AimThe association between various physical illnesses and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) is well‐established. However, the role of gender remains unclear. The present study explored the gender‐based differences in the prevalence and early onset of chronic physical multimorbidities (CPM) in patients with SSD and the general population (GEP).MethodsWe recruited 329 SSD patients and 837 GEP controls in this nested cross‐sectional study. The primary outcome was the prevalence of the chronic physical multimorbidities, especially in the youngest age group (<35 years).ResultsWomen with SSD had more than double the odds for having CPM than men (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.35‐4.50), while the gender‐related burden of chronic diseases in controls was nearly the same (OR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.65‐1.22). Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic disease in younger women patients was significantly higher than in controls (P = .002), while younger men did not seem to experience this increased comorbidity burden.ConclusionsThis study suggests that women with SSD are at increased physical comorbidity risk compared to men, particularly early in the course of psychiatric illness. Tailored and individualized treatment plans must consider this, aiming to deliver holistic care and effective treatment outcomes.
Objective
This cross‐sectional study investigated the association of physical and social anhedonia with suicidality in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, and in non‐psychiatric controls.
Method
All participants completed the revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS) and the revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) and were subdivided according to positive life‐time suicide attempt history. MDD patients were evaluated with the Montgomery‐Ãsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), healthy respondents with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and schizophrenia patients with the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS).
Results
In 683 study participants, the prevalence of each anhedonia was the highest in MDD, followed by schizophrenia, and lowest in the control group. Among MDD patients, those with physical and social anhedonia had greater rates of recent suicidal ideation, while a higher frequency of individuals with life‐time suicide attempts was detected in those with only social anhedonia. In contrast, no association between either anhedonia and life‐time suicide attempts or recent suicidal ideation was found in patients with schizophrenia.
Conclusions
Assessing social and physical anhedonia might be important in MDD patients, given its association with both life‐time suicide attempts and recent suicidal ideation. Suicidality in schizophrenia, while unrelated to anhedonia, might include other risk factors.
Purpose
The impact of eating habits on mental health is gaining more attention recently. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between mental distress and the Mediterranean diet (MD) in a community-dwelling adult population of Dalmatia, Croatia.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants from the “10,001 Dalmatians” study from the Island of Korcula and the City of Split were included (n=3,392). Lifestyle habits were investigated using a self-administered questionnaire, while mental distress was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) in a cross-sectional design. MD compliance was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used in the analysis.
Findings
MD compliance was associated with lesser mental distress (ß=−1.96, 95% CI −2.75, −1.17; p<0.001). Inverse association was found between mental distress and higher intake of fruits (ß=−0.64; 95% CI −0.89, −0.39; p<0.001), vegetables (ß=−0.39; 95% CI −0.65, −0.13; p=0.003), olive oil (ß=−0.30; 95% CI −0.56, −0.04; p=0.022) and legumes (ß=−0.83; 95% CI −1.66, 0.00; p=0.049). Mental distress was more intense in women, older participants, those with worse material status, subjects with previously diagnosed chronic diseases and in current smokers.
Originality/value
This study suggests beneficial association of MD and overall mental health, offering important implications for public health provisions. Since the literature search did not reveal any previous study on the association between the MD and GHQ-based mental distress in the general population, this study delivers interesting results and fills this knowledge gap.
Purpose of review
Despite of the heightened risks and burdens of physical comorbidities across the entire spectrum of mental disorders, relatively little is known about physical multimorbidity in this population. The aim of this narrative review is to present recent data regarding the onset and accumulation of physical multimorbidity and to assess its impact on the onset, course, treatment, and outcomes of mental disorders.
Recent findings
A substantial body of literature shows increased risk of physical multimorbidity among people with mental disorders. The disparity in physical multimorbidity occurs even before the diagnosis of mental disorder, and the younger age group appears to be at particular risk. Numerous patterns of association between mental disorders and medical disorders involving multiple organ systems have been identified. Physical multimorbidity affects people with mental disorders across their life spans, is associated with a wide range of unfavorable outcomes and presents significant clinical and public health concerns.
Summary
To address physical health inequalities among people with mental disorders compared with the general population, we must focus on the physical health from the very first point of contact with a mental health service. Treatment of mental disorders must be customized to meet the needs of patients with different physical multimorbidity patterns. Future work is needed to clarify how physical multimorbidity influences mental disorder treatment outcomes.
SUMMARY
Background: An increasing body of research suggest that repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is effective and safe treatment option for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD
week. Our secondary outcomes were changes in Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and WHOQOL-BREF scales.
Results: After four weeks the changes of HAM-D17 and HAM-A results were significantly different between the group of patients treated by augmentative rTMS (48% and 53% decrease, respectively) and the group of patients treated by the standard therapy alone (24% and 30% decrease) (P=0.004, P=0.007). Absolute benefit increase defined as the difference between rates of remission (HAM-D17 ≤7) in rTMS and control group was 33% (P=0.001). Number of patients needed to treat with rTMS in order to
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