Engaging Mood Brain Circuits with Psilocybin (EMBRACE): a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled and delayed-start, neuroimaging trial in depression.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting overall quality of life. Approximately one third of individuals with depression do not fully respond to treatments (e.g., conventional antidepressants, psychotherapy) and alternative strategies are needed. Recent early phase trials suggest psilocybin may be a safe and efficacious intervention with rapid-acting antidepressant properties. Psilocybin is thought to exert therapeutic benefits by altering brain network connectivity and inducing neuroplastic changes that endure for weeks post-treatment. Although early clinical results are encouraging, psilocybin's acute neurobiological effects on neuroplasticity have not been fully investigated. We aim to examine for the first time how psilocybin acutely (intraday) and subacutely (weeks) alters functional brain networks implicated in depression. METHODS: Fifty participants diagnosed with MDD or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) will be recruited from a tertiary mood disorders clinic and undergo 1:1 randomization into either an experimental or control arm. Participants will be given either 25 mg psilocybin or 25 mg microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) placebo for the first treatment. Three weeks later, those in the control arm will transition to receiving 25 mg psilocybin. We will investigate whether treatments are associated with changes in arterial spin labelling and blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast neuroimaging assessments at acute and subacute timepoints. Primary outcomes include testing whether psilocybin demonstrates acute changes in (1) cerebral blood flow and (2) functional brain activity in networks associated with mood regulation and depression when compared to placebo, along with changes in MADRS score over time compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes include changes across complementary clinical psychiatric, cognitive, and functional scales from baseline to final follow-up. Serum peripheral neurotrophic and inflammatory biomarkers will be collected at baseline and follow-up to examine relationships with clinical response, and neuroimaging measures. DISCUSSION: This study will investigate the acute and additive subacute neuroplastic effects of psilocybin on brain networks affected by depression using advanced serial neuroimaging methods. Results will improve our understanding of psilocybin's antidepressant mechanisms versus placebo response and whether biological measures of brain function can provide early predictors of treatment response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06072898. Registered on 6 October 2023.

Not missing at random: Missing data are associated with clinical status and trajectories in an electronic monitoring longitudinal study of bipolar disorder.

There is limited information on the association between participants' clinical status or trajectories and missing data in electronic monitoring studies of bipolar disorder (BD). We collected self-ratings scales and sensor data in 145 adults with BD. Using a new metric, Missing Data Ratio (MDR), we assessed missing self-rating data and sensor data monitoring activity and sleep. Missing data were lowest for participants in the midst of a depressive episode, intermediate for participants with subsyndromal symptoms, and highest for participants who were euthymic. Over a mean ± SD follow-up of 246 ± 181 days, missing data remained unchanged for participants whose clinical status did not change throughout the study (i.e., those who entered the study in a depressive episode and did not improve, or those who entered the study euthymic and remained euthymic). Conversely, when participants' clinical status changed during the study (e.g., those who entered the study euthymic and experienced the occurrence of a depressive episode), missing data for self-rating scales increased, but not for sensor data. Overall missing data were associated with participants' clinical status and its changes, suggesting that these are not missing at random.

Dietary supplement for mood symptoms in early postpartum: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

Background: Postpartum blues (PPB) is a frequent syndrome of sad mood, crying spells, anxiety, restlessness, reduced appetite, and irritability, typically peaking day 5 postpartum. When severe, it greatly increases risk for later postpartum depression. This trial compared a dietary supplement to placebo on PPB severity. The supplement was designed to counter downstream effects of elevated monoamine oxidase A level, implicated in causing PPB. Methods: Participants recruited by advertisement from the Toronto region completed procedures at CAMH, Canada and/or participants' homes. Oral supplement or identical appearing relatively inert placebo were administered in randomised, double-blind fashion. Supplement was blueberry juice and extract given four times between nighttime day 3 and morning day 5 postpartum; tryptophan 2 g nighttime day 4 postpartum, and tyrosine 10 g morning day 5 postpartum. On day 5, depressed mood induction procedure (MIP) and postpartum blues were assessed. All data is presented (NCT03296956 closed, clinicaltrials.gov). Findings: Between January 2019 and December 2022, participants took supplement (n = 51) or placebo (n = 52). There was no significant effect on primary outcome MIP on visual analogue scale for depressed mood (mean difference = -0.39 mm, 95% CI: -6.42 to 5.65 mm). Stein Maternity Blues scores, exploratory PPB measure, was lower in the active group (effect size 0.62; median, interquartile range (IQR): active 2.00 (IQR 1, 4); placebo 4.00 (IQR 1.5, 6); regression with general linear model, supplement effect, ß coefficient = -1.50 (95%: CI -2.60, -0.40), p = 0.008; effect of CES-D crying category before supplement, p = 0.03-0.00000023). Twenty-six and 40 different adverse events occurred within 25% and 42% of supplement and placebo cases respectively (Chi-Square, p = 0.06). Interpretation: The primary outcome was negative for effect on depressed mood induction, however the supplement moderately reduced PPB. Funding: CAMH/Exeltis.

The role of interpersonal stressors and connectedness in acute suicide risk and the suicide crisis syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic rapidly and drastically impacted everyday life and relationships. Fear of contracting and spreading the virus brought governments and individuals to adopt strict social distancing measures. These changes have had a significant negative impact on mental health, including a suggested increase in suicidal behaviors. The present study examined the role of interpersonal stress and connectedness in suicidal ideation, deliberate self-harm, suicide attempts, and the suicide crisis syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An international sample of 7837 adult participants was recruited across ten participating countries to complete an anonymous online battery of self-report questionnaires. Questionnaires assessed suicide-related outcomes, stressful life events (SLE), and connectedness. Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine the associations between SLE and connectedness on suicide-related outcomes within the past month. RESULTS: Interpersonal SLEs and low connectedness were associated with an increased likelihood of suicide-related outcomes and increased severity of suicide crisis syndrome. Specifically, higher rates of SLEs and lower levels of connectedness were associated with more suicide-related outcomes. LIMITATIONS: The use of a cross-sectional design and snowball sampling method may restrict the ability to establish causal relationships and limit the representativeness of the findings. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest elevated suicide-related outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals experiencing multiple interpersonal stressful life events and low connectedness with others. The circumstances of social life during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the urgency of implementing preventive programs aimed at mitigating potential suicide risks that may arise in the aftermath of public stress situations.

Cross-disorder GWAS meta-analysis of endocannabinoid DNA variations in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is implicated in multiple mental disorders. In this study, we explored DNA variations in the ECS across major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia by performing a cross-disorder genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis. We obtained six datasets from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium containing GWAS summary statistics from European cohorts (284,023 cases and 508,515 controls). Effective sample size weighted meta-analysis was performed for 2241 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) pertaining to gene bodies of 33 endocannabinoid genes using METAL, where an overall z-statistic is calculated for each marker based on a weighted sum of individual statistics. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 and X2 tests. MAGMA gene-based analysis was also performed. We identified nine SNPs significantly associated with a change in risk of having a mental disorder. The lead SNP was rs12805732 (Gene: Diacylglycerol Lipase Alpha; DAGLA). Four SNPs had substantial heterogeneity (I2>60 %). DAGLA had the strongest association with disease risk in gene-based analysis. Our findings suggest that the ECS may be a shared pathway in mental disorders. Future studies validating these findings would contribute to the identification of biomarkers of disease risk across multiple mental disorders.

Ketamine for bipolar depression: an updated systematic review.

Background: The therapeutic potential of subanesthetic doses of ketamine appears promising in unipolar depression; however, its effectiveness in treating bipolar depression (BD) remains uncertain. Objective: This systematic review aimed to summarize findings on the use of ketamine for the treatment of BD by assessing its efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Design: Systematic review. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies that investigated the use of ketamine for adults with BD. We searched PubMed and Embase for relevant randomized-controlled trials, open-label trials, and retrospective chart analyses published from inception to 13 March 2023. Results: Eight studies were identified [pooled n = 235; mean (SD) age: 45.55 (5.54)]. All participants who received intravenous (IV) ketamine were administered a dose of 0.5-0.75 mg/kg as an adjunctive treatment to a mood-stabilizing agent, whereas participants who received esketamine were administered a dosage ranging from 28 to 84 mg. Flexible dosing was used in real-world analyses. A total of 48% of participants receiving ketamine achieved a response (defined as ⩾50% reduction in baseline depression severity), whereas only 5% achieved a response with a placebo. Real-world studies demonstrated lower rates of response (30%) compared to the average across clinical trials (63%). Reductions in suicidal ideation were noted in some studies, although not all findings were statistically significant. Ketamine and esketamine were well tolerated in most participants; however, six participants (2% of the overall sample pool, 5 receiving ketamine) developed hypomanic/manic symptoms after infusions. Significant dissociative symptoms were observed at the 40-min mark in some trials. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests IV ketamine as being safe and effective for the treatment of BD. Future studies should focus on investigating the effects of repeated acute and maintenance infusions using a randomized study design.

Associations between peripheral inflammation and clinical phenotypes of bipolar depression in a lower-middle income country.

OBJECTIVE: There has been increased interest in repurposing anti-inflammatories for the treatment of bipolar depression. Evidence from high-income countries suggests that these agents may work best for specific depressive symptoms in a subset of patients with biochemical evidence of inflammation but data from lower-middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce. This secondary analysis explored the relationship between pretreatment inflammatory markers and specific depressive symptoms, clinical measures, and demographic variables in participants with bipolar depression in Pakistan. METHODS: The current study is a cross-sectional secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of two anti-inflammatory medications (minocycline and celecoxib) for bipolar depression (n = 266). A series of logistic and linear regression models were completed to assess the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) (CRP > or < 3 mg/L and log10CRP) and clinical and demographic features of interest and symptoms of depression. Baseline clinical trial data was used to extract clinical and demographic features and symptoms of depression were assessed using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of low-grade inflammation (CRP > 3 mg/L) in the sample was 70.9%. After adjusting for baseline body mass index, socioeconomic status, age, gender, symptoms related to anhedonia, fatigue, and motor retardation were most associated with low-grade inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar disorder (BD) patients from LMICs may experience higher rates of peripheral inflammation than have been reported in Western populations with BD. Future trials of repurposed anti-inflammatory agents that enrich for participants with these symptom profiles may inform the development of personalized treatment for bipolar depression in LMICs.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for improving mood symptoms in bipolar disorders.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based psychotherapies available to treat patients with bipolar disorders (BD) are limited. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may target several common symptoms of BD. We conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of DBT for mood symptoms in patients with BD. The systematic search used key words related to DBT and BD in Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to April 1st, 2022. We included studies that enrolled patients with a BD I or II diagnosis (DSM or ICD), age 12 and older who received a DBT-based intervention. Studies reviewed were clinical trials including observational studies that reported at least one outcome related to BD mood symptoms or severity. We did not exclude based upon psychiatric or physical co-morbidity. RESULTS: We screened 848 abstracts and reviewed 28 full texts; 10 publications with 11 studies met our pre-determined eligibility criteria. All but one were feasibility pilot studies and most included participants in all mood states except for mania. The studies provided preliminary evidence suggesting these interventions may be effective for improving several core symptoms of BD. Overall, all the studies consistently supported that DBT-based interventions are feasible and acceptable for patients with BD. CONCLUSION: DBT may be an effective treatment for BD; however, the confidence in this conclusion is limited by the small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and high risk of bias in all published trials. Larger well-designed RCTs are now required to establish the effectiveness of DBT in BD.

Real-world effectiveness of repeated ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects with intravenous (IV) ketamine for major depressive disorder, with relatively less research specifically for bipolar depression. Herein, we describe the real-world effectiveness of repeated ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant bipolar depression. METHODS: This study was conducted in a community clinic in Mississauga, Ontario (Canadian Rapid Treatment Centre of Excellence; Braxia Health). In this observational study (NCT04209296), patients with treatment-resistant bipolar I/II depression (n = 66) received four sub-anesthetic doses of IV ketamine (0.5-0.75 mg/kg) over a two-week period. Symptoms of depression, suicidality, anxiety, and functioning were assessed with validated self-report measures. RESULTS: Statistically and clinically significant antidepressant effects were observed in the overall sample, as measured by the Quick Inventory for Depression Symptomatology-Self Report-16 (QIDS-SR16 ) with further reductions in depressive symptoms observed after each subsequent infusion (n = 66; mean QIDS-SR16 reduction of 6.08+/-1.39; p < 0.0001). Significant reductions of suicidal thoughts (QIDS-SR16 -Suicide Item) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) were also observed with functional improvements on the Sheehan Disability Scale (p < 0.0001 on all measures). Moreover, the response rate (QIDS-SR16 total score decrease ≥50% from baseline) was 35% and remission rate (QIDS-SR16 total score ≤5) was 20% after four infusions. Infusions were generally well tolerated with treatment-emergent hypomania observed in only three patients (4.5%) with zero cases of mania or psychosis. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world effectiveness of IV ketamine for bipolar depression was observed. Repeated doses were associated with greater symptom reduction and adequate tolerability.

Real-World Effectiveness of Repeated Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression.

Background: Clinical trials have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects with intravenous (IV) ketamine for major depressive disorder, with relatively less research specifically for bipolar depression. Herein, we describe the real-world effectiveness of repeated ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Methods: This study was conducted in a community clinic in Mississauga, Ontario (Canadian Rapid Treatment Centre of Excellence; Braxia Health). In this observational study (NCT04209296), patients with treatment-resistant bipolar I/II depression (n = 66) received four sub-anesthetic doses of IV ketamine (0.5-0.75 mg/kg) over a two-week period. Symptoms of depression, suicidality, anxiety, and functioning were assessed with validated self-report measures. Results: Statistically and clinically significant antidepressant effects were observed in the overall sample, as measured by the Quick Inventory for Depression Symptomatology-Self Report-16 (QIDS-SR16) with further reductions in depressive symptoms observed after each subsequent infusion (n = 66; mean QIDS-SR16 reduction of 6.08+/-1.39; p < 0.0001). Significant reductions of suicidal thoughts (QIDS-SR16-Suicide Item) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) were also observed with functional improvements on the Sheehan Disability Scale (p < 0.0001 on all measures). Moreover, the response rate (QIDS-SR16 total score decrease ≥50% from baseline) was 35% and remission rate (QIDS-SR16 total score ≤5) was 20% after four infusions. Infusions were generally well tolerated with treatment-emergent hypomania observed in only three patients (4.5%) with zero cases of mania or psychosis. Conclusions: Real-world effectiveness of IV ketamine for bipolar depression was observed. Repeated doses were associated with greater symptom reduction and adequate tolerability.Reprinted from Bipolar Disord 2023; 25:99-109, with permission from John Wiley and Sons. Copyright © 2023.

Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression.

BACKGROUND: Psilocybin is being studied for use in treatment-resistant depression. METHODS: In this phase 2 double-blind trial, we randomly assigned adults with treatment-resistant depression to receive a single dose of a proprietary, synthetic formulation of psilocybin at a dose of 25 mg, 10 mg, or 1 mg (control), along with psychological support. The primary end point was the change from baseline to week 3 in the total score on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS; range, 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating more severe depression). Secondary end points included response at week 3 (≥50% decrease from baseline in the MADRS total score), remission at week 3 (MADRS total score ≤10), and sustained response at 12 weeks (meeting response criteria at week 3 and all subsequent visits). RESULTS: A total of 79 participants were in the 25-mg group, 75 in the 10-mg group, and 79 in the 1-mg group. The mean MADRS total score at baseline was 32 or 33 in each group. Least-squares mean changes from baseline to week 3 in the score were -12.0 for 25 mg, -7.9 for 10 mg, and -5.4 for 1 mg; the difference between the 25-mg group and 1-mg group was -6.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], -10.2 to -2.9; P<0.001) and between the 10-mg group and 1-mg group was -2.5 (95% CI, -6.2 to 1.2; P = 0.18). In the 25-mg group, the incidences of response and remission at 3 weeks, but not sustained response at 12 weeks, were generally supportive of the primary results. Adverse events occurred in 179 of 233 participants (77%) and included headache, nausea, and dizziness. Suicidal ideation or behavior or self-injury occurred in all dose groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this phase 2 trial involving participants with treatment-resistant depression, psilocybin at a single dose of 25 mg, but not 10 mg, reduced depression scores significantly more than a 1-mg dose over a period of 3 weeks but was associated with adverse effects. Larger and longer trials, including comparison with existing treatments, are required to determine the efficacy and safety of psilocybin for this disorder. (Funded by COMPASS Pathfinder; EudraCT number, 2017-003288-36; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03775200.).

Identification of Endocannabinoid Predictors of Treatment Outcomes in Major Depressive Disorder: A Secondary Analysis of the First Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND 1) Study.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of studies are examining the link between the endocannabinoidome and major depressive disorder (MDD). We conducted an exploratory analysis of this system to identify potential markers of treatment outcomes. METHODS: The dataset of the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression-1 study, consisting of 180 patients with MDD treated for eight weeks with escitalopram followed by eight weeks with escitalopram alone or augmented with aripiprazole was analyzed. Association between response Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS; score reduction≥50%) or remission (MADRS score≤10) at weeks 8 and 16 and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), methylation, and mRNA levels of 33 endocannabinoid markers were examined. A standard genome-wide association studies protocol was used for identifying SNPs, and logistic regression was used to assess methylation and mRNA levels. RESULTS: Lower methylation of CpG islands of the diacylglycerol lipase alpha gene (DAGLA) was associated with non-remission at week 16 (DAGLA; OR=0.337, p<0.003, q=0.050). Methylation of DAGLA was correlated with improvement in Clinical Global Impression (p=0.026), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (p=0.010), and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure scales (p=0.028). We did not find any association between SNPs or mRNA levels and treatment outcomes. DISCUSSION: Methylation of DAGLA is a promising candidate as a marker of treatment outcomes for MDD and needs to be explored further.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of structural and functional brain alterations in individuals with genetic and clinical high-risk for psychosis and bipolar disorder.

Neuroimaging findings in people at either genetic risk or at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) or bipolar disorder (CHR-B) remain unclear. A meta-analytic review of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in individuals with genetic risk or CHR-P or CHR-B and controls identified 94 datasets (N = 7942). Notwithstanding no significant findings were observed following adjustment for multiple comparisons, several findings were noted at a more liberal threshold. Subjects at genetic risk for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder or at CHR-P exhibited lower gray matter (GM) volumes in the gyrus rectus (Hedges' g = -0.19). Genetic risk for psychosis was associated with GM reductions in the right cerebellum and left amygdala. CHR-P was associated with decreased GM volumes in the frontal superior gyrus and hypoactivation in the right precuneus, the superior frontal gyrus and the right inferior frontal gyrus. Genetic and CHR-P were associated with small structural and functional alterations involving regions implicated in psychosis. Further neuroimaging studies in individuals with genetic or CHR-B are warranted.

Associations between psoriasis and mental illness: an update for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: This review explores the association between psoriasis and mental illness and the potential underlying pathophysiologic explanations for this association. METHOD: Using a search via the MEDLINE database in December 2020, eligible studies with a focus on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized control trials (RCTs) were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS: Psoriasis patients are 1.5 times more likely to show depressive symptoms and experience a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms (20-50%) than individuals without psoriasis. Schizophrenia (2.82%) and suicidal ideation (12.7%) are found to be more prevalent among psoriasis patients than among the general population. Pro-inflammatory markers, which play an important role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, have been shown to be elevated in patients with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia; this suggests shared inflammatory pathways may be involved. CONCLUSIONS: There is an elevated burden of psychiatric co-morbidity in psoriasis patients which may be explained by an inflammatory model. We recommend that clinicians conduct universal screening of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among their psoriasis patients and remain vigilant for any symptoms of severe psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. Collaboration between dermatologists, psychiatrists and primary care physicians is essential in supporting psychological wellbeing and clinical outcomes for psoriasis patients.

Efficacy and acceptability of pharmacotherapy for comorbid anxiety symptoms in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) but there is little guidance on pharmacotherapy for these symptoms. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the available evidence for pharmacotherapy of comorbid anxiety symptoms in BD. METHODS: Completed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of medications for BD published prior to December 2020 were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and the ISRCTN. Data from RCTs measuring anxiety symptoms at baseline and endpoint and all-cause discontinuation were pooled to compare the efficacy and acceptability of medications with control conditions. RESULTS: Thirty-seven RCTs met our inclusion criteria; 13 placebo-controlled RCTs with 2175 participants had sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis assessing anxiety symptoms. Compared with placebo, the overall effect size of medications (primarily atypical antipsychotics) on anxiety symptoms was small with a standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.22 (95% CI: -0.34 to -0.11). Study heterogeneity was low (I2  = 26%). The acceptability of these medications was comparable with placebo with odds ratio of discontinuation from all causes = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.91-1.06). CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence for a small anxiolytic effect and good acceptability of pharmacotherapy (primarily atypical antipsychotics) in the treatment of comorbid anxiety symptoms in BD. These results highlight the need for further research on medications other than atypical antipsychotics.

A Group Parenting Intervention for Depressed Fathers (LTP + Dads): A Feasibility Study from Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Globally, paternal depression is a neglected and under-researched area. AIMS: To feasibility test Learning Through Play Plus Dads (LTP+ Dads), a group parenting psychoeducation program adapted for depressed Pakistani fathers of children under 3 years of age. METHODS: Fathers with depression were recruited in Karachi, Pakistan, for a pre-post feasibility study. Ten sessions of group LTP+ Dads were offered over three months. Clinical assessments were administered at baseline, three (end of intervention), and six (follow-up) months and included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Brief Disability Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Euro-Qol-5 Dimensions, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Parenting Stress Index, and Knowledge, Attitude and Practices questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 78 fathers approached, 34 consented to screening and 18 were eligible to participate. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, with a mean of 3.61 children. Most were unemployed and were from low-income households with low education backgrounds. The intervention was feasible and acceptable based on a recruitment rate of 100% of eligible participants and a 100% attendance rate for five of the 10 sessions. Fathers showed, on average, a reduction in depressive symptoms, an increase in most areas of knowledge, and positive attitudes about child development. Perceived social support, self-esteem, and functioning scores also increased. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost, culturally adapted group intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Changes in depression, parenting-related, and other outcomes are promising and inform a future larger trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 9 December 2020 (identifier: NCT04660253).

Evidence-based umbrella review of 162 peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders.

The literature on non-genetic peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders is broad, with conflicting results. An umbrella review of meta-analyses of non-genetic peripheral biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, including first-episode psychosis. We included meta-analyses that compared alterations in peripheral biomarkers between participants with mental disorders to controls (i.e., between-group meta-analyses) and that assessed biomarkers after treatment (i.e., within-group meta-analyses). Evidence for association was hierarchically graded using a priori defined criteria against several biases. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) instrument was used to investigate study quality. 1161 references were screened. 110 met inclusion criteria, relating to 359 meta-analytic estimates and 733,316 measurements, on 162 different biomarkers. Only two estimates met a priori defined criteria for convincing evidence (elevated awakening cortisol levels in euthymic BD participants relative to controls and decreased pyridoxal levels in participants with schizophrenia relative to controls). Of 42 estimates which met criteria for highly suggestive evidence only five biomarker aberrations occurred in more than one disorder. Only 15 meta-analyses had a power >0.8 to detect a small effect size, and most (81.9%) meta-analyses had high heterogeneity. Although some associations met criteria for either convincing or highly suggestive evidence, overall the vast literature of peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders is affected by bias and is underpowered. No convincing evidence supported the existence of a trans-diagnostic biomarker. Adequately powered and methodologically sound future large collaborative studies are warranted.

Neurodevelopmental pathways in bipolar disorder.

Aberrations in neurodevelopmental trajectories have been implicated in the neurobiology of several mental disorders and evidence indicates a pathophysiological and genetic overlap of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD). In this narrative review, we summarize findings related to developmental and perinatal factors as well as epidemiological, clinical, neuropsychological, brain imaging, postmortem brain and genomic studies that provide evidence for a putative neurodevelopmental pathogenesis and etiology of BD. Overall, aberrations in neurodevelopmental pathways have been more consistently implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia compared to BD. Nevertheless, an accumulating body of evidence indicates that dysfunctional neurodevelopmental pathways may be implicated in the underlying pathophysiology of at least a subset of individuals with BD particularly those with an early age of illness onset and those exhibiting psychotic symptoms. A heuristic neurodevelopmental model for the pathophysiology of BD based on the findings of this review is proposed. Furthermore, we critically discuss clinical and research implications of this model. Finally, further research directions for this emerging field are provided.

Replicating predictive serum correlates of greater translocator protein distribution volume in brain.

Greater activation of glia, a key component of neuroinflammation, is an important process to target in neuropsychiatric illnesses. However, the magnitude of gliosis varies across cases so low-cost predictors are needed to stratify subjects for clinical trials. Here, several such blood serum measures were assessed in relation to TSPO VT, an index of translocator protein density, measured with positron emission tomography. Blood serum concentration of several products known to be synthesized by activated microglia (and to some extent astroglia) [prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)], controlled by an index of peripheral inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP)] and TSPO VT were measured in 3 cohorts: prefrontal cortex TSPO VT of 20 subjects with major depressive episodes (MDEs) from major depressive disorder (MDD); and 56 subjects with treatment resistant MDEs from MDD; and dorsal caudate TSPO VT of 20 subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ln(PGE2/CRP) and ln(TNFα/CRP) consistently correlated with TSPO VT (R2 = 0.36 to 0.11, p = 0.0030 to p = 0.0076). Assessment of threshold serum values to predict highly elevated TSPO VT, demonstrated that a positive predictive value (PPV) of 80% was possible while retaining 40% of participant samples and that receiver operating curves (ROC) ranged from 75 to 81%. Post-hoc selection of ln(CRP) was more predictive (R2 = 0.23 to 0.39, p = 0.0058 to p = 0.00013; ROC > 80%). Systematic assessment of selected peripheral inflammatory markers is promising for developing low cost predictors of TSPO VT. Marker thresholds with high PPV will improve subject stratification for clinical trials of glial targeting therapeutics.