Gross anatomical features of the insular cortex in affective disorders.

Introduction: The number of insular gyri is elevated in patients with schizophrenia. Thus, it has potential as a marker of early neurodevelopmental abnormalities. However, currently it remains unclear whether patients with other neuropsychiatric disorders, such as affective disorders, also have this gross brain anatomical feature.

Triangulating evidence from the GALENOS living systematic review on trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists in psychosis.

Background: Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists offer a new approach, but there is uncertainty regarding their effects, exact mechanism of action and potential role in treating psychosis.

Aims: To evaluate the available evidence on TAAR1 agonists in psychosis, using triangulation of the output of living systematic reviews (LSRs) of animal and human studies, and provide recommendations for future research prioritisation.

Method: This study is part of GALENOS (Global Alliance for Living Evidence on aNxiety, depressiOn and pSychosis).

Advancements in MELD Score and Its Impact on Hepatology.

There continues to be an ongoing need for fair and equitable organ allocation. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score has evolved as a calculated framework to evaluate and allocate patients for liver transplantation objectively. The original MELD score has undergone multiple modifications as it is continuously scrutinized for its accuracy in objectively representing the clinical context of patients with liver disease.

Deprescribing antidepressants for depression - what is the evidence for and against?

Objective: Recent guidelines suggest that the overall quantity and duration of antidepressant prescriptions should be reduced. In this paper, we comment on the evidence both for and against this view.

Methods: We critically review the arguments proposed by proponents of antidepressant deprescribing in the context of the evidence-base for the treatment of depression.

Intra- and Inter-Network connectivity of the default mode network differentiates Treatment-Resistant depression from Treatment-Sensitive depression.

Understanding why some patients with depression remain resistant to antidepressant medication could be elucidated by investigating their associated neural features. Although research has consistently demonstrated abnormalities in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) - a region that is part of the default mode network (DMN) - in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a considerable research gap exists in discerning how these neural networks distinguish TRD from treatment-sensitive depression (TSD). We aimed to evaluate the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the ACC with other regions of the DMN to better understand the role of this structure in the pathophysiology of TRD.

Assisted dying for mental illness: a contemporary concern that requires careful and compassionate consideration.

With assisted dying becoming increasingly available to people suffering from somatic diseases, the question arises whether those suffering from mental illnesses should also have access. At the heart of this difficult and complex matter are values such as equality and parity of esteem. These issues require humane deliberation.

Torture Exposure Modulates Cognitive Control and Attention Neural Network Connectivity During a Go/NoGo Task.

Background: Torture trauma is characterized by intentional uncontrollable acts, but the long-term effects of torture exposure on cognitive control brain mechanisms are unknown.

Methods: A final sample of 33 torture survivors (TSs) and 44 non-TSs, all with a refugee background, completed a Go/NoGo response inhibition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Data-driven independent component analysis identified active networks across the task and on Go, NoGo, and error of commission trials.

Psychiatrists and general practitioners perspectives on sexual wellbeing: Why it matters?

Objective: Sexual wellbeing is a fundamental component of overall wellbeing and is often impacted by common psychiatric disorders such as depression. Despite this, research suggests it is underexplored in clinical practice. This preliminary study aimed to examine whether this is the case in both psychiatrists and general practitioners (GPs).

Understanding Irritability From Childhood to Adolescence.

We read with great interest the article by Srinivasan et al., and we are heartened to see a renewed focus on irritability as an important phenomenon that necessitates better understanding. In particular, the hypothesis that irritability in childhood may signal the development of psychiatric problems later in life is a persuasive concept that aligns with our thinking.

Self-construal modulates default mode network connectivity in refugees with PTSD.

Background: While self-construal and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are independently associated with altered self-referential processes and underlying default mode network (DMN) functioning, no study has examined how self-construal affects DMN connectivity in PTSD.

Methods: A final sample of 93 refugee participants (48 with DSM-5 PTSD or sub-syndromal PTSD and 45 matched trauma-exposed controls) completed a 5-minute resting state fMRI scan to enable the observation of connectivity in the DMN and other core networks. A self-construal index was calculated by substracting scores on the collectivistic and individualistic sub-scales of the Self Construal Scale.

Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective.

This is an overview of recent advances on predominant polarity conceptualization in bipolar disorder (BD). Current evidence on its operationalized definitions, possible contextualization within the affective spectrum, along with its epidemiological impact, and treatment implications, are summarized. Predominant polarity identifies three subgroups of patients with BD according to their mood recurrencies: (i) those with depressive or (ii) manic predominance as well as (iii) patients without any preponderance ('nuclear' type).