The evaluation of anxiety and panic agarophobia scores in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo on initial presentation and at the follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION: Patients with BPPV experienced short but intense anxiety and/or panic disorder, especially at the initial visit, but most patients recovered without medication with successful treatment. OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that people with dizziness report some psychological problems such as panic and agoraphobia and anxiety. The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety and panic agorophobia levels in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo on initial presentation and at the follow-up visit and compare the scores with the control group. METHODS: All the 32 patients in the study had a diagnosis of BPPV confirmed by their history, typical subjective symptom reports, and characteristic positional nystagmus during the Dix-Hallpike test and/or Roll test. The patients were instructed to complete the standard forms of Beck anxiety inventory and panic agoraphobia scale questionnaire before and at 7 and 14 days after the canalith repositioning treatment. RESULTS: The validity scores of panic agoraphobia were statistically significantly higher in patients with BPPV than in the control group in each period (p < .001) and the validity scores of the Beck anxiety inventory were statistically significantly higher in patients with BPPV than in the control group at the first and second evaluation (p < .001).

DNA Methylation of BDNF Gene in Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Although genetic factors are risk factors for schizophrenia, some environmental factors are thought to be required for the manifestation of disease. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene functions without causing a change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity. It has been suggested that BDNF may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. It is established that methylation status of the BDNF gene is associated with fear learning, memory, and stressful social interactions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the DNA methylation status of BDNF gene in patients with schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 49 patients (33 male and 16 female) with schizophrenia and 65 unrelated healthy controls (46 male and 19 female). Determination of methylation pattern of CpG islands was based on the principle that bisulfite treatment of DNA results in conversion of unmethylated cytosine residues into uracil, whereas methylated cytosine residues remain unmodified. Methylation-specific PCR was performed with primers specific for either methylated or unmethylated DNA. RESULTS There was no significant difference in methylated or un-methylated status for BDNF promoters between schizophrenia patients and controls. The mean duration of illness was significantly lower in the hemi-methylated group compared to the non-methylated group for BDNF gene CpG island-1 in schizophrenia patients. CONCLUSIONS Although there were no differences in BDNF gene methylation status between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, there was an association between duration of illness and DNA methylation.

Symptomatic Remission Determines Functional Improvement and Quality of Life in Schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that negatively affects the quality of life and psychosocial functions. Defined criteria to assess remission in schizophrenia are considered to be useful in the long-term follow-up of patients and in discriminating diagnostic factors. This study investigated the quality of life and functionality in schizophrenia patients in symptomatic remission (R-Sch) and not in remission (Non-R-Sch). METHODS: Sociodemographic data were collected for 40 R-Sch and 40 Non-R-Sch patients, and the following scales were administered: the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) Scale; Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form, Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-TR), Quality of Life Scale for Schizophrenia Patients (QLS), and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). RESULTS: The total and all subscale scores of PANSS and the CGI-S score were significantly lower in the R-Sch group than in the Non-R-Sch group, whereas the GAF scores and all subscales of QLS and WHOQOL-BREF-TR were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that improvement in symptoms in schizophrenia patients improves quality and functionality in all areas of life, suggesting that an improvement in symptoms is the most important determinant of functional recovery in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Agomelatine Protection in an LPS-Induced Psychosis-Relevant Behavior Model.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of agomelatine in a psychosis-relevant behavior model. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used 18 adult male Wistar rats in this study. Twelve rats given LPS for endotoxemia were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6). Group I was treated with 1 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl i.p. and Group II was treated with 40 mg/kg agomelatine. Six normal rats served as the control group and were not given LPS for endotoxemia. Cylindrical steel cages containing vertical and horizontal metal bars with top cover were used. Rats were put in these cages for the purpose of orientation for 10 min. Apomorphine was given to rats removed from cages, and then they were immediately put back in the cages for the purpose of observing stereotyped conduct. Brain HVA levels and plasma TNF-a levels were evaluated in tissue homogenates using ELISA. The proportion of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in samples taken from plasma for detection of lipid peroxidation similar to thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. RESULTS LPS induced-plasma TNF-α, brain TNF-α, and plasma MDA levels were significantly lower in the LPS+agomelatine group compared to the LPS+saline group (p<0.05). HVA levels and stereotype scores were significantly lower in the LPS+agomelatine group compared to the LPS+saline group (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Agomelatine reduced TNF-α, HVA, MDA levels, and the stereotype score in relevant models of psychosis. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of agomelatine involved oxidant cleansing properties and that its effects on the metabolism of dopamine can play an important role in the model of psychosis.

Increased mean platelet volume in patients with panic disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between platelet activation and psychiatric disorders has been shown in previous work. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of platelet size and a good indicator of platelet activity, which increases in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is known that anxiety is a considerable factor in the etiology of mortality in CVDs. The aim of the present study was to investigate any probable difference in the MPV of patients with panic disorder (PD). METHODS: Sixty-one drug-free patients, aged 18-65 years and diagnosed with PD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, were included in the study, along with 63 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated and MPV measured for each subject. RESULTS: The MPV was found to be higher in the PD group compared to the control group (P=0.004). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of platelet count or BMI. CONCLUSION: Alterations in platelet activity may be a reflection of abnormal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1A receptor function in the central nervous system of subjects with a diagnosis of PD. These findings may elucidate the relationship between CVDs and PD. The findings of the present study suggest that MPV is increased in PD patients.

The Antipsychotic Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Rats.

BACKGROUND: In humans, omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for cell membranes, brain function and nerve transmission continuation. When animals are exposed to a new environment-or as a result of an apomorphine application that creates an agonistic effect on D1 and D2 receptors-they display behavioral reactions like rearing and stereotypy. This study aims to reveal the possible antipsychotic and oxidative effects of omega-3 fatty acids by comparing with chlorpromazine, a conventional antipsychotic drug, through evaluating the novelty-induced rearing and apomorphine-induced stereotypic behaviors, as well as malondialdehyde and glutathione levels in rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight, adult, male, Wistar rats were used in the study. Briefly, 4 groups of rats (n = 7) were administered docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (300 mg/kg; DHA: 120 mg/kg + EPA: 180 mg/kg intraperitoneally [IP]), DHA + EPA (150 mg/kg; DHA: 60 mg/kg + EPA: 90 mg/kg IP), chlorpromazine (1 mg/kg, IP) and isotonic saline (1 mL/kg, IP). One hour later, apomorphine (2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) was administered to each rat. After the apomorphine administration, rats were observed for stereotypic behavior. RESULTS: This study shows that omega-3 fatty acids, "similar to antipsychotics," reversed the psychotic like effects, increase of oxidants and decrease of antioxidants that are composed experimentally in rats. CONCLUSIONS: The application of omega-3 fatty acids has antipsychotic effects and causes an oxidative imbalance. This study adds new evidence to the current literature regarding the possible antipsychotic effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Antipsychotic-like effect of minocycline in a rat model.

OBJECTIVES: Tetracycline antibiotic drug minocycline has strongly neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Minocycline has also remarkable brain tissue penetration, is clinically entirely tolerated and properly absorbed when taken orally. In our study, we class with the effects of minocycline and chlorpromazine, a conventional antipsychotic drug, by evaluating the novelty-induced rearing, apomorphine-induced stereotypic behavior, and brain MDA levels in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of rat (n = 7) were applied with minocycline (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), chlorpromazine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or isotonic saline (1 mL/kg, i.p.). One hour later, apomorphine (2 mg/kg, s.c.) was applied to each rat. RESULT: Our results showed that both doses of minocycline significantly decreased the rearing behavior in rats, whereas the decrease with chlorpromazine was higher. Minocycline also decreased the stereotypy scores in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: We concluded that minocycline has beneficial effects on rearing behavior and stereotypy, which are accepted to be indicators of antipsychotic effect. Taken together, minocycline, as an anti-oxidant and cytoprotective agent, can be useful in neuroprotection especially on early stages of psychosis or prepsychotic patients with insignificant symptoms. Minocycline is worthy of being investigated for its anti-psychotic effects as a primary or an adjunctive drug.

New molecule in the etiology of schizophrenia: urotensin II.

AIMS: Urotensin II (U-II) is a cyclic peptide that was first isolated from the caudal neurosecretory system of goby fish. U-II receptors were detected in the vascular endothelium, brain and kidney cortex. Urotensin is by far the most powerful vasoconstrictor identified. U-II molecules were previously isolated from the brain of rats and were shown to have an impact on rat behavior. The aim of the present study was to measure the level of U-II molecule in schizophrenia patients and to investigate whether the U-II level is associated with the etiology of schizophrenia. METHODS: Forty schizophrenia patients who were followed at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Department of Psychiatry Psychotic Disorders Unit and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein after 12-h fasting. U-II level was measured on ELISA. RESULTS: The U-II level in schizophrenia patients was significantly higher than in the control group. U-II level was not different with regard to gender in either group. U-II level was not different between subgroups of schizophrenia. No significant correlation was found between U-II level, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale scores. CONCLUSION: U-II level was higher in schizophrenia patients, indicating that U-II level may be related to the etiology of the disease.

Electroconvulsive therapy in pregnant patients.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the aim was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients that received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during pregnancy due to psychiatric disorders, evaluate the safety and efficacy of ECT in pregnant women, and evaluate the overall status of mothers and babies during the postpartum period. METHODS: The study included 33 patients who were admitted as inpatients with the indication of ECT due to pregnancy and concurrent psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: Upon ECT administration, a complete response to treatment was seen in 84.21% of patients with major depression (n=16), a partial response to treatment in 15.78% of patients (n=3), a complete response to treatment in 91.66% of patients with bipolar disorder (n=11), a partial response to treatment in 8.33% of the patients(n=1), and a full response to treatment in 50% of patients with schizophrenia (n=1) and a partial response to treatment in 50% of patients with schizophrenia (n=1) were obtained. We had after birth information of 27 infants from total 33. It was learned that two of them had disease, one was stillbirth and 24 of them did not have any health problems. CONCLUSIONS: ECT administration during pregnancy to treat psychiatric disorders was found to be an effective treatment method. No risk of preterm birth in mothers treated with ECT during pregnancy was detected.

Electroconvulsive therapy for mood disorders in pregnancy.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) offers a treatment option for mood disorders during pregnancy. We retrospectively examined 12 pregnant patients who were treated with ECT for their mood disorders. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 28.1 ± 4.8 years. The mean ± SD number of ECTs performed was 9.8 ± 4.5. The mean ± SD Clinical Global Impression score was decreased from 6 to 2.6 ± 0.7 with ECT. No significant adverse events were observed other than early delivery in one patient and pes ekinovarus deformity in a newborn that was most probably not related to ECT causally. Electroconvulsive therapy seems to be an effective and safe treatment option in pregnant patients with mood disorders.

Maintenance therapy with electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with a codiagnosis of bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is defined as the most commonly seen anxiety disorder accompanying the bipolar disorder, and this concomitance causes the difficulties in the therapy. Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is efficient in both manic and depressive episodes of the bipolar disorder, it is considered as a therapeutic option in cases of OCD with depression comorbidity. In this article, we aimed to present a case in which depressive episode of bipolar disorder and OCD comorbidity were present; both depressive and OCD symptoms were resolved using ECT. Symptoms of both diseases recurred after the discontinuation of ECT, and well-being sustained with maintenance ECT.

Persistent catatonia for 1.5 years finally resolved with electroconvulsive therapy.

Despite having been previously associated with schizophrenia, catatonia is more often associated with mood disorders and factors related to general medical conditions. Benzodiazepines are recommended as the first option in treatment of catatonia. For patients who do not sufficiently respond to benzodiazepines and for patients that need a fast response, electroconvulsive therapy is then recommended. In this case, we present a case that developed catatonia after myocardial infarction and remained catatonic for 1.5 years until he was treated with electroconvulsive therapy.

Is there any relationship between ADHD symptoms and choosing sports education at the university?

OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study was to compare the incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) observed in students at the School of Physical Education and Sports (SPES), which is a school that provides higher education in athletics, with that observed in students studying in other departments of the university. Our hypothesis was that people with ADHD most commonly turn to sports. METHOD: The study enrolled 318 (75.7% of 420) students who were studying in the SPES of Gaziantep University; 277 students from the medical, nursing, administration, and engineering faculties were enrolled to serve as a control group. All students enrolled in the study were informed about the study before the lesson, and the students who agreed to participate provided written consent. Scales used in this study were: a sociodemographic information form which was prepared by the investigators, the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS), and the Adult ADD/ADHD DSM-IV Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale (ADD/ADHD). RESULTS: WURS scores were significantly higher (25.07 +/- 15.15 versus 21.37 +/- 14.28; p = 0.002) in the SPES group than the control group. In addition, the percentage of subjects with a WURS score above the cut-off of 36 was higher in the SPES group than the control group (22.4% versus 15.2%; p: 0.028). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of the subscales of the ADD/ADHD scale. A correlation was found between the educational achievement of the students in the SPES group and the ADD/ADHD-inattention subscale (r = .111, p = 0.015) and WURS scale (r = .113, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: More systematic studies with larger samples in this domain will be useful in obtaining a clearer picture regarding professional attraction of people with ADHD to sports.