HUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL

Antipsychotic-Treated Schizophrenia Patients Develop Inflammatory and Oxidative Responses Independently From Obesity: However, Metabolic Disturbances Arise From Schizophrenia-Related Obesity
Emre S, Asli S, Sener M, Eker SS and Esma SG
To define the impact of obesity on inflammatory and oxidative disturbances in antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia patients.
Comparative evaluation of craving, sleep quality, sexual function and quality of life in opioid use disorder patients in remission with buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance treatment
Türker ZG, Erdoğan A, Cinemre B, Metin Ö and Kulaksızoğlu B
To compare opioid use disorder (OUD) patients who continue to use opioids and are in remission with buprenorphine-naloxone (B/N) in terms of some parameters and to evaluate the relationship between B/N dose and these parameters.
Comparative pharmacology and abuse potential of oral dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine-A literature review
Kämmerer W
To compare the pharmacology and abuse potential of oral dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine (LDX).
Safety and efficacy of Withania somnifera for anxiety and insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Fatima K, Malik J, Muskan F, Raza G, Waseem A, Shahid H, Jaffery SF, Khan U, Zaheer MK, Shaikh Y and Rashid AM
Despite the historical neurological use of Withania somnifera, limited evidence supports its efficacy for conditions like anxiety and insomnia. Given its known anti-stress properties, this review evaluated its safety and efficacy for anxiety and insomnia.
Patient outcome following selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescribing in primary care in Wales (UK)
Ahmed S, Chaplin K, Young RS and Deslandes PN
This study investigated prescribing patterns of two cohorts of patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in primary care in Wales (UK), to better understand drivers for increased usage.
The prevalence of constipation in adult psychiatric out-patients on clozapine treatment at a regional public hospital in Hong Kong
Lam EW and Ip BP
To determine the occurrence of constipation in local patients on clozapine treatment, and to compare the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients on clozapine treatment with or without constipation.
Prescribing patterns in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: Retrospective, single-center study
Knebel J and Kennedy MLH
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is marked by a high rate of treatment resistance. Patients are often left trialing medications within multiple drug classes with little response, causing heterogeneity to emerge in prescribing patterns. This analysis seeks to investigate the selection and dosing of the pharmacotherapy utilized, to portray an overview of prescribing trends in the United States.
Effects of atypical antipsychotics on serum asprosin level and other metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia
Amini K, Motallebi MJ, Bakhtiari K, Hajmiri MS, Zamanirafe M, Sharifikia M, Ranjbar A, Keshavarzi A, Mirjalili M and Mehrpooya M
In this cross-sectional study, we compared fasting serum asprosin levels and metabolic parameters between patients receiving one of three atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone, or aripiprazole) and healthy subjects.
Bi-directional and multi-modal effects of dexamphetamine on spatial binding windows in healthy individuals
Lim MJH, Loffman SJ, Gaus K, Slawik SV, Iyyalol R, Lee JWY, Hepple EK and Martin-Iverson MT
Stimuli that are separated by a short window of space or time, known as spatial and temporal binding windows (SBW/TBWs), may be perceived as separate. Widened TBWs are evidenced in schizophrenia, although it is unclear if the SBW is similarly affected. The current study aimed to assess if dexamphetamine (DEX) may increase SBWs in a multimodal visuo-tactile illusion, potentially validating usefulness as an experimental model for multimodal visuo-tactile hallucinations in schizophrenia, and to examine a possible association between altered binding windows (BWs) and working memory (WM) suggested by previous research.
Effects of the active botanical blend "WKUP GT" on attention and cognitive functions after lunch in healthy volunteers
Nadam IS, Bellamine A, Salom R, Guilera S, Inarejos-Garcia AM and Pillar G
"WKUP GT", a low caffeine beverage consisting of carob, Guarana, Green Tea and Elderberry extracts was studied on attention and cognitive functions post-lunch in a pilot randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.
Analysis of schizophrenia-associated genetic markers in the HLA region as risk factors for tardive dyskinesia
Wang R, Lu JY, Herbert D, Lieberman JA, Meltzer HY, Tiwari AK, Remington G, Kennedy JL and Zai CC
The pathology of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) has yet to be fully understood, but there have been proposed hypotheses for the cause of this condition. Our team previously reported a possible association of TD with the Complement Component C4 gene in the HLA region. In this study, we explored the HLA region further by examining two previously identified schizophrenia-associated HLA-region single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely rs13194504 and rs210133.
Efficacy and safety of endoxifen in bipolar disorder: A systematic review
Joseph JT, Vishwanath R and Praharaj SK
Endoxifen, a protein kinase C inhibitor and selective estrogen receptor modulator, primarily used in breast cancer treatment, has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic option for managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (BD). This review aims to assess the existing evidence base for endoxifen in BD treatment and evaluate the strengths and limitations of current research findings.
The use of antipsychotics in obsessive compulsive disorder
Conti D, Girone N, Boscacci M, Casati L, Cassina N, Cerolini L, Giacovelli L, Viganò C, Conde MM, Cremaschi L and Dell'Osso BM
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic disease with a prevalence in the general population of around 2%-3%, generally accompanied by a severe impairment of functioning and quality of life. A consistent subgroup of patients may not achieve adequate symptom remission with first-line treatments (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]). The most validated option for treatment-resistant cases relies on the augmentative use of antipsychotics to SSRIs, preferably of the 'second generation'. Indeed, dopamine appears to be crucially involved in OCD neuropathology due to its implication in systems relating to goal-directed behaviour and maladaptive habits. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of antipsychotics in OCD symptom improvement is still unclear. Risperidone, aripiprazole, and haloperidol seem to be the most useful medications, whereas 'first generation' antipsychotics may be indicated in case of comorbidity with tics and/or Tourette Syndrome. Antipsychotic augmentation may be also related to side-effects, particularly in the long term (e.g., alteration in metabolic profile, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms). The present mini-review sought to provide the most updated evidence on augmentative antipsychotic use in treatment-resistant patients with OCD, providing a road map for clinicians in daily practice and shedding light on avenues for further research.
Dexamphetamine increased speech and visual unimodal illusions in healthy participants without affecting temporal binding window
Voon FL, Loffman SJ, Lim MJH, Lee JWY, Iyyalol R and Martin-Iverson MT
Stimuli received beyond a very short timeframe, known as temporal binding windows (TBWs), are perceived as separate events. In previous audio-visual multisensory integration (McGurk effect) studies, widening of TBWs has been observed in people with schizophrenia. The present study aimed to determine if dexamphetamine could increase TBWs in unimodal auditory and unimodal visual illusions that may have some validity as experimental models for auditory and visual hallucinations in psychotic disorders.
Probable effects of polypharmacy and equivalent doses of psychotropic drugs on prevalence of adverse drug events among psychiatric inpatients in a general hospital in Japan
Aoyama K, Tachi T, Kubo S, Koyama A, Watanabe M, Aoyama S, Noguchi Y, Tanaka K, Yasuda M, Shibata A, Mizui T and Teramachi H
In psychiatry, polypharmacy or high psychotropic drug doses increase adverse drug event (ADE) prevalence. However, the full relationship between polypharmacy and ADEs is unclear, and few studies have evaluated dose equivalents for psychotropic drugs for ADEs. Thus, we conducted a retrospective analysis to clarify the effects of polypharmacy and chlorpromazine (CP)-, diazepam (DAP)-, and imipramine- equivalent doses on all ADEs in inpatients.
Opioid analgesics prescribing trends 2010-2019 in Slovenia: National database study
Cebron Lipovec N
Significant increases in global opioid use have been reported in recent decades. This study analyzed opioid utilization in outpatient care in Slovenia between 2010 and 2019.
Effect of fasedienol (PH94B) pherine nasal spray and steroidal hormones on electrogram responses and autonomic nervous system activity in healthy adult volunteers
Monti L, Hanover R, Salmán E, Baker RA, Lappalainen J and Smith M
Fasedienol (PH94B) is a pherine compound formulated as a nasal spray that is hypothesized to regulate olfactory-amygdala circuits of fear and anxiety. Fasedienol's effect on the local electrogram of nasal chemosensory neurons (EGNR) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses versus steroidal hormones and controls in healthy adults is reported.
Efficacy and acceptability of adjunctive n-acetylcysteine for psychotic disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang Q, Liu Z, Wang T, Yu M and Li X
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) augmentation of antipsychotic medication has been studied in psychotic disorders but the results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of NAC as an augmentation strategy for psychotic disorders.
Factors influencing concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone in psychiatric outpatients taking immediate-release formulations of risperidone
Guo Z, Chen C, Deng S, Lu H, Ni X, Zhang M, Huang S, Wen Y, Shang D and Wang Z
To analyze the factors affecting the concentrations of the active moiety of risperidone (RIS) and its active metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RIS) in psychiatric outpatients taking immediate-release formulations.
Exploring the understanding, source of availability and level of access of cognitive enhancers among university students in the United Arab Emirates: A qualitative study
Sharif S, Fergus S, Guirguis A, Smeeton N and Schifano F
The use of prescription stimulants for cognitive enhancement by healthy university students, identified as the largest cohort of cognitive enhancer (CE) users, is of growing interest. The purpose of this study was to look at the understanding, perception, experience, and level of access of CEs among healthy university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
SSRIs in the course of COVID-19 pneumonia: Evidence of effectiveness of antidepressants on acute inflammation. A retrospective study
Fei L, Bozza B, Melani G, Righi L, Santarelli G, Boy OB, Benedetti D, Falone A, Flaccomio D, Giuranno G, Martelli M, Merola P, Moretti S, Ndoci E, Pecoraro V, Siviglia S, Berni A, Fanelli A, Giovagnini E, Morettini A, Nozzoli C, Para O, Rostagno C and Tozzetti C
Relationships between inflammation and mood have been observed in terms of pro-inflammatory effects induced by depressive conditions and, in parallel, by an antidepressant-induced favorable effect on the recovery of inflammatory states. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs were hypothesized to improve the prognosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, a typical acute inflammation, in terms of decreased mortality rate and pro-inflammatory cytokine serum levels.
Trajectories of sentiment in 11,816 psychoactive narratives
Friedman SF and Ballentine G
Can machine learning (ML) enable data-driven discovery of how changes in sentiment correlate with different psychoactive experiences? We investigate by training models directly on text testimonials from a diverse 52-drug pharmacopeia.
Experience and views of healthcare professionals towards people who use new psychoactive substances: Evidence from statutory, non-statutory, and private mental health and addiction healthcare services
Solomon D, Grierson J, Godier-McBard L and Guirguis A
It is unclear how healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience and view the challenges of working with people who use New Psychoactive Substances (PWUNPS), in different healthcare services (HCS). The aim of the study was to explore HCPs' experiences of working with individuals who use NPS across statutory, non-statutory, and private mental health and addiction HCSs.
Oral intake of carboxy alkyl ester improves attention: A randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled study
Guthrie OW and Yang L
To test the null hypothesis that oral intake of the dietary supplement carboxy alkyl ester (CAE) would have no effect on attention as revealed by mean rapid visual information processing (RVIP) scores.
Peripheral edema associated with antidepressant use: Systematic review of case reports
Joseph JT, Vishwanath R and Praharaj SK
Oedema associated with psychotropics can impose a considerable burden, leading to increased morbidity and cost. Peripheral oedema is sometimes related to the use of antidepressants, which are among the most prescribed psychotropic medications. We reviewed the reported cases of antidepressant-associated oedema to understand the risk factors, aetiology and outcome.
Obstacles to treatment retention in opioid use disorder: An international substance use disorder treatment worker survey
Jones M, Guirguis A, Watkins A, Bradshaw C, Mohamed L and Schifano F
Treatment retention is associated with better outcomes and reduced risk amongst people experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD). Despite this, treatment retention remains low amongst this population.
Lithium in bipolar depression: A review of the evidence
Riedinger MA, van der Wee NJA, Giltay EJ and de Leeuw M
Lithium is widely used as treatment of acute mania and as prophylactic therapy for bipolar disorder. International and national guidelines also consider lithium as a possible treatment of acute bipolar depression. Research on the use of lithium in bipolar depression, however, seems to be limited compared to the data available for its efficacy in the other phases of bipolar disorder.
Efficacy of the nootropic supplement Mind Lab Pro on memory in adults: Double blind, placebo-controlled study
Abbott-Imboden C, Gonzalez Y and Utley A
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of taking Mind Lab Pro, a plant-based nootropic on memory in a group of healthy adults. Auditory, visual, visual working memory, immediate and delayed recall (DR) were assessed.
The impact of alcohol consumption on commercial eye blink drowsiness detection technology
Cori JM, Wilkinson VE, Jackson M, Westlake J, Stevens B, Barnes M, Swann P and Howard ME
Driver drowsiness detection technology that assesses eye blinks is increasingly being used as a safety intervention in the transport industry. It is unclear how alcohol consumption to common legal driving limits impacts upon this technology. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05% and of 0.08% on drowsiness detection technology during simulated driving.
Could improved recognition and treatment of anxiety disorders lead to a reduction in suicide?
Masdrakis VG, Konstantopoulou S and Baldwin DS