Intensity-Dependence of Auditory Evoked Potentials (IDAP) as a Neurophysiological Parameter to Predict Anti-Aggressive Responsiveness to SSRI Treatment

Association between the loudness dependence of auditory evoked potentials and age in patients with schizophrenia and depression

Objective

Although serotonergic dysfunction is significantly associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), comparison of serotonergic dysfunction in both diseases has received little attention. Serotonin hypotheses have suggested diminished and elevated serotonin activity in MDD and SCZ, respectively. However, the foundations underlying these hypotheses are unclear regarding changes in serotonin neurotransmission in the aging brain. The loudness dependence of auditory evoked potentials (LDAEP) reflects serotonin neurotransmission. The present study compared the LDAEP between patients with SCZ or MDD and healthy controls (HCs). We further examined whether age was correlated with the LDAEP and clinical symptoms.

Methods

This prospective clinical study included 105 patients with SCZ (n = 54) or MDD (n = 51). Additionally, 35 HCs were recruited for this study. The LDAEP was measured on the midline channels via 62 electroencephalography channels.

Results

Patients with SCZ or MDD showed a significantly smaller mean LDAEP than those in HCs. The LDAEP was positively correlated with age in patients with SCZ or MDD.

Conclusions

Changes in central serotonergic activity could be indicated by evaluating the LDAEP in patients with SCZ or MDD. Age-related reductions in serotonergic activity may be screened using the LDAEP in patients with SCZ or MDD.

Pharmacological strategies for sexual recovery in men undergoing antipsychotic treatment

INTRODUCTION

: First- and second-generation antipsychotics are highly accountable for causing a plethora of medical side effects, ranging from metabolic imbalances to sexual dysfunction (SD), that frequently undermine patient-doctor relationships. Nevertheless, to date antipsychotics are one of the best treatment options for dealing with numerous either acute or chronic conditions like agitation, suicidality, depression, dementia, and of course psychosis. For these reasons, clinicians need to handle them wisely to preserve patients' sexual health, avoid poor therapeutic adherence and prevent high rates of therapy drop-out.

AREAS COVERED

: This article reviews the literature on pharmacologic approaches for management strategies in men who are administered with antipsychotics and developed SD. The etiology of antipsychotic-induced SD is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

: Clinicians must consider sexual life as a major health domain. To do so, a first step would be to measure and monitor sexual function by means of psychometric tools. Secondly, primary prevention should be conducted when choosing antipsychotics, i.e., picking sex-sparing compounds like aripiprazole or brexpiprazole. Thirdly, if sexolytic compounds cannot be dismissed, such as first-generation antipsychotics, risperidone, paliperidone, or amisulpride, then aripiprazole 5-20 mg/day adjunctive therapy has proven to be most effective in normalizing prolactin levels and consequently treating antipsychotic-induced SD.