Objective: to systematically search for randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols vs. control without exercise or other exercise protocols, in patients with mental disorders experiencing depressive symptoms, and to provide some guidance based on the current HIIT literature to improve further interventions. Methods: we searched for relevant studies, published by 18 August 2022 on PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus databases, that used a HIIT protocol, involving adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of a mental disorder, participating in a HIIT or a control condition, and assessed for depressive symptoms. Results: Four studies accounting for 108 participants (n HIIT = 55; n comparison groups = 53) met the inclusion criteria. Three out of the four studies included found significant improvements of depressive symptoms after 12 days to 8 weeks of intervention. However, there were no differences to other forms of low-to-moderate continuous exercise in 2/3 studies. Conclusions: The limited evidence suggests the effectiveness of HIIT interventions for improving depressive symptoms in people with mental illness. However, HIIT was not superior to other exercise treatments, although a trend for its superiority may be recognized. A number of methodological issues should be considered in further interventions to better characterize and identify the most efficient HIIT modalities for the treatment of depressive symptoms in these patients.

Lithium carbonate is one of the most prescribed mood stabilizers worldwide and remains the first-line pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Its therapeutic efficacy is well established; however, lithium (Li) has a narrow therapeutic index, and prolonged or excessive intake can cause renal, neurological, or endocrine toxicity. In Brazil and globally, lithium-based formulations are widely commercialized; however, only Brazil adopts a specific regulatory classification distinguishing reference, generic, and similar medicines. Despite its extensive clinical use, studies monitoring the actual Li concentration in pharmaceutical products are extremely scarce. This study quantified Li concentrations in different formulations available in Brazil to evaluate their chemical uniformity, estimated daily intake, and potential health risks. Samples were digested and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES). Statistical analysis with the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences among formulations (p = 0.012), confirming non-uniform Li content. Measured concentrations ranged from 245.47 to 315.24 mg/kg, with generic products showing the highest values. The calculated daily intake (DI) and chronic daily intake (CDI) increased with therapeutic dose (600–1800 mg/day), and higher-dose regimens frequently exceeded the permitted daily exposure (PDE) value for Li established by International Council for Harmonisation Guideline for Elemental Impurities (Revision 2) (ICH Q3D (R2) (0.55 mg/day). Moreover, hazard quotient (HQ) values above 1 in some scenarios indicated potential health risks associated with excessive or long-term Li exposure. As one of the first studies to quantify Li in marketed formulations, this work underscores the need for systematic monitoring and stricter quality control to ensure therapeutic safety.

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, exhibit a rich diversity of psychopathological manifestations. Psychotic syndromes are primarily characterized by a loss of contact with reality, often presenting marked disorganization of behavior and/or thought, alterations in sensory perception, varying degrees of impaired critical judgment, and diverse language alterations. This report aims to discuss a rare psychopathological phenomenon observed in a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: singing speech. In the literature review, a similar description was found by Kraepelin in 1913, although the author did not specifically name this language alteration. Therefore, the term tragoudolalia (from Greek: tragoudó - to sing, and lalia - to speak) is proposed as terminology for this psychopathological phenomenon.