Molecular mechanisms of psychiatric diseases.

For most psychiatric diseases, pathogenetic concepts as well as paradigms underlying neuropsychopharmacologic approaches currently revolve around neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. However, despite the fact that several generations of neurotransmitter-based psychotropics including atypical antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are available, the effectiveness of these medications is limited, and relapse rates in psychiatric diseases are relatively high, indicating potential involvement of other pathogenetic pathways. Indeed, recent high-throughput studies in genetics and molecular biology have shown that pathogenesis of major psychiatric illnesses involves hundreds of genes and numerous pathways via such fundamental processes as DNA methylation, transcription, and splicing.

The relationship between neurocognitive decline and the heart-lung machine.

Surgery involving the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has long been associated with cerebral changes and may also contribute to adverse neurocognitive outcomes. However, there is a debate as to whether bypass itself is responsible for these changes. We conducted a systematic literature review on PubMed, supplementing our work with recent articles from other sources to examine the current evidence on neurocognitive decline associated with CPB.

Two SNAP-25 genetic variants in the binding site of multiple microRNAs and susceptibility of ADHD: A meta-analysis.

The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the associations between two most widely investigated polymorphisms (rs3746544 and rs1051312) in the 3'UTR of the SNAP-25 gene and susceptibility of ADHD. Two investigators selected related studies and assessed methodological quality independently. Six studies were included in this meta-analysis for a total of 715 cases and 655 controls.

The international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression (iSPOT-D): outcomes from the acute phase of antidepressant treatment.

We aimed to characterize a large international cohort of outpatients with MDD within a practical trial design, in order to identify clinically useful predictors of outcomes with three common antidepressant medications in acute-phase treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression has presently enrolled 1008 treatment-seeking outpatients (18-65 years old) at 17 sites (five countries). At pre-treatment, we characterized participants by symptoms, clinical history, functional status and comorbidity.

Etiology of depression: genetic and environmental factors.

In summary, depressed patients with a history of childhood trauma may have a distinct depression endophenotype characterized by a specific neurobiology and risk genotype that may be responsive to different treatment strategies than depressed patients without childhood adversity. Based on current findings, treatment strategies should be multimodal and include the following: 1. Psychotherapy that addresses a number of domains, such as emotional regulation, cognitive reframing, careful exploration of past traumatic events, attachment, and interpersonal relationships in a safe and trusting therapeutic environment.

Diagnosing depression in congestive heart failure.

Depression is an all too common occurrence in heart failure patients. Depressive symptoms, however, sometimes are confused with the physical repercussions of heart failure. This article highlights different screening assessments for major depression and recommends treatment for this population.

Screening and identification of depression among patients with coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure.

Depression occurring concurrently with cardiovascular diseases is associated with poor outcomes. Several review articles have examined the link between established indices of depression and prognosis in individuals with known coronary heart disease (CHD). These studies have demonstrated relatively consistent results and suggest an important connection between cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with depressive symptoms or major depression.

The effect of previous alcohol abuse on cognitive function in HIV infection.

Objective: The authors' goal was to study the potential effect on cognitive function of an interaction of HIV infection and a history of alcohol abuse.

Method: The subjects were 30 HIV-negative and 50 HIV-positive men with and without a past history of alcohol abuse. Thirty-three of the men (12 HIV negative and 21 HIV positive) had a past history of alcohol abuse, and 47 (18 HIV negative and 29 HIV positive) had never abused alcohol.

The relationship between stressful life events and cognitive function in HIV-infected men.

Previous studies have demonstrated an impact of stress on immune function, and recent studies have suggested an adverse effect of stress on the brain. However, no previous study has examined the impact of stress on cognitive function. This article examines the relationship between stress and cognitive function in 82 HIV-negative subjects and 251 HIV-positive subjects.