Immunomodulatory treatment may change functional and structural brain imaging in severe mental disorders.

Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and deviations in brain structure and connectivity are seen in these disorders. Here, we explore the effects of a potent immunomodulatory treatment on neuroimaging. In a pilot study of rituximab treatment in schizophrenia and OCD, a subgroup (n = 13) underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging before and 5 months after treatment, to study longitudinal changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

Association between electroconvulsive therapy and time to readmission after a manic episode.

Objective: The majority of patients hospitalized for treatment of a manic episode are readmitted within 2 years despite maintenance treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been associated with lower rehospitalization rates in some psychiatric conditions, but its association with readmission after a manic episode has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the time to readmission in patients with mania treated with ECT was longer than in patients not treated with ECT and whether there were subgroups of patients that benefited more.

Tattoos, piercings, and symptoms of ADHD in non-clinical adults: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Tattoos and piercings are associated with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits, which are also common along the ADHD continuum. However, studies on ADHD and body modification are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association between body modification and subclinical ADHD symptom severity and to investigate if body modification can serve as an indication for ADHD examination.

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with rituximab for psychotic disorder in adults (RCT-Rits).

Background: The role of inflammation in the aetiology of schizophrenia has gained wide attention and research on the association shows an exponential growth in the last 15 years. Autoimmune diseases and severe infections are risk factors for the later development of schizophrenia, elevated inflammatory markers in childhood or adolescence are associated with a greater risk of schizophrenia in adulthood, individuals with schizophrenia have increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to healthy controls, and autoimmune diseases are overrepresented in schizophrenia. However, treatments with anti-inflammatory agents are so far of doubtful clinical relevance.