Evidence for genetic contribution to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes in schizophrenia.

The epidemiologic link between schizophrenia (SCZ) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the presence and extent of a shared genetic background between SCZ and T2D using genome-wide approaches. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and polygenic risk score analysis in a Greek sample collection (GOMAP) comprising three patient groups: SCZ only (n = 924), T2D only (n = 822), comorbid SCZ and T2D (n = 505); samples from two separate Greek cohorts were used as population-based controls (n = 1,125).

Combination therapy as a potential risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with schizophrenia: the GOMAP study.

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The potential diabetogenic effect of concomitant application of psychotropic treatment classes in patients with SCZ has not yet been evaluated. The overarching goal of the Genetic Overlap between Metabolic and Psychiatric disease (GOMAP) study is to assess the effect of pharmacological, anthropometric, lifestyle and clinical measurements, helping elucidate the mechanisms underlying the aetiology of T2D.

Schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Schizophrenia is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in elevated cardiovascular risk and limited life expectancy, translated into a weighted average of 14.5 years of potential life lost and an overall weighted average life expectancy of 64.7 years.

Criminality in Greece during the years of financial crisis: 2008-2014.

The link between poverty, unemployment and economic downturns and increases in crime rates has long been the subject of social science study. However, the relationships between these phenomena has not been studied sufficiently and through time in most European countries that suffered, or, like Greece, are still suffering the recent financial crisis. We examined if the recent financial crisis in Greece has coincided with an increase in crime, analyzing crime rates since the start of the financial crisis and over an extensive time period (7 years).

Evaluating the glucose raising effect of established loci via a genetic risk score.

Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with glucose levels. We tested the hypothesis here whether the cumulative effect of glucose raising SNPs, assessed via a score, is associated with glucose levels. A total of 1,434 participants of Greek descent from the THISEAS study and 1,160 participants form the GOMAP study were included in this analysis.

[Attenuated psychosis syndrome: A new diagnostic category for further study in DSM-5].

In recent years an increasing number of studies focus on the issue of early diagnosis and intervention. At the same time, a large number of special service units for early psychosis have been established around the world especially in Australia, USA, UK, Germany etc. Recently, similar units operate in Greece also.

Psychiatric specialty training in Greece.

The reform and development of psychiatric services require, in addition to financial resources, reserves in specialized human resources. The role of psychiatrists in this process, and at reducing the consequences of mental morbidity is evident. Psychiatrists are required to play a multifaceted role as clinicians, as experts in multidisciplinary team environments and as advisors in the recognition of public needs in mental health issues, as teachers and mentors for students and other health professionals, as researchers in order to enrich our knowledge in the scientific field of psychiatry, and as public health specialists in the development of the mental health services system.

Early psychosis intervention outpatient service of the 1st Psychiatric University Clinic in Athens: 3 Years of experience.

To present the 3-year experience of the early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service implementation of the 1st Psychiatric University Clinic in Athens. An overview of: (1) the purpose of our service, (2) the referral network, (3) the selection criteria, (4) the diagnostic procedures, (5) the therapeutic interventions and (6) the research activities. The service was established in 2012 and developed gradually aiming to provide information, early detection, treatment and support to people aged 15 to 40 years with psychotic manifestations, who are either at increased risk of developing psychosis (at-risk mental state [ARMS]) or with first episode psychosis (FEP).

Inter-rater reliability of the Greek version of CAARMS among two groups of mental health professionals.

There is increasing interest within the Greek psychiatric community in the early detection and prevention of psychotic disorders. To support this, there is a need for a valid and reliable tool to identify young people that may be at risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Our team has previously translated the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS).

Early psychotic experiences: Interventions, problems and perspectives.

Psychotic or psychotic-like experiences and symptoms may precede and be indicative of later psychosis emergence. DSM-5 has introduced Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS) as a condition for further study, arguing for its clinical validity and the need for identifying sub- threshold psychotic states. Early psychosis intervention has an already established role in reducing the Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP), delaying psychosis onset and relieving Ultra High Risk (UHR) individuals from their presenting symptoms.

A negative association between lithium in drinking water and the incidences of homicides, in Greece.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between lithium levels in the public water supply and incidences of homicide in Greece. A total of 149 samples of drinking water were collected from 34 out of 52 prefectures, and data for homicides were taken from National Statistic Service of Greece (Hellenic Statistical Authority - EL.STAT).

The approach to melancholy on 30.1 Aristotelian problem.

Τhe 30.1 Aristotelian problem is the most comprehensive and organized analysis of the phenomenon of melancholy in Aristotelian Corpus. Although, there are serious doubts if this text, as it was survived today, was written by Aristotle (384-322 B.

Fatigue in female patients with major depression: the effect of comorbid anxiety disorders.

Several studies have investigated fatigue in the general population, in primary care facilities as well as in patients with fatigue-related physical diseases, but only marginally in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Therefore, the investigation of correlates of depression-related fatigue is highly warranted and expected to facilitate the implementation of effective fatigue-specific treatment strategies. Depressed patients often suffer from comorbid anxiety disorders (CADs) or subthreshold anxiety symptoms.

A study of acculturation in psychotic and non-psychotic immigrants living in Athens.

Background: Acculturation is the phenomenon that results when a group with one culture comes into continuous contact with a host culture.

Aims: To investigate the correlation between acculturation and psychotic symptomatology in a group of immigrants suffering from psychosis and to explore differences in demographic factors related with the acculturation process between individuals with and without psychosis.

Methods: Sixty-five patients and 317 non-psychotic immigrants were interviewed using the Immigrant Acculturation Scale (IAS) and a structured questionnaire for demographic data.

Hospital anxiety and depression scale. A quantitative analysis in medical outpatients, psychiatric outpatients and normal subjects.

Depressive and anxiety symptomatology represent the most common psychiatric manifestations that complicate the management and prognosis of patients with somatic disorders. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a reliable, valid andpractical screening tool for identifying and quantifying anxiety and/or depression in non-psychiatric out patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the psychometric properties of the HADS among internal medicine outpatients, psychiatric outpatients and the generalpopulation.