Understanding the Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review of Family Therapy's Impact on Expressed Emotions in Schizophrenia Patients.

This comprehensive review examines the impact of family therapy on expressed emotions (EE) within the context of psychiatric disorders. EE, characterized by high levels of criticism, hostility, or emotional over-involvement, have been consistently linked to poorer treatment outcomes and increased severity of psychiatric symptoms. The review explores various family therapy approaches and their effectiveness in reducing high EE levels in families of psychiatric patients. It synthesizes existing literature to highlight the mechanisms underlying the changes in EE, such as modifying communication patterns and enhancing family cohesion. Additionally, the review discusses the implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of integrating family therapy into psychiatric treatment plans and providing psychoeducation to empower families to manage emotions effectively. Future research directions are also outlined, including investigating the long-term sustainability of changes brought about by family therapy and exploring cultural considerations in therapeutic approaches. Overall, the review underscores the pivotal role of family therapy in addressing EE and promoting recovery and resilience in psychiatric patients and their families.

A Bird's-Eye Perspective: An Unusual Case of Very Late-Onset Schizophrenia-Like Psychosis With Visual Hallucinations Included in Its Manifestations Versus the Dementia Prodrome.

Very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP) is still a paradox; certain characteristics such as episodic progression of psychosis including delusions and hallucinations involving various modalities, as well as the absence of negative symptoms, are strongly predictive of VLOSLP. We describe an interesting case of a 61-year-old male who presented with a second episode of psychosis along with mild to moderate cognitive impairment like having difficulty in buttoning for over eight months at our tertiary care hospital. Previously, during the first episode, he was treated by a private practitioner; adequate doses for an adequate duration of two atypical antipsychotics were given; and up to 25% global improvement was reported by the caregiver. During the current episode, he experienced delusions, in which he had a conviction that a "WIFI" was capable of "thought-making" functions. During the past four months, his delusions exacerbated and were accompanied by hallucinations of other modalities, like visual and kinesthetic hallucinations, which profoundly impacted his daily life. He used to hear voices. While listening to the voices, he also experienced voices coming out of his mouth. All these were experienced by him in clear consciousness daily for a few hours. All plausible medical causes of late-onset psychosis, such as neuroinflammatory/immunological disorders, were ruled out. Neuroimaging revealed T2-weighted image (T2WI)/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity in bilateral subcortical and periventricular deep white matter, suggestive of small vessel ischemic changes in the brain. The diagnosis of VLOSLP is completely rationalized by evidence-based medicine. Hence, the role of cerebrovascular risk factors, as well as age-related neurobiological processes, in the pathogenesis of VLOSLP is discussed. Future research ought to emphasize identifying a particular biomarker that would be highly predictive for accurately diagnosing VLOSLP and giving it an identity to separate it from various overlapping clinical conditions such as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and other types of dementia with psychosis so that the patient can be given specific treatment.

Journey of Marijuana From "Folk Tales" to "Doors of Justice": A Comprehensive Review.

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate journey of marijuana in India, tracing its historical and cultural significance from ancient times to the present day. Despite its deep-rooted presence in religious rituals, traditional medicine, and cultural festivities, marijuana faces stringent prohibition under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. This review critically examines the current legal framework, highlighting its societal impacts and limitations. Through an evidence-based analysis, it advocates for a reevaluation of marijuana laws to align with contemporary realities, promoting public health, social equity, and economic development. By envisioning a future of evidence-based regulation and innovation, India can unlock the full potential of marijuana as a "miracle crop" for the betterment of its people and society.

Bridging the Gap: A Holistic View of Personality Factors in Individuals With and Without Alcohol Use.

This comprehensive review examines the intricate interplay between personality factors and alcohol use, shedding light on the dynamic relationship that shapes the initiation, progression, and outcomes of alcohol-related behaviors. The exploration encompasses vital personality traits such as sensation seeking, impulsivity, neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. The bidirectional nature of this association is underscored, emphasizing how personality influences and is influenced by alcohol consumption patterns. Protective personality factors, including resilience, emotional regulation, and social support, are identified as crucial elements in mitigating the risk of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The implications for clinical practice advocate for tailored interventions that address individual personality profiles, while policy considerations highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts that acknowledge the diverse ways individuals respond to alcohol use. Furthermore, a call for future research emphasizes emerging perspectives, improved methodologies, and ongoing exploration of intervention strategies to advance our understanding of this complex relationship and refine approaches for prevention and treatment. As we navigate this evolving field, the insights gleaned hold promise for shaping more compelling and nuanced interventions to address the diverse needs of individuals affected by AUDs.

A Rare Presentation of Late-Onset Mania Following Right-Sided Lacunar Infarct.

Stroke can result in various psychiatric disorders. It is uncommon for people to experience their first episode of mania later in life, amounting to only 1% as compared to post-stroke depression, where the incidence is comparatively high. Significant attention has been paid to the study of post-stroke depression. However, reports of manic episodes following a stroke are uncommon. Just five reported cases of mania or bipolar disorder following a cerebral infarction due to damage to the left hemisphere had been published as of late 1996. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether late-onset mania has an organic or non-organic basis. There hasn't been a lot of research done in this area. In this report, we present a case of an elderly woman who presented with mania after being treated with an anti-depressant following a chronic cerebral infarction.