Autistic women and birthing people (AWBP) are at heightened risk of perinatal mental health difficulties such as perinatal anxiety and depression, yet little is known about their experiences of support from specialist perinatal mental health teams (SPMHTs).

We aimed to understand the experiences of AWBP engaging with support from SPMHTs.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 participants from 4 SPMHTs in England to explore their experiences and perceptions of care. We used codebook thematic analysis to identify and develop themes that captured and explained patterns within the data.

We identified three themes: (a) seeing the whole person: for many, SPMHT involvement was the first time autism was recognised or explored in a mental health context. Participants valued opportunities for formal assessment, which supported self-understanding and highlighted the need for integrated care addressing both autistic and mental health needs. (b) Experiencing SPMHT care as an autistic person: participants valued care that accommodated their needs and preferences, particularly practical interventions, although several reported unmet needs and many found discharge challenging. (c) Ideas for service improvement: participants recommended access to autism-informed practitioners and peer groups tailored for AWBP.

This study highlights how SPMHT care that recognises and responds to the distinct needs of AWBP can make a meaningful difference. AWBP valued holistic, autism-informed perinatal mental healthcare that recognised their communication, sensory and cognitive needs. Accessing assessment for a formal diagnosis supported the development of identity as an autistic person, helping to make sense of challenges in the perinatal period.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric illness associated with marked functional impairment and reduced quality of life (QoL).Although the adverse impact of OCD on QoL is well established,local data is limited.In light of limited relevant local literature, we planned our research to build a scientific database related to effect on quality of life in OCD patients due to several different types of obsessions and to establish which type of obsessions are more prevalent and affect more.

This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Allied Hospital II, Faisalabad, after approval from the Ethical Review Committee of Faisalabad Medical University. A total of 180 participants were recruited using probability consecutive sampling from the outpatient and inpatient services. Adults aged 18 years and above diagnosed with OCD according to DSM–5 criteria were included, while individuals with neurological disorders, significant cognitive impairment, acute psychiatric crises, or major comorbid psychiatric disorders were excluded. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Diagnosis and categorization of obsession types were established through structured clinical interviews based on DSM–5 criteria, and relevant data were recorded on a structured proforma. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics calculated for demographic and clinical variables; differences in quality of life across obsession categories were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of quality of life.

Of the 180 people who took part, 109 (60.6%) reported a poor quality of life, and 71 (39.4%) had a normal quality of life. There were 30 people in each group for each category of preoccupation. There was no statistically significant correlation between types of obsessions and quality of life (χ²=3.466, p=0.629). Nonetheless, QOL exhibited strong correlations with gender (p=0.038), employment status (p=0.022), disease duration (p=0.002), familial history (p=0.010), and OCD severity (p<0.001). A stronger link existed between worse quality of life and higher intensity and longer duration of illness.

Patients with OCD have a significant deterioration in their quality of life. The specific type of preoccupation does not directly influence quality of life; rather, clinical considerations, especially the severity of OCD and the length of the illness, are pivotal. These results underscore the significance of prompt diagnosis, thorough management, and severity-oriented interventions to enhance the overall well-being of individuals with OCD.

Late-life depression (LLD) is associated with cognitive impairment and an elevated risk of dementia, yet the influence of age at depression onset on cognitive prognosis remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that late-onset depression, defined as first depressive episode in later adulthood, may reflect distinct neuropathological mechanisms and predict more severe cognitive decline and greater dementia risk than early-onset depression.

This study aimed to investigate whether late-onset depression is linked to domain-specific cognitive impairment and higher risk of incident dementia among older adults with major depressive disorder.

We analysed UK Biobank data from older adults (aged ≥60 years) with primary care linkage, classifying participants into depression-free controls, early-life depression, late-life depression with early onset (LLD-EO) and late-life depression with late onset (LLD-LO). Cognitive performance across these five domains was assessed cross-sectionally at baseline using touchscreen tasks. Incident dementia was evaluated prospectively using clinical records up to 2022. Multi-level models with inverse-probability weighting and survey-adjusted mixed modelling were applied to assess group differences in cognitive function, controlling for demographic covariates, lifestyle factors and physical and mental health conditions. A Cox regression model was employed to estimate dementia risk among groups.

Among 75 064 participants aged ≥60 years, the LLD-LO group (n = 4858) showed significantly worse cognitive performance than healthy controls, particularly on fluid intelligence and visuospatial memory. The LLD-LO group performed worse than LLD-EO on fluid intelligence. During follow-up, LLD-LO was associated with a higher risk of incident dementia (hazard ratio 1.42–1.52) across all adjusted models. Deficits in fluid intelligence and visuospatial memory partially mediated the link between LLD-LO and subsequent dementia.

Late-onset depression showed more severe impairment in fluid intelligence compared with LLD-EO. Late-onset depression was associated with increased incident dementia compared with depression-free individuals.

Attitudes of mental health professionals towards coercive measures are crucial with respect to both the application of these methods and efforts to reduce coercion in psychiatric care. Existing instruments primarily assess cognitive aspects, often neglecting emotional and contextual dimensions. The Cologne Questionnaire on Attitudes towards Coercive Measures (KEZ) addresses these gaps but has so far only been available in German and in a relatively long format.

To revise the KEZ for international use and develop and validate a short version suitable for both research and clinical practice. The revised version was intended to ensure a balanced representation of different coercive measures.

A revised long version (KEZ-R) was developed and administered via an anonymous online survey to 611 mental health professionals from Germany and German-speaking Switzerland. Psychometric properties of the German version were analysed using factor and reliability analyses. A short form (KEZ-S) was derived on the basis of theoretical and content-related criteria.

The 40-item KEZ-R replicated the original three-factor structure of the KEZ and showed good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.87). The 15-item KEZ-S demonstrated strong correlation with the long version and acceptable overall reliability (α = 0.67). Both versions captured cognitive, emotional and interactional aspects of attitudes towards coercive measures.

The KEZ-R and KEZ-S are reliable instruments for assessment of attitudes towards coercive measures in psychiatric settings. Although validation was conducted in German, the availability of an English translation supports international use and future validation studies.

People who gamble experience elevated rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Longitudinal studies have been scarce, and none has focused on those who regularly gamble in the UK.

To examine the relationship between specific products and locations of gambling activity (and their combinations) and risk of subsequent suicidal thoughts.

We analysed a UK longitudinal survey of 3927 adults (18 years old or over) who regularly bet on sports. Data were collected online between June and November 2020. Latent class analysis was used to identify groups of people with similar gambling profiles on the basis of 13 types of gambling activity. Weighted group characteristics are presented. Regression modelling was used to test associations between gambling groups and suicidal thoughts, adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Five distinct groups were identified. One group (5.6% of the sample) reported multiple types of both in-person and online gambling. This group was the most likely to use electronic gambling machines. After adjustment for baseline suicidal thoughts, this group had significantly higher odds of subsequent suicidal thoughts (adjusted odds ratio 3.42; 95% CI: 1.18–9.89) than other groups.

Although many profiles of gambling activity present suicide risk, some types present greater risk. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend enquiry in primary care settings about gambling behaviours. Our findings suggest that clinicians should consider asking questions on mode (online or in-person) and product (especially electronic gambling machines) to identify those at heightened risk of suicidal ideation. Gambling should also be considered routinely in psychosocial assessments across clinical settings and incorporated into suicide prevention campaigns.

Methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MIP) is a severe psychiatric condition increasingly reported in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. It manifests with positive, negative, and general psychopathological symptoms, often mimicking primary psychotic disorders. Understanding predictors of severity is crucial for early intervention and prevention of chronicity. The aim is to quantify symptom severity in MIP using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and identify demographic and substance-use-related predictors of higher PANSS scores.

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted over six months at DHQ/Allied II Hospital, Faisalabad. Ninety-three adults diagnosed with MIP as per DSM–5 criteria were assessed using PANSS. Data on demographics, age of onset, duration, frequency, and route of methamphetamine use were collected. Statistical analyses included correlation, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression (p < 0.05).

The mean total PANSS score was 88.4 ± 14.2, indicating moderate-to-severe psychosis. Negative symptoms predominated (mean=24.5). Intravenous (IV) use, onset before age 25, and use duration > 2 years were independent predictors of higher total PANSS scores (β=12.8, 7.2, and 9.4, respectively; all p < 0.01). IV users had significantly higher scores than oral or smoking users (p < 0.001).

MIP in this cohort is moderately severe, with negative symptoms notably elevated. Early initiation, prolonged use, and IV administration significantly worsen psychosis severity. These modifiable risk factors highlight targets for public health interventions and early clinical screening in substance use settings.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) may coexist in children and adolescents and present with several overlapping features.

We aimed to assess the prevalence of ASD traits and diagnosis in children and adolescents with OCD, explore the correlation between OCD severity and ASD traits/diagnosis, and examine the impact of ASD traits/diagnosis on global functioning in this population.

Electronic searches were carried out on Pubmed, Embase and PsycINFO, using selected keywords and specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed with R Version 4.3.1.

Of 1410 studies initially identified, 29 reported on the prevalence of ASD traits or diagnosis. Pooled mean prevalence rate was 8.0% (95% CI 5.0–13%). ASD questionnaire scores were higher in OCD versus control groups (standardised mean difference: 1.23; 95% CI 0.76–1.69). There was limited significant correlation between ASD questionnaire scores and OCD questionnaire scores, and no significant differences in these scores were demonstrated between OCD samples and samples diagnosed with comorbid OCD and ASD (mean difference −0.41; 95% CI −1.23 to 0.40). Functional impairment appeared elevated with ASD traits/diagnosis in OCD, but meta-analysis feasibility was limited.

This review indicates higher ASD traits and diagnosis in children and adolescents with OCD compared with the general population. Limited data and methodological constraints in trials limit generalisability, warranting further research.

Relationships between maternal mental health and breastfeeding outcomes are complex, with evidence of bi-directional effects complicated by culturally specific residual confounding and selection bias.

This study aimed to examine, for the first time, associations between maternal genetic liability for neuroticism and breastfeeding intention, initiation and maintenance.

We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) prospective birth cohort. Maternal genotype data were used to create polygenic scores (PGS) for neuroticism. Mothers self-reported breastfeeding intentions at 32 weeks gestation, breastfeeding initiation within the first week after birth and maintenance of breastfeeding to 6 months after birth. We examined associations between maternal genetic liability for neuroticism and breastfeeding outcomes by using unadjusted logistic regression models (n = 4611). We also examined associations between paternal genetic liability for neuroticism and breastfeeding outcomes as a negative control (n = 1446).

There was evidence that genetic liability for neuroticism was associated with lower odds for breastfeeding maintenance (odds ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.94, p < 0.001), with no evidence for associations with intention or initiation. That is, mothers with higher genetic liability for neuroticism were less likely to maintain breastfeeding to 6 months postpartum. There were no associations between paternal PGS for neuroticism and breastfeeding outcomes.

The specificity of links between neuroticism and maintenance of breastfeeding could direct targeting of efforts to support women with emotional difficulties in maintaining breastfeeding. This is important because currently, most efforts to support breastfeeding women focus on intention and initiation.

Psychotropic medication use has been shown to be associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and quality, and increased fracture risk. Less is known about psychotropic use and associated bone loss over time.

To determine the association between psychotropic medication use and bone loss in men.

Data from 940 men (aged ≥20 years) participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study were used in this longitudinal study. BMD (g/cm2) at the spine and hip were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline, and 5 and 15 years post-baseline. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, lifestyle factors and medication use was self-reported, and socioeconomic status was determined. Mood and anxiety disorders were identified through a clinical interview. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the associations.

Over the study period (median 13.2 years), psychotropic use was associated with change in BMD at the spine (unadjusted mean difference −0.063 g/cm2, 95% CI −0.096 to −0.031, p < 0.001) and hip (−0.038 g/cm2, 95% CI −0.059 to −0.017, p < 0.001). BMI was identified as an effect modifier. Psychotropic use was associated with spine and hip bone loss at the 25th (adjusted mean difference −0.077g/cm2 (95% CI −0.122 to −0.033); and −0.058 g/cm2 (95% CI −0.084 to −0.032), respectively) and 50th percentile (adjusted mean difference −0.053 g/cm2 (95% CI −0.089 to −0.018) and −0.038 g/cm2 (95% CI −0.059 to −0.017), respectively), but not the 75th percentile of BMI (p = 0.121 and p = 0.106, respectively).

Psychotropic use was associated with bone loss in non-obese men, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and preventive strategies to protect bone health.

Depression is common in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is associated with poorer outcomes and higher mortality. However, treatment guidance is inconsistently applied.

To investigate screening measures, somatic symptoms, comorbidities and psychosocial and cultural influences on depression diagnosis in ESKD patients.

We recruited 300 people with ESKD receiving maintenance hospital haemodialysis in a deprived ethnically diverse area. We assessed depression using validated screening tools (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire 2) and a definitive ICD-10 diagnosis using a structured interview (Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised). We considered the role of adverse life events, co-occurring medical conditions, as well as age, sex and ethnicity, using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

An ICD-10 diagnosis of moderate or severe depression was made in 8% of the sample, taking care to exclude potentially confounding symptoms associated with chronic kidney disease and depression. Applying validated thresholds on commonly used screening tools yielded substantially higher prevalence estimates. An ICD-10 diagnosis of moderate and severe depression associated with loss events: death of a spouse, child or parent (odds ratio 3.62, 95% CI: 1.09–12, p = 0.04), financial strain (odds ratio 3.51, 95% CI: 1.04–11.87, p = 0.04), type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 5.32, 95% CI: 1.34–20.76, p = 0.02) and education, whereby university graduates were less likely to have depression than school-only attendees (odds ratio 0.18, 95% CI: 0.03–1.02, p = 0.05). Ethnicity and sex were not significantly associated with moderate or severe depression.

We found a lower prevalence of moderate to severe depression than commonly reported. Future research should consider careful diagnostic assessment, financial strain, loss events and physical co-occurring medical conditions such as diabetes.

Perinatal depression and/or anxiety (depression–anxiety) have been associated with developmental disruptions. Less attention has been paid to preconception mental health, which could also contribute to adverse outcomes.

To examine whether preconception mental health is associated with developmental vulnerability in children who were either exposed or unexposed to prenatal depression.

A population-based, retrospective cohort including 130 631 births to 108 340 pregnant people from British Columbia (Canada) between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2012, with child development data in the form of the Early Development Instrument (EDI). Logistic regression using cluster-robust standard errors was used to compare the odds of vulnerability on EDI domains.

Children born to pregnant people in all groups with depression–anxiety preconception history were more likely to be considered vulnerable on all developmental domains, except for communication skills and general knowledge, than those without prenatal depression and no preconception depression–anxiety. After adjusting for confounders, effect size was largest for children born to a person with prenatal depression who had persistent depression–anxiety before they conceived on the domains of physical health and well-being (adjusted odds ratio 1.73 [95% CI: 1.56–1.92]). Children born to people with prenatal depression but no preconception depression–anxiety were probably more vulnerable on social competence and emotional maturity domains than those without prenatal depression and no preconception depression–anxiety.

Preconception mental health is associated with child development, even after accounting for depression in pregnancy. We hypothesise that it is picking up on different experiences of mental illness through the life course and represents slightly different fetal exposures.

Literature identifies South Asians as reporting significantly higher rates of mental health stigma compared to other ethnic groups. A significant component of this is ‘courtesy stigma’, where family members experience collective shame regarding an individual’s diagnosis. While low Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is cited as a primary driver of stigma, this study investigates the paradox: the persistence of stigma among ‘mentally literate’ South Asian households. The study aims to explore the lived experience of individuals navigating mental health while being raised by parents with high MHL, questioning whether MHL effectively translates into appropriate support.

This qualitative study utilizes semi-structured interviews via Zoom (Howe, Tickle & Brown, 2014). Participants were recruited through snowball sampling for their unique perspectives: All participants (2 males, 4 females) have parents with professional healthcare backgrounds or are in the field of psychology. Data was analysed using narrative thematic analysis to capture the various stigmas faced within familial dynamics.

Four core themes emerged: Denial, Courtesy Stigma and Labelling, Paradoxical Resistance to Treatment, and Stigmatised Protection and Exclusion. Denial was most prominent, where a psychiatrist father’s clinical expertise failed to overcome a “refusal to see” of his son’s diagnosis. Courtesy Stigma and Labelling, for example where the “mad person’s daughter” label, created such a traumatic environment of social shaming. Paradoxical Resistance to Treatment, where even high levels of MHL fail to ensure support. A pharmacist,well-versed in the efficacy of medication, discouraged treatment due to the specific stigma of psychiatric drugs. Noteworthy to mention an exceptional instance of supportive parents, including a psychiatrist father who encouraged medical treatment for her OCD from a young age, the participant still felt stigmatised. Stigmatised Protection and Exclusion, were evident when adults discouraged younger family members from interacting with the participants, ultimately leading to social exclusion.

This case series demonstrates that stigma within South Asian communities remains a structural force dictating family behaviour independent of clinical knowledge. MHL does not inherently mitigate cultural shame. Clinicians, for instance, should not assume that parents with medical knowledge will be more accepting of a child’s diagnosis. Recognising this will be key in tailoring effective, culturally sensitive care. Larger-scale studies are required to fully understand the broader population’s cultural barriers and the persistence of stigma in “literate” households. Several participants have channelled their experiences with stigma into advocacy, pursuing careers in psychology or engaging in public awareness efforts to bridge these gaps.

Although a relationship between body fat and mental health problems has been established, sex-based differences in this association remain insufficiently understood.

To investigate the association of whole-body and regional fat mass indices with anxiety symptoms in men and women.

A nationwide sample of 3856 men and 5010 women was analysed. Fat mass of the whole body, trunk, arm and leg was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyser, and fat mass indices (kg/m2) were derived by dividing fat mass by height squared. Symptoms of anxiety were determined using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. Logistic regressions were used to investigate the association of each fat mass index with anxiety symptoms. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted to assess sex-related differences.

The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 3.3% among men and 5.5% among women. Among female participants, a one-standard deviation increase in whole-body, trunk, arm or leg fat mass index was associated with 1.20-fold (95% CI: 1.04–1.39), 1.21-fold (95% CI: 1.04–1.41), 1.19-fold (95% CI: 1.04–1.35) and 1.19-fold (95% CI: 1.03–1.38) increases in odds of anxiety symptoms, respectively. By contrast, no clear association was observed between fat mass indices and anxiety symptoms in men.

Our analysis demonstrated sex differences in the relationship between body fat and anxiety, with high whole-body and regional fat mass indices positively associated with anxiety symptoms in women.

Mental health concerns are common. Despite this, evidence on the impact of patient–provider gender concordance on mental health outcomes remains limited.

This review aims to explore the literature on the role of patient–provider gender concordance in mental health across diverse clinical contexts and populations.

We conducted a preregistered scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Scopus. Study selection and screening were completed using Covidence. Two independent reviewers applied predefined criteria. Data extraction captured study characteristics, demographics, mental health conditions, interventions and outcomes. Given substantial methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesised narratively and organised by diagnostic category.

This review included 33 studies representing 562 890 patients. Most studies used cohort designs to examine psychotherapy interventions in out-patient settings. Many did not specify diagnoses, although substance use and depressive disorders were common. Results were highly mixed across diagnostic categories. For general mental health, most studies found neutral or inconsistent effects. However, substance use disorder populations showed more consistent benefits, particularly for male patients in gender-matched dyads, who demonstrated improved retention, therapeutic alliance and abstinence.

This review reveals that gender concordance effects in mental healthcare are context dependent. Whereas male patients with substance use disorders may benefit from gender matching, most evidence suggests neutral or mixed effects. Gaps in the literature include limited non-binary representation and insufficient attention to intersectional factors. Future research should employ more rigorous methods, expand beyond binary genders and investigate the mechanisms underlying observed effects.

Trauma, a psychological phenomenon, can contribute to several mental health disorders such as acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the impacts of childhood adversities on mental disorders is essential, since early trauma can profoundly shape an individual’s reaction to subsequent trauma.

To study the association between childhood adversities and full-threshold and subthreshold PTSD onset, either directly or through the intermediary role of ASD.

Data were collected longitudinally from healthcare workers aged 18 years and above, working at Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, at three distinct time points: 9–15 days (wave 1), 21–27 days (wave 2) and 6–7 months (wave 3) following the Beirut port blast on 4 August 2020.

Childhood adversities, encompassing physical, emotional and sexual abuse, were collected. ASD and PTSD were assessed, respectively, using the Acute Stress Disorder Scale and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Odds ratios, both unadjusted and adjusted, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated to study the associations.

Emotional abuse was found to be a significant predictor of ASD at wave 2 (21–27 days), and both full-threshold and subthreshold PTSD at wave 3 (6–7 months) post-blast. Individuals with negative ASD status at waves 1 and 2 who experienced emotional abuse in childhood showed approximately double the rates of subthreshold PTSD.

Childhood emotional abuse was a strong predictor of both ASD and PTSD. Screening for past childhood adversities is important, even in individuals without ASD, as they remain more vulnerable to later PTSD.

Sleep hygiene plays a crucial role in mental well-being, yet its influence on the relationship between anxiety and sleep quality in young adults remains underexplored.

This study examines whether sleep hygiene mediates the bidirectional association between anxiety and sleep quality, identifying key behavioural targets for intervention.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 405 randomly selected college students who completed validated assessments of sleep hygiene, anxiety and sleep quality. Mediation and network analyses were employed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Sleep hygiene significantly mediated the relationship between anxiety and sleep quality, emphasising the role of consistent sleep–wake schedules. Network analysis identified irregular sleep patterns and specific sleep quality components – wakefulness behaviours, sleep initiation and self-reported sleep quality – as primary factors.

These findings highlight sleep hygiene as a modifiable, non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate anxiety and improve sleep quality. Future research should explore longitudinal interventions.

Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders are neuro developmental conditions characterised by sudden, repetitive motor movements and/or vocalisations–known as tics–that persist for at least one year. These disorders typically begin in childhood and can lead to significant distress, impair daily functioning, and reduce overall quality of life. Although pharmacological treatments and behavioural therapies are available, long-term use of medication is often associated with adverse side effects. Consequently, there is growing interest in non-pharmacological approaches. This systematic review therefore examined the effectiveness of Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) in children and adolescents diagnosed with tic disorders.

For this review, several electronic databases were searched, including ProQuest PsycInfo, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Ovid Emcare, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, NICE, and BMJ Best Practice. Searches were limited to English-language publications and to studies involving children and adolescents under 18 years of age with tic disorders who received Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Eligible study designs included case reports and case series, and both quantitative and qualitative research and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess methodological quality. In total, five studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effectiveness of CBIT delivered in various formats–including group-based CBIT, tele-CBIT, and modified CBIT–in reducing tic severity among children and adolescents.

Two independent reviewers analysed the data and identified substantial heterogeneity, which prevented further meta-analysis. However, the findings were instead synthesised narratively under three themes: effectiveness of CBIT, wider benefits for tics and acceptability. Across studies, CBIT consistently reduced tic severity in children and adolescents. Several studies also reported broader improvements, including reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, alongside enhanced self-esteem and cognitive reappraisal. Acceptability and patient satisfaction were high across delivery formats, with group-based, tele-CBIT, and modified CBIT demonstrating comparable outcomes to traditional face-to-face interventions.

The review was constrained by the small number of studies and limited sample sizes, which reduced the reliability and generalisability of the findings. However, the results highlighted the effectiveness of CBIT in reducing tic severity alongside wider benefits for children with tic disorders. Thus the effectiveness, acceptability, and satisfaction across different CBIT delivery formats suggest promising potential for implementation in resource-constrained settings, with the possibility of enhancing quality of life for young people with tic disorders. Further research is needed to evaluate CBIT in combination with pharmacological treatments and neuro-modulatory approaches.