Differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive symptoms from delusions in schizophrenia: A phenomenological approach

Several studies suggest increased prevalence-rates of obsessive-compulsive symptoms(OCS) and even of obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) in patients with schizophrenic disorders. Moreover, it has been recently proposed the existence of a distinct diagnostic subgroup of schizo-obsessive disorder. However, the further investigation of the OCS or OCD-schizophrenia diagnostic comorbidity presupposes the accurate clinical differential diagnosis of obsessions and compulsions from delusions and repetitive delusional behaviours, respectively. In turn, this could be facilitated by a careful comparative examination of the phenomenological features of typical obsessions/compulsions and delusions/repetitive delusional behaviours, respectively. Thiswas precisely the primary aim of the present investigation. Our examination included seven features of obsessions/delusions(source of origin and sense of ownership of the thought, conviction, consistency with one's belief-system, awareness of its inaccuracy, awareness of its symptomatic nature, resistance, and emotional impact) and five features of repetitive behaviours(aim of repetitive behaviours, awareness of their inappropriateness, awareness of their symptomatic nature, and their immediate effect on underlying thought, and their emotional impact). Several of these clinical features, if properly and empathically investigated, can help discriminate obsessions and compulsive rituals from delusions and delusional repetitive behaviours, respectively, in patients with schizophrenic disorders. We comment on the results of our examination as well as on those of another recent similar investigation. Moreover, we also address several still controversial issues, such as the nature of insight, the diagnostic status of poor insight in OCD, the conceptualization and differential diagnosis of compulsions from other categories of repetitive behaviours, as well as the diagnostic weight assigned to compulsions in contemporary psychiatric diagnostic systems. We stress the importance of the feature of mental reflexivity for understanding the nature of insight and the ambiguous diagnostic status of poor insight in OCD which may be either a marker of the chronicity of obsessions, or a marker of their delusionality. Furthermore, we criticize two major shortcomings of contemporary psychiatric diagnostic systems(DSM-IV, DSM-V, ICD-10) in their criteria or guidelines for the diagnosis of OCD or OCS: first, the diagnostic parity between obsessions and compulsions and, second, the inadequate conceptualization of compulsions. We argue that these shortcomings might artificially inflate the clinical prevalence of OC symptoms in the course of schizophrenic disorders. Still, contrary to a recent proposal, we do not exclude on purely a priori grounds the possibility of a concurrence of genuine obsessions along with delusions in patients with schizophrenia.

Understanding Behavioral Manifestations of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in People with Intellectual Disabilities—A Qualitative Study

Background: There is limited knowledge about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This paper describes the manifestation of compulsive behaviors associated with OCD at the behavioral level in people with ID in institutionalized settings. The aim was to gain nuanced insight into appropriate understanding and classification in this specific context, and derive implications for research and practice. Methods: Individual cases of people with ID (n = 7) were studied to assess compulsive symptoms through two days of on-site observation of the person with ID within the institution, guided group discussions (n = 28), and semi-structured interviews with key informants and caregivers of the person with ID (n = 20). Caregiver ratings of the compulsive behavior checklist were compiled. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: All forms of OCD were present. Characteristics of compulsive behaviors in people with ID at the behavioral level included less complex and more obvious compulsive acts, immediate responses, signs of tension, motor restlessness, facial expression changes, repetition, need for predictability, time-consuming behaviors, and aggressive reactions when these acts were interrupted. Some of the compulsive behaviors corresponded to the ICD-11 OCD code 6B20, and others to compulsions as a psychological symptom (MB23.4). Conclusions: OCD may manifest atypically at the behavioral level in people with ID, posing significant challenges for accurate classification due to symptom ambiguity. Follow-up differential diagnostic studies are needed to more accurately identify and differentiate OCD symptoms in people with ID. Further, disorder-specific guidelines for recognizing OCD in people with ID are needed for institutionalized settings without psychiatric-psychotherapeutic expertise.

Cumulative effects of stress-sensitivity factors on depressive symptoms and suicide risk:A prospective study

BACKGROUND Sensitivity to stress is essential in the onset,clinical symptoms,course,and prognosis of major depressive disorder(MDD).Meanwhile,it was unclear how variously classified but connected stress-sensitivity variables affect MDD.We hypothesize that high-level trait-and state-related stress-sensitivity factors may have different cumulative effects on the clinical symptoms and follow-up outcomes of MDD.AIM To investigate how stress-sensitivity factors added up and affected MDD clinical symptoms and follow-up results.METHODS In this prospective study,281 MDD patients were enrolled from a tertiary care setting.High-level stress-sensitivity factors were classified as trait anxiety,state anxiety,perceived stress,and neuroticism,with a total score in the top quartile of the research cohort.The cumulative effects of stress-sensitivity factors on cognitive dysfunction,disability and functional impairment,suicide risk,and depressive and anxiety symptoms were examined using an analysis of variance with linear trend analysis.Correlations were investigated further using multiple regression analysis.RESULTS Regarding high-level stress-sensitivity factors,53.40%of patients had at least one at baseline,and 29.61%had two or more.Four high-level stress-sensitivity components had significant cumulative impacts on MDD symptoms at baseline(all P<0.001).Perceived stress predicted the greatest effect sizes of state-related factors on depressive symptoms(partialη^(2)=0.153;standardizedβ=0.195;P<0.05).The follow-up outcomes were significantly impacted only by the high-level trait-related components,mainly when it came to depressive symptoms and suicide risk,which were predicted by trait anxiety and neuroticism,respectively(partialη^(2)=0.204 and 0.156;standardizedβ=0.247 and 0.392;P<0.05).CONCLUSION To enhance outcomes of MDD and lower the suicide risk,screening for stress-sensitivity factors and considering multifaceted measures,mainly focusing on trait-related ones,should be addressed clinically.

Distressing symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is an incapacitating illness associated with distressing symptoms(DS)that have negative impact on patients’health-related quality of life(HRQOL).AIM To assess the severity of DS and their relationships with HRQOL among patients with CKD in Jordan.METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional design was used.A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit the participants.Patients with CKD(n=140)who visited the outpatient clinics in four hospitals in Amman between November 2021 and December 2021 were included.RESULTS The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was used to measure the severity of the DS while the Short Form-36 tool was used to measure the HRQOL.Participants’mean age was 50.9(SD=15.14).Most of them were males(n=92,65.7%),married(n=95,67.9%),and unemployed(n=93,66.4%).The highest DS were tiredness(mean=4.68,SD=2.98)and worse well-being(mean=3.69,SD=2.43).The highest HRQOL mean score was for the bodily pain scale with a mean score of 68.50 out of 100(SD=32.02)followed by the emotional well-being scale with mean score of 67.60(SD=18.57).CONCLUSION Patients with CKD had suboptimal HRQOL,physically and mentally.They suffer from multiple DS that have a strong association with diminished HRQOL such as tiredness and depression.Therefore,healthcare providers should be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to promote individualized strategies that focusing on symptom management.

Attribution retraining group therapy for outpatients with major depression disorder,generalized anxiety disorder,and obsessive-compulsive disorder:a pilot study

The aim of this present study is to examine the efficacy of attribution retraining group therapy （ARGT） and to compare the responses of outpatients with major depression disorder （MDD）, generalized anxiety disorder （GAD） and obsessive-compulsive disorder （OCD）. We carried out a prospective uncontrolled intervention study with a 8-weeks of ARGT on sixty three outpatients with MDD, GAD or OCD. Hamilton rating scale for depression, Hamilton rating scale for anxiety, Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale, attribution style questionnaire, self-esteem scale, index of well-being, and social disability screening schedule were administered before and after treatment. Significant improvement in symptoms and psychological and social functions from pre- to posttreatment occurred for all participants. The changes favored MDD patients. Our study suggested that ARGT may improve the symptoms and psychological-social functions of MDD, GAD, and OCD patients. MDD patients showed the best response.

Anterior limb lesions in bilateral internal capsules and memory function in patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have shown that lesions in the anterior limb of the internal capsule contribute to obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder （OCD）. However, few reports have addressed the effects of lesions in the anterior limb of the internal capsule on cognition, learning, and memory functions in patients with refractory OCD. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the degree of damage to memory tasks in refractory OCD patients following lesions to the anterior limb of the internal capsule. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A case-controlled, observational study was performed at the Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, China from May 2007 to March 2008. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 10 refractory OCD patients were admitted to the Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, China from May 2007 to March 2008 and were recruited for this study. The OCD patients were of equal gender, with an average age of （25.1 ± 9.6） years. An additional 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled from a community of Shanghai City as controls; they were of equal gender and aged （25.1 ± 8.6） years. METHODS： A total of 10 refractory OCD patients were subjected to lesions in the anterior limbs of the bilateral internal capsules. Wechsler Memory Scale-Chinese Revision （WMS-CR, as a task of explicit memory） and the Nissen Version （serial reaction time task） software （SRTT, as a task of implicit memory） were applied to determine memory functions and learning performance in pre- and post-operative OCD patients and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： WMS scores, reaction time in SRTT, and Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale scores were measured in pre- and post-operative OCD patients and controls. RESULTS： Compared to controls, the pre-operative OCD patients exhibited reduced memory task scores （P = 0.005）, whereas scores for reciting numbers of backwards digits were greater （P = 0.000）. Figure recall and associative memory were less in OCD patients at 1 week following surgery than in the pre-operative OCD patients （P = 0.042, P = 0.002, respectively）. Reaction time in implicit SRTT was significantly longer in pre-operative OCD patients compared with controls and post-operative OCD patients （P = 0.01, P = 0.03, respectively）. These results suggested ameliorated SRTT following neurosurgery. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale results revealed significantly improved OCD following lesions in the internal capsule （P = 0.04）. Some post-operative OCD patients suffered from deficits in short-term memory and implicit memory. CONCLUSION： Lesions in anterior limbs of bilateral internal capsules improve obsessive- compulsive symptoms and implicit memory in OCD patients, but result in aggravated short-term memory deficits.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder:Evidence-based treatments and future directions for research

Over the past three decades, obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) has moved from an almost untreatable,life-long psychiatric disorder to a highly manageable one. This is a very welcome change to the 1%-3% of children and adults with this disorder as, thanks to advances in both pharmacological and psychological therapies, prognosis for those afflicted with OCD is quite good in the long term, even though most have comorbid disorders that are also problematic. We still have far to go, however, until OCD can be described as either easily treatable or the effective treatments are widely known about among clinicians. This review focuses on the current state of the art in treatment for OCD and where we still are coming up short in our work as a scientific community. For example, while the impact of medications is quite strong for adults in reducing OCD symptoms, current drugs are only somewhat effective for children. In addition, there are unacceptably high relapse rates across both populations when treated with pharmacological alone. Even in the cognitive-behavioral treatments, which show higher effect sizes and lower relapse rates than drug therapies, drop-out rates are at a quarter of those who begin treatment. This means a sizable portion of the OCD population who do obtain effective treatments(which appears to be only a portion of the overall population) are not effectively treated.Suggestions for future avenues of research are also presented. These are primarily focused on(1) increased dissemination of effective therapies;(2) augmentation of treatments for those with residual symptoms, both for psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy; and(3) the impact of comorbid disorders on treatment outcome.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder co-occurring with psychosis: Systematic review of evidence

AIM To review available evidence on the use of cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) for treating obsessive compulsive disorder co-occurring with psychosis.METHODS In this paper we present a detailed and comprehensive review of the current literature focusing on CBT treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD) co-occurring with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We identified relevant literature published between 2001 and May 2016 through MEDLINE/PubM ed search using as search string("obsessive compulsive disorders" or "obsessive compulsive symptoms") and("schizophrenia" or "schizoaffective disorder" or "psychosis") and("cognitive behavioural therapy"). Other citations of interest were further identified from references reported in the accessed articles. The search was limited to studies written in English and carried out in adult patients. A total of 9 studies, 8 case reports and 1 case series, were found.RESULTS The reviewed evidence indicates that CBT is:(1) safe, i.e., does not worsen psychotic symptoms;(2) well accepted, with a discontinuation rate quite similar to that reported for patients with OCD without psychosis comorbidity;(3) effective, with a symptom reduction quite similar to that reported for patients with OCD without psychosis and for SRIs treatment of OCD cooccurring with psychosis; and(4) effective in patients with OCD induced by second-generation antipsychotic as well as in patients with OCD not induced by secondgeneration antipsychotic. Alcohol/substance use disorder comorbidity and OCD onset preceding that of SCH/SA was predictors of poor outcome. These results are derived only by additional studies with adequate sample size.CONCLUSION Our results support the use of CBT for OCD in patients with psychosis.

Comparison of Meta-Cognitive Beliefs with Regard to Depressed, Obsessive-Compulsive and Normal Individuals

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the meta-cognitive beliefs of three groups consisting of depressed, obsessive-compulsive and normal individuals. This expost facto study was carried out on 174 individuals (58 depressed, 58 obsessive-compulsive, and 58 normal). The depressed and obsessive-compulsive patients were selected from psychological clinics in central and southern Tehran using purposive sampling. The normal group was randomly selected from the staff of the related clinics. Participants completed three questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), and the Meta-CognitionsQuestionnaire-30 (MCQ-30). The MANOVA test was used to analyze the statistical data. There were significant differences between the mean scores with regard to the meta-cognitive beliefs in normal individuals and in patients with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Furthermore, with regard to cognitive confidence and cognitive self-consciousness subscales, there were significant differences between depressed and obsessive-compulsive patients. The mean scores of these two subscales were higher in obsessive-compulsive patient, in comparison with depressed individuals. There was no significant difference between the depressed and obsessive-compulsive groups regarding the three subscales of positive beliefs about worry, uncontrollability and need to control thoughts.

WNT/β-catenin pathway and circadian rhythms in obsessive-compulsive disorder

The neuropsychiatric disease named obsessive-compulsive disorder is composed by obsessions and/or compulsions.Obsessive-compulsive disorder etiologies are undefined.However,numerous mechanisms in several localizations are implicated.Some studies showed that both glutamate,inflammatory factors and oxidative stress could have main functions in obsessive-compulsive disorder.Glycogen synthase kinase-3β,the major negative controller of the WNT/β-catenin pathway is upregulated in obsessive-compulsive disorder.In obsessive-compulsive disorder,some studies presented the actions of the different circadian clock genes.WNT/β-catenin pathway and circadian clock genes appear to be intricate.Thus,this review focuses on the interaction between circadian clock genes and the WNT/β-catenin pathway in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Deep brain stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder:A systematic review of worldwide experience after 20 years

BACKGROUND Twenty years after its first use in a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD),the results confirm that deep brain stimulation(DBS)is a promising therapy for patients with severe and resistant forms of the disorder.Nevertheless,many unknowns remain,including the optimal anatomical targets,the best stimulation parameters,the long-term(LT)effects of the therapy,and the clinical or biological factors associated with response.This systematic review of the articles published to date on DBS for OCD assesses the short and LT efficacy of the therapy and seeks to identify predictors of response.AIM To summarize the existing knowledge on the efficacy and tolerability of DBS in treatment-resistant OCD.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed,Cochrane,Scopus,and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to December 31,2020,using the following strategy:“(Obsessive-compulsive disorder OR OCD)AND(deep brain stimulation OR DBS).”Clinical trials and observational studies published in English and evaluating the effectiveness of DBS for OCD in humans were included and screened for relevant information using a standardized collection tool.The inclusion criteria were as follows:a main diagnosis of OCD,DBS conducted for therapeutic purposes and variation in symptoms of OCD measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive scale(Y-BOCS)as primary outcome.Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.RESULTS Forty articles identified by the search strategy met the eligibility criteria.Applying a follow-up threshold of 36 mo,29 studies(with 230 patients)provided information on short-term(ST)response to DBS in,while 11(with 155 patients)reported results on LT response.Mean follow-up period was 18.5±8.0 mo for the ST studies and 63.7±20.7 mo for the LT studies.Overall,the percentage of reduction in Y-BOCS scores was similar in ST(47.4%)and LT responses(47.2%)to DBS,but more patients in the LT reports met the criteria for response(defined as a reduction in Y-BOCS scores>35%:ST,60.6%vs LT,70.7%).According to the results,the response in the first year predicts the extent to which an OCD patient will benefit from DBS,since the maximum symptom reduction was achieved in most responders in the first 12-14 mo after implantation.Reports indicate a consistent tendency for this early improvement to be maintained to the mid-term for most patients;but it is still controversial whether this improvement persists,increases or decreases in the long term.Three different patterns of LT response emerged from the analysis:49.5% of patients had good and sustained response to DBS,26.6% were non responders,and 22.5% were partial responders,who might improve at some point but experience relapses during follow-up.A significant improvement in depressive symptoms and global functionality was observed in most studies,usually(although not always)in parallel with an improvement in obsessive symptoms.Most adverse effects of DBS were mild and transient and improved after adjusting stimulation parameters;however,some severe adverse events including intracranial hemorrhages and infections were also described.Hypomania was the most frequently reported psychiatric side effect.The relationship between DBS and suicide risk is still controversial and requires further study.Finally,to date,no clear clinical or biological predictors of response can be established,probably because of the differences between studies in terms of the neuroanatomical targets and stimulation protocols assessed.CONCLUSION The present review confirms that DBS is a promising therapy for patients with severe resistant OCD,providing both ST and LT evidence of efficacy.

Review of source-monitoring processes in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)is a severe mental illness characterized by persistent,intrusive and distressing obsessions and/or compulsions.Such symptoms have been conceptualized as resulting from a failure in sourcemonitoring processes,suggesting that patients with OCD fail to distinguish actions they perform from those they just imagine doing.In this study,we aimed to provide an updated and exhaustive review of the literature examining the relationship between source-monitoring and OCD.A systematic search in the literature through January 2019 allowed us to identify 13 relevant publications investigating source-monitoring abilities in patients with OCD or participants with subclinical compulsive symptoms.Most of the retrieved studies did not report any source-monitoring deficits in clinical and subclinical subjects compared with healthy volunteers.However,most of the studies reported that patients with OCD and subclinical subjects displayed reduced confidence in source-monitoring judgments or global cognitive confidence compared to controls.The present review highlighted some methodological and statistical limitations.Consequently,further studies are needed to explore source monitoring with regard to the subcategories of OCD symptoms(i.e.,symmetryordering,contamination-washing,hoarding,aggressive obsession-checking,sexual-religious thoughts)and to clarify the relationship between sourcemonitoring subtypes(i.e.,reality or internal source-monitoring)and confidence in these populations.

Trajectories of depressive symptoms and risk of cardiovascular disease,cancer and mortality:a prospective cohort study

Background Depressive symptoms are established risk factors for various health outcomes.However,previous studies assessed depressive symptoms at a single time point,neglecting individual variations over time.Aims To identify depressive symptoms trajectories through repeated measures and examine their associations with cardiovascular disease(CVD),cancer and mortality.Methods This study included 20634 UK Biobank participants free of CVD and cancer at baseline with two or more assessments of depressive symptoms during 2006-2016.Group-based trajectory modelling identified depressive symptoms trajectories.Incident CVD,cancer and mortality were followed up until 2021 through linked registries.Results Six depressive symptoms trajectories were identified:no symptoms(n=6407),mild-stable(n=11539),moderate-stable(n=2183),severe-decreasing(n=206),moderate-increasing(n=177)and severe-stable(n=122).During a median follow-up of 5.5 years,1471 CVD cases,1275 cancer cases and 503 deaths were documented.Compared with the no symptoms trajectory,the mildstable,moderate-stable and severe-stable trajectories exhibited higher CVD risk,with hazard ratios(HRs)(95%CIs)of 1.19(1.06 to 1.34),1.32(1.08 to 1.34)and 2.99(1.85 to 4.84),respectively.Moderate-increasing and severe-stable trajectories were associated with higher mortality risks,with HRs(95%CIs)of 2.27(1.04 to 4.93)and 3.26(1.55 to 6.88),respectively.However,the severedecreasing trajectory was not associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes.We did not find significant associations between any trajectory and cancer.Conclusions Trajectories related to stable and increasing depressive symptoms,but not the trajectory associated with severe depressive symptoms at the initial assessment but decreasing at the follow-up,were associated with higher risks of CVD and mortality.Alleviating severe depressive symptoms at the initial onset may mitigate CVD and mortality risks.

Woman diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder became delusional after childbirth:A case report

BACKGROUND Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)is a common mental disorder that varies greatly in manifestation and causes much distress to individuals.We describe a case in which a Chinese woman with OCD became delusional after childbirth,and discuss the possible phenomenological and psychological alterations.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old woman presented to the Psychiatry Department of our hospital with obsessions and compulsions.After taking medication,her symptoms were alleviated.Three years later,during her pregnancy,the obsessions returned and even progressed into paranoid delusions after childbirth.After multiple adjustments of treatment along with several fluctuations,she finally achieved remission and gained reasonable insight.CONCLUSION This case suggests that the patient with OCD appeared to move along a continuum of beliefs,and highlights the importance of effective intervention during pregnancy,which would exert a significant impact on postpartum exacerbation outcomes.

Validation of a Classification System for Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders Based on DSM-5

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a broad?obsessive-compulsive and related disorders model, which consisted of obsessive-compulsive, hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic, trichotillomania and pathological skin picking, displayed sufficient data fit. On the other hand, we examined whether a reduced obsessive-compulsive and related disorders symptoms model consisting of above mentioned disorders demonstrated superior fit or not. To test the factor structure validity of the classification system of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, we used Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA). Result of factor structure analysis revealed and supported an OCSD symptoms dimension that included obsessive-compulsive, hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic, trichotillomania, and pathological skin picking symptoms. Also, results of this study supported?the DSM-5 changes.

Does local vaginal estrogen after tension-free transobturator vaginal tape reduce overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women? A prospective randomized, controlled study

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical estrogen after transvaginal tension-free vaginal tape-obturator(TVT-O)in the treatment of de novo overactive bladder symptoms that appear after surgery.Methods:This is a prospective randomized controlled study performed in the Urology and Gynecology Departments,Kasr Al Ainy Hospital,Cairo University,Cairo,Egypt.Two hundred and ten postmenopausal females presenting during the period between January 2017 and November 2020 with stress urinary incontinence were included in the study.Patients were divided into two groups,105 patients in Group A(treatment group)and 105 patients in Group B(control group).Patients in Group A underwent transvaginal TVT-O followed by local vaginal estrogen treatment for 6 months,while patients in Group B underwent transvaginal TVT-O only.The study included any postmenopausal female with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence.All patients had to fulfill a 3-day bladder diary,overactive bladder symptoms score,urine analysis,urodynamic study,and post-voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound preoperatively and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.Results:At 6-month follow-up,daytime frequency was reduced to 8%in Group A(increased to 21%in Group B)with a statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.009).At 6-month follow-up,nocturia was 8%in Group A(11%in Group B)with no statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.469).There was a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards to urinary urgency at 6-month follow-up(p=0.024).There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative wound healing events as regards to cure,hyperemia,gapping,and wound infection 1 week after intervention between both groups(p=0.008).No local or systemic side-effects were reported from local estrogen use.Conclusion:Local vaginal estrogen treatment given to postmenopausal patients after midurethral sling procedures can reduce the symptoms of daytime frequency and urinary urgency.Long-term follow-up is needed.

Psychic euosmia among obsessive-compulsive personality disorder patients:A case control study

BACKGROUND Psychic euosmia(PE)has been described as a supposed psychological predisposition for which pleasant smells elicit an immediate sense of pleasure,order and calmness in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder(OCPD).In this study we tried to verify the interpretation that PE is the counterpart of disgust that has been associated to contamination and moral purity.Disgust and morality are significantly associated in people with obsessive-compulsive personality traits.We expected that OCPD patients would experience higher levels of PE.AIM To investigate the PE frequency in OCPD patients and healthy controls(HC)and to evaluate the relationship between PE and disgust.METHODS A single-center,case-control study was conducted in an outpatient service for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.The sample consisted of 129 subjects:45 OCPD patients and 84 HC.In both groups we submitted the Disgust Scale Revised(DS-R)and the self-report Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Screening Personality Questionnaire to which we added an additional yes or no question to investigate the presence of PE.In order to verify differences between groups,t-test was employed for continuous variables and 2 test for categorical variable;odds ratio was employed to analyze group differences in the PE survey.Correlation was explored with Pearson r correlations.RESULTS No differences were observed between groups in gender composition or education.A slight significant difference was found in mean age(t=1.988;P=0.049).The present study revealed significantly higher proportions of PE among OCPD patients when compared to HC(OR:5.3,2.28-12.46).Patients with OCPD were more likely to report PE(n=36;80%)whereas a much lower proportion endorsed PE in the HC group(n=36;42.9%).Interestingly,no differences were observed between groups in mean score for the Disgust Scale.There was also no difference between the two groups in any of the Disgust Scale Revised subscales.Moreover,no significant correlations were observed in the OCPD group between PE and Disgust Scale Revised subscales.CONCLUSION Results suggested that PE might be part of the clinical spectrum of OCPD,and it does not reflect the counterpart of disgust.This could also indicate that this phenomenon is a manifestation of orderliness or incompleteness.Further studies will need to be undertaken to better understand PE and its significance in OCPD.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in disguise—Case report

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may mimic other minor and major psychiatric disorders or symptoms. Psychomotor disturbances may also be seen in OCD. Symptoms and complaints could be misinterpreted. Differential diagnostic assessments would be difficult either if the person has OCD or another diagnostic entity with OCD related symptoms. If clinicians in residential or outpatient settings do not realize this, the patients may suffer from inadvertent pharmacological treatment efforts, to no avail. A representative case of the former is presented. Withdrawal of all psychotropic medications cold turkey did not increase symptom load during the following weeks, indicating little benefit from medications. Because of continued complaints from the patient, psychotropic medications were gradually reintroduced, without any improvement. OCD patients may not be helped by extensive use of psychotropics and doctors responsible for them should employ other methods of reducing OCD symptoms than lumping together diverse psychotropics. There is evidence for the value of intensive cognitive behaviour therapy, but also for addressing the social conditions of the patients.

Development of a protocol for videoconferencing-based exposure and response prevention treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND The existing literature indicates that psychotherapeutic treatment,especially exposure and response prevention(ERP)is efficacious in treating obsessivecompulsive disorder(OCD).The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic adversely impacted many patients with OCD and disrupted their usual treatment.Moreover,the pandemic forced a global switch to telemental health(TMH)services to maintain the standards and continuity of care.Consequently,clinicians are increasingly using TMH-based psychotherapeutic treatments to treat OCD.However,several challenges have made it difficult for them to implement these treatments in the changed circumstances imposed by the pandemic.AIM To describe the formulation,implementation,feasibility,and usefulness of videoconferencing-based ERP(VC-ERP)treatment for OCD during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.METHODS This prospective,observational study was conducted in the psychiatric unit of a multi-specialty hospital in north India over 12 mo(July 2020-June 2021).All patients with OCD were assessed using the home-based TMH services of the department.The VC-ERP protocol for OCD was the outcome of weekly Zoom meetings with a group of clinicians involved in administering the treatment.After a systematic evaluation of the available treatment options,an initial protocol for delivering VC-ERP was developed.Guidelines for clinicians and educational materials for patients and their families were prepared.The protocol was implemented among patients with OCD attending the TMH services,and their progress was monitored.The weekly meetings were used to upgrade the protocol to meet the needs of all stakeholders.Feasibility and efficacy outcomes were examined.RESULTS All patients were diagnosed with OCD as a primary or a comorbid condition according to the International Classification of Diseases,10th version criteria.Out of 115 patients who attended the services during the study period,37 were excluded from the final analysis.Of the remaining 78 patients,VC-ERP was initiated in 43 patients.Six patients dropped out,and three were hospitalized for inpatient ERP.Eleven patients have completed the full VC-ERP treatment.One patient completed the psychoeducation part of the protocol.VC-ERP is ongoing in 22 patients.The protocol for VC-ERP treatment was developed and upgraded online.A large proportion of the eligible patients(n=34/43;79%)actively engaged in the VC-ERP treatment.Drop-out rates were low(n=6/43;14%).Satisfaction with the treatment was adequate among patients,caregivers,and clinicians.Apart from hospitalization in 3 patients,there were no other adverse events.Hybrid care and stepped care approaches could be incorporated into the VC-ERP protocol.Therefore,the feasibility of VC-ERP treatment in terms of operational viability,service utilization,service engagement,need for additional in-person services,frequency of adverse events,and user satisfaction was adequate.The VC-ERP treatment was found to be efficacious in the 11 patients who had completed the full treatment.Significant reductions in symptoms and maintenance of treatment gains on follow-up were observed.CONCLUSION This study provided preliminary evidence for the feasibility and usefulness of VC-ERP in the treatment of OCD.The results suggest that VC-ERP can be a useful option in resource-constrained settings.

Correlation between the neuroendocrine axis,microbial species,inflammatory response,and gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND This study examines the complex relationships among the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,inflammatory responses,and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).The findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of IBS and suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.AIM To investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,inflammation,and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS.METHODS Patients diagnosed with IBS between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected for the study.Healthy individuals undergoing routine check-ups during the same period served as the control group.Data were collected on neuroendocrine hormone levels,gut microbiome profiles,inflammatory biomarkers,and gastrointestinal symptomatology to analyze their interrelations and their potential roles in IBS pathogenesis.RESULTS IBS patients exhibited significant dysregulation of the neuroendocrine axis,with altered levels of cortisol,serotonin,and neuropeptides compared to healthy controls.The gut microbiome of IBS patients showed reduced diversity and specific alterations in bacterial genera,including Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,and Faecalibacterium,which were associated with neuroendocrine disturbances.Additionally,elevated levels of inflammatory markers,such as C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α,were observed and correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain,bloating,and altered bowel habits.CONCLUSION The findings suggest that targeting the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,and inflammatory pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life in IBS patients.