Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays an important role in neurodevelopmental plasticity and cognitive performance, has been implicated in neuropsychopathology of schizophrenia. We examined the levels of both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma BDNF concomitantly in drug-naive first-episode psychotic (FEP) subjects with ELISA to determine if these levels were different from control values and if any correlation exists between CSF and plasma BDNF levels. A significant reduction in BDNF protein levels was observed in both plasma and CSF of FEP subjects compared to controls. BDNF levels showed significant negative correlation with the scores of baseline PANSS positive symptom subscales. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma and CSF BDNF levels in FEP subjects. The parallel changes in BDNF levels in plasma and CSF indicate that plasma BDNF levels reflect the brain changes in BDNF levels in schizophrenia.
Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. The South-Asian (SA) countries have witnessed both the initial brunt of the outbreak as well as the ongoing rise of cases. Their unique challenges in relation to mental health during the pandemic are worth exploring.
Materials and Methods:
A systematic review was conducted for all the original studies on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on psychological health/well-being in the SA countries of the World Psychiatric Association Zone 16. PubMed, Google Scholar, PSYCHINFO, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched till June 2020. Studies conducted in the age group of 18–60 years with a minimum sample size of 10, and statistically significant results were included.
Results:
Thirteen studies were included in the review. They showed increase prevalence in nonpsychotic depression, preanxiety, somatic concerns, alcohol-related disorders, and insomnia in the general population. Psychological symptoms correlated more with physical complaints of fatigue and pain in older adults and were directly related to social media use, misinformation, xenophobia, and social distancing. Frontline workers reported guilt, stigma, anxiety, and poor sleep quality, which were related to the lack of availability of adequate personal protective equipment, increased workload, and discrimination. One study validated the Coronavirus anxiety scale in the Indian population while another explored gaming as a double-edged sword during the lockdown in adolescents. Another study from Bangladesh explored psychosexual health during lockdown. Most studies were cross-sectional online surveys, used screening tools and had limited accessibility.
Conclusion:
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its impact serve as an important period for adequate mental healthcare, promotion, research, and holistic biopsychosocial management of psychiatric disorders, especially in vulnerable groups. Mental healthcare and research strategies during the pandemic and preparedness for postpandemic aftermath are advocated subsequently.
Alcobol dependence syndrome bas an estimated prevalence or 15.33% or aU psycbiatric bospitalizations in a year. There is an increasing trend in incidence among JCOsIORs. The index or admission was bighest in Armoured Corps, Mechanized Infantry and Army Medical Corps (AMC). GeneraUy a service personnel becomes dependent at 35 years or age after about 11 years or drinking. The average consumption or alcohol dependent individuals was 6-7 pegslday. A ramily history or alcobol abuse/dependence was round in 31 % cases. Alcobolics bad high anxiety, depression, extroversion, neuroticism and psycbopathic deviate traits. Alcobolism was associated with significantly low self esteem. Significantly more alcobolics were a1exithymic as compared to non-alcoholics. The y glutamyl transferase (GGT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were round to be useful diagnostic aids ror a1cobolism. Almost a third or a1cobolics bave potentiaUy serious pbysical problems, 20% suffer from various degrees or psychotic pbenomena, 40-55% bave signiOcant marital, occupational and disciplinary problems, while 3-6.93% attempted deliberate self-barm. Despite wide variations in mode or disposal, after diagnosis only a small percentage of a1cobolics remain in service beyond three years. There is need for concerted investigations into the precipitating and perpetuating ractors, co-morbidity, the process of change towards betterment and the long-term outcome or a1cobolism in service personnel.
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