Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):E1-E7 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.021
Objective: This review article summarizes the effectiveness and accessibility of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) and psychoeducation for patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. The aim is to provide an overview of the methods and strategies used in these programs to consider their cost-effectiveness and ability to overcome barriers to traditional treatment. Method: Randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews published between 2000 and 2024 were included. The emphasis was on therapeutic feedback programs and self-help programs aimed at treating panic disorder and agoraphobia. The analysis also included...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):71
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):135-138
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):131-134
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):123-130
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):115-122 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.020
Aim: This article presents a structured approach to training communication skills and mentalization in group schema therapy (GST) for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim is to enhance empathy, the ability to identify one's own and others' needs, and to effectively resolve interpersonal conflicts. Methods: The GST methodology includes training communication skills through role-play, role-reversal, working with modes, discussing one's own and others' needs, and group discussions. Patients learn to identify their maladaptive schemas (Vulnerable Child, Critical Parent) and transition to the Healthy Adult mode. Special attention...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):112-114 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.019
Clarithromycin is a widely used antibiotic known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but it has some psychiatric side effects that are rare but can be serious. This article presents a case report when clarithromycin, a commonly prescribed macrolide antibiotic, was implicated in the development of mania with psychotic symptoms in a previously psychiatrically naive patient.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):108-111 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.018
This article deals with the development of our understanding of catatonia, in the past as part of other psychiatric disorders and now as a separate nosological unit. The introduction summarizes the diagnostic criteria according to ICD-10 and ICD-11, current knowledge about etiopathogenesis, subtypes of catatonia and basic therapeutic options. The case report presents the case of a 72-year-old polymorbid patient with a history of oncological disease, who was originally admitted for spinal pain. She gradually developed apathy, mutism and other catatonic symptoms, which were initially interpreted as manifestations of depressive symptoms. The case report...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):99-106 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.017
Background: Personality disorders are often accompanied by significant sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia and nightmares. Despite their high prevalence, these sleep issues are frequently overlooked in clinical practice. This article aims to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, and treatment options for insomnia across different personality disorders, with a focus on practical clinical applications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using literature from PubMed and Web of Science, supplemented by summary tables and clinical recommendations. Results: Insomnia is common in various personality...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):94-98 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.016
Psychotropic drugs, together with psychotherapy, are a basic means of treating mental disorders. Their availability is varied and multifactorial, with legislation, market size and local specifics playing a role. In this review article, we present a summary of the availability of various psychotropic drugs in the Czech and Slovak regions. Despite the socioeconomic proximity, the differences are sometimes significant. The next section is devoted to groups of newer drugs that have various approvals, but are not yet available in our region or are currently in clinical trials. An interesting trend in the field may be, for example, the so-called fixed drug...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):89-93 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.015
The article summarizes current recommendations for standard treatment modalities for patients with emotional dysregulation or borderline personality disorder and presents some innovative neuroscience-based treatment options. Standard treatment modalities include outpatient psychiatric treatment with pharmacotherapy, hospitalization, and psychotherapy. Pharmacotherapy should be prescribed sparingly in patients with emotional dysregulation and only as an adjunct to psychotherapy based on current symptoms, and its effectiveness should be continuously evaluated. Hospitalization is particularly appropriate for patients with emotional dysregulation in the...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):81-88 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.014
ADHD in adult women often remains unrecognized for years and is frequently misdiagnosed as an anxiety and/or depressive disorder, or their difficulties are instead attributed to a primary disorder of emotion regulation or to nonspecific stress-related overload associated with family and caregiving responsibilities. Compared with men, women's clinical presentations are typically less externally conspicuous (with lower levels of disruptive motor hyperactivity) and more internalized, with prominent inattention, executive function impairments, chronic disorganization, and emotional dysregulation. Symptom expression may further fluctuate across the lifespan...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):75-80 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.013
Safe psychopharmacotherapy in older age does not begin with choosing the "gentlest" drug, but with a systematic review of the entire medication regimen, assessment of adherence, targeted somatic evaluation, and definition of the treatment goal. This article summarizes a practical approach to psychopharmacotherapy in geriatric psychiatry, with emphasis on anticholinergic burden, sedation, falls, delirium, hyponatremia, bleeding, and cardiovascular risks. It highlights the importance of psychosocial interventions and the need for individualized treatment in the context of multimorbidity and polypharmacy.
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...