter births) risk for schizophrenia, respectively. The primary outcome was past-month distressing PEs at the 3-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included distressing PEs across four yearly assessments: lifetime (≥ 1 wave), repeated (≥ 2 or ≥ 3 waves), and persisting (≥ 4 waves). Sex-stratified multilevel logistic regression models were used to test the independent and joint associations of binary modes (> 75th percentile) of PRS-SCZ (PRS-SCZ<sub>75</sub>) and ES-SCZ (ES-SCZ<sub>75</sub>) on the outcomes. As sensitivity analysis, the sex-stratified analyses were repeated on a randomly selected unrelated sample, and the coefficients of males and females were compared.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>PRS-SCZ<sub>75</sub> was not associated with past-month distressing PEs in either sex but significantly associated with lifetime and repeated (≥ 2 waves) distressing PEs only in females. In both sexes, ES-SCZ<sub>75</sub> was significantly associated with all PE outcomes but did not additively interact with PRS-SCZ<sub>75</sub> in predicting them. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings and revealed a significant sex difference in the association between PRS-SCZ<sub>75</sub> and lifetime distressing PEs.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The influence of genomic risk for schizophrenia on distressing PEs might be sex-dependent, whereas that of the exposomic risk was universal in early adolescence. Further studies in larger samples are needed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-025-01644-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145910203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01652-4
Andréane Lavallée, Vanessa Babineau, Kristina D’Antonio, Elizabeth Werner, Andrew T. Drysdale, Madalyn Osbourne, Myrriam Grubb, Nathalie Moise, Inbal Reuveni, Zhijun Zhang, Seonjoo Lee, Dani Dumitriu, Mary D’Alton, Catherine Monk
Purpose
Women’s Mental Health @Obstetrics and Gynecology (WMH @Ob/Gyn) is a novel, insurance-based clinical model integrated in Ob/Gyn practices that offers approachable, acceptable, available, and affordable mental healthcare to women across the lifespan. Women seen by Ob/Gyn physicians for physical healthcare needs are referred to the WMH @Ob/Gyn service based on patient request, provider observation, and/or results on universal depression screening. WMH@Ob/Gyn’ services include mental health screening, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and support groups, all embedded into Ob/Gyn. Here, we sought to evaluate utilization rates of mental health services as an outcome of increased access resulting from real-world implementation of WMH @Ob/Gyn.
Methods
This prospective observational cohort study followed all patients referred to WMH @Ob/Gyn from 02/2020 to 12/2022. Data were obtained from a clinical registry and patient electronic health records. Utilization was estimated on initiation (proportion of women who attended at least one mental health visit), and sustainment (proportion of women who attended three or more visits).
Results
2,661 women were referred to WMH @Ob/Gyn; 65% initiated, out of which 36% sustained treatment. Hispanic/Latina/Spanish women were less likely to initiate treatment. Of those who initiated, women whose insurance was non-participating in mental healthcare, women that were not pregnant, and younger women, had lower odds of sustaining treatment.
Conclusion
WMH @Ob/Gyn facilitates the initiation and sustainment of mental health treatment at rates considerably higher than those observed in comparable perinatal-integrated programs or the general population. However, persistent systemic barriers, including disparities in physical and mental health insurance coverage, continue to constrain equitable, sustained access to mental healthcare.
{"title":"Mental health service utilization in a novel insurance-based Ob/Gyn integrated model for women across the lifespan","authors":"Andréane Lavallée, Vanessa Babineau, Kristina D’Antonio, Elizabeth Werner, Andrew T. Drysdale, Madalyn Osbourne, Myrriam Grubb, Nathalie Moise, Inbal Reuveni, Zhijun Zhang, Seonjoo Lee, Dani Dumitriu, Mary D’Alton, Catherine Monk","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01652-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01652-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Women’s Mental Health @Obstetrics and Gynecology (WMH @Ob/Gyn) is a novel, insurance-based clinical model integrated in Ob/Gyn practices that offers approachable, acceptable, available, and affordable mental healthcare to women across the lifespan. Women seen by Ob/Gyn physicians for physical healthcare needs are referred to the WMH @Ob/Gyn service based on patient request, provider observation, and/or results on universal depression screening. WMH@Ob/Gyn’ services include mental health screening, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and support groups, all embedded into Ob/Gyn. Here, we sought to evaluate utilization rates of mental health services as an outcome of increased access resulting from real-world implementation of WMH @Ob/Gyn.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This prospective observational cohort study followed all patients referred to WMH @Ob/Gyn from 02/2020 to 12/2022. Data were obtained from a clinical registry and patient electronic health records. Utilization was estimated on initiation (proportion of women who attended at least one mental health visit), and sustainment (proportion of women who attended three or more visits). </p><h3>Results</h3><p>2,661 women were referred to WMH @Ob/Gyn; 65% initiated, out of which 36% sustained treatment. Hispanic/Latina/Spanish women were less likely to initiate treatment. Of those who initiated, women whose insurance was non-participating in mental healthcare, women that were not pregnant, and younger women, had lower odds of sustaining treatment. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>WMH @Ob/Gyn facilitates the initiation and sustainment of mental health treatment at rates considerably higher than those observed in comparable perinatal-integrated programs or the general population. However, persistent systemic barriers, including disparities in physical and mental health insurance coverage, continue to constrain equitable, sustained access to mental healthcare. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12765718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145899114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01645-3
Sahar Saleem, Mariam Azam, Mamoona Muneer
{"title":"A critical reappraisal of the PROMUD program: bridging the 20-year gap in women’s substance use disorder treatment","authors":"Sahar Saleem, Mariam Azam, Mamoona Muneer","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01645-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01645-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145896171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01638-2
Christine Dworschak, Gabriela Paganini, Abigail Beech, Kelley E. Gunther, Helena J. V. Rutherford, Jutta Joormann, Reuma Gadassi-Polack
Purpose
Antenatal depression is a common psychological condition in pregnancy that negatively influences parenting. Theoretical models suggest that infant cue processing may represent one pathway by which depression may influence parenting. However, current understanding of how infant cue processing is linked with parenting in depression remains limited. Drawing upon previous research, cortisol stress reactivity may play an important role in this regard. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between depressive symptoms and attentional disengagement from infant cues on cortisol reactivity. We examined this in a sample of pregnant and nulliparous women to test whether potential effects were specific to pregnancy.
Methods
N = 79 women (n = 36 pregnant) completed two eye-tracking tasks examining disengagement from adult and infant stimuli, a stress manipulation task including collection of salivary cortisol, and filled out the BDI-II.
Results
Pregnant (vs. nulliparous) women showed a stronger cortisol reactivity in response to a stress test. Additionally, a significant association between disengagement from distressed infant faces and cortisol reactivity was found in the pregnant (but not nulliparous) group, which was moderated by depressive symptoms. For pregnant women with low levels of depressive symptoms, a slower disengagement from distressed infant stimuli predicted a weaker cortisol reactivity in response to stress, while the opposite pattern was observed for pregnant women with high levels of depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Findings of the present study point at maternal distress during processing of infant distress as a potential intervention target for mothers with depression.
{"title":"Associations between attentional disengagement from distressed infant faces and cortisol reactivity are moderated by depressive symptoms in pregnant women: an eye-tracking study","authors":"Christine Dworschak, Gabriela Paganini, Abigail Beech, Kelley E. Gunther, Helena J. V. Rutherford, Jutta Joormann, Reuma Gadassi-Polack","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01638-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01638-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Antenatal depression is a common psychological condition in pregnancy that negatively influences parenting. Theoretical models suggest that infant cue processing may represent one pathway by which depression may influence parenting. However, current understanding of how infant cue processing is linked with parenting in depression remains limited. Drawing upon previous research, cortisol stress reactivity may play an important role in this regard. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between depressive symptoms and attentional disengagement from infant cues on cortisol reactivity. We examined this in a sample of pregnant and nulliparous women to test whether potential effects were specific to pregnancy.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p><i>N</i> = 79 women (<i>n</i> = 36 pregnant) completed two eye-tracking tasks examining disengagement from adult and infant stimuli, a stress manipulation task including collection of salivary cortisol, and filled out the BDI-II.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Pregnant (vs. nulliparous) women showed a stronger cortisol reactivity in response to a stress test. Additionally, a significant association between disengagement from distressed infant faces and cortisol reactivity was found in the pregnant (but not nulliparous) group, which was moderated by depressive symptoms. For pregnant women with low levels of depressive symptoms, a slower disengagement from distressed infant stimuli predicted a weaker cortisol reactivity in response to stress, while the opposite pattern was observed for pregnant women with high levels of depressive symptoms.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Findings of the present study point at maternal distress during processing of infant distress as a potential intervention target for mothers with depression.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12764579/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145896167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health (MH) issues among women in Nepal are deeply influenced by complex intergenerational family dynamics and power hierarchies. The traditional power hierarchies often place mothers-in-law (MILs) in authoritative roles over daughters-in-law (DILs), limiting the latter’s autonomy and decision-making power. We designed a multi-component family intervention called MILAP to lower depression and address intimate partner violence by improving communication, promoting gender equity, and improving family relationships. This paper explores the perceptions and experiences of DILs who received the MILAP intervention.
Methods
A total of 61 families participated in a pilot study of the MILAP intervention. Of these, 8 families (comprising triads of daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, and husband) were purposively selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs). All interviews were conducted immediately after the intervention and at the 6-month follow-up to assess MILAP’s sustainability and impact. A thematic approach was used to analyze the data, utilizing Dedoose data management software.
Results
Four major themes were identified: (1) Enhanced communication within the family, (2) Strengthened DIL’s empowerment, (3) Improved relationship quality, and (4) Increased DIL’s freedom of movement. Participants reported improvement in communication among family members, particularly by using active listening skills which in turn contributed to conflict reduction and a more harmonious family environment. DILs experienced increased empowerment. They were more involved in family decision-making as the family unit adopted more equitable gender norms. The intervention strengthened spousal relationship improved MIL-DIL interactions, facilitated mutual understanding, and reduced household stress. Additionally, MILAP enabled DILs to move more freely outside the home. This increased mobility expanded their social networks, as DILs participated in community events, visited natal families, and accessed health services. However, some participants expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of these changes, highlighting the need for continued reinforcement.
Conclusion
Our study underscores the importance of a family-based intervention in improving relationship quality and promoting autonomy among DILs experiencing IPV. The positive shifts perceived within families suggest promise for MILAP to strengthen support structures and address factors that may influence DIL’s mental health. However, ongoing follow-up and reinforcement strategies are recommended to maintain the gains achieved from the intervention.
{"title":"Daughters-in-law’s perceptions and experiences with MILAP, a family-based intervention to reduce intimate partner violence and improve mental health in Nepal","authors":"Saugat Joshi, Rekha Khatri, Jene Shrestha, Mina Shrestha, Shuvam Sharma, Pragya Rimal, Dikshya Sharma, Sajama Nepali, Kripa Sigdel, Srijana Shrestha, Sumitra Poudel, Sunita Mainali, Meghnath Dhimal, Bibhav Acharya, Sabitri Sapkota","doi":"10.1007/s00737-025-01643-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-025-01643-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health (MH) issues among women in Nepal are deeply influenced by complex intergenerational family dynamics and power hierarchies. The traditional power hierarchies often place mothers-in-law (MILs) in authoritative roles over daughters-in-law (DILs), limiting the latter’s autonomy and decision-making power. We designed a multi-component family intervention called MILAP to lower depression and address intimate partner violence by improving communication, promoting gender equity, and improving family relationships. This paper explores the perceptions and experiences of DILs who received the MILAP intervention.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 61 families participated in a pilot study of the MILAP intervention. Of these, 8 families (comprising triads of daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, and husband) were purposively selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs). All interviews were conducted immediately after the intervention and at the 6-month follow-up to assess MILAP’s sustainability and impact. A thematic approach was used to analyze the data, utilizing Dedoose data management software.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Four major themes were identified: (1) Enhanced communication within the family, (2) Strengthened DIL’s empowerment, (3) Improved relationship quality, and (4) Increased DIL’s freedom of movement. Participants reported improvement in communication among family members, particularly by using active listening skills which in turn contributed to conflict reduction and a more harmonious family environment. DILs experienced increased empowerment. They were more involved in family decision-making as the family unit adopted more equitable gender norms. The intervention strengthened spousal relationship improved MIL-DIL interactions, facilitated mutual understanding, and reduced household stress. Additionally, MILAP enabled DILs to move more freely outside the home. This increased mobility expanded their social networks, as DILs participated in community events, visited natal families, and accessed health services. However, some participants expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of these changes, highlighting the need for continued reinforcement.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our study underscores the importance of a family-based intervention in improving relationship quality and promoting autonomy among DILs experiencing IPV. The positive shifts perceived within families suggest promise for MILAP to strengthen support structures and address factors that may influence DIL’s mental health. However, ongoing follow-up and reinforcement strategies are recommended to maintain the gains achieved from the intervention.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145896177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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