There is some evidence for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypofunction in chronic tinnitus, but findings are contradicting possibly due to clinical heterogeneity. This study aims to assess differential effects of childhood trauma and anxiety on HPA-axis functioning in adults suffering from chronic subjective tinnitus with distress.

Introduction Impulsivity and aggression are often interlinked behavioral traits that have major implications for our society. Therefore, the study of this phenomenon and derivative interventions that could lead to better control of impulsive aggression are of interest. Methods We analyzed the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial microbiome of 33 impulsively violent female convicts with dissocial personality disorder and 20 non-impulsive age-matched women. Further, levels of assorted neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were analyzed in serum and stool samples. We also assessed all participants using a battery of psychological questionnaires and tested possible correlations between the collected clinical data and the composition and diversity of their microbiomes and metabolites. Results We identified four bacterial amplicon sequencing variants that were differentially abundant in non-impulsive vs. impulsive women - the genera Bacteroides, Barnesiella, and the order Rhodospirillales were more abundant in impulsive women. In contrast, the genus Catenisphaera was more abundant in non-impulsive women. Fecal tryptophan levels were significantly higher in impulsive women. Association analysis revealed a strong positive intercorrelation between most fecal short-chain fatty acids in the entire dataset. Conclusions Our study demonstrated possible associations between gut microbiomes and their metabolites and impulsive behavior in a unique cohort of prisoners convicted of violent assaults and a matched group of non-impulsive women from the same prison. Genus Bacteroides, which was differentially abundant in the two groups, encoded enzymes that affect serotonin pathways and could contribute to this maladaptive behavior. Similarly, increased fecal tryptophan levels in impulsive individuals could affect neuronal circuits in the brain.

The 75th anniversary of introducing lithium into modern psychiatry is recognized, attested by the 1949 paper of John Cade. About this event, my editorial in the special 2010 issue of Neuropsychobiology was titled "Lithium: Sixty Years Thereafter". Since then, fifteen more years have brought further information about lithium. This paper makes a narrative review of the most important articles published in this period.

Evidence suggested a link between early adversity and mental health problems. However, it is unclear how much adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to mental health problems because researchers have produced inconsistent findings. Therefore, the objective of this umbrella review was to combine the contradictory data regarding the effect of ACEs on the development of mental health problems later in life in the global context.

There is still paucity of knowledge about which factors can mediate the link between obesity and mental health problems. This study aims to investigate psychological mediators of the association between different weight profiles (healthy, overweight, and obesity) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. A sample of 407 adults (> 18 years old) with different weight profiles recruited from general population was assessed for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and dimensions of emotion regulation and body investment / body image. Robust regression and robust mediation analyses were employed to investigate predictors and mediators of mental health outcomes in relation to different weight profiles. Body investment difficulties in relation to body image and body care, and emotion regulation difficulties related to a tendency toward negative secondary responses to negative emotions, and / or denial of distress, significantly mediated the association between obesity and symptoms of depression. The association between obesity and symptoms of anxiety and stress was significantly mediated by body investment difficulties related to body image concerns. The current study brings evidence on specific dimensions of emotion regulation and body image that play a key role for the co-occurrence of mental health problems in individuals with obesity.

Light is a key factor in moderating human alertness, both subjective and objective. However, the methodology applies in research on the effects of exposure to light of different wavelengths and intensities on objective and subjective alertness varies greatly and evidence on objective alertness in particular is still inconclusive. Thus, the present, highly standardized within-subject laboratory study on N = 44 healthy males explored how LED light of different intensities (dim vs. bright light) and wavelengths (red vs. blue) affected objective (reaction time/RT) as well as subjective (sleepiness) alertness in the morning after wake-up.

Clozapine-induced sialorrhea (CIS) is one of the most common side effects of clozapine use, while the mechanism remains unclear.

The associations between psychological stress and gut microbiota composition are not fully understood. This study investigated associations between psychological stress and gut microbiota composition and examined the potential modifying effects of age, sex, and ethnicity on such associations.

Elevated levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormone cortisol are a frequently replicated finding in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the current state of research is inconclusive as to whether hypercortisolism represents a trait- or state-like biological signal of MDD. The aim of the present study was to investigate, for the first time, whether cortisol in fingernails, a highly accessible tissue, could distinguish currently remitted individuals with MDD from healthy controls. A further aim was to identify potential confounders of nail cortisol.

Alcohol-associated alterations of the dopaminergic (DA) system have been investigated via functional single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) positron emission tomography (PET) and imaging methods over many years, investigating presynaptic or postsynaptic markers, such as DA receptor and DA transporter availability, both with and without challenge. This review summarizes SPECT and PET studies on different levels of alcohol consumption to support the dimensional view of alcohol use disorder (AUD), ranging from acute consumption in social drinkers, individuals at high risk to patients with severe AUD and their association with blunted DA neurotransmission. Additionally, confounding factors of PET and SPECT studies of the DA system were discussed.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) deficiency is suggested in depressive disorders, along with alterations in cortical excitability. However, whether these excitability changes are related to GABAA receptor availability is largely unknown. Our aim was to assess the correlation between these measures in depressed patients and healthy controls.

The role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in catecholamine neurotransmitter metabolism has led to the investigation of variants of the corresponding gene in the etiology of different psychiatric disorders, but the results are inconclusive.

Discriminating bipolar disorder (BD) from major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a challenging clinical task. Identifying specific peripheral biosignatures that can differentiate between BD and MDD would significantly increase diagnostic accuracy. Dysregulated neuroplasticity is implicated in BD and MDD, and psychotropic medications restore specific disrupted processes by increasing neurotrophic signalling. The nerve growth factor inducible vgf gene (non-acronymic) encodes a precursor protein named proVGF, which undergoes proteolytic processing to produce several VGF peptides, some of which were suggested to be implicated in mood disorders and have antidepressant effects. Since the presence of VGF peptides in humans has been exclusively investigated in brain and cerebrospinal fluid, we aimed to identify which VGF peptides are present in the plasma and to investigate whether their levels could differentiate BD from MDD as well as responders from non-responders to pharmacological interventions.

Bipolar disorder (BD), a mood disorder with recurrent affective episodes and a strong genetic basis is frequently associated with significant comorbidities, both physical and psychiatric, yet its neurobiology remains unclear. Recent evidence underscores oxidative stress as a pivotal factor linking BD to its comorbidities, prompting an investigation into whether this is a sign of a genetic vulnerability or a consequence of the disease. In this study, we systematically reviewed oxidative stress studies conducted on individuals at risk for BD. We performed a meta-analysis on studies examining oxidative DNA damage in these individuals.

The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) is a commonly targeted brain region for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression. The lDLPFC has been identified using the "5-cm rule." However, identification of the lDLPFC may deviate from the ideal stimulation site localized by neuronavigation. Therefore, we aimed to compare this method with other methods and examine the relationship between deviation from the ideal stimulation site and treatment effects. While most existing studies have focused on participants of European descent, this study focused on Japanese participants.

Important sex-related differences have been observed in the onset, prevalence, and clinical phenotype of depression, based on several epidemiological studies. Social, behavioural, and educational factors have a great role in underlying this bias; however, also several biological factors are extensively involved. Indeed, sexually dimorphic biological systems might represent the underlying ground for these disparities, including cerebral structures and neural correlates, reproductive hormones, stress response pathways, the immune system and inflammatory reaction, metabolism, and fat distribution. Furthermore, in this perspective, it is also important to consider and focus the attention on specific ages and life stages of individuals: indeed, women experience during their life specific periods of reproductive transitional phases, which are not found in men, that represent windows of particular psychological vulnerability. In addition to these, other biologically related risk factors, including the occurrence of sleep disturbances and the exposure to childhood trauma, which are found to differentially affect men and women, are also putative underlying mechanisms of the clinical bias of depression. Overall, by taking into account major differences which characterize men and women it might be possible to improve the diagnostic process, as well as treat more efficiently depressed individuals, based on a more personalized medicine and research.

Recall of autobiographical events has been found to be impaired in borderline personality disorder (BPD), but few studies have examined if this impairment has brain functional correlates. This study evaluated brain functional alterations during autobiographical recall using medication-naive adolescent patients to avoid potential confounding effects of treatment.

The clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Japan has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between stimulation-site pain and the antidepressant effects of rTMS has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify (1) the real-world efficacy and safety of rTMS for TRD in Japan and (2) the relationship between stimulation-site pain and clinical improvement of depressive symptoms.

Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) exert sex-specific effects on social pair bonding and stress reactions while also influencing craving in substance use disorders. In this regard, intranasal oxytocin (OT) and AVP antagonists present potential treatments for tobacco use disorder (TUD). Since transcription of both hormones is also regulated by gene methylation, we hypothesized sex-specific changes in methylation levels of the AVP, OT, and OT receptor (OXTR) gene during nicotine withdrawal.

An increasing body of evidence suggests a strong relationship between gut health and mental state. Lately, a connection between butyrate-producing bacteria and sleep quality has been discussed. The PROVIT study, as a randomized, double-blind, 4-week, multispecies probiotic intervention study, aims at elucidating the potential interconnection between the gut's metabolome and the molecular clock in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

An increased proclivity towards violence is often associated with those diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ), despite contradictory findings from prior studies exploring the association between violence and SCZ. Evidence has shown that certain comorbidities, specifically the presence of a substance use disorders, can result in increased aggression in those with SCZ. Copy number variation (CNV) load has also previously been implicated in the genetic vulnerability of individuals with SCZ. For this study, we aimed to determine whether CNV load correlates with increased violence in SCZ.

Dual diagnosis in individuals with cocaine use disorders (CUDs) presents a mental health challenge marked by an increased susceptibility to disabling morbidities and premature mortality. Despite extensive research on depression and anxiety, other prevalent comorbidities, such as psychotic and personality disorders, have received less attention. This study explores inflammation-related mediators as potential biomarkers for CUD and dual diagnosis with schizophrenia (SCZ) or antisocial personality disorder (APD).

High rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) activity is proposed as a nonspecific prognostic marker for treatment response in major depressive disorder, independent of treatment modality. However, other studies report a negative association between baseline high rACC activation and treatment response. Interestingly, these contradictory findings were also found when focusing on oscillatory markers, specifically rACC-theta power. An explanation could be that rACC-theta activity dynamically changes according to number of previous treatment attempts and thus is mediated by level of treatment-resistance.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF-2) play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the interactive involvement of BDNF and NRF-2 in respect to antioxidant mechanisms in different parts of the AD brain is still unclear. Considering the above condition, used S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) to examine whether it modulates the BDNF and NRF-2 levels to activate signaling pathway to promote antioxidant levels in AD brains.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by abnormal processing of performance-related social stimuli. Previous studies have shown altered emotional experiences and activations of different sub-regions of the striatum during processing of social stimuli in patients with SAD. However, whether and to what extent social comparisons affect behavioural and neural responses to feedback stimuli in patients with SAD is unknown.

18q deletion syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by various neurodevelopmental anomalies and medical issues. Although the occurrence of psychosis has been reported in a small number of cases, details regarding the nature of such symptoms and their response to treatment have not been described.

Progesterone receptor component 1 (PGRMC1) has been identified as a potential target in atypical antipsychotic drug-induced metabolic disturbances as well as neuroprotection in the central nervous system. In our study, we aimed to figure out the essential role of PGRMC1 signaling pathway underlying clozapine-induced cognitive impairment.

Neurobiological dysfunction is associated with depression in children and adolescents. While research in adult depression suggests that inflammation may underlie the association between depression and brain alterations, it is unclear if altered levels of inflammatory markers provoke neurobiological dysfunction in early-onset depression. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of existing literature investigating the potential interaction between neurobiological function and inflammation in depressed children and adolescents.

3q29 deletion syndrome is characterized by various developmental abnormalities, medical issues, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including psychosis. Although this syndrome may confer the greatest risk for schizophrenia of any copy number variation, response to antipsychotic medication has infrequently been described in the literature, and no reviews on the topic currently exist. As such, the purpose of this article was to review treatment response in 3q29 deletion syndrome-associated psychosis. A review of the literature was completed in December 2022 for English language articles that described treatment response to antipsychotic medications in affected individuals with schizophrenia-like presentations. Five articles that collectively described eight individuals were included. Four individuals had a poor treatment response to non-clozapine antipsychotic medications, three had a partial response, and one individual's response to treatment was not described, despite having taken psychotropic medications of some kind. Additionally, three individuals received clozapine; one of whom partially responded, while two exhibited a good response. Treatment response did not clearly differ according to developmental history. 3q29 deletion syndrome may be associated with treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms. As such, clozapine therapy should be considered in such individuals, provided they meet criteria for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and no contraindications exist. However, this mini-review also highlights the need for more published case reports/series before more specific treatment recommendations can be made.

Suicidal behaviour (SB) has a complex aetiology. Although suicidal ideation (SI) is considered the most important risk factor for future attempts, many people who engage in SB do not report it.