Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a potentially effective treatment strategy for a number of mental conditions. However, no quantitative evidence synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TMS or tDCS using the same criteria including several mental conditions is available. Based on 208 RCTs identified in a systematic review, we conducted a series of random effects meta-analyses to assess the efficacy of NIBS, compared to sham, for core symptoms and cognitive functioning within a broad range of mental conditions. Outcomes included changes in core symptom severity and cognitive functioning from pre- to post-treatment. We found significant positive effects for several outcomes without significant heterogeneity including TMS for symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (SMD = −1.8 (95% CI: −2.6 to −1), and tDCS for symptoms of substance use disorder (−0.73, −1.00 to −0.46). There was also significant effects for TMS in obsessive-compulsive disorder (−0.66, −0.91 to −0.41) and unipolar depression symptoms (−0.60, −0.78 to −0.42) but with significant heterogeneity. However, subgroup analyses based on stimulation site and number of treatment sessions revealed evidence of positive effects, without significant heterogeneity, for specific TMS stimulation protocols. For neurocognitive outcomes, there was only significant evidence, without significant heterogeneity, for tDCS for improving attention (−0.3, −0.55 to −0.05) and working memory (−0.38, −0.74 to −0.03) in individuals with schizophrenia. We concluded that TMS and tDCS can benefit individuals with a variety of mental conditions, significantly improving clinical dimensions, including cognitive deficits in schizophrenia which are poorly responsive to pharmacotherapy.

No abstract

Childhood head injuries and conduct problems increase the risk of aggression and criminality and are well-known correlates. However, the direction and timing of their association and the role of their demographic risk factors remain unclear. This study investigates the bidirectional links between both from 3 to 17 years while revealing common and unique demographic risks. A total of 7,140 participants (51% female; 83.9% White ethnicity) from the Millennium Cohort Study were analysed at 6 timepoints from age 3 to 17. Conduct problems were parent-reported for ages 3 to 17 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and head injuries at ages 3 to 14. A cross-lagged path model estimated the longitudinal bidirectional effects between the two whilst salient demographic risks were modelled cumulatively at three ecological levels (child, mother, and household). Conduct problems at age 7 promoted head injuries between 7 and 11 (Z = .07; SE = .03; 95% CI, .01-.12), and head injuries then promoted conduct problems at age 14 (β = .07; SE = .03; 95% CI, .01-.12). Head injuries were associated with direct child-level risk until 7 years, whereas conduct problems were associated with direct risks from all ecological levels up until 17 years. The findings suggest a sensitive period at 7 to 11 years for the bidirectional relationship shared between head injuries and conduct problems. They suggest that demographic risks for increased head injuries play an earlier role than they do for conduct problems. Both findings have implications for intervention timing. Keywords: conduct problems; head injury; cross-lagged path model; cumulative risk index; developmental psychopathology

AimsAntipsychotic medications such as risperidone, olanzapine and aripiprazole are used to treat psychological and behavioural symptoms among dementia patients. Current evidence indicate prescription rates for antipsychotics vary and wider consensus to evaluate clinical epidemiological outcomes is limited. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of atypical antipsychotics on the mortality of patients with dementia.MethodsA retrospective clinical cohort study was developed to review United Kingdom Clinical Record Interactive Search system based data between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyse the data. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were used to assess the severity and stage of disease progression. A study specific cox proportional hazards model was developed to evaluate the relationship between survival following diagnosis and other variables.ResultsA total sample size of 1692 patients were identified using natural language processing of which, 587 were prescribed olanzapine, quetiapine, or risperidone (common group) whilst 893 (control group) were not prescribed any antipsychotics. Patients prescribed olanzapine and Risperidone showed similar risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.60; P < 0.01], (HR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.18–1.54; P < 0.001). Patients prescribed Quetiapine showed no significant association (HR = 1.09; 95%CI: 0.90–1.34; P = 0.38). Factors associated with a lower risk of death were elevated MMSE score at diagnosis (HR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.62–0.83; P < 0.001) along with other demographic factors such as women (HR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.64–0.82; P < 0.001) and being of a Caucasian British group (HR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.72–0.94; P < 0.01).ConclusionA significant mortality risk was identified among those prescribed olanzapine and risperidone which contradicts previous findings although the study designs used were different. Comprehensive research should be conducted to better assess clinical epidemiological outcomes associated with diagnosis and therapies to improve clinical management of these patients.

Childhood head injuries and conduct problems increase the risk of aggression and criminality and are well-known correlates. However, the direction and timing of their association and the role of their demographic risk factors remain unclear. This study investigates the bidirectional links between both from 3 to 17 years while revealing common and unique demographic risks. A total of 8,603 participants (50.2% female; 83% White ethnicity) from the Millennium Cohort Study were analysed at 6 timepoints from age 3 to 17. Conduct problems were parent-reported for ages 3 to 17 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and head injuries at ages 3 to 14. A cross-lagged path model estimated the longitudinal bidirectional effects between the two whilst salient demographic risks were modelled cumulatively at three ecological levels (child, mother, and household). Conduct problems at age 5 promoted head injuries between 5 and 7 (Z = 0.07; SE = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02–0.13), and head injuries at ages 7 to 11 promoted conduct problems at age 14 (ß = .0.06; SE = .0.03; 95% CI, 0.01–0.12). Head injuries were associated with direct child-level risk at age 3, whereas conduct problems were associated with direct risks from all ecological levels until 17 years. The findings suggest a sensitive period at 5–11 years for the bidirectional relationship shared between head injuries and conduct problems. They suggest that demographic risks for increased head injuries play an earlier role than they do for conduct problems. Both findings have implications for intervention timing.