Mental health literacy and the public perception of persons with depression and schizophrenia in Vietnam.

Background: Vietnam's mental health care system is undergoing significant changes since the government has initiated large-scale programs to reform and develop the mental health care infrastructure. Cultural belief systems on mental illnesses influence help-seeking behavior and compliance. This study investigates the belief systems about people with schizophrenia and depression among people living in the Hanoi area.

Yoga-Based Group Intervention for Inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders-Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Rater-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background And Hypothesis: The efficacy of yoga as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has garnered interest. While yoga may positively influence various symptom domains, further investigation is needed due to the limited number, quality, and generalizability of studies. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability (primary outcome) of a yoga-based group intervention (YoGI) developed in a participatory approach and explored its preliminary effectiveness.

Predictors of symptom change in the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers (MEHIRA) study examining the effects of a stepped and collaborative care model - A multicentered rater-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Predictors of symptom improvement are an essential starting point for tailoring psychological treatments to each individual and, in turn, increasing treatment efficacy overall. However, such research regarding refugees/asylum seekers from Arabic-/Farsi-speaking countries is lacking. The current study aimed to characterize predictors for symptom improvement in the Mental Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers (MEHIRA) study, one of the most extensive multicentered controlled trials on a nationwide stepped and collaborative care model compared to routine German mental health care.

The relationship between mindfulness and empathy with the oxytocinergic system in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders - A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (OXYGEN).

Background: The present study explored the feasibility and acceptability as well as the impact of mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) on oxytocin levels (OXT) and clinical parameters in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD).

Methods: In a randomized-controlled design, outpatients with SSD ( = 48) were assigned to either MBGT in addition to German university-level treatment as usual (MBGT+TAU; = 25) or TAU ( = 23). At baseline and at four-week post-intervention, clinical parameters and OXT levels were determined.

Changes in attitudes toward persons with mental disorders after attendance of a psychiatric curriculum among medical students in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to determine the influence of psychiatric training and hands-on learning with individuals with mental illness on increasing medical students' benevolent attitudes towards psychiatry and psychiatric patients. The cross-sectional study compares medical students' attitudes before and after a compulsory psychiatry curriculum and psychiatric bedside training at Hanoi Medical University with those of non-medical students who have yet to undergo similar training. Two validated scales regarding the attitudes toward psychiatry and psychiatric patients were evaluated.

The combination of oxytocin and mindfulness-based group therapy for empathy and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders - A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Treatment options for social cognition and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) remain limited. Oxytocin could be a promising augmentation approach, but the social context influences the effect in humans. This pilot study hypothesized that oxytocin in a positive social setting through mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) would positively affect empathy and negative symptoms as well as affect and stress in an exploratory approach in SSD.

Cultural immersion, acculturation strategies, and depressive symptoms among first-generation Vietnamese migrants in Germany.

Background: Worldwide migration represents a major challenge of the 21st century. Despite the strong association between acculturation and mental health, research findings on underlining mechanisms remain inconsistent. Prior research urges to investigate sample characteristics in a more structured manner.

Empowerment group therapy for refugees with affective disorders: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Against the background of missing culturally sensitive mental health care services for refugees, we developed a group intervention ) for refugees at level 3 within the stratified Stepped and Collaborative Care Model of the project (MEHIRA). We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the group intervention with its focus on psychoeducation, stress management, and emotion regulation strategies in a culturally sensitive context for refugees with affective disorders compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU).

Method: At level 3 of the MEHIRA project, 149 refugees and asylum seekers with clinically relevant depressive symptoms were randomized to the group intervention or TAU.

Mental health and well-being in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among different population subgroups: evidence from representative longitudinal data in Germany.

Objectives: To examine potential deteriorations in mental health and well-being in the first COVID-19 pandemic year compared with the previous decade focusing on the following vulnerable subgroups in Germany: women with minor children in the household, those living without a partner, younger and older adults, those in a precarious labour market situation, immigrants and refugees, and those with pre-existing physical or mental health risks.

Design: Analyses of secondary longitudinal survey data using cluster-robust pooled ordinary least squares models.

Participants: More than 20 000 individuals (aged 16+ years) in Germany.

Mechanisms of action and processes of yoga-based group intervention for inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders-A longitudinal qualitative study.

Background: Research exploring the effects of yoga therapy (YT) on individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is scarce. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore possible mechanisms of actions and processes, as well as adverse effects of a novel yoga-based group intervention (YoGI) for in-patients with SSD in a German university hospital setting.

Material And Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study was integrated into a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial, exploring the impact of a 4-week YoGI as add-on treatment.

Predicting treatment outcomes of the Empowerment group intervention for refugees with affective disorders: Findings from the MEHIRA project.

Background: Research on outcome predictors in the field of transcultural treatment for refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate predictors of outcome of a group intervention (Empowerment) for RAS with affective disorders which was incorporated at level three of the stratified stepped-care model within the Mental Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers (MEHIRA) project.

Methods: A predictor analysis was performed at level three of the MEHIRA project, where 149 refugees with moderate depressive symptoms were treated either with Empowerment or Treatment-as-usual (TAU).

Cognitive fusion and personality traits in the context of mindfulness: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Meditation and mindfulness, though rooted in eastern traditions, have been increasingly embraced in western psychology. However, questions remain regarding the mechanisms through which the beneficial effects of mindfulness occur. The present study aimed to address cognitive fusion as a potential mediator between mindfulness and negative affect and whether the mindfulness-cognitive fusion link is moderated by personality factors in an international sample of frequent meditators.

Mindfulness, cognitive fusion, and self-compassion in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disordersA cross-sectional study.

In the last decades, third wave approaches in cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) have shown effectiveness in treating several mental disorders, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Three crucial processes associated with clinical changes in patients include mindfulness, psychological flexibility (PF) and self-compassion (SC). PF is generally assessed by cognitive fusion (CF), a negative formulated key process of PF.

Changing the Antipsychotic in Early Nonimprovers to Amisulpride or Olanzapine: Randomized, Double-Blind Trial in Patients With Schizophrenia.

Background And Hypothesis: Meta-analyses have shown that the majority of patients with schizophrenia who have not improved after 2 weeks of treatment with an antipsychotic drug are unlikely to fully respond later. We hypothesized that switching to another antipsychotic with a different receptor binding profile is an effective strategy in such a situation.

Study Design: In total, 327 inpatients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia were randomized to double-blind treatment with either olanzapine (5-20 mg/day) or amisulpride (200-800 mg/day).

Perceived Course of Illness on the Desire for Social Distance From People Suffering From Symptoms of Schizophrenia in India.

Background: Stigmatization of people with schizophrenia remains a highly relevant topic worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. It is crucial to identify the determinants of the desire for social distance as a proxy for discriminatory behavior in a socio-cultural context to indicate ways to reduce stigma. This study aims to explore whether the public perception of the perceived course of an illness concerning people with symptoms of schizophrenia has an impact on the desire for social distance.

The Relationship Between the Recognition of Basic Emotions and Negative Symptoms in Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders - An Exploratory Study.

Current research suggests that emotion recognition is impaired in individuals affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, the specific impact of negative symptoms on the ability to recognize single basic emotions has not yet been explored sufficiently and is the aim of the present study. A sample of = 66 individuals diagnosed with SSD was recruited at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Mental Health and Integration: A Qualitative Study on the Struggles of Recently Arrived Refugees in Germany.

Forcibly displaced people are at particular risk of mental health problems and also face specific integration challenges upon resettlement. Existing literature suggests that there may be a bidirectional relationship between mental health and integration. The present study seeks to understand the relationship between integration processes and mental health problems or significant negative emotional experiences among adult refugees in Germany.

Public Attitudes Toward Psychiatric Hospitals: A Rural-Urban Comparative Public Survey in Odisha State, India.

Integration of psychiatric care with public health services and offering mental health care services to patients from lower socioeconomic status remains a global challenge. Scarcity of funds and professional workforce in psychiatric hospitals contribute to this situation. However, negative attitudes in the population are also a known impediment to patients seeking mental health services.

The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are frequently accompanied by comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as impaired quality of life (QoL). A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the relevance of mindfulness for SSD in recent years. The study examined the association between mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and QoL.

Yoga-Based Group Intervention for In-patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders-A Qualitative Approach.

Yoga may pose a promising complementary therapy in the multimodal treatment of in-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, to date, no studies have qualitatively examined in-patients' with SSD experiences of Yoga as well as their perceptions of its limitations and benefits as a treatment component. This qualitative study aimed to explore for the first time the mechanisms and processes of Yoga-based Group Intervention (YoGI) for in-patients with SSD in Germany by asking for their subjective experiences.

A qualitative study on resilience in adult refugees in Germany.

Background: Because refugees face significant adversities before, during, and after resettlement, resilience is of central importance to this population. However, strengths-based research on post-migration refugee experiences is sparse.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 54 adult refugee participants who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2018 in their preferred language.

Process-Outcome Associations in an Interdisciplinary Treatment for Chronic Pain and Comorbid Mental Disorders Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Objective: Numerous studies support the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain, yet little research has been conducted about its underlying mechanisms of change, especially regarding patients with comorbid mental disorders. The present investigation addressed this issue by examining associations of processes targeted by ACT (pain acceptance, mindfulness, psychological flexibility) and clinical outcomes (pain intensity, somatic symptoms, physical health, mental health, depression, general anxiety).

Subjects: Participants were 109 patients who attended an ACT-based interdisciplinary treatment program for chronic pain and comorbid mental disorders in a routine care psychiatric day hospital.