Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk Factors Related to Acute Psychiatric Relapses in Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: A Preliminary Study.

Previous studies have indicated that vitamin (Vit) D deficiency is frequent in psychiatric patients, regardless of diagnostic category. We aimed to assess whether acute psychiatric relapses in inpatients was associated with Vit D deficiency compared to stabilized outpatients. The cohort (152 total patients, 75 males and 77 females) had a mean age of 47.

Duration of untreated illness predicts 3-year outcome in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A real-world, naturalistic, follow-up study.

Duration of untreated illness (DUI) is a predictor of outcome in psychotic and affective disorders. The few available data on the effect of DUI in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggest an association between longer DUI and poorer response to treatments. This is a real-world, naturalistic, follow-up study evaluating the impact of DUI on long-term clinical outcomes.

Effects of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents on the Mental Health of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Prospective Observational Study.

In chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, interferon-based treatments showed toxicity, limited efficacy, and psychiatric manifestations. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents appeared safer, though it remains unclear if they may exacerbate or foster mood symptoms in drug-naïve CHC patients. We evaluated 62 CHC patients' mental status, before and 12 weeks after DAA therapy, by assessment scales and psychometric instruments.