Methods: In this work, we review the literature focused on the BDNF Val(66)Met polymorphism and anxiety, and discuss biological findings from animal models to clinical studies. Results: As occurs with other psychiatric disorders, anxiety correlates with anatomical, behavioral and physiological changes related to the BDNF polymorphism. In animal studies, it has been shown that a significant decrease in regulated secretion from both BDNFVal/Met and BDNFMet/Met neurons represented a significant decrease in available BDNF. Conclusion: These

studies suggest that developing pharmacological strategies facilitating the release Endocrinology antagonist of BDNF from synapses or prolongation of the half-life of secreted BDNF Selleckchem GSK1120212 may improve the therapeutic responses of humans expressing the BDNF polymorphism. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Background. In an effort to group mental disorders on the basis of aetiology, five clusters have been proposed. In this paper, we consider the validity of the first cluster, neurocognitive disorders, within this proposal. These disorders are categorized as ‘Dementia, Delirium,

and Amnestic and Other Cognitive Disorders’ in DSM-IV and ‘Organic, including Symptomatic Mental Disorders’ in ICD-10.

Method. We reviewed the literature in relation to 11 validating criteria proposed by a Study Group of the DSM-V Task Force as applied to the cluster of neurocognitive disorders.

Results. ‘Neurocognitive’ replaces the previous terms ‘cognitive’ and ‘organic’ used in DSM-IV and ICD-10 respectively as the descriptor for disorders in this cluster. Although cognitive/organic problems are present in other disorders, this cluster distinguishes itself by the demonstrable neural substrate abnormalities and the salience of cognitive symptoms and deficits. Shared biomarkers, co-morbidity and course offer less persuasive evidence for a valid cluster of neurocognitive disorders. The occurrence of these disorders subsequent to normal brain development sets this cluster apart from neurodevelopmental disorders. The

aetiology of the disorders is varied, but the neurobiological underpinnings are better understood than for mental eltoprazine disorders in any other cluster.

Conclusions. Neurocognitive disorders meet some of the salient criteria proposed by the Study Group of the DSM-V Task Force to suggest a classification cluster. Further developments in the aetiopathogenesis of these disorders will enhance the clinical utility of this cluster.”
“We investigated whether male inpatients with schizophrenia and a history of hands-on violent offences (forensic schizophrenic, FOS) are more impaired in emotion recognition than matched schizophrenia patients without any history of violence (general psychiatric schizophrenic, GPS).