bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Physical Health in Patients with Severe Mental Disorder: Addressing Physical Multimorbidity
Authors: Filipčić I. Š. , Filipčić I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Over the last two decades, a growing volume of research has discovered a correlation between severe mental disorders (SMD) and early mortality. This is attributed to the elevated incidence of chronic physical illnesses s and multimorbidity, resulting in a reduction of life expectancy by 10-20 years. Individuals with SMD exhibit lower rates of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for medical comorbidities when contrasted with the general population (GP).

Objectives

The objective is to assess the prevalence of CPM and its impact on psychiatric treatment outcomes in individuals with SMD, and to propose preventive interventions to enhance physical health.

Methods

This nested cross-sectional study enrolled 343 SSD patients and 620 GEP.

Results

Individuals diagnosed with SMD encounter CPM earlier in life compared to the GP. Notably, individuals under 35 years old within the schizophrenia spectrum disorder have almost three times higher odds for experiencing CPM compared to their GP counterparts, a difference that is both clinically and theoretically significant. This disparity is especially pronounced among younger women, with the gap widening the younger the patient is in comparison to peers in the general population. CPM has been identified as a factor affecting the outcomes of psychiatric treatment.

Conclusions

The treatment approach for SMD should be tailored to accommodate the diverse physical multimorbidity patterns of patients. It’s imperative for future research to delve into how CPM impacts the outcomes of SMD treatments. There’s a pressing need for detailed treatment guidelines addressing CPM in patients with SMD.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychosocial interventions for cardiac surgery patients: context of interdisciplinary interaction
Authors: Nikolaeva O. , Babokin V. , Trofimov N. , Alhasan M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Multi-staged and personalized in nature, psychosocial interventions for cardiac surgery patients explain the necessity of relying on the potential of interdisciplinary interaction

Objectives

To present the review of the model of interdisciplinary interaction of experts and institutions in the course of psychosocial interventions for cardiac surgery patients, which is currently used in the Chuvash Republic.

Methods

This model involves the experts and institutions of the regional healthcare system, the regional system of social care, the regional and federal system of education, non-governmental medical and health resort institutions, and private practitioners.

Results

In the center of this model is the Regional Cardiology Center, which interacts with the Psychotherapeutic Center and the Republican Mental Hospital’s Helpline. It also involves the town hospitals and the central district hospitals, non-governmental clinics and private practitioners. The process of rehabilitation and follow-up care continues in the regional health resorts. The social service centers provide additional support. The institute of chief experts of the regional Health Care Ministry, which includes a psychiatrist, cardiologist, psychotherapist, and psychologist, oversees the overall activity. The clinic faculty professors and associate professors are involved in the development of the programs.

Conclusions

The practical results of using the regional model of interdisciplinary interaction enhance the potential of psychosocial interventions for cardiac surgery patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Tuberous Sclerosis in a young adult male in a Psychiatry Hospital in Botswana: a case report
Authors: Chabalala W. T. , Bojosi K. , Maphane T. , Olashore A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a disorder that affects multiple systems and was first described in 1880. Its symptoms include seizures, intellectual disability, and adenoma sebaceum. TSC is caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Objectives

This report highlights a case of a patient with an unusual psychological presentation evaluated in a psychiatric hospital.

Methods

The patient presented with psychotic features and abnormal behavior. A physical examination showed neurocutaneous lesions. After assessment a diagnosis of Tuberous sclerosis complex was confirmed through MRI Brain and genetic testing. Some of his relatives also showed similar neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Results

Tuberous sclerosis complex is diagnosed based on TSC Clinical Consensus Group guidelines of 2012. Our patient fulfilled 4 of the major criteria and genetic testing also yielded a pathogenic variant. A TAND checklist (TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders) is used to guide clinicians on areas to prioritize when managing TSC patients.

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Conclusions

Given that psychiatry may be the first contact for TSC patients, especially in low-resource settings. Patients referred to psychiatry, therefore, need to be thoroughly examined to exclude neuropsychiatric disorders, and a multidisciplinary team approach is vital in investigating and managing these cases.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Introduction and overview of offenders with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Goethals K.
Published: August 2024

Intellectual disability (according to the DSM-5) or intellectual developmental disorder (according to the ICD-11) is a disorder with onset during the developmental period that includes both intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits in conceptual, social and practical domains. The term learning disability (LD) is also used, although this term shows more specifically deficits in the domain of learning. The term learning difficulties is often used for specific or generalized intellectual impairment that does not meet all of the criteria of LD.

The prevalence of learning disability in prisoners is about 10%. Up to 60% of male prisoners have learning difficulties. Prevalence rates for offending behaviour in patients with LD is higher than in the general population and show a large range, from 2-40%.

The main explanatory factor underlying the link between intelligence and offending is the lack of ability to manipulate abstract concepts. Poor academic performance, common in persons with LD, is also linked to offending.

With regard to sexual offending, some persons with LD may not have learnt the rules that define acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Sexual offences may amount to inappropriate, impulsive expressions of emotion rather than premediated violent acts. Violent behaviour in the LD population may be due to frustration, impulsivity or poor problem solving skills. There is no significant difference in the frequency of violent or property offences between individuals with LD and those without. However, sex offences and fire-setting are frequently seen in individuals with LD.

Persons with LD are vulnerable suspects and may also be disadvantaged by the criminal justice system because of a lack of appropriate support and legal representation from early stages in the process.

In this introductory paper these themes will be addressed.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Post-traumatic stress disorder in adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of 326 cases
Authors: Mayssa K. , Jaweher B. , Ali K. , Donia B. T. , Imen H. , Hela A. , Khaoula K. , Yousr M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Since December 2019, the coronavirus pandemic has led to the deaths of almost 4.37 million people worldwide and 21,905 people in Tunisia. Containment measures, stress due to fear of infection by the virus and death are likely to be traumatic events, particularly in adolescents, and may lead to the development of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of PTSD in a population of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors associated with it.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional among a representative sample of students enrolled in secondary schools, in the region of Hamma- Gabes. We used a pre-established information sheet comprising 27 questions exploring sociodemographic and family data and specific data relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arabic version of The Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) was used to screen for PTSD symptoms.

Results

326 adolescents were collected which the mean age was 16.6 years (14 to 18 years). The family environment was conflictual in 11.9% of cases. Among the adolescents, 5.5% had a history of somatic pathology. A history of psychiatric pathology was noted in 0.6%, dominated by depression. Personal infection by Covid-19 was noted in 4% of adolescents. A family member was affected in 27.3% of cases. Adolescents were exposed to the death of a close relative in 22.4% of cases. PTSD was diagnosed (according to the CPSS) in 37.4% of cases, with mild severity in 6.5%, moderate in 0.6%, moderately severe in 8%, severe in 5.2% and extremely severe in 17.2%. The analytical study showed that PTSD was correlated with a conflictual family environment (p=0.017), personal infection by COVID (P=0.003), infection of a close relative by COVID (P<0.001) and the death of a close relative by COVID (p<0.001).

Conclusions

According to our study, the frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic was high, underlining the need to screen at-risk populations for populations for early intervention.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Resilience among Tunisian adolescents during the COVID19 pandemic: about 326 cases
Authors: Mayssa K. , Jaweher B. , Ali K. , Khaoula K. , Donia B. T. , Imen H. , Hela A. , Yousr M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological distress in all the communities and through all ages. Some people seemed to be less affected and to be resilient because of a dynamic interaction between individual, relational and environmental factors.

Objectives

We aim on this present study to evaluate the resilience and factors associated with it among a representative sample of Tunisian adolescents during the COVID19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional, descriptive and analytic study among Tunisian adolescents enrolled in secondary schools, in the Hamma region of the city of Gabes during the period extending from 5 March to 26 May 2021. Students were asked to complete a pre-established questionnaire, which contains questions about socio demographic features, medical history and knowledge about the pandemic of covid-19. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28) was used to evaluate the global resilience and resources contributing to it. The CYRM-28 contains three resources including individual, relationship with primary caregivers and contextual factors. Higher scores reflect higher levels of factors associated with resilience.

Results

A total of 326 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years old participated on this study (mean age 16.65 years 1). There were 92 boys and 234 girls. In our sample, 4% of adolescents were infected by the Covid-19. The infection of a family member by this virus was noted in 27.3 % of cases. Adolescents were exposed to the death of a family member by Covid-19 in 22.4% of cases. The Global CYRM28 score was 105 ± 22.39. We found that adolescents who had loosen a family member because of the COVID infection, were less resilient than others (100 vs 107; p=0.023). Adolescents with a moderate to low socioeconomic level were less resilient especially with regard to contextual resilience (35, 57 vs 37, 83; p= 0.019). On the other hand, adolescents keeping means of leisure during this epidemic were significantly more resilient especially in the personal resources (p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Our findings conclude to some individual, relational and contextual factors that contribute or alters the process of resilience. Recognizing the strengths and capacities of adolescents would allow the development of programs and resources that can help these young people develop resilience skills.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychopharmacological factor in the course of COVID-19 among psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Sorokin M. , Shabelnik A. , Bocharova M. , Lutova N. , Limankin O. , Azarova L. , Neznanov N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

It is known that many psychopharmacological drugs have anti-inflammatory, as well as antibacterial and antiviral effects.

Objectives

To investigate the association between the severity and duration criteria of COVID-19 with psychopharmacotherapy in double-diagnosed patients.

Methods

A total of 169 case histories from a specialized infectious psychiatric department (May 2020 to January 2021) were evaluated. Progression indicators of severe and mild COVID-19, along with the duration of persistent SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding, were assessed in correlation with the administration of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and acid sphingomyelinase inhibitors (FIASMA-active drugs).

Results

The use of any psychotropic agents was associated with a 0.9% increase in the risk of severe course of COVID-19 for each unit increase in the systemic inflammation index PLR, specifically in patients with intellectual disability (ICD-10 codes F70-79), when compared to patients with schizophrenia (ICD-10 codes F20-29): R²McF=0.138; AIC=181; χ²=25.8; df=9; p=0.002. High PLR values and the use of FIASMA-active drugs were associated with prolonged COVID-19 duration, while antidepressant therapy and elevated C-reactive protein levels were associated with a reduced predicted duration of viral shedding in 13.8% of variance: R²=0.0864; AIC=1299; F=5.2(3), p=0.002. Including the nosology of psychiatric disorders in the regression model increased the proportion of explained variance to 22.8%.

Conclusions

Thymoanaleptic therapy for individuals with psychiatric disorders may act as a protective factor against COVID-19. There is no evidence suggesting adverse effects of antipsychotics on the severity and duration of COVID-19. Further research is necessary to investigate the effects of FIASMA-active psychopharmacological agents within nosologically homogeneous groups.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Investigation of the factor structure of GAD-7 in Moscow residents exposed to SARS-CoV2
Authors: Zinchuk M. , Kustov G. , Nadezhda V. , Razmakhnin A. , Zhuravlev D. , Akzhigitov R. , Guekht A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Rates of anxiety in the general population increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several studies have shown that people exposed to SARS-CoV2 are at increased risk for both exacerbation and de novo development of anxiety disorders. Therefore, screening for anxiety disorders in this at-risk population is essential. In pre-pandemic studies, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) was one of the most commonly used self-report instruments. Its validity has been demonstrated in several studies. However, there is no agreement among researchers about its underlying internal structure. Both one-factor and two-factor solutions have been reported. This discrepancy may be due to linguistic, cultural, and clinical differences between the populations studied. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to investigate the factor structure of the GAD-7 in the Russian-speaking community sample and the psychometric properties of this questionnaire in SARS-CoV2 exposed individuals.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the factorial structure and internal consistency of the Russian version of the GAD-7 in a large sample of Moscow residents exposed to SARS-CoV2.

Methods

Fourteen thousand 725 (male - 11479 (78.0%), age - 18-79 years (M - 47.09, SD - 12.70) Moscow residents exposed to SARS-CoV2 completed an online survey including the GAD-7 and an ad hoc questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic characteristics. McDonald’s Omega was used to assess internal consistency. Exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) with weighted least squares means and variance adjusted estimator and geomin rotation was used to assess the factor structure of the Russian version of the GAD-7.

Results

The McDonald’s Omega of the Russian version of the GAD-7 was 0.85, indicating a good internal consistency of the questionnaire. ESEM provided evidence for a one-factor solution that fits the data well (CFI - 0.996; TLI - 0.995; RMSEA (95% CI) - 0.041 (0.037 - 0.045)).

Conclusions

In Russian people exposed to SARS-CoV2, the GAD-7 showed good internal consistency. Our results are consistent with those of previous studies that reported a single-factor solution for the questionnaire.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccination against COVID-19 in Tunisia
Authors: Bouguerra I. , Touiti A. , Askri W. , Hlayem S. , Bouden A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The vaccination of children and adolescents against covid 19 is an ongoing debate. While in some countries the program of vaccination of children under 12 years old is already implemented, in others the balance of risk and benefits is a dilemma. Parents’ perception and decision about covid vaccination is an important parameter to consider.

Objectives

The ain of this study is to evaluate the parents’ attitude about childhood vaccination against Covid 19 in Tunisia.

Methods

The “vaccine hesitancy scale (VHS) adopted from WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Immunization” with 8 items translated in tunisian dialect and an additional ten survey idem about the Characteristics of parents and their vaccination status against Covid 19. The survey is distributed on social media groups of parents of tunisian children and adolescents.

Results

Thirty parents have answered the survey.More than 80% of the participants were female with an average age of 38 years old.Among 30 participants 24 were vaccinated against covid 19 at least for once, but only one of them 10% decided to vaccinate their children against covid 19,while 3% are indecisive about the subject.Although 97 % of the children and adolescents have already been vaccinated completely according to the national vaccination program. The most common reasons for the refusal were.Parents consider that routine childhood vaccines are safe, necessary and useful more than covid vaccine. Some parents reported that their children have been infected by the virus so they have doubts about the usefulness of the vaccination.

Conclusions

A year after the pandemic, covid 19 contamination and vaccination against the virus are still an issue. With the emergence of new variants, the decline in protective measures, vaccination against covid is in the process of integrating routine programs. But the lack of information on the effectiveness of the vaccine and the adverse effects are a source of hesitation and refusal for parents. a large-scale national study is necessary before.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Prevalence and predictive factors of depressive and anxious symptoms among healthcare professionals at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse during COVID-19
Authors: Belhadj Chabbeh N. , Athimni Z. , Chatti S. , Chelly F. , Bouhoula M. , Ben Arbia N. , Chouchane A. , Aloui A. , Kacem I. , Maoua M. , Brahem A. , Kalboussi H. , El Maalel O.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic was originally of a magnitude exceeding that of previous epidemics, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems in general and healthcare professionals in particular.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among healthcare professionals at Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare professionals practicing in the Farhat Hached Hospital of Sousse, which took place during the period extending between August and November 2021. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), were used to assess depression and anxiety respectively.

Results

Our study included 326 healthcare professionals from the Farhat Hached University Hospital. The mean age of our population was 36.38 ±10.19 years, with a clear female predominance of 81.3%. The prevalences of depression and anxiety were 46% and 35.3% respectively. Female gender and being a paramedical staff were risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, professional seniority of over 5 years was statistically significantly associated with anxiety. Sporting activity was inversely associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

The multi-variate analytical study revealed that the practice of leisure activities other than sport was a protective factor against the occurrence of depressive symptomatology in healthcare professionals, while current smoking and the practice of a sporting activity were inversely associated with the occurrence of anxious symptomatology.

Conclusions

These findings underline the need for specific prevention strategies to reduce these symptoms and help healthcare professionals maintain their mental health. This will help to guarantee the quality and efficiency of work in the medical environment, to better control the pandemic.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Depressive symptoms, insomnia and dyspnea in COVID-19 survivors: a tunisian study
Authors: Nadia B. , Mariem T. , Houda B. A. , Ghada C. , Sahar E. , Sameh M. , Sami K. , Najla H. , Jihen A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The coronavirus infection emerging in 2019 caused a plethora of physical and mental health problems around the world. Recent studies showed a persistent psychological distress even after few months of the infection.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, insomnia and dyspnea among covid-19 survivors.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study including 121 Tunisian COVID-19 inpatients who had been discharged alive from hospital. Each enrolled patient was asked about the period before the hospital stay, and the 6-9 month-period after hospital discharge. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. We assessed insomnia via the insomnia severity index (ISI) and dyspnea through the mMRC (modified British Medical Research Council).

Results

The median age of participants was 59 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and insomnia increased significantly after the pandemic (5.7% vs 57.9%, p=0.038, r=0.189; and 4.9% vs 26.4%; p<0.0001, r=0.349 respectively). Younger patients presented more depressive symptoms (p<0.0001). females were more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms (p<0.0001). Dyspnea was more prevalent among survivors with depressive symptoms (p=0.001). Patients with depressive symptoms exhibited more insomnia (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The pandemic of covid19 emerged a wide range of physical and mental health problems with complex physiopathology. The early detection of these disorders improves the quality of life of these patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cultural Diversity and Mental Health Care: A Case Study
Authors: Soares M. R. , Cameira M. P. , Abreu P. , Pereira M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In today’s world of global migration and cultural diversity, mental health care grapples with persistent challenges. Despite efforts to promote cultural competency and person-centred approaches, it’s vital to delve into the issues surrounding cultural differences and linguistic diversity in mental health care. This exploration highlights the complexities where culture, language, and healthcare intersect (Brisset et al., 2014; Desai et al., 2021).

Objectives

Our aim is to analyse cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care for migrants and assess their impact on access and quality of care.

Methods

Literature review, drawing from sources such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. This review will be framed around the case of a 34-year-old man from Bangladesh, who has been residing in Lisbon for a year. His clinical presentation includes depressive symptoms, disorganized behaviour, and psychotic manifestations, such as persecutory delusions. He does not speak Portuguese or English, thereby limiting his access to essential mental health treatment services. Through this review, we intend to elucidate the intricate dynamics surrounding cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care.

Results

Migrants from diverse backgrounds face many challenges, including the loss of homes, livelihoods, and family, often leading to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Two primary challenges include adapting to a new life and experiencing discrimination and marginalization (Amri et al., 2013; Satinsky et al., 2019). Social stigma and mistrust hinder access to mental health services. Limited culturally competent services widen the gap between mental health needs and help-seeking attitudes. Language barriers significantly contribute to disparities in access to services (Amri et al., 2013). Additionally, mental health care providers’ organizational culture often prioritizes ‘ideal’ patients who are native speakers, favouring individual-oriented treatment over community-focused care (Desai et al., 2021).

To address these barriers effectively, it is crucial to employ specific strategies. The Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy, Social Justice, and Human Rights (MPM) equips mental health counsellors to better serve immigrant communities while addressing social stigma. This comprehensive framework comprises five phases of intervention: psychoeducation, culturally responsive service delivery, cultural orientation, collaboration with local healers, and connecting patients to essential resources (Amri et al., 2013). Additionally, practitioners should receive training in effective collaboration with interpreters to provide multilingual healthcare (Brisset et al., 2014).

Conclusions

Addressing cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care is vital. The Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy offers a promising approach, while collaboration with interpreters remains essential.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A case of misdiagnosis and mismanagement in forensic psychiatry
Authors: Saeedzadeh Sardahaee F.
Published: August 2024

A case of misdiagnosis and mismanagement in forensic psychiatry Speaker: Farzaneh Saeedzadeh Sardahaee, MD, PhD, Consultant Psychiatrist, Trondheim, Norway

Timely diagnosis and treatment for psychiatric illnesses in first time offenders in forensic psychiatry remains a challenge. Presenting a young male first-time offender with recent onset psychosis, ADHD and anxiety disorder, the speaker reflects upon the complexities around making the right diagnosis in a prison with very limited resources for clinical observation. Minting the term “Psychosis Incognito”, the speaker goes on to explore a complex multiagency follow up process faced by this offender and his treating team, as well as many medical complications including malnutrition and Korsakoff syndrome.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Effects of light therapy in the anxious-depressive clinic
Authors: Gonzalez Salvador M. T. , Gutierrez-Labrador R. , Gómez-Ulla M. I. C. , de la Puente A. I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is defined as a mental disorder of multifactorial etiology, which presents with mood disturbance, mainly sadness associated with loss of interest or pleasure. Light therapy (LT) is a therapeutic intervention consisting of daily exposure to a light source. This study aims to evaluate the effects of LT on anxious-depressive symptomatology and sleep in a sample of patients diagnosed with depression.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of LT on anxious-depressive symptomatology and sleep in a sample of patients diagnosed with depression.

Methods

Prospective case-control study, in which the cases are outpatients diagnosed with MDD and the controls are healthy individuals. Both groups underwent LT sessions and were assessed by means of validated scales, anxiety and depression symptoms before and after LT sessions, as well as changes in sleep patterns through a sleep measuring device.

Results

11 cases and 18 controls were included in the study. Of the participants, 62.1% were female and 37.9% were male. The mean age of the sample was 54.03 □ 11.55 years. There were significant case differences in the pre and post LT scores of the depression scale. There were no significant differences in the changes in superficial, deep and total sleep and in the anxiety scale scores.

Conclusions

In the sample analysed, LT has significant effects on the cases at the level of the depression scale.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Assessing the relationships between emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in a Tunisian University Setting
Authors: Boudriga S. , Lagha M. , Methni M. , Ben Youssef Y. , Ben Romdhane I. , Homri W. , Labbane R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Difficulties in emotion regulation are known to be associated with various mental health problems, particularly depression, and anxiety.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationship between emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in a Tunisian university setting.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted among Tunisian students from August to September 2023. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, the Arabic version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale short form (DRES-SF), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21).

Results

A sample of 307 university students were enrolled. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.28. In the assessment of emotional regulation difficulties, participants reported a mean total score of 42.47 ± 12.68. The mean score of stress was 18.2 ± 11.36, reflecting a mild severity. Participants with higher stress levels have more difficulties in emotional regulation (r=0.658, p=0.00). Participants with depressive symptoms showed a higher DRES-SF total score (r= 0.629, p=0.00). Participants had a mean anxiety score of 15.6 ± 10.57, reflecting a severe severity. A significant correlation between total DRES-SF score and anxiety (r=0.606, p=0.00).

Conclusions

Our study concluded significant positive correlations between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress symptoms with emotion regulation difficulties.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Predictors of relapse in bipolar disorder: an overview of the available evidence
Authors: Pacchiarotti I.
Published: August 2024

After the introduction of all the speakers, the main aim of this workshop will be mentioned, which consists of identifying and highlighting those clinical, sociodemographic, environmental and other factors than might predict an increased risk of overall, depressive, manic or mixed relapses in bipolar disorder, which is crucial for the identification of high-risk individuals. Dr. Pacchiarotti will present main results from a systematic review performed recently by the work group aimed at collecting the available evidence regarding different factors that increase rates of mood recurrences or relapses for different polarities in bipolar disorder.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Characterize and Address Mental health Problems in University Students (CAMPUS Study): preliminary results
Authors: Nosè M. , Muriago G. , Tedeschi F. , Turrini G. , Barbui C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The transition phase from late adolescence to early adulthood, which corresponds with the period of university life, is a time that offers important opportunities for personal growth. However, this developmental phase also concurs with the peak period of risk for the onset of mental health disorders. For this reason, the literature clearly identifies university students as a vulnerable population group for psychogical distress and mental problems. Digital psychological interventions and e-mental health solutions are emerging as a promising solution for university students, particularly appealing due to their anonymity, portability and ease of access. Hence, the World Health Organisation has developed several psychosocial e-mental health tools including Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (DWM), which has been consistently shown effective in various vulnerable populations. These data provide the framework for the CAMPUS study that is intended for students attending the University of Verona.

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to adapt the WHO psychological intervention called “Doing What Matters in Times of Stress” (DWM) to this target population and to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of WHO’s DWM as a psychological strategy for effective mental health prevention and promotion, and for reducing psychological symptoms and distress in university students. Secondary objectives of the project include to evaluate the fidelity of DWM, to assess factors associated with its implementation and effectiveness and to co-create the necessary local conditions for implementation and up-scaling of DWM.

Methods

The CAMPUS study is a prospective non-randomized follow-up study. The target population is composed by university students of University of Verona, Italy. The online assessments, which are collected pre and post intervention, consist of an ad-hoc sociodemographic information page, and four self-administered questionnaires assessing psychological distress, depression and anxiety symptoms, and psychological well-being. In addition, implementation checklists will be administered to assess the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of the intervention.

Results

Preliminary results on a sample of 300 students attending University of Verona show that the adapted DWM intervention promote students’ psychological well-being and reduce the level of psychological distress as well as the risk for the later development of a psychopathology. Moreover we expect that future results would include data on the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of the adapted DWM intervention among university students

Conclusions

These results provide valuable information for mental health promotion and support programs for university students, as well as insights into factors influencing its implementation and suggestions for future scaling of the intervention.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychiatrists’ Readiness for Digital Psychiatry in Pakistan: A Multicenter CrossSectional Study with Regression Analysis
Authors: Adeel Riaz M. M. , Abrar T. , Tebha S. S. , Tariq H. , Fatima R. , Hamad M. , Khan A. A. , Ahadi A. , Ul Sabah N. , Rasool W. , Latif K. , Umar M. , Siddique I. , Nawaz F. A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The concept of digital psychiatry, encompassing technologies such as mental health apps, Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and telepsychiatry, emerges as a potential solution to bridge the existing gaps in the mental health system of Pakistan. However, one of the major barriers to the implementation of these technologies is hesitancy to adopt digital tools by psychiatrists.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the current understanding of digital psychiatry, the barriers faced by psychiatrists in its’ widespread implementation, and their willingness to adopt these services in clinical practice.

Methods

This cross-sectional study surveyed psychiatrists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices on digital psychiatry from 39 public hospitals across Pakistan using an online validated questionnaire from January to July 2023. Participants included psychiatry residents, fellows, and consultants practicing in Pakistan. Responses were analyzed with Raosoft software, Quirkos, and SPSS 26 using thematic analysis and correlation.

Results

A total of 200 participants responded to the questionnaire, primarily in the age range of 20-30 years (56%). The gender distribution was 55% male (N = 111) and 45% female (N = 89). Among the professional roles, 23% were consultants, 7% were registrars, 54% were psychiatry residents, and 17% were medical officers. Respondents came from both rural (N = 148, 74%) and urban (N = 52, 26%) practice settings. Regarding telepsychiatry, 46% strongly agreed that they are familiar with telepsychiatry, while 58% agreed that telepsychiatry can save time and money. Additionally, 22% strongly agreed that it’s a viable approach for patient care. Concerning perspectives on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital psychiatry readiness, only 40% of participants had received AI training. However, 55% expressed interest in collaborating with international centers on AI-related projects. In terms of mental health apps, 62% of respondents reported limited familiarity with them. Nevertheless, 65% believed that these apps could potentially save time and money for psychiatric health systems. Lastly, concerning Virtual Reality (VR) in psychiatric care, 57% of participants were familiar with VR technology, but only 43% were acquainted with its applications in psychiatry. Notably, 71% did not view VR as a viable replacement for in-person psychiatric management.

Conclusions

This is the first study conducted on understanding digital psychiatry in Pakistan’s healthcare system, which revealed multiple challenges to digital health competency among psychiatrists. This emphasizes on the need for formal training and funding towards resources to overcome obstacles in utilizing mental health technologies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Chatbots for Well-Being: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Mood Enhancement and Mental Health
Authors: Lopes R. M. , Silva A. F. , Rodrigues A. C. A. , Melo V.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Over the past few years, Psychiatry has undergone a significant transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This shift has been driven by the increasing demand for mental health services, as well as advances in AI technology. AI analyzes extensive datasets, including text, voice, and behavioral data, aiding in mental health diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, a range of AI-based interventions has been developed, including chatbots, virtual therapists and apps featuring cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modules. Notably, chatbots, as conversational agents, have emerged as valuable tools, assisting users in monitoring emotions and providing evidence-based resources, well-being support, psychoeducation and adaptive coping strategies.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of AI chatbots on improving mental health, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and explore their potential for early detection and intervention in mental health issues.

Methods

A literature review was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using keywords ‘artificial intelligence’, ‘chatbot’ and ‘mental health’. The selection focused on the most relevant articles published between January 2021 and September 2023.

Results

Mental health chatbots are highly personalized, with a primary focus on addressing issues such as depression or anxiety within specific clinical population groups. Through the integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and rule-based AI algorithms, these chatbots closely simulate human interactions and effectively instruct users in therapeutic techniques. While chatbots integrating CBT principles have gained widespread use and extensive research attention, some also incorporate alternative therapeutic approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, positive psychology or mindfulness-based stress reduction. AI chatbots provide substantial advantages in terms of accessibility, cost-effectiveness and improved access to mental health support services. Nonetheless, they also exhibit limitations, including the absence of human connection, limited expertise, potential for misdiagnosis, privacy concerns, risk of bias and limitations in risk assessment accuracy.

Conclusions

AI-based chatbots hold the potential to enhance patient outcomes by enabling early detection and intervention in mental health issues. However, their implementation in mental health should be approached with caution. Further studies are essential to thoroughly evaluate their effectiveness and safety.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Emotional non‐acceptance mediates the relationship between insecure attachment and specific psychopathology in women with eating disorders
Authors: Donato S. , Attianese N. , Battipaglia M. , Ceres R. , Cerra R. , Monteleone A. M. , Monteleone P. , Cascino G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Insecure attachment is considered a general risk factor for eating disorders (ED). Emotion dysregulation has been proposed as one of the possible mechanisms by which attachment insecurity may affect ED psychopathology.

Objectives

Aim of the present study was to investigate whether difficulties in acceptance of emotions or emotional clarity may mediate the connection between insecure attachment and ED psychopathology.

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients participated and completed the Italian version of Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI-2), Experience in Close Relationship questionnaire (ECR) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). A mediator path model was performed, in which insecure attachment dimensions were set as independent variables, ED specific psychopathology measures as dependent variables, and non‐acceptance of emotion and lack of emotional clarity as mediators.

Results

The association between both attachment avoidance and anxiety and ED specific symptoms was mediated by emotional non‐acceptance, but not by emotional clarity.

Conclusions

This study showed the importance to address emotion regulation in individuals with ED, focussing on improving emotional acceptance. Exploring early developmental processes which lead to non‐acceptance of emotions could improve this psychological trait in people with ED.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Clinical features of depressive states in eating disorders
Authors: Barkhatova A. , Smolnikova A. , Sorokin S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Eating disorders (ED) are one of the most pressing problems of modern society. Eating disorders, due to their heterogeneity, can be considered both an independent form of mental disorders and as part of the manifestations of other mental illnesses. In the vast majority of cases within these pathologies, eating disorder coexists with depressive symptoms, which significantly worsens the prognosis of the disease.

Objectives

Identification of the association of depressive disorders with eating disorders to improve the criteria for nosological diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic approaches.

Methods

A total of 74 patients aged from 15 to 25 years old (all female, average age 16.2), who were on outpatient and inpatient observation of the clinic were studied.

Results

The study made it possible to establish the characteristics of depressive disorders and the nature of the current course of depression associated with eating disorders. In eating disorders with a predominance of anorexia nervosa, the structure of depression was more dominated by the asthenia radical with symptoms of apathy, melancholia, anhedonia, irritability, episodes of anxiety after eating, and sleep disturbances. Patients noted a decrease in performance, mental activity, and a narrowing of their range of interests and communication. Depression became severe as exhaustion progressed. For eating disorders with bulimia nervosa. depressive states varied in the severity and polymorphism of their manifestations. Their structure was largely dominated by the apatho-adynamic radical of affect, along with asthenia and anxiety, which often reached the level of panic states. Often, along with this, there were pronounced a guilt feeling and low self-esteem ideas with self-deprecation and self-hatred, which led to the manifestation of auto-aggressive behavior (both non-suicidal and suicidal). Depression reached a severe degree as exhaustion progressed, as well as against the background of more frequent attacks of overeating and vomiting.

Conclusions

The identified associations between depressive disorders and eating disorders allow us to form a clearer picture of the expected course of psychiatric disease and optimize therapeutic intervention algorithms.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
PAD: a UK Perspective - Contemplating Change is Challenging!
Authors: Wise J.
Published: August 2024

Physician assisted dying is not new, neither historically, nor globally. What has changed in the UK however, is the perspective of society. In the UK, the British Medical Association is both a union and a professional organisation representing doctors and liaising with governments departments in matters of healthcare. As with various specialties within medicine, there are those in favour of change and those against. There are matters on which there is common ground, and a consensus of experts has identified principles, which, if legislation is to change, would be sensible to follow. A profession has united around the idea that if change is coming, it is better to inform the debate proactively and ensure that the interest of patients and doctors are promoted.  This session will look at how potential change in the UK has been approached and hopefully well managed.’

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared