Neuropsychiatric Health Research Articles

Exploring the intersection of metabolic and neuropsychiatric health.

Exploring the intersection of metabolic and neuropsychiatric health.

Exploring the Neuropsychiatric Dimensions of Psoriasis: Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications, and Integrated Care Approaches

<p><span lang="RO">Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin disorder that significantly affects a patient's quality of life in addition to having notable physical symptoms. Recent research has increasingly focused on the neuropsychiatric dimensions of psoriasis, recognizing the complex interplay between psychological health and dermatological disease. There is growing recognition of the correlation between psoriasis and neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, indicating the reciprocal interaction of the skin and brain. This study explores the prevalence and implications of neuropsychiatric disorders among 3,850 psoriasis patients, of whom 458 were diagnosed with neuropsychiatric conditions. The results emphasize the value of treating psoriasis with a multidisciplinary approach. Integrating care that addresses dermatological and neuropsychiatric health is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.</span></p><p><em><span lang="RO"><br /></span></em></p>

Characterizing the Effects of Concussion and Head Impact Exposure: Design, Methods, and Participant Traits of the CARE 2.0 Study.

This article describes the design, methods, and participant characteristics of the second phase of the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium study ("CARE 2.0") of the effects of concussion and repetitive head impact exposure on neuropsychiatric health. The authors conducted a prospective multisite observational study of male and female collegiate athletes and military service academy cadets and midshipmen participating in the CARE study. Participants were assessed at three time points: undergraduate baseline (UB), before departure from university or service academy (exit), and up to 6 years following graduation (postgrad) via an online battery of brain health assessments. Participant characteristics were compared across the three time points and four levels of head impact exposure. A total of 4,643 participants completed the exit assessment, and 3,981 completed the postgrad assessment. Relative to the UB assessment cohort, the exit and postgrad assessment cohorts differed with respect to the percentage of women, baseline Wechsler Test of Adult Reading scores, National Collegiate Athletic Association division category, sport contact level, and number of previous concussions. The median standardized difference across balancing variables, assessment time points, and degree of head impact exposure was 0.12 (with 90% of effect sizes ≤0.29). Although there were some statistically significant differences between participants across assessments, the effect sizes were modest, and overall the data suggest that the exit and postgrad cohorts reflect the characteristics of the baseline cohort. The CARE study design and its large, richly characterized sample provide an opportunity to answer important questions about cumulative and persistent effects of concussion and repetitive head impact exposure on neuropsychiatric health.

Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Schizophrenia Hospitalization: A Case-Crossover Study in Jingmen, China

The impact of short-term exposure to air pollutants on the morbidity of schizophrenia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, remains inadequately explored. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of schizophrenia hospitalization in Jingmen, China. We performed a time-stratified case-crossover study using daily records of hospital admissions due to schizophrenia in Jingmen Mental Health Center from 2015 to 2017. Environmental exposures to air pollutants and meteorological conditions on case and control days were estimated on the basis of measurements from ground monitoring stations. To investigate the relationship between short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia, a conditional logistic regression model was employed. We performed subgroup analyses stratified according to sex, age groups, and season. In total, 4079 schizophrenia hospitalizations were recorded during the designated period. Increased risk of schizophrenia was merely associated with short-term exposure to SO2 and NO2. The estimated odds per interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure was 1.112 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.033, 1.196) for SO2 (IQR = 12 µg/m3) and 1.112 (95% CI: 1.033, 1.197) for NO2 (IQR = 18 µg/m3) on lag-0 day. Greater air pollution-schizophrenia associations were observed among middle-aged and older adults (over 45 years of age) and during the cold season. This study added case-crossover evidence indicating that short-term exposure to ambient air pollution, specifically SO2 and NO2, is linked to a higher risk of hospital admissions for schizophrenia. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the detrimental effects of air pollution on neuropsychiatric health conditions.

A transcriptomic atlas of the human brain reveals genetically determined aspects of neuropsychiatric health

Regulation of gene expression is a vital component of neurological homeostasis. Cataloging the consequences of endogenous gene expression on the physical structure and connectivity of the brain offers a means of unifying trait-associated genetic variation with trait-associated neurological features. We perform tissue-specific transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) on over 3,400 neuroimaging phenotypes in the UK Biobank (N= 33,224) using our joint-tissue imputation (JTI)-TWAS method. We identify highly significant associations between predicted expression for 7,192 genes and a wide variety of measures of the brain derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our approach generates reproducible results in internal and external replication datasets. Genetically determined expression alone is sufficient for high-fidelity reconstruction of brain structure and organization. We demonstrate complementary benefits of cross-tissue and single-tissue analyses toward an integrated neurobiology and provide evidence that gene expression outside the central nervous system provides unique insights into brain health. As an application, we provide evidence suggesting that the genetically regulated expression of schizophrenia risk genes causally affects over 73% of neurological phenotypes that are altered in individuals with schizophrenia (as identified by neuroimaging studies). Imaging features associated with neuropsychiatric traits can provide valuable insights into underlying pathophysiology. By linking neuroimaging-derived phenotypes with expression levels of specific genes, this resource represents a powerful gene prioritization schema that can improve our understanding of brain function, development, and disease. The use of multiple different cortical and subcortical atlases in the resource facilitates direct integration of these data with findings from a diverse range of clinical neuroimaging studies.

Acromegaly and COVID-19, lessons, and new opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges in effective management of patients with acromegaly. Specifically, with regards to timely diagnosis, delays in surgeries, and disruption(s) to routine patient care. A transition to telemedicine did help to overcome safety restrictions that were placed on in-person care. Creation of surgical safety protocols in conjunction with widespread testing for COVID-19 has also helped with the resumption of pituitary surgery cases. However, acromegaly related comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea and respiratory disease, vertebral fractures, and hypopituitarism, may increase the risk of a more severe COVID-19 infection course. Of note and to date, no negative trends in COVID-19 related outcomes have been reported in patients with acromegaly. Nevertheless, anxiety and depression rates in patients with acromegaly are higher than those in the general population. More studies are needed to assess the true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on morbidity, mortality, and neuropsychiatric health of patients with acromegaly.

Human Cytomegalovirus Infection and Neurocognitive and Neuropsychiatric Health.

A common infection, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been associated with a variety of human diseases, including cardiovascular disease and possibly certain cancers. HCMV has also been associated with cognitive, psychiatric, and neurological conditions. Children with congenital or early-life HCMV are at risk for microcephaly, cerebral palsy, and sensorineural hearing loss, although in many cases sensorineural loss may resolve. In addition, HCMV can be associated with neurodevelopmental impairment, which may improve with time. In young, middle-aged, and older adults, HCMV has been adversely associated with cognitive function in some but not in all studies. Research has linked HCMV to Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, but again not all findings consistently support these associations. In addition, HCMV has been associated with depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and autism-spectrum disorder, although the available findings are likewise inconsistent. Given associations between HCMV and a variety of neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders, additional research investigating reasons for the considerable inconsistencies in the currently available findings is needed. Additional meta-analyses and more longitudinal studies are needed as well. Research into the effects of antiviral medication on cognitive and neurological outcomes and continued efforts in vaccine development have potential to lower the neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, and neurological burden of HCMV infection.

Resistance training in women with myotonic dystrophy type 1: a multisystemic therapeutic avenue

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a hereditary disease characterized by muscular impairments. Fundamental and clinical positive effects of strength training have been reported in men with DM1, but its impact on women remains unknown. We evaluated the effects of a 12-week supervised strength training on physical and neuropsychiatric health. Women with DM1 performed a twice-weekly supervised resistance training program (3 series of 6–8 repetitions of squat, leg press, plantar flexion, knee extension, and hip abduction). Lower limb muscle strength, physical function, apathy, anxiety and depression, fatigue and excessive somnolence, pain, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention, as well as three and six months after completion of the training program. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were also taken before and after the training program to assess muscle fiber growth. Eleven participants completed the program (attendance: 98.5 %). Maximal hip and knee extension strength (p < 0.006), all One-Repetition Maximum strength measures (p < 0.001), apathy (p = 0.0005), depression (p = 0.02), pain interference (p = 0.01) and perception of the lower limb function (p = 0.003) were significantly improved by training. Some of these gains were maintained up to six months after the training program. Strength training is a good therapeutic strategy for women with DM1.

Associations of Frailty with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease: A Longitudinal Study.

Frailty is a vulnerability state increasing the risk of many adverse health outcomes, but little is known about the effects of frailty on neuropsychiatric health. To explore the associations between frailty and the risk of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially in its different clinical stages. We included 2,155 individuals assessed using modified frailty index-11 (mFI-11), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The relationships between frailty and NPSs were explored with logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Causal mediation analyses were conducted to explore the mediation factors between frailty and NPSs. Among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants, frailty was cross-sectionally associated with an increased risk of apathy, and longitudinally associated with increased risk of depression and apathy. Among AD participants, frailty was cross-sectionally associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety, and longitudinally associated with an increased risk of apathy. Among participants with cognitive progression, frailty was associated with increased risk of depression and apathy. In MCI participants, the influence of frailty on NPSs was partially mediated by hippocampus volume, whole brain volume, and monocytes, with mediating proportions ranging from 8.40% to 9.29%. Frailty was associated with NPSs such as depression, anxiety, and apathy among MCI, AD, and cognitive progression participants. Atrophy of the hippocampus and whole brain, as well as peripheral immunity may be involved in the potential mechanisms underlying the above associations.

The Effects of Ubiquinol Intake and Sociophysical Training on the Activation of Psychological and Infrared Camera-Measured Body Temperature Physiology and Blood Molecular Markers: A Pilot Study among Healthy Female Older Adults

A combination of existing treatments with sensing technology may be the most appropriate approach for incurable neuropsychiatric disorders. Dietary antioxidant supplementation, exercise, and cognitive training are individually well-established treatments for neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. Therefore, in a double-blind randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the response of normal healthy older female subjects to coenzyme Q10 supplementation and simultaneous sociophysical training that was undertaken in a non-contact environment using infrared cameras. The current pilot study reports the results from a multivariate analysis of blood biomarkers, body surface temperature measured with infrared thermal cameras, and psychological questionnaire scores from this trial, in which 100 mg/day of supplemental ubiquinol (the reduced form of coenzyme Q10) was administered daily for one month. We found a significant positive correlation between ubiquinol supplementation and positive mood scores in the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory test (STAI-positive) and a weak inverse correlation between ubiquinol supplementation and serum interleukin 4 (IL-4), a systemic inflammatory marker. We also found a significant positive correlation between the standard deviation of body surface temperatures, detected with non-contact infrared image sensors, and both STAI-positive and serum antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The results from this small pilot study indicate the potential synergistic effects of oral ubiquinol intake and sociophysical training on neuropsychiatric health in healthy female older adults.

Use of probiotics in treating psychiatric and neurological disorders.

To the Editor, The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional pathway through which the central nervous system and gut microbiota communicate. Metabolites from the gut microbiota can interact with ANS gut synapses, similarly, gut physiology can be controlled by the ANS. Visceral sensory signals from the gut travel to the CNS via the vagus nerve and can influence mood changes. Any alterations in this complex pathway can lead to the development of several gastrointestinal, psychiatric, and neurological disorders that include depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disorder [1-2]. As the relationship between psychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms becomes well-established with 60% of patients with gastroenterological complaints having psychiatric origins [3], the question arises of whether it would be beneficial to focus on the gut microbiota and use probiotics to treat psychiatric and neurological ailments. Recent research has opened a new door to targeting the gut microbiota to treat disorders such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectrum disorder [1]. The effect of modifying gut microbiota to treat psychiatric illnesses that include depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia has been studied, showing that the use of probiotics can alleviate depression but has no effect on schizophrenia. The gut microbiota influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, allowing probiotics to alter the stress response of cortisol; however, sufficient data is not available to comment on the effect of probiotics on anxiety [4]. Furthermore, the scope of probiotics seems to extend beyond mood disorders to relieving symptoms of neurological disorders that include Parkinson’s, migraine and epilepsy [5] The close relationship of gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric health often results in disorders of both systems appearing concomitantly and GIT manifestations are often dismissed as being caused by the psychiatric complain; however, we may look at the other side of the picture which is that gastrointestinal dysbiosis may be a cause or an exacerbating factor of the neuropsychiatric symptoms in which case probiotics can be a reliable treatment. More evidence needs to be obtained on their effectiveness and whether they may be used as stand-alone or along with other medications.

Variety of Serotonin Levels in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders.

(1) Serotonin primarily regulates our emotions. A complex process, which includes dysfunctions in gastrointestinal motility and deregulation of the gene responsible for serotonin reuptake (SERT), is implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This also encompasses changes in intestinal microbiota, the response to stress, the intricate interplay between the brain and the digestive tract, heightened sensitivity to visceral stimuli, and low-grade inflammation. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of probiotic therapy in managing gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms related to serotonin levels, with a focus on individuals with serotonin deficiency and those with normal serotonin levels experiencing gastrointestinal disorders. (2) The study involved 135 pediatric patients aged 5-18 years with gastrointestinal disturbances, including constipation, diarrhea, and other symptoms, such as nausea, flatulence, feeling full, or gastrointestinal pain. (3) Serotonin testing was performed, and administering probiotics appeared to be effective in addressing serotonin deficiency and other gastrointestinal disorders. (4) Serotonin's pivotal role in regulating neurotransmitter secretion and its impact on neuropsychiatric health, coupled with gender differences and age-related declines, underscore the complexity of their influence on gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Non‐invasive Flicker Neurostimulation Boosts Resilience to Psychological Stress

AbstractBackgroundChronic stress promotes life‐long risk for neuropsychiatric decline by increasing neuroinflammation and disrupting synaptic health and plasticity. Our lab and others have recently demonstrated that non‐invasive gamma sensory flicker stimulation modulates inflammatory signaling, restores microglia function and improves cognitive performance in mice models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, no research to date has studied the effects of flicker in the context of stress. Accordingly, our goal for this study was to determine how sensory flicker stimulation mitigates neuropsychiatric‐like behavioral deficits and rescue glia and synapse pathology following chronic stress.MethodDaily flicker intervention was introduced concomitantly with daily stress exposure (28 days) at multiple frequencies in male and female C57BL6 and Thy1‐GFP mice (n = 6/group per sex). The mice were then tested for anxiety‐like and anhedonia using a range of behavioral tests. Next, we quantified spine density changes in Thy1‐GFP mice and quantified GFAP‐labeled astrocyte morphology change, a reliable proxy for astrocyte reactivity, in the medial PFC using the semi‐automated Imaris imaging software to determine synaptic health and inflammatory profile, respectively.ResultWe show for the first time that stress‐induced morphological changes in the medial PFC are modulated in a sex‐, and frequency‐specific manner that coincides with behavioral resilience in stressed mice. Our findings indicates that audio‐visual flicker protect against stress‐induced behavioral deficits (p&lt;0.0001) and improves neuroinflammation (p&lt;0.01) in a sex‐ and frequency‐specific manner.ConclusionTogether, these findings show frequency tunable flicker intervention improves stress pathology and may prevent neuropsychiatric health decline in conditions with sex dimorphic symptoms and prevalence.

Состояние нервно-психического здоровья школьников при различном времени использования мобильных электронных устройств

Uncontrolled screen time is a worldwide menace to health of the population. Today, the state of neuropsychiatric health of schoolchildren depends on various factors, including screen time, i.e., the time they spend using mobile electronic devices. This study aimed to investigate how different screen time durations affect the said neuropsychiatric health of this population group. In the 2022–2023 academic year, we surveyed 109 Moscow schoolchildren (35 boys and 74 girls) using questionnaires compiled by A.M. Vane (identification of signs of vegetative symptoms) and S.K. Kulakov (identification of internet addiction). The mean age of the participants was 14.9 ± 0.12 years. The children were divided into two groups: those staying within the regulated limit of mobile screen time (group 1, n = 11), and those exceeding that limit (group 2, n = 98). In group 1, the average mobile screen time, as measured for one month, was 110.50 ± 10.00 minutes per day, in group 2 — 345.00 ± 15.00. The average Vane questionnaire scores differed significantly between the groups (p ≤ 0.01): 12.30 ± 1.89 points in group 1 and 22.54 ± 1.16 points in group 2. Signs of vegetative symptoms were registered in 45.9% of group 1 participants and 63.6% of group 2 participants (p ≤ 0.01). The average Kulakov questionnaire scores differed significantly between the groups (p ≤ 0.05): 28.7 ± 1.88 points in group 1 and 37.1 ± 1.09 points in group 2. Schoolchildren who exceed the regulated mobile screen time limit are at risk of developing vegetative disorders and internet addiction.

Mental Health and Cognitive Care for Successful Aging with HIV

Purpose of the article: Globally, an estimated 4.2 million people above the age of 50 now have diagnosis of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. Patients with HIV can now survive well into old age. Aging with HIV has been associated with medical illness however neuropsychiatric symptoms including cognitive decline and behavioral dysregulation has been directly associated with aging and having HIV. The article will talk about common neuropsychiatric diagnosis with HIV and discuss some interventions that may be used for successful aging with HIV. Findings: A detailed literature review using indexed peer reviewed literature using databases such as Medline, PubMed and Cochrane reviews show that untreated HIV illness over a long period of time can both cause both cognitive and behavioral changes as well as precipitate underlying existing illnesses. All providers are encouraged to begin treatment with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Early screening for both behavioral and cognitive disorders is encouraged and timely referrals to mental health professionals is of utmost importance. Conclusion: Persons with HIV now have increased longevity given newer and more innovative treatment with anti-retroviral treatment (ART). However, persons with HIV are at increased risk for both neurological and psychiatric illness. Early detection, assessment and treatment are key to ensure aging successfully. A collaborative multidisciplinary team comprising of individuals from infectious diseases, mental health, social work and nursing is essential for optimal neuropsychiatric health in older persons with HIV.

Assessing neuropsychological disorders affecting pottery workers occupationally exposed to air pollutants

ObjectivePottery-related activities are characterized by the emission of multiple air pollutants in the form of particulate matter, gases, and organic compounds. These pollutants are associated with adverse neuropsychological effects. This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to air pollutants on the neuropsychiatric health. MethodsA total of 180 male workers (90 exposed workers and 90 administrative employees) were recruited from pottery-making activities in the Fawakher region located in old Cairo (Misr Al-Kadema); the administrative employees were the control group. Personal, medical, and family histories, general and neurological clinical examination, and neuropsychological assessments were recorded. Serum levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal levels (4HNE) were measured by ELISA. Environmental measurement of workplace air pollutants was performed. ResultsEnvironmental monitoring of the workplace revealed that workers are exposed to high levels of SO2 and NO2 as these exceeded the national standard levels. Compared to the control group, the exposed workers’ group demonstrated a significant decrease in digit forwards score, digit backward score, and symbol digit score and a significant higher Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Benton Visual Retention score. The level of 4HNE was significantly increased among the exposed workers’ group compared to that of the control group. ConclusionOccupational exposure to air pollutants is associated with impairment in neuropsychological functions, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of 4HNE, which is a biomarker for oxidative stress among Egyptian pottery workers.

The potentially important role of intestinal brain (gut microbiota) in neuropsychiatric health

The potentially important role of intestinal brain (gut microbiota) in neuropsychiatric health

The Role of Gut Dysbiosis in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Mounting evidence shows that the complex gut microbial ecosystem in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract regulates the physiology of the central nervous system (CNS) via microbiota and the gut-brain (MGB) axis. The GI microbial ecosystem communicates with the brain through the neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic nervous systems. Recent studies have bolstered the involvement of dysfunctional MGB axis signaling in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). Several investigations on the dynamic microbial system and genetic-environmental interactions with the gut microbiota (GM) have shown that changes in the composition, diversity and/or functions of gut microbes (termed "gut dysbiosis" (GD)) affect neuropsychiatric health by inducing alterations in the signaling pathways of the MGB axis. Interestingly, both preclinical and clinical evidence shows a positive correlation between GD and the pathogenesis and progression of NPDs. Long-term GD leads to overstimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroimmune system, along with altered neurotransmitter levels, resulting in dysfunctional signal transduction, inflammation, increased oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal death. Further studies on the MGB axis have highlighted the significance of GM in the development of brain regions specific to stress-related behaviors, including depression and anxiety, and the immune system in the early life. GD-mediated deregulation of the MGB axis imbalances host homeostasis significantly by disrupting the integrity of the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB), mucus secretion, and gut immune and brain immune functions. This review collates evidence on the potential interaction between GD and NPDs from preclinical and clinical data. Additionally, we summarize the use of non-therapeutic modulators such as pro-, pre-, syn- and post-biotics, and specific diets or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which are promising targets for the management of NPDs.

Multiple problems of school medicine: state of health and organization of nutrition for schoolchildren

Introduction. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of schoolchildren with chronic diseases. Employees of the Astrakhan State Medical University, together with colleagues from Children’s City Polyclinic №4, worked to study the impact of nutrition on the growth of disease cases in educational institutions.Aim. Study of the impact of nutrition in educational institutions on the state of health of modern schoolchildren in the city of Astrakhan, as well as the understanding of children and their parents of the principles of healthy nutrition of children.Materials and methods. The health status of 9063 schoolchildren was monitored in general education institutions located in the service area of Children’s City Polyclinic No. 4. Data from preventive examinations 2018–2020 were used. Schoolchildren (579 people) in grades 8–11 and parents (591 people) were surveyed for the state of the child’s health and attitude to healthy nutrition in schools.Results. According to the results of monitoring by the Office of Rospotrebnadzor in the Astrakhan region in the region, no educational institution has a balanced diet. Preventive examinations of schoolchildren showed that only 7% of children with health group I entered the first grades. In a significant part of schoolchildren, various functional violations were noted (57%). In the structure of such disorders, the first place is diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the second place is the pathology of the digestive organs, and the third place is the violation of neuropsychiatric health. There was a high level of allergopathology, eye diseases. 3% of children showed hearing loss. When examining the cardiovascular system (ECG screening), only 63% of schoolchildren had no significant abnormalities.Conclusion. Unsustainable nutrition of schoolchildren is one of the reasons for the high level of incidence of schoolchildren, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and physical disorders. It is necessary to introduce healthy-saving technologies in schools and control the organization of nutrition for schoolchildren.

The Presence and Profile of Neurological Conditions and Associated Psychiatric Comorbidities in U.S. Resettled Refugees: A Retrospective Single Center Study.

Refugees are a vulnerable, growing population who confront a myriad of traumas leading to their forced migration. Although psychiatric illnesses of resettled refugees are well-documented, there is a paucity of studies characterizing their neurological disease profiles. This study aimed to characterize the frequency and range of neurological disorders in a sample of resettled refugees receiving care at a community health center in Massachusetts, U.S.A. We performed a retrospective medical record review of adult (≥ 18 years) resettled refugees between May 2001 and December 2012 at a community health center in Northeast Massachusetts. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics pertaining to neuropsychiatric health were collected from medical records using a standardized data extraction tool. Group comparisons between those with and without neurological illness and associated sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics were evaluated using χ2 and independent samples two-tailed t-tests. In our sample (n = 779), 53.3% (n = 415) were male and 48.8% (n = 380) were from the African continent. The mean age was 33.2 ± 12.4 years (range 18-85). 36.8% were diagnosed with at least one neurological disorder and 18.1% with more than one neurological illness. The most common diagnoses were headaches (28.3%), sleep disorders (11.2%), cognitive impairment/ dementia (5.5%), and head trauma (5.5%). Exploratory analyses revealed that participants with neurological illness were more likely to be older (p < .001), female (p = .002), and diagnosed with co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses (p < .001) than those without neurological illness. Neurological disorders frequently co-occur with psychiatric comorbidities among U.S. resettled adult refugees. Standard refugee health assessments should incorporate screening and treatment for neurological illnesses.