Role of G protein coupled inwardly rectifier K+ channels (GIRK) on the neurobiology depression

353 págs.

Perinatal hipoxic ischemic injury in the auditory pathway and the effect of several neuroprotective agents

192 p.

Bipolar disorder comorbid with alcohol use disorder: Focus on neurocognitive correlates

Bipolar disorder (BD) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are usually comorbid, and both have been associated with significant neurocognitive impairment. Patients with the BD-AUD comorbidity (dual diagnosis) may have more severe neurocognitive deficits than those with a single diagnosis, but there is paucity of research in this area. To explore this hypothesis more thoroughly, we carried out a systematic literature review through January 2015. Eight studies have examined the effect of AUDs on the neurocognitive functioning of BD patients. Most studies found that BD patients with current or past history of comorbid AUDs show more severe impairments, especially in verbal memory and executive cognition, than their non-dual counterparts. Greater neurocognitive dysfunction is another facet of this severe comorbid presentation. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed. Specifically, the application of holistic approaches, such as clinical staging and systems biology, may open new avenues of discoveries related to the BD-AUD comorbidity.

IKT-ak lehen hezkuntzan: mugikorraren eragina ikasleen errendimendu akademikoan

[eus] IKTekiko (Informazio eta Komunikazio Teknologiak) menpekotasuna, oso gai eztabaidatua da gaur egun, batik bat, guraso eta hezitzaileak kezkatzen dituena. Mugikorra aipaturiko teknologia horien barne dagoenez, horretaz egiten den erabilera ezagutzeaz gain, ikerketa honen helburu nagusia mugikorraren erabileraren eta errendimendu akademikoaren arteko korrelazio posible bat aurkitzea da. Horretarako, Euskal Autonomia Erkidegoari dagozkion Lehen Hezkuntzako 5. eta 6. mailetako 39 ikasleko lagina erabili da. Emaitzek, aipaturiko korrelazioa erakusten dute. Beraz, prebentzioaren garrantzia azpimarratzeko asmoz, menpekotasun jokaeraren garapena ekiditeko zenbait gako ematen dira.

Effectiveness of a Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP) for Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: Study Design

Only a few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of smoking cessation programmes in patients with mental disorders. The aim of this paper is to describe in detail the methodology used in the study as well as the Multi-component Smoking Cessation Support Programme in terms of pharmacological treatments and psychological interventions. An open-label 9-month follow-up study was conducted in Spain. A total of 82 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder were enrolled. Treatment consisted of a programme specifically developed by the research team for individuals with severe mental disorders. The programme consisted of two phases: (1) weekly individual motivational therapy for 4-12 weeks, and (2) a 12-week active treatment phase. During this phase, at each study visit patients received a one- or two-week supply of medication (transdermal nicotine patches, varenicline or bupropion) with instructions on how to take it, in addition to group psychotherapy for smoking cessation. Evaluations were performed: (1) at the time of enrolment in the study, (2) during the 12-week active treatment phase of the study (weekly for the first 4 weeks and then biweekly), and (3) after the end of this phase (two follow-up assessments at weeks 12 and 24). Evaluations included: (1) smoking history, (2) substance use, (3) psychopathology, (4) adverse events, and (5) laboratory tests. The importance of this study lies in addressing a topical issue often ignored by psychiatrists: the unacceptably high rates of tobacco use in patients with severe mental disorders.