Background: Stigma against those who suffer from mental illness is a major issue in many nations. Stigma, which is comprised of prejudice, ignorance, and discrimination, serves as a barrier to seeking help and staying in contact with mental health services.It is thus imperative that concerted efforts are taken against stigma.Methods: Eight young psychiatrists from eight Asian nations offer a narrative review of the state of stigma in their respective nations, the sociocultural reasons behind this stigma, recent anti-stigma efforts and the effects, if any, of such efforts.

Highlights This study reviews the literature on suicide during outbreaks, including COVID-19. Nine studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Deducing an association between outbreaks and suicide is poorly supported. High-quality research would allow for a better understanding of this interrelation.

Introduction This study aims to review recent scientific publications and research output in the field of psychiatry, from a series of countries in the Asia‐Pacific region (Australia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Nepal), with a view to identify themes and similarities across regions, as well as to examine the barriers and challenges in mental health research faced by countries in the region. Methods Seven psychiatrists from seven countries reviewed recent published and ongoing research in psychiatry in their respective nations, with respect to themes, as well as any barriers or challenges faced by mental health researchers. Results While the seven nations included in this review vary in terms of research capabilities and economic development level, they share many similarities both in terms of research direction, and with regards to challenges faced. Limitations in the form of sociocultural differences from the West, and a lack of funding were some of the barriers identified. Discussion Mental health research in the region has been progressing well. However, more varied research in the form of qualitative or economic studies are lacking, as are multi‐center studies. The similar issues that nations face with regards to research could perhaps benefit from collaborative efforts and initiatives for the furtherance of research in the region.

Meta-analyses have an important role in the implementation of evidence-based practice and shaping of future research. Despite the undoubted advantages, meta-analyses are no panacea. Caution, therefore, has to be applied when using the results of meta-analyses in clinical practice, due to methodological limitations of the meta-analyses and limitations in the primary studies used.

Background Burnout during residency training is associated with various factors. Within the context of stress/coping transactional model in which one's personality can influence stress appraisal and coping, there is limited evidence examining the relationship between burnout and personality factors amongst psychiatry residents. Objectives We aim to evaluate the prevalence of burnout within a cohort of psychiatry residents and its relationship with personality factors, demographic, work‐related factors and coping features. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study involving 50 out of 77 eligible residents (response rate 64.9%) and administered the Oldenberg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), NEO‐Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) and Brief COPE Inventory. Burnout was defined as crossing the thresholds for exhaustion (≥2.25) and disengagement (≥2.1) scores. We compared the burnout vs nonburnout groups and examined the relationship between burnout, personality factors and coping strategies using correlational and mediational analyses. Results Overall, 78% of our cohort met criteria for burnout. Burnout was correlated with hours of work per week (rs = .409, P = .008), neuroticism (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.01‐1.43, P = .041) and avoidance coping (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06‐2.46, P = .025). Neuroticism was significantly correlated (all P < .001) with all coping domains (Seeking Social Support, rs = 0.40; Problem Solving, rs = 0.52; Avoidance, rs = 0.55; Positive thinking, rs = 0.41) and was a partial mediator between avoidance coping and burnout (β of indirect path = 0.168, [SE = 0.066]; P = .011). Conclusions We found a considerable burnout rate amongst psychiatry residents which was associated with neuroticism and avoidance coping, and suggest ways to better tackle occupational burnout during residency training.