Journal of Mental Health Disorders

Original Research Open Access

Beyond Case Vignettes: Do Diagnostic Labels Affect How Symptoms of Mental Illness are Perceived?

Alexander Dings , Lara K Kubillus

A long-standing question in clinical psychology concerns the merits and drawbacks of using diagnostic labels in communication about mental illness. A frequent view is that such labels contribute to mental illness stigma, for example by fostering a categorical view of affected people as part of a distinct out-group. Previous research has found some evidence to support such claims, but results are mixed. 

Mini Review Open Access

Expanding Horizons in Anti-GQ1b Antibody Syndrome: Recognizing Atypical and Overlap Forms

Ciro Maria Noioso , Agnese Pecoraro , Gabriella Maria Acerra , Stefano Avventura , Liliana Bevilacqua , Caterina Giordano , Anna Rosa Avallone , Umberto De Marca , Paola Della Valle , Marina Serio , Maurizio Tenuta , Antonella Toriello , Paolo Barone , Claudia Vinciguerra , Giuseppe Piscosquito , Aniello Iovino

Since the initial descriptions of Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) and Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis (BBE), substantial advancements have refined our understanding of these disorders, highlighting shared features such as anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies, preceding infectious triggers, and overlapping neurophysiological findings. These commonalities support the hypothesis that MFS and BBE are not distinct entities but rather components of a unified autoimmune condition, often referred to as "Fisher-Bickerstaff syndrome." 

Commentary Open Access

Navigating Crisis: The Transformative Impact of COVID-19 on Family Support Services in Germany

Nina Weimann-Sandig , Götz Schneiderat , Aileen Völlger

In 2024, we published a study named “COVID-19 as a Driver of Professionalization in Work with Families in Germany". The following text is a commentary on this study. It presents key findings and the study's approach but also contextualizes further questions arising from the post-pandemic period. The article presents a comprehensive examination of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family support services in Germany.

Commentary Open Access

English School Principals’ Reflections on Hostility in the Community in the COVID and Post-COVID Era: A Comment

Simon Uttley

Though not a mental health professional, I have benefitted from significant training in mental health first aid, and I encounter the challenges of poor mental health on a weekly, if not daily, basis in my role as a Principal (Headteacher) of an English, publicly funded, all-ability high school, a role I have held in several schools over twenty years, together with professorial roles in higher education, both at the University of Notre Dame (USA), London, and St Mary’s University, England. 

Short Communication Open Access

Suicide Prevention and Stress Management in Farmers: The Overlooked Role of Farm Finances

Anna Marie Scheyett , Jude Oshobughie Edeh

Farmers experience high levels of stress, disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety, and have suicide rates much higher than the general population. The authors and colleagues have examined the unique characteristics of farmers (high time demands, stigma around mental health needs, lack of mental health knowledge and ability to access services) and how suicide prevention and stress management interventions must be shaped to respect farmers’ needs. 

Commentary Open Access

The Mental Health Considerations Within the Difficulties Associated with Identifying Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Matthew Davis

The identification of vulnerable individuals who are or have been subjected to abuse and exploitation is vitally important so that survivors can access the specific help and support to assist them recover from their traumatic experiences. This article considers what the main issues, barriers and challenges are for trafficked victims to be positively identified. It also illustrates how mental health workers can play a significant role in identifying those most likely to become victims of human trafficking and support them effectively. These issues are important and valuable to consider as the selection of aspects of the topics to discuss are pertinent especially in light of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s mental health.

Commentary Open Access

Mental Health and Collective Trauma among Yazidi Genocide Survivors

Jan Ilhan Kizilhan

The Yazidi population has faced systematic persecution, culminating in the 2014 genocide by the so-called Islamic State (IS). This commentary focuses on the impact of collective trauma on Yazidi mental health, focusing on transgenerational trauma, gender-specific experiences, and culturally adapted therapeutic interventions. The discussion highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that consider cultural and socio-political contexts in the treatment of Yazidi survivors. Addressing these complex mental health challenges requires a holistic framework that integrates psychological, social, and legal support mechanisms.

Commentary Open Access

Substance Abuse and Psychosis

Ralph Meyers

This commentary deals with our publication from 12.2024, entitled “Early Detection and Treatment Options for Psychosis in Transition from Childhood to Adolescence: A Review About Three Decades of Psychiatric Clinical Experience”. The article delves into the complex relationship between substance abuse and psychosis, focusing on the critical role of early detection, family involvement, and continuous monitoring in managing psychosis, particularly during the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Commentary Open Access

Measuring the Effectiveness of Navy Embedded Mental Health: Supporting Warfighting Readiness

Robert D. Lippy

This commentary is based on the author’s chapter entitled “The Future of Embedded Mental/Behavioral Health in the Military” in the recently published book Embedded Behavioral Health in the Military: A Guide for Behavioral Health Officers and Leaders. This commentary expands on the book chapter’s discussion of the value and effectiveness of embedded mental health (EMH). In this commentary, the author presents reasons why the ultimate measure of effectiveness of EMH is to return Service members to duty in direct support of the warfighting readiness mission.