TOPIC

Mental health research

Everything we have read on mental health. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

2,018 PAPERS · PAGE 36 OF 41 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTRCT2026Women and men profit equally from cardiac rehabilitation: a secondary analysis of the OPTICARE RCT.Journal of rehabilitation medicineWomen and men gain similar benefits from cardiac rehabilitation for walking distance, activity, and quality of life. Women improved more in depressive symptoms. Men benefited more from extra group counselling for physical activity, while women gained more from counselling for mental health.
• PTOTOther2026Factors associated with long-term functional outcomes and participation in patients with colorectal cancers.Journal of rehabilitation medicineMost colorectal cancer survivors reported good quality of life, but fatigue, pain, bowel and bladder problems, and unmet support needs were common. Lower pain and fatigue were linked with better quality of life.
• PTOTRCT2026Immersive virtual reality upper-limb exercises in people with Parkinson's disease: an observer-blinded randomised controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationConventional upper-limb training improved hand function significantly more than immersive virtual reality, though both groups showed gains in arm function and dexterity. The VR system was usable and well-tolerated, but did not outperform standard therapy for the primary outcome.
• OTQualitative2025'I don't think they understand the reality of autism': The lived experiences of autistic adults in Japan.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceSeven autistic adults in Japan described lifelong feelings of being misunderstood and severe bullying. They faced workplace discrimination and were often told to hide their diagnosis to appear normal. This led to burnout and social withdrawal. They sought acceptance and support but found little post-diagnostic help.
• OTSLPOther2026Measuring autistic burnout: A psychometric validation of the AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure in autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceIn 379 autistic adults, the 27-item Autistic Burnout Measure worked best as one total score. It identified people who said they were burnt out better than a depression questionnaire.
• PTOTCohort2025Ten-Year Outcomes of Anticholinergic Use Among Older Adults With Intellectual Disability: Findings From the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA).Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRHigh anticholinergic burden was associated with more falls and mental health problems after 10 years in older adults with intellectual disability. It did not predict ADL dependency, constipation or laxative use. Medication review is warranted.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Online Health Literacy Resources for People With Intellectual Disability: A Grey Literature Scoping Review.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDROnline health resources for people with intellectual disability mostly cover tests and physical health but lack content for young people's mental health, sexual health, and men's health. While most use accessible language, very few help users evaluate or apply the information.
• OTQualitative2025Parents of Children and Young People With Long-Term Physical Health Conditions-Experiences of Navigating School.Child: care, health and developmentParents of children with long-term physical health conditions reported schools often failed to manage health, support missed learning, listen to children or include them safely. Parents compensated, advocated, advised and fought for equality. Their advocacy strained home-school relationships and their own well-being.
• OTSLPCohort2025Parental Education Predicts Longitudinal IQ Trajectories in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Three-Cohort European Study.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRIQ scores in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome declined over time. Parental education predicted this decline, but sleep, stress, and substance use did not. This is an association, not proof that education causes the change, as genetic factors likely overlap with family background.
• PTOTCohort2026Physical activity and related characteristics in assisted living residents with different levels of mobility: a comparative analysis.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyResidents using wheelchairs or scooters had worse lower-body function than ambulatory peers, but similar hand strength. Activity counts were not significantly different between groups. Physical activity correlated with better balance and grip in seated users, suggesting upper-body exercise is viable.
• OTCase-Control2025Personality Trait Profiles in People With Mild Intellectual Disability: A Comparative Study.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRPeople with mild intellectual disability report personality traits similar to those with average education, despite some small differences. Clinicians should assess these traits directly rather than assuming they stem solely from intellectual impairment.
• PTOTOther2025Healthy Lifestyle Matters: A Network Analysis of Urban Chinese Pre-School Children's Adiposity, Sleep Health, Mental Health, Child Functioning and Health Behaviours.Child: care, health and developmentAge was the strongest linked factor in urban Chinese preschoolers, linking motor coordination, executive function, and activity. It was not linked to mental health. Girls had less activity and more emotional problems, but overall patterns of relationships did not differ by sex.
• OTPilot2025"It fostered a greater appreciation for my little corner of the world": A feasibility study of a therapeutic photography intervention for the well-being of autistic youth.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic youth found a 4-week photography intervention feasible and meaningful, describing it as helping them appreciate small things and feel more grounded. However, standard well-being scores showed no significant improvement, and participants requested more flexibility to fit their lives.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026The healthcare experiences of middle and older age autistic women in the United Kingdom.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceMiddle-aged and older autistic women described healthcare as exhausting and dismissive. Professionals often misread their autism as mental illness or ignored sensory needs. Women masked their difficulties to avoid conflict, leading to delayed diagnoses and avoidance of preventive screening like mammograms.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Perspectives and experiences of physical activity among autistic adults in middle adulthood.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults described avoiding exercise because trainers focused on weight loss and competition rather than their needs. Sensory environments like gym noise and lighting caused exhaustion and burnout. Trust was hard to build due to past trauma, leading many to prefer solitary activity over group classes.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Healthcare Utilisation and Barriers and Facilitators of Healthcare Access for Young People With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRYoung people with intellectual disability have higher rates of hospital admissions, emergency visits, and longer stays than peers. Key barriers include staff lacking specific skills, communication difficulties, and low family income. Facilitators include visual aids, simple language, and acknowledging parent expertise.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025The Direct and Indirect Effects of Hearing Loss on Loneliness in Older Adults.Ear and hearingOlder adults who rated their own hearing as poor reported higher loneliness scores than those with better hearing. Loneliness also increased more over time in this group. Hearing aid use did not significantly change the link between hearing ability and loneliness.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Challenging neurotypical norms: Autistic adults' understandings of health.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults and their emergency contacts defined health similarly, focusing on subjective well-being and the absence of pain. Emergency contacts often perceived differences in health understanding that were not present in the interviews.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Daily Temporal Associations Between Use of Psychoactive Substances and Fatigue, Pain, Stress, and Depressive Symptoms in People With Multiple Sclerosis.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationIn adults with MS, alcohol use lowered stress but increased fatigue. Caffeine reduced fatigue yet raised stress. Nicotine and cannabis increased fatigue. Opioid use was linked to higher average pain. Symptoms did not predict caffeine, nicotine, or cannabis use, suggesting habitual rather than reactive consumption.
• PTOTSLPRCT2026Predicting effect and evaluating cost-effectiveness of a family intervention after acquired brain or spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAn 8-week family intervention improved mental health and reduced anxiety and depression scores more than psychoeducation. It was likely cost-effective at 2 and 8 months. Benefits did not vary by injury type or whether sessions were in person or online.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025A longitudinal evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceChildren with autism reported gastrointestinal symptoms twice as often as typically developing peers, and these symptoms often persisted across childhood. The presence and number of these unexplained symptoms were linked to worse sleep, anxiety, and social communication scores.
• OTQualitative2025'Adolescence kicked in . . . and you need help again': A qualitative study of the experiences of parents of autistic teenagers with mental health difficulties or behaviours that challenge.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents described adolescence as a point where their established coping strategies stopped working, leaving them feeling de-skilled and unsupported by services. They reported increased fear, exhaustion, and financial strain, with many noting a complete absence of professional help during this transition.
• PTOTCase-Control2025Adverse Childhood Experiences and Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Adolescents With and Without Autism.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPAdolescents with autism or other developmental disabilities reported more adverse childhood experiences than typical peers. Household substance use linked to conduct problems in autism, while financial assistance linked to hyperactivity in other disabilities. Mental health issues in the home affected behavior across all groups.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Influences on suicidality and suicide-prevention needs for the autistic community: Qualitative insights from multiple perspectives.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParticipants linked autistic suicidality to societal stigma, masking, and unmet daily needs rather than autism itself. They recommended neurodiversity-affirming care, sensory supports, and addressing co-occurring conditions over standard talk therapy or social skills training.
• OTSLPQualitative2026Experiences of self-harm, suicidal ideation and mental health care among autistic youth.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic young people seeking help for self-harm or suicide described care that missed sensory and communication needs. They wanted written or nonverbal options, fewer social demands, and safety plans that reflected their real supports.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Significant differences in evaluation of disability and health (ICF) core sets between stroke rehabilitants and rehabilitation team during the first year.Journal of rehabilitation medicineStroke survivors rated their own abilities higher than their rehab team did, especially in thinking and daily tasks, at one month. By one year, these views aligned more closely. Survivors saw little change in their own function, while the team recorded significant improvements.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Explainability in AI-enabled medical neurotechnology: a scoping review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationOnly 14 of 161 studies on closed-loop brain devices used explainable AI methods. Clinicians cannot currently rely on these tools to show why a device made a specific decision, as most algorithms remain opaque black boxes.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Robot-assisted therapy following stroke: what effects on quality of life, cognitive and psychosocial outcomes? A systematic review.Journal of rehabilitation medicineRobot-assisted therapy after stroke often improved quality of life, cognition, and psychosocial outcomes in the short term, but effects rarely persisted after treatment ended. Most studies measured these as secondary outcomes, so the evidence is preliminary and inconsistent.
• OTSLPCohort2025Coping With Primary Progressive Aphasia: Factors Predicting Caregiver Psychological Wellbeing and Burden.International journal of language & communication disordersCaregiver burden tracked with the patient's behavioral disturbance and emotion recognition deficits, not their language skills. Dysfunctional coping predicted caregiver stress. Most caregivers had normal anxiety and depression scores, but burden varied significantly by PPA subtype.
• OTSystematic Review2025Barriers and facilitators of employment in severe mental illness: an umbrella review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesSupported employment programs, particularly Individual Placement and Support (IPS), consistently help people with severe mental illness find and keep jobs. However, the evidence is weak because most underlying reviews were rated as critically low quality, so treat these findings as promising but not definitive.
• OTQualitative2025Caregiving for Adults With Down Syndrome: Caregiver Experiences and Support Needs.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDCaregivers of adults with Down syndrome described constant responsibility, future planning worries, and transportation gaps. They also described routines and supports they said eased daily life.
• PTOTSLPCase Report2025Case Report: Intensive multidisciplinary motor-cognitive rehabilitation treatment in Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOne woman with Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome completed four weeks of intensive motor-cognitive rehabilitation. Her walking, balance, hand dexterity, speech clarity and swallowing safety all improved during admission, though she still needed her walker and caregiver support.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Occurrence and overlap of physical and mental health conditions in autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults reported significantly more mental and physical health conditions than non-autistic adults, with mood disorders affecting 44% of the autistic group. Physical health quality of life was lower. The study found no single bridge condition; instead, multiple connections existed between mental and physical health clusters.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Mapping 74 years in acoustic analysis of voice disorders: A bibliometric review and future research directions.Journal of communication disordersA bibliometric analysis of 1,253 studies shows acoustic voice assessment research has grown rapidly, driven by remote monitoring and machine learning. While Parkinson's disease is heavily studied, voice changes in dementia, ALS, and depression remain under-researched despite their clinical relevance.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2025Supporting Communication Access of People With Communication Disabilities and Communication Differences in UNCRPD-Ratified Countries: An Integrative Review.International journal of language & communication disordersCommunication access lacks a shared definition across 11 projects, which stalls implementation. Training and exposure to Deaf or disabled groups build staff confidence more than policy alone. Pen and paper are insufficient adjustments for Deaf people. Clear records of patient communication needs are essential.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2025Mapping the Instruments Used to Measure Well-Being on Children With Disabilities: A Scoping Review.Child: care, health and developmentTen self-report instruments for well-being in children with disabilities were identified. Most focus on emotional and psychological aspects, leaving social well-being under-represented. Only a few scales are explicitly adapted for this population, often lacking comprehensive coverage of the dual continua model.
• OTSLPCohort2025Differences in the Social Experiences of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adolescents by Gender.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAutistic boys reported feeling less socially supported than their non-autistic peers, while autistic girls reported feeling more socially alienated than everyone else. Both autistic groups had fewer close friends and spent less time with them, but their subjective experiences of friendship differed by gender.
• PTOTOther2026Motor, Cognitive, Psychological, and Neural Predictors of Concern About Falling in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairConcern about falling in 43 people with mild relapsing-remitting MS was linked to disease severity, activity avoidance, physical fatigue, and slower backward walking. MRI brain volumes did not explain concern after disease severity was considered.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2026Impact of peer-support programs for individuals with autism: A systematic review.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic participants in peer-support programs consistently described feeling understood, empowered, and less alone. However, no study used a control group, so these improvements cannot be separated from time or natural development. The evidence is promising but not proven.
• OTOther2026A Therapeutic Conversational Agent (Solace) for Management of Chronic Pain: Acceptability and Usability Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesPeople with chronic pain found a new AI chatbot easy to use and acceptable, and reported a strong working relationship after at least 25 minutes. This is not evidence it treats pain.
• PTOTCohort2026Long-term outcomes following a pulmonary telerehabilitation trial for people with respiratory post-acute sequelae of COVID: a 12-month follow-up study.Journal of rehabilitation medicinePeople with long-COVID breathing symptoms improved in lower-limb strength, respiratory symptom burden, and quality of life over 12 months, but the primary measure of functional capacity showed no significant change. Higher body mass index was linked to less improvement in fatigue.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Associations among epilepsy phenotypes and pain, sleep interference, and dissociative symptoms.Rehabilitation psychologyHow much epilepsy interferes with daily life predicted pain, sleep, and dissociative symptoms more strongly than specific comorbidity profiles. Veterans with polytrauma or chronic disease phenotypes reported higher pain, while those with polytrauma or bipolar/SUD reported more sleep interference.
• PTOTQualitative2025Play Together? Unveiling Facilitators and Barriers to Inclusive Outdoor Play for Dutch Children With and Without Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.Child: care, health and developmentChildren with disabilities, especially those in special schools, face the most barriers to outdoor play. Key obstacles include lack of nearby peers, inaccessible playgrounds, and pity from other children. Familiarity and growing up together were the strongest facilitators for inclusive play.
• PTOTPilot2026Drumming with BEAT: a pilot study on the impact of drum set playing on motor control and quality of life in Parkinson's disease.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThree people with Parkinson's disease played a drum set for six weeks. All showed some improvement in balance and upper limb speed, but mood and quality of life scores were inconsistent. The program was feasible and engaging, but this small study cannot prove it works.
• OTOther2026Assessing the Living Well in the Community Program for people with disabilities in the context of COVID-19.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThe Living Well in the Community program showed no significant improvement in behavioral health, healthcare use, or community engagement when moved online during the pandemic. Participants did report significantly more hours spent on education, volunteering, or employment, and high confidence in managing chronic conditions.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2026Personal and Environmental Factors Influencing Self-Determination of People With Intellectual Disabilities and Epilepsy: A Scoping Review.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRPeople with intellectual disability and epilepsy described self-determination as shaped by seizure control, trusted tailored communication, and being involved in decisions. Parents and professionals often took over, while choice opportunities and personal preferences supported autonomy.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Associations between quality of life in communication and sociodemographic and clinical aspects of Parkinson's disease.CoDASFor people with Parkinson's disease, quality of life in communication is driven more by non-motor symptoms and daily activity difficulties than by motor speech issues. Rigidity as an initial symptom was linked to worse communication scores than tremor. Assess mood and function, not just speech.
• PTOTOther2025'I feel trapped in my safe clothes': The impact of tactile hyper-sensitivity on autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults described clothing textures like labels and seams as causing physical pain, anxiety, and barriers to work. While tactile sensitivity alone linked weakly to poor body image, it significantly lowered self-esteem in those already dissatisfied with their appearance. Comfort often forced a trade-off with self-expression.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Clinical Models of Care for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Forensic Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRStructured discharge pathways and community forensic teams are linked to shorter hospital stays and safer transitions for adults with intellectual disabilities. These outcomes depend on clear roles, multidisciplinary coordination, and staff training rather than isolated therapies.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Aphasic patients in the hospital from the perspective of a healthcare team: implications for care.CoDASStaff described caring for patients with aphasia as frustrating and difficult because they could not understand speech. They relied on guessing and wanted language clinicians to guide team communication.