{"title":"[Preventing dementia in an ageing society].","authors":"Stefanie Steininger, Franziskos Xepapadakos","doi":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The prevention of dementia syndromes is becoming increasingly important. Previous studies have shown that around 40 % of dementia risk factors are modifiable. A total of 61 factors have been described, with the highest level of evidence for 12 factors, such as cardiovascular risk factors, hearing loss and depression. Particular focus is being placed on previously underestimated risk factors such as early menopause, other mental illnesses - especially bipolar disorder - as well as herpes zoster and physical inactivity. Consistent and early treatment of these risk factors - including new antidiabetic drugs, hearing aids, treatment of mental illness, vaccinations against herpes zoster, increased social interaction and regular high-intensity physical activity - can have a positive impact on the risk of dementia. In the future, more attention and screening will be needed, particularly with regard to factors specific to women, such as early menopause. Multimodal early dementia prevention through lifestyle changes and a socially and physically active lifestyle not only reduces risk but also delays the onset of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"83 1","pages":"38-44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515512","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":"[Diagnosis and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder].","authors":"Christine Poppe","doi":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) are common and often chronic mental illnesses, characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts, ideas and impulses (obsessions) and repetitive, stereotypical behaviors (compulsions). Etiopathogenetically, OCD is explained by a complex interplay of genetics and epigenetics, neurotransmission, imbalances in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits, as well as learning mechanism and environmental factors. In ICD-11, OCD is now classified in the chapter \"Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders\", which share compulsive and impulsive behavioral patterns. This article provides diagnostic recommendations, common psychiatric comorbidities, and key differential diagnoses. In terms of psychotherapy, disorder-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention is highly effective and recommended as first-line treatment. New approaches describe intensified and internet-based formats as well as modern developments in CBT. Pharmacologically, serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs and Clomipramin) are recommended at high dosages. Atypical antipsychotics may be used in low dosages for augmentation. For treatment-resistant cases, brain stimulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and bilateral deep brain stimulation may be considered following a careful risk-benefit analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"83 1","pages":"19-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515490","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":"[Optimisation of psychopharmacological treatment strategies by using therapeutic drug monitoring].","authors":"Michael Paulzen, Georgios Schoretsanitis","doi":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The effect of a (neuro-)psychopharmacological drug is determined by its interaction with its target structure in the brain (pharmacodynamics). A number of pharmacokinetic factors determine whether a drug is capable of reaching its site of action in a sufficient concentration. The concentration of the active compound can be significantly affected by its metabolism, which is genetically determined in each individual (known as the pharmacokinetic genotype), and by potential interactions with other prescribed drugs (known as the pharmacokinetic phenotype). For example, changes in drug metabolism inevitably lead to changes in the concentration of active compounds and thus to changes in the exposure of the drug. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a tool for individualized pharmacotherapy that helps to optimize pharmacological treatment. On the one hand, TDM helps to detect deviations from expected drug concentrations and individualize treatment by adjusting doses. On the other hand, looking at the ratio of the parent compound and its metabolite (known as the metabolic ratio) helps to identify any abnormalities or peculiarities in drug metabolism supporting dose adjustments. This article provides a clinically oriented overview of how changes in drug metabolism can lead to treatment failure and which tools can be used to optimize treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"83 1","pages":"3-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515479","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}
Benedikt Habermeyer, Michael Huber, Marc Spielmanns
{"title":"[Sleep disorders and mental health].","authors":"Benedikt Habermeyer, Michael Huber, Marc Spielmanns","doi":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sleep disorders occur in almost one out of three people and are therefore among the most common disorders that physicians encounter in their practice. They often also present in the context of mental disorders. While it was previously assumed that they were merely a symptom of mental illness, current literature emphasizes the bidirectional connection between sleep and mental disorders. Even in the most common sleep disorders, namely sleep-related breathing disorders, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome / periodic limb movement disorder, reciprocal and sometimes complex interactions between sleep and the mental health are found. A diagnostic classification is often successful based on a targeted and sleep-specific medical history and can then be efficiently narrowed down using a step-by-step diagnostic approach. Due to the bidirectional connection between sleep and mental disorders, it is crucial to also inquire about mental symptoms in sleep disorders and to consider sleep in mental disorders. If a sleep disorder occurs together with a mental disorder, it is essential to treat both disorders specifically. While nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the primary treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders, insomnia is ideally treated with cognitive behavioural therapy. Interestingly, this treatment also shows effects on the associated mental disorder. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, on the other hand, are usually treated pharmacologically, with particular attention to the association with psychotropic medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"83 1","pages":"27-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515504","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":"[Precision psychiatry: Transforming mental health care - an introduction for practitioners].","authors":"Thomas D Szucs","doi":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mental disorders are common in primary care and impose substantial societal costs. Current psychiatric care still relies largely on trial-and-error prescribing, often delaying response and increasing adverse effects. Precision psychiatry aims to shift practice toward data-driven, individualized decisions by integrating biological markers, clinical phenotypes and contextual factors. This article introduces practical tools with an emphasis on real-world use in general practice: RNA-editing blood biomarkers (the EDIT-B test) to support the differentiation of bipolar disorder from unipolar major depression; genomic approaches targeting the AVP/V1B pathway as a proxy for HPA-axis hyperactivity and as a potential companion diagnostic for V1B-receptor antagonists; and pharmacogenomics (CYP2D6/CYP2C19) to guide antidepressant selection and dosing. Additional emerging components include inflammatory markers such as hsCRP, digital phenotyping with wearables for longitudinal monitoring, and metabolomic/lipidomic signatures for stratification. Finally, key implementation issues in primary care are discussed, including training needs, workflow and EHR integration, reimbursement, and data protection/informed consent.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"83 1","pages":"45-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515483","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}
Andrea Will, Christian Wölfel, Kujtim Veseli, Marco Gelsomino, Luise Adam
{"title":"[Clinical value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of chronic wounds].","authors":"Andrea Will, Christian Wölfel, Kujtim Veseli, Marco Gelsomino, Luise Adam","doi":"10.23785/TU.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The physical and biological effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are used to treat various medical conditions, such as decompression sickness after diving accidents or in cases of gas embolism or CO-poisoning. Another, generally less well-known indication for HBOT is the use of HBOT in supporting the healing of chronic wounds. HBOT corrects tissue hypoxia, stimulates angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, reduces environmental oedema and has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. Various clinical studies have shown a positive effect of HBOT on wound healing, particularly in diabetic foot syndrome. Nevertheless, the indication for HBOT in wound healing disorders is not conclusively clarified for all forms of chronic wounds, which is partly due to the heterogeneity of the existing data. Barriers in application include potentially long treatment protocols and the distance to the nearest pressure chamber.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"82 6","pages":"185-191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020119","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}
Dinah Hertig, Vincent Grunder, Michael Furian, Laura Mayer, Silvia Ulrich, Mona Lichtblau
{"title":"[High-altitude exposure in chronic lung deseases - fundamentals, current evidence, and practical recommendations].","authors":"Dinah Hertig, Vincent Grunder, Michael Furian, Laura Mayer, Silvia Ulrich, Mona Lichtblau","doi":"10.23785TU.2025.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.23785TU.2025.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Staying at moderate to high altitudes leads to hypobaric hypoxia due to the reduced atmospheric oxygen partial pressure, which can have clinically relevant effects in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. This article summarizes current findings on altitude exposure in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary vascular diseases (PVD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), interstitial lung diseases (ILD), and after lung transplantation. Pre-travel counseling should include functional testing, risk assessment, and preventive strategies. With appropriate preparation, altitude stays can be safe for many affected individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"82 6","pages":"197-201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020123","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}
Kay von Grünigen, Silvia Ulrich, Mona Lichtblau, Laura Mayer, Michael Furian
{"title":"[Overview of the most important (patho)physiological mechanisms of high-altitude acclimatization in healthy individuals].","authors":"Kay von Grünigen, Silvia Ulrich, Mona Lichtblau, Laura Mayer, Michael Furian","doi":"10.23785/TU.2025.06.006","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2025.06.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>More and more people are spending time at high altitudes, either recreationally or permanently. As altitude increases, the partial pressure of inspired oxygen decreases, leading to hypobaric hypoxia and triggering a wide range of physiological adaptations. This article discusses the most relevant (patho)physiological acclimatization effects at high altitudes in healthy subjects. Hypobaric hypoxia primarily affects respiration, circulation, blood, as well as sleep and brain function. Respiration responds immediately with increased ventilation (hypoxic ventilatory response), reducing CO₂ levels and causing respiratory alkalosis, which is later compensated renally. Above approximately 2500 m, periodic breathing often occurs, disrupting sleep. Cardiac output initially rises due to an increased heart rate but decreases later as stroke volume declines. Plasma volume contracts rapidly, raising hematocrit and increasing blood viscosity. In the long term, erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production, enhancing oxygen transport capacity. Physical performance begins to decline linearly from around 1500 m, and maximum oxygen uptake remains limited despite acclimatization.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"82 6","pages":"202-208"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020125","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":"[Hypoxia in aviation: list of possible causes].","authors":"Basil Kopp, Denis Bron","doi":"10.23785/TU.2025.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.23785/TU.2025.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hypoxia represents a major physiological challenge in aviation, often underestimated due to its subtle onset and individually variable symptoms. This article summarizes the physical basis of decreasing oxygen partial pressure with altitude and its impact on human performance. Even at moderate altitudes (2500-4000 m), cognitive functions, reaction times, and visual performance decline significantly-often without the affected person noticing. At higher altitudes, time of useful consciousness rapidly decreases, especially in cases of sudden decompression. Although the body initiates compensatory mechanisms, such as hyperventilation and increased heart rate, these are limited and can lead to secondary complications. The key threat lies in the mismatch between actual impairment and perceived capability. Understanding hypoxia's mechanisms, recognizing early signs, and using oxygen systems correctly are critical to maintaining flight safety across all aviation sectors.</p>","PeriodicalId":44874,"journal":{"name":"THERAPEUTISCHE UMSCHAU","volume":"82 6","pages":"192-196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020109","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}