Guiding Ethical Decisions in Cochlear Implantation for the Hearing Impaired with Comorbid Psychosis.

AbstractCochlear implants can restore hearing in people with severe hearing loss and have a significant impact on communication, social integration, self-esteem, and quality of life. However, whether and how much clinical benefit is derived from cochlear implants varies significantly by patient and is influenced by the etiology and extent of hearing loss, medical comorbidities, and preexisting behavioral and psychosocial issues. In patients with underlying psychosis, concerns have been raised that the introduction of auditory stimuli could trigger hallucinations, worsen existing delusions, or exacerbate erratic behavior. This concern has made psychosis a relative contraindication to cochlear implant surgery. This is problematic because there is a lack of data describing this phenomenon and because the psychosocial benefits derived from improvement in auditory function may be a critical intervention for treating psychosis in some patients. The objective of this report is to provide an ethical framework for guiding clinical decision-making on cochlear implant surgery in the hearing impaired with psychosis.

The relationship between substance use and self-reported aspects of social functioning in patients with a psychotic disorder.

BACKGROUND: In patients with a psychotic disorder, rates of substance use (tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol) are higher compared to the general population. However, little is known about associations between substance use and self-reported aspects of social functioning in patients with a psychotic disorder. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 281 community-dwelling patients with a psychotic disorder, linear regression models were used to assess associations between substance use (tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol) and self-reported aspects of social functioning (perceived social support, stigmatization, social participation, or loneliness) adjusting for confounders (age, gender, and severity of psychopathology). RESULTS: Compared to nonsmokers, both intermediate and heavy smokers reported lower scores on loneliness (E = -0.580, SE = 0.258, p = 0.025 and E = -0.547, SE = 0,272, p = 0.046, respectively). Daily cannabis users reported less social participation deficits than non-cannabis users (E = -0.348, SE = 0.145, p = 0.017). Problematic alcohol use was associated with more perceived social support compared to non-alcohol use (E = 3.152, SE = 1.102, p = 0.005). Polysubstance users reported less loneliness compared to no users (E = -0.569, SE = 0.287, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Substance use in patients with psychosis is associated with more favorable scores on various self-reported aspects of social functioning.

Pediatric anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis: Exploring psychosis, related risk factors, and hospital outcomes in a nationwide inpatient sample: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to examine the risk factors for comorbid psychosis in pediatric patients hospitalized for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and its impact on hospital outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS 2018-2019). We included 3,405 pediatric inpatients (age 6-17 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We used binomial logistic regression model to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of variables (demographic and comorbidities) associated with comorbid psychosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of comorbid psychosis in anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients was 5.3%, and majorly constituted of adolescents (72.2%) and females (58.3%). In terms of race, Blacks (OR 2.41), and Hispanics (OR 1.80) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis compared to Whites. Among comorbidities, encephalitis inpatients with depressive disorders (OR 4.60), sleep-wake disorders (OR 3.16), anxiety disorders (OR 2.11), neurodevelopmental disorders (OR 1.95), and disruptive behavior disorders (OR 2.15) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients with comorbid psychosis had a longer median length of stay at 24.6 days (vs. 9.8 days) and higher median charges at $262,796 (vs. $135,323) compared to those without psychotic presentation. CONCLUSION: Adolescents, females, and Blacks with encephalitis have a higher risk of psychotic presentation leading to hospitalization for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Identification of demographic predictors and comorbidities can aid in early recognition and intervention to optimize care and potentially reduce the healthcare burden.

Psychosis secondary to thyrotoxicosis that persisted post-thyroidectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: This case report is of a patient with psychosis secondary to thyrotoxicosis that persisted and reemerged after definitive treatment of thyroidectomy, which is a unique occurrence in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: This patient is a male between 30 and 35 years of age with a history of Graves Disease and no past psychiatric history who was admitted to the hospital due to psychosis secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The thyrotoxicosis was treated with surgical removal, but the psychotic symptoms persisted after surgery and normalization of standard thyroid functional measures. The symptoms were of sufficient significance for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, a rare occurrence. Ultimately after an extended stay in the psychiatric unit, the patient's symptoms stabilized with a second-generation antipsychotic, and the patient was discharged from the psychiatric unit. CONCLUSION: This case is evidence that the link between psychosis and hyperthyroidism is still poorly understood due to the patient's psychotic symptoms persisting after the definitive treatment of thyroidectomy and the fact that it required anti-psychotic medications for normalization.

Is there any association between cognitive deficits and immune markers in Acute and Transient psychotic disorders? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There are studies to support association between immune function and cognition in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). However, there are no such study which had tried to explore the same in patients with Acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPDs), which is considered to similar in presentation to SZ. METHODS: This is an extended analysis of the study published in which we had recruited 19 subjects with ATPDs in acute phase of illness were age-/gender-matched with patients schizophrenia in remission. Clinical assessment and immune-marker levels (IL-6,IL-8,IL-17) were carried out along with follow -up repeat immune-marker levels assessment in the ATPD group was conducted after remission status was ensured (at least 3 months after resolution of acute phase). Cognitive assessment was done on Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) in both the groups (ATPD in both phases and in SZ). RESULTS: The mean MoCA total score was 12.05 (SD-5.0) in the acute phase and 27.05 (SD-2.46) in the remission phase in the ATPD group which was statistically significant. When compared with patients with SZ in remission, patients with ATPD in remission performed better in all domains of MoCA, however only statistically significant differences in the total MoCA score and in the visuospatial domain scores of MoCA. No significant association between any of the immune marker levels (IL-6, Il-8 and IL-17) with any domains of the MoCA in patients with ATPD neither in the acute phase nor in the remission phase was found. Additionally, no significant association between the cognitive scores in the MoCA domains of the patients with schizophrenia and immune marker levels was found too. CONCLUSION: To conclude, the present study's findings suggested that there existed definite cognitive deficits in patients with ATPDs in both acute and remission phase and in patients with SZ. However, the study could not establish any relationship/association between cognitive deficits/scores in patients with ATPDs in both phases as well as in patients with SZ with immune marker levels.

Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis presenting as cortisone sensible psychosis with reversible leukoencephalopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a frequently discussed neuropsychiatric syndrome with elevated thyroid antibodies in the context of various clinical neuropsychiatric phenotypes. MRI abnormalities are usually nonspecific and treatment can be complex. CASE STUDY: We present a case of a woman in her sixties with SREAT whose psychosis kept worsening under cortisone tapering. After three years with cortisone side effects, therapy was changed to plasmapheresis and rituximab treatment with an excellent initial response, subacute unexplained deterioration with extensive leukoencephalopathy on MRI shortly after, and full recovery with regression of leukoencephalopathy afterwards. DISCUSSION: SREAT varies in clinical and diagnostic presentation. Its precise pathophysiology is unknown, as are the best treatment protocols. The case illustrates that some patients with SREAT syndrome might end up in constellations, in which it proves difficult to wean off steroid treatment and illustrates treatment alternatives such as plasmapheresis and/or rituximab. In addition, it highlights leukoencephalopathy as possible MRI finding in the context of SREAT. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the (potentially different) pathomechanisms and courses of SREAT.

Bariatric surgery outcomes in patients with bipolar or schizoaffective disorders.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with many co-morbidities and can cause harm to physical and mental well-being. While much has been studied in the general population about the outcomes of bariatric surgery, its implications in patients with bipolar/schizoaffective disorder (BSD) are less well understood. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with BSD. SETTING: Referral center for bariatric surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review analysis of bariatric surgical procedures in patients with BSD between 2008 and 2021 at Mayo Clinic. Patients with BSD (cases) were matched via propensity score matching (1:2) with non-BSD controls based on surgical procedure, age, sex, body mass index, and type 2 diabetes. Hierarchical logistic regression model was performed using SAS software. RESULTS: We matched 71 patients with BSD with 142 controls in a 1:2 ratio. After adjusting for baseline preoperative weight, patients with BSD had a 3.4% greater total weight loss compared with controls over 24 months (P = .02 [95% CI, .65-6.08]). Remission in obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea, was similar in both groups. Perioperative complication rates were similar other than deep venous thrombosis, which showed a higher rate in patients with BSD (P = .04). Patients with long-term BSD were at increased risk of alcohol use compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with the general bariatric population, weight loss was similar to slightly improved, with a comparable risk and complication profile. Patients with BSD have increased alcohol use after bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for psychological care before and after surgery in this population.

A unique presentation of echo phenomena in a patient with catatonia: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Catatonia is a complex syndrome notable for a highly variable presentation. Standardized exam and criteria can enumerate possible presentations, but recognition of novel catatonic phenomenon may facilitate better understanding of catatonia's core features. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61 year-old divorced pensioner with history of schizoaffective disorder was hospitalized for psychosis in the setting of medication noncompliance. While hospitalized, she developed multiple classic catatonia signs such as staring and grimacing, as well as a bizarre echo phenomenon while reading text that improved alongside other catatonic symptoms with treatment. CONCLUSION: Echo phenomenon are a component of catatonia often recognized when presenting as echopraxia or echolalia, but other echo phenomenon are well established in the literature. Recognition or novel catatonic symptoms like this can lead to improved recognition and treatment of catatonia.

Persistent psychosis associated with extreme delta brush in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is an emerging differential diagnosis of first episode and persistent psychosis in the psychiatric community, as clinical manifestations include psychiatric symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, decreased consciousness, and dyskinesias. This disease is associated with extreme delta brush (EDB), but the significance and temporal course of this EEG pattern still needs to be determined. Herein, we report a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with persistent psychosis associated with EDB occurrence on multiple occasions during a 5-year disease course. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old girl was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and treated with progressive improvement. Four years after initial manifestations, an EDB pattern was seen on electroencephalogram (EEG) without new neurological symptoms. She had residual symptoms of episodic auditory hallucinations and impulsivity. One year later, the patient had a recurrence of neurological symptoms (seizures, dyskinesias and impaired attention), persisting with EDB on EEG. Clinical symptoms and EDB resolved after second-line treatment with rituximab. CONCLUSION: We describe the first case of persistent psychosis in anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated with extreme delta brush on multiple EEGs on prolonged follow-up. Electroencephalographic patterns such as EDB may serve as markers of residual disease activity, including psychiatric symptoms. Further studies with prolonged EEG monitoring are needed to better understand these findings.

Bing Neel Syndrome: A Rare Contributing Factor of Psychosis and Suicidality.

ABSTRACT: Suicide rapidly increased in the United States by 30% from 2000 to 2020, accounting for more than 800,000 deaths ( Neurosci Res Program Bull . 1972; 10: 384-8). Studies have shown that there are a multitude of underlying issues, including mental illness, that elevate an individual's risk of dying by suicide ( CDC WONDER: Underlying cause of death, 1999-2019 . Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2020). Presented here is a case of Bing Neel syndrome (BNS) found in a 69-year-old man who died by suicide by jumping off a 135' bridge. His medical history was significant for traumatic brain injury, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), major depressive disorder, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. Bing Neel syndrome is a rare central nervous system complication of WM. His wife reported an abrupt mental deterioration starting 5 years before his death, characterized by paranoia, depression, and insomnia. He had been a high-functioning university professor. His decline culminated with the loss of independence in his activities of daily living. At autopsy, it was found that he experienced blunt force injuries related to the fall, causing his death. A neuropathologic examination revealed a brisk and fulminant clonal CD20 + /immunoglobulin M+ lymphocytic infiltrate, involving all sampled regions of his brain, consistent with WM. This workup was critical to obtaining an accurate pathologic diagnosis of BNS and understanding his full clinical status before death. Although BNS was not the proximate cause of death, this diagnosis aided the death investigation as a causal factor in his suicidality and was vital to providing his family closure.

Rich-club connectivity and structural connectome organization in youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis and individuals with early illness schizophrenia.

Brain dysconnectivity has been posited as a biological marker of schizophrenia. Emerging schizophrenia connectome research has focused on rich-club organization, a tendency for brain hubs to be highly-interconnected but disproportionately vulnerable to dysconnectivity. However, less is known about rich-club organization in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) and how it compares with abnormalities early in schizophrenia (ESZ). Combining diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we examined rich-club and global network organization in CHR-P (n = 41) and ESZ (n = 70) relative to healthy controls (HC; n = 74) after accounting for normal aging. To characterize rich-club regions, we examined rich-club MRI morphometry (thickness, surface area). We also examined connectome metric associations with symptom severity, antipsychotic dosage, and in CHR-P specifically, transition to a full-blown psychotic disorder. ESZ had fewer connections among rich-club regions (ps < .024) relative to HC and CHR-P, with this reduction specific to the rich-club even after accounting for other connections in ESZ relative to HC (ps < .048). There was also cortical thinning of rich-club regions in ESZ (ps < .013). In contrast, there was no strong evidence of global network organization differences among the three groups. Although connectome abnormalities were not present in CHR-P overall, CHR-P converters to psychosis (n = 9) had fewer connections among rich-club regions (ps < .037) and greater modularity (ps < .037) compared to CHR-P non-converters (n = 19). Lastly, symptom severity and antipsychotic dosage were not significantly associated with connectome metrics (ps < .012). Findings suggest that rich-club and connectome organization abnormalities are present early in schizophrenia and in CHR-P individuals who subsequently transition to psychosis.

[Autism and catatonia - Clinical aspects]. / Autismo y catatonía - Aspectos clínicos.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a qualitative alteration in social interaction and communication, associated with restricted interests and stereotyped behaviors. It can be associated with medical problems such as epilepsy, gastrointestinal dysfunction, sleep disorders, other neurodevelopmental disorders such as language impairment, intellectual disability, sensory dysfunction, ADH/D, motor clumsiness, and/or neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, catatonia, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, behavioral and impulsive disorders, among others. Catatonia is recognized as a neuropsychiatric syndrome identified in all major mood and psychotic disorders, due to general medical conditions or as a syndrome not otherwise specified; this allows catatonia to be coded in the context of other psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or autism. It is characterized by abnormal motor, vocal, and behavioral symptoms, with impaired volition and vegetative function. It is estimated that approximately 8-11% of autistic people suffer from catatonia. It is probable that there is an underreporting of catatonia, especially in people with autism, due to the lack of alertness about it, the clinical heterogeneity and the similarity of many of its symptoms with manifestations of autism. Many times it can even express itself as a late autistic regression from puberty to adult life. Its neurobiological bases are still not clear and the treatment is based on the administration of bensodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy although there is still a long way to go to investigate these issues.

El autismo es un desorden del neurodesarrollo caracterizado por una alteración cualitativa en la interacción social y la comunicación, asociada a intereses restringidos y conductas estereotipadas. Puede asociarse a problemas médicos como epilepsia, disfunciones gastrointestinales, trastornos de sueño, otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo como deterioro del lenguaje, discapacidad intelectual, disfunciones sensoriales, TDA/H, torpeza motriz y/o trastornos neuropsiquiátricos como ansiedad, depresión, catatonia, esquizofrenia, trastornos obsesivo-compulsivo, trastornos de conducta e impulsividad, entre otros.La catatonía es reconocida como un síndrome neuropsiquiátrico identificado en todos los tra stornos psicóticos y del estado de ánimo mayor, debido a condiciones médicas generales o como un síndrome no especificado de otra manera; esto permite codificar la catatonia en el contexto de otros trastornos psiquiátricos o del neurodesarrollo, como el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo o el autismo. Se caracteriza por síntomas motores, vocales y conductuales anormales, con alteración de la volición y la función vegetativa. Se estima que aproximadamente entre el 8 y 11 % de las personas autistas padecen catatonia. Es probable que haya un subregistro de catatonía, en especial en personas con autismo, debido a la falta de alerta sobre la misma, la heterogenicidad clínica y la similitud de muchos de sus síntomas con manifestaciones del autismo. Incluso muchas veces puede expresarse como una regresión autista tardía desde la pubertad a la vida adulta. Sus bases neurobiológicas aún no son claras y el tratamiento se basa en la administración de bensodiazepinas y la terapia electroconvulsiva, aunque es mucho el camino que aún queda por investigar en estos temas.

Depression trajectories and cytokines in schizophrenia spectrum disorders - A longitudinal observational study.

Depression occurs frequently in all phases of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Altered activity in the immune system is seen in both depression and schizophrenia. We aimed to uncover depressive trajectories in a sample of 144 adult individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders followed for one year, in order to identify possible cytokine profile differences. Patients were assessed longitudinally with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), where a score above 6 predicts depression. The serum cytokine concentrations for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-17A were measured using immunoassays. Latent growth curve models, multilevel models and latent class growth analysis (LCGA) were applied. The LCGA model supported three latent classes (trajectories) with differing CDSS profiles during the one-year follow-up: a high CDSS group (40.8 % of participants), a moderate CDSS group (43.9 %) and a low CDSS group (15.3 %). Five single PANSS items predicted affiliation to depressive trajectory: hallucinations, difficulty in abstract thinking, anxiety, guilt feelings and tension. In the high CDSS group, despite diminishing psychotic symptoms, depressive symptoms persisted throughout one year. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1ß and TNF-α were differentially distributed between the depressive trajectories, although levels remained remarkably stable throughout 12 months. Significant changes were found for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 at baseline with an accompanying difference in change over time. More research is required to optimize future treatment stratification and investigate the contribution of inflammation in depressed patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Hypokinetic catatonia in an adolescent with psychotic and mood disorders: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric catatonia case report and literature review. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and provider consultation. RESULTS: A case of pediatric catatonia is described in the setting of mood and psychotic disorders. Treatment course and outcomes are considered in the context of supporting literature review and discussion. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric catatonia is a debilitating and at times life threatening condition. Pediatric catatonia is historically underdiagnosed and its clinical presentation may differ from more common adult cases of catatonia. Correct identification, acute treatment, and long-term management is key to optimizing prognosis and patient outcomes.

Cariprazine for treating coprophagia and organic psychosis in a young woman with acquired brain injury.

Coprophagia or the ingestion of faeces has been associated with medical conditions (seizure disorders, cerebral atrophy and tumours) and psychiatric disorders (mental retardation, alcoholism, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, fetishes, delirium and dementia). The case of a woman in her 30s presenting with coprophagia and psychotic symptoms following hypoxic brain injury is reported. The case is discussed and literature is reviewed. We investigate cariprazine, a relatively new atypical antipsychotic for treating coprophagia, associated with psychotic symptoms. Psychiatric evaluation revealed cognitive dysfunction and psychotic symptoms. Physical examination and laboratory evaluation were unremarkable. She was treated with haloperidol resulting in resolution of coprophagia. Attempts at switching to alternative antipsychotics, due to side effects, resulted in recurrence of coprophagia. Subsequent relapses required higher doses of haloperidol for remission of coprophagia and psychotic symptoms. She finally responded to cariprazine. While firm conclusions are not possible from the experience of a single case, we suggest cariprazine may also be a treatment option for coprophagia, particularly in patients with psychotic symptoms.