Search

The Cold Pressor Test (CPT) is frequently used in the research of e.g., pain, nociception, and stress. Previous research has reported inconsistencies in CPT methodology. One of the factors likely to be confounding is water temperature. The present review aims to describe and quantify CPT heterogeneity – while focusing on water temperature – and to compare water temperatures used in different sample types (healthy vs. clinical).

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a common human parasite, has been reported as a risk factor for suicide and suicidal behavior. In recent years, studies have shown that chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii may have an effect on the development of mental disorders, also concerning suicidal behaviour with varying elevation of odds of suicide attempt. (Akgül et al., 2021; Soleymani et al., 2020). There is no recent meta-analysis reviewing the correlation between Toxoplasmosis on the one hand and suicidal as well as parasuicidal behaviour (auto-aggression, self-injury, self-harm) on the other hand. Thus, our meta-analysis aims to clarify the association between T. gondii infections and suicide/suicidal behavior.

Adolescent and young adult substance use is a major public health concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented effects on daily life and mental health. Studies show changes in substance use, but findings are conflicting. Understanding the pandemic's impact and following up on post-pandemic trends is crucial for developing prevention measures and targeted interventions to support young people's well-being. Thus, we explore, describe and analyze substance use patterns among German-speaking adolescents and young adults prior to the COVID-19 pandemic through the spring of 2023.

Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) and its adapted version for adolescents (MBT-A) is a recommended treatment for borderline personality disorder, where the primary target is the reduction of self-harming behaviors (Lieb et al., 2020). Despite the availability of publications providing evidence of the efficacy of MBT and MBT-A in reducing self-harm and other BPD-related symptoms (Vogt & Norman, 2018; Malda-Castillo et al., 2018), recent meta-analyses have yielded mixed results (Storebø et al., 2020; Jørgensen et al., 2021). The planned meta-analysis aims to synthesize findings for both adolescents and adults, on the efficacy of MBT(-A) in reducing self-harm (primary outcome) and symptoms of BPD and depression (secondary outcomes). We will primarily assess results from RCTs, CCTs and further examine results from pre-post-evaluation studies, for a comparison and overview of the current evidence base.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a relevant health problem among adolescents and adults. NSSI can be defined as deliberate acts to destroy body tissue without the intent to commit suicide (Kindler et al., 2022). NSSI often emerges during adolescence, and estimates of the prevalence of NSSI in nonclinical samples range between 5.5% (adults) and 13.4% (adolescents) in nonclinical samples (Swannell et al., 2014). In inpatient samples, the prevalence was reported as high as 50–80% (Zetterqvist, 2015). Critically, NSSI predicts future suicide attempts (Koenig et al., 2017). The biological mechanisms underlying NSSI are not fully understood. The planned meta-analysis will synthesize data on one critical biological aspect that may be relevant in people who engage in NSSI: the psychobiological reaction to stress. Alterations in the stress-related bodily systems—and their biological mediators—may provide important insight into the pathophysiology of NSSI. Specifically, we will extract data on the markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (e.g., the hormone cortisol), as well as markers of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., heart rate or heart rate variability) in response to stress in NSSI samples. Our meta-analysis aims to gain insights into potential treatment options or modulation in people who engage in NSSI.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress symptoms are a cause of substantial disability in general population, leading to long-term problems for individuals, families and society in terms of compromised social and emotional well-being, loss of productivity and daily functioning. Pharmacological interventions have shown emerging evidence at reducing post-traumatic stress in pre-clinical investigations and first randomized controlled trials in humans with acute stress syndrome or post-traumatic stress disorder. But, so far there is no systematic review on that specific topic including all randomized control trials. According to the impact of traumatic experiences on HPA axis alterations and with regards to the first promising results of randomized controlled trials in that field our hypothesis for a meta-analysis is that a brief glucocorticoid administration will prevent post-traumatic stress symptoms or PTSD on an aggregated basis.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is an adaption of the third wave DBT treatment based on behavior therapy and prioritizes suicidal and self-threatening behavior (self-harm, suicidal ideation and attempts). While numerous research was carried out to prove efficacy of DBT for adults, there is a lack of synthesized research overview for DBT-A. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of randomized control trials and clinical controlled trials to prove efficacy of DBT-A to decrease self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression and borderline-symptoms in adolescents. Further, this meta-analysis will investigate pre-post evaluations of DBT-A and targets to gain implications for clinical practice.

An extensive meta-analysis concerning apoptosis, motor and behavioral outcomes.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress symptoms are a cause of substantial disability in general population, leading to long-term problems for individuals, families and society in terms of compromised social and emotional well-being, loss of productivity and daily functioning. Pharmacological interventions have shown emerging evidence at reducing post-traumatic stress in pre-clinical investigations and first randomized controlled trials in humans with acute stress syndrome or post-traumatic stress disorder. But, so far there is no systematic review on that specific topic including all randomized control trials. According to the impact of traumatic experiences on HPA axis alterations and with regards to the first promising results of randomized controlled trials in that field our hypothesis for a meta-analysis is that a brief glucocorticoid administration will prevent post-traumatic stress symptoms or PTSD on an aggregated basis.