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Background: The number of thyroidectomies in South Korea has been increasing rapidly due to extensive checkups for thyroid cancer. However, few studies have examined the association between thyroidectomy and major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated the association between thyroidectomy and the risk of MDD. Methods: A population-based electronic medical records database from South Korea was used to identify 187,176 individuals who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2016. A self-controlled case series design and Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for MDD. Results: Among the 187,176 individuals who underwent thyroidectomy, 16,744 (8.9%) were diagnosed with MDD during the observation period. Of those, 3837 (22.9%) underwent partial thyroidectomy and 12,907 (77.1%) underwent total thyroidectomy. An elevated MDD risk was found during the one-year period before thyroidectomy, with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 1.29 ([95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–1.41], p < 0.0001) for subjects with partial thyroidectomy and 1.27 ([95% CI 1.21–1.33], p < 0.0001) for subjects with total thyroidectomy. After total thyroidectomy, the IRR increased for 31–60 days (IRR 1.81; [95% CI 1.59–2.06], p < 0.0001) and remained elevated for up to 540 days, whereas after partial thyroidectomy, the IRR increased for 31–60 days (IRR 1.68; [95% CI 1.32–2.13], p < 0.0001) but returned to baseline levels after 270 days. Total thyroidectomy was associated with a prolonged risk of MDD compared with partial thyroidectomy in patients with cancer, which was different from the results in patients without cancer. Conclusion: The incidence of MDD increased in the period immediately after thyroidectomy and remained high for one to two years. This study highlights the importance of relatively long-term regular psychiatric assessments in patients who undergo partial or total thyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we conduct a literature survey on various virtual reality (VR) treatments in psychiatry. We collected 36 studies that used VR to provide clinical trials or therapies for patients with psychiatric disorders. In order to gain a better understanding of the management of pain and stress, we first investigate VR applications for patients to alleviate pain and stress during immersive activities in a virtual environment. VR exposure therapies are particularly effective for anxiety, provoking realistic reactions to feared stimuli. On top of that, exposure therapies with simulated images are beneficial for patients with psychiatric disorders such as phobia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, VR environments have shown the possibility of changing depression, cognition, even social functions. We review empirical evidence from VR-based treatments on psychiatric illnesses such as dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), schizophrenia and autism. Through cognitive training and social skill training, rehabilitation through VR therapies helps patients to improve their quality of life. Recent advances in VR technology also demonstrate potential abilities to address cognitive and functional impairments in dementia. In terms of the different types of VR systems, we discuss the feasibility of the technology within different stages of dementia as well as the methodological limitations. Although there is room for improvement, its widespread adoption in psychiatry is yet to occur due to technical drawbacks such as motion sickness and dry eyes, as well as user issues such as preoccupation and addiction. However, it is worth mentioning that VR systems relatively easily deliver virtual environments with well-controlled sensory stimuli. In the future, VR systems may become an innovative clinical tool for patients with specific psychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for increasing the likelihood of recovery among individuals with early psychosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of community-based mental health services on the symptoms and socio-occupational functioning of subjects with early psychosis. The study included participants who were referred to our Mental Health Promotion Center and who agreed to participate in diverse individual and group programs. During the 1-year follow-up, the medication adherence rate remained high, the recovery rate substantially increased, and the scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale-Delusion and Auditory Hallucinations subscales, Global Assessment of Functioning, Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure, and Social Functioning Questionnaire significantly improved over time. The findings suggest that the 1-year outcome of subjects with early psychosis can be improved by diverse community-based psychosocial interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]