Patient enrollment in people of color among pivotal trials for multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis spectrum disorder (NMOSD) continues to be dismal. It is disappointing that no clinical trial sponsored by a pharmaceutical industry or otherwise, investigating any of the disease-modifying drugs, has tackled this glaring inequity head on. The disease characteristics and phenotype of MS or NMOSD among Blacks and Hispanics are typically aggressive and for this reason alone, if not for any other metric, there needs to a radical shift in allotment of funds devoted to promoting drug research in minority populations.

Early augmentation is a relatively newer concept in the management of psychiatric disorders. In managing psychiatric disorders, augmentation strategies are commonly used after failed attempts of optimization of a dose of the medications and then switching to another medication. Neuromodulation methods are recommended by traditional treatment recommendations as augmenting strategies (mostly) in managing treatment-resistant/refractory cases of psychiatric disorders. Late in the process of therapy, several of these techniques are applied to the patient. However, using different neuromodulation techniques, early augmentation of the ongoing pharmacological or psychological treatment may be achieved, resulting in early symptom reduction or remission and early return to work by resuming functionality. The length of the symptomatic cycle may be shortened by early augmentation. There are several potential challenges to adopting an early augmentation strategy in clinical practice. This article discusses the concept and evidence of early augmentation strategy in managing psychiatric disorder by using neuromodulation technique and potential challenges before it.

Cyproheptadine has a unique pharmacologic portfolio that speaks to the idea of a pluripotent molecule beyond an antiallergic agent which can expand its therapeutic potential to address a multitude of psychiatric indications. Here, authors touch on the topic with focused literature review of extant evidence.

Exploring space is one of the most attractive goals that humanity ever set, notwithstanding, there are some psychological and psychopathological risks that should be considered. Several studies identified some possible hazards of space travels and related physical and psychological consequences on astronauts. If some psychological reactions are obviously inherent to the characteristics of the spaceships (habitability, confinement, psychological, and interpersonal relationships), other (disturbances of sleep-wake cycle, personality changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosomatic symptoms, neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function, and sensory perception) represent a clear warning of possible central nervous system (CNS) alterations, possibly due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Such conditions and eventual CNS changes might compromise the success of missions and the ability to cope with unexpected events and may lead to individual and long-term impairments. Therefore, further studies are needed, perhaps, requiring the birth of a novel branch of psychology/psychiatry that should not only consider the risks related to space exploration, but the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent them.

The experiential core of the obsessive mind rests on subtle, primary mental phenomena (such as obsessions and so called “sensory phenomena”) which precede and trigger behavioral compulsions. Converging evidence supports a possible pathophysiological role for altered corollary discharge (phenotypically expressed in sensorimotor symptoms and contributing to a reduced Sense of Agency [SoA]), in the neurodevelopment of obsessions and “sensory phenomena.” In phenomenological terms, “sensory phenomena” may represent the subjective experiential resonance of an individual history of persistent inaccurate sensory predictions, whereas accompanying manifestations, such as the obsessive need for order and symmetry, may represent a compensatory attempt to mitigate “sensory phenomena” (eg, by increasing the sensory predictability of the surrounding world). Since disturbances of both SoA and Sense of Ownership have been thematized as potential pathogenetic factors in the neurodevelopment of the psychotic mind, a dimensional account of altered sensorimotor prediction may partly explain the affinities (and high comorbidity) between obsessive–compulsive disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

It is well established that migraine is a multifactorial disorder. A deep understanding of migraine should be based upon both the underlying traits and the current states affected by different physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. At this point, there is no framework fully meeting these criteria. Here, we describe a broader view of the migraine disorder defined as a dysfunctional brain state and trait interaction. In this model, we consider events that may enhance or diminish migraine responsivity based on an individual’s trait and state. This could provide an expanded view for considering how migraine attacks are sometimes precipitated by “triggers” and sometimes not, how these factors only lead to migraine attacks in migraine patients, or how individuals with an increased risk for migraine do not show any symptoms at all. Summarizing recent studies and evidence that support the concept of migraine as a brain state–trait interaction can also contribute to improving patient care by highlighting the importance of precision medicine and applying measures that are able to capture how different traits and states work together to determine migraine.

Antipsychotic medications are used in a wide range of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions in children and adolescents. Their efficacy and tolerability with long-term use have not been clearly established. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the long-term use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents. All relevant double-blind randomized control trials (RCTs), on any antipsychotic used for 12 weeks or longer in any mental health/neurodevelopmental condition in this age group, were included. We evaluated several efficacy and tolerability measures. Meta-analysis was performed for adverse events. Seven RCTs were identified (n = 939, age = 5-17 years), four on aripiprazole and three on risperidone. All studies reported symptomatic/functional improvements or more time before discontinuation with antipsychotics compared to placebo. Weight gain was identified as a significant side effect with antipsychotics. Serum prolactin was reduced with aripiprazole and increased with risperidone, and abdominal pain/discomfort, respiratory tract infections, were more common with Aripiprazole compared to placebo. Musculoskeletal pain may be more common with aripiprazole compared to placebo. Use of antipsychotics for 12 weeks or longer may be associated with symptomatic/functional improvements, but may be associated with additional side effects compared to short-term treatment. Further research in this population is needed.