Identification of the Core Characteristics of Vulnerable/Hypersensitive Narcissism and its Association with the Dark Triad in a Large International Sample: A Network Analysis Study.

The current paper aimed to investigate the network structure and centrality indexes of hypersensitive narcissism using the hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSN). Additionally, we aimed to explore its relationships with dark triad personality aspects. A globally diverse sample of "53,981" participants (47.9% non-United States responders) completed the HSN and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale (DTD). We estimated the network structure across genders to determine the core characteristics of hypersensitive narcissism. Additionally, bridge and central nodes (characteristics) were identified. All analyses were performed using R-Studio programming software. The network comparison test indicated significant differences in the network structures between males and females (Network-Invariance: 0.0489, P < 0.01; Global Strength Invariance: 0.101, P < 0.01). In the network of HSN for male participants, characteristics with the highest strength centrality were "Highly affected by criticism" (HSN.2, strength = 1.08) and "Self-absorbed in personal pursuits" (HSN.8, strength = 1.28). For female participants, "Self-absorbed in personal pursuits" (HSN.8, strength = 1.32) and "privately annoyed by others' needs" (HSN.10, strength = 1.21) were the highest central characteristics. The assessment of bridge strength indicated that nodes HSN.2 (Highly sensitive to criticism), scoring 0.42, and DTD.1 (Tendency to manipulate for gain, a component of Machiavellianism), scoring 0.428, showed the highest bridge strength values. The current study identified core characteristics of hypersensitive narcissism and its correlation with dark triad personality, revealing gender-specific patterns and bridging symptoms between the two constructs. These findings showed that focusing on these core characteristics may be advantageous in treating individuals exhibiting elevated levels of narcissism.

The Network Structure of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Presentations: The Interplay between ROCD Symptoms with Maladaptive and Non-Maladaptive Personality Traits.

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to utilize a network perspective to identify the core symptoms of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), encompassing both partner-focused and relationship-centered presentations. Additionally, we examined the interaction between ROCD symptoms and personality traits. METHOD: 493 participants were included in the current study. The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - short form (PID-5-SF), NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PROCSI), and Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) were used to estimate the network structure. Specifically, we computed network structure, bridge expected influence (BEI), and Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) for ROCD scales. RESULTS: In the ROCI network, items 1 and 11 (ROCI.1: "The idea that my affection for my partner is not genuine troubles me," ROCI.7: Thoughts that something is "off" in my relationship significantly disturb me.) emerged as the most important nodes (ROCI.1: Betweenness:1.777, Closeness:1.025, Strength: .872; ROCI.11" Betweenness: 1.097, Closeness:0.457, strength:.699). Additionally, ROCI.7 stands out with significant Betweenness and Expected Influence, emphasizing its importance in facilitating communication and influencing information flow. Conversely, in the PROCI network, item 2 (PROCI.2: "I am constantly questioning whether my partner is deep and intelligent enough") was identified as the most crucial node (Betweenness: 2.568, Closeness: 2.528, Strength: 1.905). Neuroticism is highly influential in the interaction of personality traits with the ROCI scale (BEI: .3781), connecting non-maladaptive traits, while Negative affect, a maladaptive trait, has a significant impact (Bridge Value: .283). CONCLUSION: The present study provided a detailed examination of the psychological dynamics within romantic relationships, highlighting key cognitive processes and personality trait.

Hypersexuality in neurological disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hypersexuality (HS) accompanying neurological conditions remains poorly characterized despite profound psychosocial impacts. Objective We aimed to systematically review the literature on HS in patients with neurological disorders. Study selection and analysis We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that reported HS in neurological disorders. HS was defined as a condition characterized by excessive and persistent preoccupation with sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning. Data on demographics, assessment techniques, associated elements, phenotypic manifestations, and management strategies were also extracted. Findings The final analysis included 79 studies on HS, encompassing 32 662 patients across 81 cohorts with neurological disorders. Parkinson's disease was the most frequently studied condition (55.6%), followed by various types of dementia (12.7%). Questionnaires were the most common assessment approach for evaluating HS, although the techniques varied substantially. Alterations in the dopaminergic pathways have emerged as contributing mechanisms based on the effects of medication cessation. However, standardized treatment protocols still need to be improved, with significant heterogeneity in documented approaches. Critical deficiencies include risks of selection bias in participant sampling, uncontrolled residual confounding factors, and lack of blinded evaluations of reported outcomes. Conclusions and clinical implications Despite growth in the last decade, research on HS remains limited across neurological conditions, with lingering quality and methodological standardization deficits. Key priorities include advancing assessment tools, elucidating the underlying neurobiology, and formulating management guidelines. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017036478.

Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Gambling Severity in Youth Online Gamblers: The Mediating Roles of Internalizing, Attention and Externalizing Problems.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Gambling Severity (gambling severity), considering the mediating roles of internalizing, externalizing, and attention among youth online gamblers. METHODS: 762 youth (agemean±SD= 15.03 ± 2.40; agerange = 10-18 years; 75.3% boys) completed the Persian Gambling Disorder Screening Questionnaire (GDSQ-P), Pediatric Symptom Checklist - Youth Report (Y-PSC), and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire (ACE's section, modified by authors). The analysis was done using the SMART PLS software. RESULTS: The reliability and discriminant validity of the provided model were assessed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). According to the results of the PLS-SEM analysis, the present model demonstrated suitable levels of reliability and validity. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly affected attention, internalizing, externalizing problems, and gambling severity. Additionally, the level of gambling was directly correlated with ACEs. Moreover, the indirect influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable via the mediators was found to be statistically significant (P < .001).These findings suggest that externalizing behaviors, attention problems, and internalizing symptoms mediate the effect of ACEs on gambling severity. Lastly, fitness indices indicated that our proposed model fit the data well (SRMR = 0.06, d_ULS = 1.15, Chi-square = 1291.461, and NFI = 0.71). CONCLUSION: Our study found that ACEs significantly influence gambling severity among youth online gamblers, with internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems mediating this relationship. Practical implications include integrating ACE screening and targeted interventions for associated mental health issues into youth gambling prevention programs to mitigate the risk of problematic gambling behavior.

Network analysis of depression, cognitive functions, and suicidal ideation in patients with diabetes: an epidemiological study in Iran.

AIMS: The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts among Iranian patients diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes (T1D) and Type-2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, the study sought to estimate the network structure of depressive symptoms and cognitive functions. METHODS: 1073 patients participated in the current study. We used Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Ask Suicide-Screening Questionnaire, diabetes-related factors, and a battery of cognitive functions tasks to estimate network structures. Also, suicidal ideations and suicide attempts prevalence have been estimated. Statistical analyses were performed using R-studio software, including mixed-graphical models (MGMs) for undirected effects and Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) for directed effects. RESULTS: The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 29.97% in T1D and 26.81% in T2D (p < 0.05). The history of suicide attempts was higher in T1D (10.78%) compared to T2D (8.36%) (p < 0.01). In the MRF networks for T1D, suicidal ideation was directly linked to 'feeling guilt (PHQ.6)', 'Suicide (PHQ.9)', HbA1c, and FBS, while the Inhibition node was directly related to suicidal ideation. The DAGs suggested connections between 'depression', HbA1c, and 'inhibition' with suicidal ideation, along with a link between the current family history of suicide attempts and the patient's history of suicide attempts. For T2D, the MRF networks indicated direct links between suicidal ideation and 'anhedonia (PHQ.1)', 'suicide (PHQ.9)', age, being female, and BMI, with inhibition also being directly related to suicidal ideation. The DAGs revealed connections between 'depression', age, and 'inhibition' with suicidal ideation, as well as links between being female or single/divorced and the patient's history of suicide attempts. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that suicide ideation is highly prevalent in patients with diabetes, and these symptoms should be carefully monitored in these patients.

Evaluation of the psychometric indicators of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory in Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND: The DSM-5's Comprehensive Autism Traits Inventory (CATI) was a useful diagnostic tool for the general population because it covered all the critical aspects of autism. However, its reliability and validity in the overall Iranian population still need to be investigated. PURPOSE: We reviewed the inventory and estimated the validity and reliability of the Iranian version of CATI among 1800 adults. METHODS: The Persian version of CATI (CATI-I) was administered to 1800 Iranian adults using the online Star Questionnaire system. Internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance across genders were calculated. RESULTS: The Correlated social & non-social bifactor model showed the best fit in the Iranian community (CFI=.966; TLI=.947; RMSEA=.045; SRMR=.028). Ultimately, the CATI-I scale in the Iranian community consisted of 39 items across six factors and two higher-order constructs. Additionally, the CATI-I scale's convergent validity and reliability values were acceptable. CONCLUSION: The CATI-I demonstrates satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring autism traits. It is an appropriate model for the second-order social and non-social factors, and it also shows measurement invariance across genders.

Treatment Options for Urogenital Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease.

OPINION STATEMENT: Urogenital dysfunction is commonly reported in Parkinson's disease (PD), and history taking and a bladder diary form the cornerstone of evaluation. The assessment of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms include urinalysis, ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies and help to evaluate concomitant urological pathologies such as benign prostate enlargement. Antimuscarinic medications are the first line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and solifenacin has been specifically studied in PD. Antimuscarininc drugs may exacerbate PD-related constipation and xerostomia, and caution is advised when using these medications in individuals where cognitive impairment is suspected. Desmopressin is effective for the management of nocturnal polyuria which has been reported to be common in PD. Intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin have been shown to be effective for detrusor overactivity, however, are associated with the risk of urinary retention. Neuromodulation is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for PD-related OAB symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is commonly reported and first line treatments include phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. A patient-tailored approach is required for the optimal management of urogenital dysfunction in PD.