[The stabilizing effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on clinical parameters of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia treated with olanzapine - a randomized, double-blind trial]. / Stabilizujacy efekt dehydroepiandrosteronu na kliniczne parametry zespolu metabolicznego u pacjentów chorych na schizofrenie leczonych olanzapina - badanie randomizowane z podwójnie slepa próba.

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies have shown that low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone might increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in schizophrenic patients treated with olanzapine would influence the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Male schizophrenic patients (no=55) participated in a twelve-week, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. They received 100 mg dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or placebo as an augmentation of olanzapine treatment (an average dosage 15 mg/day). Main outcomes of the study were changes in lipid profile, fasting glucose levels, body mass index and waist circumference values. RESULTS: Forty five patients completed the study. There were no major changes in the overall cholesterol value, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or triglycerides in either group. The results of the repeated measures analysis of the system: fasting glucose level 2x, (at the beginning and end of the study), 2x (the study group and the control group), showed a significant interaction (F =5.7, df= 1.000 p= 0.021). The blood glucose level was decreased in the DHEA group. Furthermore, increases in waist circumference (delta= -1.11, t=-2.87; df=20; p=0.01) and BMI value (delta= -0.48, t=-2.38; df=19; p=0.028) were observed in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation results in stabilization of BMI, waist circumference and fasting glycaemia values in schizophrenic patients treated with olanzapine. To confirm the insulin-like effect of dehydroepiandrosterone, long-term research concentrating on the evaluation of glucose metabolism has to be performed.

[Oxytocin model of formation of psychotic symptoms and its implications for research on oxytocinergic pathway in schizophrenia]. / Oksytocynowy model powstawania objawów psychotycznych a implikacje dla badan nad rola systemu oksytocynergicznego w schizofrenii.

There are more and more data to support the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic pathway in schizophrenia. The development of the above branch of knowledge began to evolve alongside the mainstream of studies concerning gene polymorphisms for dopaminergic, glutamatergic and serotoninergic systems. Both experimental studies and clinical trials have demonstrated an antipsychotic effect of oxytocin. Starting with the pioneering neuroendocrinobehavioral experiment which demonstrated that oxytocin nasal spray increases the level of trust in healthy volunteers dozens of experiments were carried out confirming the modulatory role of oxytocin for the recognition of emotion, social memory, pro-social behaviours, collaborative behaviours and behaviours that require generosity and altruism. According to,oxytocin model' of development of psychotic symptoms--oxytocinergic system dysregulation may affect the incorrect attribution of meaning of emotional information from the environment. This can be manifested in the form of social cognition dysfunction and leads to abnormal social behaviour as withdrawal from social contact, isolation and formulation of paranoid delusions. From the clinical psychiatry point of view it became crucially need for research on selective oxytocin receptor agonists, as they may be used in the treatment of diseases which manifest in social withdrawal, lack of trust and the absence of affiliation behaviour as in schizophrenia.

[Androgens - a common biological marker of sleep disorders and selected sexual dysfunctions?]. / Androgeny - wspólny marker biologiczny zaburzen snu oraz wybranych dysfunkcji seksualnych?

The relationship between sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunctions still remains unclear. The links which indicate the importance of central nervous system and sleep mechanisms in regulations of the endocrine system seem to have bilateral character; the nature of such associations is not fully understood. The aim of the paper is to describe the influence of androgens on the relations between sexual functioning and sleep functions in patients of both sexes. The physiological role of the androgens is described with the emphasis put on the specific action of these hormones in sleep regulation, as well as the mutual relations between the regulatory role of sleep on the sexual apparatus. The newest data suggest that the androgenic hormonal profile is linked to the sleep rhythm, but not to the chronobiological diurnal rhythm in male patients. This may constitute the purpose for further research on the role of androgens in the connections between sexual and sleep disturbances. Up to date there is little known about androgens' role in sleep regulation in women. The influence of sexual activity disturbances as behavioral factors influencing the severity and the persistence of insomnia as well as their position among other factors important for the triggering of insomnia requires further scientific exploration.

["Mid-stimulation psychosis" in the course of in vitro fertilization procedure with the use of clomiphene citrate and bromocriptine - case study]. / Przypadek "psychozy okolostymulacyjnej" w przebiegu procedury zaplodnienia pozaustrojowego z zastosowaniem cytrynianu klomifenu oraz bromokryptyny.

AIM: A few cases of psychosis induced by clomiphene citrate have been described so far. However, data on the prevalence of psychotic symptoms among women treated for infertility are inconclusive. Still a little is known about possible psychiatric complications of medications used in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). We present a case of a patient who developed transient psychotic symptoms in the course of the in vitro fertilization procedures. To our kiiowledge, this is the first case of 'mid-stimulation psychosis', which has been observed during ART using clomiphene.citrate and bromocriptine. The aim of this study is to describe the determinants ofpharmacotherapy undertaken in ART,.which can result in the development of psychotic symptoms. METHODS: The Case presentation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in combination with bromocriptine used for chronic hyperprolactinemia is a likely mechanism that might have triggered psychotic symptoms in the case presented. However, combination therapy with clomiphen citrate and.bromocriptine may be the pharmacological model of hyper-dopaminergia followed by chaotic changes in serum estrogen levels and might lead to an increased sensitivity of dopamine receptors. The above therapeutic schema may increase susceptibility to the development of psychotic symptoms in treated women. This impact should be considered in the case of any psychotic complications in patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques

Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality?

In recent years, scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds has experienced a resurgence of interest. New studies have shown promising results, supporting the use of psychedelic drugs in treating various psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even alcohol addiction. The FDA has recognized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a breakthrough therapy to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. At the same time, interviews with recreational MDMA users have documented experiences of emotional intimacy while using MDMA, often without the desire for penetrative sex. However, some people have reported that MDMA increases their sexual arousal and specifically use it to enhance their sexual performance. This study aims to analyze current and planned research on the psychophysiological effects of entactogens on human sexuality. With their prosocial potential, the pharmacokinetic and neuroendocrine effects of entactogens may recreate the subjective experience of emotional intimacy, the initiation of intimate relationships, or even feelings of 'falling in love' with previously neutral individuals while under the influence of entactogens. This includes MDMA-induced sexual arousal-like effects observed through subjective behavioral perceptions of desire and arousal and specific physiological markers such as oxytocin and prolactin. Modern MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) protocols are transparent and follow strict ethical guidelines. However, despite these proposed ethical principles, little consideration has been given to the potential neurobehavioral effects of entactogens on the sexuality of participants in MDMA-AP protocols. The psychophysiological and sexual effects of entactogens should be discussed more openly in current MDMA-AP protocols, including the potential experience of the phenomenon of sexualized pharmacotransference.

The controversy around the diagnosis of selective mutism - a critical analysis of three cases in the light of modern research and diagnostic criteria. / Kontrowersje wokól diagnozy mutyzmu wybiórczego ­ krytyczna analiza trzech przypadków w swietle wspólczesnych badan oraz kryteriów diagnostycznych.

The position of selective mutism disorder - SM - has been modified in the last edition of the classification of mental disorders DSM-5. It was removed from "Disorders of childhood and adolescence" and placed in "Anxiety disorders". This caused two important changes in the interpretation of the symptoms of selective mutism. It highlighted anxious etiology of the disorder and also open the possibility to diagnose selective mutism in adults as a special category of anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to present three different cases concerning the diagnostic difficulties of selective mutism (the child, the teenager and the persons who became adult during our observation) regarding current views on SM. In this study we presented the current view on the etiology, course and available therapies for selective mutism. Owing to updating the clinical knowledge about SM and describing three cases, we highlighted the controversies around the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Selective mutism might be a preliminary diagnosis, often leading to the diagnosis of other disorders of diverse etiology and course. Among the psychiatric aspects of the disorder, the 'anxiety component' of SM is crucial. In individuals with selective mutism, developmental disorders, social cognition and neurocognition deficits or dysfunctions of auditory processing often coexist. The severity and the type of comorbidities may determine the future course of the illness and the final effects of the therapy.

Elective cesarean section on psychiatric indications - the phenomenon analysis, report of two cases and psychiatric clinical recommendations. / Elektywne ciecie cesarskie ze wskazan psychiatrycznych - analiza zjawiska, opis dwóch przypadków oraz rekomendacje kliniczne.

OBJECTIVES: In Poland, no guidelines concerning the mode of delivery in patients with psychiatric disorders have so far been developed. The most common psychiatric diagnosis discussed in the Polish literature in the context of the indications for the elective caesarean section is tokophobia. It was confirmed in recent studies that intense fear of childbirth, requiring medical interventions is an important predictor of postpartum depression. Other studies have shown that emergency delivery causes long lasting posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The aim of this paper is to discuss the different mental disorders, which may determine psychiatric indications for elective CS. METHODS: A literature review and analysis of two cases. Review of the literature was made via MEDLINE and based on such a keywords as: mental health, mode of delivery, caesarean section, psychiatric indications for CS. In the analysis, papers based on population studies and essential because of the potential clinical decisions concerning psychiatric indications for CS were taken into account first. RESULTS: Psychiatric indications for the preferred type of delivery are determined individually. They are mainly based on the ability of the psychiatric patient to cooperate with obstetric staff during vaginal delivery. The second area of psychiatric indications is a strong fear of labour that results in the need for psychiatric consultation in the last trimester of pregnancy or the perinatal period. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal care of women with mental disorders requires close cooperation between the obstetricians and psychiatrists specialised in the mental disorders due to somatic state. Such cooperation should lead to preventing both obstetric and psychiatric complications during the pregnancy and labour in women experiencing symptoms of mental disorders.

Clinical determinants of mental disorders occurring during the infertility treatment.

Today, infertility is an increasingly common medical and social problem. Treatment of infertility has been revolutionised by the introduction and continuous improvement of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In most countries an increase in the frequency of performing of such procedures is observed. Infertility, mental disorders and infertility treatment are related in a very complex way. Most research indicates that the presence of psychiatric disorders (including depressive disorders which is the most common among them) in patients treated for infertility, can affect the efficacy of gynaecological therapy. According to other studies an ineffective treatment for infertility could be an independent risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders (particularly psychotic disorders and addiction ). Despite the increasing prevalence of assisted reproduction technologies (ART), there are no uniform standards for psychological and psychiatric procedures in the case of mental health complications of the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. The aim of this paper was the analysis of the studies concerning the mental health aspects in the course of the infertility treatment. The studies were analysed in terms of their relevance to clinical practice in the field of psychiatric and psychological support for patients treated for infertility.

Obstructive sleep apnea in severe mental disorders.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is estimated to be 3-7.5% in men and 2-3% in women. In mentally ill population it is even higher, as these patients are a high risk OSA group. The aim of the paper was a review of literature about the prevalence of sleep apnoea in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and recurrent depressive disorder.The available data show that OSA is present in 15-48% of patients with schizophrenia, 21-43% of patients with bipolar disorder and 11-18% of patients with recurrent depressive disorder. The lack of diagnosis of OSA in people with mental illnesses has multiple negative consequences. The symptoms of sleep apnoea might imitate the symptoms of mental illnesses such as negative symptoms of schizophrenia and symptoms of depression, they might as well aggravate the cognitive impairment. A number of the drugs used in mental disorders may aggravate the symptoms of OSA. OSA is as well the risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases which are a serious clinical problem in mentally ill people and contribute to shortening of their expected lifespan. From the point of view of the physicians treating OSA it is important to pay attention to the fact that co-existing depression is the most common reason for resistant daytime sleepiness in OSA patients treated effectively with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP therapy leads to significant improvement of mood. However, in schizophrenia and bipolar patients it may rarely lead to acute worsening of mental state, exacerbation of psychotic symptoms or phase shift from depression to mania.

Frequent difficulties in the treatment of restless legs syndrome - case report and literature review.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common sleep disorders. The purpose of this paper is a case description of the patient suffering from RLS, concurrent with numerous clinical problems. In our patient, during long-term therapy with a dopamine agonist (ropinirole), the phenomenon of the augmentation, defined as an increase in the severity of the RLS symptoms, was observed. The quality of life of the patient was significantly deteriorated. Due to the augmentation of RLS symptoms the dopaminergic drug was gradually withdrawn, and the gabapentin as a second-line drug for the treatment of RLS was introduced. Because of the large increase of both insomnia and RLS symptoms during the reduction of ropinirole dose, clonazepam was temporarily introduced. In addition, in the neurological assessment of the distal parts of the lower limb sensory disturbances of vibration were found. The neurographic study confirmed axonal neuropathy of the sural nerves, which explained an incomplete response to dopaminergic medications. However, gabapentin treatment in the dose recommended in neuropathies was impossible due to bothersome side effects. Another important issue in the treatment of the patient were depressive symptoms and the fact that the majority of used antidepressants (mirtazapine, mianserin, tricyclic antidepressants) increase the severity of RLS. Among antidepressants recommended for the treatment of depression in patients with RLS (such as bupropion, moclobemide, reboxetine, tianeptine and agomelatine) only agomelatine exhibits promoting sleep properties. Because of the concomitant insomnia, this drug was applied in our patient.