Cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with somatoform disorders: A pilot preliminary randomized controlled trial.

Background and objective: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for somatoform disorders (SFDs) is understudied in China. Western findings may not be applicable to Chinese culture. This preliminary study evaluated the efficacy of CBT for patients in China, relative to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Methods: Seventy patients with SFDs randomly received either combined CBT and TAU (CBT + TAU), or TAU alone between January 2018 to May 2019. The CBT + TAU group received 12 weekly individual 50-minute CBT sessions. Participants were blindly assessed at 4 timepoints (baseline, week 6, end of treatment: week 12; 12 weeks post-treatment: week 24) using the following outcome measures: SQSS (Self-screening Questionnaire for Somatic Symptoms); PHQ-15 (Patient-Health-Questionnaire-15) and the WI (Whiteley Index); GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7); HAMD-17 (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17); Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS); Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS); and the Short Form of Quality-of-Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF). The primary endpoint was the difference between the SQSS total score at week 24 and the baseline. A mixed model for repeated measures was used to analyze inter- and intra-group changes from the baseline. Results: At week 24, The least-squares mean (LSM) change of the total score on the SQSS was -18.87 points and -9.69 points, respectively in the CBT + TAU group and in the TAU group (LSM difference, -9.18 points; 95% confidence interval, -15.72 to -2.64; P = 0.0068). At week 24, the LSM changes from baseline in the WI, HAMD, PHQ15, FBIS and SDS total scores were significantly different between the two groups, however, there was no significant difference in the Q-LES-Q-SF. The SQSS of group effect sizes were 0.63 at 24 weeks. The dropout rates of the CBT + TAU and TAU groups were comparable (22.9% and 19.3%). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that CBT may be helpful for improving the symptoms of patients with SFDs in China.

World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of International Medical Graduates.

Historically, doctors have migrated for a range of personal, educational, economic, and political reasons. Likewise, medical students from many countries have moved abroad to complete their training and education and may or may not return to their country of origin. Within this context, globalisation has had a major impact on medical education and healthcare workforces, contributing to recent migration trends. Globalisation is a complex phenomenon with positive and negative outcomes. For example, lower-income countries are regularly losing doctors to higher-income areas, thereby exacerbating strains on existing services. Across various national healthcare settings, migrating International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can face socioenvironmental and psychosocial pressures, which can lead to lower mental wellbeing and undermine their contributions to clinical care. Rates of stress and burnout are generally increasing for doctors and medical students. For IMGs, stressors related to migration, acculturation, and adjustment are not dissimilar to other migrants but may carry with them specific nuances. Accordingly, this Commission will explore the history of IMG trends and the challenges faced by IMGs, proposing recommendations and solutions to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Stigma towards mental illness in Asian nations and low-and-middle-income countries, and comparison with high-income countries: A literature review and practice implications.

Background: Stigma related to mental illness (and its treatment) is prevalent worldwide. This stigma could be at the structural or organizational level, societal level (interpersonal stigma), and the individual level (internalized stigma). Vulnerable populations, for example, gender minorities, children, adolescents, and geriatric populations, are more prone to stigma. The magnitude of stigma and its negative influence is determined by socio-cultural factors and macro (mental health policies, programs) or micro-level factors (societal views, health sectors, or individuals' attitudes towards mentally ill persons). Mental health stigma is associated with more serious psychological problems among the victims, reduced access to mental health care, poor adherence to treatment, and unfavorable outcomes. Although various nationwide and well-established anti-stigma interventions/campaigns exist in high-income countries (HICs) with favorable outcomes, a comprehensive synthesis of literature from the Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), more so from the Asian continent is lacking. The lack of such literature impedes growth in stigma-related research, including developing anti-stigma interventions. Aim: To synthesize the available mental health stigma literature from Asia and LMICs and compare them on the mental health stigma, anti-stigma interventions, and the effectiveness of such interventions from HICs. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were screened using the following search terms: stigma, prejudice, discrimination, stereotype, perceived stigma, associate stigma (for Stigma), mental health, mental illness, mental disorder psychiatric* (for mental health), and low-and-middle-income countries, LMICs, High-income countries, and Asia, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation/SAARC (for countries of interest). Bibliographic and grey literature were also performed to obtain the relevant records. Results: The anti-stigma interventions in Asia nations and LMICs are generalized (vs. disorder specific), population-based (vs. specific groups, such as patients, caregivers, and health professionals), mostly educative (vs. contact-based or attitude and behavioral-based programs), and lacking in long-term effectiveness data. Government, international/national bodies, professional organizations, and mental health professionals can play a crucial in addressing mental health stigma. Conclusion: There is a need for a multi-modal intervention and multi-sectoral coordination to mitigate the mental health stigma. Greater research (nationwide surveys, cultural determinants of stigma, culture-specific anti-stigma interventions) in this area is required.

World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission on Psychiatric Education in the 21st century.

Psychiatric practice faces many challenges in the first quarter of 21st century. Society has transformed, as have training requirements and patient expectations, underlining an urgent need to look at educational programmes. Meanwhile, awareness has grown around psychiatric disorders and there are evolving workforce trends, with more women going to medical school and specialising in psychiatry. Trainee psychiatrists carry different expectations for work-life balance and are increasingly becoming conscious of their own mental health. A tendency to see health as a commodity and the litigious nature of society has elicited additional pressures for healthcare professionals. Cartesian mind-body dualism has created further complexity and this can often be frustrating for patients and care-partners alike. In many cultures across Asia and beyond, patients can present with physical symptoms to express underlying psychological distress with increasing physical investigations. Simultaneously, in various countries, a shift from asylums to community-based interventions and then home treatments have changed psychiatric care in remarkable ways. These changes have added to pressures faced by mental healthcare professionals. However, trainees and other mental healthcare professionals continue to receive similar training as they did a generation ago. The tensions and differences in ideology/orientation between different branches of psychiatry have made responses to patient needs challenging. Recognising that it is difficult to predict the future, this World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission makes recommendations that could help institutions and individuals enhance psychiatric education. This Commission draws from existing resources and recent developments to propose a training framework for future psychiatrists.

Effectiveness and optimal duration of early intervention treatment in adult-onset psychosis: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Contrasting the well-described effects of early intervention (EI) services for youth-onset psychosis, the potential benefits of the intervention for adult-onset psychosis are uncertain. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of EI on functioning and symptomatic improvement in adult-onset psychosis, and the optimal duration of the intervention. METHODS: 360 psychosis patients aged 26-55 years were randomized to receive either standard care (SC, n = 120), or case management for two (2-year EI, n = 120) or 4 years (4-year EI, n = 120) in a 4-year rater-masked, parallel-group, superiority, randomized controlled trial of treatment effectiveness (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00919620). Primary (i.e. social and occupational functioning) and secondary outcomes (i.e. positive and negative symptoms, and quality of life) were assessed at baseline, 6-month, and yearly for 4 years. RESULTS: Compared with SC, patients with 4-year EI had better Role Functioning Scale (RFS) immediate [interaction estimate = 0.008, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.001-0.014, p = 0.02] and extended social network (interaction estimate = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.004-0.018, p = 0.003) scores. Specifically, these improvements were observed in the first 2 years. Compared with the 2-year EI group, the 4-year EI group had better RFS total (p = 0.01), immediate (p = 0.01), and extended social network (p = 0.05) scores at the fourth year. Meanwhile, the 4-year (p = 0.02) and 2-year EI (p = 0.004) group had less severe symptoms than the SC group at the first year. CONCLUSIONS: Specialized EI treatment for psychosis patients aged 26-55 should be provided for at least the initial 2 years of illness. Further treatment up to 4 years confers little benefits in this age range over the course of the study.

IRP commission: sexual minorities and mental health: global perspectives.

Sexual orientation is a key determinant of the identity of human beings. It has also been seen as a social determinant of health. People whose sexual orientation is non-heterosexual or sexual minorities or sexually diverse are included in the broad umbrella term LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) which is a commonly used acronym in activism, social policy, and subsequently cultural literature. For this reason, this Commission focuses primarily on sexual orientation i.e. lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) groups. We have used terms non-heterosexual, sexual minorities or sexual variation interchangeably. We have not considered asexual individuals as research in the field is too limited. We are cognisant of the fact that topics relating to mental health and sexual orientation discussed in this Commission will intersect with other issues of personal, cultural and social identity, and will thus be relevant to individuals including many transgender individuals. The inclusion of mental health issues relevant to gender-diverse individuals as well as gender identity is important and deserves its own separate detailed discussion. The exact number of sexually diverse individuals in a population is often difficult to estimate but is likely to be somewhere around 5% of the population. Rates of various psychiatry disorders and suicidal ideation and acts of suicide in LGB populations are higher than general population and these have been attributed to minority stress hypothesis. Elimination of inequality in law can lead to reduction in psychiatric morbidity in these groups. However, these are all diverse groups but even within each group there is diversity and each individual has a distinct and unique experiences, upbringing, responses to their own sexual orientation, and generating varying responses from families, peers and friends as well as communities (including healthcare professionals). The mental healthcare needs of sexual minority individuals vary and these variations must be taken into account in design, development and delivery of healthcare and policies. Improving access to services will help engagement and outcomes and also reduce stigma. The commission recommends that there is no role for so-called conversion therapies and other recommendations are made for clinicians, researchers and policymakers.

Elucidating the relationship between internalized stigma, cognitive insight, illness severity, and functioning in patients with schizophrenia using a path analysis approach.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of studies examining the interrelationship between internalized stigma, cognitive insight, illness severity, and functioning. AIMS: This study examined the dynamics of the relationship between these factors using a path modelling approach. METHODS: Two hundred and seven patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Patients were assessed on internalized stigma, cognitive insight (including its two domains, self-reflectiveness and self-certainty), illness severity and functioning. Path analysis was used to test the hypothesized model for the interrelationship between the variables. RESULTS: A direct positive association was observed between self-certainty and internalized stigma. This was also observed via the paths running through illness severity and functioning. Self-reflectiveness was only associated with self-certainty in the model. The residual variance of internalized stigma in the path model was relatively high. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that self-certainty is associated with internalized stigma along with illness severity and functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. Therefore, interventions on reduction of internalized stigma may benefit from a multipronged approach targeting self-certainty, illness severity and functioning. The relatively high residual variance of internalized stigma in the model highlights the need for further research to provide better understanding on the mechanisms underlying internalized stigma.

Effectiveness of a structured physical rehabilitation program on the physical fitness, mental health and pain for Chinese patients with major depressive disorders in Hong Kong - a randomized controlled trial with 9-month follow-up outcomes.

PURPOSE: The long-term and specific impacts on the physical and mental health for Chinese people with major depressive disorders (MDD) are not well-studied. The aim of the study is to investigate both short-and long-term effects of a structured physical rehabilitation program on the physical and mental health and pain for Chinese patients with MDD. METHODS: 84 Chinese patients with MDD were randomized to intervention (n = 42) or control group (n = 42). Intervention group received a 12-week physical rehabilitation program and the control group with 12-week waiting period followed the same pathway as the intervention group afterwards for longitudinal analysis. Data were collected at baseline (T1), end of 12-week program (T2) and 9-month follow-up period (T3). RESULTS: Significant pre- and post-intervention improvements were noted in cardiopulmonary function, depressive symptoms, pain, body composition, muscle strength and flexibility for the intervention group. Although mild attenuation is noted from T2 to T3, subjects without exercise habit experienced significant decline in cardiopulmonary function, depressive symptoms and pain (p < 0.05) but not in those who developed exercise habit (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Structured physical rehabilitation program could improve physical and mental fitness and pain for Chinese MDD patients. Its effects could be sustained up to 9 months after cessation of the program provided that people establish their own exercise habit.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONExercise is an effective means of improving physical and mental health and pain for people with major depressive disorders (MDD).People with MDD have multiple reasons, both physically and psychosocially, for physical deconditioning and hurdles for exercise.Structured supervised exercise program can enhance physical and mental health and may likely enhance exercise compliance in this population.

Adjunctive berberine reduces antipsychotic-associated weight gain and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of berberine as an adjuvant in treating antipsychotic-associated weight gain and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: One hundred thirteen participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who had developed metabolic syndrome were recruited. They were randomly assigned to berberine (600 mg/d, n = 58) or placebo (n = 55) groups for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to week 12 in net weight. Secondary outcomes included body mass index, waist circumference, serum glucose and lipid profiles, and the severity of psychotic symptoms. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, the berberine group showed a significantly greater reduction in weight gain at 9 weeks (mean difference [MD], -0.75; 95% CI, -1.42 to -0.07 [P = 0.031, d = 0.41]) and 12 weeks (MD, -1.08; 95% CI, -1.76 to -0.40 [P = 0.002, d = 0.59]). Patients who received berberine also showed statistically significant improvements in end point in body mass index (MD, -0.41; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.17 [P = 0.001, d = 0.64]), total cholesterol (MD, -0.58; 95% CI, -0.74 to -0.41 [P < 0.001, d = 1.31]), low-density lipoprotein (MD, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.35 [P < 0.001, d = 1.19]), and glycated hemoglobin (MD, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.18 to 0 [P = 0.05, d = 0.37]). Berberine was well tolerated without serious adverse events and aggravation of psychotic symptoms compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that berberine is effective in attenuating antipsychotic-associated weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Relationship between subjective quality of life and perceptions of recovery orientation of treatment service in patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between subjective quality of life (QOL) and the specific domains of perceptions of recovery orientation of treatment services in patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: One hundred and seventy-nine patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and fifty-seven patients with MDD were recruited. Patients were assessed on subjective QOL, self-reported depressive symptoms, illness severity, functioning, and perception of recovery orientation of the service environment (RSA). A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between QOL and RSA score, controlling for all other factors. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between RSA domains and total QOL in each diagnostic group separately. RESULTS: The regression model explained 47.4 % of the variance observed in total QOL. Depressive symptoms, functioning and RSA were significantly associated with total QOL in the model. Domains one (life goals) and five (individually tailored services) of the RSA were associated with QOL in both groups. Domains two (patient involvement) and three (diversity of treatment options) were associated with total QOL only in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that perceptions of recovery orientation of service, depressive symptoms and functioning significantly affected the subjective QOL of patients with serious mental illness. The differential relationship observed between QOL and domains of RSA in patients with MDD and schizophrenia suggests that targeted interventions meeting the needs of different patient groups may be crucial to improve QOL of patients.

Guidance on the clinical understanding and use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: Hong Kong Consensus Statements.

AIMS: There is increasing evidence showing the importance of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in the management of schizophrenia, especially in terms of improving patient medication compliance. A panel of experienced clinicians in Hong Kong mapped out a set of consensus statements with an aim to facilitate the understanding and use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics among local physicians. METHODS: Eight discussion areas regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics were selected by the chairman of the consensus group. A series of meetings were held for the panelists to discuss the published literature and their clinical experience, followed by the drafting of consensus statements. At the final meeting, each consensus statement was voted on anonymously by all members based on its practicability of recommendation in Hong Kong. RESULTS: A total of 12 consensus statements on the rational use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics were established and accepted by the consensus group. CONCLUSION: The consensus statements aim to provide practical guidance for Hong Kong physicians on the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia patients. These statements may also serve as a reference for doctors in other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with cured coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) one month post-discharge.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can place an immense psychological strain on the infected patient. The psychological distress can linger after the initial recovery from the infection. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of provisional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with cured COVID-2019. Methods: The baseline survey was conducted from 10 to 25 February 2020 in patients with COVID-19 in a designated hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics were acquired, and depression and anxiety levels were assessed, using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, respectively. A follow-up survey was conducted 1 month post-discharge. PTSD symptoms were measured by the Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6) and patients' perception of supportive care during hospitalization was investigated using a self-developed questionnaire. Results: In total, 114 patients completed both the baseline and follow-up surveys. Of these, 41 (36.0%) met the cut-off score for provisional PTSD diagnosis according to the IES-6. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 4.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-14.37], educational level of high school or below (OR = 15.49, 95% CI 1.13-212.71), higher anxiety levels (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.12-1.61) and lower perceptions of emotional support during hospitalization (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.96) predicted a higher risk for provisional PTSD. Conclusions: PTSD is commonly seen in patients with COVID-19 1 month post-discharge. Female patients, and patients with lower educational levels, higher anxiety levels and lower perceptions of emotional support during hospitalization may be more likely to develop PTSD in the near future. Enhancing emotional support during hospitalization could help to prevent PTSD in patients with COVID-19.

Antecedentes: El COVID-19 ha supuesto una inmensa carga psicológica para el paciente infectado. El malestar psicológico puede persistir aún después de la recuperación inicial de la infección.Objetivos: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia y los factores predictores del trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) provisional en pacientes recuperados de COVID-2019.Métodos: El cuestionario inicial se realizó en pacientes con el COVID-19 desde el 10 de febrero del 2020 hasta el 25 de febrero del 2020 en un hospital designado. Se consideraron las variables demográficas y clínicas, además, se evaluaron los niveles de depresión y ansiedad mediante el cuestionario de salud del paciente de 9 elementos y el cuestionario del trastorno de ansiedad generalizada de 7 elementos, respectivamente. Un cuestionario de seguimiento fue realizado un mes después del alta. Los síntomas de TEPT fueron medidos por el Cuestionario de Eventos de Impacto 6 (IES-6 por sus siglas en ingles) y el nivel de percepción de los pacientes sobre el cuidado de soporte durante la hospitalización fue investigado utilizando un cuestionario auto-administrado.Resultados: Ciento catorce pacientes completaron tanto el cuestionario inicial como el de seguimiento. Cuarenta y un (36.0%) pacientes cumplieron con el punto de corte para el diagnóstico provisional de TEPT según el IES-6. El sexo femenino (OR = 4.69, 95% CI: 1.54-14.37), un nivel de educación secundaria o inferior (OR = 15.49, 95% CI: 1.13-212.71), niveles elevados de ansiedad (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.12-1.61) y una menor percepción de soporte emocional durante la hospitalización (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17-0.96) fueron factores predictores de riesgo elevado para el desarrollo provisional de TEPT.Conclusiones: El TEPT es observado con frecuencia en pacientes con COVID-19 un mes después del alta. Las pacientes de sexo femenino, los pacientes con un nivel de educación bajo, los pacientes con un nivel elevado de ansiedad y una menor percepción de apoyo emocional durante la hospitalización podrían tener mayor probabilidad de desarrollar TEPT en el futuro cercano. El reforzamiento del apoyo emocional durante la hospitalización podría ayudar a prevenir el TEPT en pacientes con COVID-19.