Postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) are mental health concerns, characterised by sadness, anxiety and suicidal ideation.

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PPDS, identify its associated factors and explore the lived experiences of individuals with PPDS, to understand the psychosocial mechanisms involved.

We surveyed 400 women aged 18 years and above and conducted in-depth interviews among 19 women who screened positive for PPDS at two urban hospitals and one peri-urban polyclinic in Ho, Ghana. We used multivariable binomial generalised linear models to identify factors independently associated with PPDS. We used thematic analysis (qualitative) to identify themes that highlight pathways through which these factors influence PPDS.

Overall, 117 (29.3%) women screened positive for PPDS. Being unmarried (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.33, 95% CI 1.02–1.72), lack of partner support (aPR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21–2.12), history of depressive or psychiatric disorders (aPR 2.44, 95% CI 1.84–3.25), unplanned pregnancy (aPR 1.63, 95% CI 1.18–2.25), low self-esteem (aPR 2.38, 95% CI 1.79–3.16) and low birth weight (aPR 1.87, 95% CI 1.33–2.65) were independently associated with PPDS. The thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (a) social isolation and limited support, (b) emotional stress and vulnerability, (c) self-image and identity challenges, and (d) resilience resources.

PPDS were common in our sample and were significantly associated with modifiable factors such as prior mental health history and low self-esteem. These findings underscore the importance of prioritising maternal mental health through the integration of depression screening and psychosocial care into routine antenatal and postnatal services.

First-episode psychosis (FEP) is a critical phase in psychotic disorders where early intervention significantly influences long-term outcomes. Catatonia, characterised by motor, behavioural, and psychological abnormalities, is an under-recognised aspect of FEP.

This study examines catatonia prevalence in affective and non-affective FEP, its role as a severity indicator across psychopathological domains, its correlations with other symptoms and its association with clinical syndromes.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 58 FEP patients (38 females, 20 males) aged 15–55 years. Of those, 40 were antipsychotic-naive, and 18 had minimal prior antipsychotic exposure. Participants were recruited from acute psychiatric units. Catatonia was assessed using the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), while psychopathology was evaluated with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, X2 tests, and multivariable regression using SPSS version 25 for Windows.

Catatonic signs were identified in 22.4% of cases based on the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI) criteria (BFCSI-positive group, defined as ≥2 signs present for over 24 h), indicating potential catatonia. Prevalence varied by criteria: 13.8% (DSM-IV), 10.3% (Fink and Taylor), 10.38% (ICD-11) and 8.6% (DSM-5). Catatonic patients had more years of education and significantly higher PANSS totals, Emsley negative, disorganised, excited, and anxiety scores. Catatonic signs moderately correlated with Emsley disorganised scores. Regression analysis identified PANSS total and Emsley domain scores as significant predictors of catatonia severity.

Catatonia is notably prevalent in FEP and associated with severe psychopathology, particularly in negative and disorganised domains. These findings underscore the importance of improving recognition of catatonia in early psychosis. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore treatment implications.

The medical profession is associated with high demands and occupational stressors – including confrontation with illness and death, extended work hours, and high workload – which may increase the risk of traumatization and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on prevalence of PTSD among physicians and examine potential moderators, including the COVID-19 pandemic, specialties, and geographic regions.

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychINFO, and PubPsych up to April 2025. Included studies were English-language, peer-reviewed, observational studies, reporting PTSD prevalence in physicians, using validated instruments. Studies focusing on preselected PTSD cases or mixed healthcare samples were excluded. Data extraction included study methodology, measurement tools, geographic region, specialty, and survey timing (pre-/“post”-COVID). Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. Quantitative synthesis and moderator analyses were performed. The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42023401984).

Based on 81 studies (N = 41,051), the pooled PTSD prevalence using a random-effects model was 14.9% (95% CI [0.132–0.168]). Prevalence estimates were lower in high-income (13.6%) compared to middle-income countries (21.1%) (p < 0.036). Studies employing brief screening tools (≤10 items) yielded significantly lower prevalence estimates (10.2%) than those using longer instruments (16.4%) (p < 0.027). No other significant moderators were identified.

PTSD prevalence among physicians is elevated relative to the general population, with notable variation across regions and measurement approaches. Future research should address gaps in representativeness and geographic coverage to improve prevalence estimates and guide prevention strategies.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases – 11th Revision (ICD-11) employ different post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria, necessitating updated prevalence estimates. Most of the existing evidence is still based on ICD-Tenth Revision and DSM-Fourth Edition criteria, leading to varied estimates across populations. This study provides current PTSD prevalence rates in the German general population, comparing DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria and examines variations by age and gender.

In a 2016 cross-sectional survey of 2404 adults (18–94 years) representative of the German general population, participants completed the Life-Events-Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) for trauma exposure and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) for PTSD symptoms. Probable PTSD diagnoses were based on DSM-5-, ICD-11-algorithms and suggested cut-off scores. Chi-square and McNemar’s tests were used to test differences in prevalence rates by diagnostic framework, age and gender.

Of the total sample, 47.2% (n = 1135) reported experiencing at least one lifetime traumatic event (TE), with transportation accidents (7.3%) and life-threatening injuries (4.9%) being most common. Probable PTSD prevalence was 4.7% under both DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria, and 2.6% based on a conservative cut-off normed for prevalence estimation. Gender and age were not significantly associated with TE exposure or PTSD prevalence, though trauma types varied: female participants more often reported sexual violence and severe suffering, while more male participants reported physical assaults and various types of accidents. DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic algorithms had substantial yet not perfect agreement (κ = 0.62). Particularly within the re-experiencing symptoms, cluster agreement was only moderate (κ = 0.57). The cut-off method aligned more closely with DSM-5 (κ = 0.60) than ICD-11 algorithm (κ = 0.42).

This study provides updated PTSD prevalence estimates for the German general population and underscores differences between DSM-5 and ICD-11 in identifying cases, particularly with respect to re-experiencing symptoms. These findings emphasize that while overall PTSD prevalence rates under DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria are similar, the diagnostic frameworks identify partially distinct cases, reflecting differences in symptom definitions. This highlights the need to carefully consider the impact of evolving diagnostic criteria when interpreting prevalence estimates and comparing results across studies.

Specific phobias are common in the community, and much is known from epidemiological surveys about their subtypes and sex ratio.

To determine the subtypes and sex ratio in a treatment-seeking sample of people with a specific phobia.

Patients with a specific phobia were identified by a retrospective search of clinical case records from patient notes in electronic health records at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (the largest secondary mental healthcare provider in Europe).

We identified 1017 patients over 5 years as having a specific phobia. The adult female to male sex frequency ratio for having any specific phobia was 3.9, with the ratio of specific phobia subtypes ranging from 2.4 (natural environment) to 8.2 (animal). The child female to male ratio of specific phobia subtypes ranged from 0.7 (natural environment) to 1.8 (other subtypes). Phobia of vomiting was the most common specific phobia presenting in both adults (n = 161, 17.8% of all specific phobias) and children (n = 26, 23.4%). In adults with a phobia of vomiting, the female to male ratio was 9.1 compared with 3.4 in all other specific phobias, and 4.2 versus 0.98 for children.

There is a stark contrast between the apparent prevalence of phobia of vomiting in epidemiological surveys and being the most common presentation clinically. A very high female to male ratio in phobia of vomiting and animals in adults seeking treatment is also in contrast to findings in the community. This has implications for clinician training and public education.

Accumulating evidence shows that an increasing number of children and young people (CYP) are reporting mental health problems.

To investigate emotional disorders (anxiety or depression) among CYP in England between 2004 and 2017, and to identify which disorders and demographic groups have experienced the greatest increase.

Repeated cross-sectional, face-to-face study using data from the Mental Health of Children and Young People surveys conducted in 2004 and 2017, allowing use of nationally representative probability samples of CYP aged 5–16 years in England. A total of 13 561 CYP were included across both survey waves (6898 in 2004 and 6663 in 2017). We assessed the prevalence of any emotional, anxiety and depressive disorder assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment and classified according to ICD-10 criteria.

The prevalence of emotional disorders increased from 3.9% in 2004 to 6.0% in 2017, a relative increase of 63% (relative ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.38, 1.91). This was largely driven by anxiety disorders, which increased from 3.5 to 5.4% (relative ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.37, 1.93). The largest relative changes were for panic disorder, separation anxiety, social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Changes were similar for different genders and socioeconomic groups, but differed by ethnicity: the most pronounced increase was among White CYP (relative ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.59, 2.24), compared with no clear change for Black and minority ethnic CYP (relative ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.52, 1.39). Comorbid psychiatric conditions were present in over a third of CYP with emotional disorders, with the most common being conduct disorder.

Between 2004 and 2017, the increase in emotional disorders among CYP in England was largely driven by anxiety disorders. Socioeconomic inequalities did not narrow. Disaggregating by ethnicity, change was evident only in White CYP, suggesting differential trends in either risk exposure, resilience or reporting by ethnicity.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition associated with problematic opioid use, leading to addiction and severe life impairments. This research delivers an in-depth evaluation of OUD burden and trends at global, regional and national levels.

This study analysed the global burden of OUD from 1990 to 2021 using data from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. Key metrics included age-standardized prevalence, incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), disaggregated by gender, age, region, country and socio-demographic index (SDI) quintiles. The average annual percentage change described trends, while the age-period-cohort model evaluated age, period and cohort effects. A Bayesian Age-period-cohort model predicted future OUD trends from 2022 to 2040.

In 2021, the global burden of OUD remained substantial, with a total of 16,164,876 cases and a prevalence of 154.59 cases per 100,000 population (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 131.06–181.26). In 2021, the global incidence of OUD reached 1,942,525 cases (95% UI: 1,643,342–2,328,363), and its global mortality reached 99,555 deaths (95% UI: 92,948–108,050), with DALYs amounting to 11,218,519 (95% UI: 9,188,658–13,159,551). Regionally, high SDI regions, particularly in the High-income North America, exhibited the greatest burden. Among countries, the United States faced the most severe burden and increase, with the highest prevalence (2014.62 per 100,000), incidence (151.84 per 100,000), mortality (15.37 per 100,000) and DALYs (1594.63 per 100,000), and all APPC values exceeding 5%. Males aged 20–39 years were the most affected demographic. However, forecasts indicate that the OUD burden among females will significantly increase over the next 20 years, with the prevalence and incidence expected to rise by 39% and 49%, respectively.

The global burden of OUD has statistically significantly increased from 1990 to 2021. There are marked disparities across regions, countries and SDI levels. High-SDI regions, particularly High-income North America, bear the heaviest burden, with young males (aged 20–39 years) being the most affected groups. However, caution should be exercised regarding the female population, as the number of affected individuals is rapidly increasing.