Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the health professionals (COMET-HP) study: depression, suicidal tendencies and conspiracism.

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p < 0.0001). Suicidal tendencies were at least doubled in terms of RASS scores. Approximately one-third of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop clinical depression was associated with a history of Bipolar disorder (RR = 4.23). CONCLUSIONS: The current study reported findings in health care professionals similar in magnitude and quality to those reported earlier in the general population although rates of clinical depression, suicidal tendencies, and adherence to conspiracy theories were much lower. However, the general model of factors interplay seems to be the same and this could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable.

Pharmacogenetic Aspects of COVID-19 Management and Post-COVID-19 Depression Treatment with Fluvoxamine.

BACKGROUND: Quarantine measures with self-isolation of varying duration have been significant psychosocial stressors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine has been considered as a prophylaxis against depression in early COVID-19 patients, with additional benefits apparently arising from its antiviral activity. In this narrative review, we draw attention to the body of evidence showing efficacy of fluvoxamine in protecting against depressive disorders in COVID-19 patients, while also attenuating the severity of COVID-19 disease, with a notable reduction in the need for intubation and lower mortality. We consider this potential two-fold action of fluvoxamine in the light of its pharmacogenetic and pharmacological profiles. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Full-text publications in English and Russian in Google Scholar, PubMed, NCBI, Web of Science, and E-Library databases were selected by keywords, solitary and in combination (fluvoxamine, COVID-19, depression, anxiety, antidepressants, adverse reactions) for the period from March 01, 2020 to June 06, 2022. We also analyzed the full-text publications in English and Russian language reporting adverse reactions caused by fluvoxamine use for the period from 2012 to 2022. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 10 papers reporting on the efficacy fluvoxamine in relieving depressive symptoms in COVID-19 patients, and 3 papers on its effect on medical outcome. The preponderance of data indicated a dual therapeutic action of fluvoxamine, and our further literature investigation was informative about drug-drug interactions and genetic factors moderating the antidepressant efficacy of fluvoxamine. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 seeking psychopharmacological treatment for depressive symptoms must be informed of the benefits and risks of fluvoxamine use. Several lines of findings indicate this agent to possess an additional antiviral action. However, optimal dosage regimens and the trade-off with drug-drug interactions remain unclear. Pharmacogenetic testing may assist in evidence-based optimization of fluvoxamine dosages in the context of COVID-19 infection with comorbid depression.

Suicide and Schizophrenia: an Interplay of Factors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The main purpose of this review is to elucidate the interplay of various factors in the relationship between suicide and schizophrenia. Suicide and schizophrenia have been interlinked as a symptom, factor in recovery and prognosis, outcome measure and response to psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Many biomarkers have been identified in relation to the two phenomena. RECENT FINDINGS: The analysis of the papers of the last 5 years (2015-2019) and till date has revealed studies looking at outcomes in relation to suicide, biological markers to determine the protection from and occurrence of suicide in schizophrenia and demographic factors that play a role in the occurrence of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Suicide is a common occurrence in patients with schizophrenia and must be studied further in diverse populations of the disorder to help determine exact relationships between these two variables that will aid in clinical recovery, better outcome and improve prognosis.

Resilience as a Psychopathological Construct for Psychiatric Disorders.

Understanding of the psychopathology of various psychiatric disorders is evolving, with newer avenues of research enlightening us from genetics, epigenetics, functional neurobiology, neural circuits, hormones and social/environmental determinants. We are now aware that neurobiological factors are contributing to the development of psychiatric illnesses coupled with their interaction with psychosocial factors. Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back after an adversity or life event that was traumatic and life-changing. It is a factor that is a unique psychopathological construct as it is a biopsychosocial factor which determines an individual's response to an illness and recovery from the same. Resilience is a human capacity to adapt swiftly and successfully to stress and to revert to a positive state. There has been now a paradigm shift in the understanding of resilience with respect to stress risk vulnerability and such dimensions of psychopathology. Resilience is a factor that must be evaluated in every patient and that shall help us determine the outcome of psychiatric disorders and will also be a determinant in the occurrence of relapses. Early identification of vulnerable patients shall lead to the implementation of resilience-based interventions in these populations and shall prevent against future occurrence of these disorders. In this chapter, we posit the construct of resilience as a psychopathological construct for mental disorders.

A Randomized, Nonblind, Naturalistic Comparison of Efficacy and Cognitive Outcomes With Right Unilateral, Bifrontal, and Bitemporal Electroconvulsive Therapy in Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: There is little literature on the relative efficacy and cognitive safety of right unilateral (RUL), bifrontal (BF), and bitemporal (BT) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in schizophrenia. METHODS: We present a randomized, nonblind, naturalist comparison of a fixed course of 8 moderately high-dose RUL (n = 24), threshold BF (n = 27), and threshold BT (n = 31) ECT in patients with schizophrenia. Assessments included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, and an autobiographical memory interview. A completer analysis was planned and conducted to capture the cognitive outcomes. RESULTS: The sample as a whole improved significantly on all efficacy outcomes and deteriorated significantly on all cognitive outcomes. The primary efficacy outcome, improvement in PANSS total scores, did not differ significantly across groups. The PANSS positive score (but no other subscale score) improved significantly less with RUL relative to BF and BT ECT. For autobiographical memory and for almost all Wechsler Memory Scale subtests, including memory quotient (the primary adverse effect outcome), BT ECT was associated with greater impairment than RUL or BF ECT. Importantly, all statistically significant differences between treatments were clinically small in magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with schizophrenia who receive a fixed course of 8 ECTs, threshold BT ECT is associated with greater cognitive impairment across a range of measures, and moderately high-dose RUL ECT is associated with poorer efficacy against positive symptoms. Threshold BF ECT exhibits the best efficacy-cum-neurocognitive safety profile. All differences between groups, however, are small and perhaps clinically insignificant.

Serum Oxytocin Concentration in Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy: An Exploratory Study and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine biomarkers have long been studied in the context of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We prospectively assessed serum oxytocin change and moderators thereof in an exploratory study of patients receiving ECT. METHODS: Serum oxytocin concentrations were assessed immediately before and 1 to 3 minutes after the first ECT in 33 patients with schizophrenia (n = 14), other nonaffective psychosis (n = 6), mania (n = 10), and depression (n = 3) who received 6 to 7 bitemporal, brief-pulse ECTs. Change in serum oxytocin was assessed in the sample as a whole, and as a function of age, sex, diagnosis, and treatment response. The primary outcome was change in serum oxytocin in the overall sample. RESULTS: There was much variation across patients; oxytocin concentrations increased marginally by a mean (standard deviation) (M [SD]) of 6.4 (82.7) pg/mL (P = 0.43). The M (SD) change was -8.2 (85.0) pg/mL in patients with schizophrenia and other nonaffective psychoses (P = 0.84). There was no significant correlation between change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores and change in oxytocin concentrations in patients with schizophrenia, other nonaffective psychoses, and mania (ρ = 0.10, P = 0.61). Serum oxytocin rose in men, after ECT, and fell in women (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Change in serum oxytocin immediately after the first ECT in a course may not be a useful biomarker of ECT action. This is the first report on the subject in a sample comprising mostly patients with nonaffective psychosis and mania rather than depression. We discuss our findings in the light of previous research and offer general conclusions about the field.

Electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with glaucoma.

There is little information on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the presence of glaucoma. An elderly man with known severe depression underwent surgery for cataract and glaucoma in the left eye. His depression worsened in the postoperative period and he required two sessions of ECT within 2 months of the surgery. There were no ophthalmic complications or adverse events associated with ECT and he responded well to treatment.

Mental health and well-being in children and adolescents.

The guideline discusses the various milestones in typical neurodevelopment and the various checkpoints where atypical development can be picked up. There is also a remarkable influence of epigenetics and parenting on child development and well - being. It is also essential to establish effective communication to facilitate healthy child development. Well being in children is largely impacted by schooling, curricular design, inclusivity, teacher training and awareness of newer developments, parent teacher interaction. A clinician must also be well acquainted with the National Education Program and its impact. A healthy environment, exercise, adequate nutrition, microplastics on children and adolescents, global warming are key factors in the development of children. It is indispensable for clinicians to approach well- being in a scientific way and get a clear understanding of the laws and policies for child welfare and protection.

Artificial intelligence in positive mental health: a narrative review.

The paper reviews the entire spectrum of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mental health and its positive role in mental health. AI has a huge number of promises to offer mental health care and this paper looks at multiple facets of the same. The paper first defines AI and its scope in the area of mental health. It then looks at various facets of AI like machine learning, supervised machine learning and unsupervised machine learning and other facets of AI. The role of AI in various psychiatric disorders like neurodegenerative disorders, intellectual disability and seizures are discussed along with the role of AI in awareness, diagnosis and intervention in mental health disorders. The role of AI in positive emotional regulation and its impact in schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and mood disorders is also highlighted. The article also discusses the limitations of AI based approaches and the need for AI based approaches in mental health to be culturally aware, with structured flexible algorithms and an awareness of biases that can arise in AI. The ethical issues that may arise with the use of AI in mental health are also visited.

Psychometric properties and factor structure of the suicidal narrative inventory in major depression: A multicentric evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The Suicidal Narrative Inventory (SNI) is a 38-item self-report measure developed to assess elements of the suicidal narrative, a subacute, predominantly cognitive, presuicidal construct. Our objectives were to assess the factor structure, validity, and reliability of the SNI-38 among adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we administered the Hindi version of the SNI along with other self-report measures to adults with MDD, recruited from 24 tertiary care hospitals across India. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the factor structure of SNI-38. Reliability (internal consistency) was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α). Convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity of the SNI-38 were tested by comparing it against other appropriate measures. RESULTS: We collected usable responses from 654 Hindi-speaking participants (Mean age = 36.9 ± 11.9 years, 50.2% female). The eight-factor solution of the SNI showed good model fit indices (χ2[637] = 3345.58, p <.001, CFI =.98, and RMSEA =.08). Internal consistencies for the SNI subscale scores were good to excellent, α ranging from .73 to.92. While most subscales significantly converged with other measures, associations were comparatively weaker and inconsistent for the 'thwarted belongingness' and 'goal reengagement' subscales. CONCLUSION: Consistent with prior data, our study confirmed an eight-factor solution and demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for the Hindi version of the SNI-38 in our sample. These findings provide empirical support for the use of SNI to assess the suicidal narrative among Indian adults with MDD.

Non-binary gender, vulnerable populations and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the COVID-19 MEntal health inTernational for the general population (COMET-G) study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant mental health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations, including non-binary gender individuals. The COMET international study aimed to investigate specific risk factors for clinical depression or distress during the pandemic, also in these special populations. METHODS: Chi-square tests were used for initial screening to select only those variables which would show an initial significance. Risk Ratios (RR) were calculated, and a Multiple Backward Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis (MBSLRA) was followed with those variables given significant results at screening and with the presence of distress or depression or the lack of both of them. RESULTS: The most important risk factors for depression were female (RR = 1.59-5.49) and non-binary gender (RR = 1.56-7.41), unemployment (RR = 1.41-6.57), not working during lockdowns (RR = 1.43-5.79), bad general health (RR = 2.74-9.98), chronic somatic disorder (RR = 1.22-5.57), history of mental disorders (depression RR = 2.31-9.47; suicide attempt RR = 2.33-9.75; psychosis RR = 2.14-10.08; Bipolar disorder RR = 2.75-12.86), smoking status (RR = 1.15-5.31) and substance use (RR = 1.77-8.01). The risk factors for distress or depression that survived MBSLRA were younger age, being widowed, living alone, bad general health, being a carer, chronic somatic disorder, not working during lockdowns, being single, self-reported history of depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, suicide attempts and of other mental disorders, smoking, alcohol, and substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted preventive interventions are crucial to safeguard the mental health of vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of diverse samples in future research. LIMITATIONS: Online data collection may have resulted in the underrepresentation of certain population groups.

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study.

INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.

The effect of different degrees of lockdown and self-identified gender on anxiety, depression and suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the international COMET-G study.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic various degrees of lockdown were applied by countries around the world. It is considered that such measures have an adverse effect on mental health but the relationship of measure intensity with the mental health effect has not been thoroughly studied. Here we report data from the larger COMET-G study pertaining to this question. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, data were gathered with an online questionnaire from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Anxiety was measured with the STAI, depression with the CES-D and suicidality with the RASS. Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: It included the calculation of Relative Risk (RR), Factorial ANOVA and Multiple backwards stepwise linear regression analysis RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds were currently living under significant restrictions due to lockdown. For both males and females the risk to develop clinical depression correlated significantly with each and every level of increasing lockdown degree (RR 1.72 and 1.90 respectively). The combined lockdown and psychiatric history increased RR to 6.88 The overall relationship of lockdown with severity of depression, though significant was small. CONCLUSIONS: The current study is the first which reports an almost linear relationship between lockdown degree and effect in mental health. Our findings, support previous suggestions concerning the need for a proactive targeted intervention to protect mental health more specifically in vulnerable groups.

Nonsuicidal self-injury and identity formation in Indian clinical and nonclinical samples: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is being increasingly identified as an important emerging mental health issue in the West. Yet, NSSI has not been adequately studied in clinical and nonclinical contexts in countries like India. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare different features of NSSI between clinical and nonclinical samples in India. We also explored if the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identity formation - a risk factor that can increase vulnerability to NSSI - was similar in the two samples mentioned above. METHOD: For the clinical sample, data regarding NSSI and identity formation were collected from 100 psychiatric patients (47.0% females, mean age = 34.76 years, SD = 12.76, 17-70 years) from an outpatient/inpatient psychiatric department of a large tertiary hospital in Mumbai, India. Nonclinical data were collected from 120 young adults studying in a medical college in Mumbai, India (51.7% females, mean age = 19.7 years, SD = 2.16, 17-28 years). Information regarding NSSI and identity were collected using self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Lifetime prevalence of NSSI in the clinical and nonclinical samples was found to be around 17% and 21%, respectively. Although the prevalence of NSSI did not significantly differ between the two samples, some features of NSSI did differ between the two groups. Finally, multigroup Bayesian structural equation modeling indicated that irrespective of the type of the sample (i.e. clinical or nonclinical), consolidated and disturbed identity significantly (negative and positive, respectively) predicted lifetime NSSI. Additionally, the association between the aforementioned identity variables and NSSI did not significantly differ between the two samples. CONCLUSION: The findings of these studies highlight the need for exploring issues related to identity formation in individuals who engage in NSSI irrespective of whether they suffer from a psychiatric disorder or not.

Ethics of electronic tagging of dementia patients.

Dementia is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders seen in old age with accompanying memory loss, aggressive behaviour, sleep problems and wandering behaviour with confusion. Many patients with dementia may be all alone at home with a domestic help and no family caregiver for most of the day and may sometimes wander off from their homes. Hence, dementia care programmes insist that an identity card with the patient's key details be worn, in case the patient wanders away and is unable to return home or inform people about the location of their home.

Embitterment: The Nature of the Construct and Critical Issues in the Light of COVID-19.

Embitterment is a construct that is vast and complex and may be seen in a variety of conditions and circumstances. The following paper reviews the construct of embitterment and tries to explain the concept from a psychological perspective. It also looks at the role of embitterment in the genesis of psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, while focusing on the nature and factors needed to make a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Embitterment Disorder. Situations due to the current pandemic where embitterment may develop are discussed and this is coupled with a need to manage embitterment when it develops, as it may progress to a chronic condition where its effects may be both physical and psychological. Embitterment and its management from a psychotherapy standpoint is also discussed and the same is done from a workplace perspective.

Psychological interventions during COVID-19: Challenges for low and middle income countries.

At the start of 2020, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), originating from China has spread to the world. There have been increasing numbers of confirmed cases and deaths around the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for considerable psychological and psychosocial morbidity among the general public and health care providers. An array of guidelines has been put forward by multiple agencies for combating mental health challenges. This paper addresses some of the mental health challenges faced by low and middle income countries (LMIC). It is worthwhile to note that these are challenges at the current stage of the pandemic and may change with the course of the pandemic itself.