Increased immune–inflammatory activation has been repeatedly linked to etiopathogenesis and the progression of both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD). We explore the role of soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in diagnostic differentiation and disorder progression in patients with MDD and BD. Serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were measured in 137 patients (MDD = 93 and BD = 44) and compared with 73 healthy controls. The severity of psychopathology was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression Scale. After adjustment for multiple confounders, we noticed significant downregulation of sVCAM-1 and upregulation of sICAM-1 levels in both patient groups. Decreased sVCAM-1 levels were detected in patients with acute episodes of BD when compared to MDD. Immune mediators were related to indicators of progression in both mood disorders. They also followed different post-treatment normalization patterns in MDD and BD and in relation to the stage of each disorder. Adhesion molecules could potentially be useful in discriminating between patients with MDD and BD and determining the possible progression of the disorders. Future nosological methods should include time-dependent pathoplasticity and biological correlates, at least for affective disorders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, with healthcare professionals being particularly vulnerable. This study explores the emotional distress experienced in Serbia, focusing on factors that contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 3328 participants from the general and healthcare populations were surveyed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales—Short Form (DASS-21). The analysis revealed that certain groups, such as women, non-psychiatrist doctors, individuals with a history of mental disorders, and those dissatisfied with their financial, familial, and living circumstances, were more likely to experience heightened levels of emotional stress. Moreover, healthcare professionals, especially those working in challenging conditions, may be at increased risk for mental health issues. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and ongoing support for those most affected, particularly within the healthcare sector, to mitigate the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic.

Background/Objectives: Antipsychotic drug utilization has changed substantially over recent decades, reflecting evolving prescribing practices, drug availability, and treatment guidelines. Methods: This study analyzed national antipsychotic consumption in Serbia from 2006 to 2024 using official data from the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia. Utilization was expressed as defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day, and trends were assessed using linear and joinpoint regression analyses. Results: Total antipsychotic utilization increased from 4.35 to 14.42 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day, representing a 231.5% increase. This growth was predominantly driven by atypical antipsychotics, whose utilization increased from 1.16 to 10.91 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day (+840.2%). In contrast, typical antipsychotic utilization remained relatively stable in absolute terms. The share of atypical antipsychotics increased from 26.7% in 2006 to 75.6% in 2024, while the atypical : typical utilization ratio increased from 0.36 to 3.10. Atypical antipsychotics surpassed typical agents in 2013. Marked increases were observed for olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, paliperidone, risperidone, and clozapine, while chlorpromazine and fluphenazine declined. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a substantial increase in overall antipsychotic utilization in Serbia and a pronounced structural shift toward atypical agents, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of prescribing trends, safety outcomes, and population-level treatment patterns.

Background/Objectives: Antipsychotic drug utilization has changed substantially over recent decades, reflecting evolving prescribing practices, drug availability, and treatment guidelines. Methods: This study analyzed national antipsychotic consumption in Serbia from 2006 to 2024 using official data from the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia. Utilization was expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day, and trends were assessed using linear and joinpoint regression analyses. Results: Total antipsychotic utilization increased from 4.35 to 14.42 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day, representing a 231.5% increase. This growth was predominantly driven by atypical antipsychotics, whose utilization increased from 1.16 to 10.91 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (+840.2%). In contrast, typical antipsychotic utilization remained relatively stable in absolute terms. The share of atypical antipsychotics increased from 26.7% in 2006 to 75.6% in 2024, while the atypical: typical utilization ratio increased from 0.36 to 3.10. Atypical antipsychotics surpassed typical agents in 2013. Marked increases were observed for olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, paliperidone, risperidone, and clozapine, while chlorpromazine and fluphenazine declined. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a substantial increase in overall antipsychotic utilization in Serbia and a pronounced structural shift toward atypical agents, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of prescribing trends, safety outcomes, and population-level treatment patterns.