Journal of affective disorders
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Although anxiety disorders are common, optimal treatment is elusive. More than half of anxiety patients treated with an adequate course of antidepressants fail to fully improve: treatment resistance, residual symptoms, and recurrence/relapse remain a challenge. Recently, atypical antipsychotics have been considered for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. This review will explore the available data for the role of aripiprazole in the treatment of anxiety. ⋯ The results of open-label trials of aripiprazole in anxiety provide enough support to warrant its further study. This, combined with a larger data base demonstrating its utility in bipolar disorder and depression, its safety profile and its unique mechanism of action, make aripiprazole for anxiety an intriguing avenue of exploration.
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Although depression is known to be frequently associated with stroke, it is nonetheless underdiagnosed and under-treated in this patient population. Its effect on outcome for stroke patients is thought to be substantial, but prediction is complicated by other pre- and post stroke factors. The aims of this study was to describe changes in depressive symptoms in elderly stroke patients across a timespan of one year, to examine risk factor for such changes and to explore whether depressive symptoms have any independent impact upon one year mortality and nursing home placement. ⋯ Institutionalization at 13 months was predicted by more depression (MADRS) and cognitive impairment (RBANS) at baseline, together with lower pre-stroke social activity levels (FAI). Two factors predicted death at 13 months: Cognitive impairment (MMSE) and greater age. The prevalence of depression was relatively unchanged from baseline (56%) to 13 month follow-up (48%). Among the patients who were depressed at baseline 55% still had MADRS score above six (persistent depression) at 13 months, while 35% in the non-depressed group at baseline had developed depression (incident depression). Persistent depression was significantly predicted by lower pre-stroke social activity levels (FAI) together with a more severe stroke (NIHSS) and worse overall function (mRS) at baseline. Incident depression was predicted by receipt of municipal home help before the stroke and a lower score on the delayed memory tasks on RBANS at baseline.
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The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for suicide attempts including bipolarity. ⋯ Clinicians need to be familiarized with these risk factors.
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Associations between 24-hour urinary 6-sulphatoxy melatonin excretion and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were assessed 2 days, 1 month and 6 months after traumatic injury requiring hospitalisation. ⋯ This study provides preliminary data suggesting disrupted melatonin levels in the first 48h following trauma may place individuals at increased risk of PTSD.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Brain derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphism (Val66Met) and short-term antidepressant response in major depressive disorder.
To determine the association between the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and short-term antidepressant response in Taiwanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). ⋯ Results suggest antidepressants acting through different mechanisms may affect the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism differently.