Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) and the risk of Maternal Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The objective was to review and synthesize the published literature on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and subsequent risk of maternal dementia or cognitive impairment. Findings suggest that women whose pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia (PE) appear to be at a substantially increased future risk of vascular dementia. The longer-term risks for these women in regards to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are less clear. 

Association of breastfeeding and neonatal jaundice with infant neurodevelopment

Data comes from the Jiangsu Birth Cohort (JBC), a prospective and longitudinal birth cohort study in China. A total of 2577 infants born from November 2017 to March 2021 were included in the analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between breastfeeding status, neonatal jaundice, and their interaction with infant neurodevelopment. Findings suggest that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is beneficial to the neurodevelopment of infants, especially in those with severe neonatal jaundice.

Fast tracking informative clinical trials: lessons for mental health

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on postnatal depression: analysis of three population-based national maternity surveys in England (2014–2020)

This analysis indicates that Covid-19 had an important negative impact on postnatal women's mental health and may have accelerated an existing trend of increasing prevalence of postnatal depression. Risk factors for postnatal depression were consistent before and during the pandemic. Timely identification, intervention and follow-up are key to supporting women at risk, and it is essential that mechanisms to support women are strengthened during times of heightened risk such as the pandemic.

Association of Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Neurodevelopmental Status at 6 Months in Infants With and Without In Utero Exposure to Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, being born during the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of maternal SARS-CoV-2 status, and neurodevelopment at age 6 months. In this study, birth during the pandemic, but not in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, was associated with differences in neurodevelopment at age 6 months. These early findings support the need for long-term monitoring of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Report: In Tune: A podcast about music, mental health and wellbeing

This article describes the In Tune podcast series run by the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. The series discusses music and its relation to key factors affecting mental health, including social inclusion and community engagement, coping with stress, depression and anxiety, chronic pain, and psychological trauma as well as self-concept and memory. 

Depression in the Postpartum Year and Life Course Economic Trajectories

This study aims to assess the relationship between perinatal depression and long-term economic outcomes. Findings suggest that supporting perinatal mental health is crucial for strengthening the economic well-being of childbearing individuals and reducing the impact of maternal depression on intergenerational transmission of adversity.

Associations Between Maternal Depression, Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis

The objective of the study is to evaluate the associations of depressive symptoms and antidepressant use during pregnancy with the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and low Apgar scores. Findings suggest that the depressive symptoms or a clinical diagnosis of depression during pregnancy are associated with preterm birth and low Apgar scores, even without exposure to antidepressants. However, SSRIs may be independently associated with preterm birth and low Apgar scores.

Association Between Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Offspring

The objective of the study was to investigate associations of maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnanc (HDP) with risks in offspring of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability (ID), as well as variation in overall cognitive performance in offspring. The study results suggest that HDP are associated with small increased risks of ASDs and possibly ADHD in offspring, whereas associations with ID and cognitive performance are likely confounded by shared familial (environmental or genetic) factors. 

Project Report: Clinical and Genetic Studies of Hereditary Neurological Disorders in Mali

This project used focus group discussions, individual interviews and community meetings to explore stigma around hereditary neurological diseases in Mali.

Depression, Anxiety, and Lifestyle Among Essential Workers: A Web Survey From Brazil and Spain During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Essential workers have been shown to present a higher prevalence of positive screenings for anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals from countries with socioeconomic inequalities may be at increased risk for mental health disorders.

Prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress among health staff in the hospital of tropical diseases - Ho Chi Minh city-Vietnam

Psycho-Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions in COVID-19: Potential Impacts on Mental Health

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The impacts of the disease may be beyond the respiratory system, also affecting mental health. Several factors may be involved in the association between COVID-19 and psychiatric outcomes, such as fear inherent in the pandemic, adverse effects of treatments, as well as financial stress, and social isolation. 

Themed Collection: Victims of Torture July 2019

The value of an embedded qualitative study in a trial of a second antidepressant for people who had not responded to one antidepressant: understanding the perspectives of patients and practititioners

We report a qualitative study embedded in a trial of second antidepressant for people who had not responded to one antidepressant, exploring the acceptability of a combination of antidepressants from the perspectives of both patients and practitioners, together with experiences of participating in a clinical trial.

Published Literature: Photovoice Ethics: Critical Reflections from Men’s Mental Health Research

Photovoice Ethics is a report and ethical guide for researchers who want to explore sensitive topics with their audiences.   

Severe Mental Illness in 33,588 Prisoners Worldwide: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Ferritin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid predict Alzheimer’s disease outcomes and are regulated by APOE