bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal depressive symptoms in Portuguese new fathers and mothers during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pereira D. , Macedo A. , Cabaços C. , Wildenberg B. , Madeira N. , Pereira A. T.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Postpartum depression, refers to depressive symptoms within a 12-month period after the birth of an infant in a new father or mother. It’s have been a growing mental health concern, as it is one of the leading causes of poor familial and infant health outcomes. Despite the growing attention being given to fathers’ depression, including in Portugal, prevalence data and its possible correlates are still scarce compared to depression in mothers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

To explore and compare levels of depressive symptomatology and to analyze potential correlates for postpartum depression in Portuguese new mothers and fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

153 men and 187 women (mean age: 36.61± 4.99 vs. 32.98 ±5.00 years, respectively) were recruited in the perinatal period (7.29±3.22 vs 8.58± 0.97 months post-partum) and answered to an online survey that included questions related to sociodemographic and psychosocial variables and validated questionnaires: Perinatal Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (for Repetitive Negative Thinking/RNT) and Dysfunctional Beliefs Towards Motherhood/Fatherhood Scale (DBTM/F). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26 for Mac).

Results

New-mothers had significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than new-fathers (41.89±16.94 VS. 33.95±14.99, p<.001). Based on the PDSS’ cutoff point the prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in male and female progenitors was 21.6% and 39.6%, respectively (p<.001).

DBTF were significantly higher compared to DBTM (p<.05). Male and female progenitors did not differ regarding levels of RNT.

DBT-M/F (r».40) and RNT (r>.55) significantly and positively correlated with PDSS scores.

In both genders, DBT-M/F and RNT significantly (p<.01) predicted PDSS scores explaining 33.8% (Beta: DBT=.136, p=.050; RNT=.538, p<.01) of its variance in fathers and 50.4% in mothers (Beta: DBT=.218, p=.001; RNT=.565, p<.01).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Portuguese recent mothers had higher levels of depressive symptoms when compared to recent fathers. However, in both new mothers and fathers, depressive symptoms’ prevalence and severity were higher than the figures found in samples of new parents outside of the pandemic period and of samples from the general population. Addressing DBT-M/F, as well as RNT, in recent parents, could be relevant in preventing/improving their depressive symptoms.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Stress and anxiety among Medical residents working during the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Hanine I. , Chtibi M. , Belbachir S. , Ouanass A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Covid-19 is believed to be one of the most impactful events of the 21’s century,

Pressure related to this pandemic was put on every of the health system especially residents.

Medical residents whose hierarchical position is particular, in the framework of their training they are subjected to an increased level of stress due to the constant pressure of training and the current challenges of being in the front line of the pandemic.

Objectives

The aim of our study is to evaluate the presence of stress in medical residents.

Methods

Using a self-evaluation questionnaire with two parts, the first exploring age, sexe, history of medical, surgical and psychiatric disorders the second part exploring stress with the French version of PSS-10 (preveived stress scale).

Results

Concerning our descriptive statistcs: among our 140 residents, percentage of male and female residents were almost equal with 2,85% of them already had a record of an anxiety disorder’s follow-up, 71,4% had a moderate stress level and 8,6% had high stress level.

Conclusions

Our study led us to the following conclusion, stress is a component that affects the quality and the work performed by the vast majority of health care workers.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Vaccination against COVID-19 and Clinical correlates among a population of psychiatric outpatients
Authors: jabeur M. , Gassab L. , Ben Mohamed B. , Ben Hawala A. , Mhalla A. , Zaafrane F. , Gaha L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patients suffering from psychiatric disorders represent a population that is particularly at risk of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. Vaccination was the most effective strategy to prevent the severe forms of the disease.

Objectives

We aimed in our study to determine the rate of COVID-19 vaccination and to identify its correlated factors in psychiatric outpatients.

Methods

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 178 outpatients at the department of psychiatry (Monastir, Tunisia) over a period of one month (from March 2022 to April 2022). Data was collected via a questionnaire focused on two main attributes: (1) sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; (2) questions about the flu vaccination history and its modalities.

Results

The mean age of our patients was 44.9±13.7 years. The majority of them (81.5%) had a chronic evolution of their psychiatric disorder (> 2 years). Psychosis was the most represented disorder with 57.3% compared to mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Among our population, 73% of the patients received vaccination against COVID-19. The majority got 2 doses (60%), were vaccinated on their own initiative (68%) and by making an appointment (71.4%). Patients with depressive disorders accessed to vaccination program in 100% of cases. The group of psychotic patients had a vaccination rate of 66%. Vaccination was significantly associated with gender (p=0.001), age (p=0.04), marital status (p<10-3), number of children (p=0.002), housing situation (0.018), diagnosis (p<10-3) and treatment (p=0.01)

Conclusions

Patients with psychiatric disorders experience a distinct burden of the COVID-19 disease. They should therefore be prioritised in vaccine allocation strategies, especially among patients with psychotic disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Response to the COVID-19 pandemic among the Ukrainian students: Coping strategies and psychological adjustment
Authors: Vasheka T. , Tukaiev S. , Dolgova O.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant transformations in the social life due to the isolation itself and the effect of quarantine restrictions, which together affect the psychological health and well-being in different countries.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish the emotional and behavioral students’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic, to assess the dominant coping strategies and the prevalence of neurotic states and stress level among students.

Methods

For this study, a specially designed questionnaire with a set of psychodiagnostic methods was used to diagnose the manifestations of neurotic conditions in students (Clinical questionnaire for the identification and evaluation of neurotic conditions by K.K. Yakhin, D.M. Mendelevich), the level of psychological stress and the main coping strategies (questionnaire " Coping strategies” by R. Lazarus). The sample consisted of 213 respondents, students of Kyiv Universities (119 female)

Results

Among Ukrainian students, the dominant reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic are depressive disorders, anxiety and fears, a third of the students self-reported autonomic disorders. The stress level is moderate. Female reacted to the pandemic situation with more serious mental health disorders compared to male. The use of all coping strategies was recorded at a high level of tension, which indicates that students are already exhausting their adaptive potential and are actually maladapted in the current conditions.

Conclusions

The study confirms the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people. The available mental resources to overcome a difficult situation are exhausted, so students prefer to avoid and ignore stressful information. This gives rise to the need for psychological support and educational activities on health techniques.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Intolerance of uncertainty and vaccine hesitancy of health care workers in response to covid 19 vaccination
Authors: Dhakouani S. , Lansari R. , hamrouni N. , Larnaout A. , melki W.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The covid 19 pandemic was a period of uncertainty. This uncertainty was sustained even after the advent of the vaccine against covid 19. Several concerns have emerged related to the vaccine and health care workers were at the centre of this uncertainty.

Objectives

Study intolerance of uncertainty and vaccine hesitancy among health care workers in relation to covid 19 vaccination

Methods

This is a descriptive study conducted by a questionnaire posted on social networks using Google Forms targeting groups of health professionals before the launch of the vaccination campaign in Tunisia from January 16, 2021 to March 6, 2021.

We collected sociodemographic data and the attitudes of health care workers about COVID 19 vaccination. We used Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale short form (IUS 12) to evaluate the intolerance of uncertainty related to COVID 19 vaccine

Results

Our study included 168 health care workers represented mainly by medical personnel (81% of the respondents). The average age was 34 ±10 years and sex ratio was 0.22.

Sixty percent (60%) of population were hesitant in front of the COVID 19 vaccine.

This hesitancy was explained in 90% of cases by the insecurity of the new COVID19 vaccine. Thirty-seven percent (37%) doubted the efficacy of these vaccines and 22% trivialized COVID19 by expressing the worthlessness of preventing this disease.

The mean score for intolerance of uncertainty was 26.57 ± 9.68 and a median of 26. The minimum score was 10 and the maximum score was 50. We found a significant association between intolerance of uncertainty and vaccine hesitancy (p=0.034). Subjects with higher uncertainty intolerance scores were less hesitant in front of COVID19 vaccination.

Conclusions

Intolerance of uncertainty is a consideration when introducing a new covid 19 vaccine to health care workers and in a pandemic context

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Sociopetal design in psychiatric therapuetic settings
Authors: Danziger J.
Published: August 2023

Sociopetal design methods can offer interesting means to support therapeutic concepts within ward environments. They can help to forge group identities through offering patients, staff and visitors opportunities to identify with the spaces they inhabit. “Sociopetal space” has been defined as “spaces which help bring people together"; but how does this actually work and what role can these types of spaces play in a hospital ward setting?

Some of these elements operate at a detail level and can be rather simple to deploy. Normalising the environment by making “regular” design decisions such as by using real rather then simulated materials (ie., actual wood rather then “wood patterned” furniture); or through offering a mix of lighting (ie., artificial and natural sources in variation) can create more homely spaces for patients and staff alike. Ultimately, design decisions at the detail scale can create phenomenal elements which can play a large role towards generating a favorable atmospheric experience on the ward.

It is also possible to explore how specific moments or places within a psychiatric ward might be designed to support patient agency, even on a closed ward. Sociopetal elements such as well-sited sitting spaces can offer moments of safety or retreat, leading to a greater sense of control. This can help patients feel more open to positive interactions with their colleagues and staff because they can safely observe or choose less committed ways of participation in daily or group activities.

Zooming out from these details, we will also look at the layout of a psychiatric ward (ie. accommodations) to help identify where opportunities such as those listed can be found. Simple gestures such as a slight widening of the corridor leading to important shared areas or better access to light or views of nature have been shown to improve outcomes for patients. What other design elements can be placed on or within wards to further this approach? Recent and ongoing projects within our practice will be shared to help workshop participants gather literacy in case they may be involved in future design projects.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychological impact of the covid-19 pandemic on health care personnel working in COVID settings
Authors: Ayed W. , Brahim D. , Mechergui N. , Ben Said H. , Mersni M. , Ernez S. , Youssef I. , Ladhari N.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

COVID19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact on the population worldwide. However, health care workers have been the most exposed to psychological effects.

Objectives

To determine the psychological impact of the covid19 pandemic on health care professionals (HCPs) who were working in the covid19 setting.

Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in May 2020, having interested the HCPs of the Charles Nicolle hospital who were working in the COVID19 settings .The data collection was carried out with a pre-established questionnaire .The visual analog scale of B. Chini was used to assess the level of work stress. This assessment was undertaken at three points in time: during the work, during the confinement period and post confinement .

Results

Seventy five nurses participated to the study. The average age was 39.7±9.6 years. The sex ratio was 0.74. The average professional seniority was 11.6±8.14 years. During the confinement, a feeling of anxiety and apprehension of danger to others were reported by 96% of the participants. In addition, sleep disorders and irritability were noticed in 65% and 92% of cases respectively. At the end of the confinement period, 77% of the cases reported neuropsychological complaints: feelings of anxiety (57%), mood disorders (49%), a sleep disorders (32%) and concentration disorders (20%). The average level of stress was evaluated at 7.54 during the work, 7.36 during confinement and 5.28 after confinement. Faced with this psychological suffering, 88% of the cases noted the absence of psychological support or assistance.

Conclusions

Psychological support and early screening in psychiatry and occupational medicine are necessary to prevent any deterioration in their mental health.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Menthal health of internally and externally displaced persons in war period
Authors: Maruta N. O.
Published: August 2023

Workshop War in Ukraine – a Big Challenge for the Mental Health Care

Abstract of presentation Mental health of internally and externally displaced persons in war period (Ukrainian experience)

Maruta

“Institute of Neurology, Psychiatry and Narcology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” State Institution

The presentation is devoted to mental health problems of internally and externally displaced persons during the war. Issues of etiology, pathogenesis and clinic-psychopathological manifestations of mental disorders in displaced persons are considered.

The main focus is on risk, anti-risk factors and stress coping strategies that prevent the development of mental disorders.

The presentation also provided a system of therapy and rehabilitation for internally and externally displaced persons, as well as an evaluation of their effectiveness.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
“Lactose free” depression- Antidepressant with and without lactose registered in Croatia
Authors: Svetinović D. , Barun I. , Vuk Pisk S. , Filipčić I. , Grošić V.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years. Lactose intolerance affects 70% of the world population. With both conditions being common there are a lot of people having both lactose intolerance and depression. People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest lactose. As a result, they have diarrhea, bloating and gas after eating or drinking dairy products. Lactose is one of the most used excipients in drug formulations and is ofteny overlooked when prescribed.

Objectives

To quantify and identify the amount of lactose in medications used for the treatment of depression and to identify ‘lactose-free’ medication registered in Croatia.

Methods

Medications used for the treatment of depression were identified from the Agency for medicinal products and medical products of Croatia (HALMED). Their formulation including excipients was obtained from the Agency.

Results

Wide range of antidepressants contains lactose. We have quantified the lactose amount using information on medicinal products with marketing authorisation granted by HALMED.
AntidepressantBrand name and dosageLactose per tablet (mg)SertralineSonalia ® 50 mg19.80mgParoxetineParoksetin PharmaS®10mgEscitalopramEscital ® 10mg117.8mgElicea ® 5mg51.3mgCitalopramCitalon ® 20mg23mgMirtazapineCalixta ® 15mg44.4mgMirzaten ® 30mg120.56mgMirzaten Q tab ® 15mg35.63mg

Conclusions

With this research, we have pointed out a high proportion of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants that contain lactose. Considering the high proportion of the general population with lactose intolerance, we have pointed out the importance of knowing the data that antidepressants do not contain lactose in order to choose an adequate therapy for our patients, while not causing them discomfort that will further reduce the effectiveness of the therapy, as well as increase the percentage of those who due to the side effects of the drug, they stop taking the therapy. This research will help clinicians in their daily work to choose the most optimal therapy for their patients. With this study, we will give doctors a list of medications for depression treatment without lactose. With this study, we will give doctors a list of medications for depression treatment without lactose.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
When the SAINT goes marching in – A novel transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol shows miraculous promise
Authors: Vieira de Andrade J. D. , Brito M. J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation tool with a growing body of clinical evidence demonstrating positive outcomes in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as sole or adjuvant therapy. Theta-burst stimulation (TBS), specifically intermittent TBS (iTBS), uses short intermittent pulse trains to cut each session’s duration to 10% of the original repetitive TMS protocol sessions, making it a more appealing option given that it shows similar efficacy. Nevertheless, the number of sessions required remains the same, with a single protocol lasting around 4 to 6 weeks, or longer. However, a new protocol has very recently been approved by the FDA for application in TRD, called the SAINT (Stanford Intelligent Accelerated Neuromodulation Therapy), which reduces treatment duration to 5 days.

Objectives

To ascertain what evidence supports the SAINT protocol and its efficacy by reviewing available published literature.

Methods

A PubMed database search was performed and the main findings of selected studies were summarized.

Results

Three articles were found, which consisted of clinical trials with small study samples of TRD patients. One study found a 90% remission rate after the aforementioned 5-day treatment regimen, with another reporting a 79% response rate after a double-blinded trial. All studies reported no difference in tolerability compared with regular iTBS protocols.

Conclusions

The SAINT protocol shows promising preliminary results, with efficacy, tolerability and safety of use comparable with that of TMS protocols already in use. The reduction in treatment duration that this intensive option is based on is a significant improvement for applicability in clinical practice, which might increase patient compliance and offer quicker results. Further studies are required to evaluate whether the remission rates are maintained in the long term.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Assessment of quality of life and cognitive dysfunction among patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Abbasi L. , Mazzawi T. , Daradkeh T.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with high mortality, disability and morbidity. Studies demonstrated mixed results on effects of depression treatments on quality of life (QOL).

Objectives

To evaluate the severity of depression among Jordanian patients diagnosed with MDD before and after treatment and to find any relationship between QOL, depression severity and perceived cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Patients from both genders, 18-65 years old and diagnosed with MDD were included to attend two visits; at baseline and 6 weeks after treatment, in each they completed three questionnaires: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression severity, patient-rated Perceived Deficit Questionnaire (PDQ-5) for cognitive function, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) format.

Results

A total of 92 patients completed the study. The scores of the different questionnaires and their correlations before and after treatment are presented in tables 1 and 2. Correlations between PHQ-9 and PDQ-5 before and after treatment are illustrated in figs 1 and 2, respectively.
Table 1:

Total scores for WHOQOL-BREF format, PDQ-5 and PHQ-9, before and after treatment

QuestionnaireBeforeAfterP-valueGeneral quality of life2.5±13.5±0.7<0.0001General health satisfaction2.3±13.4±0.9<0.0001Physical health (Domain 1)10±2.613.9±2.6<0.0001Psychological (Domain 2)8±2.312.6±2.3<0.0001Social relationships (Domain 3)9±3.212.8±2.8<0.0001Environment (Domain 4)12.3±314.4±7.50.0003Patient-rated Perceived Deficit 5 (PDQ-5)13±4.47.2±4<0.0001Patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)19±5.47.1±5.1<0.0001

Values are presented as mean±SD. Analysis: Paired t test. P<0.05 is significant.

Table 2:

Correlations between total scores for all of the domains for WHOQOL-BREF and PDQ-5, and between WHOQOL-BREF and PHQ-9, before and after treatment

Domains/FacetsPatient-rated Perceived Deficit 5 (PDQ-5)Patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)Before (r, p)After (r, p)Before (r, p)After (r, p)General quality of life-0.38, 0.0001-0.26, 0.01-0.55, <0.0001-0.49, <0.0001General health satisfaction-0.24, 0.02-0.14, 0.2-0.51, <0.0001-0.48, <0.0001Physical health (Domain 1)-0.37, 0.0003-0.50, <0.0001-0.57, <0.0001-0.76, <0.0001Psychological (Domain 2)-0.46, <0.0001-0.43, <0.0001-0.58, <0.0001-0.68, <0.0001Social relationships (Domain 3-0.37, 0.0002-0.37, 0.0002-0.42, <0.0001-0.40, <0.0001Environment (Domain 4)-0.52, <0.0001-0.21, 0.047-0.36, 0.0004-0.12, 0.2

Spearman correlation (r); P<0.05 is significant. WHOQOL: World Health Organization Quality of Life.

Image:

Image 2:

Conclusions

Significant improvements were found in the symptoms of depression, cognition and QOL in patients with MDD after treatment. Depression severity significantly inversely correlated with QOL and cognition of MDD patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Stigma, confidence, attitudes, barriers and incentive factors in pharmaceutical care of patiens with depression in Lithuania: a protocol for a prospective 3 years follow-up study
Authors: Žūkaitė M. , Peceliuniene J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

According to the WHO, approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. It is known that pharmacists are in an ideal position to offer proactive interventions to people with depression or depressive symptoms. However, pharmacists’ stigmatizing attitudes towards depression and patients with mental illness may decrease the quality of pharmaceutical care services provided to those patients. No research has been conducted on pharmaceutical care and pharmacists attitudes towards patients with depression in Lithuania.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to evaluate stigma, confidence, attitudes, barriers and incentive factors in providing pharmaceutical care to patients with depression in Lithuania.

Methods

The prospective 3 years follow-up study will be carried out among the pharmacists in Lithuania. The sample size of 269 respondents is calculated. First of all, pharmacists will be provided with a training lecture by trained investigator (M.Z.) about depression and its pharmaceutical care. At the same day, after the lecture, pharmacists‘ stigma, confidendence, attitudes, barries and incentive factors in providing pharmaceutical care to patients with depression will be evaluated by 5 questionnaires:

1.

Participants will be asked to provide sociodemographic information included age, gender, years of practice, etc;

2.

The pharmacists’ stigma of patients with depression will be evaluated using eight likert-scale items that measure how patients with depression are perceived;

3.

Pharmacists’ attitudes toward depression will be evaluated using Depression Attitude Questionnaire;

4.

Pharmacists’ confidence in medication consultation for patients with depression will be evaluated using The Pharmacists’ Confidence scale about Medication Consultation for Depressive patients (PCMCD);

5.

A list of possible barries and incentive factors identified in the literature will be provided to pharmacists and they will be asked to choose as many barriers and incentive factors as they think are relevant.

Next trainings lectures will be performed repeatedly at the month 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and at the end of the study - month 36. Also, pharmacists‘ position will be re-evaluated after each training lecture by the same 5 questionnaires.

The Lithuanian Bioethics Commitee approval is going to be received after the training program is confirmed (estimated time – the 1st quarter of 2023).

Results

Stigma, confidence, attitudes, barriers and incentive factors in providing pharmaceutical care to patients with depression in Lithuania will be evaluated.

Conclusions

Conclusions will be drawn on stigma, confidence, attitudes, barriers and incentive factors in pharmaceutical care of patiens with depression in Lithuania. Also, practical recommendations will be introduced to The Ministry of Health of The Republic of Lithuania.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The psychodynamic role of the displacement defense mechanism in people with obesity and anorexia nervosa
Authors: Mustač F. , Matovinović M. , Marčinko D.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Feeding plays a very important role in our lives. First of all survival, but in general it has a much wider and important social role. Through feeding, in addition to satisfying life’s needs and basic instincts, we experience a sense of satisfaction through the investment of libido. Anorexia nervosa and obesity as the two extremes of eating disorders can be considered as a disturbed experience of the satisfaction of eating, and in the background there is usually a very weak, fragile personality structure. A fragile personality structure tends to use primitive defense mechanisms, but the use of healthier, neurotic defense mechanisms in people with eating disorders should not be neglected.

Objectives

To investigate the role of the psychological defense mechanism of displacement in people with obesity and anorexia nervosa.

Methods

Search of contemporary professional and scientific literature in the field of psychodynamics of eating disorders.

Results

Displacement is a defense mechanism in which, when faced with a problem, the problem is not solved with the initial object of aggression, but the problem is moved to another object or situation that the individual perceives as less dangerous. Thus, when faced with a stressful situation or sadness, obese people may have a need for emotional eating, which can be interpreted as displacement of the problem, which is temporarily “solved” by satisfying the basic instinct, but later the person becomes overwhelmed by internal and external shame. Equally so, a traumatic upbringing and disturbed interpersonal family dynamics, which are often present in people with anorexia nervosa, can cause anxiety drives that are displaced in the form of the need for a strong restriction of food intake.

Conclusions

In people with obesity and anorexia nervosa, the use of the defense mechanism of displacement is pointed out. Through psychodynamic psychotherapy it can be very useful to recognize and interpert the use of displacement and, thus to enable reaching a neurotic and healthier level of functioning in people with the aforementioned eating disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Reform of Mental Health care in Egypt, Telepsychiatry perspective
Authors: Noby S. I.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The situation now in Egypt, through the efforts done by the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment (GSMHAT) which is governmental body following the Ministry of Health and Population: Establishment of 2 Hot lines for psychological counseling and Psychosocial support to working 24 hours/ 7 days a week. In the last year, the Mental Health platform is a main objective to be dedicated for Egyptian population, the national mental health platform is another milestone in the innovative digital remote MH services that is planned to be provided.

Objectives

Evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of different mental health services provided by hospitals affiliated to General Secretary of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak including evaluation of remote delivery of mental health service and digital health solutions.

Methods

Observational Cross-sectional study. All patients seeking the hotline service & National Mental Health Platform, Evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of services delivered over 12 months.

Results

The platform’s statistical results since its launch showed that the number of visitors to the site is 44,105 and the number of registered users is 17,153. The number of self-requests conducted by users reached 16,318 and the number of virtual treatment sessions reached 2,797. The results also showed that the number of female users is 31%, compared to 69% of male users. The statistics showed that most of the age groups used for the site are between 15-20 years old, and that the users of the site are from all governorates, but most of the users are from the capital, Cairo. The statistical results also showed that general psychiatry with all its diseases is the most visited by the user of the site, followed by child and adolescent psychiatry subspecialty, then addiction.The GSMHAT, through the hotline, has provided services to the public represented by a number of calls ranging from April 2020 to March 2021 (8618) calls, and the GSMHAT hope that the hotline service to continue providing psychological counseling and support to those who wish, while continuing providing the service in hotline with the corresponding technical development and community needs.

Conclusions

it is crucial to reallocate resources in order to serve for psychological and social needs and liaison psychiatry and digital as well as defining the barriers for providing a convenient service delivered by healthcare providers to people who are in need.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Prevalence and associated factors to cigarette smoking among school adolescents in Tunisia, 2021
Authors: Silini A. , Rejaibi S. , Zid M. , Ben Youssef S. , Zoghlami N. , Mallekh R. , Ben Slema I. , Ben Salah N. , Aounallah-Skhiri H.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Tobacco use among youth is a real public health concern in most developing countries. To provide recent epidemiological data regarding tobacco use among this specific population, a national survey was conducted in Tunisia in 2021. We aimed to determine cigarette smoking prevalence in Tunisian adolescents and assess associated factors.

Objectives

We aimed to determine cigarette smoking prevalence in Tunisian adolescents and assess associated factors.

Methods

Data from the Mediterranean school survey on alcohol and other drugs (MedSPAD 2021) were used. Based on three-stage stratification sampling method, first and second grade high school students were enrolled. A self-administered standardized questionnaire was used and weighted prevalence estimates for cigarette smoking “at least once in a lifetime” were studied. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess associated factors and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) were presented. The independent factors included were: sex, area of residence, private or public sector, alcohol and cannabis use, and being exposed to tobacco smoking in family and peer’s environment. Epidata and STATA software were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively.

Results

Among 6.201 participants with a mean age of 16.8 years, 60.4% were girls; the prevalence of cigarette smoking was 24,75% 95% CI [23.24,26.32], significantly higher among boys (41.1% versus 14.2%, p<10-3). Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in cigarette smoking by region (p-value< 10-4). The highest prevalence of cigarette smoking was observed in the capital city. Cigarettes were perceived as easily accessible by less than a third of the students (38.46% and 20.94% of boys and girls respectively, p=10-4). In multivariable analysis, the only independently associated factor to this behaviour was male sex (AOR=1.5[0.15 – 2.9], p-value=0.03).

Conclusions

Our study revealed a high prevalence of smoking among students with male sex as an associated factor. Developing a healthy school environment and implementing school-based intervention programs are therefore, highly required.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The use of digital psychosocial intervention (DIALOG+) via a mental health community team at the University Clinic of Psychiatry - Skopje
Authors: Milutinovic M. , Bajraktarov S. , Novotni A. , Novotni L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The University Clinic of Skopje – Skopje was part of two Horizon 2020 projects – IMPULSE and RECOVER-e that finished in December 2021. The advances in the field of community mental health in the capital of Skopje, the idea to combine the best aspects of the aforementioned projects and the need of continual implementation and research on an evidence-based community-based service delivery model for recovery-oriented care led to this study which aims to improve functioning, quality of life, and mental health outcomes for people with severe and enduring mental ill health, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression.

Objectives

The objectives of the study are: - to design, implement and evaluate recovery-oriented care for people with severe mental illness in community settings using a psychosocial digital intervention - DIALOG+;- to recognize the value of experiential knowledge through inclusion of peer experts as members of community mental health teams;- to develop scale-up plans for national decision-makers, as informed by the intervention’s implementation and impact, for sustained implementation and scale up after the research study’s timeline.- to improve the conditions of people suffering from psychotic disorders and to overcome financial barriers encountered in the treatment of psychotic disorders in N. Macedonia.

Methods

DIALOG+ represents an affordable and effective intervention which has already demonstrated positive outcomes in previous research. This study involves the use of the DIALOG+ intervention during home visits, so that patients themselves can decide which aspects of their life that they would like to discuss and work on improving. DIALOG+ lets them rate 12 domains that are related to quality of life, such as physical health, relationships and employment. Patient decide which of these they would like to discuss in detail during the meeting. There is then a 4-step approach to help improve this aspect of their life, using the principles of solution-focused therapy. Researchers will collect information about demographic characteristics, quality of life, and symptoms in patients taking part in the study through the administration of questionnaires and clinical scales.

Results

The study is still in phase of completion. The results will be shown at the EPA Congress 2023.

Conclusions

Having the previous positive outcomes from IMPULSE and RECOVER-e, with this combined approach we expect even more improvement in functioning and better quality of life in patients suffering from severe and enduring mental ill health.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Social media & psychiatry: Research opportunities.
Authors: Alvarez-Mon M. A.
Published: August 2023

In the field of health, social networks are increasingly used for research since they have demonstrated multiple uses. Proof of this is that more and more projects financed by public entities use this methodology, as well as scientific publications.

In the symposium, how to do this type of research will be explained in a practical and useful way for the listener. It will be explained with practical examples, and based on successful publications, how this type of work is designed, what type of people should integrate this research team, how to carry out the project, interpret the results and publish them.

We will also address the difficulties encountered and how to overcome them. Attendees will be able to ask all the questions they deem appropriate.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The phenomenon of “processual transformation” as an indicator of the vulnerability of patients of late age in forensic psychiatry
Authors: Liubov P.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Demographic ageing in the world population is accompanied by increased negative social trends towards elderly persons, age discrimination, cruel treatment and violence.

There is an increase in crimes against the elderly related to fraud with their property, physical violence by children because of claims on the property of their parents.

We observe a growing number of property transactions committed under the influence of fraud, deceit, difficult life circumstances. There is an increasing number of elderly, deprived of legal capacity.

Objectives

In order to identify the biological, socio-psychological, legal and victimological determinants we examined 235 patients of late age who underwent forensic psychiatric examination in a criminal and civil process.

Methods

Revealed: «non-dementia» mental disorders - in 45.5%, psychosis - in 7.7%, dementia - in 46.8%.

Results

Patients can simultaneously and consistently participate in criminal and civil process in the status of accused, victims, plaintiffs, defendants, people in respect of whom the incapacity is determined.

The reasons for initiating these cases were often interrelated, the result of a long-term family conflict, often related to the disposal of property.

Conclusions

Such a change in the processual status of patients was characteristic of the late age, reflected their victimization.

This phenomenon was called “processual transformation”.

The probability of " processual transformation " imposes special requirements on the quality of examination of patients of later age. They should be as objective and reliable.

Since the previous expert opinions may affect the subsequent expert opinions in other processes.This phenomenon are legal determinants that can have a disadaptive effect on the late age.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Introduction to motivational interviewing and its principles.
Authors: Azevedo F.
Published: August 2023

In this second session of our motivational interviewing workshop, we introduce motivational interviewing with its principles. Furthermore, we discuss the pyramid of change and Prochaska’s change model, address the differences between pre-contemplative versus change-resistant patients, and approach different techniques we can use throughout the clinical interview.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Specificity of homicide in tunisian women
Authors: Ouali R. , Smaoui N. , Chamseddine A. , Gassara I. , Feki R. , Maalej M. , Charfi N. , Ben Thabet J. , Zouari L. , Omri S. , Maalej M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Homicide is the most serious, radical and irreversible criminal act. It arouses a multitude of questions and fears. Committed by women, the homicide seems more unusual and weird.

Objectives

Our objective is to describe the circumstances of the homicide committed by Tunisian women

Methods

This study was retrospective and descriptive. It focused on the files of criminal psychiatric expertise and involved female accused subjects.We have collected all the criminal expert reports carried out over a period of 24 years (from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2021)

Results

This study included 21 women who committed homicide.The majority of victims of homicide or attempted homicide (85.6%) belonged to the family circle of the accused.Five women (23.8% ) committed this act against their children and four women (19.1%) committed this act against their husbands.The means most used in homicide and its attempt were immolation (23.8%), strangulation (23.8%) and blows (23.8%).

Among those charged with homicide or its attempt, seven (33.3%) presented a personality disorder, 14.3% a depressive disorder, 14.3% a moderate intellectual disability, 4.8% a schizophrenia and 4. 8% mild intellectual disability.

Conclusions

This female criminality, in particular homicide, would find their explanations in different factors and the existence of a mental disorder at the origin of deviant behavior in women seems to be a significant factor in the determinism of such behavior. Much effort remains to be made to apply preventive measures.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A comparison of taxon-like schizotypal clusters of non-clinical individuals on polygenic scores for schizophrenia and related phenotypes
Authors: Alfimova M. , Kondratyev N. , Plakunova V. , Lezheiko T. , Golimbet V.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Schizotypy is conceptualized to be on the continuum of the risk for psychosis. However, previous studies that used the dimensional approach to schizotypy failed to confirm the expected relations between schizotypal traits and polygenic risk scores (PRS) for schizophrenia. A taxonic approach is an alternative way of looking at schizotypy, but to the best of our knowledge it has not been used to explore the genetic architecture of this construct.

Objectives

The present study aimed to fill this gap by comparing groups with different profiles of schizotypal traits on PRS for schizophrenia and related phenotypes.

Methods

To find clusters with different combinations of schizotypal traits, we conducted data mining of an ethnically homogeneous cohort of 1377 healthy individuals completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Four clusters emerged, termed low, positive, negative, and high mixed schizotypy. Approximately equal groups from each cluster were selected for genotyping. After quality control, PRS for schizophrenia, depression, neuroticism, and educational attainment were calculated for 320 individuals (mean age = 31.74, SD 12.25 years, 59% women) based on the summary statistics of the largest genome-wide association studies of the respective traits. The groups from different clusters were then compared on PRS.

Results

The schizotypy groups were similar in age and sex composition but differed in educational attainment and neuroticism (as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory), with the high mixed schizotypes having the lowest education and highest neuroticism scores among the schizotypy groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in any PRS. However, the high mixed schizotypy group showed the largest PRS for schizophrenia, neuroticism, and depression. At a nominally significant level, it differed from negative and positive schizotypes in schizophrenia PRS and from low schizotypy in neuroticism PRS. The positive and negative schizotypal groups had non-significantly lower schizophrenia PRS than low schizotypy subjects.

Conclusions

Our study showed no reliable difference between groups with different schizotypal profiles in PRS of schizophrenia and related phenotypes. At the same time, a number of trends were observed suggesting that only the high mixed schizotypy might be viewed as a condition with an elevated genetic risk of schizophrenia. This is in line with Meehl’s quasi-dimensional model of schizotypy and warrants further investigation in larger samples. This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research under Grant 20-013-00230.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Role of Body Mass Index on Perceived Stress in Medical Students
Authors: Jbir R. , Masmoudi R. , Abdelkefi M. , Hentati S. , Feki I. , Sellami R. , Masmoudi J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The study period to become a medical professional is notoriously stressful This label can be attributed to various factors like long tedious training, social expectations, long work hours, high liability, sleep deprivation, and a constant lack of time to relaxin this vulnerable area, physical appearance, either weight loss or obesity, can affect the mental health of these young people.

Objectives

To determine the role of body mass index (BMI) on the levels of perceived stress in medical students.

Methods

Our study was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional, carried out with medical students in the faculty of medicine of sfax (Tunisia) during October 2022.

An anonymous survey was asked to the students.

Data collection was done by a self-administered questionnaire via Google Forms administered in the students’ Facebook groups. The questionnaire was composed of a part for the collection of socio-demographic data and a psychometric scale:

-

Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to determine the level of stress

Results

A total of 95 responses was collected.The average age of our sample was 25.8±3.4 with female predominance (78,9%).

The half of the population (53,7%) were residents in medicine.

The majority of them (88,4%) had an average socio-economic level and singles (83,2%) .

81,1% had a stressor related to studies in 50,5%,to family in 40 % and financial in 9,5%.

Tobacco consumption were reported by 14,7 % .

A psychiatric history was reported by 17.9% of the students, 76.5% of whom are anxiety disorders.

27.4% tried to control their weight. Several methods of weight control were used, the most frequent (65.4%) was diet, none resorted to laxatives and 8.4% consulted a nutritionist.

Almost half of the population (57,9%) slept between 5 and 7 hours.

The average body mass index was 23.64 kg/m2 (SD=3.53).

According to PSS scores, 21.1% of students had severe level of stress, 69.5% had moderate stress level while 9.5% had low level of stress.

Those followed in psychiatry had a higher level of stress (p<10-3), especially those with anxiety disorder (p=0,02).

The students pressed for weight control were more stressed than their peers.

The levels of stress were higher among underweight students (BMI < 18.5) and overweight students (BMI >25) without significantly correlations.

Conclusions

The current study revealed that medical students, especially underweight or overweight students, are more susceptible to develop stress symptoms,that is why psychic support must be available on their university.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared