A woman with a history of psychiatric issues was shot and critically injured by Paris police after making threatening remarks and shouting "Allah Akbar" on a train. The incident occurred in Val-de-Marne and the woman was later located at a train station in Paris, which was evacuated. The woman refused to comply with police instructions, prompting two officers to fire eight shots. She was found to have no explosives or weapons on her person. The incident comes amid rising tensions in France over the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study from the University of British Columbia. These symptoms, along with sleep disorders, fatigue, anemia, and pain, may precede the onset of MS by years. While they do not directly predict the disease, their frequent appearance in the years before MS symptoms appear adds to experts' understanding of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment, along with healthy lifestyle choices, can help manage the disease and slow its progression.
This week in Psychiatric Times, discussions ranged from the neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms of long COVID to the upcoming study on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. The brain-gut connection and the role of creativity in psychiatry were also explored. Additionally, best practices for psychiatrists serving as expert witnesses were examined.
The Thai police have charged Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, the wife of a senior police officer, with premeditated murder over nine alleged cyanide poisoning murders, including her former partner and two female police officers. The authorities have raised the number of victims to 13 and are investigating at least 13 suspicious deaths dating back to 2020. The police believe money was the motive in the killings, but Sararat has previously been diagnosed with psychiatric issues. Cyanide was found at her home, and she is suspected of poisoning the victims' food and drink.
