Skip to main content

Akihiro Shiina

Abstract Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are associated with suboptimal psychosocial performance. Several lines of evidence have suggested that endoplasmic reticulum protein sigma-1 receptors were involved in cognitive impairments... more
Abstract Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are associated with suboptimal psychosocial performance. Several lines of evidence have suggested that endoplasmic reticulum protein sigma-1 receptors were involved in cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia and that the sigma-1 receptor agonist fluvoxamine was effective in treating cognitive impairments in animal models of schizophrenia and in some patients with schizophrenia. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial of fluvoxamine adjunctive therapy in patients with schizophrenia was performed. A total of 48 patients with chronic schizophrenia were enrolled. Subjects were randomly assigned to an 8-week administration of add-on fluvoxamine (n = 24, titrated up to 150 mg/d) or placebo (n =24) in a total 12-week double-blind trial. The primary outcome measure was the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), assessing visual memory, working memory, attention, and executive function. The secondary outcome measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Quality of Life Scale, and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Fluvoxamine was well tolerated. No significant time × group interaction effects were observed in the scores of the CANTAB, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Quality of Life Scale, or the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. However, in secondary analyses, the change from baseline to end point on the Spatial Working Memory strategy score (executive function) of CANTAB improved in the fluvoxamine group. This study suggests no major benefit of fluvoxamine adjunctive therapy to improve cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. Nevertheless, a further study using a large sample size will be needed to confirm the secondary analyses findings.
OBJECTIVE Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a standard surgical treatment option in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Adverse effects on cognitive function have been reported,... more
OBJECTIVE Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a standard surgical treatment option in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Adverse effects on cognitive function have been reported, impacting the quality of life of patients and caregivers. We aimed to investigate a quantitative predictive pre-existing cognitive factor for predicting postoperative cognitive changes. METHODS Thirty-five patients underwent STN-DBS. A battery of neuropsychological tests were used to examine executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial function both preoperatively and one year later. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between preoperative factors and cognitive outcomes. We evaluated predictive value of the preoperative factors for global cognitive decline during long-term follow up. RESULTS Patients had significant changes in processing speed and visuospatial function after surgery. Using reliable change index values, lower preoperative scores on the Similarities and Object Assembly subtests of the WAIS-III were associated with decreases in visuospatial function at one year after DBS. The odds ratio for Similarities was 10.2, and 9.53 for Object Assembly. The ratios of MMSE-maintained patients with low score of Similarities subtest was significantly lower than those with the high score at 3 and 5 years. No factors were found to be related to decreases in processing speed. CONCLUSION Preoperative evaluation of the Similarities and Object Assembly subtests may be useful to identify patients who are at a greater risk of experiencing decreases in visuospatial functioning after STN-DBS. Further, the low score of Similarities subtests may predict future global cognitive deterioration.
Background One aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support. We developed a psychoeducational program using cognitive-behavioral therapy... more
Background One aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support. We developed a psychoeducational program using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) for Japanese adolescents with high-functioning ASD and their parents. Methods This multisite study is a randomized controlled trial. In total, 24 participants will be assigned to the ACAT group and 24 to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. The ACAT group will receive a weekly 100-min session for 6 weeks, regular medical care, and one follow-up session. In this ongoing clinical trial, we will compare the scores of the measures recorded in the pre- and post-intervention stages between the ACAT and TAU groups. A total of 41 patients out of a target of 48 have participated in the trial to date. The primary outcome measure is the Autism Knowledge Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures include Bar...
Prompted by four questions, forensic mental health clinicians from Russia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand provided information on both the legislative basis and current practice concerning the relationship between... more
Prompted by four questions, forensic mental health clinicians from Russia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand provided information on both the legislative basis and current practice concerning the relationship between legal insanity, intoxication and drug induced psychosis in their six Pacific Rim Countries which account for nearly 20% of the world's population. Details of the survey for each contributing nation are provided. While there are significant variations in practice that have been shaped by regional legal, clinical and cultural influences there is considerable similarity in the legislation underpinning how these issues are considered. Consequently there remain similar challenges for each nation. In none of the legislative bases was the issue of drug induced psychosis specifically addressed. The authors conclude that evolving pharmaco-neuropsychiatric knowledge, societal values and patterns of substance misuse require nations to consider developments in ...
Transitioning to an evidence-based practice (EBP) environment is a new and often overwhelming challenge for many organisations. The most effective strategies to implement EBP have yet to be determined. In this study an accelerated... more
Transitioning to an evidence-based practice (EBP) environment is a new and often overwhelming challenge for many organisations. The most effective strategies to implement EBP have yet to be determined. In this study an accelerated development EBP program, which was administered to nurses from five hospitals was evaluated. At each hospital, nurses were selected as an "EBP champion" whose role would be to help facilitate the transition within that organisation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an accelerated educational program on the attitudes toward and implementation of EBP among nurses employed in acute-care facilities. Forty-nine nurses from five acute-care facilities participated in an 8-week program to develop into EBP champions. Participants attended a 2-hour class each week conducted by four faculty members of a local university. Pre- and post-test mean scores of the EBP barriers (EBPB) and EBP implementation (EBPI) scales were compared using paired t tests to determine the effect of the accelerated development program. Respondents reported higher scores on both the beliefs and implementation scales at the end of the program. Paired t tests indicated a significant difference in means for both the EBPB (p < .01) and EBPI (p < .01). Nurses who attend an accelerated educational program have the potential to significantly improve beliefs and attitudes about EBP. Administrative support and collaboration between academia and service are essential for successful intervention.
<p>“Do you know the contents of the Mental Health and Welfare Act?” (compared with a previous survey [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0197639#pone.0197639.ref016"... more
<p>“Do you know the contents of the Mental Health and Welfare Act?” (compared with a previous survey [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0197639#pone.0197639.ref016" target="_blank">16</a>]).</p
BACKGROUND Several lines of evidence suggest that glutamatergic neurotransmission via the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays a role in certain behavioral manifestations common to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ifenprodil... more
BACKGROUND Several lines of evidence suggest that glutamatergic neurotransmission via the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays a role in certain behavioral manifestations common to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ifenprodil tartrate is a neuroprotective agent that binds to the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. The aim of this study is to confirm whether ifenprodil tartrate is effective in the adolescent PTSD patients. METHODS This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ten adolescent (13 to 18 years old) PTSD patients were randomized into two arms: placebo (n = 4), 40 mg/day ifenprodil tartrate (n = 6) for 4 weeks. All of the patients were assessed by IES-R-J (Primary outcome measure), TSCC-J, CDRS-R, DSRS-C-J and CGI-I. RESULTS A comparison of baseline IES-R-J total scores and 4-week end-point scores showed a mild trend of improvement (p = 0.0895) and the difference score was -9.314. A comparison of baseline scores and 2-week intermediate-point scores showed that IES-R-J hyperarousal subscores and TSCC-J subscores (dissociation subscores, sexual concerns subscores) improved significantly. A comparison of baseline TSCC-J sexual concerns subscores and 4-week end-point scores improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS Our study may prove to be an short-term effective alternative safe treatment for adolescent patients with PTSD.
Additional file 1. This file is the whole content of the questionnaire.
BACKGROUND Treatment for offenders with mental disorders is a key concern in public mental health. Provision of adequate psychiatric treatment is important for the offender and their community. An approach used in Japan to address this... more
BACKGROUND Treatment for offenders with mental disorders is a key concern in public mental health. Provision of adequate psychiatric treatment is important for the offender and their community. An approach used in Japan to address this issue is administrative involuntary hospitalization. Under this scheme, a person at risk for harming themselves or others because of a mental disorder can be involuntarily hospitalized in a designated psychiatric hospital. However, this scheme does not include tracking of these patients after discharge. Although some data for administrative involuntary hospitalizations are available, it remains unclear what happens to these patients after discharge. AIM To evaluate follow-up of patients under administrative involuntary hospitalization after discharge and obtain data for later comparisons with outcomes. METHODS We used a retrospective design and conducted a national survey of administrative involuntary hospitalizations. Questionnaires were distributed to 939 facilities across Japan. The questionnaire collected data for selected involuntary hospitalization cases in the hospital on June 30, 2010 (census date), and the prognoses of each patient on a specified date in 2011 and 2012. We also asked about the treatment provided to each patient. We stratified patients by prognosis (good or poor), and used logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between treatment and prognosis. RESULTS We received completed questionnaires from 292 facilities (response rate 31.1%); 105 facilities had no relevant patients. Our analysis included data for 394 patients with valid data. Official statistics indicated 1503 patients were under administrative involuntary hospitalization as at June 30, 2012, meaning the capture rate was 27.2%. Approximately a fourth (104/394) at 1 year, and a third (137/294) at 2 years after the census had unknown prognosis. Treatment content included multi-disciplinary team meetings (78.2% of patients), counseling by public workers (59.9%), and discussion with external specialists (32.5%). Overall, 116 patients were categorized as having a good prognosis at 1 year, and 168 had a poor prognosis. At the 2-year point, 102 patients had a good prognosis and 150 had a poor prognosis. “Discussion with external specialists” was positively associated with a good prognosis at both 1 year (P = 0.016) and 2 years (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION We found that facilities in Japan currently have limited ability to track the prognoses of patients who were hospitalized involuntarily. Discussion with external specialists is associated with a good prognosis.
To clarify the components of hospitalization for assessment (HfA) and the management changes from the beginning of the scheme to the present. This study is composed of two surveys. In 2013 survey, we created two paper questionnaires... more
To clarify the components of hospitalization for assessment (HfA) and the management changes from the beginning of the scheme to the present. This study is composed of two surveys. In 2013 survey, we created two paper questionnaires (facility and case questionnaires) for psychiatrists working in psychiatric hospitals accepting HfA patients. Questionnaires were sent to 205 hospitals that were identified as accepting the HfA cases, and responses were requested via mail. The facility questionnaire was designed to clarify the following specifications and characteristics of each facility: the facility organizer (public sector or private hospital), and the number of beds, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatric social workers, psychotherapists, public health nurses, and patients treated through HfA during the survey period. The case questionnaire was then used to collect data of the patients under HfA based on the Medical Treatment and Supervision (MTS) Act...
Numerous studies have examined a wide range of risk factors associated with violence among patients with schizophrenia. However, risk factors linked to different socio-cultural backgrounds remain unclear. The objectives were to... more
Numerous studies have examined a wide range of risk factors associated with violence among patients with schizophrenia. However, risk factors linked to different socio-cultural backgrounds remain unclear. The objectives were to investigate factors associated with violence among Japanese patients with schizophrenia prior to emergency hospitalizations and to compare them with factors found in studies on other populations. We recruited 420 Japanese patients with schizophrenia who had committed violent acts immediately prior to emergency admission to a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo, during the period 1986 to 2005. Cases were compared with controls (non violent hospitalized patients with schizophrenia) matched for gender, age and admission year. All medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Inter-rater reliability tests of assessment were performed. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with violence. The symptoms of gross excitement, prior...
Although a substantial increase in the number of female offenders has drawn interest towards understanding their unique characteristics, few studies have investigated the characteristics of female mentally disordered offenders in Japan... more
Although a substantial increase in the number of female offenders has drawn interest towards understanding their unique characteristics, few studies have investigated the characteristics of female mentally disordered offenders in Japan and none since the legislation enacted in 2005 in Japan, which provided for special services for them. The aim of this study is to identify those characteristics of people detained under this legislation, which distinguish the women from the men and may indicate special needs among the women. A retrospective records-based study of all patients admitted to one secure unit in the 8 years since its opening in July 2005 until a census date of 31 October 2013. Thirty-six (15%) of the patients were women. Marriage, mood disorders, past suicide attempts and homicide were more common among the women than the men. Six of the female offender-patients had committed filicides, of which four were infanticides. There appears to be a particularly vulnerable sub-grou...
BACKGROUND Gambling disorder is characterized by excessive and recurrent gambling and can have serious negative social consequences. Although several psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches have been used to treat gambling... more
BACKGROUND Gambling disorder is characterized by excessive and recurrent gambling and can have serious negative social consequences. Although several psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches have been used to treat gambling disorder, new treatment strategies are needed. Growing evidence suggests that dopamine D3 receptor plays a specific role in the brain reward system. AIM To investigate if blonanserin, a dopamine D3 receptor antagonist, would be effective in reducing gambling impulses in patients with gambling disorder. METHODS We developed a study protocol to measure the efficacy and safety of blonanserin as a potential drug for gambling disorder, in which up to 12 mg/d of blonanserin was prescribed for 8 wk. RESULTS A 37-year-old female patient with gambling disorder, intellectual disability, and other physical diseases participated in the pilot study. The case showed improvement of gambling symptoms without any psychotherapy. However, blonanserin was discontinued owing to excessive saliva production. CONCLUSION This case suggests that blonanserin is potentially an effective treatment for patients with gambling disorder who resist standard therapies, but it also carries a risk of adverse effects. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
The purposes of this study were to examine the therapeutic efficacy of combined group cognitive behavioral therapy (CGCBT) and to explore the characteristics of the patients who failed to complete it. Our group cognitive behavioral... more
The purposes of this study were to examine the therapeutic efficacy of combined group cognitive behavioral therapy (CGCBT) and to explore the characteristics of the patients who failed to complete it. Our group cognitive behavioral therapy combined with assertiveness training for alexithymia and self-esteem enhancement therapy were attended over a 10-week period. Twenty-five participants were enrolled in the study. The clinical symptoms were assessed before and after treatment, using rating scales including the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning. Sixteen participants (64%) completed the CGCBT program. Completion of the CGCBT resulted in significant improvements in reducing binge-eating behavior and improving social functioning. Eight patients (32%) significantly improved using the Clinical Global Impression Change (CGI-C). Stepwise logistic regression analysis of the results indicated that a lower age (P=0.04) and psychiatric comorbidity (P=0.06) were predictors of dropout from the CGCBT program. Our CGCBT program is a promising first-line treatment for bulimic outpatients. Lower age and the presence of comorbidity had effects on dropout rates.
To control the spread of the newly developed corona viral infection diseases (COVID-19), people’s appropriate precautionary behaviors should be promoted. We conducted a series of online questionnaire survey, to gather a total of 8,000... more
To control the spread of the newly developed corona viral infection diseases (COVID-19), people’s appropriate precautionary behaviors should be promoted. We conducted a series of online questionnaire survey, to gather a total of 8,000 citizen’s responses on March 27–28, 2020 in Japan and April 17–21 in the UK and Spain. Compared to Japan, the knowledge and anxiety level and the frequency of precautionary behaviors were higher in the UK and Spain. Participants with infected acquaintances were more concerned about COVID-19. However, participants in the UK rarely wore a medical mask. Participants in the UK and Spain were eager to get information about COVID-19 compared to those in Japan. The participants in Spain tended not to trust official information and to believe specialists' comments instead. The urgency of the spread of COVID-19, cultural backgrounds, and recent political situations appear to contribute to the differences among countries revealed herein.
Background: The novel corona virus infection (COVID-19) has immediately become a pandemic Identifying characteristics of possible “super spreaders,” who are as
Concern about mental health issues and the treatment of mentally disordered offenders attracts a lot of public attention. This study aimed to gather the experiences and opinions of people who have experienced admission to a psychiatric... more
Concern about mental health issues and the treatment of mentally disordered offenders attracts a lot of public attention. This study aimed to gather the experiences and opinions of people who have experienced admission to a psychiatric ward in order to understand their reaction to, and understanding of, the legislation behind the involuntary admission of psychiatric patients. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted with a total of 379 participants, using a cross-sectional, exploratory design. The data were analyzed using a chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and a logistic regression analysis. According to the results, many patients were satisfied with their psychiatric admission, however, few participants said that they had been given adequate explanation for their involuntary treatment. Most participants expected qualified aids after discharge, although the prospect of a regular visit from an official was not entirely supported by the participants. Patient satisfaction wa...
This study aimed to evaluate whether selecting mirtazapine as the first choice for current depressive episode instead of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduces benzodiazepine use in patients with major depressive disorder... more
This study aimed to evaluate whether selecting mirtazapine as the first choice for current depressive episode instead of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduces benzodiazepine use in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). We concurrently examined the relationship between clinical responses and serum mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor, proBDNF. We conducted an open-label randomized trial in routine psychiatric practice settings. Seventy-seven MDD outpatients were randomly assigned to the mirtazapine or predetermined SSRIs groups, and investigators arbitrarily selected sertraline or paroxetine. The primary outcome was the proportion of benzodiazepine users at weeks 6, 12, and 24 between the groups. We defined patients showing a ≥50 % reduction in Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) scores from baseline as responders. Blood samples were collected at baseline, weeks 6, 12, and 24. Sixty-five patients prescribed benzodiazepines f...
The aims of this study were to determine whether the serum levels of precursor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF), mature BDNF (mBDNF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are altered in patients with eating disorders (ED),... more
The aims of this study were to determine whether the serum levels of precursor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF), mature BDNF (mBDNF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are altered in patients with eating disorders (ED), including anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), and to explore whether those levels are associated with decision-making abilities. Nineteen women with AN, 28 women with BN, and 22 age-matched healthy control women (HC) were enrolled in the current study. All participants had their decision-making abilities assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Their eating-related pathophysiology and depressive/anxiety symptoms were also evaluated. The MMP-9 level in AN was significantly lower than that in either BN or HC, but the serum levels of proBDNF and mBDNF did not differ among the three groups. Investigation of the serum levels of proBDNF and MMP-9 in patients with ED and controls revealed a significant correlation between them. In the BN, the...
Glutamatergic neurotransmission via the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is integral to the pathophysiology of depression. This study was performed to examine whether amino acids related to NMDA receptor neurotransmission are altered... more
Glutamatergic neurotransmission via the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is integral to the pathophysiology of depression. This study was performed to examine whether amino acids related to NMDA receptor neurotransmission are altered in the serum of patients with depression. We measured the serum levels of d-serine, l-serine, glycine, glutamate and glutamine in patients with depression (n=70), and age-matched healthy subjects (n=78). Serum levels of d-serine and l-serine in patients with depression were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.001). In contrast, serum levels of glycine, glutamate and glutamine did not differ between the two groups. Interestingly, the ratio of l-serine to glycine in patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (p<0.001). This study suggests that serine enantiomers may be peripheral biomarkers for depression, and that abnormality in the d-serine-l-serine-glycine cycle plays a role in the pathophysiology of ...
A new legislation concerning forensic mental health was established by the Japanese Government in 2005, the "Act on Medical Care and Treatment for the Persons Who Had Caused Serious Cases under the Condition of Insanity," or the... more
A new legislation concerning forensic mental health was established by the Japanese Government in 2005, the "Act on Medical Care and Treatment for the Persons Who Had Caused Serious Cases under the Condition of Insanity," or the Medical Treatment and Supervision (MTS) Act. Since it was passed, however, there has been broad controversy over Hospitalization for Assessment (HfA), the first stage of the MTS scheme. Following a comprehensive literature search to assemble a list of candidates, we conducted a Delphi study to establish standard outcome measures for HfA. Five Delphi rounds were conducted by 19 panelists including medical practitioners and lawyers. A total of 139 items were accepted as outcome measures for HfA based on panel agreement. The Delphi study established a list of HfA outcome measures for the MTS act, which will contribute to the optimization of the new forensic mental health system in Japan.

And 17 more