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Purpose of reviewThe purpose of the following paper is to review recent literature trends and findings in hoarding disorder (HD). Our goal is to highlight recent research on etiology, associated features, and empirically based treatments.Recent findingsRecent literature has added support for cognitive differences as a risk factor for HD; however, there is evidence that individuals with HD may overestimate their level of cognitive impairment. Several associated features have been highlighted in recent studies, including emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty and distress intolerance, and attachment. Finally, several psychotherapeutic treatments for hoarding have been recently validated, including group-based therapy and treatments using the cognitive-behavioral model. Although recent research demonstrates that hoarding can be effectively treated with available psychotherapeutic modalities, the effectiveness of current treatments is not as robust as that for other psychiatric disorders and more work is needed in treatment precision.

Recent explorations into the gut microbiome of humans and animals reveal implications in chronic physical and mental health disorders. Relatively little is known regarding the relationship of gut microbiome and depression. In the current review, we reviewed existing scientific data related to the gut microbiome and healthy patients versus patients with depression. Additionally, scientific literature containing the utility of microbiome interventions to improve depression symptoms was reviewed. A PubMed and Clinical Key literature search combined the key terms 'gut,' 'microbiome,' 'bacteria,' and 'depression' to identify studies investigating these relationships. 76 relevant articles were identified. Human and animal studies reviewed examined marked alterations in the dominant bacterial phyla in the gut of individuals with depression, the connection between leaky gut and neuroinflammation in depression, brain regulatory centers impacted by changes in the gut microbiome, and the benefits of the addition of a probiotic/prebiotic for gut and mental health. The current review confirmed the suspected direct communication between the gut microbiome, brain functioning, and depression. Additionally, studies suggest antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome. There are important implications for psychiatrists in providing opportunities for intervention and enhancement of current treatments for individuals with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Independent Living Scales Health and Safety (ILS HS) scale is commonly used by neuropsychologists when evaluating older adults' instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, there is a minimal amount of research on its use in dementia populations and, specifically, its relationship to other neuropsychological measures. The present study investigated relationships between the ILS HS scale and measures of cognition and depression. The study utilized archival data from a sample (N = 142) of older adults (mean age = 77.85) diagnosed with dementia, who were evaluated at Saint Louis University Medical Center and administered the ILS HS scale as part of a larger clinical neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that up to 37% of the variance in ILS HS performance was accounted for by demographic variables, premorbid intelligence, and cognitive functioning (e.g., global cognition, delayed verbal recall, and executive functioning), and regression models demonstrated medium to large effect sizes. Depression and self- or informant-reported IADLs were unrelated to the ILS HS scale. Results suggest that older adults' ability to function in health and safety-related situations requires a range of cognitive abilities. Performance on these measures may help guide clinical decision making regarding independent living and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has yielded minimal empirical support for the theoretically formulated five-factor structure of the RBANS, a brief, yet comprehensive standardized neuropsychological test battery used to assess cognitive impairment. The present study tested the theoretically formulated five-factor structure, as well as three alternative factor solutions, using a combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approaches. The present study utilized archival data from a clinical sample of 150 older adults who were evaluated at an outpatient neuropsychological service. A total of four RBANS models were specified using confirmatory factor analysis. Results of the five-factor model demonstrated good to excellent fit following modifications to the model. Results of chi-square difference tests demonstrated that the five-factor model was statistically superior to the two- and three-factor models (p < .001). In summary, results provide support for the theoretically derived five-factor structure of the RBANS in a clinical sample of older adults. Cautious interpretation of the RBANS index scores as five distinct cognitive domains may be warranted, particularly when there is minimal discrepancy across performance on the tests that comprise each index. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]