Plasma levels of neurotrophin 4/5, NGF and pro-BDNF influence transition to mental disorders in a sample of individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis.

Background: Neurotrophins (NTs) and their precursors (pro-NTs) are polypeptides with important roles in neuronal development, differentiation, growth, survival and plasticity, as well as apoptosis and neuronal death. Imbalance in NT levels were observed in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but evidence in ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) samples is scarce.

Methods: A naturalistic sample of 87 non-help-seeking UHR subjects and 55 healthy controls was drawn from the general population.

Childhood maltreatment in individuals at risk of psychosis: Results from the Brazilian SSAPP cohort.

Background: Childhood maltreatment is a known risk factor for the development of mental disorders, such as psychotic symptoms. An extensive body of literature about childhood maltreatment and mental health has been developed in wealthy countries, but information about this connection is lacking in developing countries.

Aims: To explore a possible relationship between childhood maltreatment and ultra-high risk of psychosis in a non-help-seeking population in a low- and middle-income country.