BackgroundStudies in Western countries have repeatedly shown that women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at increased risk for developing major depression (MD). Would this relationship be found in China?MethodThree levels of CSA (non-genital, genital, and intercourse) were assessed by self-report in two groups of Han Chinese women: 1970 clinically ascertained with recurrent MD and 2597 matched controls. Diagnostic and other risk factor information was assessed at personal interview. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression and regression coefficients by linear or Poisson regression.ResultsAny form of CSA was significantly associated with recurrent MD [OR 3.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95–5.45]. This association strengthened with increasing CSA severity: non-genital (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.17–5.23), genital (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.32–5.83) and intercourse (OR 13.35, 95% CI 1.83–97.42). The association between any form of CSA and MD remained significant after accounting for parental history of depression, childhood emotional neglect (CEN), childhood physical abuse (CPA) and parent–child relationship. Among the depressed women, those with CSA had an earlier age of onset, longer depressive episodes and an increased risk for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.39–2.66) and dysthymia (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.52–3.09).ConclusionsIn Chinese women CSA is strongly associated with MD and this association increases with greater severity of CSA. Depressed women with CSA have an earlier age of onset, longer depressive episodes and increased co-morbidity with GAD and dysthymia. Although reporting biases cannot be ruled out, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that, as in Western countries, CSA substantially increases the risk for MD in China.

BackgroundPost partum depression (PPD) is relatively common in China but its clinical characteristics and risk factors have not been studied. We set out to investigate whether known risk factors for PPD could be found in Chinese women.MethodsA case control design was used to determine the impact of known risk factors for PPD in a cohort of 1970 Chinese women with recurrent DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD). In a within-case design we examined the risk factors for PPD in patients with recurrent MDD. We compared the clinical features of MDD in cases with PPD to those without MDD. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic and ordinal regression.ResultsLower occupational and educational statuses increased the risk of PPD, as did a history of pre-menstrual symptoms, stressful life events and elevated levels of the personality trait of neuroticism. Patients with PPD and MDD were more likely to experience a comorbid anxiety disorder, had a younger age of onset of MDD, have higher levels of neuroticism and dysthymia.LimitationsResults obtained in this clinical sample may not be applicable to PPD within the community. Data were obtained retrospectively and we do not know whether the correlations we observe have the same causes as those operating in other populations.ConclusionsOur results are consistent with the hypothesis that the despite cultural differences between Chinese and Western women, the phenomenology and risk factors for PPD are very similar.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, or paragangliomas, are rare tumours that derive from extra-adrenal chromaffin cells. Cushing's syndrome (CS) caused by paragangliomas is extremely rare. We report a 53-year-old man with hypertension, diabetes, and symptoms of hypokalemia. Computer tomography (CT) revealed two retroperitoneal masses and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Together with the laboratory examinations, ectopic CS caused by multiple paragangliomas was highly suspected. The patient underwent resections of retroperitoneal tumours, left kidney, and left adrenal; postoperative histopathology confirmed two paragangliomas that were both positively stained for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). He got clinical and biochemical recoveries without any recurrent evidence at the nine-month followup.

What is already known about this topic? The prevalence of mental health disorders among children and youth in China stands at 17.5%, a figure that has been gradually escalating over recent years. This surge has led to substantial psychological distress and financial strain for both families and the wider society. What is added by this report? This study boasts an expansive geographical scope by covering Jiangsu Province extensively and utilizing a substantial sample size. An investigation was conducted on the prevalence and risk factors, which included family type and health behaviors, of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. What are the implications for public health practice? The mental health status of children and adolescents should be of great concern to the government. Therefore, it is important that public health measures are implemented to mitigate the development of depressive symptoms. These measures may include regular screening procedures and the implementation of proven interventions.

Purpose Family members of patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) are susceptible to adverse psychological outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies specifically examining the mental health symptoms in ICU patients' family members with a prior history of COVID-19 infection. Aim This study aimed to investigate mental health status and its influencing factors of ICU patients' family members with previous COVID-19 infection experience in China. Design Nationwide, cross-sectional cohort of consecutive participants of family members of ICU patients from 10 provinces randomly selected in mainland China conducted between October 2022 and May 2023. Methods The basic information scale, Self-rating depression scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Perceived Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson resilience scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were employed to explore mental health status among participants. Results A total of 463 participants, comprising 156 individuals in Covid-19 family member cohort (infection group) and 307 individuals in control family member cohort(control group), met inclusion criteria. The infection group exhibited significantly higher incidence of composite mental health symptoms compared to control group (P = 0.017). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that being female, engaging in physical/mental labor, residing in rural areas, and having children were identified as risk factors for the development of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, while medical history of surgery was protective factor. A predictive model demonstrated a favorable discriminative ability and excellent calibration. Conclusion COVID-19 infection experience regarded as new traumatic stressors worsen mental health status of ICU patients' family members.