Overview
Severe mental disorders (SMDs), including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, are chronic and disabling conditions with a significant societal impact 1. Currently, there are no objective diagnostic tests for these disorders, highlighting the need for reliable biomarkers 1.Diagnosis
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels are elevated in individuals with SMDs compared to healthy controls 1.
NfL shows potential as a biomarker for SMDs and for distinguishing psychiatric disorders from neurodegenerative diseases 1.
Further longitudinal research is required to confirm the reliability of NfL for differential diagnosis, disease prediction, and treatment assessment in psychiatry 1.
The literature does not support any particular approach to psychiatric formulation, and more consideration is needed for consumer needs 2.Management
No specific management strategies are detailed in the provided abstracts.Special Populations
No specific information is available for special populations in the provided abstracts.Key Recommendations
Elevated neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels may serve as a biomarker for severe mental disorders (SMDs) 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
NfL has potential in distinguishing psychiatric disorders from neurodegenerative diseases 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Further longitudinal studies are necessary to validate the diagnostic and prognostic value of NfL in SMDs 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Existing literature on psychiatric formulation does not favor any specific structuring approach 2. (Evidence: Moderate)References
1 Squitti R, Fiorenza A, Martinelli A, Brembati V, Crescenti D, Rongioletti M et al.. Neurofilament Light Protein as a Biomarker in Severe Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review. International journal of molecular sciences 2024. link
2 Bagster M, Myles H, Large M. Instructions for Australian and New Zealand trainees in developing skills in formulation: a systematic review of local evidence. Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2021. link