Anismus-A Very Unusual Extrapyramidal Side Effect of Paliperidone Palmitate in an Adolescent with Schizo-Affective Disorder.

Here, authors report on an interesting case of an adolescent with a diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder, maintained on LAI paliperidone palmitate that developed an unusual dystonic reaction in form of anismus that masquerade as constipation and faecal impaction. To our knowledge, this is one of the earliest reports of antipsychotic-induced anismus notably in adolescent population. Clinicians should be mindful of unusual forms of dyskinesias that might be associated with high-potency antipsychotic use.

Autism spectrum disorder, social pragmatic communication disorder, developmental language disorder- multimorbidity or mutual exclusivity?

Diagnostic confusion commonly arises when assessing for social communicative dysfunction. Clinicians are tasked to differentiate ASD, social pragmatic disorder and developmental language disorders, which can be difficult to contemplate on clinical grounds. Here, authors provide some helpful clinical tips to tease it out.

Therapeutic Potential of Naltrexone in the Niche of Psychopharmacology.

NTX is FDA-approved for opiate and alcohol use disorders as anti-craving agent. It has been used successfully off-label in other psychiatric indications. Here, we shed some light on these while examining the extant evidence.

Clozapine Prescripers-Dogmatic or Pragmatic?

Clozapine, amongst antipsychotics, has a unique composite mode of action that might translate into an expanded therapeutic potential on clinical grounds. Sorely, clozapine remains underutilized.

Pregabalin Adjuventia Helped Risperidone-Induced Extrapyramidal Syndrome and Augmented Antipsychotic Response in an Adolescent with Schizophrenia.

Here, authors report on an interesting case of early-onset of schizophrenia where adjunctive pregabalin alleviated risperidone-induced pseudoparkinsonism, helped with insomnia and agitation and boosted antipsychotic response with great tolerability. We wager that gabapentenoids can be a viable option in the niche of psychopharmacotherapy of schizophrenia in CAP population.

Anxiety disorders among children and adolescents during COVID-19 lockdowns and school closures: a cross-sectional study in Kuwait.

Introduction: Investigating the epidemiology of mental health disorders resulting from COVID-19 intervention measures, primary school closures, and social isolation in children and adolescents needs to be prioritized over adults at the post-pandemic stage. Most preliminary psychosocial studies conducted during the pandemic have demonstrated that younger age groups are the most vulnerable to such implications. Thus, this study aims to estimate the probable prevalence of specific anxiety disorders in children and quantify their relationships with relevant demographic risk factors. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study comprising 430 children aged between 8- and 18 years old living in Kuwait during the period of school closures as well as full and partial lockdowns. The survey included questions about participants' characteristics, children's anxiety using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders Questionnaire (SCARED) scale, and children's emotions and behaviours using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to summarize the demographic and characteristics of the participants and their association with general, social, and generalized anxieties, as well as behavioural and emotional difficulties. Results: We inferred that 24.83% of our participants had at least one anxiety disorder, while 20.19% were classified as abnormal on the SDQ scale. Our multivariate analysis revealed that lockdown duration and sex of the child were consistently significant predictors (p-values < 0.05) of the broad spectrum of selected mental disorders. Additionally, we inferred notable increases in the likelihood of mental disorders associated with the increased duration of lockdowns. Conclusions: Our findings revealed preliminary insights into the vulnerability of young populations to the indirect negative impacts of strict public health measures during pandemic emergencies. Thus, authorities should consider such implications when planning and implementing similar interventions in future pandemics.

Gepirone-the latest antidepressant on market state-of-the-art or run-of-the-mill?

Gepirone was recently launched and FDA-approved for MDD. It belongs to azapirones group of psychotropics that is in popular use in Japan and China. Here, author wraps up current knowledge on gepirone contrasted with the older and cheaper anxiolytic buspirone.

Treatment-Resistant Juvenile Depression-A Quicksand?

Though research in juvenile depression is advancing, evidence examining effective treatments for Treatment-resistant juvenile depression remains at large limited. There is a dire need for more studies to help guide clinicians navigating these challenging cases.

ß-Blockers for Autism-Help or Hindrance?

A renewed interest in the use of ß-blockers for neurodevelopmental disorders has recently resurfaced, notably as an addition to the limited psychopharmacological armamentarium of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this clinical perspective, authors decently argue this use could be advantageous and multi-folded for this population.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Related to Duloxetine-Atomoxetine Combination in an Adolescent with ADHD and Comorbid GAD.

Authors report on an interesting case of a teenager with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid generalized anxiety disorder, who developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy subsequent to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and the antidepressant duloxetine. Clinicians should be mindful of the potential for cardiovascular adverse effects when prescribing agents that target noradrenergic receptors.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depressive Disorder-Modus Operandi!

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is effective in the management of treatment resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) and has recently become widely available. Our aim was to explore the literature for evidence of the mechanism of action. Method: We examined our own accumulating TMS library, the reference lists of all available papers and used a search engine to collect information. We collated and examined this information under relevant heading. Results: TMS produces a large number of physiological changes including site of stimulation neurochemical, brain wave and blood flow effects, and distant structure effects including neurotransmitter effects and volume increase. TMS also corrects generalized and local functional connectivity (FC) abnormalities which are a feature of MDD. Conclusion: TMS produces a range of physiological changes. It is unclear which of these underpin its antidepressant. It is likely more than one work synergistically to this end-almost certainly the capacity to correct MDD induced FC abnormalities makes a strong antidepressant contribution.