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Levi-Belz Y, Blank C, Groweiss Y, Neria Y. The impact of potentially morally injurious experience of betrayal on PTSD and depression following the October 7th terror attack. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18021. [PMID: 39098963 PMCID: PMC11298528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69035-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
With about 1200 individuals murdered, the massacre of October 7th was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in modern history. The mental health consequences of terrorist attacks have been documented. However, little is known of the impact of the potentially morally injurious experience (PMIE) of betrayal--in which individuals feel betrayed by leaders they once trusted--on levels of psychological burden in the aftermath of such an attack. In this national prospective cohort study, we examined to what extent the PMIE of betrayal exacerbates the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attack. A representative sample of 710 Israeli adults (362 female, 51.1%), Jews (557, 79.9%) and Arabs (153, 20.1%), aged 18-85 (M = 41.01, SD = 13.72) completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing PTSD, depression, and PMIE-betrayal at two timepoints: T1, in August 2023 (6-7 weeks before the attack) and T2, in November 2023 (5-6 weeks after the attack). In two hierarchical logistic regressions, we found that experience of PMIE-betrayal predicted diagnoses of both PTSD (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.26-2.92) and depression (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.37-3.01) at T2, beyond probable PTSD/depression at T1 and demographic and trauma-related variables. Moreover, in two repeated-measure analyses predicting PTSD/depression symptoms, we found significant interactions between PTSD/depression trajectories and PMIE-betrayal, meaning that the increase of PTSD/depression symptoms was significantly higher among participants experiencing betrayal in the context of the attack. Our study highlights the impact of PMIE of betrayal on the dramatic increase in psychopathology following the October 7th terror attack on Israel's population. Clinicians treating individuals coping with PTSD and depression should attend to their patients' possible exposure to betrayal following the attack. Moreover, national leaders and policymakers should take significant steps to repair the public's betrayal experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, 40250, Emek Hefer, Israel.
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel.
| | - Carmel Blank
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, 40250, Emek Hefer, Israel
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yoav Groweiss
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, 40250, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Marchese S, Huckins LM. Trauma Matters: Integrating Genetic and Environmental Components of PTSD. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:2200017. [PMID: 37766803 PMCID: PMC10520418 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Trauma is ubiquitous, but only a subset of those who experience trauma will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this review, it is argued that to determine who is at risk of developing PTSD, it is critical to examine the genetic etiology of the disorder and individual trauma profiles of those who are susceptible. First, the state of current PTSD genetic research is described, with a particular focus on studies that present evidence for trauma type specificity, or for differential genetic etiology according to gender or race. Next, approaches that leverage non-traditional phenotyping approaches are reviewed to identify PTSD-associated variants and biology, and the relative advantages and limitations inherent in these studies are reflected on. Finally, it is discussed how trauma might influence the heritability of PTSD, through type, risk factors, genetics, and associations with PTSD symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Marchese
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric GenomicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
| | - Laura M. Huckins
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric GenomicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Present address:
Department of PsychiatryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCT06511USA
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Loh MK, Stickling C, Schrank S, Hanshaw M, Ritger AC, Dilosa N, Finlay J, Ferrara NC, Rosenkranz JA. Liposaccharide-induced sustained mild inflammation fragments social behavior and alters basolateral amygdala activity. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:647-671. [PMID: 36645464 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Conditions with sustained low-grade inflammation have high comorbidity with depression and anxiety and are associated with social withdrawal. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is critical for affective and social behaviors and is sensitive to inflammatory challenges. Large systemic doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) initiate peripheral inflammation, increase BLA neuronal activity, and disrupt social and affective measures in rodents. However, LPS doses commonly used in behavioral studies are high enough to evoke sickness syndrome, which can confound interpretation of amygdala-associated behaviors. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS The objectives of this study were to find a LPS dose that triggers mild peripheral inflammation but not observable sickness syndrome in adult male rats, to test the effects of sustained mild inflammation on BLA and social behaviors. To accomplish this, we administered single doses of LPS (0-100 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) and measured open field behavior, or repeated LPS (5 μg/kg, 3 consecutive days), and measured BLA neuronal firing, social interaction, and elevated plus maze behavior. RESULTS Repeated low-dose LPS decreased BLA neuron firing rate but increased the total number of active BLA neurons. Repeated low-dose LPS also caused early disengagement during social bouts and less anogenital investigation and an overall pattern of heightened social caution associated with reduced gain of social familiarity over the course of a social session. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence for parallel shifts in social interaction and amygdala activity caused by prolonged mild inflammation. This effect of inflammation may contribute to social symptoms associated with comorbid depression and chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine K Loh
- Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, 60064, North Chicago, USA.,Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Courtney Stickling
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean Schrank
- Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, 60064, North Chicago, USA.,Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, North Chicago, USA
| | - Madison Hanshaw
- Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, 60064, North Chicago, USA.,Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexandra C Ritger
- Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, 60064, North Chicago, USA.,Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, North Chicago, USA
| | - Naijila Dilosa
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua Finlay
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicole C Ferrara
- Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, 60064, North Chicago, USA.,Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J Amiel Rosenkranz
- Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, IL, 60064, North Chicago, USA. .,Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
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Hosak L, Hosakova K, Malekirad M, Kamaradova Koncelikova D, Zapletalova J, Latalova K. Environmental Factors in the Etiology of Mental Disorders in the Czech Republic. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:349-359. [PMID: 36785848 PMCID: PMC9922064 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s379811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both genetic and environmental factors are important in etiology of mental disorders. Calculating polyenviromic risk/protective scores provides an updated perspective in research on the environmental causes of psychiatric disorders. We aimed to compare environmental risk and protective factors in patients with psychosis or a mood disorder (PSYCH+MOOD) and those with an anxiety disorder (ANX). METHODS We administered the internationally accepted questionnaire from the EUropean Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) study, enriched with mood and anxiety disorder-relevant measures, to patients at two large university hospitals in the Czech Republic. RESULTS Ninety-four PSYCH+MOOD patients (average age 42.5 years; 46 males) and 52 ANX patients (average age 47.2 years; 17 males) participated. Neither polyenviromic risk score nor polyenviromic protective score differed significantly between PSYCH+MOOD and ANX groups (p = 0.149; p = 0.466, respectively). CONCLUSION Scientific validity of the polyenviromic risk/protective score construct must still be demonstrated in large psychiatric samples, ideally in prospective studies. Nevertheless, researchers have already started to investigate environmental factors in the etiology of mental disorders in their complexity, similarly to polygenic risk scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Hosak
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles University, School of Medicine in Hradec Kralove and University Hospital, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Hosakova
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles University, School of Medicine in Hradec Kralove and University Hospital, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Malekirad
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles University, School of Medicine in Hradec Kralove and University Hospital, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Kamaradova Koncelikova
- Department of Psychiatry, Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zapletalova
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Latalova
- Department of Psychiatry, Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Karim S, Choukas-Bradley S, Radovic A, Roberts SR, Maheux AJ, Escobar-Viera CG. Support over Social Media among Socially Isolated Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Rural U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities for Intervention Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15611. [PMID: 36497684 PMCID: PMC9738510 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) rural adolescents are at risk for higher levels of social isolation, a well-known risk factor for depression and other negative health outcomes. We qualitatively examined how rural SGM youth seek emotional and informational support, which are protective factors for social isolation on social media (SM) regarding their SGM identity, and determined which SM platforms and tools are most effective in providing support. We conducted semistructured online interviews with rural SGM teens who screened positive for social isolation in spring 2020 and used a thematic analysis approach to analyze the data. Sixteen youths participated in interviews. Themes included seeking emotional support through SM groups and communities, seeking emotional support in designated online SGM spaces, using SM feeds for informational support, and disclosing SGM identity differentially across platforms. SM-based interventions could be leveraged to provide emotional and informational support for rural SGM youth across specific SM platforms and consider whether they are providing emotional or information support. Interventions focused on informational support may best be used on content-based platforms. Those designed to combat social isolation and connect marginalized SGM youths to similar others might benefit from community and forum-based platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Karim
- Learning Sciences Research, Digital Promise 1001 Connecticut Ave NW #935, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Sophia Choukas-Bradley
- Department of Psychology, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ana Radovic
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Center for Enhancing Treatment & Utilization for Depression & Emergent Suicidality (ETUDES), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Savannah R. Roberts
- Department of Psychology, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Anne J. Maheux
- Department of Psychology, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - César G. Escobar-Viera
- Center for Enhancing Treatment & Utilization for Depression & Emergent Suicidality (ETUDES), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Escobar-Viera CG, Choukas-Bradley S, Sidani J, Maheux AJ, Roberts SR, Rollman BL. Examining Social Media Experiences and Attitudes Toward Technology-Based Interventions for Reducing Social Isolation Among LGBTQ Youth Living in Rural United States: An Online Qualitative Study. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:900695. [PMID: 35832658 PMCID: PMC9271672 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.900695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth living in rural areas who feel isolated are at high risk of depression and suicidality. Given the lack of support in their offline communities, many rural-living LGBTQ youth turn to social media for social support. In this qualitative study, we examined rural LGBTQ youth's social media experiences and attitudes toward technology-based interventions for reducing perceived isolation.MethodIn Spring 2020, we conducted online interviews with LGBTQ youth aged 14-19, living in rural areas of the United States, who screened positive for perceived social isolation (n = 20; 11 cisgender sexual minority, 9 transgender). Interviews examined (1) supportive social media experiences, (2) personal strategies to improve social media experiences, and (3) perspective on potential digital intervention delivery modalities. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsRelated to supportive content and interactions, themes included (1) positive representation of and connecting with LGBTQ groups on social media are important; (2) content from people with shared experience feels supportive, and (3) lack of feedback to one's experiences is isolating. Regarding personal strategies to improve social media experiences, themes were (1) selecting platforms to connect with different audiences helps make for a more enjoyable social media experience, and (2) several social media platform features can help make for a safer social media experience. Youth discussed advantages and disadvantages of intervention delivery via a mobile app, social media pages or groups, conversational agents (chatbots), and a dedicated website.ConclusionViewing positive representation of and connecting with LGBTQ groups, content from people shared experiences, and utilizing a wide array of platform features to increase the likelihood of positive connections are key to a positive social media experience among this group. Combining delivery modalities is key to engaging rural-living LGBTQ youth in digitally delivered support interventions to reduce perceived isolation. Our results inform future intervention research and conversations about social determinants of health between providers and rural LGBTQ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- César G. Escobar-Viera
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Enhancing Treatment and Utilization for Depression and Emergent Suicidality (ETUDES), School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Behavioral Health, Media, and Technology, Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: César G. Escobar-Viera
| | | | - Jaime Sidani
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anne J. Maheux
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Savannah R. Roberts
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Bruce L. Rollman
- Center for Enhancing Treatment and Utilization for Depression and Emergent Suicidality (ETUDES), School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Behavioral Health, Media, and Technology, Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Deeb S, Madden D, Ghebretinsae T, Lin J, Ozbek U, Mayer V, Vangeepuram N. Child Disruptions, Remote Learning, and Parent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116442. [PMID: 35682026 PMCID: PMC9180527 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
New York City (NYC) was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in broad economic, social, and emotional consequences in the lives of individuals. The current study examined associations between pandemic-related stressors and adverse mental health symptoms among NYC parents/caregivers. Community-based participatory research was used to develop a survey, and logistic regression models were utilized to assess associations between factors including disruptions in child routines and remote learning, and parent-reported symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some 91.0% of parents reported stress and 41.2, 26.6, and 33.7% reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, respectively. Most parents (87.6%) reported cancellation of at least one child activity. Of the parents, 60.3% reported that their children participated in remote learning and the majority (70.3%) reported feeling overwhelmed by it. Having more cancelled child activities was associated with higher odds of reported mental health symptoms, with not being able to play outside associated with higher odds of anxiety (1.80 (1.26, 2.58), p = 0.001), depression (1.93 (1.29, 2.91), p = 0.002), PTSD (1.64 (1.13, 2.39), p = 0.009), and stress (2.34 (1.27, 4.44), p = 0.008). Feeling overwhelmed by remote learning was also associated with higher odds of all four outcomes. Pre-existing mental illness, lower resilience scores, and lower socioeconomic status emerged as additional factors associated with symptoms of mental illness. These findings highlight the importance of resources to minimize adverse psychological effects among vulnerable families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Deeb
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.D.); (D.M.); (T.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Devin Madden
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.D.); (D.M.); (T.G.); (V.M.)
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.L.); (U.O.)
- Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Timnit Ghebretinsae
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.D.); (D.M.); (T.G.); (V.M.)
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.L.); (U.O.)
- Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Joyce Lin
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.L.); (U.O.)
| | - Umut Ozbek
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.L.); (U.O.)
| | - Victoria Mayer
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.D.); (D.M.); (T.G.); (V.M.)
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.L.); (U.O.)
- Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nita Vangeepuram
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.D.); (D.M.); (T.G.); (V.M.)
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.L.); (U.O.)
- Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-917-478-2106
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Saraei M, Golshan M, Aminian O, Eftekhari S. Association between solvent exposure and depression among industrial workers. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01376-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Holt-Lunstad J. Social Connection as a Public Health Issue: The Evidence and a Systemic Framework for Prioritizing the "Social" in Social Determinants of Health. Annu Rev Public Health 2022; 43:193-213. [PMID: 35021021 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052020-110732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in and renewed support for prioritizing social factors in public health both in the USA and globally. While there are multiple widely recognized social determinants of health, indicators of social connectedness (e.g., social capital, social support, social isolation, loneliness) are often noticeably absent from the discourse. This article provides an organizing framework for conceptualizing social connection and summarizes the cumulative evidence supporting its relevance for health, including epidemiological associations, pathways, and biological mechanisms. This evidence points to several implications for prioritizing social connection within solutions across sectors, where public health work, initiatives, and research play a key role in addressing gaps. Therefore, this review proposes a systemic framework for cross-sector action to identify missed opportunities and guide future investigation, intervention, practice, and policy on promoting social connection and health for all. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 43 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Jacobs M, Ellis C. Social Connectivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparities among Medicare Beneficiaries. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 12:21501327211030135. [PMID: 34231409 PMCID: PMC8267026 DOI: 10.1177/21501327211030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Social connections are essential for health and well-being at all ages and may be especially important for promoting health in later life. Maintaining social connections, however, became increasingly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic when stay-at-home orders were enacted, and social distancing became necessary. This study examines the social connectivity among Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance technological availability, income, and race. Methods Data from the 2020 Medicare Beneficiaries Survey COVID supplement was used to evaluate social connectedness during the spring and fall of 2020. Binomial logistic regression evaluated the relationship between feelings of social connectedness and race/ethnicity, urban status of residence, income, availability of household technologies, internet access, and chronic conditions. Results Lower social connectivity is significantly correlated with race and income. Blacks had a nearly 30% higher likelihood of feeling socially disconnected than other racial groups. Individuals with chronic conditions, particularly cancer, were significantly more likely to feel socially disconnected. Internet access and the availability of technological devices decreased the odds of feeling socially disconnected by 20% and 15% respectively. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic decreased the social connectedness of many vulnerable groups specifically Blacks, those living with chronic conditions, and individuals with limited access to technology. While it is outside the scope of the current study, additional research is needed to determine how to address the social and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among elderly Americans.
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Wesemann U, Bühler A, Mahnke M, Polk S, Willmund G. Longitudinal Mental Health Effects of the 2016 Terrorist Attack in Berlin on Various Occupational Groups of Emergency Service Personnel. Health Secur 2021; 18:403-408. [PMID: 33616414 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2019.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergency service personnel who respond to terrorist attacks may experience persistent stress following the event. This occupational stress must be examined in order to develop occupation-specific response preparation and follow-up measures. An explorative pilot study examined the occupational stress-related effects of the 2016 terrorist attack on Breitscheidplatz in Berlin on emergency service personnel. The present study examines whether the results of the pilot study can be replicated and whether the effects changed after 2 years. The participants were 60 emergency personnel (including 11 police officers and 24 firefighters) who were deployed to the attack, and a control group of 60 personnel (including 37 police officers and 21 firefighters) who were not deployed. Data on stress, quality of life, and current mental state were gathered 3 to 4 months after the attack and 18 to 21 months after the first survey. The data showed that police officers who responded to the attack had significantly higher levels of aggression and hostility at both time points, and firefighters had significantly lower levels of environmental quality of life at both time points. Quality of life in terms of physical health for firefighters could not be replicated. Due to the different types of stress experienced by emergency service personnel, a differentiated approach is necessary. More specific preparation and follow-up measures are necessary to counteract persistent stress. Further research in this area could lead to specific predeployment and postdeployment training measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Wesemann
- Ulrich Wesemann, PhD, is Deputy Research Director, Centre for Psychotraumatology
| | - Antje Bühler
- Antje Bühler, PhD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Senior Researcher, Centre for Psychotraumatology
| | - Manuel Mahnke
- Manuel Mahnke was Senior Study Nurse, Centre for Psychotraumatology, and Deputy Head of Crisis Management for the Corona Pandemic.,Manuel Mahnke is also Head of the Youth Department of Fire and Rescue Station, Volunteer Fire Brigade, Berlin
| | - Sarah Polk
- Sarah Polk, MSc, is a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and The International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Willmund
- Gerd Willmund, MD, is a Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Head of Research, Centre for Psychotraumatology, and Deputy Department Head of Psychiatry; all at Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Morina N, Kip A, Hoppen TH, Priebe S, Meyer T. Potential impact of physical distancing on physical and mental health: a rapid narrative umbrella review of meta-analyses on the link between social connection and health. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042335. [PMID: 33737424 PMCID: PMC7978290 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The imperative for physical distancing (mostly referred to as social distancing) during COVID-19 pandemic may deteriorate physical and mental health. We aimed at summarising the strength of evidence in the published literature on the association of physical and mental health with social connection via social isolation, living alone and loneliness. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in April 2020 to identify meta-analyses using the Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. The search strategy included terms of social isolation, loneliness, living alone and meta-analysis. Eligible meta-analyses needed to report any sort of association between an indicator of social connection and any physical or mental health outcome. The findings were summarised in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Twenty-five meta-analyses met our criteria, of which 10 focused on physical health and 15 on mental health outcomes. The results suggest that lack of social connection is associated with chronic physical symptoms, frailty, coronary heart disease, malnutrition, hospital readmission, reduced vaccine uptake, early mortality, depression, social anxiety, psychosis, cognitive impairment in later life and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The existing evidence clearly indicates that social connection is associated with a range of poor physical and mental health outcomes. A potential negative impact on these outcomes needs to be considered in future decisions on physical distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nexhmedin Morina
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ahlke Kip
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Priebe
- Unit of Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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