Psychosomatic Medicine and General Practice

Modern challenges in the mental health care system and the role of psychoeducation in overcoming them

2025-11-28T11:42:52+02:00

The article examines the key problems of the modern mental health care system, caused by social transformations, the military context, global crises, and the changing paradigm of psychiatric care. Special attention is paid to psychoeducation as a tool for increasing the stress resistance of the population, reducing the stigmatization of mental disorders, supporting effective rehabilitation and preventing repeated mental episodes. Promising directions for the development of psychoeducational programs in the medical, social and educational spheres are outlined.

The purpose of the study is to provide a theoretical, analytical and evidence-based justification of the importance of psychoeducation in the structure of modern care systems, as well as to determine its potential in reducing emotional and social stress, improving adherence to treatment, and preventing relapse of mental disorders. The paper presents a review of international studies confirming the effectiveness of psychoeducational programs for psychotic, bipolar, anxiety, and depressive disorders, and also shows the benefits of family-centered and digital intervention formats.

The scientific novelty lies in the actualization of the issue of scaling up psychoeducation in Ukraine, taking into account the socio-psychological consequences of a full-scale war, internal migration, and the shortage of specialized specialists. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of using psychoeducational technologies as a component of systemic support for the population, a tool for early intervention and building resilience, as well as in the potential for implementing these programs in medical, educational, and public institutions at the state level.

Keywords: psychoeducation, healthcare system, war, stigmatization, depression, anxiety, PTSD

Psychosomatic mechanisms of emotional maladjustment in children with oncohematological diseases

2025-11-27T22:59:53+02:00

Oncohematological diseases in children represent not only a medical but also a profound psychosocial problem. Prolonged treatment, hospitalization, side effects of chemotherapy, and uncertainty of prognosis create a high level of chronic stress. This stress, in combination with biological and family-psychological factors, leads to the development of emotional maladaptation, manifested by anxiety, depressive symptoms, somatization, and behavioral disorders. Understanding the psychosomatic mechanisms of these processes is essential for the development of comprehensive psychocorrective care.

Medical and psychological support for military personnel with chronic pain in rehabilitation centers

2025-11-27T17:47:01+02:00

Military operations in Ukraine are causing an unprecedented increase in the number of gunshot wounds, which account for 47% of all traumatic injuries. Multilevel damage to anatomical structures in high-energy trauma in 68.5% of cases leads to the formation of chronic pain syndrome with concomitant psycho-emotional and cognitive disorders, creating a pathological circle of mutual reinforcement of manifestations. This problem is gaining not only medical, but also socio-economic importance for the development of the country.

Youth resilience and modern neurotechnologies: new horizons of psychological support

2025-11-27T04:04:38+02:00

The full-scale war in Ukraine has had profound socio-psychological consequences for a generation of young Ukrainians. Loss of security, experience of losses, constant feeling of threat and uncertainty form a high level of stress and emotional exhaustion among young people [1].
In these conditions, the concept of resilience – the ability of a person to adapt to difficult circumstances while maintaining psychological functioning and development potential – is gaining special attention [2].
Research shows that resilience is not an innate trait, but is formed due to a combination of cognitive, emotional and social factors [3]. Young people who have self-regulation skills, maintain social connections and have a conscious life goal demonstrate higher resistance to stress [4].
At the same time, modern science offers new technological tools for developing resilience – in particular, VR therapy, bio- and neurofeedback. These methods activate physiological mechanisms of self-regulation, reduce hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system and improve emotional stability [5, 6].
In working with young people, such technologies have proven effective in reducing anxiety levels, improving sleep quality, and concentration [7, 8].
Thus, the combination of psychological and neurophysiological approaches creates new horizons in the field of psychological support for young people. Developing resilience through neurotechnology can become not only a tool for preventing mental disorders, but also an important factor in the restoration of society after war.

Keywords: resilience; youth; mental health; war; neurotechnology; VR therapy; biofeedback; neurofeedback; heart rate variability (HRV); self-regulation; psychological support; emotional stability; rehabilitation; psychophysiological adaptation.

The influence of physical activity on the severity of symptoms and well-being of patients with BPD

2025-11-26T22:46:44+02:00

Background. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of serious mental illnesses, with the lifetime prevalence reported as 1-4% in the general adult population and about 20% in inpatient psychiatric services. Life expectancy for patients with BPD is about 20 years shorter than for the general population. At the same time, no psychoactive medication has proved its efficacy in the treatment of BPD, and no medication has been officially approved as a treatment of choice in the USA, Europe or the UK, accordingly. More than a half of patients report insufficient effect of psychotherapy, despite the availability of a wide range of approaches. The search of effective treatments for BPD is ongoing in many countries.

Objective. The purpose of the research is to analyze the connection between the level of patient’s physical activity (PA) and the severity of BPD symptoms, and to asses the influence of PA on wellbeing of people with BPD.

Methods. Three psychodiagnositc methods were used to perform the research: Borderline Evaluation of Severity Over Time (BEST) scale; Global Physical Activity GPAQ questionnaire; RAND 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) scale. Quantitative methods were used to analyze the results of the research. The research was performed online on the basis of Reddit platform, on the subreddit for people suffering from BPD. 112 community members took part in the research. For the analysis the participants were divided into 2 groups: group 1 with 89 participants whose health is not limited by physical diseases; group 2 with 23 participants who are limited in physical functioning due to their state of health.

Results. Statistically significant association (r = 0.208; p < 0.05) was identified between the PA level and points for subscale C (Positive behavior) of BEST in the general group of participants.

For group 1 the analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association (r = 0.221; p < 0.05) between the PA level and points for C (Positive behavior) subscale (r = 0.221; p < 0.05) and A (Thoughts and feelings) subscale (r = 0,195; p = 0,0489) of BEST.

For group 2 the analysis revealed a statistically significant negative association between the PA level and points for A (Thoughts and feelings) subscale (r = -0.678; p < 0.05) and B (Negative behavior) subscale (r = -0.724; p < 0.005) of BEST. Also, it was found out that PA level has a statistically significant negative association (r = -0.712; p < 0.05) with the severity of symptoms for these participants.

A statistically significant positive association (r = 0,193; p < 0.05) has been discovered between the PA level and the quality of live according to Physical functioning subscale of RAND SF-36. Connection between PA level and severity of BPD symptoms, as well as connection between PA level and the points for subscales that asses the symptoms by domains are different for the groups. The result for the general group suggests that an active way of living may stimulate positive behavior. For those participants who are not limited in physical functioning as the result of their physical health an active way of living may stimulate positive behavior patterns but at the same time enhance negative thoughts and feelings. The most significant positive effect of PA was identified for the participants who are significantly or slightly limited in their physical functioning due to their somatic diseases. In this case an active way of living decreases the level of negative thoughts, feelings and negative behavior and also decreases the general severity of BPD symptoms.

Conclusions. In regards to the assumption that PA may support and enhance healthy lifestyle and positive behavior, and, in some cases, decrease the negative behavior and severity of BPD symptoms in general, using PA as an element of treatment programs for people with BPD seems considerable. Existing individual therapy model must be taken into consideration, as well as patient’s expectations, needs and health conditions.

Keywords: quality of life, borderline personality disorder, physical activity, psychological support programs for people with BPD.