OUTLINING THE ABSENCE: FROM INFLAMMATION TO A DISTINCT ENDOPHENOTYPE FOR THE NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA.

The concept of schizophrenia as a mental condition is subject to deconstruction for a broader approach toward a systemic disorder by encompassing the links with inflammation. Beyond the salient psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, the negative symptoms remain the silent cause of deterioration and the hallmark of a worse prognosis. Either as part of a unitary disorder or as a distinct subtype of schizophrenia, the negative symptoms seem to be associated with specific biological features.

The familiarity of Romanian psychiatrists with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: findings from a web-based survey study.

Background And Aims: Psychiatrists are often the first to be consulted in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. Thus, they need to be aware of clinical features, differential diagnoses, and treatment options for this condition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the familiarity of Romanian psychiatrists with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Neural Antibodies in First-episode Psychosis Patients with Warning Signs for Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Objective: : Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) remains an essential differential diagnosis in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). In this study, we aimed to assess to prevalence of AE in a cohort of FEP patients.

Methods: : We used a phenotype-driven algorithm to detect AE in patients with FEP.

The relevance of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis for psychiatrists.

Psychiatrists are often the first to be consulted in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. While this disease is rare, psychiatrists need to be aware of its relevant fundamental, clinical and therapeutic aspects. We begin by reviewing the connection between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia.

The dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis of the evidence.

Despite intensive research into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited progress has been achieved so far. Among the plethora of models seeking to clarify how ASD arises, a coherent dopaminergic model was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework that we designated "the dopamine hypothesis of ASD".

The Importance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Investigation in First-episode Psychosis.

Despite being a reliable first-hand source of data on neuronal pathology, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis remains an often-overlooked evaluation method in first-episode psychosis (FEP). In this paper, we begin by discussing the current role of CSF testing during FEP evaluation in clinical practice. Given that anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis presents with a clinical picture indistinguishable from FEP in >85% of cases, we debate the importance of testing for CSF neuronal antibodies in at least a subset of patients.

Case Report: Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis Manifesting With an Isolated Psychiatric Episode and Normal Ancillary Tests.

The majority of patients with anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis present with psychiatric symptoms and subsequently develop neurological features. However, isolated psychiatric episodes occur in <5% of affected individuals, less frequent at disease onset (<1%) compared to relapse (4%). We report the case of a previously healthy 24-year-old female who presented with psychotic symptoms and behavioral alterations.

The Dopamine Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Revisited: Current Status and Future Prospects.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviors. Despite intensive research, its etiopathogenesis remains largely unclear. Although studies consistently reported dopaminergic anomalies, a coherent dopaminergic model of ASD was lacking until recently.

Genotype-phenotype Analysis of Paraoxonase 1 in Schizophrenic Patients Treated with Atypical Antipsychotics.

Objective: Recent studies suggest a possible involvement of low paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme activities in the association between schizophrenia, treatment with atypical antipsychotics and increased cardiovascular (CVD) risk. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the PON1 status in a group of schizophrenic patients treated with either olanzapine or other antipsychotic, as compared to a group of healthy control participants.

Methods: We assessed the arylesterase (AREase) and paraoxonase (POase) activities of PON1, as well as three common polymorphisms of gene (Q192R, L55M, -108C＞T).

Low Retinal Dehydrogenase 1 (RALDH1) Level in Prepubertal Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Possible Link to Dopamine Dysfunction?

Objective: Retinal dehydrogenase 1 (RALDH1) is a cytosolic enzyme which acts both as a source of retinoic acid (RA) and as a detoxification enzyme. RALDH1 has key functions in the midbrain dopaminergic system, which influences motivation, cognition, and social behavior. Since dopamine has been increasingly linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we asked whether RALDH1 could contribute to the autistic phenotype.

A Dopamine Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviors. While several theories have emerged, the pathogenesis of ASD remains unknown. Although studies report dopamine signaling abnormalities in autistic patients, a coherent dopamine hypothesis which could link neurobiology to behavior in ASD is currently lacking.

From molecules to behavior: An integrative theory of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders for which various theories have been proposed. Each theory brings valuable insights and has experimental evidence backing it, yet none provides an overarching explanation for each of the pathological aspects involved in ASD. Here we present an integrative theory of ASD, centered on a sequence of events spanning from the molecular to the behavioral level.