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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39172316

ABSTRACT

Intracoronary continuous thermodilution has been recently proposed as an invasive method to quantify absolute coronary flow (Qabs) and resistance (Rabs) in vivo. The aim of the present study is to develop and validate of a novel pressure-wire- and microcatheter-free surrogate of coronary flow and resistance derived from a standard coronary angiogram. Angiography derived coronary flow (Qangio) and resistance (Rangio) was prospectively validated in a two-center cohort of patients from Oxford Heart Centre and the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre. Qabs and Rabs were measured during resting and hyperemic conditions with continuous thermodilution using the Rayflow microcatheter. Qangio and Rangio were computed from the diagnostic coronary angiogram in a blinded fashion in resting and hyperemic conditions. A total of 62 patients and 115 vessels were included in the present analysis. The median Qabs at rest was 75 ml/min (53-95) and 151 ml/min (105-203) during hyperemia; Qangio at rest was 84 ml/min (66-108) and 154 ml/min (115-195) during hyperemia. There was a strong correlation between Qabs and Qangio (R = 0,72; p < 0.001, R = 0,86; p < 0.001 respectively) with satisfactory interclass correlation (0.841, 95% CI 0.509-0.957; p = 0.0003). The median Rabs was 1111 mmHg/(L/min) (830-1581.4) at rest and 454 mmHg/(L/min) (348-610) during hyperemia; angiographic resistance (Rangio) was 937.4 mmHg/(L/min) (695.4-1261.9) at rest and 492.4 mmHg/(L/min) (406-697) during hyperemia. There was a strong correlation between Rabs and Rangio in both conditions (R = 0,81; p < 0.001 and R = 0,78; p < 0.001 respectively). The was a good correlation between absolute coronary flow reserve (CFR) and angiography-derived CFR (R = 0,61; p < 0.001) and between absolute microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) and angiography-derived MRR (R = 0,49; p < 0.001).

2.
J Eat Disord ; 12(1): 121, 2024 Aug 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39169420

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The oculomotor circuit spans many cortical and subcortical areas that have been implicated in psychiatric disease. This, combined with previous findings, suggests that eye tracking may be a useful method to investigate eating disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to assess oculomotor behaviors in youth with and without an eating disorder. METHODS: Female youth with and without an eating disorder completed a structured task involving randomly interleaved pro-saccade (toward at a stimulus) and anti-saccade (away from stimulus) trials with video-based eye tracking. Differences in saccades (rapid eye movements between two points), eye blinks and pupil were examined. RESULTS: Youth with an eating disorder (n = 65, Mage = 17.16 ± 3.5 years) were compared to healthy controls (HC; n = 65, Mage = 17.88 ± 4.3 years). The eating disorder group was composed of individuals with anorexia nervosa (n = 49), bulimia nervosa (n = 7) and other specified feeding or eating disorder (n = 9). The eating disorder group was further divided into two subgroups: individuals with a restrictive spectrum eating disorder (ED-R; n = 43) or a bulimic spectrum eating disorder (ED-BP; n = 22). In pro-saccade trials, the eating disorder group made significantly more fixation breaks than HCs (F(1,128) = 5.33, p = 0.023). The ED-BP group made the most anticipatory pro-saccades, followed by ED-R, then HCs (F(2,127) = 3.38, p = 0.037). Groups did not differ on rate of correct express or regular latency pro-saccades. In anti-saccade trials, groups only significantly differed on percentage of direction errors corrected (F(2, 127) = 4.554, p = 0.012). The eating disorder group had a significantly smaller baseline pupil size (F(2,127) = 3.60, p = 0.030) and slower pro-saccade dilation velocity (F(2,127) = 3.30, p = 0.040) compared to HCs. The ED-R group had the lowest blink probability during the intertrial interval (ITI), followed by ED-BP, with HCs having the highest ITI blink probability (F(2,125) = 3.63, p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that youth with an eating disorder may have different oculomotor behaviors during a structured eye tracking task. The oculomotor behavioral differences observed in this study presents an important step towards identifying neurobiological and cognitive contributions towards eating disorders.


Video based eye tracking is a promising method for studying differences between individuals with and without a psychiatric disease of interest. While some studies have explored oculomotor behaviors in individuals with an eating disorder, much remains unknown. The present study investigated saccades (fast eye movements between two points), eye blinks and pupil responses between female youth (aged 10­25 years) with and without an eating disorder during a pro-saccade (looking at a point) and anti-saccade (looking away from a point) eye tracking task. Individuals with an eating disorder made more pro-saccade guesses, had a smaller pupil size and blinked less before a trial started. In individuals with a restrictive type eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa restrictive type), pupil responses may have a relationship with emotional dysregulation (poorly regulated emotional responses). Overall, this study represents an important step towards identifying oculomotor behavior differences in individuals with an eating disorder compared to controls.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39032694

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is associated with heightened impulsivity, evidenced by increased substance abuse, self-harm and suicide attempts. Addressing impulsivity in individuals with BPD is a therapeutic objective; but its underlying neural basis in this clinical population remains unclear, partly due to its frequent co-morbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: We employed a response inhibition paradigm - the interleaved pro-/anti-saccade task (IPAST) - among adolescents diagnosed with BPD with and without comorbid ADHD (N=25 and N=24, respectively) during concomitant video-based eye-tracking. We quantified various eye movement response parameters reflective of impulsive action during the task, including delay to fixation acquisition, fixation breaks, anticipatory saccades, and direction errors with express saccade (Saccade Reaction Time [SRT]: 90-140 ms) and regular saccade latencies (SRT > 140 ms). RESULTS: Individuals with BPD exhibited deficient response preparation, exampled by reduced visual fixation on task cues and greater variability of saccade responses (i.e., SRT and peak velocity). The ADHD/BPD group shared these traits, as well as produced an increased frequency of anticipatory responses and direction errors with express saccade latencies and reduced error correction. CONCLUSIONS: Saccadic deficits in BPD and ADHD/BPD stem not from an inability to execute anti-saccades, but rather from an inadequate preparation for the upcoming task set. These distinctions may arise due to abnormal signaling in cortical areas like the frontal eye fields, posterior parietal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into targeted interventions focusing on task set preparation to manage response inhibition deficits in BPD and ADHD/BPD.

4.
ACG Case Rep J ; 11(4): e01327, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38586821

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can occur with the use of immunosuppressive therapy used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Janus kinase inhibitors, such as upadacitinib, have been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This is the first case report of a patient who used upadacitinib without antiviral prophylaxis against HBV and developed HBV reactivation, leading to fulminant hepatic failure necessitating emergent liver transplantation.

5.
J Clin Med ; 13(6)2024 Mar 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38541875

ABSTRACT

Background: To assess whether hydrostatic pressure gradients caused by coronary height differences in supine versus prone positioning during invasive physiological stenosis assessment affect resting and hyperaemic pressure-based indices or coronary flow. Methods: Twenty-three coronary stenoses were assessed in twenty-one patients with stable coronary artery disease. All patients had a stenosis of at least 50% visually defined on previous coronary angiography. Pd/Pa, iFR, FFR, and coronary flow velocity (APV) measured using a Doppler were recorded across the same stenosis, with the patient in the prone position, followed by repeat measurements in the standard supine position. Results: When comparing prone to supine measurements in the same stenosis, in the LAD, there was a significant change in mean Pd/Pa of 0.08 ± 0.04 (p = 0.0006), in the iFR of 0.06 ± 0.07 (p = 0.02), and in the FFR of 0.09 ± 0.07 (p = 0.003). In the Cx, there was a change in mean Pd/Pa of 0.05 ± 0.04 (p = 0.009), iFR of 0.07 ± 0.04 (p = 0.01), and FFR of 0.05 ± 0.03 (p = 0.006). In the RCA, there was a change in Pd/Pa of 0.05 ± 0.04 (p = 0.032), iFR of 0.04 ± 0.05 (p = 0.19), and FFR of 0.04+-0.03 (p = 0.004). Resting and hyperaemic coronary flow did not change significantly (resting delta APV = 1.6 cm/s, p = 0.31; hyperaemic delta APV = 0.9 cm/s, p = 0.85). Finally, 36% of iFR measurements and 26% of FFR measurements were re-classified across an ischaemic threshold when prone and supine measurements were compared across the same stenosis. Conclusions: Pd/Pa, iFR, and FFR were affected by hydrostatic pressure variations caused by coronary height differences in prone versus supine positioning. Coronary flow did not change signifying a purely pressure-based phenomenon.

6.
Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc ; 51: 101374, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38496256

ABSTRACT

Background: The assessment of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) using invasive methods is a field of growing interest, however the preferred method remains debated. Bolus and continuous thermodilution are commonly used methods, but weak agreement has been observed in patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA). This study examined their agreement in revascularized acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) patients. Objective: To compare bolus thermodilution and continuous thermodilution indices of CMD in revascularized ACS and CCS patients and assess their diagnostic agreement at pre-defined cut-off points. Methods: Patients from two centers underwent paired bolus and continuous thermodilution assessments after revascularization. CMD indices were compared between the two methods and their agreements at binary cut-off points were assessed. Results: Ninety-six patients and 116 vessels were included. The mean age was 64 ± 11 years, and 20 (21 %) were female. Overall, weak correlations were observed between the Index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR) and continuous thermodilution microvascular resistance (Rµ) (rho = 0.30p = 0.001). The median coronary flow reserve (CFR) from continuous thermodilution (CFRcont) and bolus thermodilution (CFRbolus) were 2.19 (1.76-2.67) and 2.55 (1.50-3.58), respectively (p < 0.001). Weak correlation and agreement were observed between CFRcont and CFRbolus (rho = 0.37, p < 0.001, ICC 0.228 [0.055-0.389]). When assessed at CFR cut-off values of 2.0 and 2.5, the methods disagreed in 41 (35 %) and 45 (39 %) of cases, respectively. Conclusions: There is a significant difference and weak agreement between bolus and continuous thermodilution-derived indices, which must be considered when diagnosing CMD in ACS and CCS patients.

7.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 14(3)2024 Jan 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38337801

ABSTRACT

Continuous Thermodilution is a novel method of quantifying coronary flow (Q) in mL/min. To account for variability of Q within the cardiac cycle, the trace is smoothened with a 2 s moving average filter. This can sometimes be ineffective due to significant heart rate variability, ventricular extrasystoles, and deep inspiration, resulting in a fluctuating temperature trace and ambiguity in the location of the "steady state". This study aims to assess whether a longer moving average filter would smoothen any fluctuations within the continuous thermodilution traces resulting in improved interpretability and reproducibility on a test-retest basis. Patients with ANOCA underwent repeat continuous thermodilution measurements. Analysis of traces were performed at averages of 10, 15, and 20 s to determine the maximum acceptable average. The maximum acceptable average was subsequently applied as a moving average filter and the traces were re-analysed to assess the practical consequences of a longer moving average. Reproducibility was then assessed and compared to a 2 s moving average. Of the averages tested, only 10 s met the criteria for acceptance. When the data was reanalysed with a 10 s moving average filter, there was no significant improvement in reproducibility, however, it resulted in a 12% diagnostic mismatch. Applying a longer moving average filter to continuous thermodilution data does not improve reproducibility. Furthermore, it results in a loss of fidelity on the traces, and a 12% diagnostic mismatch. Overall, current practice should be maintained.

9.
Brain Res ; 1824: 148686, 2024 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38008243

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial,neurodegenerative disorder linked withextracellular amyloid beta (Aß) plaques deposition and formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Currently, no effective therapies are available to cure AD. Neuroinflammation isa well-known hallmark in the onset and advancement of AD and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM-2), a microglial gene, is responsible for regulating inflammatory responses and clearance of cellular debris. Loss of TREM-2functionincreases neuroinflammation associated expression of pro-inflammatory markersthus resultingin reduced clearance of Aß that further aid in disease progression.Therefore, targeting neuroinflammation is a good therapeutic approach for AD. This study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of nicotinic acid (NA) in vitro model of AD-like pathology induced in F-98 cell line using Phytohemagglutinin (PHA). MTT assay was employed for checking the cell viability as well as the proliferation of the cells following treatment with NA. PHA at the concentration of 10 µg/mL produces maximum plaques. The neuroprotective effect of NA was next evaluated against PHA-induced plaques and it was observed that NA reverses the damages induced by PHA i.e., by inhibiting the clustering of the cells and replacing the damaged cells with the new ones. Further, NA also increased the expression of TREM-2/DAP-12 with parallel decreased in the expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α and iNOS. It also successfully altered disease associated ADAM-10 and BACE-1 compared to PHA control. These findings suggest that NA might be considered as a good therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like AD.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Neuroprotective Agents , Niacin , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Phytohemagglutinins/metabolism , Phytohemagglutinins/pharmacology , Phytohemagglutinins/therapeutic use , Microglia/metabolism , Niacin/metabolism , Niacin/pharmacology , Niacin/therapeutic use , Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use , Neuroinflammatory Diseases
11.
Interv Cardiol ; 18: e07, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37601734

ABSTRACT

The landscape of interventional cardiology is ever evolving. Contemporary practice has shifted from a stenosis-centred approach to the total characterisation of both the epicardial and microcirculatory vessels. Microcirculatory dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic coronary syndromes, and characterisation of the microcirculation has important clinical consequences. Accordingly, the invasive diagnosis of microcirculatory dysfunction is becoming a key feature of the interventional cardiologist's toolkit. This review focuses on the methodology underpinning the invasive diagnosis of microvascular dysfunction and highlights the indices that have arisen from these methodologies.

12.
Children (Basel) ; 10(8)2023 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37628297

ABSTRACT

This study examined the prevalence and psychosocial predictors of the non-medical use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and compared these to cigarette, marijuana, and alcohol use in a cohort of early adolescents (N = 1887) aged 11 to 13, a critical risk period for the initiation of substance use. Participants were students attending 22 middle schools in the northeastern United States. Participants completed surveys in the classroom, the first in the sixth grade and a second in the seventh grade, and the rate of overall substance use more than doubled from 5.5% to 11.9% over this period. Predictors of the onset of non-medical prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse overlapped substantially with those for marijuana and other substances. The perception of friends' substance use and the belief that substance use can help you deal with problems predicted the onset of marijuana use, OTC medication misuse, and prescription drug misuse. Decision-making skills were protective for the onset of all substance use outcomes. The findings of this study have important implications for prevention and suggest that a single comprehensive approach may be sufficient for preventing multiple forms of substance use onset during early adolescence.

13.
Front Neurosci ; 17: 1179765, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37425020

ABSTRACT

Shifting motor actions from reflexively reacting to an environmental stimulus to predicting it allows for smooth synchronization of behavior with the outside world. This shift relies on the identification of patterns within the stimulus - knowing when a stimulus is predictable and when it is not - and launching motor actions accordingly. Failure to identify predictable stimuli results in movement delays whereas failure to recognize unpredictable stimuli results in early movements with incomplete information that can result in errors. Here we used a metronome task, combined with video-based eye-tracking, to quantify temporal predictive learning and performance to regularly paced visual targets at 5 different interstimulus intervals (ISIs). We compared these results to the random task where the timing of the target was randomized at each target step. We completed these tasks in female pediatric psychiatry patients (age range: 11-18 years) with borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms, with (n = 22) and without (n = 23) a comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, against controls (n = 35). Compared to controls, BPD and ADHD/BPD cohorts showed no differences in their predictive saccade performance to metronome targets, however, when targets were random ADHD/BPD participants made significantly more anticipatory saccades (i.e., guesses of target arrival). The ADHD/BPD group also significantly increased their blink rate and pupil size when initiating movements to predictable versus unpredictable targets, likely a reflection of increased neural effort for motor synchronization. BPD and ADHD/BPD groups showed increased sympathetic tone evidenced by larger pupil sizes than controls. Together, these results support normal temporal motor prediction in BPD with and without ADHD, reduced response inhibition in BPD with comorbid ADHD, and increased pupil sizes in BPD patients. Further these results emphasize the importance of controlling for comorbid ADHD when querying BPD pathology.

14.
Int J Adolesc Med Health ; 35(3): 243-250, 2023 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37336592

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (pCFS) is a common condition that significantly disrupts a healthy psychosocial development. Psychiatric symptoms associated with pCFS are conceptualized as either part of its complex etiology, its consequence, or as a comorbidity. However, patients with this condition are rarely seen by psychiatrists. This scoping review aims to explore the role of psychiatry in the diagnosis and treatment of pCFS. CONTENT: A scoping review of literature was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and PsycINFO. Databases were searched for articles describing psychiatric involvement in the diagnosis or treatment of children and adolescents (age ≤ 18) with pCFS. A grey literature search was also conducted to identify additional guidelines and national recommendations to identify the role of psychiatry in the diagnosis and treatment of pCFS. SUMMARY: The search provided 436 articles of which 16 met inclusion criteria. Grey literature search identified 12 relevant guidelines. Most studies and guidelines did not include any psychiatric involvement in the care of patients with pCFS. If psychiatry was mentioned, it was used interchangeably with psychological interventions or in the context of treating distinct psychiatric comorbidities and suicidal ideation. OUTLOOK: The role of psychiatry in diagnosis and treatment of pCFS is poorly defined. Future research is required to understand how psychiatrists can contribute to the care of patients with pCFS.


Subject(s)
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic , Mental Disorders , Psychiatry , Adolescent , Humans , Child , Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/diagnosis , Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/therapy , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Disorders/therapy , Comorbidity , Health Status
16.
BMJ Open ; 13(6): e069256, 2023 06 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37280037

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, eye-tracking has been proposed as a promising tool to identify potential biomarkers for mental disorders, including major depression. We will conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on eye-tracking research in adults with major depressive disorder or other clinically diagnosed depressive disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol follows all reporting items in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol extension. We will conduct a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and EMBASE for sources published up until March 2023. Abstract and full-text review will be completed independently by two reviewers. Non-randomised studies using eye movement tasks in individuals with a depressive disorder versus controls will be included. Eye movement tasks of interest include, but are not limited to, saccade, smooth pursuit, fixation, free-viewing, attentional disengagement, visual search and attentional blink tasks. Results will be categorised by eye movement task. Risk of bias will be assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and confidence in cumulative evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required due to the nature of the proposed analysis. Results will be disseminated through a journal article, conference presentations and/or dissertations.


Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder, Major , Adult , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression , Eye-Tracking Technology , Systematic Reviews as Topic , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Research Design
17.
Front Cardiovasc Med ; 10: 1172763, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37206100

ABSTRACT

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been performed for the improvement of symptoms and quality of life in patients with stable angina. The ORBITA study demonstrated the role of the placebo effect in contemporary PCI in non-CTO chronic coronary syndromes. However, the benefit of CTO PCI beyond that of a placebo has not been demonstrated. Aims: The ORBITA-CTO pilot study will be a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of CTO PCI randomising patients who have: (1) been accepted by a CTO operator for PCI; (2) experienced symptoms due to a CTO; (3) evidence of ischaemia; (4) evidence of viability within the CTO territory; and (5) a J-CTO score ≤3. Methods: Patients will undergo medication optimisation that will ensure they are on at least a minimum amount of anti-anginals and complete questionnaires. Patients will record their symptoms on an app daily throughout the study. Patients will undergo randomisation procedures, including an overnight stay, and be discharged the following day. All anti-anginals will be stopped after randomisation and re-initiated on a patient-led basis during the 6-month follow-up period. At follow-up, patients will undergo repeat questionnaires and unblinding, with a further 2-week unblinded follow-up. Results: The co-primary outcomes are feasibility (blinding) in this cohort and angina symptom score using an ordinal clinical outcome scale for angina. Secondary outcomes include changes in quality-of-life measures, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), peak VO2, and anaerobic threshold on the cardiopulmonary exercise test. Conclusion: The feasibility of a placebo-controlled CTO PCI study will lead to future studies assessing efficacy. The impact of CTO PCI on angina measured using a novel daily symptom app may provide improved fidelity in assessing symptoms in patients with CTO's.

18.
Cureus ; 15(3): e36543, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37095795

ABSTRACT

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a complex disease disorder that involves dysregulated activation of the immune system resulting in cytokine storm which can lead to widespread tissue injury. HLH is associated with a mortality rate of 41%. The diagnosis of HLH requires a median of 14 days to reach likely due to a varied range of symptoms and signs the disease can present with. Liver disease and HLH can have a significant overlap. Liver injury itself is frequently noticed in patients with HLH, with more than 50% of patients having elevated aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and bilirubin levels. This case report describes a young individual who had developed intermittent fever, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss with labs remarkable for elevated transaminases and bilirubin. His initial workup revealed an acute Epstein-Barr virus infection. The patient later presented again with similar signs and symptoms. He underwent a liver biopsy with histopathological features initially concerning for autoimmune hepatitis. However, by engaging a multidisciplinary team, a correct diagnosis was achieved. This case report serves to highlight the increased level of suspicion required to correctly diagnose HLH, especially in the presence of clinical features concerning for autoimmune hepatitis.

19.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 655, 2023 04 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37020282

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-secondary students frequently experience high rates of mental health challenges. However, they present meagre rates of treatment-seeking behaviours. This elevated prevalence of mental health problems, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to distress, poor academic performance, and lower job prospects following the completion of education. To address the needs of this population, it is important to understand students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers preventing or limiting their access to care. METHODS: A broad-scoping online survey was publicly distributed to post-secondary students, collecting demographic, sociocultural, economic, and educational information while assessing various components of mental health. RESULTS: In total, 448 students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, responded to the survey. Over a third (n = 170; 38.6%) of respondents reported a formal mental health diagnosis. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most commonly reported diagnoses. Most respondents felt that post-secondary students did not have good mental health (n = 253; 60.5%) and had inadequate coping strategies (n = 261; 62.4%). The most frequently reported barriers to care were financial (n = 214; 50.5%), long wait times (n = 202; 47.6%), insufficient resources (n = 165; 38.9%), time constraints (n = 148; 34.9%), stigma (n = 133; 31.4%), cultural barriers (n = 108; 25.5%), and past negative experiences with mental health care (n = 86; 20.3%). The majority of students felt their post-secondary institution needed to increase awareness (n = 231; 56.5%) and mental health resources (n = 306; 73.2%). Most viewed in-person therapy and online care with a therapist as more helpful than self-guided online care. However, there was uncertainty about the helpfulness and accessibility of different forms of treatment, including online interventions. The qualitative findings highlighted the need for personal strategies, mental health education and awareness, and institutional support and services. CONCLUSIONS: Various barriers to care, perceived lack of resources, and low knowledge of available interventions may contribute to compromised mental health in post-secondary students. The survey findings indicate that upstream approaches such as integrating mental health education for students may address the varying needs of this critical population. Therapist-involved online mental health interventions may be a promising solution to address accessibility issues.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mental Health , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Students , Ontario
20.
Acta Psychol (Amst) ; 235: 103887, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37015181

ABSTRACT

A recent scoping review found that stressors involved in the military lifestyle (i.e., frequent relocation, parental absence, and risk of parental injury) may be associated with mental health issues among military-children. However, most of the included studies were conducted in the United States with little Canadian representation. To examine the degree to which the scoping review findings are relevant to the Canadian context, we conducted a qualitative study and interviewed 37 parents in Canadian military families. Through the use of a qualitative description approach and content analysis, three themes were identified: 1. Military lifestyle factors have an impact on child mental health; 2. Military life can promote both resilience and vulnerability; and 3. Military lifestyle impacts on parental mental health had an impact on children. These themes align with the scoping review findings asserting that military lifestyle factors can influence child mental health and have significant implications for health care providers working with military-connected children.


Subject(s)
Military Family , Military Personnel , Humans , United States , Military Family/psychology , Mental Health , Canada , Parents/psychology , Military Personnel/psychology
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