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Waqas A, Nadeem M, Rahman A. Exploring Heterogeneity in perinatal depression: a comprehensive review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:643. [PMID: 37667216 PMCID: PMC10478465 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05121-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal depression (PND) is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity globally. Recognized as a major cause of poor infant development, epidemiological and interventional research on it has increased over the last decade. Recently, studies have pointed out that PND is a heterogeneous condition, with variability in its phenotypes, rather than a homogenous latent entity and a concrete diagnosis, as previously conceptualized in psychometric literature and diagnostic systems. Therefore, it is pertinent that researchers recognize this to progress in elucidating its aetiology and developing efficacious interventions.This systematic review is conducted in accordance with the Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE). It aims to provide an updated and comprehensive account of research on heterogeneity in phenotypes of PND and its implications in research, public health, and clinical practice. It provides a synthesis and quality assessment of studies reporting heterogeneity in PND using cutting-edge statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms. After reporting the phenotypes of PND, based on heterogeneous trajectories and symptom profiles, it also elucidates the risk factors associated with severe forms of PND, followed by robust evidence for adverse child outcomes. Furthermore, recommendations are made to improve public health and clinical practice in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of PND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Waqas
- Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Regalado D, Connolly ME, Krutsch K, Stark A, Kendall-Tackett K, Garner CD. Psychiatric medication use among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis for mental health concerns: A cross-sectional survey study. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231199391. [PMID: 37746858 PMCID: PMC10521288 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231199391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is increasing. Mental health concerns are reported as common reasons for maternal cannabis use, but little is known about the use of psychiatric medications in this population. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe psychiatric medication use among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis for mental health concerns. DESIGN Anonymous, online cross-sectional survey. METHODS Data were collected from May 2018 to August 2019 among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis. This study included mothers who reported cannabis use for mental health concerns (n = 1363). The survey assessed the timing of cannabis use (during pregnancy and/or lactation); use of cannabis to address depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or anxiety; use of psychiatric medications; psychiatric distress (Patient Health Questionnaire-4); and demographic information. Differences between groups were examined using t-test and chi-square test in SPSS. RESULTS The mean age was 29.7 years; most were married (62%); 74% were White non-Hispanic, 9% Hispanic, and 17% Black, Indigenous or other People of Color. Mental health symptoms prompting cannabis use included anxiety (96%), depression (75%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (36%). Only 24% of respondents (n = 322) reported concomitant use of psychiatric medications, primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (72%, n = 232) and benzodiazepines (21%, n = 68). The composite Patient Health Questionnaire-4 showed most respondents had no (61%) or mild (27%) psychological distress; 14% screened positive for depression; and 17% screened positive for anxiety. Respondents who used psychiatric medications more often screened positive mental health concerns. CONCLUSION Most mothers who used cannabis for mental health concerns were not taking psychiatric medications. This may be due to a mismatch between perceived mental health and screening results, un- or under-treated mental illness, or preference for cannabis over psychiatric medications. Improved management of perinatal mental health and effective patient education about risks of cannabis versus medication use are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Regalado
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Meghan E. Connolly
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Kaytlin Krutsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- InfantRisk Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Amy Stark
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | | | - Christine D. Garner
- InfantRisk Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
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Atif N, Nazir H, Sultan ZH, Rauf R, Waqas A, Malik A, Sikander S, Rahman A. Technology-assisted peer therapy: a new way of delivering evidence-based psychological interventions. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:842. [PMID: 35773677 PMCID: PMC9245257 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08233-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In low-income settings, ninety percent of individuals with clinical depression have no access to evidence-based psychological interventions. Reasons include lack of funds for specialist services, scarcity of trained mental health professionals, and the stigma attached to mental illness. In recent years there have been many studies demonstrating effective delivery of psychological interventions through a variety of non-specialists. While these interventions are cost-effective and less stigmatising, efforts to scale-up are hampered by issues of quality-control, and what has been described by implementation scientists as ‘voltage-drop’ and ‘programme-drift.’ Using principles of Human Centred Design in a rural setting in Pakistan, we worked with potential users to co-design a Tablet or Smartphone-based App that can assist a lay-person deliver the Thinking Healthy Programme, a World Health Organization-endorsed evidence-based intervention for perinatal depression. The active ingredients of this cognitive-therapy based intervention are delivered by a virtual ‘avatar’ therapist incorporated into the App which is operated by a ‘peer’ (a woman from the neighbourhood with no prior experience of healthcare delivery). Using automated cues from the App, the peer reinforces key therapeutic messages, helps with problem-solving and provides the non-specific but essential therapeutic elements of empathy and support. The peer and App therefore act as co-therapists in delivery of the intervention. The peer can deliver the intervention with good fidelity after brief automated in-built training. This approach has the potential to be applied to other areas of mental health and help bridge the treatment gap, especially in resource-poor settings. This paper describes the process of co-development with end-users and key features of the App.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najia Atif
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Huma Nazir
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | | | - Rabia Rauf
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Waqas
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Abid Malik
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.,Health Services Academy, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Siham Sikander
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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WHODAS Assessment Feasibility and Mental Health Impact on Functional Disability in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061053. [PMID: 35742104 PMCID: PMC9222861 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061053] [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] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), besides rheumatological dysfunction, manifests in neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. Mental health illnesses in SLE patients have a high prevalence and a profound impact on quality of life, generating an increased disability and premature mortality. This study aimed to establish the degree of disability in patients with SLE and the impact of depression and anxiety on patients’ functioning. Additionally, the study aimed to verify whether World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 is suitable for the evaluation of patients with SLE associating depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Cross-sectional research was performed, including adult patients, diagnosed with SLE. To evaluate depression, anxiety, and functioning, approved questionnaires Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and, World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) were applied. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on WHODAS subscales. Sixty-two patients were included in the research, with a mean of SLE diagnosis of 12.48 years; 53 patients (85%) had depression (p < 0.001). Anxiety was found in 38 patients (61.29%, p < 0.05). WHODAS assessment results depicted that 39 patients (62.90%, p < 0.05) manifested disability, from which 26 (66.66%, p < 0.05) presented moderate and severe disability. A strong correlation between the severity of anxiety and the degree of disability (r > 0.6, p < 0.001) was found. The WHODAS scale assessment proved to be a valuable tool for SLE patient’s functioning assessment. This study suggests that depression and anxiety negatively impact WHODAS disability scores, decreasing the quality of life in SLE patients.
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Santos GM, Hong C, Wilson N, Nutor JJ, Harris O, Garner A, Holloway I, Ayala G, Howell S. Persistent disparities in COVID-19-associated impacts on HIV prevention and care among a global sample of sexual and gender minority individuals. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:827-842. [PMID: 35435149 PMCID: PMC10953730 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2063362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As COVID-19 continues to persist, there is a need to examine its impact among sexual and gender minority individuals, especially those with intersecting vulnerabilities. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of sexual and gender minority individuals (n = 21,795) from October 25, 2020 to November 19, 2020, through a social networking app. We characterised the HIV prevention and HIV treatment impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 mitigation response and examined whether subgroups of our study population are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Many sexual and gender minority individuals reported interruptions to HIV prevention and HIV care and treatment services. These consequences were significantly greater among people living with HIV, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, individuals with a history of sex work, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. These findings highlight the urgent need to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 among sexual and gender minority individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn-Milo Santos
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chenglin Hong
- Department of Social Welfare, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Natalie Wilson
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jerry John Nutor
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Orlando Harris
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ian Holloway
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - George Ayala
- Alameda County Public Health Department, San Leandro, CA, USA
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Waqas A, Koukab A, Meraj H, Dua T, Chowdhary N, Fatima B, Rahman A. Screening programs for common maternal mental health disorders among perinatal women: report of the systematic review of evidence. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:54. [PMID: 35073867 PMCID: PMC8787899 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression and anxiety are highly prevalent worldwide. Fisher et al., estimated the prevalence of depression and anxiety at 15.6% during the antenatal and 19.8% during the postpartum period. Their impact on maternal and child health is well-recognized among the public health community, accounting for high societal costs. The public health impact of these conditions has highlighted the need to focus on the development and provision of effective prevention and treatment strategies.In recent decades, some advances have been made in the development of effective universal and targeted screening programmes for perinatal depression and anxiety disorders. Recent research has shown potential benefits of universal and targeted screening for perinatal depression, to identify and treat undiagnosed cases, and help thwart its deleterious consequences. Ethical implications, however, for these screening programmes, without the provision of treatment have often been emphasized.The present mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to collate evidence for screening programmes for perinatal depression and anxiety. It aims to answer the following questions, in a global context: For women in the perinatal period, do screening programmes for perinatal depression and anxiety compared with no screening improve maternal mental health and infant outcomes?A series of meta-analyses reveal a reduction in perinatal depression and anxiety among perinatal women undergoing screening programmes. For the outcome of depressive disorder, meta-analysis indicates a positive impact in favour of the intervention group (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.66, n = 9009), with moderate quality of evidence. A significant improvement (high quality) was also observed in symptoms of anxiety among perinatal women (SMD = - 0.18, 95% CI: - 0.25 to - 0.12, n = 3654).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Waqas
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GF, UK.
| | - Ahmreen Koukab
- Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Meraj
- Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tarun Dua
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Neerja Chowdhary
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Batool Fatima
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Atif Rahman
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GF, UK
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