Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences

Comorbidity of undiagnosed mood symptoms with dementia risk in multi-regional multi-ethnic adults: evidence from epidemiological findings and plasma metabolites
Zhang H, Liao Y, Lin Z, Wen H, Pang T, Zhao X, Zhang W, Lou X, Chen C, Hu S, Liu Z and Xu X
To investigate the association of midlife and late-life undiagnosed mood symptoms, especially their comorbidity, with long-term dementia risk among multi-regional and ethnic adults.
Transition from depression-free to death in late life: characteristics of bidirectional transitions in depression symptoms
Cui X, Song G, Hu D, Li G, Zhang Y, Ma Y and Tang X
Depression among middle-aged and older adults is a critical public health priority. Clarifying the dynamic evolution of depression is essential for establishing prevention and intervention strategies; however, relevant research is limited. The aim of this study was to elucidate the transition patterns underlying different depressive symptoms (DS) states.
Longitudinal patterns and group heterogeneity of depressive symptoms during menopausal transition in middle-aged Korean women
Jang Y, Chang Y, Park J, Jeon SW, Seo B, Park JH, Kang J, Kwon R, Lim GY, Kim KH, Kim H, Hong YS, Park J, Zhao D, Cho J, Guallar E and Ryu S
While depressive symptoms are common during menopausal transition, the relationship between the two remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms among middle-aged Korean women and identify those with elevated and worsening symptoms during this period.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between COVID-19 stressors and depressive symptoms across sex and age groups: findings from the Canadian longitudinal study on aging
Su Y, Li M, Schmitz N and Meng X
This study employs a longitudinal network approach to investigate the dynamic relationships between COVID-19-related stressors and depressive symptoms among Canadian adults and to explore any sex and age differences in these associations.
How to distinguish promotion, prevention, and treatment trials in public mental health: development and validation of the VErona-LUgano Tool (VELUT)
Purgato M, Albanese E, Gross AL, Annoni AM, Acarturk C, Cadorin C, Jordans MJD, Lund C, Papola D, Prina E, Sijbrandij M, Silva M, Tedeschi F, Tol WA and Barbui C
Promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders and providing effective treatments are public health priorities. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) frequently evaluate mental health and psychosocial support interventions to achieve one or more of these objectives. Distinguishing between RCTs focused on mental health promotion, prevention or treatment remains conceptually and methodologically challenging. No standardized tool exists to position RCTs along a promotion-to-treatment continuum in mental health. We aimed to develop and validate the VErona-LUgano Tool (VELUT) for distinguishing RCTs along the promotion-to-treatment continuum.
Joint effect of exposure to fine particulate matter and lifestyle risk factors on depression and anxiety among Chinese adolescents: a national school-based study in China
Hu J, Hu W, Xu Z, Zhang C, Rong F, Zhang N, Guan M, Zhang L, Dai Y, Yin Z, An W, Zhang Y and Yu Y
Fine particulate matter (PM) exposure and unfavourable lifestyle are both significant risk factors for mental health disorders, yet their combined effects on adolescent depression and anxiety remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine whether PM exposure and lifestyle are independently associated with adolescent depression and anxiety, and whether there are joint effects between these factors on mental health outcomes.
The effects of parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood threat and deprivation on adolescent depression and anxiety: an analysis of the longitudinal study of Australian children
Giri S, Ross N, Kornhaber R, Ahmed KY and Thapa S
Evidence on the effects of parental Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on adolescent mental health remains limited. This study investigates the associations between parental ACEs, children's exposure to threat- and deprivation-related ACEs, and adolescent depression and anxiety using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
Mental health symptoms and associated factors for general population at the stable, recurrence, and end-of-emergency stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: a repeated national cross-sectional study
Wang S, Zhang Y, Ding W, Meng Y, Hu H, Guan Y, Zeng X, Liu Z, Meng F, Wang M and Zhang J
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated psychological distress, but limited information is available on the shifts in mental health symptoms and their associated factors across different stages. This study was conducted to more reliably estimate shifts in mental health impacts and to identify factors associated with symptoms at different pandemic stages.
Epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in Texas prisons from 2016 to 2023
Zhong R, Serna M, Farroni J, Digbeu B, Baillargeon G, Pulvino J, Penn J, Murray O and Baillargeon J
Although the United States incarcerates nearly two million people, the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in correctional populations is not well understood, and no study has examined temporal trends in psychiatric disorder prevalences within a single correctional system. This study assessed how psychiatric disorder prevalences have changed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the largest American state prison system housing post-conviction, sentenced individuals.
Age-specific prevalence and predictors of lifetime suicide attempts using machine learning in Chinese adults: a nationwide multi-centre survey
Wu Y, Zhao Y, Zhong P, Chen C, Wu Y and Zheng X
The epidemiology and age-specific patterns of lifetime suicide attempts (LSA) in China remain unclear. We aimed to examine age-specific prevalence and predictors of LSA among Chinese adults using machine learning (ML).
The impact of socioeconomic factors on the incidence and characteristics of first-episode psychosis
Belvederi Murri M, Onofrio A, Punzi C, Caranci N, Rubolino E, Giovinazzi F, Azzolina D, Folesani F, Grassi L, Tarricone I and Starace F
The environment shapes the risk of psychosis. In particular, urbanicity, deprivation or inequality, migrant density and cannabis availability may not only influence psychosis incidence, but also the characteristics of individuals who arrive at clinical services. This study examined how socioeconomic factors influence the incidence and characteristics of cases of First-Episode Psychosis (FEP).
Decomposing the change of suicide rates in the United States 2001-2023
Yip PSF, Hsu YC, Lam TM, Xiao Y and Caine E
Suicide rates in the United States have been increasing, necessitating an understanding of demographic variations by ethnicity, age, sex and method to inform effective prevention strategies.
Environmental risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorders around the globe: a mapping review of the literature
Tosato S, Ristic B, Zanini A, Schimmenti S, Maselli FMC and Vassos E
There is a substantial body of literature on environmental risk associated with schizophrenia. Most research has largely been conducted in Europe and North America, with little representation of the rest of the world; hence generalisability of findings is questionable. For this reason, we performed a mapping review of studies on environmental risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, recording the country where they were conducted, and we linked our findings with publicly available data to identify correlates with the uneven global distribution. Our aim was to evaluate how universal is the 'common knowledge' of environmental risk for psychosis collating the availability of evidence across different countries and to generate suggestions for future research identifying gaps in evidence.
Predictive role of loneliness on mortality before the age 85 years among mid- to later-life adults in the United States: a 10-year retrospective cohort study
Fan HY, Zheng MR, Zhang Q, Sha S, Feng Y, Su Z, Cheung T, Ungvari GS, Balbuena L and Xiang YT
Loneliness is a common public health concern, particularly among mid- to later-life adults. However, its impact on early mortality (deaths occurring before reaching the oldest old age of 85 years) remains underexplored. This study examined the predictive role of loneliness on early mortality across different age groups using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).
The prevalence of traumatic experiences and PTSD according to DSM-5 and ICD-11 in the German general population
Pettrich A, Nesterko Y and Glaesmer H
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases - 11th Revision (ICD-11) employ different post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria, necessitating updated prevalence estimates. Most of the existing evidence is still based on ICD-Tenth Revision and DSM-Fourth Edition criteria, leading to varied estimates across populations. This study provides current PTSD prevalence rates in the German general population, comparing DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria and examines variations by age and gender.
A comparison of the costs and patterns of expenditure for care for severe mental illness in five countries with different levels of economic development - CORRIGENDUM
Park AL, Jez O, Kilian R, Charles A, Kalha J, Korde P, Lachmann M, Mahlke C, Moran G, Nakku J, Ngakongwa F, Niwemuhwezi J, Nixdorf R, Ryan G, Shamba D, Slade M and Waldmann T
Combined social determinants of health contributed to adverse health outcomes among depression: evidence from two national cohorts
Qi X, Liu L, Yang J, Pan C, Hao J, Wei W, Cheng S, Gou Y, Zhao B, Wen Y, Cheng B and Zhang F
Social determinants of health (SDHs) exert a significant influence on various health outcomes and disparities. This study aimed to explore the associations between combined SDHs and mortality, as well as adverse health outcomes among adults with depression.
Experience of financial hardship and depression: a longitudinal population-based multi-state analysis
Maffre Maviel G, Rouquette A, , Davisse-Paturet C, Descarpentry A, Sapin A, Bajos N, , Hazo JB, Pastorello A, Warszawski J, , Melchior M and Vuillermoz C
Little is known about the effects of both financial hardship and people's perception of it on mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of perceived financial hardship on individuals' depressive symptoms across several strata of objective financial situations.
Needs for care of residents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and association with daily activities and mood monitored with experience sampling method: the DIAPASON study - CORRIGENDUM
Martinelli A, D'Addazio M, Zamparini M, Thornicroft G, Torino G, Zarbo C, Rocchetti M, Starace F, Casiraghi L, Ruggeri M, de Girolamo G and
Understanding the patterns and predictors of elevated psychological distress among humanitarian migrants compared to the host population: comparative matched analysis using two national data sources from Australia
Handiso DW, Boyle JA, Paul E, Shawyer F, Meadows G and Enticott JC
Understanding patterns and predictors of elevated psychological distress (EPD) among humanitarian migrants compared to the host population is critical for designing effective mental health interventions. However, existing research presents conflicting findings on the prevalence of EPD. This study examined EPD prevalence and associated factors in humanitarian migrants and Australian-born adults using large population-level datasets.
Vitamin D and suicidality: a Chinese early adolescent cohort and Mendelian randomization study - ERRATUM
Yuan M, Li Y, Chang J, Zhang X, Wang S, Cao L, Li Y, Wang G and Su P
Combined lifestyle, childhood trauma and depressive symptoms in adults with subthreshold depression: a prospective cohort study
Li Y, Chen Y, Zhao H, Zhou W, Lai W, Hao J, Yiming S, Chen R, Zhang H, Liao Y, Wang W, Han X and Lu C
Existing evidence on the association between combined lifestyle and depressive symptoms is limited to the general population and is lacking in individuals with subthreshold depression, a high-risk group for depressive disorders. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether an overall healthy lifestyle can mitigate the association between childhood trauma (CT) and depressive symptoms, even in the general population. We aimed to explore the associations of combined lifestyle, and its interaction with CT, with depressive symptoms and their subtypes (i.e. cognitive-affective and somatic symptoms) among adults with subthreshold depression.
A comparison of the costs and patterns of expenditure for care for severe mental illness in five countries with different levels of economic development
Park AL, Jez O, Kilian R, Charles A, Kalha J, Korde P, Lachmann M, Mahlke C, Moran G, Nakku J, Ngakongwa F, Niwemuhwezi J, Nixdorf R, Ryan G, Shamba D, Slade M and Waldmann T
The aim of the article is to undertake the first economic analysis exploring the costs of illness (COIs) and factors affecting COIs in people living with mental disorders using individual patient-level data across five countries with different national income levels. This is done by investigating diagnosis-related and sociodemographic factors for country-specific medical and psychosocial service use in these high, lower-middle and low-income countries.
Diagnosis of postpartum depression and associated factors in South Africa: a cohort study of 47,697 women
Gastaldon C, Whitesell Skrivankova V, Schoretsanitis G, Folb N, Taghavi K, Davies MA, Cornell M, Salanti G, Mesa Vieira C, Tlali M, Maartens G, Egger M and Haas AD
About one-third of South African women have clinically significant symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). Several socio-demographic risk factors for PPD exist, but data on medical and obstetric risk factors remain scarce for low- and middle-income countries and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to estimate the proportion of women with PPD and investigate socio-demographic, medical and obstetric risk factors for PPD among women receiving private medical care in South Africa (SA).
Lifetime incidence and age of onset of mental disorders, and 12-month service utilization in primary and secondary care: a Finnish nationwide registry study
Suokas K, Niemi R, Gutvilig M, J McGrath J, Komulainen K, Suvisaari J, Elovainio M, Lumme S, Pirkola S and Hakulinen C
Previous studies have estimated the lifetime incidence, age of onset and prevalence of mental disorders, but none have used nationwide data covering both primary and secondary care, even though mental disorders are commonly treated in primary care. We aimed to determine lifetime incidence, age-specific incidence, age of onset and service utilization for diagnosed mental disorders.
Global, regional, and national trends and burden of opioid use disorder in individuals aged 15 years and above: 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2040
Wang S, He Y and Huang Y
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition associated with problematic opioid use, leading to addiction and severe life impairments. This research delivers an in-depth evaluation of OUD burden and trends at global, regional and national levels.
Developmental trajectories in mental health through adolescence and adulthood: does socio-economic status matter?
Sørensen CLB, Plana-Ripoll O, Bültmann U, Winding TN, Steen PB and Biering K
This study aims to examine the different aspects of socio-economic status (SES) patterns in mental health from adolescence into adulthood by investigating the mean, prevalence, cumulative incidence and trajectories of several mental health measures, including depressive symptoms, mental disorder diagnosis and medication use. The different aspects of SES are investigated through the measures of subjective social status (SSS) in school, SSS in society, income and parental educational level.
Investigating the association between the number of interpersonal supporters during first-time pregnancy and postpartum depression symptoms
Niimura J, Yamasaki S, Nakanishi M, Yamaguchi S, Baba K, Nakajima N, Miyashita M, Stanyon D, Knowles G, DeVylder J, Hiraiwa-Hasegawa M, Ando S, Kasai K and Nishida A
First-year postpartum depression is a common mental health problem among first-time mothers. A younger age of pregnancy often compounds the challenge due to underlying factors such as poverty and limited educational achievement. This study aimed to examine the minimal number of interpersonal supporters during pregnancy associated with lower levels of postpartum depressive symptoms among first-time mothers.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) after stopping antidepressants: a systematic review with meta-narrative synthesis
Rennwald A and Hengartner MP
The literature on persistent antidepressant withdrawal symptoms is sparse. This systematic review is the first to examine the prevalence, duration, severity, risk/protective factors and treatment strategies for post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) following the discontinuation of antidepressant medications.
Peer-led recovery groups for people with psychosis in South Africa (PRIZE): results of a randomized controlled feasibility trial - CORRIGENDUM
Asher L, Rapiya B, Repper J, Reddy T, Myers B, Faris G, Petersen I, Hanlon C and Brooke-Sumner C