Integrative ceRNA network analysis identifies unique and shared molecular signatures in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Bipolar Disorder (BPD) and Schizophrenia (SCZ) are complex psychiatric disorders with shared symptomatology and genetic risk factors. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders is crucial for refining diagnostic criteria and guiding targeted treatments. In this study, publicly available RNA-seq data from post-mortem samples of the basal ganglia's striatum were analyzed using an integrative computational approach to identify differentially expressed (DE) transcripts associated with SCZ and BPD. The analysis aimed to reveal both shared and distinct genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and to construct competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks within the striatum. Furthermore, the functional implications of these identified transcripts are explored, alongside their presence in established databases such as BipEx and SCHEMA. A significant outcome of our analysis was the identification of 21 DEmRNAs and 1 DElncRNA shared between BPD and SCZ across the Caudate, Putamen, and Nucleus Accumbens. Another noteworthy finding was the identification of Hub nodes within the ceRNA networks that were linked to major psychosis. Particularly, MED19, HNRNPC, MAGED4B, KDM5A, GOLGA7, CHASERR, hsa-miR-4778-3p, hsa-miR-4739, and hsa-miR-4685-5p emerged as potential biomarkers. These findings shed light on the common and unique molecular signatures underlying BPD and SCZ, offering significant potential for the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored to these psychiatric disorders.

District-level differences in the distribution of mental and substance use disorders in Assam.

Background: The lifetime prevalence of mental morbidity in Assam is estimated at 8% (NMHS 2015-16). Understanding the distribution patterns of different types of mental disorders among persons with mental morbidity in different districts would facilitate evidence-driven district mental health programming in Assam. Given the varied socio-geopolitical situation across districts in Assam, significant variations in the distribution of mental disorders are expected. Aims: To assess interdistrict differentials in common mental disorders (CMDs), severe mental disorders (SMDs), socioeconomic impact, healthcare utilization, and mental disability across three districts sampled in NMHS in Assam. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used stratified random cluster sampling to identify and study eligible adult participants in Dibrugarh, Barpeta, and Cachar districts. Standardized scales and validated questionnaires were used to assess mental morbidity, disability, socioeconomic impact, and healthcare utilization. The distribution of different mental disorders among persons with mental disorders and their interdistrict differentials were tested using the Chi-square test of significance. Results: Among persons with mental morbidity, the most common disorder was CMDs (79%). The proportional distribution of CMDs among persons with mental morbidity was significantly higher in the Dibrugarh district (79%), whereas the distribution of SMDs was higher in the Cachar district (55%). The distribution of alcohol use disorder was the highest in the Dibrugarh district (71.6%). Significant differences in disability and healthcare utilization were observed between the districts. Conclusions: NMHS 2015-16 Assam indicates significant differentials in the distribution of CMDs and SMDs, healthcare utilization, and associated disability between the three districts. The differentials necessitate further research to understand socio-ethnocultural, religious, geopolitical, and other factors influencing the distribution. These differences need to be accounted for during the implementation of mental health programs in the state.

Behavioural and Emotional difficulties in School children during COVID 19 pandemic using narrowband dimensions of SDQ: Online survey from North? East India.

Background: Containment strategies such as lockdown during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have forced home confinement of many children. Data on psychological difficulties in children during lockdown are scarce from this part of the country. Aim: The aim of the study is to describe the burden and pattern of behavioral and emotional problems of schoolchildren during COVID-19 lockdown in a small town from Northeastern India. Materials and Methods: Caregivers of children (4-17 years old) attending English medium schools of the town were invited to participate in the study. A descriptive cross-sectional online survey using purposive nonprobability sampling was conducted between August and September 2020. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure behavioral and emotional difficulties of children. Responses were based on child's behaviors over the last 6 months which coincided with the ongoing lockdown period in the region. Results: A total of 304 responses were received, among which 242 were considered for analysis. The parent-reported SDQ showed 23.1% of children having emotional or behavioral problems during the COVID-19 lockdown. Peer problems (43.4%) were the most common, followed by conduct problems (25.6%), emotional problems (23.1%), and hyperactivity (11.1%). Type of family (nuclear/joint/extended) was significantly associated with total difficulties (χ2 = 6.608, P = 0.03), conduct problems (χ2 = 8.492, P = 0.01), and hyperactivity (χ2 = 5.908, P = 0.05). Socioeconomic status of the family was associated with hyperactivity (χ2 = 8.755, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Significant number of children have behavioral and emotional difficulties during COVID-19 lockdown period.

Depiction of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in YouTube videos.

Videos on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are widely available on YouTube. Individuals with OCD and their caregivers would likely watch these videos to understand this disorder. Videos presenting the information related to symptomatology and available treatment accurately and in an easy-to-understand manner would benefit the patients and the caregivers. On the other hand, inaccurate information may create confusion. Given this, the present research is aimed at analyzing the content, accuracy, and appropriateness of the YouTube videos on OCD. The quality of the YouTube videos on OCD, in terms of accuracy of the information provided, was assessed. Out of 330 videos, resulting from various search terms, 82 were found to be suitable for analysis. The videos were assessed for the accuracy of presented content on clinical symptoms, biological underpinnings, and treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) as well as their educational utility. Majority of the videos provided accurate description of obsessions (82.9%) and compulsions (74.4%) and 21.9% of the videos mentioned biological underpinnings of OCD. Treatment options, both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, were mentioned in 32.71% and 41.5% of the videos, respectively. Overall, 69.5% of the videos had useful educational utility. Findings have been discussed in terms of their practical utility.

Aggression as an independent entity even in psychosis - The role of cortisol.

Aggression is a common entity in psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic disorders. Glucocorticoid hypofunction has been linked to abnormal forms of aggressive behavior in various studies in a 'possibly causal' role. We hypothesise that aggression, even among those having psychosis is associated with glucocorticoid alterations similar to those who are aggressive but not psychotic. To our knowledge, this is the first study attempting to look at the cortisol functioning in relation to both aggression and psychosis. The present study included 80 participants divided into four groups depending upon presence or absence of aggression and psychosis. Morning cortisol, afternoon cortisol and their variability were measured using ELISA. The groups were compared on measures of aggression, psychosis, morning cortisol, afternoon cortisol and their variability using standard statistical instruments. The present study found lower levels of morning cortisol, afternoon cortisol and cortisol variability among the aggressive group (vs. non aggressive group) and among the diseased group (vs. non diseased group). The differences were most marked for cortisol variability which was related to both aggression and psychosis independently. There were statistically significant correlation between cortisol variability and aggression, which was retained even after controlling for psychosis. There was no significant correlation of cortisol variability with psychosis severity (after controlling for aggression score) or with age, gender or duration of psychosis. We conclude that aggression, even among patients with psychosis, is an independent entity characterized by lower levels of morning cortisol and cortisol variability. The etio-pathology may lie in some altered neuro-immune parameters executed by cortisol and psychosis as trigger.