Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, recurrent, and severe mental illness. Individuals with BD often internalize prejudices and stereotypes directed toward them, leading to the development of self-stigma (SS). SS can further exacerbate impairments in cognitive and social functioning and contribute to decreased treatment adherence and poor prognosis. Functional magnetic resonance imaging provides a powerful tool for investigating the neuropathophysiological mechanisms underlying BD and SS, facilitating the early identification of SS in BD patients. A review of studies examining functional connectivity and neurometabolism across various brain regions in BD and SS patients suggests that both conditions can alter the functional connectivity of brain regions involved in emotional regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala. In addition, BD patients show reduced N-acetylaspartate levels in the PFC and anterior cingulate cortex. However, current research has yet to yield conclusive findings regarding the neurometabolites associated with SS. This paper proposes potential research directions for investigating SS in BD patients and lays the groundwork for the early detection of SS, ultimately contributing to a deeper clinical understanding of SS in this patient population.

Balancing psychotherapy (BPT), rooted in the oriental philosophical system, applies the theory of balance to achieve harmony between mind and body by focusing on “mastery of degree” and “coordination of relationships.” Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of BPT in various formats - individual BPT, group BPT, and virtual reality-based BPT - for treating major depressive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of BPT across different psychological disorders by analyzing existing clinical studies. It also seeks to contribute to the theoretical refinement and practical enrichment of BPT as a distinctive and culturally rooted psychotherapeutic approach.

The limited understanding and literature concerning somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs), especially in older adults, further complicates accurate and sensitive diagnosis and assessment for this growing and specialized population. As the population of older adults is expected to grow exponentially, the purposes of this paper are to identify and elucidate key diagnostic and assessment challenges for SSRDs among older individuals to inform further research and guide practice. This paper also describes common self-report measures for SSRDs and describes the psychometric evidence for the use of these measures with older adults. Regarding diagnosis, older adults have higher rates of somatic multimorbidity and can incorrectly attribute somatic symptoms to normal aging. Furthermore, cognitive impairment rates are higher in older adults, impacting the accuracy of reporting SSRD symptoms. Regarding assessment, there are no elder-specific measures of SSRDs. Moreover, few of the current SSRD measures have been specifically validated for use with older adults. In addition, due to lack of education and awareness, mental health clinicians and medical providers may hold stigmatizing views of older adults with SSRD symptoms. The complex symptom presentation of SSRDs in older adults also complicates the efficacy of assessments. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research on SSRDs with diverse older adult populations.

This paper provides a comprehensive perspective on the mental health crisis, with a particular focus on depression and anxiety among adolescents. These disorders are non-communicable diseases and have emerged as chronic epidemics with societal implications. The paper highlights the multifaceted root causes of these disorders, including genetic, epigenetic, environmental, lifestyle, evolutionary, and social factors. It also presents critiques on the current pharmacological and psychological treatments, arguing that focusing solely on a treatment perspective disregards the wider societal factors beyond medicine. Through this perspective, we advocate for a holistic, prevention-oriented approach, emphasizing lifestyle modifications, social environmental enhancements, psychotherapy access, and psychoeducation intervention, for addressing these disorders. A multitiered strategy engaging educational institutions, clinical practitioners, and policymakers is proposed to foster an environment where adolescents can thrive.

“Psychosomatics” may be an outdated concept if it is seen as psychological factors or states leading to physical manifestations. Rather, it is proposed, “somatopsychics” may better encompass the bi-directional nature of the inter-relationships between physical and mental health states. The field has perhaps not paid enough attention to date to the now well-established links between metabolic and mental states such as gut health. The author proposes that one example of such a state might be attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and its related phenomena, based on his professional journey over some 40 years of practice. He now practices as an “Integrative Psychiatrist.”

High blood pressure (BP) variability is a modified risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Short-term BP variability (BPV) has been associated with atypical emotional processes that are implicated in depression. Moreover, emotion regulation (ER) and affective perception play important roles in those emotional processes. The present study aimed to investigate whether ER and the perception of affective stimuli are associated with short-term BPV in a preclinical population. The sample consisted of 54 healthy young adults. Systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) were recorded using a standardized protocol of the upper-arm-cuff approach, and BPV was calculated as ranges and intra-individual standard deviations (SD) of six measures of SBP and DBP. ER was assessed by the ER questionnaire, which provided scores for the habitual use of expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal. In addition, a computerized affective perception task was used to evaluate the accuracy of affective responses. Multiple regressions were used to test whether ER and emotional response accuracy predicted the measures of BPV, and the analyses were controlled for gender and age. Results showed that among participants showing high affective response accuracy, expressive suppression was positively associated with the intra-individual SD of SBP, whereas cognitive reappraisal was negatively related to the range and SD of diastolic BP. Our findings suggest that individual differences in the use of different ER strategies influence BPV, which may account for the negative effect of affective disorders on cardiovascular health.

Parent-child conflict is a known risk and maintenance factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents. Seeking common ground while reserving differences (SCGWRD), a cognitive philosophy centered on managing interpersonal conflict and fostering harmonious relationships, may hold the potential for improving parent-child dynamics. However, Western-originated psychotherapeutic techniques have shown limited effectiveness in addressing NSSI in Chinese adolescents. In addition, no prior studies have adapted and innovatively applied the SCGWRD concept as a psychotherapeutic intervention targeting parent-child conflict in this population. This study aimed to describe and explore the therapeutic experiences of adolescents with NSSI and concurrent parent-child conflict, who underwent an intervention based on the SCGWRD concept. Using a qualitative research approach grounded in inductive and descriptive analysis, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 adolescents experiencing parent-child conflict and receiving SCGWRD-based intervention. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis framework. Five core themes with progressive relationships were identified: (i) distinctiveness from traditional intervention models; (ii) low cognitive load during acceptance; (iii) cognitive restructuring; (iv) stabilization of negative emotions and reduction of self-injury behaviors; and (v) improvement and harmony in parent-child relationships. Moreover, most participants viewed the intervention as a turning point for self-growth, with cognitive shifts exhibiting a three-stage trajectory: Conflict deconstruction - concept internalization - behavioral adaptation. Rooted in Eastern traditional culture, the SCGWRD concept may serve as a culturally adaptive cognitive-behavioral therapeutic technique. This approach holds promise for repairing parent-child relationships in adolescents with NSSI and may contribute to the reduction of self-harm behaviors.

As we age, the various biological mechanisms that govern our physical and mental functions decline, leading to the deterioration in our sensory, motor, cognitive, and other functions. Before we realize it, the combined effects of these changes may diminish our motivation to live well. In today’s increasingly diverse and complex society, it is important to support senior citizens in maintaining their prosocial motivation and to help them sustain this throughout their lives. To address this, the present study explored the effectiveness of light-emitting diode (LED) entertainment as a tool to promote physical activity and mental well-being among nursing home residents. In December 2023, LED pixel mapping entertainment using digitally controlled illumination was held in the courtyard of a Japanese nursing home for elderly residents. The results showed that approximately 97% of the facility’s residents reported improvement in mood as a result of the show. In addition, most residents typically spent most of their time in their rooms, except when gathering in the dining room for meals or in-house events. However, during the light show, many residents were observed visiting the location where the illuminations were set up or moving to the windows to watch the show, with other spontaneous outings also occurring.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in COVID-19 patients is more than 20%. Research has revealed that the incidence of GI symptoms, including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, can be as high as 79.1%, and that diarrhea, as the main symptom, can be present in 49.5% of the cases. Among these patients, the psychological impact of various GI symptoms poses an essential consideration in the quality of life after hospital discharge and recovery. In this study, 102 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, with GI symptoms, were divided into two groups: The GI group (n = 54), with the predominant GI symptoms of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and the D group (n = 48), with the predominant symptom of diarrhea. Questionnaires assessing positive and negative moods, anxiety, and depression were administered to all patients, and psychological evaluation took place 3 months after the first positive polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19. The results demonstrate that patients in the GI group exhibited lower scores in the negative mood, anxiety, and depression tests, and higher scores in the positive mood test, compared to the patients in the D group. In conclusion, emotions play an important role in the outcome of COVID-19 patients with different GI symptoms. Notably, diarrhea is an important symptom associated with negative mood, anxiety, and depression. Understanding the emotional impact of specific GI symptoms on COVID-19 patients is essential for developing a comprehensive approach to the care and well-being of COVID-19 patients.

This case report explores the mind-body connection throughout the therapeutic process. It describes the clinical course of a college-aged female who presented with persistent physical symptoms later found to be associated with unresolved emotional trauma. The patient underwent a tailored therapeutic regimen incorporating cognitive processing therapy, cognitive reframing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, group therapy, and peer support groups. Over the course of treatment, a pronounced psychosomatic relationship emerged, which proved to be a critical factor in the patient’s recovery.