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Molecular Psychiatry Aug 2023The serotonin hypothesis of depression is still influential. We aimed to synthesise and evaluate evidence on whether depression is associated with lowered serotonin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The serotonin hypothesis of depression is still influential. We aimed to synthesise and evaluate evidence on whether depression is associated with lowered serotonin concentration or activity in a systematic umbrella review of the principal relevant areas of research. PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched using terms appropriate to each area of research, from their inception until December 2020. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large data-set analyses in the following areas were identified: serotonin and serotonin metabolite, 5-HIAA, concentrations in body fluids; serotonin 5-HT receptor binding; serotonin transporter (SERT) levels measured by imaging or at post-mortem; tryptophan depletion studies; SERT gene associations and SERT gene-environment interactions. Studies of depression associated with physical conditions and specific subtypes of depression (e.g. bipolar depression) were excluded. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of included studies using the AMSTAR-2, an adapted AMSTAR-2, or the STREGA for a large genetic study. The certainty of study results was assessed using a modified version of the GRADE. We did not synthesise results of individual meta-analyses because they included overlapping studies. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020207203). 17 studies were included: 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 1 collaborative meta-analysis, 1 meta-analysis of large cohort studies, 1 systematic review and narrative synthesis, 1 genetic association study and 1 umbrella review. Quality of reviews was variable with some genetic studies of high quality. Two meta-analyses of overlapping studies examining the serotonin metabolite, 5-HIAA, showed no association with depression (largest n = 1002). One meta-analysis of cohort studies of plasma serotonin showed no relationship with depression, and evidence that lowered serotonin concentration was associated with antidepressant use (n = 1869). Two meta-analyses of overlapping studies examining the 5-HT receptor (largest n = 561), and three meta-analyses of overlapping studies examining SERT binding (largest n = 1845) showed weak and inconsistent evidence of reduced binding in some areas, which would be consistent with increased synaptic availability of serotonin in people with depression, if this was the original, causal abnormaly. However, effects of prior antidepressant use were not reliably excluded. One meta-analysis of tryptophan depletion studies found no effect in most healthy volunteers (n = 566), but weak evidence of an effect in those with a family history of depression (n = 75). Another systematic review (n = 342) and a sample of ten subsequent studies (n = 407) found no effect in volunteers. No systematic review of tryptophan depletion studies has been performed since 2007. The two largest and highest quality studies of the SERT gene, one genetic association study (n = 115,257) and one collaborative meta-analysis (n = 43,165), revealed no evidence of an association with depression, or of an interaction between genotype, stress and depression. The main areas of serotonin research provide no consistent evidence of there being an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations. Some evidence was consistent with the possibility that long-term antidepressant use reduces serotonin concentration.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Serotonin; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A; Tryptophan; Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; Antidepressive Agents; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
PubMed: 35854107
DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0 -
Psychopharmacology Oct 2023Clozapine is a unique medication with a potential role in the treatment of severe borderline personality disorder (BPD). (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Clozapine is a unique medication with a potential role in the treatment of severe borderline personality disorder (BPD).
OBJECTIVES
The review examines the effectiveness of clozapine as a medication for management for severe BPD with high risk of suicide, violence or imprisonment, and aims to help guide clinical practice in managing severe BPD.
METHODS
A database search of the terms "Clozapine" AND "BPD"; "Antipsychotics" AND "BPD"; "Clozapine" AND "Borderline Personality Disorder"; and "Antipsychotics" AND "Borderline Personality Disorder" were performed in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Full-text articles of clinical clozapine use for BPD were included for review.
RESULTS
A total of 24 articles consisting of 1 randomised control trial, 10 non-controlled trials, and 13 case reports were identified. Most of the studies reported benefits from clozapine when used for severe BPD. Many of the studies focused on clozapine use in BPD patients at high risk of suicide. Results from these non-controlled and case reports support the use of clozapine in patients with severe BPD at high risk of suicide.
CONCLUSION
There may be a role for clozapine in treating severe treatment refractory BPD, especially for those patients at high risk of suicide and frequent hospitalisations.
Topics: Humans; Clozapine; Antipsychotic Agents; Suicide; Borderline Personality Disorder; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37572113
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06431-6 -
The Lancet. Psychiatry Jul 2023The COVID-19 pandemic caused immediate and far-reaching disruption to society, the economy, and health-care services. We synthesised evidence on the effect of the... (Review)
Review
The COVID-19 pandemic caused immediate and far-reaching disruption to society, the economy, and health-care services. We synthesised evidence on the effect of the pandemic on mental health and mental health care in high-income European countries. We included 177 longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies comparing prevalence or incidence of mental health problems, mental health symptom severity in people with pre-existing mental health conditions, or mental health service use before versus during the pandemic, or between different timepoints of the pandemic. We found that epidemiological studies reported higher prevalence of some mental health problems during the pandemic compared with before it, but that in most cases this increase reduced over time. Conversely, studies of health records showed reduced incidence of new diagnoses at the start of the pandemic, which further declined during 2020. Mental health service use also declined at the onset of the pandemic but increased later in 2020 and through 2021, although rates of use did not return to pre-pandemic levels for some services. We found mixed patterns of effects of the pandemic on mental health and social outcome for adults already living with mental health conditions.
Topics: COVID-19; Mental Health; Europe; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence; Mental Health Services; Longitudinal Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies
PubMed: 37321240
DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00113-X -
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism May 2024Previous meta-analyses have shown mixed results regarding the association between eating disorders (EDs) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our paper aimed to analyse... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Previous meta-analyses have shown mixed results regarding the association between eating disorders (EDs) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our paper aimed to analyse different EDs and disordered eating behaviours that may be practiced by patients with T1DM.
METHODS
A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted on 17 January 2023, using the key terms "T1DM," "Eating Disorders" and "Bulimia." Only observational controlled studies were included. The Revman software (version 5.4) was used for the analysis.
RESULTS
T1DM was associated with increased risk of ED compared with nondiabetic individuals (RR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.84-3.32, p-value < 0.00001), especially bulimia nervosa (RR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.18-6.65, p-value = 0.02) and binge eating (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.18-1.98, p-value = 0.001). Our analysis has shown that increased risk of ED among T1DM persisted regardless of the questionnaire used to diagnose ED; DM-validated questionnaires (RR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.91-4.12, p-value < 0.00001) and generic questionnaires (RR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.27-3.23, p-value = 0.003). Prevalence of insulin omission/misuse was 10.3%; diabetic females demonstrated a significantly higher risk of insulin omission and insulin misuse than diabetic males.
CONCLUSION
Our study establishes a significant and clear connection between EDs and T1DM, particularly bulimia and binge eating, with T1DM. Moreover, female diabetics are at higher risk of insulin misuse/omission. Early proactive screening is essential and tailored; comprehensive interventions combining diabetes and ED components are recommended for this population, with referral to a specialised psychiatrist.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Bulimia; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Insulin; Insulin, Regular, Human
PubMed: 38597269
DOI: 10.1002/edm2.473 -
Psychiatria Danubina Oct 2023The aim of this systematic review is to critically summarize current literature concerning ethical and legal issues related compulsory treatment (CT) in patients with...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this systematic review is to critically summarize current literature concerning ethical and legal issues related compulsory treatment (CT) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Relevant articles were identified following the PRISMA guidelines after performing title/abstract screening and full text screening. We built the search string using the following terms: "coercion", "compulsory/involuntary treatment", "eating disorders", "anorexia nervosa", "mental capacity", "ethical/legal issues". Research was conducted on original articles published from any time until June 2023.
RESULTS
Out of 302 articles retrieved, seven were included for the analysis, including five studies on mental health practitioners, and two on hospital records. The results show that mental health practitioners a) favor the use of CT, but the support is weaker in AN vs other psychiatric conditions (i.e., schizophrenia or depression); b) support of mental capacity is controversial and some variability was found between different categories of psychiatrists; in particular, both ED-treating and CT experienced mental health practitioners support higher use of CT and lack of capacity of AN patients vs. general psychiatrists; c) use of CT is more supported in the early vs. chronic AN, when chances of success are lower. The analysis of hospital records identified 1) comorbidities, previous admissions and current health risk as CT predictors in 96 Australian patients; 2) family conflicts association with longer hospitalizations in 70 UK patients.
CONCLUSION
CT is usually intended for patients with AN at the onset of disease, mainly to prevent risk of death and self-injury. However, there is some variability in the attitude to perform CT among psychiatrists working in different setting, also related to the concept of mental capacity. There are also cross-national variabilities regarding CT. We can conclude that forcing patients to treatment is a conceivable option, but the balance between protection respect for patient's autonomy should be evaluated on individual bases.
Topics: Humans; Anorexia Nervosa; Coercion; Australia; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Involuntary Treatment
PubMed: 37800229
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2023A systematic review was conducted to assess and synthesize recent research on mental health professionals' attitudes towards trans people. The main objectives of our... (Review)
Review
A systematic review was conducted to assess and synthesize recent research on mental health professionals' attitudes towards trans people. The main objectives of our research were (a) to identify, synthesize, and analyze the scientific evidence available so far about the attitudes of mental health professionals towards the trans community, and (b) to determine the factors related to these professionals' attitudes, paying special attention to psychosocial and cultural aspects. A systematic search was carried out in the following electronic databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Gender Studies Database, and Lilacs. A total of 32 articles of quantitative (n = 19), qualitative (n = 11), and mixed (n = 2) design, published up to March 2023, were included. Most studies used a cross-sectional or qualitative design, limiting the possibility of generalizing the results. The studies reviewed indicated mostly positive attitudes among the professionals, depending on their psychosocial characteristics. In line with the results of our review, we recommend that the training of professionals is important to improve their positive attitudes towards transgender and gender diverse people.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Personnel; Attitude of Health Personnel; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 37569035
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156495 -
The International Journal of Social... Dec 2023Psychosis is a mental disorder that, despite its low prevalence, causes high disease and economic burden. Inadequate knowledge, lack of confidence and stigmatising... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Psychosis is a mental disorder that, despite its low prevalence, causes high disease and economic burden. Inadequate knowledge, lack of confidence and stigmatising attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) may lead to suboptimal care.
AIM
To review the literature exploring HCPs' knowledge, confidence and attitudes in relation to psychosis care.
METHOD
A systematic search was undertaken across three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO) using a search strategy encompassing the concepts: 'healthcare professionals', 'knowledge, attitude, and confidence in care' and 'psychotic illnesses and symptoms' to identify relevant records published from 1st January 2002 to 18th March 2022. Results were screened against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria by title and abstract, followed by full text. Data were extracted into tables and synthesised narratively.
RESULTS
Initially, 7,397 studies were identified. Following two-stage screening, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion. Of these studies, 16 explored attitudes, four explored knowledge and attitudes, one explored knowledge, one explored confidence, one explored attitudes and confidence in care and one explored all three constructs. Most HCPs in the included studies demonstrated stigmatising attitudes towards people with psychosis. Furthermore, certain HCPs, including nurses and general practitioners, demonstrated low levels of knowledge, while psychiatrists, occupational therapists, psychologists and nurses had low levels of confidence in caring for people with psychosis. Conversely, positive attitudes were also observed in some HCPs resulting from having acquaintances with lived experience of psychosis. The need for additional education and training to improve HCPs' knowledge and confidence in relation to caring for people living with psychosis was identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Most attitudes identified were negative and stemmed from stigma, while some were positive due to HCPs' compassion and familiarity with psychosis. The level of knowledge and confidence identified were mostly suboptimal, and so further research is required to develop and evaluate tailored interventions to address this gap.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Attitude of Health Personnel; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Psychotic Disorders; Social Stigma; General Practitioners
PubMed: 37691420
DOI: 10.1177/00207640231194490 -
Journal of Eating Disorders Aug 2023Estimate the prevalence, and associated risk factors, of high school students who are considered at risk for an eating disorder based on screening measures. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Estimate the prevalence, and associated risk factors, of high school students who are considered at risk for an eating disorder based on screening measures.
METHODS
An electronic search of nine databases was completed from their inception until 1st September 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, and confounder (moderator) analyses and meta-regressions examined whether the overall prevalence estimate for of screen-based disordered eating (SBDE) was moderated by student age, BMI, or gender, as well as culture and type of SBDE assessment.
RESULTS
The mean estimate of the prevalence of SBDE among high school students (K = 42 (66 datapoints), N = 56282] in the sample of 25 countries was 13% ([95% CI] = 10.0-16.8%, I = 99.0%, Cochran's Q p = 0.001). This effect was not moderated by features of the samples such as gender, BMI, or age. Among cultures, non-Western countries had a higher prevalence of SBDE prevalence than Western countries, but the difference was not significant. There was considerable variability in the prevalence estimates as a function of the assessment measure, but no meaningful pattern emerged.
CONCLUSION
The estimated figure of 1 in 8 high school students with SBDE-unmoderated by gender and BMI-stands out as a problem in need of attention from public health officials, psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, parents, and educators. There is a great need for innovative, integrated policy and program development all along the spectrum of health promotion and universal, selective, and indicated prevention. Further research is also needed to validate and refine this estimate by (a) conducting basic research on the accuracy of eating disorder screening measurements in samples ages 14 through 17; (b) examining representative samples in more countries in general and Latin American countries in particular; (c) clarifying the relationships between SBDE and age throughout the different phases of late childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood; and (d) investigating whether there are meaningful forms of disordered eating and whether these are associated with variables such as gender, ethnicity, and BMI.
PubMed: 37537604
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00849-1 -
BJPsych Open Aug 2023The ability to communicate is integral to all human relationships. Previous research has specifically highlighted communication within families as both a risk and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The ability to communicate is integral to all human relationships. Previous research has specifically highlighted communication within families as both a risk and protective factor for anxiety disorders and/or depression. Yet, there is limited understanding about whether communication is amenable to intervention in the context of adolescent psychopathology, and whether doing so improves outcomes.
AIMS
The aim of this systematic review was to determine in which contexts and for whom does addressing communication in families appear to work, not work and why?
METHOD
We pre-registered our systematic review with PROSPERO (identifier CRD42022298719), followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance and assessed study quality with the Risk of Bias 2 tool.
RESULTS
Seven randomised controlled trials were identified from a systematic search of the literature. There was significant heterogeneity in the features of communication that were measured across these studies. There were mixed findings regarding whether family-focused interventions led to improvements in communication. Although there was limited evidence that family-focused interventions led to improvements in communication relative to interventions without a family-focused component, we discuss these findings in the context of the significant limitations in the studies reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that further research is required to assess the efficacy of family-focused interventions for improving communication in the context of anxiety and depression in those aged 14-24 years.
PubMed: 37641851
DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.545 -
Journal of Eating Disorders Feb 2024The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled prevalence estimate of self-reported disordered eating (SRDE) in athletes based on the available literature,...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled prevalence estimate of self-reported disordered eating (SRDE) in athletes based on the available literature, and to identify risk factors for their occurrence.
METHODS
Across ten academic databases, an electronic search was conducted from inception to 7th January 2024. The proportion of athletes scoring at or above predetermined cutoffs on validated self-reporting screening measures was used to identify disordered eating (DE). Subgroup analysis per country, per culture, and per research measure were also conducted. Age, body mass index (BMI), and sex were considered as associated/correlated factors.
RESULTS
The mean prevalence of SRDE among 70,957 athletes in 177 studies (132 publications) was 19.23% (17.04%; 21.62%), I = 97.4%, τ = 0.8990, Cochran's Q p value = 0. Australia had the highest percentage of SRDE athletes with a mean of 57.1% (36.0%-75.8%), while Iceland had the lowest, with a mean of 4.9% (1.2%-17.7%). The SRDE prevalence in Eastern countries was higher than in Western countries with 29.1% versus 18.5%. Anaerobic sports had almost double the prevalence of SRDE 37.9% (27.0%-50.2%) compared to aerobic sports 19.6% (15.2%-25%). Gymnastics sports had the highest SRDE prevalence rate, with 41.5% (30.4%-53.6%) while outdoor sports showed the lowest at 15.4% (11.6%-20.2%). Among various tools used to assess SRDE, the three-factor eating questionnaire yielded the highest SRDE rate 73.0% (60.1%-82.8%). Meta-regression analyses showed that female sex, older age, and higher BMI (all p < 0.01) are associated with higher prevalence rates of SRDE.
CONCLUSION
The outcome of this review suggests that factors specific to the sport affect eating behaviors throughout an athlete's life. As a result, one in five athletes run the risk of developing an eating disorder. Culture-specific and sport-specific diagnostic tools need to be developed and increased attention paid to nutritional deficiencies in athletes.
PubMed: 38326925
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00982-5