The etiopathogenesis of depression is not entirely understood. Several studies have investigated the role of inflammation in major depressive disorder. The present work aims to review the literature on the association between C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and depression. A systematic review was performed for the topics of ‘CRP’ and ‘depression’ using the PubMed database from inception to December 2021. Fifty-six studies were identified and included in the review. Evidence suggested the presence of dysregulation in the inflammation system in individuals with depression. In most studies, higher blood CRP levels were associated with greater symptom severity, a specific pattern of depressive symptoms, and a worse response to treatment. Moreover, about one-third of depressed patients showed a low-grade inflammatory state, suggesting the presence of a different major depressive disorder (MDD) subgroup with a distinct etiopathogenesis, clinical course, treatment response, and prognosis, which could benefit from monitoring of CRP levels and might potentially respond to anti-inflammatory treatments. This work provides robust evidence about the potential role of CRP and its blood levels in depressive disorders. These findings can be relevant to developing new therapeutic strategies and better understanding if CRP may be considered a valuable biomarker for depression.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of digital psychiatry (DP), resulting in the need for a new skilled healthcare workforce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of training, knowledge, beliefs, and experiences of young mental health professionals and medical students in DP. An ad hoc cross-sectional survey was administered and descriptive analyses, Student’s t and ANOVA tests were conducted, together with an exploratory factor analysis, bivariate correlations and linear regression. Most of the sample (N = 239) declared that DP was never discussed within their academic training (89.1%), mainly revealing an overall lack of knowledge on the issue. Nevertheless, subjects mostly declared that DP represents a valuable therapeutic tool in mental health (80%) and that their training should include this topic (54.4%). Moreover, most subjects declared that digital interventions are less effective than face-to-face ones (73.2%), despite the emerging evidence that being trained in DP is significantly associated with the belief that digital and in-person interventions are comparable in their effectiveness (p ≤ 0.05). Strong positive correlations were found between the knowledge score (KS) and perceived significance index (PSI) (r = 0.148, p < 0.001), and KS and Digital Psychiatry Opinion (DPO) index (r = 0.193, p < 0.001). PSI scores statistically significantly predicted KS total scores (F(1, 237) = 5.283, R² = 0.022, p = 0.022). KS scores statistically significantly predicted DPO total scores (F(1, 237) = 9.136, R² = 0.037, p = 0.003). During the current pandemic, DP represented an ideal response to the forced physical distancing by ensuring the advantage of greater access to care. However, this kind of intervention is still uncommon, and mental health professionals still prove to be skeptical. The lack of formal training on DP during the academic years could be a limiting factor.

Migration poses a myriad of challenges to migrants' mental well-being, including eating disorders (EDs) and body image dissatisfaction (BID). This review aims to explore the prevalence and characteristics of EDs and BID among migrant populations. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception to January 2023. Using search terms encompassing ED/BID and migrant populations, 11 studies were selected from an initial pool of 899 records. Epidemiological studies demonstrate varying prevalence rates of ED among migrant groups, presenting mixed data. In certain populations, the global prevalence of EDs was reported at 5.8%, with binge eating disorder specifically observed at a rate of 1.7%. Clinical cases reveal how the migratory route, culture and psychopathology intersect in ED presentations. Cultural practices and ethnic identity can influence ED development, often exacerbated by biases related to food and body image. Conversely, cultural heritage may serve as a mitigating factor. Studies on BID reveal a prevalent preference for thinner bodies among migrants in Western nations, likely influenced by exposure to Western cultural norms and ideals. The present findings underscore the complex phenomenology of ED and BID in migrant populations, influenced by a multitude of factors including migration-related stress and cultural constructs.

Introduction: Liraglutide 3.0 mg, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, is a medication approved for obesity treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychiatric symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and binge eating, and their impact on therapy adherence. Methods: A clinical audit was carried out on a cohort of 54 adults with obesity treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg. We retrospectively analyzed the connection between psychiatric symptoms assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Binge Eating Scale (BES). Adherence to therapy was assessed by the maximum dosage (MD) and treatment duration (TD). Results: Notably, a discontinuation rate of 59% was encountered. However, among those who continued the treatment, we observed a negative association between anxiety symptoms (STAI score) and MD, depression symptoms (BDI score) and TD, and a higher likelihood of binge eating (BES score > 17) and TD. Moreover, presence of psychiatric symptoms did not compromise drug's effectiveness in achieving weight loss, which was 4.43% (± 5.5 SD) in the whole sample and 5.3% (± 6.3 SD) in the subgroup evaluated at 12 weeks. Conclusion: We observed a high discontinuation rate in real-life clinical setting, where Liraglutide 3.0 therapy is paid out-of-pocket. While psychiatric symptoms might play a role in diminishing adherence to therapy, they do not prevent drug's effectiveness to promote weight loss. This finding underscores the potential advantages of liraglutide 3.0 mg therapy for individuals contending with obesity while simultaneously managing mental health challenges. Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive studies.

Introduction: Climate change poses a serious threat to fundamental human needs, including access to water, air, food, and housing. It also contributes to a range of mental health risks. Among its psychological impacts, eco-anxiety, defined by the American Psychological Association as a chronic fear of environmental doom, is receiving increasing attention. Although awareness of eco-anxiety is growing, research on this phenomenon remains limited, especially in countries like Italy, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies as especially vulnerable to the consequences of global warming. Methods: This study investigated the prevalence of eco-anxiety in a sample of healthy Italian adults recruited among voluntary blood donors, focusing on its distribution across generational cohorts. In May 2024, an online questionnaire was administered via QR code to members of AVIS (Associazione Volontari Italiani Sangue) in Bologna. A total of 1,795 participants (1,060 males, 727 females, 8 non-binary) took part, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years (M = 46.6). Eco-anxiety was assessed using the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS). Results: The sample showed a median HEAS score of 4.0 (IQR = 8.0). Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed significant differences across generational cohorts ( p < .001; ε² = 0.0603), with Generation Z (18–28 years) reporting the highest levels of eco-anxiety. Nearly half of Generation Z participants (48.4%) exhibited high levels of eco-anxiety (χ² = 81.3; p < .001; V = 0.213). Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses confirmed a strong association between younger age and elevated eco-anxiety scores. After adjusting for general anxiety and depressive symptoms, Generation Z participants were more than four times as likely as Baby Boomers to report high eco-anxiety (OR = 4.21; 95% CI [2.755, 6.421]). Conclusions: These findings highlight a marked generational gap in climate-related distress, underscoring the need for targeted psychological interventions for younger populations and further research into the mechanisms underlying eco-anxiety.