Search

Psychometric scales, commonly used to gauge sexual function, can sometimes be influenced by response biases. In our research from June 2020 to April 2021, we examined the accuracy of self-reported sexual function scales. We invited patients from the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China), who have male sexual dysfunction, to participate by filling out a self-reported version of a specific questionnaire. In addition, they went through a clinician-assisted version of this questionnaire, encompassing tools such as the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the 6-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6), the Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), and the Masturbation Erection Index (MEI). Using the clinician-assisted version as a reference, we categorized patients and applied various statistical methods, such as the Chi-square test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), logistic regression, and the Bland–Altman plot, to gauge reliability. In our study with 322 participants, we found that while there were no notable discrepancies in error rates based on our categorization, certain scales showed significant differences in terms of overestimation and underestimation, with the exception of the PEDT. The positive diagnosis rate consistency between the self-reported and clinician-assisted versions was observed. High ICC values between the two versions across the scales were indicative of remarkable reliability. Our findings show that the self-reported versions of tools such as EHS, IIEF-6, MEI, and PEDT are credible and hold clinical reliability. However, employing a dual-diagnosis approach might be more prudent to circumvent potential misdiagnoses.

Introduction: Numerous studies in the literature correlate hypersexual symptomatology and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aimed to investigate this correlation and the eventual mediation role of impulsivity. Methods: We recruited through an online platform a sample of 309 subjects (mean age = 34.5, SD = 15.4; females: 67.31 %); then, a sociodemographic questionnaire, together with validated psychometric scales for assessing hypersexuality, ADHD symptomatology, depression, hypomania, prodromal symptoms of psychosis and impulsivity were administered. Results: We found a significant association between ADHD symptomatology and hypersexuality symptoms (β = 0.459; p

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent sexual dysfunction among men. Eejaculation involves a complex nervous mechanism in which the ejaculatory centers play a key role in modulating sperm emission. Although treatment possibilities span from psychotherapy to pharmacological approaches, results show inconsistent efficacy. In this context, the emergence of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a non‐invasive neuromodulatory approach represents a compelling avenue for potential therapeutic exploration. Objective: To investigate whether high‐frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation can modulate the ejaculatory behavior of rats with rapid ejaculation by altering neurotransmitter levels and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus. Methods: Rats have been screened for rapid ejaculation by observing behavioral indices of mating, and subsequently divided into two groups. The intervention group was administered with a 10 Hz rTMS stimulation, whereas the control group received a sham procedure. Upon the delivery of rTMS, we investigated ejaculation latency (EL), the hippocampal 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) concentration, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptophysin (SYN), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) expressions, as well as BDNF‐receptor tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) pathway upregulation. Results: After 14 days, EL was increased in the intervention group compared with the control group. 5‐HT concentration in the hippocampal region was increased, and high‐frequency rTMS activated the BDNF and TrkB pathways, including phosphorylation of cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), and upregulated the transcription and protein expression of SYN, and PSD95. Conclusion: RTMS upregulates BDNF, SYN, and PSD95 expression through activation of the BDNF–TrkB pathway and increases brain 5‐hydroxytryptamine thereby regulating neuroplasticity and improving ejaculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Income inequality, a pivotal determinant of general and mental health, operates through intricate mechanisms at various geographical scales. While established at country or region levels, the impact of lower-level (municipal or neighborhood) inequality remains inconsistent. This study explores the influence of regional- and municipal-level income inequality on individual psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, employing a multilevel data analysis. Materials and methods: In a post hoc analysis of data from the first wave of the pandemic (March to April 2020), three hierarchical levels were considered: individual participants, municipalities, and regions. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, while the Gini coefficient gauged income inequality at municipal and regional levels. The analysis incorporated demographic variables as potential confounders. Results: The study encompassed 21 regions, 3,900 municipalities, and 21,477 subjects. Income inequality at both regional and municipal levels exhibited associations with distress scores, suggesting independent effects. Notably, higher distress scores were identified in southern regions with elevated inequality, despite a more substantial COVID-19 impact in the north. Discussion: Findings contribute to existing literature by emphasizing the independent impact of lower-level (municipal) and higher-level (regional) income inequality on population psychopathology. The study supports theories suggesting diverse pathways through which inequality at different levels influences health, such as potential associations with healthcare system dysfunction at the regional level and welfare dysfunction at the municipal level. The observed north-south gradient in distress scores highlights the need for psychosocial interventions to alleviate income inequality, especially in historically disadvantaged southern regions. Future research should explore the nuanced interplay between income inequality and various ecological variables to provide a comprehensive understanding of its health impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Discussion and conclusion Anejaculation represents significant psychological distress and sexual and reproductive challenges among male individuals and couples. Effective fertility management options are available to address the reproductive challenges associated with anejaculation. However, there is a lack of methods to reverse the condition itself.This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients suffering from anejaculation.A total of 94 patients with anejaculation individuals were randomly assigned to receive high‐frequency (HF) stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), low‐frequency (LF) stimulation on the right DLPFC, and sham stimulation for 4 weeks, with daily sessions of stimulation occurring on five consecutive weekdays each week.After 4 weeks of rTMS treatment, the patients in both the HF and LF groups exhibited a similar reduction in their male sexual health questionnaire for ejaculatory dysfunction bother/satisfaction score, Hamilton Anxiety Scale score, Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory score, which were statistically significant compared with sham treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences observed in erectile function and cognitive function across the three groups. However, there were notable disparities in the cure rates between HF‐ and LF‐group patients (16.1% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.001). Additionally, it is worth noting that only two HF group patients and one LF group patient experienced spontaneously resolving minor adverse effects during the treatment process. At the 8‐week follow‐up, among patients who initially responded to the treatment, only one from the HF group experienced a relapse.The findings of this study demonstrate that rTMS represents a secure and efficacious remedy for anejaculation patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychometric scales, commonly used to gauge sexual function, can sometimes be influenced by response biases. In our research from June 2020 to April 2021, we examined the accuracy of self-reported sexual function scales. We invited patients from the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China), who have male sexual dysfunction, to participate by filling out a self-reported version of a specific questionnaire. In addition, they went through a clinician-assisted version of this questionnaire, encompassing tools such as the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the 6-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6), the Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), and the Masturbation Erection Index (MEI). Using the clinician-assisted version as a reference, we categorized patients and applied various statistical methods, such as the Chi-square test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), logistic regression, and the Bland-Altman plot, to gauge reliability. In our study with 322 participants, we found that while there were no notable discrepancies in error rates based on our categorization, certain scales showed significant differences in terms of overestimation and underestimation, with the exception of the PEDT. The positive diagnosis rate consistency between the self-reported and clinician-assisted versions was observed. High ICC values between the two versions across the scales were indicative of remarkable reliability. Our findings show that the self-reported versions of tools such as EHS, IIEF-6, MEI, and PEDT are credible and hold clinical reliability. However, employing a dual-diagnosis approach might be more prudent to circumvent potential misdiagnoses., (Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © The Author(s)(2023).)

Background: Individual Health Budget (IHB) is used for social and health integration and to facilitate processes of resource reorientation in healthcare. Despite its increased use in mental health settings, few studies investigated its effectiveness in severe mental disorders., Methods: 383 IHB beneficiaries were recruited among Mental Health Departments users of the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia. Data involved sociodemographic and clinical variables, IHB type and scores of Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) at admission to IHB programme (T0), after 12 months (T1), and after 24 months (T2)., Results: The length and the mean number of hospitalisations and healthcare interventions decreased at T1. A significant scores' reduction from T0 to T1 evaluation was found in HoNOS total score (T-test ( P ) < 0.05) and in most of its items. An improvement throughout the whole evaluation period (T0 vs. T2) was found in 36% of the IHB beneficiaries, while more than 60% of them remained in the same HoNOS severity category., Conclusions: Our results support the use of IHB in patients with severe mental problems, since it may contribute to an improvement in social and clinical functioning, consequently lowering the burden on MHDs.