Centre for Psychiatry and Neuroscience

Despite the severity of the loss of a parent and the frequency of parental divorce, few studies compared their impact on mental health in the general adult population. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, and psychiatric comorbidity of parental loss and parental divorce during childhood and adolescence. Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative sample of US adults (n = 43,093). Of the 43,093 participants, parental divorce during childhood or adolescence was reported by 5776 participants, whereas 3377 experienced parental death during childhood or adolescence. Participants reporting a history of parental divorce present a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly alcohol and drug use disorders compared with control subjects. While participants experiencing the death of a parent reported a poorer overall health, the prevalence of psychiatric disorder after 17 years of age was not significantly higher than that of the control subjects.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Depression is common in patients with liver disease. Moreover, alcohol use is intricately linked with both major depression and liver disease, and has also been linked with suicidal behaviours, suggesting that the alcohol use may have an intermediate role in the relationship between liver disease and major depression or suicidal behaviours. This study presents nationally representative data on the prevalence of major depression in patients with liver disease in the United States and its association with suicide attempts. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). The NESARC is a survey of 43 093 adults aged 18 years and older in the United States. Medically recognized liver diseases were self-reported, and diagnoses of major depression were based on the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV version. RESULT: The prevalence of liver disease was estimated at 0.7%. Respondents with a liver disease reported 12-month rates of major depression (17.2%) that were significantly higher than among respondents without liver disease (7.0%; Adjusted OR:2.2; CI: 1.2-4.1). Lifetime rates of suicide attempts among participants with a major depression were also higher in participants with a liver disease (33.2%) than among respondents without liver disease (13.7%; OR: 3.1; CI: 1.3-7.6). CONCLUSIONS: Liver diseases are associated with major depression and suicide attempts among adults in the community. Adjustment for the amount of alcohol used or sociodemographical factors did not explain the observed association of liver disease with both major depression and suicide attempts.

Objective Structural MRI ( sMRI ) increasingly offers insight into abnormalities inherent to schizophrenia. Previous machine learning applications suggest that individual classification is feasible and reliable and, however, is focused on the predictive performance of the clinical status in cross‐sectional designs, which has limited biological perspectives. Moreover, most studies depend on relatively small cohorts or single recruiting site. Finally, no study controlled for disease stage or medication's effect. These elements cast doubt on previous findings’ reproducibility. Method We propose a machine learning algorithm that provides an interpretable brain signature. Using large datasets collected from 4 sites (276 schizophrenia patients, 330 controls), we assessed cross‐site prediction reproducibility and associated predictive signature. For the first time, we evaluated the predictive signature regarding medication and illness duration using an independent dataset of first‐episode patients. Results Machine learning classifiers based on neuroanatomical features yield significant intersite prediction accuracies (72%) together with an excellent predictive signature stability. This signature provides a neural score significantly correlated with symptom severity and the extent of cognitive impairments. Moreover, this signature demonstrates its efficiency on first‐episode psychosis patients (73% accuracy). Conclusion These results highlight the existence of a common neuroanatomical signature for schizophrenia, shared by a majority of patients even from an early stage of the disorder.

Autobiographical memory deficits are prominent from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and result in a loss of personal identity. Nevertheless, standardised methods of autobiographical memory stimulation for the neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients with AD remain underdeveloped. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a new cognitive training programme for autobiographical memory (REMau) on both the episodic and semantic components of autobiographical memory performance across lifetime periods, as well as on mood. Pre/post evaluations were conducted on two groups of patients with early to moderate AD, assigned to one of two different training activities: either the REMau or a cognitive training programme focused on collective semantic memory. Statistical comparisons showed significant improvement of episodic and semantic autobiographical memory performance in the REMau group, which was more pronounced for the semantic component, as well as improved mood. By contrast, deleterious pre/post differences were observed in the other group. Most interestingly, this study showed that the REMau programme boosted autobiographical memory from the reminiscence bump period, which is considered crucial for the construction and maintenance of personal identity. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these results for the reduction of autobiographical memory deficits in AD.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia has been associated with various physical and mental disorders. However, these comorbidities need to be quantified in a population-based study. METHOD: We compared participants with and without self-reported fibromyalgia to assess (a) The prevalence of self-reported fibromyalgia and its sociodemographic characteristics in a US representative sample, (b) The associations between self-reported fibromyalgia and lifetime and past 12-month mental and physical disorders and (c) The quality of life associated with self-reported fibromyalgia. This cross-sectional study used a large national sample (n = 36,309) of the US population, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Face to face interviews were conducted, collecting sociodemographic characteristics, diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-5 structured diagnosis and self-reported medical conditions (including fibromyalgia). RESULTS: The past 12-month prevalence of self-reported fibromyalgia was estimated at 2.05%. Participants with self-reported fibromyalgia were significantly at higher risk to report a lifetime history of mental disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.32). Self-reported fibromyalgia was also positively associated with 24 of the 27 physical conditions assessed in this study. Participants with self-reported fibromyalgia were more likely to report a past 12-month history of suicide attempts (aOR = 5.81), substance use disorders (aOR = 1.40), mood disorders (aOR = 2.67), anxiety disorders (aOR = 2.75) and eating disorders (aOR = 2.45). Participants with self-reported fibromyalgia had lower levels of both mental and physical quality of life than those without fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with self-reported fibromyalgia have a higher prevalence of comorbid mental and physical disorders, and lower mean levels of mental and physical quality of life than their counterparts without fibromyalgia. SIGNIFICANCE: We showed here a strong association of self-reported fibromyalgia with both mental and physical comorbidities. We showed that among participants with self-reported fibromyalgia, more than 8 out of 10 had at least three other physical comorbidities, and almost half had at least three mental comorbidities. This is a cross-sectional study using a representative sample of the US population with highly reliable psychiatric diagnosis that makes our results generalizable. Practitioners managing fibromyalgia should search and treat these comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: To identify the different factors associated with postpartum blues and its association with postpartum depression, from a large French cohort. METHODS: We conducted an analysis of the Interaction Gene Environment in Postpartum Depression cohort, which is a prospective, multicenter cohort including 3310 women. Their personal (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition [DSM-5]) and family psychiatric history, stressful life events during childhood, pregnancy, and delivery were collected. Likewise, the French version of the Maternity Blues Scale questionnaire was administered at the maternity department. Finally, these women were assessed at 8 weeks and 1 year postpartum by a clinician for postpartum depression according to DSM-5 criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of postpartum blues in this population was 33%, and significant factors associated with postpartum blues were found as personal (aOR = 1.2) and family psychiatric history (aOR = 1.2), childhood trauma (aOR = 1.3), obstetrical factors, or events related to the newborn, as well as an experience of stressful life events during pregnancy (aOR = 1.5). These factors had a cumulative effect, with each additional factor increasing the risk of postpartum blues by 31%. Furthermore, adjustment for sociodemographic measures and history of major depressive episode revealed a significant association between postpartum blues and postpartum depression, mainly at early onset, within 8 weeks after delivery (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.6-2.7), but also at late onset (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1-1.9), and mainly if the postpartum blues is severe. CONCLUSION: These results justify raising awareness among women with postpartum blues, including reassurance and information about postpartum depression, its symptomatology, and the need for management in case of worsening or prolongation of postpartum blues.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term impact of the age of onset (AOO) of the first major depressive episode (MDE) according to 3 age groups and considering gender. METHODS: Data were extracted from NESARC III, a representative U.S. SAMPLE: We included 8053 participants with an MDE history in a cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study. We defined 3 AOO groups: childhood-onset (< 13 yo), adolescence-onset (13-18 yo), and adult-onset (> 18 yo). We compared sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime psychiatric disorders per DSM-5 criteria, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in each group and performed gender-stratified analyses. RESULTS: Prevalence of childhood-onset MDE was 10.03 %, adolescence-onset was 14.12 %, and adult-onset was 75.85 %. Suicide attempts (AOR = 3.61; 95 % CI 2.90-4.50), anxiety disorders (AOR = 1.92; 95 % CI 1.62-2.27), and personality disorders (AOR = 3.08; 95 % CI 2.56-3.71) were more frequent in the childhood-onset than in the adult-onset one. Adolescence-onset group showed similar results. Physical Disability scale (p < 0.001) and Mental Disability scale (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the childhood-onset group. Results were more nuanced in the adolescence-onset group. Women in childhood-onset and adolescence-onset groups had poorer outcomes than the adult-onset group. Differences were less pronounced in men. LIMITATIONS: Recall and classification biases inherent to survey design. CONCLUSION: Individuals, particularly women, who experienced their first MDE during childhood or adolescence exhibit higher lifetime psychiatric disorder prevalence and poorer HRQOL than those with adult-onset MDE. These findings highlight the importance of preventive measures, early diagnosis, and treatment of youth depression.

Objective This study protocol aims to determine, using a rigorous approach in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and non-seasonal major depressive episode (MDE), the characteristics of bright light therapy (BLT) administration (duration, escalation, morning and mid-day exposures) depending on the tolerance (hypomanic symptoms). Methods Patients with BD I or II and treated by a mood stabilizer are eligible. After 1 week of placebo, patients are randomized between either morning or mid-day exposure for 10 weeks of active BLT with glasses using a dose escalation at 7.5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 minutes/day. A further follow-up visit is planned 6 months after inclusion. Patients will be included by cohorts of 3, with at least 3 days of delay between them, and 1 week between cohorts. If none meet a dose limiting toxicity (DLT; i.e hypomanic symptoms), the initiation dose of the next cohort will be increased. If one patient meet a DLT, an additionnal cohort will start at the same dose. If 2 or 3 patients meet a DLT, from the same cohort or from two cohorts at the same dose initiation, the maximum tolerated dose is defined. This dose escalation will also take into account DLTs observed during the intra-subject escalation on previous cohorts, with a "Target Ceiling Dose" defined if 2 DLTs occured at a dose. Discussion Using an innovative and more ergonomic device in the form of glasses, this study aims to better codify the use of BLT in BD to ensure a good initiation and tolerance. Trial registrationaaClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03396744.

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in 2020 led to significant negative social consequences associated inter alia with adverse effects on mental health. One of the most common mental illness is anxiety disorders, the rise in which is characteristic of social upheaval periods. This paper analyzes the problem of anxiety, reviews information on the epidemiology of anxiety, on the factors and mechanisms of its development. It unveils the association of anxiety with addictive disorders, lifestyle factors, and traumatic childhood experience and highlights the problem of increased anxiety in the context of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemics in Russia.

BACKGROUND: The modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) is a widely used tool for assessing global cognitive functions and screening for cognitive impairments. The tool was conceptualised to capture various cognitive domains, but the validity of such domains has not been investigated against comprehensive neuropsychological assessments tools. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the associations between the TICS-M domains and neuropsychological domains to evaluate the validity of the TICS-M domains using network analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal research design was used with a large sample of older adults (aged above 70 years; n = 1037 at the baseline assessment) who completed the TICS-M and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments biennially. We applied network analysis to identify unique links between the TICS-M domains and neuropsychological test scores. RESULTS: At baseline, there were weak internal links between the TICS-M domains. The TICS-M memory and language domains were significantly related to their corresponding neuropsychological domains. The TICS-M attention domain had significant associations with executive function and visuospatial abilities. The TICS-M orientation domain was not significantly associated with any of the five neuropsychological domains. Despite an attrition of almost 50% at wave four, weak internal links between the TICS-M domains and most associations between TICS-M and neuropsychological domains that were found initially, remained stable at least over two waves within the 6-year period. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the overall structural validity of the TICS-M screener in assessing enduring global cognitive function. However, separate TICS-M cognitive domains should not be considered equivalent to the analogous neuropsychological domains.

We present the data from a crowdsourced project seeking to replicate findings in independent laboratories before (rather than after) they are published. In this Pre-Publication Independent Replication (PPIR) initiative, 25 research groups attempted to replicate 10 moral judgment effects from a single laboratory's research pipeline of unpublished findings. The 10 effects were investigated using online/lab surveys containing psychological manipulations (vignettes) followed by questionnaires. Results revealed a mix of reliable, unreliable, and culturally moderated findings. Unlike any previous replication project, this dataset includes the data from not only the replications but also from the original studies, creating a unique corpus that researchers can use to better understand reproducibility and irreproducibility in science.

BACKGROUND: Levetiracetam exhibited 2 promising results in preclinical studies as well as in treating alcohol withdrawal in humans. Two open-label trials suggested that levetiracetam may be efficient in alcohol-related disorder. METHODS: The study by Fertig and colleagues (2012) examines the effects of levetiracetam using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design including 130 participants. Fertig and colleagues' study included alcohol-dependent participants drinking heavily. Double-blind medication was dispensed for 16 weeks, with a target dose of 2,000 mg per day from week 5 to week 14, and then tapered. RESULTS: The results are negative both on the primary and on the secondary outcomes, except from lower alcohol-related consequences in the levetiracetam extended-release (XR) group, and a trend for a lower quality of life in the levetiracetam XR group. These last 2 results would have been nonsignificant after controlling for multiple testing. CONCLUSIONS: By conducting a state-of-the-art randomized-controlled clinical trial with negative results, Fertig and colleagues have filled an important gap in the existing literature.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to traumatic events is a frequent source of distress, provoking isolated symptoms such as distressing memories (DM) to full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We aimed to assess the continuum theory using DM as an isolated symptom, and to examine trauma consequences in a exposed to traumatic events. METHODS: Using data from the National Epidemiologic Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions III, we assessed the prevalence of DM in a trauma exposed sample, and examined their sociodemographic and lifetime psychiatric correlates, comparing three groups: (i) controls (no DM, no PTSD); (ii) participants with isolated DM without PTSD; (iii) participants with PTSD. We estimated the sensitivity and specificity of DM for PTSD diagnosis. RESULTS: In our sample of 17,505 participants exposed to trauma, 13 % had PTSD and 42 % had DM without PTSD. The sensitivity of DM for the diagnosis of PTSD was 95.14 %, specificity was 51.91 %. Participants with DM and those with PTSD shared the same socio-demographic correlates. Participants with DM reported more lifetime psychiatric disorders (mood disorders - mainly depressive disorders and bipolar type 1 disorder; anxiety disorders - mainly social anxiety disorder, substance use disorders - mainly opioid use disorder and cannabis disorder; eating disorders - mainly binge eating disorder; personality disorders - mainly borderline personality disorder- and suicidality) than controls, but less than participants with PTSD. CONCLUSION: DM represent an intermediate state between well-being and post-traumatic stress disorder; DM is also associated with other psychiatric disorders. It should be considered as a transdiagnostic psychiatric symptom useful for clinicians in identifying psychiatric vulnerability.