Neuro endocrinology letters最新文献

{"title":"Delayed peripheral nerve rehabilitation in aquaporin-3 deficiency in mouse models of sciatic nerve contusion.","authors":"Jie Wang, Sixuan Li, Hong Huang, Yixuan Wang, Miao Li","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) water channels are belonging to the aquaporin water channel family, permeable not only to water but also to some small solutes such as glycerol and lactate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible functions of AQP3 in peripheral nerve rehabilitation based on AQP3-deficient mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mature 8-week-old female AQP3-deficient (AQP3-/-) mice and C57BL/6 (WT) mice initially weighing 25~30 g were used in this study. Schwann cells were isolated from sciatic nerves of WT and AQP3-/- mice respectively. AQP3 mRNA and protein expression in sciatic nerve tissues and Schwann cells were detected by RT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. Sciatic nerve cross sections from the WT and AQP3-/- mice were stained by toluidine-blue agent to identify the potential influence of AQP3 deficiency to the morphology nerve fibers. The proliferation and migration ability of AQP3-/- and WT Schwann cells were observed in primary cell cultures. To explore the possible role of AQP3 in nerve repair processes, sciatic nerve contusion models were established and walking track analysis was performed on both WT and AQP3-/- mice.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AQP3 was localized in the membrane of Schwann cells. AQP3-deficiency did not alter the morphology of fibers in the sciatic nerve. There was an increase of AQP3 protein expression in the sciatic nerve of wild-type mice after injury. Primary culture of Schwann cells and in vitro wound healing model revealed that AQP3-deficient Schwann cells exhibited the same morphology, while showing lower proliferation and migration ability compared with wild-type Schwann cells. There was obvious delay in motor function rehabilitation in AQP3-deficient mice compared with that of wild-type mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study suggested that AQP3 localized in the membrane of Schwann cells and facilitated Schwann cells' proliferation and migration. AQP3 deficiency impaired nerve rehabilitation in wound healing model both in vitro and in vivo. The study support our hypothesis that AQP3 participates in myelin damnification and repair course and the mechanisms underlying the AQP3 in the field of myelin repair and regeneration in peripheral nerves deserves further investigation and exploration in detail.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"46 1","pages":"49-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144002250","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":"Autophagy-mediated regulation of psoriasis biomarkers by Dead Sea and magnetized saline waters: An in vitro study.","authors":"Piercarlo Minoretti, Enzo Emanuele, Celia García-Chico, Kayvan Khoramipour, Alejandro Santos-Lozano, Eugenia V Di Brizzi, Simone Lista","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dysregulated autophagy is linked to abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and persistent psoriatic inflammation. Smart fluids, such as Dead Sea Water (DSW) and saline magnetized water (MW), have emerged as potential non-pharmacological autophagy activators. This study evaluates their effects on psoriasis-like keratinocytes, focusing on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide involved in pruritus and inflammation, and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4), whose reduced expression contributes to epidermal hyperplasia. The role of autophagy in mediating these effects was also investigated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Polycytokine-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes were treated with DSW or saline MW. CGRP and SFRP4 expression levels were assessed alongside autophagy markers beclin-1 and LC3B. The involvement of autophagy was confirmed using wortmannin, an autophagy inhibitor.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both DSW (4.7 ± 1.9 a.u.) and saline MW (3.6 ± 1.6 a.u.) significantly reduced CGRP expression compared to controls (non-magnetized saline: 7.5 ± 2.3 a.u.; distilled water: 7.6 ± 2.5 a.u.; all p< 0.001). While both fluids enhanced SFRP4 expression equally (p = 0.78), saline MW showed superior CGRP inhibition (p< 0.001). Both fluids mitigated polycytokine-induced reductions in beclin-1 and LC3B levels (all p< 0.001), with saline MW showing more pronounced effects (p< 0.05). Wortmannin impaired the effects of both fluids on CGRP and SFRP4, indicating autophagy mediation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DSW and saline MW show promise as sustainable active ingredients for topical formulations targeting psoriatic inflammation via autophagy activation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"46 1","pages":"27-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045524","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":"Chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and anxiety symptoms due to relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis are associated with reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus and Human Herpesvirus 6.","authors":"Michael Maes, Abbas F Almulla, Elroy Vojdani, Elizabet Dzhambazova, Drozdstoj Stoyanov, Yingqian Zhang, Aristo Vojdani","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is defined by elevated IgG/IgA/IgM responses targeting Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA) and deoxyuridine-triphosphatases (dUTPases) of Human herpsesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and EBV. These responses suggest that the viruses are being replicated and reactivated. An increased prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and anxiety is associated with signs of immune activation in RRMS. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data regarding the association between viral reactivation and neuropsychiatric symptoms of RRMS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study investigated the IgG/IgA/IgM responses to EBNA, and EBV and HHV-6-dUTPases, in 58 remitted RRMS patients and 63 normal controls. The McDonald criteria were employed to establish the diagnosis of MS. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score were employed to evaluate disabilities caused by RRMS. We evaluated the scores of the Hamilton Depression (HAMD) and Anxiety (HAMA) Rating Scales, and Fibro-Fatigue (FF) scale. One latent construct was extracted from the EDSS, MSSS, FF, HAMD, and HAMA scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We discovered that the combined effects of IgG and IgM-HHV-6-dUTPAses accounted for 63.7% of the variance in this construct. Furthermore, the total FF, HAMA, and HAMD scores were substantially associated with the IgG and IgM-HHV-6-dUTPAses, accounting for approximately 38.7% to 51.0% of the variance. The three neuropsychiatric rating scale scores were also significantly correlated with IgA reactivity directed to both dUTPases and IgG/IgA/IgM to EBNA.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The reactivation and replication of HHV-6 and EBV significantly contributes to chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety due to RRMS.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"46 1","pages":"15-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048780","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 use and misuse of power in cognitive-behavioral therapy, schema therapy, and supervision.","authors":"Jan Prasko, Marija Abeltiņa, Jakub Vanek, Ilona Krone, Julius Burkauskas, Julija Gecaite-Stonciene, Alicja Juskiene, Frantisek Hodny, Milos Slepecky, Marta Zatkova, Marie Ociskova","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Power dynamics are fundamental to therapeutic and supervisory relationships in psychotherapy. In cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and schema therapy (ST), the therapist's power management can help the patient make positive changes. On the other hand, the abuse of power can undermine the patient's autonomy and worsen therapeutic outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective and ethical practice.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This article aims to explore how power and powerlessness manifest themselves in the practice of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and schema therapy (ST), analyse their impact on therapeutic and supervisory processes, identify the risk of abuse of power, and suggest strategies to support patient and supervisee autonomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The text provides a theoretical and practical analysis of the manifestations of power in therapy and supervision, illustrated with case vignettes to explain important processes. The discussion includes a comparison of CBT and ST, focusing on their respective approaches to power dynamics. Ethical principles, supervision practices, and cultural and institutional influences are also examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Effective use of power in therapy and supervision increases trust, cooperation, and autonomy for both client and supervisee. In CBT therapy and supervision, collaboration with an appropriate power distribution between therapist and patient or supervisor and supervisee promotes patient or supervisee engagement. Still, excessive directiveness can sometimes threaten the relationship. In ST, where limited reparenting is the main vehicle for the therapeutic and supervisory relationship, therapeutic and supervisory leadership requires increased sensitivity by the therapist or supervisor to avoid reinforcing maladaptive modes. Supervisory approaches that rely on collaborative approaches are more supportive of professional growth than those dominated by hierarchical power structures.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Reflection on power dynamics is vital in cognitive-behavioural and schema therapy for maintaining ethical and effective therapeutic and supervisory relationships. Strategies that help maintain a balance of power include adherence to ethical principles, self-reflection, and regular supervision. Future research should focus on developing innovative methods to capture solutions to power distribution issues in therapy and supervision.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"46 1","pages":"33-48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059150","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":"Antibody reactivity in cerebrospinal fluid and serum against the insulin-insulin-like growth factor 2 (INS-IGF2) protein is associated with psychotic symptomatology in patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis.","authors":"Kristina Melkersson","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Evidence has accumulated that an autoimmune-mediated process may underlie development of schizophrenia, and in two recent studies, we found increased antibody reactivity against the insulin receptor-A (INSR-A) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and their ligands (insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/ or serum from patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis. The aim of this study was to analyze antibody reactivity in schizophrenia against the insulin-insulin-like growth factor 2 (INS-IGF2) protein, which hypothetically also may be a ligand to INSR-A and IGF1R and involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis and controls were analyzed regarding antibody reactivity against INS-IGF2 in CSF (n = 12/ n = 11) and serum (n = 17/ n = 11), using bead-based antigen arrays of one protein fragment and 24 peptides of this protein. Additionally, the patients were assessed for clinical symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significantly higher antibody reactivity against the peptides 11 and 12 was found in patients in partial than full symptom remission. Patients' antibody reactivity against the peptides 5, 11 and 12 correlated positively to their PANSS scores of positive symptoms. Furthermore, significantly higher antibody reactivity against the peptides 2, 3, 10 and 22 was found in patients with, than without, heredity for diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings in this study pointed that the INS-IGF2 protein may be present in the CNS and involved in the autoimmune-mediated process underlying the development of schizophrenia.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"46 1","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060709","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":"Analysis of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor expressions after hand therapy treatment in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy .","authors":"Akiko Sasaki, Ryosuke Shinouchi, Koji Nobe, Yuji Kiuchi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We aimed to investigate the effect of hand therapy (HT) on oxytocin and oxytocin receptor expression in a chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) model mouse.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>CIPN model mouse was induced by intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel (PTX; 4 mg/kg) on days 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the study. HT was performed on the CIPN mice once daily for 14 consecutive days, starting on day 8 after the PTX injection. Following HT,we observed the oxytocin and oxytocin receptor expressions in the skin and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and assessed the oxytocin in the serum.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Oxytocin expressions in the skin and DRG significantly increased in the PTX + HT group compared to that in the Non-PTX and PTX groups. Additionally, oxytocin receptor expressions in the skin and DRG significantly increased in the PTX + HT group compared to that in the PTX group. Furthermore, the PTX + HT group showed significantly higher serum oxytocin concentration than the Non-PTX and PTX groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study showed that HT reversed PTX-induced suppression of oxytocin receptor expressions and HT increased oxytocin expression locally and its systemic level. Such results connect the gap and previous suggestions that HT improving neurological symptoms are related to oxytocin levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"45 7-8","pages":"504-509"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908052","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 retrospective observational clinical study of triple negative breast cancer cases treated with Di Bella Method: A preliminary data.","authors":"Giuseppe Di Bella, Ilaria Moscato, Elena Costanzo, Giovanni Di Giorgi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a distinct subtype of breast cancer that has a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective therapeutic agents. Since a significant proportion of human surgical samples of TNBC expressed mRNA for the growth hormone (GH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors, and the mitogenic proliferative activity of GH, GHRH, and GnRH, have been identified as effective therapeutic targets for somatostatin and its analogs and GnRH analogs, Di Bella Method (DBM), a combination of hormonal analogs and vitamins, was introduced to target and inhibit solid tumors. The present study aimed to improve the prognosis of women with TNBC using DBM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study was done on women with TNBC who were diagnosed based on histology, nuclear grade, and immunohistochemical testing for estrogen receptor, HER2/neu, and progesterone receptor. Patients were either treated with standard oncology protocol, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy plus DBM, or with DBM alone. The DBM included a daily combination of somatostatin, octreotide, melatonin, retinoids solubilized in alpha tocopheryl acetate, dopaminergic agonists, bromocriptine, cabergoline, aromatase inhibitors for anti-estrogen function, and low metronomic doses of cyclophosphamide.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, 35 patients were enrolled, and their survival was monitored for 5 years during which they received DBM and standard chemotherapy/radiotherapy protocol. These patients had a survival rate of 64% at 5 years, 76% at 3 years, 87% at 2 years, and 100% after 1 year of therapy. On the other hand, 13 patients who received only DBM had a survival rate of 60% at 5 years, 67% at 3 years, 75% at 2 years and 100% after 1 year of therapy. None of the patients had significant adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Compared to published clinical trials, the DBM improved the prognosis of women with TNBC. However, more standardized clinical trials, including DBM with and without standard therapeutic protocols for TNBC, are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"45 7-8","pages":"510-522"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908054","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":"Endogenous melatonin and impulsivity in humans.","authors":"Misa Kurihara, Hideki Ohira","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine the relationship between salivary melatonin levels and impulsivity in humans, as the literature has not examined this relationship in healthy individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We recruited 75 participants aged 18-55 years, measuring their salivary melatonin concentrations using an enzyme immunoassay and their impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants' salivary melatonin levels were positively correlated with impulsivity. With regard to the three main factors of the BIS, melatonin levels were positively correlated with attentional impulsiveness but not with motor impulsiveness or non-planning impulsiveness. Of the six subfactors assessed by the BIS, melatonin levels were positively correlated with attention, motor, and cognitive instability, while negatively correlated with perseverance. They were not correlated with self-control or cognitive complexity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Individuals exhibiting high melatonin levels are more likely to have impulsive attention and cognitive instability, in addition to lacking perseverance.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"45 7-8","pages":"427-432"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908008","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":"Glycated hemoglobin A1c and cognitive impairment in complex chronic patients: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jindan Zhang, Yuqing Song, Shuai Xu, Duo Zhang, Le Chen, Xiaotu Zhang, Zihan Qu, Hongshi Zhang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examines the relationship between Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with complex chronic conditions, a link previously unclear.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The data from 2,366 patients in Catalonia (2013-2017) from the Dryad database. HbA1c levels were taken from clinical records, and cognitive function was assessed with ICD-10 criteria and the Pfeiffer test. We included demographic details, comorbidities, medications, and clinical data as covariates. Multivariate logistic regression was used, with subgroup analyses by age and other factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort had an average age of 84.1 ± 10 years; 46.4% were male, with an average HbA1c of 6.5 ± 1.4%. Cognitive impairment was present in 20.2% of participants. The association between HbA1c and cognitive impairment was not significant after adjusting for all variables (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91-1.08, p > 0.05). Ischemic cardiomyopathy (p = 0.008) and Barthel scores > 40 (p = 0.032) demonstrate an interaction effect on their relationship.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In the population of patients with complex chronic conditions, HbA1c did not show a statistically significant correlation with cognitive impairment, indicating that HbA1c might not be an independent predictor of cognitive decline in this group, though further research is needed to confirm this.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"45 7-8","pages":"457-467"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908145","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":"Using therapeutic letters in group schematherapy.","authors":"Jan Prasko, Julius Burkauskas, Tomas Sollar, Julija Gečaitė-Stončienė, Ilona Krone, Jakub Vaněk, Erika Jurisova, Jan Pasztor, Alicja Juskiene, Marija Abeltina, Ieva Bite, Jozef Visnovsky, Marie Ociskova","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article focuses on utilizing therapeutic letters within group schema therapy-an innovative therapeutic approach that integrates elements from various therapeutic disciplines. The primary aim is to explore how therapeutic letters can enhance the therapeutic process and support the treatment of patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To achieve this objective, we conducted a narrative literature review centred on schema therapy and using therapeutic letters as a therapeutic strategy. We systematically searched databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) using the keywords \"schema therapy,\" \"therapy letters,\" \"group,\" \"therapeutic strategies,\" and \"adult psychotherapy.\" Additionally, we gathered clinical insights from schema therapists through interviews to gain a practical perspective.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Group schema therapy primarily targets identifying and modifying early maladaptive schemas and maladaptive schema modes that originate during childhood and persist into adulthood. Within this context, therapeutic letters are an effective tool, allowing individuals to process intense emotions stemming from their formative years. Individuals complete these letters as homework assignments and then, divided into small groups, read them aloud while receiving emotional support and encouragement from their peers. This process enables individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, potentially reframe their life narratives, seek forgiveness, and ultimately progress. Various types of therapeutic letters are discussed, including the \"uncensored letter\", \"letter from the other shore\", \"letter to an adult child\", \"business card\", and \"letter from the future\".</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The article provides an in-depth overview of the techniques and exercises employed in group schema work when using letters. It also addresses potential challenges, such as difficulties with visualization, resistance to change, and trust issues.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Therapeutic letters emerge as a valuable tool in group schema therapy, enhancing the therapeutic process and supporting individual treatment. However, further research is necessary to comprehend and fully maximize their potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":94154,"journal":{"name":"Neuro endocrinology letters","volume":"45 7-8","pages":"492-503"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142908151","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}