No alteration of leukocyte telomere length in first episode psychosis.

Both shorter telomeres and schizophrenia have been associated with a decrease in life expectancy. Furthermore, several studies found a shorter telomere length (TL) in schizophrenia. Understanding whether or not telomere shortening is directly related to pathophysiology of schizophrenia or is a consequence of a cumulative exposure to chronic stress is of major importance. Comparing the TL of subjects at the very beginning of the disease (FEP) and control subjects could help to decide between these two hypotheses. The aim of the present study was to compare TL between FEP subjects (N=91) and controls (N=137). After accounting for multiple potential confounders, no significant association was observed between FEP and TL. Our result is consistent with the hypothesis that psycho-social stress / adversities and stressful situations in people with schizophrenia affect TL rather than that telomere erosion contributes to the development of this disorder.

[Drug treatment of anxiety disorders]. / Bon usage des traitements médicamenteux dans les troubles anxieux.

DRUG TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS Three classes of drugs are available for the treatment of anxiety disorders: benzodiazepines, other anxiolytics, and serotonergic antidepressants. Except for acute anxiety and adjustment disorders, benzodiazepines are not recommended because of the risks associated with their chronic use (cognitive disorders, dependence, withdrawal syndromes). Other anxiolytics may be prescribed in generalized anxiety disorder but their effectiveness is generally poor. In contrast, several serotonergic antidepressants are indicated in generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. These are long-term treatments, over at least 6 to 12 months, which can be very effective even in the absence of comorbid depression.

BON USAGE DES TRAITEMENTS MÉDICAMENTEUX DANS LES TROUBLES ANXIEUX Trois catégories de médicaments sont disponibles pour le traitement des troubles anxieux : les benzodiazépines, d'autres anxiolytiques, et les antidépresseurs sérotoninergiques. En dehors de l'anxiété aiguë et des troubles de l'adaptation, les benzodiazépines sont peu recommandées du fait des risques associés à leur utilisation prolongée (troubles cognitifs, dépendance, syndrome de sevrage). Les autres anxiolytiques peuvent être prescrits dans l'anxiété généralisée, mais leur efficacité est limitée. En revanche, plusieurs antidépresseurs sérotoninergiques sont indiqués dans le trouble anxieux généralisé, le trouble panique et la phobie sociale. Il s'agit alors de traitements de fond, sur au moins 6 à 12 mois, qui peuvent être très efficaces même en l'absence de dépression associée.