bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder among military parents: A pilot study
Authors: Othman A. Ben , Slama H. , Soualmia I. , Oumaya A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been investigated in the general population by multiple studies. However, few studies have focused on identifying its prevalence in the military population, particularly among military parents of children with ADHD.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to screen for adult ADHD among military parents of ADHD children followed-up at the child and adolescent psychiatry department in the Military Hospital of Instruction of Tunis, Tunisia.

Methods

This prospective study was carried among military parents (one or both parents belonging to the national army) of ADHD children. Children were diagnosed with ADHD based on the 5th Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ADHD criteria and the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale. Whereas adult ADHD was screened for using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1.

Results

Fifteen children and twenty-nine parents were included in the study: sixteen of the parents were military members and thirteen were civilian spouses. Eight (50%) of the sixteen military parents, and four (30,7%) of the civilian spouses were screened positive for ADHD. Whereas 73% of these children had at least one parent screened positive for ADHD, and 53% had at least one military parent screened positive for ADHD. These results suggest a high prevalence of adult ADHD among this population.

Conclusions

ADHD occurs in childhood and may persist into adulthood. The findings of this study indicate that ADHD symptoms are not limited to the youth and are common in military population. Implications on screening, management, preventive measures and research should be discussed.
Features of emotion recognition in deviant adolescents
Authors: Abolonin A. , Gusev S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Some researchers believe that an increased level of aggression and cruelty towards others in delinquent adolescents is due to impaired recognition of emotions and empathy.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to study the recognition of emotions in deviant adolescents.

Methods

As a material, 156 juvenile offenders from 13 to 19 years old were selected who were in the camp for delinquent adolescents “Sibextrem”. All of them committed any offenses, they were registered with the social welfare authorities and the police. The adolescents were trained to reduce aggressiveness. During the training, several exercises were carried out. In the first exercise, the teenagers were asked to identify the emotions depicted in the photographs. In the second, determine what emotional state their peers portray

Results

During the training process, 78% of adolescents could not identify the emotions presented. This was typical not only for the recognition of standard images, but also for the presentation of emotions by peers. As a result of the training, most adolescents, 64.2%, learned to quite accurately recognize nonverbal emotions. As a result, the number of aggressive manifestations decreased by 31.6%. Mutual understanding and communication improved.

Conclusions

The results obtained indicate that deviant adolescents have impaired emotional perception of others. Difficulty in assessing emotions creates tension in interpersonal relationships and can contribute to the manifestation of various forms of aggressive behavior. The vector of research we have chosen shows the need for further study of the emotional sphere of adolescents and its relationship with deviant forms of behavior.
Male infants at risk for ASD have deficit in expressive language at 14 months of age
Authors: Kiselev S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. It is known that infants who have older siblings with ASD have a risk for development of this disorder. It is important to study the development of children at risk for ASD to reveal early markers for ASD.

Objectives

The aim of this research was to investigate the neurocognitive abilities in children at risk for ASD at 14 months of age.

Methods

The experimental group included 21 infants at risk for ASD at 14 months (12 boys and 9 girls). The control group included 21 typically developing children. The children from groups were matched for gender and age. The Bayley Scales (3rd Ed.) were used to evaluate the neurocognitive abilities in children.

Results

The results were evaluated by two-way ANOVA, with level of performance in five Bayley scales as dependent variable, with group and gender as between-subjects factors. We did not reveal the significant (p≤0,05) influence of the group and gender on performance in cognitive scale, receptive language, gross and fine motor. However, the infants at risk for ASD performed significantly (p≤0,05) more poorly than infants from control group on expressive language. No differences were found between female infants at risk for ASD and female infants from control group on expressive language.

Conclusions

The obtained results show that male infants at risk for ASD have deficit in expressive language at 14 months of age. It is possible that delay in development of expressive language can be early markers for ASD.
Yoga exercises can improve sustained attention in children with ADD
Authors: Kiselev S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

It is known that children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) have deficit in sustained attention. It is important to develop trainings for improving sustained attention in ADD children. It was shown that yoga exercises have positive effect on sustained attention in adults.

Objectives

The gaol of this study was to reveal effect of yoga exercises on sustained attention in 7-8 years of age children with ADD. We compared the efficacy of two methods of treatment (yoga exercises vs. conventional motor exercises) in a randomized controlled pilot study.

Methods

18 children with ADD at the age of 7-8 years were included and randomly assigned to treatment conditions according to a 2×2 crossover design. Children from intervention group participated in 8 weeks of yoga exercises. To assess the sustained attention we used subtest from Luria’s child neuropsychological battery. This subtest is designed to assess visual sustained attention.. Effects of treatment were analyzed by means of an ANOVA for repeated measurements.

Results

The ANOVA has revealed (p<.05) that for sustained attention subtest the yoga exercises were superior to the conventional motor training, with effect sizes in the medium-to-high range (0.39-0.77).

Conclusions

The findings from this pilot study suggest that yoga exercises have positive effect on sustained attention in 7-8 years of age children with ADD. However, it is necessary to do further research to reveal the impact of yoga exercises on the prevention and treatment of attention deficit disorder in children.
Measuring bullying victimization through a closed ended question and a validated measure in a population of tunisian adolescents: What difference does it make?
Authors: Brigui N. , Guedria A. , Brahim T. , Ayoub R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

School bullying is a serious problem among tunisian children and adolesent. In our every day practice, we see a considerable number of suicide attempts among bullying victims. Our study tries to provide more information on this phenomenon, in order to organize efficient preventtion measures.

Objectives

Measuring the prevalence of bullying victimization in the town of Sousse-Tunisia Comparing the prevalence found through a validated measurement tool and a closed end question

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study among a sample of 1127 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years old. The adolescents were divided in two groups the first group, composed of 527 adolescents, answered a closed end (yes/no) question “Have you been a victim of Bullying”; the second group, composed of 600 adolescents, responded to the “adolescent peer relation instrument”.

Results

The first group was composed of 48% of boys and 52% of girls with a mean age of 13,24 ± 0,96. The second group was composed of 50% of boys and 50% of girls with a mean age of 13.76 ±1.37. We found a bullying victimization prevalence of 11% for the first group versus 95.1% for the second group. For both groups we didn’t find a significant difference in the prevalence of bullying victimization according to sociodemographic factors except the higher family income that was associates to less bullying victimisation for the first group (p=0,04)

Conclusions

The high prevalence of bullying victimization we found using a validated measurement is alarming in terms of the urgency of interventions to prevent bullying in schools.
Particularities of suicide attempts among adolescents in the region of southern tunisia
Authors: Kerkeni A. , Abbes W. , Tfifha M. , Mahdhaoui W. , Abbes M. , Rejeb I. , Ghanmi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Adolescent suicide and suicide attempts (SA) present a complex and multifactorial problem that deserves special attention. Identifying particularities of suicidal behavior in this age group is essential in order to identify suffering adolescents.

Objectives

To determine the characteristics of adolescent suicide attempts compared to those of adults.

Methods

It was a retrospective study carried out on a clinical population who consult in the psychiatry department at the Gabes regional hospital during the period from January 1st, 2020 to September 30, 2020. Sociodemographic and clinical data of the patients as well as their family dynamics, their education, their personal and family history, characteristics of the SA and psychiatric symptoms preceding the act were assessed. We compared two subgroups: patients aged 10 to 19, and those aged 20 and over.

Results

278 suicide patients were included. 101 of them were adolescents (10 -19 years), of which 89 (88.11%) were female. Mean age of suicidal adolescents was 16.5 years. They were mostly living with their families (92.07%). Intentional drug ingestion was more common in adolescents (81.1%) than in adults (40%). Adolescent suicide attempts were correlated with a conflictual family environment (p=0.04), exposure to mistreatment (p=0.001), the absence of underlying mental disorders (p<10-3), the presence of academic difficulties (p<10-3) and the presence of a precipitating factor such as family conflict (p<10-3) or school failure (p= 0.004).

Conclusions

A good knowledge of the particularities of suicidal behavior in adolescents is preliminary to support an effective preventive measure targeting both family and school environment
Features of interconnection between temperament, self-esteem and aggressiveness in adolescents with mental and somatic pathology
Authors: Zvereva N. , Zvereva M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Adolescence can manifest different in norm and in illness. It’s important to find common characteristics of adaptation with different types of ontogenesis, or leading manifestations of disease

Objectives

Three adolescence (boys&girls) sample: normal – 22, middle age 16, cardio pathology – 7, middle age 16, psychopathology – 12, middle age 15

Methods

Direct self-esteem by Dembo-Rubinstein (DR) test and indirect self-esteem by color attitude test by Etkind (CAT), Structure of Temperament Questionnaire (STQ-77), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ).

Results

Significant differences (criteria Kruskal–Wallis) were obtained on scales BRAQ “Hostility” (H= 8.430, p<0.015), “Common aggression” (H= 8.347, p<0.015), STQ-77 “Physical Endurance” (H= 9.895, p<0.007), “Physical Tempo” (H= 8.579, p<0.014), “Social Endurance” (H= 7.902, p<0.019), “Social Tempo” (H= 7.736, p<0.021), “Plasticity” (H= 7.797, p<0.020), “Self-confidence” (H= 7.157, p<0.028), “Neuroticism” (H= 8.179, p<0.017); gaps DR-CAT for scales “Health” (H= 12.330, p<0.002), “Happiness” (H= 7.296, p<0.026). Pearson correlation coefficient between STQ-77, BRAQ and Gaps DR-CAT found in normal group: Gap DR-CAT “Health” – STQ-77 “Physical Endurance” (r=-.508, p<0.05), Gap DR-CAT “Smart” - STQ-77 “Intellectual Endurance” (r=-.521, P<0.05), Gap DR-CAT “Happiness” – BRAQ “Hostility” (r=.528, p<0.05), Gap DR-CAT “Happiness” - STQ-77 “Impulsivity” (r=.432, p<0.05), “Neuroticism” (r=.539,p<0.01). Correlation was founded in cardio pathology group: Gap DR-CAT “Smart” – BRAQ “Physical aggression” (r=.857, p<0.05), “Anger” (r=.842,p<0.05), “Common aggression” (r=.860,p<0.05), Gap DR-CAT “Happiness” – BRAQ “Physical aggression” (r=.826,p<0.05), “Anger” (r=.773,p<0.05), “Common Aggression” (r=.787,p<0.05). For psychopathology wasn’t found correlations.

Conclusions

Comparative study of personality traits of adolescents with different types of ontogenesis (normotypical, mental, cardio pathology) is important for evaluating their adaptation and determining targets of psychotherapeutic work.
Psychosocial care network for children with autism spectrum disorder in brazil
Authors: Molini-Avejonas D. , Mandaj V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of ASD is 1 for every 59 children, an increase of 15%, referring to 2012. Studies supported the formulation of laws and guidance documents by the State in Brazil. Each location has found ways to meet their demands seeking to guarantee the needs of these users in public health services, whether through the Psychosocial Care Centers or the Rehabilitation Centers, healthcare clinics suggested by the Ministry of Health for the service to these users.

Objectives

The general objective of this study is to characterize the psychosocial care network in Brazil, in order to verify whether these principles are considered in the line of care for ASD.

Methods

A public service evaluation questionnaire was applied to analyze the users’ perception on the care network effectiveness.

Results

There is lack of communication, matrix support or articulation and highlight that the construction of physical spaces does not always translate into an integrated intersectoral treatment. The articulation between the services and referrals involved could contribute to greater treatment control of this demand.

Conclusions

Reflecting on the study, we consider that a network based on case severity care would be considerably more efficient, since the individual could use the services according to the demand present at the time. This proposal would create more humanized, personalized, assertive services, without financial waste, and would serve the system by guaranteeing the rights of integrality, universality and mainly of equity of these users within SUS.
Habits and quality of life in portuguese girl adolescents: Association with psychological disturbance distress
Authors: Bento C. , Pereira A.T. , Viega I. , Fonseca P. , Carvalho F. , Macedo A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Adolescence is a life period with considerable biological, psychological and social changes. Quality of life is a complex and multifactorial construct that necessarily encompasses the adolescent’s mental well-being. Some life habits like sleep, sport practice and screen time can be either risk factors or protective factors, influencing the quality of life and mental health.

Objectives

To investigate the role of sleep habits, sport practice and screen time in quality of life, and psychological distress in a Portuguese adolescent girl sample.

Methods

409 girls, mean aged 13.51±2.298, from public and private schools in Coimbra answered questions about sleep time, sport practice and screen time habits; the Portuguese versions of the Quality of Life Questionnaire (reduced version) and theAnxiety, Depression and Stress Scale. SPSS 26 was used.

Results

Girls mentioned to sleep 8,2 hours/night during the week and 9,4 hours/night at the weekend. They spend 1,5 hours/day during the week and 1,8 hours/day at the weekend with Screens. They spend 2,1 hours/ week in Sport Practice. Quality of Life was positive correlated with Sleep Time and negative correlated with Screen Time, Anxiety, Depression and Stress (all p<.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that Screen Time, Anxiety and Depression were all significant predictors of Quality of life in girls (p<0,05).

Conclusions

Our findings show that Screen Time is related with poor Quality of Life in girls. These results suggest the importance of addressing Screen Time and Psychological Distress in adolescent girls during adolescent health care consults.
Maternal perinatal depressive symptoms and oppositional-defiant disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Dachew B. , Scott J. , Ayano G. , Alati R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is evidence that maternal perinatal depression is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes in children. No study has yet examined the association between maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period and the risk of oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD) in children and adolescents.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether there is an association between perinatal depressive symptoms and the risk of ODD in offspring from age 7 to 15 years.

Methods

We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population-based prospective birth cohort study in the UK. Offspring ODD at the age of 7, 10, 13 and 15 years were assessed by using parental reports the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). We applied Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) modelling to examine associations across the four time points.

Results

Maternal postnatal depressive symptoms were associated with more a two-fold increased risk of ODD overall. Third trimester depressive symptoms (measured at 32 weeks of gestation) increased risk of ODD by 72%. Offspring of mothers who had depressive symptoms both during pregnancy and in the first year of postpartum period have a four-fold increased risk of ODD over time (adjusted OR = 3.59 (1.98-6.52).

Conclusions

Offspring of mothers with perinatal depressive symptoms are at an increased risk of developing behavioural disorders.
Could lockdown increase the incidence of eating disorders?
Authors: Cabañas M. Jiménez , Carpintero A. García , Navarro V. Pérez , Moreno M.R. Pérez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Spanish Governmen declared state of emergency in March 2020 to prevent coronavirus COVID-19 from spreading. During September and October 2020, at Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit we have attended patients who presented altered eating behaviors whose onset was during lockdown. We report a series of seven cases of adolescent girls between the ages of 11 and 16, who had no previous history of mental illness. During lockdown, they have presented restriction of food and increased physical exercise, with weight loss. Some of these patients have also presented food binges and purging behaviors.

Objectives

Review the impact of lockdown on eating behavior, specially on weight loss.

Methods

Literature review of scientific papers searching in Pubmed.

Results

There are articles that study the variations in eating habits and exercise ocurred during confinement. Most focus on two trends: on the one hand, increased intake and the tendency to a more sedentary life; on the other hand, the worsening of people with a previous diagnosis of eating disorder. However, there is a third trend for which there are few studies: the new appearance of restrictive eating behaviors, together with increased physical exercise, bingeing and purging. This is the case of the patients we present. These studies describe as a possible cause of these alterations that confinement is a novel situation, which generates stress, social isolation, boredom, anxiety and a feeling of loneliness, which can influence self-concept and eating behaviors.

Conclusions

Lockdown has favored a change in eating habits and exercise. More studies are needed on new-onset eating disorders.
Effects of the pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents. review and current scientific evidence of the SARS-COV2 pandemic
Authors: Del Sol Calderon P. , Izquierdo A. , Moreno M. García
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus crisis has had an impact on the mental health of children and adolescents

Objectives

Determine how it has affected this population and what mental pathologies are occurring

Methods

Literature bibliographic review

Results

School closures and lockdown have been seen to have produced higher levels of anxiety, anger, and sleep and appetite disruption. On the one hand, the children had more anxiety and regressive behaviors, and the adolescents had more isolation, depressive symptoms and even autolytic ideation. The economic crisis and lockdown have affected the family environment, having reported greater situations of domestic violence and substance use among parents. Studies show a prevalence up to 28-34% of post-traumatic stress symptoms among adolescents. In Spain it has been determined that ¼ children present anxiety and / or depression. Their parents noticed in them greater irritability, less concentration and greater feelings of loneliness There has been an increase in addiction to new technologies. This is partly a method of maintaining social relationships, but prolonged use is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Regarding to patients with mental pathology, they have presented greater tantrums, especially ADHD and ASD, due to the loss of structure and routine.

Conclusions

Confinement and fear of COVID have affected mental health of children and adolescents, with anxiety and depression occurring more frequently. Is highlighted the presence of feelings of loneliness among adolescents and the increase in the use of screens. Finally close to 80% of patients who had mental health conditions referred that this crisis had worsed their symtponms
The integrative function of a transnational policy and roadmap for action planning in implementing digital mental health
Authors: Gaebel W.
Published: February 2022

Abstract Body

In times of global crisis like the present Covid-19 pandemic, digital technology is rapidly conquering the health and mental health & care sector, speeding up e-Mental Health (eMH) implementation on a regional, national and global scale. Making this an organized move, guidance and regulation, legislation and training, but basically also awareness and acceptance building need to ensure the use of efficient, safe and high-quality eMH products and services. Special attention needs to focus on broadening public and professional eMH literacy, providing needs-tailored approaches for target groups, and training mental health workforce and services. Guidance, evaluation and involvement of relevant stakeholders should help to identify how citizens will best benefit from eMH&Care in its various forms. The Transnational Policy for e-Mental Health, a guidance document for European policymakers and stakeholders has been developed by the Interreg-funded eMEN project (www.nweurope.eu/emen) in six EU countries to promote implementation of high-quality eMH & care across NW-Europe. Project partners from Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK contributed to product and policy-guidance development, promoting communication and research. eMEN is currently continuing its work in the Interreg-funded Capitalisation phase to scaling up the implementation of eMH&Care. The Transnational Policy within the scope of national information and training sessions on eMH will be promoted for action planning and implementation by policymakers and stakeholders at the national level. Further meetings will also take place at the European level to promote and support implementation of eMH&Care in NW-Europe and beyond.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
“This is not me”; an overview
Authors: Ramírez A. Gonzaga , Meseguer C. Capella , Vázquez E. Rodríguez , De Llano De La Viuda M. Queipo , Valera G. Guerra
Published: February 2022

Introduction

APA describes Gender dysphoria (GD) as the conflict between a person’s physical or assigned gender and the gender with which he/she/they identify. Recently DSM-V renamed gender identity disorder as “gender dysphoria”. This change in terminology removes the ‘pathology’ from being transgender, which is not a mental health condition.

Objectives

To systematically summarise available evidence in this important but less researched field.

Methods

A comprehensive review was carried using the PubMed/ Medline database.

Results

Formal epidemiological studies of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents have not been conducted. The true prevalence os gender dysphoria is unknown around the world because of the varying definitions, different cultural norms and lack of data. Individuals who identify as transgender are vulnerable, and have higher rates of psychiatric comorbility compared with the general population. Gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder or transsexualism is a psychological condition that requires care and multiple health professionals.

Conclusions

The natural history of gender identity for children who express gender nonconforming or transgender identities is an area of active research. In addition, there is a lack of guidelines to approach these patients.
Characteristics of violent adolescents examined in a forensic psychiatric assessment
Authors: Jardak D. , Omri S. , Chaari I. , Smaoui N. , Feki R. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Charfi N. , Bouali M. Maalej , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The acts of violence committed by adolescents are becoming increasingly more common, generating problems of a diverse nature.

Objectives

To study the main characteristics of violent adolescent examined in a forensic psychiatric assessment.

Methods

This is a retrospective study which examined the expert files of the subjects aged between 14 and 20 years charged with violence, which were examined in the context of criminal psychiatric expertise in the psychiatry department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), between January 2002 and December 2018.

Results

Our study included 34 forensic psychiatric assessments. The male sex was predominant (94,1%). The mean age was 19,2 years. The perpetrators were unmarried (100%), with a primary school level or less (55,9%), and low socioeconomic level in all cases. They had personal criminal records in 20,6% One-fifth had experienced emotional deprivation in childhood. The father was described as violent in 20,6% of cases. The most common diagnosis were antisocial personality disorder (55,9%) and mental retardation (29,4%). The main offences were homicide and attempted homicide (47.1%), assault and battery (26,5%) and sexual offences (20,6%). The experts had concluded to a “non-criminal responsibility” in 38,2% of cases.

Conclusions

The knowledge of epidemiology of violence perpetrated by adolescents highlights the need for targeted research, policy and programming responses for its prevention.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Innovative professional training approaches on the german national clinical guideline for NSSI in adolescents
Authors: König E. , Hoffmann U. , Plener P. , Fegert J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

German mental health care providers report to encounter many cases of NSSI in their professional context, but only around 50% know about the treatment guidelines for NSSI of children and adolescents. Many consider professional training about NSSI as necessary for themselves. In response to this need, within the project Star Train different strategies of dissemination of the content of the guidelines were developed.

Objectives

This study aims at comparing the effectiveness of different strategies of dissemination: printed material, e-learning and blended-learning.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three different learning formats: printed material, e-learning, and blended-learning. Via online-survey participants provide pre- and post-training self-assessments of their knowledge of NSSI, practical skills, self-efficacy in handling cases of NSSI and attitudes towards NSSI and those affected. Additionally a multiple-choice-test of NSSI is assessed. For data-analyses between-group and within-group comparisons were conducted using a mixed design ANOVA. To ensure quality of learning formats, user-satisfaction was surveyed.

Results

Data of the pretest-posttest comparison group design show that knowledge, practical skills, and self-efficacy in handling cases of NSSI raise for all participants and that attitudes towards NSSI and those affected are improved. There is no difference between the learning formats, thus all participants profit equally from their education. User satisfaction is high.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that the developed different training strategies can contribute equally to a better understanding and enhance skills of professionals regarding NSSI. The choice of training method could be driven by considering which goals want to be achieved and cost-value ratio.
Parent and adolescent reports on emotional and peer problems in psychiatric outpatient setting using SDQ
Authors: Kocane A. , Bezborodovs N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most widely used screening instruments in child and adolescent psychiatry. Studies have shown that the parent is a better informant than the adolescent, both for externalising and internalising disorders (Goodman et al, 1997, 2000).

Objectives

Aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of parent and adolescent reported internalising problems in outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry setting using SDQ and examine the differences between parent and adolescent reports.

Methods

The study group was 101 adolescents (11-17 y.o.) and their parents, in 2 outpatient psychiatric care centres in Latvia. Internalising problems were assessed using SDQ parent and self-report version. When analyzing the score, 3rd and 4th band were defined as “high”.

Results

The mean age of adolescent population was 14,04 years (SD 1,96) and N=54 were female. 60,4% of parents and 52,5% of adolescents reported high level of peer problems, 63,4% of parents and 51,5% of adolescents reported high level of emotional problems. Parent and adolescent report results were concordant in two thirds of cases. Adolescents reported high emotional and peer problems in 9% and 14% of cases respectively, when their parents did not. And on the contrary - 22% of parents reported high level of internalising problems when the adolescent did not.

Conclusions

More than half of reports showed high levels of internalising problems. Every fifth parent reported a higher level of internalising problems than their adolescent. This agrees with previous findings that single informant (parent) reports might be more informative than multi-informant reports.
Quality of life in a sample of schoolchildren with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sánchez S. Pérez , Herrero I. Martín , Fernández M.A. Cutillas , Güimil D. Raya , Portero A. Crespo
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Schoolchildren with ADHD have difficulties in different areas of their lives and sometimes need drug treatment. To comprehensively assess the response to treatment, it is interesting to use quality of life questionnaires where the child’s perspective is assessed.

Objectives

To evaluate the quality of life in children with ADHD.

Methods

Sample of 14 schoolchildren from 11 to 14 years of age who attended a primary care check-up and were diagnosed with ADHD under treatment with long-acting methylphenidate. Parent informed consent. AUQUEI questionnaire Spanish versión

Results

Participants answered the questionnaire before starting treatment, at 3 months and 6 months. Four factors were differentiated with different scores: In the baseline results (before treatment), great difficulties were observed in academic performance in 90% (F4, mean 5), family life in 70% (F1, mean 5) and 30% % in leisure (F2, mean 10). After months of treatment, an improvement was observed in the scores regarding academic performance (F4, mean 13) and family life (F1, mean 9). The female sex presented better total scores in quality of life at six months evaluation.

Conclusions

The AUQUEI is an easy-to-apply questionnaire specific to the child population that provides us with a profile from the child’s point of view and can be very useful in the primary care consultation in the comprehensive assessment of the quality of life of the schoolchild with ADHD and pharmacological approach.
Honouring COVID-19 restrictions: A qualitative study of the virtual asd diagnostic pathway in a uk nhs camhs service
Authors: Ecob C. , Olety S. , Lancaster R. , Harris A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Multi-Agency Autism Team (MAAT) diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and young people using a multi-stage assessment process. In March 2020, the UK went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the MAAT’s ability to continue their typical diagnostic pathway.

Objectives

This qualitative study aimed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual ASD diagnostic pathway.

Methods

From March – September; one hundred detailed developmental history assessments were conducted over the telephone, fifteen socially-distanced BOSA (Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism) assessments were piloted, twenty-five multi-disciplinary formulation meeting were held over a video platform, and sixty diagnosis feedback consultations were conducted via telephone or video call. Structured interviews were conducted with clinicians and service-users.

Results

revealed that telephone developmental history assessments were generally preferable over face-to-face appointments, and video-based formulation meetings were effective, productive and resulted in higher clinician attendance. The qualitative data on feedback appointments was mixed. Clinicians felt that telephone appointments were less personable and ethical; whereas, video-based feedback appointments allowed for more empathy. However, the majority of service-users opted for tele-calls over video-calls for these appointments. Socially-distanced BOSAs obtained positive clinician feedback in general. Service-user feedback was mixed; some found the experience uncomfortable and unfamiliar, whilst others enjoyed the experience. Overall, service-users were content with the knowledge that it may support a diagnostic outcome for their child.

Conclusions

We concluded that the overall experience of the virtual ASD diagnostic pathway was a positive and informative process, identifying opportunities for permanent change to the service.
The requirement of an early detection of vulnerability base patterns in childhood to reduce relapse tendency in psychiatric pathology
Authors: Garcia L. Carpio , Villarroel C. Martín , García G. Belmonte , Cutanda J. Dominguez , Revuelta M. Sánchez , Matsuura J. , García E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In order to understand etiopathogeny of any mental illness, it is important to be aware of the sequential emergence of symptoms, having presentations, that appear before, after or simultaneously. We could understand mental pathology as the sumatory of different factors and vulnerable cerebral substrates. Adverse external factors influence over them, causing relapses, that would lead to the evolution of diagnosis through time. However,patients usually come when pathology is already developed. Interventions are delayed, what is insufficient to modify the course of the illness.

Objectives

Proving that replacing classic clinical evaluation by an open access/multiintervention model, would determine a better prevention and reduction of relapse tendency.

Methods

We have arranged a prospective descriptive study of 124 users along 2 years. The idea was to test a first sample which let us check the viability of our project. We adopted a qualitative approach, linking practice and research, which have implied to perform a structured clinical process based on a dynamic reevaluation performed for different professionals in various stages using Rodman’s model.

Results

MultiIntervention model reduces the prognosis factor of delayed treatment thanks to reaching a high risk group in the early stages. That model allows us to determine the way each factor relates to each other, what facilitates multiple-intervention that tries to eliminate the symptom and also the relapse.

Conclusions

Late adolescence and early adulthood are stages in which many mental disorders start, however treatment delays some years. Rothman’s model may be a useful tool, what means a multiintervention treatment that mixes biological and psychosocial interventions.
Who would like a monster like me to be alive? Obsessive compulsive disorder or pedophilia in a patient with high functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Jordá C. Pastor , Gu A. , Kelly A. , Mckessy D. , Shear S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Case of a 17yo patient with high functioning ASD and OCD with obsessions about being a pedophile, with suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. He was followed in outpatient care for one year since his first contact with Mental Health, following an inpatient admission for suicidal ideation.

Objectives

Differential diagnosis between OCD, ASD and possible pedophilia. Learn about different levels of care involved, and other possibilities. Therapy resources used.

Methods

Description of the case report: description of initial and final Mental Status Exam Differential Diagnosis: ASD vs OCD vs Pedophilia vs Depressive Disorder Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Therapy: family based therapy, and Exposure response prevention therapy.

Results

Intrusive images, and reassurance seeking, helped with OCD diagnosis. ASD made symptoms harder to manage with SSRIs alone, which drove to add Aripiprazol at low doses in outpatient care. CY-BOCS showed obsessions other than doubts about being a pedophile. He participated in Exposure response prevention therapy with response, especially when antipsychotic medication was added. Family based therapy worked with his parents in not providing excessive reassurance, and with the patient in gaining insight about his OCD. Decreased anxiety, decreased self-deprecation and no new suicidal thoughts Functionality of the patient in the community improved, with possibility of going college next year.

Conclusions

Recommendation of good assessment of sexuality in ASD population Importance of individual and family therapy for OCD and specially when there is poor judgement and insight in the patient. Importance of combined treatment: pharmacology + therapy

Conflict of interest

Alicia Koplowitz Foundation
Differential diagnosis of auditory hallucinations in teenagers. Assessment and difficulties: Case report of a 13 year old patient
Authors: Jordá C. Pastor , Carroll P. , Bender D. , Tumuluru R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Learning from a case of a 13 year old patient with auditory hallucinations for 2 months, admitted to the hospital due to suicidal ideation. Her mother had been diagnosed with Lupus and OCD. Her mood had been low for several months, probable mild intellectual disability.

Objectives

Learn how to assess auditory hallucinations and possible new onset psychotic symptoms in teenagers. Learn about different levels of care involved. Discuss differential diagnosis and future directions and treatment.

Methods

Description of the case. Differential diagnosis: Obsessive compulsive disorder, Major depressive disorder with Psychotic features, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, epilepsy or other neurologic disease, autoimmune disease, post-traumatic stress disorder… Tests and consults conducted by Neurology team Psychopharmacology description.

Results

Differential diagnosis: Obsessive compulsive disorder, Major depressive disorder with Psychotic features, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases like Lupus, post-traumatic stress disorder etc. Video EEG: normal. Brain MRI: normal Blood work unremarkable with positive ANA (titer 1:80). Work up, including lumbar puncture with autoimmune encephalitis and MS panels was negative. Psychopharmacology: Fluoxetine up to 40mg, and Aripiprazol up to 20mg without a good response. Possible sexual trauma was disclosed in a second hospitalization, months later.

Conclusions

Recommendation of assessing new onset of psychotic symptoms in detail to get a good diagnosis. Psychotic symptoms in young teenagers may occur as part of different presentations and it is important to provide a good follow up of the patient in order to provide the most accurate treatment.

Conflict of interest

Alicia Koplowitz Foundation
Personality disorder not otherwise specified heterogeneity and its implication in psychiatric residential treatment
Authors: Bailo L. , Vimercati P. , Caslini M. , Damiano S. , Pellegrini E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Villa Ratti is a therapeutic community dedicated to the treatment of Personality Disorder with a particular focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but this diagnosis may manifest in very different clinical conditions (Bayer & Parker, 2017; Scott, 2017).

Objectives

Since the second most common diagnosis we encounter from referring psychiatrists is Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDNOS) (26,4%) and this diagnosis serves sometimes as a skeleton key for complex or unclear diagnostic scenarios (Verheul & Widiger, 2004), our main goal is to investigate how the variability within this category is reflected in terms of diagnostic accuracy, different development of the therapeutic and rehabilitative course, and of different outcomes at the end of the treatment.

Methods

To reach this goal, we collected data on all patients referred with a PDNOS diagnosis and compared their treatment program. scenarios.

Results

Our data showed how a PDNOS diagnosis hid in most cases complex personality disorders and comorbidities that reflected different specific difficulties and interventions during their treatment and, consequently, resulted in different outcomes.

Conclusions

Our experience led us to give additional attention to referred PDNOS diagnosis and to observe how much a clear diagnostic picture of a patient is crucial to correctly plan a treatment program and adapt local service interventions both for personality disorder and comorbidity
Therapeutic management of major depression and psoriazis dual diagnosis
Authors: Vasiliu O.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psoriazis and major depressive disorder (MDD) have a high degree of overlap, and inflammatory citokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukins 1, 2, 6 and 10, and C-reactive protein have been involved in their common pathogenesis. The prevalence of MDD in patients with psoriazis has been reported to range between 28% to 67%.

Objectives

To monitor the core symptoms evolution in patients diagnosed with psoriazis and MDD during antidepressant treatment.

Methods

Four patients diagnosed with psoriazis and MDD (according to the DSM-5 criteria) were monitored during 6 months using Physician Static Global Assessment (PSGA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)-17 items, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). All patients underwent specific psoriazis and antidepressant treatment (with flexible dose of sertraline 100-200 mg daily, n=2, or escitalopram 10-20 mg/day, n=2).

Results

All patients significantly improved their depressive symptoms during sertraline or escitalopram treatment (-8.7 points on HAMD at week 24, p<0.001), while their global functioning increased (+24.7 on GAF, p<0.001). The PSGA score decreased and reached a level of signifiance at week 24 (-1.2, P<0.01). The duration of active periods of psoriazis was less longer during the 6 months of monitoring than in the 6 months previous to the antidepressant initiation (by self-report, -10.5 days). No treatment discontinuation due to low tolerability was reported.

Conclusions

Antidepressant treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is efficient and well tolerated in patients with MDD and psoriazis. The duration of active symptoms of psoriazis tends to be less longer than previous to the antidepressant initiation.
A cup of coffee, what else?
Authors: Vázquez P. García , Martinez R. Gomez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Caffeine is the worldwide most frequently consumed psychostimulant. Its availability is nearly unlimited and in Europe it is not subject to state regulation. n the DSM-5 “caffeine use disorder” is categorized as a possible future disorder that currently needs further study.

Objectives

To describe clinical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of a 24 years old female patient.

Methods

A 24-year-old woman admitted to the Dual Pathology Unit with a diagnosis of: unspecified psychotic disorder, mild intellectual disability and borderline disorder. In week 17 of admission, she decided to suspend the medication, with significant improvement. Therapeutic permits increase and Wais-III is repeated, resulting in having a limited intellectual capacity. Two months after being discharged, she was readmitted with manic symptoms. The nursing staff discover that she was drinkiing a large amount of caffeine (up to 4 liters / day). After gradually stopping caffeine intake, she was discharged without psychopharmacological treatment, being able to lead a normalized life, even studying a medium degree. No more incomes were need.

Results

Caffeine produces psychomotor-activating, reinforcing, and arousing effects.

Conclusions

The pattern of caffeine use of patients should be considered in the medical practice. The psychostimulant properties of caffeine are reviewed and compared with those of prototypical psychostimulants able to cause substance use disorders.
The interactions between COVID-19 drugs and psychotropic agents
Authors: Hiemke C.
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a systemic infection targeting multiple organs. Interstitial pneumonia is the landmark feature of this condition. Severe acute respiratory symptoms requiring intensive care support arises for about one out of twenty symptomatic cases. Aminochinolone, antiviral, antibiotic, corticoid, anticoagulant and immunobiological drugs are used, mostly to treat symptoms. Only remdesivir exhibiting weak antiviral activity is approved for COVID-19. Psychotropic medications may interact with medical treatments for COVID-19. The aim of this presentation is to highlight pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions to be expected for medical treatments of COVID-19. Remdesivir and favipiravir exhibit hepatotoxic properties which may be enhanced under combinations with tricyclic antidepressants or agomelatine. Favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir have QT interval prolongation potential and must be considered for combinations with antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. For hydroxychloroquine, hypoglycemic activity may give rise to endocrine disturbances. Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions can be expected for lopinavir/ritonavir which inhibit cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 and induce CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Combinations with psychotropic drugs that are substrates of these enzymes (victim drugs) will affect drug concentrations in blood and lead to supra- or subtherapeutic levels. Moreover, it must be assumed that the COVID-19 infection is associated with an enhanced production of cytokines which has a known impact on CYP enzyme activities. Though studies on interactions between psychotropic medications and medical treatments for COVID-19 are lacking, multiple drug interactions can be predicted and expected considering the side effect profiles and CYP inhibitory, inducing and substrate properties of combined drugs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.