A Possible Role of Akkermansia muciniphila in the Treatment of Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain.

Second-generation antipsychotics are mainly used in both acute and long-term treatment of major psychiatric disorders. Although better tolerated than first-generation antipsychotic drugs, they can frequently induce weight gain and metabolic disorders, of these, olanzapine is one of the drugs more likely to induce these side effects. There is consistent evidence of the role of gut microbiota in modulating the gut-brain axis with complex crosstalk with the host involving satiety signaling pathways, food intake behavior, and weight and metabolic regulation.

[Urban insecurity and fear of crime in people suffering from mental disorders: a study in 24 Mental Health Centers in Italy].

Aims: To assess in a sample of people with mental disorders: 1) fear of crime and perceived insecurity; 2) the association between fear of crime and insecurity; 3) the incidence of crimes.

Methods: Twenty-four Italian mental health centres have been invited to participate in the study from the network of the Early Career Psychiatrists' Committee of the Italian Psychiatric Association. In each participating centre, the first 20 patients consecutively accessing the mental health centre between February and April 2011 have been recruited.

"Spiceophrenia": a systematic overview of "spice"-related psychopathological issues and a case report.

Objectives: The use of synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; "spice" drugs) is increasing, especially among teenagers and young adults. In parallel with this, the number of studies describing intoxication episodes associated with psychotic symptoms in SC users is growing. We present both a systematic review of the related literature and a case report, which seems to highlight the existence of a possible association between SC use and psychosis.

Effectiveness of telecare in elderly populations-a comparison of three settings.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction with 3 types of formal care systems of the elderly: (1) a day care center, (2) a nursing home, and (3) telecare service in a group of oldest frail elderly, and to describe the characteristics of the population using the services. The study involved a population of 162 oldest elderly using 3 different types of formal care services. Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic characteristics and degree of overall satisfaction with the service, as well as eliciting possible suggestions for improvement.

Psychoeducational intervention and prevention of relapse among schizophrenic disorders in the Italian community psychiatric network.

Background: The lack of compliance is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and switching or augmentation of therapy when compared with being compliant. A synergy of drug therapy and psychosocial interventions can give more benefits in treatment.

Methods: A perspective study was conducted on 150 patients with schizophrenia over 15 centers in Italy.