Elemental psychopathology: distilling constituent symptoms and patterns of repetition in the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5.

BACKGROUND: The DSM-5 features hundreds of diagnoses comprising a multitude of symptoms, and there is considerable repetition in the symptoms among diagnoses. This repetition undermines what we can learn from studying individual diagnostic constructs because it can obscure both disorder- and symptom-specific signals. However, these lost opportunities are currently veiled because symptom repetition in the DSM-5 has not been quantified. METHOD: This descriptive study mapped the repetition among the 1419 symptoms described in 202 diagnoses of adult psychopathology in section II of the DSM-5. Over a million possible symptom comparisons needed to be conducted, for which we used both qualitative content coding and natural language processing. RESULTS: In total, we identified 628 distinct symptoms: 397 symptoms (63.2%) were unique to a single diagnosis, whereas 231 symptoms (36.8%) repeated across multiple diagnoses a total of 1022 times (median 3 times per symptom; range 2-22). Some chapters had more repetition than others: For example, every symptom of every diagnosis in the bipolar and related disorders chapter was repeated in other chapters, but there was no repetition for any symptoms of any diagnoses in the elimination disorders, gender dysphoria or paraphilic disorders. The most frequently repeated symptoms included insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and irritability - listed in 22, 17 and 16 diagnoses, respectively. Notably, the top 15 most frequently repeating diagnostic criteria were dominated by symptoms of major depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings lay the foundation for a better understanding of the extent and potential consequences of symptom overlap.

Disappearance and dissemination of sleep symptoms: the importance of sleep medicine expertise for psychiatry. A comment on Forbes et al.

Commentary of 'Elemental psychopathology: distilling constituent symptoms and patterns of repetition in the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5' Vincent P. Martin 1, Régis Lopez 2,3, Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi 4,5, Christophe Gauld 4,6,.

Discussing the concept of substance-induced psychosis (SIP).

Substance-induced psychosis (SIP) is characterized by both substance use and a psychotic state, and it is assumed that the first causes the latter. In ICD-10 the diagnosis is categorized as and grouped together with substance use disorders, and to a large extent also treated as such in the health care system. Though criticism of the diagnostic construct of SIP dates back several decades, numerous large and high-quality studies have been published during the past 5-10 years that substantiate and amplify this critique. The way we understand SIP and even how we name it is of major importance for treatment and it has judicial consequences. It has been demonstrated that substance use alone is not sufficient to cause psychosis, and that other risk factors besides substance use are at play. These are risk factors that are also known to be associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Furthermore, register-based studies from several different countries find that a large proportion, around one in four, of those who are initially diagnosed with an SIP over time are subsequently diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. This scoping review discusses the construct validity of SIP considering recent evidence. We challenge the immanent causal assumption in SIP, and advocate that the condition shares many features with the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In conclusion, we argue that SIP just as well could be considered a first-episode psychotic disorder in patients with substance use.

Personality disorder coverage, prevalence, and convergence: do the DSM-5's two models of personality disorder identify the same patients?

BACKGROUND: Research on the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in DSM-5's Section-III has demonstrated acceptable interrater reliability, a largely consistent latent structure, substantial correlations with theoretically and clinically relevant measures, and evidence for incremental concurrent and predictive validity after controlling for DSM-5's Section II categorical personality disorders (PDs). However, the AMPD is not yet widely used clinically. One clinician concern may be caseness - that the new model will diagnose a different set of PD patients from that with which they are familiar. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether this concern is valid, by testing how well the two models converge in terms of prevalence and coverage. METHOD: Participants were 305 psychiatric outpatients and 302 community residents not currently in mental-health treatment who scored above threshold on the Iowa Personality Disorder Screen (Langbehn et al., ). Participants were administered a semi-structured interview for DSM-5 PD, which was scored for both Section II and III PDs. RESULTS: Convergence across the two PD models was variable for specific PDs, Good when specific PDs were aggregated, and Very Good for 'any PD.' CONCLUSIONS: Results provide strong evidence that the AMPD yields the same overall prevalence of PD as the current model and, further, identifies largely the same overall population. It also addresses well-known problems of the current model, is more consistent with the ICD-11 PD model, and provides more complete, individualized characterizations of persons with PD, thereby offering multiple reasons for its implementation in clinical settings.

Effect of soybean proteins and peptides on the growth and adhesive ability of Limosilactobacillus Reuteri DSM17938.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 is one of the most pivotal probiotics, whose general beneficial effects on the intestinal microbiota are well recognized. Enhancing their growth and metabolic activity can effectively regulate the equilibrium of intestinal microbiota, leading to improved physical health. A common method to promote the growth of Lactobacillus is the addition of prebiotics. Current research suggests that proteins and their hydrolysates from different sources with potential prebiotic activity can also promote the growth of probiotics. In this study, soybean proteins and peptides were effective in promoting the growth, organic acid secretion, and adhesive properties of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 to Caco-2 cells. These results illustrate the feasibility of soybean proteins and peptides as prebiotics, providing theoretical and practical advantages for their application.

Validity of the DSM-5 Mixed Features Specifier Interview.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the reliability and validity of a semi-structured interview assessing the features of the DSM-5 mixed features specifier. Our goal was to develop an instrument that could be used for both diagnostic and severity measurement purposes. METHODS: Four hundred fifty-nine psychiatric patients in a depressive episode were interviewed by a trained diagnostic rater who administered semi-structured interviews including the DSM-5 Mixed Features Specifier Interview (DMSI). We examined the inter-rater reliability and psychometric properties of the DMSI. The patients were rated on clinician rating scales of depression, anxiety, and irritability, and measures of psychosocial functioning, suicidality, and family history of bipolar disorder. RESULTS: The DMSI had excellent joint-interview interrater reliability. More than twice as many patients met the DSM-5 mixed features specifier criteria during the week before the assessment than for the majority of the episode (9.4% vs. 3.9%). DMSI total scores were more highly correlated with a clinician-rated measure of manic symptoms than with measures of depression and anxiety. More patients with bipolar depression met the mixed features specifier than patients with MDD. Amongst patients with MDD, those with mixed features more frequently had a family history of bipolar disorder, were more frequently diagnosed with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, and borderline personality disorder, more frequently had attempted suicide, and were more severely depressed, anxious, and irritable. CONCLUSION: The DMSI is a reliable and valid measure of the presence of the DSM-5 mixed features specifier in depressed patients as well as the severity of the features of the specifier.

Do indicators for DSM-5 sexual dysfunction and somatic symptom disorder overlap? Evidence from the Hamburg City Health Study population-based sample.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of sexual dysfunction and somatic symptom disorder may resemble each other in their presentation as lasting and distressing alterations of expected bodily "functioning"; their co-occurrence has not yet been studied in nonclinical settings or by DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition). AIM: To investigate (1) the association of indicators consistent with DSM-5 sexual dysfunction and somatic symptom disorder diagnoses, (2) whether individuals with different sexual dysfunction diagnoses differ in somatic symptoms and their perception, and (3) whether distress from sexual difficulties is related to somatic symptoms and symptom perception. METHODS: We examined links among sexual dysfunctions/distress from sexual difficulties (Brief Questionnaire on Sexuality), somatic symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-15 [PHQ-15]), and symptom perception (Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale) in 9333 participants of the Hamburg City Health Study aged 45 to 74 years. For a sensitivity analysis, we repeated all analyses after excluding an item on sexual difficulties from the PHQ-15 score. OUTCOMES: Outcomes included scores on the Brief Questionnaire on Sexuality indicating sexual difficulties and dysfunction according to DSM-5, PHQ-15 for somatic symptom severity, and Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale for symptom perception. RESULTS: Indicators consistent with DSM-5 sexual dysfunction and somatic symptom disorder diagnoses were linked (P = .24) before the sensitivity analysis but not after. Individuals with different sexual dysfunction diagnoses did not differ in their somatic symptom severity or their symptom perception. Distress from sexual difficulties was weakly correlated with somatic symptom severity (after sensitivity analysis: ρ = .19, P = .01) and symptom perception (ρ = .21, P = .01). Both correlations were stronger for men than for women. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our results convey that it is worth exploring sexual difficulties and somatic symptom disorder in patients presenting with either complaint but also that sexual difficulties should still be regarded as an independent phenomenon. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Our sample consisted of participants from one metropolitan region who were >45 years of age and thus does not demographically represent the general population. Assessing via self-report questionnaires may have influenced the reporting of symptoms, as may have prevailing shame around experiencing sexual dysfunction. The final sample size was reduced by missing values from some questionnaires. Despite these limitations, sample sizes for all analyses were large and offer meaningful new observations on the subject. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that indicators for sexual dysfunction and somatic symptom disorder somewhat overlap but still represent distinct phenomena and should be treated accordingly in research and clinical practice.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor and Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Withdrawal Changes DSM Presentation of Mental Disorders: Results from the Diagnostic Clinical Interview for Drug Withdrawal.

INTRODUCTION: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may cause withdrawal at dose decrease, discontinuation, or switch. Current diagnostic methods (e.g., DSM) do not take such phenomenon into account. Using a new nosographic classification of withdrawal syndromes due to SSRI/SNRI decrease or discontinuation [by Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):63-71], we explored whether DSM is adequate to identify DSM disorders when withdrawal occurs. METHODS: Seventy-five self-referred patients with a diagnosis of withdrawal syndrome due to discontinuation of SSRI/SNRI, diagnosed via the Diagnostic Clinical Interview for Drug Withdrawal 1 - New Symptoms of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (DID-W1), and at least one DSM-5 diagnosis were analyzed. RESULTS: In 58 cases (77.3%), the DSM-5 diagnosis of current mental disorder was not confirmed when the DID-W1 diagnosis of current withdrawal syndrome was established. In 13 cases (17.3%), the DSM-5 diagnosis of past mental disorder was not confirmed when criteria for DID-W1 diagnosis of lifetime withdrawal syndrome were met. In 3 patients (4%), the DSM-5 diagnoses of current and past mental disorders were not confirmed when the DID-W1 diagnoses of current and lifetime withdrawal syndromes were taken into account. The DSM-5 diagnoses most frequently mis-formulated were current panic disorder (50.7%, n = 38) and past major depressive episode (18.7%, n = 14). CONCLUSION: DSM needs to be complemented by clinimetric tools, such as the DID-W1, to detect withdrawal syndromes induced by SSRI/SNRI discontinuation, decrease, or switch, following long-term use.

The natural history of lifetime psychiatric disorders in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder followed over half a century.

OBJECTIVE: Few long-term studies have examined the life-time prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We therefore studied the frequency of comorbid psychiatric disorders, and their relation to onset and prognosis, in patients with OCD who were followed for almost half a century. METHODS: During 1947-1953, 285 OCD patients were admitted as inpatients to a university hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. Among those, 251 (88%) accepted a structured comprehensive psychiatric examination in 1954-1956. In 1989-1993, 176 survivors were eligible and 144 (response rate 82%) were re-examined. The same psychiatrist performed both examinations. OCD was diagnosed according to the Schneider criteria, and other mental disorders according to DSM-IV. Mean follow-up since onset was 47 years. RESULTS: The lifetime frequency of depressive disorders was 84.7% (major depression 43.8%), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 71.5%, panic anxiety disorder 47.9%, agoraphobia 52.1%, specific phobias 64.6%, social phobia 47.9%, paranoid conditions 40.3% (29.1% paranoid ideation), psychotic disorders 15.3%, alcohol abuse 13.2% (men 39%, women 3%) and substance abuse 17.4%. Specific phobia most often started before OCD, while depression had a varied onset in relation to OCD. Social phobia, agoraphobia, GAD, alcohol and substance abuse, psychotic disorders and paranoid conditions most often started after OCD. Presence of GAD, psychotic disorder and substance abuse worsened prognosis of OCD. CONCLUSION: Comorbid psychiatric conditions are common in OCD patients, and have onset throughout the course. OCD signals vulnerability for other psychiatric conditions, which are important to detect in clinical practice as they negatively affect the outcome.

Controversies in Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Kratom Use Disorder.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We apply the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) to the herbal product kratom. Similarities and differences between kratom use disorder (KUD) and other SUDs are explored, along with assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic recommendations for KUD. RECENT FINDINGS: Literature reports of "kratom addiction" or KUD rarely specify the criteria by which patients were diagnosed. Individuals meeting DSM-5 KUD criteria typically do so via tolerance and withdrawal, using more than intended, and craving, not functional or ​psychosocial disruption, which occur rarely. Most clinicians who use medication to treat patients with isolated KUD select buprenorphine formulations, although there are no controlled studies showing that buprenorphine is safe or efficacious in this patient population. Diagnosis and treatment decisions for KUD should be systematic. We propose an algorithm that takes into consideration whether KUD occurs with comorbid opioid use disorder.

A comprehensive review of synthetic strategies and SAR studies for the discovery of PfDHODH inhibitors as antimalarial agents. Part 2: Non-DSM compounds.

Malaria remains a severe global health concern, with 249 million cases reported in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. PfDHODH is an essential enzyme in malaria parasites that helps to synthesize certain building blocks for their growth and development. It has been confirmed that targeting Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) enzyme could lead to new and effective antimalarial drugs. Inhibitors of PfDHODH have shown potential for slowing down parasite growth during both the blood and liver stages. Over the last two decades, many species selective PfDHODH inhibitors have been designed, including DSM compounds and other non-DSM compounds. In the first chapter [2] of this review, we have reviewed all synthetic schemes and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of DSM compounds. In this second chapter, we have compiled all the other non-DSM PfDHODH inhibitors based on dihydrothiophenones, thiazoles, hydroxyazoles, and N-alkyl-thiophene-2-carboxamides. The review not only offers an insightful overview of the synthetic methods employed but also explores into alternative routes and innovative strategies involving different catalysts and chemical reagents. A critical aspect covered in the review is the SAR studies, which provide a comprehensive understanding of how structural modifications impact the efficacy of PfDHODH inhibitors and challenges related to the discovery of PfDHODH inhibitors. This information is invaluable for scientists engaged in the development of new antimalarial drugs, offering insights into the most promising scaffolds and their synthetic techniques.

The Treatment Needs and Experiences of Pedohebephiles: A Systematic Review.

People with a sexual interest in children face significant barriers to seeking and receiving mental health treatment. This review aims to bridge the gap between the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles, and the services aiming to support them. Reviewers screened 1705 database hits and extracted findings from 22 qualitative, 15 quantitative, and 3 mixed-method studies on the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles. Research suggests that this population experiences significant levels of distress, depression, and anxiety related to their sexual interest. Many individuals belonging to this population would seek (median = 42.3%), or have sought (median = 46.5%), treatment to cope with their sexual interest or with potential related mental health repercussions. Their experiences in treatment have been mixed, with some reporting positive experiences with empathic therapists and others reporting rejection. Most frequently, pedohebephiles report fear of exposure and rejection as barriers to seeking treatment, in addition to fear of the legal repercussions. The current study is the first to summarize and discuss previous findings on the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles. The findings indicate that the treatment needs of pedohebephiles often remain unaddressed. Suggestions to increase the fit between treatment services and the needs of pedohebephiles are put forward.

Causal Attributions of Low Sexual Desire in Women Partnered with Men.

Low sexual desire in women partnered with men has been the subject of controversy and research over the past decades, including both as construct and diagnosis. Despite discussion surrounding the causes of low desire, there is a gap in research about how women themselves understand the causes of their low desire and the potential consequences of these causal attributions. In the current study, we investigated this by asking 130 women who had low desire and were partnered with men about their attributions for low desire. Through content analysis, we identified five attribution categories: psychological/individual, relational, biological, sociocultural, and/or sexual orientation/identity/status. Many participants chose more than one category, indicating a multifaceted nature of women's causes of low desire. We then quantitatively assessed women's feelings of responsibility for, and emotions surrounding, their low desire. Our findings indicate that the majority-but not all-of women have negative feelings about their low desire. However, the specific emotions they experience are related to their attribution patterns. This underscores the significance of investigating various facets of women's attributions regarding low desire in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their emotional experiences and desire overall.

Neuropsychological Functioning in Sexual Offenders With and Without Pedophilic Disorder.

This study sought to examine neuropsychological functioning in men with pedophilic disorder (PD), in order to assess whether findings from prior neuropsychological studies are replicated in a diverse sample including men with non-contact sexual offenses. It was hypothesized that when non-contact offenders are included in the study, a slowed processing speed will emerge as the only finding unique to men with PD. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to 58 men convicted of a sexual offense, 20 of whom were classified as having PD. The sample included men with contact sexual offenses (n = 33), non-contact sexual offenses (n = 5), and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offenses (n = 20). Test performance was compared by PD status. Participants with PD performed significantly better on verbal memory and visual discrimination than those without PD. Men with PD made more errors on a set-shifting task but no significant differences were seen in domains of attention, intellectual functioning, visual learning and memory, visuospatial ability, or language ability. Effect sizes were generally small, although some medium effects were seen (visual discrimination and verbal learning and memory). Scores in both groups (with and without PD) were generally in the average range across tasks. Within the subgroup of CSAM offenders, minimal differences emerged between those with and without PD, although those with PD were slower on visuomotor set-shifting but made fewer errors (d = - 0.89). CSAM offenders with PD were in the high average range on many tasks of intellectual functioning; however, a potential trend was identified such that CSAM offenders without PD had lower scores on a task of verbal learning and memory, with medium effect sizes observed. As few differences in neuropsychological functioning emerged when comparing offenders with and without PD, differences demonstrated in prior research may be better attributed to contact offending status rather than sexual interest.

Detransition and Desistance Among Previously Trans-Identified Young Adults.

Persons who have renounced a prior transgender identification, often after some degree of social and medical transition, are increasingly visible. We recruited 78 US individuals ages 18-33 years who previously identified as transgender and had stopped identifying as transgender at least six months prior. On average, participants first identified as transgender at 17.1 years of age and had done so for 5.4 years at the time of their participation. Most (83%) participants had taken several steps toward social transition and 68% had taken at least one medical step. By retrospective reports, fewer than 17% of participants met DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Gender Dysphoria in Childhood. In contrast, 53% of participants believed that "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" applied to them. Participants reported a high rate of psychiatric diagnoses, with many of these prior to trans-identification. Most participants (N = 71, 91%) were natal females. Females (43%) were more likely than males (0%) to be exclusively homosexual. Participants reported that their psychological health had improved dramatically since detransition/desistance, with marked decreases in self-harm and gender dysphoria and marked increases in flourishing. The most common reason given for initial trans-identification was confusing mental health issues or reactions to trauma for gender dysphoria. Reasons for detransition were more likely to reflect internal changes (e.g., the participants' own thought processes) than external pressures (e.g., pressure from family). Results suggest that, for some transgender individuals, detransition is both possible and beneficial.

Rise in Gender Dysphoria Diagnoses and Legal Gender Changes in Sweden: 2005-2017.

Evidence suggests the incidence of gender dysphoria (GD), a condition characterized by psychological distress caused by a mismatch between an individual's gender identity and biological sex assigned as birth, has increased since the turn of the twenty-first century. We examined trends in the number of GD diagnoses and legal gender changes in Sweden using registry data from 5007 individuals diagnosed with GD between 2005 and 2017 (53.5% assigned female at birth). GD diagnoses increased substantially over time, especially in birth-assigned females and younger age groups. One-third of all subjects with GD legally changed their gender, with an increase of 1000% from 2005 to 2018. Generally, individuals who were assigned female at birth changed their gender earlier than birth-assigned males, and most did so within one year of GD diagnosis. Our findings highlight the need to analyze the causes and correlations of rapid changes in clinical presentation and to prepare healthcare systems for rising patient demand.

Having Reliable Support: A Prerequisite to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health in Young Women with ADHD.

Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may influence sexual behaviors and intimate relationships in young women, resulting in a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexual victimization, and sexual dysfunction. To develop adequate support, the study aimed to describe conceptions of how to promote sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in young women with ADHD. A secondary analysis using phenomenography was performed on qualitative interview data exploring variations of support. The study involved 15 young women with ADHD, aged 15-29 years, and 16 health care professionals, with various professions, working in the fields of gynecology, youth health, and psychiatry. Having reliable support was conceptualized as fundamental for promoting SRH. Access to information concerning SRH and living with ADHD as well as early support from health care contributed to a reliable support enabling self-knowledge and management of sexual relationships. Trustful relationships in health care were perceived as important because of previous experiences of feeling misunderstood and criticized in life, making them feel comfortable discussing SRH. Clinical encounters with a clear structure were further perceived to make information more accessible and clinics that provided appropriate organizational conditions and collaborated with other clinics were described to enhance the availability of support. This study reveals the need for clinics to provide conditions that ensure SRH support is available, accessible, and free of stigmatization. Early intervention programs for young women with ADHD may be considered, offering guidance on SRH issues in both psychiatric and sexual health clinics.

Distressing Problems with Sexual Function and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Cognitive models of sexual dysfunction situate distraction as a core mechanism underlying difficulties with sexual function. It follows that individuals who have difficulties with inattention and distractibility (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ADHD) may be at increased risk of problems with their sexual function, though previous research is mixed, and no research has examined links with sexual distress despite distress being a necessary criterion for sexual dysfunction. The goals of the current study were to: (1) examine associations between ADHD symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress; (2) examine group differences in sexual function and sexual distress as a function of presumptive ADHD diagnosis; and (3) establish whether individuals with presumptive ADHD are at greater risk of distressing problems with sexual function relative to controls. In a large mixed-gender community sample (N = 943: controls n = 837, presumptive ADHD n = 106), we found that ADHD symptoms were positively correlated with worse overall sexual function, as well as orgasm difficulties and greater sexual distress. Relative to controls, individuals with presumptive ADHD reported worse sexual function and greater sexual distress, controlling for age, biological sex, and sexual orientation. Individuals with presumptive ADHD were significantly more likely (OR = 2.16) to have distressing problems with sexual function than controls. Core difficulties related to ADHD, including inattention, distractibility, and emotion dysregulation, may make individuals more vulnerable to experiencing problems with sexual function and sexual distress, putting them at risk for developing sexual dysfunction. Taken together, these data support associations between ADHD and distressing sexual function problems, including possible mechanisms explaining these links such as difficulties with emotion regulation.

Differences in Subjective Transition Outcomes Between Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals Who Completed Mandatory Psychiatric Assessment and Those Who Received Gender-Affirmative Medical Treatment in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different aspects of transition outcomes in groups of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people based on their transition status. We divided the 70 TGD participants (19 individuals assigned male at birth and 51 assigned female at birth) into two groups: those who had completed their psychiatric and psychological evaluation (PPE), which is mandatory in Croatia, and those who had undergone gender-affirming medical treatment (GAMT) (both gender-affirming hormone treatment and gender-affirming surgery). The online survey included sociodemographic questions and a custom-designed nine-item scale. The items were specifically designed based on the DSM-5-TR criteria for gender dysphoria to assess subjectively perceived transition outcomes. We conducted a factor analysis of the scale followed by structural equation modeling for confirmation. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare group differences. The following three-factor structure was confirmed: better functioning, reduced body dysphoria, and satisfaction with decision. A positive influence of better functioning on satisfaction with the decision was found. In addition, our results showed that TGD individuals who had undergone GAMT scored higher on better functioning than those who had just completed PPE. Both groups consistently scored high on satisfaction with the decision, with no statistically significant differences between them. Our findings suggest that TGD individuals view gender-affirming medical care as beneficial to their overall functioning.

Interest in and Willingness to Use PrEP: A Cross-Sectional Study of Individuals with Problematic Substance Use Residing in a High HIV Prevalence Jurisdiction.

Although it is an effective HIV prevention method, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized in the Southern US. Many people who use drugs (PWUD) have increased susceptibility to HIV which could be lessened by using PrEP. Potential barriers to PrEP use include lack of awareness of PrEP, low knowledge about HIV prevention, low self-efficacy for HIV prevention, inaccurate risk perceptions, and anticipated stigma. The current study examined predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that may predict interest in PrEP. The purpose of the current study was to explore factors associated with interest in and willingness to use daily oral and long acting injectable PrEP among sexually active adult PWUD. The data were collected from adult participants (n = 270) residing in Harris County, TX, who self-reported problematic substance use and who reported oral, anal, or vaginal sex in the six months prior to completing the survey. The survey was distributed and completed online via Qualtrics Panels in March of 2022 and included measures of PrEP and HIV knowledge, PrEP stigma, sexual health self-efficacy, experiences of discrimination, health literacy, and medical mistrust. The majority of participants reported circumstances or behaviors that increased their susceptibility to HIV. Findings indicated that PrEP user stereotypes and PrEP anticipated disapproval by others were associated with interest in using daily oral PrEP and willingness to use long acting injectable PrEP. These results provide insight into reasons for low PrEP uptake among PWUD who live in a high HIV prevalence jurisdiction. Implications for HIV prevention intervention are discussed.