Social Psychiatry And Psychiatric Epidemiology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Longitudinal maternal depression and child mental health from pregnancy to child age 7: a study of three life course frameworks.
Frost A, Shartle K, Escobar Carias M … +13 more , Haight SC, Gallis JA, Kachoria AG, Bibi A, Gupta S, Hagaman A, Bhalotra S, Baranov V, Turner EL, Chaudhry N, Rahman A, Sikander S, Maselko J
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 May · PMID 42084757 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Maternal depression is associated with mental health difficulties in children, but it is unclear how the timing or duration of depressive symptoms impact child outcomes. This study tested three life course frame...
PURPOSE: Maternal depression is associated with mental health difficulties in children, but it is unclear how the timing or duration of depressive symptoms impact child outcomes. This study tested three life course frameworks in the longitudinal association between maternal depression and child mental health: sensitive periods, accumulation, and chain of risk. METHODS: 841 mother-child dyads in Pakistan were followed from pregnancy through child age 7. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed during the third trimester of pregnancy, infancy (3 and 6 months postpartum), early childhood (child age 2 and 3), and middle childhood (child age 4 and 6). Child mental health difficulties were measured at age 7. Path modeling was used to test each life course hypothesis. RESULTS: Maternal depressive symptoms during early childhood and middle childhood, but not pregnancy or infancy, were associated with increased mental health difficulties at child age 7. Results supported the accumulation model, meaning there was a dose-response relationship between the number of periods of maternal depression and child mental health difficulties. Results also supported a chain of risk model, suggesting that early maternal depression can trigger a cascade of intervening maternal depressive episodes, the most recent of which are associated with child mental health. CONCLUSION: Results show that early exposure to maternal depression impacts children's later mental health through subsequent exposure to maternal depression. In addition, recent exposure to maternal depression is particularly impactful for child mental health. This suggests that interventions for maternal depression may benefit children at multiple points in the life course.
Illuminating the complex interplay of risk factors for depression symptoms within a large-scale US longitudinal cohort.
Thompson KN, Couvy-Duchesne B, Lee SH … +6 more , Geurgas R, Jeong Y, Arirangan S, Newman S, Tropf FC, Wedow R
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 May · PMID 42084756 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Understanding depression susceptibility requires research to assimilate a vast and complex array of risk factors comprehensively. We quantify the influence of prominent individual-level and wider social environm...
PURPOSE: Understanding depression susceptibility requires research to assimilate a vast and complex array of risk factors comprehensively. We quantify the influence of prominent individual-level and wider social environmental risk factors on symptom occurrence. METHODS: We leverage data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (US) to integrate factors spanning biological (genetic), psychological (health, personality, positive cognition), social (family, peers, school, and neighbourhood), built (geocoded healthcare, education, religion, crime, poverty, political climate), and natural (geocoded population density, rainfall, and urbanicity) systems. We test their contribution to concurrent adolescent depression symptoms (W1), one year later (W2), and a decade later in early adulthood (W4) using relatedness-based linear mixed models (European-like ancestries only; N = 3,867). RESULTS: First, a subset of 81 individual-level factors together explained 85.5% of the variance in concurrent adolescent depression symptoms, 68.4% one year later, and 52.5% in adulthood. When split by domains, positive cognition (feeling accepted and loved) contributed most in adolescence (W1 15.1% [SE = 4%]; W2 6.6% [2%]), and domains contributed equally in adulthood. Second, all 162 factors capturing interconnected genetic, psychological, social, built, and natural systems explained 80.5% in concurrent depression symptoms, 54.7% one year later, and 44.9% in adulthood. The psychological system (W1 38.5% [4%]; W2 21.9% [3%]; W4 7.7% [1%], psychological-genetic interaction (W1 26.7% [4%]; W2 25.1% [4%]; W4 12.4% [3%]), social-genetic interaction (W1 10.1% [3%]; W2 11.8% [3%]; W4 9.6% [3%]) explained most variance in depression symptoms at all ages. CONCLUSION: We provide a holistic understanding of depression risk, where feeling supported and accepted was most crucial, and emphasise the complexity of modelling the environment.
The protective role of social support against dissociative symptoms: Longitudinal findings from two international survey projects.
Fung HW, Lam SKK, Lay CM … +18 more , Cheung CTY, Reyes MES, Jaya ES, Mukhtar F, Lian AEZ, Derin G, Bengwasan PD, Kuriala GK, Uludag K, Hartanto S, Dewantary NI, Novrianto R, Li Y, Wong MYC, Huang SY, Zatopek A, Chien WT, Yuan GF
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 May · PMID 42084755 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Dissociative symptoms are prevalent and disabling, but little is known about what factors can longitudinally predict dissociative symptoms. This study examined the protective role of perceived social support...
BACKGROUND: Dissociative symptoms are prevalent and disabling, but little is known about what factors can longitudinally predict dissociative symptoms. This study examined the protective role of perceived social support against dissociative symptoms. METHODS: We analyzed data from the International Dissociative Depression Survey Project (N = 152) and the International Female Mental Health Survey Project (N = 293). In both samples, participants completed validated measures of dissociative symptoms and perceived social support at baseline, and then reported their dissociative symptoms after approximately 6 to 12 months. We tested the hypothesis that perceived social support would predict subsequent dissociative symptoms in each sample and see whether the results could be replicated across different samples. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic variables, childhood trauma, and baseline dissociative symptoms, baseline perceived social support was significantly associated with fewer dissociative symptoms at follow-up (β = - 0.129 to - 0.198, p = .001). The results were replicated across the two samples. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the very limited literature on the longitudinal predictors of dissociative symptoms. Our results point to the critical role of social-interpersonal and family interventions in preventing and treating dissociative symptoms.
A systematic review of the prevalence and correlates of mental and substance use disorders in first nations peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America.
Basit TA, Santomauro DF, Harris MG … +4 more , Whiteford HA, Toombs MR, Sivakumar M, Ferrari AJ
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053641 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: First Nations people in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America (USA) experience high rates of mental and substance-use disorders (MSDs) and face socially determined health inequalities,...
PURPOSE: First Nations people in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America (USA) experience high rates of mental and substance-use disorders (MSDs) and face socially determined health inequalities, but this is not always well quantified. This systematic review sought to summarise best-estimates of MSD prevalence and describe related sociodemographic correlates among First Nations adults in these countries. METHODS: Relevant studies published between 1980 and 2026 were searched using PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO following PRISMA guidelines. Epidemiological population surveys producing prevalence estimates and/or sociodemographic correlates of MSDs for representative populations of First Nations peoples were identified. Prevalence data and sociodemographic correlates were extracted and described. Meta-analyses were conducted for MSDs with at least three available estimates. RESULTS: A total of 50 studies from 24 unique population-level representative surveys met inclusion criteria. Surveys from the USA provided the most data (35 studies). Generally, MSD prevalence was lowest in the USA and highest in Australia, with twelve-month rates ranging between 20.9% (18.8–23.1%) and 51.7% (47.3–55.9%) respectively. Mood disorders and anxiety disorders were most prevalent. Sociodemographic variables including sex, socioeconomic factors, and regionality were associated with higher risk of certain MSDs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and related sociodemographic correlates of MSDs identified across countries are varied and have implications for risk profiles and treatment needs. Low numbers of studies and heterogeneous data-collection methodologies highlight the need for better quality, representative population level data on MSDs for First Nations peoples.
"A room of one's own": Exploring the role of delusions and social isolation on disorganisation in thought disorder.
de Sousa P, Hartley R, Sellwood W … +1 more , Bentall RP
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053640 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Thought disorder (TD) is a complex constellation of experiences often manifested as disorganised speech. While both social isolation and delusions have been independently linked to TD, little is known about how...
PURPOSE: Thought disorder (TD) is a complex constellation of experiences often manifested as disorganised speech. While both social isolation and delusions have been independently linked to TD, little is known about how these factors may interact. This study investigated whether social isolation and delusions predict the disorganised dimension of TD and whether delusions moderate the association between social isolation and disorganisation, controlling for relevant covariates. METHODS: Data from two clinical samples of individuals diagnosed with psychotic-spectrum disorders were combined (n = 148). Participant speech samples were transcribed and scored using the Thought, Language, and Communication (TLC) scale. Factor analysis identified key components of TD. Moderation analyses using linear regression examined whether delusions moderated the relationship between social isolation and disorganisation, controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Both social isolation and delusions independently predicted TD disorganisation. Moderation analyses revealed that delusions significantly amplified the association between social isolation and disorganisation, particularly at moderate-to-high levels of delusional severity. The model accounted for approximately 40% of variance in disorganisation. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that delusions moderate the impact of social isolation on the disorganisation factor of TD. This underscores the importance of integrated interventions that target both social connectivity and delusional symptoms to improve communicative functioning in individuals with psychotic-spectrum disorders.
Psychometric properties of suicide risk assessments in young Black populations internationally: a scoping review.
Grant DJ, Watkis R, Ferro MA … +2 more , Hirdes JP, Perlman CM
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053639 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Suicide rates amongst Black young people are increasing and emerging as leading causes of death for various Black subgroups worldwide. Few studies exist examining the reliability and validity of current suicide...
PURPOSE: Suicide rates amongst Black young people are increasing and emerging as leading causes of death for various Black subgroups worldwide. Few studies exist examining the reliability and validity of current suicide risk instruments for assessing suicide risk amongst this vulnerable, diverse population internationally. This scoping review examined the psychometric properties of suicide risk assessments among young Black populations globally. METHODS: We utilized Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting our results. Our inclusion criteria included psychometric studies with samples involving Black participants ages 10–34 years old. RESULTS: We identified 20 studies summarizing eight suicide scales and five mental health scales with embedded suicide risk scales. The Ask Suicide Screening Questionnaire was the most utilized scale amongst Black young people; most suicide psychometric studies were conducted in the USA followed by countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana). ASQ Sensitivity ranged from 67 to 94% and 43–91% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that thirteen suicide risk scales have been psychometrically tested with Black young people worldwide, with ASQ being the most commonly tested. The ASQ may serve as a feasible low-burden option in hospital settings to assist with universal screening for Black young people but should be evaluated in other Black young populations in the USA and outside of the USA to confirm cross-cultural validity.
Prevalence of social disconnection in the general adult population - results from DISCONNECT study.
Hajdúk M, Cviková V, Majsniarová S … +13 more , Januška J, Straková A, Ivančík V, Čavojská N, Kurilla A, Dančík D, Kutlíková HH, Heretik A, Brandoburová P, Krakovská S, Mrva M, Gerbery D, Džambazovič R
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053638 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Social disconnection, consisting of loneliness and social isolation, is increasingly recognized as a significant public health problem. This cross-sectional population study aims to investigate the prevalence of...
PURPOSE: Social disconnection, consisting of loneliness and social isolation, is increasingly recognized as a significant public health problem. This cross-sectional population study aims to investigate the prevalence of social disconnection in the general adult population of the Slovak Republic and its associations to socio – demographic/economic and health indicators. METHODS: A representative sample of 3006 adults from the Slovak Republic was recruited for this study. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires via face-to-face interviews during November 2024. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between covariates and social disconnection. RESULTS: The prevalence of social disconnection was found to be 25.3% for loneliness and 19.1% for social isolation. Both lonely and isolated were about 9% of the population. Significant associations were identified between social disconnection and mental health conditions, with higher levels of loneliness and social isolation linked to increased severity of depression. Several subpopulations showed higher risks of social disconnection. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the pervasive nature of social disconnection in the Slovak Republic and its substantial impact on both mental and somatic health. Our findings underscore the need for comprehensive national health policies focusing on social disconnection especially in at-risk populations such as elderly women with lower educational attainment, discriminated individuals, individuals in financial strain, and parents on maternity/paternity leave.
Traumatic brain injury, interpersonal violence, and postnatal mental illness: population-based study.
Brown HK, Saunders N, Chan V … +10 more , Mollayeva T, Patrikar A, Fung K, Barker L, Colantonio A, Cohen E, Dennis CL, Ray JG, Wodchis WP, Vigod SN
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053637 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To examine the combined and separate impacts of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and interpersonal violence on new and severe mental illness in the postpartum period. METHODS: We undertook a population-based cohort...
PURPOSE: To examine the combined and separate impacts of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and interpersonal violence on new and severe mental illness in the postpartum period. METHODS: We undertook a population-based cohort study of 1,090,139 births in Ontario, Canada, 2012–2021. We stratified the cohort by pre-delivery history of mental health care to identify (i) new episodes of mental illness and (ii) severe mental illness within 365 days of childbirth. Modified Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted relative risks (aRR) of these outcomes in individuals with a history of TBI and violence, TBI alone, and violence alone versus neither (referent). Then, we calculated adjusted relative excess risk due to interaction (aRERI) to quantify the super-additive risk related to the presence of both factors. RESULTS: The risk of any new episode of mental illness postnatally was greatest in individuals with a history of both TBI and violence (aRR 1.58; 95% CI 1.52, 1.65), followed by violence alone (aRR 1.46; 95% CI 1.42, 1.51) and TBI alone (aRR 1.24; 95% CI 1.21, 1.27), with no positive interaction between these factors. The risk of severe postpartum mental illness was greatest in individuals with TBI and violence (aRR 3.54; 95% CI 3.31, 3.78), followed by violence alone (aRR 2.50; 95% CI 2.35, 2.66) and TBI alone (aRR 1.59; 95% CI 1.48, 1.71), with evidence of positive interaction (aRERI 0.45; 95% CI 0.20, 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Findings show the need for tailored, trauma-informed postpartum mental health supports for individuals with histories of TBI and violence.
Geographical variation and area-level socioeconomic disadvantage in recognized depression: A nationwide register-based Danish cohort study.
Raft MB, Jørgensen TSH, Renneberg J … +5 more , Lassen CF, Jacobsen RK, Jorgensen A, Jørgensen MB, Osler M
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053636 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examines geographical distribution of depression recognized in primary versus secondary care across Danish municipalities and the association between municipality-level socioeconomic indicators and de...
PURPOSE: This study examines geographical distribution of depression recognized in primary versus secondary care across Danish municipalities and the association between municipality-level socioeconomic indicators and depression. METHODS: The study was based on data from the Danish registers. We followed ~ 5,5 million individuals aged > 18 years during the period 2012–2023 for antidepressant prescriptions (reflecting primary care) or hospital-recorded depression diagnoses (reflecting secondary care). Hazard ratios (HR) of (1) antidepressants and hospital diagnoses across municipalities and (2) antidepressants and hospital diagnoses across four municipality-level socioeconomic indicators, were calculated. Lee’s L statistics were applied to assess spatial associations and median hazard ratios were estimated as a measure of between-municipality variation. RESULTS: We found an overall positive spatial association between the two outcomes. Most municipality-level indicators were associated with higher antidepressant prescription rates, after adjustment for individual factors, strongest for high proportions of short education and transfer payments (HR 1.16 (95% CI 1.10-1.23 and 1.17 (95% CI 1.10-1.23), respectively). Associations with hospital-recorded depression were largely attenuated, after adjustment for individual factors. Between-municipality variation was modest (MHR 1.14 for antidepressant prescriptions and 1.19 for depressions diagnoses). CONCLUSION: We showed that municipalities with socioeconomic disadvantage had higher rates of antidepressant prescriptions. However, a large part of the between-municipality variation remains unexplained, highlighting the need to address contextual determinants beyond individual-level factors, even within a universal healthcare system.
Association between maternal pregnancy complications and long-term depressive and anxiety disorders: evidence from the UK millennium cohort study.
Bodunde EO, Mccarthy FP, O'Connor K … +2 more , Matvienko-Sikar K, Khashan AS
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053635 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Limited evidence exists on the association between maternal pregnancy complications and depressive and/or anxiety disorders in the longer term. We examined the association between pregnancy complications and lat...
PURPOSE: Limited evidence exists on the association between maternal pregnancy complications and depressive and/or anxiety disorders in the longer term. We examined the association between pregnancy complications and later depressive and anxiety disorders. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of mothers who participated in the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Pregnancy complications were self-reported at 9 months postpartum and categorised into 0, 1, 2, and 3 + complications. Follow-up surveys, including questions about clinically diagnosed depressive, and anxiety disorders were carried out at 3, 5,7,11, and 14 years postpartum. The primary outcome is the diagnosis of depressive and anxiety disorders, in the mother up to 14 years postpartum. We applied multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for several potential confounders. RESULTS: 10,510 mothers were included in the analyses, with n = 3935 (37%) of mothers experiencing at least one pregnancy complication. The fully adjusted odd ratios (aOR) were, [aOR, 1.54 (95% CI, 1.40-1.70)], [aOR, 1.70 (95% CI, 1.46-1.99)], [aOR, 2.11 (95% CI, 1.65-2.69)] for 1, 2, and 3 + pregnancy complications respectively. Bleeding in later pregnancy [OR, 1.33 (95% CI,1.08-1.65)], preeclampsia [OR, 1.43 (95% CI, 1.22-1.67)], threatened miscarriage [OR, 1.38 (95% CI, 1.16-1.64)], were associated with later depressive and anxiety disorders. No association was observed for gestational diabetes mellitus [OR, 1.01 (95% CI, 0.74-1.37)]. CONCLUSION: An increasing number of pregnancy complications was associated with higher odds of depressive and anxiety disorders up to 14 years postpartum. Efforts to minimise and manage multiple pregnancy complications may benefit women's long-term mental health.
Parenthood and mental health throughout the life course: A total population study.
Andersen ML, Sunde HF, Hart RK … +1 more , Torvik FA
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053634 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Do parents or childless adults have better mental health? The answer could vary by life phases, but past studies exploring the link between parenthood and mental health have not considered the entire life course...
PURPOSE: Do parents or childless adults have better mental health? The answer could vary by life phases, but past studies exploring the link between parenthood and mental health have not considered the entire life course. This study investigates the association between parenthood and mental health in an entire population and further looks at how parenthood interacts with factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. METHODS: We used comprehensive Norwegian register data covering the entire population aged 31–80 years old (N = 2,234,087) to explore the relationship between parenthood and mental health conditions from 2006 to 2019. We used logistic regression models for population-wide analyses and conditional logistic models for analyses of discordant same-sex sibling sets and monozygotic twin pairs. RESULTS: Parenthood was associated with a lower risk of mental disorders (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.67–0.68 for women; OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.59–0.60 for men), including depressive and anxiety disorders. Fathers also had a minor reduction in risk of symptoms related to mental illness (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.98), while mothers had a slightly elevated risk of symptoms (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.09–1.10). Overall, mental health disparities between parents and non-parents persisted throughout life and were more pronounced among men and those with low educational attainment. Our findings were consistent in sibling- and twin-matched analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight parenthood as a significant indicator of mental health inequalities throughout adulthood and old age.
Food insecurity in adults living with severe mental illness in Australia: an exploration of causes and experiences using a co-design approach.
Ardill-Young O, O'Donnell C, Milton A … +3 more , Ward PB, Curtis J, Teasdale SB
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053633 · Publisher ↗
AIMS: People living with a severe mental illness are more likely to experience food insecurity than people without mental illness. Food insecurity is linked to a range of negative socioeconomic and health outcomes. This...
AIMS: People living with a severe mental illness are more likely to experience food insecurity than people without mental illness. Food insecurity is linked to a range of negative socioeconomic and health outcomes. This study qualitatively explored causes and experiences of food insecurity for people living with a severe mental illness and used these findings to co-design a pilot intervention. METHODS: Two workshops and seven focus groups were conducted as part of a co-design process involving people living with severe mental illness experiencing food insecurity (n = 9) and mental healthcare professionals, including peer workers (n = 11). These co-design sessions involved qualitative exploration of causes, experiences and impacts of food insecurity, and the use of implementation science tools to develop a pilot intervention. Notes and transcriptions were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and directed content analysis for different co-design stages. RESULTS: Two key causes of food insecurity emerged: a lack of access and a lack of education; these were exacerbated by multiple compounding factors. Food insecurity was also perceived as having systemic, bidirectional effects across mental and physical health. Incorporating community and peer support into solutions was seen as key, with ambivalence around financial support. A pilot intervention model targeting education issues through a peer-supported skill-building programme and access issues through a financial supplement was developed and rated highly in terms of feasibility, appropriateness and acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal multifactorial perceived causes, experiences and impacts of food insecurity for people living with severe mental illness. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore a lack of education as a core cause for this population group and to co-design a specialised intervention. The co-design methodology is a promising approach to developing practical and useful solutions to problems, using knowledge gained from the people involved in their implementation.
Violence across the lifespan and its association with depression: cumulative effects and psychosocial moderation in the UK Biobank.
L Cassady M, Li X, Oestreich LKL
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053632 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Violence exposure is a well-established risk factor for depression, yet few large-scale studies have examined how distinct violence types across the lifespan interact to shape depression trajectories or how psyc...
PURPOSE: Violence exposure is a well-established risk factor for depression, yet few large-scale studies have examined how distinct violence types across the lifespan interact to shape depression trajectories or how psychosocial factors may moderate these effects. METHODS: Drawing on data from 35,921 UK Biobank participants, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations of childhood maltreatment, lifetime violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV) with depressive symptom severity and depression diagnosis (case-control design with propensity score matching). Hierarchical regression models tested main effects adjusting for confounders (age, sex, socioeconomic status [SES]), and interaction terms tested moderation by SES, social support, and loneliness. RESULTS: All violence exposures were independently associated with greater depression severity and higher odds of depression diagnosis. Cumulative exposure demonstrated additive, synergistic, and nonlinear effects, with co-occurring violence types compounding psychological risk. Loneliness amplified violence-depression associations, while social support buffered these relationships. SES did not moderate violence effects. Prospective analyses confirmed that violence exposure predicted future depressive symptoms beyond baseline severity. In case-control analyses of clinical depression, IPV contributed the highest population attributable fraction (1.8%), followed by lifetime violence (1.1%) and childhood maltreatment (0.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Depression risk following violence is shaped not only by violence exposure per se, but also by modifiable psychosocial factors, with loneliness and social support emerging as critical intervention targets. These findings highlight the need for integrated violence screening and targeted psychosocial interventions within mental health and public health strategies.
Psychosocial stress from pre- to post-pandemic times: latent class mixed model analysis using data from a German cohort.
Costa D, Horn J, Massag J … +4 more , Purschke O, Kluttig A, Führer A, Mikolajczyk R
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010174 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures disrupted daily life and worsened mental health. Stress, a key driver of mental disorders, likely intensified during this period. However, longitudinal studies trac...
PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures disrupted daily life and worsened mental health. Stress, a key driver of mental disorders, likely intensified during this period. However, longitudinal studies tracking stress trajectories in the general population remain limited. This study aims to identify psychosocial stress trajectories from the pre- to post-pandemic period and examine associated characteristics in a population-based sample from a German city. METHODS: 966 participants from the German National Cohort study-centre in Halle (240,000 inhabitants in Eastern Germany) were included. Those participated in a six-monthly intensified assessment and completed at least four questionnaires between 2019 and 2024 containing the PHQ-Stress module. First, latent class mixed models analysis identified heterogeneous stress trajectories. Second, associations between the most likely class membership and covariates were tested with multinomial and binomial logistic regressions. RESULTS: We identified four psychosocial stress trajectory classes. Most participants followed a resilient trajectory (82%), while others showed chronic (4%), recovered (5%), or delayed (9%) trajectories. Membership in the resilient trajectory was associated with lower pre-pandemic psychological vulnerability, higher life satisfaction, greater agreeableness, and older age. CONCLUSION: Resilience predominated, while smaller subgroups showed less adaptive trajectories, with prior stress levels shaping long-term patterns. These findings demonstrate heterogeneity in stress responses and support the applicability of resilience frameworks such as Bonanno's.
Housing instability types and adverse behavioral health among U.S. high school students.
Ebling T, de Silva GSR, Azagba S
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010173 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Existing classifications of housing instability often oversimplify the diverse experiences of unstable housing among youth, potentially obscuring varied health risks. This study addresses this gap by examining t...
PURPOSE: Existing classifications of housing instability often oversimplify the diverse experiences of unstable housing among youth, potentially obscuring varied health risks. This study addresses this gap by examining the nuanced classification of housing instability and its association with behavioral health outcomes among U.S. high school students. METHODS: Data from the 2021 and 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (n = 26,219) were utilized. Housing status was categorized into four levels: housing stability, uncertain housing stability, housing instability, and severe housing instability. Outcomes included alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use, and mental health-related outcomes (persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts). Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to examine these associations. RESULTS: Compared to stably housed peers, students experiencing any form of housing instability had significantly higher odds of substance use and mental health-related issues. A clear dose-response association emerged: higher odds of substance use, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts were associated with more severe housing instability. Specifically, those with severe housing instability had considerably elevated odds for alcohol use (OR = 4.99, 95% CI [2.94, 8.48]), cannabis use (OR = 3.88, 95% CI [2.23, 6.76]), tobacco use (OR = 7.31, 95% CI [5.15, 10.38]), suicidal thoughts (OR = 3.53, 95% CI [2.28, 5.47]), and suicide attempts (OR = 8.38, 95% CI [5.68, 12.38]). CONCLUSION: Housing instability, particularly its more severe forms, is strongly associated with a higher likelihood of substance use and suicidality among U.S. high school students. This classification highlights distinct potential behavioral health risks associated with various indicators of housing instability.
The role of socioeconomic status and pre-pregnancy BMI in postpartum psychiatric episodes - a mediation study.
Zacher Kjeldsen MM, Bager L, Holde K … +2 more , Munk-Olsen T, Petersen LV
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010172 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass index (BMI) are risk factors for postpartum psychiatric episodes (PPE), but their relative contributions remain unclear. We examined how SES and BMI jointly influence PPE...
PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass index (BMI) are risk factors for postpartum psychiatric episodes (PPE), but their relative contributions remain unclear. We examined how SES and BMI jointly influence PPE risk and whether BMI mediates the SES-PPE association across strata of psychiatric history. METHODS: We conducted a register-based cohort study of 995,513 childbirths (2004-2021). SES was defined by an index of income, education, and employment, and pre-pregnancy BMI was grouped according to WHO criteria. PPE was defined as a psychiatric diagnosis or two redeemed prescriptions for psychotropic medications within 12 months postpartum. Psychiatric history was stratified as none, past, or recent. Logistic regression estimated associations between SES, BMI, and PPE by psychiatric history. Causal mediation analysis assessed BMI's mediational role in the SES-PPE association stratified by psychiatric history, and population attributable risk percentage (PARP) quantified the proportion of cases attributable to SES and BMI. RESULTS: Lower SES and BMI outside the normal range were independently associated with increased PPE risk, with effect sizes varying by psychiatric history. BMI mediated 1.26%-4.99% of the SES-PPE association, except for women with recent psychiatric history (21.37%). PARPs showed that SES accounted for a larger fraction of PPE cases (up to 31.40%) than BMI (4.48%-7.72%). CONCLUSION: Lower SES and BMI outside the normal ranges increase PPE risk, but SES has a stronger population-level impact than BMI. The SES-PPE association is largely independent of BMI, indicating that factors related to social disadvantage - not BMI - drive most of the excess risk.
Mental health help-seeking by US college students with a diagnosis of psychosis.
Godoy-Henderson C, Denner SS, Flesaker M … +3 more , Weinberg J, Dalhoe M, Lipson SK
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010171 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes that affect help-seeking behaviors among college students with a diagnosis of psychosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional 2015–2024 national survey data...
PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes that affect help-seeking behaviors among college students with a diagnosis of psychosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional 2015–2024 national survey data from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS) were used to examine antipsychotic medication use, therapy/counseling utilization, and informal support engagement in the past 12 months among 2,819 U.S. college students with a diagnosis of psychosis. Descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine students’ help-seeking behaviors. RESULTS: Approximately four-in-ten students with a diagnosis of psychosis reported antipsychotic medication use, eight-in-ten reported therapy/counseling utilization, and eight-in-ten reported engaging in informal supports. Eight-in-ten students agreed or strongly agreed that they needed help for their mental health in the past 12 months. As perceived need for help decreased, the use of antipsychotic medication, therapy/counseling, and engagement with informal supports also generally decreased. The belief that medication or therapy/counseling would not be helpful for mental health was generally associated with lower use of medication and therapy/counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy and/or counseling in this population is highly utilized. A majority of students strongly agreed or agreed that they needed help for their mental health; however, six in ten students did not meet current recommended treatment guidelines for combined antipsychotic medication and therapy. High identified need for help and low service utilization, especially of antipsychotic medication, may indicate barriers to access.
The impact of workplace sexual harassment on health and quality of life outcomes among flight attendants: a two-wave longitudinal study.
Mordukhovich I, Staffa SJ, Cowden RG … +4 more , Weziak-Bialowolska D, VanderWeele TJ, Coull B, McNeely E
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41975091 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: We used longitudinal data to prospectively evaluate workplace sexual harassment in relation to health and quality of life among flight attendants. METHODS: Participants (N = 2,468) were U.S. and Canadian flight...
PURPOSE: We used longitudinal data to prospectively evaluate workplace sexual harassment in relation to health and quality of life among flight attendants. METHODS: Participants (N = 2,468) were U.S. and Canadian flight attendants who worked as flight cabin crew within the six months prior to completing the Wave 2 survey (median age = 55 years, female = 79%). Our primary analysis used an outcome-wide analytic approach to examine associations of Wave 1 workplace sexual harassment with subsequent health (e.g., injuries, depression symptoms) and quality-of-life (e.g., flourishing, self-rated health) outcomes assessed approximately three years later in Wave 2. RESULTS: Workplace sexual harassment was commonly reported (37% within the past year). Among female crew, sexual harassment was associated with an increase in subsequent anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.19), fatigue (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.87), poorer sleep (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.94), reduced flourishing (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.76), recurrence of sexual harassment (OR = 4.99, 95% CI: 3.39, 7.33), greater work-related musculoskeletal injuries (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.02), and recent respiratory infections (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.15). Sexual harassment was also generally associated with adverse outcomes among male crew, although associations were observed for fewer health indicators and were generally smaller in magnitude with wider confidence intervals. Many associations exhibited dose-response patterns. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the sparse empirical literature on the longitudinal effects of workplace sexual harassment on health and quality-of-life outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for effective organizational policies and practices to mitigate abuses and their potential impacts.
The effect of Soteria on personal recovery in early episode psychosis - a two-year naturalistic cohort comparison with care as usual.
Leendertse P, van den Berg D, Castelein S … +1 more , Mulder CL
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41973094 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Soteria houses are small-scaled residential settings for the inpatient treatment of acute, early episode psychosis, in which recovery is pursued by offering a calming, normalizing environment and being presen...
BACKGROUND: Soteria houses are small-scaled residential settings for the inpatient treatment of acute, early episode psychosis, in which recovery is pursued by offering a calming, normalizing environment and being present. The current study aims to compare the longitudinal effect of Soteria on Personal Recovery (PR) with community-based care as usual (CAU) in the Netherlands. METHODS: The two year course of PR both on individual level and mean group level was followed in patients receiving Soteria (N = 28) or CAU (N = 94). PR was assessed with the I.ROC. As potential confounders baseline scores of psychosis symptom severity (PANSS-R), impairment in functioning (WHODAS), internalized stigma (ISMI), and hospital admissions were assessed. Individual change scores and multilevel analyses were used for comparing the course of I.ROC scores between Soteria and CAU. RESULTS: I.ROC scores in the Soteria condition improved more than in CAU, both on individual and mean group level. Multilevel analysis revealed 3 points higher I.ROC scores for the Soteria group after two years, however the effect became non-significant after correcting for baseline measures of symptom severity and impairment in functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Although concepts like Soteria show promise to transform inpatient services for acute early psychosis in a recovery-oriented manner, we were unable to demonstrate robust effects of Soteria compared to CAU after 2 years, when accounting for between‐group differences. Potential explanations and recommendations for future research are discussed, illustrating the need for more research into ways to promote PR from early episode psychosis in inpatient care.
Ten-year antidepressant medication trajectories among people who exit paid work when aged 66-76 years: a population-based cohort study.
Lallukka T, Alexanderson K, Gémes K … +1 more , Farrants K
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41961097 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Exiting paid work can be associated with mental health changes. Antidepressant medication is an indicator for mental health, but its trajectories have mostly been studied in younger populations. However, the tra...
PURPOSE: Exiting paid work can be associated with mental health changes. Antidepressant medication is an indicator for mental health, but its trajectories have mostly been studied in younger populations. However, the trajectories could be different among older adults, who are a rapidly growing population group. Therefore, our aim was to explore these trajectories among people who continued working until 65–70 years and whether sociodemographic factors and prior sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) due to mental diagnosis (mental SADP) were associated with such trajectories. METHODS: All residents of Sweden aged 65–70 years old in 2010, who were in paid work 2005–2011 and exited paid work 2012–2016 (N = 32,849, 39% women), were included. We used register microdata for five years before and after work exit and included sociodemographic factors at the exit year and mental SADP in the years prior to exit. We used group-based trajectory modelling to examine trajectories in antidepressant medication (ATC-code N06A) and multinomial logistic regression to study factors associated with each trajectory. RESULTS: Altogether, 90% had no antidepressant medication. Among those with medication, 94% had constant and 6% increasing use. Mental SADP before work exit was the strongest determinant of belonging to both identified trajectories. Older age at exit was associated with a lower likelihood of belonging to the increasing use trajectory. CONCLUSION: Antidepressant medication patterns remained largely constant after work exit. Prior mental SADP was the most consistent determinant of antidepressant medication among people exiting work at an older age.
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