Search Results (309)

Over the past three turbulent decades, research has profoundly reshaped our understanding of chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection—traditionally regarded as harmless in immunocompetent individuals—unveiling its surprising impact on human health, performance, and behavior. This review emphasizes the effects of chronic Toxoplasma infection on physical and mental health, cognitive performance, and behavioral changes, highlighting key findings from studies investigating these domains, with a particular focus on both ultimate and proximate mechanisms underlying the observed effects. To this end, the primary focus will be on human studies; however, animal model studies will also be thoroughly considered when necessary and appropriate, to provide context and additional important information. Research demonstrates that chronic Toxoplasma infection may contribute to a broad spectrum of physical health issues. Ecological studies have revealed correlations between toxoplasmosis prevalence and increased morbidity and mortality from various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and certain cancers. Large-scale cross-sectional studies have further shown that infected individuals report a higher incidence of numerous health complaints and diagnosed diseases, suggesting a significant impact on overall physical well-being. In addition to physical health, lifelong Toxoplasma infection (subclinical toxoplasmosis) has been implicated in cognitive impairments and behavioral changes. Studies have reported associations between infection and poorer performance in areas such as reaction time, processing speed, working memory, and executive function. Many of these behavioral changes likely relate to worsened health and a shift towards a “fast life history strategy.” These cognitive deficits can have significant implications for daily functioning and performance. Furthermore, the role of Toxoplasma infection in the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders has been extensively investigated. Meta-analyses, ecological studies, and large-scale observational studies have demonstrated associations between Toxoplasma infection and an increased risk of disorders such as schizophrenia and obsessive–compulsive disorder. While the precise mechanisms underlying these associations remain under investigation, research suggests that neuroinflammation and alterations in neurotransmitter systems are likely to play a role. Far from being harmless, subclinical toxoplasmosis is increasingly recognized as a hidden factor influencing human health, behavior, and cognitive performance—with implications that extend well beyond the individual to public health at large. Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between Toxoplasma infection, host physiology, and the development of various physical, cognitive, behavioral, and mental health conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebrolysin is a well-known mixture of peptides that has been used for many years, primarily in patients with neurological disorders. Thanks to its unique properties, this substance supports endogenous repair mechanisms and protects the brain from damaging factors. Cerebrolysin is most widely used in Eastern European countries. However, data on the potential use of cerebrolysin in mental disorders are difficult to find in the literature. This review focuses on the potential use of cerebrolysin in psychiatry, and two independent researchers searched three full-text medical article databases to compile it. Methods: To conduct this scoping review, two independent researchers searched three full-text article databases, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, by entering the following phrases: “cerebrolysin psychiatry”, “cerebrolysin depression”, “cerebrolysin mood”, “cerebrolysin bipolar”, “cerebrolysin schizophrenia”, and “cerebrolysin addiction”. Results: The results show that this specific substance could have a relatively small application in psychiatry. Conclusions: The limited amount of available research on the use of cerebrolysin suggests that it may have some significance in supporting the treatment of depression and autism spectrum disorders and alleviating adverse effects during treatment with neuroleptics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dopamine partial agonists are drugs initially developed to treat schizophrenia, seeking a double effect of increased dopaminergic transmission in the prefrontal cortex and decrease in the accumbens/striatum. Of these drugs, aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, and cariprazine are currently marketed and used in schizophrenia spectrum and mood disorders. It is debated whether patients with psychiatric disorders becoming pregnant should discontinue or continue their antipsychotic treatment despite some risks for the fetus, i.e., whether it is worse to have an untreated disorder or treating it with drugs. The safety of drugs for mother and baby extend from pregnancy to the postpartum, when breastfeeding assumes great importance. We set to investigate the use of dopamine partial agonists in pregnancy and lactation. Methods: On 23 June 2025, we used suitable strategies for identifying cases and studies of cariprazine, aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, dopamine partial agonists in pregnancy, perinatal period, and/or lactation on PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo/PsycArticles, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We used the PRISMA Statement in developing our review. We included case reports and clinical studies. We excluded reports without pregnancy or focused on other drugs than the above. We reached consensus on eligibility with Delphi rounds among all authors. Results: Our searches produced 386 results on the above databases. We included 24 case reports/series and 15 studies. Most studies showed no negative pregnancy outcomes. There were serious concerns about the use of dopamine D₂/D₃ partial agonists during lactation. Conclusions: The use of dopamine partial agonists during pregnancy appears to be safe, but during breastfeeding they should be better avoided. Full article

Neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, as well as epilepsy, affect millions of people. Due to their impact on patients’ quality of life, they represent a major health issue. Natural compounds are arising as new treatments for these diseases. Particularly, glucosinolates (GLS) are secondary metabolites found in Cruciferae family plants. Their basic structure consists of a glucose unit linked to a thiohydroximate-O-sulfonate group and an aliphatic, aralkyl, or indolyl side chain, depending on their precursor amino acid. Specifically, aliphatic GLS derive from methionine, aromatic ones from phenylalanine, and indolic ones from tryptophan. Myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase) is the crucial enzyme for GLS degradation, leading to the production of isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs attracted considerable scientific interest for their protective effects against various diseases, thanks to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Here, we collected the latest evidence regarding ITC effects in neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, including preclinical and clinical studies published in the last decade. These studies evidenced ITCs’ neuroprotective effects, exerted mainly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, ITCs’ integration, also through the diet, may represent a safe and efficacious strategy to improve health and limit the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, new large-scale trials are needed to determine their therapeutic potential, particularly for diseases with no clinical evidence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSDs) carry a debilitating burden of disease which, even after pharmacological and psychological treatment are optimized, remains difficult to fully target. New online-delivered and user-led interventions may provide an appropriate, cost-effective answer to this problem. This study aims to retrieve the currently gathered findings on the efficacy of these interventions across several outcomes, such as symptom severity, social cognition, functioning and others. Methods: A systematic review of the current available literature was conducted. Of 29 potentially relevant articles, 26 were included and assigned at least one of four intervention types: Web-Based Therapy (WBT), Web-Based Psycho-Education (WBP), Online Peer Support (OPS) and Prompt-Based Intervention (PBI). Results: The findings were grouped based on outcome. Of 24 studies evaluating the effects of symptom severity, 14 have achieved statistically significant results, and 10 have not. WBT (such as online-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, social cognition training and Mindfulness Training) seemed to be the most effective at targeting symptoms. Of 14 studies evaluating functioning, seven achieved significant results, four involving a form of social or neurocognitive training, suggesting a potential pathway towards functional improvements through interventions targeting cognition and motivation. Regarding social cognition, all seven studies measuring the effects of an intervention on this outcome produced significant results, indicating that this outcome lends itself well to remote, online administration. This may be linked with the nature of social cognition exercises, as they are commonly administered through a digital medium (such as pictures, videos and auditory exercises), a delivery method that suits the online-user led model very well. Conclusions: Online user-led interventions show promise as a new way to tackle functional deficits in SSD patients and achieve these improvements through targeting social cognition, a hard-to-reach component of the burden of SSDs which seems to be successfully targetable in a remote, user-led fashion. Symptomatic improvements can also be achievable, through the combination of these interventions with treatment as usual. Full article

There is a growing interest in ToM performance among individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, the difference and the performance level between different diagnoses are unclear. Here, we compared the ToM abilities of schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective (SZaff), and borderline personality individuals (BPD) with healthy individuals. Individuals with SZ (n = 44), SZaff (n = 11), BPD (n = 11), and healthy individuals (n = 18) were recruited from Mazor Mental Health Center. All groups underwent the Reading Mind in the Eyes (RME) and the Faux Pas recognition test (FB) to assess TOM ability and completed empathy and autism questionnaires. The current results show that the three diagnostic groups performed worse in the RME and FB test compared to healthy individuals. However, women with BPD performed significantly better in ToM tasks than women with SZ and SZaff. Individuals with schizophrenia and BPD scored higher on the autism spectrum questionnaire, while all the diagnostic groups scored lower on the empathy quotient scale than healthy individuals. Finally, a positive correlation was found between ToM ability and empathy. Strikingly, our findings challenge the ability to use ToM as a differential clinical diagnostic tool, especially among men, and strengthen the correlation between decreased empathy and impaired ToM. Full article

The intrauterine environment is increasingly recognised as a critical period for the emergence of mental health vulnerabilities. This review explores how adverse maternal exposures, such as psychological stress, infection, malnutrition, and environmental toxins, can disrupt foetal neurodevelopment via epigenetic mechanisms, contributing to the risk of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Focusing primarily on human studies, we synthesise evidence on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs as key pathways through which the intrauterine environment influences gene regulation in the developing brain. We examine how timing of exposure, foetal sex, and gene–environment interactions modulate these effects, with particular attention to disorders such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and anxiety. The placenta emerges as a central mediator, both reflecting and shaping epigenetic changes in response to maternal signals. We also discuss the reversibility of epigenetic marks and highlight emerging interventions, including nutritional supplementation and maternal mental health support, that may buffer or reverse prenatal epigenetic programming. Methodological challenges are addressed, including tissue specificity and causal inference, and future directions are proposed toward integrating epigenetic biomarkers into early risk assessment and precision mental health and psychiatry. This review emphasises the importance of the prenatal period as a window of vulnerability and opportunity for shaping lifelong mental health. Full article

Background: Schizotypal traits are considered to be clinical and cognitive features of Schizotypal Disorder in children (SDc). These traits are also seen in children and adolescents with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study examines the influence of schizotypal traits (and their severity) on the capacity of children with ASD to manage emotions, develop relationships with others, and adapt in school and family life. Methods: The Schizotypal traits of 63 children (6–12 years old) with High Functioning ASD were measured by the Melbourne Assessment of Schizotypy in Kids (MASK). Parents and teachers of the participating children completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teachers’ Report Form (TRF) from the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Results: Overall, the results indicated correlations between the MASK scores and problems recorded by teachers, such as Internalizing problems (i.e., Anxious/Depressed, Withdrawn/Depressed, and Other problems score) according to TRF and Inappropriate speech scores, according to teacher’s ABC scales. Schizotypal traits impact the social, emotional, and behavioral functioning of children with ASD at home and school environments. Conclusions: The assessment of schizotypal traits in children with ASD provides critical information about a child’s functionality and cognitive development, also leading to the identification of potential cognitive-neuropsychological endophenotypes within ASD with characteristics of both Autism and Schizophrenia spectra. Τhe development of a valid assessment tool is required, as well as the design of targeted interventions to prevent the loss of functionality. Full article

Mirror neurons (MNs), a set of neurons that are activated during the processes of observation and execution of actions, have drawn significant attention in the research of neurodegenerative and psychological disorders. Research in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia demonstrates evidence in favour of common underlying neural mechanisms underlying the two conditions, especially with respect to mu rhythm suppression, a proxy for MN activation and socio-cognitive impairments. This paper aims to review the most recent studies on the neurological underpinnings of social cognition deficits and cognitive discrepancies shared by ASD and schizophrenia, as detected by measuring the functionality and activation of the mirror neuron system. The findings of the review reveal a lack of consensus with respect to the validity of the “broken mirror” theory. The review also shows that further research is warranted to shed light on the implications of mirror neuron dysfunction in neuropsychiatric conditions and assist the development of technological interventions and treatments. Full article

Background: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has claimed the lives of many Americans, with rates of overdose steadily rising over the past decade. Despite having highly effective medications to treat this condition, many providers still hesitate to prescribe them. Psychiatric inpatient facilities have a unique opportunity to engage patients with co-occurring disorders in the treatment of OUD; however, significant barriers exist. This study describes a novel OUD–buprenorphine (BUP) consultation service that provides such care to hospitalized psychiatric patients. Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 123 hospitalized psychiatric patients who received consultations from the BUP consultation service. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Results: The sample was predominantly male, with significant unemployment and housing instability. Patients were hospitalized for depressive, bipolar, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Over 90% of patients were discharged on buprenorphine, with over 50% being connected to specialized substance use services. No increase in the length of stay was found, and no difference in outcomes was observed based on diagnosis or BUP discharge status. Discussion/Conclusions: This novel service was effective in providing OUD treatment to patients with complex co-occurring psychiatric disorders without significantly increasing their length of stay. Despite acute exacerbations in psychiatric illness, patients were able to engage in discussions regarding BUP. While the study was limited in scope, it underscores the feasibility of integrating OUD treatment in the acute psychiatric inpatient setting. Full article

Background: Cognitive impairment is a common feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and has been associated with functional disruption preceding the onset of psychosis. Understanding how cognitive deficits interact with clinical symptoms and functioning in early psychosis remains challenging. In this study, we aim to investigate whether a distinct “cognitive signature” characterizes functional disruption at the onset of psychosis. Material and Methods: Clinical, cognitive, and functional data were collected from 101 first episode psychosis patients at their first hospitalization. Stepwise regression models were used to identify predictors of global functioning and symptom severity at the time of onset, as well as diagnostic outcomes at discharge. Path analysis was used to explore the relationship among symptom severity, cognition, and functional outcomes. Results: Deficits in visual memory were selectively predictive of lower functioning and higher global symptom severity at the time of psychosis onset. Reduced visual-spatial abilities were also associated with unemployment at the time preceding hospitalization and predicted a non-affective schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis at discharge. Path analysis found that visual memory fully mediated the relationship between negative symptoms and level of functioning. Conclusions: Impairment in visual cognition seems to be uniquely associated with functional impairment and global symptom severity at the onset of psychosis and to mediate the relationship between negative symptoms and functioning. The results might indicate a primary relevance of visual cognitive aspects in marking functional disruption and symptom exacerbation at psychosis onset. This might have implications for early detection and inform treatment plans. Full article

Background and Objectives: The Oppel–Kundt (O–K) geometric optical illusion has been studied among people with mental disorders to understand the differences in their visual perception. Earlier studies were mainly focused on patients with schizophrenia, while less is known about patients with depression and the influence of medication use. The objectives were to compare illusion manifestation for schizophrenia, depression, and to evaluate possible differences depending on drug use. Materials and Methods: The stimuli consisted of three horizontally arranged dots, which were considered as terminators specifying the ends of the reference and the test stimulus intervals. The reference interval was filled with a set of distracting dots and changed, at random, from 0 to 19. The participants were asked to place the central terminator in the middle, between the outer ones. The trial consisted of 10 different figures, and each trial was repeated 10 times. This study involved 35 patients with depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders and a comparison group of 35 persons. Information about drug use by patients was retrieved from their medical records. Results: OK illusion manifested stronger in patients with depression compared to the other subjects. The patients who were taking benzodiazepines made greater errors evaluating OK figures than those who were not. No differences were found regarding other drug use. The limitations include a limited sample and possible interfering effects of other drugs, especially antidepressants, which have been shown to affect illusion perception. Conclusions: The OK illusion was more prominent in the patients with depression and in those who were taking benzodiazepines. Full article

The recognition of emotional facial expressions is a key skill for social adaptation. Previous studies have shown that clinical and subclinical populations, such as those diagnosed with schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorder, have a significant deficit in the recognition of emotional facial expressions. These studies suggest that this may be the cause of their social dysfunction. Given the importance of this type of recognition in social functioning, the present study aims to design a tool to measure the recognition of emotional facial expressions using Unreal Engine 4 software to develop computer graphics in a 3D environment. Additionally, we tested it in a small pilot study with a sample of 37 university students, aged between 18 and 40, to compare the results with a more classical emotional facial recognition task. We also administered the SEES Scale and a set of custom-formulated questions to both groups to assess potential differences in activation levels between the two modalities (3D environment vs. classical format). The results of this initial pilot study suggest that students who completed the task in the classical format exhibited a greater lack of activation compared to those who completed the task in the 3D environment. Regarding the recognition of emotional facial expressions, both tasks were similar in two of the seven emotions evaluated. We believe that this study represents the beginning of a new line of research that could have important clinical implications. Full article

Executive functions are often impaired in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Understanding the impact of physical exercise on these cognitive domains is essential for developing effective interventions. The aim of this review is to assess the effect of physical exercise on executive functions in adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO, initially from inception through January 2024, followed by an update through January 2025. Studies involved adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, employed physical exercise as an intervention, and measured executive functions as outcomes. The selection followed PRISMA guidelines, with inclusion determined by consensus among multiple reviewers. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and GRADE approach for certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, with effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated for each outcome. From 1517 records, 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis revealed a small but significant effect of physical exercise on working memory (ES = 0.300, 95% CI = 0.060–0.539, p = 0.014; I² = 0.0%, Q = 2.2, p = 0.951) and a non-significant effect on emotion recognition (ES = 0.51, 95% CI = −0.291–1.303, p = 0.213; I² = 83%), inhibition (ES = 0.156, 95% CI = −0.173 to 0.484, p = 0.353; I² = 0.0%, Q = 1.1, p = 0.781), and cognitive flexibility (ES = 0.240, 95% CI = −0.270 to 0.749, 95% PI = −1.706 to 2.185; p = 0.356; I² = 53.2%, Q = 3.0, p = 0.094). Physical exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, appears to have a small beneficial effect on working memory in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, the evidence for its effect on emotion recognition is less clear and may be influenced by the type of exercise, such as yoga. Further research is needed to provide more robust conclusions. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023392295. Full article

The enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a process essential for the methylation of homocysteine to methionine. Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene can reduce enzyme activity, disrupting the folate cycle and leading to hyperhomocysteinemia. The two most common polymorphisms associated with this gene are 667C>T (rs1801133) and 1298A>C (rs1801131). Background: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding MTHFR polymorphisms, with a particular focus on their potential impact on disease susceptibility. We hope this review will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the significance of MTHFR polymorphisms and their complex relationships with various diseases. Methods: For this review, we prioritized recent evidence, focusing on reviews and meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2025, sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: We explore the connection between these polymorphisms and a broad spectrum of medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and oxidative stress pathology; neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder; fertility, pregnancy, and neonatal complications, including recurrent pregnancy loss, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neural tube defects; metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; and oncological conditions, including breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers; as well as leukemia, and autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions: While some diseases have a well-established association with MTHFR polymorphisms, others require further investigation. Our analysis highlights the crucial role of environmental factors, such as ethnic background and dietary folate intake, in influencing study outcomes. Full article