Psychological Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Association of parental prenatal mental health with offspring neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Kępińska A, Robakis T, Smout S … +6 more , Bercovitch R, Cohen L, Gustavsson Mahjani IC, Skalkidou A, Bergink V, Mahjani B
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41556101 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Parental prenatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are linked to child neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but evaluations of the magnitude and mechanisms of this association are limited. This study estima...
BACKGROUND: Parental prenatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are linked to child neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but evaluations of the magnitude and mechanisms of this association are limited. This study estimates the strength of the association and whether it is impacted by genetic and environmental factors. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, OVID, and Google Scholar was performed for articles published from January 1988 to September 2025. Of 2,420 articles screened, 74 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were conducted on 21 studies, and 53 were included in the narrative synthesis. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses, along with tests for heterogeneity () and publication bias (Egger's test). The review followed PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. RESULTS: Maternal PMADs were associated with a significantly increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-2.52) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD; OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.43-2.14) in children. Paternal PMADs were also associated with the risk of NDDs, with combined odds for ASD and ADHD (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.14-1.33). Several studies suggested that the link between parental PMADs and offspring NDDs might be impacted by both genetic and environmental factors, including the impact of ongoing parental depression on child behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Parental PMADs are associated with increased risk of NDDs in children. These findings likely reflect a combination of inherited liability and environmental processes; clarifying mechanisms will require genetically informed designs. Regardless of mechanism, offering optional, family-centered developmental support may help promote child well-being in families where a parent is experiencing PMADs.
Gender and anxiety reveal distinct computational sources of underconfidence.
Katyal S, Fleming SM
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537271 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Confidence exhibits systematic individual differences across mental health, gender, and age. However, it remains unknown whether these distinct sources of metacognitive bias have common or distinct computatio...
BACKGROUND: Confidence exhibits systematic individual differences across mental health, gender, and age. However, it remains unknown whether these distinct sources of metacognitive bias have common or distinct computational origins. METHODS: To address this question, we developed a novel dynamic computational model of metacognition to study the temporal evolution of underconfidence associated with individual differences in transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms and gender in samples of online participants (total = 1,447). RESULTS: We found that underconfidence associated with anxiety symptoms became more prominent the longer individuals took to make metacognitive judgments - suggesting that it is exacerbated by additional time for introspection. In contrast, gender-related underconfidence decreased with greater metacognitive judgment time - suggesting that additional time for introspection is able to remediate prepotent biases. Our computational model of confidence explained these effects - while both gender and anxiety symptoms involved shifts in confidence criteria, only anxiety symptoms involved a temporal accumulation of negatively biased evidence about one's ability. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals multiple computational pathways to the formation of underconfidence, in turn highlighting specific potential mechanisms for its remediation.
Risk of substance-related problems in hypochondriasis.
Isomura K, Österman S, Hedman-Lagerlöf E … +10 more , Kuja-Halkola R, Brikell I, Chang Z, D'Onofrio BM, Larsson H, Lichtenstein P, Mataix-Cols D, Fernández de la Cruz L, Ivanov V, Sidorchuk A
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41536221 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Hypochondriasis, or health anxiety disorder, is associated with increased mortality, mainly from potentially preventable causes. Substance misuse is a well-known contributor to premature death, yet its relati...
BACKGROUND: Hypochondriasis, or health anxiety disorder, is associated with increased mortality, mainly from potentially preventable causes. Substance misuse is a well-known contributor to premature death, yet its relationship with hypochondriasis remains unclear. We assessed the risk of broadly defined substance-related problems in individuals diagnosed with hypochondriasis. METHODS: This Swedish register-based matched cohort study included 4,129 individuals diagnosed with hypochondriasis in specialist services between 1997 and 2020 and 41,290 demographically matched unexposed individuals. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between hypochondriasis and substance-related problems - defined as alcohol and drug use disorders, dispensed medications for alcohol dependence and opioid use disorders, and alcohol- and drug-related accidental poisonings, deaths, and suspected criminal offenses. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, parental substance-related problems, and personal psychiatric history. RESULTS: Substance-related problems were identified in 504 (12.2%) individuals with hypochondriasis and 1,924 (4.7%) matched unexposed individuals. After adjustment for sociodemographic and parental covariates, hypochondriasis was significantly associated with an increased risk of substance-related problems (HR, 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30-2.84). Similar results were observed in individuals without preexisting substance-related problems (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.48-3.27). Further adjustment for psychiatric comorbidity, particularly anxiety and depression, reduced the risk estimates, but the associations remained statistically significant. In an additional analysis including primary care diagnoses of hypochondriasis (presumably reflecting less complex cases), the risk of substance-related problems remained elevated (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.39-1.86). CONCLUSION: Improved recognition of, and clinical awareness of substance misuse may help reduce long-term adverse outcomes in individuals with hypochondriasis.
Implicit opioid associations in OUD treatment: prediction of treatment response and moderation by mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement.
Coooperman NA, Khauli N, Hanley AW … +1 more , Garland EL
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41536215 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Substance use is sustained partly through implicit associations toward drugs - i.e. automatic positive attitudes and motivational responses toward drug-related cues. Such implicit associations may be inferred...
BACKGROUND: Substance use is sustained partly through implicit associations toward drugs - i.e. automatic positive attitudes and motivational responses toward drug-related cues. Such implicit associations may be inferred by behavioral measures that capture the relative ease, speed, or priming of those associations. However, implicit opioid associations in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) remain underexplored, and it is unknown whether mindfulness-based interventions such as Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) can modify implicit associations to support recovery. METHODS: We conducted secondary analyses of data from a clinical trial of adults with OUD (N = 154), randomized to either methadone treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus MORE. Participants completed an opioid implicit association test (IAT) at baseline. Days of opioid use were tracked over 16 weeks. Data were analyzed using logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regressions to examine the impact of baseline IAT scores on future opioid use and MORE's moderating effect. RESULTS: In the TAU group, each 1-unit increase in IAT D score was associated with a 216% increase in the odds of opioid use (OR = 3.16, = 0.049). However, in the MORE group, IAT scores were not significantly associated with future opioid use (OR = 0.58, = 0.57). ZINB analysis revealed that each 1-unit increase in IAT D score predicted 0.96 fewer days of use in MORE relative to TAU (B = -1.25; SE = 0.58; = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Implicit attitudes toward opioids predicted higher opioid use among individuals receiving methadone. However, MORE attenuated this relationship and may counteract automatic cognitive biases that sustain opioid use.
EEG-based frontal excitation/inhibition balance as an objective biomarker for cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis and Long COVID.
Linnhoff S, Cohen Kadosh R, Zaehle T
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41536211 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cognitive fatigue is a prevalent and disabling symptom in neurological and post-viral conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Long COVID. Assessment relies largely on self-report, and no validated o...
BACKGROUND: Cognitive fatigue is a prevalent and disabling symptom in neurological and post-viral conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Long COVID. Assessment relies largely on self-report, and no validated objective biomarker exists, limiting reliable diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The aperiodic exponent of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum, reflecting the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, is a promising candidate biomarker. We examined whether aperiodic exponent values can objectively identify pathological fatigue and assessed their classification accuracy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, including 119 participants: 36 healthy controls, 33 with Long COVID-related fatigue (LCOF), and 50 with MS (23 fatigued and 27 nonfatigued). Resting-state EEGs were analyzed, and associations with fatigue ratings and group differences were assessed. Logistic mixed-effects regression models evaluated classification accuracy for fatigue status. RESULTS: Lower frontal aperiodic exponents were associated with higher cognitive fatigue across participants. Fatigued individuals, regardless of diagnosis, showed reduced frontal exponent values compared with nonfatigued groups, while no differences emerged in occipital regions. Logistic regression confirmed that frontal exponent values significantly predicted fatigue status, improving classification accuracy beyond age and depression, with good sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The frontal aperiodic exponent is a regionally specific biomarker of cognitive fatigue across MS and LCOF. Mechanistic interpretation suggests an altered prefrontal E/I balance, which could inform the development of targeted interventions to alleviate cognitive fatigue. It offers a clinically accessible tool to complement self-report, support trial stratification, and enable objective treatment monitoring. Importantly, its presence across distinct disorders highlights its value as a transdiagnostic marker of fatigue.
Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence of reward processing deficits in repetitive negative thinking: Implications for depression.
Schettino M, Mastrocesare A, Bomarsi D … +5 more , Ceccarelli I, Ang YS, Pizzagalli DA, Ottaviani C, Fagioli S
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41531206 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Anhedonia and rumination, a form of repetitive negative thinking (RNT), are key features of depression associated with poor treatment outcomes, chronic disease progression, and an increased risk of suicidalit...
BACKGROUND: Anhedonia and rumination, a form of repetitive negative thinking (RNT), are key features of depression associated with poor treatment outcomes, chronic disease progression, and an increased risk of suicidality. Although their interaction is thought to sustain depressive states, the state-level mechanisms linking these symptoms remain poorly understood. METHODS: In this multilevel, randomized within-subjects study, 62 individuals (n = 38 females) with varying levels of depressive symptoms completed the Probabilistic Reward Task (PRT) under two conditions: experimentally induced RNT and an active control. Concurrent electroencephalography was employed to assess electroencephalographic markers of reward functioning. RESULTS: RNT significantly attenuated both reward response bias and feedback-related positivity (FRP) amplitudes, with the most pronounced effects in individuals with more severe depressive symptoms. These effects were not attributable to differences in task difficulty or perceptual cortical processing of PRT stimuli, supporting the specificity of RNT's impact on reward-related processes. CONCLUSIONS: RNT may transiently disrupt behavioral and neural indicators of reward functioning. These findings suggest that cognitive states such as RNT can exacerbate or reveal the latent reward-processing deficits typically observed in individuals with anhedonia. This state-dependent sensitivity highlights the potential utility of targeting RNT to restore reward processing in depression.
Addressing 'futility' in psychiatry: a consensus statement.
Kious BM, Levitt S, van Veen S … +13 more , Buchman D, Costa L, Froelich K, Hoff P, Lindblad A, Metselaar S, Moureau L, Neitzke G, Pope TM, Schenker H, Strupp J, Trachsel M, Westermair AL
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41531198 · Full text
While the concept of futility has been used widely in somatic medicine, to date, there has been limited consideration of its relevance to psychiatry. We summarize the findings of an international, multidisciplinary works...
While the concept of futility has been used widely in somatic medicine, to date, there has been limited consideration of its relevance to psychiatry. We summarize the findings of an international, multidisciplinary workshop involving clinicians, ethicists, philosophers, patient advocates, and persons with lived experience, which was focused on describing futility in psychiatry and developing ethical guidelines for making futility judgments. We outline three leading concepts of futility as they have been used in somatic medicine: physiological futility, quantitative futility, and qualitative futility. We examine the application of these concepts to the care of persons with mental illness, finding that the notion of qualitative futility is most likely to be fruitful. We consider how the concept of qualitative futility in psychiatry could relate to other ethically salient concepts such as terminal mental illness and recovery. We consider (1) who should have authority to make futility judgments in psychiatry (i.e. patients, providers, others), (2) what the process for introducing and evaluating futility judgments should be, and (3) how futility assessments should respond to patients' goals and values. We identify potential risks of futility assessments, including psychological harms and premature treatment discontinuation, as well as potential benefits, such as reductions in harmful treatments and helpful reevaluation of the goals of care. Workshop participants regarded the concept of psychiatric futility as potentially useful. They identified how the concept could be applied to psychiatric care, as well as ethical limits on doing so.
The association between the transition to parenthood and risk for nonfatal suicide attempt in a Swedish population-based sample.
Stephenson M, Ohlsson H, Kendler KS … +4 more , Sundquist J, Edwards AC, Sundquist K, Lannoy S
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41531193 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Parenthood is consistently identified as a protective factor for suicidal behavior. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship varies as a function of sex, age, time since birth, number of children...
BACKGROUND: Parenthood is consistently identified as a protective factor for suicidal behavior. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship varies as a function of sex, age, time since birth, number of children, and other risk/protective factors. METHODS: We used Cox proportional hazards models to describe the relationship between the birth of up to four children and suicide attempt (SA) risk in Swedish individuals born between 1960 and 1980. Models were stratified by sex and controlled for a range of covariates. We tested whether the relationship between parenthood and SA risk varies based on age at first birth and explored whether SA risk differed based on education, genetic liability, cohabitation with one's co-parent, and geographic proximity to one's mother (the child's grandmother). RESULTS: The first year following childbirth was associated with reduced SA risk in mothers (hazard ratios [HRs] = 0.34-0.64) and fathers (HRs = 0.60-0.86). However, later time periods following the birth of one's third and fourth children were associated with elevated risk (HRs = 1.02-1.26). Moreover, age at first birth moderated the association between parenthood and SA: individuals who became parents at age 15 exhibited increased risk for SA (HRs = 2.81-5.30), while individuals with an older age at first birth (30+ years) experienced a reduction in risk (HRs = 0.31-0.92). The effect of parenthood also varied based on cohabitation and proximity to one's mother. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between parenthood and SA, indicating that there are some subgroups for whom the transition to parenthood is not protective. Clinical outreach may be warranted as a preventative measure.
Subjective estimation of cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment: relationship with neurodegenerative and non-degenerative factors.
Hamilton CA, Gallagher P, Donaghy PC … +9 more , Ciafone J, Firbank M, Greenfinch G, Heslegrave A, Zetterberg H, Taylor JP, Allan LM, O'Brien JT, Thomas AJ
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41531182 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Subjective cognitive complaints are poor predictors of neurodegenerative disease and future dementia. Errors in metacognition, positive or negative differences between actual and perceived performance, may pa...
BACKGROUND: Subjective cognitive complaints are poor predictors of neurodegenerative disease and future dementia. Errors in metacognition, positive or negative differences between actual and perceived performance, may partially explain this. We aimed to assess whether hypothesized indicators of underlying neurodegenerative factors (e.g. hippocampal atrophy) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were associated with overestimation of actual cognitive performance, and hypothesized non-degenerative factors (e.g. depression) were associated with underestimation of performance. METHODS: Metacognitive error was estimated from paired subjective and objective cognitive assessments using the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - Revised, respectively. A normative model was developed with cognitively healthy older adults ( = 36), and applied to individuals with suspected MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or MCI with Lewy bodies (total = 88). Theorized predictors of subjective overestimation or underestimation of performance (metacognitive error) were assessed, including demographics, AD biomarkers, and mental and physical ill health. Metacognitive error was also assessed as a predictor of conversion to dementia. RESULTS: Underestimation of cognitive function was associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and self-reported autonomic symptoms. Overestimation of cognitive function was associated with age, hippocampal atrophy, plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein, and subsequent dementia conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Underestimation of cognitive function may reflect functional cognitive changes linked to mental and physical ill health, while overestimation of function may be a marker of neurodegenerative changes. Quantifying metacognitive error may provide a noninvasive screening tool for progressive MCI, requiring investigation in an independent sample.
Response to Robin Bailey's Letter to the Editor, '.
Stenzel KL, Keller J, Kirchner L … +2 more , Rief W, Berg M
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41527478 · Full text
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Controllability of morphometric network colocalize with underlying neurobiology in major depression.
Niu J, Xia J, He Y … +8 more , Li W, Chen K, Liu Q, Li W, Qiu J, Chen H, Li J, Liao W
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41527472 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cognitive and behavioral symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) are linked to aberrant changes in the controllability of brain networks. However, previous studies examined network controllability using w...
BACKGROUND: Cognitive and behavioral symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) are linked to aberrant changes in the controllability of brain networks. However, previous studies examined network controllability using white matter tractography, neglecting the contributions of gray matter. We aimed to examine differences in the controllability of morphometric networks between patients with MDD and demographic-matched healthy controls and identify the associated neurobiological signatures. METHODS: Based on the structural and diffusion MRI data from two independent cohorts, we calculated the controllability of morphometric similarity networks for each participant. A generalized additive model was used to investigate the case-control differences in regional controllability and their cognitive and behavioral associations. We investigated the associations between imaging-derived controllability and neurotransmitters, brain metabolism, and gene transcription profiles using multivariate linear regression and partial least squares regression analyses. RESULTS: In both cohorts, depression-related abnormalities of morphometric network controllability were primarily located in the prefrontal, cingulate, and visual cortices, contributing to memory, sensation, and perception processes. These abnormalities in network controllability were spatially aligned with the distributions of serotonergic transmission pathways as well as with altered oxygen and glucose metabolism. In addition, these abnormalities spatially overlapped with differentially expressed genes enriched in annotations related to protein catabolism and mitochondria in neuronal cells and were disproportionately located on chromosome 22. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, neuroimaging evidence revealed aberrant morphometric network controllability underlying MDD-related cognitive and behavioral deficits, and the associated genetic and molecular signatures may help identify the neurobiological mechanisms underlying MDD and provide feasible therapeutic targets.
Momentary dynamics of inner speech varieties, auditory verbal hallucinations, and affect in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: an experience sampling study.
Chung LK, Whitford TJ, Chau AKC … +3 more , Chan SS, Chong GH, So SH
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41521642 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) may arise from misattributed inner speech. However, it is unclear if inner speech frequency and phenomenology differ in schizoph...
BACKGROUND: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) may arise from misattributed inner speech. However, it is unclear if inner speech frequency and phenomenology differ in schizophrenia-spectrum voice-hearers compared with healthy individuals, and how different inner speech varieties relate to AVH and affect. Using experience sampling methodology (ESM), this study examined the moment-to-moment dynamics between inner speech varieties, AVH, and affect. METHODS: Participants completed 6 days of ESM on an electronic device, responding to 10 daily prompts on inner speech varieties (i.e. dialogic, evaluative, other people, condensed, and positive), AVH, and affect. Responses from 32 individuals with SSDs with current AVH ('SSD') and 34 healthy controls ('HC') were analyzed using linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: SSD reported significantly more inner speech moments and higher momentary intensity of evaluative, other people, condensed, and positive inner speech compared with HC, but not for dialogic inner speech. Within SSD, higher momentary intensities of dialogic, evaluative, other people, and condensed inner speech were associated with higher AVH levels. Momentary negative affect (NA) moderated the association between evaluative inner speech and AVH, with a stronger association at higher NA levels. CONCLUSIONS: SSDs with current AVH experience more frequent inner speech and exhibit a distinct phenomenological profile compared with healthy individuals. Several inner speech varieties are associated with AVH severity momentarily, supporting the hypothesis that inner speech contributes to AVH at the phenomenological level. This study highlights the emotional state as an important moderator of the inner speech-AVH relationship and as a potential therapeutic target.
Long-term effects of mentalization-based treatment for psychotic disorder: a 5-year follow-up of a multi-center, randomized-controlled trial.
Weijers JG, Debbané M, Ten Kate C … +4 more , van Kaam F, de Winter R, Eurelings-Bontekoe E, Selten JP
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41508857 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The results of a previous randomized trial showed that mentalization-based treatment for psychotic disorder (MBTp) was associated with greater improvement than treatment as usual (TAU) in social functioning u...
BACKGROUND: The results of a previous randomized trial showed that mentalization-based treatment for psychotic disorder (MBTp) was associated with greater improvement than treatment as usual (TAU) in social functioning up to 6 months after treatment. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effect after 5 years. METHODS: The researchers tried to find all patients who had participated in the trial (n = 84) and to assess, blind to previous treatment status, their social functioning and mentalizing capacity. Social functioning was measured using the Social Functioning Scale, mentalizing using the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale and the Hinting Task. RESULTS: Twenty-three MBTp patients and 23 TAU patients collaborated. There was no evidence of selective drop-out. A complete case, repeated measure analysis of variance on the basis of intention-to-treat showed that, 5 years post-treatment, MBTp patients still scored better on social functioning compared to baseline [η = .25, = .01], whereas TAU patients did not [η = .01, = .67], with a significant difference between the conditions [η = .10, p = .03]. A sensitivity analysis with linear mixed models, however, showed weaker evidence for an additive effect of MBTp over TAU on social functioning 5 years post-treatment, = 3.731, = .06. MBT patients also showed a greater improvement in one aspect of mentalizing, understanding of social causality [η = 0.17, = .04], but not other aspects of mentalizing. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a durable effect of MBTp.
Changes in repetitive negative thinking and stress perception mediate treatment effects of a transdiagnostic exercise intervention.
Frei AK, Studnitz T, Seiffer B … +15 more , Welkerling J, Zeibig JM, Herzog E, Günak MM, Ehring T, Takano K, Nakagawa T, Sundmacher L, Himmler S, Peters S, Flagmeier AL, Zwanzleitner L, Ramos-Murguialday A, Sudeck G, Wolf S
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41508826 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Exercise improves stress perception and sleep quality and reduces repetitive negative thinking in patients with various mental disorders. However, it is unclear whether changes in these processes mediate trea...
BACKGROUND: Exercise improves stress perception and sleep quality and reduces repetitive negative thinking in patients with various mental disorders. However, it is unclear whether changes in these processes mediate treatment effects on psychopathology in a transdiagnostic sample. METHODS: Physically inactive adult outpatients with depressive disorders, agoraphobia, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or nonorganic primary insomnia were randomly allocated to ImPuls - a 6-month transdiagnostic group exercise intervention - plus treatment-as-usual ( = 198), or to a treatment-as-usual alone control group ( = 201) at 10 study sites between March 2021 and May 2022. The primary outcome was global symptom severity; perceived stress, repetitive negative thinking, and sleep quality were included as mediators. All variables were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using validated rating scales. As a secondary analysis of an RCT, intention-to-treat analyses were performed using structural equation modeling to test whether changes in stress perception, repetitive negative thinking, and sleep quality mediate treatment effects on changes in global symptom severity in two path models (from baseline to 6 and 12 months, respectively). RESULTS: Treatment effects on global symptom severity were fully mediated by changes in perceived stress (6 months: β = -0.99, = .024; 12 months: β = -1.28, = .014) and repetitive negative thinking (6 months: β = -1.34, = .004; 12 months: β = -0.94, = .024). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that changes in perceived stress and repetitive negative thinking may be key transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying the treatment effect of exercise on global symptom severity.
The contribution of genetic and environmental influences underlying disordered eating to exposure to weight-conscious peers.
O'Connor SM, Burt SA, Garrison SM … +1 more , Klump KL
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41507143 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Girls with predispositions for disordered eating (DE) may select into weight-conscious peer groups (i.e. peer groups that emphasize body weight/shape). However, factors driving selection into these peer group...
BACKGROUND: Girls with predispositions for disordered eating (DE) may select into weight-conscious peer groups (i.e. peer groups that emphasize body weight/shape). However, factors driving selection into these peer groups remain unknown, as genetic and/or environmental predisposition to DE may lead girls to select weight-conscious peers. To explore what may drive selection, the present study investigated whether genetic or shared environmental influences underlie associations between DE and exposure to weight-conscious peers and whether effects differ by pubertal status. METHODS: Participants included 833 female twins (ages 8-15) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Bivariate twin models were conducted to explore etiologic overlap between DE and exposure to weight-conscious peers. Separate models were run for pre-early pubertal girls and mid-late pubertal girls given past research demonstrates differences in genetic and environmental contributions underlying eating pathology by pubertal status. RESULTS: During pre-early puberty, shared and non-shared environmental correlations accounted for the overlap between DE and weight-conscious peer group exposure. Furthermore, shared environmental and non-shared environmental influences underlying DE contributed to 33.3% and 20.0% of the individual differences in weight-conscious peer group membership, respectively. In mid-late puberty, the genetic and non-shared environmental correlations accounted for the overlap between DE and weight-conscious peer group exposure. Genetic and non-shared environmental influences underlying DE contributed to 37.5% and 19.4% of the variance in weight-conscious peer group membership, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While selection effects may exist across development, these effects may be driven by variance in DE due to shared environment in pre-early puberty and genes in mid-late puberty.
Trauma-focused psychological interventions for psychosis: Meta-analytic evidence of differential effects on delusions and hallucinations.
Toutountzidis D, Ricketts E, Laws KR
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41507138 · Full text
Childhood trauma is a well-established risk factor for the onset and persistence of psychotic symptoms. Consequently, trauma-focused interventions (TFIs) are increasingly incorporated into psychosis treatment, though the...
Childhood trauma is a well-established risk factor for the onset and persistence of psychotic symptoms. Consequently, trauma-focused interventions (TFIs) are increasingly incorporated into psychosis treatment, though their effectiveness in reducing hallucinations and delusions remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of TFIs on psychosis-related outcomes in individuals with psychotic disorders or subclinical symptoms. Thirty-six studies ( = 1,384) were included, with 18 ( = 806) contributing to meta-analyses. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using AXIS, Cochrane RoB2, and GRADE. Pre-post analyses showed small reductions in hallucinations ( = -0.37; adjusted = -0.28; = 15) and medium reductions in delusions ( = -0.55; = 14), with younger participants benefiting more. In controlled trials, TFIs did not significantly reduce hallucinations at the end of treatment or follow-up ( = -0.12 and -0.01; both = 7), whereas delusions showed significant reductions at both time points ( = -0.44 and = -0.48; both = 7). No significant effect on negative symptoms was observed at the end of trial ( = -0.02; = 6), though a small improvement appeared at follow-up ( = -0.26; = 6). TFIs produced small but significant reductions in PTSD symptoms at both time points ( = 6). No consistent effects were found for secondary outcomes: depression ( = 7), anxiety ( = 5), or quality of life ( = 3), though functioning improved at follow-up ( = 6). TFIs appear particularly effective in reducing delusions, but show limited benefit for hallucinations and other secondary outcomes. Further work is needed to design and test symptom-specific psychological interventions for distinct psychotic experiences.
Allostatic load, personality traits, and cancer risk: A prospective cohort study.
Wang P, Peng Y, Du H … +4 more , Sheng C, Song F, Dai H, Chen K
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41486949 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cumulative stress exposure is extensively involved in carcinogenesis. However, cancer risk associated with allostatic load (AL), a valid measure of chronic stress, has not been comprehensively evaluated in la...
BACKGROUND: Cumulative stress exposure is extensively involved in carcinogenesis. However, cancer risk associated with allostatic load (AL), a valid measure of chronic stress, has not been comprehensively evaluated in large cohorts, and the combined effect of AL and personality trait on cancer risk remains unknown. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted based on 245,683 participants from the UK Biobank, with a median follow-up of 13.5 years. The AL score was calculated based on 11 biomarkers. Personality traits were constructed and categorized into two clusters. Multivariable Cox regression model was used to assess the risk of incident cancer according to AL and personality clusters, and multiplicative and additive interactions were evaluated. RESULTS: High AL was associated with an increased cancer risk compared to low AL (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.09), particularly for cancers of stomach, liver, kidney, esophageal, lung, colorectal, breast, and leukemia (HR ranged from 1.08 to 1.43). Personality clusters was associated with risk of lung cancer (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.23), but not overall cancer. Significant synergistic interaction was observed between high AL and 'nervous-dominant' personality for overall cancer risk, with the strongest association observed for liver cancer (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.24-2.02). CONCLUSIONS: High AL was related to higher risks of overall cancer and site-specific cancers, particularly when combined with nervous-dominant personality, highlighting the interplay between chronic physiological stress and psychological factors in cancer development.
Resting-state EEG markers associated with violence risk in patients with major depressive disorder.
Xie Y, Lu W, Chen J … +5 more , Tan S, Ma T, Gu Y, Li Y, Li G
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41486739 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Growing studies have reported an elevated risk of violence in patients with depression, yet the neurobiological underpinnings remain poorly understood. The present study explored the resting-state electroence...
BACKGROUND: Growing studies have reported an elevated risk of violence in patients with depression, yet the neurobiological underpinnings remain poorly understood. The present study explored the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) features in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with violent offenses to identify potential neurological markers for violence prediction and intervention. METHODS: Twenty-nine MDD patients who committed violent offenses (violent depression [VD] group), 27 MDD patients without violent behaviors (nonviolent depression [NVD] group), and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Resting-state EEGs were recorded for at least 5 min. EEG microstates, functional connectivity (FC), and graph theory metrics were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: First, the VD group had increased microstate A, more microstates A-B transition, but lower microstates B-D and C-D transition. Second, the VD group exhibited two enhanced functional brain networks compared to NVD and HCs, and three weakened functional brain networks compared to HCs, which were primarily distributed in the frontal and frontoparietal networks. Third, the VD group specifically exhibited reduced nodal efficiency (aNe) in the superior parietal lobe and increased aNe in the middle occipital gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: MDD patients with violent offenses exhibited alterations in EEG microstates, FCs in the frontal lobe and frontoparietal network, and disrupted aNe in specific parietal and occipital lobes. These alternations are closely associated with deficits in emotional regulation, executive function, and inhibitory control, which may subserve as potential neurobiomarkers for violence risk assessment in patients with depression.
Is tobacco dependence a moderator of psychiatric symptom severity and caregiver abuse in rural families of patients with severe mental disorders? - CORRIGENDUM.
Qin A, Wang M, Qi Y … +3 more , Wang K, Wei Z, Sun L
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41486568 · Full text
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Mediating mechanisms of the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and adolescent suicide attempt: A 17-year longitudinal study.
Bujold A, Rosialda KJ, Orri M
Psychol Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 41480736 · Full text
BACKGROUND: While prenatal exposure to tobacco has been associated with adolescent suicide attempt, little is known about the mechanisms explaining this association. This study aims to explore the mediating roles of inte...
BACKGROUND: While prenatal exposure to tobacco has been associated with adolescent suicide attempt, little is known about the mechanisms explaining this association. This study aims to explore the mediating roles of internalizing symptoms, externalizing behaviors, and peer problems across childhood in the association between prenatal exposure to tobacco and adolescent suicide attempt. METHODS: We analyzed data from = 8,861 participants from the Millennium Cohort Study followed from ages 9 months to 17 years. Binary logistic regression models were used to investigate the total association between exposure to tobacco in pregnancy and suicide attempt, and mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation models to investigate the direct and indirect associations. RESULTS: In models adjusted for key covariates, we found a significant association between prenatal tobacco exposure and increased risk of adolescent suicide attempts (odds ratio = 2.08, 95% confidence interval = [1.68, 2.56]), partly mediated through internalizing problems, externalizing behaviors, and peer problems from ages 3 to 14 years (accounting for 37% of the total association, that is, 16%, 12%, and 9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that interventions targeting mental health symptoms and peer problems may maximize suicide prevention efforts among children who were prenatally exposed to tobacco, thus potentially reducing the long-term risk of suicide attempt.
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