EMDR therapy in children and adolescents who have post-traumatic stress disorder: a six-week follow-up study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore whether eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective therapy and to investigate whether EMDR affects anxiety levels for children and adolescents.

Methods: We conducted this study with 30 clients. The clients completed self-administered questionnaires Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index Scale and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The questionnaires were conducted before the therapy and 6?weeks after the completion of the therapy.

Results: Nineteen clients (63%) had only one traumatic event, but 11 clients (37%) had more than one traumatic event. While the mean score on the PTSD symptom scale was 60 (±8.7), this rate decreased to 24 (±10.1), whereas the mean STAI-T scale was 59 (±8.9) before treatment and 41 (±11.5) after treatment. We found a statistically significant difference between symptom scores as quantified by both questionnaires before and after EMDR therapy (p?<?.05).

Conclusions: As a result, we have shown that EMDR is an effective method for children and adolescents with PTSD in terms of both post-traumatic and anxiety symptom levels; however, we recommend a larger sample size with a control group to further establish the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in children.

• KEY POINTS

• PTSD is a common disorder in children and adolescents.

• Additional psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression are common in children and adolescents with PTSD.

• In PTSD cases applying for psychiatric treatment, trauma associated with sexual abuse is more pronounced and complex.

• EMDR is an effective therapy in children and adolescents as well as in adults.

• There is a statistically significant decrease at anxiety and PTSD symptom scores as quantified by questionnaires in patients with PTSD after EMDR therapy.

     

Implication of core beliefs about negative-self in neuroticism

Abstract

Objective: Core beliefs about negative-self are beliefs about self-deficiencies in basic aspects of human adaptation. Meanwhile, neuroticism is a personality trait characterised by negative emotionality, i.e., a tendency to react to stress with negative emotions. The present study tested the hypothesis that core beliefs about negative-self are implicated in neuroticism.

Methods: The subjects were 309 Japanese healthy volunteers. Core beliefs about negative-self were evaluated by the Brief Core Schema Scales, and neuroticism was evaluated by the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised.

Results: In both multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling, higher neuroticism was strongly predicted by higher levels of core beliefs about negative-self.

Limitations: The present study cannot determine the causal relationship between core beliefs about negative-self and neuroticism, because of its cross sectional design.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that core beliefs about negative-self are deeply implicated in neuroticism.

• Key Points

• Implication of core beliefs about negative-self in neuroticism was examined.

• Neuroticism was predicted by higher levels of these core beliefs.

• These core beliefs may be involved in negative emotionality of neuroticism.

     

Risk factors for readmission among a cohort of psychiatric inpatients in Lilongwe,Malawi

Abstract

Objectives: Inpatient psychiatric capacity is limited in Malawi and no published studies have assessed psychiatric readmissions there. Information about factors associated with readmission may help guide strategies to reduce readmission rates and keep patients stabilised in the community. Our goal was to determine factors associated with readmission among a cohort of psychiatric inpatients in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit in Lilongwe, Malawi from January 1 to December 31, 2011. We used logistic regression to test for associations between readmissions during the study period and patient variables.

Results: 419 patients were hospitalised during the study period. Twenty-nine patients (6.9%) were readmitted at least once during the study period. Readmission was associated only with intentional medication non-adherence at home (aOR: 3.33, p?=?0.02).

Conclusions: Intentional medication non-adherence is a potentially modifiable behaviour associated with psychiatric readmission. Efforts to improve medication adherence among patients following hospital discharge may help decrease the risk of readmission.

• KEY POINTS

• The prevalence of readmission among psychiatric inpatients in Lilongwe, Malawi was 6.9% during the 1-year study period.

• Readmission was associated with intentional medication non-adherence at home.

• Future research efforts in Malawi should focus on improving medication adherence among psychiatric patients in the community to help decrease rates of readmission.

     

Alcohol use predicts emergency psychiatric unit admission for non-fatal suicidal behaviour in the Western Cape (South Africa): a case–control study

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to describe patterns of substance use among patients admitted to an emergency psychiatric unit for non-fatal suicidal behaviour (NFSB) or another psychiatric reason and establish whether there were significant differences in patterns of substance use between the two groups.

Methods: We employed a case–control design (N?=?50) and collected data about participants' substance use in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were analysed using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests, factor analysis, and logistic regressions.

Results: Prevalence of lifetime Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) was 60% in the NFSB group and 28% in the control group. 12% of the NFSB group and 20% of the control group had a lifetime Tobacco Use Disorder. Prevalence of lifetime illicit Substance Use Disorder was 44% in the NFSB group and 60% in the control group. Hospital admission for NFSB was associated with: any past 24-hour alcohol use; quantity of past 24-hour alcohol use; quantity of past-month alcohol use; lifetime AUD; past 12-month AUD; and current AUD; and was not associated with the use of any other substances (p<.05). Past 12-month AUD was the best predictor of hospital admission for NFSB, controlling for, respectively, any past 24-hour alcohol use (aOR = 13.33, p?=?.023) and quantity of past 24-hour alcohol use (aOR = 9.01, p?=?.022)

Conclusions: Patients admitted to emergency psychiatric units for NFSB have increased needs for the treatment of AUDs compared to patients admitted for another psychiatric emergency. Findings support calls for interventions to prevent NFSB among psychiatric patients with a history of AUD.

• Key points

• Rates of substance use among patients admitted to emergency psychiatric units in South Africa were high compared to the general population.

• Hazardous alcohol use was uniquely associated with hospital admission for non-fatal suicidal behaviour compared to another psychiatric emergency.

• Tobacco use and illicit substance use were not associated with hospital admission for non-fatal suicidal behaviour compared to another psychiatric emergency.

• The association between hazardous alcohol use and hospital admission for non-fatal suicidal behaviour did not appear to be affected by demographic variables.

• Patients admitted to hospital for non-fatal suicidal behaviour have increased needs for the treatment of alcohol use disorders compared to other psychiatric patients.

     

Construction of the Lebanese Anxiety Scale (LAS-10): a new scale to assess anxiety in adult patients

Abstract

Objective: The study objectives were (1) to create a new 10-item scale, the ‘Lebanese Anxiety Scale’ (LAS-10), inspired by the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5, and the HAM-A and STAI scales and (2) to evaluate the performance of this new scale on a sample of Lebanese individuals.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 1332 community dwelling participants between November 2017 and March 2018.

Results: In sample 1, the participants’ mean age was 28.08?years (63.9% females). The LAS items converged over a solution of two factors that had an Eigenvalue over 1, explaining a total of 51.97% of the variance (α_Cronbach=0.857). The optimal cut-off between healthy controls and anxious patients was 13.50 according to the ROC curve. The sensitivity and specificity were good at this cut-off (77.5% and 70.8%, respectively). The area under the curve was high: 0.811 [0.778–0.845]; p?<?.001. The positive predicted value of the LAS-10 score in sample 1 was 26.9%, whereas the negative predicted value was 95.2%.

Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the LAS-10 is a tool that can be used in clinical practice and research to screen for anxiety.

• KEY POINTS

• The positive predicted value of the LAS-10 score was 26.9%.

• Its negative predicted value was 95.2%.

• People with scores above 13.5 be referred to a health care professional for further assessment.

• The LAS-10 is a tool can be used in clinical practice and research to screen for anxiety.

• Future studies are needed to validate the LAS-10 in other countries.

     

Depression and sleep quality in psoriatic patients: impact of psoriasis severity

Abstract

Background: Psoriatic patients often display depression and sleep disturbances. In previous research, we found high rates of depression and poor sleep quality among psoriatic patients, unrelated to psoriasis severity. However, these results referred to a sample mainly composed of patients under remission.

Aim: To compared the prevalence of depression and sleep disturbances in patients suffering from mild versus moderate-tosevere plaque psoriasis, also investigating the association between psoriasis severity and psychopathological variables.

• Keypoints

• Psoriasis affects the patients’ psychophysical health.

• Depressive symptoms and/or sleep disturbances are frequent among psoriatic patients.

• This study investigates these issues comparing the sub-populations of mild and moderate-to-severe psoriatic patients, with special attention to the association between sleep and pruritus.

• In clinical practice, the link between psychopathological disturbances and psoriasis should not be underestimated.

     

Effectiveness of integrated psychological therapy on cognitive function among Lebanese patients with schizophrenia: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: The integrated term emphasises the need for cognitive therapy to always be embedded into an extended treatment concept adapted to cognitive resources and deficits and to patient rehabilitation. One of the first approaches is integrated psychological therapy (IPT).

Aim: To assess the effect of the IPT Programme compared to the Treatment as Usual (TaU) in terms of cognitive performance and social skills among a group of schizophrenic patients.

Methods: This randomised controlled study enrolled 20 patients in each group. Patients attended 60-min sessions, 3?days/week.

Results: When considering the TaU group, the bivariate results showed that significantly higher means of attention scores, lower means in social dysfunction and aggression, social adaptation scores were found after IPT compared to before. The effect size for all tests was found to be weak. When considering the IPT group, significantly higher means attention score, lower means cognitive disorders, social dysfunction, aggression and social adaptation scores were found after IPT compared to before. The effect size for all tests was found to be high.

Conclusion: The therapeutic combination of the IPT programme with medical treatment has shown additional beneficial effects on the schizophrenic patients’ treatment, enabling them, as far as possible, to reintegrate into the community.

• KEY POINTS

• In cases, a significantly higher GZ-F and KL scores and a lower SDAS-9 and SDAS-6 scores were found post-IPT respectively.

• In controls, a significant increase in the GZ-F and KL subscales and a decrease in all other scales was found post-IPT respectively.

• This therapeutic combination of the integrative programme with medical treatment has shown additive beneficial effects in patients with schizophrenia

• The treatment approach would allow them, as far as possible, to reintegrate within the community.

     

Methamphetamine-associated psychosis: links to drug use characteristics and similarity to primary psychosis

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the prevalence of methamphetamine-associated psychosis, how characteristics of drug use affect the severity and clinical course, and its optimal treatments have not been established. We addressed these questions, assessing clinical features of methamphetamine-associated psychosis, and compared it with primary psychosis.

Methods: Hospitalised patients with methamphetamine-associated (n?=?70) or primary schizophrenic psychosis (n?=?70) were matched on sex, age and duration of psychosis. Association of drug use variables (age at initiation, duration of methamphetamine use) with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores and psychosis duration were examined for patients with methamphetamine-associated psychosis, and the groups were compared on the BPRS scores.

Results: Methamphetamine use initiation age correlated negatively with the BPRS total score and the Activation subscale score; methamphetamine use duration correlated positively with psychosis duration. Methamphetamine-associated psychosis group scored lower on the Hostility-Suspiciousness and Anergia subscales of the BPRS (adjusted p values < .05).

Conclusions: Association of early initiation of methamphetamine with psychosis severity may suggest a lasting effect on brain development. Correlation of drug use and psychosis durations may suggest a cumulative effect of methamphetamine exposure. Less severe paranoia and negative symptoms in the methamphetamine-using group could implicate better social functioning of these patients. Further mechanistic studies are warranted.

• Key points

• Early initiation of methamphetamine use is associated with psychosis severity.

• Methamphetamine use duration associates with psychosis duration.

• Methamphetamine-associated and primary schizophrenic psychoses were similar in symptoms.

• Methamphetamine psychosis patients were less severe in paranoia and negative symptoms.

     

Duration of untreated illness and depression severity are associated with cognitive impairment in mood disorders

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we estimated the rate and the trajectory of cognitive impairment in a naturalistic sample of outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and its correlation with different variables.

Materials and methods: An overall sample of 109 outpatients with MDD or BD was assessed for multiple clinical variables, including duration of untreated illness (DUI), and tested using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) during Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) and after remission. Correlations between MoCA scores and the clinical variables were then computed.

Results: About 50% of patients with MDD and BD showed mild cognitive impairment during MDE. Improvement of cognitive function between depression and remission was significant, even though residual symptoms were observed especially in the most impaired patients. Of note, cognitive performance during depression was negatively associated with depression severity and DUI.

Discussion: Present findings confirm available evidence about patterns of cognitive impairment in mood disorders, in terms of prevalence and persistence beyond remission in most severe cases. Moreover, a longer DUI was associated with worse cognitive performance during depression, and consequently with poorer outcome, underlining the importance of prompt treatment of these disorders also in light of a cognitive perspective.

• Keypoints

• Although distinct entities, unipolar and bipolar depression determine similar patterns of cognitive impairment in terms of severity and types of altered domains.

• Depression (but not anxiety) severity is associated with cognitive performance in depression.

• Prolonged duration of untreated illness is associated with more severe cognitive impairment during depression, particularly but not specifically in bipolar disorder.

     

Clinical evolution of patients treated with aripiprazole long-acting injectable: a preliminary,prospective, observational study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of 6-month treatment with aripiprazole long-acting injectable (LAI) in improving psychotic symptoms, social functioning and side effects and reducing co-administered antipsychotic drugs.

Methods: Multicentre, observational, prospective study that enrolled 53 patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders who initiated or switched to aripiprazole LAI. The effectiveness of aripiprazole LAI was assessed through the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser scale for side effects, the Global Assessment of Functioning and the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH).

Results: Upon treatment with aripiprazole LAI, patients significantly improved all the domains of PANSS (p?<?.05). Adverse event severity significantly improved after a 6-month aripiprazole LAI treatment (p?<?.05). Differences from baseline to month 6 in Global Assessment of Functioning score were significant (p?=?.0002). The proportion of severely ill patients decreased upon treatment with aripiprazole LAI (CGI-SCH scale). Prolactin levels were normalised after a 6-month treatment (from 43.0 to 14.7?ng/mL). Co-administered antipsychotic drugs significantly decreased after a 6-month treatment with aripiprazole LAI.

Conclusion: A 6-month treatment with aripiprazole LAI improved the clinical status of our patients without modifying their metabolic profile, and allowed the reduction of co-administered antipsychotic drugs.

• Practice implications

• Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are effective treatment options for the maintenance of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders, and to ensure treatment adherence. This study describes the evolution of patients over six months of treatment with aripiprazole long-acting injectable. The results from this study support previous data on the efficacy and safety of this atypical antipsychotic. This study may be of wide interest to the community of psychiatrists and may help clinicians optimise treatment adherence in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

• Key points

• Aripiprazole long-acting injectable is an atypical antipsychotic intended to improve treatment adherence and prevent relapses.

• This multicentre prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of aripiprazole long-acting injectable over six months of treatment on the control of a comprehensive set of clinical variables.

• Clinical rating scales showed that treatment with aripiprazole long-acting injectable improved clinical symptoms and social functioning, and reduced the severity of adverse events.

• Aripiprazole long-acting injectable contributed to the maintenance of adequate metabolic profiles and the normalisation of prolactin levels.

• Patients significantly decreased co-administered antipsychotic drugs after 6-month treatment with aripiprazole.

     

The association between leptin receptor polymorphism and suicidal behaviour in depressed adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescence. Genetic studies implicate the genetic component of suicide independent from associated psychiatric disorder. Although genetics is an important factor that might be associated with suicide, limited progress is achieved to identify the candidate genes in adolescents.

Methods: The study included 97 patients and 106 controls. Five leptin receptor single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) region examined. Depressive scores were measured with Children Depression Inventory and suicidal behaviour was measured by Suicide Probability Scale. Logistic and linear regression analysis used for determining to predictors.

Results: In linear regression analysis (R²: 0.786) both previous suicide attempt (B:5.553, t:2.613 p: .035) and having a mutant allele in rs1171276 SNP region (B:4.346 t:2.220 p: .048) have been associated with suicidal behaviour. In logistic regression analysis, family history of depression (p?<?.0001, OR: 4.2 [1.7–9.6]) and number of stressful life events (p: .001, OR: 1.7 [1.3–2.1]) predicted depression significantly.

Conclusion: Leptin receptor polymorphism could result in an increase in impulsive behaviour and suicide scores with leptin resistance. Our research is the first study to investigate the relationship between depression, suicidal behaviour and leptin receptor polymorphism in adolescent sample. Similar studies could be carried out on a community basis.

• KEY POINTS

• An association has been found between rs1171276 single nucleotide polymorphism of leptin receptor and the suicide probability scores in depressed adolescents.

• Family history of depression and number of stressful life events predict depressive scores significantly.

• Leptin receptor single nucleotide polymorphism may be a risk factor for adolescent suicide by increasing impulsive behaviour.

     

Focussing on the fundaments – assessing and treating Clozapine Induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility

Abstract

Background: Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic used in treatment-resistant Schizophrenia (TRS). Clozapine Induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility (CIGH) is the commonest cause of clozapine related death, yet remains under-recognised and under-monitored.

Aims and hypothesis: To review the pharmacological management of CIGH. We hypothesised that pharmacological interventions would reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes associated with CIGH.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients treated on clozapine over a one year period on a male acute psychiatric ward. Information on patient demographics, CIGH symptomatology, treatment and outcome were extracted.

Results: In total, 14 male patients with a mean age of 43?years (standard deviation 10?years) were included. Of these, 9 patients experienced CIGH during admission, in all cases presenting as constipation. Among patients experiencing CIGH, 8 of 9 (89%) patients received one or more interventions. This was most commonly a stimulant, or osmotic laxative. By discharge, the 8 patients treated were in full remission of CIGH symptoms.

Conclusions: A high proportion of patients treated with clozapine experience CIGH, presenting most commonly as constipation. Whilst potentially life-threatening, CIGH can be successfully treated in an acute inpatient setting. Active monitoring of CIGH symptoms in patients initiated, or reinitiated on clozapine is recommended.

• Key points

• A high proportion of patients treated with Clozapine experience constipation, the cardinal feature of Clozapine Induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility.

• Whilst potentially life-threatening, CIGH can be successfully treated in an acute inpatient setting with simple interventions.

• Active monitoring of CIGH symptoms in patients initiated, or reinitiated on clozapine is recommended.

• Future research on the potential benefit of prophylactic intervention would be beneficial.

     

Alexithymia,suicide ideation,affective temperaments and homocysteine levels in drug naïve patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: an exploratory study in the everyday ‘real world’ clinical practice

Objective: The present exploratory study aimed to investigate relationships between alexithymia, suicide ideation, affective temperaments and homocysteine levels among drug-naïve adult outpatients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in an everyday ‘real world’ clinical setting.

Method: Sixty-four adult outpatients with PTSD were evaluated using the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS–20), the Scale of Suicide Ideation (SSI), the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire. As well, homocysteine levels were measured.

Results: Alexithymic subjects showed higher values on all scales but not homocysteine levels. Partial correlations showed that almost all studied variables were correlated with each other, except homocysteine levels. Regression analysis showed that higher disorder severity as measured by DTS and TAS-20 ‘Difficulty in Identifying Feelings’ dimension was associated with higher SSI scores.

Conclusions: In conclusion, alexithymic PTSD outpatients may be characterised by higher disorder severity and difficulty in identifying feelings that may be linked to increased suicide ideation, regardless of affective temperaments or homocysteine levels. Homocysteine levels were not related to any studied variable. However, study limitations are discussed and must be considered.

• Keypoints

• Patients with alexithymia showed increased PTSD severity, a higher score on TEMPS-A subscales, and more severe suicide ideation.

• The Difficulty in Identifying Feelings (DIF) dimension of TAS-20 was associated with suicide ideation in patients with PTSD.

• Homocysteine did not correlate with any studied variables.

• This study was exploratory and cross-sectional: further larger and prospective studies are needed.

     

Cardiac autonomic tone,plasma BDNF levels and paroxetine response in newly diagnosed patients of generalised anxiety disorder

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the effect on cardiac autonomic tone via heart rate variability (HRV), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in newly diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) cases with paroxetine-controlled release (PX) CR intervention.

Methods: Fifty GAD cases using DSM-5 criteria, matched with healthy controls (HC) were assessed with clinical measures (Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Clinical Global Impression- Severity Scale (CGI-Severity), General Health Questionnaire -12 (GHQ-12), HRV, plasma BDNF levels initially and 6?weeks postintervention with paroxetine CR.

Results: HRV parameters were significantly lower in GAD vs HC at baseline for standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN) and proportion of differences in consecutive NN intervals that are longer than 50?ms (pNN50). Significantly higher plasma BDNF levels were noted between HC versus GAD at baseline. Postintervention HAM-A, CGI scores, GHQ-12 item scores showed significant reduction. Significant differences also noted in square root of mean squared difference of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), (SDNN), pNN50 and in plasma BDNF levels after intervention within GAD group. Significant negative correlation observed between HAM-A scores and SDNN parameter after taking PX CR in GAD.

Conclusion: GAD showed cardiac autonomic dysfunction, lowered plasma BDNF levels and their improvement with paroxetine CR.

• Key message

• GAD is associated with significantly lower HRV, suggestive of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and lowered plasma BDNF levels, an indicator of stress.

• Therapeutic intervention with Paroxetine in GAD patients showed clinically significant improvement reflecting restoration of the cardiac autonomic tone and BDNF levels, thus implying their role as potential biomarkers.

     

Exploring the association between depression,suicidality and serum neurotrophin levels in adolescents

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify potential differences in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) levels in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls. The possible relationship between serum neurotrophin levels and suicidality in adolescents with MDD was also addressed.

Methods: A total of 70 treatment-free adolescents with MDD and 40 healthy controls aged 11 to 19?years were enrolled. The severity of suicidality was determined using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by self-report inventories. Serum levels of neurotrophins were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The mean serum BDNF levels were significantly higher in adolescents with MDD than in control subjects; no significant difference was found between the groups for serum GDNF, NGF and NTF3 levels. No correlations were found between the levels of serum neurotrophins and the severity of depression or suicidality.

Conclusions: The study results suggest that elevated serum BDNF levels may be related to MDD in adolescents. However, our findings did not support a role for neurotrophins in suicidality.

• Key points

• Serum BDNF levels were higher in adolescents with MDD than in controls.

• No significant alterations of serum levels of GDNF, NGF and NTF3 were evident in adolescents with MDD.

• Neurotrophin levels were not associated with suicidal ideation and behaviours.

     

Childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in fibromyalgia: associations with depression,anxiety and disease impact

Abstract

Objective: The first aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood and current attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. The second aim is to assess the role of depression and anxiety on the relationship between childhood and adult ADHD symptoms with disease impact in this population.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with fibromyalgia were compared to matched 58 healthy controls. All participants completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

Results: Patients with fibromyalgia had significantly higher mean scores of depression (BDI), anxiety (BAI), childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS) and adult ADHD symptoms (ASRS total, ASRS hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale and ASRS attention deficit subscale) than the control group. Fibromyalgia impact (FIQ) was significantly correlated with depression (BDI; r?=?0.57, p < .001), anxiety (BAI; r?=?0.56, p < .001) and childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS; r?=?0.41, p < .001) in fibromyalgia group. There was no significant correlation between fibromyalgia impact (FIQ) and adult ADHD symptoms (ASRS total or sub-scale scores). Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS), anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI) predicted fibromyalgia impact. Both anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI) mediated the relationship between childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS) and fibromyalgia impact (FIQ).

Conclusion: Childhood ADHD symptoms may be a contributory factor to poorer functioning in the patients with fibromyalgia. The relationship was more pronounced in the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms. Evaluation of childhood and adult ADHD symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia is important for recognition and treatment of ADHD comorbidity and also for attenuating the severity of the disease.     

Is sustained attention deficit related to subclinical obsessive thoughts in children and adolescents with ADHD?

Abstract

Background: Thought content and its impact on sustained attention in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are topics of growing interest in literature.

Objective: We hypothesised that subclinical obsessive thoughts may be correlated with attention lapses in individuals with ADHD.

Method: Thirty children diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study and their level of subclinical obsessive thoughts, attention, and executive function were measured using Children Yale-Brown Obsessive Scale and Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II.

Results: No significant correlation between sustained attention impairment and the level of obsessive thoughts in patients with ADHD was found. Nevertheless, patients with ADHD with subclinical obsessive thoughts showed more commission errors than those without (W?=?51.5; p?=?0.02).

Conclusion: The nature of thought content in individuals with ADHD should be linked to executive dysfunction rather than attentional impairment. This could be of importance in the therapeutic strategy choice, addressing the importance of executive function remediation in the specific context of subclinical obsessive thoughts.

• Key points

• ?Patients with ADHD, without OCD or ASD comorbidity, still present subclinical obsessive thoughts (36% of our sample). ??Subclinical obsessive thoughts could be a part of thought content in patients with ADHD.

• ???Subclinical obsessive thoughts as measured by the CPT-II are not correlated with attention function in patients with ADHD.

• ???ADHD patients with subclinical obsessive symptoms present more impairment in response inhibition than the ones without.

• ???Results on subclinical obsessive thoughts are similar to those on another type of thought content called ‘mind wandering’.

• ???A clinical improvement strategy for patients with ADHD could be using executive function remediation rather than classical attention function remediation, according to both to our and previous results.

     

Sex hormone levels in drug-naïve,first-episode patients with psychosis

Abstract

Aim: Sex differences have long been reported in schizophrenia leading to the hypothesis that sex hormones may be implicated in the pathophysiology of the disorder. We assessed gonadal hormones during the fasted state in drug-naïve patients with psychosis.

Method: Fasting serum concentrations of follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, free-testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and oestradiol (E₂) were compared between a group of 55 newly diagnosed, drug-naïve, first-episode men with psychosis and a group of 55 healthy controls, matched for age, smoking status and BMI. Testosterone, free-testosterone and SHBG were compared between a group of 32 drug-naïve, first-episode females with psychosis and a group of 32 healthy controls matched for age, smoking status and BMI.

Results: Testosterone and free-testosterone levels were significantly lower in the patients’ group and SHBG levels significantly higher in the patients’ group compared to those in healthy controls. The two female groups had similar values in the hormones which were measured.

Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence of lower testosterone and free-testosterone levels and increased SHBG levels in drug-naïve, first-episode males with psychosis.

• KEY POINTS

• Reduced testosterone and free-testosterone levels in drug-naive, first-episode males with psychosis.

• Increased SHBG levels in drug-naive first-episode males with psychosis.

• No difference in FSH, LH and E2 levels between drug-naive first episode males with psychosis and controls.

• No difference in testosterone, free-testosterone and SHBG levels between drug-naive, first-episode women with psychosis and controls.

     

‘I am dead’: Cotard syndrome and dementia

Background: Cotard syndrome is a rare condition whose main feature is a nihilistic delusion ranging from the denial of body parts to that of the existence of one’s own life or even the entire universe.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of Cotard syndrome and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia.

Methods: Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published before 2018. Search terms used included Cotard delusion, Cotard syndrome and dementia, nihilistic delusion. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references.

Results and conclusion: In this narrative review we emphasise the fact that cases of Cotard syndrome involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Published studies are limited to very short series or isolated cases. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent in this condition.

• Keypoints

• Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterised by nihilistic delusions that may range from negation of existence of parts of the body to delusion of being dead.

• The prevalence and incidence of this rare syndrome are not known.

• Since Cotard’s syndrome is conceptualised as part of an underlying disorder, several psychiatric and somatic diseases have been associated with the syndrome.

• The syndrome may occur in patients suffering from dementia.

     

Impulsivity,hostility and suicidality in patients diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder

Abstract

Background: There are limited data on suicidal behaviour in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aimed to evaluate several aspects affecting suicidality in OCD patients and determine whether impulsivity or hostility are associated with suicide attempts in this vulnerable group.

Methods: Eighty-one patients with OCD were assessed by structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID I), Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), Barratt impulsivity scale-11 (BIS) and Scale for suicide ideation (SSI).

Results: Of the 81 patients, 22 (27%) had suicide ideation, 29 (33%) attempted suicides with OCD and 30 (37%) OCD patients who never experienced suicide ideation nor attempted suicide. Suicide ideation was associated with high hopelessness, higher severity of OCD and the presence of aggressive obsessions. On the other hand, suicide attempts were associated with longer duration of untreated illness, cognitive impulsivity, higher severity of OCD symptoms and the presence of religious obsessions.

Conclusion: Higher severity of OCD symptoms is associated with both suicide ideation and attempts. And while hopelessness was related to suicidal thoughts, cognitive impulsivity may have acted as a facilitating factor for suicide attempts. Higher frequency of symptoms like religious/ aggressive obsessions was also associated with suicidality. It is vital that patients with OCD undergo detailed assessment for suicide risk.

• Key points

• OCD is associated with a high risk for suicidal behaviour.

• Suicide ideation was associated with high levels of hopelessness, OCD severity, and the presence of aggressive obsessions.

• Suicide attempts were associated with longer duration of untreated illness, cognitive impulsivity, severity of OCD, and the presence of religious obsessions.