Assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, including psychotherapy, psychological testing, clinical interventions, evidence-based treatments, and mental health services
9 papersThis quasi-experimental study examined the impact of antidepressant medication (ADM) on psychotherapy outcomes for depression, finding slower symptom reduction in medicated patients compared to non-medicated patients. Interpersonal problems also improved for both groups, with no difference in change rates between patients with and without comorbid personality disorders.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of six transgender women in the UK who detransitioned after medically transitioning to male. Participants described several unmet expectations about resolving dysphoria and raised concerns about the long-term health impacts of medical transition. They also discussed the social impact of transition on their identity, political views, and relationships, which sometimes involved shifting identifications with women or feminist values. Detransitioning was an ongoing process, involving a complex mix of emotions, and some participants found support and connection through online communities.
This study of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) with a limited sample found that responsive therapist coaching, especially praise, can lead to parents' immediate increased use of positive parenting skills during the first three sessions. Directive coaching was also associated with parents using child-centered skills, though it was used less frequently. While promising, the study's small sample size, focus on early sessions, and correlational design limit its generalizability and causal inferences.
This study investigates the suitability of large language models (LLMs) as replacements for mental health providers. The authors find that LLMs exhibit stigma towards certain mental health conditions and often respond inappropriately to sensitive situations, even with safety guidelines and training. The research highlights the potential harm of deploying LLMs as therapists and emphasizes the need for caution and further research.
The study analyzed 223 psychology articles published on COVID-19 up to June 12, 2020, finding a focus on mental health effects, particularly anxiety and depression. Most of these studies were conducted in China. The analysis also highlights the need for research in other areas of psychology and the development of interventions to mitigate the pandemic's psychological impact.
Contrary to the hypothesis of concept creep where mental health terms dilute over time, the study found that the language around 'anxiety' and 'depression' became more emotionally intense over the past 50 years. This shift is attributed to the increased clinical framing of these concepts, with words like 'disorder' and 'symptom' becoming more frequently associated with them.
Mental health disorders like ADHD and anxiety affect a substantial number of U.S. children, with prevalence often increasing with age. While boys tend to have higher rates of ADHD, ASD, and Tourette syndrome, girls report more depression and suicidality.
Clients and therapists use different "inference fields" when explaining symptoms. Clients tend to focus on individual or two-person explanations, while therapists consider broader, three-person contexts. This difference may be a key element in therapeutic change, allowing for new perspectives without dismissing the client's feelings.
Quarantine difficulties significantly increased parental stress, which in turn was associated with more emotional and behavioral problems in children. Living in a high-risk area or having direct contact with COVID-19 cases did not directly impact family well-being, suggesting that the challenges of quarantine itself were the primary stressor.