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Journal of Psychiatric Research Jun 2024Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder with unclear pathophysiology. Moreover, there is no specific biological marker to help clinicians to define a... (Review)
Review
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder with unclear pathophysiology. Moreover, there is no specific biological marker to help clinicians to define a diagnosis, and medication is decided according to the psychiatrist's experience. In this scenario, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate several genes, emerge as potential peripheral biomarkers to help not only the evaluation of the disease state but also the treatment response. Here, we systematically reviewed indexed literature and evaluated follow-up studies investigating the changes in miRNA expression due to antipsychotic treatment. We also assessed target genes and performed pathway enrichment analysis of miRNAs listed in this systematic review. A total of 11 studies were selected according to research criteria, and we observed that 28 miRNAs play a relevant role in schizophrenia pathogenesis or response to antipsychotic treatment, seven of those of extreme interest as possible biomarkers either for condition or treatment. Predicted targets of the miRNAs reviewed here were previously associated with schizophrenia in genome-wide studies, and pathway analysis showed enrichment for genes related to neural processes. With this review, we expect to highlight the importance of miRNAs in schizophrenia pathogenesis and its treatment and point out interesting miRNAs to future studies.
PubMed: 38870782
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.06.010 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024The use of evidence-based standardized outcome measures is increasingly recognized as key to guiding clinical decision-making in mental health. Implementation of these...
IMPORTANCE
The use of evidence-based standardized outcome measures is increasingly recognized as key to guiding clinical decision-making in mental health. Implementation of these measures into clinical practice has been hampered by lack of clarity on what to measure and how to do this in a reliable and standardized way.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a core set of outcome measures for specific neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication disorders, specific learning disorders, and motor disorders, that may be used across a range of geographic and cultural settings.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
An international working group composed of clinical and research experts and service users (n = 27) was convened to develop a standard core set of accessible, valid, and reliable outcome measures for children and adolescents with NDDs. The working group participated in 9 video conference calls and 8 surveys between March 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. A modified Delphi approach defined the scope, outcomes, included measures, case-mix variables, and measurement time points. After development, the NDD set was distributed to professionals and service users for open review, feedback, and external validation.
FINDINGS
The final set recommends measuring 12 outcomes across 3 key domains: (1) core symptoms related to the diagnosis; (2) impact, functioning, and quality of life; and (3) common coexisting problems. The following 14 measures should be administered at least every 6 months to monitor these outcomes: ADHD Rating Scale 5, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale, or Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale IV; Affective Reactivity Index; Children's Communication Checklist 2; Colorado Learning Disabilities Questionnaire; Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire; Developmental-Disability Children's Global Assessment Scale; Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire; Family Strain Index; Intelligibility in Context Scale; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale or Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised and Social Responsiveness Scale; Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scales; and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. The external review survey was completed by 32 professionals and 40 service users. The NDD set items were endorsed by more than 70% of professionals and service users in the open review survey.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The NDD set covers outcomes of most concern to patients and caregivers. Use of the NDD set has the potential to improve clinical practice and research.
Topics: Humans; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Child; Consensus; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Adolescent; Delphi Technique; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Female
PubMed: 38869906
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16760 -
Journal of Investigative Medicine : the... Jun 2024The prevalence of depression continues to rise,and it has a high death and disability rate.Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is an updated measurement of cardiovascular health...
The prevalence of depression continues to rise,and it has a high death and disability rate.Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is an updated measurement of cardiovascular health (CVH),and the higher score of LE8 represents healthier CVH.Our study aimed to investigate the association between the LE8 and depression among adults.This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).CVH was measured by using LE8 according to American Heart Association definitions.Depression was assessed by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).Weighted univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to investigate the association of LE8 with depression.Subgroup analyses were also conducted in different groups based on age,gender,race,body mass index (BMI),smoking,arthritis,cardiovascular disease,and chronic kidney disease (CKD).A total of 22,149 participants were included from the database,with a mean LE8 score of 71.27.The prevalence of depression was 7.32%.The mean scores of LE8 in health behaviors and health factors were 73.28 and 69.26, respectively.After adjustment of potential confounders,a higher LE8 score was associated with a lower odd of depression (odds ratio=0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.20 to 0.37).Similar association was observed in the subgroup analyses.Higher overall LE8 score and higher score for each component (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, BMI, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure) were associated with lower odds of depression.LE8 score might be a useful tool for both cardiologists and psychiatrists in screening for and monitoring physical and mental health.Primary care physicians also could better tailor care and interventions to address both physical and mental health needs.
PubMed: 38869164
DOI: 10.1177/10815589241261286 -
Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi 2024As a neurologist who has followed up countless Parkinson's patients over the last 32 years of my fifty-year career; I denied diagnosing myself with Parkinson's disease... (Review)
Review
As a neurologist who has followed up countless Parkinson's patients over the last 32 years of my fifty-year career; I denied diagnosing myself with Parkinson's disease (PD), although the seldom mild involuntary "twitches" that occurred in the thumb of my right hand over a two-year period, resembled Parkinson's disease tremor. However, when these involuntary contractions became persistent; considering its similarity to characteristic resting tremor in typical PD, the positive effect of dopaminergic medications, the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias and other non-motor symptoms, it was clear that the PD diagnosis was accurate. This situation naturally caused me anxiety, and for a year and a half, I kept my diagnosis hidden from everyone except a few close relatives. However, with the encouragement of a psychiatrist friend, when I was able to share my condition with my loved ones, I felt a relative reduction in the burden I was carrying and consequently experienced emotional relief. I am still able to carry out my daily activities independently with a rather low dose of medication, and my PD symptoms do not attract noticeable attention.
PubMed: 38868853
DOI: 10.29399/npa.28634 -
Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi 2024The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the sexual behaviors, sexual functioning of "bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, sadism, masochism"...
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the sexual behaviors, sexual functioning of "bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, sadism, masochism" (BDSM) practitioners.
METHODS
The study group (n=141) consisted of 65 women and 76 men who defined themselves as BDSM practitioners included in the study with the snowball technique through websites that are accessible on online BDSM groups. A control group (n=167) who stated that they were not BDSM practitioners was also recruited through websites. Sociodemographic and Sexual Behavior Evaluation Form and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were used online to gather data.
RESULTS
No significant difference was found between BDSM practitioners and controls with regard to ASEX scores. Yet, in women, the mean ASEX score was lower in BDSM practitioners than in the control group whereas in men, the mean ASEX score was higher in the BDSM practitioners.
CONCLUSION
Gender might be an important factor in terms of sexual functioning in cisgender BDSM practitioners. Awareness on problems of this sexual minority should be increased.
PubMed: 38868847
DOI: 10.29399/npa.28527 -
Spine Surgery and Related Research May 2024The incidence of spontaneous or primary spondylodiscitis has been increasing over the years, affecting the aging population with multiple comorbidities. Several... (Review)
Review
The incidence of spontaneous or primary spondylodiscitis has been increasing over the years, affecting the aging population with multiple comorbidities. Several conditions influencing treatment outcomes stand out, such as diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction, and malnutrition. Due to these, the question arises regarding properly managing their current conditions and pre-existing disease states. Treatment plans must consider all concomitant comorbidities rather than just the infectious process. This can be done with the help of multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis. To date, there is no article regarding comprehensive medicine for spontaneous pyogenic spondylodiscitis; hence, this paper reviews the evidence available in current literature, recognizes knowledge gaps, and suggests comprehensive care for treating patients with spinal infections. Pre-requisites for implementing multidisciplinary teams include leadership, administrative support, and team dynamics. This group comprises an appointed leader, coordinator, and different subspecialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, internists, rehabilitation doctors, psychiatrists, microbiologists, radiologists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, nurses, and orthotists working together with mutual trust and respect. Employing collaborative teams allows faster time for diagnosis and improves clinical outcomes, better quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Forefront communication is clear and open between all team members to provide holistic patient care. With these in mind, the need for employing multidisciplinary teams and the feasibility of its implementation emerges, showing a promising and logical path toward providing comprehensive care in managing multimorbid patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis.
PubMed: 38868783
DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2023-0155 -
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Mar 2024To date, only a few reports of anti-LGI1 encephalitis with isolated psychiatric symptoms in the initial phase have been reported. We present a relatively rare case of...
BACKGROUND
To date, only a few reports of anti-LGI1 encephalitis with isolated psychiatric symptoms in the initial phase have been reported. We present a relatively rare case of antileucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis that developed only psychiatric symptoms at the onset.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient was a male in his 40s who developed anxiety and panic symptoms and was started on antidepressants after being diagnosed with panic disorder by a psychiatrist. He visited our hospital 2 months later presenting with hallucinations, delusions, mild cognitive decline, and faciobrachial dystonic seizures in the left upper extremity and face. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging revealed swelling and hyperintensities in the right caudate nucleus and putamen. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show increased protein levels or cell counts and revealed positive oligoclonal bands. Subsequently, positive results for anti-LGI1 antibodies were observed in the cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with anti-LGI1 encephalitis.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the need to consider anti-LGI1 encephalitis therapy in patients with acute-onset psychiatric symptoms.
PubMed: 38868479
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.181 -
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Mar 2024Olfactory reference disorder (ORD) is a mental illness in which individuals overestimate their sense of smell and worry about the negative impact of odors. Little is...
BACKGROUND
Olfactory reference disorder (ORD) is a mental illness in which individuals overestimate their sense of smell and worry about the negative impact of odors. Little is known about its successful treatment. A new cognitive behavioral model was developed based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Using this model, this study reports a successful treatment process of a 53-year-old female with ORD.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient's initial diagnosis was schizophrenia, and improvements were observed, such as the disappearance of persecutory delusions, through medication therapy. During this treatment process, it became clear that the patient's preoccupation with her own offensive body odor was not a hallucination or delusion caused by schizophrenia but rather a symptom of ORD. Within a limited 4-week hospitalization period, high-intensity CBT was provided by a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist. Multiple CBT techniques were employed, including case formulation to identify her beliefs, reviewing safety-seeking behaviors, attention shift training, behavioral experiments, public opinion polls, mindfulness meditation, and exposure and response prevention.
CONCLUSION
Following a seven-sessions intensive intervention over 3 weeks, her symptoms of ORD, anxiety, and depression reduced. High-frequency CBT practices could be beneficial in treatment of patients with severe ORD, addressing severe ORD cases, facilitating rapid improvement in both ORD symptoms and functioning.
PubMed: 38868464
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.179 -
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Jun 2024Statistical analyses from Japan reported increasing suicides in 2020, first in the world, proving the severity of the public health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic;... (Review)
Review
Statistical analyses from Japan reported increasing suicides in 2020, first in the world, proving the severity of the public health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, so far, international suicides have not been shown to be objectively increasing at population level. Followed studies reported the existence of a substantial heterogeneity of suicides among subgroups and time-lag impacts. Against public health crisis in Japan, policymakers, psychiatrists and public health personnel should prioritize improving suicide prevention programs following evidence-based policymaking. Understanding how/what factors relate to the COVID-19 pandemic and what other factors have shaped the increasing suicide numbers since 2020 through objectively well-controlled/fine-grained analyses of high-quality longitudinal/cross-sectional data at the individual, regional, and national levels is important for identifying the reasons for the recent trend. For this purpose, this study examined suicide statistics, statistical analysis methods, and their interpretations. Recent analyses suggest an increased suicide risk among females <50 years and males <30 years in 2020-2022. Notably, time-series analyses revealed that adolescent suicides began increasing before the pandemic, while working-age female suicides sharply increased synchronously with the pandemic outbreak. Causality analyses suggest that social issues facing Japan and recent global psychosocial and socioeconomic transformations are risk factors for suicide in high-risk groups. Finally, this report demonstrates the importance of providing appropriate support based on an objective understanding of individuals who are at risk for suicide, without being bound by traditional established knowledges.
PubMed: 38868081
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.188 -
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 2024To assess selected cardiometabolic risk factors among Saudi women with eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To assess selected cardiometabolic risk factors among Saudi women with eating disorders.
METHODS
An epidemiological, cross-sectional study included women aged between 18 and 50 years with eating disorders (EDs). Women with chronic diseases, pregnant, or lactating were excluded. The weight and height were measured for the calculation of the body mass index (BMI). Fasting blood samples were drawn for the analysis of blood sugar, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, albumin, haemoglobin, and C-reactive levels. The atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AIP) was also calculated.
RESULTS
Patients ( = 100) were enrolled. Fasting blood glucose levels were critically low among women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) but normal among those with binge eating disorders (BEDs). All women with ED suffered from anaemia based on their haemoglobin levels as well as dyslipidemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and high C-reactive protein levels. Women with AN had low cardiovascular (CV) risks based on their normal AIP values. However, women with BN and BED had intermediate CV risks. On average, women with AN suffered from severe thinness and those with BN had normal BMIs, whereas those with BED were overweight. Women (90%) with BN and BED were overweight and/or obese.
CONCLUSION
Women with ED had a high risk of cardiovascular diseases defined by their hypoalbuminaemia, dyslipidemia, anaemia, and high AIP levels. Dietitians and psychiatrists are advised to collaborate in assessing the potential risk of having eating disorders to provide counselling sessions to women on healthy balanced diets and their effect on health.
PubMed: 38867850
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5953893