The interplay between the cytokine network and antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of psychotropic medications on serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-β1, IL-17, and BAFF, and to explore their relationship with psychopathological features. We recruited 63 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the acute phase, all of whom were either drug-naïve or had been drug-free for at least three months. Serum levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, IL-17, and BAFF were measured at baseline and after six months of antipsychotic treatment. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). Fifty-two patients completed the six-month follow-up for immunoassay analysis. Antipsychotic treatment led to a significant decrease in serum levels of IFN-γ, TGF-β1, and IL-17, alongside a significant increase in BAFF levels. Changes in IFN-γ were positively correlated with SANS scores and negatively correlated with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores. Changes in TGF-β1 were negatively correlated with GAF scores. Changes in BAFF were negatively correlated with SAPS scores. Multivariable regression models were used to explore the association between cytokine level changes (IL-17, BAFF, IFN-γ, and TGF-β1) and independent variables, including demographic (gender, age), behavioral (tobacco use), clinical (schizophrenia type, disease course, date of onset, prior treatment), and biological (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) factors, as well as standardized assessment scores. No significant associations were found, except for a significant negative correlation between TGF-β1 changes and GAF scores, as well as a positive correlation with age. Interestingly, advanced statistical analyses revealed that only changes in IL-17 and BAFF levels were significantly associated with antipsychotic treatment. Our findings suggest that antipsychotic drugs exert both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects on the cytokine network. The observed modulation of IL-17 and BAFF highlights their potential as future therapeutic targets in schizophrenia.

Despite the condemnation of the major medical and psychological institutions, which warn of the significant harm associated with sexual orientation change efforts, these practices persist in certain countries. This study investigates the methods and justifications behind sexual orientation change efforts in Tunisia, a country where homosexuality remains stigmatized and criminalized. Qualitative research based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews was conducted. The study included 32 participants-including both mental health professionals and gay individuals. Reflexive thematic analysis assisted by MAXQDA Pro software was performed to analyze the data. Reflexivity was maintained throughout the research diary and peer debriefing amongst the diverse research team to enhance the objectivity. The thematic analysis originated three major themes: (1) the conversion demand, (2) the different representations of homosexuality and the conversion efforts, and (3) the psychosocial consequences of these practices. The study emphasized the harmful effects of conversion practices, which are fueled by representations of homosexuality based on homophobic beliefs, and highlighted the importance of fostering a collective understanding based on scientific facts to address such practices.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP), or Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), is a form of physical and emotional child abuse and maltreatment that remains frequently under‐detected due to a significant lack of clinical awareness. This case report aims to highlight the challenges of diagnosing MSBP, its impact on victims, and the ethical implications for healthcare professionals. A 37‐year‐old woman charged with filicide of two of her offspring and deliberate intoxication of her remaining 3‐year‐old boy was diagnosed with MSBP. Despite the tragic outcome for two siblings, the timely intervention saved the life of the third child. This case adds to the existing literature related to MSBP. It illustrates the difficulties posed by and the perpetrator's ability to deceive healthcare providers. It emphasizes the need for a sound understanding of victims’ and perpetrators' features to facilitate early evocation of the condition and thus prompt the adoption of adequate measures. To conclude, MSBP is a complex issue with significant diagnostic and ethical challenges. Early suspicion, careful evaluation, and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for the protection of children and the appropriate management of perpetrators.

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder with increasing evidence pointing to an autoimmune component, including the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). This study aims to assess the prevalence of anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies, particularly the IgG, IgA, and IgM isotypes, in drug-free SZ patients compared to healthy controls, and explore their possible involvement in the disease’s pathophysiology. Methods: Eighty SZ patients meeting DSM-IV criteria were recruited, along with 80 matched healthy controls. Serum samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to quantify IgG, IgA, and IgM isotypes of aCL and aβ2GPI. Results: SZ patients exhibited significantly higher levels of aCL-IgM and aCL-IgA (p < 0.05), as well as elevated aβ2GPI-IgA (22.5%, p < 0.001), compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in the aCL-IgG isotype. Interestingly, 72% of aPL-positive SZ patients were positive for aβ2GPI-IgA, with some also co-expressing multiple isotypes, suggesting a potential link between SZ and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Conclusions: This study is the first to report a high prevalence of aCL-IgA and aβ2GPI-IgA in SZ patients, highlighting a possible autoimmune involvement in the disease. The presence of multiple aPL isotypes, particularly IgA, suggests a need for further investigation into their role in SZ pathogenesis and their potential association with APS.