Central functions of neuropeptide Y in mood and anxiety disorders.
Central functions of neuropeptide Y in mood and anxiety disorders.
Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2011 Nov;15(11):1317-31
Authors: Wu G, Feder A, Wegener G, Bailey C, Saxena S, Charney D, Mathé AA
Abstract
Introduction: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a highly conserved neuropeptide belonging to the pancreatic polypeptide family. Its potential role in the etiology and pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders has been extensively studied. NPY also has effects on feeding behavior, ethanol intake, sleep regulation, tissue growth and remodeling. Findings from animal studies have delineated the physiological and behavioral effects mediated by specific NPY receptor subtypes, of which Y1 and Y2 are the best understood. Areas covered: Physiological roles and alterations of the NPYergic system in anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence and epilepsy. For each disorder, studies in animal models and human investigations are outlined and discussed, focusing on behavior, neurophysiology, genetics and potential for novel treatment targets. Expert opinion: The wide implications of NPY in psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD make the NPYergic system a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. These include intranasal NPY administration, currently under study, and the development of agonists and antagonists targeting NPY receptors. Therefore, we are proposing that via this mode of administration, NPY might exert CNS therapeutic actions without untoward systemic effects. Future work will show if this is a feasible approach.
PMID: 21995655 [PubMed - in process]
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Recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment and outcome: findings from an Australian National Survey of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma.
Recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment and outcome: findings from an Australian National Survey of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma.
Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2011 Oct 13;
Authors: Reavley NJ, Jorm AF
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to carry out a national survey in order to assess recognition and beliefs about treatment for affective disorders, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia/psychosis. Method: In 2011, telephone interviews were carried out with 6019 Australians aged 15 or over. Participants were presented with a case vignette describing either depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, early schizophrenia, chronic schizophrenia, social phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Questions were asked about what was wrong with the person, the likely helpfulness of a broad range of interventions and the likely outcomes for the person with and without appropriate treatment. Results: Rates of recognition of depression were relatively high, with almost 75% of respondents using the correct label. Rates of recognition for the schizophrenia vignettes and PTSD were similar, with around one third of respondents using the correct labels. Only 9.2% of respondents were able to correctly label social phobia. Respondents gave the highest helpfulness ratings to GPs, counsellors, antidepressants, antipsychotics (for schizophrenia) and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity, relaxation and getting out more. Respondents were generally optimistic about recovery following treatment, although relapse was seen as likely. Conclusions: While Australians’ beliefs about effective medications and interventions for mental disorders have moved closer to those of health professionals since surveys conducted in 1995 and 2003/4, there is still potential for mental health literacy gains in the areas of recognition and treatment beliefs for mental disorders. This is particularly the case for schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, which are less well recognized and, in the case of social phobia, generally perceived as having less need for professional help.
PMID: 21995330 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Self-study assisted Cognitive Therapy for PTSD: A case study.
Self-study assisted Cognitive Therapy for PTSD: A case study.
Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2010 Dec;1
Authors:
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that Cognitive Therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD), a version of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy developed by Ehlers and Clark’s group (2000), is effective and feasible when offered in weekly and intensive daily formats. It is unknown whether patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could engage in and benefit from self-study assisted cognitive therapy, which would reduce therapist contact time. This case report aims to illustrate this possibility. A patient with PTSD and comorbid major depression, who developed these problems following a road traffic accident, was treated in six sessions of cognitive therapy with six self-study modules completed in-between sessions. The patient made a complete recovery on measures of PTSD, anxiety, and depression as assessed by self-report and independent assessment. Self-study assisted cognitive CT-PTSD reduced the therapist contact time to half of that normally required in standard CT-PTSD. This highlights the potential feasibility and therapeutic benefits of self-study modules in the brief treatment of PTSD. Further research is required to systematically evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of brief self-study assisted CT-PTSD.
PMID: 21994807 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Search for a curvilinear relationship between the sense of coherence and the intensity of PTSD in MVA survivors.
Search for a curvilinear relationship between the sense of coherence and the intensity of PTSD in MVA survivors.
Anxiety Stress Coping. 2011 Sep 6;
Authors: Kaźmierczak IE, Strelau J, Zawadzki B
Abstract
Abstract The relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC) and the intensity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined in order to determine its nature and to resolve the inconsistencies between (1) a growing body of empirical research that indicates a linear relationship between these variables, and (2) the schema-based theories of PTSD that suggest a curvilinear relationship between cognitions and the intensity of PTSD. In this cross-sectional study an attempt was also made to identify some psychological factors that moderate this relationship. Participants were a sample of 1132 motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors. The results showed that gender and temperamental predisposition to PTSD constituted moderator variables of the relationship between SOC and the intensity of PTSD. This supported both the empirical evidence on the linear and negative relationship between SOC and the intensity of PTSD and the theories that postulated the curvilinear relationship.
PMID: 21992182 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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