Journal of Clinical Medicine

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11 pages, 1141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Dog-Assisted Intervention Decrease Anxiety Level and Autonomic Agitation in Patients with Anxiety Disorders?

by Dorota Wołyńczyk-Gmaj, Aleksandra Ziółkowska, Piotr Rogala, Dawid Ścigała, Ludwik Bryła, Bartłomiej Gmaj and Marcin Wojnar

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 5171; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10215171 - 4 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5250

Abstract

Few studies have explored the influence of an Animal-Assisted Intervention on patients with mental disorders. We investigated it’s impact on anxiety symptoms. We divided 51 patients with anxiety symptoms into two groups—treatment group, that went for a short 15–20 min’ walk with a [...] Read more.

Few studies have explored the influence of an Animal-Assisted Intervention on patients with mental disorders. We investigated it’s impact on anxiety symptoms. We divided 51 patients with anxiety symptoms into two groups—treatment group, that went for a short 15–20 min’ walk with a dog, his handler and a researcher and control group, that went for a walk only with a researcher. We used State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of fear, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Ford Insomnia Response to Stress (FIRST), Brief symptom Inventory (BSI) and VAS of satisfaction after trial to assess. We also checked the resting blood pressure and resting heart rate before and after performing psychological tests while sitting. We have obtained full data of 21 people from the research group and 26 people from the control group. After the intervention, the treatment group reported lower anxiety levels as a state (Mean (M) = 34.35; Standard Deviation (SD) = 6.9 vs. M = 40.94; SD = 8.6) and fear (M = 1.05; SD = 1.0 vs. M = 2.04; SD = 2.2) than the control group. After a walk with a dog, trait anxiety (M = 34.35; SD = 6.9 vs. M = 46.3; SD = 9.6), state anxiety (M = 48.9; SD = 7.2 vs. M = 53.9; SD = 7.8), fear (M = 1.05; SD= 1.0 vs. M = 2.57; SD = 2.3) and resting heart rate (M = 71.05; SD = 12.3 vs. M = 73.67; SD = 13.1) decreased significantly, while walking without a dog only reduced state anxiety (M = 47.24; SD = 11.0 vs. M = 40.94; SD = 8.6). Multivariate analysis of variance showed that after the walk, state anxiety was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group, F(1.35) = 6.706, p <0.05, η² = 0.161. Among those who walked with a dog, the intervention also led to significant decreases in fear and resting heart rate, F(1.44) = 11.694, p < 0.01, η² = 0.210 and F(1.45) = 8.503; p < 0.01; η² = 0.159, respectively. For anxious patients, a short walk with a dog is more beneficial than a walk without one. We found significant positive effects of a dog’s company on vegetative arousal and mental comfort. This is another study confirming the possible therapeutic effect of the animal on anxiety symptoms. Further research is required, especially in the large groups of patients, as recommendations on the use of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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12 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meaning in Life Buffers the Association between Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Frequency of Non-Suicidal Self-Injuries in Spanish Adolescents

by Jose H. Marco, Blanca Gallego-Hernández de Tejada, Verónica Guillén, Rosa M. Baños and Sandra Pérez

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 4867; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10214867 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a developmental stage when there is a high risk of engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). There is recent interest in the study of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensome as variables associated with the frequency of NSSI in adolescents. Meaning in [...] Read more.

Background: Adolescence is a developmental stage when there is a high risk of engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). There is recent interest in the study of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensome as variables associated with the frequency of NSSI in adolescents. Meaning in life (MIL) might be negatively associated with thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. To date, no studies have analyzed the buffering role of MIL in the association between thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness and the frequency of lifetime NSSI in Spanish adolescents. Aims: (a) To test whether thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness are associated with frequency of lifetime NSSI; (b) to test whether MIL moderates the association between thwarted belongingness and frequency of lifetime NSSI; and (c) to test whether MIL moderates the association between perceived burdensomeness and frequency of lifetime NSSI. Method: The sample consisted of N = 1531 participants (n = 736, 48.1%, were men, and n = 795, 51.9%, were women) between 12 and 18 years old from Spain. The participants filled out the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury, Purpose-In-Life Test-Adolescent Version, and Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire. Moderation analyses were performed. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of lifetime NSSI in the adolescents based on gender. Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness were positively associated with the frequency of lifetime NSSI in Spanish adolescents. MIL was a moderating variable between thwarted belongingness and the frequency of lifetime NSSI, and between perceived burdensomeness and the frequency of lifetime NSSI. Conclusions: Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness might be positively associated with the frequency of lifetime NSSI, and MIL might be negatively associated with the frequency of lifetime NSSI. Thus, adding these variables to current descriptive theories of NSSI in adolescents would allow us to improve assessment and treatment protocols for adolescents with NSSI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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17 pages, 1002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Account of Expert Perspectives on Functioning in Schizophrenia

by Laura Nuño, Georgina Guilera, Emilio Rojo, Juana Gómez-Benito and Maite Barrios

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(18), 4223; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10184223 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

An integrated and interdisciplinary care system for individuals with schizophrenia is essential, which implies the need for a tool that assesses the difficulties and contextual factors of relevance to their functioning, and facilitates coordinated working across the different professions involved in their care. [...] Read more.

An integrated and interdisciplinary care system for individuals with schizophrenia is essential, which implies the need for a tool that assesses the difficulties and contextual factors of relevance to their functioning, and facilitates coordinated working across the different professions involved in their care. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets (ICF-CS) cover these requirements. This study aimed to evaluate the content validity of the ICF-CSs for schizophrenia from the perspective of experts. Six three-round Delphi studies were conducted with expert panels from different professional backgrounds which have played a significant role in the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia (psychiatry, psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, social work and physiotherapy). In total, 790 experts from 85 different countries participated in the first round. In total, 90 ICF categories and 28 Personal factors reached expert consensus (reached consensus from four or more professional perspectives). All the categories in the brief version of the ICF-CS for schizophrenia reached consensus from all the professional perspectives considered. As for the comprehensive version, 89.7% of its categories reached expert consensus. The results support the worldwide content validity of the ICF-CSs for schizophrenia from an expert perspective and underline the importance of assessing functioning by considering all the components implied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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11 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Higher-Order Language Dysfunctions in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder

by Ewa Karabanowicz, Ernest Tyburski, Karol Karasiewicz, Adrianna Bober, Leszek Sagan, Monika Mak and Wioletta Radziwiłłowicz

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(18), 4199; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10184199 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

Patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) have difficulties with certain aspects of higher-order language functions (HOLF) but there is no data on a wide range of these functions in this group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare different aspects of [...] Read more.

Patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) have difficulties with certain aspects of higher-order language functions (HOLF) but there is no data on a wide range of these functions in this group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare different aspects of HOLF in patients with AUD and healthy controls (HC). A total of 31 patients with AUD and 44 HC took part in the study. We assessed HOLF with the Right Hemisphere Language Battery (RHLB) and measured control variables: depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) as well as the speed of processing and executive functions with the Color Trails Test (CTT). Patients with AUD had lower results on nine RHLB tests. Moreover, AUD patients had higher scores on PHQ and longer reaction times on CTT. The differences in most RHLB results remained significant after co-varying the control variables. Patients with AUD have difficulties with making inferences from the text, understanding the meaning of individual words, metaphorical content, and prosody, which may impede the comprehension and production of discourse in which linguistic elements must be integrated with non-verbal cues and contextual information. These disturbances may impact various spheres of everyday life and negatively influence social, private, and professional functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

10 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Depression and Insomnia among Psychiatric Patients and the General Population

by Anna Klimkiewicz, Joanna Jasionowska, Adrianna Schmalenberg, Jakub Klimkiewicz, Agata Jasińska and Andrzej Silczuk

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3425; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153425 - 31 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and limited access to healthcare professionals pose a serious risk of worsening mental conditions. This study was designed to examine the changes in symptoms of insomnia and depression during the pandemic as compared to before the pandemic, as well [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and limited access to healthcare professionals pose a serious risk of worsening mental conditions. This study was designed to examine the changes in symptoms of insomnia and depression during the pandemic as compared to before the pandemic, as well as the factors correlated with abovementioned mental state deterioration. Methods: The study was conducted from 1 April to 15 May 2020, on 212 psychiatric outpatients and 207 healthy controls. Participants completed a survey focused on symptoms during and prior to COVID-19 (the Beck Depression Inventory, the Athens Insomnia Scale). The following correlations were analyzed: demographics, social support, work status, income, and possible participants’ and their relatives’ COVID-19 diagnoses. Results: Insomnia and depression severity intensified during the pandemic in both groups and were associated with age, gender, education, employment, and financial status. No correlations between social support nor becoming sick with COVID-19 and insomnia or depression were observed. Maintaining work and enough money for one’s own needs were found to be significant protective factors of depression (OR 0.37 and 0.29, respectively). Conclusions: Exacerbation of insomnia and depression during the pandemic needs to be addressed. Economic crisis seems to influence mental state even more than COVID diagnosis among study subjects/relatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

14 pages, 2936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmaco-Electroencephalography-Based Assessment of Antidepressant Drug Efficacy—The Use of Magnesium Ions in the Treatment of Depression

by Michał Skalski, Anna Mach, Piotr Januszko, Beata Ryszewska-Pokraśniewicz, Agata Biernacka, Gabriel Nowak, Andrzej Pilc, Ewa Poleszak and Maria Radziwoń-Zaleska

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(14), 3135; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10143135 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3518

Abstract

Pharmaco-electroencephalography (pharmaco-EEG) is a technique used to assess the effects of psychotropic medications on the bioelectrical activity of the brain. The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment response with the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and via [...] Read more.

Pharmaco-electroencephalography (pharmaco-EEG) is a technique used to assess the effects of psychotropic medications on the bioelectrical activity of the brain. The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment response with the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and via EEG. Over an 8-week period, we analyzed electroencephalographic tracings of 91 patients hospitalized for major depression at the Medical University of Warsaw. Thirty-nine of those patients received tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), 35 received fluoxetine, and 17 received fluoxetine augmented with magnesium (Mg) ions. All patients had their serum drug levels monitored. The highest proportion of patients (88.2%) who showed adequate responses to treatment was observed in the fluoxetine+Mg group, whereas the lowest rates of treatment response were observed in the TCA group (58.3%). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029, Phi = 0.30). Our study demonstrated a relationship between achieving remission (HDRS ≤ 6 at week 8 of treatment) and obtaining a positive pharmaco-EEG profile 6 h after administration of the first dose in the group receiving fluoxetine augmented with Mg ions (p = 0.035, Phi = 0.63). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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11 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Tic-Like Phenomena in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

by Piotr Janik, Anna Dunalska, Natalia Szejko and Andrzej Jakubczyk

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(13), 2749; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10132749 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Coprolalia and echophenomena repeated in the patients’ mind (CTPh—cognitive tic-like phenomena) have been rarely recognized as part of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) symptomatology and their assignment to tics, OCD or other psychopathologies has not been settled. The aim of the paper [...] Read more.

Coprolalia and echophenomena repeated in the patients’ mind (CTPh—cognitive tic-like phenomena) have been rarely recognized as part of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) symptomatology and their assignment to tics, OCD or other psychopathologies has not been settled. The aim of the paper was to assess the incidence and clinical associations of CTPh in GTS, and to establish if CTPh belong to the tic spectrum. We performed a prospective, one-registration study on a cohort of 227 consecutive patients with GTS. CTPh were diagnosed during the interview and defined as brief, sudden, involuntary thoughts that had corresponding complex vocal tics. CTPh occurred at some point in the lives of 34 (15.0%) patients. The median age at onset of CTPh was 14.5 years (IQR: 10.5–17.5). CTPh were found more frequently in adults, with the most frequent onset in adolescence (44.1%). Four mental phenomena resembling tics were recognized: echolalia (n = 17), coprolalia (n = 16), palilalia (n = 13) and repeating of words in the mind (n = 7). The older the age of patients, the more severe tics, and anxiety disorder significantly correlated with CTPh. CTPh may be considered as a part of tic spectrum with a substantial impact of anxiety disorder. CTPh are a late and age-related symptom of GTS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

8 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mindfulness Is Related to the Situational Awareness of Medical Students Confronted with Life-Threatening Emergency Situations

by Jacek Chmielewski, Kacper Łoś, Napoleon Waszkiewicz and Włodzimierz Łuczyński

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(9), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10091955 - 2 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

Background: Emergency medicine can impose a heavy psychological burden on healthcare workers. Stress experienced during life-threatening situations may disrupt situational awareness (SA), i.e., the perception of environmental elements with respect to time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of [...] Read more.

Background: Emergency medicine can impose a heavy psychological burden on healthcare workers. Stress experienced during life-threatening situations may disrupt situational awareness (SA), i.e., the perception of environmental elements with respect to time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their state into the near future. We aimed to investigate whether mindfulness (a special way of paying attention: conscious, non-judgmental, and oriented to the present moment) can be related to the SA levels among final-year medical students confronted with life-threatening situations during medical simulations. Methods: The simulations were constructed as high-fidelity scenarios in children and adults (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03761355). The components of mindfulness were assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. SA among students was assessed using The Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique at three levels: (1) data, (2) comprehension, and (3) projection. Results: In total, 117 students were included. Level 1 SA positively correlated with the overall mindfulness score and its components, i.e., nonreactivity, conscious presence, and nonjudgment. Moreover, level 3 SA significantly correlated with the description, but not with the overall mindfulness score. A regression model showed that nonreactivity explained 34% of Level 1 of SA variability. The addition of conscious presence and nonjudgment into this model did not change its predictive value. Conclusions: nonreactivity a component of mindfulness of final-year medical students is related to the meticulous data collection of patients in life-threatening situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

12 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pain Sensitivity, Negative Affect, and Alcohol Use Disorder Status: A Moderated Mediation Study of Emotion Dysregulation

by Maciej Kopera, Elisa M. Trucco, Hubert Suszek, Paweł Kobyliński, Paweł Wiśniewski, Marcin Wojnar and Andrzej Jakubczyk

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(6), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10061321 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3493

Abstract

Previous work suggests that the association between pain and emotional processes among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may differ from healthy controls. This study investigates whether pain sensitivity mediates the association between negative affect and emotional dysregulation and whether this association differs [...] Read more.

Previous work suggests that the association between pain and emotional processes among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may differ from healthy controls. This study investigates whether pain sensitivity mediates the association between negative affect and emotional dysregulation and whether this association differs across AUD status using moderated mediation. The sample included 165 individuals diagnosed with AUD and 110 healthy controls. Of interest was pain sensitivity, as assessed with the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire, negative affect, as assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory, and emotional dysregulation, as assessed with the Difficulties in Emotional regulation Scale. Age, biological sex, and current pain severity were included as covariates. The results support a moderated partial mediation model that explained 44% of the variance in emotional dysregulation. The findings indicate that negative affect is related to higher pain sensitivity across groups. Moreover, pain sensitivity partially mediated the association between negative affect and emotional dysregulation, but in opposite directions depending on AUD status. Among healthy controls, greater pain sensitivity was related to better emotional regulation, while greater pain sensitivity led to greater emotional dysregulation among individuals with AUD. The potential parallels in the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of emotionality, pain, and AUD suggest that interventions targeting pain may improve adaptive affect regulation skills, which in turn could reduce negative affect and its effect on pain sensitivity among individuals with AUD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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11 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic Influence on Healthcare Professionals

by Anna Klimkiewicz, Adrianna Schmalenberg, Jakub Klimkiewicz, Agata Jasińska, Joanna Jasionowska, Weronika Machura and Marcin Wojnar

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(6), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10061280 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3537

Abstract

During the pandemic, many healthcare professionals (HCPs) are overburdened by work and stress. The aim of the study was to examine alcohol intake, sleep disorders, and depressive symptoms of HCPs during the pandemic in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. Another goal was to [...] Read more.

During the pandemic, many healthcare professionals (HCPs) are overburdened by work and stress. The aim of the study was to examine alcohol intake, sleep disorders, and depressive symptoms of HCPs during the pandemic in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. Another goal was to indicate risk factors for mental state deterioration and an increase in alcohol use. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from 1 April to 15 May 2020. HCPs (n = 158) completed questionnaires that probed for symptoms during and prior to the pandemic, including the Beck depression inventory (BDI), Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS), Athens insomnia scale (AIS), and Alcohol Timeline Followback (TLFB) calendar of alcohol consumption. Gender, age, education, marital status, work situation, income, participants’ and relatives’ COVID-19 diagnosis as correlates were analyzed. Depressive symptoms and insomnia became more severe during the pandemic among HCPs, while social support increased. The increase in depressive symptoms was even higher among women (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.05–7.36; p = 0.04) and was also positively correlated with work reduction (p = 0.02); the presence of sleep disorders was correlated with female gender. Alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic, and was correlated with both more time spent at work and income increase. HCPs involved in the treatment of COVID-19 need support and attention due to the excessive stress load during pandemics, resulting in depression, insomnia, and increased alcohol intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

14 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Substance Use Disorder Status Moderates the Association between Personality Traits and Problematic Mobile Phone/Internet Use

by Marta Demkow-Jania, Maciej Kopera, Elisa M. Trucco, Paweł Kobyliński, Anna Klimkiewicz, Małgorzata Abramowska, Anna Mach and Andrzej Jakubczyk

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(5), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10050919 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2835

Abstract

Background: Associations between personality traits and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) have not been widely investigated. The current study aims to assess whether SUD status moderates the association between personality traits and PSU. Methods: The study group [...] Read more.

Background: Associations between personality traits and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) have not been widely investigated. The current study aims to assess whether SUD status moderates the association between personality traits and PSU. Methods: The study group included 151 individuals with SUD and a normative sample (NS) comprised of 554 non-SUD students. The following self-report questionnaires were used: the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10) to assess problematic smartphone use (PSU), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess intensity of internet use, and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) to assess Personality traits. Results: SUD status moderated the association between neuroticism and openness to new experiences on PSU. That is, greater neuroticism and openness were significantly associated with more excessive PSU among the NS. In the SUD group, greater openness was a significant protective factor against PSU. Moderation results were similar when using the IAT (which was significantly correlated with MPPUS) as an outcome. Conclusions: The presence of SUD may influence how personality traits are associated with problematic mobile phone/internet use. Given that this is among one of the first studies examining this topic, findings should be replicated with additional studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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Review

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10 pages, 722 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis as a Key to Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Mini Review

by Katarzyna Stopińska, Maria Radziwoń-Zaleska and Izabela Domitrz

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(20), 4640; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10204640 - 10 Oct 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7004

Abstract

The central nervous system (CNS) is closely related to the gastrointestinal tract, mainly through regulating its function and homeostasis. Simultaneously, the gut flora affects the CNS and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of neurologic and neuropsychological disorders such as Parkinson’s and [...] Read more.

The central nervous system (CNS) is closely related to the gastrointestinal tract, mainly through regulating its function and homeostasis. Simultaneously, the gut flora affects the CNS and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of neurologic and neuropsychological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or autism spectrum disorder. The population of gut microorganisms contains more than one billion bacteria. The most common are six phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinomyces, Verucomicrobia, Fusobacteria, and dominant Bacteroides with Firmicutes. The microbiota–gut–brain axis is a bidirectional nervous, endocrine, and immune communication between these two organs. They are connected through a variety of pathways, including the vagus nerve, the immune system, microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the enteric nervous system, and hormones. Age, diet, antibiotics influence the balance of gut microorganisms and probably lead to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. In this article, a review is presented and discussed, with a specific focus on the changes of gut microbiota, gut–brain axis, related disorders, and the factors that influence gut imbalance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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14 pages, 903 KiB

Open AccessReview

Body Image in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Emerging Empirical Literature

by Magdalena Wayda-Zalewska, Barbara Kostecka and Katarzyna Kucharska

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(18), 4264; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10184264 - 20 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3496

Abstract

As an element of distorted self-image, body image disturbances may be relevant to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Therefore, this systematic review aims to critically discuss and summarize empirical findings in this matter. Based on the available theoretical models, three body image components were [...] Read more.

As an element of distorted self-image, body image disturbances may be relevant to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Therefore, this systematic review aims to critically discuss and summarize empirical findings in this matter. Based on the available theoretical models, three body image components were identified: (a) perception, (b) affect and cognition, and (c) general body dissatisfaction. We conducted a systematic search of the empirical literature published in English in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases until June 2021 using a priori eligibility criteria (BPD; BPD symptoms or features in nonclinical groups; quasipsychotic or psychotic symptoms were not considered). We included k = 10 records meeting the criteria. Compared with other analyzed groups, individuals diagnosed with BPD obtained higher scores in the three components of body image disturbances. The issue of body image in BPD is relatively understudied, although current research findings clearly indicate disturbances in all of the abovementioned body image components in individuals with BPD or significant relationships of these components with BPD traits or symptoms both in clinical and nonclinical samples. Eventually, possible practical implications and future research directions are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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17 pages, 6915 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Antidepressant Treatment on Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF and IGF-1) in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

by Anna Mosiołek, Jadwiga Mosiołek, Sławomir Jakima, Aleksandra Pięta and Agata Szulc

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3377; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153377 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4882

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains the subject of ongoing research as a multifactorial disease and a serious public health problem. There is a growing body of literature focusing on the role of neurotrophic factors in pathophysiology of MDD. A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression [...] Read more.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains the subject of ongoing research as a multifactorial disease and a serious public health problem. There is a growing body of literature focusing on the role of neurotrophic factors in pathophysiology of MDD. A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression proposes that abnormalities of neurotrophins serum levels lead to neuronal atrophy and decreased neurogenesis, resulting in mood disorders. Consequently, in accordance with recent findings, antidepressant treatment modifies the serum levels of neurotrophins and thus leads to a clinical improvement of MDD. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available data on the effects of various antidepressants on serum levels of neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). In addition, the authors discuss their role as prognostic factors for treatment response in MDD. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine original articles and three meta-analyses were selected. The vast majority of studies have confirmed the effect of antidepressants on BDNF levels. Research on IGF-1 is limited and insufficient to describe the correlation between different antidepressant drugs and factor serum levels; however, four studies indicated a decrease in IGF-1 after treatment. Preliminary data suggest BDNF as a promising predictor of treatment response in MDD patients. The role of IGF-1 needs further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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18 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Antidepressant Treatment on Peripheral Biomarkers in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

by Anna Mosiołek, Aleksandra Pięta, Sławomir Jakima, Natalia Zborowska, Jadwiga Mosiołek and Agata Szulc

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(8), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081706 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3943

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental illness and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite a range of effective treatments, more than 30% of patients do not achieve remission as a result of conventional therapy. In these circumstances [...] Read more.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental illness and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite a range of effective treatments, more than 30% of patients do not achieve remission as a result of conventional therapy. In these circumstances the identification of novel drug targets and pathogenic factors becomes essential for selecting more efficacious and personalized treatment. Increasing evidence has implicated the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of depression, revealing potential new pathways and treatment options. Moreover, convergent evidence indicates that MDD is related to disturbed neurogenesis and suggests a possible role of neurotrophic factors in recovery of function in patients. Although the influence of antidepressants on inflammatory cytokines balance was widely reported in various studies, the exact correlation between drugs used and specific cytokines and neurotrophins serum levels often remains inconsistent. Available data suggest anti-inflammatory properties of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin and noradrenaline inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) as a possible additional mechanism of reduction of depressive symptoms. In this review, we outline emerging data regarding the influence of different antidepressant drugs on a wide array of peripheral biomarkers such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), or interferon (IFN)-γ. Presented results indicate anti-inflammatory effect for selected drugs or lack of such effect. Research in this field is insufficient to define the role of inflammatory markers as a predictor of treatment response in MDD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders)

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