J Psychiatr Res [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
PTSD symptoms and firearm storage practices among adults in the United States: Examining trauma history subgroups.
Rasti AR, Betz ME, Finn J … +5 more , Boffa JW, Berkowitz S, Flarity KM, Simonetti J, Stanley IH
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Sep · PMID 42142505 · Publisher ↗
Greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms-particularly hyperarousal symptoms (e.g., being "on guard")-are associated with an increased odds of non-secure firearm storage (e.g., loaded, unlocked), which may in...
Greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms-particularly hyperarousal symptoms (e.g., being "on guard")-are associated with an increased odds of non-secure firearm storage (e.g., loaded, unlocked), which may increase suicide risk. Research has not examined this association within trauma exposure subgroups-namely, victimization (e.g., physical/sexual assault) or accident/injury (e.g., motor vehicle accident, natural disaster). Victimization traumas may be more likely to prompt concerns regarding interpersonal safety, thereby shaping decisions around secure storage practices. This was a cross-sectional online survey of 850 U.S. adults (18+). We used the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; range: 0-80) to assess lifetime traumatic experiences and PTSD symptoms, respectively. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between PTSD symptoms and firearm ownership/storage practices, adjusted for gender. Overall, 30.5% (n = 259) reported firearm ownership. The sample's mean PCL-5 score was 17.2 (SD = 17.4). Half of participants had lifetime trauma victimization (51.9%; n = 441); among these individuals, PTSD total and hyperarousal symptoms were associated with an increased odds of storing firearms loaded. Among those with accident/injury histories only (33.3%; n = 283), there were no significant associations between PTSD symptoms and firearm storage practices. Effect sizes were small, and future work is needed among individuals diagnosed with PTSD. Lethal means safety counseling for secure firearm storage may require a trauma-informed lens.
Altered circuit functional connectivity and associated neural mechanisms of childhood trauma in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Wan X, Xu Z, Luo Z … +7 more , Zeng X, Li X, Lu X, Tang Y, Yuan X, Jia Y, Hu M
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Sep · PMID 42140098 · Publisher ↗
Childhood trauma (CT) has been strongly linked to the course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), yet the manner in which CT interacts with OCD-related alterations in brain functional connectivity remains unclear. In...
Childhood trauma (CT) has been strongly linked to the course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), yet the manner in which CT interacts with OCD-related alterations in brain functional connectivity remains unclear. In this study, sixty-six patients with OCD and fifty healthy control participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessments and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were further categorized according to exposure to childhood trauma, and functional connectivity networks were constructed based on key regions of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit to examine the independent and interactive effects of CT and OCD on resting-state connectivity. Both OCD and CT were associated with altered CSTC functional connectivity, although opposite patterns were observed in patients and controls. Specifically, CT exposure in control participants was associated with a reduced density of strong CSTC connections, whereas in patients with OCD, CT was linked to increased connectivity density. Moreover, OCD patients exhibited instability in core network organization, involving the cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, putamen, and amygdala. Differential analyses revealed that the OCD patients with CT showed increased connectivity compared with both controls with CT (p = 0.005-0.038) and OCD patients without CT (p = 0.002-0.047). Taken together, these findings suggest that CT and OCD jointly modulate CSTC functional connectivity, manifesting as hyperconnectivity and disrupted network organization in OCD patients with a history of childhood trauma, and provide new insights into how early environmental adversity interacts with core neurobiological mechanisms in OCD.
Regional and network-level convergent structural effects of electroconvulsive therapy in depression: a neuroimaging meta-analysis.
Meng H, Yang Y, Cui Q … +1 more , Long Z
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Sep · PMID 42140097 · Publisher ↗
Neuroimaging studies have suggested macroscale effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on brain structures in depression, but findings remain inconsistent. The current study aims to investigate whether ECT exhibits co...
Neuroimaging studies have suggested macroscale effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on brain structures in depression, but findings remain inconsistent. The current study aims to investigate whether ECT exhibits convergence in the treatment effect at the regional and network levels and to explore the relationship between ECT-related structural effect and neurotransmitter systems. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed and Web of Science, identifying eleven studies on ECT effects related to whole-brain gray matter volume (GMV) in depression. A coordinate-based meta-analysis named activation likelihood estimation (ALE) was performed to examine regional convergence of ECT treatment effects. Additionally, we further employed a network-based meta-analysis to assess convergent structural connectivity patterns of reported treatment-related coordinates using data from the Human Connectome Project. Finally, we explored the association of the treatment effect with neurotransmitter receptor/transporter maps. We observed that ECT consistently increased GMV in the bilateral hippocampus, parahippocampus and amygdala, right insula, superior temporal gyrus, and temporal pole in patients with depression. Morerover, the coordinates showing increased GMV following ECT had convergent structural connectivity with the limbic and subcortical networks. Furthermore, the convergent structural connectivity was associated with several neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, while none of the receptors/transporters were significantly over or under expressed within the ALE convergent clusters. These results suggested that ECT treatment efficacy in depression may be associated with the structural neuroplasticity within limbic-subcortical networks.
Right caudal hippocampal structural-functional coupling alterations in major depressive disorder: an exploratory pattern linking childhood trauma and executive function alterations at lower depression severity.
Wang J, Cheng B, Li D … +9 more , Cui Y, Lu R, Liang X, Zhang H, Guo Y, Li J, Zheng Y, Qiu S, Liu Y
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42139845 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) often emerges during adolescence and young adulthood, a period marked by ongoing maturation of executive function. In MDD, childhood trauma is frequently reported and may compr...
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) often emerges during adolescence and young adulthood, a period marked by ongoing maturation of executive function. In MDD, childhood trauma is frequently reported and may compromise this developing cognitive domain, yet its neural link to executive performance remains unclear. Structural-functional (SC-FC) coupling captures correspondence between structural connectivity and functional organization, offering a metric for detecting trauma-related neural mismatch. This study examined SC-FC coupling alterations and their associations with childhood trauma and executive performance in MDD. METHODS: We included 67 first-episode, drug-naïve adolescents and young adults with MDD and 44 healthy controls. Childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and executive function using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Regional SC-FC coupling was estimated using a principal component analysis-based predictive model. Group differences, brain-behavior associations, group interactions, and exploratory mediation were examined. RESULTS: Nineteen regions showed significant SC-FC coupling differences, involving limbic, default mode, frontoparietal, salience, visual, and somatomotor systems. In MDD, thalamic coupling was associated with trauma scores, whereas left precuneus, right anterior temporal, and right caudal hippocampal coupling was associated with executive performance. Only the trauma-related right rostral hippocampal coupling interaction survived correction. Exploratory mediation showed a conditional indirect association between trauma and SCWT reaction time via right caudal hippocampal coupling at lower depressive severity. CONCLUSIONS: First-episode, drug-naïve MDD showed widespread SC-FC coupling alterations. Hippocampal coupling may preliminarily link childhood trauma and executive performance.
Exploring the relationship between structural and functional connectivity of the sgACC and different brain regions in relation to dimensional symptoms of major depressive disorder.
Guo H, Mao X, Yang Y … +7 more , Li X, Cheng J, Fu R, Lyu F, Long Z, Wu H, Du L
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42127602 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is clinically heterogeneous, complicating treatment and mechanistic understanding. We examined whether subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) connectivity maps onto specif...
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is clinically heterogeneous, complicating treatment and mechanistic understanding. We examined whether subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) connectivity maps onto specific symptom dimensions in MDD. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with MDD and 31 healthy controls underwent multimodal MRI, including T1-weighted imaging, resting-state fMRI, and diffusion tensor imaging. We compared sgACC connectivity between groups and related connectivity measures to Hamilton Depression Rating Scale symptom subscales, with correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Reduced left sgACC functional connectivity was associated with psychomotor retardation in striatal regions, sleep disturbance in limbic regions, and hopelessness in temporal/cerebellar regions. Right sgACC-precuneus/cuneus connectivity was negatively associated with diurnal variation symptoms, although this pattern did not differ significantly from controls. For structural connectivity, only the positive association between left sgACC-left inferior pulvinar connectivity and psychomotor retardation survived correction. Exploratory analyses further suggested increased right sgACC-putamen structural connectivity in MDD, but symptom correlations involving this pathway did not survive correction. CONCLUSIONS: sgACC connectivity abnormalities are linked to distinct symptom dimensions in MDD, supporting symptom-level neurocircuit heterogeneity. These preliminary findings require replication in larger longitudinal samples.
Personality traits and disorders in people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): A systematic review.
Jenkins ZM, Rossell SL, Phillips KA … +5 more , Phillipou A, Miles S, Wilding H, Mendoza Diaz A, Castle DJ
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42127601 · Publisher ↗
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of distressing or impairing preoccupation with non-existent or slight defects in one's physical appearance. It is accompanied by repetitive behaviours (i.e., rituals, compulsions)...
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of distressing or impairing preoccupation with non-existent or slight defects in one's physical appearance. It is accompanied by repetitive behaviours (i.e., rituals, compulsions) such as reassurance-seeking as well as social avoidance due to fear of being seen or negatively judged by others. BDD often co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders, and some of the symptoms of BDD can be difficult to differentiate from characteristics of certain personality disorders (PDs). This can contribute to misdiagnosis of BDD, which has important treatment implications. This review sought to synthesise the evidence on personality traits and disorders in people with BDD. Data from 26 studies was synthesised, including assessments of 1382 participants with a current diagnosis of BDD (912 female, 470 male). Individuals with BDD were found to report low self-esteem, high levels of shame and rejection sensitivity, significant interpersonal problems, and social inhibition. The most common comorbid PD reported was avoidant PD, followed by obsessive-compulsive PD. Future studies are needed to understand the manner in which personality factors contribute to the aetiology and maintenance of BDD, particularly their influence on treatment-seeking and potential obfuscation of a diagnosis of BDD.
Hidden storms within: Psychiatric comorbidity in intermittent explosive disorder: A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis.
Liu F, Leonard S, Xiao Z … +1 more , Lennox C
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42127600 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is characterised by sudden, disproportionate outbursts of aggression. High rates of psychiatric comorbidity suggest that IED represents a complex transdiagnostic profile,...
BACKGROUND: Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is characterised by sudden, disproportionate outbursts of aggression. High rates of psychiatric comorbidity suggest that IED represents a complex transdiagnostic profile, yet its comorbidity profile has not yet been synthesised quantitatively. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among individuals with IED, (2) quantify the odds ratios for these comorbidities relative to non-IED populations and (3) identify contextual and methodological factors that may shape the strength and nature of these associations. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251048183), 47 studies comprising over 80,000 participants were included. Of these, 29 contributed quantitative data to the meta-analytic synthesis, although some studies drew on overlapping datasets. Random-effects and Bayesian models were used to synthesise data across seven psychiatric disorders. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of potential moderators and the robustness of findings. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel-plot asymmetry and Bayesian selection models. RESULTS: Individuals with IED demonstrated markedly elevated odds of comorbidity across several domains, including Agoraphobia (OR = 3.79), Alcohol Use Disorder (OR = 3.08), Drug Use Disorder (OR = 3.31), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (OR = 3.45), Major Depressive Disorder (OR = 2.12), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (OR = 2.75), and Social Phobia (OR = 2.90). Comorbidity prevalence ranged from 8.1% (Agoraphobia) to 30.7% (Drug Use Disorder). General population samples yielded relatively higher comorbidity estimates than clinical samples in most comorbid disorders, while diagnostic criteria did not significantly moderate these associations. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of comorbidity with IED. The findings reveal a pervasive comorbidity burden that bridges mood, anxiety, and substance-use spectra, reinforcing the view that shared transdiagnostic mechanisms, including emotional dysregulation, impaired impulse control, and heightened arousability, underpin IED. Importantly, while the meta-analysis provides replicated evidence for these seven comorbidities, the qualitative review suggests that the comorbidity of IED extends to nearly every major diagnostic category. Our findings highlight the urgent need for integrated screening approaches, transdiagnostic treatment models, and formal recognition of IED within global mental health agendas.
Impacts of perseverative coping on depression risk among young people living in poverty.
Kato T
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42119554 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Poverty is well-established a risk factor for depression, and Japan's relative poverty rate is higher than that of other countries. The dual-process theory of coping flexibility suggested that greater perseve...
BACKGROUND: Poverty is well-established a risk factor for depression, and Japan's relative poverty rate is higher than that of other countries. The dual-process theory of coping flexibility suggested that greater perseverative coping (i.e., continuing to employ ineffective coping strategies) leads to increased depressive symptoms. This study examines the relationship between perseverative coping and depression risk among young people living in poverty. METHODS: The participants were 1000 (500 males and 500 females) individuals living in poverty aged 18-24 years in Japan. Their socioeconomic status was controlled to some extent the sampling stage. The participants completed questionnaires on perseverative coping and depressive symptoms; 14 weeks later, they completed an additional questionnaire assessing depression risk. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher perseverative coping was associated with a higher risk of depression, even after controlling for the baseline depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals living in poverty reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and perseverative coping than middle-/high-income individuals reported in a previous study. CONCLUSIONS: Perseverative coping appears to be maladaptive, as higher perseverative coping was associated with an increased risk of depression among participants aged 18-24 years living in poverty. Interventions based on the dual-process theory may help predict and reduce depression risk. Based on our findings, we provide suggestions to reduce depression risk among young people living in poverty.
Medicinal plants for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review of phytotherapeutic approaches.
S DDP, Jeyabalan S, Subramaniyan V … +4 more , Balu A, Wong LS, Sekar M, Ashok C
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42119553 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that impair functioning. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (S...
BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that impair functioning. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy are first-line treatments, 40-60% of patients achieve only partial remission, with persistent symptoms and adverse effects. This highlights the need for alternative approaches such as phytotherapy, which has shown potential neuroprotective and neurotransmitter-modulating properties. METHODS: A structured narrative review with a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to April 2025. Studies evaluating medicinal plants or phytochemicals in OCD or OCD-like behavior were included. Both preclinical in vivo and human studies were assessed. A total of 26 studies (14 preclinical, 12 clinical) were included and appraised using a multi-domain quality framework and evidence hierarchy. RESULTS: Preclinical studies indicated that several plant-derived compounds influence serotonergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic systems and reduce OCD-like behaviors. However, most relied on non-specific models such as marble-burying, limiting interpretability. Clinical evidence was limited, with few randomized controlled trials and several low-quality or observational studies. While some interventions showed symptom improvement, methodological weaknesses and small sample sizes reduced reliability. DISCUSSION: Current evidence does not support clinical recommendations for phytotherapy in OCD. Findings remain preliminary and hypothesis-generating. Future research should focus on well-designed clinical trials, standardized formulations, and translationally valid models to establish efficacy and safety.
Comparison between the childbirth subcomponent of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale-Revised (TPDS-R) and the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS).
Hulsbosch LP, Boedt T, van den Heuvel MI … +1 more , Schwabe I
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42114446 · Publisher ↗
Antenatal fear of childbirth could have negative consequences for both mother and child, which makes it important to measure symptoms during pregnancy. The current study additionally evaluated the concurrent and construc...
Antenatal fear of childbirth could have negative consequences for both mother and child, which makes it important to measure symptoms during pregnancy. The current study additionally evaluated the concurrent and construct validity of the 5-item childbirth subcomponent of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale-Revised (TPDS-R-childbirth) for assessment of fear of childbirth, by comparing it with the 2-item Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS). A subsample of 477 women participating in the Brabant Study, a longitudinal prospective cohort study among Dutch pregnant women, completed at least one FOBS and TPDS-R-childbirth assessment during pregnancy. To identify women with fear of childbirth a cut-off ≥60 was used on the FOBS and the upper quartile of scores on the TPDS-R-childbirth. The TPDS-R-childbirth and FOBS scores correlated strongly at each pregnancy trimester (r: 0.53-0.62, p < 0.001), indicating good concurrent validity. Furthermore, women categorized as "having fear of childbirth" based on the FOBS and TPDS-R-childbirth scores, respectively, showed significantly higher scores on the other scale at each pregnancy trimester (p < 0.001), indicating good construct validity. Thus, the TPDS-R-childbirth showed good concurrent and construct validity and could be a valuable alternative to the FOBS in the assessment of fear of childbirth during each trimester of pregnancy.
Letter to the editor: What current schizophrenia guidelines say about genetic explanations for psychotic presentations.
Colijn MA
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42114445 · Publisher ↗
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Synergistic antidepressant effects of gastrodin combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: Mediation by the gut-brain axis and endocannabinoid system.
Zhou T, Xiang J, Zhang F … +5 more , Yu J, Hou J, Li Q, Zhang X, Shang X
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42107137 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates the synergistic antidepressant mechanisms of gastrodin (GAS) combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (r-TMS) through the gut-brain axis and the endocannabinoid system. A depress...
This study investigates the synergistic antidepressant mechanisms of gastrodin (GAS) combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (r-TMS) through the gut-brain axis and the endocannabinoid system. A depression model was established in male C57BL/6J mice using Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). Following four weeks of modeling, animals were divided into five groups and received respective treatments for two weeks. A multi-modal approach was employed, encompassing behavioral tests, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, 16S rRNA sequencing, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics, Western blot analysis, and mediation analysis. Results demonstrated that the combined therapy significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and cognitive deficits in CUMS mice, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to monotherapies. The treatment repaired hippocampal neuronal architecture and colonic mucosal integrity, upregulated the tight junction protein ZO-1, and reshaped the serum metabolic profile. Western blot analysis confirmed the activation of key proteins within the target pathway. Mediation analysis established a credible microbiota-metabolite-behavioral association, indicating that specific gut microbiota influence behavioral outcomes by modulating differential metabolites, with this relationship mediated through the endocannabinoid system. This study confirms that the combination of GAS and r-TMS exerts synergistic antidepressant effects by regulating gut-brain axis homeostasis and activating the target signaling pathway, providing a novel mechanistic foundation for combined depression treatment strategies.
A systematic review of Holocaust-related trauma transmission: Exploring systemic trauma.
Caviglia G, Scognamiglio C, Borrelli G … +3 more , Donnarumma M, Mariano L, Perrella R
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42107136 · Publisher ↗
The scientific literature highlights that the dynamics of systemic trauma are poorly understood and that its health effects remain understudied. The aim of this research is to explore the results of quantitative studies...
The scientific literature highlights that the dynamics of systemic trauma are poorly understood and that its health effects remain understudied. The aim of this research is to explore the results of quantitative studies on the transmission of Holocaust-related trauma, in order to provide a unified overview of the evidence concerning the second and third generations. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four databases were selected to search for relevant studies: Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Ninety-six studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 1988 and 2025 and included a total sample of 78,519 participants. Among these studies, 81 found an effect of the Holocaust experienced by the first generation on subsequent generations, 11 found no effect, and 4 found partial effects. These findings advance clinical and research understanding of the principal patterns and processes through which trauma may be transmitted across generations, as well as its long-term consequences. At the same time, because this review synthesizes heterogeneous studies, some methodological and contextual specificities of individual studies may be less fully captured in the overall synthesis.
Psyche and pixels: AI-generated images and their impact on stigma of mental illnesses in Germany.
Grimmer J, Khorikian-Ghazari N, Hasan A … +5 more , Hartmann NL, Schoch L, Greiner SK, Leucht S, Papazova I
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42105594 · Publisher ↗
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved in recent years. Image generating chatbots enjoy great popularity. But they bear the risk of maintaining or enhancing preexisting stereotypes and stigma against severe men...
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved in recent years. Image generating chatbots enjoy great popularity. But they bear the risk of maintaining or enhancing preexisting stereotypes and stigma against severe mental illnesses. The objective of the study is to investigate how AI-generated imagery on psychiatric diseases and institutions are perceived compared to (non-psychiatric) medical ones. Using the chatbots Designer, DALL-E 3 and Midjourney V6 we created images associated with psychiatric and medical contexts (disease, institution, incident). Participants (N = 239, 75.31% women) rated images generated by one of the chatbots upon a self-assessment manikin (SAM) rating, an adjective and emotion rating. Furthermore, participants were asked to title the images. Images containing psychiatric scenes were perceived as more negative and more arousing than other medical scenes (all p < .001). Further, they were often rated as having less control over the situation. Fear and anger were more often elicited by psychiatric than medical scenes. Psychiatric images were rated as more threatening and scarier (all p ≤ .001). In sum, the perception of AI-generated images of psychiatric terms was aligned with pre-existing stigmatizing attitudes. This is the first study to systematically investigate affective perception and potential stigmatizing effects of AI-generated images in a psychiatric context. It raises important discussion about user information, usage guidelines and stricter regulations for generative AI.
Characterization of regression in a clinically referred sample of children and adolescents with autism or other developmental delays.
Albores-Gallo L, Zavaleta-Ramirez P, Cruz-Cruz C … +2 more , Astudillo-García C, Rosetti M
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42102506 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Regression is a common symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but its prevalence in low or middle-income countries is unknown. This study characterizes regression in a large sample of Mexican children who...
BACKGROUND: Regression is a common symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but its prevalence in low or middle-income countries is unknown. This study characterizes regression in a large sample of Mexican children whose parents sought a clinical assessment after having concerns about their child's development. METHOD: Certified professionals in the use of a semi-structured standardized interview for ASD assigned the diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria. RESULTS: Regression was more frequent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to those with other developmental delays (DD) (48.01% vs. 28.0%, p < 0.001), specifically Language (ASD = 37.7% vs. DD = 27%, p = 0.047), and Social regression (ASD = 21.8% vs. DD = 7%, p = 0.001). The mean age of language regression was 24 months (SD = 12.3) in both groups. The ASD regressor group showed higher mean significant scores in Socio Communication and Restrictive and Repetitive Behavior domains vs. ASD non-regressors. Boys in the ASD regressor group show a higher frequency of deficits in socio-emotional reciprocity and hypo/hypersensitive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Regression is a common symptom in ASD, and specifically in boys, confers higher severity of ASD symptoms.
A multidimensional model of Maladaptive Daydreaming: Integrating neurodevelopmental traits, digital addictions, psychosocial vulnerabilities, and mental well-being among emerging adults.
Eren Hİ, Bulut NS
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42102505 · Publisher ↗
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is increasingly recognized as a complex psychological phenomenon that extends beyond ordinary fantasy. While it has been predominantly conceptualized within a dissociative framework, the pres...
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is increasingly recognized as a complex psychological phenomenon that extends beyond ordinary fantasy. While it has been predominantly conceptualized within a dissociative framework, the present study aimed to extend this perspective by proposing a complementary integrative model focusing on less extensively examined but interacting domains, including neurodevelopmental traits, behavioral addictions, and socio-psychological factors, in a sample of university students in Türkiye. A total of 848 participants (mean age = 21.50 ± 2.59 years; 73.2% female) completed validated self-report measures assessing MD (MDS-16), ADHD symptoms, autism spectrum traits, behavioral addictions (social media and gaming), and psychosocial variables including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, narcissism, and loneliness. Using a cut-off score of ≥50 on the MDS-16, the prevalence of MD among university students was 18.3%. MD severity was positively associated with ADHD symptoms (r = 0.335), autism spectrum traits (r = 0.218), social media use (r = 0.309), anxiety (r = 0.339), and narcissistic traits (r = 0.256), and positively associated with higher RSES scores (r = 0.315; indicating lower self-esteem) and negatively associated with age (r = -0.231) (all p < .001). In hierarchical linear regression analyses, low self-esteem, ADHD symptoms, and autism traits emerged as the strongest predictors of MD severity, while anxiety, social media addiction, and narcissistic traits also contributed significantly. Age and year of study showed consistent inverse associations with MD severity (adjusted R = 0.283). These findings indicate that MD reflects a multidimensional process in which neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities, emotional dysregulation, and behaviorally reinforced patterns converge, supporting an integrative account that complements dissociative conceptualizations.
Therapeutic efficacy of computerized cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive function, inflammatory biomarkers, and brain structure in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled trial.
Huang X, Sun H, Zhong J … +3 more , Niu T, Geng X, Zeng Y
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42096995 · Publisher ↗
Cognitive and behavioral impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) represent significant neuropsychiatric challenges. This randomized controlled trial evaluated a 6-month compu...
Cognitive and behavioral impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) represent significant neuropsychiatric challenges. This randomized controlled trial evaluated a 6-month computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) as a non-pharmacological intervention. Fifty-seven participants (32 aMCI, 25 mild AD) were assigned to CCRT or standard care. Outcomes included cognitive function (MMSE, MoCA), daily living activities (ADL), anxiety/depression (HAMA, HAMD-17), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and longitudinal brain MRI analyzed via voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Compared to controls, the CCRT group showed significant improvements in global cognition (ΔMMSE: +2.12 vs. -1.93, p < 0.001), daily functioning, and anxiety scores. A notable reduction in systemic inflammation (ΔHs-CRP, p < 0.01) was also observed. VBM revealed progressive gray matter atrophy in temporal and parahippocampal regions across both groups, yet cognitive gains in the CCRT cohort occurred independently of structural decline. CCRT effectively enhances cognitive-behavioral outcomes and modulates inflammatory activity in AD-spectrum patients, despite ongoing neurodegeneration. These findings support its integration as a neuropsychiatric intervention aimed at preserving function and promoting neural compensation in dementia care.
Disability-free survival by symptoms of depression in older adults: a historical cohort study from the Tsurugaya Project.
Fukuhara H, Hozawa A, Nakaya N … +3 more , Kogure M, Momma H, Nagatomi R
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42090983 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms have been associated with shorter disability-free survival in older adults; however, whether this association differs according to the structure of depressive symptoms remains unclear. We...
BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms have been associated with shorter disability-free survival in older adults; however, whether this association differs according to the structure of depressive symptoms remains unclear. We examined the association between the structure of depressive symptoms and risk of disability or death among older men and women in Japan. METHODS: We analyzed 585 individuals who underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment and agreed to provide information on long-term care insurance. Factor analysis was performed using items from the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) to extract factors of depressive symptoms. The endpoint was the composite outcome of disability or death, defined as the first certification of any level of care requirement. Associations between the extracted depressive symptom factors and outcomes were examined using a Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: During 18 years of follow-up, 497 incident cases of disability or death occurred. In men, "worthlessness" was positively associated with the incidence of disability or death (hazard ratio [95% confidence intervals], 1.85 [0.98-3.49], P for trend = 0.04) after adjusting for potential covariates. In women, "anxiety" was positively associated with the incidence of disability or death (1.88 [1.15-3.07], P for trend = 0.02), whereas "unhappiness" showed an inverse association with the incidence of disability or death (0.51 [0.30-0.87], P for trend = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The association between depressive symptoms and the risk of disability or death in older adults varied according to the structure of depressive symptoms and sex.
Reduced gut microbiome alpha diversity associates with depressive symptom severity and somatic symptom burden in major depression.
Ghanam AR, Gatermann S, Juckel G
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42090982 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Alteration in gut microbiome have been increasingly linked to many psychiatric disorders inclusive depression. However, findings regarding microbiome diversity in depression remain inconsistent. Differences in...
OBJECTIVE: Alteration in gut microbiome have been increasingly linked to many psychiatric disorders inclusive depression. However, findings regarding microbiome diversity in depression remain inconsistent. Differences in depression subtypes, particularly the somatic versus affective symptoms profiles may partly explain this heterogeneity in previous results. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 31 Participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The participants divided into two groups by severity of depression (BDI-II >34 vs. <34) and severity of somatic symptoms of depression (somatic dimension vs. cognitive-affective dimension of BDI-II). Fecal samples were collected, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3/V4 region was performed on an Illumina platform to profile the gut microbiome. Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were used to analyze microbial alpha diversity, including ACE, Chao1 and Shannon. RESULTS: Participants with higher depressive severity showed significantly reduced gut microbiome alpha diversity compared to lower depressive state (ACE; p = 0.019, Chao1; p = 0.019, and Shannon; p = 0.053). Across the total sample, BDI-II total score correlated negatively with alpha diversity significantly for ACE (r = -0.435, p = 0.015), Chao1 (r = -0.435, p = 0.015) and Shannon (r = -0.376, p = 0.037). While the somatic dimension of the BDI-II showed significant negative correlation with all tested alpha diversity indices, no significant correlations were detected between gut microbiome alpha diversity and the cognitive-affective dimension. Shannon diversity further correlated negatively with HDRS-17 scores (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results show that a lower diversity of gut microbiota alpha is linked to more severe depressive symptoms, specifically the somatic aspect of depression. These results emphasize the importance of considering somatic symptom profiles in microbiome research and point to the gut-brain axis as a potential target for future therapeutic interventions.
Measuring approach-avoidance behavior in patients with panic disorder using the human elevated plus maze in mixed reality.
Dobner T, Müller JC, Biedermann D … +2 more , Fuss J, Biedermann SV
J Psychiatr Res · 2026 Aug · PMID 42090981 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Avoidance behavior is a hallmark of panic disorder (PD), yet experimental evidence remains limited due to challenges in assessing unconditioned avoidance without specific threats. The human Elevated Plus Maze...
BACKGROUND: Avoidance behavior is a hallmark of panic disorder (PD), yet experimental evidence remains limited due to challenges in assessing unconditioned avoidance without specific threats. The human Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), implemented in mixed reality, provides an ecologically valid paradigm to measure approach-avoidance behavior under controlled conditions. METHODS: Twenty PD patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) were tested on the human EPM. Approach-avoidance behavior was assessed alongside subjective anxiety, tension, and cardiovascular responses across multiple time points. Hormonal markers (copeptin, ACTH, cortisol) were analyzed in a subgroup. RESULTS: PD patients showed significantly higher anticipatory anxiety, tension, and heart rate responses than HC, indicating heightened emotional and physiological reactivity. Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant group differences emerged in approach-avoidance behavior. Sensation seeking emerged as the strongest inverse predictor of both avoidance and subjective anxiety. Across groups, higher anxiety in the EPM center robustly predicted avoidance. Subgroup analyses suggested antidepressant use may attenuate avoidance behavior in PD. DISCUSSION: The EPM elicited ecologically valid subjective and physiological anxiety responses, supporting its translational utility. However, avoidance behavior was more strongly shaped by trait factors than by diagnostic status. In particular, sensation seeking may represent a protective trait promoting approach tendencies and extinction learning, offering a potential target for personalized interventions. The human EPM thus provides a promising tool to investigate transdiagnostic mechanisms of avoidance and to inform tailored treatment strategies in PD.
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