Search

Objective: Measuring disability as a concept of impaired global function enables beneficiaries of treatment, the impact of treatment, and targets of health system investment to be rigorously assessed. Measures of disability are not well established for cleft lip and palate. This study aims to systematically review disability weight (DW) studies pertaining to orofacial clefts (OFCs) and identify methodological strengths and shortcomings of each approach. Design: Systematic literature review of studies that met the following criteria: (1) peer-reviewed publication, (2) focus on disability valuation, (3) mention orofacial clefts, and (4) publication January 2001-December 2021. Setting: None. Patients/Participants: None. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Disability weight method of valuation and the value itself. Results: The final search strategy yielded 1,067 studies. Seven manuscripts were ultimately included for data extraction. The disability weights used in our studies, including those newly generated or taken from the Global Burden of Disease Studies (GBD), ranged widely for isolated cleft lip (0.0–0.100) and cleft palate with or without cleft lip (0.0−0.269). The GBD studies limited their consideration of cleft sequelae informing disability weights to impact on appearance and speech-related concerns, while other studies accounted for comorbidities such as pain and social stigma. Conclusions: Current measures of cleft disability are sparse, inadequately reflect the comprehensive impact of an OFC on function and socialization, and are limited in detail or supporting evidence. Use of a comprehensive health state description in evaluating disability weights offers a realistic means of accurately representing the diverse sequelae of an OFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) report concern about the psychiatric manifestations of the condition, but typically receive little information about this in clinical encounters and instead find information about it elsewhere. We developed an educational booklet about the psychiatric manifestations of 22q11DS and assessed its utility among parents of children with the condition. First, six parents of individuals with 22q11DS completed cognitive interviews to review an established generic booklet about the genetics of psychiatric conditions—and to suggest 22q11DS‐specific adaptations. We used these suggestions to develop a novel booklet specific to psychiatric conditions and 22q1DS. Then, before and 1‐month after reading the novel 22q11DS‐specific online booklet, 73 parents of children with 22q11DS (with/without psychiatric conditions) completed validated scales (measuring empowerment, stigma, intolerance of uncertainty), an adapted version of a scale measuring worry about their child developing psychiatric illness, and purpose‐designed items assessing perceptions of understanding of 22q11DS and mental illness, confidence in recognizing early signs, etc. After reading the 22q11DS online booklet, participants' feelings of empowerment increased (p = 0.002), while feelings of worry about their child developing psychiatric illness decreased (p = 0.05), and they reported better understanding 22q11DS and mental illness, and increased confidence in recognizing early warning signs. There is potential benefit in broadly distributing this educational booklet to parents of children with 22q11DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: From the perspective of social determinants, homelessness perpetuates poor health and creates barriers to effective chronic disease management, necessitating frequent use of emergency department (ED) services. In this study we developed a screening algorithm (checklist) from common comorbidities observed in the homeless population in the United States. The result was a theoretical screening tool (checklist) to aid healthcare workers in the ED, including residents, medical students, and other trainees, to provide more efficacious treatment and referrals for discharge.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study we used the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) to investigate comorbidities and ED utilization patterns relating to 23 injury-related, psychiatric, and frequent chronic medical conditions in the US adult (≥18 years of age) homeless population. Cases were identified from the NEDS database for 2014–2017 using International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10 revisions, and Clinical Classification Software diagnosis codes. We performed a two-step cluster analysis including pathologies with ≥10% prevalence in the sample to identify shared comorbidities. We then compared the clusters by sociodemographic and ED-related characteristics, including age, gender, primary payer, and patient disposition from the ED. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate categorical variables (ie, gender, primary payer, patient disposition from the ED), and analysis of variance for continuous variables (age).Results: The study included 1,715,777 weighted cases. The two-step cluster analysis identified nine groups denominated by most prevalent disease: 1) healthy; 2) mixed psychiatric; 3) major depressive disorder (MDD); 4) psychosis; 5) addiction; 6) essential hypertension; 7) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); 8) infectious disease; and (9) injury. The MDD, COPD, infectious disease, and Injury clusters demonstrated the highest prevalence of co-occurring disease, with the MDD cluster displaying the highest proportion of comorbidities. Although the addiction cluster existed independently, substance use was pervasive in all except the healthy cluster (prevalence 36-100%). We used the extracted screening algorithm to establish a screening tool (checklist) for ED healthcare workers, with physicians as the first point of contact for the initial use of the screening tool.Conclusion: Healthcare workers in the ED, including residents, medical students, and other trainees, provide services for homeless ED users. Screening tools (checklists) can help coordinate care to improve treatment, referrals, and follow-up care to reduce hospital readmissions. The screening tool may expedite targeted interventions for homeless patients with commonly occurring patterns of disease.

Introduction: Opioid use disorder (OUD) and psychiatric conditions commonly co-occur yet are infrequently treated with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, resulting in poor outcomes. These conditions, separately, present challenges to treatment initiation, retention, and success. These challenges are compounded when individuals have OUD and psychiatric conditions. Method: Recognizing the complex needs of these individuals, gaps in care, and the potential for primary care to bridge these gaps, we developed a psychotherapy program that integrates brief, evidence-based psychotherapies for substance use, depression, and anxiety, building on traditional elements of the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM). In this article, we describe this psychotherapy program in a primary care setting as part of a compendium of collaborative services. Results: Patients receive up to 12 sessions of evidence-based psychotherapy and case management based on a structured treatment manual that guides treatment via Motivational Enhancement; Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for depression, anxiety, and/or substance use disorder; and/or Behavioral Activation components. Discussion: Novel, integrated treatments are needed to advance service delivery for individuals with OUD and psychiatric conditions and these programs must be rigorously evaluated. We describe our team's efforts to test our psychotherapy program in a large primary care network as part of an ongoing three-arm randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mersin Üniversitesi sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Mersin University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The dopaminergic pathways control neural signals that modulate mood and behaviour along and have a vital role in the aetiology of major depression (MDD), schizophrenia (SHZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported several dopaminergic and cognitive pathway genes association with these disorders however, no such comprehensive data was available regarding the Pakistani population. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyse the 11 genetic variants of dopaminergic and cognitive system genes in MDD, SHZ, and BD in the Pakistani population. A total of 1237 subjects [MDD n = 479; BD n = 222; SHZ n = 146; and controls n = 390], were screened for 11 genetic variants through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Univariant followed by multivariant logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the genetic association. Significant risk associations were observed for rs4532 and rs1799732 with MDD; and rs1006737 and rs2238056 with BD. However, after applying multiple test corrections rs4532 and rs1799732 association did not remain significant for MDD. Moreover, a protective association was found for three variants; DRD4-120bp, rs10033951 and rs2388334 in the current cohort. In conclusion, the current study revealed the risk association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1006737 and rs2238056 with BD and the protective effect of the DRD4-120bp variant in MDD and BD, of rs2388334 in BD and of rs10033951 in MDD, BD, and SHZ in the current Pakistani cohort. Thus, the study is valuable in understanding the genetic basis of MDD, BD and SHZ in the Pakistani population, which may pave the way for future functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vulnerability to stress is linked to poor mental health. Stress management interventions for people with mental health conditions are numerous but they are difficult to implement and have limited effectiveness in this population. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is an innovative intervention that aims to reduce stress. This review aimed to synthesize evidence of VR relaxation for people with mental health conditions (PROSPERO 269405). Methods: Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched until 17th September 2021. The review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool assessed methodological quality of studies. Results: Searching identified 4550 studies. Eighteen studies (N = 848) were included in the review. Studies were published between 2008 and 2021. Eleven were conducted in Europe. Thirteen studies were controlled trials. Participants were mostly working-age adult outpatients experiencing anxiety or stress-related conditions. Other conditions included eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Five studies tested inpatients. All studies used a range of nature-based virtual environments, such as forests, islands, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and most commonly, beaches to promote relaxation. Studies provided evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR relaxation to increase relaxation and reduce stress. EPHPP ratings were 'strong' (N = 11), 'moderate' (N = 4), and 'weak' (N = 3). Conclusions: VR relaxation has potential as a low-intensity intervention to promote relaxation and reduce stress for adults with mental health conditions, especially anxiety and stress-related problems. Further research is warranted on this promising intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. To identify risk factors for prevent suicide, it is essential to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with suicidal ideation and behavior. Objectives: This study seeks to assess suicide symptoms in people of Babylon City and assesses the effect of factors that increase the suicide rate and to find sociodemographic and psychological factors that may influence the act of suicide and whether they differ from other suicide intensions prevailing in the world. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 57 patients with suicidal behavior who were admitted to at Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital in Babylon City, Iraq between 2021 and 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between suicide attempters and completers, and a correlation matrix was used to explore relationships between these characteristics. Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.2 years, and the majority were women (63.2%) and single (56.1%). Previous suicide attempts were reported by 50 patients (87.7%). Hanging and poisoning were the most common methods of attempted suicide, whereas firearms were the most common method of completed suicide. Depression and anxiety were the most common co-morbid psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain was the most common co-morbid medical condition. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of screening for suicide risk factors and providing appropriate treatment for co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions. The results also suggest that suicide prevention efforts may benefit from targeting younger individuals, for those who are single or have lower education levels, and those with a history of suicide attempts.

Aim. To assess the impact of the covid-19 epidemic in the research area (Łuków county) on the number of visits by National Emergency Medical Services teams to patients with mental disorders. Method. The study included a retrospective analysis of EMS departures from the Łuków county (northern part of the Lublin province) in the two-year period from March 2019 to the end of February 2021 (one year before the epidemic - period I, and the year of the epidemic in Poland - period II). The material consisted of Departure Request Cards and Medical Rescue Cards of EMS. Results. In the 2-year period there were 862 events that met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis (442 in period I and 420 in period II). In both periods, men were analyzed more often (68.7% Pre-Pan; 71.1% Pan). Interventions were more frequent in cities (60.3% Pre-Pan; 60.7% Pan). The share of alcohol and psychoactive substances as a cause of EMS interventions in psychiatric conditions was higher during the pandemic. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the number of EMS interventions related to mental disorders in the area covered by the analysis, the average duration of EMS interventions to psychiatric conditions slightly increased during the epidemic period. In both analyzed periods, men were significantly more likely to be EMS patients. The age of the patients included in the analysis did not change significantly before and during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the second most widely prescribed psychotropic for people with intellectual disabilities in England. Multiple psychotropic prescribing is prevalent in almost half of people with intellectual disabilities on ASMs. This analysis identifies limited evidence of ASM benefit in challenging behaviour management and suggests improvements needed to inform clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has a high prevalence and a significant economic impact. Our knowledge regarding neurosensory disorders and co-occurring medical conditions in the ASD population is limited, particularly for autistic women. Most of the studies include male participants or do not make comparisons with their female counterparts. The objective of this systematic review article is to explore the quality of life as well as the prevalence of neurosensory disorders and co-occurring medical conditions in individuals on the spectrum, with a special focus on autistic females. The literature search was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A protocol of this systematic review was designed a priori and was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42022330368). We concluded that numerous medical areas were of concern. Autistic females are more likely than their male counterparts with ASD to suffer from psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, and eating disorders. They are also more likely to report GI-related disturbances and chronic pain. Further investigations are warranted to determine quality of life, as well as the prevalence and severity of neurosensory disorders in individuals with ASD, specifically studies comparing autistic females with their male counterparts. The information derived from these studies will help develop better support systems for individuals with autism, particularly females on the spectrum, in pursuit of improving their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western notions of pilgrimage produce images of religious adherence to known beliefs and their ritual expressions. Definitions of pilgrimage have expanded in recent decades to embrace treks to sites unattached to the sacred landscapes of traditional faith groups. Along with this expansion of meanings and practices has come a wider acceptance of travel for psychological transformation. Tourism can be argued as a modulated form of pilgrimage and traditional journeys of faith overlapping with instances of entirely secular tourism. Another purpose of pilgrimage can be as a therapeutic practice for those suffering from depressive disorders and related conditions. Its efficacy as therapy, along with its limits, are discussed in clinical and personal contexts with a view to including religious as well as secular perspectives. The pragmatics of such therapy are mapped against current trends in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological psychiatry seeks to establish reliable associations between specific biological factors and psychiatric conditions. The search for such associations is motivated by the presumption that specific biological factors are the major causes of psychiatric conditions". I call such a presumption the "causal commitment of biological psychiatry". In this paper, I will argue that the causal commitment is an implausible presumption, for the best available evidence does not support it, and it is also unlikely that future evidence will do it". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bullying is a multifaceted problem with many consequences. Aim: This study aimed to determine the psychiatric morbidity of children involved in bullying, either as bullies or victims, treated at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Centre of the Free State Psychiatric Complex (FSPC). Setting: Free State Psychiatric Complex, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included children under 18 years treated at the FSPC Care Centre between January and September 2017. Information was extracted from patient files. Results: Of 288 patients, 98 (34.0%) were involved in bullying: 66 were bullies, 28 victims, 3 bully-victims, and 1 unspecified. For gender and family structure, there were no statistically significant differences between children involved and those not involved in bullying and between bullies and victims. Almost all bullies (95.4%) had aggression as presenting complaint compared with 39.3% of the victims (p < 0.01). Statistically significantly more victims, than bullies, reported sadness (21.4%, 4.6%, p = 0.02). Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was diagnosed in most children, both involved (73.5%) and not involved (63.2%). Statistically significant differences for the presence of conduct disorder were found between children involved and those not involved in bullying (31.6%, 10.0%, p < 0.01) and between bullies and victims (39.4%, 14.3%, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The prevalence of conduct disorder diagnosis was more common in bullies than in victims and those involved in bullying as opposed to those not involved. Contribution: Psychiatric information of bullying victims and perpetrators in the Free State, which had a high prevalence of bullying in a national survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bullying is a multifaceted problem with many consequences. Aim: This study aimed to determine the psychiatric morbidity of children involved in bullying, either as bullies or victims, treated at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Centre of the Free State Psychiatric Complex (FSPC). Setting: Free State Psychiatric Complex, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included children under 18 years treated at the FSPC Care Centre between January and September 2017. Information was extracted from patient files. Results: Of 288 patients, 98 (34.0%) were involved in bullying: 66 were bullies, 28 victims, 3 bully-victims, and 1 unspecified. For gender and family structure, there were no statistically significant differences between children involved and those not involved in bullying and between bullies and victims. Almost all bullies (95.4%) had aggression as presenting complaint compared with 39.3% of the victims (p 0.01). Statistically significantly more victims, than bullies, reported sadness (21.4%, 4.6%, p = 0.02). Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was diagnosed in most children, both involved (73.5%) and not involved (63.2%). Statistically significant differences for the presence of conduct disorder were found between children involved and those not involved in bullying (31.6%, 10.0%, p 0.01) and between bullies and victims (39.4%, 14.3%, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The prevalence of conduct disorder diagnosis was more common in bullies than in victims and those involved in bullying as opposed to those not involved. Contribution: Psychiatric information of bullying victims and perpetrators in the Free State, which had a high prevalence of bullying in a national survey.

Abstract Objectives The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are stressful events that could trigger psychological distress in a large number of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to examine the association between gastric cancer and the risk of new onset of depression among South Korean adults. Methods Data from 12,664 participants aged over 40 years was derived from the National Health Service National Sample Cohort (2002–2013). The case cohort consists of patients who received a diagnosis of gastric cancer between 2002 and 2009, and the corresponding control group was selected through 1:1 propensity score matching (case: 6332, control: 6332). The new onset of depression was considered as the dependent variable. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was built to analyze the associations between variables in consideration. Results Individuals with gastric cancer had a higher risk of new onset of depression than those without cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13–1.45.) Female gastric patients had a higher risk of depression compared to male patients (Female; HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.66–2.16, Male; HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.10–1.41). Gastric cancer patients in their 60s had the highest risk of new onset of depression compared to other age groups and no cancer group (HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.40–1.85). Gastric cancer patients who were previously diagnosed with depression prior to their diagnosis of cancer had a higher risk of new onset of depression than gastric cancer patients without antecedent diagnosis of depression (Past Depression (Yes); HR = 5.17, 95% CI = 4.10–6.51, Past Depression (No); HR = 1.35, CI = 1.21–1.51). Conclusions The study identified a significant relationship between gastric cancer and depression among South Korean adults, suggesting that the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer increases the risk of new onset of depression, especially among female patients between 60 and 69 years old of high income and living in metropolitan regions. Pre-existing health conditions also appeared to be a risk factor. Thus, in consideration of treatment efficacy and patients’ quality of life, the results of the study emphasizes the need for attentive intervention, while distinguishing the most vulnerable groups.

Objective: Measuring disability as a concept of impaired global function enables beneficiaries of treatment, the impact of treatment, and targets of health system investment to be rigorously assessed. Measures of disability are not well established for cleft lip and palate. This study aims to systematically review disability weight (DW) studies pertaining to orofacial clefts (OFCs) and identify methodological strengths and shortcomings of each approach., Design: Systematic literature review of studies that met the following criteria: (1) peer-reviewed publication, (2) focus on disability valuation, (3) mention orofacial clefts, and (4) publication January 2001-December 2021., Setting: None., Patients/participants: None., Interventions: None., Main Outcome Measure(s): Disability weight method of valuation and the value itself., Results: The final search strategy yielded 1,067 studies. Seven manuscripts were ultimately included for data extraction. The disability weights used in our studies, including those newly generated or taken from the Global Burden of Disease Studies (GBD), ranged widely for isolated cleft lip (0.0-0.100) and cleft palate with or without cleft lip (0.0-0.269). The GBD studies limited their consideration of cleft sequelae informing disability weights to impact on appearance and speech-related concerns, while other studies accounted for comorbidities such as pain and social stigma., Conclusions: Current measures of cleft disability are sparse, inadequately reflect the comprehensive impact of an OFC on function and socialization, and are limited in detail or supporting evidence. Use of a comprehensive health state description in evaluating disability weights offers a realistic means of accurately representing the diverse sequelae of an OFC., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The formative period of adolescence plays a crucial role in the development of skills and abilities for adulthood. Adolescents who are affected by mental health conditions are at risk of suicide and social and academic impairments. Gene–environment complementary contributions to the molecular mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders have emphasized the need to analyze epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation (DNAm) and non-coding RNAs. However, the large and diverse bioinformatic and statistical methods, referring to the confounders of the statistical models, application of multiple-testing adjustment methods, questions regarding the correlation of DNAm across tissues, and sex-dependent differences in results, have raised challenges regarding the interpretation of the results. Based on the example of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive disorder (MDD), we shed light on the current knowledge and usage of methodological tools in analyzing epigenetics. Statistical robustness is an essential prerequisite for a better understanding and interpretation of epigenetic modifications and helps to find novel targets for personalized therapeutics in psychiatric diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the associations of multiple psychiatric and chronic conditions with the self-reported history of major depressive disorder (MDD) among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and tested whether the associations differed by gender. We conducted a secondary data analysis of baseline data from a clinical trial including 1,646 participants with OUD, of which 465 had MDD. A variable cluster analysis was used to classify chronic medical and psychiatric conditions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate their associations with MDD in subjects with OUD. Nine variables were divided into three clusters: cluster 1 included heart condition, hypertension, and liver problems; cluster 2 included gastrointestinal (GI) problems and head injury, and cluster 3 included anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The overall prevalence of MDD in participants with OUD was 28.3% (22.8% for males and 39.5% for females). Gender, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, liver problems, heart condition, GI problems, and head injury were significantly associated with MDD. Gender-stratified analyses showed that bipolar disorder, liver problems and individuals with one chronic condition were associated with MDD only in males, whereas heart condition, hypertension, and GI problems were associated with MDD only in females. In addition, anxiety disorder, head injury, individuals with one or more than two psychiatric conditions, and individuals with more than two chronic conditions were associated with MDD regardless of gender. Treatment plans in patients with OUD should not only address MDD but also co-morbid psychiatric and chronic medical conditions that occur with MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite increased efforts toward patient optimization, some patients have undocumented conditions that can affect costs and quality metrics for institutions and physicians. This study evaluates the effect of documented and undocumented psychiatric conditions on length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition following total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods: A retrospective review of all primary THAs from 2015 to 2020 at a high-volume academic orthopedic specialty hospital was conducted. Patients were separated into 3 cohorts: patients with a documented psychiatric diagnosis (+Dx), patients without a documented psychiatric diagnosis but with an actively prescribed psychiatric medication (-Dx), and patients without a psychiatric diagnosis or medication (control). Patient demographics, LOS, and discharge disposition were assessed.Results: A total of 5309 patients were included; 3048 patients had no recorded psychiatric medications (control); 2261 patients took at least 1 psychiatric medication, of which 1513 (65.9%) and 748 (34.1%) patients were put in the -Dx and +Dx cohorts, respectively. American Society of Anesthesiologists class differed between groups (P < .001). The -Dx and +Dx groups had increased LOS (3.15 ± 2.37 [75.6 ± 56.9] and 3.12 ± 2.27 [74.9 ± 54.5] vs 2.42 ± 1.70 [57.6 ± 40.8] days (hours), P < .001) and were more likely to be discharged to a secondary facility (23.0% and 21.7% vs 13.8%, P < .001) than the control group. Outcomes did not significantly differ between the -Dx and +Dx cohorts.Conclusion: Most THA patients' psychiatric diagnoses were not documented. The presence of psychiatric medications was associated with longer LOS and a greater likelihood of discharge to secondary facilities. This has implications for both cost and quality metrics. Review of medications can help identify and optimize these patients before surgery.Level Iii Evidence: Retrospective Cohort Study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) often concurrently cope with mental health disorders that may greatly influence HIV and other health-related outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of self-reported mental health disorder diagnosis among a cohort of harder-to-reach HIV-positive individuals in British Columbia, Canada. Between 2007 and 2010, 1000 PHA who had initiated ART were enrolled in the Longitudinal Investigation into Supportive and Ancillary health services (LISA) study. Socio-demographic, behavioral, health-care utilization and psychosocial information was collected through interviewer-led questionnaires and linked to longitudinal clinical variables through the provincial Drug Treatment Program at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. We identified the prevalence of all-type and specific mental health disorders among this population. Of the 916 participants included in this analysis, 494 (54%) reported ever having a mental health disorder diagnosis. Mood (85%) and anxiety (65%) disorders were the two most frequently reported mental health conditions. Self-reported all-type mental health disorder was independently associated with decreased overall functioning (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83-0.98) and life satisfaction (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74-0.89), and having higher stigma score (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.02-1.21). Participants reporting any mental health disorder were more likely to report a history of sexual assault (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.75-3.43) and to have used case management services (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.17-2.27). Our findings uncovered a high burden of mental health disorders among harder-to-reach PHA and suggest that PHA with at least one mental health disorder diagnosis are disproportionately impacted by sexual violence and stigma.

Western notions of pilgrimage produce images of religious adherence to known beliefs and their ritual expressions. Definitions of pilgrimage have expanded in recent decades to embrace treks to sites unattached to the sacred landscapes of traditional faith groups. Along with this expansion of meanings and practices has come a wider acceptance of travel for psychological transformation. Tourism can be argued as a modulated form of pilgrimage and traditional journeys of faith overlapping with instances of entirely secular tourism. Another purpose of pilgrimage can be as a therapeutic practice for those suffering from depressive disorders and related conditions. Its efficacy as therapy, along with its limits, are discussed in clinical and personal contexts with a view to including religious as well as secular perspectives. The pragmatics of such therapy are mapped against current trends in treatment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has a high prevalence and a significant economic impact. Our knowledge regarding neurosensory disorders and co-occurring medical conditions in the ASD population is limited, particularly for autistic women. Most of the studies include male participants or do not make comparisons with their female counterparts. The objective of this systematic review article is to explore the quality of life as well as the prevalence of neurosensory disorders and co-occurring medical conditions in individuals on the spectrum, with a special focus on autistic females. The literature search was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A protocol of this systematic review was designed a priori and was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42022330368). We concluded that numerous medical areas were of concern. Autistic females are more likely than their male counterparts with ASD to suffer from psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, and eating disorders. They are also more likely to report GI-related disturbances and chronic pain. Further investigations are warranted to determine quality of life, as well as the prevalence and severity of neurosensory disorders in individuals with ASD, specifically studies comparing autistic females with their male counterparts. The information derived from these studies will help develop better support systems for individuals with autism, particularly females on the spectrum, in pursuit of improving their quality of life.

Objectives: The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are stressful events that could trigger psychological distress in a large number of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to examine the association between gastric cancer and the risk of new onset of depression among South Korean adults. Methods: Data from 12,664 participants aged over 40 years was derived from the National Health Service National Sample Cohort (2002–2013). The case cohort consists of patients who received a diagnosis of gastric cancer between 2002 and 2009, and the corresponding control group was selected through 1:1 propensity score matching (case: 6332, control: 6332). The new onset of depression was considered as the dependent variable. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was built to analyze the associations between variables in consideration. Results: Individuals with gastric cancer had a higher risk of new onset of depression than those without cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13–1.45.) Female gastric patients had a higher risk of depression compared to male patients (Female; HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.66–2.16, Male; HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.10–1.41). Gastric cancer patients in their 60s had the highest risk of new onset of depression compared to other age groups and no cancer group (HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.40–1.85). Gastric cancer patients who were previously diagnosed with depression prior to their diagnosis of cancer had a higher risk of new onset of depression than gastric cancer patients without antecedent diagnosis of depression (Past Depression (Yes); HR = 5.17, 95% CI = 4.10–6.51, Past Depression (No); HR = 1.35, CI = 1.21–1.51). Conclusions: The study identified a significant relationship between gastric cancer and depression among South Korean adults, suggesting that the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer increases the risk of new onset of depression, especially among female patients between 60 and 69 years old of high income and living in metropolitan regions. Pre-existing health conditions also appeared to be a risk factor. Thus, in consideration of treatment efficacy and patients' quality of life, the results of the study emphasizes the need for attentive intervention, while distinguishing the most vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Only a few studies have analyzed the effects of physical and psychiatric conditions on the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Therefore, the goal of this exploratory case-control study was to investigate the associations of physical and psychiatric conditions with CFS in almost 19 800 adults from Germany. Methods: This study included patients diagnosed for the first time with CFS in one of 1238 general practices in Germany between 2010 and 2017 (index date). Controls without CFS were matched (1:1) to cases with CFS by sex, age, index year, and practice. Physical and psychiatric conditions diagnosed in the year prior to the index date were included if they were present in at least 3% of patients with CFS. Associations between physical and psychiatric conditions (33 potential independent variables) and CFS (dependent variable) were analyzed in an adjusted conditional logistic regression model, and physical and psychiatric disorders were included in the model using forward stepwise selection. Results: This study included 9896 cases with CFS and 9896 controls without CFS [65.1% women; mean (standard deviation) age 49.5 (18.3) years]. Seven conditions were associated with CFS in the adjusted regression model. The disorders displaying the strongest relationship with CFS were cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 2.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.24–2.95], sleep disorders (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.66–2.12) and depression (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.61–1.95). Conclusions: Cancer, sleep disorders, and depression were strongly and positively associated with CFS. Additional studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychiatric conditions affect a large proportion of the population. High heritability estimates have been reported for commonly diagnosed conditions, suggesting both environmental factors and genetic variation significantly contribute to the chance of psychiatric outcomes. Despite growing interest in the provision and receipt of genetic counseling services for these conditions, such specialized interventions are not routinely available in most healthcare systems, including in the United Kingdom (UK). This study examined the attitudes of fourteen National Health Service employed genetic counselors and clinical geneticists, from seven regional genetic centers, toward offering psychiatric genetic counseling (PGC) in the UK. A qualitative methodology was adopted and individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted either by telephone or face‐to‐face, audio recorded, transcribed in full and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants' attitudes were organized under three themes: "Demand," "Readiness to Provide Support," and "Patient Experience." Participants cited key informational and resource needs which included increased workforce capacity, access to further psychological support for patients and more knowledge about the following: specific genes involved, available genetic testing, recurrence/occurrence risk figures, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, patient concerns associated with the impact of psychiatric conditions and interpersonal skills. While some participants appreciated the value of PGC, some reported apprehension and raised concerns around a lack of available genetic testing, the perceived utility of current management options, and a potential negative psychological impact of PGC. This study identified important barriers to the delivery of PGC in the UK by genetics healthcare practitioners. Our findings highlight the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to delivering this intervention and the need for additional training. Further research is required to better understand demand for, nature of, and barriers to provision of PGC in the UK, particularly in terms of genetic counselors' perceptions of their role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: physical health problems are common among people with mental illness. Understanding common co-occurring mental and physical conditions can aid health providers to effectively screen individuals and also integrate care for both conditions. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of comorbidity among patients attending the outpatient section of the Mental Health Care Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital. Methods: a cross-sectional survey of 385 patients attending the Mental Health Care Centre of Windhoek Central Hospital was carried out using structured questionnaire. Results: the study found that 33.8% of participants had comorbid physical and mental conditions. The most common co-occurring physical conditions were from the cardiovascular system (40.8%), infections (30.8%), and neurological conditions (13.0%). Female patients were more likely to have comorbidity compared to their male counterparts (OR=2.8; CI = 1.5-5.0; p=0.001), and the risk of comorbidity increased with age (OR=1.1; CI = 1.0-1.1; p<0.001). Conclusion: the study emphasizes the inseparability of mental and physical health, and the bidirectional association between mental and physical conditions. The high prevalence of somatic disorder points to the need of integration of physical and mental health services. Mental health and somatic services must be adjusted to the fact that most of the people who come to seek help are likely to suffer from more than one illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the primary concern for many patients presenting with sleep disorder and a significant public health problem. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-2) includes EDS as an essential feature for three diagnostic categories: narcolepsy, hypersomnia and behaviourally induced insufficient sleep syndrome. Most frequently, insufficient sleep duration is responsible for this symptom. This review will give an overview of some of the most common causes of EDS encountered in clinical practice and identify important risk factors for excessive sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness is common but often unrecognized. As with most medical conditions, diagnosis of EDS begins with a precise history. The patient may present complaints of 'tiredness' or 'fatigue' rather than more specific symptoms of 'sleepiness' or 'drowsiness'. Therefore in this literature research paper we have summarized the various tools that have been developed along the years to assess sleepiness more objectively and with their help to explore the different aspects and causes of the excessive sleepiness. Always having in consideration that investigators must recognize the limitations of the available methods and select them according to the clinical problem being addressed. The purpose of this research paper, just like any kind of scientific writing, is to get the researchers, psychology students, readers, etc., up to date about the clinical assessment of patient with excessive daytime sleepiness. Especially this paper will be in much use for those who tend to assess or evaluate a patient suffering from EDS. Having in consideration the difficulties researchers face whenever they tru to approach to patients complaining about excessive daytime sleepiness, especially in our country, North Macedonia, where this sleep disorder hasn't yet been studied much due to the lack of cases complaining with the symptoms regarding the problem, we thought that a definition paper which describes facts, provides information and objective approaches how to determine whether the person is suffering from EDS, will be in much use of clinical practitioners. In this research paper is completed a literature review where we have given an outline of the empirical activities by high-ranked psychology researchers around the world, who have contributed in better understanding and broadening our knowledge for the topic discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Depression and insomnia are major psychiatric conditions predicted by occupational stress. However, the influence of occupational stress on these two conditions is under-explored in telecommunication companies, especially in Africa. This research was conducted to assess occupational stress in a Ghanaian telecommunication company and its effect on depression and insomnia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among employees at a telecommunication company in Accra. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used in collecting data from 235 respondents using simple random sampling. The Chi-square test of independence and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test were employed to assess the significance of associations with subsequent sensitivity analysis using Multiple logistic, Poisson and Probit regression models. Occupational stress was matched on four variables: age of the workers, marital status, responsibility for dependents and work experience, to improve on the estimation of its impact on symptomatic depression and insomnia using the coarsened exact matching procedure. Results More males (52.8%) than females participated in this study. The age range for study participants was 20–49 years with a mean of 30.8 ± 6.9 years. The prevalence of excessive occupational stress reported by the employees was 32.8% (95% CI = 26.7–38.8). More than half of respondents (51%) reported depressive symptoms in the past week and only a few (6%) reported being diagnosed with insomnia in the past year. Age, responsibility for dependents and work experience were the only background characteristics that were significantly associated with excessive occupational stress. After controlling for background characteristics, the estimated risk of reporting symptoms of depression among employees who reported excessive stress from work was only 5% higher [ARR; 95% CI = 1.05 (0.94–1.17)] whereas it was 2.58 times the risk of reporting insomnia [ARR; 95% CI = 2.58(0.83–8.00)] compared to those who did not report excessive stress from their jobs. The relative risk reduced to 2.46[ARR; 95% CI = 2.46(0.77–7.87)] and 1.03[ARR; 95% CI = 1.03(0.91–1.17)] for insomnia and depression respectively after employing Poisson regression with CEM. Conclusion The study found a higher risk of insomnia among employees who reported excessive occupational stress compared to those who did not. However, this study did not find a statistically significant relationship between depression and occupational stress.

Background: Depression is considered a predictive factor for cognitive impairments. At the same time, Parkinson's disease (PD) is a growing public health problem. The aim of this study is to examine the association between depression and PD risk among South Korean adults.Methods: Data from 21,766 participants aged over 40, derived from the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort (2002-2013), were included. Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to match participants with and without depression (case: 10,875, control: 10,875). The dependent variable was PD risk. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was built to analyze the associations between variables.Results: People with depression had a higher risk of PD than those without depression (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-2.06). Among individuals with disabilities, those with depression had a higher risk of PD (HR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.08-4.94). According to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, those with depression had a higher risk of PD than their counterparts (CCI score ≥ 5: HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.21-2.20).Limitations: The limitations include the inability to 1) explore factors such as smoking and drinking status, which could be related to PD risk and 2) identify undiagnosed PD that already existed at the time of diagnosis of depression.Conclusions: The results suggest that having depression places individuals at a higher risk of PD. Interventions to alleviate the risk of PD should focus on adequate depression management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to clarify relationships of maternal psychiatric conditions and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use during preconception and pregnancy with risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. We used data from the Study to Explore Early Development, a multisite case-control study conducted in the United States among children born between 2003 and 2011. Final study group classifications of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 1367), developmental delays or disorders (DDs) (n = 1750), and general population controls (n = 1671) were determined by an in-person standardized developmental assessment. Maternal psychiatric conditions and SSRI use during pregnancy were ascertained from both self-report and medical records. We used logistic regression to evaluate associations of ASD and DDs (vs. population controls) with maternal psychiatric conditions and SSRI treatment in pregnancy. To reduce confounding by indication, we also examined SSRI associations in analyses restricted to mothers with psychiatric conditions during pregnancy. Psychiatric conditions and SSRI use during pregnancy were significantly more common among mothers of children with either ASD or DDs than among population controls. Odds of ASD were similarly elevated among mothers with psychiatric conditions who did not use SSRIs during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.44–2.27) as in mothers who did use SSRIs (adjusted odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.50–2.80). Among mothers with psychiatric conditions, SSRI use was not significantly associated with ASD in offspring (adjusted odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.80–1.62). Primary findings for DDs exhibited similar relationships to those observed with ASD. Maternal psychiatric conditions but not use of SSRIs during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are two psychiatric conditions that have similar origins to obsessive compulsive disorder. Both can cause patients significant distress and lead to medical consequences. It is important that primary care NPs identify and refer these individuals for psychiatric treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction It’s established that aesthetic dysfunctions can be associated with psychiatric conditions. In present times, considering the exponential growth of minimally invasive and accessible techniques, alongside with ideals of beauty present in everyday life through exposure in social media, the importance of early detection of mental illness and its impact on the respective outcome should be emphasized. Objectives To review evidence regarding psychiatric disorders in people searching for aesthetic treatments and their impact on the outcome. Methods Literature review using Medline database. Results Around 50% of individuals seeking aesthetic procedures fulfill the diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) can vary from 5-15%, with some studies showing a prevalence of more than 50%. Patients with heightened BDD symptoms are less satisfied with the outcomes of aesthetic procedures which could result in exacerbation of said symptoms. With regards to eating disorders, evidence suggests the initial satisfaction following aesthetic procedures, when observed, is usually transitory, not leading to long-term changes in self-perception relating to body image, nor improving prognosis or quality of life. There’s also some evidence suggesting that personality disorders may be a predictor of poor satisfaction with the results of aesthetic treatments. Conclusions Awareness should be raised in this matter, since psychiatric conditions are more common in patients seeking aesthetic treatments and early identification can lead to a better prognosis by providing patients with the mental health treatment they need; this could also reduce the probability of dissatisfaction and subsequent aggravation of psychiatric symptoms following aesthetic interventions.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common comorbid condition in people with fragile X syndrome (FXS). It has been assumed that ASD symptoms reflect the same underlying psychological and neurobiological impairments in both FXS and non-syndromic ASD, which has led to the claim that targeted pharmaceutical treatments that are efficacious for core symptoms of FXS are likely to be beneficial for non-syndromic ASD as well. In contrast, we present evidence from a variety of sources suggesting that there are important differences in ASD symptoms, behavioral and psychiatric correlates, and developmental trajectories between individuals with comorbid FXS and ASD and those with non-syndromic ASD. We also present evidence suggesting that social impairments may not distinguish individuals with FXS with and without ASD. Finally, we present data that demonstrate that the neurobiological substrates of the behavioral impairments, including those reflecting core ASD symptoms, are different in FXS and non-syndromic ASD. Together, these data suggest that there are clinically important differences between FXS and non-syndromic ASD that are masked by reliance on the categorical diagnosis of ASD. We argue for use of a symptom-based approach in future research, including studies designed to evaluate treatment efficacy.

The formative period of adolescence plays a crucial role in the development of skills and abilities for adulthood. Adolescents who are affected by mental health conditions are at risk of suicide and social and academic impairments. Gene–environment complementary contributions to the molecular mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders have emphasized the need to analyze epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation (DNAm) and non-coding RNAs. However, the large and diverse bioinformatic and statistical methods, referring to the confounders of the statistical models, application of multiple-testing adjustment methods, questions regarding the correlation of DNAm across tissues, and sex-dependent differences in results, have raised challenges regarding the interpretation of the results. Based on the example of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive disorder (MDD), we shed light on the current knowledge and usage of methodological tools in analyzing epigenetics. Statistical robustness is an essential prerequisite for a better understanding and interpretation of epigenetic modifications and helps to find novel targets for personalized therapeutics in psychiatric diseases.

Objective: This study examined psychological status trajectories of mothers of infants with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts in Japan. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Participants: Infants with a nonsyndromic cleft (N = 148) including cleft lip and palate (CLP; n = 72), cleft lip (CL; n = 46), and cleft palate (CP; n = 30). The control group included unaffected infants (N = 84 454). Main Outcome Measures: At 15 weeks and 27 weeks of pregnancy and 12 months after birth, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (clinical cutoff ≥5) was used. At 1 month and 6 months after birth, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (clinical cutoff ≥9) was used. Results: Prenatal diagnosis rates were unavailable. Mothers of infants with CLP had higher psychological distress than controls at 27 weeks of pregnancy (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06-1.74) and postnatal depression at 1 month after birth (PR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.53-3.19). Mothers of infants with CP showed heightened psychological distress at 27 weeks of pregnancy (PR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.21-2.17) and postnatal depression 6 months after birth (PR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.43). There was no significant association between CL and maternal psychological status. At 12 months after birth, no differences in distress were found between mothers of infants with a cleft and controls. Conclusions: Mothers of infants with orofacial clefts may need psychosocial support, particularly during pregnancy and the first year after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the uncertainties of COVID-19, people infected with coronavirus present with diverse psychiatric presentations. Some institutions have had to manage their patients with existing protocols, others have had to create them. In this article we aimed to report the challenges and good practices in the management of psychiatric conditions and delirium coexisting with COVID-19 across continents. Methods: Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs) from across five continents were approached to share their experiences on the management of psychiatric conditions in patients with COVID-19 during the current pandemic. Results: We collected information about the experiences from sixteen countries. Commonalities were similar psychiatric presentations and poor preparedness across countries. Differences were varying adjustments made in the management of psychiatric conditions coexisting with COVID-19 and different innovations. Good practices which can be adopted by other countries are novel approaches such as telepsychiatry, proactive consultation-liaison units and enhanced community services targeted at circumventing challenges faced when providing mental health services. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for global preparedness in the mental health sector during outbreaks of infectious diseases, and the need for concerted efforts targeted at global and locally sensitive adaptation of existing protocols and the development of new guidelines for the management of psychiatric conditions for the present pandemic and subsequent occurrences.

Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of reducing drinking in patients with unhealthy alcohol use on improvement of chronic pain interference, substance use, and psychiatric symptoms. Methods: We analyzed longitudinal data from 2003 to 2015 in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study, a prospective, multisite observational study of US veterans, by emulating a hypothetical randomized trial (a target trial). Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire, and outcome conditions were assessed via validated survey items. Individuals were followed from the first time their AUDIT score was ≥ 8 (baseline), a threshold consistent with unhealthy alcohol use. We compared individuals who reduced drinking (AUDIT < 8) at the next follow‐up visit with individuals who did not (AUDIT ≥ 8). We fit separate logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios for improvement of each condition 2 years postbaseline among individuals who had that condition at baseline: moderate or severe pain interference symptoms, tobacco smoking, cannabis use, cocaine use, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Inverse probability weighting was used to account for potential selection bias and confounding. Results: Adjusted 2‐year odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for associations between reducing drinking and improvement or resolution of each condition were as follows: 1.49 (0.91, 2.42) for pain interference symptoms, 1.57 (0.93, 2.63) for tobacco smoking, 1.65 (0.92, 2.95) for cannabis use, 1.83 (1.03, 3.27) for cocaine use, 1.11 (0.64, 1.92) for depressive symptoms, and 1.33 (0.80, 2.22) for anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: We found some evidence for improvement of pain interference symptoms and substance use after reducing drinking among US veterans with unhealthy alcohol use, but confidence intervals were wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression and insomnia are major psychiatric conditions predicted by occupational stress. However, the influence of occupational stress on these two conditions is under-explored in telecommunication companies, especially in Africa. This research was conducted to assess occupational stress in a Ghanaian telecommunication company and its effect on depression and insomnia.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among employees at a telecommunication company in Accra. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used in collecting data from 235 respondents using simple random sampling. The Chi-square test of independence and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test were employed to assess the significance of associations with subsequent sensitivity analysis using Multiple logistic, Poisson and Probit regression models. Occupational stress was matched on four variables: age of the workers, marital status, responsibility for dependents and work experience, to improve on the estimation of its impact on symptomatic depression and insomnia using the coarsened exact matching procedure.Results: More males (52.8%) than females participated in this study. The age range for study participants was 20-49 years with a mean of 30.8 ± 6.9 years. The prevalence of excessive occupational stress reported by the employees was 32.8% (95% CI = 26.7-38.8). More than half of respondents (51%) reported depressive symptoms in the past week and only a few (6%) reported being diagnosed with insomnia in the past year. Age, responsibility for dependents and work experience were the only background characteristics that were significantly associated with excessive occupational stress. After controlling for background characteristics, the estimated risk of reporting symptoms of depression among employees who reported excessive stress from work was only 5% higher [ARR; 95% CI = 1.05 (0.94-1.17)] whereas it was 2.58 times the risk of reporting insomnia [ARR; 95% CI = 2.58(0.83-8.00)] compared to those who did not report excessive stress from their jobs. The relative risk reduced to 2.46[ARR; 95% CI = 2.46(0.77-7.87)] and 1.03[ARR; 95% CI = 1.03(0.91-1.17)] for insomnia and depression respectively after employing Poisson regression with CEM.Conclusion: The study found a higher risk of insomnia among employees who reported excessive occupational stress compared to those who did not. However, this study did not find a statistically significant relationship between depression and occupational stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]