Motion and Form Perception in Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia.

(1) Background: Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a rare type of psychotic disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, grossly disorganized behavior, and poor psychosocial functioning. The etiology of COS is unknown, but neurodevelopmental factors are likely to play a critical role. A potential neurodevelopmental anomaly marker is the dorsal visual system dysfunction, which is implicated in motion perception, spatial functions, and attention. (2) Methods: To elucidate the role of the dorsal visual system in COS, we investigated 21 patients with COS and 21 control participants matched for age, sex, education, IQ, and parental socioeconomic status. Participants completed a motion and form coherence task, during which one assesses an individual's ability to detect the direction of motion within a field of moving elements or dots and to recognize a meaningful form or object from a set of fragmented or disconnected visual elements, respectively. (3) Results: The patients with COS were impaired in both visual tasks compared to the control participants, but the evidence for the deficit was more substantial for motion perception than for form perception (form: BF10 = 27.22; motion: BF10 = 6.97 × 106). (4) Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of dorsal visual stream vulnerability in COS, a potential marker of neurodevelopmental anomalies.

[Medical support of cessation for pregnant smokers]. / Dohányzó várandósok leszokásának orvosi támogatása.

Female smokers are most likely to quit using tobacco products during pregnancy. This period is an excellent chance for the health sector to achieve dual - maternal and fetal - health benefits with the professional support of the cessation attempt. In our review, we collected the practicalities of this specific cessation support. This review is based on publications available in the PubMed database as well as domestic and international guidelines and summaries, which were selected based on their practical importance. Quitting smoking during pregnancy is really important for both the foetus and the mother. Reframing the obstetric, neonatal and pediatric complications of smoking during pregnancy positively, and focusing on the benefits of quitting are recommended. Minimal intervention is advised to be complemented with counselling relating to the gestational age, referral to specialised care service and cessation support for the pregnant mother's partner. Non-pharmacological support is the primary recommended therapy for pregnant smokers. If it is not possible, or is unsatisfactory, the use of nicotine replacement therapy may be reasonable. Nicotine replacement therapy for pregnant smokers differs from the general nicotine replacement treatments in the following: use of oral formulations over transdermal nicotine intake; more cautious titration period; shorter treatment duration. Using behaviour interventions is also advised to support smoking cessation during pregnancy. The emphasis is on stress management, emotion regulation, behavioural and biological feedback, self-reward and use of external incentives. These methods are based on the cognitive behavioural therapy model and motivational interviewing techniques. Practical examples are presented in this summary. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(30): 1194-1203.

Mentalization, Oxytocin, and Cortisol in the General Population.

Although evidence suggests the role of oxytocin and cortisol in social cognition and emotion regulation, it is less known how their peripheral levels are related to social perception (biological motion detection) and mentalization (self-reflection, emotional awareness, and affect regulation) in the general population. We assessed 150 healthy individuals from the general community on a mentalization questionnaire, a scale measuring the intensity of positive and negative emotions, and measured oxytocin and cortisol levels in the saliva. Oxytocin but not cortisol level and biological motion detection predicted mentalization abilities. There was a positive correlation between mentalization and positive emotions and between mentalization and biological motion detection. These results suggest that oxytocin, but not cortisol, plays a role in low-level perceptual and self-reflective aspects of social cognition.

[How can subjects be objectified? - or a critical overwiev of the concept of personality disorders appearing in the new classificational systems].

The development of the new diagnostic systems (DSM-5; ICD-11) once again generated an interesting discussion around the personality disorders. In this paper we first review the historical traditions, than we examine and compare the new diagnostic suggestions appearing in DSM-5 and ICD-11. Our main goal is to help with the under standing of the new dimensional models and to clarify the questions that arose during the creation of these models. Although the DSM-5 keeps the classic categorical system, it also proposes a hybrid dimensional-categorical diagnostic alternative. Within the hybrid model, the first step is to investigate the impairment of the personality by evaluating the damages to the self and the interpersonal functions. The next step is to form categories along the Big-Five traits. The constellation of the impaired traits dimensions creates the final categories. ICD-11 broke up with the category approach and moved on with the hybrid proposal of DSM-5. Here the first step is to determine the severity of the personality disorder. After that the personality disorder can be specified by a new code. This system does not use the dimensions of the intact personality traits (Big-Five), but the dimensions emerging from the factor analysis of personality disorders. Since in ICD-11 the borderline diagnostic possibility appears in addition to the dimensions, in the last part of the study we review the critical, scientific data of this specific borderline syndrome and its therapy.

Female Sexual Dysfunction in Association with Sexual History, Sexual Abuse and Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hungary.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has a negative impact on women's quality of life, self-esteem, and physical health. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence and the factors associated with FSD using an online questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among young adults (18-35 years old) in Hungary using the DSM-5 criteria. The participants (n = 5942) were divided into three major groups: FSD (20.3%), an intermediate group (43.9%), and a control group (35.6%). Most of the women showing FSD were affected with female orgasmic disorder (9.2%) and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (4.6%), while female sexual interest/arousal disorder was found in altogether 100 women (1.7%); 4.8% of women were affected by more than one definite disorder. The occurrence of female sexual dysfunction was related to the women's previous sexual history (first sexual experience, sexual education, early encounter with pornographic content, and sexual abuse), their self-satisfaction (with their own body, genitalia, and sexual attraction), and their sexual orientation. Sexual dysfunction showed a strong association with abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and self-esteem. The present study identified the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and other health conditions, which can be the basis for some form of screening and early assistance programs for FSD.

How to Avoid Lower Priority for Smoking Cessation Support Content on Facebook: An Analysis of Engagement Bait.

Facebook demotes "engagement bait" content that makes people interact. As a result of this sanctioning, public health content can reach fewer Facebook users. This study aims to determine the negative effect of engagement bait and find alternative techniques. In a three-year period, 791 smoking cessation support content was included (n = 791). The Facebook posts were classified into "engagement bait", "alternative techniques" and control groups. Facebook metrics were compared between the study and control groups. The reach of Facebook page fans was significantly lower in the engagement bait group compared to the control group. On the other hand, the alternative techniques had a significantly lower rate of negative Facebook interactions, as well as significantly higher click rates compared to the control group. This is the first study to reveal the sanctioning of engagement bait on smoking cessation support Facebook posts. "Engagement bait" content has a lower ranking on the Facebook Fans' Newsfeed page. Nevertheless, alternative techniques can circumvent the restrictions on engagement bait. At the same time, alternative techniques can stimulate the click rate and inhibit the rate of negative interactions.

[The role of socialisation in psychosexual development].

INTRODUCTION: In the recent research and interpretation of the genetical-biological and environmental-social factors shaping psychosexual development, in addition to scientific arguments, more and more ideological and political aspect have received unfortunate emphasis. OBJECTIVE: Since the literature investigating the development of gender identity and gender orientation has not only increased, but also polarized, it is timely to look at the scientific exchange of ideas and debates among the differing positions. METHOD: Exploring the significance of genetic, biological and social factors involved in the development of gender identity and gender orientation based on international literature data. RESULTS: Based on the current state of science it can be concluded that, in addition to the indisputably marked genetic-biological factors, education and social patterns, as well as the extremely complex environmental and media-related influence with its variable intensity and diverse emotional content also play a significant role in the psychosexual development. This is supported, among other observations, by the data indicating that homoerotic behavior is more common in people raised by same-sex couples. CONCLUSION: As psychosexual development is determined jointly by both genetic-biological and social factors (like education, media etc), belonging to a sexual minority group is not a choice, not the result of a personal decision. Therefore, any kind of discrimination in this regard is unacceptable. Further scientific studies are necessary to answer a large number of questions that still remain open.

Smokers' Engagement Behavior on Facebook: Verbalizing and Visual Expressing the Smoking Cessation Process.

The "processes of change" and "motivational language" are common in smoker Facebook users' comments under smoking cessation support contents. Smokers can combine this verbalization of the smoking cessation process with visual expression when they use comments and Facebook reactions at the same time. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between processes of change, motivational language, and the Facebook reaction buttons. A total of 821 smokers' comments were analyzed in the current study (n = 821), which responded to image-based smoking cessation support contents. The processes of change and the motivational language used in the investigated comments were identified. These linguistic categories were compared with the usage of reaction buttons. The Facebook users who used the "Haha" reaction button wrote a significantly higher proportion of sustain talk than those who used the "Like" or "Love" reaction buttons. The Facebook users who combined the comment and "Love" reaction wrote significantly more change talk than those who did not utilize these buttons. We suggest that the "Haha" reaction may be a negative indicator, the "Like" reaction may be a neutral indicator, and the "Love" reaction may be a positive engagement indicator in terms of the smoking cessation process during Facebook-based interventions. These results may highlight how to evaluate Facebook reactions relating to smoking cessation support contents.

Actualities in first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation support / A dohányzásleszokás-támogatás elso vonalbeli gyógyszeres terápiájának aktualitásai.

Összefoglaló. A dohányzás jelenleg is az egyik legjelentosebb népegészségügyi probléma hazánkban. Az orvosi szakterületek többségében elokerül a dohányzásleszokás-támogatás kérdése. Ezért az orvostársadalom számára az aktuális gyógyszeres terápiás ismeretek összefoglalása hasznos lehet. A jelen közleményben a leszokástámogatás elsodlegesen választandó gyógyszeres terápiáját tekintjük át a legújabb összefoglalók és irányelvek szerint. A gyógyszeres lehetoségek közül jelenleg a vareniklin és a nikotinpótló terápia választandó elsoként, nemcsak a leszokás, hanem az ártalomcsökkentés tekintetében is. A legújabb kutatási eredmények szerint a kis dózisú vareniklin hatékonysága megközelíti a standard adagolás hatékonyságát, ugyanakkor kevesebb mellékhatás jelentkezik. A nikotinpótló kezeléssel kapcsolatban ki kell emelni, hogy egyre több tudományos evidencia áll a transdermalis és oralis készítmények kombinálása mellett, szemben a monoterápiával. A kis dózisú vareniklin, illetve a nikotinpótló terápia akkor is segítséget nyújt a naponta elszívott cigaretták mérséklésében, ha a kliens nem kíván leszokni, de a dohányzás ártalmait csökkentené. A nikotinerg rendszeren kívül más módon ható gyógyszerek szerepe is felmerült. Egyre több összefoglaló támogatja az antidepresszívumok használatát a nikotinfüggoség kezelésében. Ezek közül a bupropion használatával kapcsolatban van a legtöbb adat, amelyrol tudjuk, hogy kombinálható a nikotinpótló terápiával és a vareniklinnel is. A gyógyszeres terápiát minden esetben tanácsos magatartásorvoslási módszerekkel, illetve adherenciát fokozó intervenciókkal kombinálni. Ezenkívül a szakellátási szint bevonása is javasolt, hogy a leheto legtöbb segítséget kapja meg a páciens a leszokáshoz. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(40): 1610-1618. Summary. Smoking is still one of the most significant public health problems in Hungary. The issue of smoking cessation support comes up in most medical specialties. Therefore, a summary of the current pharmacotherapeutic knowledge may prove useful to the medical community. In this paper, we review the first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation based on the latest summaries and guidelines. Regarding the smoking cessation agents, varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy are currently the primary choice, not only in terms of cessation but also in terms of harm reduction. The results of previous studies suggest that the efficacy of low dose varenicline is close to that of standard dosing, with fewer side effects. With regard to nicotine replacement therapy, it should be emphasized that there is an increasing scientific evidence for the combination of transdermal and oral formulations as opposed to monotherapy. Low dose varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy also help reduce the number of cigarettes smoked daily if the client does not want to quit but would reduce the harms of smoking. The role of medications acting in other ways than the nicotinergic system has also emerged. An increasing number of reviews support the use of antidepressants in the treatment of nicotine addiction. Of these, most data are available on the use of bupropion, which is known to be combined with nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline. In all cases, it is advisable to combine pharmacotherapy with behavioral therapy as well as interventions that increase adherence. In addition, it is also recommended to include specific therapeutic interventions in order to get as much help as possible for the patient to quit smoking. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(40): 1610-1618.

Facebook Users' Interactions, Organic Reach, and Engagement in a Smoking Cessation Intervention: Content Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Facebook can be a suitable platform for public health interventions. Facebook users can express their reaction to the given social media content in many ways using interaction buttons. The analysis of these interactions can be advantageous in increasing reach and engagement of public health interventions. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed at understanding how Facebook users' interactions correlate with organic reach and engagement regarding the same smoking cessation support contents. METHODS: The study population consisted of Facebook users who were reached by a public smoking cessation support page without advertising. We included 1025 nonpaid Facebook posts (N=1025) which used smoking cessation strategies based on a motivational interviewing counseling style. The following data were collected from the "Post Details": the number of people who saw the given nonpaid content (organic reach) which consisted of fan and nonfan reach according to previous "page like" activity; each rate of "engagement indicators" (such as the symbols of "like," "love," "haha," "wow," "sad," "angry"; or other interactions: "shares," "comments," "clicks"); and the rate of negative Facebook interactions (eg, "post hides" or "unlike of page"). Overall, these data were analyzed with the Spearman correlation method. RESULTS: Surprisingly, we found a significant negative correlation between organic reach and the "like" reaction (rs=-0.418; P<.001). The strongest significant positive correlations of organic reach were observed with the "haha" reaction (rs=0.396; P<.001), comments (rs=0.368; P<.001), and the "love" reaction (rs=0.264; P<.001). Furthermore, nonfan reach correlated positively with "shares" (rs=0.388; P<.001) and clicks (rs=0.135; P<.001), while fan reach correlated positively with the "haha" reaction (rs=0.457; P<.001), comments (rs=0.393; P<.001), and the "love" reaction (rs=0.310; P<.001). Contrary to expectations, the "like" reaction was sharply separated by significant negative correlations from "wow" (rs=-0.077; P=.013), "sad" (rs=-0.120; P<.001), "angry" reactions (rs=-0.136; P<.001), and comments (rs=-0.130; P<.001). Additionally, a high rate of negative Facebook interactions was significantly associated with "wow" (rs=0.076; P=.016) and "sad" reactions (rs=0.091; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that it is possible to hypothesize a disadvantage of the "like" reaction and advantages of other interactions (eg, the "haha" reaction or "comments") in content algorithmic ranking on Facebook. In addition, the correlational analysis revealed a need of a further categorization to fan-specific interactions (eg, "haha" or "love" reactions) and nonfan-specific interactions (eg, "shares" and "clicks"). Regarding the direction of the correlations, these findings suggest that some interactions (eg, negative Facebook interactions, "wow," "sad," and "angry" reactions) may decrease the engagement, while other interactions ("like," "love," "haha" reactions, "shares," and "clicks") may increase the engagement during Facebook-based smoking cessation interventions. This hypothesis-generating research offers an important insight into the relationship between organic reach, engagement, and Facebook users' interactions for public health professionals who design Facebook-based interventions.

Doctor-patient communication training with simulated patient during the coronavirus pandemic / Orvos-beteg kommunikációs gyakorlat szimulált pácienssel a koronavírus-járvány idején. (A COVID-19-pandémia orvosszakmai kérdései)

INTRODUCTION: During the state of emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Doctor-patient communication training for medical students at the University of Szeged was moved online. The training is based on the method of video analysis, involving simulated patients, making online implementation extremely challenging. AIM: The study aims to present our experiences with the online training and to analyse the students' evaluations. METHOD: We used the free version of Zoom for small groups of five students, a trainer and a simulated patient. All students participated in a situation that we recorded. The viewing of the recordings was followed by group discussion. Then, the students evaluated the course using an online questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS: 74.4% of the students (n = 64) completed the questionnaire. 78.1-100% of them gave a good (4) or excellent (5) evaluation for the questions. The highest average score (4.95 ± 0.21) was given to the professionalism of the trainers, the lowest was given to the choice of topic of the theoretical part (4.06 ± 1.02). The majority of the students were satisfied with the course, they would be happy to attend it again; however, in-person learning still seems to be the preferred option. CONCLUSION: The online practice was a success. In many ways, it proved to be an adequate replacement for the traditional form. The students evaluated the training similarly to those of previous years. The lack of personal contact is a limiting factor, thus, online practice should not be seen as an alternative to personal communication trainings; however, as an independent form of training, it can make a significant contribution to effective, modern education. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(33): 1355-1362.

Christianity and Schizophrenia Redux: An Empirical Study.

This paper explores the relationship among schizophrenia, spirituality, and Christian religiosity. We interviewed 120 patients with schizophrenia and 120 control individuals (74.2 % of individuals with self-reported Christian religions). Patients with schizophrenia showed increases in positive spirituality and decreases in positive congregational support, as measured by the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality. There was no significant difference in Christian religiosity. Higher positive spirituality was predicted by more severe self-disorder, perceptual disorder, and positive clinical symptoms. Schizophrenia patients with religious delusions did not exhibit enhanced Christian beliefs and rituals. These results do not confirm the hypothesis of general hyper-religiosity in schizophrenia.

[Dimensions of mentalization in psychotic disorders]. / A mentalizáció dimenziói pszichotikus zavarokban.

The clinical assessment of mentalization became one of the most important issues in clinical psychology and psychiatry. Despite extensive research efforts, the exact definition, classification, and evaluation of mentalization is unresolved, especially in psychotic disorders. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the factor structure of the Mentalization Questionnaire. In addition, we investigated the relationship between the dimensions of mentalization and the positive, negative, and general symptoms of psychotic disorders, as well as potential associations with antipsychotic medications. We recruited two independent samples: the first consisted of 94 individuals (schizophrenia, n=63; schizoaffective disorder, n=21; psychotic bipolar disorder, n=10), and the second included 75 patients (schizophrenia, n=60; schizoaffective disorder, n=10; psychotic bipolar disorder, n=5). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed four dimensions in both samples: self-reflection, emotional awareness, psychic equivalence, and affective regulation. The two samples did not differ in Mentalization Questionnaire scores. The severity of negative symptoms significantly correlated with weak self-reflection. The dose of first- and second-generation antipsychotics was not associated with mentalization. In summary, the questionnaire is suitable for the measurement of mentalization in psychotic disorders. Mentalization is not a unitary phenomenon: its four psychometric components were differentially associated with clinical symptoms, but not with antipsychotic medications.

[Tobacco reduction on Facebook among 14-35-year-olds]. / A dohányzás visszaszorítása a Facebook segítségével a 14­35 éves korosztály körében.

INTRODUCTION: The possibility of successful smoking cessation is increased by early initiation. Therefore, promoting smoking cessation at early age (especially among 14-35-year-olds) has a key role in reducing tobacco use prevalence. Facebook is one of the most popular websites among adolescents and young adults which can be used for age-specific smoking cessation support. AIM: Our research seeks to reveal the effects of a Facebook page on smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes among 14-35-year-olds. METHOD: An online survey was conducted among the 3278 followers of the author's Facebook page. The questionnaire was completed by 332 people among 14-35-year-olds. We analysed demographic data, smoking habits, the usage frequency and duration of the Facebook page as well as changes in smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes. RESULTS: The average age was 22.57 ± 5.08 years. The examined population consisted of 65% currently smokers, 12% former smokers and 23% non-smokers. Significantly more people reported a positive change in their smoking habits and smoking cessation attitudes among smokers who used the Facebook page more frequently and with longer duration (p<0.05). The habit and attitude changes were significantly higher among smokers who plan to quit smoking (p<0.01). Nevertheless, we also observed attitude changes between 12-25% among smokers who did not plan to quit. Among non-smokers, the positive attitude changes were significantly higher in the low-educated population who live in villages (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This Facebook page had a positive effect on smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes among 14-35-year-olds. The contents of the Facebook page could be used to prevent smoking and support smoking cessation among 14-35-year-olds. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(6): 220-227.

[Interventions in medical practice to reduce tobacco use among adolescents]. / Intervenciók az orvosi gyakorlatban a serdülokori dohányzás visszaszorítására.

Interventions to facilitate prevention of tobacco use and smoking cessation are the most cost-effective health care measures. They are invaluable among adolescents, since adult smokers start smoking in adolescence. There is evidence that early smoking initiation makes cessation difficult and it is associated with lifelong health risks. Our study aims at reviewing current approaches and interventions that can help health care professionals involved in paediatric care to reduce tobacco use in adolescence. International guidelines include short, practical interventions that are easy to apply by health care professionals in the primary and paediatric care. In tobacco use prevention, the role of health care professionals is of special importance. They have social respect, therefore they can provide credible information on tobacco use and cessation. Studies have found that short, goal-oriented counselling can further reduce the prevalence of smoking among adolescents presenting to their health care professional. Reduction of tobacco use is one of the primary health care goals in the 21st century, which should be started as early as childhood and adolescence. There have been several evidence-based approaches, which are essential for health care professionals involved in adolescent care. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(15): 593-602.

[Health behavior change: motivational interviewing]. / Magatartás-változtatás az egészségügyben: a motivációs interjú.

Public health data show that early mortality in Hungary could be prevented by smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption, regular exercise, healthy diet and increased adherence. Doctor-patient encounters often highlight these aspects of health behavior. There is evidence that health behavior change is driven by internal motivation rather than external influence. This finding has led to the concept of motivational interview, which is a person-centered, goal-oriented approach to counselling. The doctor asks targeted questions to elicit the patient's motivations, strengths, internal resources, and to focus the interview around these. The quality and quantity of the patient's change talk is related to better outcomes. In addition, the interview allows the patient to express ambivalent feelings and doubts about the change. The doctor should use various communication strategies to resolve this ambivalence. Furthermore, establishing a good doctor-patient relationship is the cornerstone of the motivational interview. An optimal relationship can evoke change talk and reduce the patient's resistance, which can also result in a better outcome. The goal of the motivational interview is to focus on the 'why' to change health behavior rather than the 'how', and to utilize internal motivation instead of persuasion. This is the reason why motivational interview has become a widely-accepted evidence based approach. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(34): 1331-1337.

Erratum: Uniting the neurodevelopmental and immunological hypotheses: Neuregulin 1 receptor ErbB and Toll-like receptor activation in first-episode schizophrenia.

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.

Uniting the neurodevelopmental and immunological hypotheses: Neuregulin 1 receptor ErbB and Toll-like receptor activation in first-episode schizophrenia.

Current pathophysiological models of schizophrenia focus on neurodevelopmental and immunological mechanisms. We investigated a molecular pathway traditionally linked to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis (neuregulin 1 - ErbB), and pathogen-associated pattern recognition receptors associated with the immune hypothesis (Toll-like receptors, TLRs). We recruited 42 first-episode, drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia and 42 matched healthy control subjects. In monocytes TLR4/TLR5 and ErbB expressions were measured with flow-cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were determined following the stimulation of TLR4/TLR5 and ErbB. Results revealed increased TLR4/TLR5 and decreased ErbB4 expression in schizophrenia relative to the control subjects. The expression of ErbB2 and ErbB3 receptors was unaltered in schizophrenia. TLR4 stimulation resulted in lower pro-inflammatory cytokine production in schizophrenia compared to the control levels, whereas the stimulation of ErbB by neuregulin 1 led to higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with schizophrenia relative to the control group. In healthy controls, ErbB activation was associated with a marked production of IL-10, which was dampened in schizophrenia. These results indicate that the stimulation of TLR4 and ErbB induces opposite pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in schizophrenia.

Reduced CA2-CA3 Hippocampal Subfield Volume Is Related to Depression and Normalized by l-DOPA in Newly Diagnosed Parkinson's Disease.

Hippocampal dysfunctions may play an important role in the non-motor aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD), including depressive and cognitive symptoms. Fine structural alterations of the hippocampus and their relationship with symptoms and medication effects are unknown in newly diagnosed PD. We measured the volume of hippocampal subfields in 35 drug-naïve, newly diagnosed PD patients without cognitive impairment and 30 matched healthy control individuals. Assessments were performed when the patients did not receive medications and after a 24-week period of l-DOPA treatment. We obtained a T1-weighted 3D magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo image at each assessment. FreeSurfer v6.0 was used for image analysis. Results revealed a selectively decreased CA2-CA3 volume in non-medicated PD patients, which was normalized after the 24-week treatment period. Higher depressive symptoms were associated with smaller CA2-CA3 volumes. These results indicate that the CA2-CA3 subfield is structurally affected in the earliest stage of PD in the absence of cognitive impairment. This structural anomaly, normalized by l-DOPA, is related to depressive non-motor symptoms.