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The aim: was to assess the level of subjective control of emotional states among patients treated for dermatological and gastrointestinal somatic diseases compared to those with depressive and anxiety disorders. The results were related to the analyzed dimensions of emotion regulation in healthy subjects. Materials and methods: The reports of the conducted studies were compiled for a total of 310 people, including 120 patients diagnosed with a somatic disease (psoriasis, rosacea, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux), as well as 96 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders and 30 patients with anxiety disorders. The control group consisted of healthy subjects (64 individuals). To assess the psychological variables analyzed, the subjects completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire developed by J. Brzeziński. Results: The study showed that the patients suffering from a chronic somatic symptom disorder, similarly to those treated for depression and anxiety disorders, differed from the healthy individuals in most aspects of emotional control. The patients with dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases differed statistically significantly from the patients with depression and the patients with anxiety disorders in relation to three dimensions of emotional control. Patients with a somatic disease are characterized by higher emotional and rational motivation, lower emotional resilience and lower emotional arousal. Conclusions: A chronic disease co-occurs with the emotional sphere of a person's daily functioning. Regardless of the diagnosis in terms of somatic disorders and mental illnesses, the way in which emotional states are controlled can be an important factor in the onset of the disease, coping with it as well as the treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experiencing stressful life events and ways of coping with them can predispose to the onset of depressive mood disorders, while depression itself can be responsible for severe stress and can weaken resilience to stressors. Thus, variables relevant to the onset of depressive episodes and the course of depression have significant relationships with coping strategies to stressors. The aim of this research was to evaluate the most commonly used stress-coping strategies in patients treated for depression compared to patients with anxiety disorders and to healthy subjects. Methods: The multidimensional coping inventory (COPE Inventory) by C. S. Carver, M. F. Scheier, and J. K. Weintraub, covering 15 stress response strategies included in more general and overarching coping styles, was used in the study. Results: Patients with depression differed from the healthy subjects in a statistically significant way. Statistical analysis showed that people with depression are less likely than healthy subjects to use Active Coping, Planning, Seeking of Instrumental and Emotional Social Support, Suppression of Competing Activities, and Positive Reinterpretation. In contrast, they are more likely to use Denial, Mental Disengagement, and Behavioral Disengagement compared to those not treated for mental disorders. The patients with depressive disorders, compared to the group of patients with anxiety disorders, scored significantly differently on stress coping strategies in only two types of actions taken in stressful situations. Conclusion: The patients with depression differed from the healthy subjects in terms of the highest number of the stress coping strategies assessed. Compared to the healthy individuals, a tendency toward an avoidant behavior style was prevalent among the depressed patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with the first episode of the disease and recurrent depressive disorders in terms of stress coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicide is a serious world public health problem and still an interesting, controversial and difficult subject for theoretical and empirical considerations. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the prevalence of suicide in Poland in context of suicidal situation worldwide. Material and methods : This article is based on the available literature, National Polish Headquarters reports and World Health Organization data. Results and discussion: Many publications on suicide to date focus on showing the correlation between the suicide act and age, gender, social background, education, place of residence, marital status, season, climate, day of the week, and even a daily cycle. Profiles of a potential suicide are created. Suicide is the most serious cause of death among patients with mental disorders. However, scientific reports among people who commit suicide and attempt suicide also mention people, who are not mentally ill. There is no medical suicide reporting and analysis system in Poland. The National Police Headquarters publish annual report containing the number of suicides committed in Poland. Conclusions : Based on these statistics, from 1999 to 2018, we observe a variable level of suicide rates. In the discussed years 1999--2018 over 95,000 people have successfully committed suicide in our country. Poland is currently in second place in Europe in terms of juvenile suicides and one of the European countries where the gender disparity (advantage of men over women) in terms of suicides is the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Oral bacteria take the form of biofilms, which - due to their complex structure - are characterized by high resistance to many external factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of subgingival biofilm in pockets ≥7 mm in an effort to answer the question whether the presence of selected bacteria of the red complex and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans may determine the diagnosis in the context of the new classification of periodontal diseases. Material/Methods: The study included two groups of patients: 30 individuals with periodontitis Grade B (Stage III or IV) and 30 subjects with periodontitis Grade C (Stage III or IV). Each patient had at least one PPD ≥ 7 mm. The study group consisted of 26 males and 34 females, mean age 43.8 ± 15.2 years. Selected periodontal parameters were evaluated as well as microbiological quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed regarding bacterial flora in the pockets for the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Results: The total number of bacteria was higher in patients with periodontitis Grade B, as compared to periodontitis Grade C. The number of P. gingivalis was higher in patients with periodontitis Grade B at 157.4*10^3 versus 139.9*10^3 in Grade C patients (p = 0.033). There was no difference in the occurrence of T. denticola depending on the diagnosis (p = 0.228). The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was confirmed only in four patients with periodontitis Grade C (p = 0.186). A moderate correlation was observed between the occurrence of P. gingivalis and T. denticola in patients with periodontitis Grade B (r = 0.51, p = 0.004). Conclusions: The composition of subgingival biofilm was very similar in patients with periodontitis Grade B and periodontitis Grade C. We may speculate that periododntitis grade may not be distinguished according to a simple analysis of subgingival plaque with respect to P. gingivalis, T. denticola and A. actinomycetemcomitans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Self-destructiveness involves behaviours whose likely negative effect is mediated by additional factors, and the relationship between behaviour and damage is perceived as probable. The main objective of the research is to evaluate the behaviour of indirect self-destructiveness in patients with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (compared to the persons without mental disorders-control group). Material and method: Clinical group included 40 patients of the Department of Adult Psychiatry at the Medical University of Lodz - people reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depressed mood. The control group consisted of people without mental disorders. Polish version of Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CS-DS) adapted by Suchanska and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Modified (HADS-M) by Snaith and Zigmond were used. The survey aimed at collecting sociodemographic data. Results: Differences were noticed between the clinical and control group in the following indirect autodestructive behaviours: Poor Health Maintenance, Lack of Planfulness, Personal and Social Neglects, Helplessness and Passiveness. Behaviours in all of those areas were more frequent in the clinical group. There were no significant differences noticed between groups in terms of: Transgression and Risk, alcohol use and smoking. Conclusions: Anxiety and depressive disorders promotes occurring of indirect self destructive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A recurrent depressive disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed disease entities among psychiatric disorders. The prevalence and morbidity of depression are constantly increasing. Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of genetic factors in the etiology of depressive disorders. Many studies are being conducted to identify genes that predispose to depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TCF4 gene in the etiology of recurrent depressive disorders and, in particular, to assess expression of the TCF4 gene at the mRNA and protein level in patients with recurrent depressive disorders versus healthy individuals. Material and methods The examined population consisted of 170 individuals suffering from depression and 90 healthy individuals. The expressions of the TCF4 gene at the mRNA and protein level were assessed. Results Decreased TCF4 expression at the mRNA and protein level was found in patients with depressive disorder versus healthy individuals. Expression of the studied gene was not affected by the patients' sex and age. The statistical analysis also showed no correlation between the expression of TCF4 at the mRNA and protein level and the number of episodes or the severity of symptoms. Among the clinical manifestations of depression, only the duration of the illness correlated with the expression of TCF4 at the mRNA level. Conclusions Expression of TCF4 at the mRNA and protein level may be significant in the pathomechanism of recurrent depressive disorder and it is not dependent on sex and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have revealed that recurrent depressive disorders (rDD) are linked with dysregulation of the immune system. Previous studies have found that manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, SOD2) may be a key inflammatory enzyme involved in this disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the mRNA and protein levels of MnSOD in patients with rDD and to define the relationship between serum MnSOD levels and cognitive performance. Methods: The study comprised 236 subjects, which included patients with rDD (n = 131) and healthy subjects (n = 105, healthy control group, HC). Assessment of cognitive function was based on performance on the Trail Making test (TMT), the Stroop test, the Verbal Fluency test (VFT) and the Auditory Verbal Learning test (AVLT). Results: MnSOD gene expression at mRNA and protein level was significantly lower in rDD patients than in the HC group (p < 0.01). In the rDD and HC groups separately, there were no statistically significant associations between mRNA and protein expression levels of the MnSOD and psychological tests. In the total study group (n = 236), there was a statistically significant correlation between both MnSOD gene levels and the following tests (p < 0.01): the TMT parts A and B (negative correlation), the Stroop test parts RCNb (reading color names in black) and NCWd (naming color of word - different; negative correlation), the VFT (positive correlation) and the AVLT (positive correlation). Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that the MnSOD enzyme-coding gene and MnSOD expression are important for the regulation of cognitive functioning. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent research findings suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) participates in the development of depressive disorder. VEGF is involved in neurogenesis and neuroprotection processes, mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). VEGFR2 also plays a role in angiogenesis, a process related to neurogenesis and other biological processes. We examined VEGFR2 (KDR) gene polymorphism, mRNA expression levels, as well as VEGFR2 protein levels in 268 patients diagnosed with a recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) using the ICD-10 criteria, and in 200 healthy controls. Genotyping and gene expression level analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)—based methods. An Enzyme—Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used for measurement of KDR protein levels. Our study found that distribution of KDR polymorphism +1416T/A differs significantly in patients with rDD when compared to healthy subjects, while A allele and AA genotype are risk factors for rDD. KDR mRNA and protein expression are higher in patients with rDD. We also observed a significant association between the −271A/G variant and gene and protein levels. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the KDR gene may serve as a novel genetic marker that could participate in the etiology of rDD. This new pathway may play a role in the inflammatory pathophysiology of depression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim of the study: The main aim of the study reported was to assess the intensity of emotional deficits in alexithymia as a syndrome in comparison with selected aspects of cognitive functioning in patients treated for depression. Material and methods: Subjects were 38 patients (19 wo - men and 19 men) aged 18-65 years of age (M = 48.56 years, SD = 12.39) who were treated for psychiatric disorders: first episode of depression and recurrent depressive disorders. During psychological assessment of emotional and cognitive functioning of patients with depression, the study used the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ), Trial Making Test (TMT) and Stroop Test. Results: Patients with mood disorders are characterized by elevated levels of alexithymia and weakness of concentration, memory and executive functions. The correlation of the analyzed variables showed a significant association between overall levels of alexithymia and one of its dimensions (poverty of imagination and dreams upon waking) and the level of memory functioning measured by the Trial Making Test. Other factors to measure deficits in identifying emotions did not show a statistically significant effect of selected aspects of cognitive function. Conclusions: Among patients with depressive disorders, difficulty in identifying their own emotions, including poverty of imagination, are associated with weakness of memory. The obtained results need further analysis, in which inclusion of a control group consisting of healthy individuals should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In daily human experience, the separation of emotion and cognition seems to be an impossible task. Most of the emotional experience implies the participation of cognitive processes and knowledge is an essential component of emotion. Among patients with depressive disorders both emotion regulation deficit (in the form of negative thoughts and feelings) and cognitive impairment are observed. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between the efficiency of working memory and emotional intelligence in patients with recurrent depressive disorder. Material and methods: A sample of 37 persons aged 21-65 years participated in the study: 17 women and 20 men. Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop test and Emotional Intelligence Scale-Faces (SIE-T) were used in the study. Results: There were no statistically significant correlations between the severity of depression, effectiveness of visual-spatial working memory and the level of emotional intelligence. Significant relationship between the analyzed variables was found only in the case of verbal working memory (Stroop test, part NCWd/time, p = 0,02). However, the higher the scores at SIE-T, the better the performance of TMT, Stroop test and the lower severity of depressive disorders. Conclusions: 1. A higher level of emotional intelligence correlates with the efficiency of working memory in patients with depressive disorders. 2. Understanding the interactions between emotional control processes and memory in depressive disorders requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the intensity of the syndrome and the various dimensions of alexithymia constituted in patients treated for cardiac diseases. The results obtained were compared with a group of patients with known bipolar disorder. Material and methods: The subjects were patients aged between 18-65 years of age (M = 50,00 years, SD = 10,68), treated for coronary heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, including post myocardial infarction and hypertension. The control group consisted of 28 patients with mental disorders - mood disorders aged 18-65 years of age (M = 50,43 years, SD = 13,17), 10 women and 18 men. The study used a scale of Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) containing 40 questions divided into 5 dimensions. Results: Patients with cardiac diseases compared to people with mood disorders are characterized by lower levels of alexithymia and three of the five dimensions making up the deficit of personality. Statistically significant differences were associated with the level of intensity in the difficulty in verbalizing emotional and poor insight into their own emotional experiences. Taking into account their gender subjects did not differ statistically significantly in terms of the analyzed variables. With increasing age only one of the variables of alexithymia components significantly enhances: poverty of imagination. Conclusions: Patients with heart disease differ statistically from the control group in terms of two dimensions alexithymia: difficulty in verbalizing emotional and poor insight into their own emotional experiences to give lower results for these variables. The presented preliminary analysis of reports of research, and understanding of the relationship between cardiovascular disease and alexithymia syndrome requires further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive disease, a heterogeneous etiology, in which neurodegenerative changes are located in the frontal lobes and temporal lobes. It occurs from 5 to 7 times less frequently than dementi in Alzheimer disease, representing approximately 10-15% of all dementia. The clinical picture fronto-temporal dementia symptoms predominate in the form of neuropsychiatric symptoms of affective, behavioral and personality changes that lead mainly to the disruption of social contacts. Cognitive dysfunction, leading to an (executive), followed later in the disease. In addition, typical for this type of dementia, are disorders of speech in the form of its gradual reduction, verbal stereotypies and perseveration. The aim of the present description of the event was to demonstrate the difficulties associated with differential symptoms of fronto-temporal dementia from symptoms of psychotic disorders and show a progressive deterioration in cognitive function psychological test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the last few years the number of studies on relation between dermatological diseases and psychological factors has increased. The objective of this studies is to present broad and complex spectrum of this relation and to treat patients with dermatological diseases in a holistic way. Objectives: The objective of the paper was to evaluate types of strategies of coping with stress and controlling emotions in patients with psoriasis and acne rosacea and to compare the results in relation to disease type and gender of the study subjects. Material and methods: 70 subjects aged 18 to 73 years, hospitalized at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University in Lodz participated into the study. 35 subjects with psoriasis and 35 subjects with acne rosacea were enrolled into the study. The following methods were used to asses psychological factors: R.H. Moos' Questionnaire of Coping with Stress Situations and J. Brzeziński's Control of Emotions Questionnaire. Results: Type of dermatological disease partly divided the patients as regards analyzed psychological factors. These were: control of emotogenic situations, emotional excitability and cognitive avoidance. Female patients differed from male patients in terms of controlling emotional expression and controlling emotogenic situations and in terms of general emotional resistance. Conclusions: The relation between emotional sphere and dermatological diseases consists in reciprocal interactions. Mental problems may induce dermatological diseases and sometimes intensify pathological symptoms. Only selected psychological factors statistically differentiated the patients, what may confirm the concept of stress as a non-specific reaction of an organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diseases of the digestive system are still a serious therapeutic problem due to their frequency and problems associated with their treatment. Psychosomatic studies indicate that psychological factors play an important role in the development, clinical course and treatment of these disorders. Aim of study: The presented objective was finding the answer to the question: Are there any differences in the intensity of selected psychological variables between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Moreover, the authors evaluated the influence of selected psychological factors on the course of these diseases. Material and methods: 45 patients were enrolled in the study, 21 with diagnosed IBS and 24 with diagnosed GERD. Among studied variables there were the following psychological aspects: stress and styles of coping with stress, anxiety as a currently experienced condition and as permanent personality feature and selected aspects of emotional control. The following methods were used: a medical questionnaire developed by the authors and 4 standardised psychological tests: S. Cohen's Perceived Stress Scal, Moos' Questionnaire of Coping with Stress Situation, J. Brzezinski's Control of Emotions Questionnaire and Spielberger's Self-evaluation questionnaire (Inventory of Anxiety as a State and as a Feature). Results: Studied patients were not statistically different in terms of selected psychological aspects. However, analyzed psychological variables coexisted with the intensity of selected somatic ailments in IBS and in GERD. Conclusions: Both diseases are strongly associated with the functioning of the nervous system and with mental sphere of every man. Analyzed psychological factors do not differentiate examined diseases of the digestive tract and therefore may confirm the hypothesis that stress is a non-specific reaction of an organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected many aspects of life. The aim of this study was to assess the mental state of medical personnel most involved with patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The survey research was conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. The study group included 46 paramedics, 48 nurses, and 6 individuals from both professions, ranging in age from 21 to 67 years. Data were collected using paper questionnaires that contained 44 questions. Results: During the pandemic, respondents maintained good contact with their colleagues and were competent enough to help their patients. The main factors that influenced their stress or dissatisfaction were the number of patients and the number of tasks. The nurses and paramedics most frequently reported symptoms related to tension, insomnia, and problems with intellectual performance. The pandemic situation led to the abandonment of hobbies and deterioration of relationships with friends and family. Conclusion: As a result of high stress levels, paramedics and nurses frequently suffered from tension and insomnia. The factors described were associated with poorer well-being of the subjects in various functional areas, even before the pandemic period. This was mainly related to the large number of patients and the tasks. However, this work, as well as studies by other authors, come to alarming conclusions that should draw attention to the mental state of medical staff, as this is the group that is highly responsible for the medical care of patients, especially in such a difficult time as a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In every somatic disease we can find a psychological element, just as it is not uncommon for numerous physical symptoms to occur in a mental disease. Nowadays, the patient is no longer just the "owner" of the sick organ but is considered and treated as a "whole". The interpenetration of somatic manifestations with mental health problems forces patients who experience subjective suffering, including mental suffering, from current symptoms to visit specialists from different fields of medicine, and their treatment does not bring about any improvement. Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that attempts to respond to the needs of an increasing—in recent years—number of patients who demonstrate somatic disorders of a multifaceted nature. The co-occurrence of physical and mental disorders repeatedly makes it impossible to determine which symptoms were the cause and which were the effect; hence, it is difficult to establish clear boundaries between the categories of these disorders and diseases. The therapist, to whom the patient with somatic diseases is eventually referred, may be faced with a diagnostic dilemma, the solution of which will give direction to further psychotherapeutic work. The common feature of this group of patients is a strong focus on physical ailments, while omitting or almost completely ignoring the psychological factors involved. The purpose of this paper is to present the causally diverse circumstances in which a patient with physical symptoms needs diagnosis and therapeutic support from the perspective of a cognitive behavioral approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case study presented in this publication was one of the components of an oral examination in the field of clinical psychology, more precisely, mental disorders of an adult, which took place in December 2018. The work was positively evaluated by the Examination Committee, and both written and oral exams were passed. The purpose of this publication was to present an exam case study, which may prove helpful for those preparing for a specialisation exam. As in accordance with the guidelines of the journal, the case study does not constitute the full version presented to the Examination Committee, but contains only the most important information. The authors hope that this case study will contribute to improving the comfort of work on case studies among future specialists. Regardless of the content included in the publication, the most important exam guidelines are available on the website http://psychologia-konsultanci.pl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Significant impairment of some psychological functions, including cognitive functioning, has been characteristically found in depressed patients. Memory disturbances may be related to the levels of thyroid hormones (TH) that are under the influence of different mechanisms and molecules, including deiodinase type 1(D1) – an important determinant of circulating triiodothyronine (T3). We investigated the relationship between two functionally known polymorphisms within the DIO1 gene, i.e. DIO1 a-C/T and DIO1 b-A/G, and cognitive functioning in patients diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD). In the planned analysis we mainly concentrated on the frontal function: working memory, executive functions and verbal fluency. Materials and methods Genetic variants were genotyped in 128 patients using a method based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cognitive functions were assessed by the Trail Making Test, the Stroop Test and the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT). Results No significant associations were found between DIO1 polymorphisms and cognitive functioning in rDD. Only the CT and TT genotypes of the DIO1 a variant were significantly related to verbal fluency. There were no significant differences between the distribution of the genotypes and demographic/medical variables. Conclusions Based on the study, the examined polymorphisms are not an important risk or protective factor for cognitive impairment in depressive patients. Functional variants within the DIO1 gene that affect triiodothyronine (T3) levels seem not to be associated with cognitive functions. Nevertheless, considering the fact that the DIO1 gene is related to the course and management of depression, further studies on a larger sample size might be suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Some studies suggest that the p11 protein, belonging to the so-called S100 family and located, i.a., in the nucleus accumbens of the brain, is responsible for the occurrence of depression. This protein is encoded by the S100A10 gene. The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of the S100A10 gene at the mRNA and protein levels in patients with depressive disorders and to determine the impact of p11 in the etiopathogenesis of depression; (2) Methods: A total of 290 people (190 depressed patients, 100 healthy controls) participated in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Venous blood was collected from all participants. RT-PCR was used to evaluate gene expression at the mRNA level, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate gene expression at the protein level; (3) Results: The results indicate slightly increased S100A10 gene expression (both at the protein and mRNA levels) in patients with depression, but these values do not reach statistical significance; (4) Conclusions: Due to the fact that the study was limited by the participation of patients already undergoing antidepressant treatment, its results may confirm that pharmacological treatment affecting serotonin neurotransmission is effective in upregulation of p11 in patients with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulvodynia is a chronic disorder involving pain or discomfort, characterized by a feeling of burning, stinging or irritation in the female genitalia in cases where there is no infection or skin disease of the vulva or vagina causing these symptoms. Vulvodynia is a clinical syndrome, which according to current estimates can occur in 15% of women. Clinical observations indicate the existence of different subtypes of vulvodynia distinguished based on their etiology. The multidimensional impact of this disease on the functioning of women is indicated, yet there are no clear answers as to its etiology, effective treatments, prevention and dissemination. The authors review the most important information about vulvodynia. In this part of the article characteristic symptoms that constitute the clinical picture of vulvodynia are described. The fundamental issue for such a diagnosis is to exclude in a physical examination any identifiable changes in the vulva area. The authors also present algorithms of actions which should be taken in the case of patients suspected of suffering from vulvodynia. There are also described therapeutic methods proposed by various researchers. The authors further emphasize the lack of consensus in an environment of professionals as to the possibility of using operational methods. Attention was also drawn to the possibility of physiotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia. Moreover, the authors stress that psychological support and psychoeducation might be useful to patients suffering from vulvodynia. The paper also presents alternative methods of therapy such as hypnosis, acupuncture and biofeedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulvodynia is a chronic disorder involving pain or discomfort characterized by a feeling of burning, stinging or irritation in the female genitalia in cases where there is no infection or skin disease of the vulva or vagina causing these symptoms. Vulvodynia is a clinical syndrome, which according to current estimates, can occur in 15% of women. Clinical observations indicate the existence of different subtypes of vulvodynia, distinguished based on their etiology. The multidimensional impact of this disease on the functioning of women is indicated, yet there are no clear answers as to its etiology, effective treatments, prevention and dissemination. The authors review the most important information about vulvodynia and currently used diagnostic criteria. Various theories about the etiology of the disease are presented, focusing mainly on factors such as: biological, developmental, genetic, immunological, hormonal, neurological and psychological ones. The article also presents data on the prevalence of vulvodynia in the population. Presented data are derived from researches conducted by various scientists. The authors present the proposed classifications of vulvodynia types, made on the basis of its etiology and characteristics of pain experienced by patients. Attention should be paid to the difficulties in unambiguous classification of patients to a group suffering from vulvodynia. The impact of this disease on the psychosocial functioning of patients and the difficulties encountered when seeking effective help are also underlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study is to get to know about mutual relationships between individual self-imagine, level of self-acceptance and the therapeutic effects among patients who suffer from mental diseases and physical diseases. Material and methods: The study involved 97 people, divided into two groups: 41 patients with recurrent depressive disorder (first group) and 56 people treated for selected somatic disorders (gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases and diabetes type 1 and type 2 - the second group). The personal questionnaire, Adjective Check List by H.G. Gough and A. B. Heilbrun (ACL) and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) were used in the examination. Results: Statistically significant relationships between the analyzed variables were observed. The size of therapeutic effect is associated with the level of self-acceptance, and with positive self-image of the patients. Patients with higher levels of self-acceptance achieved greater improvement as a result of the treatment. Using this relationship applies to both patients somatically and mentally ill. Conclusions: 1. The size of therapeutic effect is associated with the level of self-acceptance and with the self-image of the patients. 2. Patients with higher levels of self-acceptance achieved greater improvement in the assessment of the treatment. 3. Using this relationship applied to both patients somatically and mentally ill. 4. Between patients with depression and somatic illness differences mainly concerned the current image, but there was a very similar ideal self-image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present the summary of current trends in the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia presented during the XIV World Congress of Psychiatry (Prague, Czech Republic, 19-25 September 2008). The results of studies presented during the Congress, recommendations and new trends may be divided into two groups of actions: (1) aimed at increasing patients' compliance and adherence; and (2) aimed at promoting depot antipsychotics. The problem of the metabolic syndrome was also stressed as it remains a significant clinical complication of the treatment with antipsychotics, particularly with atypical ones. Moreover, it was also emphasized that clinical tools used to evaluate treatment efficacy should include scales which evaluate quality of life, for example SWN (Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics) scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a psychiatric disorder of heterogeneous etiology. One of the leading theories suggests an inflammatory background to it. It is often found in the scientific literature that certain personality traits, such as high neuroticism, low extroversion and conscientiousness, are being associated with depression. We combined biochemical tests of IL-1 and IL-6 serum levels and scores in the personality test EPQ-R among 50 depressed patients and 37 healthy participants. The results confirmed increased serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 in a study group when compared to healthy volunteers. Additionally, personality traits (psychoticism and neuroticism) were increased in the depressed group when compared to healthy volunteers. The authors analyzed correlations in both groups. However, only one statistically significant link was observed in IL-6 and K levels (scale associated with the need for social acceptance) in the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The authors of this research study intended to verify whether there are any changes in gene expression in depressed patients without coexisting inflammatory diseases for selected immune-inflammatory factors that are particularly important in autoimmune disease pathogenesis (IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35, Foxp3). Methods: The study was carried out on a group of 190 patients with depression and 100 healthy volunteers. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale. RT-PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression and ELISA was used to measure protein expression of these genes. Results: The level of gene expression for IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, and IL-35 was substantially higher in the group of patients with depression compared to the control group. The mean mRNA expression of Foxp3 was considerably reduced in patients suffering from depressive disorders. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of hospitalizations and the expression of specific inflammatory factors. Conclusions: Expression of specific inflammatory genes may be a factor in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. The duration of the disease seems to be more important for the expression of the genes in question than the severity of depression. These cytokines may affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine functions in the brain as well as be a marker and a new potential therapeutic target for recurrent depressive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An elevated levels oxidative modified DNA bases and a decreased efficiency of oxidative DNA damage repair were found in patients with depression disorders, including recurrent type (rDD). The glycosylases are involved in base excision repair (BER), which eliminates oxidative DNA damage. Therefore, we genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes encoding three glycosylases: hOGG1, MUTYH and NEIL1. Methods We selected three polymorphisms: c.977C>G – hOGG1 (rs1052133), c.972G>C – MUTYH (rs3219489) and c.*589G>C – NEIL1 (rs4462560). A total of 555 DNA samples (257 cases and 298 controls) were genotyped using TaqMan probes. Results The C/C genotype and allele C of the c.*589G>C decreased the risk of rDD occurrence, while the G/G genotype and allele G of the same SNP increased the risk. This polymorphism had a stronger association with early-onset depression (patients with first episode <35 years of age) than with late-onset depression (first episode ≥35 years of age). We did not find any significant differences in distribution of alleles and genotypes of other SNPs; however, the G/G genotype of the c.972G>C increased the risk of late-onset rDD. We also found that combined genotype C/C–C/C of c.977C>G and c.*589G>C significantly reduced the risk of rDD. Limitations Limited sample size and ethnic homogeneity of the studied population. Conclusion This is the first study to show that SNPs of genes involved in DNA repair, particularly in BER pathway, may modulate the risk of rDD. These results further support the hypothesis on the involvement of DNA repair mechanisms in pathogenesis of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many clinical studies have shown that oxidative stress pathways and the efficiency of the oxidative DNA damage base excision repair (BER) system are associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reduced BER efficiency may result from polymorphisms of BER-related genes. In the present study, we examine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BER genes are associated with increased risk of AD. Methods: SNP genotyping was carried out on DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 120 patients with AD and 110 healthy volunteers. Samples were genotyped for the presence of BER-related SNPs, i.e. XRCC1-rs1799782, rs25487; MUTYH-rs3219489, and PARP1-rs1136410. Results: We found a positive association between AD risk and the presence of G/A genotype variant of the XRCC1 rs25487 polymorphism [odds ratio (OR) = 3.762, 95% CI: 1.793-7.891]. The presence of the A/A genotype of this polymorphism reduced the risk of AD (OR = 0.485, 95% CI: 0.271-0.870). In cases of the PARP1 gene rs1136410 polymorphism, we observed that the T/C variant increases (OR = 4.159, 95% CI: 1.978-8.745) while the T/T variant reduces risk (OR = 0.240, 95% CI: 0.114-0.556) of AD. Conclusions: We conclude that BER gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the etiology of AD. Diagnosing the presence or absence of particular genetic variants may be an important marker of AD. Further research on a larger population is needed. There is also a need to examine polymorphisms of other BER in the context of AD risk. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) is a multifactorial disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the factors that have been suggested to play a role in the etiology and/or development of this disease. Limited information related to the role of VEGFA gene polymorphism in depressive disorder is available. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between VEGFA gene polymorphisms (+405G/C; rs2010963, +936C/T; rs 3025039), VEGFA gene expression, and its serum protein levels in rDD in the Caucasian population. In the current study, 268 patients and 200 healthy controls of the Caucasian origin were involved. Genotyping and gene expression were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detection of circulating serum VEGF levels. The distribution of VEGFA polymorphism +405G/C differed significantly between rDD patients and healthy subjects. The results of this study indicated that the C allele and CC genotype of VEGFA are risk factors for rDD. Haplotypes CC and TG are the important factors for depression development. Further, VEGFA mRNA expression and VEGF levels were higher in rDD patients than in controls. The VEGFA gene polymorphism may serve as a prognostic factor for rDD development. Our study showed higher levels of both VEGFA mRNA in the peripheral blood cells and serum VEGF in patients diagnosed with rDD than in healthy controls. The obtained results suggest VEGF and the gene encoding the molecule play a role in the etiology of the disease and should be further investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: There is evidence that inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. There are also data indicating altered inflammatory gene expression in depressive disorder and that genetic variants of IO&NS genes are associated with increased risk of the disease in question. The aim of this study was to explore mRNA expression of four IO&NS genes PTGS2, MPO, NOS2A, and PLA2G2A coding respectively: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA (sPLA2-IIA). Method: Expression of the mRNA was determined using quantitative real-time PCR, in peripheral blood cells of patients with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) and normal controls. Results: The mRNA expressions of the genes encoding for COX-2, MPO, iNOS and sPLA2-IIA were significantly increased in the peripheral blood cells of depressed patients versus controls. Limitations: Patients were treated with antidepressants. Conclusion: Our results indicate and may confirm the role of peripheral IO&NS pathways in the pathophysiology of depression. The results represent a promising way to investigate biological markers of depression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background/aim: Depressive disorders are multifactorial diseases, in which cognitive impairment is one of the characteristic feature. One of the molecules that regulate of various cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes is nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from l-arginine by a family of isoformic enzymes known as nitric oxide synthases (NOS). NO is a gaseous compounds that acts as a biological second messenger in a number of organ system. In addition, NO is a ubiquitous free radical (affects many normal physiologic functions but is also implicated in the etiology and progression of many diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of NO in patients with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) and to define relationship between plasma NO levels and the cognitive performance. Methods: The study comprised 78 subjects: patients with rDD (n =45), healthy controls (CG, n =33). Cognitive function assessment was based on: TMT, The Stroop Test, VFT, AVLT. Results: Statistically significant differences were found among patients with rDD in the intensity of depression symptoms, measured by the HDRS on therapy onset vs. the examination results after 8 weeks of treatment (p <0.001). The level of NO was substantially higher in patients with rDD compared to CG. For all examined subjects (p <0.001), elevated levels of NO in blood plasma adversely affect the efficiency of visual–spatial and auditory-verbal working memory as well as short-term declarative memory. For rDD patients, elevated NO levels were associated with worse cognitive test performance. The higher was the concentration of plasma NO, the greater was the severity of depressive symptoms measured by HDRS (p =0.03). Conclusions: (1) Higher concentration of plasma NO in rDD patients is associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. (2) Elevated levels of plasma NO are related to impairment of visual–spatial and auditory-verbal working memory as well as to impairment of short-term declarative memory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]