Sexual dysfunction in patients with MDD treated with SSRIs - causes, measurement and prevention

Major Depressive Disorder(MDD) is serious psychiatric condition and they affect one in five people during their lifetime, the annual prevalence rates for the US population are 7.1% among adults, slightly more common among women (8.7%) than men (5.3%). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are among the pharmacological agents most commonly used in the treatment of MDD. The mechanism of action of antidepressants is not yet fully understood. Currently, it is believed that the mechanism of the so-called down-regulation, i.e. reducing the density of receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, in this case mainly 5HT2 receptors. All of the antidepressants in use today have some common side effects. The side effect that will be discussed in the broadest possible way in this paper are sexual dysfunctions appearing during the therapy. Measuring the degree to which a given substance affects the sexual function of a patient diagnosed with MDD encounters many difficulties on its way. There are currently several questionnaires enabling such an assessment, the most common are CSFQ, ASEX and SexFX. Also the major problem is Post SSRI Sexual Disfunction. A number of animal studies have proven that prolonged exposure to SSRIs leave permanent changes in the CNS, but unfortunately, similar studies have not yet been conducted in humans. The aim of this study is to present the problem of sexual dysfunction as a side effect of SSRI therapy, to present the causes and to propose a strategy to combat SSRI-induced sexual dysfunctions

Therapeutic strategy in the form of communication in the children with the autism spectrum disorders - narrative review

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by a broad range of symptoms, particularly in the areas of communication and language, which pose a therapeutic challenge for both parents and therapists.   This article, based on a review of available studies on PubMed, presents therapeutic methods based on functional communication strategies and ways to implement them as a form of treatment for children with the autism spectrum disorders.   The major goals of ASD treatment are socialization and communication skills improvement and current treatments are not based on pharmacological therapies, but on behavioral therapies. Through appropriate speech development and practical communication strategies that are based on techniques like motivating the child to create eye contact with an adult, it is possible to realize the development of proper communication. These strategies are a form of therapy and allow for the improvement of the child's communication on multiple levels and shaping the social attitudes. Incorporating suitable therapeutic communication techniques enables the development and enhancement of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders. Children with ASD benefit from appropriate communication because it helps them communicate their needs, understand the social norms, and improve their quality of life

Combination of psycho- and pharmacotherapy as a modern method of treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain, caused by the deposition of beta-amyloid and tau protein. It is characterized by progressive memory and behavior disorders which, over time, completely prevent the patient from functioning properly in everyday life, performing work and disrupting social contacts. Communication problems arise and patients forget more and more words. Unfortunately, we are not able to completely stop the progression of this disease, but we can only delay its development. To delay the progression of the disease, pharmacotherapy includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Matherials and methods: This article, based on a PubMed review of available research, examines the impact of rivastigmine, donepezil, memantine and psychotherapy on delaying disease progression. Results: A number of studies have investigated the effect of 6-12 milligrams of rivastigmine, 10 milligrams of donepezil and 20 milligrams of memantine on patients' ability to communicate. The results were checked using the MMSE, ADAS or SIB scales and interviews conducted regularly by clinicians. In addition, patients were subjected to various forms of psychotherapy, including reminiscence therapy and cognitive therapy. All groups experienced significantly less deterioration in their functional stage of disease compared to the placebo groups. Conclusions: The best results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can be obtained by combining pharmacological therapy with non-pharmacological effects. Thanks to this form of treatment, the progression of the disease is delayed, and patients retain their communication abilities for longer