This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of executive function deficits in children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with developmental dyscalculia (ADHD+DD).

Three groups of Chinese children (n = 637) aged from 6 to 16 years were included in this study. Initially, a between-group comparison on both performance-based and scale-based executive function was conducted, controlling for age, Raven score, and gender. Partial correlation analysis and regression analysis were then used to investigate the association between executive function, ADHD symptoms, and arithmetic ability. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis and path analysis were used to differentiate the effect of executive functions on ADHD without developmental dyscalculia (ADHD-DD) and ADHD+DD.

Both ADHD groups had more severe executive function impairment than the control group. Compared with the ADHD-DD group, the ADHD+DD group performed worse in performance-based executive functions but similar in scale-based executive functions. ADHD-DD and ADHD were differentiated by inhibition (odds ratio (OR) = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.42; 2.81) and processing speed (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84; 0.97). In terms of symptom dimensions, verbal working memory had an effect on ADHD symptoms and complex subtraction (p_Ina = 0.006, p_HI = 0.018, p_CS = 0.002), processing speed (p_Ina = 0.002, p_CS = 0.001) and working memory factors influenced inattention and complex subtraction (p_Ina < 0.001, p_CS = 0.001), and inhibition (p = 0.004) and cognitive flexibility (p = 0.013) contributed uniquely to complex subtraction.

Individuals with ADHD+DD exhibit multiple executive function deficits, with inhibition and processing speed being potential etiological factors. Verbal working memory, processing speed, and working memory factors are shared executive function deficits for ADHD symptoms and arithmetic ability. Cognitive flexibility and inhibition are specific risk factors for arithmetic ability.

Compared with typically developing (TD) children and youth, those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present more balance deficits. However, the understanding of which specific balance areas are affected remains incomplete at present.

Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and EBSCO from the establishment of the database to March 17, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed through Review Manager software, and a narrative description of the results was used if the data could not be pooled for meta-analysis.

A total of 16 studies were included, with six being suitable for meta-analysis. The research indicated that individuals with ASD showed poorer balance control compared with TD peers. Specifically, the ASD group faced significant difficulties in sensory orientation and demonstrated deficiencies in verticality and anticipatory postural adjustments.

Children and youth with ASD exhibit impairments in balance control across different domains compared with their TD peers. More research is needed to comprehensively assess the balance control construct in this population, including studies with longitudinal designs in particular.

The protocol of this systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration no. CRD42024553855; registration date 15 June 2024; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024553855).

This study aimed to investigate relationships between parental-economic factors and suicidal ideation among left-behind children in underprivileged regions of China using network analysis, to pinpoint key factors and pathways contributing to suicidal ideation, thereby facilitating evidence-based suicide preventive interventions.

In total, 1076 left-behind children were selected from a large dataset (N = 249,772) after applying exclusion criteria. Suicidal ideation was assessed via the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory-Chinese Version (PANSI-C). The outcomes were grouped into positive suicidal ideation and negative suicidal ideation within the network analysis framework. Sociodemographic data, parental status, and economic status were also recorded. Through network analyses, centrality and bridge indices were calculated. Network stability and accuracy were evaluated by bootstrapping methods.

The network had three communities: positive suicidal ideation, negative suicidal ideation, and covariates. Strong positive correlations were observed within communities, especially among “life worth”, “confident”, and “satisfy”. Nodes “failure”, “lonely and sad”, “confident”, and “satisfy” exhibited the highest expected influence. Nodes “hopeless”, “life worth”, and “satisfaction of family members’ relationships” served as bridges between the covariates and suicidal ideation. Significant structural differences existed between female and male networks.

This study highlights the multifaceted nature of suicidal ideation among left-behind children, which is influenced by various parental-economic factors. Key node and bridge links offer targets for tailored interventions. Gender-sensitive approaches are imperative in suicide preventive measures. Network analysis provides a comprehensive framework to unravel complex relationships, informing evidence-based interventions for left-behind children.

Childhood maltreatment (CM) has become one of the leading psychological stressors, adversely impacting brain development during adolescence and into adulthood. Although previous studies have extensively explored functional connectivity associated with CM, the dynamic interaction of brain effective connectivity (EC) is not well documented.

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 215 adults with an assessment using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Whole-brain EC was estimated by regression dynamic causal modeling and subsequently down-resampled into seven networks. To predict CTQ total scores, repeated cross-validated ridge-regularized linear regression was employed, with whole-brain and network-specific EC features selected at thresholds of 5% of the strongest positive and negative correlations between EC and scores, as well as 10% and 20% thresholds. Additionally, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-regularized linear regression model was utilized as validation analysis.

Our findings revealed that whole-brain EC showed a marginal association with predicting CTQ total scores, and EC within the default mode network (DMN) significantly predicted these scores. EC features from other networks did not yield significant predictive results. Notably, across varying feature selection thresholds, DMN features consistently demonstrated significant predictive power, comparable to results from LASSO-regularized predictions.

These findings suggested that brain EC can capture individual differences in CM severity, with the DMN potentially serving as an important predictor related to CM.

To explore the value of psychoeducation-based group work in the continuous treatment of patients with bipolar disorder in remission.

From December 2020 to March 2022, 60 outpatients with remission-stage bipolar disorder were enrolled in the trial. All enrolled subjects were randomly and single-blindly divided into a study group and a control group at a 1:1 ratio. The control group was treated with general drug therapy, while the study group was treated with group psychological education combined with drug therapy. To analyze the treatment adherence of patients in the two groups, and to compare the changes in self-awareness and attitude toward treatment questionnaire (ITAQ) scale scores, Morisky medication adherence scale scores, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) total scores, and subscale scores before and after the intervention in the two groups.

The mean score for treatment compliance in the study group was 4.2 ± 0.3, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.2 ± 0.3 vs. 3.2 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). The ITAQ score in the study group following the intervention was significantly higher than that in the control group (18.5 ± 3.2 vs. 12.7 ± 2.7, p < 0.001), as well as the study group prior to the intervention (p < 0.001). Morisky scale scores after intervention were significantly higher than those in the control group (6.9 ± 1.0 vs. 5.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.001) and the study group before intervention (p < 0.001). Sheehan Disability Scale 1 (SDS1), SDS2, SDS3, and SDS scores after intervention were 8.5 ± 1.2, 8.0 ± 1.5, 7.9 ± 2.0, and 25.5 ± 4.3, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the control group (all p < 0.001). The proportion of positive coping style for bipolar disorder in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (93.3% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.001).

Continuous intervention using psychoeducation-based model group work in patients with bipolar disorder in the remission stage can significantly improve treatment compliance, improve insight and treatment attitudes, ensure compliance with drug therapy, and reduce the degree of mental disability.

Animal models of human diseases are commonly used in experimental research. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by reduced social motivation and often co-occurs with epilepsy, representing a distinct clinical subgroup. This study investigated social deficits in Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) rats, which present with latent epilepsy and an autistic-like phenotype, by measuring ultrasonic communications during social interaction.

The three-chamber test for social preference/novelty, accompanied by registration of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), was conducted in 12 KM and 12 control Wistar rats. For analysis, each individual vocalization trajectory was mapped and the results were derived from aggregating the individual data. To assess potential anhedonia, sucrose preference was tested in a separate group (10 KM and 20 Wistar rats) by measuring the consumption of 1% sucrose and water in individual rats over a 24-h period. All animals used were seizure-naive males, aged 4–6 months.

A longer duration of aversive USV calls was registered during the sociability tests in KM rats (p < 0.05, compared with controls). The majority (p < 0.05) of aversive USVs occurred when KM rats distanced themselves from the social stimuli, and the duration of these calls showed a positive correlation with freezing behavior (Spearman coefficient Rs = 0.68, p < 0.05). Reduced sucrose preference was not observed in KM rats; instead, an increase in daytime sucrose consumption was noted.

KM rats exhibit negative emotional states in sociability tests, as evidenced by enhanced aversive vocalizations and distancing behavior. The social aversion observed in KM rats is not associated with anhedonia.

Medical students frequently encounter high academic demands that increase their risk of depression. Understanding how academic distress interacts with interpersonal communication tendencies to influence depression can inform mental health interventions. This study aims to explore the direct effect of academic distress on depression and the mediating role of interpersonal communication tendency.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 7317 students in medicine and related fields at Xuzhou Medical University from September to December 2022, using stratified random cluster sampling. Data were collected using validated scales measuring academic distress, interpersonal communication tendency, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the total, direct, and indirect effects of academic distress on depression, and a multi-group analysis was conducted to examine gender differences.

Academic distress was found to directly and positively affect depression (β = 0.622, 95% CI: 0.556, 0.686). Additionally, interpersonal communication tendency significantly mediated the relationship between academic distress and depression (β = –0.253, 95% CI: –0.294, –0.217). Gender-based analysis indicated a slightly stronger direct effect of academic distress on depression among male students (β = 0.630) compared to female students (β = 0.606).

Academic distress is strongly associated with depression among medical students, with interpersonal communication tendency serving as an effective mediator that reduces depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the need for academic institutions to support medical students by enhancing interpersonal communication skills and providing mental health resources to alleviate academic distress.

Myocardial infarction (MI) patients often experience fear of recurrence, which affects their psychological well-being and quality of life. This study aimed to explore the relationship between illness perception, psychological flexibility, and fear of recurrence, as well as to investigate the demographic factors associated with fear of recurrence in MI patients.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, enrolling 466 MI patients to complete questionnaires assessing general information, disease-related factors, illness perception, psychological flexibility, and fear of recurrence. Correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and mediation effect analysis were used to explore the relationships between these factors and fear of recurrence.

Gender, monthly income, marital status, alcohol consumption, New York Heart Association functional classification (NYHA classification), and number of chronic diseases were significantly associated with fear of recurrence. Illness perception was positively correlated with patients’ fear of recurrence. Psychological flexibility was negatively correlated with fear of recurrence and played a mediating role between illness perception and fear of recurrence, mediating the negative impact of illness perception on fear.

The findings of this study emphasize the critical role of psychological flexibility in mitigating the fear of recurrence among myocardial infarction survivors. By targeting modifiable factors such as psychological flexibility and illness perceptions, healthcare providers can develop more effective interventions aimed at improving mental health and overall quality of life for these patients.

The factorial validity of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to assess the factor structure of these instruments and analyze their interrelationships within the Georgian IBS population.

Principal component analysis was performed on data from 89 IBS patients. Factors were determined using eigenvalues ≥1, with factor loadings exceeding 0.4 and oblique rotations identifying factor compositions. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure, Cronbach’s alpha, Bartlett’s test, communality, non-redundant residuals, and the component correlation matrix were used to assess factor validity. Intercorrelations between the scales’ symptoms were also analyzed.

The mean BDI-II score was 24.31 (standard deviation (SD) = 14.93) and the mean HAMD-21 score was 17.38 (SD = 8.91). According to the cutoff criteria for both scales, the sample exhibited moderate depression. The BDI-II identified three factors, while the HAMD-21 revealed four distinct factors. Combined analysis showed that most BDI-II items and core depressive symptoms from HAMD-21 clustered into Component I. Component II included four HAMD-21 items: insomnia (delayed), agitation, somatic anxiety, and insight. Significant positive correlations between paired BDI-II and HAMD-21 symptoms were found, with a high correlation (r = 0.88, p = 0.000) between the scales, differing from previous findings.

The high correlations within components, along with low non-redundant residuals and high communality, indicate satisfactory factor validity for both the BDI-II and HAMD-21. The self-report BDI-II inventory and the HAMD-21 scale are complementary in evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with IBS.

Psychological abuse and neglect are considered fundamental to the development of impulsiveness. However, the interplay between psychological abuse-neglect symptoms and impulsiveness dimensions remains unclear, especially during adolescence, a critical developmental stage. This study uses network analysis to explore the link between adolescent psychological abuse-neglect and impulsivity, aiming to inform targeted early interventions and treatment strategies for impulsive behaviors.

Cluster sampling was used to gather demographic data from 6731 students across 17 middle schools. Clinical assessments utilized the Chinese Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS). Network analysis explored associations between the six CPANS components and three impulsiveness dimensions. Centrality indices and stability indicators were calculated.

In the study population, 47.4% were female, and 68.4% were middle school students. Scolding (4.0 [1.0, 7.0]) scored highest in abuse, while Emotional Neglect (6.0 [2.0, 12.0]) scored highest in neglect. Among impulsive types, Non-planning Impulsiveness (47.5 [32.5, 60.0]) ranked highest. Emotional Neglect emerged as the central node in the network, with the greatest strength, closeness, and influence, while Non-planning Impulsiveness showed the highest correlation with centrality. All centrality indices had Correlation Stability (CS) coefficients of 0.75, with narrow 95% confidence intervals for edge weights.

This study underscores the central role of emotional neglect in the development of impulsive traits in adolescents. Network analysis revealed that emotional neglect serves as a critical link between abuse-neglect and impulsivity, with non-planning impulsivity acting as a key mediator. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions, as well as addressing the impact of early traumatic experiences.

The study was registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=134138, registration number: ChiCTR2100052297, date of registration: 24 October 2021.

To explore the effect of self-help mindfulness-based stress reduction exercise therapeutics (MBSRET) on the psychological status and sleep quality of medical staff.

A total of 85 Hubei medical staff were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 43) and a control group (n = 42). The intervention group received MBSRET for 8 weeks and the control group received routine care. Psychological status and sleep were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the intervention.

After the intervention, SCL-90, PSS, and PSQI scores were significantly lower in the control group (p < 0.001 for all), indicating that MBSRET could effectively improve the psychological status and sleep quality of Hubei medical staff.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction exercise therapy is a simple, convenient, and low-cost intervention method that can be widely applied to improve the mental health care of medical staff during public health emergencies.

The study was registered at https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN84911422, registration number: ISRCTN84911422.

Personality disorders are complex mental disorders characterized by interpersonal difficulties and are notoriously difficult to treat. Inpatient treatment offers patients the opportunity to establish therapeutic alliances, which can help alleviate their clinical dilemmas. However, there is currently a lack of research that takes the perspective of inpatients as the main subject. This study aims to delve into the significant events experienced by inpatients with personality disorders from their own perspective and explore their significance and impact on the individuals.

Nine inpatients with personality disorders at different stages of hospitalization from a psychiatric specialty hospital were selected for semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory was used to analyze the data.

In the context of hospitalization, the significant events that patients experienced mainly include the ‘giving’ and empowerment by therapists, the contained and holding hospital environment, supportive relationships with peer patients, and the biopsychosocial impact of medication on patient perception and therapeutic engagement.

Implicit ‘giving’ by therapists fosters empowerment and strengthens the therapeutic alliance, enhancing patient engagement and outcomes. The hospital environment offers a structured space for self-reflection and emotional recovery, while peer relationships promote growth. The combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy stabilizes patients’ psychological states and improves receptivity to treatment. An integrated approach to these treatments is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of bedtime procrastination, rumination, loneliness, and positive body image on university students’ sleep quality, and to explore potential mediating pathways and sex differences.

A total of 674 students from a university in southern China were recruited. Assessments of participants’ body measurements were conducted, followed by the completion of a general information questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Bedtime Procrastination Scale, Body Appreciation Scale, Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Ruminative Responses Scale, and University of Loneliness Scale. Stepwise multiple linear regression and mediation models were employed to separately analyze the associations between sleep quality and the aforementioned factors in males and females.

Sex differences in sleep quality were apparent, with women having worse sleep quality than men (p < 0.05). In men, bedtime procrastination (β = 0.376, p < 0.01), loneliness (β = 0.339, p < 0.01), and rumination (β = 0.171, p < 0.01) were significant factors in predicting sleep quality. Loneliness played a partial mediating role in predicting poor sleep quality caused by bedtime procrastination, with a mediating effect of 18.95%. In women, bedtime procrastination (β = 0.399, p < 0.01), loneliness (β = 0.239, p < 0.01), body image flexibility (β = –0.153, p < 0.01), and body appreciation (β = –0.103, p < 0.05) were significant factors in predicting sleep quality. Loneliness and body appreciation played parallel mediating roles in predicting sleep quality through bedtime procrastination, with mediating effects of 9.24% and 5.19%, respectively.

Sleep quality and bedtime procrastination were worse in women than in men. The sleep quality of female students may be increased by focusing on enhancing positive body image, while for male students, managing rumination and reducing loneliness could be helpful.

Findings from animal models have been instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms and etiology of panic disorder (PD); nonetheless, several aspects of its neurobiological underpinnings remain to be fully clarified. This review aims to consolidate current understanding and recent advances in the neuroanatomical and pathophysiological basis of PD.

A narrative review was conducted, drawing on recent literature addressing the neurobiology and neuroanatomy of PD, with a particular focus on fear circuits as elucidated by both preclinical and clinical studies.

This updated review further delineates the fear circuitry implicated in PD, emphasizing the roles of the amygdala, thalamus, hippocampus, insula, and prefrontal cortex in the mediation of pathological fear responses.

Continued research involving human populations is essential to refine current models of fear circuitry in PD. Such efforts may yield critical insights that support the development of evidence-based therapeutic strategies aimed at re-establishing disrupted homeostatic processes that have been disrupted by the activation of the brain’s fear circuitry.

Studies investigating social cognition impairments in substance use disorders (SUD) emerged from attempts to understand the influence of social interactions on substance use. This study aimed to measure Theory of Mind (ToM) performance and possible interactions between ToM performance, personality traits, and substance use severity.

Participants (n = 153) were assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes, Dokuz Eylul Theory of Mind Index, Addiction Profile Index (API), Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ), Basic Empathy Scale (BES), and Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy scale (LSRP).

Cluster analysis identified two groups: a ‘high ToM’ (n = 59, 41.2%) and a ‘low ToM’ (n = 84, 58.8%) group. Comparative analysis showed that the API effect of substance use on life subscale scores (p = 0.033), BES total (p = 0.003), and affective empathy subscale scores (p = 0.001) were higher in the high ToM group compared with the low ToM group. Conversely, BPQ impulsivity subscale scores (p = 0.011), LSRP total (p = 0.026), and primary psychopathy subscale scores (p = 0.007) were lower in the high ToM group compared with the low ToM groups. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that lower affective empathy scores (odds ratio (OR) = 0.896, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.818–0.982), p = 0.019) and higher primary psychopathy scores (OR = 1.099, 95% CI (1.011–1.195), p = 0.027) predicted ToM abilities in women with SUD.

This study provides novel evidence that in women with SUD, affective psychopathic traits and lack of affective empathy predict lower ToM abilities. These findings suggest that intervention targeting affect-related psychopathy dimensions may be effective in alleviating ToM disabilities.

Impaired insight presents a significant obstacle in the management of bipolar disorder. Research on the insight of patients with acute bipolar mania is lacking. The aim of this study was to provide understanding of patient insight in acute bipolar mania.

A total of 52 inpatients who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder during a manic episode were included in the study. The Insight Scale for Affective Disorders (ISAD) was utilized, with high scores indicating poor insight. The Self-Appraisal of Illness Questionnaire (SAIQ) was used to assess patient attitudes and treatment experiences, with higher scores reflecting greater insight. Associated factors were identified through Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses.

A low ISAD score was correlated with older age (p = 0.003), an extended duration of illness (p = 0.007), presence of a medical comorbidity (p = 0.012), and low scores on the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) scale (p < 0.001), Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale (p < 0.001), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) (p < 0.001), and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) scale (p = 0.007). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the presence of a medical comorbidity (p = 0.031), low YMRS scores (p < 0.001), and low CGI-S scale scores (p = 0.044) were associated with low ISAD scores.

Inpatients diagnosed with acute bipolar mania, a medical comorbidity, milder disease, and less severe manic symptoms had better insight. Patients with severe symptoms affecting motor activity, energy levels, sexual interest, sleep, and speech rates had less insight.

To explore trajectory and sex differences of varied cognitive dimensions over time in the normal aging elderly.

The cluster sampling method was used to select a representative community (n = 341). Individuals aged 60 years and above with normal cognitive function were identified (n = 281). One-to-one neuropsychological tests were conducted at baseline and repeated 1 and 5 years later. A mixed linear model was developed to analyze the changes and sex discrepancies in different cognitive dimensions of the elderly based on the scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and World Health Organization Battery of Cognitive Assessment Instruments for the elderly (WHO-BCAI).

When comparing the 1-year follow-up with baseline data, the scores of auditory vocabulary in both men and women had significantly increased (t = –2.52, t = –4.8, p < 0.05), while the Wechsler mapping in women had significantly increased (t = –2.62, p < 0.05). When comparing the 5-year follow-up with baseline data, MMSE (t = 6.38, t = 6.06, p < 0.05) and MoCA (t = 7.34, t = 7.03, p < 0.05) scores had significantly decreased in both groups, the digit span scores had significantly decreased in men (t = 2.67, p < 0.05), and the scores of auditory vocabulary in women had significantly increased (t = –2.54, p < 0.05). When comparing the 5-year follow-up with the 1-year follow-up data, the digit span scores in women had significantly decreased (t = 2.88, p < 0.05), and the Wechsler mapping scores in both groups had significantly decreased (t = 3.68, t = 3.14, p < 0.05). A sex discrepancy emerged in several tests of specific cognitive domains after adjusting for education. At baseline, women outperformed men in auditory vocabulary, associative learning, and delayed recall while men outperformed women in Wechsler mapping. Importantly, auditory vocabulary and Wechsler mapping were better in women and men, respectively, at all visit times. The superiority of associative learning and delayed recall of women shrunk with advancing age.

Sex differences in cognitive variation indicated a steeper decline for women in verbal episodic memory, associative memory, and short-term memory. Meanwhile, a sharper deterioration in memory, comprehension and recognition of spatial relationships, and visual structure ability was observed in men. The sex differences in different cognitive dimensions diminished over time.

Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia (SCZ) have been frequently linked with oxidative stress, with uric acid (UA) levels being of particular interest, although evidence remains inconclusive. A possible reduction of UA levels in early phases of SCZ, namely first-episode psychosis (FEP), has been hypothesized. In this systematic review, we aimed to analyze and summarize current evidence regarding UA levels in patients with early psychosis.

We conducted a systematic review of case-control studies comparing serum or plasma UA levels in individuals experiencing FEP with those in healthy controls (HC).

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total sample of 950 individuals that included 520 FEP patients and 430 HC. A tendency for lower UA levels in FEP was described, albeit without definitive evidence, and decreased UA levels were restricted to certain ethnic populations.

Our findings do not fully support the hypothesis of an oxidative stress response in early psychosis translatable with reduced UA levels in patients with FEP. Further research is warranted to elucidate the nature and magnitude of the relationship between oxidative stress, UA levels, and early psychosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a newly developed two-injection start (TIS) regimen of aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) in adult patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder who were regularly followed at our clinic between January 2023 and October 2024 and initiated on the AOM treatment following the TIS regimen. Recorded data included diagnoses, sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender), concurrent psychotropic medications at the time of AOM-TIS initiation, time of hospital discharge following AOM-TIS administration, and details regarding their last AOM treatment.

This study included 29 patients (17 females and 12 males; mean age 36.62 ± 12.18 years) who received AOM according to the TIS regimen. AOM was administered as monotherapy in 48.2% of cases. Three patients initiated treatment directly with the AOM-TIS regimen, while nine patients did not receive any concomitant psychotropic medication. Five patients were prescribed mood stabilizers in combination with the AOM-TIS regimen. No serious adverse events, including arrhythmias, severe hyperthermia, impaired consciousness, akathisia, or allergic reactions, were reported following AOM-TIS administration.

The AOM-TIS regimen enables the attainment of therapeutic plasma concentrations within a shortened timeframe, facilitating a more rapid clinical response. This approach may contribute to reduced healthcare costs by shortening the duration of hospitalization and enhancing patient adherence, supported by its favorable tolerability profile.

This study assessed the effect of intermittent fasting on anxiety, depression, and connectivity of the amygdala by functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy adults. The findings could provide insights into IF as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for anxiety, offering clinical significance as a cost-effective and accessible alternative or adjunct therapy.

Twenty-six healthy adults followed a time-restricted eating regimen for 50 days, fasting for 18 hours daily. Assessments were conducted at baseline, during fasting (days 10, 30, and 50), and after fasting (days 20 and ~60). Measurements included body mass index (BMI), metabolic parameters, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity of the amygdala.

The BMI, glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin resistance, and anxiety scores significantly decreased during and after fasting compared to the baseline measurements (all p < 0.05), lasting for two months. Furthermore, we used the bilateral laterobasal amygdala as seed regions, which are responsible for emotional regulation and anxiety-like behaviours; we found changes in resting-state connectivity with the postcentral gyrus on fasting days 30 and 50.

IF reduces anxiety by modulating amygdala functional connectivity and enhancing brain plasticity, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for anxiety and related emotional disorders. The findings underscore IF’s promise as an alternative or adjuvant intervention in psychiatric care.

The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=136213), registration number: ChiCTR2100052473.