The Relationship of Parental Personality Disorders with Offspring Eating Disorders at Childhood and Adolescence Age.

This study aimed to investigate parents' PDs that could be associated with children and adolescents' EDs. We studied association of parental PDs with offspring EDs in age group 6-18 years in a nationally representative sample of Iranians with 27,111 children and adolescents and their parents. We used a multistage random cluster sampling method. We used Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-Third Edition and Persian present and lifetime version of Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia to measure parental PDs and children and adolescents' EDs, respectively. We used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis methods to analyze the data. Maternal but not paternal PDs were significantly associated with EDs in offspring. Maternal antisocial, borderline, schizoid, histrionic, and compulsive PDs were significantly associated with EDs in offspring by 32.06, 4.66, 4.32, 3.15, and 1.71 odd ratios, respectively. Of EDs in offspring, anorexia nervosa and binge ED were significantly associated with maternal PDs.

Nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and anthropometric variables of children with ADHD in comparison to healthy controls: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Poor health behaviors and variables are recently more documented in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lifestyle which might be relevant to the pathophysiology of this disorder. The objective of this case-control study was to assess the nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and anthropometric variables in children with ADHD compared to normal peers. METHOD: One hundred children diagnosed with ADHD were included and compared to 100 healthy, sex-matched normal children as the control group. Anthropometric indices, macronutrients, and micronutrients were measured and compared in both groups. RESULTS: ADHD children were significantly consuming more simple sugars, tea, ready-made meals but less protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, zinc and calcium compared to the control group. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of children with ADHD were significantly higher and were related to the severity and type of the disease. CONCLUSION: Unhealthy eating behavior is more frequent in children with ADHD, compared to normal children which might warrant lifestyle intervention in this disorder.

The efficacy of vitamin B6 as an adjunctive therapy to lithium in improving the symptoms of acute mania in patients with bipolar disorder, type 1; a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin B6 has been linked to a variety of probable roles, including anti-inflammatory, homocysteine-lowering, serotonin-regulating, and dopamine-lowering. In this study, we investigated the possible effect of vitamin B6 on bipolar disorder in manic episode with psychotic feature in a placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial in a psychiatric hospital. METHODS: This study was performed on 50 patients who were equally divided into two groups (each group included 25 patients) using 80 mg of vitamin B6 daily or placebo. At the beginning and end of the study, they were evaluated for lab tests, inflammatory biomarkers and level of blood homocysteine. Also, at the baseline and in weeks 2, 4, and 8, they were evaluated based on the anthropometric measurements, score obtained from the Young Mania Questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS: Accordingly, based on Yang Mania scoring scale, no significant difference was observed between the two groups receiving vitamin B6 and placebo (22.68 ± 5.39 vs. 21.80 ± 5.39 [p-value = .51]). Based on MMSE, significant improvement in cognitive status was obtained in group placebo compared to vitamin B6 group (25.24 ± 1.96 vs. 24.40 ± 3.25, respectively [p-value = .01]). At the Pittsburg scale (total, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups receiving vitamin B6 and placebo (1.04 ± 0.20 vs. 0.48 ± 0.50 [p-value = .23]). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the anthropometric status. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, the daily dose of 80 mg of vitamin B6 for 8 weeks in patients with bipolar disorder in the manic episode with psychotic feature treated daily with lithium, was not associated with a significant improvement in mood status compared to the control-placebo group. It is recommended to perform similar studies in a multi-center manner with a larger sample size and longer duration.

Parents' Personality Disorders as Predictor of Substance Use Disorder in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated how the parents' personality disorders may be related to substance use disorder in children and adolescents. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study in which 28,540 children and adolescents (aged 6 to 18 years) and their parents participated between 2015 and 2016. The diagnosis of substance use was made using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia--Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) interview and the personality disorders were assessed using Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory - Third Edition (MCMI-III). The parents were also surveyed for their personality assessed with MCMI. RESULTS: The results showed that the paranoid personality disorder in father (odds ratio [OR] = 8.34, 95% CI, P = 0.042) and borderline personality disorder in mother (OR = 4.6, 95% CI, P = 0.049) increase the chance of substance use in children. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that in designing preventive programs for substance use, the personality characteristics of the parents need to be taken into account.

Relationship between Anxiety Disorders and Anthropometric Indices, Risk Factors, and Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disorder in Children and Adolescents.

Objective: Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling characterized by symptoms of tachycardia, sweating, and stress. The exact relationship between anxiety and cardiovascular disorder is not well distinguished. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety disorders and anthropometric indices and risk factors, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, according to the results, FBS low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and symptoms of cardiovascular disorder in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years. Method : In this community-based study, multistage cluster sampling method was used. We randomly selected 1174 children and adolescents who referred to Afshar hospital in Yazd, then, 167 blocks were randomly collected by each cluster head. Each cluster consisted of 6 cases, including three cases of each gender in different age groups (6-9, 10- 14, and 15-18 years). The clinical psychologists instructed the participants to complete the Persian version of Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). In addition, cardiovascular risk factors were determined for participants and demographic data were obtained from the participants. Results: A total of 1035 children and adolescents participated in this study. The results showed that 228 of the participants (22.2%) suffered from anxiety disorder. There was an indirect significant correlation between anxiety disorder and the symptoms of heart palpitation, shortness of breath, and chest pain. There was no statistically significant relationship between the different types of anxiety disorders and FBS, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. According to the results, FBS and LDL are a predictor for anxiety disorders. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant association between anxiety in children and adolescents and some risk factors of cardiovascular disorder. Also, this study introduces some cardiovascular predictors of anxiety. However, further studies are needed in this regard.

Prevalence of ADHD and Its Comorbidities in a Population-Based Sample.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of ADHD and its comorbidities and some associated demographic factors in a large sample population-based study. Method: As part of a population-based survey among 30,532 children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years, we used K-SADS-PL to screen and detect ADHD and its comorbidities. Results: The prevalence of ADHD was 4%, with more prevalence among boys (5.2% vs. 2.7%), younger participants, urban residents, and offspring of mothers who had a history of psychiatric hospitalization. Anxiety disorders (37.9%) and behavioral disorders (31%) are the most prevalent group of comorbidities, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is the most prevalent comorbid disorder (26.1%). Mood disorders and anxiety disorders are more common among girls, but conduct disorder has a higher rate among boys. Conclusion: ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder which is accompanied by several comorbid conditions. The high rate of comorbidities makes it complicated and difficult to manage.

The Most Psychological Impacts of Coronavirus Epidemics: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a considerable psychological stressor that has a significant impact on every facet of people's life. Since 2002 that the first Coronavirus epidemic has emerged, many pieces of researches have indicated several psychological problems during this period. In circumstances such as COVID-19, researchers could deploy previous resources to identify the most prevalent psychological effects of Coronavirus diseases. We aim to systematically review and quantitatively assess the psychological problems during Coronavirus epidemics to identify the most prevalent psychological problems. Method: A systematic review of the literature will be conducted on psychological problems during previous and the new Coronavirus epidemics. Electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO/ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar will be systematically searched using predefined search terms to identify relevant articles published from January 1, 2002 to June 20, 2020. Two authors independently identify papers that reported the prevalence rates of the psychological problems during Coronavirus outbreaks. The outcomes will include the most prevalent psychological problems during Coronavirus outbreaks. To ensure we have gathered all the evidence, we will conduct another search on the specific psychological problems revealed in the previous search. Study selection will follow the Cochrane library guideline. Afterward, data synthesis will be performed via the meta-analysis of the prevalence rates using the random effect model. Conclusion: The findings can allow identifying the most prevalent psychological problems since the first Coronavirus epidemic in 2002. This can help health policymakers and clinicians to be informed of the priorities of the psychological problems related to COVID-19.

Logical Framework Approach a Platform for Integrating the Mental Health and Nutritional Care for Controlling the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly in the world beyond the health care capacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced an emergency state that needs quick and effective actions. In the lack of specific medicine and vaccine, integration of mental health and nutritional care in the platform of a powerful managerial technique named the "Logical Framework Approach" (LFA) could be helpful for successful control of this pandemic. The strengths of the LFA for coronavirus management program are stakeholders' involvement, integrative teamwork in research and medical procedures, as well as Inter-sectoral cooperation. The related organizations like WHO and ministries of health of every country could easily adopt this approach and act more efficiently to manage this pandemic.

Prevalence, comorbidity and predictors of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents.

Childhood anxiety may lead to serious health consequences in later life. The present study provides the prevalence, comorbidity, and predictors of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents. This was a cross-sectional national project that was implemented on 28,698 children and adolescents in Iran. Participants entered the study by multistage cluster sampling with an equal number of each gender and three age groups (6-9, 10-14, and 15-18 years) within each cluster. The tools used in this research were the demographic questionnaire and K-SADS-PL. To analyze the data logistic regression and chi-square tests were used in SPSS (ver. 16). The prevalence of anxiety disorder in children and adolescents was 13.2 in boys and 15.1 in girls. Furthermore, gender, age, place of residence and history of psychiatric hospitalization of parents could predict anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders had comorbidity with behavioral disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance abuse disorders, and elimination disorders. According to our findings in this study, anxiety disorders affect the performance, health and life of children and adolescents, identifying the childhood anxiety, as well as finding diseases that are associated with anxiety disorders, can help in the prevention of the disorder.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation of prefrontal cortex on risk-taking behavior.

AIM: Recent cognitive neuroscience research shows that noninvasive brain stimulation can modify a wide range of behaviors in healthy people. Such regulation effects on human behaviors provide new insights into the neurobiology of cognitive processes and establish causal brain-behavior relations. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) of the prefrontal cortex on risk-taking. METHODS: We performed a systematic search on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases with appropriate keywords for original studies reporting the use of TES to modulate risk-taking behavior in healthy individuals. Then, in the meta-analysis phase, a random-effects model was used to measure the pooled effect size (ES). RESULTS: Twenty articles were evaluated as eligible studies, including 16 articles on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), two on transcranial alternating current stimulation, one on transcranial pulsed current stimulation, and one on high-definition tDCS. A meta-analysis showed a pooled estimated standardized ES of -0.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.39 to -0.01), which indicates a small ES for active tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in comparison to sham stimulation (z = 2.31, P = 0.03) in terms of less risky behaviors. Subgroup analysis showed that there is no significant ES for bilateral DLPFC stimulation (d = -0.01; 95%CI, -0.28 to 0.26), but a significant near-medium ES for unilateral DLPFC stimulation (d = -0.41; 95%CI, -0.71 to -0.10). CONCLUSION: Our findings support a significant impact of neuroregulation of the DLPFC on risk-taking behavior in healthy individuals. Unilateral noninvasive electrical stimulation of the DLPFC can result in a conservative risk-averse response style, probably through modulating plasticity of the relevant brain networks, including cortical and subcortical structures, as well as increasing subcortical dopaminergic activity.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Prevalence, predictors, and comorbidity in children and adolescents.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders among children and adolescents. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, sociodemographic variables, and comorbidity of GAD among children and adolescents to suggest the main predictors, using an analytical cross-sectional study. METHOD: Data were collected via a multistage random-cluster sampling method from 29,709 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old in Iran. We used the Persian present and lifetime version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL). Then, we analyzed the data via descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis methods. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence rate for GAD was 2.6 % (95 % Cl, 2.4%-2.8%). Overall, logistic regression analyses revealed five variables with significant unique contributions to the prediction of GAD. Significant predictors were: age, sex, mother history of psychiatric hospitalization, mother education, and residence. Participants with these risk factors were between 0.23-2.91 times more likely to present with GAD. Besides, the highest and lowest comorbidity rates of psychiatric disorder with GAD was 57.6 % and 0.3 % related to anxiety and eating disorders, respectively. Age or sex also affects the comorbidity of GAD and some mental disorders including behavioral, neurodevelopmental, elimination, and mood disorders. CONCLUSION: This study, which was conducted in Iran, is located at the low end of the range of international estimates for GAD. Awareness of the predictors and comorbidity of GAD could be used in the prevention of GAD in children and adolescents.

Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome has been widely studied in the adult population, little is known about it in children and adolescents especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents in Yazd Greater Area, Iran; over the period of 2016-2017. METHODS: This study was part of a larger national study with a cross-sectional design. Using multistage cluster random sampling method, 1035 children, and adolescents of both sexes aged 6-18 yr were randomly selected from rural and urban districts in Yazd Greater Area, Iran. Components of metabolic syndrome, and anthropometry measured in the standard situation. RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal obesity in children 6-10 yr old was 13.2% in boys versus 24.7% in girls. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria in adolescents aged 10-18 yr old was 7.6% (9.4% in boys). The most prevalent metabolic syndrome components were low HDL-cholesterol (56.2%) and abdominal obesity (27.8%). CONCLUSION: Comparatively, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Yazd is high. Low HDL-cholesterol levels and abdominal obesity were the most common component, and family history of heart disease, BMI, and male gender were the main determinants of metabolic syndrome in adolescents.

Noninvasive brain stimulation in alcohol craving: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence (AD) is characterized by a set of physical and behavioral symptoms, which may include withdrawal, tolerance and craving. Recently, noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods, namely transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have been investigated as possible new therapeutic approaches for adjusting the pathological neuroplasticity involved in alcohol dependence. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the therapeutic uses of tDCS and rTMS in AD patients. METHODS: A systematic search was performed on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane library and ProQuest. Search terms presented the diagnoses of interest (alcohol dependence, alcohol craving, alcohol use disorders and hazardous drinkers) and the intervention of interest (NIBS, TMS, rTMS, TBS, tDCS, tACS and transcranial). Original articles reporting the use of tDCS or rTMS to treat AD were screened and studied by two researchers independently based on PRISMA guidelines. Next, in the meta-analysis step, random-effects model was utilized to measure the pooled effect size. RESULTS: We found 34 eligible studies including 11 tDCS trials and 23 rTMS trials. Three of these studies were case-reports, four were open label trials and the remaining 27 were controlled trials which assessed tDCS/rTMS effects on the three cognitive, behavioral and biological dimensions in AD. The pooled standardized mean differences for the effects of tDCS and rTMS on alcohol cravings were - 0.13 [-0.34, 0.08] and - 0.43 [-1.02, 0.17], respectively. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence for a positive effect of tDCS/rTMS on various dimensions of AD. We need more randomized, double blind, sham controlled trials with enough follow-up periods to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS/rTMS for alcohol dependence treatment.

Lifetime prevalence, sociodemographic predictors, and comorbidities of oppositional defiant disorder: the National Epidemiology of Iranian Child and Adolescent Psychiatric disorders (IRCAP)

Objective: This was the first national epidemiological study on oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in Iran, which provided new information about the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of ODD. Methods: Data from a face-to-face household survey of 30,532 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years were collected from across all 31 provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling design. The Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) was used in this study. Results: The lifetime prevalence of ODD was found to be 3.9%. ODD was significantly more common in boys than girls and appeared in late adolescence more frequently than in childhood. A lower prevalence of ODD was found among participants who lived in rural areas. ODD is highly likely to co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depressive disorders. Conclusions: The findings of this national population-based study confirm and extend previous findings on the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of ODD.

Social anxiety disorder among children and adolescents: A nationwide survey of prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and co-morbidities.

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety disorder is a frequent psychiatric disorder. We aimed to estimate the life-time prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and co-morbidities of this condition among children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross sectional national survey conducted in Iranian individuals aged 6 to 18 years. Face-to-face household interviews were performed by trained clinical psychologists. The Farsi version of the kiddie schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children/present and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) was administered to estimate the SAD prevalence. Parental personality traits and their psychopathologies were also obtained using Millon clinical multiaxial inventory, third edition (MCMI-III) to find the possible risk factors. RESULTS: From 29,878 participants, 585 individuals were diagnosed with SAD and weighted lifetime prevalence of 1.8% was observed. The odds of this condition was significantly higher among older adolescents (odds ratio (OR):1.47; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.11-1.95) and individuals with paternal history of psychiatric hospitalization (OR: 2.96; 95%CI: 1.29-6.79). Higher means of persistent depression disorder (OR: 1.009; 95%CI: 1.000-1.018) and melancholic personality trait (OR: 1.007; 95%CI: 1.001-1.014) in mothers as well as schizophrenia spectrum (OR: 1.014; 95%CI: 1.001-1.027) and anxiety (OR: 1.010; 95%CI: 1.010-1.021) in fathers were statistically associated with higher odds of SAD in their children. Other anxiety disorders and behavioral disorders were the most prevalent co-morbidities. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional analysis does not enable analyses of possible causal associations. Lacking control group and follow-up periods were other major limitations that should be resolved in future studies. CONCLUSION: Clinicians and researchers need to continue studying this condition at all levels and in all developmental periods.

A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depression.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, has known anti-depressive properties. However, its effects on food craving and body weight in depressed patients are unknown. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effects of saffron capsules on food craving, body weight and depression among overweight women with mild and moderate depression compared to the placebo. METHODS: Seventy-three women with BMI ≥ 25 comorbid with mild-to-moderate depression were recruited in this 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into one of the two groups receiving daily either 30 mg of Crocus sativus capsules (15 mg twice/day) or placebo capsules (twice/day). We performed body composition assessments, and beck depression inventory-II at the baseline, and then 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks later. One month after the participants stopped taking the capsules, weight differences were measured and compared between groups. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fifty-two patients finished the study. The demographic and clinical variables at baseline were the same in two groups. Mean depression scores in the saffron group significantly decreased compared to placebo (mean ± SD: -8.4 score ± 5.9 vs -3.9 ± 5.5; t[50] = 2; P = .007; 95% CI: 1.3-7.7). There was not a significant effect of saffron on food craving using repeated-measures ANOVA, F(1, 29) = 0.38, P = .54. Patients in the saffron group showed fewer side effects. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Saffron capsules were not effective in reducing food craving, but as a safe over-the-counter supplement, it may help reduce the symptoms of depression in patients who experience mild or moderate depression and are overweight.

National Growth Charts for BMI among Iranian Children and Adolescents in Comparison with the WHO and CDC Curves.

Background/Objectives: Previous attempts to create national BMI curves for Iranian children and adolescents were limited to local databases. The objective of this study was to build national BMI growth charts for children and adolescents and to report the key percentiles and national cutoff points based on the data obtained from all provinces of Iran. We also aimed to compare our BMI curves to WHO and CDC curves. Methods: In each province, about 1000 children and adolescents (6-18 years) were randomly selected from the urban and rural areas by the multistage stratified cluster sampling method. Across the entire country, 240 trained researchers visited the participants' homes. After obtaining consent forms, these researchers gathered the demographic data, accurate anthropometrics, and BMI measurements. In the data screening and data cleaning levels, the outliers were removed. Then the data sets were smoothed using the log-transformation method. After this, they were converted to Z-scores based on normal distribution and then transformed back to the original scale. Finally, these data sets were used to determine each percentile. Results: A total of 22,718 final cleaned data were analyzed, including 10,921 (48.1%) boys and 11,797 (51.9%) girls. The normal BMI curves of Iranian children and adolescents and comparison to the WHO and CDC curves are presented here. This study introduces the new cutoff points for categorizing Iranian children and adolescents as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese, based on a large-scale national survey. Conclusions: The fifth BMI percentiles in Iranian boys and girls were significantly lower compared to WHO and CDC fifth percentile. Also, the 95th percentile curve in our study was significantly lower than the CDC 95th percentile curves in boys and girls.

Lifetime prevalence, sociodemographic predictors, and comorbidities of oppositional defiant disorder: the National Epidemiology of Iranian Child and Adolescent Psychiatric disorders (IRCAP).

OBJECTIVE: This was the first national epidemiological study on oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in Iran, which provided new information about the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of ODD. METHODS: Data from a face-to-face household survey of 30,532 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years were collected from across all 31 provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling design. The Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) was used in this study. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of ODD was found to be 3.9%. ODD was significantly more common in boys than girls and appeared in late adolescence more frequently than in childhood. A lower prevalence of ODD was found among participants who lived in rural areas. ODD is highly likely to co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this national population-based study confirm and extend previous findings on the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of ODD.

Is transcranial direct current stimulation an effective modality in reducing food craving? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-invasive electrical stimulation of the brain has recently been extensively investigated to regulate food craving. However, the existing literature is controversial and there are some important questions which need to be addressed about clinical and technical factors contributing to efficacy of this method. A systematic search was performed in reliable scientific databases, and 15 eligible studies were identified. The pooled standardized mean differences for the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on Visual Analogue Scale, energy intake and food craving questionnaire were -0.78 [-1.12, -0.44], -0.91 [-1.38, -0.44], -0.54 [-0.85, -0.24], respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the most important factors associated with the impact of tDCS on food craving were the population under study, current intensity of stimulation, and number of stimulation sessions. The findings of this study support a significant impact of neuromodulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on energy intake and food craving using tDCS. It is recommended that multisession bilateral stimulation of the DLPFC with the current intensity of 2 mA be used to reduce food craving.

Prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of conduct disorder: the national epidemiology of Iranian children and adolescents psychiatric disorders (IRCAP).

The aim was to evaluate the lifetime prevalence of conduct disorder according to sociodemographic characteristics, determine the sociodemographic predictors of conduct disorder, and estimate the rates of comorbidities of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with conduct disorder by age and gender. The National Epidemiology of Iranian Children and Adolescents Psychiatric Disorders was a cross-sectional, general population-based study on 30,532 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years from all provinces of Iran, which was done using multistage cluster sampling. Iranian citizens aged 6-18 years who resided at least 1 year in each province were included, and children and adolescents with severe physical illnesses that prevented them to participate in the study were excluded. The sample weighting adjustment was used, since we had randomly selected the equal number of 1000 participants of each province from the urban and rural areas. Trained psychologists conducted diagnostic interviews with the adolescents and the children's parents using the Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). In this study, 54 children aged 6-9 years (0.58%, CI 0.47-0.77), 64 adolescents aged 10-14 years (0.57%, CI 0.47-0.77), and 117 adolescents aged 15-18 years (1.22%, CI 0.96-1.44) met the criteria of the lifetime conduct disorder. Conduct disorder was significantly more common in boys than in girls, and was significantly less prevalent among those participants whose fathers had no history of psychiatric hospitalization. Of the participants with conduct disorder, 83.4% met the criteria for at least one other psychiatric disorder. Conduct disorder had a high rate of comorbidity with oppositional defiant disorder (54.89%, CI 48.50-61.12), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (32.34%, CI 26.68-38.56), tobacco use (20.43%, CI 15.77-26.04), and depressive disorders (18.30%, CI 13.88-23.74). Because of using the diagnostic instrument, we found a low total rate of prevalence for conduct disorder; however, higher rates of it were observed among boys and adolescents. Further studies are needed to explore the nature of comorbidities of conduct disorder and to consider them in a large clinical population.