Bibi Alamiri

Bio: Bibi Alamiri is an academic researcher from Tufts University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Aripiprazole & Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 42 publications receiving 61 citations. Previous affiliations of Bibi Alamiri include Centre for Mental Health & Al Ain University of Science and Technology.

Successful Add-on Vortioxetine for an Adolescent With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Abstract: To the EditorsAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly encountered child/adolescent psychiatry disorders in clinical practice with a worldwide prevalence of circa 5%. Stimulants are first-line treatment modality in the guidelines of ADHD pharmacotherapy. Neverthele

Catatonia: A Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract: ![Figure][1] Catatonia – although regarded by many as merely of historical interest – is still instantly recognisable, and is associated with many different neurological and psychiatric disorders. It can be found in as many as one in ten acutely ill patients in psychiatric units.

Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies.

Abstract: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subset of Major Depressive Disorder which does not respond to traditional and first-line therapeutic options. There are several definitions and staging models of TRD and a consensus for each has not yet been established. However, in common for each model is the inadequate response to at least 2 trials of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of existing literature regarding the challenges and management of TRD has been compiled. A PubMed search was performed to assemble meta-analyses, trials and reviews on the topic of TRD. First, we address the confounds in the definitions and staging models of TRD, and subsequently the difficulties inherent in assessing the illness. Pharmacological augmentation strategies including lithium, triiodothyronine and second-generation antipsychotics are reviewed, as is switching of antidepressant class. Somatic therapies, including several modalities of brain stimulation (electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy and deep brain stimulation) are detailed, psychotherapeutic strategies and subsequently novel therapeutics including ketamine, psilocybin, anti-inflammatories and new directions are reviewed in this manuscript. Our review of the evidence suggests that further large-scale work is necessary to understand the appropriate treatment pathways for TRD and to prescribe effective therapeutic options for patients suffering from TRD.

Mental Health Screening for COVID-19: a Proposed Cutoff Score for the Greek Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S).

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic elicited fear. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) is a newly developed self-reported measure, originally developed in Persian to assess COVID-19-related fear. To date, the scale has been translated and validated in 19 other languages, among which Greek. This study, conducted through an online survey, aimed to further explore the validity of the Greek FCV-19S version, as well as to identify appropriate cutoff scores. A total of 538 respondents completed the sociodemographic data sheet, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-8 inventory. According to the results, a cutoff point score of 16.5 or higher revealed a significant predictive power for anxiety, health anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Altogether, although the cutoff scores of the Greek FCV-19S version were explored to further evaluate the scale's validity, they may facilitate discrimination of adults with extreme COVID-19-related fear from those with normal fear reactions.

Autoimmune encephalitis

Abstract: Autoimmune encephalitis is a recently defined heterogeneous group of disorders probably resulting from an immune reaction against neuronal antigens.The characteristic clinical features include cognitive decline,seizures and behavioral disturbances.Autoimmune encephalitis,often improved with immune-modulatory therapies,is an important cause of rapidly progressive cognitive decline and behavioral problems.The recent knowledge about the syndromes was reviewed,and the clinical manifestations,diagnosis and treatment strategy were focused. Key words: Encephalitis; Autoimmunity; Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes; NMDA receptor

Glutamate-Modulating Drugs as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Abstract: Objective Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disease commonly associated with severe distress and impairment of social functioning. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and/or cognitive behavioural therapy are the therapy of choice, however up to 40% of patients do not respond to treatment. Glutamatergic signalling has also been implicated in OCD. The aim of the current study was to review the clinical evidence for therapeutic utility of glutamate-modulating drugs as an augmentation or monotherapy in OCD patients. Methods We conducted a search of the MEDLINE database for clinical studies evaluating the effect of glutamate-modulating drugs in OCD. Results Memantine is the compound most consistently showing a positive effect as an augmentation therapy in OCD. Anti-convulsant drugs (lamotrigine, topiramate) and riluzole may also provide therapeutic benefit to some OCD patients. Finally, ketamine may be of interest due to its potential for a rapid onset of action. Conclusion Further randomized placebo-controlled trials in larger study populations are necessary in order to draw definitive conclusions on the utility of glutamate-modulating drugs in OCD. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic factors, clinical symptoms and subtypes predicting treatment response to glutamate-modulating drugs need to be investigated systematically.