Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):E1-E7 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.009
Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. However, access to traditional psychotherapy is often hindered by stigma and geographical or financial barriers. Internet-based therapeutic programs, such as Mindwell, offer an accessible alternative based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and adherence of the internet-based psychoeducational program Mindwell in individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of GAD. Method: A total of 209 patients were enrolled in the program based on recommendations...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):3
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):63-66
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):60-62
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):52-59 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.008
The article examines a hidden, and serious phenomenon that has devastating psychological, social, and financial impacts. It is a relatively new type of crime that deliberately targets the fundamental human need for love and connection. The article debunks common misconceptions about the profile of victims. It explains the techniques of psychological manipulation, such as love bombing, mirroring, and the creation of a trauma bond. Through two case studies, it demonstrates how psychological manipulation and trauma manifest in the clinical presentation of victims. It addresses the challenges of differential diagnosis and argues that the seemingly delusional...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):49-51 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.007
In current gerontopsychiatric practice, it is customary to determine the levels of total valproate through therapeutic level measurement (TDM), but it is also important to determine the levels of albumin and especially the free fraction of valproate in a specific patient. It is the free fraction of valproate (i. e. the biologically active part of the drug that is not bound to albumin) that determines not only its pharmacodynamic activity, but also the adverse effects or even toxicity of valproate. Hypoalbuminemia is a very common finding in older patients, which also leads to an increase in the free (not bound to albumin) fraction of valproate even...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):44-48 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.010
Inadequate response to initial antipsychotic therapy is relatively common in patients with schizophrenia. In case of inadequate response to initial antipsychotic treatment, it is possible to increase the dose of initial antipsychotic, replace the antipsychotic with another, or resort to a combination of antipsychotics. Insufficient response to antipsychotic treatment after two weeks is a negative predictor of response to the aforementioned treatment even in the longer term. Therefore, the period of two weeks from the start of treatment appears to be a suitable interval for assessing the effectiveness of an antipsychotic and also the time for intervention....
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):36-42 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.006
Introduction: Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, but many patients do not have access to appropriate psychotherapy due to limited service availability, stigma, or financial barriers. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based therapeutic programs represent an innovative and affordable alternative to standard psychotherapy. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, adherence, and effectiveness of the Mindwell online CBT program for people with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Method: A total of 188 patients who were referred by health insurance companies based on referrals from outpatient psychiatrists...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):33-35 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.005
Physical activity should be a routine part of the treatment plan for patients with schizophrenia. Studies have shown a beneficial effect of exercise on cognitive function, positive, negative and depressive symptoms, and improvements in social skills and overall physical fitness. Individual and group programs, lasting at least six months, are optimal, with endurance aerobic training with rhythmic engagement of large muscle groups under the supervision of a trainer, for one hour at least 3 times a week. Exercise is a non-stigmatizing and safe intervention, with a minimum of adverse effects and a maximum of desirable ones.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):25-32 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.004
Ketamine administered at subanesthetic doses represents a rapidly acting and safe intervention with the most robust evidence for efficacy in major depressive disorder, particularly in treatment-resistant depression. In a subset of patients, a rapid reduction in suicidal ideation has also been observed. The effect of a single administration is typically time-limited and usually necessitates repeated or maintenance dosing within a defined clinical regimen. In clinical practice, off-label use of racemic ketamine is encountered alongside intranasal S-ketamine (Spravato®) used within officially approved indications, whereas R-ketamine remains experimental....
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):17-24 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.003
The article presents the structure and content of a twelve-day inpatient program focused on the diagnostics and psychoeducation of attention deficit disorders in adults. The program takes place at a specialized unit integrating clinical assessments with daily psychoeducational sessions. These sessions aim to enhance patients' understanding of ADHD and other attention disorders, develop coping strategies, and support self-regulation. The program is interdisciplinary, involving collaboration among a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neurologist, physiotherapist, somnologist, nutrition and addiction specialist, and music therapist. The article outlines...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):12-16 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.002
Telemedicine is a modern method of providing healthcare that uses information and communication technologies to enable remote contact between doctors and patients. Its aim is to improve the availability of specialist care, facilitate long-term patient monitoring, and make more efficient use of healthcare system capacity. In the Czech Republic, child psychiatry was one of the first fields to begin systematically using telemedicine. Since January 2024, remote contact in child psychiatry using video cameras has been officially available, becoming an important addition to outpatient care. This article summarizes two years of clinical experience with the...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):6-11 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.001
This article provides a comprehensive summary of mood stabilizers used in routine clinical psychiatric practice in the Czech Republic. These medications are used to reduce the risk of depressive or manic episodes in patients with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder. The article pays particular attention to lithium, covering its pharmacological profile, proven efficacy, and adverse effects associated with its administration. Additionally, sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine are described in detail from pharmacological and psychiatric perspectives. The article concludes with a summary of recommendations for clinical practice.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):E1-E9 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.034
This article explores the collaboration of music therapy with schema therapy in both group and individual formats. The aim is to examine how music therapy can enhance experiential work in schema therapy, particularly in the context of mode dialogues, managing the Inner Critic, soothing the Vulnerable Child, and developing the Kind Parent. The article focuses on the potential of combining these two approaches and provides practical examples of how music therapy can be incorporated into therapeutic techniques. Reflections from patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suggest that this combination can improve emotional access and facilitate...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):139-140
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):206-210
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):202-205 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.033
Techniques using exposure in the treatment of mental disorders are widespread, well-known and usually have well-founded effectiveness. In the treatment of addiction, cue-exposure therapy (CET) based on the principle of exposure is mainly used. However, some therapists and experts from the community of people treating substance dependence criticize the use of exposure treatments. Their reservations have the character of ethical considerations, principled contradictions and doubts. These reservations are most often heard in discussions and have the character of an expert opinion. It is also true that reservations cannot be found in publications, or it...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):197-201 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.032
In psychiatric practice behavioral and emotional disorders are relatively often diagnosed in adolescent girls. We present the differential diagnosis of behavioral and emotional disorders in early adolescence in disharmoniously developing patient and treatment plan (based on consideration of personality, social, and up-bringing precursors of difficulties).
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):189-196 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.031
Healthcare providers may come into contact with people who are victims and sometimes perpetrators of crime as part of their professional activities. This article deals with the powers and duties of healthcare providers towards patients who are victims or perpetrators of crime. It also looks at how healthcare professionals can protect themselves from threats from patients. Early detection and identification of patient victimization is a difficult task, especially when the victim is particularly vulnerable, the victim of a very hurtful (sensitive) crime. In this context, we therefore also refer to the issue of domestic violence, the CAN syndrome, and...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):184-188 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.030
This theoretical article focuses on the relationship between opiates and cognitive functions, which can lead to significant changes ranging from acute effects to long-term deficits. Published studies indicate impaired cognitive functions, with some difficulties persisting even during abstinence. Prenatal opioid exposure is associated with high risks for child development, underscoring the importance of prevention and support for pregnant users. Although substitution treatment reduces the incidence of relapse, it may continue to negatively affect cognitive status. Contradictory research findings stem from various factors, such as differing methodologies,...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):172-180 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.029
Background: This article explores the integration of music therapy techniques into schema therapy for hospitalized patients with various psychiatric diagnoses. The aim is to examine how music can support experiential work, schema processing, and the activation of healthy modes. Methods: A case-based approach is used to present four hospitalized patients with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and social anxiety. Each case includes short conceptualization and description of music therapy interventions within the schema therapy framework. Results: The integration of music therapy facilitated emotional expression and awareness, reduced internal...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):168-171 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.028
The rate of suicidality in children has been rising rapidly in recent years. While the issue of suicidal behavior in adolescents is explored relatively well, suicidality in preadolescents remains slightly underreported. The team of authors examined the increasing rate of suicidal behavior among children as an indication for hospitalization in the Department of Child Psychiatry of the FTN. Compared to 2019, in 2022 we recorded an almost 3-times growth in hospitalized children for suicidal behavior and a 5-times growth in hospitalizations for suicide attempts. The most common risk factor for suicidal children is premorbid psychiatric comorbidity and...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):164-166 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.027
This review article aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge in the field of transgender identity and mental health, identify major challenges, and suggest directions for future research and interventions. In the following sections of the article, we will focus on analyzing the literature on the mental health of transgender individuals, paying particular attention to factors that contribute to both mental well-being and distress. Next, we will look at strategies and interventions that can support the mental health of this population, with an emphasis on an informed approach in health and community services.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):156-163 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.026
This section of the text is dedicated to the principles of effective approaches to individuals who self-harm and to the available treatment options (psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy), as recently recommended in the professional literature and as they have proven effective in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic practice. It places particular emphasis on the practical applicability of the presented knowledge in everyday outpatient psychiatric settings. Therefore, it focuses especially on interventions or educational resources that can be directly offered or recommended to patients, their families, or close ones within time-limited conditions. As an example...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):151-155 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.025
Second generation long acting injectable antipsychotics supply gradually the portfolio of the agents available for the treatment of schizophrenia. The first preparation (risperidon microspheres) has been approved by FDA already in 2003, the last one (aripiprazol monohydrate once in two months) even in the last year. Compared to the first generation their great advantage is in better tolerability and the potential to improve affective symptoms among others. Recently new preparations with longer interval (2 or 3 months) have been introduced. Second generation LAI antipsychotics are characterized with more precisely defined pharmacokinetic profiles and...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(3):143-150 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.024
The second part of the review article on ADHD focuses on the common comorbid disorders that co-occur with ADHD, their differential diagnosis and current pharmacotherapeutic approaches targeting ADHD and individual comorbidities. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of self-injurious and suicidal behaviours in patients with ADHD, along with pharmacological interventions for these conditions.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(2):67
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(2):130-134
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(2):127-129
Psychiatr. praxi. 2025;26(2):123-126 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2025.021
Anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are mental disorders that often develop during adolescence. These conditions share some common features and can occur simultaneously, which can lead to complications in the diagnosis and treatment of both disorders. Adolescence is a specific period of life that is associated with rapid changes in psychological status, even in the absence of pathology. In the case study of an adolescent girl, we highlight the phenomenological overlap in symptomatology between these two comorbid disorders and the fact that correct differentiation of the causes of the observed behaviours can play an important role...