bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurofunctional predictive biomarkers of cognitive-behavioral therapy during fear conditioning in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Cano-Catala M. , Martinez-Zalacain I. , Real E. , Alonso P. , Menchon J.M. , Álvarez N. Cardoner , Fullana M.A. , Soriano-Mas C. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAltered fear learning processes could be mechanistically linked to the development and/or maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). From a clinical perspective, the first-line psychological treatment for OCD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is based on the principles of fear learning. However, no previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have evaluated the predictive capacity of regional brain activations during fear learning on CBT response in patients with OCD.ObjectivesWe aimed at exploring whether brain activation during fear learning in patients with OCD are associated with CBT outcome.MethodsWe assessed 18 patients with OCD and 18 healthy participants during a 2-day experimental protocol where brain activation and skin conductance responses (SCR) where assessed during fear conditioning, extinction learning, and extinction recall within the fMRI scanner. Following the protocol, patients with OCD received CBT.ResultsWe found non-significant between-group differences in SCR during fear learning. Patients with OCD showed significantly diminished activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the right insula during fear conditioning. Importantly, our analyses revealed a significant negative association between clinical improvement after CBT and activity at the right insula during fear conditioning (x = 39, y = 12, z = -11; t = 5.64; p<0.001; k = 928). This finding is displayed in Figure 1 below.ConclusionsPatients with OCD may require less fear-conditioned brain responses to achieve the same level of psychophysiological fear conditioning as healthy participants. Interestingly, insula activations during fear-conditioned responses may represent a potential predictor biomarker of response to CBT for OCD.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Can we reduce the stigmatisation experience with psychosocial interventions? An investigation of the meeting centre support programme impact on people with cognitive impairments
Authors: Lion K. , Szcześniak D. , Evans S. , Evans S. , Farina E. , Brooker D. , Chattat R. , Meiland F. , Droes R.-M. , Rymaszewska J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPeople living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience stigmatisation and there are not many specific psychosocial interventions dedicated to help them coping with this issue, reducing its impact on their lives.ObjectivesThis study aimed to a) investigate the stigmatisation level among people with dementia and MCI in Poland, Italy and the United Kingdom and b) assess the role of the Meeting Centre Support Programme (MCSP) in decreasing stigmatisation.MethodsWe investigated outcomes for 114 people with dementia and MCI living in Italy, Poland and the UK who participated 6 months in MCSP or usual care (UC) using a pre/post-test control group study design. Level of stigmatisation was assessed with the Stigma Impact Scale: neurological impairment (SIS).ResultsStigmatisation level (SIS) among participants varied from 2 to 65 (median=33.5; Q1=27; Q3=41) with people from the UK experiencing a statistically significantly higher level of stigmatisation than people in Italy and Poland. In Italy, stigmatisation was lower (p=0.02) in the MCSP group following the intervention. In Poland, the social isolation level did not significantly change in MCSP, but increased (p=0.05) in UC. In the UK, the social rejection level raised (p=0.03) in MCSP. Overall, the combined data of the three countries did not show statistically significant differences in SIS between MCSP and UC.ConclusionsStigmatisation among people with dementia and MCI is complex and seems culturally dependent. There is a great opportunity in psychosocial interventions to reduce the burden of stigma among people with dementia which requires further investigation.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Do personality traits influence the stigmatizing attitudes toward people with mental illness? A web-survey among university students
Authors: Fusar-Poli L. , Saitta G. , Mormino M. , Avanzato C. , Signorelli M.S. , Aguglia E. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPeople from the general population often tend to believe that psychiatric patients may be incurable, dangerous, and unpredictable. Stigma represents a critical issue which should be defeated. In spite of the interest of research, little is known about the relationship between personality traits and level of stigma toward people with mental illness.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether certain personality traits can influence the level of stigma towards mental illness in a population of university students.MethodsA web-survey was spread on social networks between March and June 2020 through Google Forms. Eligibility criteria for inclusion were:1) Being 18 years of age or older; 2) Attending a degree course in an Italian University; 3) Provide informed consent. Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were collected. Stigma was measured using the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27), personality traits were evaluated through the Big Five Inventory (BFI) and the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS-i) investigated the knowledge about mental illness. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0.ResultsWe computed a multiple linear regression to calculate potential predictors of stigma, adjusted on the basis of the knowledge of mental illness. Results showed that age and faculty class were not related to stigma. Agreeableness (A) and Openness to experience (O) were associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. Conversely, Neuroticism (N) and Conscientiousness (C) seemed to predict higher levels of stigma.ConclusionsOur results suggest an interesting relationship between personality traits and stigmatizing attitudes, which deserves to be further studied. They also confirm the importance of implementing appropriate strategies against the stigma of mental illness.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Triple network in adolescents with borderline personality disorder, early traumatic experiences and dissociative symptoms: An eloreta study
Authors: Maggio C. Di , Massullo C. , Imperatori C. , Palazzolo O. , Farina B. , Brinciotti M. , Ferrara M. , Guidetti V. , Terrinoni A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionTriple Network Model (TNM), which considers the dynamic interaction between Default Mode (DMN), Salience (SN), and Central Executive (CEN) networks, explains clinical features in mental disorders from a neurophysiological perspective. Some studies highlight the increased connectivity in TNM in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but little is known about adolescents.ObjectivesThe aim of our preliminary study was to investigate TN functional connectivity (FC) in BPD adolescents with a history of traumatic experiences, and its correlation with dissociative symptoms.Methods15 BPD adolescents (DSM-5 criteria) with early traumatic experiences were compared to 15 healthy controls, matched for sex and age. Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q) was administered. Eyes-closed resting-state (RS) EEG recordings were performed (19 electrodes; 10- 20 system) and analyzed using Exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). FC was computed for all frequency bands and 9 Regions of Interest for TNM.ResultsBPD adolescents showed a hyper-connection between CEN and DMN [dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC); PCC and left posterior parietal cortex (PPC)] and within the CEN (left and right PPC). The strength of PCC-dlPFC and left-right PPC connections was correlated with dissociative symptoms severity.ConclusionsFC alterations can already be identified in BPD adolescents, supporting the need for early diagnosis. Normally DMN and CEN show opposite functioning. In our BPD adolescents, the absence of this “anti-correlation” reflects the typical confusion between internal and external mental states, which clarify their difficulties in metacognition or mentalization. Moreover, in dissociative symptoms, two CEN nodes are also involved, not only DMN as previously described.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression after intensive care unit stay: Findings from a general hospital
Authors: Bhaumik U. , Subramaniyam V. , Kandukuru R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following intensive care is a relatively new entity. It is triggered due to traumatic experiences in a setting of threat to life due to illness. Prolonged stay in intensive care predisposes to delusional memories related to the stay experience and may increase likelihood of post-traumatic stress.It may also present as anxiety or depression.ObjectivesThis study explored the prevalence of post-traumatic symptoms in intensive care, find its correlates and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods225 adult patients admitted for at least 1 day in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a general hospital in Bangalore,India were recruited and assessed at 1 week,1 month and 3 months after ICU discharge. Subjects were assessed for ICU related memories, PTSD, anxiety and depression scores and quality of life at and post discharge.Results59.6% of the study population had significant post-traumatic stress, including anxiety in 62.35%, depression in 10.58% and mixed anxiety-depression in 27.06%. Delusional memories were found in 31.6%. Presence of delusional memories was found to have significant correlation with post-traumatic stress and had a negative impact on HRQoL.ConclusionsThis study was the first of its kind from Asia. More systematic studies on PTSD following ICU stay and its correlates are required as available evidence lacks homogeneity. Suitable preventive measures should be taken to reduce prevalence of post-traumatic stress in intensive care due to its lasting impact on HRQoL.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Efficacy and safety results from the first pivotal phase 3 randomized controlled trial of mdma-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of severe chronic PTSD
Authors: Van Der Kolk B. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPosttraumatic stress disorder is a prevalent mental health condition with substantial impact on daily functioning that lacks sufficient treatment options. Previous research has led to the designation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a Breakthrough Therapy for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when administered as an adjunct to psychotherapy.ObjectivesHere we report the findings of the first randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 trial assessing the efficacy and safety of 3 sessions with a flexible dose of MDMA or placebo administered under direct observation to participants with severe PTSD (n = 100) as an adjunct to inner-directed psychotherapy.MethodsChange in PTSD symptoms (CAPS-5) and functional impairment (SDS) were assessed by a central, blinded Independent Rater Pool at baseline and following each treatment session. Adverse events (AEs), concomitant medications, suicidal ideation and behavior were tracked throughout the study. Vital signs were measured during experimental sessions. The primary endpoint was 18 weeks post-randomization.ResultsChange in CAPS-5 and SDS, placebo-subtracted Cohen’s d effect size, and a responder analysis will be presented. There were three serious AEs of suicidal ideation or behavior reported. MDMA was well tolerated, with some treatment emergent AEs occurring at greater frequency for the MDMA group during and after experimental sessions.ConclusionsIf MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly attenuates PTSD symptomatology and associated functional impairment, these results will form the basis for marketing authorization applications worldwide, including among participants with dissociative subtype of PTSD, depression, history of alcohol and substance use disorders, and adverse childhood experiences.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Pharmacogenetic profiles of young danish individuals with and without severe mental disorders
Authors: Lunenburg C. , Thirstrup J. , Gasse C. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPharmacogenetics (PGx) studies genetic variance and related differences in drug outcomes. PGx guidelines for psychotropic drugs are available (PGx drugs). By executing PGx testing in a prospective or pre-emptive setting, dose adjustments or even change of treatment type can be applied prior to start of therapy to patients who carry a specific geno- or phenotype (i.e. actionable geno- or phenotypes). By doing so, increased efficacy of therapy or reduced risk of adverse events of treatment can be accomplished. In Denmark, broad implementation of PGx is currently still low.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to classify the PGx profiles of Danish individuals with and without severe mental disorders (SMD), to be used in follow-up studies investigating PGx and drug outcomes.MethodsThis study made use of imputed genotyping data of the Danish iPSYCH sample, which includes 77,639 young individuals born between 1981-2005, with or without a diagnosis of one or more of five selected SMD (i.e. depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia). We investigated a panel of 48 genetic variants with known PGx applications (part of the U-PGx consortium, a Horizon2020 funded project on clinical relevant PGx in the EU).ResultsImputed data contains over 11 million SNPs of 77,639 individuals.ConclusionsWe expect results in the end of 2020.DisclosureWe thank the iPSYCH consortium, in specific the iPSYCH PI’s (Merete Nordentoft, Anders Børglum, Preben B. Mortensen, Ole Mors, Thomas Werge and David M. Hougaard). The iPSYCH project is funded by the Lundbeck Foundation Denmark and the universities and un
Psychopathological and psychosocial factors influencing physical health of people with mental disorders
Authors: Zinno F. , Palummo C. , Giannelli L. , Pitocco A. , Carello A. , Barone E. , Giallonardo V. , Sampogna G. , Luciano M. , Vecchio V. Del , Fiorillo A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSevere mental disorders (SMD) are associated with higher morbidity rates and poorer health outcomes compared to the general population. They are more likely to be overweight, to be affected by cardiovascular diseases, and to have higher risk factors for chronic diseases.ObjectivesTo assess physical health in a sample of patients with SMD and to investigate which mental health-related factors and other psychosocial outcomes could be considered predictors of poor physical health.MethodsPatients referring to the psychiatric outpatients unit of the University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli” were recruited, and were assessed through validated assessment instruments exploring psychopathological status, global functioning and stigma. Physical health was assessed with an ad-hoc anthropometric schedule. A blood sample has been collected to assess levels of cholesterol, blood glucose, triglycerides, and blood insulin.Results75 patients have been recruited, with a mean age of 45.63±11.84 years. 30% of the sample had a diagnosis of psychosis, 27% of depression and 43% of bipolar disorder. A higher BMI is predicted by higher number of hospitalizations, a reduced score at MANSA (p<.000), and PSP (p<.05), and higher score at ISMI and BPRS (p<.05). A higher cardiovascular risk is predicted by a reduced MANSA score (p<.000), a higher ISMI score and a poorer adherence to pharmacological treatments (p<.05). Higher ISMI score (p<.0001) and number of hospitalizations (p<.05) are predictors of insulin-resistance.ConclusionsOur study shows that psychosocial domains negatively influence physical health outcome. It is necessary to disseminate an integrated psychosocial intervention in order to improve patients’ physical health.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Hyperbaric oxygenation of autoimmune manifestation in coversational disorders
Authors: Labunskiy D. , Kiryukhina S. , Podsevatkin V. , Govsh E. , Kolmyykov V. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionStudy of conversion disorders is urgent problem in psychiatry due to high prevalence of hysterical manifestations, both in structure of various mental diseases and in general somatic network: among population it is from 0.5 to 2%.ObjectivesOur aim was to study the effect of complex therapy, combining traditional psychopharmacological drugs and hyperbaric oxygenation, on indicators of acid-base balance of blood, neurotransmitter metabolism, immune and hormonal status in experimental modeling of stress, as well as reduction of psychopathological symptoms in various forms of hysterical disorders.MethodsStudies were conducted with the participation of 160 patients (145 women and 15 men), average age 33.5 ± 6.1 years, Сontent of adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin was determined by concentration of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4 light), cortisol using ELISA. Immune status was assessed according to following indicators: determination of level of immunoglobulins of classes A, M and G by the method of radial immunodiffusion in a gel; study of total complementary activity of blood serum by hemolytic method.ResultsIt is necessary to highlight a significant increase in the concentration of Ig G and Ig A, a higher level of large, medium and small circulating immune complexes, which does not exclude the development of autoimmune reactions as a result of a long course of the mental process, which occurs with damage to the own cells of the nervous tissue.ConclusionsКevealed changes in the immune and endocrine reactions upon admission, under the influence of HBO treatment indicate involvement of these structures in the pathogenetic mechanisms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Psychiatric manifestations of anti-NMDAR encephalitis
Authors: Martins D. , Faria R. , Rodrigues S. , Pinho M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAnti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms before progressing to seizures, complex movement disorder, autonomic dysfunction and hypoventilation.ObjectivesPresenting a review of the psychiatric manifestations of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.MethodsSearch on Pubmed® and Medscape® databases with the following keywords: “psychiatric”, “anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis” and “anti-NMDAR encephalitis”. We focused on data from systematic reviews and meta-analyzes. The articles were selected by the authors according to their relevance.ResultsStudies show that 77% to 95% of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis initially present psychiatric manifestations. Age and sex distribution are young women, and the frequency of cases is lower after 40 years of age. The most common psychiatric symptoms are agitation (59%) and psychotic symptoms (54%). The psychotic symptoms more common are visual (64%), auditory (59%) hallucinations and persecutory delusions (73%). Catatonia is described in 42% of patients. Antipsychotic treatment induces an adverse drug reaction (33%), the neuroleptic malignant syndrome represents 22% of the cases. Delays in distinguishing this disease from a psychiatric disorder can have serious complications, with a mortality of up to 25% in patients receiving limited or delayed immunotherapy.ConclusionsIt’s important to consider anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of patients with an acute onset psychosis or unusual psychiatric symptoms. Antipsychotic treatment should be use with caution when suspected or confirmed anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Without appropriate treatment, patients may suffer a protracted course with significant long-term disability or death. A clinical index of suspicion is required to identify patients who would benefit from cerebrospinal fluid testing and immunotherapies.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Creativity and psychopathology – an interdisciplinary view
Authors: Holm-Hadulla R.M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSince ancient philosophy extraordinary creativity is associated with mental disorders, emotional and cognitive destabilization, and melancholia. We here summarize the results of empirical and narrative studies and analyze most prominent cases of highly creative persons who suffered from depression, bipolar and schizotypic disorders, drug- and alcohol addiction. Hereby, we focus on the interaction of creative processes with “bipolar” personality traits. Finally, we offer an interdisciplinary interpretation of the creative dialectics between order and chaos.ObjectivesAn interdisciplinary concept of the relationship between creativity and psychopathology is shown to be essential for reasonable psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment of creative individuals.MethodsOn the basis of empirical-statistical and biographical studies we offer a comprehensive concept of the interaction between creativity and psychopathology.ResultsThe exemplary cases of J. W. v. Goethe and Robert Schumann show a complex interaction of mood swings with creative achievements. Dysthymic and mild depressive phases were associated with creative efforts whereas severe depressive episodes inhibited their creativity. Mild mood swings and “bipolar personality traits” interacted constructively with their creative striving. With respect to the relationship of alcohol- and drug-abuse, we show on behalf of a detailed analysis of the life and work of prominent Pop-Icons that addiction mostly leads to psycho-social disintegration and destruction of creativity.ConclusionsAn interplay between cognitive coherence and incoherence, emotional stability and instability, order and chaos accompanies many creative processes. The interdisciplinary approach shows that psychopathology can motivate creative efforts. However, if expressed severely, mental disorders inhibit or even destroy creativity.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Olanzapine- induced metabolic syndrome pathogenesis: Hypothalamic “leptin resistance” or “pomc resistance”?
Authors: Veneziani F. , Zezza M. , Marakhovskaia A. , Beaulieu J.M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionOlanzapine (OL) represents one of the main chooses for the treatment of psychosis. However, OL increase the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS). Previous literature proposes the “Leptin resistance” as a possible hypothalamic pathogenesis of OL induced MS because of the occurrence of weight gain with increased Leptin blood level.ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to investigate in a murine model of full-MS phenotype induced by Olanzapine the hypothalamic gene expression of the pathways involved in Leptin receptor signalling to clarify if a Leptin resistance occurs.MethodsFor the experiment C57BL/6Jfemale mice are used.The OL group (n=15) received pure Olanzapine compounded into chow (54 mg/kg of diet). The vehicle group (n=15)is fed with the same chow without OL. Weight gain is measured every 5 days. After 4 weeks of treatment, mice are sacrificed by rapid cervical dislocation. Blood is collected for Glucose, Insulin and Leptin evaluation. Hypothalamus is dissected and RNA-seq is performed.ResultsThe OL group shows a significantweight gain compared to Control (p= 0.02). Likewise blood glucose, Insulin and Leptin levels appear increased (p= 0,0089, p= 0,01, p= 0,0012). From the analysis of RNA-seq hypothalamic differentially expressed genes the anorexigenic POMC pathway downstream to the Leptin Receptor shows a 4-fold increased compared to control.ConclusionsIn our study the “Leptin resistance” involvement in OL induced MS is not confirmed. In fact, although there is an increase in blood Leptin, the expression of Leptin receptor downstream pathways shows a significant increase. This could suggest a possible “POMC resistance” mechanism for OL induced MS.DisclosureNo significant relationships.