bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2139 – Overprotective Parenting And Anxiety Of Children Presented At Albanian Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic
Authors: Skendi V. , Alikaj V. , Spaho E. , Suli A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Many children experience severe anxiety symptoms that lead to impairment in daily functioning (Albano, Chorpita, & Barlow, 2003). Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric problems experienced by children and they appear to remain stable and problematic for many youngsters throughout childhood and adolescence. About 13 of every 100 children and adolescents ages 9 to 17 experience some kind of anxiety disorder; girls are affected more than boys. Various parenting styles have been associated with the development of a wide range of anxiety disorders.

Aims

This study will look at correlations between parenting styles and symptoms among children with symptoms of anxiety disorders, at the Child/Adolescent Clinic of Psychiatry at University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”.

Methods

Families participating in this observational study completed different parent and child questionnaires during the first study session. The child questionnaires asked for information regarding the child's feelings and family interactions. Parent questionnaires asked for information about their own personal feelings as well as the child's feelings, symptoms, and behaviors. Age range was between 6 to 17 years, 58% of them was female. Exclusion criteria were mental retardation, current or past diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders, current or past diagnosis of psychotic disorders.

Results

There was a significant statistical correlation between overprotective parenting and number, intensity and severity of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Results of this study may contribute to the future treatment of children with anxiety disorders.
2145 – Importance Of The Collaborative Activities For The Development Of The Psychiatric Association Of Bosnia-herzegovina
Authors: Račetović G. , Pajević I. , Hasanović M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

National association of experts dealing with psychiatry in our country named Psychiatric Association of Bosnia- Herzegovina (PABH) was formally started with its work on March 17th 2008, as the first national associations in the post-war Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH). Since 2009 has been actively promoted and profiling as one of the best organized professional associations in BH. Recognition on the international level and the active role of the PABH substantially achieved in 2010 in the World (WPA), and from 2011 in European (EPA) Psychiatric Association. The Third Congress of Psychiatrists of BH with international participation is the first in a series of future Congresses organized by PABH with the full support provided by EPA and WPA.

Aim

To show importance of the roles of EPA and WPA for the future PABH achievements.

Methods

A retrospective review of the significance of the PABH collaboration with major psychiatric association both nationally and internationally through the documentation and archives of the PABH development.

Results

The PABH is included in major psychiatric events in the country (active participation in the organization, logistics and scientific programme) and had strong collaboration with EPA and WPA, particularly on the national Congress in Tuzla 2012.

Conclusions

The PABH is the leading BH psychiatric association, an active member of the most important international organizations, with a continuous increase of the number of members who recognize the importance, relevance and quality of the PABH and further progress in its development and tendencies to harmonize psychiatric practice in the country and internationally.
2165 – Clinical Study On The Efficacy And Tolerability Of Escitalopram In Patients Diagnosed With Social Anxiety
Authors: Ionescu D.
Published: July 2013

Background

Social anxiety disorder represents a substantial public health problem because is a relative common mental disorder and has a high prevalence and lifelong chronicity. The fact that serotonergic agents is considered to be effective for its treatment suggests that patients may have an abnormal serotonergic neurotransmission. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective in the treatment of social anxiety disorder and are currently perceived as the pharmacotherapy of choice.

Aims

We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in the treatment of generalised social anxiety disorder.

Method

Patients with generalised social anxiety disorder were randomised to receive placebo (n = 61) or10-20 mg escitalopram (n = 60) in a 12-week, double-blind study. The primary outcome measure was the mean change from baseline to last assessment in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score.

Results

The study showed a statistically superior therapeutic effect for escitalopram compared with placebo on the LSAS total score (p = 0.005).There were significantly more responders to treatment for escitalopram than for placebo (68% v. 28%; p < 0.005). The clinical relevance of these findings was supported by significant reduction in the work and social components of the Sheehan Disability Scale and by the good tolerability of escitalopram treatment.

Conclusions

These data suggest that escitalopram was efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Further studies are needed on larger groups of patients to certify these results.
2168 – A Novel Mutation Of The Alpha Galactosidase Gene Linked With Fabry Disease And Therapy-resistant Depression
Authors: Weber S.K. , Muehlbacher M. , Egger C.L. , Geretsegger C. , Stuppaeck C.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Fabry disease (FD) is an X- chromosome linked recessive glycolipid storage disease caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme Alpha Galactosidase A, resulting in progressive accumulation of aberrant catabolites like Globotriaosylsphingosin (lyso-Gb3) in vulnerable cells. The disorder can affect multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. A high proportion of patients with FD are at increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Materials and methods

A 56 year old female inpatient suffering from treatment resistant recurring depression with psychotic symptoms for a period of over two decades was diagnosed with asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a routine health checkup. The incidental finding lead to an elaborate diagnostic work-up including genetic testing for FD as a possible cause.

Result

A novel, hitherto undescribed mutation in the Alpha Galactosidase Gene (c.1025.1027delGAC) affecting enzyme activity was detected. In addition, lyso-GB3 concentration was increased above the normal level, in concordance with the diagnosis of FD.

Conclusion

In this patient, undiagnosed FD associated with a novel mutation of the Alpha Galctosidase Gene may have caused predominantly psychiatric symptoms and contributed to therapy resistance.
2183 – Comparative Psychometric Analysis The Vascular, Traumatic And Epileptic Dementia
Authors: Verbenko V.A. , Malev A.L. , Zakharova A.N.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The cerebrovascular disorders, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy lead to the development of dementia, which requires a psychometric verification of cognitive disorders.

Objectives

In patients with dementia due to vascular brain diseases, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy was analyzed psychometric indicators of cognitive impairment.

Aim

Was studied the severity psychometric characteristics of cognitions in patients with dementia due to vascular diseases of the brain, brain injury and epilepsy.

Materials

5 groups patients with dementia: F01.00 - 14 patients (mean age 55 years), F01.1 + F01.3 - 14 patients (mean age 60 years), F01.8 - 14 patients (mean age 65 years), F02.802 - 21 patients (mean age 50 years), F02.803 - 15 patients (mean age 38.5 years).

Methods

The psychometric methods: MMSE, FAB, Schulte, the clock drawing test, nonparametric statistical methods.

Table of results:

DiagnosisMMSEFABTable Schulte (seconds)Clock drawing testF02.80319,93±3,7313,30±2,1783,5±49,56,27±1,90F02.80220,04±4,1210,47±4,1597,5±536,66±2,18F01.0020,90±2,9810,27±3,37105±464,72±2,05F01.817,66±6,2010,11±3,33122±593,77±2,68F01.1+F01.317,40±6,538,30±3,33188±1175,12±1,45

[Psychometric indicators of dementia]

Conclusion

Severity of cognitive impairment is increasing in the following order:

1)

dementia due to epilepsy;

2)

dementia due to brain injury;

3)

acute post-stroke dementia;

4)

atherosclerotic, vascular dementia unspecified;

5)

multi-stroke, mixed cortical and subcortical vascular dementia.

Disorders of frontal functions dominate in the structure of cognitive impairment in all dementias.
2190 – Effect Of Major Depressive Disorder And Insomnia On Somatization
Authors: Kim S.J. , Jun J.Y. , Lee Y.-J. , Cho S.-J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Somatization is a common symptom of depression. Somatization is also related to sleep problem including insomnia.Depression is the one of the most common cuase of insomnia. Therefore, it would be needed to investigate the interaction between depression, insomnia and somatization.

Objectives

To investigate the independent effects of major depressive disorder (MDD) and insomnia on somatization.

Aims

To compare somatization of primary insomnia, MDD with insomnia, MDD without insomnia, and normal controls.

Methods

A total of 181 participants without serious medical problem were recruited. Subjects were divided into 4 groups based on the SCID-IV and ICD-10 insomnia criteria:

1)

normal controls,

2)

primary insomnia,

3)

MDD without insomnia, and

4)

MDD with insomnia.

The somatization subscores of the SCL-90-R were completed by participants.

Results

There were significant between-group differences in somatization (F=25.30, p< 0.001). MDD with insomnia showed higher somatization compared to normal controls (p< 0.001), primary insomnia (p=0.01), or MDD without insomnia (p< 0.001). Primary insomnia had higher somatization than normal controls (p< 0.01), while there was no significant difference between MDD without insomnia and normal controls. Presence of insomnia predicted higher somatization (beta=0.44, p< 0.001), while there was only non-significant association between MDD and somatization (beta=0.14, p=0.08).

Conclusions

In the current study, insomnia was associated with somatization independently from major depression. Subjects with primary insomnia showed higher somatization. Within MDD patients, presence of insomnia was related to higher somatization. Our finding suggests that insomnia may partly mediate the relationship between depression and somatization.
2204 – Differential Diagnosis Between Bipolar Disorder And Borderline Personality Disorder Based On Early Life Stress And Psychoneuroendocrine Assessment
Authors: Mazer A.K. , Juruena M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) have common clinical features in the diagnosis. Factors included in the development and neurobiology of BD and BPD, as early stress and neuroendocrine markers, may represent indicators to difference them.

Objective

Assess early life stress and HPA axis associated with diagnosis of BD and BPD.

Methods

Evaluation of 26 subjects, subdivided in groups of BD and BPD diagnosis, and health controls. Diagnostic was confirmed by Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I and II Disorders; early life stress was investigated by Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and classified in subtypes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect and emotional neglect. HPA axis was assessed by cortisol plasmatic levels.

Results

Early life stress is significantly higher in BD and, especially, BPD patients compared to controls, as well emotional abuse and neglect types; however, it didn’t differentiate the clinical groups. Cortisol levels was lower in BD group in relation of BPD, although without a significantly difference. In BPD group, cortisol levels was positively correlated to sexual abuse severity; in the same way, in BD group cortisol levels was correlated positively to emotional neglect.

Conclusion

Early life stress is more prevalent and severity in patients than in health controls, independently to diagnosis. BPD presents early life stress more severity compared to BD group. Moreover, cortisol levels was lower in BD. Cortisol levels was positively correlated to subtypes of early life stress and severity. This study indicates a promissory field to be better differentiate BD and BPD.
2211 – Are Lifetime Self-reported Health (srh), Sleep Difficulties, And Negative Affect Correlates Of Suicidal Ideation In Pregnancy And Postpartum?
Authors: Soares M.J. , Pereira A.T. , Marques M. , Bos S. , Valente J. , Nogueira V. , Roque C. , Madeira N. , Macedo A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Suicidality has a multifactorial determination and is clinically under-diagnosed. Self-reported poor health, negative affect and sleep difficulties are associated with psychological distress, including suicidality.

Aim

To analyze the association between lifetime SRH, sleep difficulties, negative affect (NA) and suicidal ideation in pregnancy (T0) and post-partum (T1) and if they are predictors of suicidal ideation.

Methods

397 pregnant women completed the Portuguese version of POMS, PDSS and a set of items evaluating SRH, and sleep difficulties in the last trimester of pregnancy an three months of post-partum.

Findings

In pregnancy, suicidal ideation was significantly associated with lifetime SRH (p < .05), NA (p < .01) and difficulties of initiating sleep (DIS) (p < .01). In post-partum, suicidal ideation was also associated with DIS (p < .01), NA (p < .01), but not with SRH. In pregnancy, the predictors of the probability of having or not suicidal ideation are both SRH and DIS. In postpartum the suicidal ideation predictor was only DIS. However when NA was introduced in the regression model, NA was the only predictor of suicide ideation in both pregnacy and postpartum.

Conclusion

Difficulties of initiating sleep should be considered an indicator of suicidal ideation during the perinatal period. However NA might explain this association.
2215 – Cumulative Exposure To Work-related Incidents And Current Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In New York City's First Responders
Authors: Geronazzo Alman L. , Shen S. , Duarte C.S. , Wu P. , Lord E. , Amsel L. , Musa G.J. , Wicks J. , Yip J. , Fan B. , Guffanti G. , Hoven C.W.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Several questions still exist in the literature on the relationship between cumulative exposure to work-related incidents and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in First Responders (FR).

Objectives

To address three unanswered questions in the field.

(1)

Are different cumulative exposure scoring algorithms similarly related to PTSD?

(2)

Is PTSD associated only with incidents rated as severe and traumatic?

(3)

Can we identify cut-off scores of cumulative exposure that maximize sensitivity and specificity to predict PTSD?

Aims

To better characterize the relationship between cumulative exposure and PTSD in FR.

Methods

The association between exposure and PTSD was examined with logistic and linear regression and with receiver operating characteristic analysis in 349 FR.

Results

(1)

The strength of the association between PTSD and total cumulative exposure indexes varied across different scoring algorithms.

(2)

Compared to total cumulative exposure indexes and to sub-scores of exposure to non-traumatic and/or less severe incidents, sub-scores indexing exposure to severe traumatic events only were more strongly and significantly associated with PTSD.

(3)

The use of two cut-off scores maximizes sensitivity and specificity to predict PTSD.

Conclusion

(1)

The relationship between current PTSD and cumulative exposure is partially dependent on the approach used to quantify exposure.

(2)

Focusing on the assessment of cumulative exposure to severe traumatic events is sufficient to predict PTSD, and might be more useful and effective in research and clinical decision-making.

(3)

Sensitivity and specificity of exposure scores might help improve secondary prevention (early detection and effective intervention) of individuals at risk.
2221 – Help Seeking Process Among Children Attending Psychiatry Clinic In Tirana, Albania
Authors: Alikaj V. , Spaho E. , Hashorva A. , Bregu E. , Suli A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

There is a marked increase in the role of perceptions of parents and professionals identifying of problems in preschool children (Verhulst, & Verloove-Vanhorick, 2004). Only 2–5% of consultations of children and adolescents include presentations with emotional or behavioral problems (Garralda, 2002).

Objectives

This study examined the way how mentally ill children arrive at psychiatric clinic in Tirana.

Methods

The data used here are from an Albanian study about mental health problems and service use among children and adolescents. 100 children and their respective parents participated in this study and completed different parent questionnaires during the first study session. Age range was between 6 to 17 years, 58% of them were female.

Results

The clinic of child/adolescent psychiatry was the second most common point of entry for children up to 14 years old and first point of entry for youths between the ages of 14 and 17.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, several groups that needed intervention in order to increase child mental health service use were identified.
2228 – Unmet Needs Of Mental Health Services In Portugal: Comparing Outpatient Versus Inpatient Units
Authors: Xavier M. , Marques C. , Carvalho Á. , Mateus P.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Although some improvements during the last decade, Portuguese mental health services still bear substantial shortages, in terms of accessibility, equity and quality of care. A new National Mental Health Plan with a community model has been launched in 2007.

Objectives

To assess unmet needs at public mental health services in Portugal.

Methods

Cross-sectional study, steering all the public mental health services throughout the country, both for adults (39 units) and children/adolescents (11 units). Evaluation was done by means of the WHO “Quality Assurance in Mental Health Care” tool, which includes dimensions such as physical environment, administrative arrangements, care process, interaction with families, outreach, discharge and follow-up.

Results

The quality of services, according to the assessment made with the participation of professionals, did not reach the “Good level” (> 80% met needs). Level of unmet needs was worse in adult outpatient services (35%) than in inpatient units (27%, despite the relevance of the former. Most critical areas of unmet needs included human resources (only 44% met needs, concerning provision, distribution, interdisciplinary composition of the staff) and administrative arrangements (66% met needs). Regarding the child/adolescent units, the weighted level of quality of outpatient services (67% met needs) was similar to that of inpatient units (68%).

Conclusions

The implementation of the mental health plan has to tackle some of the unmet needs present in mental health services in Portugal. Special attention should be given to the outpatient facilities, in order to undertake with the community philosophy of the National Mental Health Plan.
2263 – Can a Training With Video Game Of Social Cognition Enhance Neurocognitive Processes Of Emotional Perception In Autism Spectrum? Insights Of Event-related Potentials
Authors: Iakimova G. , Mardaga S. , Couvreux M. , Hun S. , Serret S. , Askenazy F.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Deficits in social cognition are major descriptors of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Measurable effects of training methods and psychological treatments have been reported in some psychiatric disorders, but few studies were conducted in the domain of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Objectives

The aims of the study were:

1)

to investigate the use of event-related potentials (ERPs) as valuable markers of neurocognitive basis of emotional face processing in children with and without ASD;

2)

to explore whether components of the ERPs can be used as potential markers of enhanced emotional processing in children with ASD who benefited from interactive computer training focused on emotion comprehension.

Methods

ERPs were recorded during an implicit emotion recognition task in 19 children with ASD and 11 paired controls, along with other clinical and cognitive measures. Another recording session was conducted after a two-week training with a multisensory video game performed by 12 children from the ASD group.

Results

Preliminary results showed that before the training, children with ASD exhibited abnormal P100 and N170 ERP components which reflect abnormal face perception strategies. After training, some of the children exhibited normalized ERP components and enhanced ERP components’ modulation by emotions.

Conclusions

The results are promising although the training was short and not intensive.
2277 – A Placebo-controlled Study Of Efficacy And Safety Of Aripiprazole Once-monthly For Long-term Maintenance Treatment In Schizophrenia
Authors: Eramo A. , Fleischhacker W.W. , Sanchez R. , Perry P. , Jin N. , Johnson B. , McQuade R.D. , Carson W.H. , Kane J.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of investigational aripiprazole once-monthly (ARI-OM) for maintenance treatment in schizophrenia.

Methods

Patients requiring chronic treatment for schizophrenia, not on aripiprazole monotherapy, were cross-titrated from other antipsychotic(s) to aripiprazole in an oral conversion phase (Phase 1). All patients entered an oral aripiprazole stabilization phase (Phase 2). Patients meeting stability criteria entered an ARI-OM stabilization phase (Phase 3), with coadministration of oral aripiprazole for the first 2 weeks. Patients meeting stability criteria were randomized to ARI-OM or placebo once-monthly (placebo-OM) during a 52-week, double-blind maintenance phase (Phase 4). Primary endpoint was time-to-impending relapse. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

Results

710 patients entered Phase 2, 576 Phase 3 and 403 Phase 4 (ARI-OM=269, placebo-OM=134). The study was terminated early because efficacy was demonstrated by a pre-planned interim analysis. Time-to-impending relapse was significantly delayed with ARI-OM vs. placebo-OM (p< 0.0001, log-rank test). Discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were: Phase 1, 3.8% (n=24/632); Phase 2, 3.0% (n=21/709); Phase 3, 4.9% (n=28/576); Phase 4, 7.1% (n=19/269). Most AEs were mild or moderate. Insomnia was the only AE >5% incidence in any phase. Headache, somnolence, and nausea had a peak first onset within the first 4 weeks of treatment. There were no unusual shifts in all phases in laboratory values, fasting metabolic parameters, weight, or objective scales of movement disorders.

Conclusions

ARI-OM significantly delayed time-to-impending relapse compared with placebo-OM and was well tolerated as maintenance treatment in schizophrenia1.
2297 – Dysregulation Of The Endogenous Opioid System In The Brain Of Human Alcoholics
Authors: Bakalkin G. , Bazov I. , Hussain Z. , Sarkisyan D. , Watanabe H. , Kononenko O. , Karpyak V. , Yakovleva T.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The endogenous opioid system (EOS) plays a critical role in addictive processes. Molecular dysregulations in this system may be specific for different stages of addiction cycle and neurocircuitries involved, and therefore may differentially contribute to the initiation and maintenance of addiction.

Aims

We here evaluated whether the EOS is altered in brain areas involved in cognitive control of addiction including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dl-PFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior insula (AI) and hippocampus, in human alcohol dependent subjects.

Methods

Levels of EOS mRNAs were measured by qRT-PCR, and levels of dynorphins by radioimmunoassay in postmortem human specimens.

Results

Prodynorphin kappa-opioid receptor mRNAs and dynorphins were upregulated or demonstrated higher dispersion in alcoholics.

Conclusions

Dysregulation in the kappa-opioid receptor/dynorphin system in alcoholics may contribute to alcohol craving and neurocognitive dysfunctions relevant for addiction and disrupted inhibitory control.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the NSW Tissue Resource Centre for providing human brain samples. Supported by the Swedish VR and FAS.
2304 – Relationships Between Psychopathological Dimensions, Cognitive Deficits And Functional Capacity/real-life Functioning In Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Bucci P. , Piegari G. , Chieffi M. , Mucci A. , Galderisi S. , Maj M.
Published: July 2013

An impairment of functional capacity and real-life functioning has widely been reported in patients with schizophrenia, even when clinical remission has been achieved. The relative contribution of negative symptoms and neurocognitive deficits to such an impairment is still debated.

In the present study, we investigated the relationships of functional capacity and real-life functioning with psychopathology and cognitive deficits in 35 schizophrenia patients, all treated with new-generation antipsychotics.

The MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery was used to assess cognitive functions. Real-life functioning was evaluated with the Quality of Life Scale (QLS). Functional capacity was assessed with the Performance-Based Skills Assessment-Brief (UPSA-B). Psychopathological dimensions were calculated from PANSS items. Multiple Regression Analyses (MRA) were conducted, in which dependent variables were the indices of functional capacity/real life functioning while independent variables were psychopathological dimensions, neurocognitive indices, general abilities and education.

The results of MRA on the QLS indices showed the following percentages of variance explained: negative psychopathological dimension, 64% for “intrapsychic functions” and 46% for “interpersonal relationships”; speed of processing, 13% for “work functioning” and 11% for “interpersonal relationships”; visual learning, 12% for “work functioning”; positive psychopathological dimension, 11% for “intrapsychic functions” and 5% for “interpersonal relationships”; working memory, 7% for “intrapsychic functions”. As to the MRA on UPSA-B total score, working memory explained 57% of the variance while speed of processing explained 12% of it.

Our findings suggest that both negative symptoms and cognitive impairment have a strong relationship with real-life functioning while cognitive impairment is the only aspect associated to functional capacity.
2305 – Audit On Effects Of Mood Stabilisers On Women's Health - Informed Decision Making
Authors: Mothi M. , Chambers C. , Shora S. , Jabeen A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

There are growing concerns on use of certain psychotropic medications on women's reproductive health, pregnancy and lactation. Lithium, Sodium valproate, Carbamazepine and Lamotrigine are recommended by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in treatment of Bipolar Disorder. While treatment of Bipolar disorder is crucial, it is imperative that there is clear communication between patients, carers and health professionals to enable patients in making informed decisions about their care

Objectives

NICE recommends that healthcare professionals should give relevant information at every stage of assessment and treatment. They should discuss contraception and risks of pregnancy. Furthermore, it is good practice to assess capacity of service user's to consent to treatment. This enables service user to make well-informed decision.

Aims

To find out if relevant steps were taken to aid women in making well-informed decision regarding their treatment i.e by verbal communication and providing written information.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed electronic patient record of women meeting inclusion criteria.

Results

Out of 616 women, 119 met the inclusion criteria. Patients’ ages ranged from 20 to 55. 52% were on Lithium, followed by Sodium Valproate(22%), Lamotrigine(14%) and Carbamazepine(12%). There was evidence of verbal communication in only 35% and provision of written information in only 11%. Contraception advice was documented in only 24%. Documentation of assessment of capacity to consent to treatment was found only in 31%.

Conclusion

There is lack of adequate communication between clinicians and patients. There are several possible explanations for this finding with one of the main reasons being poor documentation.
2311 – Prevalence Of Mentally Ill Offenders Hospitalized Last Three Years In Forensic Unit - Clinic Of Psychiatry In Prishtina And Forensic Mental Health Service Establishment
Authors: Ibishi N.F. , Kola V. , Musliu N.R. , Haxhibeqiri S.S.
Published: July 2013

Background

Forensic Psychiatry and Mental Health Service as new field in our country needs strategies for management and rehabilitation programs.

The aim

To evaluate socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis of inpatients hospitalized in last three year period time from January 2009 up to December 2011. Specific objectives of this study were to identify the rehabilitation programs of treatment and specific training needs of mental health professionals according to our results findings.

Methods

This retrospective study used the method of socio-demographic data collection, review and study of documented diagnosis based on ICD-10 criteria for mental disorders and Structured Clinical Interview (SCID), data records by court and other hetero-anamnesis data of all forensic inpatients who underwent psychiatric forensic evaluation and assessment according to court request. Descriptive approach for analyses was used.

Results

Subjects were referred either directly from prison (23,2%) or from court (76,8%) for forensic psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. The majority of offenders (85,7%) were under trial, and physical threatening being the most common charge than domestic violence and murder. Prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis was 94,6%, the most common being psychosis 69,1%. Drug abuse and personality disorders including high-risk behaviors were also common.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation programs of treatment and management with specific focus on psychotic disorders, sever personality disorder and drug abuse are needed. Establishment of Forensic Mental Health System in Kosovo will fulfill the implementation of legal framework including the rights and human treatment of all mentally ill offenders.
2322 – Disgust Domains In The Prediction Of The Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Valiente R.M. , Chorot P. , Sandín B. , Santed M.A. , Campagne D.M. , Olmedo M.
Published: July 2013

There is evidence that disgust sensitivity could be implicated in various psychopathological syndromes, particularly in the anxiety disorders. Separated dimensions of disgust have been identified and there might be specific relationships between them and the various anxiety disorders. The goal of the current study was to test the hypothesis that elevated levels of disgust characterizes anxiety disorders, and more specifically describes specific phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A sample of participants with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, representing the six DSM-IV anxiety disorders (i.e., specific phobias, social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), completed the Multidimensional Disgust Scale (MDS; see Sandin et al.), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson et al., 1988; Sandin et al., 1999) and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (Taylor et al., 2007). The MDS is a 30- item self-report measure that assesses a total of five different dimensions of disgust, i.e., hygiene (body products), moral, sexual, body transgression, small-animals, atypical food, and disease. Results from discriminant function analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that the MDS contributes as a significant discriminating variable beyond anxiety sensitivity and negative affectivity. Likewise, the findings indicate that the five domains of disgust do not contribute equally to the discriminative/predictive power of the discriminant and/or regression model. Some specific MDS subscales predict phobias, OCD and combined anxiety syndromes better than other anxiety disorders. The possible role of disgust in the psychopathology of the anxiety disorders is discussed.
2330 – Obesity, Self-esteem And Sexuality: a Comparative Study About 40 Cases
Authors: Ben Thabet J. , Sallemi R. , Maâlej Bouali M. , Charfi N. , Charfi N. , Zouari L. , Zouari N. , Abid M. , Maâlej M.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To assess the impact of self-esteem on the sexuality of obese patients compared to a sample from the general population.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional case-control study. It involved 40 obese married patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 40 normal weight subjects from the general population. A questionnaire was presented with sociodemographic data, somatic and psychiatric personal histories, data on obesity and sexual life data. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES).

Results

The sex-ratio (men/women) of obese patients was 0.53. The average BMI of obese patients was 33.48 kg/m2 (SD = 3.44). The score at the RSES in the obese group was 30.15 (SD = 5.48) versus 32.2 (SD = 4.58) in the control group, with no significant difference (p = 0.808). Among obese patients, the higher the score of self-esteem was, the more frequent sexual intercourses were, without significant difference (r = 0.254, p = 0.119). Sexual satisfaction was significantly correlated with the level of self-esteem (p = 0.022). Obese people with low self-esteem were more likely to have a decrease in sexual desire (OR = 9.625, CI [1.378, 67.246]).

Conclusion

There is a link between low self-esteem of obese and an alteration of the quality of their sexual life. The therapist should check the level of self-esteem in obese patients and try to improve it. In this sense, the collaboration of the endocrinologist with the psychiatrist could be very useful.
2366 – Booster Sessions After Cognitive-behavioral Group Therapy For Panic Disorder: Impact On Resilience, Coping And Quality Of Life
Authors: Heldt E. , Wesner A.C. , Gomes J.B. , Detzel T. , Guimarães L.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Panic Disorder (PD) tends to chronicity and one of the risk factors is the use of maladaptive coping strategies to deal with stressful events.

Objective

To evaluate the response to booster sessions with cognitive techniques of coping strategies on resilience and on quality of life (QoL) of patients who received standard cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for PD.

Methods

A controlled clinical trial with 44 patients with PD (intervention= 20 and control= 24) who previously completed the 12-week CBGT protocol. PD, anxiety, and depression severity symptoms were assessed at baseline and 1, 6 and 12 months after the booster sessions. Coping strategies, resilience and QoL were assessed by Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI), Resilience Scale and WHOQOL-BREF, respectively.

Results

Considering the outcome ‘time,’ a significant improvement of PD and depression symptoms was observed in both groups. A significant increase in QoL domain of social relations for the intervention group was found, considering a time*group interaction. There was no significant difference on coping and other QoL domains. Changes on resilience were dependent on the symptoms intensity, and the correlations were negative.

Conclusions

The improvement of PD and depression symptoms for both groups may be related to the therapeutic factors of the group sessions format. Therefore, booster sessions with groups after CBGT may benefit patients with PD regardless the use of specific cognitive techniques.
2372 – Preliminary Psychometric Characteristics Of The Portuguese Version Of Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (phq-9) In a Sample Of Portuguese Breast Cancer Women
Authors: Torres A. , Pereira A. , Monteiro S. , Albuquerque E.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Depression, anxiety and distress are common during the course of cancer. Studies suggest prevalence of distress greater than 30%. Distress and depression influence quality of life. However, depression is often overlooked by cancer professionals. It is needed short and easy instruments to help to assess depression symptoms and its severity. PHQ-9 is an example of a short instrument to assess depressive symptoms and its severity.

Objectives

In this work the preliminary study of the psychometric characteristics of PHQ-9 in a sample of breast cancer Portuguese women is described.

Aims

We purpose to evaluate psychometric characteristics of PHQ-9 in a Portuguese sample, namely: internal consistency, test-retest reliability and concurrent validity.

Methods

Psychometric analyses were performed on a sample composed of 49 breast cancer women, with ages from 30 to 80 years old (M = 59.27, SD = 11.12). Participants answered to PHQ-9 twice (with a 2 months interval) and once to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The procedure enclose: translation; back translation; discussion group for inspection of lexical equivalence and content validity and application to a target population.

Results

It was obtained a Cronbach alpha of .82. The test-retest reliability show a significant statistical positive correlation (rS = .82, p = .000). Significant positive statistical correlation with HADS was also observed (rS = .60, p = .000 for anxiety and rS = .65, p = .000 for depression).

Conclusions

The validation of the Portuguese PHQ-9 has good psychometric proprieties of internal consistency, test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. Therefore, we can conclude that PHQ-9 is a useful and a valid scale.
2442 – How Media Influence Stigma Towards Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Nawka A. , Rukavina T.V. , Nawkova L. , Jovanovic N. , Brborovic O.
Published: July 2013

Media are considered to be the public's primary source of information regarding mental illness. Evidence suggests that media representations of people with psychiatric disorders are frequently negative and contribute to their stigmatization. On the other hand, media can play an important role in reducing this stigmatisation by providing adequate information about this topic. An example of an use of a standardised and objective measurement of the stigma of mental illness in print media using clearly operationalized definitions will be shawn. The Picture of Mental Illness in newspapers (PICMIN) instrument is based on the principles of content analysis and used in an analysis of the coverage on mental health/illness issues in Czech, Croatian, and Slovak print media. Some of the most interesting findings based on the analysis include; a similarly high level of stigmatizing articles across countries, clearly exceeding the ones with destigmatizing statements; overrepresentation of schizophrenia and eating disorders and underrepresentation of anxiety disorders and dementia when comparing the correlation of their actual rate in the populations; the proportion of articles depicting mental disorders together with aggressive deeds being as high as onethird of all articles; homicide being most frequently mentioned in the context of psychotic disorders, while affective disorders being most frequently associated with completed suicides, etc. As the influences of the media and the stigma of psychiatric disorders are heterogeneous, activities that should tighten the mental health together with media professionals should be initiated in an ultimate effort to improve media coverage of mental illness issues.
2448 – Adolescent Subthreshold Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Balazs J.
Published: July 2013

A significant proportion of individuals with substantial functional impairment who either identify themselves as psychiatric patients or who are referred for psychiatric evaluation by their families/teachers or other clinicians may not receive a standard diagnosis based on the current classification systems due to an insufficient number or duration of symptoms. Their conditions are labeled as subthreshold mental disorders. This presentation aims to give an overview on the current knowledge on adolescent subthreshold depression and anxiety.

Based on the literature the presence of subthreshold depression and anxiety is associated with more medical comorbidity, more workdays lost, greater use of services for medical and mental health problems and increased suicide risk. Adolescents with subthreshold conditions have an increased risk for developing future full syndrome disorders than individuals without these conditions. People with subthreshold conditions report significantly more social dysfunction and disability compared to those with several common general medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

The results of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) study - as the risk for increased burden of disease and suicide risk among adolescents with subthreshold-depression/anxiety is between the risk for those non-depressed/nonanxious and full syndrome depressed/anxious - contribute to the current discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of categorical and dimensional classification systems: these findings suggest that subthreshold and full DSM-IV-TR depression/anxiety could be on the same continuum. Inputting subthreshold disorders into the diagnostic systems could provide a bridge between categorical and dimensional diagnostic models.
2531 – Clinical Psychopathology
Authors: Stanghellini G.
Published: July 2013

Clinical psychopathology aims at the identification of symptoms that are significant in view of nosographical distinctions. Schneider affirms that this discipline aims at becoming the “psychopathological doctrine of symptoms and diagnosis” - the link between descriptive psychopathology and nosography. It restricts the task of the psychopathological inquiry to the search for diagnostically relevant symptoms being interested in eliciting first and foremost those abnormal psychic phenomena that help the clinician to establish a reliable diagnosis.

Although clinical psychopathology is at risk of flattening the practice of psychopathology to that of nosographical diagnosis, it also serves an epistemologically important function since it is concerned with generalizing the individual case and subsuming it into a general category. It complements the view of descriptive psychopathology (which keeps the individual and its complexity in focus) in that the patient here is also an instantiation of a general category, rather than merely a primordially real individual. Psychopathology is not only about the description of phenomena idiosyncratically taking place in a single individual - although its first aim is to do justice to the individuum. It also envisions the individual as an exemplar of a given general type.

Psychopathology is a kind of scientific knowledge since it allows generalizations. It keeps in tension the knowledge about the real individual (e.g this person with schizophrenia) with the horizonal knowledge of an abstract kind (what psychopathology knows about the condition called ‘schizophrenia’). Knowledge emerges as the mutual enlightenment between the individual and the genre he is attributed to.
2547 – Prevention and Early Intervention in Postpartum Depression Risk
Authors: Gigantesco A. , Palumbo G. , Mirabella F. , Cascavilla I.
Published: July 2013

Post-partum depression is a significant public health problem. Birth and neonatal outcomes suffer as a result of maternal depression. As such, effectively treating depression is imperative to the overall health of mother and child.

Psychopharmacological interventions are effective in alleviating depresses symptoms. However, the evidence of the safety of their use during nursing is inconclusive. Moreover, women themselves express the desire for non-psychopharmacological options when deciding to manage their depression.

The efficacy of specific psychological interventions for the prevention and treatment of post-partum depression has been addressed recently by several studies. in 2011, the Mental Health Department of the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) received a grant from the Ministry of Health to assess, in Italy, the feasibility and efficacy in actual practice of the demonstrably effective approach based on clinical work and research conducted by Milgrom J. at the Infant Clinic of the Parent-Infant Research Institute, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, in Melbourne, Australia (Milgrom J, Negri LM, Gemmill AW, McNeil M, Martin PR., 2005). The preliminary results of that assessment will be presented at the congress.
2577 – Prevalence of Risk Behaviours and Psychopathology Among European Youth
Authors: Carli V. , Wasserman C. , Sarchiapone M. , Hoven C. , Wasserman D.
Published: July 2013

During the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescents establish patterns of behaviour and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. Most health indicators are socially patterned in adolescence and track into adulthood, with higher risks of adverse outcomes. Given the importance of this transitional period, it is essential to systematically monitor and assess the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults, and evaluate the nation’s efforts to improve the health of young people.

Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) aims at promoting mental health among adolescents in European schools. The SEYLE project was performed during January 2009 - December 2011, and comprised a consortium of 12 European countries: Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Romania, Slovenia and Spain, with Sweden as the coordinating centre. One of its main objectives is to gather information on health and well-being in European adolescents. SEYLE generated a large epidemiological database containing information regarding sociodemographics, risk factors, lifestyles, and the mental health of adolescents in Europe. The database contains information regarding 366 variables for 12,395 cases, for a total of over 4.5 million observations. Prevalence regarding psychopathology, such as depressive and anxiety symptoms, hyperactivity, suicidal ideation and behaviour and lifestyles such as substance abuse, including alcohol, smoking and illegal drugs; sleep, nutrition and physical activity, and Internet use is available and will be described during this presentation.