Extended network analysis: from psychopathology to chronic illness

BackgroundUnderstanding complex associations between psychopathology and chronic illness is instrumental in facilitating both research and treatment progress. The current study is the first and only network-based study to provide such an encompassing view of unique associations between a multitude of mental and physical health-related domains.MethodsThe current analyses were based on the Singapore Mental Health Study, a cross-sectional study of adult Singapore residents. The study sample consisted of 6616 respondents, of which 49.8% were male and 50.2% female. A network structure was constructed to examine associations between psychopathology, alcohol use, gambling, major chronic conditions, and functioning.ResultsThe network structure identified what we have labeled a Cartesian graph: a network visibly split into a psychopathological domain and a physical health domain. The borders between these domains were fuzzy and bridged by various cross-domain associations, with functioning items playing an important role in bridging chronic conditions to psychopathology.ConclusionsCurrent results deliver a comprehensive overview of the complex relation between psychopathology, functioning, and chronic illness, highlighting potential pathways to comorbidity.

Automated summary

This study, based on the Singapore Mental Health Study, provides insight into the complex relationship between psychopathology, functioning, and chronic illness. The network structure identified a clear division between the psychopathological domain and the physical health domain, with functioning playing a key role in bridging chronic conditions to psychopathology.