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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the inclusion of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, emotional and cognitive impairments related to CSBD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral and neuronal effects of emotional interference on cognition among CSBD patients. METHODS: Thirty heterosexual males with CSBD and matched healthy controls (HC) were studied with the Emotional Stroop Task using 5 categories of emotionally arousing words (sex-related, positive, fear-related, negative, neutral) during functional magnetic imaging. RESULTS: At the behavioral level, we found the main effect of the condition: sex-related words evoked a stronger Stroop effect than other conditions. At the neural level, we found a significant group effect. Among CSBD patients processing of sex-related words was related to increased activity in the right putamen, right thalamus, hippocampi, and left pulvinar, when compared to HC. We also found a negative correlation between neuronal activation and time spent on sexual activity during the week preceding study and numerous group differences in brain regions connected to the emotional and motivational processing of sexually explicit material, correlating with CSBD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral results indicate a specific attentional bias toward sex-related stimuli in both groups, while neural data uncovered stronger reactivity to sex-related words in CSBD compared to HC. This reactivity is related to CSBD symptoms and provides evidence for the interference of sex-related stimuli with cognition. Such results are firmly in line with the Incentive Salience Theory and conceptualizing CSBD as a behavioral addiction.

Injuries, and their psychological and maladaptive behavioral consequences, are an inevitable by-product of sport participation. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of maladaptive behaviors and psychological corollaries of long-term injury in order to understand if these are universal experiences of long-term injured athletes. Competitive athletes (n = 187; average time spent injured =43 weeks), across a range of sports completed an online questionnaire developed to investigate the psychological and behavioral consequences of long-term injury. Results indicated that negative symptoms after injury were a universal experience and are the "normal" response to injury, not the "exception." The most prevalent psychological consequences were rumination (97.9%), boredom (94.7%), and fear of reinjury (93.6%). Furthermore, indicators of suicidal ideation were reported by more than 50% of participants. Factor analysis revealed a six-factor model: (a) self-sabotaging behavior, (b) daily functioning, (c) addictive behavior, (d) clinical issues, (e) fixation on injury, and (f) compromised athletic identity. All factors significantly correlated with debilitating impact. Thus, this study calls for a change to the support of long-term injured athletes to include routine psychological care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain, pain persisting longer than six months, afflicts 20% of the U.S. population and is the leading cause of disability. To manage pain, many chronic pain patients (CPPs) and healthcare providers turn to opioids, prescription medications that block pain signals and offer relief. However, in light of the U.S.' ongoing opioid epidemic, CPPs without a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) are facing increased stigma when seeking opioid medication. Further, many have been forced to taper their therapeutic dose due to updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prescribing guidelines in 2016 and 2022, with a range of (adverse) outcomes. Though research has explored experiences of chronic pain and OUD independently, few studies have explored how media coverage of the opioid epidemic has shaped representations, and resulting stereotypes, of CPPs. Guided by framing theory, this content analysis examines sources' characterization of CPPs amidst a decade of U.S. news coverage of the opioid epidemic (N = 492). Findings identify four dominant news frames, including two novel frames termed culpability and strategy, and elements (i.e., characters, significant events) that comprise these frames. When discussed, CPPs were ascribed the identity of a drug-seeking addict 82% of the time. Collectively, this study provides insight as to how news media coverage of the opioid epidemic influence(d) public perceptions of chronic pain (patients). Findings offer theoretical and practical implications for media outlets, policymakers, CPPs and healthcare providers, as well as highlighting how use of opioids for pain management does not equate to abuse of opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Compulsive Online Shopping (COS) is considered a technological addiction, characterized by excessive engagement in online shopping behaviors that can cause economic, social, and emotional impairments in an individual's life. Among the theoretical models aimed at conceptualizing addictive behaviors, the metacognitive model has gained increased attention. However, no previous study has investigated the role of metacognitions in COS. The current study was aimed at clarifying the contribution of metacognitions about online shopping as potential mediating variables in the relationship between some well‐established psychological correlates (i.e., boredom proneness, impulsivity, materialism, negative affect) and COS.A sample of 254 participants (mean age = 34.79 ± 11.45; Females = 84.3%) was recruited using convenience sampling.The hypothesized model produced a good fit to the data and accounted for 48% of COS variance. All the correlates (i.e., boredom proneness, impulsivity, materialism, and negative affect) were significantly and positively associated with Positive Metacognitions About Emotional And Cognitive Regulation, which in turn predicted COS. Boredom proneness and impulsivity were also positively associated with Negative Metacognitions About Uncontrollability And Cognitive Harm of online shopping, which in turn predicted COS. All the indirect effects were significant.The present findings add to the argument that the metacognitive model of addictive behaviors may applied to the understanding of COS and open the possibility of applying metacognitive techniques to the treatment of COS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim. Orthorexia nervosa is described as an obsession with consuming solely healthy foods accompanied by restrictive behaviors. Patients with chronic conditions frequently require dietary interventions alongside medication to manage symptoms and slow down disease progression. However, when dietary restrictions are taken to extremes, individuals may develop orthorexia nervosa, resulting in malnutrition and weight loss. This poses risks during treatment, where maintaining a balanced diet is vital. In this review we aim to display the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in patients suffering from selected chronic diseases. Material and methods. A literature review was performed to investigate the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among individuals with type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Description of the State of Knowledge. The occurrence of orthorexia reaches up to 7% in the general population, 72% in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 77% in case of inflammatory bowel disease, 71% among individuals suffering from celiac disease, 75% in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and 50% in case of cancer. Orthorexia nervosa predominantly affects females who are younger, have higher levels of education, select organic foods, prepare their own meals, and have other concurrent chronic illnesses. The distress associated with diagnosis is considered the primary factor contributing to the development of this condition. Orthorexia ultimately leads to malnutrition, weight loss, impaired social functioning, and poses a risk of complications during the management of patients suffering from chronic diseases. Conclusion. The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in patients suffering from the exhibited chronic illnesses is significantly higher compared to the general population. Therefore, early detection of this condition and intervention are necessary to improve patient management. Further research is needed to assess the frequency of orthorexia among individuals suffering from other chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDrawing on Theory of Compensatory Internet Use and Social Comparison Theory, the study explores how compulsive use of social media can lead to impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors among young adults in India. Findings reveal that compulsive social media use positively correlates with both impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors. This relationship is significant mediated by social comparison and FoMO, suggesting that users who frequently engage in social media are more likely to compare themselves to others and experience anxiety over missing out, thereby driving them towards unrestrained buying. Additionally, self-esteem negatively significant moderates these relationships, with individuals possessing high self-esteem less likely to succumb to impulsive and compulsive buying due to social comparison and FoMO. Research contributes significantly to digital marketing field by offering insights into the darker aspects of social media’s impact on consumer behaviour. Furthermore, study’s conceptual model integrates compensatory internet use theory and social comparison theory, providing a novel framework for future research on digital consumption behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to comprehensively review existing treatments for impulsivity and compulsivity in non-substance addictions, driven by the importance of these factors in addictive disorder development and treatment efficacy. Methods: A systematic review carried out following PRISMA guidelines identified 14 articles from a total of 764 studies, highlighting the limited literature that is available on psychological treatments for non-substance addictions, in particular studies focusing on impulsivity and compulsivity. The studies were categorized by behavioral addiction type. Results: For compulsive sexual behavior and problematic pornography use, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown significant improvements in compulsivity. In gambling disorder, interventions like cognitive bias modification and motivational interviewing combined with CBT have been effective in reducing impulsivity. Cognitive-behavioral therapy was advocated for compulsive shopping, although results varied. For problematic internet use, dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy have been effective in addressing impulsivity. Despite literature supporting CBT for most behavioral addictions, the review noted that some articles indicate that dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy were also effective for problematic internet use, suggesting different underlying mechanisms for this type of addiction. Discussion: It also highlighted limitations, including the small number of studies and the lack of standardized assessment measures. Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and develop tailored treatments for impulsivity and compulsivity in non-substance addictions. These findings offer new directions for research and intervention guidelines in behavioral addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are highly prevalent and reduce function in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS). As transdiagnostic features of intellectual disability, elevated rates of RRBs in FXS could represent various underlying known co-occurring conditions in FXS such as anxiety or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet this distinction has not been investigated. Further, delineating whether RRBs are more indicative of anxiety or ASD in FXS may clarify phenotypic profiles within FXS and improve differential assessment. Methods: We longitudinally examined the potentially independent or multiplicative effect of ASD and anxiety symptom severity on RRBs in 60 children with FXS. Anxiety was measured using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), ASD severity was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and RRBs were measured using the Repetitive Behavior Scale – Revised (RBS-R). We estimated a series of moderated regression models with anxiety and ASD symptoms at the initial assessment (Time 1) as predictors of RRBs at the outcome assessment two years later (Time 2), along with an anxiety-by-ASD interaction term to determine the potential multiplicative effect of these co-occurring conditions on RRBs. Results: Results identified a significant interaction between ASD and anxiety symptom severity at the initial assessment that predicted elevated sensory-motor RRBs two years later. Increased sensory-motor RRBs were predicted by elevated ASD symptoms only when anxiety symptom severity was low. Likewise, increased sensory-motor RRBs were predicted by elevated anxiety symptoms only when ASD symptom severity was low. Interestingly, this relationship was isolated to Sensory-Motor RRBs, with evidence that it could also apply to total RRBs. Conclusions: Findings suggest that ASD and anxiety exert independent and differential effects on Sensory-Motor RRBs when at high severity levels and a multiplicative effect when at moderate levels, which has important implications for early and targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Individuals with gambling disorder (GD) harbor cognitive distortions and dysfunctional beliefs about gambling that may foster problematic gambling behaviour. Evidence on particularly detrimental attitudes and beliefs is however lacking. To close this knowledge gap, we analysed associations between gambling attitudes and beliefs (Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (GABS-15)) and severity of gambling disorder (DSM-5 criteria met) in a German cohort of 123 individuals receiving outpatient gambling treatment. Methods: Data from the "Katamnese-Study" covering a 36-months timeframe with 5 assessment points was pooled. The multidimensional structure of the GABS-15 was examined using explorative and confirmatory factor analyses, followed by mixed-effect regression models using different operationalizations of the GABS-15. Results: A three-factorial structure comprising "attitudes while gambling", "sensation-seeking / excitement", and "gambling fallacies" demonstrated better fit indices than the GABS-15 sum score. Only the "gambling fallacies " factor (1.00, p<0.05; 15.36, p < 0.01) was significantly associated with increased severity of GD. Discussion: As a one-dimensional conceptualization of gambling-related attitudes and beliefs might not sufficiently guide staff of outpatient treatment facilities regarding priority setting in gambling care, evidence on attitudes with particularly detrimental associations is highly warranted. Here, focussing on mitigating "gambling' fallacies" by tailored treatment strategies appears promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to assess addiction to social media among university students and to explore the association of addiction to social media with academic performance. Methods: A random sample of 997 university students filled in a self-administered questionnaire using Google form (response rate 81%). The questionnaire adopted a validated scale (Social Media Addiction Scale, SMAS) and included questions about socio-demographics. Grade point average, absences, and passing rate were extracted for each student from the university management system. Results: Results showed that each of the three dimensions of addiction to social media (compulsive feelings, social consequences and time displacement) reduce at least one indicator of academic performance (GPA, absenteeism and passing rate). Conclusion: Results call to design and evaluate interventions that tackle different social media addiction dimensions to reduce their negative impact on academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated psychological factors that might predispose individuals to sad-fish or exaggerate their emotional state online to generate sympathy. Participants: Participants (N = 347) were collegiate social media users from a large university in the Southcentral United States. Methods: Participants completed an anonymous online survey and were categorized as sad-fishers or non-sad-fishers. Groups were compared on attachment style and levels of interpersonal and online social support. Results: Sad-fishers trended toward anxious attachment. Groups did not differ on perceived interpersonal or online social support. Anxious attachment was significantly negatively associated with interpersonal support. Conclusions: Sad-fishing may not be triggered by an acute perceived lack of social support, but rather, may be more strongly related to the persistent trait of anxious attachment. This is a starting-point for understanding the relatively new phenomenon of sad-fishing and may aid in discerning how best to clinically intervene with those who sad-fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to understand adolescents' perception about the relationship between Self-Reported Smartphone Addiction and Emotional and Behavioral Problems in the COVID-19 pandemic context. The qualitative research was conducted in Brazil with 16 adolescents aged from 15 to 18 years old classified with smartphone addiction by Smartphone Addiction Inventory scale. Data were collected through focus group meetings and prepared by means of Bardin's content analysis. The findings resulted in two categories that describe how adolescents escape from the reality imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic using smartphones and how they perceive the emotional and behavioral changes caused by this addiction. They develop this behavior seeking to alleviate negative emotions and to escape from reality, but this relief is momentary and ineffective, as this addictive relationship proves to accentuate emotional distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although several studies have found the Adolescent Gambling Expectancies Survey (AGES) valid and reliable for high school students and college students, the applicability of the AGES to Korean college students remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the Adolescent Gambling Expectancies Survey (AGES) developed by Wickwire et al. (2010). Methods: The study sample consisted of 481 college students in Korea, and the data were collected through an online survey. To examine the construct validity and internal consistency of the Korean version of the AGES (K-AGES), an item analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Results: The results of item analysis have identified 22 items with five factors: Material gain, negative affect, positive self-evaluation, negative social consequences, and parent disapproval. In addition, the results of confirmatory factor analysis show these 22 items fit the data well. Conclusions: The K- AGES has strong psychometrics, including good construct validity and reliability, and, hence, it may be a useful tool for assessing, preventing, and treating gambling problems in college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research to date has rarely addressed the association between peer victimization in childhood and social networking addiction in adulthood, much less the internal mechanism underlying that association. By integrating the relational self-system processes model and the cognitive–behavioral model of pathological internet use, our study marked an initial effort to explore whether social anxiety and perceived loneliness independently and/or sequentially mediate the impact of peer victimization on social networking addiction. Using school-based random cluster sampling, we recruited 1,136 students at various colleges in eastern, central, and western China (mean age = 21.98 years, 56.2% women) to complete an online survey. The results confirmed social anxiety's single mediation effect, perceived loneliness's single mediation effect, and the serial mediation effect of social anxiety and perceived loneliness between peer victimization and social networking addiction. The findings suggest that certain psychopathological and cognitive factors mediate the effect of peer victimization in childhood on individuals' symptoms of social networking addiction in adulthood both independently and sequentially. Our research contributes to clarifying how interpersonal stressors lead to psychopathological symptoms, maladaptive cognitions, and, in turn, addictive behavior, which has important implications for theory, interventions, and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study investigated the interrelationships between effortless perfectionism (a desire to appear perfect without outward displays of effort) and body dissatisfaction, pathological eating, and pathological exercise. In addition, the mediating role of self-kindness and self-criticism in these relationships was explored. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, undergraduate students (N = 497) were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires assessing these key variables. Results: Effortless perfectionism was indirectly positively associated with more severe body dissatisfaction and pathological eating/exercise, via higher levels of self-criticism (controlling for self-kindness). By contrast, after controlling for self-criticism, self-kindness did not mediate the relationships between effortless perfectionism and body dissatisfaction, pathological eating, or pathological exercise Conclusions: Self-criticism uniquely emerged as a mediating mechanism; the desire for effortless perfection was associated with higher self-criticism, which in turn was linked with worsened symptomatology. By contrast, self-kindness did not emerge as a unique mediating mechanism in this context. Longitudinal research would be useful to establish the effect of situational context, and possible reciprocal relationships between self-kindness and self-criticism over time. Key Points: What is already known about this topic: Body dissatisfaction, and pathological eating and exercise, are positively intercorrelated. These symptoms are characterised by chronicity and physical and psychological impairment. Negative perfectionism has been implicated in the onset and maintenance of eating and body-related pathology. What this topic adds: Effortless perfectionism predicted body dissatisfaction and symptoms of pathological eating/exercise. Self-criticism but not self-kindness uniquely positively mediated these relationships. Findings identified new paths linking negative perfectionism and disordered eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the relationship between racial/ethnic disparities and substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) and their impact on the sleep health of South Korean adolescents. Design: Secondary analysis of cross‐sectional study data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey dataset. Methods: Given that Korean society has historically linked its racial/ethnic identity to a shared bloodline, we categorized 2644 adolescents from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey based on their racial/ethnic status, determined by their parents' birthplaces. Using multiple linear regression, we investigated whether the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on sleep health (sleep duration, debt, and timing) varies depending on substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) after controlling for age, sex, household economic status, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, perceived excessive stress, and anxiety level. Results: Despite no statistical differences in sleep health and the prevalence of substance use between racial/ethnic groups, racial/ethnic minority adolescents experienced greater sleep debt than racial/ethnic majority adolescents when consuming alcohol. Moreover, racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to report psychosocial distress and had lower parental education level. Conclusion: Racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol use on sleep health compared to racial/ethnic majority adolescents. This heightened vulnerability may be attributed to the more pronounced psychosocial challenges and the lower socioeconomic status of parents in the racial/ethnic minority group. Impact: Racial/ethnic disparities are concerning in South Korea, particularly since the negative effects of substance use on sleep health are intensified among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. Nurses and other healthcare providers should recognize the importance of addressing the social disadvantages linked to racial/ethnic disparities. Beyond just advocating for the cessation of substance use, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to reduce sleep disparities among South Korean adolescents. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have focused more on the facilitating effect of nature exposure on positive behavioural consequences. However, less attention has been paid to whether nature exposure can inhibit internalized problem behaviours, such as Internet addiction. Within the framework of the stimuli‐organism‐response theory, the present study examined the relationship between nature exposure and Internet addiction and investigated the mediating roles of anthropomorphism of nature and awe. In China, we recruited 1469 adolescents (mean age = 13.90 years old, SD = 0.59, 53.2% girls). Mediation analyses indicated that awe partially mediated the relationship between nature exposure and adolescents' Internet addiction. The anthropomorphism of nature and awe served as sequential mediating roles in the relationship between nature exposure and adolescents' Internet addiction. This study provides a nature‐based perspective on the prevention and intervention of adolescents' Internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development. Methods: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13–17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction. Results: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids. Conclusions: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate whether consumers' identification with a brand community makes them more likely to engage in compulsive buying behavior. Specifically, this research shows that consumers are more likely to experience obsessive passion for brands they identify with if they are also part of brand communities, which, in turn, makes them more likely to engage in compulsive buying behavior. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey (n = 533) among members of the Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth (ARMY) Bangtan Boys (BTS) brand community was conducted. A partial least squares approach was employed to test the validity and reliability of the measurement model as well as to assess the structural equation model. Findings: Results show that brand identification affects harmonious and obsessive passion and that both relationships are moderated by brand community identification. Harmonious passion, in turn, has a positive effect on impulsive buying, whereas obsessive passion has a positive effect on both impulsive and obsessive-compulsive buying. Furthermore, consumer hedonic motivations moderate the relationship between (i) harmonious passion and impulsive buying and (ii) obsessive passion and obsessive-compulsive buying. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work is the first to examine the potential negative impacts brand community identification has on compulsive buying behavior. Besides contributing to research on the negative aspects of brand community identification, by employing a model that distinguishes between two types of passion and compulsive buying, the study provides clarification on relationships suggested by prior studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Gambling disorder is a recognised psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM‐5) and is classified as an addiction alongside alcohol and substance use disorders. The DSM‐5 describes a past‐year timeframe, episodic or persistent specifiers, early or sustained remission specifiers, and three gambling disorder severity specifiers (mild, moderate and severe).Although anyone can develop gambling disorder, there are known risk factors. In studies involving general adult populations, the likelihood of developing the disorder varies with the type of gambling, and is particularly high for internet gambling, casino table games and poker machines.Australia and New Zealand have shifted the focus of gambling disorder to the identification of gambling harm, in recognition that efforts targeting the prevention of harm may be more effective as they potentially influence a larger segment of the population.Temporal categories of gambling harm (crisis harms versus legacy harms) affect help‐seeking and need for treatment. Crisis harms often motivate people to change their behaviour or seek help, whereas treatment addresses legacy harms, which emerge or continue to occur after gambling behaviour ceases.The evidence base and clinical guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing but there are many gaps in our understanding of treatment for gambling disorder, including an absence of high quality evaluations that assess treatment effectiveness over the longer term, especially for treatment delivered in community settings. There is also an urgent need to understand how, why and for whom treatment works so that interventions can be optimised to individual needs, thereby facilitating client engagement.Because of limited access to health care and poor retention in treatment, in recent years there has been an increase in treatment choices in the form of internet therapies and smartphone applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hikikomori, a form of severe social withdrawal has been found to be associated with behavioral addictions such as gaming addiction and problematic social media use (PSMU). Since literature related to hikikomori is lacking in the Middle East, this study aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in hikikomori-like traits between two different types of social media users and gamers and investigate loneliness as a potential mediator between hikikomori and the two types of problematic behaviors. A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed, collecting a final sample of 220 participants residing in Middle Eastern countries using a mixture of convenience and snowball sampling. Results showed that passive social media users demonstrated significantly greater hikikomori-like traits compared to active users. Furthermore, hikikomori-like traits exhibited significant positive associations with problematic gaming, PSMU, and loneliness. Two separate mediation analyses, the first with PSMU and a second with problematic gaming as predictors, revealed that loneliness acted as a significant mediator between both these problematic behaviors and hikikomori-like traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has become an endemic disease of global public health importance. Mass COVID-19 vaccination has been an essential global control strategy amidst challenges of limited acceptance. Because of globalization, COVID-19/similar diseases vaccination acceptance and the determinants in any particular setting are important global public health issues. Using a novel and pragmatic framework, this study explored determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among community members during the pandemic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, and made policy-relevant recommendations on how to increase vaccination acceptance in subsequent outbreaks/pandemics. Methods: This qualitative study was based on the novel and pragmatic Individual Experiences and Perceptions and Complacency, Confidence, Convenience, and Compulsion (Four 'Cis') Determinants of Vaccination Acceptance Conceptual Framework – Omale INDEPT FORCIS Framework. On April 26 and 27, 2022, 20 semi-structured face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted in local language and pidgin English with 100 purposively selected consenting/assenting community members aged 15 years and above who had resided in the community for at least one year. Data was analysed using deductive (with some inductive) thematic analytic approach. Results: The many, diverse, and significant determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance found were factors that were individual-related (individual experiences and perceptions and knowledge about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine/vaccination, and the vaccination process/system, sociodemographic, individual's condition (e.g. pregnancy)); COVID-19-related (factuality, transmissibility, frequency, severity, fatality); COVID-19 vaccine/vaccination-related (safety/side-effects, effectiveness, speedy production); COVID-19 vaccination process/system-related (real availability/accessibility); family, group, and other individual-related (experiences and perceptions and actions); and broader local, national, international, and global (LONING) context-related (socio-political, economic, historic, health system factors). The broader LONING contextual factors included the unprecedented disinformation/conspiracy theories, non-sustained COVID-19 risk/behaviour change communication, enforcement and non-enforcement or termination of peculiar control policies/measures (lockdowns, social/physical distancing, use of face mask etc.), mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies, provision of incentives, past experiences regarding the Ebola viral disease outbreak, (un)trustworthiness of the Nigerian health system and her international/global partners, and the (un)trustworthiness of the governments in Nigeria and bad/good governance, inclusive of the failure of the Ebonyi state government to distribute the COVID-19 palliatives to the people during the lockdowns. Conclusion: The evidence illuminates complex and interrelated, specific underlying, and peculiar policy-relevant LONING determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and emphasizes the need for concerted and comprehensive LONING strategies (involving all the relevant LONING stakeholders/policy makers) in addressing these determinants to increase vaccination acceptance among community members in subsequent outbreaks/pandemics in Ebonyi state/Nigeria and similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Weight-control compensatory behaviors appear to be a commonly utilized strategy for health management. Individuals engaging in such behaviors believe that the negative consequences from unhealthy behaviors will be neutralized by the positive consequences of healthy behaviors. Existing research has not reached a consensus on whether such behaviors are beneficial to health. This review aims to (1) summarize the patterns of weight-control compensatory health behaviors in different populations, (2) highlight correlates, predictors, and consequences of compensatory health behaviors, and (3) identify gaps for future research. Method: This review identified existing literature using online databases, CINAHL and PubMed. Primary research articles published after 2000 with non-clinical participants of 12 years or older who engaged in compensatory behaviors for weight control purposes were selected. Descriptive statistics were extracted from 35 studies. Results: Different patterns for weight-control compensatory behaviors emerged between the female and male sexes. Meanwhile, no clear association of such behaviors was found across weight status. Studies reviewed also highlighted three main areas of compensatory behaviors for weight management, namely dietary behaviors, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Weight-control compensatory behaviors had significant negative correlations with mental health indicators, such as psychosocial functioning, emotional differentiation ability, and body esteem. Conclusion: Weight-control compensatory behaviors may be a widely used weight management strategy and can be presented in diverse ways. Although believed to be promoting health, such behaviors appear to be associated with poor psychological well-being. This emerging topic warrants more in-depth investigation to establish the direction of causation. Future research may investigate the relationship between weight-control compensatory behaviors and various aspects of health over longer time periods, examine the engagement of multiple weight-control compensatory behaviors, and focus on high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) abnormalities are directly associated with obesity‐associated disorders. The underlying mechanisms that confer increased pathological risk to VAT in obesity have not been fully described. Methods: A case‐control study was conducted that included 10 women with obesity (36.80 ± 7.39 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 10 women of normal weight (32.70 ± 9.45 years, BMI < 24.9 kg/m2). RNA was extracted from greater omentum biopsies, and, using a DNA microarray, differential transcriptomic expression of VAT in women with obesity was evaluated taking as a reference that of women with normal weight. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were classified into functional biological processes and signaling pathways; moreover, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were integrated for a deeper analysis of the pathways and genes involved in the central obesity‐associated disorders. The expression of TNF‐α, MAPK, and AKT proteins was also quantified in VAT. Results: The VAT of women with obesity had 3808 DEGs, mainly associated with the cellular process of inflammation and carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. Overexpressed genes were associated with inflammatory, metabolic, hormonal, neuroendocrine, carcinogenic, and infectious pathways. Cellular processes related to addictive behaviors were notable. MAPK and PI3K‐AKT pathways were overexpressed, and Mapk1 and Akt3 genes were common crossing points among obesity‐associated disorders' pathways. The increased expression of MAPK, AKT, and TNF proteins was confirmed in the VAT of women with obesity. Conclusion: VAT confers a complex and blended pathogenic transcriptomic profile in obese patients, where abnormal processes are mainly controlled by activating intracellular signaling pathways that exhibit a high degree of redundancy. Identifying shared cross points between those pathways could allow specific targeting treatments to exert a widespread effect over multiple pathogenic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes are morphologically complex cells that serve essential roles. They are widely implicated in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, with changes in astrocyte morphology and gene expression accompanying disease. In the Sapap3 knockout (KO) mouse model of compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), striatal astrocytes display reduced morphology and altered actin cytoskeleton and Gi-G-protein-coupled receptor (Gi-GPCR) signaling proteins. Here, we show that normalizing striatal astrocyte morphology, actin cytoskeleton, and essential homeostatic support functions by targeting the astrocyte Gi-GPCR pathway using chemogenetics corrected phenotypes in Sapap3 KO mice, including anxiety-related and compulsive behaviors. Our data portend an astrocytic pharmacological strategy for rescuing phenotypes in brain disorders that include compromised astrocyte morphology and tissue support. [Display omitted] • Astrocyte Gi-GPCR signaling corrects repetitive and anxiety behaviors in Sapap3 KO mice • Gi-GPCR signaling restores astrocyte morphology via the actin cytoskeleton • Astrocyte Gi-GPCR signaling rescues medium spiny neuron excitability • Improved phenotypes are accompanied with restored astrocyte homeostatic functions Soto et al. used multiple approaches to assess whether and how function is affected following astrocyte Gi-DREADD activation in a mouse model of compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors that are accompanied by astrocyte dysfunction. They found that Gi-DREADD activation restored decreased astrocyte morphology and homeostatic functions and led to the correction of compulsive and anxiety behaviors in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-related Sapap3 knockout mice. Soto et al. provide an astrocyte-specific pharmacological strategy for normalizing detrimental compulsive phenotypes related to OCD and potentially other disorders in which astrocyte morphology and homeostatic support are compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To examine the effects of postpartum women's obsessive and compulsive behaviors towards the care of their babies and maternal exhaustion levels on cyberchondria.The study, designed as a cross‐sectional and correlation‐seeking study, included 275 mothers. Data were collected from Turkish mothers with maternal burnout scale (MBS), scale for obsessive and compulsive behavıors of mothers ın the postpartum perıod wıth regard to baby care and cyberchondria severity scale (CSS).A total of 41.8% of the mothers, whose average age was 28.49 ± 5.04, had their first birth, 62.5% of the mothers were feeding their babies with breast milk, and 65.8% had regular sleep. The total mean score of the scales was 24.76 ± 5.15 for T‐MBS, 81.19 ± 22.16 for CSS, and 16.11 ± 10.28 for the obsession scale. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between the maternal burnout and postpartum obsession scales and the cyberchondria severity scale.In the present study, mothers in the postpartum period did not show signs of burnout or obsessive‐compulsive behaviors in the care of their babies, and their cyberchondria severity scores were at a moderate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has been generally recognized as a protective psychological factor against mental illnesses. However, its protective value against addictions remained unclear. To address this research gap, the current study explores the associations between self-compassion and both alcohol use disorder [AUD] and gambling disorder [GD] tendencies under the framework of self-compensation model of addiction. Data from a convenience sample of 682 adult past-year gamblers and drinkers were collected via an online survey in Hong Kong, China. Results of a series of mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation analyses showed a double-edged effect of self-compassion on addiction: the mindfulness facet of self-compassion was associated with lower levels of AUD and GD tendencies through suppressing self-compensation motivation for drinking and gambling, whereas its self-kindness facet was positively associated with both AUD and GD tendencies via increased self-compensation motivations among participants under high stress. Common humanity was not related to risk for AUD or GD. These findings indicate the conditional risk-enhancing effects of self-kindness may counteract the protective effects of mindfulness against both substance and behavioral addictions. Future addiction prevention programs may monitor participants' stress, as well as self-kindness levels, and focus on cultivating mindfulness, especially when utilizing self-compassion-based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors pose a significant threat to the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents. Recent research suggests that persistent, uncontrollable and repetitive NSSI can be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction. The addictive feature of NSSI behavior can be assessed using Ottawa self-injury inventory (OSI), the higher addiction score indicates the more serious NSSI behavior. This study aims to explore the relationship of impulsivity and decision-making on the addictive features of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder, to explore the influencing factors of behavioral addictive features of NSSI and to predict the addictive features of NSSI. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 126 adolescent outpatients and inpatients with a mean age of 15.49 years old (M = 15.49, SD = 1.56), male students (n = 28, 22.2%) and female students (n = 98, 77.8%) diagnosed with depressive disorders were recruited according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and clinical interviews were completed by two psychiatrists. NSSI addictive features according to the OSI's addictive features items. The final group was categorized into three groups: depression without NSSI (n = 42), depression with NSSI without addictive features (n = 44), and depression with NSSI and addictive features (n = 40). The present study employed the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), Chinese Revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), OSI, and the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Questionnaire (ANSSIQ). Cognitive decision-making abilities were assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results: The depression with NSSI addictive features group had significantly lower total net scores and net scores of block3, block4, and block5 in the IGT than the depression without NSSI group, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the two in net scores of block1 and block2. Lower scores mean more unfavorable decisions and strategy adjustments. The addictive features of NSSI behaviors were significantly and positively correlated with the severity of NSSI behaviors, depression, and cognitive impulsiveness, and significantly and negatively correlated with the total net score of the IGT. The severity of NSSI behaviors, severity of depression, cognitive impulsiveness positively predicts the addictive features of NSSI behaviors, the total net score of the IGT negatively predicted the addictive features of NSSI behaviors. Conclusion: Adolescents with depressive disorders with NSSI behavioral addictive features had higher severity of depression, exhibited higher cognitive impulsivity, and made more unfavorable decisions when making choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic and inappropriate benzodiazepine (BDZ) prescription and intake represent an important health and social concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of P. incarnata L., herba in reducing BDZ misuse in a real-world population of depressed and anxious patients in a long-term treatment with BDZs. Methods: Over an 18-month period (from July 2021 to December 2022), we previously conducted a retrospective and naturalistic study on euthymic outpatients with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression and chronically taking BDZs. In this study we contacted patients 12 months after their enrollment in the previous study to assess their disease status and their BDZs and P. incarnata intake. Results: Our findings support the effectiveness of a dry extract of P. incarnata L., herba, as an add-on treatment during BDZ tapering in patients with anxiety or depression. We confirmed this effect to be sustained over time, and P. incarnata showed to be easily discontinued with no rebound, withdrawal or psychological dependence effect. The absence of side effects and adverse events confirmed the safety of P. incarnata in a real-world population. Personality disorders confirmed to be a relevant risk factor for maintaining addictive behavior, even when symptoms associated to withdrawal seem to be not particularly relevant. Discussion: We confirmed the possible effectiveness of P. incarnata as an add-on treatment in BDZ reduction. Further studies may be helpful to better investigate the promising properties of P. incarnata in the management of relevant clinical issues, such as anxiety disorders and addiction, that are classically known to benefit from GABAergic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Design and Methods Results Conclusions To measure a multivariate analysis of social media addiction and cognitive‐behavioral physical activity associated with several sociodemographic characteristics in adolescent girls.A cross‐sectional study. The sample consisted of adolescent girls studying in a vocational high‐school in the Middle‐Black‐Sea region in Türkiye (n = 333). A questionnaire, Social Media Addiction Scale‐for‐Adolescents (SMAS‐A), and Cognitive‐Behavioral Physical Activity Questionnaire (CBPAQ) were used to collect the data.The mean age was 15.35 (SD = 1.15), and 29.4% were the ninth‐class students. Of the adolescent girls, 85.9% were social‐media users, 59.8% used the internet 2‐hours‐or‐more/daily, 67.9% declared themselves as moderately‐active. The mean scores of the SMAS‐A and the CBPAQ were 3.40 (SD = 1.61) and 21.03 (SD = 7.64), respectively. There was a significantly‐negative correlation between cognitive‐behavioral physical activity and social‐media addiction levels. The One‐Way MANOVA results showed significant differences in the academic level, family income, mother education, and physical activity measurement application usage affected to cognitive‐behavioral physical activity. Social media usage habit affected to the social media addiction level.Daily internet usage time and self‐declared physical activity level were the mutually affected factors. School nurses should act to improve healthy social media usage habits to promote well‐being and encourage the positive attitudes towards regular physical activity in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Internet addiction is a mental health issue that can have detrimental effects on an individual’s life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Internet Addiction and identify the risk factors associated with this behavioral addiction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 universities in southern Morocco, involving 1,690 students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, and information on substance use, and included validated tools to assess Internet addiction (Young’s IADQ), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire. PHQ-9), and social phobia (Mini Neuropsychiatric International Interview. M.I.N.I). Results: The findings of our study indicate that the prevalence of Internet addiction was 30.60% (95% CI), depressive symptoms were present in 44.10% of participants, and the prevalence of social Phobia was 30.20%. A significant correlation was identified between early initiation of tobacco and Internet addiction (p  =  0.05). The multivariate regression model revealed a possible association between cocaine use and Internet Addiction (OR  =  5.67, IC 95%: 0.45 to 10.80) (p  =  0.03), as well as a significant association between social phobia and a higher internet addiction score (OR  =  3.45, IC 95%: 1.70–5.02) (p  <  0.001). However, depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with internet addiction (p  =  0.38). Conclusion: These results highlight the urgent need to address internet addiction in the coming years. Implementing Multidisciplinary prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and follow-up measures are essential to mitigate the physical, psychosocial, and academic impacts of this addiction on students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) advancements and high customer expectations are boosting the use of digital transformation and tech tools in business processes in a competitive environment. This trend enhances business effectiveness and efficiency but also introduces technostress as a new workplace stress factor. Technostress, defined as stress induced by using ICT in the workplace, has become increasingly prevalent in modern work environments, especially in sectors such as banking, due to digital transformation. As technology use intensifies, it raises concerns about potential adverse psychological and physiological effects on employees, particularly in relation to burnout. From a physiological perspective, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are quite common among employees who use ICT for extended periods. MSDs can play a significant moderating role in the relationship between technostress and burnout. In this context, this study aimed to examine the moderating role of MSDs in the effect of technostress on burnout. Methods: This quantitative study surveyed a convenience sample of 220 bank employees, drawing on COR theory, the JD-R model, the P-E fit approach, and transactional stress theory. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS 4.0 software, enabling examination of relationships between variables derived from these frameworks. Results: The results reveal that technostress increases bank employees' burnout experience. Additionally, bank employees with MSDs experience higher burnout levels than those without MSDs. Conclusions: The study's findings provide valuable insights into managing workplace stress, addressing mental health problems, and promoting employee well-being in the digital age. These results have potential implications for academic understanding and practical applications in sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The connection between adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) and nomophobia has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a relationship between ASAD and nomophobia. Method: The sample consisted of 68 university students diagnosed with ASAD and 77 university students without ASAD. All participants were evaluated by a structured clinical interview, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Results: Participants with ASAD had longer daily phone usage times and had a higher frequency of checking the phone during the day and the rates of carrying a charger than controls. Compared to the control group, participants with ASAD had significantly higher ASA, SASI, NMP-Q, and SAS-SV scores and more severe nomophobia levels. The ASA scores were significantly positively correlated with SASI, NMP-Q, and SASSV. Regarding predictors of nomophobia, ASA, SASI, and SAS-SV scores had a positive and significant effect on nomophobia, and predicted nomophobia. Conclusion: Our research adds to the body of knowledge on nomophobia by demonstrating that people with ASAD are susceptible to developing nomophobia. Clinicians should be aware of the association between ASAD and nomophobia, and nomophobia may be an important concept that should be considered in the therapy approach to patients with ASAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid-related overdose deaths have significantly increased in the USA and in Alabama. Despite this, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) remains significantly underutilized. Thus, this study aims to gain a better understanding of clinicians' viewpoints on potential barriers and opportunities that are likely to impact and improve the access to MOUD, especially buprenorphine prescribing. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with Alabama's clinicians (n = 492). The survey containing a QR code was mailed to clinicians throughout the state and was asked about their viewpoints and thoughts on prescribing buprenorphine. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between OUD self-efficacy, beliefs about the effectiveness of MOUD, attitudes regarding whether or not MOUD is addictive, and positive affect surrounding the treatment of OUD patients. A minority of respondents (39.8%) reported that they have an active X-waiver for MOUD. Results showed that beliefs that MOUD is addictive were significantly inversely correlated with beliefs about MOUD being effective. Furthermore, both self-efficacy and positive affect were significantly and positively associated with beliefs that MOUD is effective. Furthermore, nurse practitioners were more likely than physicians to have higher scores on the "MAT is Addictive" construct. Self-efficacy with OUD patients was positively associated with the "MOUD is Effective" construct. Finally, results showed that X-waivered providers expressed greater positive affect toward OUD patients than providers who were not X-waivered (b = 2.9, p < 0.001). Belief that MOUD is effective was also positively associated with higher scores on the positive affect construct (b = 0.5, p < 0.001). Several barriers and opportunities were identified in our survey data which could be used to explore MOUD expansion, especially buprenorphine prescribing. Strategic plans in expanding MOUD access may include educational trainings on MOUD, motivating clinicians to utilize their capacity by implementing incentive plans, increasing provider self-efficacy, reducing stigma around MOUD, and providing more financial support to uninsured patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gambling disorder (GD) is a psychiatric disorder classified in the DSM-5 as a non-substance-related and addictive disorder with extensive health and socioeconomic impacts. Its chronic and high-relapsing nature makes it essential to find treatment strategies that improve functioning and reduce impairment associated with it. The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate and summarize the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy in GD. Methods: An electronic literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central was conducted to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and reviews on pharmacological interventions in patients with gambling disorder. A similar search of these databases and of Prospero, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Epistemonikos was conducted to identify clinical trials that were published since 2019. Results: The initial search identified 1925 articles. After screening and duplicate removal, 18 articles were included in the review (11 studies were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 6 were reviews, and 1 was an open-label trial). Eight pharmacological agents (naltrexone, nalmefene, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, escitalopram, lithium, and topiramate) that were studied in randomized controlled trials and open-label trials showed small to moderate effect sizes in reducing GD symptoms in some studies during post-hoc analyses. Conclusion: The overall sum of evidence in the literature on the use of pharmacotherapy in GD is conflicting and inconclusive. Some studies have shown that pharmacotherapy's role in GD is promising, especially when the choice of the agent is guided by comorbid psychiatric disorders. However, significant limitations exist in the study designs, which need to be addressed in future research on the topic. Conducting future and more rigorous trials that address the limitations in the existing literature is necessary to establish more accurate efficacy data on the use of pharmacotherapy in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we aim to draw a connection between drug addiction and overconsumption of highly palatable food (OHPF) by discussing common behaviors and neurochemical pathways shared by these two states. OHPF can stimulate reward pathways in the brain that parallel those triggered by drug use, increasing the risk of dependency. Behavioral similarities between food and drug addiction can be addressed by tracking their stages: loss of control when eating (bingeing), withdrawal, craving, sensitization, and cross-sensitization. The brain adapts to addiction by way of the mesolimbic dopamine system, endogenous opioids and receptors, acetylcholine and dopamine balance, and adaptations of serotonin in neuroanatomy. Studies from the current literature are reviewed to determine how various neurological chemicals contribute to the reinforcement of drug addiction and OHPF. Finally, protocols for treating food addiction are discussed, including both clinical and pharmacological modalities. There is consistent evidence that OHPF changes brain chemistry and leads to addiction in similar ways to drugs. However, more long-term research is needed on food addiction, binge eating, and their neurobiological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of mutual help groups (MHGs) in promoting addiction recovery has been widely acknowledged. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying the impact of MHGs remain somewhat uncertain. Drawing on a social identity perspective, this study investigated a sequential mediation model in which social support is posited as a driving factor that enhances abstinence maintenance through group identification, recovery identity, and self‐efficacy. A sample of 820 smokers, participating in a 6‐month collective smoking cessation programme which included access to an online help group, completed measures of social support, group identification, smoker/ex‐smoker identity, and self‐efficacy at the programme's outset. Smoking abstinence was assessed 6 and 9 months later. The findings supported the proposed model, indicating that social support was positively associated with MHG identification, which, in turn, was related to a stronger recovery identity. Subsequently, recovery identity was associated with increased self‐efficacy, and indirectly, with smoking abstinence at both measurement times. Additional analyses testing alternative mediation models further supported the validity of the proposed model. These findings suggest that social identity factors play significant roles in accounting for the effectiveness of MHGs for addiction recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed by the interaction of person-affect-cognition-execution (I-PACE) theory, the present studies examined the association between peer rejection, peer popularity, and social media addiction (SMA) at both between-person and within-person levels. Two distinct processes, the fear-driven/compensation-seeking process and the reward-driven process were explored. In Study 1, using a cross-sectional sample of high school students (N = 318), both processes were supported via different cognitive mediators. Support for the fear-driven/compensation-seeking process was demonstrated by finding that avoidance expectancy was a significant cognitive mediator between peer-nominated rejection and SMA. In turn, the reward-driven process was supported by the significant mediation of reward expectancy between peer-nominated popularity and SMA. In Study 2, using ecological momentary assessment with college students (N = 54), we found the fear-driven/compensation-seeking process partially supported through both between-person and within-person mediations. Specifically, negative affect and social media craving were two affective mediators that linked peer rejection and addictive social media use behaviors. On the other hand, the reward-driven process was predominantly supported by within-person mediations, in which positive affect and social media craving were found to be mediators of the relationship between peer popularity and addictive social media use behaviors. The results underscore that adolescents experiencing rejection tend to use social media to avoid negative feelings and compensate for interpersonal deficits, while adolescents experiencing popularity tend to use social media to maintain positive feelings and gain social rewards. Implications for the assessment, case formulation, and treatment of SMA in counseling practice are discussed. Public Significance Statement: The study suggests that peer rejection and popularity predispose adolescents to social media addiction through different cognitive and affective mechanisms. These findings warrant the need for counselors to assess and formulate SMA from an interpersonal perspective and develop counseling interventions that target unique cognitive and affective components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding time-series interplay of genes is essential for diagnosis and treatment of disease. Spatio-temporally enriched NGS data contain important underlying regulatory mechanisms of biological processes. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have been used to augment biological data to describe hidden intermediate time-series gene expression profiles during specific biological processes. Developing a pipeline that uses augmented time-series gene expression profiles is needed to provide an unbiased systemic-level map of biological processes and test for the statistical significance of the generated dataset, leading to the discovery of hidden intermediate regulators. Two analytical methods, GAN-WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) and rDEG (rescued differentially expressed gene), interpreted spatiotemporal information and screened intermediate genes during cocaine addiction. GAN-WGCNA enables correlation calculations between phenotype and gene expression profiles and visualizes time-series gene module interplay. We analyzed a transcriptome dataset of two weeks of cocaine self-administration in C57BL/6J mice. Utilizing GAN-WGCNA, two genes (Alcam and Celf4) were selected as missed intermediate significant genes that showed high correlation with addiction behavior. Their correlation with addictive behavior was observed to be notably significant in aspect of statistics, and their expression and co-regulation were comprehensively mapped in terms of time, brain region, and biological process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future counselors are likely to work with clients with process/behavioral addictions (PBA). The behavioral addiction knowledge survey (BAKS) was designed to determine counseling students' knowledge of PBAs. This article presents the instrument development procedures and results of a preliminary exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a Rasch analysis of the BAKS. The sample size included 77 counseling students. The EFA suggested a three‐factor, 18‐item solution, with satisfactory internal consistency within each factor. Rasch analysis results also yielded excellent infit and outfit statistics. Detailed psychometric properties of the BAKS are provided. Implications for counselor educators, supervisors, and future researchers are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes literature on digital detox interventions and their effects on well-being. Main findings include the lack of clear definition of digital detox and consistency in the assessment of interventions' effectiveness, beneficial effects shown by reducing social media/smartphone time rather than promoting total abstinence on wellbeing, and variation in the effect of the interventions and their duration depending on the type of outcome.

Aim: This research aimed to determine the impact of problematic mobile phone use on negative mental health outcomes among nursing students in India, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance the overall well‐being and adaptability of future healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in three randomly selected nursing colleges in South India, employing validated and standardized tools such as the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. Results: The study included 402 nursing students with an average age of 20.47 years, revealing a 39% prevalence of severe problematic mobile phone usage. Positive correlations were observed between mobile phone problematic use and age, depression and insomnia. Additionally, strong negative correlations were found between satisfaction with life and self‐esteem. Depression and satisfaction with life served as chain mediators in the impact of self‐esteem on problematic mobile phone use, and both self‐esteem and satisfaction with life negatively predicted problematic mobile phone use. Conclusion: The study highlights a prevalent issue of problematic mobile phone use among nursing students, indicating a pressing need for timely intervention, as it correlates with depression, sleep insomnia, low self‐esteem and life dissatisfaction. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Over the last decade, using mobile phones has been prevalent among today's children and young people, coinciding with an increase in poor mental health in this population.Problematic mobile phone use may consist of various issues, including addiction/dependence, financial troubles, risky use (i.e. while driving) and restricted use (i.e. in prohibited places).From an epidemiological standpoint, prevalence rate estimates vary widely and there is little research and understanding regarding the aetiology of problematic and addicted mobile phone usage, particularly its progression. What this paper adds? The prevalence of severe problematic mobile phone use among nursing students is very high and needs immediate attention.There is a negative impact of mobile phone use on the mental health outcomes of nursing students.Positive life satisfaction and self‐esteem are protective variables that negatively predict problematic mobile phone use, while their influence is mediated by a chain reaction involving reduced depression, emphasizing the interconnected psychological dynamics. The implications of this paper: Further research is needed on the influencing factors of problematic mobile phone use and interventions to prevent mobile phone addiction among nursing students.The influence of mobile phone use on the mental health outcomes of nursing students can affect their clinical practice and productive life therefore the appropriate policies should be implemented.Implementation of short and rapid counselling services for the nursing students by the nurse educators should incorporate into the curriculum to achieve a better quality of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compulsive exercise is common in eating disorders (EDs), but a systematic treatment model is lacking. The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) is a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for compulsive exercise in EDs, delivered by trained therapists in groups over four consecutive weeks (8 groupsessions and 1 individual session), aiming to promote healthy physical activity. LEAP is currently evaluated in a randomized efficacy trial. In parallel, it is crucial to learn more about how it is perceived by qualitatively investigating participants' subjective experiences. Methods: Nine patients with various EDs participating in the LEAP trial were interviewed about their experiences of taking part in LEAP and about compulsive exercise as an ED symptom using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview transcripts were analyzed according to thematic analysis. Results: The informants expressed that compulsive exercise had not been addressed in their standard ED treatment and that LEAP as such provided an important complement, spurring reflection, awareness, and changed feelings and behaviors in relation to compulsive exercise. Initially, increased PA was triggered for some, but this side effect was transitory. A wish for more treatment time, in terms of longer or additional sessions, was expressed. Conclusions: Overall, LEAP seemed to fill an important treatment need and seemed both acceptable and feasible to patients. However, treatment time and the initial increase in PA may need further investigation and attention in order to optimize this treatment. Trial registration: The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (registration date 20200325), trial ID ISRCTN80711391. Plain English summary: Compulsive exercise (CE) is very common in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often tightly connected with the eating pathology. Even so, most standard treatments do not specifically target CE, leaving patients without strategies to normalize their exercise. The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) is delivered as an adjunctive treatment to standard ED treatment (targeting CE in patients with EDs. In this study, nine former LEAP patients were interviewed about their experiences of taking part in LEAP and about CE as an ED symptom. The informants were in general satisfied with LEAP and indicated that participation had positive effects on their exercise-related thoughts and attitudes, as well as actual exercise behaviors. They all experienced that CE was not addressed in their standard treatment, although they were motivated to work towards changing it. LEAP was therefore viewed as an important complement. Participating in LEAP initially triggered some informants to exercise more, which fortunately ceased over time and is similar to the temporal negative effect (increased food occupation) often observed initially in cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders. The content of LEAP was experienced as valid, informative, and eye-opening, and being able to discuss CE-related topics in a group setting was for many a positive experience. The experiences expressed in this study are very useful for continued development of LEAP. Although preliminary, the results also suggest that LEAP may be a valuable add-on treatment within ED care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A study analyzing perioperative outcomes related to a sudden switch from 3D to 2D-4K technology for laparoscopic sacral colpopexy by expert pelvic surgeons: are we addicted to technology? Material and methods: After a sudden transition from 3D to 2D-4K laparoscopic technology, a total of 115 consecutive pelvic prolapse patients who underwent sacral colpopexy from June 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively assessed from our database. Perioperative parameters, operative times (OT), and intraoperative difficulty scales were assessed. One-year follow-ups were analyzed for the study. Primary endpoints were OT; secondary endpoint was the evaluation of complications linked to this procedure. Results: We found statistical differences in OT and intraoperative difficulty scales between medians of the last 3D procedures and the first ten 2D-4K surgeries, without differences between operators. Only after more than 20 surgeries, we observed no significant differences between 3D and 2D-4K sacral colpopexy. We observed no statistical differences in terms of anatomic failure, PGI-I, and intra-postoperative complications. Conclusion: The transition of urogynecology from an exclusive vaginal approach to 2D-3D-4K laparoscopy significantly increased the level of technology necessary for surgical treatment of prolapse. This could, as a result, lead to pelvic surgeons becoming increasingly dependent on technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Exercise attenuates addictive behavior; however, little is known about the contribution of exercise duration to this positive effect. The Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) has been implicated both in addictive responses and in the beneficial effects of exercise; though, its role in the advantageous effects of exercise on toluene-induced addictive responses has not been explored. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of different exercise regimens in mitigating the expression of toluene-induced locomotor sensitization and to analyze changes in RAS elements' expression at the mesocorticolimbic system after repeated toluene exposure and following voluntary wheel running in toluene-sensitized animals. Methods: Toluene-induced addictive-like response was evaluated with a locomotor sensitization model in mice. Toluene-sensitized animals had access to running wheels 1, 2, 4 or 24 h/day for 4 weeks; thereafter, locomotor sensitization expression was evaluated after a toluene challenge. RAS elements (ACE and ACE2 enzymes; AT1, AT2 and Mas receptors) expression was determined by Western blot in the VTA, NAc and PFCx of toluene-sensitized mice with and without exercise. Results: Individual differences in toluene-induced locomotor sensitization development were observed. Access to wheel running 1 and 2 h/day reduced but 4 and 24 h/day completely blocked locomotor sensitization expression. Repeated toluene exposure changed RAS elements' expression in the VTA, NAc and PFCx, while exercise mainly modified ACE and AT1 in air-exposed and toluene-sensitized mice. Conclusions: Inhalant-exposed animals show different sensitization phenotypes. Exercise duration determined its efficacy to attenuate the addictive-like response. Toluene exposure and exercise each modified RAS, the latter also modifying toluene-induced changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, with the rapid development of technology, research on behavioral addiction concepts such as digital gaming disorders and problematic internet use has increased. As anime-watching has become widespread worldwide, it is thought that this behavior may be one of the areas of problematic technology use, especially in adolescence. However, studies evaluating problematic anime-watching behaviors within the framework of behavioral addictions are quite limited in the literature. In this study, problematic anime-watching behaviors, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and possible psychosocial factors were evaluated in 86 anime watchers aged between 12 and 18 years. Problematic anime-watching behaviors were evaluated according to the diagnostic criteria of other defined disorders related to addictive behaviors in ICD-11. A semi-structured interview tool was used to assess psychiatric comorbidities, and the IGDS9-SF adapted form for anime-watching, the Self-Efficacy Scale for Children, KIDCOPE, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents were used to collect other data. Results: It was determined that 36.8% of the 86 adolescents in our study had problematic anime-watching behavior. Compared to other adolescents, the problematic anime-watching group had significantly lower self-efficacy scores and significantly higher social anxiety and avoidant coping scores. A significant relationship was found between social anxiety disorder and watching problematic anime. Conclusions: The present study showed that problematic watching of anime may be a variant of behavioral addiction. In conclusion, the relationship between problematic anime-watching behaviors and mental health warrants further examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: UK‐based gambling policymakers have proposed affordability checks starting at monthly losses of £125. The present study combines open banking data with self‐reports of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and other relevant information to explore the harm profiles of people who gamble at different levels of electronic gambling behaviour. Design, setting and participants: This was a data fusion study in which participants consented to share their bank data via an open banking application programming interface (API) and who also completed relevant self‐report items. Hierarchical hurdle models were used to predict being an at‐risk gambler (PGSI > 0) and being a 'higher‐risk' gambler (higher PGSI scores among those with non‐zero scores) using four specifications of electronic gambling behaviour (net‐spend, outgoing expenditure, incoming withdrawals, interaction model combining expenditure and withdrawals), and by adding self‐reported data across two additional steps. The study took place in the United Kingdom. Participants were past‐year people who gamble (n = 424), recruited via Prolific. Measurements: Self‐report measures were used of gambling‐related harm (PGSI), depression [Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9)], age and gender; bank‐recorded measures of income and electronic gambling behaviour. Findings Unharmed gamblers had an average monthly gambling net‐spend of £16.41, compared with £208.91 among highest‐risk gamblers (PGSI ≥ 5). Being an at‐risk gambler (PGSI > 0) was predicted significantly by all four types of gambling behaviour throughout all three steps [1.08 ≤ odds ratios (ORs) ≤ 2.92; Ps < 0.001), with only outgoing expenditure being significant in the interaction model (2.26 ≤ ORs ≤ 2.81; Ps < 0.001). Higher PHQ‐9 scores also predicted at‐risk gambling in steps 2–3 (1.09 ≤ ORs ≤ 1.10; Ps < 0.001), as did lower age (0.95 ≤ ORs ≤ 0.96; Ps < 0.001) and male gender identity in step 3 (2.51 ≤ ORs ≤ 2.95; Ps < 0.001). Being a higher‐risk gambler was predicted significantly by gambling behaviour only in the expenditure‐only (1.16 ≤ ORs ≤ 1.17; Ps ≤ 0.048) and withdrawal‐only (1.08 ≤ ORs ≤ 1.09; Ps ≤ 0.004) models, and was not predicted by income (0.98 ≤ ORs ≤ 1.14; Ps ≥ 0.601), age (0.98 ≤ ORs ≤ 0.99; Ps ≥ 0.143) or male gender identity (1.07 ≤ ORs ≤ 1.15; Ps ≥ 0.472). Conclusion: The UK government's proposed affordability checks for gamblers should rarely affect people who are not experiencing gambling‐related harm. At‐risk gambling is predicted well by different types of gambling behaviour. Novel insights about gambling can be generated by fusing self‐reported and objective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]