Acoustic features from speech as markers of depressive and manic symptoms in bipolar disorder: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Voice features could be a sensitive marker of affective state in bipolar disorder (BD). Smartphone apps offer an excellent opportunity to collect voice data in the natural setting and become a useful tool in phase prediction in BD. AIMS OF THE STUDY: We investigate the relations between the symptoms of BD, evaluated by psychiatrists, and patients' voice characteristics. A smartphone app extracted acoustic parameters from the daily phone calls of n = 51 patients. We show how the prosodic, spectral, and voice quality features correlate with clinically assessed affective states and explore their usefulness in predicting the BD phase. METHODS: A smartphone app (BDmon) was developed to collect the voice signal and extract its physical features. BD patients used the application on average for 208 days. Psychiatrists assessed the severity of BD symptoms using the Hamilton depression rating scale -17 and the Young Mania rating scale. We analyze the relations between acoustic features of speech and patients' mental states using linear generalized mixed-effect models. RESULTS: The prosodic, spectral, and voice quality parameters, are valid markers in assessing the severity of manic and depressive symptoms. The accuracy of the predictive generalized mixed-effect model is 70.9%-71.4%. Significant differences in the effect sizes and directions are observed between female and male subgroups. The greater the severity of mania in males, the louder (ß = 1.6) and higher the tone of voice (ß = 0.71), more clearly (ß = 1.35), and more sharply they speak (ß = 0.95), and their conversations are longer (ß = 1.64). For females, the observations are either exactly the opposite-the greater the severity of mania, the quieter (ß = -0.27) and lower the tone of voice (ß = -0.21) and less clearly (ß = -0.25) they speak - or no correlations are found (length of speech). On the other hand, the greater the severity of bipolar depression in males, the quieter (ß = -1.07) and less clearly they speak (ß = -1.00). In females, no distinct correlations between the severity of depressive symptoms and the change in voice parameters are found. CONCLUSIONS: Speech analysis provides physiological markers of affective symptoms in BD and acoustic features extracted from speech are effective in predicting BD phases. This could personalize monitoring and care for BD patients, helping to decide whether a specialist should be consulted.

Adjunctive electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of a patient with comorbid major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anorexia nervosa - a case report.

Purpose: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is still-underdiagnosed and often accompanied by other psychiatric disorders affecting treatment and outcomes. Case description: Here we present a case report of a 28-year-old female patient with comorbid PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anorexia nervosa (AN). The patient had been treated with various medications and attended trauma-focused psychotherapy. Because none of these treatments yielded satisfying improvement, the patient was referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We had to overcome challenges such as the patient's false assumptions about ECT, the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines and the management of the side effects of ECT. The symptoms of MDD and PTSD improved after 12 treatment sessions. Comment: Our report suggests that ECT may be a safe and effective method for treating patients with PTSD and comorbid MDD and AN.

Depression and loneliness may predict work inefficiency among professionally active adults.

PURPOSE: Both depression and loneliness have been recognized as major public health issues, yet investigation into their role among young and middle-aged, professionally active persons is still required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether depression and loneliness may independently predict inefficiency at work among professionally active adults. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study on a representative, nationwide sample. 1795 questionnaires were gathered from among professionally active adults from Poland from 1 to 31 July 2018 with a direct pen-and-paper interview. The sample was chosen by means of the stratified random method. The survey included a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure depression and questions, devised by the authors, relating to loneliness and inefficiency at work. Regression models were constructed with depression and loneliness as predictors of inefficiency at work, unadjusted and adjusted for selected sociodemographic, health- and work-related factors. RESULTS: In the unadjusted models, both depression and loneliness were independently associated with an increase of work inefficiency and absence from work, with effect sizes being higher for loneliness than for depression. After accounting for the control variables (i.e., sociodemographic, work- and health-related factors), the PHQ-9 score, but not the loneliness score, was associated with an increased probability of frequent thoughts about changing or leaving a job. CONCLUSION: Depression and loneliness independently predicted occupational functioning and differentially affect its various aspects. Counteracting depression and loneliness among employees should be regarded as a public health priority.

Behavioral and Self-reported Data Collected From Smartphones for the Assessment of Depressive and Manic Symptoms in Patients With Bipolar Disorder: Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Smartphones allow for real-time monitoring of patients' behavioral activities in a naturalistic setting. These data are suggested as markers for the mental state of patients with bipolar disorder (BD). OBJECTIVE: We assessed the relations between data collected from smartphones and the clinically rated depressive and manic symptoms together with the corresponding affective states in patients with BD. METHODS: BDmon, a dedicated mobile app, was developed and installed on patients' smartphones to automatically collect the statistics about their phone calls and text messages as well as their self-assessments of sleep and mood. The final sample for the numerical analyses consisted of 51 eligible patients who participated in at least two psychiatric assessments and used the BDmon app (mean participation time, 208 [SD 132] days). In total, 196 psychiatric assessments were performed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were applied to quantify the strength of the relation between the daily statistics on the behavioral data collected automatically from smartphones and the affective symptoms and mood states in patients with BD. RESULTS: Objective behavioral data collected from smartphones were found to be related with the BD states as follows: (1) depressed patients tended to make phone calls less frequently than euthymic patients (ß=-.064, P=.01); (2) the number of incoming answered calls during depression was lower than that during euthymia (ß=-.15, P=.01) and, concurrently, missed incoming calls were more frequent and increased as depressive symptoms intensified (ß=4.431, P<.001; ß=4.861, P<.001, respectively); (3) the fraction of outgoing calls was higher in manic states (ß=2.73, P=.03); (4) the fraction of missed calls was higher in manic/mixed states as compared to that in the euthymic state (ß=3.53, P=.01) and positively correlated to the severity of symptoms (ß=2.991, P=.02); (5) the variability of the duration of the outgoing calls was higher in manic/mixed states (ß=.0012, P=.045) and positively correlated to the severity of symptoms (ß=.0017, P=.02); and (6) the number and length of the sent text messages was higher in manic/mixed states as compared to that in the euthymic state (ß=.031, P=.01; ß=.015, P=.01; respectively) and positively correlated to the severity of manic symptoms (ß=.116, P<.001; ß=.022, P<.001; respectively). We also observed that self-assessment of mood was lower in depressive (ß=-1.452, P<.001) and higher in manic states (ß=.509, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone-based behavioral parameters are valid markers for assessing the severity of affective symptoms and discriminating between mood states in patients with BD. This technology opens a way toward early detection of worsening of the mental state and thereby increases the patient's chance of improving in the course of the illness.

Analysis of the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in elderly patients: a retrospective study in the Polish population. / Analiza skutecznosci i bezpieczenstwa zabiegów elektrowstrzasowych u pacjentów w wieku podeszlym: badanie retrospektywne w populacji polskiej.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in a population ≥ 65 years old. METHODS: The study was naturalistic, retrospective. The study group included 65 patients, women and men, hospitalized in the departments of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology and undergoing ECT treatment. The authors analyzed the course of 615 ECT procedures performed in 2015-2019. The effectiveness of ECT was assessed using the CGI-S scale. Safety was assessed by analyzing side effects of the therapy, taking into account the somatic diseases in the study group. RESULTS: As many as 94% of patients initially met the drug resistance criteria. In the study group, no serious complications such as death, life-threatening condition, necessity to be hospitalized in another ward or permanent health impairment were reported. In total, in the whole group, adverse effects were reported in 47. 7% of older patients, in the majority of cases (88%) they were of slight intensity and resolved without any particular intervention. The most frequently observed side effect of ECT was an increase in blood pressure (55. 4% of patients). Four patients did not complete ECT therapy due to side effects. In the majority of patients (86. 2%) at least 8 ECT treatments were performed. ECT turned out to be an effective method of treatment in the population of patients over 65 years of age - response to treatment was found in 76. 92% and remission in 49. 23% of the study group. The severity of the disease according to the CGI-S scale was on average 5. 54 before and 2. 67 after the ECT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Tolerance of ECT is worse after 65 years than in younger age groups. Most of the side effects are associated with underlying somatic diseases, mainly cardiovascular problems. This does not change the fact that ECT therapy is highly effective in this population and can be a very good alternative to pharmacotherapy, which, in this age group, is often ineffective or causes side-effects.

Deep brain stimulation in the treatment of refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a literature review. / Gleboka stymulacja mózgu w leczeniu lekoopornych zaburzen obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych: przeglad pismiennictwa.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this review is to present the overview of DBS outcomes for OCD. Moreover, we have discussed the current OCD pathophysiology with its implications for DBS. We have also presented the current indications and contraindications for DBS in OCD patients as well as still existing limitations in neuromodulation for OCD. METHODS: We have performed a literature review of DBS studies for OCD. We have found 8 well-conducted trials or open label trials with at least 6 individuals in each trial. Other reports present the data of the case series or single case reports of OCD for DBS. RESULTS: A number of well-conducted trials have demonstrated that the response rates (more than 35 % YBOCS score reduction) of OCD symptomatology remain in 50 to 80 % range. The study individuals in these trials have proven refractoriness and severity of OCD. The most common adverse events are related to the stimulation and include hypomanic episodes, suicidal ideation and other mood changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that DBS for OCD cannot be regarded as an established therapy for OCD. DBS for OCD should be regarded as palliative treatment in severely affected patients, but it is not curative. DBS should be considered if available non-operative forms of OCD treatment have failed.

Perspectives for therapy of treatment-resistant depression.

A high proportion of depressed patients fail to respond to antidepressant drug treatment. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a major challenge for the psychopharmacology of mood disorders. Only in the past decade have novel treatments, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and ketamine, been discovered that provide rapid and sometimes prolonged relief to a high proportion of TRD sufferers. In this review, we consider the current status of TRD from four perspectives: the challenge of developing an appropriate regulatory framework for novel rapidly acting antidepressants; the efficacy of non-pharmacological somatic therapies; the development of an animal model of TRD and its use to understand the neural basis of antidepressant non-response; and the potential for rapid antidepressant action from targets (such as 5-HT1A receptors) beyond the glutamate receptor. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on New discoveries and perspectives in mental and pain disorders. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.17/issuetoc.

Attitudes Towards ECT: A Survey of Polish Mental Health Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Although the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been well established, the utilization rate of ECT has decreased in Poland in recent years. One of the main reasons could be the negative attitude towards ECT in the community and by mental health professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about and attitudes toward ECT in Polish mental health professionals including psychiatrists and non-physicians: nurses, psychologists, social workers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in two large Polish hospitals were approached to participate in the survey by completing a 28-item questionnaire. The specific hospitals have been selected due to the fact that they were located in the same province of Poland (Mazowsze), had similar catchment area and profile, provided similar mental health services with only one exception; one offered ECT while the other did not. Of the 185 questionnaires that had been distributed, 165 were completed yielding a response rate of 89.19%. The study population consists of 85 psychiatrists and trainees and 80 non-physicians. RESULTS: Psychiatrists did not differ from other mental health professionals with respect to the knowledge and attitudes toward ECT. However, there were significant differences in the attitude (9.1±3.8 vs 7.1±3.3; p<0.001) and knowledge (5.9±3.8 vs 2.8±4.1; p<0.001) scores between those professionals, who have ever worked in a psychiatric ward where they could observe ECT sessions and those who have not had such an opportunity. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent witnessing of ECT sessions seems to be the most effective educational intervention to change negative attitudes towards ECT.

Use of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in the treatment of drug-resistant depression - a pilot study, presentation of five clinical cases. / Zastosowanie przezskórnej usznej stymulacji nerwu blednego (taVNS) w leczeniu pacjentów z depresja lekooporna ­ badanie pilotazowe, prezentacja pieciu przypadków klinicznych.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess safety and efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as the method added to standard pharmacotherapy in the group of patients with treatment-resistant depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present results of pilot study involving the use of commercially available transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulators. With external, non-invasive nature of new solution, the patient is avoiding possible side effects of surgical operation. taVNS is a relatively new, noninvasive VNS method based on the location of afferent vagus nerve distribution on the surface of the ear. The pilot study group consisted of 5 patients with treatment-resistant depression. All patients suffered from severe depression with no response to appropriate courses of at least two different antidepressants. The assumed observation time was 12 weeks. The duration of stimulation was 4 hours/day, divided in 2 sessions. Mental state was assessed by clinician with the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). RESULTS: In 2 cases substantial improvement of mental state was observed (significant improvement in scoring scales, improvement of mood and drive, decrease of anxiety). 3 patients resigned from the study because of difficulties in handling devices. CONCLUSIONS: In 2 cases substantial improvement of mental state was observed (significant improvement in scoring scales, improvement of mood and drive, decrease of anxiety). 3 patients resigned from the study because of difficulties in handling devices.

Factors Related to the Level of Depression and Suicidal Behavior Among Men With Diagnosed Depression, Physically Ill Men, and Healthy Men.

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in people who die by suicide. Awareness of risk factors for suicide in depression is important for clinicians. The study was aimed at establishing models of factors related to the level of depression and suicidal behavior among men from three different groups-in men with depressive disorder, in comparison to men with physical disorder and healthy men. A total of 598 men were included in the study. The following questionnaires were used in research model: test with sociodemographic variables, AUDIT Test, Fagerström Test, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress (Mini-COPE), Resilience Evaluation Questionnaire (KOP-26), Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) by Osman, and Gotland Male Depression Scale. In men with depression, the positive factors strongly related to the intensity of depression and suicidal behavior were as follows: vocational education, active coping, turning toward religion, social competence for resilience, and bachelor status. The factors negatively related to the intensity of depression and suicidal behavior in this group were as follows: unemployed status, student status, low satisfaction with the financial situation, having children, history of mental disorders in family, alcohol addiction, and seeking instrumental support. In the group of men with physical disorders, the following protection factors were identified: the medium or small city as a place of living, active coping, venting, and personal competence. The following risk factors were identified in this group: psychiatric treatment in the past. In the group of healthy men, the following protective factors were identified: the medium city as a place of living, positive reappraisal, planning abilities, and personal and social competence for resilience. In this group, the following risk factors were identified: vocational and higher education, student status, satisfaction with the financial situation, having more than one children, the occurrence of mental disorders in the family, the occurrence of alcohol abuse in the family, and use of psychoactive substances as a strategy of dealing with stress. The risk factors identified in this study should be included in the clinical assessment of depression and suicidal behavior risk in male patients. There are some protective factors identified, including productive coping and personal and social competencies, which can be developed and should be especially considered and strengthened in mental health promotion programs aimed at men.

Clinical effectiveness of the electrodermal orienting reactivity test for evaluating relapse and recurrence risk in patients hospitalized for depression.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence is a problem for many patients who have episodes of depression. In experimental settings, hyporeactivity in the Electrodermal Orienting Reactivity (EDOR) test has been observed to be more frequent in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical value of this test with regard to a prognosis of episode recurrence in patients hospitalized for depression. METHODS: The study was performed using a cohort design at a specialized psychiatric clinic in Warsaw, Poland. The primary endpoint measure was relapse or recurrence of depression. Data on electrodermal reactivity measured by the EDOR test, clinical status, and psychiatric history were collected at the clinic. Relapse and recurrence data were collected by clinical interviews 1 year after the EDOR test. The predictive (adjusting for confounders) and comparative (relative to other predictors) performance of electrodermal hyporeactivity was assessed using simple and multiple binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The patient sample included 97 patients aged between 20 and 81 years (mean, 51.2 years). Twenty patients (20.6%) were hyporeactive in the EDOR test. The group of hyporeactive patients did not differ significantly from the reactive group with regard to background factors or clinical status on admission. Forty-seven patients (51.6%) had at least one depressive episode during the follow-up period. In the analysis including potential confounders, the likelihood of relapse or recurrence of depression was nearly five times higher among the hyporeactive patients than the reactive patients (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-16.2; p = 0.015). In the comparative analysis, only hyporeactivity was found to be associated with recurring episodes (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1-10.2; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Electrodermal hyporeactivity was associated with a higher risk of relapse or recurrence after discharge among patients hospitalized for depression. This finding warrants further clinical investigations that cover different types of depression and account for causal mechanisms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study design was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00010082 ).

Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression.

Epidemiological data clearly indicate that depression is becoming an increasingly important health and social problem today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression currently affects 350 million people worldwide and is considered the second most common cause of disability in Europe after ischemic heart disease. It is estimated that this health problem may affect as many as five million people in Poland. The gap between the reported number of patients treated and the prevalence of depression, highlights the scale of unmet needs. With the limited availability of specialists in psychiatric care, the most appropriate measures seem to be those aimed at increasing the competence of doctors of other specialties in the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Early detection and treatment results in faster remission, reduces relapses and mortality. The recommendations concerning prevention of depression were commissioned by the Polish Ministry of Health as a part of the Depression Prevention Program for 2016-2020. The Program has developed recommendations addressed to specialists in various fields of medicine, other than psychiatry, focusing on three risk groups: children and adolescents, women in the perinatal period and the elderly. These recommendations focus on the management of suspected postpartum depression and provide specific guidelines for medical staff having contact with pregnant and postpartum women (gynecologists, midwives, pediatricians).

Right unilateral versus bilateral formula-based electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of major depression in elderly patients: a randomised, open label, pilot controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment of depression in the elderly population; however, it is still unclear which type of ECT is most beneficial in this population. The aims of this study were: (i) to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial in elderly depressed patients treated with right unilateral (RUL) or fronto-temporal bilateral (BT) formula-based ECT; (ii) to compare formula-based RUL and BT ECT in terms of efficacy, safety and tolerability in this population. METHODS: The study lasted 3 years and managed to randomise 29 patients over 65 years old to receive either BT (n = 14) or RUL (n = 15) ECT. Brief pulse width (0.5 ms) and age-based dosing method were applied. The clinical efficacy was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, somatic state was monitored throughout the ECT course. In neuropsychological examination general cognitive performance, executive functions, verbal fluency, memory, autobiographical memory were evaluated. RESULTS: The recruitment was poor due to small number of patients able to give informed consent. ECT proved to be a highly effective and safe method of treatment among elders. Formula-based RUL ECT did not differ from BT in antidepressant efficacy and had cognitive advantages - the indices of general cognitive performance, verbal fluency and memory were significantly better than before the treatment in the RUL group. Decline in retrieval consistency of autobiographical memory was more pronounced in the BT group, although it was observed across both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Formula-based RUL ECT might not differ from BT in antidepressant efficacy and has an advantage in terms of tolerability.

Efficacy, safety and tolerability of formula-based unilateral vs bilateral electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of major depression: A randomized open label controlled trial.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment of depression, though it is still unclear which of its type is the most beneficial. The aim of this study was to compare the formula-based right unilateral ECT (RUL) with the fronto-temporal bilateral ECT (BT), in terms of their efficacy, safety and tolerability in patients with bipolar or unipolar depression. Ninety-one patients were randomly assigned to either BT (n = 45) or RUL (n = 46) ECT. Brief pulse width (0.5 ms) and a formula-based dosing method were applied. The clinical efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-21).The somatic state was monitored throughout the ECT course and cognitive examination included: general cognitive performance, executive functions, visual-spatial functions, verbal fluency, verbal memory and autobiographical memory. Efficacy outcomes were not found to be significantly different between groups when using higher doses of energy in RUL ECT. Patients in RUL group were less likely to be confused and experienced increased blood pressure. The indices of general cognitive performance and verbal auditory memory were also significantly better this group, while BT ECT did not change these functions. Both ECT types resulted in a decline in the retrieval consistency of autobiographical memory that persists for at least three months and was significantly more marked in BT group as compared to RUL. In conclusion, formula-based RUL ECT does not differ from BT in antidepressant efficacy and has an advantage in terms of safety (lower incidence of increased blood pressure and fewer disturbances of consciousness) and tolerability (impact on cognitive functions).

The use of buprenorphine in the treatment of drug-resistant depression - an overview of the studies. / Zastosowanie buprenorfiny w leczeniu depresji lekoopornej ­ przeglad wyników badan.

There is evidence that the endogenous opioid system in the brain plays an important role in mood regulation, and disturbances in its functioning may lead to the occurrence of depressive disorders. One of the drugs that affect the endogenous opioid system in the CNS is buprenorphine. The article is areview of the studies on the effectiveness of buprenorphine used as an augmentation of antidepressant treatment. The selection of articles was made by browsing the Medline and PubMed databases with the use of key words 'buprenorphine'and 'treatment of drug-resistant depression'. The analysis included thirty one studies. The results indicate that buprenorphine may be effective in drug-resistant depression in a similar manner as other augmentation strategies added to antidepressant treatment. Co-administration of buprenorphine and samidorphan may reduce the risk of addiction without losing the antidepressant effectiveness of buprenorphine. Further methodologically correct studies in this field are needed. In addition to being a partial agonist of the µ receptor, buprenorphine is also a potent antagonist of the kappa type opioid receptors. The antagonism of µ receptors alone does not cause antidepressant effects. Antagonism towards kappa receptors may cause antidepressant effects as well as reduce the severity of anhedonia. Depressed patients who do not respond to standard antidepressant treatment may have dysfunctions of the kappa receptor that are similar to opioid addicts.

ICD-11 vs. ICD-10 - a review of updates and novelties introduced in the latest version of the WHO International Classification of Diseases. / ICD-11 vs. ICD-10 ­ przeglad aktualizacji i nowosci wprowadzonych w najnowszej wersji Miedzynarodowej Klasyfikacji Chorób WHO.

In June 2018, WHO published the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The new edition introduced numerous changes. One of the most important was to rebuild the coding system and adapt ICD to digital use. A reconstruction of the coding system enabled more comprehensive alphanumeric coding of complex clinical situations by the introduction of cluster coding. The chapter on mental disorders has also changed. ICD-11 has been updated to take into account the results of international expert cooperation and new information on mental disorders. Many of the secondary clinical categories have been moved higher in the hierarchy that created new subchapters. Many categories have been moved to other subchapters. Taking into account the modern epidemiology and knowledge about the etiology of mental disorders, some categories have been removed from ICD. Moreover, several nonexistent categories have been added. The article summarizes and discusses the most important changes in ICD with the introduction of ICD-11, both in the coding system and in individual subchapters covering mental health issues.

Smartphone as a monitoring tool for bipolar disorder: a systematic review including data analysis, machine learning algorithms and predictive modelling.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic illness with a high recurrence rate. Smartphones can be a useful tool for detecting prodromal symptoms of episode recurrence (through real-time monitoring) and providing options for early intervention between outpatient visits. AIMS: The aim of this systematic review is to overview and discuss the studies on the smartphone-based systems that monitor or detect the phase change in BD. We also discuss the challenges concerning predictive modelling. METHODS: Published studies were identified through searching the electronic databases. Predictive attributes reflecting illness activity were evaluated including data from patients' self-assessment ratings and objectively measured data collected via smartphone. Articles were reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Objective data automatically collected using smartphones (voice data from phone calls and smartphone-usage data reflecting social and physical activities) are valid markers of a mood state. The articles surveyed reported accuracies in the range of 67% to 97% in predicting mood status. Various machine learning approaches have been analyzed, however, there is no clear evidence about the superiority of any of the approach. CONCLUSIONS: The management of BD could be significantly improved by monitoring of illness activity via smartphone.

Are there clinical and neurophysiologic predictive factors for a positive response to HF-rTMS in patients with treatment-resistant depression?

Better selection of patients with treatment-resistant depression for high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) would make the procedure more efficient. The objective of this study was to search for clinical and neurophysiologic predictors of therapeutic response with a special focus on the bipolar population. Forty patients (30 bipolar) underwent 20 daily sessions of HF-rTMS. Clinical outcome measures included the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Clinical Global Impression, and the Patient Global Impression. Neurophysiologic measurements included repeated estimation of the motor threshold and cortical silent period. Improvement was obtained in all psychometric scales, with no difference between unipolar and bipolar patients. Longer duration of the illness, higher number of prior hospitalizations, and more disturbed activity were associated with a worse response to rTMS, and somatic anxiety, sleep disorders, and health worries were positive predictors. In bipolar patients, longer disease duration and therapy with mirtazapine, mianserin, trazodone, hydroxyzine, and promethazine were associated with a worse response. Sleep disturbances, higher baseline motor threshold, and longer cortical silent period predicted a better response. In this study, we found several clinical and neurophysiologic predictors of better/worse responses to the standard HF-rTMS protocol. Our preliminary data need to be reproduced.