Recent data suggests that the prevalence of smoking in schizophrenia remains high. While reports suggest that smoking increases the risk of developing schizophrenia, the potential causative role of smoking in this relationship needs further investigation. Smokers with schizophrenia are more likely to have more intense positive symptoms and lower cognitive function, but diminished intensity of extrapyramidal side effects than nonsmoking patients with schizophrenia. They were also more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour compared to nonsmokers, which could suggest higher levels of baseline aggression. The significant cost associated with regular tobacco expenditure can detract from investment in key domains. Large-scale trials have shown that pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation is effective and does not worsen the risk of developing neuropsychiatric symptoms compared to placebo. Electronic cigarette use among schizophrenia patients is high, and there is emerging evidence supportive of its efficacy. Future improvements include large-scale trials assessing the utility, efficacy, and safety of electronic cigarettes in schizophrenia patients.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) encompass a broad group of natural and synthetic androgens. AAS misuse is highly prevalent on a global scale, with the lifetime prevalence of AAS misuse in males being estimated to be around 6%, with 15 to 25% of male gym attendees using it at any one time. AAS are associated with sudden cardiac death, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and infertility. The average AAS user is unlikely to voluntarily declare their usage to a physician, with around 1 in 10 actively engaging in unsafe injection techniques. The aim of this paper is to review the current evidence base on AAS with emphasis on mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and user profiles that are most likely to engage in AAS misuse. This paper also reviews terminologies and uses methods specific to the AAS user community.
This paper discusses an interesting case of pan plexopathy and the difficulties associated with the diagnostic processes based on patient-specific circumstances. It walks through the major differential of the etiology of the patient's particular presenting symptoms and the associated diagnostic and therapeutic process by which this particular patient was treated. In the discussion, the relevant anatomy of the brachial plexus and the surrounding structures in both the cervical and the axillary regions is discussed and key clinical pearls that became apparent throughout the diagnostic workup that was significant for a hematoma and therapeutic process aimed at providing symptomatic relief until recovery to baseline. This case study discusses the benefits, drawbacks, and financial costs of utilizing the major different imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, or Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). Finally, this study provides a new diagnostic algorithm for the selection of the imaging modality based on the major principles of value-based care as detailed by both the Radiological Society of North America and the European Society of Radiology.
Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) share many behavioral features, such as periods of marked affective lability and instability. Although there is a symptomatic overlap, the two disorders may be differentiated based on longitudinal course, phenomenology, and treatment responsiveness. In addition, the emotional changes in BPD are generally influenced by interpersonal factors, whereas BD episodes tend to be more sustained. We performed a literature review on the structural MRI features of both disorders and compared the findings. There are differences in areas of white and gray matter volumes and thickness in BP and BPD. BPD primarily affects the fronto-limbic network, in particular, the amygdala, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal cortex, whereas BP affects both cortical and subcortical areas. There are a limited number of large studies, and many studies examined in this review did not adjust for confounding factors or motion artifacts, which limit the utility of current data.
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