Mood Changes Research Articles

Descriptives and genetic correlates of eating disorder diagnostic transitions and presumed remission in the Danish registry.

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychiatric disorders with an estimated 3.3 million healthy life-years lost worldwide yearly. Understanding the course of illness, diagnostic transitions and remission, and their associated genetic correlates could inform both ED etiology and treatment. The authors investigated occurrences of ED transitions and presumed remission and their genetic correlates as captured by polygenic scores (PGSs) in a large Danish register-based cohort. The sample compromised of 10,565 individuals with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) with at least two registered hospital contacts between 1995 and 2018. Based on medical records, occurrence of diagnostic transitions and periods of presumed remission were identified. Associations between 422 PGS and diagnostic transitions and presumed remission were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models. A minority of ED cases (14.1%-23.1%) experienced a diagnostic transition. Presumed remission ranged between 86.9%-89.8%. Higher (one SD increase) PGS for major depressive disorder and multisite chronic pain were positively associated with transitioning from AN to either BN or EDNOS. Higher PGS on a measure of body fat percentage and financial difficulties were positively associated with presumed remission from AN. Higher PGS for mood swings was positively associated with presumed remission from EDNOS whereas higher PGS for health rating showed the opposite. The authors found that most ED patients did not experience diagnostic transitions but were more likely to experience a period of presumed remission. Both diagnostic transitions and presumed remission have significant polygenic component.

Size and Topography of the Brain’s Functional Networks with Psychotic Experiences, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorder

BackgroundExisting functional connectivity studies of psychosis use population-averaged functional network maps, despite highly variable topographies of these networks across the brain surface. We aimed to define the functional network areas and topographies in the general population and the changes associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) and disorders. MethodsMaps of 8 functional networks were generated using an individual-specific template-matching procedure for each participant from the Human Connectome Project Young Adult cohort (n = 1003) and from a matched case cohort (schizophrenia [SCZ], n = 27; bipolar disorder, n = 35) scanned identically with the same Connectom scanner. In the Human Connectome Project Young Adult cohort, PEs were estimated based on scores from the Achenbach Self-Report Scale. The relationship of symptoms to the probability of network representation at each cortical vertex was assessed using logistic regression. ResultsIn Human Connectome Project Young Adult participants, PE severity on the Achenbach thought problems scale was predicted by increased language network (LAN) and dorsal attention network (DAN) areas and decreased cingulo-opercular network area (r < 0.12). Significant effects were found in SCZ, with a larger DAN and LAN and a smaller frontoparietal network. Network pattern analysis in SCZ showed an increased probability of LAN in the posterior region of the left superior temporal gyrus and of the visual network in the left insula. Regression analyses in SCZ found that mood dysregulation was related to increased DAN surface area. ConclusionsThose with PEs and SCZ showed abnormal functional network cortical topographies, particularly involving DAN and LAN. Network findings may predict psychosis progression and guide earlier intervention.

Irritability in youth: Trauma, maltreatment, and bullying in mood disorders

ObjectiveDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterized by irritability and anger outbursts, categorized under depressive disorders along with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in DSM-5. This study aims to investigate exposure to peer bullying and trauma in irritable youth with DMDD and compare it with those with MDD and healthy controls. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 313 participants aged 12–17 (DMDD: 103, MDD: 105, healthy controls: 105; mean age 15.0±1.6). The diagnosis was established using the Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) semi-structured interview. The Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and sociodemographic forms were utilized. ResultsBoth DMDD and MDD groups experienced significantly more physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect, compared to the healthy control group. Among the DMDD group, 34.9% were bullies, 42.7% were victims, and 18.4% were bully-victims. ConclusionAdolescents diagnosed with DMDD are at increased risk for experiencing peer bullying and trauma. Emotional dysregulation and intense outbursts of anger predispose these individuals to both perpetrate and fall victim to peer bullying, as well as to become bully-victims. Including irritable adolescents in peer bullying intervention programs may be beneficial. Additionally, considering the elevated risk of anger outbursts and irritability in individuals exposed to trauma, they should be closely monitored.

Bipolar Disorder and Its Factors

This research investigates the factors contributing to bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 23. Data: The data for this study was collected from 52 adolescents and young adults, students and individuals aged between 13 to 23 years. Non-parametric single-sample or Wilcoxon tests were used for data classification and categorization. There were 34 female and 18 male participants. The findings of this research have shown us that factors such as genetics, negative emotions (anger, anxiety, and stress), substance and alcohol use, social pressure, awareness of illness and bipolar disorder, sudden lifestyle changes, mood swings, and relationship disturbances were directly associated. Factors such as regular lifestyle habits including diet, sleep, and exercise; sudden changes in lifestyle, mood swings, sexual tendencies and irrational beliefs such as suicide, as well as difficulties in adhering to daily routines, financial resources, sudden lifestyle changes, mood swings, and bipolar disorder; sudden changes in sexual tendencies and bipolar disorders have no direct relationship.

Adalimumab-induced manic episode in an adolescent with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BackgroundJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease in children, and adalimumab is one of the primary treatment options. Although it is widely used for inflammatory diseases, there is limited research on its safety and efficacy in patients with psychiatric disorders or in those with inflammatory diseases who also have comorbid psychiatric conditions.Case reportWe report a 12-year-old adolescent boy who presented with emotional instability for 1 year, exacerbated leading to hospital admission in the past month. Upon detailed evaluation after admission, it was found that the patient’s emotional fluctuations may be related to the use of Adalimumab. Follow-up after psychiatric inpatient treatment revealed that the patient did not experience emotional excitement again after discontinuing Adalimumab.ConclusionsAlthough tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors have positive effects on the emotional, cognitive, and physical functions of patients with inflammatory diseases, their use may induce mood swings in patients with comorbid mood disorders. This is particularly important for adolescents with rapid mood changes, where greater caution is required. Further research is necessary to clarify the correlation between the adverse effects of these drugs and their impact on patients with bipolar disorder.

Postpartum Psychosis as a Precursor to Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Review.

Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a rare and severe mental health disorder occurring shortly after childbirth, characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and intense mood swings. This review examines the potential link between PP and the later development of schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric condition that typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. By reviewing existing literature and analyzing epidemiological and clinical data, this review aims to clarify whether PP can be a precursor to schizophrenia. Findings suggest that while the transition from PP to schizophrenia is not inevitable, there is an increased risk, with some studies indicating that a subset of women with PP may develop a chronic psychotic disorder later on. This underscores the importance of early detection, ongoing monitoring, and targeted interventions. The review emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic practices and preventive measures to better manage PP and its potential long-term effects. Enhanced understanding of this relationship can inform more effective treatment strategies and support better mental health outcomes for new mothers. Future research should focus on refining risk assessment tools, exploring underlying mechanisms, and developing comprehensive management approaches to address the challenges associated with PP and its potential progression to schizophrenia.

Causal Relationship Between Mood Swing and Gynecological Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Gynecological disorders are a wide range of health problems affecting the female reproductive system, which poses substantial health challenges worldwide. Increasing number of observational studies have associated mood instability to common female diseases, but the underlying causal relationship remains unclear. In this work, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to explore the genetically predicted causal relationship of mood swings and several prevalent gynecological disorders. Instrumental variables (IVs) of mood swings were selected from UK Biobank (UKB), with 204,412 cases and 247,207 controls being incorporated. The genetic variants for female disorders were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and FinnGen consortium. To avoid biases caused by racial difference, only European population was included here. Five strong analytical methodologies were used to increase the validity of the results, the most substantial of which was the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method. Pleiotropy, sensitivity, and heterogeneity were assessed to strengthen the findings. We found mood swings was significantly positively associated with risk of endometrial cancer (OR= 2.60 [95% CI= 1.36, 4.95], P= 0.0037), cervical cancer (OR= 1.01[95% CI= 1.00,1.02], P= 0.0213) and endometriosis (OR= 2.58 [95% CI= 1.18, 5.60], P= 0.0170) by IVW method. However, there was no causal relationship between mood swing and ovarian cancer. No pleiotropy and heterogeneity existed and sensitivity tests were passed. This study reveals that mood swing may serve as a genetically predicted causal risk factor for endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and endometriosis in the European population, while no such association was observed for ovarian cancer. These findings make up for observational research's inherent limitations and may improve patient outcomes in the field of gynecological health. However, the study's focus on European populations may limit the applicability of these results globally.

A Study of Psychological Distress Among Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Kashmir

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, was previously thought to be an endocrine condition. Research has now demonstrated that polycystic ovarian syndrome affects a patient's quality of life and is a metabolic, hormonal and psychosocial condition. Women's joys are disrupted by PCOS because the stigma attached to hyperandrogenism is strongly felt and may harm women's psychological development. Methods: The aim of the study was to comprehend the psychosocial problems experienced by women in Kashmir and to obtain a thorough understanding of the coping mechanisms employed by women with PCOS. The research design was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Thematic analysis was used to derive themes from the data. Sampling was purposeful in nature. Results: The study underscores that women with PCOS encounter numerous difficulties encompassing social and psychological aspects. Psychological issues like mood swings, stress, anxiety and sleeping disorders are prevalent among women with PCOS. Furthermore, the research has revealed that menstrual disorders significantly contribute to depression in women. The study also highlights a connection between infertility and psychological problems. Conclusion: In conclusion, the research underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with PCOS. Therefore, understanding these issues is crucial for developing effective coping mechanisms and improving the quality of life for women dealing with PCOS.

Impact of parathyroidectomy on quality of life in primary hyperparathyroidism

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) frequently report symptoms that are associated with the disease and impact on their quality of life (QoL). While parathyroidectomy corrects calcium and PTH levels, its impact on improving patients’ QoL is not clear. In this single centre prospective study, we aimed to assess the impact of a parathyroidectomy on PHPT patients’ pre and post parathyroidectomy QoL over a period of three years and nine months. PHPT patients, undergoing parathyroidectomy, voluntarily completed a modified Pasieka Parathyroidectomy Assessment Score (PAS), a tool correlating 13 PHPT symptoms to QoL. Sixty patients with PHPT (mean age 64 years, female to male 4:1) were included in the study. Pre parathyroidectomy, the most common symptoms were: feeling tired easily (n = 58); being forgetful (n = 51); pain in the joints (n = 49); feeling irritable (n = 48) bone pain (n = 45); feeling weak (n = 45); mood swings (n = 42); and being thirsty (n = 42). Parathyroidectomy reduced severity of mean total PAS by 44%, improving from 509 to 284 (p < 0.01). A total of 77% (n = 46) of patients experienced some improvement of PAS. The five most severe symptoms (highest reported individual PAS) showed a significant reduction post parathyroidectomy (p < 0.01): feeling tired easily (mean PAS 65 vs 38); pain in the joints (52 vs 31); being thirsty (46 vs 22); being forgetful (45 vs 28); and bone pain (45 vs 27). Patients with PHPT demonstrated impaired QoL as evidenced by the PAS, and assessing this is valuable in treatment planning. Parathyroidectomy impacts the symptoms that most affect QoL and significantly improves overall QoL in these patients.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications for Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, widespread pain disorder characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental fog, mood swings, and headaches. Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications for FM patients: duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin, with outcomes frequently being inadequate. This research team aims to investigate the effects of diet and lifestyle modifications on FM, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory diet, antioxidants, and gluten-free diets, as well as supplementation with Magnesium, CQ10, and Vitamin D, microbiome, sleep, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy. We reviewed the pathophysiology of certain foods that can be proinflammatory with the release of cytokines leading to activation of pain, fatigue and aggravation of the majority of Fibromyalgia symptoms. A literature review was performed by identifying FM articles published between 1994 and 2022 via PubMed and EMBASE databases, with particular emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and evidence-based treatment guidelines. This review article was completed by a comprehensive narrative review process, in which our team systematically examined relevant scientific literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant role that diet and other lifestyle modifications play in mediating symptoms of Fibromyalgia. We propose that diet modifications and lifestyle changes, such as sleep, exercise, and weight loss, can be important steps in managing FM.

Safety and efficacy of enclomiphene and clomiphene for hypogonadal men.

Both clomiphene citrate and its isomer, enclomiphene, have become widespread within urologic practice; thus, understanding these medications' comparative benefits and risks is crucial for optimizing treatment and providing improved therapeutic options. We sought to investigate the longitudinal benefits and risks associated with enclomiphene, compared to clomiphene, and to provide valuable insights for clinicians when making treatment decisions in the management of hypogonadism. We retrospectively studied patients at our academic center who had been prescribed clomiphene and, later, enclomiphene for hypogonadism. Baseline laboratory values were documented for each patient before being prescribed clomiphene, followed by subsequent values for each variable in the most recent visit before stopping clomiphene and any noted adverse effects experienced during this time. The same process was repeated for enclomiphene, using the clomiphene levels as an updated baseline. Two-tailed t-tests were employed using R to analyze the longitudinal impacts of clomiphene and enclomiphene on serum hormone values as well as a regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for adverse events between the two therapies. Among 66 patients, enclomiphene exhibited a median testosterone increase of 166 (vs. 98 ng/dL, P=0.20) with lower estradiol change than clomiphene (-5.92 vs. 17.50 pg/mL, P=0.001). Adverse effects were statistically significantly less frequent with enclomiphene, including decreased libido (P=0.001), reduced energy (P=0.044), and mood changes (P=0.03). Regression analysis confirmed lower odds of adverse events with enclomiphene [OR: 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.44, P=0.02]. Our findings demonstrate that enclomiphene provides improvement in testosterone levels with a lower rate of documented adverse events. These findings support enclomiphene as a comparable treatment option for hypogonadal men while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Further research and more extensive studies are warranted to validate these conclusions and explore the additional long-term effects of enclomiphene to guide future patient counseling regarding these medications.

Contraception Choice for Female Endurance Athletes: What's Sport Got to Do With It? A Cross-Sectional Survey.

While there are several prescribed contraceptive methods available, limited evidence exists to guide contraceptive decision-making in the context of endurance sport. Study objectives were to characterize current and previous use, perceived impacts, and the decision process around contraceptives in endurance athletes. This was an online survey study with female endurance athletes recruited through social media and emails to university/club coaches and sport organizations. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis, respectively. A total of 323 female endurance athletes participated. Among current contraception users (n = 182), 51% used hormonal intrauterine devices (hIUDs), 29% oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), and 13% nonhormonal IUDs (nhIUDs). hIUD users had the highest perceived positive training (39%) and competition (29%) impacts, citing reduced menstrual bleeding and symptoms as positive side effects. OCP and nhIUD users had higher rates of perceived negative training impacts (OCPs 10%, nhIUDs 30%). For OCP users, 31% reported perceived adverse body composition outcomes and 37% reported negative mood changes. Among nhIUD users, 74% experienced heavier, more irregular menstrual bleeding. Over half of participants were unsure about the impact of their current method on performance. For contraceptive selection, 95% felt that information from physicians was important, yet 32% felt performance was inadequately considered during counseling discussion. Athletes reported less frustration with their contraception choice when counseled in the context of sport. This exploratory study quantifies and qualifies the lived experiences of female endurance athletes with contraception. hIUDs were the most currently used and well-tolerated contraceptives among participants. This research offers valuable insights for athletes seeking contraception and looking to optimize both performance and health, along with the healthcare professionals guiding them.

Cooking readiness in stressful times: Navigating food choices for a healthier future

Food choice is a complex function of preferences and combines a myriad of food-related factors, such as biological, economic, physical, social, and psychological determinants. People's food choices directly affect their health and can have both positive and negative outcomes. For instance, the pandemic may have presented an opportunity to cook more at home, eventually resulting in dietary benefits, health improvements, and reduced stress. Conversely, adverse behavioral, psychological, and physical outcomes, such as overeating, have also been associated with stressful situations. Therefore, the aim of this study is twofold: first, to propose “cooking readiness” as a higher-order construct, in which ‘food literacy’ and ‘cooking skills’ correspond to the capability, ‘cooking attitudes’ reflect the motivation, and the variable ‘COVID-19 restrictions’ represent the opportunity for consumers to cook and consume healthier food at home. Furthermore, as the pandemic scenario was imposed and caused changes in mental health and emotional mood, the second objective is to explore the relationship between cooking readiness and stress levels in consumers' choices for nutritionally recommended (or non-recommended) food. Cross-country data (Brazil, Denmark) from 1074 consumers was analyzed using structural equation modeling. This study confirms cooking readiness as a higher-order construct, integrating food literacy, cooking skills, and cooking attitudes with pandemic-induced opportunities. Cooking readiness is crucial in promoting healthier eating habits, particularly in Brazil. The stronger tradition of healthier eating in Denmark may mitigate the impact of cooking readiness on reducing non-recommended food consumption. The varying effects of stress on food choices between the two countries underscore the need for tailored public health strategies that consider cultural differences and existing dietary habits. Promoting cooking skills and food literacy, particularly in times of crisis, can be instrumental in supporting healthier food choices and improving public health.

Emotion and birth control: Emotion regulation ERPs differ based on menstrual cycle phase and hormonal contraceptive use

While hormonal contraceptives (HCs) like oral contraceptive pills (OCs) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can reportedly influence mood, the evidence is mixed, and the mechanisms remain unclear. Emotion reactivity and regulation processes may be hormone-sensitive and underlie these mood changes. This study sought to investigate the role of the menstrual cycle and HC use in emotion regulation using ERP measures during an emotion regulation paradigm. Participants with a natural cycle (NC) were measured in the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phase (within-subject design, n = 26), and compared with OC (n = 36) and IUD (n = 25) users. The centroparietal late positive potential (LPP) reflected negative emotion reactivity and its modulation by cognitive reappraisal served as a marker for emotion regulation processing. NC participants had a lower LPP amplitude in the mid-luteal compared to the mid-follicular phase. Reactivity to negative emotional stimuli decreased over time in the mid-luteal phase, whereas the HC groups showed sustained LPP activation. Reappraisal led only to significant LPP changes in the mid-follicular phase, and not in the mid-luteal phase or HC groups. Our results showed a specific left frontal activity (FR-LPP) in the contrast that reflected emotion regulation processing. This activity was highest in the mid-follicular phase, and was significantly different from the OC users but not from the IUD group. Higher self-reported PMS symptoms were associated with stronger effects on the reduced mid-luteal LPP activity and with lower FR-LPP amplitude in the mid-follicular phase. No effect of OC phase (active pill use versus pill pause) was found. These findings add insights into the neurophysiological underpinnings of hormone-related mood changes and demonstrate the importance of considering hormonal status and PMS symptoms in emotion research.

Медико-психологічні предиктори емоційно-поведінкового періоду материнства

Being in a war area or during regular rockets or artillery attacks, the inability to leave the location of a pregnant woman or a woman in postpartum period can affected the psycho-emotional condition of a woman. Therefore, in today's context, attention should be focused on creating predictors and identifying factors that can negatively affect a pregnant woman, the duration of pregnancy and labor, and the postpartum period. During pregnancy, one of the physiological changes in a woman's body is a change in the functioning of the nervous system. This is because during the implantation of the blastocyst, several types of receptors send impulses to the central nervous system, where information is received, scanned and analyzed in the cerebral cortex and produces the phenomenon of increased excitability. As a result of physiological transformations of this increased excitability, due to physiological mechanisms, it is transformed and reduces the excitability of the nervous system for the formation of the embryo and its complementary structures. As a result, pregnant women may experience psycho-emotional changes, sometimes with an unstable duration, mood changes, fatigue or drowsiness, sometimes obsession with pregnancy and worries about the correct growth of the fetus in the womb or various effects or nutritional factors (consumption or exclusion of certain foods or drinks) that may negatively affect it. The factors affecting the psycho-emotional condition during pregnancy (prenatal period) are identified and analyzed: external, social, economic, physiological, psychological, emotional and willed. The factors affecting the psycho-emotional well-being of women in the postnatal period are analyzed: medical, emotional and psychological, and communicative.

Investigating Runner's High: Changes in Mood and Endocannabinoid Concentrations after a 60 min Outdoor Run Considering Sex, Running Frequency, and Age.

Runner's high is a euphoric emotional state occurring during and post-physical exercise. Although previous data indicate endocannabinoids' involvement in animal runner's high, their role in human runner's high remains to be established. We investigated runner's high in healthy humans assessing mood and plasma endocannabinoid concentration changes pre- and post a 60 min outdoor run, considering sex (8 females/8 males), running frequency (4 occasional/12 regular runners) and age (median split 36 years). Mood, AEA, and 2-AG concentrations were significantly increased post-run considering all participants (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, respectively), with 2-AG varying more than AEA concentrations. Concentrations of both endocannabinoids increased pre- to post-run in women (p < 0.01) but the AEA concentration increase was higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). Post-run concentration increase appeared to be more pronounced in occasional than in regular runners for 2-AG but not for AEA. However, regular runners experienced stronger mood increases and better post-run mood than occasional runners. Post-run endocannabinoid concentrations were increased regardless of age. AEA concentrations and their post-run changes were less affected by running frequency and age than those of 2-AG. These findings provide insights into the interplay of physical exercise, physiological/psychological factors and demographics, laying a valuable foundation for future research.

Reasons for premature removal of progestogen implant among women in a community in Pretoria

Background: Implanon is widely used in South Africa and around the world. However, a significant number of users discontinue it prematurely. The current study aims to explore the reasons for women’s early removal of the progestogen implant, known as Implanon, in a Pretoria community.Methods: This was a qualitative study applying a descriptive phenomenological design, with nine one-on-one interviews done at Temba Community Health Centre among women who had their Implanon implants removed sooner than the intended length of time.Results: Four major themes emerged from the data collection: reasons for choosing Implanon, side effects of Implanon, the social impact of Implanon and public attitudes towards Implanon. These four themes were further explored through 13 subthemes.Conclusion: The participants acknowledged and valued the benefits of Implanon, but they also encountered undesirable side effects such headaches, bleeding, breast pain and enlargement, decreased libido, and mood swings. The primary causes of the implant’s early removal were these side effects, among which bleeding was the most frequently reported problem.Contribution: Implanon-induced bleeding has an impact on the economics of households and the sexual lives of women, as it requires the purchasing of sanitary products and other medications.

Temporal Framework and Biological Indicators of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Related Behaviours.

Adolescence is a transitional stage between puberty and maturity. Significant alterations in brain chemistry and hormone activity cause mood swings and other psychological and physical symptoms. On their journey to adolescence, adolescents deal with complex emotions, moral dilemmas, sexual concerns, identity crises and particular societal expectations related to their upbringing. Impulsivity in adolescents is frequent and causes multiple issues. Impulsivity often lead towards non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which has devastating consequences, which are both physical and mental. Both impulsivity and NSSI have their roots in brain chemistry and its related functions. The aim of this special communication was to delve into brain chemistry through studying the function of neurotransmitters and brain areas in NSSI and impulsivity. Multiple papers were sought on the topic of neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. The results identified serotonin, dopamine and glutamate as the neurotransmitters responsible for NSSI and impulsivity. Dysregulation in these neurotransmitters lead to the presentation of NSSI and impulsivity. Other than the neurotransmitters, the brain areas identified were prefrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. The compiled results of this research would help individuals in understanding the neurotransmitters and the brain areas responsible. This would also help in generating awareness regarding the biological nature of the phenomenon as well, leading to less stigmatisation. The less stigmatisation towards these phenomena can help the affected individuals to seek help without any guilt or shame, along with support from society as well.

Investigating changes of functional brain networks in major depressive disorder by graph theoretical analysis of resting-state fMRI

BackgroundMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD), as a chronic mental disorder, causes changes in mood, thoughts, and behavior. The pathophysiology of the disorder and its treatment are still unknown. One of the most notable changes observed in patients with MDD through fMRI is abnormal functional brain connectivity. MethodsPreprocessed data from 60 MDD patients and 60 normal controls (NCs) were selected, which has been performed using the DPARSF toolbox. The whole-brain functional networks and topologies were extracted using graph theory-based methods. A two-sample, two-tailed t-test was used to compare the topological features of functional brain networks between the MDD and NCs groups using the DPABI-Net/Statistical Analysis toolbox. ResultsThe obtained results showed a decrease in both global and local efficiency in MDD patients compared to NCs, and specifically, MDD patients showed significantly higher path length values. Acceptable p-values were obtained with a small sample size and less computational volume compared to the other studies on large datasets. At the node level, MDD patients showed decreased and relatively decreased node degrees in the sensorimotor network (SMN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN), respectively, as well as decreased node efficiency in the SMN, default mode network (DMN), and DAN. Also, MDD patients showed slightly decreased node efficiency in the visual networks (VN) and the ventral attention network (VAN), which were reported after FDR correction with Q < 0.05. LimitationsAll participants were Chinese. ConclusionsCollectively, increased path length, decreased global and local efficiency, and also decreased nodal degree and efficiency in the SMN, DAN, DAN, VN, and VAN were found in patients compared to NCs.

Medsafe monitoring oral anticoagulant-related mood changes

Medsafe monitoring oral anticoagulant-related mood changes