Misophonia is a neurophysiological disorder with behavioral implications, is complex and multifactorial in origin, and is characterized by an atypical and disproportionate emotional response to specific sounds or associated visual stimuli. Triggers include human-generated sounds, mainly sounds related to feeding and breathing processes, and repetitive mechanical sounds. In response to the triggering stimulus, the patient experiences immediate, high-intensity, disproportionate physical and emotional reactions that affect their quality of life and social functioning. The symptoms of misophonia can occur at any age, but onset in childhood or adolescence is most common. Affected children live in a constant state of anxiety, suffer continuous physical and emotional discomfort, and are thus exposed to significant chronic stress. Chronic stress, especially during childhood, has consequences on the main biological systems through the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, including the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we provide arguments for a positive correlation between misophonic pathology and gastrointestinal symptoms, and this hypothesis may be the starting point for further longitudinal studies that could investigate the correlations between these childhood vulnerabilities caused by misophonia and their effect on the gastrointestinal system. Further research to study this hypothesis is essential to ensure correct and timely diagnosis and optimal psychological and pharmacological support.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern with profound implications for mothers, families, and societies. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research findings to understand better how personality traits, as assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), contribute to the development and progression of PPD. Conducted in January 2024, this review searched major databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to December 2023, focusing on the NEO-FFI’s role in evaluating PPD. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies were selected based on strict criteria, including the exclusive use of NEO-FFI for personality assessment and a focus on postpartum women. A total of seven studies were included after a rigorous two-step screening process, and their data were qualitatively synthesized. The review covered a total of 4172 participants, with a prevalence of clinically significant postpartum depression symptoms ranging from 10.6% to 51.7%. Notably, Neuroticism emerged as a significant predictor of PPD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96–1.20) in some studies to as high as 1.87 (95% CI: 1.53–2.27) in others. In contrast, traits like Extraversion and Conscientiousness generally showed protective effects, with lower scores associated with reduced PPD risk. For instance, Extraversion scores correlated negatively with PPD risk (Beta = −0.171) in one study. However, the impact of other traits such as Openness and Agreeableness on PPD risk was less clear, with some studies indicating negligible effects. The review highlights Neuroticism as a consistent and significant predictor of PPD risk, with varying impacts from other personality traits. The findings suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions in maternal mental health care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive personality evaluations in prenatal and postnatal settings.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally, with a significant impact on public health and quality of life. In addition to traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests the crucial role of psychosocial factors, including personality, in the development and prognosis of CVDs. In recent decades, researchers have focused on the so-called “type D personality.” Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Fifteen studies were included in the final quantitative analysis, involving 5687 people. The qualitative assessment of the studies included in this meta-analysis was conducted adopting the Quality System Tool. Results: Several studies have shown a significant correlation between type D personality and an increased risk of CVDs, as well as a worse prognosis in patients with established CVDs. The overall quality of the studies included in this synthesis ranged from 0.70 to 0.96, indicating the general good quality levels of the studies (69%). The association between type D personality and CVDs in terms of prevalence underlined a raw proportion of 0.36. Conclusions: This study reinforces the significance of type D personality as a psychological risk factor for CVD, with implications for both disease prevalence and severity.

Complex biological processes that enable optimal foetal growth throughout pregnancy are linked to notable haemodynamic and metabolic changes in the mother’s body. An inability to adapt to these changes can affect cardiovascular health. During pregnancy, women may experience mood swings, anxiety, and emotional ambivalence. These symptoms can lead to stress and harm the mental well-being of expectant mothers. It is crucial to know the aspects that can influence the development of cardiovascular problems among pregnant women. Effective management requires identifying risk factors. Applying the PRISMA ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review to explore and summarise the evidence regarding the impact of stress and anxiety on cardiovascular health in pregnant women. The following enquiries were looked into as research topics: What effects do anxiety and stress have on a pregnant woman’s cardiovascular health? How is it quantifiable? It is essential to comprehend the physiological changes that the body undergoes throughout pregnancy in order to inform and assist both patients and medical professionals. This makes it possible for them to identify any pathological disorders or risk factors that could worsen the health of expectant mothers. Psychological and cardiovascular risk factor screening, either before or during pregnancy, may be able to uncover circumstances that require specific medical and psychological therapies in order to lower maternal morbidity and death from cardiovascular disease. Our findings underscore the need for systematic psychological and cardiovascular screening during prenatal care to mitigate adverse outcomes and improve maternal–foetal health.

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to examine the bidirectional association between PTSD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by evaluating the following: (1) the risk of increased CVD incidence in individuals with PTSD; and (2) the prevalence of PTSD in patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted of the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without using a temporal publication range. For the PTSD-to-CVD direction, 18 studies were combined. For the CVD-to-PTSD direction, 11 studies that ascertained the incidence or prevalence of PTSD following a CVD event were combined. Results: The findings confirm the bidirectional and clinically significant relationship between CVD and PTSD. Conclusions: These data underscore the need to integrate trauma-informed approaches into cardiovascular care and stress management into psychiatric treatment to stop this pathological cycle.

Background: The dopaminergic theory, the oldest and most comprehensively analyzed neurotransmitter theory of schizophrenia, remains a focal point of research. Methods: This systematic review examines the association between combinations of 14 dopaminergic genes and the risk of schizophrenia. The selected genes include dopamine receptors (DRD1–5), metabolizing enzymes (COMT, MAOA, MAOB, DBH), synthesizing enzymes (TH, DDC), and dopamine transporters (DAT, VMAT1, and VMAT2). Results: Recurring functional patterns show combinations with either hyperdopaminergic effects in limbic and striatal regions or high striatal and low prefrontal dopamine levels. The protective statuses of certain alleles or genotypes are often maintained in epistatic effects; however, exceptions exist. This complexity could explain the inconsistent results in previous genetic studies. Investigating individual alleles may be insufficient due to the heterozygous advantage observed in some studies. Conclusions: Schizophrenia may not be a monolithic disease, but rather a sum of different phenotypes which respond uniquely to different treatment and prevention approaches.