Annals of General Psychiatry

Clinical patterns of metabolic syndrome in young, clinically stable, olanzapine-exposed patients with schizophrenia
Ma J, Zhang L, Huang Z and Wang G
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic, disabling mental illness with a high disease burden and is often comorbid with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MetS in young, clinically stable, olanzapine-exposed patients with SCZ and to explore predictive factors affecting the development and severity of MetS.
Effectiveness of 8-week TReatment with vortioxetine on depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder patients with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder in UAE (TRUE)
Badr B, Gailani HA, Alkhoori S, Butt H, Daher M, Dheyaa B, Hindy NE, Eid MW, Elsaadouni N, Faia V, Haweel A, Khammas T, Omar H, Tadros G, Yacoub C, Talaat T and El-Shafei A
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability and results in excessive utilization of healthcare resources worldwide. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region shows a high prevalence of depressive disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and MDD have the highest rate of comorbidity of all mood and anxiety disorders, ranging from 40 to 98% in drug studies. Comorbid GAD results in more significant impairment in MDD and increases the severity of symptoms. Although several clinical trials supported the safety and effectiveness of vortioxetine, no data regarding these aspects has been revealed in the MENA region. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of vortioxetine in patients with comorbid GAD in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Assessing suicidality in adult ADHD patients: prevalence and related factors : Suicidality in adult ADHD patients
Di Salvo G, Perotti C, Filippo L, Garrone C, Rosso G and Maina G
The association between Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suicidality has been subject of growing interest for research in the latest years. Suicidality was generally assessed categorically and without the use of validated instruments, leading to heterogeneous or even conflicting evidence. The prevalence of both suicidal ideation and attempts varies considerably, and the associated risk factors remain unclear. Our study investigated suicidality in ADHD using a dimensional approach and a validated and internationally recognized instrument. Our primary aim was to evaluate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI), severe suicidal ideation (SSI), suicidal behavior (SB) and non suicidal self-injury behavior (NSSIB) in a sample of adult patients with ADHD. The second objective was to identify sociodemographic and clinical features associated with increased risk of suicidality in these patients.
Treatment satisfaction and effectiveness of Lurasidone on quality of life and functioning in adult patients with schizophrenia in the real-world Italian clinical practice: a prospective 3-month observational study
De Filippis S, Vita A, Cuomo A, Amici E, Giovanetti V, Lombardozzi G, Pardossi S, Altieri L, Cicale A, Dosoli M, Galluzzo A, Invernizzi E, Rodigari P, Mascagni P, Santini C, Falsetto N, Manes MA, Micillo M and Fagiolini A
Although second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have proven to be effective therapeutic options for patients with schizophrenia, there is a notable lack of evidence on patients' subjective perspectives regarding their well-being, quality of life, and satisfaction with these medications. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment satisfaction and effectiveness of lurasidone on quality of life and functioning in adult patients with schizophrenia in real-world Italian clinical practice.
A pooled analysis of the efficacy of sertraline in women, with a focus on those of childbearing age
Fagiolini A, Mariano MP, Biesheuvel E and Purushottamahanti P
Gender- and age-specific research on medications is essential for personalizing treatment plans, optimizing dosing, minimizing adverse effects and improving outcomes. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), and it is commonly reported during their reproductive years. This post-hoc pooled analysis evaluated the efficacy of sertraline (one of the most studied medications in women) in women of reproductive age (18-44 years).
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) as treatment for nicotine cessation in psychiatric populations: a systematic review
Lee S, Li M, Le GH, Teopiz KM, Vinberg M, Ho R, Au HCT, Wong S, Valentino K, Kwan ATH, Rosenblat JD and McIntyre RS
Nicotine use and nicotine use disorder (NUD) are the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Persons with mental disorders  (e.g., bipolar disorder) are differentially susceptible to nicotine use. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are indicated for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity and show preliminary evidence of efficacy in addiction-related behaviours. Herein, we synthesize extant preclinical and clinical evidence evaluating the effect of GLP-1RAs on neurobiological systems and behaviours salient to nicotine consumption and cessation.
Psychotropic drug-induced adverse drug reactions in 462,661 psychiatric inpatients in relation to age: results from a German drug surveillance program from 1993-2016
Seifert J, Reinhard MA, Bleich S, Erfurth A, Greil W, Toto S, Grohmann R and Glocker C
Clinical practice suggests that older adults (i.e., ≥ 65 years of age) experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) more often than younger patients (i.e., < 65 years of age). ADRs such as falls, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), metabolic disorders, sedation, and delirium are particularly worrisome and often associated with psychotropic drugs.
Trends in Mental Health: A Review of the Most Influential Research on Depression in Children and Adolescents
Mei F and Wang Z
Depression is a common mental disorder in children and adolescents, with a global prevalence of approximately 33%, severely affecting their physical, mental health, and academic performance. This study aims to identify and assess the 100 most-cited articles (T100 articles) on depression in children and adolescents.
Serum L-selectin levels as predictive markers for chronic major depressive disorder progression
Yun Y, Mun S, Lee S, Kang HG and Lee J
Major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibits a recurrence rate of up to 70%. Frequent recurrence can lead to chronic depression, which has considerable personal and societal consequences. This study aims to identify a serum protein biomarker to predict MDD recurrence and progression to chronicity.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of depression: a bibliometrics and meta-analysis
Wang X, Nie X, Zhang F, Wei Y, Zeng W, Zhang Y and Lin H
This study aims to reveal the current knowledge map, research hotspots of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on depression, as well as identify the brain regions associated with depression.
Management of schizophrenia and comorbid substance use disorders: expert review and guidance
Neyra A, Parro-Torres C, Ros-Cucurull E, Carrera I, Echarri E and Torrens M
Schizophrenia and substance use disorders (SUDs) are often comorbid conditions that present clinical challenges due to their heterogeneity and the difficulties associated with poor physical health, low medication adherence, high relapse and hospitalization rates, and increased risk of mortality. This is often exacerbated by a fragmented health care system that treats addiction and mental illness separately, leading to delays in proper diagnosis and treatment.
Accelerating depression intervention: identifying critical psychological factors using MCDM-MOORA technique for early therapy initiation
Majumder P, Pal A, Dorai DR, Gopinathan B, Mallik S, Ahmad N, Badawy AS and Changalasetty SB
A thorough psychosocial assessment is time-consuming, often requiring multiple sessions to uncover the psychological factors contributing to mental illness, such as depression. The duration varies depending on the severity of the patient's condition and how effectively the psychotherapist can establish rapport. However, prolonged assessment periods pose a significant risk of patient deterioration.
What is the effect of lithium use on the amygdalar volume of adult patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder: a scoping review
Solleti A and Naeem A
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition commonly treated with lithium. This treatment has various biological effects on the brain; however, variability in the areas and types of changes as a result of lithium treatment has resulted in discourse over lithium's effect. As a result, a comprehensive synthesis is needed to understand lithium's true neurological effect. This review aims to identify a common result of lithium use in the neurobiology of bipolar patients, specifically in the amygdala, to determine whether volumetric changes in the amygdala are a common effect.
An economic model to understand the cost-effectiveness of olanzapine orally dispersible tablets (ODT) and olanzapine film coated tablets as a group compared with other oral atypical antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia in Morocco
Tazi A, Errachidi F, Sonawane D, Tahri G, Rao S and Mehta S
Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment for schizophrenia, with olanzapine being an effective medication for schizophrenia. The economic cost for each individual with schizophrenia is high, with antipsychotic medication being a major expense. This study aims to develop an economic decision model that compares different treatment options for schizophrenia patients, including olanzapine Orally Dispersible Tablets (ODT), olanzapine [ODT + Standard Oral Tablet (SOT)], risperidone (ODT + SOT), and aripiprazole (ODT + SOT), to determine their cost-effectiveness with an objective to optimize healthcare resource allocation in Morocco.
Relationship of metabolites and metabolic ratios with schizophrenia: a mendelian randomization study
Huang Y, Wang H, Zheng J and Zhou N
This study aims to investigate the causal relationship of human plasma metabolites and metabolic ratios with schizophrenia (SCZ).
Global, regional, and national time trends in incidence for depressive disorders, from 1990 to 2019: an age-period-cohort analysis for the GBD 2019
Wu Y, Fan L, Xia F, Zhou Y, Wang H, Feng L, Xie S, Xu W, Xie Z, He J, Liu D, He S, Xu Y, Deng J, Wang T and Chen L
Even with advances in primary health care, depressive disorders remain a major global public health problem. We conducted an in-depth analysis of global, regional and national trends in depressive disorders incidence over the past 30 years.
Maternal depression and early childhood development among children aged 24-59 months: the mediating effect of responsive caregiving
Zou S, Zou X, Zhang R, Xue K, Xiao AY, Zhou M, Fu Z and Zhou H
This study examined whether maternal depression is related to Early Childhood Developmental (ECD) delay among children by quantifying the mediating contribution of responsive caregiving. We used data from 1235 children (Children's mean age = 50.4 months; 582 girls, 653 boys, 93.9% were Han), selected through convenience sampling, in 2021. 4.7% of children had ECD delay, 34.3% of mothers had depression. Children with depressed mothers were less likely to receive responsive caregiving (OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.60-7.27), and those who did not receive responsive caregiving were more likely to experience ECD delay (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.89-8.02). Responsive caregiving partly mediated the relationship between maternal depression and ECD. Early intervention for children with depressed mothers is worthy of further investigation.
Association between rTMS-induced changes in inflammatory markers and improvement in psychiatric diseases: a systematic review
Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Insan S, Spangemacher M, Reinwald J, Lamadé EK, Gilles M, Deuschle M and Sartorius A
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has recently gained relevance in treating different psychiatric disorders. Limited evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of rTMS on psychopathology could be at least partly mediated through changes in inflammatory response. This systematic review summarizes the literature on whether rTMS can modulate inflammatory markers and thus positively influence the course of psychiatric illnesses.
Predictors of continuation for asenapine from real-world data in patients with schizophrenia
Takekita Y, Hiraoka S, Iwama Y, Matsui D, Aoki N, Ogata H, Funatsuki T, Shimizu T, Murase Y, Shimamoto Y, Koshikawa Y and Kato M
The continuation rates of pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia exhibit variability, a phenomenon influenced by the specific antipsychotic agent prescribed and patient-related factors such as age and duration of illness. In this context, our study aims to elucidate the predictors of medication continuation for asenapine sublingual tablets, characterized by unique formulation properties.
Research landscape analysis on dual diagnosis of substance use and mental health disorders: key contributors, research hotspots, and emerging research topics
Sweileh WM
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders (MHDs) are significant public health challenges with far-reaching consequences on individuals and society. Dual diagnosis, the coexistence of SUDs and MHDs, poses unique complexities and impacts treatment outcomes. A research landscape analysis was conducted to explore the growth, active countries, and active journals in this field, identify research hotspots, and emerging research topics.
Association of both depressive symptoms scores and specific depressive symptoms with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality
Liu T, Wang L, Zhu Z, Wang B, Lu Z, Pan Y and Sun L
The presence of depression related to an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality has been reported. However, studies conducted on certain specific depressive symptoms are scarce. Our purpose was to assess the effect of both depressive symptoms scores and certain specific depressive symptoms on all-cause and CVD mortality.
Long-term safety and effectiveness of lurasidone in adolescents and young adults with schizophrenia: pooled post hoc analyses of two 12-month extension studies
Calisti F, Tocco M, Mao Y and Goldman R
The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents and young adults (13-25).
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and C-reactive protein (CRP) biomarkers in suicide attempter and non-attempter major depression disorder (MDD) patients
Saadat SH, Javanbakht M and Shahyad S
In the available literature, levels of BDNF and CRP have been reported to correlate with suicide in depressive patients but there are inconsistencies in the results. We aimed to evaluate and compare BDNF and CRP concentrations in MDD patients with(MDD + SA) and without suicide attempts (MDD-SA) and healthy controls.
Children with ADHD and EEG abnormalities at baseline assessment, risk of epileptic seizures and maintenance on methylphenidate three years later
Socanski D, Ogrim G and Duric N
This study aimed to assess the incidence of EEG abnormalities (EEG-ab) in children diagnosed with ADHD, investigate the risk of epileptic seizures (SZ) and maintenance on methylphenidate (MPH) over a three-year period.
Risk of major mental disorders in the offspring of parents with migraine
Li DJ, Tsai SJ, Chen TJ, Liang CS and Chen MH
Migraine has been associated with mental disorders, however whether parental migraine is associated with an increased risk of major mental disorders (MMDs) in offspring has not been investigated. We aimed to examine the risk of the development of MMDs in the offspring of parents with migraine compared with those of parents without migraine.
Empowerment of Italian general practitioners in depression and suicide prevention: the iFightDepression tool, a game changer of the EAAD-Best project
Vargiu N, Belfanti A, Roberti M, Trentin S, Ferrara C, Tosti M, Lazzeri M, Giupponi G and Conca A
General Practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the early detection and management of depression and in preventing suicide risk. They are often the first healthcare professionals that people in crisis contact. However, their effectiveness can be limited by several barriers, including the lack of specific training and appropriate tools.The EAAD-Best project aims to fill these gaps through its iFightDepression tool, an online tool designed to support patients, psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs in managing depression and preventing suicide. This article examines the implementation of the iFightDepression platform in Italy, assessing its impact on the empowerment of GPs in the fight against depression. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data collected by the project, the 'unmet need' of GPs' in Italy regarding their specific training in mental health is highlighted.The response of 2,068 Italian GPs in just 7 months after the start of the iFD project is an expression of GPs' engagement to work against depression and for suicide risk prevention.
Item analysis on the quality of life scale for anxiety disorders QLICD-AD(V2.0) based on classical test theory and item response theory
Shi H, Ren Y, Xian J, Ding H, Liu Y and Wan C
Anxiety disorders can cause serious physical and psychological damage, so many anxiety scales have been developed internationally to measure anxiety disorders, but due to the cultural differences and cultural dependence of quality of life between Chinese and Western cultures, it is difficult to reflect the main characteristics of Chinese patients. Therefore, we developed a scale suitable for Chinese patients with anxiety disorders: the Anxiety Disorders Scale of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases (QLICD-AD), hoping to achieve satisfactory QOL assessments for anxiety disorders.
Measurement of perceived pressures in psychiatry: paper-and-pencil and computerized adaptive version of the P-PSY35 scale
Golay P, Martinez D, Bachelard M, Silva B, Brodard A, Perrin J, Pedro Fernando N, Renaud LA, Bonsack C and Morandi S
Formal coercion in psychiatry is widely studied yet much less is known about pressures patients may experience, partly because of the very few measures available. The goal of this study was to validate the P-PSY35 (Pressures in Psychiatry Scale) and provide a paper-and-pencil and a computerised adaptive test (CAT) to measure pressures experienced by patients in psychiatry.
Individualized strategies for depression: narrative review of clinical profiles responsive to vortioxetine
Cuomo A, Aguglia A, De Berardis D, Ventriglio A, Gesi C and Fagiolini A
Depression is a highly heterogeneous disorder, often resulting in suboptimal response and remission rates. This underscores the need for more nuanced clinical characterization of patients to tailor individualized treatment plans. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of cognitive and emotional dysfunction in major depression, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic interventions that target these specific symptom domains.
Treating depression in patients with borderline personality disorder: clinical clues on the use of antidepressants
Tomasetti C, Autullo G, Ballerini A, de Bartolomeis A, Dell'Osso B, Fiorentini A, Tonioni F, Villari V and De Berardis D
Personality disorders (PD) are described as enduring patterns of markedly deviant and pervasive inner experiences and behaviors, with onset in adolescence, which lead to severe distress or impairment. Patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) display higher rates of comorbidity with personality disorders, often complicating the treatment, and worsening the outcomes. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the most common of PD and is frequently associated with MDD, with which shares several features. The most part of research agrees on the fact that comorbid BPD in MDD patients quite doubles the poor response to treatments. Moreover, no treatment strategy stands out currently to emerge as more effective in these cases, thus urging the call for the need of new approaches. Herein, we revise the current literature on BPD, its neurobiology and comorbidity with MDD, as well as the more recent treatment strategies used. Then, based on its pharmacology, we propose a possible role of trazodone as a valuable tool to approach comorbid BPD-MDD.