Social Psychiatry And Psychiatric Epidemiology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Prevalence and associated factors of burden, depression, and anxiety among informal caregivers of individuals with severe mental disorders within the '686 program': a community-based cross-sectional study.
Liang Q, Xu M, Qiu L … +6 more , Liu Y, Tian Y, Zuo X, Qin F, Wang Y, Liu Y
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41609793 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers play a vital role in the long-term community care of individuals with severe mental disorders but often face substantial psychological challenges. China's national '686 Program' offers fre...
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers play a vital role in the long-term community care of individuals with severe mental disorders but often face substantial psychological challenges. China's national '686 Program' offers free or subsidized medical treatment, follow-up care, and community-based services for people with severe mental disorders on an equitable basis. However, limited evidence exists regarding the mental health status of informal caregivers within this program. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of high caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety, and to identify associated factors among informal caregivers enrolled in the '686 Program'. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hainan Province, China, involving 284 informal caregivers recruited through multistage sampling. Data were collected via structured, face-to-face, in-home interviews between May and September 2024. Caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety were assessed using the 12-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses-together with prespecified stratified and sensitivity analyses-were conducted to identify independent predictors of each outcome. RESULTS: Among the 284 participants, 63.7% experienced high caregiver burden, 11.6% met criteria for clinically significant depression, and 17.6% for clinically significant anxiety. Multivariate analysis showed that higher PANSS scores and greater social disability (SDSS) in care recipients were the most consistent predictors across outcomes. Depression was independently associated with being female, having a parental relationship to the patient, and caring for individuals with greater functional impairment; longer illness duration (≥ 11 years) was linked to lower risk. Anxiety was more likely among female caregivers and those supporting patients with more severe symptoms. Diagnostic heterogeneity did not materially alter these associations in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Informal caregivers under China's '686 Program' experience high rates of burden, depression, and anxiety. Key associated factors include patient symptom severity, caregiver gender, and the caregiving relationship. By focusing on caregivers within a national mental health initiative, this study provides evidence to inform caregiver support strategies both in China and in similar global contexts pursuing community-based mental health reforms. These findings highlight that structural equity in patient services alone is insufficient unless caregiver needs are explicitly incorporated into system design.
The effects of data disclosure on adolescent reporting of depression: a school-hosted depression screening.
Lu J, Xie M, Liu X … +1 more , Zhou X
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41606405 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of data disclosure on adolescent's willingness to report depression. METHODS: This observational study delved into the impact of data disclosure on adolescents' ( in grade...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of data disclosure on adolescent's willingness to report depression. METHODS: This observational study delved into the impact of data disclosure on adolescents' ( in grades 7 to 9) willingness to disclose depression assessed with with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a middle school setting. We measured students' depression levels and their preferences for confidentiality regarding depression screening results through self-administered electronic questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 2219 student responses were included in this study (47.1% female). Notably, those students who opted for complete confidentiality exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of depression (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.92-3.41; P < 0.001). Furthermore, within the subset of students preferring partial confidentiality, those who wished to conceal their depression screening results from their parents displayed a significantly elevated prevalence of depression (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.54-3.14; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the critical importance of cultivating a child-friendly screening environment that encourages children and adolescents to feel comfortable and forthcoming in providing honest responses. By doing so, we can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of depression screening efforts, thereby promoting the well-being of our youth.
Postpartum depression in women during war: from acute crisis to prolonged conflict.
Shvartsur R, Savitsky B
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41606404 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examines the prevalence of probable postpartum depression (PPD) and associated factors among Israeli Jewish women who gave birth during acute and prolonged phases of an ongoing war, addressing the gap...
PURPOSE: This study examines the prevalence of probable postpartum depression (PPD) and associated factors among Israeli Jewish women who gave birth during acute and prolonged phases of an ongoing war, addressing the gap in understanding the progression of depressive symptoms across conflict stages. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 279 women who delivered after October 7, 2023. Data were collected in the acute phase (February-April 2024) and prolonged phase (March 2025). Demographic, obstetric, and war-related variables were collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the odds of probable PPD (score ≥ 10). RESULTS: The prevalence of probable PPD was 25.7% in the initial phase and 26.0% in the prolonged phase. Women with prior depression history (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.7), pregnancy complications (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.02-3.7), or infants older than 4 months (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.8) had significantly higher odds of scoring above the cutoff. Secular women were nearly twice as likely to experience elevated symptoms as religious women (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.8). Maternal age, obstetric characteristics, and war-related exposures were not significantly associated with depression scores. CONCLUSION: Rates of probable PPD during the war were more than triple pre-war Israeli estimates and remained elevated across conflict phases. These findings underscore the need to extend postpartum screening beyond the early postpartum period (at 4-6 months postpartum), consistent with international recommendations for repeated or ongoing assessment. Higher rates among secular women may reflect differences in community support and warrant further investigation.
Trends in psychological distress among adolescents in Ireland: survey data from 2018 to 2023 & lived experience perspective.
Dooley N, Aghedo B, Harrington SM … +8 more , Johnson A, Kirby J, Owens N, Solan I, Staunton GM, McEvoy D, Cannon M, Arseneault L
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41606403 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of poor mental health, repetitive self-harm, and suicide attempts among adolescents in Ireland between 2018 and 2023; to identify demographic groups at elevated risk;...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of poor mental health, repetitive self-harm, and suicide attempts among adolescents in Ireland between 2018 and 2023; to identify demographic groups at elevated risk; and to assess changes in these outcomes across the time period. METHODS: The Planet Youth survey is a repeated cross-sectional study in which 21,340 secondary school students aged 15–19 years and 588 early school leavers were surveyed across seven local authorities in Ireland. Participants anonymously self-reported mental health status, lifetime repetitive self-harm, and suicide attempts. We used multilevel logistic regression, accounting for school and regional clustering, to estimate population prevalence rates, identify risk groups, and assess temporal trends. Young people with lived experience of adolescent mental health problems provided their insights on survey methodology and findings. RESULTS: Averaged across the 5-year period, 19.6% reported poor mental health, 12.1% repetitive self-harm, and 8.4% a lifetime suicide attempt. Transgender/gender-diverse adolescents and early school leavers were most likely to report these outcomes. By 2022/23, rates of poor mental health and suicide attempt had returned to pre-COVID levels, however, rates of repetitive self-harm continued to rise. Lived experience reflections highlighted the contributions of service inaccessibility and the role of cultural trends. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight high levels of psychological distress among Irish youth. There was significant heterogeneity of risk across subgroups, with implications for both universal and targeted interventions. Continued surveillance of adolescent mental health and the expansion of accessible youth mental health services remain key priorities.
Healthful eating goes beyond dietary intake: considering the role of 'eating behaviour' in nutritional psychiatry.
Eaton M, Teasdale S, Dalton K … +2 more , Firth J, Probst Y
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41603895 · Publisher ↗
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Stress process and mental health among agricultural producers.
Iwinski SJ, Hu Y, Cuthbertson C … +1 more , Rudolphi JM
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41559197 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Agricultural producers face unique stressors that significantly impact mental health, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This study offers a novel application of the Stress Process Mo...
PURPOSE: Agricultural producers face unique stressors that significantly impact mental health, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This study offers a novel application of the Stress Process Model (SPM) to examine how agriculture-related stress, social support, and resilience shape mental health outcomes among agricultural producers. METHODS: N = 525 Illinois farmers participated in mailed surveys, with data collected in two panels: June-August 2020 (N = 296) and March-May 2021 (N = 229). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Farm Stress Survey, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Mental health outcomes were assessed, along with general health. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling in R. RESULTS: Higher perceived and agricultural stress were linked to increased depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Social support reduced depressive symptoms (β = -0.121, p < .001) and suicidal ideation (β = -0.216, p < .001), mediating and moderating the relationship between stress and mental health. Resilience moderated the effects of stress, lowering depressive symptoms (β = -0.100, p = .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = -0.088, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the importance of addressing occupational stress, enhancing social support, and promoting resilience to improve the health of agricultural producers. Interventions should target stress reduction and support systems based on the SPM framework.
Impact of veterans' military-to-civilian transition experiences on their longer-term mental health.
Vogt D, Borowski S, Hoffmire CA … +4 more , Maguen S, Iverson KM, Pugh MJ, Galovski T
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41559196 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: How well the over 200,000 U.S. servicemembers who complete military service each year navigate the transition to civilian life may impact their later-life outcomes, with smoother transitions increasing resilienc...
PURPOSE: How well the over 200,000 U.S. servicemembers who complete military service each year navigate the transition to civilian life may impact their later-life outcomes, with smoother transitions increasing resilience to later life stressors and leading to better long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether veterans who experience better military-to-civilian transitions are less vulnerable to poor mental health when faced with later stressors. METHODS: Data were drawn from a population-based sample of U.S. veterans (N = 9,566) who completed six biannual surveys on their health and well-being throughout the first three years following separation from military service (2016-2019), and another a year into the COVID-19 pandemic (2021). We examined veterans' vocational, financial, and social readjustment patterns using latent growth modeling and impacts on subsequent mental health using logistic regressions. RESULTS: The majority of veterans reported consistently high vocational and social well-being but low financial well-being during the initial transition from service, with approximately 15% reporting declining well-being in each domain. In turn, well-being trajectories predicted veterans' odds of experiencing probable mental health conditions (depression and anxiety) during the pandemic, even after accounting for background characteristics, prior mental health, and additional stressful/traumatic experiences. In contrast with those with consistently low well-being, those with initially low then increasing vocational, financial, and social well-being reported similar mental health as those with consistently high well-being. CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the importance of bolstering support for transitioning veterans and point to strategies that can be applied to improve their longer-term mental health.
Physical illnesses, mental or neurodevelopmental disorders, and multimorbidity in children: results from the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth.
Luther A, Fearon D, Browne D … +5 more , Colman I, Dubin JA, Duncan L, Leatherdale ST, Ferro MA
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41555082 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Physical illness describes long-term physical health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy. Mental or neurodevelopmental disorder (MND) that co-occurs with physical illness in childhood is associated...
PURPOSE: Physical illness describes long-term physical health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy. Mental or neurodevelopmental disorder (MND) that co-occurs with physical illness in childhood is associated with poorer outcomes for children and their families. There is a need for contemporary estimates of physical-MND burden to inform resource allocation and reduce occurrence. This descriptive study estimated the prevalence of morbidity status and compared prevalence of MNDs among children with or without physical illness. METHODS: Data come from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, a representative cross-sectional study conducted by Statistics Canada. Physical illnesses and MNDs were reported by the person most knowledgeable about the child. RESULTS: The sample included children aged 5 to 17 years (n = 33,715). In total, 49.5% of children had at least one physical illness and 17.9% had at least one MND. Physical-MND multimorbidity was reported for 9.8% of children. Among children with any physical illness, MNDs were present in 19.9%. Among children with no physical illness, the prevalence of MNDs was 14.1%. Differences in prevalence of MNDs across types of physical illnesses were small in magnitude (h=-0.02 to 0.35). CONCLUSION: Findings show that childhood physical-MND multimorbidity is common, highlighting the need for screening of MNDs among Canadian children with physical illness. Integrated care models are necessary to comprehensively address the physical and MND health needs of children. These estimates of morbidity snapshot the time immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and have critical utility as baselines for future post-COVID-19 studies.
Forensic mental health service use in early psychosis: A scoping review.
Rodrigues R, Wootten JC, Anderson KK … +4 more , Stranges S, Wilk P, Freeman MD, Zeegers MP
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41555081 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Although early psychosis and forensic mental health service use are well-studied concepts individually, less is known about their co-occurrence. We aimed to scope evidence on the overlap between early psychosis...
PURPOSE: Although early psychosis and forensic mental health service use are well-studied concepts individually, less is known about their co-occurrence. We aimed to scope evidence on the overlap between early psychosis and forensic mental health service use, including evidence on forensic mental health service use within early psychosis groups and early psychosis cases within forensic mental health services. We further sought evidence specifically on prevalence or incidence, and associated risk factors and outcomes of forensic mental health service use in early psychosis. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and thesis databases, with forward and backward citation searching. Eligible studies identified an early psychosis group and reported on forensic mental health service use. RESULTS: We included 74 sources, primarily European (47%) and cross-sectional (69%). Most examined homicide offenders with psychosis (62%), among whom a substantial proportion were early psychosis. Fewer studies examined broader forensic mental health service populations. Among studies on early psychosis populations (n = 5), two reported forensic hospitalization incidence (5%-6%), and three identified risk factors (male sex, Black-Caribbean race/ethnicity, and prior police contact). One study linked forensic hospitalization with greater inpatient service use over follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although substantial evidence highlights an increased risk of committing homicide in early psychosis relative to chronic psychosis, evidence is limited on forensic mental health service use in early psychosis populations. Cohort studies using a broader mental health system perspective are needed to clarify the frequency, risk factors, and associated outcomes of forensic mental health service use in early psychosis.
Social isolation in mid-life: associations with psychological distress, life satisfaction and self-rated health in two successive British birth cohorts.
Mansfield R, Richards M, Ploubidis GB … +2 more , Henderson M, Patalay P
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 May · PMID 41555080 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study examines how different forms of social isolation, such as living alone, lack of community engagement, and unemployment, are associated with mental health in mid-life (ages 42-46), a life stage often o...
PURPOSE: This study examines how different forms of social isolation, such as living alone, lack of community engagement, and unemployment, are associated with mental health in mid-life (ages 42-46), a life stage often overlooked when examining the impacts of social isolation. METHODS: Using longitudinal data (1999-2016) from two British birth cohort studies: 1970 British Cohort Study N = 16,585 and the 1958 National Child Development Study N = 15,806, this study investigated whether different forms of isolation have independent effects, contribute to cumulative risk, or interact additively or multiplicatively. RESULTS: Effects varied by isolation type and mental health outcomes. Being out of employment was linked to higher psychological distress and lower life satisfaction and self-rated health, while living alone was only associated with lower life satisfaction. Limited contact with friends and relatives and a lack of community engagement were associated with lower life satisfaction and self-rated health. Greater social isolation corresponded to increased psychological distress, lower life satisfaction, and poorer self-rated health, demonstrating cumulative risk. Effects appeared additive rather than multiplicative. No consistent sex or cohort differences were observed. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the need to examine both separate and combined effects of social isolation across the complete mental health state. Isolation in its various forms was detrimental for mental health in mid-life and was most consistently linked to lower life satisfaction. Efforts to reduce isolation and its negative mental health impacts must recognise the complexity of these experiences.
Reducing social disparities in child emotional and behavioral problems by hypothetical physical activity and screen time interventions.
Rodriguez-Ayllon M, Jansen PW, Labrecque JA … +1 more , Enthoven CA
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 May · PMID 41555079 · Full text
PURPOSE: To estimate how social disparities in child psychiatric symptoms might change following hypothetical interventions targeting sports, outdoor play, and screen time at age 10. METHODS: We used data from 9,778 chil...
PURPOSE: To estimate how social disparities in child psychiatric symptoms might change following hypothetical interventions targeting sports, outdoor play, and screen time at age 10. METHODS: We used data from 9,778 children of the Generation R Study, a prospective population-based cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Social inequality variables included sex, maternal education, and migration background. Primary caregivers filled out the validated Child Behavior Checklist to report on children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms at the age of 13. The hypothetical interventions (i.e., outdoor play, sports participation, and screen time) were parent-reported at age 10. We used sequential G-estimation to estimate the inequality with and without the hypothetical intervention. RESULTS: Children with migration backgrounds (46.3%) and low maternal education (53.3%) were associated with relatively more internalizing and externalizing symptoms than peers, with disparities of 0.125 and 0.177 standard deviations, respectively. Girls had more internalizing symptoms (0.106 SD), while boys had more externalizing symptoms (0.154 SD). Increasing sports participation reduced disparities in internalizing symptoms linked to maternal education (β = -0.014; 95% CI: -0.024, -0.003), while outdoor play and screen time interventions showed limited effects. None of the hypothetical interventions led to a statistically significant reduction in social disparities in externalizing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the persistence of sex, cultural, and socioeconomic disparities in youth mental health. While sports participation showed a potential effect in reducing disparities in internalizing symptoms, its impact on externalizing symptoms and other interventions was negligible. Future efforts should focus on identifying more effective strategies for addressing these disparities.
A comprehensive analysis of global, regional, and national trends in anorexia nervosa burden (1990-2021) and projections to 2040: insights from the global burden of disease study 2021.
Liu Z, Liu Y, Lin B … +2 more , Tao E, Xu C
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41553370 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally linked to high-income regions, its recognition is growing in low- and middle-income countries. This study ana...
BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally linked to high-income regions, its recognition is growing in low- and middle-income countries. This study analyzes the global, regional, and national burden of anorexia nervosa from 1990 to 2021 using GBD 2021 data and offers projections to 2040. METHODS: Data on the prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and age-standardized rates of anorexia nervosa were obtained from the GBD 2021 study, covering 204 countries and regions. The study used various statistical methods, including the Assessment of Health Inequalities, Frontier Analyses, Temporal Trend Analysis and Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model, to analyze trends, regional disparities, and forecast future disease burden. Results were stratified by Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions, age, and gender. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2021, the global prevalence of anorexia nervosa increased by 38.79%, with YLDs rising by 38.57%. High-SDI regions consistently showed the highest burden of the disorder, with significant increases in both prevalence and YLD rates. In contrast, low-SDI regions exhibited lower burdens, likely reflecting underreporting and diagnostic challenges. Female populations continued to bear a higher burden than males, although the prevalence of anorexia nervosa among males has steadily increased. Forecasts to 2040 predict continued increases in disease burden, particularly among females. CONCLUSIONS: Anorexia nervosa's global burden has risen, especially in high-SDI regions. The increasing prevalence, particularly among females, underscores the need for targeted public health interventions, early diagnosis, and culturally appropriate treatments. Projections show continued growth in the disorder's burden.
Examining the effectiveness of the PAX-GOOD BEHAVIOUR GAME in improving the mental health and academic outcomes of FIRST NATIONS children in Canada: a clustered randomized controlled trial using administrative data.
Chartier MJ, Turner F, Jiang D … +9 more , Au W, McCulloch S, Brownell M, Santos R, Murdock N, Martinson A, Boyd L, Bolton J, Sareen J
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 May · PMID 41533151 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX-GBG), a school-based mental health promotion approach, has been shown to improve children's mental health and academic outcomes. Given that these effects have yet to be shown in Indi...
PURPOSE: PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX-GBG), a school-based mental health promotion approach, has been shown to improve children's mental health and academic outcomes. Given that these effects have yet to be shown in Indigenous populations, a partnership with First Nations communities was created to evaluate PAX-GBG's effectiveness among First Nations children living in Canada. METHODS: In this clustered randomized controlled trial, we used population-based administrative data that allowed de-identified individual-level linkages. Our cohort from 20 First Nations schools was assigned to PAX-GBG (n = 468) or wait-list control (n = 255). We used multi-level regression modeling and propensity score weighting to estimate group differences in mental health and academic outcomes over time (2011-2020). RESULTS: PAX-GBG group children had significantly greater decreases in conduct problems (β:-1.08, standard error(se):0.2505, p < .0001), hyperactivity-inattention (β:-1.13, se:0.3617, p = .0018), and peer problems (β:-1.10, se:0.3043, p = .0003) and a greater increase in prosocial scores (β:2.68, se:0.4139, p < .0001) than control group children. The percentage of PAX-GBG group children meeting academic expectations was higher than control group children. However, only third-grade numeracy (odds ratio (OR):4.30, confidence interval (CI):1.34 - 13.77) and eighth-grade reading and writing (OR:2.78, CI:1.01 - 7.67) were statistically significant. We found no evidence that PAX-GBG was associated with less emotional problems, diagnosed mental disorders, or greater student engagement or mathematics. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PAX-GBG is a promising intervention in improving First Nations children's mental health and academic outcomes. What remains unclear is whether these findings are generalizable to all First Nations and how adding supports for program implementation would influence these findings.
Characteristics of participants and nonparticipants in a population based diagnostic survey of mental and substance use disorders. A follow-up study of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT).
Knudsen AKS, Skogen JC, Sivertsen B … +6 more , Gustavson K, Stene-Larsen K, Krokstad S, Ferrari AJ, Kessler RC, Reneflot A
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41530516 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Participation rates in population-based health surveys have been declining for decades, with nonresponse bias being a serious threat to the validity and generalizability of results. The aim of the study was to e...
PURPOSE: Participation rates in population-based health surveys have been declining for decades, with nonresponse bias being a serious threat to the validity and generalizability of results. The aim of the study was to examine differences between participants and nonparticipants invited to a psychiatric diagnostic interview survey in terms of sociodemographic and health characteristics, and use of health services for mental health problems, including diagnoses. METHODS: The study sample for the follow-up psychiatric diagnostic interview was recruited among participants in the fourth survey of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4) in Norway. Information about sociodemographic and health characteristics was gathered from the main survey, while data on health service use was collected by linking records from primary and specialist patient registries with information about participation status. RESULTS: Male sex, younger age, being unmarried, having lower educational attainment, and having lower income were associated with higher odds for nonparticipation. Contact with the primary or specialist health services for mental health problems and hospitalization for a mental disorder more than a year before or after invitation date, were associated with lower odds for nonparticipation, especially for diagnoses indicating affective disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, hyperkinetic disorders or milder mental complaints. CONCLUSION: Contrary to most prior studies examining nonresponse bias, the results indicate that people who had been in contact with the health services for mental health problems were more inclined to participate in a survey focused on mental disorders. The direction of nonresponse bias should be carefully considered and adjusted for in population-based studies.
Descriptive intersectional analyses of mental health outcomes for transgender and non-binary people: a conditional inference tree approach.
A Ghabrial M, I Scheim A, R Bauer G
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41530515 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: While transgender and non-binary (TNB) people face stress and oppressions placing them at greater risk of depression and anxiety compared to cisgender people, little research has explored mental health differenc...
PURPOSE: While transgender and non-binary (TNB) people face stress and oppressions placing them at greater risk of depression and anxiety compared to cisgender people, little research has explored mental health differences between subgroups. Drawing on an intersectionality framework, which examines how oppressive forces interact to impact health, this study investigated intersecting factors associated with mental health outcomes among TNB people in Canada. METHODS: Data were from Trans PULSE Canada's 2019 community-based, national survey of health and wellbeing among TNB people. Respondents reported sociodemographic characteristics, sex work history, disability, neurodiversity, sense of belonging in TNB spaces, and mental health. We conducted three conditional inference tree analyses to determine the combinations of social factors that predict depression, anxiety, and thriving. RESULTS: Analyses included 2058 respondents (Mean age = 31.1, SD = 11.1). Reporting age 16-49 years, physical/visible disability, sex work history, and/or lower socioeconomic status generally predicted poorer mental health. Among respondents below the low-income threshold, a sense of belonging in TNB spaces was associated with more thriving, but only if they were not autistic. For individuals with physical/visible disability, a sense of belonging predicted greater thriving and less depression. CONCLUSION: Results highlight intersecting social and structural factors associated with increased risk of poor mental health among specific groups of TNB people, including lower socioeconomic status and/or a physical/visible disability, or being < 50 with a history of sex work. Individuals with better mental health reported more belonging in TNB spaces, which may suggest that sense of belonging in TNB spaces is protective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
Do ADHD symptoms in adolescence predict psychiatric disorders later in life? A longitudinal study of the Northern Finland birth cohort 1986.
Kauppinen I, Miettunen J, Nordström T … +2 more , Halt AH, Hurtig T
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41530514 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and concurrent psychiatric comorbidities have been thoroughly investigated but less is known on how ADHD symptoms predict subsequent psychiatric disorders. The aim...
PURPOSE: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and concurrent psychiatric comorbidities have been thoroughly investigated but less is known on how ADHD symptoms predict subsequent psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study is to examine whether ADHD symptoms in adolescence predict adult psychiatric disorders in a longitudinal unselected population-based cohort. METHODS: The study is based on the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (N = 9432), in which ADHD symptoms had been measured with the parent-filled Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviours (SWAN) questionnaire at the age of 16 years. Adult psychiatric disorders were retrieved from the nationwide registers up to age 35 years. The population was divided into tertiles based on ADHD symptoms and the correlations between middle and highest tertiles and certain later psychiatric disorders were examined with logistic regression analyses, taking family type, parents' education and adolescent-reported psychiatric symptoms as covariates. RESULTS: Among females, ADHD symptoms in adolescence predicted later anxiety and depressive disorders in both the crude and adjusted models for the middle and highest tertiles and substance use disorders in the highest tertile. The highest risk was associated with substance use disorders. In males, only anxiety disorders could be predicted for the middle and highest tertiles in all the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD symptoms in adolescence predict multiple psychiatric disorders among females and anxiety disorders among males. ADHD symptoms should be addressed as soon as they appear even if they do not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. More research needs to be done into this question.
Exploring grief dynamics and psychometric validation in arabic populations: Factorial validity and mediating roles of resilience, life satisfaction, and religiosity.
Ali M, Alyousef DSA, Ahmed M … +1 more , Grifa D
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41514082 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Grief, a universally experienced response to death of a loved one, carries distinct emotional and behavioral dimensions. This study examines the psychometric properties and factorial validity of the Arabic ad...
BACKGROUND: Grief, a universally experienced response to death of a loved one, carries distinct emotional and behavioral dimensions. This study examines the psychometric properties and factorial validity of the Arabic adaptation of the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), along with mediation pathways between emotional distress (anxiety, depression, and stress) and grief dimensions, moderated by resilience, life satisfaction, and religiosity. METHOD: Data were collected from a sample of 423 Arabic-speaking adults residing in Libya and affected by the Libyan wars, ranging in age from 18 to 52 years (M = 29.93, SD = 6.73) RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure, cognitive/emotional symptoms. Convergent validity showed significant positive correlations between ICG scores and measures of psychological distress (anxiety, r = .24; depression, r = .22). Discriminant validity was confirmed through negligible associations with resilience (r = -.25) and satisfaction with life (r = -.12). Mediation analyses identified resilience as a significant mediator in pathways from distress to grief symptoms (anxiety to cognitive/emotional symptoms via resilience, estimate = .13, p = .023). Satisfaction with life and religiosity displayed limited indirect effects, underscoring the dominant role of resilience. CONCLUSION: These findings reinforce the suitability of the Arabic ICG as a reliable tool for assessing grief in Arabic-speaking populations, while highlighting the protective role of resilience in grief management. Implications extend to culturally sensitive interventions and resilience-building therapeutic approaches.
Global, regional, and national burdens of anxiety disorders among older adults, 1990-2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021.
Deng Y, Cai W, Chen Q … +7 more , Yang X, Yang H, Hu Y, Zhao Y, Chen H, Li G, Yuan K
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41514081 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To assess the burden of anxiety disorders in the elderly and temporal trends at global, regional, and national levels during 1990-2021. METHODS: Data on incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years...
PURPOSE: To assess the burden of anxiety disorders in the elderly and temporal trends at global, regional, and national levels during 1990-2021. METHODS: Data on incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of anxiety disorders in the elderly over 60 years old were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Average annual percentage changes were determined to analyze the trends in age-standardized rates between 1990 and 2021. Correlation between age-standardized rates and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) was assessed using Spearman's rank-correlation analysis. We used a meta-regression model to estimate the incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In 2021, 4.49 million incident cases, 53.07 million prevalent cases, and 5.83 million DALYs were estimated in the elderly worldwide. The age-standardized incidence rate of anxiety disorders in older adults increased slightly, while prevalence and DALY rates remained stable. Middle SDI regions had the highest number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs, with the highest age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates in high SDI regions. Age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates of anxiety disorders were higher among elderly women than men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence rate of anxiety disorders among older adults rose by 7.82%, while prevalence and DALY rates increased by approximately 6%. CONCLUSION: Over the past three decades, the increasing burden of anxiety disorders among older adults has significantly added to the global mental health challenges. This burden is intensified by socioeconomic factors, especially in middle SDI regions, and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unmasking the burden of mental health symptoms and risk behaviors in Vietnamese adolescents: evidence from a multicenter cross-sectional study involving 2,631 high school students.
Thai TT, Le HV, Nguyen TT … +8 more , Van Dinh N, Mai XL, Tran HT, Nguyen NT, Huynh KM, Nguyen TT, Bui HT, Duong MC
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41514080 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Adolescents frequently experience symptoms of mental disorders (SOMD) and engage in health risk behaviors (HRB), both of which significantly contribute to global disability and mortality. Despite this, data o...
BACKGROUND: Adolescents frequently experience symptoms of mental disorders (SOMD) and engage in health risk behaviors (HRB), both of which significantly contribute to global disability and mortality. Despite this, data on these issues remain limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Vietnam. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of SOMD and HRB and examine their associations among high school students in Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 3,025 students from four high schools and four continuing education centers across Ho Chi Minh City. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire capturing demographic information, HRB (using the YBRS scale), and SOMD (using the DASS-21 screening scale). SOMD assessments focused on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress rather than clinical diagnoses, while HRB covered substance use, risk-taking, physical fighting, suicidal ideation, unsafe sexual behaviors, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and sleep deprivation. RESULTS: Of the 2,631 students included in the analysis, prevalence rates were 42.6% for symptoms of depression, 50.3% for symptoms of anxiety, and 31.1% for symptoms of stress. Engagement in HRB varied widely, from 4.0% for unsafe sexual behaviors to 79.9% for physical inactivity, with 91.6% reporting involvement in multiple HRB. Students experiencing SOMD were significantly more likely to engage in HRB compared to those without SOMD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.24 to 4.64. CONCLUSION: SOMD and HRB represent dual and interrelated challenges among Vietnamese adolescents, underscored by their high prevalence. These findings emphasize the critical need for integrated interventions addressing both mental health symptoms and health risk behaviors, especially in resource-constrained LMIC settings.
Before it is too late: primary school students and their mental health challenges in Southern Thailand.
Jayuphan J, Oumudee N, Yip TW … +2 more , Sangkool J, Chotipanvithayakul R
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · 2026 Jan · PMID 41514079 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To determine the mental health problems and well-being of primary school students in southern Thailand. METHODS: A survey was conducted from 2019 to 2020 among first- to third-grade students (aged 6–9 years) in...
PURPOSE: To determine the mental health problems and well-being of primary school students in southern Thailand. METHODS: A survey was conducted from 2019 to 2020 among first- to third-grade students (aged 6–9 years) in southern Thailand. Parents completed self-report questionnaires, including questions on socioeconomic characteristics, family functioning, use of information and technology devices, screen time, and mental health problems before and after the child entered kindergarten. All the students completed the happiness, self-esteem, and life-satisfaction questionnaire. Parents and teachers voluntarily reported perceived mental health concerns. School achievement was assessed by students’ grade point averages (GPAs). RESULTS: Of the 2,499 students, 34.5% reported poor family functioning, 18.2% had an increased risk of game addiction, and 7.2% already had game addiction. The average screen time (mean ± SD) was 3.5 ± 3.1 h on weekdays and 6.2 ± 4.1 h on weekends, respectively. Students had significantly longer screen time if they owned a mobile phone, had unrestricted internet access, had a desktop computer at home, or had access to more than one device. Approximately one-third of the students had at least one mental health problem, especially academic-related problems. One-fourth of them had a GPA below 2.50. Almost all the students had moderate to high self-esteem. 10% felt sad about themselves, and approximately one-third had poor to very poor life satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Significant mental health challenges coexist with positive indicators of well-being, such as self-esteem and happiness. Appropriate intervention is needed to reduce the problems and promote their resources.
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