Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki最新文献

{"title":"Αttachment in adolescence, intergenerational transmission, developmental outcomes and psychopathology.","authors":"Varvara Salavou, Georgios Giannakopoulos","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescence (12 to 18 years) represents a critical period of development, wherein attachment undergoes significant changes as individuals navigate new emotional, cognitive, and social challenges and tend to create deeper connections with peers. Αs adolescents seek greater autonomy while simultaneously maintaining bonds with caregivers, attachment studies explore how the attachment system evolves and the factors that have an impact on it. First, we present an overview of several dimensions of attachment in adolescence, like re-organization of internal working models, peer relations, affect regulation, stability, and change of attachment. In addition, we process key points in measures used for attachment in adolescence, self-report and interview-based instruments, reflecting upon the difficulties in capturing the attachment dynamics in this developmental phase. Second, we explore findings about the ways parental state of mind (secure-insecure and unresolved), as well as parental reflective functioning, may influence adolescent attachment via mechanisms of intergenerational transmission. We focus especially on findings from clinical and high-risk samples. Third, we explore the impact that attachment in adolescence has on developmental outcomes and psychopathology. The review focuses on findings from Western culture cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, both on community and clinical samples over the last thirty years (1995-2025). We include studies using only attachment constructs (i.e., excluding parental bonding) and exclude studies on adolescent mothers, adopted adolescents, and case studies. Finally, we reach conclusions in relation to recent developments in the field and future research directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Complications of capsulotomy in the treatment of psychiatric illness: A systematic review.","authors":"Ioannis N Mavridis, Efstratios-Stylianos Pyrgelis","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.017","DOIUrl":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For more than half a century, stereotactic neurosurgical procedures have been available in the treatment of patients with severe, debilitating symptoms of treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Such surgical interventions include stimulation and lesioning techniques. Capsulotomy is a lesioning procedure targeting the internal capsule. This systematic review aims to explore the safety profile of capsulotomy in the treatment of severe medically-refractory psychiatric illness, focusing on its complications. Methodologically, a literature search was conducted using the terms \"psychiatric\", \"capsulotomy\", and \"complications\" in the PubMed/Medline database until the end of 2022. The search retrieved 41 articles. Following screening for potential suitability, 39 articles relevant to the topic were further analyzed and finally used for this review. No specific assessment tool for risk of bias was used in this study. The vast majority of capsulotomy data in the literature comes from OCD patients, and the main modalities used for this procedure are radiofrequency (RF) ablation, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). Postoperative complications are usually transient. These include neurological and psychiatric manifestations, cerebrovascular accidents, thromboembolic events, and infections (respiratory, urinary). Common complications are headache, focal edema, and frontal syndrome. Other complications include ataxia, seizures, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and fatigue. Regarding different techniques, urinary incontinence, sleep disorders, fatigue, and disorientation are frequent but transient complications of RF lesioning. Gamma capsulotomy has a risk of adverse radiation effects, such as radiation necrosis, brain edema, and cyst formation. MRgFUS seems to lack many of the inherent risks associated with more invasive treatment modalities. Discussion: Capsulotomy complications, usually transient and self-limited, include neurological and psychiatric manifestations, cerebrovascular accidents, thromboembolic events, and infections. Their occurrence and nature depend on the chosen modality. The principal limitation of this study is the fact that most data come from case reports or case series. As a result, the total number of patients who underwent capsulotomy is limited. Further clinical research is mandatory to improve the safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The evaluation of quality characteristics of the mental health services provided at the General Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic of the Eginition Hospital.","authors":"Dimitra Bourazana, Ilias I Vlachos, Maria Margariti","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>his study aims to assess the quality characteristics of mental health services provided at the General Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic of the 1st Department of Psychiatry at Eginitio Hospital, with the objective of monitoring and improving care. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on clinical records from 1,146 patients. From this total, a stratified random sample of 265 patients was selected and assessed using the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale (VSSS). Among the 1,146 patients, 52% were female. The most represented age group was 50-59 years. Additionally, 56% were unmarried, 47% were unemployed, and 42% lived with their parental family. Psychotic disorders were the most common diagnosis (38%). On average, patients attended three consultations annually, while 26% received more than four sessions per year. Increased visit frequency was significantly associated with both age (p = 0.001) and psychiatric diagnosis (p < 0.001). Regarding satisfaction, 84.2% of patients reported high satisfaction with services. Older age was positively associated with greater satisfaction levels (p < 0.001). Concerning suggestions for service improvement, 28.7% of patients expressed a desire for access to psychotherapy, 25.3% requested more assistance in obtaining social benefits, and 20.8% supported the introduction of home treatment services. These findings align with previous studies in Greece, confirming slightly higher service use by women and a predominance of psychotic spectrum disorders. While the average follow-up interval was 120 days, medically necessary cases were monitored more frequently (30-90 days). Patient satisfaction was generally high, and older individuals tended to report greater contentment. Reported needs for service enhancement centered on increased access to psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions, along with the development of home-based care options.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Updating the position of fluoxetine: Editorial shift or evidence-based evolution?","authors":"Georgios Mikellides, Olympia Evagorou, Marianna Tantele","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To the Editors, The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry have long been regarded as a cornerstone of psychopharmacological practice internationally. In the recently published 15th edition (2025), a notable shift in the positioning of fluoxetine is observed, particularly regarding its use during pregnancy. Fluoxetine is no longer presented as a first-line option without the inclusion of new robust evidence to justify this downgrading.1 Historically, fluoxetine has been recognized as a first-line SSRI due to its well-established efficacy, favorable tolerability, long half-life protecting against withdrawal symptoms, and safer profile in overdose compared to older antidepressants.3,4 In the 15th edition, it is stated that \"an association between prenatal SSRI use and congenital heart defects has been reported, with some studies suggesting a higher risk with fluoxetine and paroxetine\".1 The only relevant citation is Reefhuis et al (2015),5 which employed Bayesian analysis to reevaluate previous associations. Although a slight increase in risk for specific congenital anomalies (e.g., right ventricular outflow tract obstruction) was identified, the study concludes that the absolute risks are small and that most SSRIs, including fluoxetine, are not significantly associated with specific birth defects. It is important to highlight that this study was already available at the time of the 14th edition (2021),2 where fluoxetine continued to be considered an appropriate and safe choice during pregnancy. This raises concerns about whether the change in tone in the 15th edition reflects genuine new scientific developments or simply evolving clinical preferences. Moreover, current NICE guidelines6,7 do favor sertraline due to a slightly lower observed risk in pregnancy. However, they also emphasize that women benefiting from an existing SSRI treatment should not be advised to switch medications solely because of pregnancy. Notably, fluoxetine remains the only SSRI officially approved for treating moderate to severe depression in adolescents aged 8-18 years.8 While adapting guidelines to evolving prescribing practices is understandable, in authoritative references such as the Maudsley Guidelines, it is crucial to clearly distinguish between evidence-based updates and pragmatic clinical trends. Failure to do so may inadvertently undermine confidence in long-standing, evidence-supported treatments like fluoxetine, ultimately affecting clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review on the efficacy of CBT on pain and sexual function of vulvodynia.","authors":"Garifalia Bitzi, Ioulia Kokka, Iraklis Mourikis","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vulvodynia is an underdiagnosed pain syndrome with persistent duration, usually without an identifiable organic cause. It negatively affects the quality of life, mental health and romantic relationships and sexual function of women. This review aimed to systematically appraise the available data on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on perceived pain and sexual functioning of women with vulvodynia from randomized clinical trials irrespective of their time of publication. The review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted based on specific eligibility criteria in the PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases using appropriate keywords. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Jadad Scale. The search resulted in 10 randomized clinical trials that compared the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy compared to other psychotherapeutic approaches and clinical, pharmaceutical, and surgical interventions on 835 women with vulvodynia. The results, which were synthesized narratively based on intervention type and outcomes assessed, revealed the superiority of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy compared to topical treatments with significant improvements in sexual function and pain management, particularly evident at follow-up assessments. Comparisons with other psychotherapeutic approaches (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, supportive psychotherapy) resulted in similar results. Compared to physiotherapeutic and surgical protocols, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy resulted in more favorable findings, although the improvement regarding sexual function was significant mostly at the 6-month follow-up measurements. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy appeared to help by restructuring dysfunctional beliefs, reducing pain catastrophizing, and developing alternative pain coping strategies. Despite the encouraging evidence, variations with respect to the cognitive-behavioral interventions, comparison groups, and assessment tools used to assess the variables under investigation, direct comparison of the findings was challenging. The results highlighted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a promising, non-pharmacological approach to the management of vulvodynia. Education of psychotherapists and clinicians, particularly gynecologists, would contribute to early diagnosis and effective treatment of vulvodynia.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and severity of depression in patients with chronic viral hepatitis in Kazakhstan.","authors":"Tatyana Vasiliyevna Polukchi","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Depression is a common issue among patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Living with chronic hepatitis can create chronic stress, which is a known risk factor for developing or exacerbating depression. This stress can be related to concerns about health, the effectiveness of treatment, and the social implications of the illness. Neuropsychological scales and assessments can objectively measure the severity of depression and other mental health issues in these patients. The presence of depression was studied in 233 patients with chronic viral hepatitis, who were treated in the Infectious Disease Hospital of Shymkent and the Regional Hepatology Centre of Shymkent in the period from March 2021 to January 2022. All patients were examined using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to identify the presence of depression. Of the 233 patients with chronic viral hepatitis, 38.3% had mild depressive disorder, 2.7% of patients had scores indicating moderate depressive disorder, and 2.7% of patients were found to have major depressive disorder. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, the form of chronic viral hepatitis, higher viral load, and female gender were most strongly associated with depression. Depression is a common manifestation in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and can lead to cognitive impairments such as difficulties with concentration, memory problems, and decreased executive function. In the context of chronic hepatitis, which may already affect liver function and metabolic processes, untreated depression can exacerbate these cognitive deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards Precision ECT: A systematic review of epigenetic biomarkers in treatment-resistant depression.","authors":"Nikolaos Statharakos, Vasilios Savvidis, Taxiarchis Gravanis","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective treatments for patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD). However, the biological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects are not yet fully understood. Epigenetic regulation has recently emerged as a promising field for elucidating the molecular underpinnings of ECT response. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize existing studies investigating epigenetic biomarkers associated with ECT outcomes in human populations. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies published between January 2015 and March 2025. The review adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (1) original, peer-reviewed studies; (2) investigation of ECT-induced effects on epigenetic markers; and (3) diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Extracted data included epigenetic targets, patient characteristics, ECT parameters, and clinical outcomes. Risk of bias and heterogeneity were taken into account in the synthesis. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 498 patients with TR-MDD. Across studies, 31 promising epigenetic biomarkers were identified, including genes involved in neuroplasticity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, inflammation, immune signaling, and non-coding RNAs. DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression were the most frequently studied mechanisms. No studies to date have investigated histone modifications in human subjects undergoing ECT. This systematic review provides preliminary evidence that epigenetic mechanisms-particularly DNA methylation and miRNA expression-may play a role in modulating response to ECT in patients with TR-MDD. While these findings offer important insights for clinical stratification and precision psychiatry, they are limited by small sample sizes and methodological variability. Larger, standardized, and longitudinal studies are needed to validate these initial findings and support translational applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of psychosocial well-being, psychological distress, and financial burden in patients with chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis.","authors":"Niha Fathima Imthiaz, Spandana P Hegde, Shashwath Sathyanath, Manjunath M Shenoy, Malcolm Pinto, Ashmiya Razak","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2025.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic dermatophytosis, a persistent fungal infection lasting over six months, is a significant public health concern. The study examines the psychosocial well-being, psychological distress, and financial burden experienced by patients with chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis. A hospital-based cross-sectional design was employed, enrolling 316 patients from a tertiary care dermatology outpatient department in South India over six months. Participants completed questionnaires of quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, DLQI), financial burden (Financial Burden and Worry questionnaire, FBW), and psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Findings revealed a substantial impact on the quality of life, with 71.6% of participants reporting a very large effect as per DLQI scores. Factors such as itching, embarrassment, and daily routine disturbances were significantly associated with higher DLQI scores. Financial challenges were prominent, with 56.6% of participants delaying treatment due to financial constraints and 30.7% reducing overall expenses. The economic burden was further evident as 26.2% used savings, 12.9% borrowed money, and 16.1% reduced essential healthcare spending for other family members. Psychological distress was significant, with 31.6% and 29.7% of participants showing abnormal anxiety and depression scores, respectively, on HADS. A strong positive correlation was observed between DLQI scores, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the interdependence between disease severity and mental health. This study underscores the need for a holistic approach to managing chronic dermatophytosis, addressing not only medical but also psychosocial and financial aspects. Integrating affordable treatment options, public health awareness campaigns, and psychological counselling can significantly alleviate the burden on affected individuals. These findings provide critical insights for clinicians and policymakers to design comprehensive care strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent advances in the detection and management of motor dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.","authors":"Chrysa Marogianni, Vasileios Siokas, Efthimios Dardiotis","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.012","DOIUrl":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.012","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by cognitive decline. However, there is growing recognition of the significant impact of motor dysfunction in individuals affected by AD. These motor impairments contribute substantially to functional decline, reduced quality of life, and increased caregiver burden in AD patients.1 Current research efforts are increasingly focused on identifying motor dysfunction as a potential early marker in the progression of AD. The temporal relationship between motor and cognitive decline is under intense investigation, with studies suggesting that subtle motor changes, such as gait and balance disturbances or slowed walking speed, may precede detectable cognitive impairment by several years.2 Specifically, research indicates that gait speed predicts a decline in processing speed and visuospatial abilities, and in ApoE4 carriers, it also predicts a memory decline.3 One study found that increased amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition is associated with reduced gait speed, muscle strength, and balance in cognitively impaired older adults.4 Emerging evidence strongly supports the inclusion of motor function assessments, particularly gait analysis, in the early detection and risk stratification of AD. This could enable earlier interventions and potentially lead to improved disease management. Technological advancements provide increasingly sophisticated non-invasive methods for detecting motor impairments in AD, potentially enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Digital tools and applications-including smartphone-based assessments and virtual reality platforms-are being explored for objective and quantitative evaluation of mobility. These digital measures offer the potential for longitudinal data collection and the detection of subtle changes in motor function over time.5 Digital biomarkers provide the advantage of frequent, objective monitoring in real-world settings, potentially capturing early motor changes that may be missed by traditional clinical evaluations.6 Nonetheless, challenges remain regarding validation, standardization, and the influence of variables such as demographics and disease stage. Wearable devices offer the potential for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of motor behavior, revealing subtle changes indicative of early AD. However, interpreting data from these devices requires careful consideration and further validation in larger studies. Additionally, recent applications of MRI, PET, and other neuroimaging techniques are being examined to detect brain changes related to motor dysfunction in AD. Advanced MRI techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), are used to assess white matter integrity along motor pathways, while molecular PET imaging can visualize amyloid and tau pathology in brain regions associated with motor control.7 Of note, tau pathology in higher motor regions has been significantly associated with cognitive decline. Ad","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":"97-100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144120689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Hypnosis: An ancient therapeutic practice revived in modern science].","authors":"Dimitrios Sakellion, Shokhrukh Sultanov, Dilmurad Irgashev, Ulugbeg Alimov, Vagioula Tsoutsi, Dimitris Dikeos","doi":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.006","DOIUrl":"10.22365/jpsych.2025.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypnosis is an externally induced alteration in consciousness as a result of suggestion. Hypnotherapy, also called clinical hypnosis, is the use of hypnosis as psychological treatment, either brief or long-term psychotherapy, for alleviating pain, inducing habit modification, and treating a range of physical and mental health problems, such as psychosomatic diseases, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality or behavior disorders. In the present article, the method for therapeutic hypnosis is presented, mainly based on the first author's experience. The method involves muscle relaxation, suggestion, and sensory deprivation, which lead the hypnotized individual to become detached from the environment, allowing them to establish a connection (\"rapport\"), meaning they have direct contact only with the hypnologist and receive instructions without any external influences. The method used by the first author is that of \"rapid\" induction of catalepsy, which starts with instructions to remain still with closed eyes. The hypnologist then takes hold of the person's limbs and moves them, stimulating the kinesthetic system responsible for the proprioceptive sense of position in space, thus leading to entering the hypnotic state. Personal characteristics that are associated with the degree of hypnotizability are also presented, as well as the levels of hypnotic state depth, potential complications of hypnosis, and its contraindications, which mainly include psychosis, especially schizophrenia with delusions of influence, and the presence of prominent histrionic personality characteristics. Use of alcohol or illegal substances is not a contraindication; it is, however, noted that, in their presence, the therapeutic effect of hypnosis is uncertain in the absence of other appropriate measures and suitable therapeutic interventions. The effects of hypnosis on the electroencephalogram (EEG) are indicative that the hypnotic state is distinct both from sleep and from full wakefulness. During hypnotic catalepsy, the EEG is characterized (compared to baseline) by an increase in delta rhythm power and an increase in the amplitude and index of theta rhythm, mainly in the temporal leads of both hemispheres. Additionally, there is significant asymmetry between the right and left hemispheres. It must be noted that hypnosis is just the tool through which hypnotherapy is applied. The latter should be only performed by clinicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists trained in psychotherapy, ensuring, thus, the therapeutic value of advice that is given to patients during the period of hypnotic suggestion.</p>","PeriodicalId":20741,"journal":{"name":"Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki","volume":" ","pages":"149-158"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143731471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}