Civilization diseases are defined as non-communicable diseases that affect a large part of the population. Examples of such diseases are depression and cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the World Health Organization warns against an increase in both of these. This narrative review aims to summarize the available information on measurable risk factors for CVD and depression based on the existing literature. The paper reviews the epidemiology and main risk factors for the coexistence of depression and cardiovascular disease. The authors emphasize that there is evidence of a link between depression and cardiovascular disease. Here, we highlight common risk factors for depression and cardiovascular disease, including obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity, as well as the importance of the prevention and treatment of CVD in preventing depression and other mental disorders. Conversely, effective treatment of CVD can also help prevent depression and improve mental health outcomes. It seems advisable to introduce screening tests for depression in patients treated for cardiac reasons. Importantly, in patients treated for mood disorders, it is worth controlling CVD risk factors, for example, by checking blood pressure and pulse during routine visits. It is also worth paying attention to the mental condition of patients with CVD. This study underlines the importance of interdisciplinary co-operation.

Background: Experiencing stressful life events and ways of coping with them can predispose to the onset of depressive mood disorders, while depression itself can be responsible for severe stress and can weaken resilience to stressors. Thus, variables relevant to the onset of depressive episodes and the course of depression have significant relationships with coping strategies to stressors. The aim of this research was to evaluate the most commonly used stress-coping strategies in patients treated for depression compared to patients with anxiety disorders and to healthy subjects. Methods: The multidimensional coping inventory (COPE Inventory) by C. S. Carver, M. F. Scheier, and J. K. Weintraub, covering 15 stress response strategies included in more general and overarching coping styles, was used in the study. Results: Patients with depression differed from the healthy subjects in a statistically significant way. Statistical analysis showed that people with depression are less likely than healthy subjects to use Active Coping, Planning, Seeking of Instrumental and Emotional Social Support, Suppression of Competing Activities, and Positive Reinterpretation. In contrast, they are more likely to use Denial, Mental Disengagement, and Behavioral Disengagement compared to those not treated for mental disorders. The patients with depressive disorders, compared to the group of patients with anxiety disorders, scored significantly differently on stress coping strategies in only two types of actions taken in stressful situations. Conclusion: The patients with depression differed from the healthy subjects in terms of the highest number of the stress coping strategies assessed. Compared to the healthy individuals, a tendency toward an avoidant behavior style was prevalent among the depressed patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with the first episode of the disease and recurrent depressive disorders in terms of stress coping strategies.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder of multifactorial origin, in which both genetic and environmental factors have an impact on its onset, course, and outcome. Large variability in response and tolerability of medication among individuals makes it difficult to predict the efficacy of a chosen therapeutic method and create universal and precise guidelines for treatment. Pharmacogenetic research allows for the identification of genetic polymorphisms associated with response to a chosen antipsychotic, thus allowing for a more effective and personal approach to treatment. This review focuses on three frequently prescribed second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole, and aims to analyze the current state and future perspectives in research dedicated to identifying genetic factors associated with antipsychotic response. Multiple alleles of genes involved in pharmacokinetics (particularly isoenzymes of cytochrome P450), as well as variants of genes involved in dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate neurotransmission, have already been identified as ones of significant impact on antipsychotic response. It must, however, be noted that although currently obtained results are promising, trials with bigger study groups and unified protocols are crucial for standardizing methods and determining objective antipsychotic response status.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), defined as the failure to achieve adequate response to at least two antidepressant trials, affects 20–30% of patients with major depressive disorder and poses substantial personal and socioeconomic burdens. This review aimed to synthesize current knowledge on the genetic, epigenetic, and neurobiological underpinnings of TRD to understand its pathophysiology better and inform future treatment strategies. A systematic search identified relevant studies focusing on genetic predispositions, epigenetic modifications, structural and functional brain alterations, the role of chronic inflammation, and deficits in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis associated with TRD. Findings highlight the involvement of polymorphisms in genes regulating neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and stress response, though replication across studies remains inconsistent. Genome-wide association studies suggest polygenic contributions but are limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous definitions of TRD. Emerging evidence points to aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and dysregulated non-coding RNAs as potential mediators of treatment resistance. Neuroimaging studies reveal TRD-specific patterns, particularly altered default mode network connectivity and white matter disruptions, supporting its distinction as a subtype of depression. Collectively, the evidence underscores TRD as a multifactorial condition shaped by genetic and neurobiological factors, while emphasizing the need for standardized definitions, larger cohorts, and longitudinal designs to advance the field.

Background and Objectives: Sexual violence constitutes a major public health concern that undermines safety, bodily integrity, and autonomy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and preventive strategies related to sexual misconduct in party-related social settings in Poland. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 18 and 27 March 2025 among a representative sample of 1000 adults using computer-assisted web interviews. The questionnaire covered perceived risk, preventive measures, and personal or witnessed experiences of sexual violence. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: More than half of respondents reported unwanted touching (53.8%) or persistent harassment (46.9%), and 54.1% had encountered sexual comments. Drug-facilitated assaults were reported by approximately 10% of participants, while 12.3% indicated forced sex. Despite frequent reliance on precautionary measures (e.g., returning home with friends in 64.2% of cases), concerns about sexual victimization were widespread. Multivariable analysis showed that women (aOR 1.91), young adults (aOR 2.80 for those aged 18–24 years), and sexual minorities were disproportionately affected. Conclusions: This study highlights that sexual violence in party-related settings is a structural rather than marginal problem in Poland. Women, young adults, and sexual minorities are disproportionately affected. Effective prevention requires multilevel interventions, including bystander programs, venue-level safety policies, and broader public health strategies to reduce tolerance for sexual harassment and violence.

Leki przeciwpsychotyczne (LPP) jako grupa mimo zbliżonego efektu klinicznego, różnią się między sobą zarówno budową chemiczną, właściwościami farmakodynamicznymi i farmakokinetycznymi, jak również możliwymi działaniami niepożądanymi ich stosowania. Przy doborze odpowiedniego leczenia dla pacjenta lekarz powinien kierować się nie tylko oczekiwanym efektem terapeutycznym, ale także zważać na możliwe skutki uboczne, zwłaszcza u pacjentów obciążonych dodatkowymi schorzeniami somatycznymi. Prawie wszystkie, z wyjątkiem niedostępnej w Polsce pimawanseryny, zarejestrowane aktualnie LPP są antagonistami receptorów D2. Leki II generacji dodatkowo wywierają istotny wpływ na przekaźnictwo serotoninergiczne, przede wszystkim blokując receptory 5HT2a. Z kolei nowoczesne leki przeciwpsychotyczne III generacji oprócz antagonizmu w stosunku do receptorów D2 wykazują również częściowy agonizm względem receptorów dopaminergicznych, co pozwala modulować przekaźnictwo dopaminergiczne. Celem niniejszej pracy jest przedstawienie wskazówek dotyczących doboru leków przeciwpsychotycznych (LPP) w leczeniu pacjentów psychiatrycznych ze współwystępującymi schorzeniami somatycznymi (część pierwsza zaleceń dotyczy zespołu metabolicznego, hiperprolaktynemii oraz schorzeń kardiologicznych.), w oparciu o ryzyko możliwych działań niepożądanych związanych ze stosowaniem LPP.