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Background: Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) might occur in the general population as low‐risk individual differences or prodromal features, requiring quick detection and early intervention. The aims of this study were to conduct a mini‐systematic review of the prognostic abilities of the Prodromal Questionnaire‐Brief (PQ‐B), describe the PLEs distribution for the first time in a Polish population, assess PQ‐B reliability and propose an innovative scoring approach based on cluster analysis. Methods: Five hundred and twenty eight (334 female) adult volunteers underwent screening with the PQ‐B, 49% also underwent the early psychosis screening test PRIME, to verify the tests' psychometric properties, to compare the prognostic accuracy of the PQ‐B to the more restrictive PRIME, and to the detected types of possible diagnosis in the general population. Results: Almost 70% of respondents met the prognostic criteria of the PQ‐B while only 30.6% met the PRIME criteria. Both tests proved reliable (α >.835) and valid (rho >.710; P <.001). A cluster analysis identified three different sub‐groups detected with the PQ‐B: healthy individuals without PLE; healthy with low‐distressing PLEs; and possibly prodromal subjects reporting less frequent but more distressing PLEs and no worries about their own mental state. Also in systematic reviews, authors of different adaptations have observed that the PQ‐B has too low specificity and postulated the need for higher cut‐offs. Conclusion: Study provides evidence of good reliability and sensitivity of the PQ‐B in assessing PLEs among the general population, but emphasizes that straightforward quantitative scoring criteria are still unclear. A more qualitative approach might be useful for differentiating true prodromal subjects from clinically low‐risk individual differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the auspices of the Polish Psychiatric Association and the National Consultant in Psychiatry, on the basis of analysis of international guidelines, the expert group consisting of psychiatrists and an epidemiologist compiled recommendations for the treatment of a depressive episode and recurrent depressive disorder. The recommendations take into account the information that the patient should receive before starting the treatment, the selection criteria for the treatment method and the choice of the antidepressant, the method of assessing the efficacy of treatment, treatment monitoring, and the duration of treatment. Formulating the recommendations, the experts analyzed the source data for their applicability in Poland. The current recommendations of scientific societies and an analysis of the literature on the treatment of depressive episodes and recurrent depressive disorder broken down by the treatment of acute episodes and maintenance treatment, as well as the recommendations on the method of creating guidelines have been taken into account. Furthermore, the guidelines developed in collaboration with the Supreme Medical Council and the Polish Psychiatric Association, entitled: "Diagnostic work-up and treatment of depression in adults - guidelines for family physicians", and recommendations of the National Consultant in Adult Psychiatry have been taken into account. The recommendations were discussed among the experts and accepted by the General Board of the Polish Psychiatric Association. Subsequently, the recommendations were modified in line with the Board's comments and endorsed by the Association for use in the management of patients with depression in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Cognitive and affective experiences considered typical of psychotic disorders may also occur in the general population, though in a less severe form. The ability to differentiate them from prodromal states, preceding the onset of full-blown psychosis, is an important element of prevention and early detection of high risk of a sudden deterioration of mental state. In response to the current lack of questionnaire tools enabling assessment of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), an attempt was made to adapt the PQ-B questionnaire for use in the Polish population. Method. In the pilot study, a sample of 652 persons (66% women), aged 18-78 years, approximately 10% of whom were psychiatric patients, completed the Polish version of the PQ-B, and the O-LIFE, HCL-33, SWLS and TCT-DP measures. Results. Results yielded a one-factor structure, satisfactory reliability (a > 0.85) and construct validity of the 21-item self-report questionnaire assessing the incidence of PLEs in the past month and severity of accompanying distress. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between PQ-B scores and symptoms of schizotypy (especially unusual perceptual experiences and cognitive disorganization), emotional lability (p < 0.05) and depressed mood (p > 0.001) typical of hypomania, as well as unconventional thinking (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The PQ-B(PL) can be a useful tool in both Polish clinical practice and scientific research, filling the existing gap among screening tests for traits on the border of health and psychopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To investigate the effect of long-term lithium treatment on very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) circulating in peripheral blood (PB), in bipolar disorder (BD). Methods:The study included 15 BD patients (aged 55 ± 6 years) treated with lithium for 8–40 years (mean 16 years), 15 BD patients (aged 53 ± 7 years) with duration of illness >10 years, who had never received lithium, and 15 healthy controls (aged 50 ± 5 years). The VSELs, HSCs, MSCs and EPCs were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Results:In BD subjects not taking lithium the number of CD34+ VSELs was significantly higher, and MSCs and EPCs numerically higher, than in control subjects and the number of CD34+ VSELs correlated with the duration of illness. In lithium-treated patients these values were similar to controls and the number of CD34+ VSELs correlated negatively with the duration of lithium treatment and serum lithium concentration. Conclusions:Long-term treatment with lithium may suppress the activation of regenerative processes by reducing the number of VSELs circulating in PB. These cells, in BD patients not treated with lithium, may provide a new potential biological marker of the illness and its clinical progress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The expanding field of stem cell research is now beginning to help with the problems of modern psychiatry. On the one hand, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can now be used to generate neural cell lines from patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, which can then serve as models for studying changes in gene expression pattern involved in the pathogen-esis of these diseases. These artificially generated neural cells are also employed in studying the efficacy of newly developed antipsychotic treatments. On the other hand, evidence has accumulated that not only monocytes, which can be microglia precursors, but also certain other adult bone marrow-derived cells may cross the blood-brain barrier and affect biological processes in brain tissue. Along with evidence of circulating and brain-infiltrating cells, there are well-studied factors (e.g., chemokines, phosphosphingolipids, and complement-cleavage fragments) that modulate trafficking of these cells between bone marrow and neural tissue. These observations may help to shed new light on the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders and, in the future, perhaps help to develop more effective treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the study was to prove the hypothesis that the DRD2 and ANnKK1 gene haplotypes, containing the polymorphic variant associated with reduced DRD2 availability predisposes to a severe form of alcohol dependence. Methods. The authors studied haplotypes of 3 SNnPs (rs 1799732, rs 6276, rs 1800497) and one DRD2 intron 2 STRP (dinucleotide microsatellite polymorphism) in 85 male alcoholics. Results. Data have shown that the haplotypes are more common in the withdrawal without complications subgroup and more common in the withdrawal with complications (delirium or/and seizures) subgroup. Conclusion. The results do not confirm the initial hypothesis but suggest a discriminative role of STRP in the severity of alcohol dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To find a correlation between PAX-6 promoter polymorphism and other parameters pertaining to addictions like e.g. manner of drinking, proneness to faster cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Material and method. In a group of 68 alcohol dependent subjects the history of alcohol dependence was assessed using a composite interview, PAX-- 6 gene promoter polymorphism was studied, and the occurrence of the processes of cerebral and cerebellar atrophy was evaluated using a CT scan. Results. A negative correlation between the quantity of (AC)m (AG)n repeats in PAX-6 gene promoter b and the cerebral and cerebellar atrophy was found. the occurrence of atrophy was correlated with a decrease in alcohol tolerance and the presence of withdrawal symptoms complicated by alcohol delirium. Conclusions. Genetic factors, especially a polymorphism in the region of PAX-6 gene promoter B, can be considered as one of the essential causes of a tendency of brain atrophy in patients with alcohol dependence. Brain atrophies lead to complicated deep withdrawal syndromes and are related to a decreased alcohol tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Accumulating evidence indicates the potential effect of microbiota on the pathogenesis and course of schizophrenia. However, the effects of olanzapine, second-generation antipsychotics, on gut microbiota have not been investigated in humans. This study aimed to analyze fecal microbiota in schizophrenia patients treated with olanzapine during six weeks of their hospital stay. After a seven-day washout from all psychotropic medications, microbiota compositions were evaluated at baseline and after six weeks of hospitalization using 16S rRNA sequencing. The study was conducted in 20 inpatients, who followed the same hospital routine and received 5–20 mg daily doses of olanzapine. Olanzapine treatment was associated with clinical improvements in all patients and significant increases in body mass index in females, but not changes in gut microbiota compositions and predicted function. The severity of symptoms at the beginning of treatment varied in accordance with the predicted metabolic activity of the bacteria. The present findings indicate that the microbiota of schizophrenia patients is highly individual and has different taxonomical (Type 1, with a predominance of Prevotella, and Type 2 with a higher abundance of Bacteroides, Blautia and Clostridium) and functional clusters, and it does not change following six weeks of olanzapine therapy; in addition, the microbiota is not associated with either the weight gain observed in women or the effectiveness of olanzapine therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in coping styles between individuals at ultra high risk for psychosis, with first episode psychosis, chronic schizophrenia and healthy controls. Subject or material and methods: A total of 167 individuals with chronic schizophrenia (CHS; n=66), first episode psychosis (FEP; n=31), at ultra high risk for psychosis (UHR; n=16) and healthy controls (HC; n=54) were recruited to complete the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) to investigate their preferred coping styles. Demographic data were collected using a short self-designed questionnaire. Results: Our results demonstrated all participants' preference for mixed coping (i.e. a strategy in which two or three styles are applied with similar frequency). The second choice across the control group was task-oriented, and in the clinical groups emotion-oriented coping. Interestingly, task-oriented coping was significantly more frequent in controls relative to the clinical groups, while the frequency of emotion-oriented coping did not differ significantly across our sample. Avoidance-oriented coping was reported significantly more frequently in the CHS compared to both HC and UHR. Discussion: This study demonstrates differences in coping with stressful situations between patients at various stages of psychosis and healthy individuals. Conclusions: Therapeutic interventions for patients from the psychosis spectrum should include education on coping with stress and practical training of coping skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing number of studies trying to explain the role of inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of mental disorders, including schizophrenia. Epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis of maternal immune activation during pregnancy, which increases the risk of schizophrenia in the offspring. Studies searching for potential biomarkers for schizophrenia suggest its links with pro-inflammatory cytokines. The process is also linked with complement cascade proteins and microglia cells, although the precise biological underpinnings still remain unclear. Importantly, several clinical trials provide evidence that certain anti-inflammatory substances have a beneficial effect on the treatment of schizophrenia. A better understanding of the role of inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia will enable new solutions in preventive and therapeutic interventions. This paper aims to summarize current evidence on the potential biological mechanisms linking inflammatory processes to the ethiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an unusual strain on medical staff across the globe. Psychiatric disorders and their effect on patients' behavior turn the management of coronavirus disease into an even more of a challenging task. In this paper we present a case report of a COVID-19-positive patient suffering from organic mental disorders and alcohol dependence syndrome, thus shedding some light on a perspective of mental health professionals working in a psychiatric hospital setting, transformed into an infectious diseases unit designated solely to cover treatment of SARS-COV-2 infected patients with mental disorders, on problems and issues arising during provision of immediate healthcare in psychiatry departments in today's pandemic-stricken world. We believe that our experience from such an endeavor could prove invaluable for other mental health specialists and therefore sharing it seems especially timely and valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) exon 3 polymorphisms (48 bp VNTR) in the pathogenesis of alcoholism. This polymorphism was investigated in the association study in a whole group of alcoholics (n = 122) and in homogenous overlapping subgroups: 1) with early age of onset of alcoholism (AOO < or = 26 years) (n = 65) and 2) with a co-occurrence of dissocial personality disorder (n = 38), and 3) in patients with a history of delirium tremens and/or alcohol seizures (n = 41). The control group consisted of healthy volunteers, gender and age matched, with excluded psychiatric disorders (n = 399)., Method: The history of alcoholism was investigated using SSAGA (Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism - Polish version). The DRD4 receptor exon 3 polymorphism was determined using PCR., Results: We found significant differences in the short alleles (2-5 VNTR) frequencies between controls and patients with a history of delirium tremens and/or alcohol seizures (p = 0.043). A trend was also observed in the higher frequency of short alleles amongst individuals with an early age of onset of alcoholism (p = 0.063)., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that inherited short variants of DRD4 alleles may play role in pathogenesis of alcohol dependence.

Aim: Scientific data indicates that 80% alcohol dependent patients smoke cigarettes. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of cigarette smoking on the severity of alcohol craving and therefore -on the efficacy of treatment and continuing sobriety in alcohol dependent individuals., Method: We examined 82 adults (57 men and 25 women), meeting the ICD-10 alcohol dependence criteria, undergoing alcohol dependence therapy, who were divided into two groups--smoking and non-smoking (male and female). Twice during the study--between the 7th and 14th day and 50th and 90th day of therapy--subjects were examined with the use of a structured questionnaire, including basic demographic data, the Nicotine Dependence Test and the Nicotine Dependence Questionnaire by Fagerstrom and the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale by Anton., Results: The study was accomplished by 76 patients. In 80% of the alcohol dependent smokers the number of cigarettes per day remains unchanged. There were no significant differences in alcohol craving between smokers and non-smokers.

Unlabelled: The aim of the present study is a characterisation of the personality dimensions of patients with anxiety disorder., Method: Personality of 103 patients with different mixed ICD-10 diagnosis of anxiety disorders (79 females, 24 males, mean age: 38 +/- 12 years) were studied and compared to 183 healthy controls (117 females, 66 males, mean age: 35 +/- 14) using the 16 PF Cattell's Questionnaire and Cloninger's TCI. Spielberger's State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and Self-evaluation of the Beck's Depression Scale were also applies., Results: Levels of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in patients. It was found that patients with anxiety disorders scored higher in Cattell's following factors: O, Q4 and lower in: C, E, F, H, Q3 when compared to standard population norms. Following TCI scales differentiated the personality of patients when compared to the controls: A significant increase of all HA subscales, decrease of NS in females and NS1 in both female and male patients, increase in RD1 and decrease in RD3 in patients, decrease of P, SD, C (except C4 and C5 subscales) were observed., Conclusion: Both TCI and 16 PF describe similar traits in the personality of patients with anxiety disorders, and are helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of therapy.

PAX-6 gene promoter polymorphism, alcohol dependence history and CT were determined in the group of 68 alcoholics. We found negative correlation between numbers of PAX-6 gene promoter B (AC)m (AG)n repeats and atrophy of the brain and the cerebellum. Occurrence of these lesions was correlated with a decrease of alcohol tolerance, withdrawal symptoms--especially delirium tremens.