Article
Psychology, Clinical
Brian O'Donoghue, John Lyne, Eric Roche, Nathan Mifsud, Laoise Renwick, Caragh Behan, Mary Clarke
Summary: This study found that migrants from Africa have a nearly twofold increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder compared to those born in the Republic of Ireland, while migrants from certain Asian countries have a reduced risk. Further research into the factors behind this increased risk in specific migrant groups could provide insights into the cause of psychotic disorders.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Laura Lockwood, Brian Miller, Nagy A. Youssef
Summary: This systematic review examined 17 studies related to epigenetic changes in first-episode psychosis, finding evidence of epigenetic alterations in certain portions of the genome in early psychosis patients. Further research in this area is warranted for more definitive epigenetic correlations.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Jelle Lamsma, Joke M. Harte, Wiepke Cahn
Summary: The risk factors for violent behavior in schizophrenia spectrum disorders may differ depending on whether it occurs before or after the onset of the disorder. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that patients with violent behavior before the onset of schizophrenia more often lived in socially disorganized neighborhoods, while patients with violence after onset had higher prevalence of clinical risk factors such as substance misuse, impairments in executive functions, poor impulse control, delusions, and lack of illness insight.
SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Criminology & Penology
Jill Del Pozzo, Julie Walsh-Messinger, Daniel Antonius
Summary: The association between childhood trauma and aggressive behavior in first episode psychosis is significant, with individuals experiencing early psychosis showing higher rates of childhood trauma and aggression compared to healthy controls. Early detection and intervention are important in reducing aggression, and incorporating trauma-focused interventions into treatment plans may improve outcomes for individuals with a history of trauma.
AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Tianhong Zhang, Yanyan Wei, Huiru Cui, Xiaochen Tang, Lihua Xu, Yegang Hu, Yingying Tang, Haichun Liu, Tao Chen, Chunbo Li, Jijun Wang
Summary: Neurocognitive deficits in early psychosis differ with age. This study explored age-related differences in neurocognitive performance among a large clinical population. The results showed significant differences in neurocognitive scores among different age groups, with CHR individuals having lower scores than HC and FEP patients having even lower scores. Adolescents performed better than adults in all groups. Age had a stronger correlation with cognitive function in the HC group, and more neurocognitive domains were affected by age compared to the CHR and FEP groups. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive trajectory in early psychosis.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Josep Pena-Garijo, Maria Lacruz, Maria Jose Masanet, Ana Palop-Grau, Rut Plaza, Ana Hernandez -Merino, Silvia Edo-Villamon, Oscar Valllina
Summary: This study aimed to explore the recognition of specific emotions across the course of psychosis. Facial emotion recognition (FER) was assessed using a visual task representing the six basic emotions in 204 healthy controls and 100 patients with psychosis. The study found that FER deficits were present in individuals at high risk for psychosis and increased along the psychosis continuum, with fear recognition possibly serving as a vulnerability marker. Deficits in anger and fear recognition predicted the presence of psychosis.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Franck Schurhoff, Cecile Corfdir, Baptiste Pignon, Mohamed Lajnef, Jean-Romain Richard, Elisabeth Marcos, Antoine Pelissolo, Marion Leboyer, Serge Adnot, Stephane Jamain, Andrei Szoke
Summary: This study compared telomere length between first-episode schizophrenia patients and controls, finding no significant association after adjusting for confounders. The results suggest that psycho-social stress may impact telomere length in individuals with schizophrenia, rather than telomere erosion contributing to the development of the disorder.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Lennart Hogman, Gabriela Gavalova, Petri Laukka, Marianne Kristiansson, Malin V. Kallman, Hakan Fischer, Anette G. M. Johansson
Summary: This study examined the impact of reasoning ability, psychomotor speed, and self-rated psychopathy on emotion recognition in individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders (PSD) with and without a history of aggression, as well as in healthy individuals. The results showed that reasoning ability, psychomotor speed, patient status, and prior aggression were associated with accuracy in emotion recognition. However, self-rated psychopathy was not independently linked to emotion recognition when considering these factors.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Alex G. Segura, Gisela Mezquida, Albert Martinez-Pinteno, Patricia Gasso, Natalia Rodriguez, Lucia Moreno-Izco, Silvia Amoretti, Miquel Bioque, Antonio Lobo, Ana Gonzalez-Pinto, Alicia Garcia-Alcon, Alexandra Roldan-Bejarano, Eduard Vieta, Elena de la Serna, Alba Toll, Manuel J. Cuesta, Sergi Mas, Miquel Bernardo
Summary: Early intervention is crucial for preventing the progression of psychotic disorders. This study found that genetic susceptibility related to cognitive performance is associated with an increased risk of first-episode psychosis (FEP) and its clinical and cognitive progression. Additionally, genetic susceptibility for depression is associated with a worsening trajectory of executive function and general cognitive status.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Alba Toll, Emilio Pechuan, Daniel Berge, Teresa Legido, Laura Martinez-Sadurni, Khadija El-Abidi, Victor Perez-Sola, Anna Mane
Summary: The risk of suicide is high in individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP), but the factors associated with this risk are not well-understood. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic and clinical factors that contribute to suicide attempts in FEP patients over a two-year period. The findings revealed that prior suicide attempts, low functionality, depression, and feelings of guilt were significantly associated with suicide attempts. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions, particularly during the prodromal stage, in identifying and treating FEP patients with a high suicide risk.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Blazej Misiak, Marita Pruessner, Jerzy Samochowiec, Michal Wisniewski, Artur Reginia, Bartlomiej Stanczykiewicz
Summary: In psychosis, dysregulated cortisol responses and glucose metabolism alterations are observed, with elevated blood cortisol levels and attenuated cortisol awakening response (CAR) in first-episode psychosis (FEP). Glucose and insulin levels were positively correlated with unstimulated blood cortisol levels in FEP, suggesting a connection between stress hormones and glucose metabolism in psychosis. Future research should focus on identifying common factors contributing to these changes.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Toby Pillinger, Robert A. McCutcheon, Oliver D. Howes
Summary: Patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) show greater variability in metabolic parameters compared to controls, indicating potential subgroups of patients with more susceptibility to metabolic dysregulation. Female sex and higher symptom severity are associated with poorer metabolic outcomes.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Natalie Martos, William Hall, Alicia Marhefka, Thomas W. Sedlak, Frederick C. Nucifora
Summary: Neutropenia is a potential adverse effect of antipsychotic medications, with clozapine receiving most of the attention. However, paliperidone can also cause neutropenia, as demonstrated in a case report of a 23-year-old African American male. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of neutropenia when initiating paliperidone and consider comparative risks across antipsychotics for treatment decisions.
Article
Psychiatry
Zhen Mao, Lu Tian, Yue Sun, Fang Dong, Chuanyue Wang, Qijing Bo
Summary: This study compared the degree of subjective quality of life impairment and its predictive factors in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis. The results showed that both FES and CHR groups had lower quality of life scores compared to the healthy control group. Anxiety/depressive symptoms and unemployment negatively affected the quality of life for both FES and CHR individuals.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Antonio Melillo, Edoardo Caporusso, Giulia Maria Giordano, Luigi Giuliani, Pasquale Pezzella, Andrea Perrottelli, Paola Bucci, Armida Mucci, Silvana Galderisi, Jean-Arthur Micoulaud Franchi
Summary: This review aims to explore the correlations between negative symptoms and deficits in neurocognition and social cognition in individuals with first-episode psychosis and at-risk populations. The available evidence suggests that negative symptoms are associated with executive functioning and theory of mind deficits in first-episode psychosis subjects, and with deficits in processing speed, attention, vigilance, and working memory in at-risk populations.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Olav Nielssen, Georgia Lyons, Katya Oldfield, Anina Johnson, Kimberlie Dean, Matthew Large
Summary: Between 1993 and 2016, there were 2159 homicide offenders in New South Wales, with 7.8% found not guilty by reason of mental illness. The rate of non-NGMI homicide convictions decreased significantly over the years, while the rate of NGMI homicide remained relatively stable. High rates of psychiatric comorbidity, including substance use disorders and prior head injuries, were observed among NGMI offenders.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Eliza Skelton, Alistair Lum, Lucy E. Cooper, Emma Barnett, Julie Smith, Arlene Everson, Jane Machart, Amanda L. Baker, Sean Halpin, Olav Nielssen, Matthew Clapham, Billie Bonevski
Summary: This pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of providing varenicline in combination with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and motivational interviewing (MI) to adult male smokers attending a clinic in a hostel for homeless people. Results showed that the intervention was feasible and associated with short-term smoking cessation and significant reductions in the number of cigarettes smoked per day. However, adherence to the counseling sessions was low, raising concerns about the need for further improvement in this area.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Rebecca J. Mitchell, Anne McMaugh, Carolyn Schniering, Cate M. Cameron, Reidar P. Lystad, Tim Badgery-Parker, Olav Nielssen
Summary: This study compared the scholastic performance and high school completion rates of young people hospitalized for a mental disorder with those who were not hospitalized for such conditions. It found that young males and females with a mental disorder were at a significantly higher risk of not achieving the national minimum standards for numeracy and reading, as well as not completing high school, compared to their peers. Early recognition and support for these individuals, particularly those with multiple disorders, could help improve their educational outcomes.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lauren G. Staples, Lia Asrianti, Eyal Karin, Rony Kayrouz, Shane Cross, Madelyne Bisby, Alana Fisher, Blake F. Dear, Nickolai Titov, Olav Nielssen
Summary: This study explores the use of antidepressant medication and treatment outcomes in patients accessing a digital mental health service as part of routine care. The findings suggest that online treatment is acceptable and effective for patients using concurrent antidepressant medication.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Natalia Yee, Prabin Chemjong, Daria Korobanova, Suki Scade, Matthew Large, Olav Nielssen, Vaughan Carr, Kimberlie Dean
Summary: This study suggests that individuals along the spectrum of psychosis have higher levels of social disadvantage and other co-occurring mental health problems, but are not more likely to commit violent offences.
PSYCHIATRY PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rebecca J. Mitchell, Eyal Karin, Joseph Power, Hayden Foung, Naidene Jones, Olav Nielssen
Summary: This study describes the characteristics and cost of health service use among a cohort of 2,140 homeless individuals attending homeless hostel clinics. It identifies predictors of high health service use and time to readmission. The findings highlight the need for supported housing models with integrated care, improved referral pathways, and better coordination with community-based support agencies.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rebecca J. Mitchell, Anne McMaugh, Reidar P. Lystad, Cate M. Cameron, Olav Nielssen
Summary: This population-based retrospective cohort study in New South Wales, Australia examined the healthcare utilization of young people with mental disorders. The study found that emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and ambulatory mental health service contacts were higher for young people with mental disorders compared to their matched peers. The risk of further hospitalization was significantly elevated for males with psychotic and anxiety disorders, as well as for both males and females with cognitive and behavioral delays, intellectual disability, and mood disorders. The study emphasizes the need for the development of community and hospital-based services to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and reduce the burden and loss associated with mental disorders in adulthood.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Logan Woodman, Lauren Staples, Eyal Karin, Kirra Solterbeck, Nicholas Burns, Rebecca Mitchell, Olav Nielssen
Summary: This retrospective cohort study on homeless individuals in inner city Sydney reveals a total mortality rate of 13.0%, with a mean age at death of 50.7 years. Unnatural causes account for 36.7% of deaths, including drug overdose (24.1%), suicide (6.8%), and other injuries (5.9%). The study confirms the high mortality among homeless individuals and highlights the lower mortality rate among regular clinic attenders.
AUSTRALASIAN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Madelyne A. Bisby, Blake F. Dear, Eyal Karin, Rhiannon Fogliati, Joanne Dudeney, Katie Ryan, Ashleigh Fararoui, Olav Nielssen, Lauren G. Staples, Rony Kayrouz, Shane Cross, Nickolai Titov
Summary: Many psychological treatments aim to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by modifying maladaptive patterns of cognitions, behavior, and other actions. The Things You Do Questionnaire (TYDQ) was developed to measure the frequency of actions that are associated with psychological health in a reliable and valid manner. This study examined treatment-related change in the frequency of actions measured by the TYDQ and found significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety after an 8-week internet-delivered treatment course based on cognitive behavior therapy.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shane P. Cross, Eyal Karin, Lia Asrianti, Jennie Walker, Lauren G. Staples, Madelyne A. Bisby, Olav Nielssen, Rony Kayrouz, Alana Fisher, Blake F. Dear, Nickolai Titov
Summary: This study examines the functional impairment of patients accessing a mental health service, and finds that many patients have significant levels of impairment before treatment. After treatment, a large proportion of patients experience functional improvement, which is independent of symptom improvement.
INTERNET INTERVENTIONS-THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Olav Nielssen, Lauren Staples, Eyal Karin, Katie Ryan, Rony Kayrouz, Blake Dear, Shane Cross, Nickolai Titov
Summary: Little is known about the safety of remote mental healthcare provided by digital mental health services (DMHS). This study examined the circumstances of suicide among patients registered with a national DMHS and found that those who died by suicide had more severe illness and were mostly engaged with face-to-face services.
Article
Criminology & Penology
Rebecca J. Mitchell, Nicholas Burns, Nicholas Glozier, Olav Nielssen
Summary: This longitudinal study examines the interaction between people experiencing homelessness and the criminal justice system over time. It highlights a high rate of criminal justice contact and recidivism among homeless individuals, underscoring the need for strategies addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing comprehensive systems-based responses to reduce reoffending. These responses should include secure housing and mental health/substance use treatment programs for homeless offenders.
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shane P. Cross, Lauren G. Staples, Madelyne A. Bisby, Olav Nielssen, Alana Fisher, Nickolai Titov, Blake F. Dear
Summary: Anxiety and depressive disorders are common and chronic, and internet-delivered psychological interventions have been proven to be effective. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the predominant therapeutic model, but other models like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) have been developed. This study examined the feasibility of a brief, clinician supported internet-delivered program for treating symptoms of both anxiety and depression, and results showed significant clinical improvement.
INTERNET INTERVENTIONS-THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH
(2023)
Letter
Criminology & Penology
Rebecca J. Mitchell, Nicholas Burns, Nicholas Glozier, Olav Nielssen
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nickolai Titov, Blake F. Dear, Madelyne A. Bisby, Olav Nielssen, Lauren G. Staples, Rony Kayrouz, Shane Cross, Eyal Karin
Summary: This study developed the Things You Do Questionnaire (TYDQ) through survey methodology to identify and rank actions most strongly associated with psychological health. The findings revealed that actions related to realistic thinking, meaningful activities, goals and plans, healthy habits, and social connections were more strongly associated with psychological health than other behaviors such as practicing kindness, exercising gratitude, and practicing spirituality.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)