Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders in Clinical Practice: A Retrospective Case Study.

Inhibiting the facial expression of negative emotions via botulinum toxin A (BTX) has been shown to mitigate symptoms of clinical depression in randomized controlled trials. This retrospective case study sought to reproduce the beneficial effects of BTX in a naturalistic setting for major depressive disorder and collect casuistic data on its effect on other mental disorders. Moreover, we describe symptom development across multiple treatment cycles with BTX, and assess the implementation of additional injection targets in the lower face region. Participants were N = 51 adult psychiatric outpatients mainly seeking treatment for depression. Over 50% suffered from comorbid psychiatric conditions, predominantly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD). A pre-post case series design was adapted. All participants received BTX-injections in the glabellar region on at least one occasion. Some received additional injections in the mouth region and over multiple treatment cycles. Treatment response was followed up by self-rated scales at varying time intervals post treatment. The results showed that BTX may yield favorable outcomes across multiple and comorbid mental disorders, especially, however, for patients suffering from depression. It potentially prevents the recurrence of clinical symptoms if applied regularly. Adding additional regions of the face does not seem to be superior over applying it to the glabellar region alone. The results add to the growing evidence that BTX therapy is effective in alleviating symptoms of depression. Positive effects can be sustained and reinstated, when applied over multiple treatment cycles. Observed symptom reduction in other psychiatric disorders was less pronounced. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which BTX therapy reduces psychiatric symptoms.

[Recommendations for diagnosis and therapy of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD)]. / Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie der behavioralen und psychologischen Symptome der Demenz (BPSD).

In patients with dementia, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are frequent findings that accompany deficits caused by cognitive impairment and thus complicate diagnostics, therapy and care. BPSD are a burden both for affected individuals as well as care-givers, and represent a significant challenge for therapy of a patient population with high degree of multi-morbidity. The goal of this therapy-guideline issued by swiss professional associations is to present guidance regarding therapy of BPSD as attendant symptoms in dementia, based on evidence as well as clinical experience. Here it appears to be of particular importance to take into account professional experience, as at this point for most therapeutic options no sufficiently controlled clinical trials are available. A critical discussion of pharmaco-therapeutic intervention is necessary, as this patient-population is particularly vulnerable for medication side-effects. Finally, a particular emphasis is placed on incorporating and systematically reporting psycho-social and nursing options therapeutic intervention.

Outre les déficits cognitifs, les patients atteints de démences présentent aussi différents symptômes comportementaux et psychologiques de la démence (SCPD) qui rendent le diagnostic, la thérapie et la prise en charge plus difficiles. Ces symptômes ont des conséquences graves pour les patients et leurs proches aidants. Compte tenu de la multimorbidité présente chez beaucoup des patients atteints d'une démence, les SCPD sont souvent difficiles à traiter. L'objectif de ces recommandations appuyées sur l'évidence publiée et l'expérience clinique des experts des Sociétés Professionnelles Suisses est d'apporter un soutien pour la prise en charge des symptômes accompagnant les démences. Accorder une place à l'expérience clinique est d'autant plus important qu'à présent, il n'y a pas suffisamment d'études contrôlées pour la plupart des thérapies utilisées. Une évaluation critique des interventions pharmacothérapeutiques est nécessaire et, compte tenu de possibles effets indésirables, les médicaments doivent être utilisés avec grande précaution dans cette population particulièrement vulnérable. Les possibilités d'interventions psychosociales et les approches en soins sont également considérées et présentées de façon systématique.

Age-dependent effects of the 5-hydroxytryptamine-2a-receptor polymorphism (His452Tyr) on human memory.

A polymorphism (His452Tyr) of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2a receptor is associated with episodic memory in healthy young humans. Because 5-HT2a-receptor density decreases with increasing age, we tested whether the 5-HT2a receptor genotype effect on memory is influenced by age. We investigated the association of the His452Tyr genotype with memory performance in 622 healthy study participants aged from 18 to 90 years. In young to middle-aged participants, age significantly influenced genotype effects on episodic memory: the His452Tyr genotype exerted a significant influence on memory only in young participants. In the group of elderly cognitively healthy participants, the His452Tyr genotype did not affect memory performance. We conclude that age strongly modulates the effect of the 5-HT2a receptor polymorphism at residue 452 on episodic memory.