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Background: Patients with Schizophrenia have difficulties in social cognition, which were associated with sensory- motor function in a previous study. The aberrancy of the striatum and the dopaminergic system has been reported as contributing to social and sensor motor dysfunction in schizophrenia. Nevertheless, the integrated exploration of the striatal dopamine function, mentalization, and sensorimotor aspects, particularly in early disease stages, remains underexplored. Aims & Objectives: The striatum is a subcortical nucleus receiving dopaminergic inputs, with the subdivision of the putamen playing a role in motor skills and the caudate involved in motor and cognitive function. With deceleration in the information, sensory-motor dysfunction might lead to mentalization deficits. We hypothesized due to dopaminergic system dysregulation in the striatum, first episode schizophrenia (FES) would have mentalization (caudate-related) and visual-motor coordination (putamen-related) impairment. Method: We recruited FES over 5 years and healthy individuals with screening of The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) by psychiatrists. All Participants received the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition-Taiwanese version (MASC-TW), a 15-minute video of social situations with four response options: correct, overmentalizing, undermentalizing, and no-mentalizing. They completed a visual-motor coordination task, using the joystick to track the round dots displayed on the screen. The striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability was assessed in both groups by single- photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using [99mTc] TRODAT-1. Correlational analyses and a linear regression model between mentalization, visual motor coordination, and DAT availability were explored. Results: We enrolled 16 FES (10 males, 6 females) and 43 healthy controls (38 males, 5 females). Both groups had similar mean ages (schizophrenia 30.13 ± 9.33). Education years varied significantly between the two groups (t = -2.94, p = 0.003). These patients were clinically stable (CGI =3.73 ± 1.10). FES showed significantly worse MASC-correct (t= - 3.26, p=0.001) and joystick score (t= - 3.30, p=0.001) than healthy individuals. In healthy individuals, MASC-cognition and initial joystick performance were significantly correlated (r=0.341, p=0.031). There was a negative association between MASC- overmentalizing and the DAT availability at left caudate nucleus (r= - 0.349, p=0.027). In FES, joystick learning capacity was notably associated with the DAT availability at left striatum (r=0.536, p=0.040), particularly the left putamen (r=0.458, p=0.087). Discussion & Conclusion: We explored the associations between striatal DAT availability, mentalization, and visual-motor coordination in FES and in healthy individuals. Mentalization was associated with sensory-motor function. Furthermore, evidence showed the potential of the DAT availability at left caudate and left putamen to contribute to mentalization and visual-motor coordination, respectively. Our findings supported social cognition deficits attributed to early-stage striatal changes. They aligned with prior research that reduced left putamen volume and weaker left caudate specialization in schizophrenia and early cortico-striatal hypoconnectivity in FES. Further study is warranted to confirm the observation with a larger population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies have shown that certain severe mental illnesses (SMIs) increase the risk of dementia, but those that increase the risk to a greater degree in comparison with other SMIs are unknown. Furthermore, physical illnesses may alter the risk of developing dementia, but these cannot be well-controlled. Methods: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) were recruited. We also recruited normal healthy subjects as the control group. All subjects were aged over 60 years, and the duration of follow-up was from 2008 to 2015. Multiple confounders were adjusted, including physical illnesses and other variables. Use of medications, especially benzodiazepines, was analyzed in a sensitivity analysis. Results: 36,029 subjects (MDD: 23,371, bipolar disorder: 4,883, schizophrenia: 7,775) and 108,084 control subjects were recruited after matching according to age and sex. The results showed that bipolar disorder had the highest hazard ratio (HR) (HR: 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99−2.30), followed by schizophrenia (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.93−2.19) and MDD (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.51−1.69). The results remained robust after adjusting for covariates, and sensitivity analysis showed similar results. Anxiolytics use did not increase the risk of dementia in any of the three groups of SMI patients. Conclusion: SMIs increase the risk of dementia, and among them, bipolar disorder confers the greatest risk of developing dementia. Anxiolytics may not increase the risk of developing dementia in patients with an SMI, but still need to be used with caution in clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of a community-based psychiatric rehabilitation (CBPR) program had been proven for people with severe mental illness (SMI), but a high discontinuation rate was also noted. The aim of this study was to explore predictors of utilization and outcome of the CBPR program. This retrospective design explored predictors of the program utilization. The data of demographics, illness history, and occupational functioning were collected during an 8-year period and after 2 years follow-up. 162 participants were referred. Forty nine participants (30.25%) refused to participate in (non-attendance group) and 113 (69.75%) attendance in the program (rehabilitation utilizing group). Compared to the non-attendance group, the rehabilitation utilizing group had single status, higher education level, younger age of onset, lived during the hospital-based day center services, a higher proportion of day center services referral, work experience prior to onset, and less than 3 months consecutive work experience prior to onset. Furthermore, the individuals in the rehabilitation utilizing group had higher successfully return to the community and significantly lower acute hospitalization at 1 and 2 years follow-up. In addition to the demographic factors, that individuals' previous and current occupational functioning were potential factors for those who successfully attended CBPR service. CBPR may be beneficial to people with SMI in prompted occupational functioning and reduced relapse. We should consider the factors, and make corresponding plans to support engagement in recovery and wellness for people with mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The impact of serotonergic system on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is well studied. However, the correlation between OC presentations and autonomic nervous system (ANS) is still unclear. Furthermore, whether the correlation might be modulated by serotonin is also uncertain. Methods: We recruited eighty-nine healthy subjects. Serotonin transporter (SERT) availability by [123I]ADAM and heart rate variability (HRV) tests were measured. Symptoms checklist-90 was measured for the OC presentations. The interaction between HRV and SERT availability were calculated and the correlation between HRV and OC symptoms were analyzed after stratified SERT level into two groups, split at medium. Results: The interactions were significant in the factors of low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). Furthermore, the significantly negative correlations between OC symptoms and the above HRV indexes existed only in subjects with higher SERT availability. Conclusion: OC symptoms might be correlated with ANS regulations in subjects with higher SERT availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Weight gain is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality among patients with schizophrenia. We speculated that positive symptoms, related to dopaminergic hyperactivity and altered mesolimbic function, are associated with weight gain. Methods: Twenty-two antipsychotic-naïve, first-episode patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was completed at enrollment and follow-up. Body mass index (BMI) was also measured. Results: The increase in BMI, after 6.04 ± 2.16 years of follow-up, was associated with positive symptoms, but not negative symptoms, before treatment with antipsychotics in antipsychotic-naïve patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: This finding implied that dopaminergic hyperactivity could be an important factor to predict the treatment outcome. Body weight control is important for the health management of patients with schizophrenia with more severe positive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have impaired attention, inhibition control, and memory function. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2 ) gene has been associated with OUD and ALDH2 gene polymorphisms may affect aldehyde metabolism and cognitive function in other substance use disorder. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether ALDH2 genotypes have significant effects on neuropsychological functions in OUD patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: OUD patients undergoing MMT were investigated and followed-up for 12 weeks. ALDH2 gene polymorphisms were genotyped. Connors' Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered at baseline and after 12 weeks of MMT. Multivariate linear regressions and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine the correlation between the ALDH2 genotypes and performance on the CPTs and WMS-R. Results: We enrolled 86 patients at baseline; 61 patients completed the end-of-study assessments. The GEE analysis showed that, after the 12 weeks of MMT, OUD patients with the ALDH2 *1/*2+*2/*2 (ALDH2 inactive) genotypes had significantly higher commission error T-scores (p = 0.03), significantly lower hit reaction time T-scores (p = 0.04), and significantly lower WMS-R visual memory index scores (p = 0.03) than did patients with the ALDH2 1 */*1 (ALDH2 active) genotype. Conclusion: OUD patients with the ALDH2 inactive genotypes performed worse in cognitive domains of attention, impulse control, and memory than did those with the ALDH2 active genotype. We conclude that the ALDH2 gene is important in OUD and is associated with neuropsychological performance after MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) index, hostility scale and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the long-term treatment outcome has been rarely studied. The aim of this study was to explore whether the ANS index and hostility scale at baseline are predictors of long-term outcome in GAD. Nine patients with GAD were recruited. At baseline (week 0), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and mean heart rate range (MHRR) were measured as ANS index; the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale was assessed as hostility. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) was administered at baseline, short-term (week 6) and long-term (week 52). The aggressive response subscale of the hostility scale was significantly negatively correlated with the HAM-A change ratio in short-term and long-term, while MHRR were significantly positively correlated with these change ratios. The MHRR and the aggressive response subscale at baseline could be predictors of long-term outcome in GAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hospitalization of patients with delirium after visiting the emergency department (ED) is often required. However, the readmission risk after discharge from the ED should also be considered. This study aimed to explore whether (i) immediate hospitalization influences the readmission risk of patients with delirium; (ii) the readmission risk is affected by various risk factors; and (iii) the healthcare cost differs between groups within 28 days of the first ED visit. Methods: Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, the data of 2,780 subjects presenting with delirium at an ED visit from 2000 to 2008 were examined. The readmission risks of the groups of patients (i.e., patients who were and were not admitted within 24 hours of an ED visit) within 28 days were compared, and the effects of the severities of different comorbidities (using Charlson's comorbidity index, CCI), age, gender, diagnosis and differences in medical healthcare cost were analyzed. Results: Patients without immediate hospitalization had a higher risk of readmission within 3, 7, 14, or 28 days of discharge from the ED, especially subjects with more severe comorbidities (CCI=3) or older patients (=65 years). Subjects with more severe comorbidities or older subjects who were not admitted immediately also incurred a greater healthcare cost for re-hospitalization within the 28-day follow-up period. Conclusion: Patients with delirium with a higher CCI or of a greater age should be carefully considered for immediate hospitalization from ED for further examination in order to reduce the risk of re-hospitalization and cost of healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation and neurodegeneration underlies bipolar disorder. To investigate biological markers of cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor between bipolar I, bipolar II, and other specified bipolar disorder with short duration hypomania may support the association with inflammatory dysregulation and bipolar disorder and, more specifically, provide evidence for other specified bipolar disorder with short duration hypomania patients were similar to bipolar II disorder patients from a biological marker perspective. Methods: We enrolled patients with bipolar I disorder (n=234), bipolar II disorder (n=260), other specified bipolar disorder with short duration hypomania (n=243), and healthy controls (n=140). Their clinical symptoms were rated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. Inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, transforming growth factor-β1, and interleukin-8) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were measured in each group. Multivariate analysis of covariance and linear regression controlled for possible confounders were used to compare cytokine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels among the groups. Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance adjusted for age and sex and a main effect of diagnosis was significant (P<.001). Three of the 5 measured biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β1, and interleukin-8) were significantly (P=.006, .01, and <.001) higher in all bipolar disorder patients than in controls. Moreover, covarying for multiple associated confounders showed that bipolar I disorder patients had significantly higher IL-8 levels than did bipolar II disorder and other specified bipolar disorder with short duration hypomania patients in multivariate analysis of covariance (P=.03) and linear regression (P=.02) analyses. Biomarkers differences between bipolar II disorder and other specified bipolar disorder with short duration hypomania patients were nonsignificant. Conclusion: The immunological disturbance along the bipolar spectrum was most severe in bipolar I disorder patients. Other specified bipolar disorder with short duration hypomania patients and bipolar II disorder patients did not differ in these biological markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several algorithms have been applied to treat patients with schizophrenia, their clinical use remains still limited, because most emphasize the prescription of antipsychotics. A new algorithm with a more holistic approach to treating patients with schizophrenia, to be used before applying traditional prescribing guidelines, was thus proposed by an expert team of Taiwanese psychiatrists. In this algorithm, several important treatment tasks/modalities are proposed, including long-acting injection antipsychotics, shared decision-making, a case management system, compulsory treatment by law, community rehabilitation programs, the patients' feeling about their health care professionals (patients' behaviors) and their attitude/knowledge of their conditions/illness. This study proposes that evaluating the medication adherence of patients can be determined by two key domains, namely patients' behaviors and attitudes. Based on different levels of their behaviors (X-axis) and attitude/knowledge (Y-axis), it is possible to categorize patients with schizophrenia into six subgroups, for which various different interventions, including the use of antipsychotics, could be applied and integrated. Further research is needed to assess the applicability of this treatment algorithm in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low-dose dextromethorphan (DM) might have anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects mechanistically remote from an NMDA receptor. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled 12 week study, we investigated whether add-on dextromethorphan reduced cytokine levels and benefitted opioid-dependent patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to a group: DM60 (60 mg/day dextromethorphan; n=65), DM120 (120 mg/day dextromethorphan; n=65), or placebo (n=66). Primary outcomes were the methadone dose required, plasma morphine level, and retention in treatment. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, transforming growth factor-β1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were examined during weeks 0, 1, 4, 8, and 12. Multiple linear regressions with generalized estimating equation methods were used to examine the therapeutic effect. Results: After 12 weeks, the DM60 group had significantly longer treatment retention and lower plasma morphine levels than did the placebo group. Plasma TNF-α was significantly decreased in the DM60 group compared to the placebo group. However, changes in plasma cytokine levels, BDNF levels, and the methadone dose required in the three groups were not significantly different. Conclusions: We provide evidence-decreased concomitant heroin use-of low-dose add-on DM's efficacy for treating opioid-dependent patients undergoing MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relation of hemispatial inattention to the performance of daily functions in 32 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and in 31 healthy controls. They were tested on the relationship between a target cancellation task and the Activities of Daily Living Rating Scale-II (ADLRS-II). According to the results of the hemispatial inattention test, the patients with schizophrenia made more omissions in the cancellation test than the controls. In addition, the results showed a significant correlation between number of omissions on the cancellation test and the ADLRS-II score in the study participants. A statistically significant relationship was observed between hemispatial inattention and the functional status of patients with schizophrenia, and suggests the need to incorporate measures of visual attention into psychiatric rehabilitation assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]