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Interesting! Are you feeling anxious? Your gut might be the reason. Yet another finding that adds to the key importance of gut microbiota in regulating mood and behaviour. If you're on a path to improve your mental health, reach out to me and provide insights on what are the key attributes you would like to have in your digital mental health service (DMHS).

POST COVID DEPRESSION & ANXIETY: Long COVID causes inflammation in the brain that can cause the release of cytokines (proteins that are secreted from certain cells in the immune system) that are known to cause fatigue, low energy, and low motivation ― symptoms which are also associated with depression and anxiety. What's more, if a patient had a serious case of acute COVID which led them to go on a ventilator, that too can cause changes in the brain. This means they could have had problems with their oxygenation status, and oxygen deprivation can have both acute and long-term effects on the brain. People can become delirious, meaning they have disturbances in their cognitive function, like attention and awareness (deficits). The study, published in The Lancet, followed 236,379 patients with long COVID. The investigators found that 62% of patients had received either a neurologic or a psychological diagnosis 6 months after being diagnosed with acute COVID. nsomnia itself can be a symptom of depression. It may also be a physical symptom of long COVID similar to pain or difficulty breathing. And if you're not sleeping well, you're going to feel worse both physically and mentally. We also know that pain can affect mood and mood can affect pain — it's a bio-directional relationship. For example, if you're in pain, you're going to feel bad, and if you're depressed, that can also make your pain experience worse. Additionally, if you're in pain, it causes a physical limitation that can keep you from work or seeing your friends and family. These can all impact your social life. Limitations at work can also cause financial stress, which has been shown to impact mental health. https://lnkd.in/eKu9e2Hx NEED SUPPORT? Promedview coaches and advocates can help you navigate your recovery. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dXBhFW8v #postcoviddepression #DepressionAndAnxietyAwareness #longcovidawareness #LongCOVIDkids #neurocovid

Case Study: Burden of Illness - Mental Health Disorders in MS Patients OM1, Inc. conducted a study on the burden of mental health conditions in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. With the help of our PremiOM MS Real-World Dataset, we were able to: ✔ Identify the population of MS patients with comorbid mental health conditions and  ✔ Understand unmet mental health intervention and psychotherapy needs and impact on disease activity. The Solutioning we used:  ✔ We examined patients with MS and mental health diagnosis, medication or treatment.  ✔ Identified patient and disease characteristics associated with depression and anxiety related to comorbidities. Our Findings were: ✔ Study conducted on roughly 19,000 MS patients ✔ About 80% of MS patients had a comorbid mental health condition  ✔ Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders were the most frequent. What’s the value? ✔ The nuances of comorbidities and how they influence the primary disease of interest are often misunderstood or overlooked. ✔ Helps provide explainability around patient journeys Interested in learning more about our Multiple Sclerosis PremiOM dataset and see how OM1 can assist in your current research studies? Check out the following links; 📍 Book a meeting with us: https://lnkd.in/eJcKBAJK 📍 MS eBook: https://lnkd.in/e2GR4xB8  📍 MS Smart Link : https://lnkd.in/efr9VREX #ms #neurology #rwd #patientjourneys

Gut microbes may play role in social anxiety disorder A study published in PNAS suggests that gut microbes may play a role in social anxiety disorder (SAD). Researchers found that the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria and other organisms in the gastrointestinal system, differs in people with SAD compared to healthy individuals. This finding is part of a growing body of research showing that gut microbes can influence the brain. In the study, researchers transplanted microbes from the guts of people with SAD into mice. These mice then exhibited an increased response to social fear. This builds on previous research showing similar results for conditions like depression and irritable bowel syndrome. Professor John Cryan, a co-author of the research, emphasised the importance of gut flora in disorders like SAD. He suggested that looking after our gut microbes throughout development and adulthood is crucial for maintaining a properly functioning social brain. The study involved taking faecal samples from six healthy people and six people with SAD. Metagenomic analysis confirmed significant differences in the gut microbiome between the two groups. The samples were then transferred into laboratory mice, which had been treated with antibiotics to remove their natural gut microbes. The mice's responses to various stimuli were subsequently observed. This research highlights the potential role of the gut microbiome in mental health and opens up new possibilities for therapies targeting gut microbes. Full Study: https://lnkd.in/gBU4JZhd #microbiome #gutbrainconnection #mentalhealth

📃Scientific paper: Chronic kidney disease and severe mental illness: a scoping review Abstract: Background People who have severe mental illness experience higher rates of long-term conditions and die on average 15–20 years earlier than people who do not have severe mental illness, a phenomenon known as the mortality gap. Long-term conditions, such as diabetes, impact health outcomes for people who have severe mental illness, however there is limited recognition of the relationship between chronic kidney disease and severe mental illness. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to explore the available evidence on the relationship between chronic kidney disease and severe mental illness. Methods Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched. The database searches were limited to articles published between January 2000–January 2022, due to significant progress that has been made in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of both SMI and CKD. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they explored the relationship between SMI and CKD (Stages 1–5) in terms of prevalence, risk factors, clinical outcomes, and access to treatment and services. Severe mental illness was defined as conditions that can present with psychosis, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. Thirty articles were included in the review. Results The included studies illustrated that there is an increased risk of chronic kidney disease amongst people who have severe mental illness, compared to those... Discover the rest of the scientific article on es/iode ➡️https://etcse.fr/R7ZpN

📃Scientific paper: Chronic kidney disease and severe mental illness: a scoping review Abstract: Background People who have severe mental illness experience higher rates of long-term conditions and die on average 15–20 years earlier than people who do not have severe mental illness, a phenomenon known as the mortality gap. Long-term conditions, such as diabetes, impact health outcomes for people who have severe mental illness, however there is limited recognition of the relationship between chronic kidney disease and severe mental illness. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to explore the available evidence on the relationship between chronic kidney disease and severe mental illness. Methods Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched. The database searches were limited to articles published between January 2000–January 2022, due to significant progress that has been made in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of both SMI and CKD. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they explored the relationship between SMI and CKD (Stages 1–5) in terms of prevalence, risk factors, clinical outcomes, and access to treatment and services. Severe mental illness was defined as conditions that can present with psychosis, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. Thirty articles were included in the review. Results The included studies illustrated that there is an increased risk of chronic kidney disease amongst people who have severe mental illness, compared to those... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/R7ZpN ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.

Shifting Perspectives: Understanding Mental Health in the Context of Disease In the realm of medicine, when organs fall prey to disease, our approach is clear and methodical. We diligently seek out causative agents, employ evidence-based treatments, and monitor progress with precision. However, when it comes to the brain, a peculiar dichotomy emerges. Rather than viewing mental health conditions through the same clinical lens, society often places blame on individuals or their parents. This perspective shift is imperative if we are to address mental health with the same rigor and empathy afforded to other medical conditions. The Brain: A Vital Organ The brain, like any other organ, is susceptible to a wide array of conditions, both genetic and environmental in nature. Yet, when a mental health disorder manifests, it is often met with stigma, misconceptions, and misplaced blame. Seeking Causative Agents In the world of medicine, we recognize the value of identifying causative agents. For instance, in cardiovascular disease, we investigate factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or genetic predispositions. Similarly, in mental health, we must be diligent in seeking underlying causes. Genetic predispositions, biochemical imbalances, trauma, and environmental stressors all play critical roles in the development of mental health disorders. A Closer Look at Genetic Influences Genetics, a fundamental component of many medical conditions, is equally significant in mental health. Conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder have been linked to specific genetic markers. Recognizing these genetic predispositions allows for targeted interventions and a more comprehensive understanding of the condition. Environmental Triggers Just as exposure to toxins or certain environments can lead to organ dysfunction, the brain is not immune to such influences. Traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and adverse childhood events can significantly impact mental health. Understanding and addressing these environmental triggers is essential. The Role of Neurochemistry Much like imbalances in hormones can lead to endocrine disorders, disruptions in neurochemistry are central to many mental health conditions. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia often involve complex interactions within the brain's chemical pathways. Targeted interventions, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, aim to restore balance and alleviate symptoms. The Impact of Stigma Stigma surrounding mental health perpetuates the notion that individuals or their parents are to blame for these conditions. This harmful perspective not only hinders progress in treatment but also exacerbates the suffering of those affected. It is crucial that we approach mental health with the same compassion and understanding as any other medical condition. #mentalhealth #medical #medicalwriter #psychiatry #psychology

Promising research by Kaeleigh Fearn and Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya shows that psychedelic therapy may boost cognitive health in older adults. Data from the MIDUS study revealed a 10.2% improvement in executive function and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in those aged 42 to 92. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics for enhancing mental wellness. #CognitiveHealth #MentalWellness #Psychedelics #Psylocibin https://lnkd.in/gdWnzgYe

Since I learned about the Beck Depression Inventory in grad school, I've often thought about the potential for different subtypes of depression - at least in terms of psychological vs. somatic symptoms. Well, an interesting new paper from researchers at Verily (including the amazing Jordan Tharp, PhD), Stanford and Duke outlines three studies they conducted examining the underlying factor structure of the PHQ-9 - and they propose evidence for four depressive symptom subtypes on the PHQ-9: 1. An affective subtype (people reporting anedhonia and depressed mood) 2. A somatic subtype (people reporting problems with sleep, fatigue, and appetite) 3. An internalizing subtype (people reporting guilt/shame and suicidality) 4. A sensorimotor subtype (people reporting problems with concentration and psychomotor symptoms) This work will need to be replicated with more diverse samples (especially international samples) and with other measures of depression (particularly given the PHQ-9 is much briefer than some other measures of depression, limiting the number of symptoms assessed) - but I think it's important that those of us in digital health start thinking about different symptom profiles, when the mental health arena still tends to think of depression as a unipolar construct. For example - is our intervention suitable for all symptom profiles? Depending on your intervention activities, you may be targeting a specific type of symptom while having little effect on others. Understanding this can help you identify what users may benefit minimally from your intervention, or even be at risk for dropout. Understanding someone's symptom profile can also help us tailor interventions to their needs by identifying what activities will be most effective for them. Someone presenting with an affective subtype may need a different program than someone with a sensorimotor type. We know it's not a one-size fits all solution, and this approach may help us unlock a way to personalize more effectively. I know my brain is already thinking about the various ways to apply this in research and in practice! #research #mentalhealth #digitaltherapeutics