Genetics and Schizophrenia
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis paper reviews modern literature describing the role of genetics in schizophrenia pathogenesis.Recent findingsThe largest population study investigating heritability of psychotic disorders to date reported a monozygotic (MZ) proband concordance rate of 33%, a dizygotic (DZ) proband concordance rate of 7%, and a heritability estimate around 80% for MZ twin pairs. Looking at copy number variants, researchers investigate specific chromosomal differences to better understand the genetic contributions to psychotic disorders. Further, two high-risk regions, one on chromosome 22 and another on 16, are...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - April 2, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in the Management of Suicidal Behavior
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe number of evidence supporting the use of various forms of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)  techniques for suicidal behavior is growing. This review updates the role of NIBS techniques in managing suicidal behavior based on recent evidence.Recent FindingsEvidence showed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) showed positive outcomes in reducing suicidal behavior. There is lack of rigorous clinical trial evidence on the usage of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in decreasing the risk of suicide.SummaryIt has been ...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - February 27, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Motor Imagery Neurofeedback: From System Conceptualization to Neural Correlates
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs a topic review on neurofeedback and motor imagery, this work revises the overall foundations and conceptualization of neurofeedback training (NFBT), focusing on its current trends and applications in the field of motor imagery (MI). This paradigm consists of imagined execution of motor action, without the explicit motor output and has potential beneficial applications in motor rehabilitation protocols. Given the complexity of MI, aiming to also provide an entry-level basis in the subject, we have compiled basic aspects of movement execution as well, to support better understanding of the covert ...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - February 19, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

From Bench to Bedside: Unveiling the Effects of Phloroglucinol as a Promising Neuroprotective Agent in the Battle Against Neurodegenerative Disorders
This study systematically explores PG ’s role in ND management, utilizing data exclusively from reputable sources like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink, and adhering to PRISMA guidelines to provide structured insights.Recent findingsThe review emphasizes PG ’s significant role in treating various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PG offers cytoprotective effects by preventing dendritic spine density loss in AD, reducing ROS levels in PD and ALS, and inhibiti...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - January 30, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Inhibitory Control in Gambling Disorder, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder/Problematic Pornography Use: a Review of the Last 5 Years
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo explore what has been published in the last 5 years on inhibitory control in gambling disorder (GD), internet gaming disorder (IGD), and compulsive sexual behavior disorder/problematic pornography use (CSBD/PPU).Recent FindingsInhibitory control is a component of executive function which involves managing automatic or irrelevant responses for goal-directed behavior. It has been typically assessed using tasks such as the Stroop, go/no-go, and stop-signal tasks. Inhibitory control has relevance across various mental disorders, and this narrative review focuses on behavioral addictions, specificall...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - January 23, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
DiscussionCerebellar TMS as an intervention for psychiatric disorders is studied primarily in schizophrenia, mostly for negative symptoms. The current evidence is mixed and inconclusive. This is because of the limited number of studies with small sample sizes and significant heterogeneity in the conduct of rTMS trials for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Future studies may focus on (a) optimizing stimulation parameters and localization techniques and (b) exploring alternative clinical targets (e.g., auditory hallucinations and depressive symptoms) for cerebellar neuromodulation.OtherThis systematic review was funded by ...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - January 12, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Good Psychiatric Management for Borderline Personality Disorder During the Perinatal Period: GPM-P
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWomen with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are especially at risk for experiencing adverse physiological, psychological, and social effects of pregnancy and postpartum. Those with BPD are vulnerable to these developmental transitions because of the interpersonal hypersensitivity that underpins the confusing oscillations of their symptoms.Recent FindingsGood Psychiatric Management (GPM) is a structured generalist intervention for patients with BPD found to be comparable in effectiveness to more intensive specialized psychotherapies such as DBT. GPM is adaptable to address the known vulnerabili...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - January 11, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Pediatric Population
AbstractPurpose of ReviewElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is regarded as one of the most effective treatment options for various psychiatric disorders. However, its use in the pediatric population has been substantially less and remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the application of ECT in children and adolescents.Recent FindingsThe use of ECT in pediatric population is predominantly limited to severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric and neurological conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suici...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - January 9, 2024 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Is Cannabis Use Associated with Motivation? A Review of Recent Acute and Non-Acute Studies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCannabis use has been anecdotally linked with reduced motivation, sometimes referred to as the ‘amotivational syndrome’. In this review, we evaluate research on the association between acute and non-acute cannabis use and motivation assessed with questionnaire or behavioural task-based measures, focusing on studies published in the last 5 years.Recent FindingsOf the five non-acute studies which used behavioural tasks to assess motivation, three found that cannabis use was associated withhigher willingness to expend effort for reward, while the other two found no differences between cannabis use...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - December 19, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Electroconvulsive Therapy as Maintenance Treatment in Psychiatric Disorders
AbstractPurposeof ReviewFollowing symptom remission with acute electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), maintenance ECT (M-ECT) is often used to prevent relapse. This review provides a concise summary of the evidence for M-ECT in various psychiatric disorders, outlines the cognitive adverse effects of M-ECT, and discusses clinical considerations while using M-ECT.Recent FindingsAdjunctive M-ECT has considerable evidence for relapse prevention efficacy in depressive and psychotic disorders, preliminary evidence for efficacy in bipolar disorders, and insufficient evidence in other disorders such as obsessive –compulsive disorder. ...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - December 1, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Cytokines as Predictors of Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy: an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective form of treatment for several psychiatric disorders. Cytokines are key mediators of immune-inflammatory responses, and are significantly associated with these disorders. Prior reviews have identified possible associations between cytokines and response to ECT, but have also highlighted the limitations of earlier research. This paper aims to review recent research in this field.Recent FindingsNineteen studies published between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. These studies showed inconsistent associations between baseline interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and re...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - November 8, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Understanding the Association Between Oxytocin Levels in Serum, Plasma, and CSF in Individuals with Suicide Attempt: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide a systematic review of clinical studies that have measured oxytocin levels in plasma, serum, and CSF of individuals with suicide attempts. We searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct for published studies to perform a systematic analysis.Recent FindingsWe identified five studies that searched for a correlation between oxytocin concentration and suicide attempts, which included 160 cases and 144 healthy controls. Three studies had a high NOS scale rank (NOS scores of 7), and two had a moderate NOS scale rank (NOS scores of 6). Studies reported that individuals who attempted ...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - October 13, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Positive, Negative, and Cognitive Symptoms of Psychosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to examine the clinical efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an interventional psychiatric treatment for psychotic disorders, with a focus on its impact on positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The paper explores the use of specific stimulation frequencies, brain target, and functional neuroimaging in facilitating more precise TMS treatment.Recent FindingsDespite several limitations and inconsistent results across different studies, TMS shows promise as a noninvasive therapeutic approach to manage negative and cognitive symptoms of psychosis. The us...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - October 6, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

The Use of Antipsychotic Medications in the Emergency Department: a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPsychotic illness causes significant burdens of disease both domestically and globally. Antipsychotic medication is a cornerstone of treatment for psychosis. Long-term adherence to these medications has been shown to have a host of benefits to patients. One practice setting where the effects of scheduled antipsychotics have not been thoroughly explored is in the emergency department (ED).Recent FindingsThe use of antipsychotic medication for the management of acute agitation in the ED has been extensively studied. Droperidol and olanzapine appear to be more efficacious than other antipsychotic medi...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - September 19, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

The Psychobiology of Problematic Use of Social Media
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe psychobiological mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of problematic use of social media (PUSM) and their similarities and differences with mechanisms of addictive behaviors are not well understood. A synthetic review of recent literature is necessary to improve our understanding of the psychobiology of PUSM and stimulate further research and discussion.Recent FindingsPUSM is associated with increased cue reactivity and sensitivity to social-media –related rewards, poor inhibitory control, and limited affective regulation. Striatal-PFC pathways, insular morphology, and struct...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - September 8, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research