Antidepressant selection modifies survival in depression: A National Cohort Study Using NHANES 2005 - 2018 data
Depression significantly elevates mortality risk, yet the long-term survival impact of antidepressant medications (ADMs) remains uncertain. This study examines ADMs utilization trends (2005-2018) and quantifies their role in depression-related mortality within a nationally representative cohort METHODS: Data from seven NHANES cycles (2005-2018; n = 11,569 adults) were analyzed. Depression was defined by patient health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10. ADMs exposure was pharmacy-verified and classified (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, others). Mortality linkage extended through 2019. Weighted logistic regression assessed depression-mortality associations with sequential adjustment for sociodemographics, cardiometabolic comorbidities, and lifestyle. Mediation analyses quantified ADMs' pathway effects, while stratified models examined class-specific hazard ratios (HRs) RESULTS: Depression independently increased all-cause mortality risk by 61 % (fully adjusted OR = 1.61, 95 %CI:1.24-2.08). ADMs usage mediated 27.3 % of depression's mortality burden (P < 0.001). Prescribing trends showed SSRIs dominating utilization (> 75 %; 12.7 % → 20.1 %), SNRIs exhibiting rapid growth (3.4 % → 6.1 %), and TCAs declining (2.5 % → 1.8 %). Crucially, ADM classes showed differential mortality effects: SNRIs were associated with reduced mortality risk (HR = 0.72), SSRIs neutral (HR = 0.93), while TCAs increased risk (HR = 1.19) CONCLUSION: While depression imposes substantial mortality independent of comorbidities, ADMs selection modifies this risk. Though residual antidepressant selection bias effects cannot be ruled out, SNRIs demonstrate protective survival benefits, supporting their preferential use in high-risk populations versus TCAs. These findings underscore ADMs class as a critical effect modifier in depression management and highlight the need to integrate pharmacoepidemiologic evidence into clinical practice.
Diabetes prevalence, inpatient glycaemic control and extent of metabolic monitoring in a large, multi-centre cohort of psychiatry admissions
Buprenorphine prescriptions among reproductive-aged women in the US by provider type, 2013-2023
Immersive virtual reality versus non-immersive serious games for cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Virtual reality (VR) and serious games (SG) are emerging digital interventions for cognitive rehabilitation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, their relative effectiveness across cognitive functional, and emotional outcomes remains uncertain OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of VR and SG interventions, relative to conventional controls, on cognitive function, daily functioning, and depressive symptoms using a network meta-analysis METHODS: A total of 28 randomized controlled trials involving 1621 participants were systematically identified and analyzed from PubMed, Embase, web of science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library up to December 2024. Interventions included immersive VR, non-immersive SG, and conventional care. Primary outcomes were cognitive function assessed by the Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), while secondary outcomes included activities of daily living (ADL) and depressive symptoms measured by the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Pooled mean differences (MD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and surface under the cumulative ranking curve probabilities were estimated RESULTS: A total of eight studies (n = 214) reported ADL, eight studies (n = 373) evaluated GDS, 18 studies (n = 789) analyzed MMSE, and eight studies (n = 245) assessed MoCA. SG significantly improved MMSE (MD = 1.63, 95 % CI [0.69, 2.62]) and MoCA (MD = 2.84, 95 % CI [0.61, 5.01]) compared to control. In contrast, VR showed a significant decline in MMSE (MD = -1.18, 95 % CI -2.18,-0.20]) and no significant effect on MoCA (MD = -0.12, 95 % CI [-2.19, 2.07]). Regarding activities of daily living (ADL), no significant differences were found for VR versus control (MD = -0.07, 95 % CI [-2.23, 2.07]) or for SG versus control (MD = -1.34, 95 % CI [-4.99, 3.06]). Similarly, for depressive symptoms (GDS), no significant improvements were observed for VR versus control (MD = 0.98, 95 % CI [-2.63, 4.52]) or for SG versus control (MD = -3.18, 95 % CI [-6.76, 0.29]). However, exploratory probability ranking analysis suggested that SG had the highest likelihood of being the most effective intervention for both ADL (77.1 %) and GDS (83.5 %) CONCLUSIONS: SG demonstrated superior cognitive benefits compared to VR and conventional care, particularly in MMSE and MoCA outcomes, and ranked highest across all outcomes. These findings highlight SG as a more practical and accessible digital intervention for older adults with MCI, although its superiority in functional and emotional domains is based on probability rankings rather than statistically significant differences. Future head-to-head studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical implementation Registration: CRD42025636363.
Joint effects of sleep duration and depressive symptoms on the risk of cardiovascular disease and mediating role of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: A nationwide prospective cohort study
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality in China. Depression and sleep disturbances are recognized as risk factors for CVD, but their interplay and combined effects remain unclear. This study examines how sleep duration and depressive symptoms interact to influence CVD risk.
A prospective cohort study of prescription opioid use and change in generalized anxiety in non-cancer pain
Anxiety symptoms are common among people with chronic, non-cancer pain, and a growing literature suggests prescription opioid use may be contributing to these symptoms. However, acute opioid effects can be euphoric and potentially anxiolytic. We determined if daily opioid use and higher doses were risk factors for anxiety.
Association between COVID-19 infection and risk of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
To systematically review and meta-analyse the association between COVID-19 and the risk of mental disorders.
The schizo-obsessive spectrum: Mapping clinical phenotypes, neurobiological mechanisms, and treatment considerations in first-episode psychosis - An updated systematic review
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) represent a prevalent comorbidity in first-episode psychosis (FEP) with significant implications for clinical presentation and treatment outcomes. This systematic review examines OCS prevalence, clinical characteristics, neurobiological correlates, and treatment approaches in FEP populations.
Is intranasal esketamine versus intravenous ketamine a therapeutic innovation or a divide in access to care?
Set and setting in psilocybin-assisted therapy: A qualitative study of patients with cancer and depression
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) shows promise for cancer-related depression, yet little research has examined how therapeutic context shapes patient experiences. While set (mindset) and setting (environment) are considered central to psychedelic treatment, empirical evidence on their role in PAT acceptability remains limited. This study explores factors influencing the acceptability of PAT from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression.
Efficacy and safety of quetiapine prophylaxis for delirium in hospitalized adult patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
We aimed to compare summary estimates of efficacy and safety of quetiapine versus comparator treatments in preventing delirium among hospitalized adult patients by pooling evidence from parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
The relationship between cognitive function and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults: A cross-lagged panel network analysis
The bidirectional association between depressive symptoms and cognitive decline has been extensively studied in Western populations, yet empirical evidence from non-Western contexts, particularly among Chinese older adults, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal and symptom-level dynamics between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning using a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) approach.
The prospective relationship between dispositional mindfulness and health complaints in cardiac patients recovering from revascularization
Somatic complaints like fatigue, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and sleep problems are among the most tenacious health complaints contributing to burden in patients with coronary heart disease. The current study aimed to examine to what extent dispositional mindfulness and worry may predict short- and long-term symptom recovery.
Effectiveness of probiotic supplements on cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Cognitive impairment, encompassing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. Emerging evidences suggest that probiotics, through modulation of the gut-brain axis, may improve cognitive function. However, their efficacy in individuals with cognitive impairment remains unclear.
Effectiveness of mental health triage systems in reducing psychiatric emergency department admissions
Psychiatric emergency department (PEDs) face significant challenges such as overcrowding, prolonged wait times, and resource constraints, often resulting in suboptimal care. Mental health triage systems have been developed to prioritize urgent cases, optimize resource allocation, and reduce unnecessary admissions, yet their effectiveness remains variably reported. This scoping review aimed to systematically synthesize empirical evidence on the effectiveness of mental health triage systems in reducing psychiatric emergency department admissions and identify factors influencing their success. Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Included studies evaluated triage interventions in psychiatric emergency settings with reported outcomes on admission rates. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively. Twenty-three studies from diverse international settings met inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that structured triage systems, particularly nurse-led models employing validated assessment scales, contribute to reductions in avoidable PED admissions. Multi-disciplinary approaches further enhanced decision-making complexity and patient outcomes. Key facilitators included rigorous staff training and integration with community mental health services. Barriers such as inconsistent triage application, limited alternative care options, and staff resistance impeded effectiveness. Mental health triage systems show promise in optimizing psychiatric emergency care by reducing unnecessary admissions and improving prioritization. Their effectiveness depends on standardized protocols, comprehensive training, and strong community linkages. Future research should focus on rigorous, longitudinal evaluations to inform evidence-based triage frameworks.
Association between benzodiazepines and related drug use and venous thromboembolism risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDRs) are commonly prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. However, the association between BZDR use and venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. This meta-analysis evaluated this association systematically. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2025 for relevant case-control and cohort studies. Random- or fixed-effect models were used to estimate the overall relative risk. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. BZDR exposure was associated with a significantly increased risk of VTE (OR 1.47, 95 % CI 1.19-1.7; p < 0.001; I = 88 %; 8 studies with 10 estimates). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses revealed positive associations. Significant statistical and clinical heterogeneity was observed in the main and most subgroup analyses. These findings suggest an increased risk of VTE in BZDR users, emphasizing the need for careful consideration when prescribing BZDRs to patients at risk of VTE. Given the few studies included, well-designed prospective studies controlling for important confounders are needed to verify our findings.
Are observation codes underused for emergency psychiatric patients with an extended length of stay? A retrospective commercial claims analysis from 2016 to 2022
To compare observation billing patterns among psychiatric vs. non-psychiatric patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) with extended lengths of stay (LOS).
Economic evaluation of screening, treatment, and prevention interventions for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: a systematic review
This systematic review synthesized evidence on the cost-effectiveness and economic favorability of interventions for the detection, treatment, and prevention of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
A guideline-based perspective on neurostimulation in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: An international overview
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe psychiatric illness associated with substantial psychosocial burden. Although evidence-based first- and second-line treatments are often effective, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience treatment-resistant symptoms. In such cases, brain neurostimulation is gaining increasing attention. This study aims to provide a structured overview of national and international clinical guidelines for the management of treatment-resistant OCD, with a particular focus on neurostimulation techniques.
Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality following acute coronary syndromes in mental health service users
People with mental health (MH) conditions experience increased rates of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and post-ACS mortality. The contribution of cardiac and other causes to excess mortality is unclear.
Treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: A systematic review and treatment algorithm for consultation-liaison psychiatrists
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a cyclical vomiting syndrome associated with chronic cannabis use and is often resistant to anti-emetics. Despite increasing incidence of suspected CHS, literature regarding its treatment is limited, and there are no established treatment guidelines.
Ethical reflexivity and relational presence in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
Psychiatric morbidity among youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria: An analysis of National Administrative Data in the U.S
Efficacy of simvastatin in major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Reliability and validation of the Japanese version of the somatic symptom disorder-B criteria scale (J-SSD-12)
This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale (J-SSD-12), which assesses psychological features of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Criterion B.
Open-label study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Brexanolone in the treatment of adult women with postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a rare but severe postpartum psychiatric emergency that occurs during a critical time in mother-infant attachment. This study investigated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brexanolone, a neuroactive steroid and synthetic form of allopregnanolone, for adult females with PPP.
Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD): Quantifying missed opportunities for intervention
Stigma and health: an urgent need in the training of health professionals
A preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of massed delivery of PTSD psychotherapy in VA residential treatment
"Massed" (≥ 3 times a week) delivery of psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has emerged as an alternative to traditional "spaced" (weekly/bi-weekly) delivery. Massed delivery has been shown to be non-inferior to spaced delivery, with higher rates of treatment completion. This pilot project evaluated the effectiveness of massed delivery in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (RRTPs).
Cognitive function among stable schizophrenia patients receiving an mHealth app-based cognitive remediation therapy: randomized controlled trial with mediation analysis
To explore the application effect and underlying mechanisms of mHealth app-based cognitive remediation therapy on the cognitive function of patients with stable schizophrenia.
