Mental Health. 2025; Volume 20. Issue 10

Introduction. An analysis of the guidelines related to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), as well as scientific publications both foreign and domestic in the field of the use of ICF, shows that there is an urgent problem in the correct justification of disability criteria for people with mental disorders, in the search for correlations of disability levels with the methods and quality of therapeutic and preventive measures.

Aim: Development of methodology and algorithms for quantifying criteria of disability due to a mental disorder based on dimensional approaches in describing functional disorders within the framework of the ICF and algorithms of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Methods: Description of the ICF apparatus and characteristics, materials of publications by domestic and foreign authors in the field of ICF application, results of foreign and own research on methods of processing psychosocial information. Clinical and psychopathological, psychometric, statistical, and AHP methods were used as methods of analysis, collection, and processing of information.

Results: An analysis of applied research in the field of the use of ICF shows that the main problems are related to: 1) due to the presence of a large number of factors of a mixed nature (quantitative and qualitative), which must be taken into account in scientific and practical research and development; 2) the incorrectness of data processing, primarily qualitative (psychometric, ranking), as well as a lack of understanding of the hierarchical principles of integrating data processing results related to different areas of patient dysfunction. To solve the problem, an effective method for solving multifactorial, poorly structured, hierarchical problems is proposed – the AHP method (the English name of the method is the Analytical Hierarchy Process – AHP). The methodology of the AHP application is based on the transformation of ranked (psychometric) expert information concerning the levels of disorders in the main areas of the patient’s functioning into numerical information based on AHP algorithms.

Conclusions: The use of the proposed methodology and the corresponding AHP algorithms allows: 1) to obtain the correct integration of psychometric, neurobiological and psychosocial characteristics in the processing of medical and social expertise data, the results of therapy and rehabilitation of the patient; 2) to obtain quantitative criteria for the severity of disability, as well as personalized, predictive models of the patient’s condition.

Keywords: psychiatry, disability criteria, international classification of functioning, psychometry, analytic hierarchy process

Introduction. Mental disorders are often accompanied by impairments in verbal expression that reduce patients’ adaptive resources. Despite the presence of language-related symptoms, speech rehabilitation is rarely included in therapeutic protocols. This paper presents a method based on the concept of the altered linguistic personality as a resource for restoring subjectivity and cognitive flexibility.

Methods. A protocol was developed that includes a diagnostic phase, ten therapeutic sessions, and tools for assessing speech activity on three levels: verbal-grammatical, cognitive, and pragmatic. The methodology is grounded in clinical observation, interdisciplinary analysis, and the principles of speech rehabilitation within the framework of humanistically oriented therapy.

Results. At this stage, a logically structured model is presented for integrating language-based tasks into clinical psychological practice. Theoretical applicability of the method is substantiated for a wide range of mental disorders, including psychotic, borderline, and affective conditions. The significance of speech activity as a resource for restoring subjectivity and cognitive flexibility is emphasized.

Discussion. The protocol enables the integration of a psycholinguistic approach into clinical practice, providing both diagnostic value and therapeutic potential. Further development of the method is envisaged, including the preparation of case reports and quantitative validation of speech assessment scales.

Conclusion. This method can be used by clinical psychologists and psychotherapists during follow-up care, rehabilitation, and maintenance therapy.

Keywords: speech rehabilitation, psycholinguistics, mental disorders, clinical psychology

Introduction. Qualitative measurement of anxiety solely with the help of subjective questionnaires is difficult due to insufficient reflection and awareness in adolescents, the assessment of psychophysiological indicators makes it possible to make the study more complete. The article analyzes the results of a study aimed at combining information obtained from two physiological signals: galvanic skin reaction and photoplethysmography and subjective questionnaires to study the relationship of psychophysiological indicators with anxiety and coping strategies of adolescents with cancer in remission.

Methods. The study was conducted within the framework of the charity center, which provides assistance to families with children with life-threatening diseases. During the neurophenomenological interview, galvanic skin reaction and photoplethysmography were registered on the biological feedback device «Reactor». The respondents took the clinically proven questionnaire Multidimensional assessment of childhood anxiety and Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences.

Results. The experimental sample included 13 children with cancer with a favorable outcome of therapy and in remission. Statistically significant differences in the use of coping strategies were revealed in terms of developing self-confidence (U= 13.5, p=0.01), seeking social support (U= 36, p=0.054), and seeking support in the family. (U= 22.5 , p=0.007), search for church support (U= 13 , p=0.006). Statistically significant differences were found in the indicators of anxiety associated with learning success (U= 27, p=0.013), anxiety arising in situations of self-expression (U= 36 , p=0.054). Based on cluster analysis (using the K-means clustering method), three groups of adolescents with cancer in remission were identified, which determines their types of response to illness and treatment.

Discussion. The study obtained results showing differences between adolescents with cancer in remission with adolescents without chronic diseases, which consisted in the use of basic coping strategies and the severity of anxiety. Based on cluster analysis, three groups of adolescents were identified by type of response: the anxious type, the mixed type, and the adaptive type.

Conclusion. Combining psychophysiological tests with a psychodiagnostic method makes it possible to identify mental processes that are not covered by subjective questionnaires, which can contribute to the creation of effective programs to support and correct anxiety in adolescents.

Keywords: anxiety, psychophysiological indicators, coping strategy, neurophenomenological interview, oncological diseases

Introduction. Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. The pathogenesis of these conditions involves multiple systems, though an infectious component cannot be excluded. This study aimed to assess alterations in immunometabolic parameters in relation to herpesvirus seropositivity (Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) among patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder prior to pharmacological treatment.

Methods. An observational cohort study was conducted, enrolling 100 patients diagnosed with Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder (F41.2) at the day hospital of the Voronezh Regional Clinical Psychoneurological Dispensary. Participants underwent psychometric assessment, clinical interviews, and laboratory evaluation of immunometabolic status, along with serological testing for herpesvirus antibodies (EBV, CMV, HSV). Correlation analysis of the collected data was performed, with statistical processing conducted using STATISTICA 12.0 (p < 0.05).

Results and discussion. Serological assessment revealed herpesvirus antibodies (Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) in all study participants, with exclusively co-occurring infection patterns observed (EBV+CMV+HSV, EBV+CMV, EBV+HSV). However, viral seropositivity showed no statistically significant association with patients’ mental status. The most pronounced immune disturbances were documented in triple-seropositive cases (EBV+CMV+HSV), exhibiting alterations across 29 immunological parameters encompassing cellular, humoral, phagocytic, cytokine, antioxidant (AOS), and pro-oxidant (SRO) systems. Notably, the triple-antibody combination demonstrated statistically stronger immunomodulatory effects compared to dual infections (EBV+CMV: 19 affected parameters; EBV+HSV: 17), confirming the cumulative immunobiological impact of polyviral load.

Conclusion. The study demonstrated that herpesvirus seropositivity in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MADD) was associated with immunometabolic dysregulation, characterized by suppression of cellular immunity alongside humoral response activation. The most prominent alterations were observed in triple-seropositive cases (EBV+CMV+HSV), yet these immunological disturbances showed no correlation with psychopathological symptom severity. These findings suggest complex, indirect mechanisms through which viral persistence may influence both immune function and mental status, warranting further investigation.

Keywords: anxiety, depression, herpes virus. Cytomegalovirus. Epstein-Barr virus, psychoimmunology

Introduction. The publication presents the results of an experimental study of the characteristics of ego defenses and coping strategies in adolescents with self-destructive behavior. The paper provides a comparative analysis of ego defenses and coping strategies in adolescents with self-destructive behavior and conditionally healthy individuals. The severity of the mechanisms of psychological defenses, coping strategies, anxiety and depression levels have been experimentally studied; the relationship of these factors in adolescents with self-destructive behavior has been revealed.

Methods. The following methods were used in the study: clinical and psychological (observation, conversation), experimental and psychological: (Kellerman-Plutchik-Conte Life Style Index questionnaire; R. Lazarus Coping Methods questionnaire; Columbia scale for assessing the severity of suicidal intentions (C-SSRS); hospital scale of anxiety and depression (HADS)) and statistical data processing method: Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman’s rank correlation method.

Results. Based on empirical research data, it was found that adolescent girls who exhibit self-destructive behavior are more likely to use maladaptive defense mechanisms, unlike their peers. The analysis of coping strategies also revealed that maladaptive methods are more common among adolescents with self-destruction than among conditionally healthy individuals. The level of depression is higher in girls with self-destructive behavior than in conditionally healthy adolescents. The interrelation of the mechanisms of psychological defenses, coping strategies, anxiety and depression levels in adolescents with self-destructive behavior has been revealed.

Keywords: ego protection, coping strategies, psychological defense mechanisms, anxiety, depression, self-destruction, adolescents

In order to identify the structural and dynamic characteristics of the protective and coping response and the nature of the effects of asthenia, depression and anxiety, 90 police officers were examined, who were diagnosed with a somatized disorder in accordance with the ICD-10 criteria (F. 45.0). The study revealed and showed that the differences are both purely individual in nature and cross-cutting, reflecting a pronounced intrapersonal conflict. This indicates the weakness of the protection system for police officers suffering from somatic disorder, regardless of gender, emphasizing their low adaptive capabilities, making it difficult to understand the problems. Constant internal tension associated with conflictogenic attitudes contributes to the formation of a stable stereotype of behavior and the style of adaptive response in conditions of stress-coping behavior. The features of the course of somatoform pathology, the qualitative uniqueness of its interrelationships with personal characteristics are the key to understanding the prognostic value of the formed compensatory and adaptive mechanisms, which significantly increases the effectiveness of medical support programs for police officers suffering from borderline mental pathology and timely provision of qualified medical and preventive care. The results of the study are proposed to be used in psychohygienic work with employees who are prone to somatoform reactions in conditions of duty, which will contribute to their professional success.

Keywords: somatized disorders, coping behavior strategies, mechanisms of protective response, police officers

The presented literature review of recent years describes the most important sections related to modern strategies and action plans in the field of mental health of children and young adults abroad. A positive association has been established between emotional abuse and emotional neglect in childhood and various mental health problems in adults, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, personality disorders, eating disorders and other psychological symptoms in populations in different geographical regions. The recommendations are summarized, suggesting joint efforts of specialists of various profiles in developing strategies for helping patients in personal, family, social and other important areas of life. The necessity of further optimization and refinement of the given therapeutic recommendations is shown.

Keywords: child psychiatry, development of mental health services

Aim: to study of the relationship between aggression and sexual violence carried out in adolescents and youth through interaction on the Internet and their consequences for the mental health of aggressors and their victims with current trends in the implementation of aggression among young people, individual and social prerequisites for aggressive behavior, personality traits of the aggressor and victim.

Methods: literature analysis from 2000 to 2025. Preference was given to analytical reviews and original research, and among them – works available in full-text format.

Results: thе links between the occurrence of mental disorders in adolescents and young people and aggressive and violent sexual acts committed against them on the Internet have been established; the prerequisites for falling into the category of victims and the alleged mechanisms of victim behavior have been described; possible mechanisms for the formation of aggression and violence on the Internet have been investigated.

Conclusion: а pathogenetic model of the formation of victim behavior on the Internet in young people is proposed.

Keywords: adolescents, youth, the Internet, social networks, cyberbullying, cybersex violence, mental disorders, prevention

The article presents an interdisciplinary analysis of the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth in individuals in places of imprisonment. The concept of posttraumatic growth, developed by R. Tedeschi and L. Calhoun, is considered in the paradoxical context of the penitentiary environment – a source of chronic stress and a potential catalyst for positive personal transformations. The relevance of the study is due to the high prevalence of mental disorders (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) among prisoners, the relationship of posttraumatic growth with resocialization and a decrease in recidivism, as well as the need to integrate knowledge of clinical psychology, neuroscience and penitentiary criminology. Based on a critical analysis of modern data (including the cognitive-existential model of post-traumatic growth, Frankl’s theory of logotherapy, neurobiological studies of adaptive neuroplasticity), it is substantiated that post-traumatic growth in prisoners is a dialectical process that occurs at the intersection of neurobiological plasticity, existential choice and a supportive environment. The key factors contributing to growth (empathic «officer-prisoner» relationships, access to therapy and education, spirituality), methodological difficulties of studying it in conditions of unfreedom (risk of adaptive conformism, cumulative traumatization, neurocognitive deficits) and ethical dilemmas (risk of instrumentalization) are discussed. Practical aspects of implementing a PTR-oriented approach to rehabilitation at the individual (narrative therapy, logotherapy, cognitive-behavioral interventions), group (creation of a trauma-informed environment, therapeutic communities) and systemic levels (post-penitentiary support) are presented. It is emphasized that genuine post-traumatic growth is not a consequence of imprisonment, but the result of a meaningful response of the individual to extreme challenges and requires a holistic, ethically verified approach to the practice of mental health care in places of deprivation of liberty.

Keywords: post-traumatic growth, convicts, penitentiary system, rehabilitation, resocialization, neuroplasticity, existential psychology