Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yoonjung Yoonie Joo, Jiook Cha, Jeremy Freese, M. Geoffrey Hayes
Summary: This study used genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS) to analyze cognitive and behavioral data of European-ancestry adults and found a significant correlation between higher cognitive capacity GPS and slower cognitive decline in memory recall. It also identified associations between cognitive capacity GPS and other cognitive/behavioral phenotypes.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
David T. Liebers, Mehdi Pirooznia, Andrea Ganna, Fernando S. Goes
Summary: The study demonstrates that psychiatric polygenic risk scores can modestly improve the distinction between BD and MDD cases based on clinical grounds, potentially providing utility for subjects at the extremes of the distribution or those with poorly measured clinical symptoms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Bradley S. Jermy, Saskia P. Hagenaars, Kylie P. Glanville, Jonathan R. I. Coleman, David M. Howard, Gerome Breen, Evangelos Vassos, Cathryn M. Lewis
Summary: This study used factor analysis to derive continuous depression phenotypes from symptom-level data in the UK Biobank and found an association between polygenic risk for major depression and continuous depressive symptoms. The analysis on case- and control-only subsets showed a stronger association within cases, suggesting the importance of within-group variation in understanding major depression.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Zhuoliang Hou, Wenhao Jiang, Fan Li, Xiaoyun Liu, Zhenghua Hou, Yingying Yin, Haisan Zhang, Hongxing Zhang, Chunming Xie, Zhijun Zhang, Youyong Kong, Yonggui Yuan
Summary: This study discovered differences in individual functional connectivity variations between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy individuals, and genetic risk may affect the clinical manifestations of depression through brain function heterogeneity.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Hao-Kai Chuang, Ai-Ru Hsieh, Tien-Yap Ang, Szu-Wen Chen, Yi-Ping Yang, Hung-Juei Huang, Shih-Hwa Chiou, Tai -Chi Lin, Shih-Jen Chen, Chih-Chien Hsu, De-Kuang Hwang
Summary: This study identified TMEM132D and VIPR2 as genetic candidates linked to RD in Han Chinese populations, and developed a PRS that effectively predicts the risk of RD.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Joey Ward, Ngoc-Quynh Le, Suryakant Suryakant, Jennifer A. Brody, Philippe Amouyel, Anne Boland, Rosemary Bown, Breda Cullen, Stephanie Debette, Jean-Francois Deleuze, Joseph Emmerich, Nicholas Graham, Marine Germain, Jana J. Anderson, Jill P. Pell, Donald M. Lyall, Laura M. Lyall, Daniel J. Smith, Kerri L. Wiggins, Jose Manuel Soria, Juan Carlos Souto, Pierre-Emmanuel Morange, Nicholas L. Smith, David-Alexandre Tregouet, Maria Sabater-Lleal, Rona J. Strawbridge
Summary: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), while bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are not. This study aimed to determine if genetic predisposition to MDD, BD, or SCZ is associated with an increased risk of VTE. The results showed a positive association between genetic predisposition to MDD and the risk of VTE, independent of known risk factors.
Review
Immunology
Takahiro Konuma, Yukinori Okada
Summary: PRS has been widely used in predicting a variety of common diseases and non-disease traits, serving as a predictive biomarker for high-risk subgroups and providing information on modifiable risk factors driving health outcomes.
INFLAMMATION AND REGENERATION
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yazheng Di, Jingying Wang, Xiaoqian Liu, Tingshao Zhu
Summary: The combined biomarker of PRS and voice features showed improved performance in detecting MDD compared to individual biomarkers. The study suggests the feasibility of using genetic and voice biomarkers in the diagnosis of MDD, with multilayer perceptron demonstrating advantages in detection capability.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Julia J. Meerman, Sophie E. ter Hark, Joost G. E. Janzing, Marieke J. H. Coenen
Summary: This review examines the genetic overlap between various traits and antidepressant treatment response in patients with unipolar MDD using polygenic risk scores (PRS). The results suggest that PRSs for several traits, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and coronary artery disease, may be associated with antidepressant treatment response. However, the studies varied in sample size and outcome measures, highlighting the need for larger cohorts and standardized assessment methods.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Ying Xiong, Robert Karlsson, Jie Song, Kaarina Kowalec, Christian Rueck, Robert Sigstroem, Lina Jonsson, Caitlin C. Clements, Evelyn Andersson, Julia Boberg, Cathryn M. Lewis, Patrick F. Sullivan, Mikael Landen, Yi Lu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the genetic overlap between treatment response and resistance in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), and provides evidence for the heritability of treatment-related phenotypes. It highlights the overall genetic profile of lithium-sensitivity in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), offering a genetic explanation for the efficacy of lithium in treating TRD.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose Patricio Miranda, Maria Cecilia Lardone, Fernando Rodriguez, Gordon B. Cutler, Jose Luis Santos, Camila Corvalan, Ana Pereira, Veronica Mericq
Summary: The study identified one variant significantly associated with DHEAS concentrations at the genome-wide level, as well as several variants with suggestive associations that may be involved in the genetic regulation of adrenarche.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Enrique Soto-Pedre, Paul J. Newey, Sundararajan Srinivasan, Moneeza K. Siddiqui, Colin N. A. Palmer, Graham P. Leese
Summary: This study investigates the genetic associations with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) using both a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and candidate gene approaches. The results suggest that genetic variants at SOX9, SLITRK5, LPAR3, and BCDIN3D-AS1 are associated with an increased risk of PHPT. Furthermore, carriers of more PHPT-risk alleles, both male and female, have a significantly higher risk of developing PHPT.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jacqueline Kiewa, Samantha Meltzer-Brody, Jeanette Milgrom, Jerry Guintivano, Ian B. Hickie, David C. Whiteman, Catherine M. Olsen, Lucia Colodro-Conde, Sarah E. Medland, Nicholas G. Martin, Naomi R. Wray, Enda M. Byrne
Summary: The study found a high genetic overlap between perinatal depression (PND) and major depressive disorder (MDD), with main distinctions in genes differentially expressed in ovarian tissue and higher MDD polygenic score (PGS), particularly for women experiencing both antenatal and postpartum PND.
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Chien-Yu Lin, Ya-Sian Chang, Ting-Yuan Liu, Chung-Ming Huang, Chin-Chun Chung, Yu-Chia Chen, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Jan-Gowth Chang, Shun-Jen Chang
Summary: This study identified genetic variants and polygenic risk scores related to female gout and asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (AH) through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The variants in the SLC2A9 gene were found to be the major genetic factors associated with gout in females aged >= 50, while variants in the SLC2A9, ZNF518B, PKD2, and ABCG2 genes were significantly related to AH in both age groups. The polygenic risk score provided a more accurate prediction of gout and AH.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qingqin S. Li, Randall L. Morrison, Gustavo Turecki, Wayne C. Drevets
Summary: Epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), as indicated by a meta-analysis study. The study identified differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with MDD, highlighting the involvement of pathways related to neuronal synaptic plasticity, calcium signaling, and inflammation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Chiara Fabbri, Julian Mutz, Cathryn M. Lewis, Alessandro Serretti
Summary: This study was the first to comprehensively evaluate the predictors of wellbeing in relation to the history of MDD. The identified variables are important to identify individuals at risk and promote wellbeing.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Dekel Taliaz, Alessandro Serretti
Summary: The validity of clinical trials in psychiatry has been under discussion in the past two decades. The commonly used method of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) faces challenges when applied in the psychiatric field due to strict participant criteria and inconsistency in endpoint parameters. This has led to problematic clinical practice in psychiatry.
CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Raimondo Maria Pavarin, Chiara Fabbri, Elsa Turino, Silvia Marani, Samantha Sanchini, Diana De Ronchi
Summary: Suicide is a major global health issue, and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are an important risk factor for suicide attempts. This study utilized electronic health records to identify individuals diagnosed with AUD in the Metropolitan area of Bologna. The results showed a higher rate of suicide attempts in this population, particularly in females, within one year of AUD diagnosis, and among patients with psychiatric comorbidities or concurrent abuse of cannabis or benzodiazepines. Additionally, the risk of suicide attempts was significantly higher in females in 2020 compared to 2019, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vincenzo Oliva, Giuseppe Fanelli, Manuel Zamparini, Cristina Zarbo, Matteo Rocchetti, Letizia Casiraghi, Fabrizio Starace, Alessandra Martinelli, Alessandro Serretti, Giovanni de Girolamo, DiAPASon Consortium
Summary: Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is commonly used in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) despite recommendations against it. This study found high rates of APP and lower levels of physical activity in both residential and outpatient patients. However, patients on APP showed trends of reduced sedentariness and higher levels of light physical activity compared to those on monopharmacy.
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Kristina Mozuraityte, Agne Stanyte, Naomi A. Fineberg, Alessandro Serretti, Julija Gecaite-Stonciene, Julius Burkauskas
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review of published literature to examine the relationship between mental fatigue and various psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that mental fatigue is studied in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Cognitive factors such as unhelpful beliefs about sleep and symptom-focussed rumination, as well as personality risk factors, were found to be relevant in predicting mental fatigue symptoms. Further investigation is needed to explore mental fatigue in adult psychiatric samples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Fabio Panariello, Siegfried Kasper, Joseph Zohar, Daniel Souery, Stuart Montgomery, Panagiotis Ferentinos, Dan Rujescu, Julien Mendlewicz, Diana De Ronchi, Alessandro Serretti, Chiara Fabbri
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors associated with side effects of psychotropic drugs in a real-world setting enriched with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients. Results showed that the severity of depressive symptoms was associated with total, psychic, and neurological side effects, while autonomic side effects were higher in patients with somatic comorbidities and lower in patients receiving trazodone. Multivariate analyses revealed that depressive symptom severity was associated with psychic and total side effects, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with neurological side effects, and somatic comorbidities remained associated with autonomic side effects. Trazodone was associated with lower side effects and with augmentation treatments. Augmentation therapies showed opposite effects depending on response status, i.e. increased or decreased the risk of side effects in responders and non-responders/resistant patients, respectively.
WORLD JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura Mandelli, Yuri Milaneschi, Sarah Hiles, Alessandro Serretti, Brenda W. Penninx
Summary: An unhealthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in the development and progression of chronic disorders, and it may also affect biological systems involved in stress response. Using data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, researchers calculated a global index of unhealthy lifestyle based on five self-reported habits. They found that the index was associated with hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and increased inflammation, indicating that unhealthy habits increase biological stress. The use of drugs also impacted the autonomic nervous system activity.
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alessandro Serretti
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paolo Olgiati, Alessandro Serretti
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alessandro Serretti
INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jaime Millan-Santiago, Rosalba Vitagliano, Fortunata Mondella, Roberto Mandrioli, Roccaldo Sardella, Rafael Lucena, Tomaz Vovk, Soledad Cardenas, Federico Boaron, Alessandro Serretti, Carmine Petio, Michele Protti, Laura Mercolini
Summary: In this study, a bioanalytical method using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) was developed and validated for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of psychiatric patients under cariprazine treatment. The VAMS-UHPLC-MS methodology showed satisfactory results and was proven to be a useful alternative to cariprazine plasma analysis in clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Alessandro Serretti
Summary: Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression and other psychiatric disorders, referring to a lack of pleasure or reward. It is not only a psychological distress but also encompasses a range of reward processing deficits. Anhedonia is a relevant risk factor for suicidal behaviors and may operate independently of the severity of depressive episodes. It has also been associated with inflammation, which can have a reciprocal detrimental effect on depression. The neurophysiological bases of anhedonia mainly involve changes in striatal and prefrontal areas, with dopamine playing a key role as the neurotransmitter involved. Anhedonia is believed to have a significant genetic component and polygenic risk scores may be a tool for predicting an individual's risk for developing anhedonia. Traditional antidepressants have shown limited benefit in treating anhedonia, also considering their potential to worsen anhedonia in some individuals. Other treatments such as agomelatine, vortioxetine, ketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation may be more effective. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral activation, is widely supported as beneficial for anhedonia. In conclusion, evidence suggests that anhedonia is partially independent from depression and requires careful evaluation and targeted treatment.
CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Alexander Kautzky, Lucie Bartova, Gernot Fugger, Markus Dold, Daniel Souery, Stuart Montgomery, Joseph Zohar, Julien Mendlewicz, Chiara Fabbri, Alessandro Serretti, Dan Rujescu, Siegfried Kasper
Summary: This study investigates the differences in presentation and treatment outcomes of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among different age groups. It finds that age has an impact on depressive symptoms and treatment outcomes. In TRD patients, symptom load and hospitalization time increase with age, while treatment responders do not show this trend. Older patients are more likely to have symptoms such as inner tension, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties, and lassitude.
EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)