bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P03-163 - Reaction Of Men And Women To Divorce In Kaunas
Authors: Burba B. , Grigaliuniene V. , Stolygaite A.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

1.

To find out and compare man's and female reaction to the stress caused by divorce and their capability to overcome stress.

2.

To find out to the aid what professionals more often persons during divorce rely.

3.

To find out as during divorce of the man and the woman perceive functions of the social worker.

Methods

The divorced men and women who visit groups of rendering of mutual aid in Kaunas (Lithuania) archdiocese the Family center and in НРС day time the center “Solija” were investigated. In research have taken part 62 exploratory, 32 from them were women and 30 men.

Results

The most part exploratory has specified, that after divorce feels alone, divorce has changed their life, and that after divorce their quality of a life became worse. Stress caused by divorce of the man and the woman overcome differently. From stresses caused by divorce of the man overcome withdraw in itself, and women openly showing the feelings. To the majority exploratory men and women, psychologists have helped to overcome the stress caused by divorce.

Conclusions

1.

Comparing men and women during from divorce, the majority of men feel rage on representatives of an opposite floor.

2.

Comparing men and women during from divorce, the majority of men feel lonely.

3.

With stress during divorce of the man and the woman overcome differently.

4.

Comparing men and women, during divorce, the women capable after divorce to search the professional help, it is more.
P03-170 - The Neurobiology Of Sexual Orientation
Authors: Goldstein J.
Published: June 2010

Homosexuality is a constantly debated issue as to whether it is determined at birth or a choice (nature vs. nurture). The works of the Kinsey Reports and Dr. Evelyn Hooker published in the 1950s resulted in the removal of homosexuality from the DSM4 in 1973. Since then, it has been mentioned as an illness only in the context of being a putative exacerbating factor in anxiety states. Recent studies reveal a clear cut neurobiology to sexual orientation.

Neurobiologist Simon LeVay conducted a study of brain tissue samples from 41 human autopsies performed at several hospitals in New York and California. He found a significant size difference of the interstitial nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus between homosexual and heterosexual men.

In addition, Dr. Ivanka Savic-Berglund and Dr. Per Lindström of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, performed fMRI and PET measurements of cerebral blood flow. Using volumetric studies, they found significant cerebral size differences between homosexual and heterosexual subjects; the brains of homosexual men resembled heterosexual women and homosexual women resembled heterosexual men. Pheromonal studies also have added to the scientific knowledge of sexuality. Sex-atypical connections were found among homosexual participants. Amygdala connectivity differences were found to be statistically significant and provided evidence towards sexual dimorphism between heterosexual and homosexual subjects. Extensive controls were performed during testing to exclude analytical variability.

A totally evidence-based medicine presentation will provide current data regarding homosexuality showing differences, or similarities, between the brains of homosexuals and heterosexuals.
P03-171 - Schizophrenics And Neurotics Value System Comparative Research
Authors: Golenischenko A.
Published: June 2010

The research investigates schizophrenics and neurotics value system condition and this system change in the process of the patients being treated. With “Value System” technique (Rokeach M.). 50 patients, diagnosed F 20 including schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders were examined. The examination was made twice - before a course of treatment and in remission (before discharge from the hospital). We examined the patients with neurotic disorder, who took a course of effective analytical psychotherapy as well.

The majority of the patients consider “Active strenuous life” and “Status need” to be the most essential. They attach great importance to socially significant values, full-fledged and multilateral relations with other people, wisdom, creativity. “Development” and “Entertainment” occupy less significant place in the hierarchy of values. Schizophrenics value system is stable and little-susceptible to changes in the course of treatment and therefore has limited application as a secondary endpoint clarifying the dynamics of the state under the influence of therapy.

Comparing schizophrenics and neurotics value system we may conclude that schizophrenics attach greater importance to values associated with self-actualization (terminal values). At the same time neurotics values are more normative and focused on health, love, inner harmony, happy family life, absence of material constraints. Schizophrenics have more idiotropic, conformist, communicative and business value orientation than neurotics in the hierarchical system of instrumental beliefs. Whereas neurotics regard self-assertiveness and ethical values (responsibility, sense of duty, ability to keep one’ word and make an informed decision, honesty and sincerity) more significant.
P03-172 - Cyberaddiction And Temperament
Authors: Halwani N. , Mnif L. , Masmoudi J. , Damak R. , Baati I. , Feki A. , Haj Kacem H. , Ayadi N. , Jaoua A.
Published: June 2010

Objective

The objective of our study is to determine the relationship between cyber addiction and temperament in a population of young students.

Population and methods

Our population was composed of 60 students belonging to 2 different colleges.

For data collection, we used:

-

A data sheet containing demographic data, reasons for Internet connection …

-

The test of Dr. Young to detect users suffering from an addiction to the Internet.

-

The TEMPS-A: to assess the affective temperaments.

Results

Our sample was formed by 60 students’ devised into 2 groups:

-

30 Students were cyber addicts.

-

30 Students witnesses.

The mean age was 22.6 years, with extremes ranging from 19 to 30 years.

The reasons for connection to the Internet were in:

-

43.3% to deepen knowledge.

-

28.3% as a hobby.

-

16.7% to expand the circle of friendship.

Cyber addict's students had a cyclothymic temperament in 50% cases, 26% were hyper mood, 13% were anxious and 11% had a depressive temperament.

In our sample, cyber addiction was significantly correlated with cyclothymic temperament (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Accordingly, patients suffering from Internet addiction should be given a specific addiction treatment and monitoring taking into account the temperament.
P03-174 - Quality Indicator For Rehabilitative Care (Quirc) - Experiences In Toolkit Development And Preliminary Evaluation Of Polish Psychiatric Facilities
Authors: Kiejna A. , Piotrowski P. , Ciałkowska M. , Adamowski T. , Rymaszewska J.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Development of Quality Indicator for Rehabilitative Care (QuIRC), experiences of Polish partner in implementation of the toolkit and preliminary assessment of care standards in psychiatric institutions. Research constitutes a part of international project funded by European Commission.

Methods

Polish language version of QuIRC has been tested in 20 psychiatric units across 3 districts in Poland. Selected facilities differed in employment profile, living standards as well as location and service users turnover. Managers of participating units were interviewed using the refined tool with 145 items regarding domains indentified during previous phases of the DEMoB.inc project. Each participant was questioned by a single researcher during face-to-face meeting. Lacking answers were completed on basis of service users’ medical files and account departments’ documents when necessary.

Results

Manager of only 1 out of 21 units refused to participate in interview. QuIRC usage was simple but time-consuming. The most common hardships in data collection referred to numbers of staff and trainings the employees participated in. It might be due to round-the-clock care in Polish units and common work in the shift system. Moreover ward managers in Poland in vast majority of the units were medical doctors and the facilities’ economics was often obscure for them. Development of web version of the toolkit will facilitate its implementation in research projects but as well internal assessments for units’ own purposes.
P03-176 - The Interpretation Of Neurosynchrocicity In The Shamanistic Healing Ritual
Authors: Lee S.B.
Published: June 2010

The author interprets the neurophenomenology of Korean Shamanistic healing ritual from the perspectives on contemporary cognitive neuroscience and psychoneuroimmunology. In the traditional society of Korea, Shaman's healing performance has been one of the most dominant healing methods for the ordinary people. The field of neuropsychology and psychoneuroimmunology helps to articulate neurocognitive processes of Shamanistic healing ritual.

On the cortical level of the human brain, the Shamanistic healing ritual (“Kut”) provides the left-side brain with a structured boundary and, at the same time, activates the right-side brain. On the subcortical level, the channel of the limbic system and the hypothalamus has been harmonized and balanced out to regulate the homeostasis of the human emotion, especially the immune system. The ritual processes of the “Kut” highly activate and sensitize the core function of human emotion, which is biologically connected with a series of neurological channels: the right hemisphere, the limbic system, the hypothalamus and the pituitary.

During the “Kut” the participants disclose their painful and traumatic life events and memories. When they discharge and release their painful and traumatic life events, their inner function of the immune system is enhanced in a significant way. Especially, I articulate the neurocognitive processes of “synchronicity,” and suggest some psychotherapeutic effects on releasing the participants' emotional and cognitive pain or oppression (“Han” in Korean) and their clinical anger syndromes (“Whabyong” in Korean) as well as enhancing the immunity of mind as the empowered coping skill.
P03-177 - Immigration, Social Withdrawal, And ”Folie A Deux” In One Adolescent: A Case Study
Authors: Fernández-Iglesias P. , Alonso-Bada S. , Pedrejón-Molino C. , Lemos-Giráldez S. , García-Pelayo P. , Vallina-Fernández O.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Folie á deux is a rare mental syndrome, firstly described by Falret in France on 1997, and renamed in the DSM-IV as shared psychotic disorder, and in the ICD-10 as induced delusional disorder; in which a paranoid or delusional belief is shared by two people with a very close relationship, and usually belonging to the same family. Social withdrawal is a common characteristic of both persons during the initial stage of the disorder.

Method

A 16 years-old adolescent boy, born in Russia, and having this syndrome is presented in this study. After his arrival to Spain, he lived with his father with important social isolation for six months, and he begun to report delusional ideas with mystical-religious and ufological content. His father was diagnosed as having a delusional disorder with the same contents. Both patients received behavioural-cognitive therapy (CBT) with the aim of modifying their delusional beliefs, even that they went on living together. No antipsychotic medication was needed.

Results

Clear changes were observed in their delusional system, particularly in the degree of conviction, as well as in distress, thought interference, and anxiety, and also an improvement was observed in the understanding of their beliefs, and in their social relationship with peers.

Conclusions

Social withdrawal as well as cultural differences associated to their immigrant condition played a critical role in the establishment of the induced delusional disorder, and CBT modified the delusional system, even father and son continued living together.
P03-179 - Position Statements By Psychiatric Organizations Concerning Mental Health Of Gay Men And Lesbians
Authors: Nakajima G.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

In this workshop, Dr. Nakajima will discuss position statements that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has taken concerning gay and lesbian issues and mental health.

Method

A review of position statements by the American Psychiatric Association and European psychiatric organizations about gay and lesbian mental health issues.

Results

The APA was the first psychiatric organization to delete homosexuality as a mental illness from its nosology, DSM-II back in 1973. When homosexuality was deleted the APA also passed a resolution affirming the civil rights of gay men and lesbians. These position statements in 1973 were the first of a long number of positions statements that the APA has taken concerning mental health issues for gay men and lesbians. In 1987 the APA voted against keeping egodystonic homosexuality in DSM-III R and currently there is no diagnoses related to homosexuality in DSM-IV. The APA has also taken position statement concerning adoption and co-parenting of same-sex couples as well as discrimination of gay and lesbians in the US military. In the past few years the APA has developed position statements against therapies to change sexual orientation, which is sometimes referred to as “conversion or reparative therapy,” and in support of same sex marriage. Some European psychiatric associations including Norway's and the United Kingdom's have followed the APA in passing position statements against conversion therapies.

Conclusions

We will discuss the importance of Psychiatric Organizations to make formal position statements to advance the mental well being of lesbians and gay men.
P03-180 - The Social Cognition In The Treatment Of Schizophrenia With Long Action Antipsychotics
Authors: Pirlog M. , Marinescu D. , Marinescu I.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

An important target of the antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia is the regaining of the social functionality, correlated with the decrease of the positive and negative symptoms, the improvement of cognitive competence and social cognition.

Methods

We have done research on a lot consisting in 20 male patients, aging between 25-30 years, with paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis according to DSM IV and a maximum 3 years period of evolution of disease from the first psychotic episode. The lot we are studying consists of two subdivisions: 10 patients treated with Flupentixol depot in the last 12 months (20mg/14 days) and 10 patients treated with Risperidone long-action (37.5mg/14 days). Admission scores were PANSS ≤45 and >4 on CGI. 12 months later the patients were evaluated using the same scales and the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale for the level of social cognition, the scores being correlated with others social risk factors.

Results

The patients treated with Flupentixol depot presented a lower level of amelioration of positive symptoms and a dysfunction of the social cognition, while the patients treated with Risperidone longaction have shown the amelioration of the positive and negative simpthomatology and improvement of the social cognition.

Conclusions

The long action antisychotics present an increased adherence at the treatment, being by far a better treatment option then the standard medication. Risperidone long-action has a better action against positive and negative sympthoms and improves the social cognition in a significant way, compaired to the first generation antipsychotics.
P03-182 - ‘Mores’ Project: Clinical Evaluation And Need Assessment Of Psychiatric Patients Living In Two Residential Facilities In Modena, Italy
Authors: Puviani M. , Laviola V. , Rossetti M. , Mimmi S. , Ferrari S.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The ‘MORES’ (MOdena RESidenze) project was a naturalistic study designed to assess clinical outcomes and to investigate psychosocial needs in two groups of patients currently admitted in two residential facilities characterized by different intensity of care (“low protection” vs. “high protection”).

Methods

32 patients (62%) in a Sheltered Housing (SH, low protection) and 20 patients (38%) in a Psychiatric Residence (PR, high protection) were assessed by means of a multi-dimensional and multiaxial system. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from patient charts. Clinicianadministered instruments (BPRS, GAF, CAN) and self-rating scales (LQL, VSSS, Empowerment Scale) were administered to all 52 patients. Chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare the two groups.

Results

The most frequent diagnosis was Schizophrenia (n=41; 79%). No differences were found in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups, as well as in psychometric scores. Scores at the BPRS, GAF, CAN and Empowerment scales revealed in both groups a medium-low degree of psychiatric symptomatology, low global functioning, high level of care needs (many of them satisfied, 73%) and a low level of empowerment, respectively. Self-perceived quality of life was poor (LQL: SH=4,57±0,31; PR=4,4±0,33), specifically related to the housing situation and VSSS (SH=3,81±0,85; PR=3,52±0,82) suggested poor satisfaction with mental health services.

Conclusion

Though no difference were found between the two groups, patients’ needs emerged clearly, suggesting need for further investigation to tailor more specific rehabilitation programs.
P03-184 - Mental Illness Stigma In A Just World: Implicit And Explicit Findings
Authors: Rüsch N. , Todd A.R. , Bodenhausen G.V. , Corrigan P.W.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Meritocratic worldviews that stress personal responsibility, such as the Protestant ethic or general beliefs in a just world (“People get what they deserve”), are typically associated with stigmatizing attitudes and could explain the persistence of mental illness stigma. Beliefs in a just world for oneself (“I get what I deserve”), however, are often related to well-being and can be a coping resource for stigmatized individuals. Despite these findings in other stigmatized groups, the link between worldviews and mental illness stigma is unknown.

Methods

We measured just world beliefs for self and others as well as endorsement of the Protestant ethic in 85 people with affective, schizoaffective, or psychotic disorders and 50 members of the general public. Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with mental illness were assessed by self-report. Using a Brief Implicit Association Test, we also examined guilt-related implicit negative stereotypes about mental illness.

Results

We found a consistent link between endorsing the Protestant ethic and more stigmatizing selfreported attitudes in both groups. Protestant ethic was associated with negative implicit stereotypes only among members of the public. Among people with mental illness, stronger just world beliefs for self were related to reduced self-stigma, but also to more implicit blame of persons with mental illness.

Conclusions

Meritocratic worldviews are associated with mental illness stigma. Just world beliefs for self among stigmatized individuals may reduce self-stigma, but could increase implicit blame among people with mental illness. This should be taken into account in interventions meant to reduce self-stigma.
P03-189 - Work Disability Among Adult Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Skakic O. , Trajanovic L.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Work disabilities associated with mental disorders depend not only on illness, but social-economic conditions. People with mental disorders, in our country, try to solve financial status through premature retirement.

Methods

The aim of this paper was to analyze how we evaluate the work ability among adult psychiatric patients. Total number of patients required an estimate of work ability in our clinic during 2008 was 128. Median age was 48, 8 years, male prevalent (67, 9%).

Results

In this sample the most number of patients were with substance use (25, 85%), affective (depressive) disorders (16, 32%) and schizophrenia (15, 64%). The suggestion for permanent work disability was made in 65, 71% patients; the reduced work ability in 21, 43%, disability for independent life in 8, 57%, some kind of public welfare in 1, 42%, while only 2, 86% were considered as ability for work. Highest rates of total work disability were observed among patients with alcoholism (26, 8%), psychotic disorders (23, 7%), dementia (14, 43%), mental retardations (10, 31%) and personality disorders (9, 27%).

Conclusions

In this role, psychiatrist is often placed between an attempt to supply financial safety or make difficult psychosocial rehabilitation and destigmatisation of mental ill persons.
P03-192 - Is Affective Temperament Related To Perception Of Stigma In Epilepsy?
Authors: Yazici A.B. , Yazici E. , Aydın N. , Orhan A. , Kırpınar I.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Affective Temperaments (AT) in epilepsy is waiting for a clear understanding as antecedents of mood disorders. Recent studies suggest that perception of stigma (PS) correlates with high anxiety and depression scores in epilepsy patients.

In this study we investigated if there is association between AT, PS and depression in epilepsy.

Methods

Consequent 71 outpatients (40 women 31 men) with epilepsy were included in the study and examined using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A), Epilepsy Stigma Scale, SCID-I for DSM IV for the diagnosis of depression.

Results

Depressive temperament (DT) scores were positively correlated with PS scores (r:0,247, p< 0.05) in whole group. PS scores were significantly higher in epileptics with MDD group (n:14) than epileptics without MDD(n:57) (t -3.052, p< 0.05). than the patients were divided into groups as patients with DT (n:10), patients with MDD (n: 9) and patients with MDD and DT (n: 5). In One Way ANOVA analysis there was difference between groups. By Tukey HSD the Perception of Stigma was not different between DT and MDD grup but DT+MDD group was significantly higher than DT group.

Conclusion

Recent studies suggest that a crucial part of inherited factors of depression is mediated by ATs and in some studies DT is founded to be related with recurrent depressive disorder. This study suggest that there may be an association between PS, DT and MDD alone but coexistence of MDD and DT is a higher risk for higher levels of stigma perception.
P03-193 - Sociodemographical And Clinical Characteristics As Determinant Factors In The Derivation To Long Stay Units
Authors: Zallo E. , Uriarte J.J. , Ballesteros J. , Zumárraga M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

It is widely developed the idea of communitary attention of serious mental disorders, instead of being recluded in long stay hospitals. But tomake this project real it is needed a complex sociosanitay support: psychosocial rehabilitation units, protected dwellings…and nowadays some people are still discharged to long term hospitals.

The objective of this work is to demonstrate that clinical characteristics are not determinant and that the main reason that supports the decision is the insufficent social resources spread.

Methods

279 inpatients that entered a Psychosocial rehabilitation unit from January 2005 to April 2009 are selected. There are two comparison groups depending on the derivation to long term units. There are compared different variables taking the HoNOS scale as measurement tool. Ths stathistical comparison test used is the Fisher exact test.

HoNOs scale items:

1

Disruptive behaviour

2

Non-accidental self-injury

3

Alcohol/drug taking

4

Cognition

5

Physical illness

6

Hallucinations/delusions

7

Depressed mood

8

Other mental problems

9

Relationship

10

Daily activity

11

Living conditions

12

Activities/occupation

Results

There is not statistical significance when clinical items of the HoNOS scale (item 1 to 8) are compared, instead of item 5 (p=0,001). There appears significance when comparing social items and specially item 9 (p=0,031),11 (p=0,002) and 12 (0,026).

Conclusions

Nowadays there is no difference in the clinical profile of inpatients when derivation. The fact of not having adequate living conditions is determinant in the decision of derivation, showing that socio sanitary resources are insufficient for an optimal communitary system.
P03-196 - Prevalence Of Substance Use And Depression Among The University Students In Iran
Authors: Roshandel A. , Safavi Mahboobeh , Rafienejad-Zahra Kheiri Aliazam , Mohamadi ali
Published: June 2010

Objectives

nowadays drug abuse and addiction is one of the most important health,social and political problems in the world. substance use among university students is a mental health concern. people with depression have high rates of comorbidity with other mental disorders and substance use disorders. the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, substance use and the relationship between depression and substance use among student of guilan university of medical sciences(GUMS).

Methods

this was a cross-sectional study carried out on a representative sample of 254 students(n=167girls;n=87boys) of GUMS. The samples were selected randomly by stratified sampling. data was collected using a confidential multiple choice questionnaire detecting the frequency of various substance use. the beck depression inventory(BDI)were used to determine depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed by chi-square and exact fisher test using SPSS ver 16software.

Results

results showed that the prevalence rate of each substance in use was: Opium (1.2%), Morphine (0.4%), cannabis (1.2%), Cocaine (0.4%), codeine (7.5%), Ritalin (2%), tramadol (4.7%) cristal (0.4%), Amphetamines (0.8%),cigarette (8.3%), alcohol(7.1%). according to BDI,(29.9%)of students had depression.there were significant differences between the prevalence of substance use with gender(p=0/0001),parent marital status(p=0/01)and depression(p=0/01).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the substance use among students is considerably high and specific interventions seem to be necessary in preventing or reducing the rate of substance use in students. Reading the result of this study,it is suggested that parents and universities authorities have a better over solving students emotional and social problems.
P03-201 - Quetiapine In Alcohol Relapse Prevention - A Case Series
Authors: Croissant B. , Diehl A. , Hermann D. , Mann K.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Research has shown that Quetiapine reduce the craving and consumption for stimulants and alcohol. Due to Quetiapine's particulars and the promising receptor profile concerning addiction medicine, we set out to examine the tolerability and efficacy concerning relapse prevention of withdrawn alcoholics suffering from additional symptoms.

Methods

Our case observations attempted to evaluate nine alcoholics after withdrawal suffering from persisting craving, sleep disorder, excitement, depressive symptoms or anxiety symptoms. The patients were treated with quetiapine as relapse prevention and we followed them up in our outpatient clinic.

Results

Eight out of nine patients were abstinent under quetiapine over a period of 2 to 7 months. One of these patients relapsed after he stopped taking the preparation at his own initiative after 10 weeks. The ninths patient stopped taking the preparation immediately because of swollen nasal mucosae. All target symptoms disappeared in the patients after an average of [mean ± SD] 24.5 ± 18.1 days. The overall tolerability was considered to be very good, however initial sleepiness appeared in four patients.

Conclusion

Patients reported to be very satisfied with the medication. Reports about clearly reduced craving seem particularly worthy of attention. Although uncontrolled case observations can only be interpreted with caution quetiapine seems to deserve further investigation. A double-blind placebo-controlled study is in preparation to confirm these preliminary findings. Quetiapine may hold the potential for preventing alcohol relapse in alcoholics suffering from additional above mentioned symptoms, or as an alternative in alcoholics who do neither tolerate acamprosate nor naltrexone.
P03-203 - Specifics Of Addiction In Women - Heredity And Interpersonal Relations
Authors: Raketic D.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this paper is to point out to the significance of heredity and emotional bonding in genesis and development of addiction in women.

Method

Sample of alcohol and opiate female addicts (30 patients in each group) plus control group (30 women) with no psychiatric diagnosis were questioned with the Semi-structured interview Addiction Severity Index - ASI (T.McLellan, J.Cacciola 1982).

Results

There is a statistically significant difference among the groups compared for hereditary factors in addiction. In the group of opiate female addicts, a positive hereditary factor is present in 62.5%, in alcohol female addicts - in 50.0%, and in the control group - in 13.3%.

Alcohol addicted subjects do not differ significantly from opiate addicted subjects in terms of living with someone who has a drinking problem. However there is a statistically significant difference between opiate addicted subjects who live with someone with a drug problem (62.5%) and alcohol addicted subjects (13.3%).

Conclusion

Heredity is an important risk factor in addiction. A problem with chemical addiction in families of addicts, as a rule, presents as a multi-generational problem. Opiate addiction, in particular, starts and is maintained in a relationship with either a close family member or a partner.
P03-204 - A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study Of Benzodiazepines Use Among Medical Students In Serbia
Authors: Divac N. , Todorovic Z. , Nesic Z. , Prostran M.
Published: June 2010

High prevalence of benzodiazepine use among citizens of Serbia has been described previously. The fourth year medical students are supposed to have sufficient knowledge on benzodiazepines, but it is also clear that medical students are not immune to substance use and abuse.

This study was conducted to assess the perceptions of a Serbian medical students (fourth year), regarding benzodiazepines utilization.

The study was conducted as cross-sectional, using structured questionnaire with 4 multiple-choice questions. The participation was voluntary and anonymous, 112 students participated and the response rate was 87%.

Results showed that slightly above half of the students (n=64; 57.1%) classified benzodiazepines correctly as anxiolytics/hypnotics (sedatives), while the others (n=48; 42.9%) non-specifically classified benzodiazepines as drugs acting on central nervous system. The majority of students stated that they never use benzodiazepines (n=72; 64.3%). Among benzodiazepines users (n=40; 35.7%), 100% were occasional users (less than once a week). The main reason for benzodiazepines use was insomnia (n=16; 40.0%), anxiety (n=12; 30.0%) and other reasons, such as tremor, muscle spasms etc. (n=12; 30.0%). The majority of benzodiazepines users (n=28; 70.0%) stated that benzodiazepines did not impair their concentration and studying, while the rest (n=12; 30.0%) noticed mild impairment.

Serbian fourth year medical students showed mildly disappointing knowledge on benzodiazepines regarding the classification. However, low rate of benzodiazepines use among students and the lack of recreational use indicate awareness of the risk of drugs misuse in this population.
P03-208 - Correlates And Prevalence Of Substance Use Among Primary Care Patient In Ikorodu, Nigeria
Authors: Erinfolami A. , Olagunju A. , Oguntuase A. , Akinbode A.
Published: June 2010

Quality of life and sociodemographic factors of patients with unexplained symptom in general practice.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the correlates and prevalence of psychoactive substance use in primary care patients in Ikorodu, Lagos Nigeria.

Method

Six Primary Health Care clinics were randomly selected of the public health clinic in Ikorodu area of Lagos. A total of 1,550 were screened with World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST) between June 2007, and May 2008.

Results

Hazardous use of tobacco was most prevalent (30%) especially among 18 - 25 age group, follow by Alcohol and then cannabis. Hazardous use of alcohol was associated with male gender, younger age group and lack of employment. For all substances, we recorded lowest rate for women.

Conclusion

Psychoactive substance use are common among primary care patients, effective methods of early identification and form of anti drug use education are needed. Younger age groups, especially men are to receive more attention.
P03-210 - Life Quality Of Male Alcohol Dependents At 12 Months Follow-Up
Authors: Evren C. , Durkaya M. , Cetin R. , Dalbudak E.
Published: June 2010

Aims

Aim of this study was to investigate the changes in life quality during 12 months follow-up among alcohol dependent inpatients.

Methods

Participants were 102 consecutively admitted male alcohol dependents, whom were available for second evaluation at 12 months follow-up. Patients were investigated with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item health survey (SF-36) at the end of inpatient treatment program and 12 months later in follow-up.

Results

Among alcohol dependent inpatients 61.8% were considered to be relapsed. Sociodemographic variables did not differ between relapsed and non-relapsed groups. Mean scores of physical and mental component summaries did not differ between groups at baseline evaluation, whereas they were lower in relapsed group at 12 months follow-up. In non-relapsed group mean scores of all the life quality subscales and physical and mental component summaries improved at 12 months follow-up, whereas in relapsed group mean scores of life quality did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Among alcohol dependent men life quality improves after 12 months of abstinence following inpatient treatment. Thus after measuring the impairments in life quality, if the findings are communicated to patients, this may enhance their motivation to stay sober after inpatient treatment programs.
P03-212 - Messing With Pleasure: A Smoking Cessation Program In A Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Ganhao I. , Trigo M. , Paixão A. , Pedro P. , Gonçalves E.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Most pleasures have been condemned at some time and many laws have attempted to prohibit supposedly harmful behavior. Evolution has not collaborated perhaps because addictive behaviors, associated with reward and pleasure circuits/centers in the brain, are important for survival.

Withdrawal symptoms are treatable with nicotine replacement therapy. Pleasure, is a harder problem to tackle and is associated with rituals, the senses and affect regulation and may be a major culprit in relapse.

Dopamine dysregulation may favor addiction and addiction may lead to dopamine dysregulation. Many psychiatric patients may have dopaminergic dysregulation and altered pleasure circuit function and are more prone to addiction, especially to nicotine, and probably harder to help.

Objectives/aims

A reflection on desire and pleasure in smokers in general and psychiatric patients and on possible strategies to overcome these difficulties.

Methods

1)

A review of philosophical, sociopolitical, biological and neuropsychiatric views of pleasure

2)

Rating of smoking as a pleasure on a visual analog scale on first assessment of a smoking cessation program in a psychiatric hospital

3)

Reflections on difficulties encountered in a smoking cessation program and possible strategies to overcome these

Results and conclusions

Treating addictions poses tremendous challenges since the very mechanisms nature disposed for survival, are those gone awry. Pleasure is identified as a major driving force behind addiction in tobaco smoking therefore should be specifically addressed in smoking cessation programs. Psychiatric patients who smoke tobaco are an especially difficult patient population and one of the contributing factors may be dopamine dysregulation/pleasure dysregulation.
P03-214 - Emotional Intelligence And Its Relation To Human Abnormal Behaviour: Comparison Between Addicted And Nonaddicted People
Authors: Homayouni A. , Bani Hashemi S.A. , Golzadeh E.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Emotional intelligence (E / I) consists of appraisal of emotion in the self and others, regulation of emotion in the self and others and utilization of emotion in solving problems. Subsumed under these branches are functions such as verbal and non verbal appraisal and expression of emotion and using emotions to motivate as part of the utilisation of emotions. (Salovey & Mayer's, 1990). Emotional intelligence components are important in psychological functions such as problem-solving, happiness, stress-tolerance, self-actualization and interpersonal relationship. So the research aimed to investigate role of Emotional intelligence in tendency to addiction.

Method

In sampling process a total of 73 addicted people and 73 non-addicted people were randomly selected. All participants were requested to complete Schutte's Self- Report E / I Test (SSREIT) (33 item). The test measures ability of E / I in three fields: Appraisal of emotion, regulation of emotion and utilization of emotion. In order to analyzing the data independent T test was used to compare means of two groups.

Results

Findings indicated significant differences between two groups in components of emotional intelligent. Nonaddicted people had more scores in appraisal of emotion, utilization of emotion and general score of emotional intelligence. But there was no significant difference in regulation of emotion in two groups.

Conclusion

Considering the results, it is recommended to apply the plans for enhancing emotional intelligent components in order to increasing abilities and competencies in confronting with crisis and bad events and reducing risk of abnormal behaviors, specially addiction.
P03-216 - Clinical And Social Functioning, Quality Of Life, Maladjustment Of Hiv-Positive Injection-Drug Consumers
Authors: Dakukina T. , Stan’ko E. , Ihumnau S.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The epidemiology of HIV in Belarus, main trends in addiction treatment, attitude to rehabilitation of addicts with HIV are presented.

Results

The questions of social maladjustment of such patients are revealed as well as organization of medical and social rehabilitation and self-maladoption. The correlation between the amount and characteristics of rehabilitating services and the grade of maladjustment is stressed. The analysis of social functioning as well as quality of life of patients with dual pathology ((HIV and addiction) is presented.

Conclusions

The background for different approach towards research of HIV-positive and HIV-negative IV drug consumers is presented.
P03-219 - New Agents For The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Marin M. , Riaza M.D. , Quintana A. , Lopez J. , Sánchez L. , Codesal R.A. , Rubio G.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Benzodiazepines are widely used drugs. However, their chronic use has revealed that they can lead to dependence. The objective of this study is to review the different pharmacological strategies used in the management of benzodiazepine dependence and new trends in pharmacological interventions.

Method

We searched in MEDLINE and in the Cochrane Database System Review, selecting studies from 1980 until the present, in which a pharmacological intervention was made for benzodiazepine detoxification in mono-dependence cases.

Results

There is a consensus about gradual rather than abrupt tapering benzodiazepines in benzodiazepine discontinuation. Other extended traditional strategy has been switching from short half-life to long half-life benzodiazepines before gradual taper. A great variety of agents have been used as adjuvant medication in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome (BWS) with varying degrees of success. In the last years research has focus in the use of anticonvulsant drugs. Both carbamzepine and valproate, have demonstrated to be beneficial in benzodiazepine discontinuation. Also, preliminary data suggest that new anticonvulsant agents (gabapentin, pregabalin, oxcarbazepine and topiramate) could be helpful.

Discussion

Although multiple drugs have been investigated for pharmacological management of BWS, only few have demonstrated significant efficacy. Anticonvulsant drugs are one of them. Both, carbamazepine and valproate, have shown benefits in reducing withdrawal severity. The available data currently support the use of new anticonvulsant (gabapentin, pregabalin, oxacarbazepine and topiramate), in the treatment of different drug-dependences such as alcohol, cocaine and opiate dependence. Moreover, there is a growing trend in the literature toward the use of these agents in benzodiazepine mono-dependence.
P03-226 - Epidemiology Of Alcohol Use Disorders: Overview And Expectations
Authors: Osain Welcome M. , Alekseevich Pereverzev V.
Published: June 2010

Following the establishment of the disease concept of alcoholism, many attempts, as well as achievements have been made in alcohol research. The genetotrophic, endocrine, genetic, stressor, psychoanalytic, cultural, behavioral and abnormal brain metabolites theories have been used to explain various mechanisms of alcohol use effects. Cultural and social factors in alcohol use and related problems are supported by both Durkheim's and Leighton's theories. With recent advances in radiological, spectroscopic analyses, it is now possible to study the effects of alcohol and other drugs (at various levels of use) on the brain's function and structure. MRI techniques have been used to trace the changes that occur when the brain is exposed to alcohol. Through such studies, specific alcohol-related changes in the brain, their duration, effects on behavior and the compensational mechanisms for these changes have been largely explored. The use of iterative testing approach, using computer models to test complex neuropsychophysiological and physicobiological mechanisms, including electrophysiological waveforms analysis in alcohol use problems are prospective area of alcohol research that might totally solve the problems of alcohol predisposition. PET in visualization and measuring the electrical activity of the brain may help explain the mechanisms and solve individual differences in the problem of alcohol related blackouts and memory lapses.
P03-228 - The Culture Of Alcohol Use: An African Perspective
Authors: Osain Welcome M. , Alekseevich Pereverzev V.
Published: June 2010

This paper examines the general view of the culture of alcohol consumption in the African continent. Unlike in some European countries where alcohol use is part of the daily life of the people or is used, especially during meals, in Africa, generally, alcohol is used mostly during rituals, marriage ceremonies, clan/family festivities. During rituals, intoxicating power of alcohol is associated, sometimes with the supernatural power of the gods. Alcohol is also given as gifts during bride price ceremony. Statistical data confirm that majority of alcohol users in this continent are Christians and non-religious people. Lower proportion of alcohol consumption is seen in the Muslim community in relation to the Christians. Even though, some use alcohol as daily drink, generally intoxication (except during rituals) is considered a sin. The most especially used beverage is the native alcohol (obtained as a distillation product of sap of tree, mostly parm). The level of native distillation techniques determines the alcohol content in the various native alcoholic beverages. Alcohol content in the distillation product might vary between 30-70%. Some proportion of African communities use the tree sap without distillation. In recent times, most African communities have lost the power of control over the sale and use of alcoholic beverages, and this subsequently led to increase alcohol problems, including chronic alcoholism, especially among children. In conclusion, as a result the gradual fading of cultural norms, alcohol use nowadays, in African communities, generally, is open to the general population, regardless of age.
P03-230 - The Psychophysiopathogenetic Basis Of Drug Addiction: An Integrative View
Authors: Osain Welcome M. , Alekseevich Pereverzev V.
Published: June 2010

Drug addiction is a complex neuropsychophysiological disease process of the brain that results from recurring drug use and is modulated by genetic, developmental, experiential, and environmental factors, involving both neurobiological and psychogenetic mechanisms of action, which is associated with the limbic subcortical and frontal (orbitofrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate gyrus) structures with a complex system of network - mesolimbic dopamine, opioid peptide, -aminobutyric acid, and the endocannabinoid systems, which are localized to key circuits in the basal forebrain, including the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Addiction is marked by intoxication, bingeing, withdrawal, craving and involves fluctuation in dopamine levels resulting in disruption of circuits that regulate the behavioral, cognitive, motivational and emotional responses. These responses are in many cases modulated by molecular neuroadaptations, subsequently leading to changes in the brain's addictive cycle. In spite of the huge scientific data on addiction, much on the topic is still needed to be unraveled. Here, we proposed a linkage between the psycho- and physiopathogenetic basis of addiction. An important psychological explanatory model of alcohol use that will necessarily provide significant linkage with physiogenetic basis of addiction is the tension-reduction and expectancy models -the initiative-effectors of addictive behaviors.
P03-233 - Neurobiological Basis Of Alcohol Related Disruption Of The Error Monitoring System
Authors: Osain Welcome M. , Alekseevich Pereverzev V.
Published: June 2010

Following the discovery of the Error Related Negativity, ERN in the early 1990s, the field of event related brain potential research is gradually growing. The ERN in recent times has been related to the presence of a monitoring system in the basal ganglia. Ridderinkhof et al have showed that alcohol disrupts the error monitoring system. Although the way alcohol affects the error monitoring system is yet uncovered, Halroyd et al have noted that alcohol might either affect this system directly or indirectly by causing changes in the level of dopamine. This study reviews recent data that might explain the indirect effect of alcohol in the error monitoring system. The major findings in this study put into consideration some points stated in Ridderinkhof et al & Halroyd et al models, the fishbone model of blood-brain glucose metabolism. The magnitude of error commission is dependent on the mesencephalic dopamine system, anterior cingulate cortex activities, associated systems and the brain glucose concentration. This present literature analysis suggests that alcohol related disruption of the error monitoring system results from its metabolic effects on glucose metabolism, which in turn leads to changes in dopamine levels, subsequently affecting the activities of the anterior cingulate cortex, including associated systems.