Child video game playing (“gaming”) may lead to decreased child academic motivation. Conversely, children with low academic motivation may seek fulfillment through gaming. We examined bidirectional associations between child gaming and academic motivation across middle childhood.

Our analyses are based on 1,631 children (boys = 785) followed in the context of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Data on gaming and academic motivation were collected repeatedly at ages 7, 8, and 10. Measures of child gaming were parent-reported and reflect daily video game playing time. Measures of academic motivation were child self-reported and reflect enjoyment in learning mathematics, reading, and writing. To disentangle the directionality of associations, we estimated a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model to estimate bidirectional, within-person associations between gaming and academic motivation in a cohort of school-aged Canadian children.

Our results revealed unidirectional associations whereby more frequent gaming by boys at age 7 years predicted lower academic motivation at age 8 years (β = −.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −.22 to −.01), and similarly, gaming by boys at age 8 years predicted lower academic motivation at age 10 years (β = −.10, 95% CI: −.19 to −.01). Changes in boys’ academic motivation did not contribute to subsequent changes in gaming. There were no associations between gaming and academic motivation for girls.

More time devoted to gaming among school-aged boys is associated with reduced academic motivation during a critical developmental period for the development of academic skills. Fostering healthy gaming habits may help promote academic motivation and success.

To evaluate sex differences in the triage and assessment of chest pain in Dutch out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC).

Prior research illustrated differences between women and men with confirmed cardiac ischemia. However, information on sex differences among patients with undifferentiated chest pain is limited and current protocols used to assess chest pain in urgent primary care in the Netherlands do not account for potential sex differences.

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who contacted a large OOH-PC facility in the Netherlands in 2017 regarding chest pain. We performed descriptive analyses on sex differences in patient and symptom characteristics, triage assessment, and subsequent clinical outcomes, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

A total of 1,802 patients were included, the median age was 54 years, and 57.6% were female. Compared to men, women less often had a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (16.0% vs 25.8%, p < 0.001) or cardiovascular risk factors (49.3% vs 56.0%, p = 0.005). Symptom characteristics were comparable between sexes. While triage urgencies were more frequently altered in women, the resulting triage urgencies were comparable, including ambulance activation rates (31.1% and 33.5%, respectively, p = 0.33). Musculoskeletal causes were the most common in both sexes; but women were less likely to have an underlying cardiovascular condition (21.1% vs 29.6%, p < 0.001), including ACS (5.4% vs 8.5%, p = 0.019).

Women more frequently sought urgent primary care for chest pain than men. Despite a lower overall risk for cardiovascular events in women, triage assessment and ambulance activation rates were similar to those in men, indicating a potentially less efficient and overly conservative triage approach for women.

Depression is a complex mental health disorder with highly heterogeneous symptoms that vary significantly across individuals, influenced by various factors, including sex and regional contexts. Network analysis is an analytical method that provides a robust framework for evaluating the heterogeneity of depressive symptoms and identifying their potential clinical implications.

To investigate sex-specific differences in the network structures of depressive symptoms in Asian patients diagnosed with depressive disorders, using data from the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns for Antidepressants, Phase 3, which was conducted in 2023.

A network analysis of 10 depressive symptoms defined according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines was performed. The sex-specific differences in the network structures of the depressive symptoms were examined using the Network Comparison Test. Subgroup analysis of the sex-specific differences in the network structures was performed according to geographical region classifications, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South or West Asia.

A total of 998 men and 1,915 women with depression were analysed in this study. The analyses showed that all 10 depressive symptoms were grouped into a single cluster. Low self-confidence and loss of interest emerged as the most central nodes for men and women, respectively. In addition, a significant difference in global strength invariance was observed between the networks. In the regional subgroup analysis, only East Asian men showed two distinct clustering patterns. In addition, significant differences in global strength and network structure were observed only between East Asian men and women.

The study highlights the sex-specific differences in depressive symptom networks across Asian countries. The results revealed that low self-confidence and loss of interest are the main symptoms of depression in Asian men and women, respectively. The network connections were more localised in men, whereas women showed a more diverse network. Among the Asian subgroups analysed, only East Asians exhibited significant differences in network structure. The considerable effects of neurovegetative symptoms in men may indicate potential neurobiological underpinnings of depression in the East Asian population.

A key step toward understanding psychiatric disorders that disproportionately impact female mental health is delineating the emergence of sex-specific patterns of brain organisation at the critical transition from childhood to adolescence. Prior work suggests that individual differences in the spatial organisation of functional brain networks across the cortex are associated with psychopathology and differ systematically by sex.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of sex on the spatial organisation of person-specific functional brain networks.

We leveraged person-specific atlases of functional brain networks, defined using non-negative matrix factorisation, in a sample of n = 6437 youths from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Across independent discovery and replication samples, we used generalised additive models to uncover associations between sex and the spatial layout (topography) of personalised functional networks (PFNs). We also trained support vector machines to classify participants’ sex from multivariate patterns of PFN topography.

Sex differences in PFN topography were greatest in association networks including the frontoparietal, ventral attention and default mode networks. Machine learning models trained on participants’ PFNs were able to classify participant sex with high accuracy.

Sex differences in PFN topography are robust, and replicate across large-scale samples of youth. These results suggest a potential contributor to the female-biased risk in depressive and anxiety disorders that emerge at the transition from childhood to adolescence.

This study examines the prospective associations of alcohol and drug misuse with suicidal behaviors among service members who have left active duty. We also evaluate potential moderating effects of other risk factors and whether substance misuse signals increased risk of transitioning from thinking about to attempting suicide.

US Army veterans and deactivated reservists (N = 6,811) completed surveys in 2016–2018 (T1) and 2018–2019 (T2). Weights-adjusted logistic regression was used to estimate the associations of binge drinking, smoking/vaping, cannabis use, prescription drug abuse, illicit drug use, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and drug use disorder (DUD) at T1 with suicide ideation, plan, and attempt at T2. Interaction models tested for moderation of these associations by sex, depression, and recency of separation/deactivation. Suicide attempt models were also fit in the subgroup with ideation at T1 (n = 1,527).

In models controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and prior suicidality, binge drinking, cannabis use, prescription drug abuse, illicit drug use, and AUD were associated with subsequent suicidal ideation (AORs = 1.42–2.60, ps < .01). Binge drinking, AUD, and DUD were associated with subsequent suicide plan (AORs = 1.23–1.95, ps < .05). None of the substance use variables had a main effect on suicide attempt; however, interaction models suggested certain types of drug use predicted attempts among those without depression. Additionally, the effects of smoking/vaping and AUD differed by sex. Substance misuse did not predict the transition from ideation to attempt.

Alcohol and drug misuse are associated with subsequent suicidal behaviors in this population. Awareness of differences across sex and depression status may inform suicide risk assessment.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often persists into adulthood, significantly impacting daily functioning and quality of life. Sex differences influence ADHD presentation, with females experiencing delayed diagnosis and distinct patterns of severity and comorbidities. Exploring these differences is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and developing tailored interventions. This study examines ADHD severity, psychiatric comorbidities, and functional impairment by ADHD subtype and sex.

This population-based study included 900 adults diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD severity, comorbidities, and functional outcomes were assessed using validated tools. Bivariate analyses and General Linear Models (GLMs) were applied to examine sex- and subtype-specific effects and their interactions.

Females exhibited greater ADHD severity (p < 0.001), higher levels of depression (p = 0.003) and anxiety (p < 0.001), lower substance use (p < 0.001), poorer functioning (p = 0.039), and greater disability (p = 0.001) than males. No significant sex differences were found in ADHD subtype distribution or age of symptom onset; however, females were diagnosed with ADHD later than males (p < 0.001). The combined ADHD subtype was associated with greater clinical severity, higher levels of depression, anxiety, and impulsive symptoms, increased substance use, and greater disability. A significant interaction between sex and subtype was observed only for disability, with females in the combined subtype exhibiting the most pronounced impairment.

ADHD presents differently across sexes and subtypes, with specific interactions influencing disability. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex and ADHD subtype independently to enhance diagnostic accuracy and develop targeted treatment strategies.

Cognitive impairment is a common feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its severity may be influenced by several factors, such as biological sex and levels of cognitive reserve (CR). The relationship between sex, CR, and cognition has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore sex differences in CR building and the effect of sex and CR on cognitive performance in MS.

233 participants underwent the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N), the Stroop test, and the Cognitive Reserve Scale. The t-test was performed to compare sociodemographic variables, Italian adaptation of the Cognitive Reserve Scale, and cognitive test scores between sexes. To evaluate the effect of CR and sex and their interaction on cognitive performance several models of multivariate analyses of covariance were performed (dependent variables: all subtests of Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests and Stroop scores; independent variables: sex and CR). Covariates included age, Expanded Disability Status Scale, and BDI-II scores.

Women showed higher levels of CR, particularly in daily activities (t = −5.848, p<.001), hobbies (t = −2.591, p = .010), and social life (t = −2.362, p = .011). Sex differences were noted in verbal memory and fluency (with women outperforming men) and processing speed (with men performing better than women). Multivariate analyses revealed a nonsignificant interaction between CR and sex on cognition (Λ=.950, F(10,260)=.813, p = .617, ηp2 = .050).

CR and sex seemed to affect cognitive performance independently in pwMS. This highlights the importance of considering both factors in cognitive assessment, and that both sexes may benefit from specific psychoeducational training aimed at increasing CR levels.

Access to “big data” is a boon for researchers, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing to accelerate advancements across fields. Yet, disentangling complex datasets has been hindered by methodological limitations, calling for alternative, interdisciplinary approaches to parse manifold multi-directional pathways between clinical features, particularly for highly heterogeneous autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite a long history of male-bias in ASD prevalence, no consensus has been reached regarding mechanisms underlying sex-related discrepancies.

Applying a novel network-theory-based approach, we extracted data-driven, clinically-relevant insights from a well-characterized sample (http://sfari.org/simons-simplex-collection) of autistic males (N = 2175, Age = 8.9 ± 3.5 years) and females (N = 334, Age = 9.2 ± 3.7 years). Expert clinical review of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results yielded factors of interest in sensory, social, and restricted and repetitive behavior domains. To offset inherent confounds of sample imbalance, we identified a comparison subgroup of males (N = 331) matched to females (by age, IQ). We applied data-driven causal discovery analysis (CDA) using Greedy Fast Causal Inference (GFCI) on three groups (all females, all males, matched males). Structural equation modeling (SEM) extracted measures of model-fit and effect sizes for causal relationships between sex, age-at-enrollment, and IQ on EFA-determined factors.

We identified potential targets for intervention at nodes with mediating or indirect effects. For example, in the female and matched male groups, analyses suggest mitigating RRB domain behaviors may lead to downstream reductions in oppositional and self-injurious behaviors.

Our investigation unveiled sex-specific directional relationships that inform our understanding of differing needs and outcomes associated with biological sex in autism and may serve to further development of targeted interventions.

Obesity-related cardiometabolic comorbidity is common in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, sex differences and MDD recurrence may modify the MDD-obesity-link.

Sex-specific associations of MDD recurrence (single [MDDS] or recurrent episodes [MDDR]) and obesity-related traits were analyzed in 4.100 adults (51.6% women) from a cross-sectional population-based cohort in Germany (SHIP-Trend-0). DSM-IV-based lifetime MDD diagnoses and MDD recurrence status were obtained through diagnostic interviews. Obesity-related outcomes included anthropometrics (weight, body mass index, waist- and hip-circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio), bioelectrical impedance analysis of body fat mass and fat-free mass, and subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from abdominal magnetic resonance imaging. Sex-stratified linear regression models predicting obesity-related traits from MDD recurrence status were adjusted for age, education, and current depressive symptoms.

790 participants (19.3%) fulfilled lifetime MDD criteria (23.8% women vs. 14.5% men, p<0.001). In women, MDDS was inversely associated with anthropometric indicators of general and central obesity, while MDDR was positively associated with all obesity-related traits, except waist-to-hip ratio and fat-free mass. In women, MDDR versus MDDS was associated with higher levels of obesity across all outcomes except fat-free mass. In men, MDD was positively associated with SAT regardless of MDD recurrence. Additionally, lifetime MDD was positively associated with VAT in men. Results remained significant in sensitivity analyses after exclusion of participants with current use of antidepressants.

The MDD-obesity association is modified by MDD recurrence and sex independent of current depressive symptoms. Accounting for sex and MDD recurrence may identify individuals with MDD at increased cardiometabolic risk.

Knowledge of sex differences in risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can contribute to the development of refined preventive interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine if women and men differ in their vulnerability to risk factors for PTSD.

As part of the longitudinal AURORA study, 2924 patients seeking emergency department (ED) treatment in the acute aftermath of trauma provided self-report assessments of pre- peri- and post-traumatic risk factors, as well as 3-month PTSD severity. We systematically examined sex-dependent effects of 16 risk factors that have previously been hypothesized to show different associations with PTSD severity in women and men.

Women reported higher PTSD severity at 3-months post-trauma. Z-score comparisons indicated that for five of the 16 examined risk factors the association with 3-month PTSD severity was stronger in men than in women. In multivariable models, interaction effects with sex were observed for pre-traumatic anxiety symptoms, and acute dissociative symptoms; both showed stronger associations with PTSD in men than in women. Subgroup analyses suggested trauma type-conditional effects.

Our findings indicate mechanisms to which men might be particularly vulnerable, demonstrating that known PTSD risk factors might behave differently in women and men. Analyses did not identify any risk factors to which women were more vulnerable than men, pointing toward further mechanisms to explain women's higher PTSD risk. Our study illustrates the need for a more systematic examination of sex differences in contributors to PTSD severity after trauma, which may inform refined preventive interventions.