Autistic symptoms and clinical features of individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis and first-episode psychosis.

Introduction: Autistic symptoms in schizophrenia are reportedly associated with cognitive and social functions. However, few studies have investigated the association between autistic symptoms and clinical features in individuals with a clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) and first-episode psychosis (FEP). We aimed to determine the association between autistic symptoms and clinical features in a cohort of individuals with CHR-P or FEP.

Retina as a potential biomarker in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of optical coherence tomography and electroretinography.

Introduction: Abnormal findings on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinography (ERG) have been reported in participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). This study aims to reveal the pooled standard mean difference (SMD) in retinal parameters on OCT and ERG among participants with SSDs and healthy controls and their association with demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Methods: Using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PSYNDEX, we searched the literature from inception to March 31, 2023, using specific search terms.

Polydipsia and autistic traits in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Introduction: Polydipsia, prevalent in 6%-20% of patients with schizophrenia, results in seclusion and prolonged hospitalization. It is also observed in autistic individuals, with previous studies reporting that autism accounted for 20% of all hospitalized patients with polydipsia. The current study investigated the association between polydipsia and autistic traits in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) based on the hypothesis that higher autistic traits would be observed in schizophrenic patients with polydipsia.

Characteristics of the treatments for each severity of major depressive disorder: A real-world multi-site study.

Purpose: In the treatment guidelines for major depressive disorder (MDD), the recommended treatment differs based on the severity. However, the type of treatment provided based on the severity of MDD in real-world clinical practice has not been investigated. In this study, we clarified the actual situation of MDD treatment in clinical practice and compared the treatment based on the severity of MDD.

Mediating effects of self-stigma and depression on the association between autistic symptoms and recovery in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Several studies have indicated that self-stigma is associated with depressive symptoms and could be a barrier to recovery in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. More recently, an association between autistic symptoms and self-stigma was found in schizophrenia-spectrum patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between self-stigma, autistic and depressive symptoms, and recovery in patients with schizophrenia.

Mental Health and Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing disruptions in the global social system. Japanese children and adolescents have had their schools closed, government-mandated activity restrictions imposed, and interactions outside the home reduced. These restrictions can have a considerable psychological impact on children and adolescents.

Association Between Autistic Symptoms and Self-Stigma in Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Purpose: Self-stigma negatively influences self-esteem, quality of life, self-efficacy, treatment adherence, and recovery in psychiatric patients. By revealing personality traits that influence self-stigma, we can gain useful knowledge for the management of self-stigma. A previous meta-analysis indicated that patients with schizophrenia have higher scores on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) than healthy controls.

The Impact of Health Consciousness on the Association Between Walking Durations and Mental Health Conditions After a Disaster: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In communities affected by a disaster, walking can be a feasible form of physical exercise to improve physical and mental health conditions. However, there is limited evidence to support relationships between walking habits and mental health conditions in post-disaster settings. Cross-sectional epidemiological data obtained from a questionnaire survey (conducted in October 2017) of a community affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) was analyzed to evaluate the relationships.

Ethnicity-Dependent Effects of Schizophrenia Risk Variants of the OLIG2 Gene on OLIG2 Transcription and White Matter Integrity.

Previous studies have indicated associations between several OLIG2 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to schizophrenia among Caucasians. Consistent with these findings, postmortem brain and diffusion tensor imaging studies have indicated that the schizophrenia-risk-associated allele (A) in the OLIG2 SNP rs1059004 predicts lower OLIG2 gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of schizophrenia patients and reduced white matter (WM) integrity of the corona radiata in normal brains among Caucasians. In an effort to replicate the association between this variant and WM integrity among healthy Japanese, we found that the number of A alleles was positively correlated with WM integrity in some fiber tracts, including the right posterior limb of the internal capsule, and with mean blood flow in a widespread area, including the inferior frontal operculum, orbital area, and triangular gyrus.

Potential identification of vitamin B6 responsiveness in autism spectrum disorder utilizing phenotype variables and machine learning methods.

We investigated whether machine learning methods could potentially identify a subgroup of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who show vitamin B6 responsiveness by selected phenotype variables. We analyzed the existing data from our intervention study with 17 persons. First, we focused on signs and biomarkers that have been identified as candidates for vitamin B6 responsiveness indicators.

Longitudinal characteristics of resilience among adolescents: A high school student cohort study to assess the psychological impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Aim: Resilience, the ability to cope with disasters and significant life adversity, is an important factor to consider when studying the mental health of populations affected by a disaster. Although high school students in a community affected by a disaster should have specific characteristics of resilience, little has been reported on the issue. This study was designed to provide initial data regarding characteristics of the resilience of high school students affected by a catastrophe.

Association between social participation and incident risk of functional disability in elderly Japanese: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006.

Background: Although several longitudinal studies have examined the relationship between social participation and incident functional disability, the related mechanisms have remained unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms linking social participation to incident functional disability.

Methods: We analyzed follow-up data for 11,992 older adults (≥65 years) participating in a community-based, prospective cohort study covering a 9-year period.

Possible multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism in a patient with chronic schizophrenia: a case report.

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset, rare, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a varying combination of autonomic failure, cerebellar ataxia, and parkinsonism. MSA is categorized as MSA-P with predominant parkinsonism, and as MSA-C with predominant cerebellar features. The prevalence of MSA has been reported to be between 1.

School-Based Interventions Aimed at the Prevention and Treatment of Adolescents Affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake: A Three-Year Longitudinal Study.

How natural disasters affect the psychological state of adolescents has not been well studied. Thus, we examined the effect of a natural disaster on high-school-aged youth and considered the most effective forms of support following such a disaster. We examined students from two high schools that were near the epicenter of the 9.

[Natori EI project: the early intervention project for psychiatric disorders by the Miyagi Psychiatric Center].

Attempts to promote early intervention (EI) for psychiatric disorders are becoming accepted worldwide. Although several attempts at EI have begun in Japan, this movement is still limited, and the development of concrete EI services suited to individual regions is required. At the Miyagi Psychiatric Center, the "Natori EI project" is being carried out with the aim of improving the mental health of young people.