Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition with limited biological markers to guide diagnosis and treatment. While reduced brain creatine concentrations have been implicated in MDD pathophysiology, the role of circulating creatine remains unclear. Objective: To examine whether circulating creatine concentrations differ between individuals with MDD and non-MDD comparators in a large, population-based cohort, and to explore demographic correlates of systemic creatine status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory analysis within the All of Us Research Program, an NIH-led cohort of U.S. adults. MDD cases were identified from electronic health records using standardized OMOP concept identifiers. Circulating creatine concentrations were extracted from curated laboratory data, and participants with end-stage renal disease were excluded. Group comparisons were performed using Welch’s t-test, and associations with age and sex were evaluated. Results: Circulating creatine concentrations did not differ significantly between individuals with MDD and non-MDD participants. Of the 63,162 individuals diagnosed with MDD, creatine measurements were available for 94, and 81 participants were included in the final analysis after excluding those with renal pathology (mean age: 53.7 ± 13.8 years; 54% male). Mean creatine concentrations in the MDD group (1.02 ± 0.36 mg/dL) were similar to those in the non-MDD reference group (n = 121; mean age: 52.4 ± 15.4 years; 1.01 ± 0.40 mg/dL; P = 0.86). Within the MDD group, creatine concentrations were not significantly correlated with age (r = 0.18, P = 0.12). However, serum creatine levels were significantly higher in men than in women (1.16 ± 0.36 mg/dL vs. 0.81 ± 0.24 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: In this population-based exploratory analysis, circulating creatine concentrations were comparable between individuals with and without MDD but showed pronounced sex-related differences. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in creatine research and underscore the need for longitudinal and mechanistic studies to clarify the relationship between peripheral and central creatine homeostasis in depression.
Background: The quality of life and academic performance are severely impacted, particularly in females, due to higher anxiety and lower Control. Issues regarding perceived BMI contribute to anxiety levels; however, the relationship remains unknown. Studies regarding the association between anxiety and perceived BMI have reported contradictory results. Objective: The study aims to examine the relation between perceived weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI) discrepancy, and anxiety control. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design and a survey questionnaire, completed by 362 medical students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). Perceived anxiety control was evaluated using the Anxiety Control Questionnaire (ACQ). For calculating BMI, data was collected. Statistical analysis included weighted Kappa for agreement on BMI perception, while multiple linear regression assessed anxiety and perceived BMI relationships. To determine the difference in ACQ scores, ANOVA and sample t-tests were conducted across different predictor levels. Results: Moderate to substantial agreement was observed between calculated BMI and perceived BMI category (weighted Kappa = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56–0.68), with a mean anxiety control score of 78.1 ± 18.5. Compared to those perceiving a normal weight, students who perceived themselves as overweight or obese had significantly lower ACQ scores (adjusted β = –8.28, p = 0.01; β = –27.49, p = 0.001. Discussion: Respectively, after adjustment for GPA, smoking, and BMI category. Conversely, students who underestimated their BMI (perceived themselves thinner than actual) had significantly higher ACQ scores (adjusted β = 8.54, p = 0.02 Conclusion: The present study denotes the need to address perceived BMI concerns to overcome anxiety with selective measures and awareness initiatives to enhance the overall quality of life and mental health of the female medical population.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major global health concern with complex pathophysiology and long-term neurological, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences. Although advances in neuroimaging, biomarkers, and neurorehabilitation have improved diagnosis and management, outcomes remain variable due to injury heterogeneity and limited targeted therapies. This review summarises current evidence on TBI mechanisms, diagnostic tools, management strategies, rehabilitation practices, and emerging technologies, while highlighting key gaps and future priorities. A comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and contemporary research databases was conducted. Studies addressing acute care, monitoring, surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and advanced technologies such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) were evaluated. Recent progress underscores the utility of multimodal neuroimaging, such as diffusion tensor imaging and quantitative MRI, for detecting microstructural injury and supporting clinical decisions. Blood-based biomarkers, including GFAP, UCH-L1, and NFL, offer promise for rapid assessment and prognosis. Current management continues to focus on preventing secondary injury through optimised ventilation, hemodynamic stability, hyperosmolar agents, and stepwise intracranial pressure control, while surgical interventions are guided by clear radiological thresholds. Rehabilitation benefits from coordinated multidisciplinary care that integrates physical, cognitive, and behavioural therapies. Emerging rehabilitation tools, such as BCIs, robotic- assisted systems, and virtual-reality platforms, show early promise for enhancing functional recovery, though evidence remains limited and requires larger, standardised studies. Despite important diagnostic and rehabilitative advances, TBI management still lacks unified biomarkers, standard imaging criteria, and robust evidence for emerging therapies. Coordinated multicentred research and personalised, technology-integrated care models remain essential to improve long-term outcomes.
It has come to our attention that in the published version of this article [1], references 27 and 50 contained errors in their DOI link. These errors have now been corrected. The original article can be found online at: https://www.benthamscience.com/article/148494. Details of the correction are provided below: Original: [27] Mollaahmadi L, Keramat A, Changizi N, Yazdkhasti M, Afshar B. Evaluation and comparison of the effects of various cognitive-behavioral therapy methods on climacteric symptoms: A systematic review study. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2019; 20(3): 178. http://dx.doi.org/10.4274%2Fjtgga.galenos.2019.8.0170 [50] Sharma P, Kapoor S. Impact of husband’s attitude towards menopause on severity of menopausal symptoms among women in IndiaPankhuri Sharma. Eur J Public Health 2015; 24(2): 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/1093/eurpub/cku161.065 Corrected: [27] Mollaahmadi L, Keramat A, Changizi N, Yazdkhasti M, Afshar B. Evaluation and comparison of the effects of various cognitive-behavioral therapy methods on climacteric symptoms: A systematic review study. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2019; 20(3): 178. http://dx.doi.org/10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2019.2018.0170 [50] Sharma P, Kapoor S. Impact of husband’s attitude towards menopause on severity of menopausal symptoms among women in IndiaPankhuri Sharma. Eur J Public Health 2015; 24(2): 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cku161.065 The article has been updated to reflect this correction.
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may increase vulnerability to premature mortality, but the magnitude of risk and sex-specific differences remain unclear. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted up to January 13, 2025. Studies comparing premature mortality risk between ASD and non-ASD populations were included. Pooled Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I². Results: Six cohort studies (5,814,167 participants) were included. ASD was associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality (RR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.44–2.69; I² = 97.1%). The risk was higher in females (RR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.95–4.86; I² = 87.0%) than in males (RR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.63–3.02; I² = 86.2%). Discussion: These findings confirm that ASD confers a more than twofold risk of premature death, with females disproportionately affected. The high heterogeneity reflects variations in causes of death (e.g., epilepsy, suicide) and study populations. Importantly, many contributing factors are potentially preventable through early comorbidity screening, integrated mental and physical healthcare, and psychosocial support. The elevated risk in females may stem from diagnostic delays and under-recognition of ASD. Clinicians and policymakers should prioritize proactive, life-course-oriented strategies to reduce this mortality gap. Conclusion: ASD is associated with substantially increased premature mortality, especially among females. Targeted prevention and improved healthcare access are urgently needed.
Abstract: The Missing Tile Syndrome (MTS) is an idea that explains that we pay more attention to the things that we lack in our lives as opposed to acknowledging the things we already possess. Such a situation usually causes dissatisfaction and reduces the emotional strength of people as they tend to focus on everything that is missing as opposed to everything that is going well. This tendency is strongly connected with such psychological habits as rumination, attentional bias, and deficit-oriented thinking. Nowadays, in the digital era, the issue can be even more powerful since social media continually puts us under the influence of what other people have accomplished, what their lives are like, and what they have experienced. These curated snapshots are easy to compare negatively and form the illusion that we are losing or missing out, often referred to as fear of missing out (FOMO) when we look at them. Nevertheless, according to psychological research, this way of thinking can be overcome effectively. Gratitude exercises, mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and digital mental health tools are practices that can help people redirect their attention to the present moment and be thankful for what they already have. These strategies foster a more positive and balanced outlook by encouraging people to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. Studies indicate that training in this perspective can go a long way toward enhancing resilience and overall psychological health. It is thus significant to learn the thinking processes that cause a sense of lack, as by doing so, people can substitute a lack-centered thinking for one that is more appreciative, balanced, and emotionally stronger.
Objective: To assess the quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness and their determinants among pharmacy students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 242 students. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results: Around 75% of the students spend 4 to 8 hours/day on their smartphones. The data indicate that internet usage (r = -0.301, p < 0.001) and social media usage (r = -0.191, p = 0.003) were higher among younger students. A significant correlation was observed between sleep quality and the number of installed mobile applications (r = 0.138, p = 0.032). This study found that 49.17% of students experienced disturbed sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness (55.78%), with a global PSQI score of 6.36 ± 2.51 and a mean ESS score of 7.18 ± 3.05. The global PSQI and ESS values of females (6.51 ± 2.55 & 7.42 ± 3.23) were found to be higher compared to males (6.20 ± 2.46 & 6.92 ± 3.23). The sleep duration for males (1.34 ± 0.69) was found to be higher than for females (1.16 ± 0.74), and it was found to be statistically significant. Discussion: These results imply that students frequently experience poor sleep quality and daytime drowsiness, with smartphone use having only a minor correlation with sleep outcomes. Conclusion: The study confirms a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness among students.
Objective: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a behavioral disorder that exhibits high comorbidity rates with multiple psychiatric conditions. Such co-occurring conditions often lead to clinical complexity and suboptimal treatment outcomes. To date, no overarching theoretical framework has been proposed to explain the patterns of comorbidity observed in IGD. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on IGD comorbidity to construct an integrative theoretical model. The literature search used Pub- Med, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published in English. IGD-related terms were combined with keywords for risk factors, comorbidities, and interventions, respectively. Priority went to metaanalyses, systematic reviews, and longitudinal studies. Results: The main risk factors for IGD include cognitive, physiological, and personality traits. IGD shows the highest comorbidity rates with mood disturbance (depression and anxiety), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and substance use disorder. There are three key mechanisms in comorbidity: (1) vulnerability conferred by personality variables leads to emotional dysregulation and social withdrawal, increasing the rate of comorbidity of IGD, mood disturbance, and ADHD; (2) the malfunction of reward pathways forms the basis of the comorbidity between IGD, mood disturbance, and SUD; (3) inhibition impairments connect ADHD to IGD and SUD. The therapeutic methods may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive training, and pharmacological interventions, although their effectiveness varies across comorbid profiles. Discussion: IGD comorbidity is not a collection of isolated associations but arises from shared transdiagnostic vulnerabilities spanning personality, reward, and inhibitory control systems. The model highlights that treatments may be more effective when matched to the dominant mechanism underlying a given comorbid profile rather than applied uniformly. Conclusion: This study defines a conceptual framework of IGD comorbidity, highlighting relationships among the personality, reward, and regulatory systems. The key focus of future studies should be on a more comprehensive approach to assessing comorbidity, including familial and environmental factors, to enhance the accuracy and efficacy of clinical interventions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with increasing global prevalence, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Parental consanguinity, common in many regions, has been suggested as a potential genetic risk factor for ASD, although existing studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between parental consanguinity and autism spectrum disorders. Four electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched from their inception up to November 25, 2023, without any time or language restrictions. Ultimately, 12 studies were included in the analysis, encompassing a total of 6,592 participants. A significant association between parental consanguinity and ASD risk was observed in adjusted analyses (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.47, I2 = 48.8). Given that consanguineous marriages are culturally common in the studied populations, public awareness alone is insufficient. Effective strategies should include accessible genetic counseling and culturally tailored education to reduce ASD risk and support informed reproductive choices. Our study found a significant positive link between ASD and parental consanguinity.
This review investigates the global impact of smart technologies, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, on mental health and well-being, with a focus on the psychological and behavioral consequences of prolonged digital device use. A narrative review approach was adopted, sourcing literature from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 examining screen time, internet addiction, social media engagement, gaming behavior, and associated mental health outcomes were included and qualitatively analyzed. Evidence suggests that excessive screen time (typically exceeding 2–7 hours per day) is linked to anxiety, depression, poor emotional regulation, cognitive deficits, and reduced self-esteem. In children, high screen exposure has been associated with structural brain changes, including cortical thinning. Sleep disturbances due to device use further aggravate mental health concerns. Conversely, moderate and purposeful digital use, including therapeutic apps and online support platforms, has shown potential benefits for emotional resilience and selfefficacy. The reviewed literature highlights a dual effect of smart technology use on mental health. Outcomes vary based on user age, type of content consumed, duration of use, and levels of digital literacy. Preventive strategies and targeted interventions are essential to mitigate adverse effects. Smart technologies present both opportunities and risks for mental health. Promoting digital awareness, encouraging balanced usage, and supporting further interdisciplinary research are critical for maximizing benefits while minimizing psychological harm.
Anxiety is a natural response to a potential threat that helps individuals prepare for it. However, when it becomes chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable, it is classified as pathological. Anxiety disorders are among the most frequently encountered psychiatric conditions and have shown a rising trend in prevalence. Current therapeutic approaches are limited due to poor efficacy, reduced bioavailability, side effects, and the challenge of misdiagnosis. This review aims to explore nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems as a novel strategy to overcome these limitations. The recent scientific literature was reviewed, focusing on nanotechnology- enabled drug delivery systems in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Emphasis was placed on formulations that improve therapeutic efficacy and safety, including niosomes, liposomes, polymeric nanocapsules, chitosan nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool for targeted drug delivery at the nanometric scale. These systems offer controlled release, improved bioavailability, site-specific targeting, enhanced stability, and reduced adverse effects. Various nanoformulations have demonstrated potential efficacy in managing anxiety disorders more effectively than conventional approaches. The application of nanotechnology addresses serious limitations of current therapies, particularly poor brain targeting and systemic side effects. The novel drug delivery systems can provide safe, effective, and patient-compliant options for anxiety management. This review highlights the promise of nanotechnology-driven formulations in the treatment of anxiety disorders and discusses their current status and future prospects in therapeutic applications.
Introduction: Catatonia may occur in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet in severe nonverbal autism, it is frequently underrecognized because catatonic features can overlap with baseline autistic behaviors. This diagnostic challenge is clinically important, as recent-onset catatonia may signal a life-threatening underlying medical disorder. The present case was managed in a university hospital in southern Tunisia during the summer of 2025. Catatonia was diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) criteria, and severity was serially assessed using the Pediatric Catatonia Rating Scale (PCRS). Case Presentation: A 14-year-old nonverbal girl with DSM-5-TR ASD level 3 and intellectual disability presented with a 1-month marked change from baseline, characterized by paradoxical agitation, unusually severe aggressive outbursts, profound insomnia, markedly increased stereotypies, and new posturing. After receiving a very low dose of periciazine (2 mg), she developed paradoxical intolerance with a fall and diffuse muscle contracture. Emergency reassessment identified multiple DSM-5-TR catatonic signs superimposed on her autistic baseline, including psychomotor slowing, abnormal posturing, orobuccal grimacing, echopraxia, worsening stereotypies, and paradoxical agitation poorly modulated by external stimuli. Her initial PCRS score was 27. A somatic-first work-up revealed new-onset type 1 diabetes with diabetic ketoacidosis and multifocal thromboembolism, including axillary vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism, related to congenital protein C deficiency. The final diagnosis was catatonia due to another medical condition. Treatment consisted of insulin therapy, rehydration, electrolyte correction, anticoagulation, and supportive care, without benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, or electroconvulsive therapy. Clinical improvement paralleled medical stabilization, with PCRS scores decreasing from 27 at presentation to 16 after 48 hours and to 8 at discharge, with sustained improvement at 2-month follow-up. Conclusion: In autistic youth, an abrupt departure from baseline should prompt urgent assessment for catatonia and an immediate medical work-up to identify the underlying cause. Paradoxical sensitivity to even very low-dose first-generation antipsychotics may be an additional warning sign. Serial standardized ratings may help document recovery and support remission with treatment of the underlying medical condition alone.
Background: To provide data on the etiology and potential biomarkers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this study evaluated serum lipid levels and nutritional profiles in Chinese children diagnosed with ASD. Methods: A total of 32 children with ASD and 59 healthy controls were enrolled. Thirteen biochemical indicators reflecting serum lipid status and overall nutrition were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses, Spearman correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify differential indicators between the ASD and control groups and to evaluate their diagnostic value for ASD. Results: Triglycerides (TG) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.187, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.299-3.682), cholesterol (CHOL) (OR = 1.808, 95% CI: 1.055-3.097), and albumin (ALB) (OR = 4.709, 95% CI: 1.294-17.135) were significantly associated with an ASD diagnosis. Each of these indicators showed statistically significant differences between groups but demonstrated limited diagnostic power, including TG (AUC = 0.6504, P = 0.0182), CHOL (AUC = 0.7055, P = 0.0013), and ALB (AUC = 0.7587, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Impaired lipid metabolism may be related to the pathogenesis of ASD. TG, CHOL, and ALB were found to be key factors associated with ASD and may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis.
Introduction/Objective Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) occurs following the sudden cessation of prolonged alcohol intake and is driven by neuroadaptive changes affecting inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. AWS can be categorised into uncomplicated and complicated, with severity influenced by multiple biological and psychosocial factors. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the severity of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) with consumption characteristics and psychometric predictors.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months on 87 patients in the psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital, using a convenience sampling method. Demographic data, alcohol use patterns, and psychometric assessments, including the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA), and the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), were analyzed. Patients were categorized into uncomplicated and complicated AWS groups, and statistical comparisons were performed using SPSS 23. As the data was not normally distributed, non-parametric tests were used.Results Among 87 AWS patients, 73.6% had uncomplicated and 26.4% had complicated withdrawal. Demographics, duration, and volume of alcohol intake, and mean AUDIT and CIWA scores showed descriptive patterns of difference between uncomplicated and complicated AWS. BPRS scores were higher in complicated AWS, with some domains strongly linked to it.Discussion Psychiatric symptom burden rather than consumption characteristics emerged as the strongest predictor of complicated AWS. This finding complements but also challenges existing literature, suggesting that cultural, biological, and socioeconomic modifiers may influence AWS severity.Conclusion Integrating the usage of tools like consumption metrics and psychiatric symptoms into routine assessment enables early identification of high-risk patients. Larger, multi-centre longitudinal studies are needed to validate predictive models and improve AWS management.
Introduction Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects 10% of pregnant women and 13% of post-delivery women after childbirth, globally. However, the perception of PPD among pregnant women in Malaysia remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of PPD among Malaysian pregnant women and examine their association with the sociodemographic characteristics. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional survey-based research was conducted among pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years old using convenience sampling. Data collection was carried out from February to May 2024. The questionnaire comprised section A (participants' demographic information), section B (knowledge of postpartum depression (PPD)) and section C (perception of postpartum depression (PPD)). Data were analysed using SPSS software, employing chi-square tests to identify associations between demographic variables and knowledge, and using one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests to compare demographic variables and perception. Results A total of 258 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean knowledge and perception scores were 8.39 (0.14) and 41.86 (4.03). Factors significantly associated with the knowledge include race, current educational level, monthly household income, employment status and living arrangement (p<0.05). Discussion The moderate knowledge and perception of PPD among Malaysian women, together with persistent misconceptions about detection and management, highlights the need for targeted education and awareness programs at the national level. Conclusion Continuous engagement among stakeholders and multi-level organisations is imperative to inform policy revision and strengthen perinatal mental health resources and services.
Introduction In Pakistan, females with substance use (FSU) remain critically neglected despite an estimated 1.5 million users. Post-COVID-19, the drug use patterns among FSU remain largely elusive. Depression, though common among users, is rarely addressed in primary care. This study used PHQ-9 to assess depression among treatment-seeking female substance users. It explored the prevalent types of substances misused, the underlying motivations for use, and the potential consequences of substance misuse on the general health of women. Method A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 200 female substance users and 200 controls from rehabilitation centers in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Results Misuse of nicotine (62%), cannabis (18%), opioids (alcohol and morphine) (10%), and methamphetamine (8%) was prevalent, while prescription drugs and LSD misuse remained low (2%). A considerable number of participants were consumers of nicotine pouches (12%), vapes (23%), and cigarettes (27%). Binge drinking was reported by 20% of alcohol users. PHQ-9 scores were significantly higher in substance users (11.42 +/- 0.86) than non-users (8.68 +/- 0.73) (p<0.05). Vape users had the highest depression scores (16.5 +/- 1.37), followed by cigarette (13.6 +/- 1.10) and pouch users (12.4 +/- 1.10). Substance users had nearly twice the odds of elevated PHQ-9 scores (OR = 1.982, 95% CI 0.261-4.22, p < 0.05). Nicotine users also had significantly lower BMI (21.62 +/- 0.96) than other substance users (28.11 +/- 2.27) (p<0.0001). Menstrual irregularities and PCOS were more common among users. Discussion The findings underscore a critical gap in the recognition and treatment of mental health issues among female substance users (FSU) in Pakistan. The significantly higher PHQ-9 scores among substance users, particularly those using vapes, cigarettes, and nicotine pouches, point to a strong association between nicotine use and comorbid depression. This is particularly alarming given nicotine's widespread availability and perception as a less harmful substance. The study also highlights post-COVID shifts in drug use patterns, with an increase in nicotine-based products and binge drinking behaviors. The health implications are considerable, with users exhibiting lower BMI, higher rates of menstrual irregularities, and PCOS, suggesting the compounding physiological burden of substance misuse in women. The study demonstrates the utility of the PHQ-9 as a practical screening tool for identifying depression among FSU in resource-limited clinical settings. This study calls for urgent policy-level interventions to address the dual burden of addiction and psychiatric illness in women, a historically neglected area in Pakistan's healthcare system. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive rehabilitation policies for FSU with routine PHQ-9 screening.
Background Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and affects approximately 10-15% of couples worldwide. Infertility treatment presents numerous challenges, including economic, social, psychological, and familial issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges of infertility treatment from the perspective of infertile women in Jahrom City. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024. Seventeen women aged 17 to 45 with infertility were purposefully selected with maximum diversity from the Jahrom Infertility Center in Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, individual, semi-structured interviews. A conventional content analysis approach was employed for data analysis. Results This study identified four main categories and eight subcategories from the analysis of interviews. The main categories extracted were "Emotional Responses to Infertility," "Economic Challenges Surrounding Infertility Treatments," "Challenges Accessing Infertility Services," and "Skepticism towards Care Centers. Centers." Conclusion This study highlighted a wide range of challenges and issues involved in the treatment of infertile Jahormi women. These findings can be used to develop appropriate intervention strategies to address infertility problems.
Introduction: In the digital world, the use of the internet for all aspects of life has increased dramatically, and in some cases has led to obsessive use or internet addiction. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and loneliness in medical science students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 students from Zabol University of Medical Sciences were selected via stratified random sampling in 2024. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic information, the Dehshiri Feelings of Loneliness Questionnaire, and Young's Internet Addiction Test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27 software and included independent-samples t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression analyses at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of students was 22.09 +/- 1.40 years, and 217 (54.25%) were female, 307 (76.25%) held a Bachelor's degree, and 311 (77.75%) were single. Additionally, 209 (52.25%) had non-native admission, 209 (52.25%) lived in dormitories, and 177 (44.30%) were enrolled in the nursing faculty. The mean scores of IA, feeling lonely, family relationship loneliness, friend loneliness, and emotional loneliness were 53.36 +/- 14.17, 116.88 +/- 16.98, 50.06 +/- 8.05, 40.50 +/- 8.75, and 26.32 +/- 6.92, respectively. A total of 156 (39%) did not report IA, while 2 (0.5%) indicated that they were addicted. Additionally, 242 (60.5%) reported being exposed to IA. The IA score was significantly higher in males (p= 0.001) and paramedic students (p= 0.001). The feeling lonely score was significantly higher in native admission students (p= 0.017) and those who lived in a dormitory (p= 0.013). A positive linear correlation was found between IA and family relationship loneliness (r= 0.168, p= 0.001), emotional loneliness (r= 0.469, p< 0.0001), and feeling lonely (r= 0.273, p< 0.0001). Discussion: In 2024, 60.5% of participants were at risk of IA, and 0.5% reported IA. A weak positive linear correlation was observed between IA and feelings of loneliness, while a moderate positive correlation was found between IA and emotional loneliness. Conclusion: Given the relationship between IA and loneliness, particularly as it is strongly mediated by the dimension of emotional loneliness among medical students, it is vital to implement multifaceted prevention interventions. These programs should educate students on healthy digital habits and coping mechanisms that do not rely on online activities. Additionally, early identification and support for at-risk students are essential to prevent the escalation of problematic internet use.
Medication is one of the pathogenic factors triggering mental disorders such as depression/suicidal behavior. Antiepileptic drugs, antibiotics and hormones may increase the risk of depression or suicidal behavior in patients. We provide an overview of the clinical symptoms, susceptible populations and major drugs that cause drug-induced depression/suicidal behavior. High-level literature such as meta-analyses or clinical trials were used to demonstrate the correlation between commonly used medicines and depression/suicidal behavior. We also pay attention to the severity of adverse drug reactions caused by different drugs of the same type, whether patients with drug-induced depression need to be treated with antidepressants, and which type of antidepressant should be used, providing a basis for clinicians to optimize treatment strategies.
