bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroatypical “Moving Mirrors”: exploring the impact of camera movements on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders without intellectual disabilities.
Authors: Demartini B. , Nistico’ V. , Del Giudice R. , Serio F. , Boido G. , Ingrosso G. , Lombardi F. , Sanguineti C. , Casula V. , Baccara A. , Chiudinelli E. , Vairano F. , Panzeri F. M. , Giori M. , Inghilleri di Villadauro P. M. , Faggioli R. , Gambini O. , Subini T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Neurofilmology is a young and evolving research field, at the intersection between neuroscience and movie experiences, that explores how the brain processes and responds to visual storytelling. It involves examining the cognitive and emotional effects of movies on viewers, including social cognition and perspective-taking aspects. However, up to date, these studies have focused only on the neurotypical population, hence constituting a considerable gap in the literature with respect to individuals with neuroatypical functioning.

Objectives

Aim of this study was to investigate the experience of film viewing and its correlates in individuals with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Methods

30 neurotypical individuals and 30 individuals with ASD without intellectual disabilities were asked to observe 12 short video clips of 3 seconds length, showing an agent grasping an object from a table, and filmed with three different camera techniques: Still, Steadycam, Zoom; for each clip, they were asked to respond to six question on a Visual Analogue Scale (0-100) designed to investigate participants’ potential feeling of involvement with the observed scene, their comfort with the different filming conditions, and their estimation of the ecological plausibility of the different types of camera movements.

Results

Participants felt more involved watching videos filmed with a Steadycam, with respect to the Zoom and Still condition. Within the neurotypical group participants felt more comfortable when the camera was in motion (both Steadycam and Zoom condition) compared to the Still condition; no differences were found between conditions in the ASD group, as if they felt equally comfortable in every condition administered, regardless the filming technique.

Conclusions

First, our results reinforce prior findings regarding the influence of different camera techniques on neurotypical individuals. Second, they add to the existing literature suggesting that individuals with ASD may exhibit differences in their subjective experiences related to empathizing with characters and immersing themselves as actors when the camera replicates naturalistic movements, resulting in a diminished overall fulfillment in the movie-watching process.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Swipe & Slice: Decoding Digital Struggles with NSSI in Young Italians
Authors: Reina S. , Longo G. , Orsolini L. , Volpe U.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as any deliberate destruction of one’s body tissue, engaged in for reasons that are non-suicidal. Online platforms, notably social media, witness a surge in NSSI-related content, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Young individuals increase video and post uploads, prompting scholarly inquiry into the impact on vulnerable demographics in the online environment. Despite potential benefits, concerns surface regarding content reinforcing self-injurious behavior. The Blue Whale phenomenon exemplifies serious consequences in this digital landscape.

Objectives

The present study aims at screening the prevalence of NSSIs on SNS among Italian young people.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 373 Italian young people (aged 18-25). Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Fear Of Missing Out Scale (FOMO), Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) were administered to investigate the relationship between NSSIs, social media use and frequency and underpinned motivations.

Results

Overall, 99.7 % (n=372) of participants declared to have used at least one social network. Around 92.5 % (n=345) declared to know Blue Whale Challenge and more than half of the sample (51.5%) referred to have looked for NSSI contents on SNS, mostly (28.7 % (n=107)) have sought for curiosity, 17.7 % (n=66) have sought for help/support. 53.4 % (n=199) of the sample was found to have problematic social media use (PSMU) according to BSMAS. 85 % (n=317) have committed self-injurious gestures in the past, 66.2 % (n=247) practice NSSI currently, most subjects practice them to vent 51.7% (n=193), calm themselves 41.6% (n=155), and punish themselves 30% (n=112). The mean age of transgender and nonbinary subjects (30 % n=112)) who sought/saw content pertaining to NSSIs appears to be lower (p=0.033) than cisgender subjects. Those who searched for content inherent to NSSIs scored higher mean scores on the FOMO (p=0.022) and BSMAS (p=0.013) scales. Those who follow social pages inherent to NSSIs scored higher on the FOMO scale (p=0.035). Subjects who practice NSSIs at their present state, on average, have higher scores on the FOMO and BSMAS scales (p=<.001). Linear regression analysis was conducted showing an association between BSMAS and FOMO (R²=0.199, B=0.260; F(1.371)=92.334; p=<.001). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to define the effects of FOMO, PMSU, sex, and NSSI search on the development of self-injurious conduct. The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2 (1)=3.909; p=0.048.

Conclusions

The study examines NSSI behaviors among young Italian college students on digital platforms, particularly social networks. It stresses the critical need for targeted interventions, addressing concerns like social media addiction, to provide essential mental health support and foster a safer online environment for this population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Evaluation of Relationship of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte, Platelet/Lymphocyte, Monocyte/Lymphocyte Monocyte/HDL Ratios and Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index Value with Antipsychotic Treatments in Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Söylemez H. , İspir S. N. , Demirel H. R. , Yıldız E. , Aydın M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There are studies showing that the systemic inflammation response in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia is different from healty controls. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (TLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), monocyte-HDL ratio (MHO) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) have recently been used as inflammation indicators.

Objectives

NLR, TLR, MLR, MHO and SII have been evaluated in many studies in schizophrenia patients. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between NLR, TLR, MLR, MHO, SII values and antipsychotic treatments of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods

203 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were followed up in the psychotic disorders outpatient clinic of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine were included in the study. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet and monocyte counts and HDL values were obtained retrospectively from blood tests. NLR, TLR, MLO, MHO and SII were calculated. The study approved by the ethics committee of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine.

Results

45.3% of the patients were female (n = 92); the mean age was 45.8±14.0. The average number of hospitalizations was 3.0±2.7 years; the mean disease duration was 17.0±9.6 years. 56.7% (n=115) use long-acting antipsychotic treatment, 21% (n=43) use monthly paliperidone long-acting (PP1M) treatment, and 14.8% (n=30) use 3-month paliperidone long-acting (PP3M) treatment. No significant difference was observed in NLR, TLR, MLR, MHO and SII values between individuals using and not using long-acting antipsychotics. However, a significant difference in NLR value was observed between PP1M and PP3M treatment (p = 0.039). Oral antipsychotic use was 71% (n=137), 19% (n=38) used clozapine monotherapy, and 25% (n=51) used non-clozapine oral monotherapy. No significant difference was detected in inflammatory markers between clozapine monotherapy and other oral monotherapies.

Conclusions

According to our findings, NLR levels in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were found to be significantly higher in those using PP1M treatment compared to those using PP3M. This finding can be interpreted in favor of the fact that PP3M contributes to the reduction of inflammation due to its longer duration of action compared to PP1M. It is thought that schizophrenia progresses through inflammatory processes and antipsychotic treatments play a role in anti-inflammation. It is envisaged that future studies may be helpful in evaluating the onset, exacerbation and remission periods of the disease, including treatment doses and durations, and revealing the relationship between inflammatory markers and schizophrenia disease and the effects of antipsychotic treatments on inflammatory markers such as NLR, TLR, MLR, MHO and SII.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impact of interpersonal relationships on academic burnout among trainee teachers: A comprehensive study
Authors: Bouhaba A. , Boumaaize Z. , El Madhi Y. , Soulaymani A. , Mokhtari A. , Hami H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Recent research has identified varying levels of burnout among teachers, particularly those in training. This condition is believed to be influenced by a combination of internal factors, such as psychological characteristics, and external factors, such as work-related pressures and the social environment.

Objectives

We examined the prevalence of burnout syndrome and assessed the potential risk factors associated with this condition. This study investigates the complicated correlation between academic burnout and interpersonal connections among trainee teachers in Morocco.

Methods

We used a comprehensive database generated from the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS), a questionnaire designed specifically for this study, and validated for this context. We examined various dimensions of academic burnout to unravel the complexity of this connection. Our study analyzed individual, professional, and social factors within a cohort of 732 prospective teachers in Morocco during the 2021/2022 academic year.

Results

The findings revealed an intricate network of interrelated factors that contributed to the occurrence of academic burnout among trainee teachers. Significantly, the study highlighted the impact of interpersonal relationships on academic burnout. Trainee teachers who received support and positive interactions from colleagues and superiors showed significantly lower levels of academic burnout. Interpersonal relationships within the educational community also played a pivotal role in preventing burnout. Moreover, our multivariate analysis showed that certain sociodemographic factors,including age, gender, and prior educational experience, moderated the influence of interpersonal relationships on academic burnout.

Conclusions

This study significantly contributes to the comprehension of academic burnout in trainee teachers by emphasizing the vital role of interpersonal relationships in this context. The findings emphasize the necessity of interventions that enhance interactions within educational institutions to prevent academic burnout and promote a healthy learning environment for trainee teachers.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Personalized assessment of the effectiveness of psychosocial rehabilitation: an innovative approach based on the process of analytical hierarchy
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Solokhina T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), rank scales are widely used to assess the severity of functional disorders in patients. The main problem of evaluating the effectiveness of PSR is related to the methods of processing data obtained using psychometric scales used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions within PSR. J. Pfanzagl (1968) obtained the proof of the non-numerical nature of ranks. Incorrect processing of rank information obtained in the framework of psychosocial research leads to contradictions in the assessment of the patient’s condition. Consequently, rank processing does not allow classical mathematical operations (summation, average), which makes it impossible to correctly estimate the effectiveness of PSR numerically.

Objectives

Development of algorithms for numerical evaluation of PSR efficiency based on rank information processing using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) [1].

Methods

Clinical, psychometric, AHP algorithms.

Results

The analysis of the problems of assessing the patient’s conditions on the basis of categorical and psychometric (rank) scales and subscales shows that these problems can be presented in the form of appropriate hierarchies [2], the structure of which must be taken into account when processing the initial information.

According to the results of the analysis of the data of preliminary studies, the main areas of impaired functioning of patients affecting the evaluation of the effectiveness of PSR have been identified. Rank estimates of changes in the relevant areas of the patient’s dysfunction after the PSR program compared to the initial level are the basis for the conclusion about the effectiveness of the PSR components. Algorithms of the AHP normative approach were used to translate rank information into numerical information [2]. The weight of the areas of the patient’s functioning disorders was used in the formation of integral estimates of the effectiveness of PSR.

The fundamental difference between AHP-based assessments and rank assessments is due to the fact that numerical estimates of the weight of the criteria and the corresponding changes in the patient’s condition are obtained, which depend on the qualifications of specialists, the characteristics of the scales used to measure violations in the relevant areas and the procedures of the PSR.

Conclusions

Obtaining the results of processing rank information in a numerical scale allows to obtain the correct integration of the patient’s personal characteristics when considering PSR procedures and to obtain correct models of the patient’s state. 1. Saaty T. European Journal of Operational Research.1990; 48(1):9-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/0377-2217(90)90057-I 2. Mitikhin V.G., Solokhina T.A. et al. Psychiatry, 2022; 20(2): 51-59. DOI: 10.30629/2618-6667-2022-20-2-51-59

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Features of attachment in women with eating disorders
Authors: Samoilova M. N. , Semenova N. D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Eating disorders (ED), especially anorexia nervosa, are known to be the most associated with high mortality rates among psychiatric conditions. In many cases, they are resistant to treatment because patients tend to show low compliance, concealing symptoms from doctors. Body image concerns may affect communication and hinder building connections with people, making patients feel alienated.

Objectives

The study aimed to examine the specific characteristics of attachment styles and evaluate their interrelationships with psychological features in women with eating disorders.

Methods

A total of 52 women with a clinical diagnosis of eating disorder (namely, 26 with anorexia nervosa (AN) and 26 with bulimia nervosa (BN)) and 43 healthy controls were included in the study. All participants completed the following psychometric scales: Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), Experience in Close Relationships (ECR), Relationship Profile Test (RPT), and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was applied, confirming a non-normal distribution of the sample; therefore, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman statistics were administered.

Results

The results show a marked difference between the two groups. In the ED patients’ group, only 15% of respondents classified their attachment style as secure, compared to 37% of the participants in the control group. 85% of women in the ED group identified themselves as having one of the insecure attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized). The level of relationship anxiety and the rate of relationship avoidance in the respondents of the ED group is 27% and 19% higher, respectively, compared to the control group. Likewise, the level of destructive interpersonal overdependence is 20% higher in the ED patients’ group respondents, whereas healthy dependence is 18% lower compared to the controls. The respondents with ED showed 18% higher self-oriented perfectionism and 39% higher socially prescribed perfectionism. A direct correlation between avoidant attachment style and destructive interpersonal overdependence was found in women with diagnoses belonging to the ED group. When comparing AN and BN patients, no statistically significant differences in the distribution and peculiarities of attachment styles in the anorexia and bulimia groups were found.

Conclusions

The study has proved the hypothesis that insecure attachment is more common among women with eating disorders than those without the diagnosis. We suggest a more profound scientific elaboration of the attachment in ED patients to increase the level of compliance of this group of patients, to improve the effectiveness and reduce the duration of treatment, and develop new therapeutic approaches to cure this disease.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among medical students
Authors: Mellouli A. , Ellouze S. , Barkallah M. , Turki M. , Ben Jmeâa B. , Halouani N. , Aloulou J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Orthorexia nervosa is defined as an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy food. Recent studies currently demonstrated that students in health-oriented academic programs, highly focused on nutrition and physical exercise, are more prone to develop orthorexia nervosa than students in other educational areas.

Objectives

Determine the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in medical students and identify associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study in the faculty of medicine of Sfax in Tunisia, between February and April 2023. We used ORTO-15 for the assessment of orthorexia.

Results

The research has enrolled 220 students. Their mean age was 21.40±1.68 years, with female predominance (70%). The mean Body mass index (BMI) was 22.46±4.15 kg/m2. The prevalence of overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) were respectively 19.5% and 3.6%. Over a third of students (34.1%) were using means of weight control, of which the diet represented 62.66% of cases. The participants had consulted a nutritionist in 11.4% of cases. The ORTO-15 mean total score was 36.88±6.76, with a mean score of 12.95±2.69 for cognitive dimension, 13.31±2.70 for clinical dimension, and 10.61±2.52 for emotional dimension. A total of 60% of participants had a score under the threshold.

Orthorexia was significantly associated with female gender (p<10
-3), overweight or obesity (p=0.037), the use of weight control methods (p<10-3), following a diet (p<10-3), and consulting a nutritionist (p=0.009).

Conclusions

In our study, orthorexia seems to be quite widespread among medical students, particularly females, who are overweight or obese, and who use weight control methods.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Choking as Cause of Death Among the Mentally Ill: A Literature review
Authors: Papadopoulou P. , Porfyri G. N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

According to data, choking is one of the principal causes of death in mental health units. Specifically, research reveals that psychiatric patients -compared to the general population- are 43 times more likely to die due to choking. Nevertheless, only a limited number of studies has been focused on the risk factors of choking among this category of patients. Interestingly, dysphagia and choking on food are underdiagnosed and underreported in the UK psychiatry departments while there is an important insufficiency of provided information in national guidance archives as well as in regional clinical settings for adults with mental health diseases.

Objectives

To explore the risk factors of choking among psychiatric patients and to highlight interventions of preventing choking-related incidents.

Methods

A review of 36 articles -from 2010 to 2023-
on PubMed and Google Scholar regarding choking-related incidents among inpatients of mental health units.Articles exploring choking suicide-related incidents or choking as cause of neurological illness, were excluded from the research. Keywords: choking, psychiatric patients, death.

Results

Numerous risk factors of choking have been identified, such as:

Antipsychotics,

Anxiolytics,

Bradykinetic dysphagia (extra-pyramidal syndrome),

Intellectual disabilities,

Dementia,

Anxiety,

Coughing while eating,

Fast paced eating and cramming food,

Mealtime-related stressors such as willingness of avoiding peers.

Conclusions

There is an absolute need for a specialized training of nurses, caregivers, mental health clinicians to prevent incidents and injuries of inpatients due to choking. Close supervision, routine screening during the mealtime, and detailed information from relatives about the patient’s eating habits are essential for the safety and the ameliorated quality of hospitalization for the mentally ill.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Domestic violence in Tunisian women during pregnancy and anxiety: which association?
Authors: Jbir R. , Aribi L. , Chaari I. , Mohamed S. , Fatma G. , Ines M. , Messedi N. , Aloulou J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Domestic violence is a major public health problem. The situation is alarming in Arab countries: the prevalence of domestic violence is 39.3% in Saudi Arabia, 55% in Morocco and 62.2% in Egypt.

In Tunisia, a national survey carried out by the national family planning office in 2010, published in July 2011, drew attention for the first time to the frequency of this phenomenon in Tunisia and the recurrent nature of this form of violence. Unfortunately, few studies have focused on domestic violence during pregnancy and its impact on the mental health of expectant mothers.

Objectives

To study the prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy among Tunisian women consulting in the context of medical expertise and its association with anxiety.

Methods

Our study was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional, carried out with women examined in the context of medical expertise following domestic violence at ‘Hedi Chaker hospital’,Sfax , from May 2021 until January 2022.

An anonymous survey was asked to these ladies, it included a section for collecting socio-demographic
data.

The HADS questionnaire was used to screen for anxiety.

Results

122 responses was collected. The average age of victims was 35.66 ± 9.94 years.

All the women in our population study were married, and each one was a victim of at least one form of violence. The majority (86.1%) had children. Most of them had secondary (44.3%) or university (31.1%) level education.

More than half of the women (63.9%) had no occupation.

Sixty-five women (53.3%) were assaulted during pregnancy, 43% of whom suffered from complications of varying severity.

Different consequences on pregnancy were reported with decreasing prevalence: 16.9% hospitalization in a gynecological ward, 13.8% abortion, 6.2% fetal death in utero and premature delivery in 4.6% of cases.

According to the HADS, seventy-six of women surveyed (62.3%) had anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety was significantly associated with exposure to violence during pregnancy (p=0.03).

Conclusions

Our results showed a significant incidence of domestic violence during pregnancy and a significant association with anxiety.

Different actions must be taken towards these anxious women such as: Identify a “referent” in maternity wards to screen for domestic violence and directing women to structures and shelters that can help and, above all, protect them.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Factors influencing the health-related quality of life among persons with lower limb amputation wearing a prosthesis
Authors: Papathanasiou C. , Psoma A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Limb amputation is often an unavoidable process in many diseases and accidents, leading to several limitations in social, professional, and recreational activities.

Objectives

To explore the perceptions of persons with lower limb amputation (PLLA) wearing a prosthesis regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and to examine the relationships between HRQoL, body image disturbance, and self-esteem.

Methods

The research sample consisted of 91 PLLA who were using a prosthesis. The data were collected through a questionnaire comprised of demographic information and the following scales: The Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12), the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS-R), and the Rosenberg scale (RSES), in order to assess HRQoL, body image disturbance, and self-esteem respectively. The SPSS statistical software (v.26) was used for the statistical analysis of the data.

Results

The mean SF-12 score of the participants was 70.31 (SD=16.74). The HRQoL was affected by the following sociodemographic factors: age, educational level, profession, income, marital status, and parenthood. It was also influenced by disability-related factors, such as amputation cause and years of prosthesis use. In particular, young participants reported a better level of HRQoL than the older participants (p<0.001). Participants with a higher education level presented better HRQoL than those with lower education level (p<0.001). Unemployed participants and students presented better HRQoL scores compared to all other professional categories (p=0.001). However, participants with lower incomes <10,000 € reported a lower level of HRQoL (p=0.028). Singles had the highest HRQoL score, while widowers had the lowest (p=0.001). Childfree participants experienced the highest level of HRQoL (p=0.001). Participants whose amputation resulted from an accident reported a better HRQoL compared to those who had an amputation due to Type 2 diabetes (p<0.001). As the years of prosthesis use increase, HRQoL decreases (p=0.001). Regarding the associations between HRQoL, body image disturbance, and self-esteem statistically significant relationships were recorded. More specifically, there is a significant positive relationship between RSES and SF-12 (p<0.001); as participants’ self-esteem increases, so does their HRQoL. Conversely, a statistically significant negative correlation emerged between SF-12 and ABIS-R (p<0.001); as HRQoL increases, body image disturbance decreases.

Conclusions

The aforementioned factors should be considered in the design and implementation of psychosocial interventions aimed at recovery. Qualitative studies are recommended to explore the lived experiences of PLLA in-depth.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Use of monthly extended-release risperidone injection in schizophrenia: clinical experience
Authors: de la Fuente Ruiz E. , Blasco Fresco M. D. C. , Álvarez Sanagustín C. , Durán Sandoval L. T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Monthly extended-release injectable risperidone is the new antipsychotic formulation of risperidone available in doses of 75 mg and 100 mg, approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. It contains microcrystals of risperidone that are deposited following intramuscular injection. A fraction of the active ingredient of risperidone is already solubilized and rapidly enters the bloodstream, providing plasma levels similar to oral risperidone on the first day. The microcrystals continue to release risperidone steadily over a period of 4 weeks. No oral supplementation or loading doses are required.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment with monthly extended-release injectable risperidone in patients with schizophrenia who are followed up as outpatients from the Mental Health Center. The study aims to show that this treatment improves symptoms associated with schizophrenia, leading to an enhancement in the quality of life for these patients.

Methods

Analysis and evaluation were conducted on 9 patients diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia and treated with monthly extended-release injectable risperidone from a Mental Health Unit and the Hospital Emergency System during the months of January to April 2023. Among the nine patients, six were previously on oral risperidone treatment exceeding 4 mg, and three were on doses less than 4 mg. The first group received a monthly injectable dose of 100 mg of risperidone, while the second group received 75 mg.

Results

All nine patients showed improvement in positive and anxious symptomatology. Seven of them exhibited improvement in affective and cognitive profiles. None of the patients experienced significant metabolic alterations, and only one of them reported akathisia as a side effect. Furthermore, all patients improved their sleep patterns, and the seven who had behavioral disturbances with a tendency towards aggression no longer exhibited these behaviors.

Conclusions

Monthly extended-release injectable risperidone is beneficial in reducing positive and affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. It also improves anxious, cognitive, and behavioral symptomatology. It is considered effective, safe, and well-tolerated for long-term treatment of this disease, regardless of its initial severity. Therefore, it is advisable to consider it as the first therapeutic option in patients with schizophrenia who have responded well to oral risperidone previously.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Brain developmental trajectories in offspring of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Authors: Van Haren N.
Published: August 2024

Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for managing and improving long-term outcomes of severe mental illness, highlighting the need for reliable early biomarkers. This longitudinal study explores whether the development of the brain during childhood and adolescence differs between offspring of parents with and without schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Moreover, we will assess if the age-dependent change over time in brain volume, cortical thickness and surface, structural network indices, and cortical gyrification are related to the presence and severity of psychiatric symptoms and level of IQ.

We obtained 286 T1-weighted MRI scans of 184 offspring (aged 8–18 years at baseline) of at least one parent diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n=78) or schizophrenia (n=52) and offspring of parents without severe mental illness (n=54); 102 offspring underwent a follow-up scan (on average 3.9 years between scans).

Group comparisons and the associations with clinical and cognitive measures were analysed with linear mixed-effects models. To correct for multiple comparisons, we applied a Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction (q=0.05).

A significant effect of age was found on most of the included brain features, with suggestive evidence for subtle deviations in trajectories in the cortical thickness, structural network indices but not in gyrification index, sulcal depth, length and width or surface area in offspring of parents with schizophrenia. Interestingly, these deviations in brain development in schizophrenia offspring remained significant after taking the presence of a diagnosis or level of IQ into account. These findings suggest the aberrant brain development in familial high-risk youngsters is associated with being at familial risk and not with (also) being at clinical high-risk.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Neurobiological markers of early stressful events in psychosis
Authors: Aas M.
Published: August 2024

New data from the MRC funded project “Integrating psychological models with biological pathways in psychosis” will be presented. The overall objective of this project is to use both environmental and genetic data to understand the biological pathways in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Specifically, to find out if polygenic risk and childhood adverse events increase the relative risk of mental illness above that of its individual case-control explained variance, and secondly, the effect of both polygenic risk and childhood adverse events on clinical characteristics and ageing processes. Both data from new unpublished systematic reviews and original data will be presented.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Clozapine to treat aggression and agitation in advanced dementia
Authors: Michael A. E. , Michael N. , Erfurth A. , Kujovic M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Agitation and aggression are a serious problem in clinical psychiatry, especially in multimorbid patients of advanced age, including those with dementia.

Objectives

We wanted to investigate to what extent clozapine could be an option in the treatment of selected refractory patients.

Methods

A retrospective study included patients with a diagnosis of dementia who were treated with clozapine in a specialist geriatric psychiatry unit between August 2018 and February 2022, and medical records were systematically reviewed. The Clinical Global Impressions Scale was used for the assessment of improvement and the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale for the assessment of symptom reduction. In addition, there was detailed documentation of side effects and clinical features.

Results

A total of 31 patients with a median age of 82 years were identified.

Conclusions

In conclusion, clozapine was effective and well tolerated in 23 patients. This suggests that low-dose clozapine may help alleviate the suffering of difficult-to-treat multimorbid patients with advanced dementia and their carers. However, adverse effects, particularly in patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary impairment, should be carefully monitored.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impulsivity profile analysis and it’s potential role in the differential diagnostics of adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Kenézlői E. , Somogyi S. , Balogh L. , Lévay E. , Bajzát B. , Halmai Z. , Unoka Z. S. , Réthelyi J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Impulsivity is a complex construct, having at least three factors: 1) impulsivity as a personality trait, 2) ismpulsive action – waiting and stopping impulsivity and 3) choice impulsivity. Impulsive symptoms are present in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as well, eventhough impulsvity profile significantly differs.

Objectives

Our aim is to describe the impulsivity profile in adult ADHD (aADHD) and BPD in comparison with the control group, and describe a characteristic pattern, which associates with these disorders.

Methods

aADHD (n=100) and BPD Patients (n=63) were included, based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Healthy control subjects (n=100) were screened using the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90). Comorbid psychiatric disorders were assessed by structured clinical interviews and those who have both aADHD and BPD were excluded from the study. Participants were further investigated with online questionnaires: e.g. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and neuropsychological tests, like CANTAB Rapid Visual Processing, Stop Signal Task, and the Rogers’ decision-making
test.

Results

Based ont the BIS-11 results, significantly higher attentional impulsivity was present in adult ADHD compared to BPD (p<.001) and healthy controls (p<.001). Emotional regulation difficulties, measured by DERS were significantly higher in BPD (p<.001) than aADHD, but the impulse control problems were more pronounced in the aADHD group, compared to BPD (p<.001). Using CANTAB neuropsychological test battery, strategy formulation difficulties (p=0.16) and stopping impulsivity (p<.001) were only present in aADHD compared to HC. BPD patients did not differ significantly from the control group in strategy formulation and in Stop Signal Reaction Time, a measure of stopping impulsivity. The significantly higher level of total false alarms, reflecting on waiting impulsivity were present both in aADHD and BPD.

Conclusions

According to our results these two disorders have different impulsivity profile characteristics, which can be useful in differentiating these two disorders, and in buiding treatment plans. Stopping impulsivity, measured by SST was found in aADHD, but not in BPD. In BPD impulsive behavior is more likely attached to emotional dysregulation, a trait rooted in childhood traumatization.

This study was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office grant K 129195 and K 135437.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Development of a Patient-Centred Care Plan for Patients Requiring Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy Long-Term
Authors: Seet X. Y. , Lee X. E. , Rahman H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be effective and necessary in the long-term for patients with severe and recurrent mood or psychotic disorders that are not amenable to any other forms of treatment. Patients with such treatment resistance affecting their ability to maintain minimal daily activities may eventually fall within the palliative psychiatric care domain in which advanced medical directives become an important beacon to direct care. There are Psychiatric Advance Directives which allow people with severe mental health conditions to consent to or refuse to consent to hospital admission and psychiatric treatment in the event they lose decision-making capacity and this can be especially important for a potentially controversial treatment such as ECT. However, the focus tends to be on enforcing involuntary treatment and less about a comprehensive long-term care plan. To our knowledge, there is no available framework to structure maintenance ECT as a patient-centred care plan.

Objectives

Our aim is to share the process of development of a patient-centred care plan for patients requiring maintenance ECT. Our objectives are:

1.

Constant engagement with patients and family or caregivers

2.

Regular reviews of clinical and consent aspects of treatment

3.

Advocating for the welfare of patients and respect of values

4.

Focus on dignity especially for patients who require treatment well into old age

5.

Being prepared for termination of treatment if necessary

Methods

We reviewed our management of previous and existing patients on maintenance ECT and incorporated diligent consent-taking practices. Adopting good practices from known palliative approaches and involving the patient voice helped to form a framework for a patient-centred care plan.

Results

Our patient-centred care plan features half-yearly discussions about the risks and benefits of treatment, as well as an assessment of the patient’s cognition and ability to consent which may change over time. Opportunities for them to share their values and expectations of care and engagement with their caregivers about their quality of life guide the continued treatment. A framework for discussing the disruption or eventual termination of ECT prepares for scenarios where older-aged patients may develop frailty or present with acute, prolonged or devastating medical concerns. This end-of-life care approach manages anticipated psychiatric-specific behavioural concerns and prepares for the possibility of death following the planned termination of ECT for patients who required long-term treatment throughout their life. Lastly, issues of grief amongst caregivers and ethical concerns from medical staff are addressed.

Conclusions

We hope that our patient-centred care plan provides a well-considered conversation and structure for the initiation, continuation and termination of maintenance ECT in the long-term.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Assessment of addictive behaviors in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kacem M. , Bouali W. , Babba H. , Zouali F. , Zarrouk L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Schizophrenia, a chronic and complex psychiatric pathology, can be isolated. However, it can be associated with other comorbidities and thus be accompanied by addictive behaviors that complicate their management.

Objectives

The objectives of our study were to estimate the prevalence and identify the characteristics of addictive behaviors in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

A retrospective study of 151 patients with schizophrenia hospitalized in the psychiatry department of Taher Sfar University Hospital in Mahdia from January 2017 to December 2021.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 39.8 ± 11.23 years, with a predominance of the 36-45 age group (38.4%). All patients were male. Three quarters of the patients (75.5%) were users of psychoactive substances (PAS): nearly three quarters (72.8%) were addicted to tobacco, more than one third (39.7%) were addicted to alcohol, more than one quarter (29.1%) were addicted to cannabis and nearly one quarter (26.5%) were addicted to other PAS. In more than half of the cases (54.4%), the age of onset of substance use was between 16 and 25 years. The use of PAS preceded the onset of schizophrenia in 62.3% of cases. The relationship with the entourage was marked by hetero-aggressiveness in 77.5% of patients, withdrawal from the entourage in 16.6% of patients and conflict in 5.3% of patients. The impact on the relationship with oneself was marked by self-aggressiveness in 18.5% of patients. Concerning the professional impact, three quarters of the patients (76.1%) had to stop working. The majority of patients (84.1%) continued their usual treatment, while 15.2% of patients stopped it. Only one patient required an increase in dose.

Conclusions

Subjects suffering from schizophrenia are particularly vulnerable to addictions, mainly to tobacco and alcohol. They are thus a group more at risk of the deleterious effects of psychoactive substances and of the aggravation of the clinical and psychosocial evolution of their psychiatric disorders. Measures for early detection and treatment of their addictive behaviors even before the onset of schizophrenia should be proposed.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is associated with increased abstinence in substance use disorders and comorbid depression
Authors: El Hayek S. , Tolba H. , Elmougy A. , Foad W.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with high rates of comorbid depression. Finding effective treatments for many of the substances of abuse is still an area of developing research. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an established treatment for depression, but its effects in SUDs are less conclusive.

Objectives

Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of rTMS in patients with SUDs and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of 55 patients with SUDs and comorbid MDD who were eligible for rTMS. Craving was measured using the Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS). Severity of MDD was measured using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale.

Results

We found a statistically significant difference between baseline and posttreatment scores in patients receiving rTMS on both CGI-S scores and BSCS scores. The number of rTMS sessions significantly predicted increased days of abstinence in the community, even after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

Patients with SUDs and MDD who received rTMS significantly improved in the areas of severity of depression and craving. The number of rTMS sessions significantly predicted increased abstinence.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Prevalence and correlates of psychoactive substance use in domestic and foreign university students
Authors: Nikolaev E. L. , Fakhraei S. S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Use of psychoactive substances is a risk factor for mental health. Studying the peculiarities of using psychoactive substances by university students is extremely important for organizing preventive health care

Objectives

To specify the frequency of smoking and alcohol drinking, as well as the peculiarities of the correlational interconnections, in domestic and foreign university students

Methods

The survey covered 546 undergraduate domestic and foreign university students of both genders and different religious backgrounds. As a tool, we used the Sociocultural Health Questionnaire (E. Nikolaev)

Results

It has been revealed that domestic students smoke cigarettes and hookahs surely more often (p=.01) than foreign students
(30.49% vs 19.08%). It is obvious that they also more often (p=.01) use electronic cigarettes or vaping drugs (25.24% vs 12.86%) and alcohol (54.42% vs 9.96%). Students in both groups denied using other psychoactive substances. Foreign students reveal positive correlational interconnections between smoking and alcohol drinking (r=.44), while there is no evidence of such interconnections in domestic students. Both groups show valid interconnections between the frequency of smoking and the level of stress (r=.15 и r=.17 correspondingly), the frequency of smoking and monthly financial expenses (r=.21 и r=.22 correspondingly). With domestic students, vaping negatively correlates with exercising in gyms (r=-.12), with foreign students it directly correlates with bodybuilding supplements consumption (r=.15). Those foreign students who drink alcohol more often point to the necessity of having a psychologist in the university (r=.13).

Conclusions

The revealed general and specific factors associated with domestic and foreign students’ use of psychoactive substances call for the necessity of developing culturally differentiated preventive programs

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared