Unstable relationships are a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Impairments in trust processes (i.e., appraisal and learning regarding others’ trustworthiness) can subserve interpersonal problems associated with BPD, but the determinants, mechanisms, consequences, and variations in trust impairments among individuals with BPD remain poorly characterized. Thus...
We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and Cluster C personality disorders (PDs). Our aim was to clarify which of the 18 EMSs exhibit the strongest associations and are most frequently endorsed in clinical and non-clinical samples with Cluster C PDs and traits. After initially screening 2622 records...
Despite clear evidence that sex differences largely impact the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic medication, current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) do not differentiate between men and women. This review summarizes the available evidence on strategies that may improve pharmacotherapy for women and provides evidence-based recommendations...
Sadistic pleasure—the enjoyment of harm-infliction to others—can have devastating interpersonal and societal consequences. The goal of the current review is to illuminate the nomological net of traits related to sadism. We aim to achieve an understanding of the current empirical status on the link between sadism and personality disorders, psychopathy, the Dark Triad, and basic...
Gamification has emerged as a novel technique for improving mental health and enhancing treatment effectiveness. This paper provides an overview of gamification approaches to mental health intervention, identifies factors that may be related to variations in treatment effectiveness, and discusses possible strategies for tailoring gamified interventions to clients’ needs. Recent...
This review highlights recent advances in the prediction and treatment of psychotic conversion. Over the past 25 years, research into the prodromal phase of psychotic illness has expanded with the promise of early identification of individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis who are likely to convert to psychosis. Meta-analyses highlight conversion rates between 20 and...
To summarize current literature available on sleep in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS; Velocardiofacial or DiGeorge Syndrome), a neurogenetic disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion in a genomic region critical for neurodevelopment. Due to the greatly increased risk of developmental psychiatric disorders (e.g., autism and schizophrenia) in 22q11.2DS, this review focuses on...
The goal of this paper was to explore the different ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected violence against children (VAC). Recent research of peer-reviewed articles using operational or survey data revealed the pandemic’s impact in terms of institutional responses, risk and mediating factors, changes in VAC dynamics, and a likely increase in child marriage. Findings include a...
While there are reports of differences in emotion processing in autism, it is less understood whether the emotion of disgust, in particular, plays a significant role in these effects. Here, we review literature on potential disgust processing differences in autism and its possible associations with autistic traits. In autism, there is evidence for differences in physical disgust...
This systematic review aimed to distil recent literature investigating psychosocial factors which may account for the association between personality disorder (PD) and suicide attempt or suicide death. Suicide risk is particularly elevated in people with PD compared to those with no, or many other, mental health diagnoses. Despite this, suicide prevention strategies for PD...
Pregnancy denial is the lack of awareness of being pregnant. The aim of the review is to understand why the affected women do not recognize the signs of pregnancy. Twelve case reports of pregnancy denial were published in the last ten years. While in five cases the women had an underlying mental disorder, the rest of the cases involved women who either exhibited no physical...
All people—including Autistic people—deserve to live flourishing lives. But what does a flourishing life look like for Autistic people? We suggest that the hidden biases, methodological errors, and key assumptions of autism science have obscured answers to this question. Here, we seek to initiate a broader discussion about what the foundations for a good Autistic life might be...
With the Internet allowing consumers easy access to fantasy and fictional sexual materials (FSM), it is becoming increasingly important to understand the context of their use among specific populations. Of particular, social, clinical, and legal interest is FSM use by people who are attracted to children and whether this may have a risk-enhancing or protective impact on their...
To summarize recent findings in global mental health along several domains including socioeconomic determinants, inequities, funding, and inclusion in global mental health research and practice. Mental illness continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and treatment coverage continues to be low globally. Advances in integrating mental health care and adopting...
To examine the impacts of gun violence on early childhood development including early childhood mental health, cognitive development, and the assessment and treatment of survivors. The literature reflects that gun violence exposure is often associated with significant mental health outcomes including anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression in older youth. Historically...
To systematically examine changes in suicide trends following the initial COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on geographical and temporal heterogeneity and on differences across sociodemographic subgroups. Of 46 studies, 26 had low risk of bias. In general, suicides remained stable or decreased following the initial outbreak – however, suicide increases were detected during spring 2020...
We review recent research on the epidemiology and etiology of suicide in the global context. We focus on data from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with the goal of highlighting findings from these under-researched, over-burdened settings. Prevalence of suicide in LMIC adults varies across region and country income-level, but is, on average, lower than in high-income...
Telepsychiatry practiced by psychiatrists is evidence-based, regulated, private, and effective in diverse settings. The use of telemedicine has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic as people routinely obtain more healthcare services online. At the same time, there has been a rapid increase in the number of digital mental health startups that offer various services including online...
Women are twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to men after a traumatic experience. The purpose of this mini review was to explore recent research on biological contributors to this sex difference. We identified 51 studies published since 2019. Studies found that beyond the influence of sex on the prevalence and symptoms of PTSD, there is...
We offer reflections on practitioner service provision for sex offenders when working in remote communities. The social ecological model framework is used to capture the influence on practitioner working at an individual, relationship, community, and societal level. The social construction and geographic conditions of sexual offending within remote communities present myriad...
Sex trafficking is a significant global problem that results in millions of individuals being sexually exploited annually. This paper will provide an overview of recent research in the field of sex trafficking and evaluate findings to provide recommendations for future research and policy work. In recent years, there has been an increase in research focused on understanding sex...
We discuss current research on the mental health effects of COVID-19 sports restrictions on youth athletes, highlighting the largest problems, as well as how organizations can help youth athletes by preparing for and responding to these problems. Millions of children and adolescents worldwide participate in organized sports, which has significant physical and mental health...
Suicide has a profound impact on individuals, families, and society. One prominent, if understudied, risk factor for suicide is anxiety. More than 70% of people with at least one suicide attempt meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. There are several limitations to exploring the associations between anxiety and suicide using diagnosis-based classification systems. A...