Post-traumatic stress disorder and subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder in recent male asylum seekers: An expected but overlooked "European" epidemic.

The literature shows an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among illegal migrants. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PTSD, subthreshold PTSD, the degree of disability, and differences in sociodemographic and anamnestic characteristics associated with these clinical conditions in a sample of newly arrived migrants. Two hundred male asylum seekers from West sub-Saharan Africa were evaluated for traumatic life events, PTSD symptoms, and disability through the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5), the Primary Care PTSD Screen, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). The current prevalence of PTSD and subthreshold PTSD was 9.5% and 12.0%, respectively. PTSD and subthreshold PTSD subgroups presented higher WHODAS 2.0 scores and LEC-5 events, an over-representation of individuals with childhood adversities and an excess of premigration psychiatric contacts unrelated to PTSD spectrum disorders and peri-migration offences. Witnessing a traumatic event and disability in understanding and communication predicted both the presence of PTSD symptoms and PTSD status. PTSD spectrum disorders should be considered among the clinical emergencies associated with asylum seeker condition, and targeted interventions also involving the host citizens should be predisposed.

Paliperidone extended-release in the short- and long-term treatment of schizophrenia.

Paliperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic drug belonging to the class of benzisoxasole derivatives. Paliperidone is the major active metabolite of risperidone (9-OH-risperidone) and, as such, is comparable to the latter in terms of pharmacodynamic properties. However, due to its peculiar characteristics, paliperidone may be particularly useful in the treatment of schizophrenic patients. In this critical review of the literature the efficacy and tolerability in the short- and in the long-term have been evaluated in patients with schizophrenia. Taking into account the tolerability and efficacy data, together with the use of innovative sustained-release formulation, with a peculiar pharmacokinetic profile that allows single daily administration, paliperidone can be considered a valid option both for the short and the long-term treatment of schizophrenia.

Paliperidone palmitate in short- and long-term treatment of schizophrenia.

Poor adherence to treatment remains a major problem in the management of patients with schizophrenia. In the 60s, first generation antipsychotics in depot formulation have been introduced on the market with the aim to improve adherence to therapy. However, the limited effectiveness on negative symptoms and the tendency to induce extrapyramidal side effects has limited their use. Currently there are five second-generation antipsychotic long-acting formulations and the use of these drugs has definitely changed perspective: they are no more restricted as compounds intended to improve compliance, but they can be considered first-line drugs with proven efficacy and good tolerability. In this narrative review the efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone palmitate, as well as the economic impact of the use of this particular molecule, have been evaluated in the short- and long-term treatment of schizophrenia. Taking into account the results of different studies, paliperidone, especially in his long-acting formulation, can be considered a viable and effective treatment for patients with schizophrenia, both in the short- and in the long term.