Holistic Management of Schizophrenia Symptoms Using Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Treatment

NMDA receptor modulation by Esculetin: Investigating behavioral, biochemical and neurochemical effects in schizophrenic mice model

Schizophrenia, a global mental health disorder affecting approximately 1 % of the population, is characterized by neurotransmitter dysregulation, particularly dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate. Current antipsychotic therapies, despite their efficacy, are accompanied by adverse effects, which has motivated researchers to investigate more secure substitutes. This study examines the potential antipsychotic effects of esculetin, a natural coumarin derivative recognized for its wide-ranging pharmacological activities (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-pathogenic, anticancer, and neuroprotective), in animal model of schizophrenia induced by ketamine. In order to induce disease, acute and chronic ketamine administration was performed on Swiss albino mice, supplemented with esculetin (as the test substance) and clozapine (as the reference standard). Behavioral studies and biochemical assays were performed to evaluate positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as antioxidant and oxidant levels in various brain regions. Esculetin demonstrated significant improvements in behavioral symptoms, attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and modulated neurotransmitter levels. Afterwards, ELISA was performed to evaluate levels of schizophrenia biomarkers AChE, BDNF. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and NF-κB were also determined. Histopathological parameters of under study brain parts i.e., hippocampus, cortex and striata were also assessed. Esculetin and clozapine significantly (***p < 0.0001) altered ketamine induced behavioral symptoms and attenuated ketamine induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Additionally, esculetin significantly (***p < 0.0001) altered neurotransmitter (dopamine, serotonin, glutamate) levels. ELISA analysis depicts ketamine reduced BDNF levels in hippocampus, cortex and striata while esculetin significantly (***p < 0.0001) increased BDNF levels in under study three parts of brain. Histopathological changes were seen in test groups. The findings of this study indicate that esculetin may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of schizophrenia induced by ketamine. As a result, esculetin may have the potential to be utilized as a treatment for schizophrenia.

Copy Number Variations and Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors involved in its aetiology. Genetic liability contributing to the development of schizophrenia is a subject of extensive research activity, as reliable data regarding its aetiology would enable the improvement of its therapy and the development of new methods of treatment. A multitude of studies in this field focus on genetic variants, such as copy number variations (CNVs) or single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). Certain genetic disorders caused by CNVs including 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, Burnside-Butler syndrome (15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion) or 1q21.1 microduplication/microdeletion syndrome are associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. In this article, we provide a unifying framework linking these CNVs and their associated genetic disorders with schizophrenia and its various neural and behavioural abnormalities.

Expectations of caregivers of persons with severe mental illness from mental health rehabilitation services: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Mental health rehabilitation services (MHRS) play an essential role in addressing the diverse and often complex needs of persons with severe mental illness (SMI). The rehabilitation services are of utmost importance in training these patients to lead an independent and meaningful life. In India, caregivers of persons with SMI play a significant role in the decision-making process concerning treatment and rehabilitation.

AIM

The main objective of the present study was to understand and analyze the expectations of caregivers of persons with severe mental illness from mental health rehabilitation services in the Indian context.

METHOD

The present study is qualitative in nature. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to capture the caregivers' expectations. Fifteen caregivers who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were interviewed for the study. The data obtained was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase data analysis framework.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis of the data emerged into five themes, namely (1) 'proximity', (2) 'professionalism of staff', (3) 'treatment related expectations', (4) 'welfare benefits', and (5) 'infrastructure'. These themes and their sub-themes were subsequently discussed in the light of existing literature.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers of persons with SMI identified the most relevant as well as generic expectations from MHRS. Understanding these expectations can help improvise the existing services delivery system and help institutes, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other concerned entities working in mental health rehabilitation to develop service user friendly rehabilitation models.

Moving Beyond Current Treatment: Responding to Extreme States With Compassion and Dignity

Newer research around extreme experiences is showing that recovery is far more prevalent than has been represented in the past. In addition, some aspects that have traditionally been considered the first line of treatment are now being found to be less effective than once believed or even harmful. However, approaches that combine new information, compassion, and that restore dignity to the individual are finally being recognized as the underpinnings of successful outcomes. Individuals who have gone through an extreme state deserve to learn about the impact of cultural aspects and childhood experiences on such. They should be reminded that many will experience positive growth from the extreme state itself. It should be normalized how frequently these experiences arise throughout the world and how often people do recover. It is important for individuals to understand the beneficial impact of enhancing relationships and connections in their daily life and of fostering empowerment for themselves and their choices. By incorporating research findings and inviting the individual to seek out a meaningful life, as determined by themselves, people can and do recover from these experiences.

Neural Substrates of the Drift-Diffusion Model in Brain Disorders

Many studies on the drift-diffusion model (DDM) explain decision-making based on a unified analysis of both accuracy and response times. This review provides an in-depth account of the recent advances in DDM research which ground different DDM parameters on several brain areas, including the cortex and basal ganglia. Furthermore, we discuss the changes in DDM parameters due to structural and functional impairments in several clinical disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia. This review thus uses DDM to provide a theoretical understanding of different brain disorders.

Risk and protective factors of relapse in patients with first-episode schizophrenia from perspectives of health professionals: a qualitative study in northeastern Thailand

Background:  Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can relapse after treatments. Risk and protective factors for relapse are dependent on multicultural contexts.

Objective: To identify risk and protective factors related to relapse in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) in northeastern Thailand from perspectives of health professionals.

Methods: This qualitative research collected data from 21 health professional staff members (psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and nutritionist) of a tertiary psychiatric hospital of northeastern Thailand who had been involved in mental health care for schizophrenia for at least 5 years by in-depth interviews and group interview using semi-structured interview schedule. Content analyses was used to identify staff perception of factors that put patients at risk of relapse.

Results: Data analyses demonstrated that factors related to relapse in FES patients were drug adherence (drug discontinuation, limited access to new generation drugs, self-dose reduction and skipping medication, and poor insight), family factors (stressful circumstances and family supports), substance abuses (narcotics, addictive substances, caffeinated drinks), concurrent medical illness (insomnia, thyroid diseases, and pregnancy-related hormonal changes), and natural course of disease. 

Conclusion: Factors affecting relapse in FES was not only drug adherence. Family factors, drug abuses, and concurrent health status should be also taken into account. A comprehensive mental health care program should be developed for FES patients in the region.

Help, I can't help: A qualitative study of psychiatric nurse's perspectives on their care for people who hear voices

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT?: There are no studies on the perceptions of psychiatric nurses on interventions they provided to people hearing voices while in an acute psychiatric unit in Ireland. There are three studies focussed on psychiatric nurses' experiences of caring for people that hear voices, two based in England and one based in Australia. Only two of these studies is focussed on nurses working in an acute psychiatric unit. WHAT IS THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study used semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions of psychiatric nurses in the Republic of Ireland on interventions they provided people hearing voices while in an acute psychiatric unit. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Further quantitative and qualitative research into the nursing practice for people experiencing auditory hallucinations, in both in-patient and community settings. Follow up supports and supervision after the completion training programmes should be implemented, to ensure the transition of skills and knowledge to the clinical environment. Further investigation into whether or not psychiatric nurses are well prepared for the developments outlined in national polices. ABSTRACT: Aims and Objectives To explore the perspectives and experiences of Irish psychiatric nurses working in acute care in regard to their role in addressing hearing voices in the people in their care, with a view to gain insight in the nurses' personal experiences, interventions they provide, attitudes, knowledge, facilitating factors and challenges. Background Treatment of auditory hallucinations often takes place in acute psychiatric care. Traditionally treatment was focused on medication, but this is no longer the sole approach, with psychosocial interventions gaining ground. Psychiatric nurses have the potential to provide these interventions. As part of the changing emphasis of mental health care in Ireland towards more responsibilities for psychiatric nurses, there is a need to establish whether psychiatric nurses are prepared to take up these added responsibilities. Design A qualitative study, comprising of semi-structured interviews (n = 16). Results Four themes emerged through thematic analysis. These included (a) the importance of therapeutic relationships; (b) reservations about the emphasis on medication; (c) limitations to interventions; and (d) the lack of focus/structure of interventions. Conclusions The use of systematic psychosocial interventions for people who hear voices is not well supported in the acute psychiatric settings the psychiatric nurses in the study worked in.

Stem cell-based models and therapies: a key approach into schizophrenia treatment

Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia can generate distress and disability along with heavy costs on individuals and health care systems. Different genetic and environmental factors play a pivotal role in the appearance of the mentioned disorders. Since the conventional treatment options for psychiatric disorders are suboptimal, investigators are trying to find novel strategies. Herein, stem cell therapies have been recommended as novel choices. In this context, the preclinical examination of stem cell-based therapies specifically using appropriate models can facilitate passing strong filters and serious examination to ensure proper quality and safety of them as a novel treatment approach. Animal models cannot be adequately helpful to follow pathophysiological features. Nowadays, stem cell-based models, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells reflected as suitable alternative models in this field. Accordingly, the importance of stem cell-based models, especially to experiment with the regenerative medicine outcomes for schizophrenia as one of the severe typing of psychiatric disorders, is addressed here.

Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Damage in the Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia

The biochemical integrity of the brain is paramount to the function of the central nervous system, and oxidative stress is a key contributor to cerebral biochemical impairment. Oxidative stress, which occurs when an imbalance arises between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the efficacy of the antioxidant defense mechanism, is believed to play a role in the pathophysiology of various brain disorders. One such disorder, schizophrenia, not only causes lifelong disability but also induces severe emotional distress; however, because of its onset in early adolescence or adulthood and its progressive development, consuming natural antioxidant products may help regulate the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Therefore, elucidating the functions of ROS and dietary antioxidants in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia could help formulate improved therapeutic strategies for its prevention and treatment. This review focuses specifically on the roles of ROS and oxidative damage in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, as well as the effects of nutrition, antipsychotic use, cognitive therapies, and quality of life on patients with schizophrenia. By improving our understanding of the effects of various nutrients on schizophrenia, it may become possible to develop nutritional strategies and supplements to treat the disorder, alleviate its symptoms, and facilitate long-term recovery.

Medication Profile and Treatment Cost Estimation Among Outpatients with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety Disorders in Indonesia

PURPOSE

The present retrospective study aimed to determine the medication profile and estimate the treatment costs from medical records of new outpatients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders from a healthcare perspective at a national referral hospital in Indonesia from 2016 to 2018.

METHODS

Medical records (including medical and administrative data) of 357 new outpatients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders were collected from the hospital information system. The records of new outpatients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders aged >18 years and had only received drugs for treatment were included. The medication profile was descriptively assessed, and estimated costs were calculated based on direct costs from a healthcare perspective.

RESULTS

Overall, 173 medical records were further analyzed. The main drugs administered to the new outpatients were atypical and typical antipsychotics for schizophrenia, atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder, antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics for depression, and antidepressants and benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders. The average annual treatment costs per patient were IDR 3,307,931 (USD 236) for schizophrenia, IDR 17,978,865 (USD 1,284) for bipolar disorder, IDR 1,601,850 (USD 114) for depression, and IDR 1,190,563 (USD 85) for anxiety disorders.

CONCLUSION

The most commonly prescribed drugs for schizophrenia were haloperidol and risperidone; for bipolar disorders, sodium divalproex and risperidone; for depression, fluoxetine and sertraline; and for anxiety disorders, sertraline and lorazepam. Considering the high prevalence and estimated treatment costs for mental disorders, special attention is required to prevent an increase in their prevalence in Indonesia.