bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal ultrasound for follow-up after 24 weeks of biological therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients: an Egyptian center experience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: El-Nakeep Sarah , Nashaat Ehab , Alsherif Fatma , Salama Mohamed Magdy
Published: August 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gut. It has two major subtypes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The follow-up consists of radiologic, molecular, endoscopic, and histological assessments. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a noninvasive measure that provides future hope in guiding the management of IBD patients. This study is to assess the effectiveness of IUS in IBD patients’ follow-up in our tertiary center during the pandemic. This is a prospective observational study during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used IUS to assess activity of IBD at baseline and at 6-month follow-up of patients on maintenance biological therapy using the following parameters: bowel haustrations, stratification, bowel wall thickness (BWT), Doppler sign (Limberg classification), presence of lymph nodes, or fibrofatty infiltration, echogenicity of the bowel, and presence of fistulae or abscesses. We compared the IUS with other radiologic parameters, histologic, and endoscopic scores at baseline before therapy, while we compared IUS with clinical scores and laboratory parameters before and after 24 weeks of biological treatment.

Results

The cohort included 50 known IBD patients from June 2021 to January 2022. The laboratory studies showed a significant improvement in the hemoglobin indices, CRP, and fecal calprotectin from baseline and after 24 weeks. BWT, lumen diameter, lymph node presence, inflammatory signs, and Doppler activity signs were the most significant parameters in detecting improvement. However, there was no significant correlation between fecal calprotectin levels and ultrasound parameters. There was a positive correlation between MR and CT enterography, endoscopic parameters, and IUS parameters at baseline.

Conclusions

IUS is an effective tool for follow-up of IBD patients especially during the pandemic periods.
The blue economy effects on EUROMED tourism: forecasting approach
Authors: Yasser Mai Mohamed , Halim Yasser Tawfik , Elmegaly Alaa A. Abd
Published: August 2024

This study examines the factors that influence the blue economy in EUROMED, aiming at promoting economic growth in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. EUROMED was chosen because all of its nations have fisheries and marine tourism, which are the two key indicators of the blue economy. Blue economy contributes to sustainable development in the fisheries and marine tourism sectors. A commitment to sustainability has sped up national and regional blue economy policy development. The study uses secondary qualitative data and literature review to analyse the synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The findings suggest that GDP growth, aqua production, open trade, CO2 emissions, and inflation rate influence the blue economy, and that ecotourism that considers education, society, and the environment may generate sustainable fisheries and marine tourism. Only 21 countries gave the ARDL test between 2000 and 2019. This study analyses synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Location-based contextual development of blue economies that suit all players' requirements is essential to maintain sustainability objectives. Ensure resilience against future environmental and political shocks, preserve the ecological underpinning for vibrant blue economies, and create capacity at all levels to promote effective and fair governance. This study tries to make good use of ocean conservation and aquaculture within the context of the blue economy. This is the first EUROMED blue economy study and contributes to the theoretical and methodological development of blue economy research.
Unraveling the Enigma: Huntington’s Disease Masquerading as Treatment-Resistant Psychosis - A Case Study
Authors: Zanfir A.-G. , Pacale D. C. , Moraru C. , Zamfir I.-S. , Marian G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This unusual case report unfolds a complex and emblematic scenario involving the diagnosis and management of a 46-year-old patient with treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms, eventually revealing a significant association with Huntington’s Disease (HD). The initial presentation at Obregia Hospital featured early signs of psychosis, such as mood swings, social withdrawal, and mild cognitive impairment. Despite predominant treatment with atypical antipsychotics, significant improvements remained elusive.

Objectives

Our primary objectives were to document the intricate diagnostic journey, the challenges faced in managing the patient’s psychiatric symptoms, and the eventual revelation of an underlying neurological disorder, Huntington’s Disease. We aimed to emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to such complex cases.

Methods

The patient’s clinical course was closely monitored, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the severity of symptoms upon admission. The patient’s severe psychotic state led to involuntary hospitalization. Clinical observations pointing to an underlying neurological disorder prompted a neurology consultation and further investigations, including brain CT and MRI scans, but also genetic testing.

Results

The CT scan revealed potential Huntington’s Disease evolution, while genetic testing confirmed the presence of the specific HTT mutation. Brain MRI with contrast substance highlighted characteristic Huntington’s Disease changes, such as cortical atrophy, necrosis, and substantial loss of brain tissue, particularly in the basal ganglia, cortical regions, and thalamic nuclei. The patient was hospitalized for nearly seven weeks, during which various psychiatric medications were trialed with limited success. However, a gradual increase of Trihexyphenidyl dosage, as well as a wash-up with saline solution and vitamin supplements (B1, B6, and C), was initiated. Subsequently, the introduction of oral haloperidol in gradually increasing doses led to significant improvements in psychiatric symptoms, dyskinesia, and overall functionality.

Conclusions

This complex case underscores the paramount importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing patients with Huntington’s Disease and concurrent psychiatric symptoms. The revelation of a confirmed Huntington’s Disease diagnosis also necessitated genetic testing for the patient’s two adult children, with the son testing positive. This case illustrates the challenges of adapting treatment strategies continuously in such multifaceted scenarios and highlights the compelling need for a collaborative and integrative approach.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Postictal psychosis : Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ajmi S. , Bouhamed M. , Makni K. , Hentati S. , Feki I. , Sallemi R. , Masmoudi J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of psychosis in patients with epilepsy is estimated approximately 7.8%. However, postictal psychosis appears to be much less common, with a prevalence of 2% in epilepsy. Postictal psychosis is defined as psychotic episodes starting within less than one week after an epileptic seizure.

Objectives

Our aim was to study the clinical characteristics and the therapeutic options through a case report and a review of the literature.

Methods

Case report and unsystematic literature review were obtained by searching the Pubmed.gov database. Thirty-six articles were identified through searches of this database and thirty-five articles were included in the selection of in-text articles integral

Results

A 32-year-old men patient, without a personal or family history of psychiatric illness, was admitted to a psychiatric unit for a psychotic episode which has started three days before, mystical delusions, irritability, disorganized behavior, and aggressiveness, that had emerged shortly after a cluster of generalized tonic-clonic GTC seizures. Additionally, divided attention and memory deficits were noticed during psychiatric hospitalization.

Past medical history was relevant for epilepsy since he was 20 years olds. He did not regularly attend follow-up neurology appointments and had poor adherence to antiepileptic treatment. Last tomography images, a day before the hospitalization in psychiatry, had documented hypodense lesions in the periventricular white matter and subcortical semi-oval center distributed bilaterally and symmetrically suggestive of leukopathy. During the hospitalization, biochemical screening, renal and thyroid function were normal, serologies for B and C hepatitis were negative.

Psychotic symptoms subsided in the first 36 hours after admission upon treatment with Risperidone 4 mg/day, carbamazepine 600 mg/day, and 15O mg phenobarbital.

Conclusions

From our research, we can deduce that although these syndromes are widely recognized, standard diagnostic manuals fail to acknowledge them, resulting in a noticeable lack of attention in the literature. Therefore, it is crucial for physicians to carefully examine patients with known risk factors for the symptoms of postictal psychosis.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Brief Psychotherapeutic and Psychopharmacological Interventions as Facilitators of Bariatric Surgery Success in Patients on the Anxious-Impulsive Spectrum: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alberdi-Páramo Í. , Navas Tejedor M. , Paz Otero M. , Sánchez- Rodríguez J. , Gimeno Álvarez D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery often present with impulsive behavior and symptoms of anxiety. In this context, brief psychotherapeutic interventions such as nutritional education, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation have been shown to enhance pre-surgery weight loss and improve the likelihood of successful surgical outcomes. Furthermore, anorexigenic pharmacological treatments involving fluoxetine, bupropion, naltrexone, eslicarbazepine, zonisamide, and topiramate have been associated with increased success rates of the bariatric intervention.

Objectives

To assess the impact of brief psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacological treatments on the success of bariatric surgery in anxious-impulsive patients, investigating the effectiveness of combined strategies in enhancing preoperative weight loss and surgical outcomes.

Methods

Within the framework of a third-level hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Protocol, a total of 63 obese patients were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) during the pre-surgical evaluation. Patients with Axis I pathologies were excluded, leaving a sample of 56 participants (38 females; BMI: 43.58±8.72 kg/m2; age: 48.5±9.7 years). Individuals displaying mild anxiety (6-14 points on HARS) and moderate/severe anxiety (>14 points on HARS) and/or those with a BIS-11 score exceeding 32.5 were selected for combined psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions.

Results

Categorized by anxiety and impulsiveness levels, the patient distribution was as follows:

Mild anxiety without impulsiveness: 19 patients

Mild anxiety with impulsiveness: 31 patients

Moderate/severe anxiety without impulsiveness: 2 patients

Moderate/severe anxiety with impulsiveness: 15 patients

This pilot study explores the potential synergy between brief psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacological approaches in enhancing the outcomes of bariatric surgery for patients within the anxious-impulsive spectrum.

Conclusions

The results shed light on the feasibility and potential benefits of a combined treatment strategy, contributing to the optimization of bariatric surgery success in this specific patient population. Further research is warranted to confirm and generalize these findings.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anger and Life Satisfaction among Children Aged 10-12 years old in Preveza
Authors: Georgaki D. , Kalogirou C. , Potamianou A. , Bakola M. , Gourzis P. , Charalambous G. , Jelastopulu E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Children, who are particularly vulnerable in emergency situations, need tailored mental health strategies.

Objectives

We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anger and life satisfaction in children.

Methods

September 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Preveza, Greece, interviewing 91 students aged 10-12 years from four elementary schools. The survey included socio-demographic questions, the Anger Expression Scale for Children (AESC), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). AESC scores range from 6 to 30 indicating anger severity, while SWLS scores between 5-9 signify extreme dissatisfaction and 31-35 extreme satisfaction.

Results

Significant correlations were found between the number of siblings (p 0.004), duration of electronic play (p 0.005), and duration of sleep (p 0.014) with life satisfaction. Children without siblings, with limited play consumption, and early bedtimes had lower life satisfaction. The presence of a television in their room (p 0.027) and daily use of television and social media (p 0.007) correlated with anger management and behavior. Social media/TV use was associated with better anger management.

Conclusions

Despite the pandemic lasting almost two years, children’s anger levels in Preveza remained stable, possibly due to outdoor activities and online interactions. These findings provide insights for policy makers, healthcare professionals, and parents seeking to improve anger management of children.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Peculiarities of the first time diagnosed mental disorders formationin after the coronavirus disease COVID-19
Authors: Maruta N. O. , Fedchenko V. Y. , Panko T. V. , Yavdak I. O.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The world community is only at the beginning of awareness of the peculiarities of the formation, course and outcome of the psychopathological consequences of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Objectives

To investigate the clinical and anamnestic features and their influence on the formation of psychopathological consequences in patients with first diagnosed mental disorders who have experienced COVID-19 and were exposed to the stressors of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

97 patients with first diagnosed mental disorders who have experienced COVID-19 and were exposed to the stressors of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were examined (F 32.0-32.2 – 34 patients, F 40-45 – 32 patients, F 06.3-06.6 – 31 patients). Clinical-psychopathological, clinical-amnestic methods, including information about the experienced coronavirus disease COVID-19, the impact of the stressors of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, and methods of statistical analysis were applied.

Results

The conducted research made it possible to identify the phenomenological structure of mental disorders that develop after the coronavirus disease COVID-19. This structure includes depressive disorders (35.05%), neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (32.99%), as well as mental disorders of organic genesis (31.96%). An important result of the study was the determination of the heterogeneity of mental pathology in the context of the influence of stressogenic factors of the pandemic and other psychogenies. In this aspect, all mental and behavioral disorders must be divided into 3 variants of pathology, which differ in the mechanisms of formation: caused by the pathoplastic factors of COVID-19 and the patient’s personal reactions to the disease; related to the psychogenic effects of the stressors of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic; with a combined mechanism of influence of pathoplastic and psychogenic factors. Certain diagnostic and phenomenological regularities characteristic of each of the options are defined. The influence of pathoplastic factors and personal reactions to the disease is associated with the formation of depressive disorders. Pandemic stressors most often cause the development of neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders. Under the influence of combined factors, disorders of organic genesis are formed to a greater extent. The initial manifestations of pathology also differ with different formation mechanisms: when pathoplastic factors predominate, asthenia, depression and sleep disturbances prevail; with leading psychogenic influences – anxiety and tension; when the above factors are combined - asthenia, stress and cognitive disorders.

Conclusions

The significance of the obtained data lies in the possibility of studying the role of the psychopathological consequences of COVID-19 in the genesis of mental disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Exploring the legacy of Ibn Imrân’s Treatise on melancholia in contemporary psychiatry
Authors: Boudriga S. , Lagha M. , Methni M. , Ben youssef Y. , Ben romdhane I. , Homri W. , Labbane R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Melancholia is a concept deeply intertwined with the history of mood disorders in psychiatry. Isháq Ibn Imrân, a prominent Arab-Muslim physician of the 12th century, contributed significantly to the understanding of melancholia in his era, its. His treatise is the oldest surviving work entirely dedicated to melancholia, making it a pivotal milestone in the history of psychiatry. It is noteworthy that Ibn Imrân’s work has often been overlooked in Western psychiatry. This oversight highlights the enduring relevance of his insights within the context of modern psychiatry.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to assess the clinical and therapeutic aspects delineated by Ibn Imrân in his treatise on melancholia for their contemporary accuracy and relevance within the field of modern psychiatry.

Methods

The review method for the Isháq Ibn Imrân treatise involves a detailed analysis of the original Arabic text and its French translation by Adel Omrani and Radhi Jazi from the Tunisian Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts Beit el Hekma. This includes studying the content, structure, and historical context, as well as comparing the Arabic and French versions for accuracy.

Results

The treatise is divided into two parts to clinical examination and treatment. While some of the terminology may differ from contemporary classifications, the core observations resonate with modern psychiatric knowledge. The clinical form is described as sadness, loss of pleasure, social withdrawal, dark thoughts, and loss of interest, along with somatic manifestations: sleep disturbances such as onset insomnia or hypersomnia, as well as weight loss. Additionally, perceptual disturbances, including elementary visual hallucinations (black silhouettes), are mentioned. Regarding etiologies, perinatal factors are mentioned in the treatise (“mood of the uterus”), along with six postnatal acquired causes that must be balanced in an individual: movement and rest, sleep and wakefulness, food and drink, depletion and retention, ambient air and location and psychological torment. A seasonal pattern is described, with an association between melancholia and autumn. Several clinical forms are described, with the most prominent being catatonia compared to epilepsy, in its two agitated and inhibited forms. The second part of his treatise is dedicated to treatment, focusing on individualized approaches such as talk therapy, music therapy, and dietary interventions. Ibn Imrân also describes mental strategies to correct false beliefs. For the pharmacological treatment, specific herbs has been used via oral, nasal, or intra-rectal.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Isháq Ibn Imrân’s treatise on melancholia represents a timeless cornerstone in the history of psychiatry. This historical treasure serves as a reminder of the enduring quest to understand and alleviate the complexities of mental health.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Circadian Preferences and Coping Styles to Stressful Life Events in Depression Patients
Authors: Güzel Özdemir P. , Ülkevan T. , Işık M. , Sütçü E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Depressive disorder is a common public health problem that significantly impairs quality of life and has a high risk of mortality and morbidity.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate circadian rhythm differences, stressful life events and coping styles in patients with depression.

Methods

The study involved 100 participants, including 50 patients with depression and 50 healthy controls, recruited from the psychiatric clinic of one-university hospital. The participants completed a sociodemographic information form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Short Form (CISS-21) and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ).

Results

The mean age of the patients with depression was 31.88±10.6 years, and the control group was 29.84±8.02 years. There were no significant relationships between the variables including gender and some other sociodemographic characteristics except education level. There were significant differences between the depression and control groups in terms of coping styles for stressful life events. Emotional coping was significantly higher in patients with depression compared to the control group, whereas task-oriented coping was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). The majority of both depression and the control group consisted of intermediate type. Natural disasters, severe suffering, and other stressful events or experiences were more frequent stressful life events in the depression group. Task-oriented coping scores and emotional coping scores showed significant discrimination with sensitivity and specificity values.

Conclusions

Recognizing stressful life events and the coping strategies used to deal with them is important for identifying future mental problems such as depression and developing treatment and follow-up plans. Longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand how the reporting of mature and dissociative coping methods interacts with depression in recovery from traumatic events.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Post-psychotic depression: what are its characteristics?
Authors: Abdelhamid A. , Bellafqih S. , Laboudi F. , Ouanass A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Depression in psychosis has been more or less neglected as a field of study, due to its vague nosographic framework. Some studies have nevertheless focused on certain features of depression in psychosis, such as post-psychotic depression. This is a frequent phenomenon with a nosographic and etiopathogenic complexity that can lead to confusion.

Objectives

To study the characteristics of post-psychotic depression and compare results with those in the literature.

Methods

It is a prospective, descriptive, case series study conducted at the Ar-Razi psychiatric hospital in Salé. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with a brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder or schizophrenia, in remission, who met the criteria for a DSM 5 characterized depressive episode. Data are collected during the psychiatric interview with the patient, using a questionnaire.

Results

Ongoing

Conclusions

Ongoing

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychotic Depression, Mannerisms and Alzheimer’s Disease: a case report
Authors: Izquierdo De La Puente A. , del Sol Calderón P. , Fernandez Fernandez R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

We present the case of a 56-year-old patient with two depressive episodes with psychotic symptomatology in a period of three years, who began with mania and developed Alzheimer’s disease.

Objectives

The case is presented with the aim of providing a brief review of psychiatric symptomatology as a prodrome of Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

A 56-year-old patient, with no psychiatric antecedents of interest, who presented a depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, requiring admission to a short hospitalisation unit, as well as antidepressant treatment with sertraline at 200mg daily and olanzapine 20mg. He remained stable for two years and was able to withdraw treatment progressively. However, after remaining euthymic without pharmacological treatment for six months, he had another episode with psychotic symptoms. In this last episode, he did not require hospital admission, but he did require a change in antidepressant treatment, given that he did not tolerate treatment with sertraline. Treatment was therefore started with duloxetine 120mg, aripiprazole 20mg and as no clear improvement was observed, months later it was decided to use lamotrigine 100mg as a stabiliser.

Results

In this last episode, despite the significant affective improvement and maintaining psychopathological stability, without presenting psychotic symptoms, the patient presented marked dysfunction in day-to-day life due to a striking attention deficit, lack of concentration and reduced short-term memory. At the same time, he also exhibits mannerisms which are observed in the consultation room, in the form of repetitive hand movements.

For these reasons, it was decided to request MRI and SPECT, obtaining results compatible with possible incipient cognitive deterioration.

Conclusions

It seems that up to 40% of patients with dementia have depressive symptoms. It seems that depression at an advanced age may in fact be a prodromal symptom of dementia.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Patterns of Internet Addiction in an Italian sample: 100% of the sample experience Nomophobia
Authors: Marcolini F. , De Ronchi D. , Atti A. R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Internet Addiction Disorder, a concept introduced for the first time by Ivan Goldberg in 1995, is one of the most recently identified forms of addiction, but already considered a real psychosocial phenomenon, capable of having a profound impact on different aspects of social and psychological life of individuals. One of its most recently identified manifestations is Nomophobia, a neologism formed from the combination of terms such as “no mobile”, “phone” and “phobia”, which can be understood as the fear of feeling disconnected. It is today considered a situational phobia, characteristic of contemporary times. The most common symptoms include excessive cell phone use and constant anxiety at the thought of losing the internet connection. Others are, for example, “Ringxiety”, ringing anxiety, or the “phantom vibration syndrome”.

Objectives

This study aims to examine the spread of Nomophobia in the Italian population, evaluating psychopathological correlations that can explain its diffusion.

Methods

Between January and May 2023, an anonymous online questionnaire was randomly sent to the general population. Alongside with tests to evaluate psycho-social features, the instrument used to study Nomophobia was the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) (Yildrim et al. Comput Hum Behav. 2015; 49:130–7), in its Italian version (Adawi et al. JMIR MHealth UHealth. 2018;6:e24).

Results

The sample consists of 308 people (189 F, 119 M), with an average age of 32 years (sd 14). In our sample, 100% of the subjects tested positive for Nomophobia. Values indicating a state of severe Nomophobia are found in 12.3% of the sample (F 15.9%, M 6.7%). The young population, between 18 and 25 years old, represents 54% of the affected population, but more than 60% of severe cases (95% confidence interval 50-65%). The severe cases correlate positively (p<0,05) with findings of high impulsiveness. There are no other studies that investigate the psychopathological correlates of Nomophobia among Italians.

Conclusions

Despite possible
biases,
the data obtained are an alarming sign of the spread of internet addiction that characterizes our times, of which the excessive use of cell phones in the form of Nomophobia is an expression. Despite their now undisputed usefulness, mobile devices are capable of causing the onset of serious health problems, starting from exposure to radiation capable of causing dermatitis, tumors, and infertility. Furthermore, they dramatically interfere with driving safety, becoming a major cause of road accidents. Considering these consequences, it appears to be extremely important to characterize the phenomenon, as well as its psychosocial determinants, in order to proceed with its better definition and prevention.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Starting well to stay well - randomised controlled trial of Whitu, an app for improving the well-being of university students
Authors: Thabrew H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

University students often face challenges to their well-being and up to a third develop mental health problems. Given high rates of smartphone use among this group, app-based digital mental health interventions may play a role in preventing these problems. Previously demonstrated to improve well-being and mental health outcomes in young people aged 16-25, ‘Whitu: seven ways in seven days’ is a well-being app based on positive psychology, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation principles.

Objectives

This randomised controlled trial was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy, usability and acceptability of Whitu with first year university students.

Methods

Ninety first year university students were recruited via a social media advertising campaign to take part in a prospective randomised controlled trial of Whitu against a standard university self-help website, with 45 participants in each arm. Primary outcomes were changes in well-being on the World Health Organisation 5-item well-being index (WHO-5) and short Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being escale (SWEMWBS). Secondary outcomes were changes in depression on the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), anxiety on the Generalised Anxiety Disorder seven item scale (GAD-7), self-compassion on the Self Compassion Scale- Short Form (SCS-SF), stress on the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), sleep on the single-item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), and self-reported acceptability of the app. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, four weeks (primary study endpoint) and three months.

Results

At 4 weeks, participants in the intervention group experienced significantly higher mental well-being and significantly lower depression compared to controls. Emotional well-being among the Whitu group was greater in the intervention group at 3 months. Other outcomes did not differ between groups. User feedback was positive, with 88% of those who provided feedback saying they would recommend the app to a friend.

Conclusions

Our findings provide preliminary evidence that Whitu is an acceptable and more effective, scalable and multi-modal means of improving some aspects of well-being and mental health among university students than direction to a self-help website.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Evaluation of an App-based brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals with Nonsuicidal Self-injury
Authors: Kang S. , Zoh S. M. , Hur J.-W.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate and direct destruction of one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent, has represented a significant public health concern among adolescents and young adults worldwide, yet they have limited access to evidence-based interventions. App-based digital therapy, with its advantages of high cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and user receptivity, could be an effective intervention for NSSI. We expected that the use of an app-based brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) would improve depressive symptoms and emotion dysregulation, the most prevalent symptoms among individuals with NSSI.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 3-week app-based brief CBT program focusing on cognitive distortion correction for individuals with NSSI.

Methods

A total of 34 participants who engaged in NSSI were included in the final analysis, with 18 individuals assigned to the ‘app group’ and 16 to the ‘waitlist group.’ The brief CBT program consisted of three quizzes designed to prompt the users to identify cognitive distortions embedded in a series of short scenarios, develop more realistic perspectives, and imagine advising to significant others. The app group was instructed to complete three quizzes per day for three weeks, while the waitlist group received no intervention.

Results

Baseline and follow-up assessments of depression and emotion regulation were conducted. After the 3-week program, the app group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (F = 8.30, P = .007) compared to the waitlist group. There was no group difference regarding emotion regulation.

Conclusions

Depression is a prominent symptom in individuals with NSSI. Our findings suggest that an app-based brief CBT intervention targeting cognitive distortions can effectively alleviate depression in individuals with NSSI. The results also highlight the need for digital interventions that are tailored and designed to improve emotion regulation in this population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Investigating LSA - a ‘legal high’ analogue to LSD, frequently used in the digital realm with relatively unknown effects
Authors: Castro P. , Maia J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychedelics are substances consumed for recreational use, the majority of these psychoactive substances are illegal and hard to obtain. Therefore, there is a demand for psychedelics legal and easier to access, these types of drugs are called ‘legal highs’. LSA (lysergic acid amide) is one of these new psychoactive substances, this drug is searched because it is known to have an effect similar to LSD. LSA has negative effects on body functioning not fully understood by the medical field.

Objectives

This project aims to conduct a systematic review of the scientific health literature on LSA.

Methods

The following information was included in this review: articles reporting original data on physical effects, neurobiological effects, various bodily symptoms, social and cultural aspects in humans related to LSA, published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and French. Studies involving animals, in vitro research, botanical studies, and non-original research were excluded. The following keywords were searched in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases: (ergine or d-lysergic acid amide or LSA or d-lysergamide or lysergic acid amide). This study followed the PRISMA statement for systematic reviews and PRISMA checklist. The resulting data were tabulated and analyzed according to relevance.

Results

LSA, also known as ergine, is an ergot alkaloid with a chemical formula very similar to LSD. Ergine is found in plants of the Convolvulaceae family and is primarily consumed through chewing the seeds of these plants, soaking them in alcohol, or preparing an extract. The amount of LSA in each seed is inconsistent, making it unpredictable how much will be consumed, and these seeds may contain other harmful compounds.

LSA is a partial agonist and antagonist of serotonergic receptors, with a preference for 5-HT1A and 5-HT2, and stimulation of D2 is related to nausea. It can cause symptoms including euphoria, hallucinations, anxiety, nausea, weakness, fatigue, tremors, and elevated blood pressure. In some cases, the use of LSA is associated with the use of other drugs, and there are case reports of LSA-induced PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome), post-use suicides and the need for hospitalization due to psychosis-like states.

Studies conducted on the quality of information about LSA on digital platforms indicate misinformation with incorrect data that can be harmful to those who ingest the drug. Additionally, there are studies suggesting that LSA may improve symptoms of cluster headaches.

Conclusions

LSA is a legal drug in most countries, with widespread misinformation on the internet and limited control over its use. There are potential serious adverse effects caused by the drug, and it is often associated with other psychoactive substances. Greater knowledge about the drug is needed for diagnosing its use and abuse, as well as for educating the public.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychological intervention online for adolescent: acceptability of Online Emotional Self-Regulation Improvement program
Authors: López Soler C. , Martínez A. , Fernandez V. , Castro M. , Vicente J. L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Given that child and adolescent mental health has been affected by several factors in recent years, such as the distance between home and specialized centers that provide psychological care to children, the lack of care resources, or the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, online psychological treatments are becoming increasingly common among the child and adolescent population, although it is necessary to develop this type of treatment for children at psychosocial risk, since these have been developed mostly for the general population. To this aim, the Online Emotional Self-Regulation Improvement program (Mejora de la Auto-regulación para Menores, Online MAM@) was developed.

Objectives

To assess the acceptability of the Online Emotional Self-Regulation Improvement program, by the adolescent.

Methods

The intervention program was applied to a total of n = 32 children (n = 17 girls) between 11 and 15 years of age. The program consists of 7 target emotions to be worked on, and the acceptance, usability, usefulness, enjoyment of each module and barriers to use by the children were assessed with an adaptation of the Venkatesh and Davis scale. These measures were taken post-test, once the intervention module was completed. The program was applied online for five weeks by the children, and their regular therapists contacted them to provide them with weekly access codes and reminders in case they were not completing the modules.

Results

It was observed that the best rated module was the anger module, the most useful module was the sadness module, the module considered to have the highest usability was the fear module, and the most enjoyed module was the sadness module, although all the modules had very high scores above the average and no significant differences were found in the rating of the modules between sexes. As for the most common barriers to use among the children, problems were found with the completion of the intervention, since they often forgot to access the web, and these did not apply what they had learned outside the intervention program.

Conclusions

The Online Emotional Self-Regulation Improvement program is the first program developed in Spanish language for adolescents at psychosocial risk, and may represent a breakthrough to consolidate these programs in the national scene and bring the therapeutic possibilities for adolescents to the same level as in other parts of the world. Focusing on future versions of the program, it would be advisable to reduce its length and incorporate activities outside the treatment program to guarantee a generalization of what is learned in the intervention program in everyday life situations.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The presence of personality traits of borderline personality disorder in anorexia nervosa and obesity
Authors: Mustač F. , Galijašević T. , Podolski E. , Matovinović M. , Marčinko D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

While in eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, the comorbidity of pathological personality traits is very common, and accordingly the personality traits of borderline personality disorder is considered very frequent and coexisting. The treatment of anorexia nervosa is based primarily on the psychotherapy and work on pathological personality traits even more than the treatment of the syndrome and the consequences of malnutrition itself. That achieves a longer-term and more reliable solution than symptomatic treatment of anorexia nervosa which usually does not bring satisfactory results. On the other hand, in patients with obesity, pathological personality traits, especially those of borderline personality disorder, are still very rarely associated, since obesity is usually not even considered a disorder, but a variation in the population.

Objectives

The aim of this paper is to investigate the pathological personality traits of borderline personality disorder in people with obesity.

Methods

Investigating relevant scientific and professional literature from the field of personality pathology and eating disorders.

Results

When obesity is related to impulse control disorder in the sense of emotional eating under increased stress according to today’s relevant literature, it can definitely be related to personality traits of borderline personality disorder, i.e. the presence of elements of borderline personality organization and prementalization models. Such an inability to deal with negative emotions such as increased anxiety or rejection sensitivity, which results in overeating and the related feeling of shame that overwhelms the person, regardless of whether he/she/they has any of the certain forms of compulsive behaviour afterwards, can be related to impulsive behaviour and the “all or nothing” way of thoughts. This is also confirmed by cases when certain people have a history of both one and the other disorder. Thus, some people have, for example, malnutrition in adolescence as part of anorexia nervosa, only to have problems with obesity after some time with a healthy body mass.

Conclusions

Since pathological personality traits in people with anorexia nervosa and obesity give indications of common characteristics in the form of borderline personality disorder traits, i.e. borderline personality organization and prementalization models in both disorders, future research will certainly shed light on the connection between these eating disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Portuguese short version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire: Validity and Reliability in men across multiple ages
Authors: Silva A. , Macedo A. , Marques C. , Brito M. J. , Pereira A. T. , Coelho C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire short version (EDE-Q7) presented better psychometric properties than the Fairburn’s 28-items original version, not only in girls (Machado et al. 2018), but also in older women (Pereira et al. 2021; Pereira et al. 2022). It comprises 7 items in three subscales: Dietary Restraint/DR; Shape and Weight Overvaluation/SWO and Body Dissatisfaction/BD. In a more recent clinical study in men (Laskowski et al. 2023) the factors associated with body concerns and dissatisfaction weren’t fully represented in the questionnaire, possibly indicating differences in body ideals, specially relating to musculature.

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of EDE-Q7 in males.

Methods

Participants were 227 male individuals with a mean age of 30.41 years (±13.96; range: 14-73 years). They answered an online survey including the Portuguese versions of the Screen for Disordered Eating/SDE; the Body Image Concern Inventory/BICI and the Muscle Dysmorphia subscale of the Eating Disorder Assessment for Men/DM-EDAM.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the second order model presented good fit (χ2/df=2.437; RMSEA=.0794; CFI=.986 TLI=.974, GFI=.967). Cronbach’s alpha was .856 for the total, .876 for DR and .917 for SWO and .900 for BD. All items contributed to internal consistency and presented high internal validity. Pearson’s correlations of EDE-Q7 with BICI (.465), DM-EDAM (.384) and SDE (.361) were significant (p<.001) and moderate.

Conclusions

Also in men, the Portuguese version of EDE-Q7 demonstrates good validity (construct and convergent) and reliability.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Portuguese version of the screen for disordered eating: validity and reliability in men across multiple ages
Authors: Pereira A. T. , Silva A. , Brito M. J. , Marques C. , Araújo A. , Macedo A. , Renca S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The Screen for Disordered Eating/SDE was created as a primary care screening method for eating disorders, including binge eating disorder (Maguen et al. 2018). The SDE comprises five items (yes/no answers), extracted from other validated self-reported questionnaires assessing eating psychopathology. Its validity and reliability has proved in a Portuguese psychometric study, that only included woman (Pereira et al. 2022). It psychometric properties have yet to be evaluated in men.

Objectives

We aim to assess the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of SDE in males.

Methods

Participants were 227 male individuals with a mean age of 30.41 years (±13.96; range: 14-73). They answered an online survey including the Portuguese preliminary versions of the seven-item Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire/EDE-Q7; the Body Image Concern Inventory/BICI and the Muscle Dysmorphia subscale of the Eating Disorder Assessment for Men/DM-EDAM.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed good fit for the unidimensional model (χ2/df=1.483; RMSEA=.0460; CFI=.980 TLI=.961, GFI=.988). Cronbach’s alpha was .621 which although inferior to .7 can be explained by the small number of items and the fact that each one assesses different dimensions. All items contributed to the internal consistency and presented high internal validity. Pearson’s correlations of SDE with BICI (.317) and EDE-Q7 (.361) were significant and moderate. The correlation with DM-EDAM was non-significant, probably due to its focus on muscle dysmorphia, which is not included in SDE’s items.

Conclusions

The Portuguese version of SDE demonstrated adequate validity (construct and convergent) and reliability.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Difficulties in emotional regulation in a Tunisian university setting
Authors: Boudriga S. , Lagha M. , Methni M. , Ben youssef Y. , Ben romdhane I. , Homri W. , Labbane R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Emotion regulation is the conscious or automatic control of emotions to adapt, cope, and maintain well-being. Effective emotion regulation is central to mental health, impacting work, and relationships. University students, facing academic pressures and social transitions, represent a unique demographic where emotion regulation challenges are particularly relevant.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the emotion regulation difficulties in university students.

Methods

A descriptive study was led from August to September 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed to a population of Tunisian university students. We administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Arabic version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale short form (DRES-SF), a self-report measure developed to assess clinically relevant difficulties in emotion regulation.

Results

Participants in this study consisted of 307 undergraduate students, with 78.1% being women and 21.9% men, representing various academic disciplines at Tunis el Manar University in Tunisia. The mean age of the participants was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 2.84.In the assessment of emotional regulation difficulties, participants reported a mean total score of 42.47 ± 12.68. Participants who repeated years in college had more difficulties in emotional regulation (p<0.05). Limited access to emotion regulation strategies had a mean score of 7.64 ± 3.0, while nonacceptance of emotional responses was rated at 7.40 ± 3.17. Additionally, impulse control difficulties were reported with a mean score of 6.46 ± 3.31, and difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior were observed with a mean score of 9.44 ± 3.18. Moreover, participants expressed a lack of emotional awareness, which was quantified with a mean score of 8.45 ± 2.69, and a lack of emotional clarity, which yielded a mean score of 7.12 ± 2.69. Additionally, a significant association was noted between gender (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.05), and the lack of emotional awareness, suggesting potential gender and age-related variations in emotional regulation difficulties within this university sample.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings suggest the necessity of emotion regulation training in the university setting. Further studies are important to understand the impact of emotional regulation difficulties.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared