Are serum hsCRP and IL-6 prognostic markers in somatic symptom disorder and related disorders? An exploratory analysis in a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To investigate the roles of hsCRP and IL-6 as prognostic markers for treatment outcome in SSRD.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 237 consecutive outpatients diagnosed with SSRD at the Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body Mind and Health, the Netherlands were assessed. At intake, venepuncture was performed for serum hsCRP and IL-6.

Anti-inflammatory medications for the treatment of mental disorders: A scoping review.

This scoping review assessed the effect of anti-inflammatory medications in mental disorders. A search in Medline and the Cochrane database focusing on randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews identified 53 primary research articles, conducted in major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and somatic symptom disorders and related disorders (SSRD). The findings suggest that there is scope to consider the use of anti-inflammatory agents in mental disorders, however, not as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Clergy as a frontline mental health service: a UK survey of medical practitioners and clergy.

Background: Christian clergy have often been identified as 'frontline mental health workers' and gatekeepers to mental health services. However, despite this, collaboration between clergy and mental health services remains poor, with some US clergy referring on as little as 10% of cases.

Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the collaborative relationship between UK clergy and medical practitioners, with the purpose of identifying key issues that should be addressed to improve such collaboration between the two services.