bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk between Anxiety and Depression and Inflammatory bowel diseases: preliminary data on circulating miRNAs
Authors: Matei I.-C. , Dobre M. , Milanesi E. , Manuc T. E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Numerous studies have established a heightened prevalence of anxiety and depression (A&D) in individuals diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) when compared to the general population. Research indicates that patients with active IBD exhibit a higher frequency of anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms compared to those with inactive disease. In patients with IBD, anxiety was linked to reduced medication adherence and an increased likelihood of undergoing surgery. Furthermore, associations were identified between depression and an elevated risk of disease relapse, as well as a poorer response to treatment in IBD patients. In both IBD and depression, there is evidence of disruptions in circulating miRNAs.

Objectives

One facet of the ongoing project titled “The brain-gut axis linking inflammatory bowel disease with anxiety and depression: the inflammation-microbiome network” (CRP/ROU21-01) involves the exploration of circulating miRNA profiles in various patient groups.

Methods

These groups encompass IBD patients with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (IBD+A&D+), patients lacking anxiety and depression symptoms (IBD+A&D-), a cohort of individuals without IBD but experiencing depressive and anxiety symptoms (IBD-A&D+), and a control group (IBD-A&D-). Thus far, our investigation has entailed screening a comprehensive panel of 179 miRNAs in the plasma of six IBD patients and 12 non-IBD patients (CTRL) to identify a subset of highly dysregulated miRNAs. MiRNA isolation was achieved using the miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit, and miRNA expression levels were assessed via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) utilizing the Human serum/plasma focus, MIRCURY LNA miRNA Focus PCR panel (Qiagen).

Results

Our statistical analysis revealed significant differential expression in 45 miRNAs (p<0.05). Specifically, we identified 29 miRNAs with elevated expression and seven miRNAs with reduced expression. Among these dysregulated miRNAs, 15 (miR-223-3p, miR-143-3p, let-7f-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-26a-5p, let-7a-5p, miR-339-5p, let-7d-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-191-5p, let-7g-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-107, miR-26b-5p, miR-320b) were associated with depression and/or anxiety and were previously identified as dysregulated in the plasma of patients in other studies. These miRNAs will soon undergo evaluation in the plasma of IBD-A&D+ and IBD+A&D+ patients.

Conclusions

These initial findings provide us with a panel of circulating miRNAs that warrant further investigation in the aforementioned patient groups. The miRNA profile we obtained may either be unique to IBD or linked to the intricate phenotypes of IBD occurring concurrently with anxiety and depression. A more profound comprehension of these mechanisms will aid in the development of enhanced

diagnostic tools and disease monitoring strategies, as well as the exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Physical illness and multimorbidities in patients diagnosed with personality disorder
Authors: Simunovic Filipcic I. , Jaksic N. , Levaj S. , Sagud M. , Filipcic I. , Grah M. , Marcinko D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

People with personality disorder (PD) often experience suffering, suboptimal psychiatric treatment outcomes, and early mortality due to chronic physical illness (CPI) and multimorbidity (≥2 CPI)  (CPM). Increasing research underscores the elevated prevalence of CPI and CPM in those with PD.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of CPI/CPM between the general population and those with PD and to explore the relationship between CPI/CPM and various aspects of PD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 126 PD patients (70.6% female, mean age 41.22 years) based on the ICD-10 criteria, and 126 socio-demographically matched individuals from the general population. The participants completed the following instruments: the ICD-11 Personality Disorder Severity Scale (PDS-ICD-11), the Personality Assessment Questionnaire for ICD-11 (PAQ-11), Subjective Emptiness Scale (SES), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire-Revised-7 (RFQ-R-7), and self-reported chronic physical illnesses questionnaire.

Results

The mean number of CPI in patients with PD and matched controls was 2.69 (SD=2.371) and 1.02 (SD=1.702), respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. Patients with PD also suffered more often from CPM than none or one CPI, compared to matched controls. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses among the patients with PD, higher personality disorder severity, increased trait Negative Affectivity and poorer reflective functioning/mentalizing were predictive of having CPM. These relationships were independent of age, gender, education status, income level, length of psychiatric treatment, and smoking status. Subjective emptiness was not significantly predictive of having CPM.

Conclusions

This study highlights a higher prevalence of CPI and CPM in individuals with PD compared to the general population. Factors such as higher PD severity, increased Negative Affectivity, and poorer reflective functioning were identified as predictors of CPM. These findings underscore the necessity for integrated healthcare approaches to address the multifaceted needs of PD patients, emphasizing the importance of considering both mental and physical health in treatment strategies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and DSM-5 Pathological Personality Traits from a Dimensional Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Major J. , Matúz A. , Gács B. , Birkás B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In DSM-5 Section III, the Alternative Model for Personality disorders (AMPD), a dimensional approach for conceptualization and diagnosing complex character problems was introduced. Based on recent findings, AMPD aligns well with the theory of Young’s Schema Therapy (ST). ST seems to offer a valuable clinical framework that complements the empirically based AMPD, which is not built upon a certain theory of psychopathology.

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to explore the association between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), DSM-5 pathological personality traits and certain psychological symptoms to gain a better understanding of their relationship and highlight the connection points between AMPD and the theory of ST.

Methods

A total of 490 Hungarian participants, including 98 males, took part in the cross-sectional research, with an average age of 26.9 (SD = 9.34). All participants completed the short form of Young’s schema questionnaire (YSQ-S3), the brief form of PID-5 (PID-5 BF) and the revised version of the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90 R).

Results

Results of a series of hierarchical regression analyses found that all five schema domains were able to predict psychological symptoms and DSM-5 pathological personality traits at a statistically significant level. Moreover, in accordance with our data, specific EMS patterns are associated with different psychological symptoms and pathological personality traits. Ultimately, we identified two EMSs, namely Negativity/Pessimism and Insufficient Self-control, which predicted all of our dependent variables.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the relationship between EMSs and DSM-5 pathological personality traits goes beyond the established fact that EMSs, like any other indicators of personality problems are associated with psychopathological symptoms and traits. This is supported by the fact that we could link specific EMS patterns to the pathological personality traits and psychological symptoms that we investigated. We believe that our results contribute to the clinical utility of AMPD, by assisting the creation of schema profiles tailored to personality pathologies, thereby facilitate the diagnostic process and the development of schema - focused interventions. Furthermore, it seems that the identified EMSs, Negativity/Pessimism and Insufficient Self-control play a special role in relation to pathological personality traits and psychological symptoms and should be considered with particular emphasis in terms of risk group classification and vulnerability.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
N-acetylcysteine counteracts increased brain excitatory/inhibitory balance following maternal high-fat diet and restores emotional and cognitive profiles in adult mouse offspring
Authors: Musillo C. , Samà M. , Collacchi B. , Ajmone-Cat M. A. , De Simone R. , Creutzberg K. C. , Riva M. A. , Berry A. , Cirulli F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption during pregnancy can shape fetal brain development, increasing susceptibility to mental disorders. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these negative outcomes remain unclear.

Objectives

We hypothesize that mHFD induces inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) in the fetal brain, disrupting excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the adult brain. This results in altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. We tested the ability of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) - a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound - to counteract mHFD effects.

Methods

Our mHFD model consists of female C57BL/6N mice fed either HFD (fat 58%, carbohydrate 25.5%, and protein 16.4%) or control diet (CD, fat 10.5%, carbohydrate 73.1% and protein 16.4%) before and during pregnancy (13 weeks). After 5 weeks on diets, half of them received NAC (1g/kg) for 8 weeks, until delivery.

Gene expression of Il-1b, Cd68, Tmem119, iNOS, and Arg1 was measured in fetal brains. Cognitive function and emotional phenotype were assessed in adult male and female offspring through the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and the Emergence test, respectively. HPA axis functionality was assessed by measuring plasma corticosterone levels by ELISA following acute stress. Gene expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1) and vesicular GABA transporter (Vgat) were assessed as markers of E/I balance.

Results

Exposure to mHFD induced inflammation and OS in the fetal brain of both sexes, by increasing Il-1b and iNOS/Arg1. Additionally, Cd68 and Tmem119 were specifically increased in females. In adulthood, mHFD reduced latency to emerge from the shelter in the Emergence test in both sexes. In females, mHFD impaired cognitive function, reducing time spent in the MWM target zone, and increased HPA reactivity in response to acute stress. Furthermore, mHFD decreased Vgat expression in both sexes, resulting in an imbalanced Vglut1/Vgat ratio towards excessive excitatory input. Maternal NAC supplementation rescued this imbalance.

Conclusions

Overall, these data show that mHFD increases inflammation and OS in fetal brains, with greater effects in female offspring, inducing alterations in the E/I neuronal balance with concomitant disruptions of the neuroendocrine system and the emotional and cognitive profiles during adulthood. The supplementation with NAC was effective in rescuing the E/I imbalance as well as the behavioral phenotype.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Transdiagnostic Analysis of Verbal Fluency across Autism Spectrum Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Neurotypical Healthy Control Groups
Authors: Kinga F. , Zarka E. J. , Pesthy O.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Verbal fluency, a cognitive function that reflects executive functions and the rapid retrieval of pertinent information from memory, has yielded inconsistent findings in previous research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however in schizophrenia (SCH) semantic fluency exhibits a more pronounced impairment compared to letter fluency.

Objectives

In this study we aim to comprehensively investigate verbal fluency in ASD, SCH, and neurotypical healthy control individuals (NTP). The primary objective is to investigate disparities in novel response generation, specifically between the ASD, SCH and NTP groups, using phonemic and semantic fluency tasks. Three central inquiries guide our research: (1) whether differences between groups (ASD, SCH, and NTP) can be identified in word productivity, clustering, errors, and perseverations; (2) whether participants with ASD and SCH exhibit different word production with elevated imageability and concreteness values; and (3) if individuals with ASD and schizophrenia demonstrate reduced productivity during the earlier phases of fluency tasks.

Methods

Forty participants with ASD (12 female, 24 male, 4 other, mean age: 30.5), 39 with SCH (10 female, 28 male, 1 other, mean age: 34.7) and 41 NTP (13 female, 28 male, mean age: 31.0) were recruited from the outpatient units of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University. Participants were requested to list as many words as they could on two phonemic and two semantic category conditions. Audio recordings were later transcribed. To assess concreteness and imageability, we employed a seven-point scale and recruited independent external raters to evaluate a total of 1481 words.

Results

Preliminary results indicate that the three study groups did not differ significantly in phonemic fluency (F(2, 119)= 0.983, p=0.377), during either time period. However, a significant difference was observed in semantic fluency (F(2, 119)= 6.531, p=0.002). Post-hoc tests (Tukey corrected) revealed that this difference stemmed from impaired performance in the SCH group. Participants with schizophrenia (SCH) exhibited reduced semantic word productivity compared to both neurotypical (NTP) individuals and participants with ASD (Figure 1). However, there were no significant differences between participants with ASD and NTP individuals.

Image:

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study investigated the characteristics of verbal fluency in a transdiagnostic approach. While phonemic fluency did not reveal significant differences among the three groups, our analysis of semantic fluency unveiled a distinction. Specifically, individuals with schizophrenia exhibited impaired semantic word productivity. Our study highlights the complex nature of verbal fluency impairments in different conditions and the importance of considering more nuanced methods when assessing cognitive functions.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Serum d-serine and d-amino acid oxidase (DAO) levels in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Uzun Uysal E. , Tomruk N. B. , Çakır Şen C. , Yıldızhan E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

D-serine and the DAO enzyme may impact the NMDA receptor and contribute to schizophrenia, but the exact role and outcomes are not fully understood due to the complexity of the disorder.

Objectives

We analyzed serum levels of d-serine and DAO in untreated individuals with schizophrenia during acute psychotic episodes. We correlated these factors with clinical characteristics and compared results to a healthy control group. We also examined any differences after six months of treatment.

Methods

The study involved 89 patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders who were hospitalized due to psychotic episodes. Also, the study had 81 healthy participants matched in terms of gender, age, and smoking status with the patient group. PANSS, CGI, GAS, CDSS, and MoCA were applied to determine the severity of the disease. Serum d-serine and DAO levels were measured by ELISA kits.

Results

During an acute psychotic episode, patients had significantly lower levels of D-serine, DAO, and D-serine/DAO ratio compared to healthy individuals (Z=6.52, p<0.001; Z=4.54, p<0.001; Z=2.90, p=0.004). Although DAO and D-serine levels increased with symptom regression after six months of treatment, the D-serine and D-serine/DAO ratios were significantly lower in patients than in healthy individuals(Z=3.52, p<0.001; Z=3.44, p<0,001). There was no correlation between the change in D-serine level and the change in scale scores. However, there was a negative correlation between the change in DAO level and the change in PANSS total (r=-0.681, p=0.000), anxiety scores (r=-0.336, p=0.032), and Calgary depression score (r=-0.547, p=0.000). There was a positive correlation between the change in D-serine/DAO ratio and the change in the Calgary depression scale score (r=0.353, p=0.024) in addition to PANSS positive (r=0.395, p=0.011) and total scores (r=0.585, p=0.000). Antipsychotic doses negatively correlated with the changes in DAO level (r=0.421, p=0.01). It was found that the female patients had significantly lower levels of DAO than the female healthy subjects (Z=-5.061, p<0.001). No correlation was found between serum D-serine level, DAO level, and the D-serine/DAO ratio with cognitive function. D-serine level negatively correlated with age(r=-0.265, p=0.012) and age at onset of the disease (r=-0.227, p=0.032).

Conclusions

The findings support the view that D-serine and DAO may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. To better understand the relationship between D-serine metabolism and symptom clusters in psychosis and the effects of antipsychotic drugs on NMDAR dysfunction, further studies that directly measure DAO enzyme activity and examine cognitive symptoms in more detail are needed.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
War in Ukraine as a mental health challenge of Czech health care workers
Authors: Janoušková M. , Kuklová M. , Čermáková P. , Pekara J. , Šeblová J. , Šeblová D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Czech health care workers recently experienced serious challenges to their mental health. After the COVID-19 pandemic that was extremely stressful, a war in Ukraine caused a flood of refugees that needed health care. Although the Czech Republic does not have borders with Ukraine, it welcomed more than 400,000 refugees in 2022.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between depression and working with Ukrainian refugees among health care workers and the nature of emotional burden connected with this situation.

Methods

We use data from an online survey of the Czech COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) Study collected in September - November 2022 (n=1,076). We combined quantitative binary logistic regression and qualitative content analysis of answers to an open-ended question (“How does the current situation of war in Ukraine affect your mental well-being and working conditions?”). Logistic regression estimated odds ratio (OR) of at least moderate depression, defined as => 10 points on the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

Among our participants (75.1% women, mean age 46 (SD 11.0)), 62.1% had experience of working with Ukrainian refugees, and 13.8% reported moderate to severe depression. Logistic regression model (adjusted for potential confounders) indicated that health care workers who worked with Ukrainian refugees had slightly greater chance of having depression, but the association was not statistically reliable (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.59-1.86). Out of all survey respondents, 867 replied to an open-ended question. As follows from qualitative analysis, three categories of psychological strain were described by the health care workers: 1) specificity of work with the refugee patients (e.g. language barrier, increased workload, opinion conflicts), 2) insecurity, threat of war and fears about future (regarding global and nuclear war, security, future of kids, economic burden, etc.), 3) grief and compassion for the suffering of refugees. It was also frequently mentioned in the responses that war is a greater threat to health care workers than the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

There is a slight association between working with refugees and depression. However, health care workers are also endangered by general fears of war and insecurity in a nearby country. In this changing world, it is of the greatest importance to pay attention to resilience building and stress prevention programs. Further, health care workers should be offered psychological support and practical resources to deal with the varying workload.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Involve fathers in family dynamics and in early interactions with children, in the face of cultural factors
Authors: Dozio E. , Pueugueu I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In the first years of life, parents and a secure family environment are essential to the survival and development of young children.

Attention is focused on the undeniable importance of mothers’ role in childcare. But it’s also important to involve fathers, who are often sidelined from the responsibilities of this role, not least because of cultural factors linked to the separation of roles. In some situations, this is compounded by the psychological suffering that men may feel, without being able to admit it or express it, as a result of representations linked to masculinity.

Objectives

The aim of the intervention was to strengthen the psychosocial and parenting skills of men, while taking into account their distress. The objective was to reduce intra-family violence, to involve men more in family life and in the care of young children, and to work on cultural representations of the role and cultural dynamics within the family and the community.

Methods

Men, fathers and future fathers were recruited in the Mweso region in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following community psychoeducation. The group protocol took the form of five weekly sessions covering various themes linked to psychological distress, emotion management, psychosocial skills as well as gender roles and child development.

Results

Between 2021 and 2023, 727 men participated in the program. They showed an improvement in well-being (reduction in anger, symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD), better management of emotions and the acquisition of strategies to address cultural factors linked to fatherhood within the family unit and the community.

Conclusions

The use of this protocol allowed men to become more aware of the issues of psychological suffering and fatherhood linked to cultural factors by allowing them better inclusion in the family dynamic.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
How adults with treatment resistant depression experience their first esketamine nasal spray treatment? Preliminary results from a French qualitative study
Authors: Manolios E. , Mathé J. , Sibeoni J. , Rotharmel M. , Astruc B. , Falissard B. , Mekaoui L. , Laurin A. , Gaudre-Wattinne E. , Dupin J. , Revah-Levy A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray- ENS) is a new adjunctive drug for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), i.e. patients with major depressive disorder that failed to adequately respond despite the use of two different antidepressants. In France, a real world non-interventional post-commercialization cohort study is being conducted aiming to describe the conditions of use of the esketamine, and to observe the outcomes.

Objectives

To in-depth explore the lived experience of first administered ENS treatment among adults with TRD, we are conducting an ancillary qualitative study.

Methods

This qualitative study uses the IPSE approach (Sibeoni et al. BMC Medical Research Methodology 20.1(2020):1-21) and has been conducted in four French psychiatric departments. Design was based on the recruitment of patients through the Cohort study, all interviewed twice, the first time 3 to 5 weeks after the first administration of ENS, and the second time around 6 months after, whether treatment has been continued or not. Data analysis follows the IPSE analytic procedure and is conducted in two stages: three individual researchers carry out independent work and the group collectively pools data. These preliminary results are based on the sole analysis of the first interviews conducted from July 2022 to July 2023.

Results

Eighteen participants with moderate to severe TRD, including 13 women, were interviewed and two axes of experience have been produced: (1) the overwhelming experiences of the treatment, perceived differently depending on patients, as a dissociative experience, both inside – described as a trip- and outside of them; (2) A discordant treatment experience with both solitude and relational support from medical team.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need to better prepare the patients for the initiation of the treatment and to take into consideration the settings in which the treatment is administered, as well as the importance of the support received from the nursing staff.

Disclosure of Interest

E. Manolios Grant / Research support from: have recieved financial support to conduct the study, J. Mathé Grant / Research support from: have recieved financial support to conduct the study, J. Sibeoni Grant / Research support from: have recieved financial support to conduct the study, M. Rotharmel Consultant of: Janssen, B. Astruc Consultant of: Janssen, B. Falissard Consultant of: Janssen, L. Mekaoui Consultant of: Janssen, A. Laurin Consultant of: Janssen, E. Gaudre-Wattinne Employee of: Janssen Cilag, J. Dupin Employee of: Janssen Cilag, A. Revah-Levy Grant / Research support from: have recieved financial support to conduct the study
The role of Europe in Global Psychiatry
Authors: Falkai P.
Published: August 2024

The burden of mental illness in Europe: High individual and societal burden, but only 2% spent on mental health. The tradition of European Psychiatry needs to be strengthened in care, research and teaching.Within the long-term Strategic Mental Health Plan of the EPA the improvement of clinical care research, the “mapping excellence” and “developing core treatment guidelines” require further action. Researching the influence of environmental stressors on the development and maintenance of mental illness and fostering stepped care approaches to improve resilience are none the less important. Furthermore, to improve the reliability and especially validity of diagnoses of mental disorders by introducing (bio)markers and defining dimensions of mental illnesses using big data and predictive sciences are just as important as an enforced research on reducing stigma and discrimination of mental disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Use of Long-Acting Injectables in Borderline Personality Disorder: What Do We Know?
Authors: Almeida E. D. S. , Abreu J. , Vaz R. P. , Martins J. , Cunha F. , Santos I. , Castro N. , Andrade R. P. , Monteiro E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychotherapy serves as the foundation of care for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), with pharmacotherapy being regarded as a supplementary measure to be considered when necessary. In clinical practice, however, most of BPD patients receive medication.

A major problem in the treatment of BPD is the lack of compliance derived from the pathological impulsivity of BPD patients. The use of long-acting antipsychotics (LAI) may be an option.

Objectives

This work aims to address the use of long-acting injectables in borderline personality disorder.

Methods

Non-systematic review of literature using the PubMed ® database, based on terms “Borderline Personality Disorder” and “Long-acting antipsychotics”. Only six articles were found.

Results

Several studies have shown promising results in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics. A six-month study using IM risperidone demonstrated significant improvement, while LAI Aripiprazole also exhibited positive outcomes in individuals with BPD and Substance Abuse. Additionally, Palomares et al. (2015) found that palmitate paliperidone LAI reduced impulsive-disruptive behaviors and enhanced overall functioning in BPD patients. Carmona et al. (2021) compared oral and LAI antipsychotics and concluded that LAIs may have a role to play in the management of BPD.

Conclusions

Treatment with LAIs may play an important role in clinical and functional improvement in BPD patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Examining the Association Between Psychopathy Clusters and Risk-Taking Behaviors
Authors: Gómez Leal R. , Fernández-Berrocal P. , Megías-Robles A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychopathy encompasses the sub-dimensions of interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, and criminal tendencies. Most studies investigating this trait have traditionally utilized a variable-centered approach. However, in the current study, we have adopted a person-centered approach.

Objectives

Our objective was to analyze distinct homogeneous subgroups of individuals characterized by specific psychopathy profiles and examine their relationship with risk-taking behavior.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 371 participants (26.4% men, aged 18 to 59 years), who completed the 34-item Self-Report Psychopathy Scale-III to assess psychopathy and Risk-taking behaviors were assessed using the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT-30).

Results

Through cluster analysis, we identified four distinct groups: Low psychopathy, Low criminal tendencies, High erratic lifestyle, and High psychopathy group. The primary findings revealed that the High psychopathy group, characterized by elevated scores in all sub-dimensions, exhibited higher levels of Risk-Taking Behaviors and a lower Perception of Risk compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the Low criminal tendencies group, marked by high scores in all dimensions and low scores in criminal tendencies, demonstrated greater risk-taking behavior compared to the Low psychopathy and High erratic lifestyle groups.

Conclusions

These results stimulate the debate about whether it is appropriate to incorporate the dimension of criminal tendencies within the concept of psychopathy. Certain clinical implications emerge from this study that are deserving of a comprehensive and thoughtful discussion.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Instagram addiction, life satisfaction and self esteem in young adults
Authors: Reis G. , Maia B. R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Addiction to Instagram can have severe consequences at a psychological, physiological and social level. On the other hand, social networks can be useful tools for an individual’s daily life. Studies show that the problematic use of some social networks, namely Instagram, can have an impact on users’ self-esteem. This construct is considered a predictor of life satisfaction, which is why in the literature these two variables appear positively related.

Objectives

To explore the relationship between addiction to Instagram, life satisfaction and self-esteem in young adult university students and to carry out a comparison between groups with and without probable addiction to Instagram.

Methods

The sample was composed by 241 Portuguese university students with a mean age of 22.03, (SD = 2.29, range 18-29), and who have an Instagram account. Subjects fulfilled a sociodemographic questionnaire, and the Portuguese version of the Bergen Instagram Addiction Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Results

The average score on the Bergen Instagram Addiction Scale was of 13.37 (SD = 4.41), with 29.5% of the sample spending one to two hours a day (n = 71) on the social network and 29.1% showing a probable Instagram addiction (n = 70). Mean scores of 27.17 (SD = 5.34) were found on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and 16.31 (SD = 3.97) on the Satisfaction with Life Scale. A strong relationship was found between life satisfaction and self-esteem, with males tending to have an higher self-esteem comparing to females. A low negative correlation was found between self-esteem and the total score on the Bergen Instagram Addiction Scale, which was not maintained when analyzing groups with and without a probable Instagram addiction.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the probable presence of instagram addiction and the potential role of low self-esteem. It also emphasizes the strong relationship between life satisfaction and self-esteem. Instagram updates, as well as habits developed during the pandemic period, may have worsened the instagram use. The study shows how paradoxical the impacts of using this social network can be. Furthermore, the present study raises awareness to new national investigations that explore the use of Instagram and how they are related to the impacts on users’ lives.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Effect of intermittent theta-burst stimulation on the thyroid and adrenal systems in resistant depressed patients
Authors: Duval F. , Danila V. , Weiss T. , Gonzalez Lopera F. , Tomsa M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes have been frequently reported in treatment resistant depressed patients (TRDs). So far, the effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) treatment—a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) technique—on the activity of the HPT and HPA axes are poorly understood.

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of iTBS sessions, applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, in TRDs with abnormal chronobiological HPT functioning at baseline (BL) possibly associated with hypercortisolemia.

Methods

The ∆∆TSH test (i.e., the difference between the thyrotropin response to protirelin tests [∆TSH] performed at 8 AM and 11 PM on the same day) and the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were performed in 12 TRDs and 14 healthy hospitalized control subjects (HCs). To be enrolled in this study, patients had to show at BL reduced ∆∆TSH values (i.e., < 2.5 mU/L) and a score of 18 or greater on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17). Post-DST cortisol maximum (CORmax) serum level in excess of 120 nmol/L defined DST non-suppression (i.e., hypercortisolemia)—6 TRDs were DST non-suppressors at BL. After 10 and 20 iTBS sessions the ∆∆TSH test and the DST were repeated in all inpatients. A positive clinical response was defined by a final HAMD-17 score ≤ 8.

Results

Compared to HCs, ∆∆TSH values were lower in TRDs at BL (p < 0.00001), and remained reduced after 10 and 20 iTBS sessions (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02 respectively). Post-DST CORmax levels were higher in TRDs than in HCs at BL (p < 0.01), but were comparable to those of HCs after 10 and 20 iTBS sessions. Responders (n = 5) were characterized by 1) a normalization of their ∆∆TSH values after 20 iTBS sessions (whereas after 10 iTBS sessions ∆∆TSH values were still reduced compared to HCs [p < 0.05]), and 2) a normality of post-DST CORmax levels at BL—while after 10 and 20 iTBS sessions post-DST CORmax levels were decreased compared to HCs (p < 0.006 and p < 0.03 respectively). Non-responders (n = 7) showed 1) no significant change in their ∆∆TSH values which remained lower than those of HCs at each assessment (all p < 0.001), 2) while increased post-DST CORmax levels found at BL (p < 0.0008 vs. HCs) normalized from the 10th iTBS session.

Conclusions

The present pilot study suggests that successful iTBS treatment can restore the chronobiological activity of the HPT axis. Although iTBS may increase glucocorticoid receptor signaling, baseline hypercortisolemia could negatively impact subsequent response to iTBS treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Associations between cerebellar development and autistic traits during adolescence: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Morimoto C. , Koike S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Brain maturation is associated with adolescent socio-cognitive development. The lateral posterior region of the cerebellum plays a critical role in higher cognitive processes, and deviations of this region are associated with autism-related behaviors. Hence, it is plausible that developmental changes in this region of the cerebellum during adolescence are different along a variation in autistic traits. Additionally, its difference may be moderated by parental age at birth and weight growth during infancy, which have effects on brain development.

Objectives

The aim of this study was two folds: (1) to test whether cerebellar development during adolescence is different along a variation in autistic traits (2) to test whether parental age at birth and weight growth during infancy moderate the results of (1).

Methods

Longitudinal study was conducted over a 6-year period with 256, 230 and 187 participants ranging from 10.5 to 17.6 years, observing adolescent development respectively at 2-year time periods. We undertook a detailed investigation into differences in the lateral posterior region of the cerebellum volume. The 50-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was rated by primary parents. Weight growth and parental age were evaluated using maternal and child health handbook records. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether AQ subscales, sex, and their interactions affected cerebellar development. Moderation analysis assessed whether parental age and weight growth moderated associations between cerebellar development and autistic traits. All participants provided written informed consent, and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee (No.10069).

Results

Interactions between sex and attention switching and sex and attention to detail were significantly associated with cerebellar development in the bilateral gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of Crus I and Crus II (Fig1, 2). Simple slope analyses showed that the slopes of cerebellar development were significant for girls (pFDR < 0.001). Although no significant interaction was found between them, the main effect of attention to detail was significantly associated with cerebellar development in WM of VIIB (pFDR = 0.006). Further, moderation analysis found that the association between the cerebellar development and autistic traits were significantly moderated by maternal age; the magnitude of its effect was significant for high maternal age in boys (pFDR = 0.036, Fig3). Paternal age, early (0-9 months) and late weight growth (4-18 months) also moderated associations between them, however, no significance remained after FDR controlling.

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Conclusions

There are significant associations between cerebellar development during adolescence and autistic traits, and its pattern of association can be moderated by parental ages at birth and weight growth during infancy in a cerebellar region- and sex-specific manner.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Traumatic Brain Injury and Conversion Disorder in a Veteran’s Atypical Presentation
Authors: Inanc O. , Garip B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces cognitive and behavioral changes due to environmental impacts on brain tissue.

Objectives

Highlighting the atypical TBI presentation challenging conventional diagnostics and obscured by conversion disorders.

Methods

A 36-year-old male veteran, injured by a sniper rifle in 2011, presented with right ear tinnitus and monthly, unresponsive right hemicranial headaches. Seizures occurred every two weeks with no reported loss of consciousness or sensation. The gunshot wound to the neck in 2011 prompted emergency intervention, with entry and exit wounds located in the posterior lateral neck. Post-injury symptoms comprised hearing loss, tinnitus, restricted neck movement, and weakness in the right arm. Seizures persisted, accompanied by numbness and neck movement. Management included physical therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (improving weakness but not tinnitus), and administration of piracetam (2400 mg/day), sertraline (100 mg/day), and ginkgo biloba (2400 mg/day). Psychiatric consultation suggested a diagnosis of “conversion disorder.”

Results

Neuropsychological Evaluation: Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test showed borderline impairment. Psychiatric Evaluation noted monotonous mimics, occasional depersonalization, reduced emotional involvement, and slowed psychomotor activity. Elevated trait anxiety was observed per the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Neurological Examination identified left arm weakness and impaired resting balance. Imaging Findings: F18-FDG PET/CT Scan at 1 year post-GSW showed hypermetabolism in the right frontal lobe, and at 3.5 years post-GSW demonstrated decreased glucose metabolism in the bilateral cerebellar cortex, temporal lobe, and bilateral parietal lobe.

Conclusions

A high-kinetic-energy bullet passed through the right lateral base of the neck without causing apparent brain damage. Proposed is the generation of upward pressure waves in neck tissues through the transmission of kinetic energy, compressing and displacing soft tissues toward the skull. Gunshot injuries create cavities, forming high-pressure waves capable of damaging distant brain regions, leading to TBI such as crush injury, edema, and myelin and axonal damage (Courtney & Courtney, 2007). Microscopic brain damage, undetectable by current imaging, may only surface during autopsy (Yilmaz & Pekdemir, 2007). Rat studies after primary blast injuries reveal brain alterations, highlighting that high-pressure pulses can cause neuronal damage, potentially yielding related symptoms (Cernak et al., 2001). The patient’s atypical symptoms, combined with the initial conversion disorder hypothesis, underscore the need for a diagnostic paradigm shift to differentiate traumatic brain injury from other potential misnomers.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Options for the recovery of mental activity in children after acute brain damage
Authors: Sidneva Y. , Zakrepina A. , Valiullina S. , Bratkova M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Children with acute brain damage make up a large group of patients who require multi-stage rehabilitation. Rehabilitation requires the creation of special conditions for psychiatric care and psychological and pedagogical correction of the consequences of severe damage to the nervous system. A differentiated approach to rehabilitation will help restore mental activity with greater efficiency, and subsequently adapt the child to the familiar environment.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to identify the options for mental activity during the restoration of the level of consciousness in children after acute severe brain damage.

Methods

210 children under the age of 18 with severe brain damage (traumatic brain injury, hypoxia, hydrocephalus), admitted for treatment and rehabilitation. Clinical-psychopathological, pedagogical methods were used; additionally - diagnostic scales, questionnaires.

Results

Depending on the level of consciousness, mental activity, 4 groups were formed:

1st group - 37 (18%) patients had manifestations of mental activity with physical, cognitive and social capabilities in the minimal consciousness “+” (a- / hyperkinetic mutism with emotional reactions, understanding of addressed speech);

2nd - 67 (32%) patients had manifestations of physical and cognitive abilities with minimal consciousness “-” (a- / hyperkinetic mutism without emotional manifestations and understanding of addressed speech);

3rd - 95 (40%) patients had only the manifestation of physical capabilities at the exit from the vegetative status.

4th - 11 (10%) patients had a low manifestation of mental activity in the form of physical capabilities with a vegetative status.

Conclusions

4 variants of mental activity in children after acute severe brain damage have been identified: from minimal involuntary reactions or their absence in vegetative status to voluntary actions according to the instructions of an adult in minimal consciousness “+”. Taking into account the variability of mental activity helps to differentiate the methods of psychiatric and psychological-pedagogical assistance in the recovery of children already in the early stages of rehabilitation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Schizophrenia and Polycythemia Vera: A Case Report
Authors: El Moussaoui N. , Bahetta S. , Belabbes I. , Laboudi F. , Ouanass A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder marked by abnormal interpretations of reality, often resulting in hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking that significantly impairs daily functioning and can be disabling. Lifelong treatment is necessary, and early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm causing an excess of red blood cells in the peripheral blood (polyglobulia). While the disease typically presents with symptoms, it can also be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during routine laboratory tests, leading to a diagnosis of polycythemia when no secondary cause is apparent.

While early 20th-century literature linked PV to intense neurological and psychiatric symptoms, contemporary studies rarely make such references.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore, through a clinical case of a patient undergoing treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia with clozapine, and concurrently diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, the potential causes of this condition. We seek to discern whether it represents mere comorbidities or if Polycythemia Vera is an adverse effect of antipsychotic treatment, particularly with clozapine.

Methods

A 41-year-old patient, with a history of cranial trauma at the age of 5 and 19 years of treatment for schizophrenia, also has a tobacco use disorder. While hospitalized for the management of symptomatic reactivation of schizophrenia, despite being on clozapine, the patient underwent various therapeutic combinations with no observed clinical improvement. A few months later, follow-up blood tests indicated an elevation in all blood cell lines.

An internal medicine consultation was sought, resulting in the diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera.

Results

The evaluations conducted led us to the conclusion that there are two distinct nosological entities, with the treatment of the psychiatric condition revealing true polycythemia. Even after reducing the doses of clozapine and changing the atypical antipsychotic, all subsequent evaluations showed no effectiveness in managing the psychiatric disorder or improvement in the hematological condition.

Conclusions

In summary, schizophrenia is a severe and lifelong mental disorder requiring early intervention for symptom management. Polycythemia Vera (PV), a myeloproliferative disorder, typically presents with symptoms but can also be asymptomatic.

While early literature linked PV to intense neurological and psychiatric symptoms, contemporary studies seldom reference such associations. The coexistence of schizophrenia and PV in a patient underscores the need for comprehensive and interdisciplinary care to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of concurrent psychiatric and hematological conditions.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared