bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of alpha-synuclein in patients with late-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Palchikova E. , Nikolaev M. , Lavrinova A. , Neznanov N. , Pchelina S. , Zalutskaya N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

There is no consensus about whether late-onset schizophrenia(LOS) is a type of schizophrenia or a secondary psychotic disorder. One of the theories of the occurrence of late-onset psychoses is neurodegeneration caused by the imbalance of proteostasis.

Objectives

To study the concentration and expression of alpha-synuclein in patients with LOS compared with controls.

Methods

The study involved 42 patients with the ICD-10 criteria of schizophrenia with the onset of the disease after 45 years and 104 controls with no dementia and severe somatic pathology, comparable in age and gender. The alpha-synuclein level was estimated in a lymphocytic cell fraction from patients with LOS N=42 and controls N=104 using the Human alpha-synuclein ELISA kit. The expression of the SNCA gene was studied in 22 LOS patients and 22 controls and determined by PCR using the SYBR Green Supermix kit and the CFX96 instrument in comparison with the referent genes using previously developed primers. LOS group underwent psychopathological examination including scales. Statistics: SPSS 12.0; the Mann–Whitney test; exponential regression analysis; data is given as median (min–max). The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The alpha-synuclein level is higher in patients with LOS (9.21 (0.78-29.52)) compared to control (6,355 (0.46-35.44)), p=0.024. The mRNA level of the SNCA gene is higher in the LOS group (0.533 (0.089-1.406)) compared to controls (0.087 (0.016-0.266) , p<0.001.

Conclusions

Our study shows the relationship of alpha-synuclein with the manifestations of LOS. Obtained novel data can open up new targets for therapy and bring it closer to understanding the phenomenon.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Effectiveness of vortioxetine in real-world clinical practice: Italian cohort results from the global RELIEVE study
Authors: De Filippis S. , Pugliese A. , Simonsen K. , Ren H.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating disease in Italy affects 5.4% of people over 15 and 11.6% for the elderly. Efficacy of vortioxetine in adult patients with MDD was demonstrated in randomised controlled trials, there is a need for data on treatment in daily practice in Italy.

Objectives

To present the effectiveness and safety data of vortioxetine in real-world setting from patients enrolled from Italy in the RELIEVE study.

Methods

RELIEVE was a prospective, multi-national, observational study of outpatients initiating vortioxetine treatment for MDD at physician’s discretion. Data and outcomes of treatment of patients were collected at routine clinical visits. The primary outcome was functioning measured by SDS. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9, cognitive funcion measured by PDQ-5, quality of life measured by EQ-5D-5L. Changes from baseline to month 6 were estimated with a linear mixed model of repeated measures approach.

Results

A total of 231 patients (mean age, 55.5 years, 27.3% over 65 years, 62% female) were enrolled from Italy and included in the analysis. Mean(SD) SDS total score, PHQ-9, PDQ-5 scores at baseline were 17.8(7.58), 15.7(5.97) and 9.8(4.99), the scores(SE) decreased by 6.6(0.64), 5.9(0.47) and 3.6(0.36) from baseline to last visit. Mean(SE) EQ-5D-5L utility index increased by 0.13(0.01). Safety and tolerability profile of vortioxetine was in line with the established profile.

Conclusions

Improvements in overall functioning, depressive symptoms, cognitive function and quality of life were observed in patients treated with vortioxetine, including a wide proportion of elderly patients in a real-world setting.

Disclosure

A. Pugliese is an employee of Lundbeck Italy. K. Simonsen and H. Ren are employees of H. Lundbeck A/S.
Perfectionism and stereotype in plastic surgery
Authors: Hogea L. , Corsaro L. , Anghel T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The concept of beauty has transformed through time and across the globe during specific events in history and continues to evolve.

Objectives

This study will focus on how tendency toward perfectionism and stereotypes promoted by media influence beauty perception and the need of plastic surgery.

Methods

In this study we examined factors influencing attitudes toward plastic surgery among 23 women with an average 35 years old and the data were collected through three questionnaire: The abbreviated multidimensional perfectionism scale (MPS) is a 30-item measure separated into two 15-item subscales: self-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism; The abbreviated perfectionistic self-presentation scale (PSPS) is a 20-item measure divided into two ten-item subscales: perfectionistic self-promotion and non-display of imperfection. Participants’ perceptions of media messages about appearance issues have been assessed using 30 items of the Sociocultural Attitudes toward Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3). Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance, physical appearance perfectionism were considered as predictors of tendency toward plastic surgery.

Results

The results showed that there is significant positive association between perfectionism, the influence of mass media and increased women’ s likelihood of undergoing plastic surgery.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest firstly that a greater perfectionist tendency and psychological investment in physical appearance predict more favorable attitudes toward plastic surgery. Perfectionists women may choose plastic surgery as part of their need of bodily perfection. Secondly, the choice of plastic surgery depended on sociocultural attitudes toward physical appearance.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Deficient Multisensory Integration with concomitant resting-state connectivity in adult ADHD
Authors: Schulze M. , Aslan B. , Lux S. , Philipsen A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

ADHD patients often report that they are being flooded by sensory impressions. Studies investigating sensory processing show hypersensitivity for sensory inputs across the senses. While studying unimodal signal-processing is relevant and well-suited in a controlled laboratory environment, our daily interaction with our environment does not occur merely unimodal. A complex interplay of the senses is necessary to form a unified percept. In order to achieve this, the unimodal sensory modalities are bound together in a process called multisensory integration (MI).

Objectives

In the current study we investigate MI in an adult ADHD sample accompanied by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI).

Methods

Twenty-five ADHD patients and twenty-four healthy controls were recruited. MI was examined using the McGurk effect, where - in case of successful MI - incongruent speech-like phonemes between visual and auditory modality are leading to a perception of a new phoneme. Mann-Whitney-U test was applied to assess statistical differences between groups. Resting-state functional MRI was acquired to realize a seed-to-voxel analysis

Results

Susceptibility to MCGurk was significantly lowered for ADHD patients (ADHDMdn:5.83%, ControlsMdn:44.2%, U= 160.5, p=0.022, r=-0.34). When ADHD patients integrated phonemes, reaction times were significantly longer (ADHDMdn:1260ms, ControlsMdn:582ms, U=41.0, p<.000, r= -0.56). Seeded medio temporal gyrus was negatively associated in functional connectivity to primary auditory cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, and fusiform gyrus.

Conclusions

MI seems to be deficient for ADHD patients for stimuli that need late attentional allocation. This finding is supported for higher functional connectivity from unimodal sensory areas to polymodal, MI convergence zones for complex stimuli.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
First-Episode Psychosis care in Central Europe: What we have learned and what we still need to do
Authors: Réthelyi J.
Published: September 2022

First Episode Psychosis (FEP) treatment is a critical element of mental health-care systems, which has been shown to improve outcomes in this patient group. Due to divergent historical and political trajectories, countries of Central and Eastern Europe have taken a different course in the development of mental health-care. Among these differences is the less advanced level of present FEP treatment networks. Traditionally mental health-care is more inpatient based in these countries, with a lesser emphasis on specialized outpatient services, and early intervention programmes have been only launched during the last 15 years. Despite the lag of the development of FEP services, a variety of models has been already started in our countries. In my lecture I will review the literature about the Central and Esteran European region. I will also present good practices of how the existing early intervention programmes can be integrated into the traditional mental health-care systems.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Successful outcomes using Long Acting Buprenorphine (LAB - Buvidal) to treat Codeine, Tramadol and other Opioid Analgesia Dependencies (OAD) in Wales during the Pandemic
Authors: Melichar J. , Graver F. , Parimelalagan L. , Lewis J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Long Acting Buprenorphine (LAB) – Buvidal (CAM2038) – is a prolonged release treatment for opioid dependence in adults. Its extensive use was funded by Welsh Government during the pandemic in Wales and it has been found to be a significantly better than oral medications in improving quality of life, possibly through providing allostatic craving and anxiety reduction

Objectives

This is a case series of 10 patients who were referred to Community Addiction Services in North and South West Wales with OAD.

Methods

Patients were mainly using Codeine or Tramadol and were referred due to either ongoing illicit use or via primary care services requesting support. As part of the pandemic initiative, they were initiated on Buvidal and followed up.

Results

All ten patients successfully started on Buvidal without significant issues. As a group, if transferred straight to Buvidal, they tended to have fewer significant withdrawal symptoms prior to starting on the Buvidal compared to those on Methadone or Heroin. They were treated on the usual range of Buvidal doses (1 on 64mg, the others on 96-128mg monthly). They have all stabilised and successfully moved on with their lives on Buvidal. One has used the time on Buvidal to have psychological input around past traumas and successfully detoxified in the community using Buvidal.

Conclusions

Recommendations for services considering OAD - it is a surprisingly effective treatment which is easy to start. It has the scope for being both an effective OAD recovery medication and a potentially simple detoxification strategy for this patient group.

Disclosure

Professor Melichar has provided consultancy work, presentations, training and chaired panel discussions for all the companies in this area in the UK and some outside the UK. Recent work includes Althea (UK), Britannia (UK), Camurus (UK and Global), Martin
Psychotropic drug repurposing for COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Isayeva U. , Fico G. , Gomes-Da-Costa S. , Sagué Villavella M. , Gimenez A. , Manchia M. , Murru A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Recently, several antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics have been suggested to have favorable effects in the treatment of COVID-19.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to collect evidence from preclinical and clinical studies concerning the scientific evidence for the repurposing of psychotropic drugs in COVID-19 treatment.

Methods

Two independent authors searched PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycInfo, Clinical Trial Registration Site US (ClinicalTrials.gov) databases, and reviewed the reference lists of articles for eligible articles published up to May 31st, 2021. All preclinical and clinical studies on the effect of any psychotropic drug on Sars-CoV-2 or patients with COVID-19 were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for the quality assessment of clinical studies. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

22 studies were included in the synthesis: 9 clinical studies, 9 preclinical studies, and 4 computational studies. The use of antidepressants, both SSRI and non-SSRI, was associated with a reduced risk of severe complications of COVID-19. Several antipsychotics showed an increased risk for both Sars-CoV-2 infection and severe complications during COVID-19.

Conclusions

The current evidence supports a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 role for several antidepressants, while the evidence on mood stabilizers or antipsychotics remains controversial. Drug repurposing proved highly successful in response to the current pandemic and psychotropic medications are widely used in clinical practice with well-known safety and tolerability profiles, showing antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties, being perfect candidates for possible treatment of COVID-19. Further research will deliver optimized and specific therapeutic tools that will increase the preparedness of health systems for possible future epidemics.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The Development of a Complex FEP Program at Semmelweis University
Authors: Simon V. , Herman L. , Vass E. , Csukly G. , Zsigmond R.I. , Réthelyi J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction First episode psychosis (FEP) programs target the first 3-5 years after the first manifestation of a psychotic episode. Although follow-up results after 10-15 years are mixed, reported results of the first 5-10 years are promising in improving relapse prevention, functional outcomes and reducing mental health care costs, compared to treatment as usual. Objectives Our objective was to develop the first complex FEP program in Hungary. Methods Male and female inpatients, (age:17-40years), hospitalized due to a first psychotic episode and consenting to participate, were included, since 2019 October. Drug induced psychosis and organic background in the etiology of the psychotic episode were excluded. Duration of the program is 2-3 years, based on the individual needs of the patients. The program provides detailed clinical and neuropsychological examinations, MRI, pharmacotherapy, various psychosocial interventions, and support group for relatives. Results Twenty-eight patients [15 male,13 female, mean age=22,4 (18-40)years] were included. The program has been repeatedly limited by COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatric control, pharmacotherapy, psychoeducation and supportive therapy, however could be continously provided via telepsychiatry, even during the lockdown. During the first 2 years, 90% of the patients remained in treatment, showed good compliance with pharmacotherapy; 10% of the patients were rehospitalized due to relapse. In the presentation, besides clinical experiences, preliminary clinical outcome data will also be presented. Conclusions The first complex FEP program in Hungary, although limited repeatedly by the pandemic, show promising clinical results with low relapse rates and high level of adherence to therapy in the first 2 years after a first psychotic episode.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The role of chronic disorders in psychotherapy
Authors: Linden M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Many mental disorders take a chronic course, associated with disability and/or participation restrictions. This is well recognized in social psychiatry. It is assumed that in psychotherapy milder disorders are seen, but there are no data available in this regard. In a survey in outpatient psychotherapy the rate of patients with chronic disorders and associated impairment was assessed.

Objectives

Goal of the present study was to assess the prevalence and meaning of long term and prevailing disorders in psychotherapy

Methods

A total of 131 psychotherapists (43.5% psychodynamic, 55.7% cognitive behavior therapy) reported about 322 outpatients. Therapists were interviewed in person by two research psychotherapists in regard to illness characteristics of unselected patients.

Results

The duration of illness was longer than 1 year in 98.1% of patients or longer than a decade in 54.5%. In the judgement of the therapists 79% of disorders had a chronic or recurrent course. In 25% there were relevant participation impairments in regard to daily activities, leisure time, social relations, or work. About one quarter had already been in inpatient treatment.

Conclusions

The data show that chronic disorders are the rule rather than the exception in psychotherapy. This requires a multidimensional and interdisciplinary treatment approach, including sociomedical interventions in order to sustain participation in life. This should be recognized in the treatment concepts and also get proper attention in the education and reimbursement of psychotherapists.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Anxiety of pandemic and distance learning as predictor of decrease in satisfaction, competence and engagement in students during digital education period
Authors: Soldatova G. , Rasskazova E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Transition of educational institutions to distance learning in pandemic was found to be associated with students’ complaints about difficulties, decrease in effectiveness, interest and well-being (Herbert et al., 2021, Almomani et al., 2021, Puljak et al., 2020).

Objectives

The aim was to reveal psychological predictors of decreased academic satisfaction, competence, and engagement among students in the digitalization of education during a pandemic.

Methods

In December 2020 220 students 18-33 years old were asked about their learning difficulties, academic satisfaction, competence and engagement before the pandemic and now (Cronbach’s alphas .66-.90), well-being (Diener et al., 1985, Diener et al., 2010), educational motivation (Sheldon et al., 2017), pandemic anxiety (Tkhostov, Rasskazova, 2020).

Results

There was a decrease in academic satisfaction, subjective competence and engagement, with moderate learning difficulties (F=60.4-63,3, p<.01, η²=.22). More pronounced learning difficulties during a pandemic were found in students with higher level of negative emotions, lower integrated learning motivation, higher anxiety due to the transition to distance learning and due to a violation of security online (p<.01). The decrease in academic satisfaction, competence and engagement were maximal among students with a lower level of positive emotions, higher level of amotivation, anxiety due to the transition to distance learning and violation of privacy and security online (p<.01).

Conclusions

Students with higher negative emotions and distance learning anxiety regardless of their skills were more vulnerable to the changes in learning in pandemic. The study was funded by Russian Science Foundation project № 18-18-00365.

Disclosure

The study was funded by Russian Science Foundation project № 18-18-00365.
Croatian Models and Experience in First-Episode Psychosis Treatment
Authors: Savic A. , Ostojic D. , Brecic P.
Published: September 2022

We have witnessed a significant push towards staging in medicine. That trend has not bypassed psychiatry, with realization that early phases of various disorders present the window for early intervention that is most likely to result in preserving every-day functionality and achieving favourable outcomes. First-episode psychosis programs have been developed in order to ensure adequate early interaction with psychiatric services, help achieve faster and quality remission, prevent relapses and ensure better long-term outcomes. There is still, however, no consensus on the format or the most appropriate intervention in the early-course psychosis. Patients in Zagreb, Croatia, are offered a number of first-episode psychosis programs, one of which is housed in the largest Croatian psychiatric institution, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce. Specialized early-course treatment model in Vrapce stemmed from first-episode inpatient unit established in 2004, and grew to present in its core integration of care across different organizational units, acuity levels, and specific patient needs. Recognizing that a significant number of first-episode patients first interact with psychiatric services through emergency units, Vrapce’s model fostered early interaction with specialized services staff starting with intensive and emergency care units, allowing for continuity of care and early recruitment into specialized services. Vertical integration meant inpatient acute and subacute units seamlessly linked with day hospital and outpatient services, creating the setting for earlier formation of therapeutic alliance and treatment plans, but also allowing for flexible entry points for users. COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to challenging the initial integrations of services, facilitated transfer of certain services into virtual space.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VIHE) in a patient with Bipolar disorder: A case report and literature review
Authors: Isidahome E. , San Gabriel M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Valproic acid (VPA) is a valuable treatment for bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and agitation1. However, potential side-effects include sedation, headaches, tremors, ataxia, gastrointestinal issues, neural tube defect, 3 and mild hyperammonemia even in normal liver function test 1 and VPA level.

Objectives

To illustrate clinical presentation of VIHE and provide literature review on post-VIHE treatment options.

Methods

A 59-year-old male with PMH of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, LVH, COPD, s/p CVA, and PPH of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Patient stable on VPA 1250mg daily and Olanzapine 5mg daily for >2years until recent manic decompensation resulting to up-titration of VPA to 1500mg H.S. Thereafter, he presented with altered mental status, with VPA level (111.4 ug/ml), hyponatremia (119 mmol/L) and hyperammonemia (84 umol/L). Subsequently, admitted as a case of VIHE and hyponatremia.

Results

VPA has shown to cause hyperammonemia alone or when combined with antipsychotics6. VIHE reported in up to 47.7% of patients on VPA1, but symptomatic in approximately 10% of patients on VPA with blood ammonia level about 2-fold the normal range8. VIHE presents with confusion, ataxia, blurred vision, delirium, and seizures3. Treatment options include VPA discontinuation, switch to other mood stabilizers (lithium carbonate, lamotrigine), utilization of medications to lower blood ammonia levels (Lactulose, Rifaximin/Neomycin) ,3 antipsychotic monotherapy, and supplements (Levocarnitine or Carglumic acid) in the prevention, maintenance, and treatment of VIHE. These supplements can be added to VPA if the benefits of re-initiating or continuing VPA outweighs the risk3.

Conclusions

Further research is needed.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Physician Health: Results and Caveats from Surveys in Austria, Switzerland and Germany
Authors: Wurst F. , Rumpf H.-J. , Thon N. , Beschoner P.
Published: September 2022

Background: Surveys assessing alcohol use among physicians most commonly employed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the AUDIT-C. As with other screeners, prevalence estimation is dependent on the accuracy of the test as well as choice of the cut-off value. The aim of the current study is to use samples from various countries derive more precise prevalence estimates of alcohol problems in physicians by correcting for false positive and false negative results using samples from various countries Method: At the Congress of the German Association of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2005 in Berlin, 1800 questionnaires, which included the AUDIT-C were distributed among the attending participants. 936 questionnaires (52%) were returned. Also, the data are compared to a second study, performed in Salzburg, Austria to further elucidate the situation. The screening results will be presented and compared to the values when using a correction- formula using data from a general population sample on sensitivity and specificity of the AUDIT-C. Results: Based on the results of AUDIT-C and using a cut-off of 5 for both sexes, 24.1% of the sample of 887 physicians of the German sample are problematic drinkers (14.7% in female and 32 % in male physicians). Using a correction formula leads to markedly lower rates: 6.1% (all), 3.7% (female), 8.1% (male). Discussion: In this large sample, findings clearly confirm that uncorrected screening results lead to severe over-estimation of the prevalence of problematic drinking in physicians. The corrected prevalence rates are lower than in the general population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The relationship between mothers’ attachment style, mindful parenting, and perception of the child
Authors: Szabó B. , Miklósi M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Maternal attachment style plays a major role in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. Previous studies indicated that a secure attachment style is associated with higher levels of mindfulness and a higher quality of the parent-child relationship.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the mothers’ attachment style, mindful parenting, and perception of the child.

Methods

Data was collected from 144 non-clinical mothers, who have a child below the age of 3 years. Mothers completed self-report questionnaires including the following scales: a demographic questionnaire, Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IMP), and the Mothers’ Object Relations Scale (MORS-SF). Mediation analyses with Mothers’ Object Relations Scale warmth and invasion subscales as dependent variables, mother’s attachment style as an independent variable and, mindful parenting as a mediator were conducted.

Results

In mediation analysis, the direct effects of the mothers’ attachment style on the perception of the child were not significant. However, indirect effects through mindful parenting were significant; higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with higher levels of MORS-SF warmth and lower levels of MORS-SF invasion.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that attachment styles are related to the perception of the child through mindful parenting.
Mindfulness-based parenting training might be useful in case of attachment-related problems to improve the parent-child relationship.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Are the Kessler Psychological Scales suitable for screening for mental disorders in low-threshold mental health services in German-speaking countries?
Authors: Schultze-Lutter F. , Michel C. , Schimmelmann B. , Meisenzahl E. , Osman N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scales (K10 and K6) are used as screening tools to assess psychological distress and are the first-line assessment of need for help in the Headspace services.

Objectives

Thus, we studied the psychometric properties of their German versions in a Swiss community sample to evaluate their potential usefulness to screen for mental disorders or relevant mental problems in low threshold transdiagnostic German-speaking services.

Methods

The sample consisted of 829 citizens of the Swiss canton Bern of age 19-43 years. K10/K6 were validated against Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) diagnoses, questionnaires about health status and quality of life. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to test for general discriminative ability and to select optimal cut-offs of the K10 and K6 for non-psychotic full-blown and subthreshold mental disorders.

Results

Cronbach’s alphas were 0.81 (K10) and 0.70 (K6). ROC analyses indicated much lower optimal thresholds than earlier suggested; 10 for K10 and 6 for K6. At these thresholds, against M.I.N.I. diagnoses, Cohen’s Kappa (<=0.173) and correspondence rates (<=58.14%) were insufficient throughout. Values were higher at the earlier suggested threshold, yet, at the cost of sensitivity that was below 0.5 in all but three, and below 0.3 in all but six cases.

Conclusions

For the lack of sufficient validity and sensitivity, respectively, our findings suggest that both K10 and K6 would only be of limited use in a low-threshold transdiagnostic mental health service – comparable to Headspace – for young adults in Switzerland and likely other German-speaking countries.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Let the soul speak: Promoting mental health awareness through arts and culture
Authors: Regev S. , Diler R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Nefashot - (meaning “Souls” in Hebrew) is a social activist initiative that aims to promote mental health (MH) awareness in the public domain through cultural, artistic, and dialogue-based events.

Objectives

The two main objectives of this project are: to raise awareness and promote dialogue about MH issues in the public sphere and to create an inclusive environment for people living with MH conditions where their voices can be heard.

Methods

For this purpose, we have created a week of events around the international mental health day on October 10th. Our strategy for producing the MH week is by 4 stages: 1) Call for action which is published widely on social media 2) Collection of forms filled, connections and personal accompaniment 3) Event directed accompaniment, and group meeting around common topics 4) Publication as a group to strengthening the sense of belonging and enhancing community visibility.

Results

Our 80 events over the last three years have been organized by creators, artists, people with and without mental illness, family members, and professionals. Participants are extended in the event production by geographical location, type of art or culture event, type of relation to MH (for example, family member) and by social groups (Arabic/English speakers, LGBT), as well as collaborations within the group.

Conclusions

Promoting MH through public activism is ideal because it enable each participant to shape the process as well as the product. Furthermore, we find the relationship between art and MH enriching in both directions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Russian adaptation of Stress Mindset Measure-General (SMM-G)
Authors: Lebedeva N. , Solenova E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The 8-item Stress Mindset Measure-General (SMM-G) is an instrument designed to assess stress-is-enhancing and stress-is-debilitating mindsets. The stress-is-enhancing stress mindset positively correlates with well-being indices and work productivity and negatively correlates with depression and anxiety scores. Mindset could be changed after a psychological, psychoeducational, or psychotherapeutic intervention.

Objectives

We aim to adapt the SMM-G for adolescents and to explore its factor structure and psychometric properties in a sample of Russian students.

Methods

A total of 564 Russian students (337 men, 229 women) from 9 universities aged 17 to 23 years (М=19,9) participated in the study. We computed reliability indicators, conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

Psychometric indicators are shown in Table 1. As a result of EFA (maximum likelihood, varimax rotation), two factors (eigenvalues 3,430 and 1,645) were extracted, accounting for 42,9% and 20,6% explained variance. Then, we tested the proposed model via CFA (Table 2).Table 1.

Psychometric indicators

Mean value ± stdCronbach`s alphaTest-retest reliability (n=179, one month between assessments)1,175±0,1650,8050,563

The first factor includes all odd-numbered questions, while the second factor contains all even-numbered questions. This is consistent with the questionnaire’s structure, leading to a natural interpretation of factors as the stress-is-enhancing and stress-is-debilitating mindsets.Table 2.

CFA results

Fit indicesAcceptable valuesOne-Factor ModelTwo-Factor ModelCMIN/DF≤57,5164,298GFI≥0,90,8950,959AGFI≥0,90,8280,902CFI≥0,90,6800,890RMSEA≤0,080,1070,076

Conclusions

Russian adaptation of SMM-G has shown good psychometric characteristics and constitutes a useful assessment instrument.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Stigma towards mental illness in med students: you label me, I label you?
Authors: Cabacos C. , Pereira A.T. , Carneiro M. , Carvalho F. , Manão A. , Araújo A. , Pereira D. , Macedo A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Evidence suggests that besides having stigmatizing misconceptions towards people with mental illness, medical students and doctors often resist seeking help for their own mental issues. This is a vulnerable group for stress and other mental health problems, due not only to professional burden but also high perfectionism and low self-compassion.

Objectives

To analyse the relationship between mental health stigma (MHS) and other variables related to personality and emotional states in a sample of medical students.

Methods

634 medicine and dentistry students (mean age = 21.6±6.9;81.4% female) answered to a survey including sociodemographic data, self-perception of psychological health/SPPH and the Portuguese validated versions of: Link’s Perceived Discrimination and Devaluation (PDD) scale to assess MHS and its two dimensions - social stigma/SocS and self-stigma/SelS; Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21); Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (SCS); and Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS). Correlations, t-student tests and linear regressions were performed with SPSS 27.0.

Results

Stigma correlated negatively to SPPH and positively to DASS, the negative poles of SCS (self-judgement, isolation and over-identification) and BTPS second-order factors (all from p<.05 to p<.01). No gender differences in MHS were observed. Participants with higher mean levels of total and SelS had significantly higher scores in all DASS dimensions and lower SPPH; participants with higher SocS also scored higher in DASS, but didn’t reveal lower SPPH. Isolation was a significant predictor of SocS (R2=2.8%;p<.05); isolation and narcissistic perfectionism were significant predictors of SelS (R2=11%;p<.01).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of including MHS as a main need in the curricula of future doctors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Clozapine-Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Successfully Managed with Brexpiprazole Combination Therapy: Two Case Reports
Authors: Orsolini L. , Tempia Valenta S. , Bellagamba S. , Salvi V. , Volpe U.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Clozapine has proven to have a unique efficacy on treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Nevertheless, studies show that 47%-63% of clozapine-treated patients may fail to respond after around 12-years of treatment (CRS). Several augmentation strategies have been proven to be effective in CRS.

Objectives

Hereby, we present two clinical cases of CRS successfully managed with brexpiprazole augmentation.

Methods

A 48-year-old man without comorbid substance use, treated with clozapine-brexpiprazole augmentation, and a 20-year-old man with comorbid substance use, treated with clozapine-brexpiprazole combination and subsequently with twice-injection aripiprazole (TIA). They were administered with the following assessments at t0, t1-3 (first month), t4-8 (monthly until 6-month follow-up): CGI, BPRS, PANSS, CDSS, Craving VAS, BARS, BIS-11, HRS-A, MADRS, YMRS, AIMS.

Results

At 1-month follow-up, both patients showed a considerable improvement (respectively 75% and 55.9% reduction of PANSS total score). At 6-month follow-up, reached only with the first patient, we noticed a further improvement (an overall 37.5% reduction of PANSS total score from the baseline).

Conclusions

The present work is the first report describing combination treatment strategies with clozapine and brexpiprazole which appear to give promising results.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
A pilot study of the associations between inflammatory markers and the presence of „deficit syndrome” in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Michalczyk A. , Tyburski E. , Podwalski P. , Misiak B. , Sagan L. , Samochowiec J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

According to current knowledge inflammation seems to be strongly associated with pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Multiple studies and meta-analyses showed increased levels of inflammatory markers in plasma of schizophrenia patients. Individual studies have shown a relationship between the levels of inflammatory markers and the presence of deficit syndrome, but their results are inconsistent.

Objectives

Analysis of associations between inflammatory markers and the presence of deficit syndrome in schizophrenia.

Methods

Studied group consisted of 50 patients with diagnosed schizophrenia (F20) for at least 10 years, including 14 patients with deficit schizophrenia (DS) and 36 patients with non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS). DS and NDS did not differ significantly in age, BMI, duration of schizophrenia, types and doses of antipsychotics (chlorpromazine equivalent), but differed in sex (x2=4.28,p=0.039). Concentrations of inflammatory markers i.e. IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,TNFα,IFNγ,CRP were measured in serum using sensitive ELISA assays.

Results

Initial analysis showed significantly lower concentration of IL-8 in DS compared to NDS (t=-3.18,p=0.002). This association remain significant (F=7.63,p=0.0085) after co-varying for age, sex, BMI, duration of schizophrenia, type of antipsychotic medications and antipsychotics doses. Multiple logistic regression showed that female gender (OR=0.18 [0.04-0.87],p=0.034) and higher IL-8 concentrations (OR=0.03 [0.002-0.39],p=0.007) are independent predictors of lower odds of having DS.

Conclusions

Low IL-8 concentrations seem to be promising predictor of the presence of DS in schizophrenia patients, but results need further investigations. The research was funded by Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education’s program named “Regional Initiative of Excellence” in 2019–2022, grant number 002/RID/2018/2019 to the amount of 12000000PLN and by National Science Centre, Poland (2019/03/X/NZ5/00719)

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Substance Use, Self-Prescription and Burnout in Belgian Medical Doctors
Authors: Dom G.
Published: September 2022

Alcohol, psychoactive substance abuse, and burnout are areas of significant problems within health care professionals and medical doctors. In 2011 we did a survey (n = 1601) in Belgium among the medical specialists. Beginning of 2021, exactly 10 years after the first survey, we repeated the survey this time among both medical specialists, general practitioners, and pharmacists. The results of this survey (N = 4361) will be presented and tendencies compared with international findings. We discuss the findings from both the longitudinal perspective using our 2011 data and also from the perspective of the impact of the Covid19 pandemic on health professionals.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The autonomic activity of nightmare sufferers during sleep and emotion-evoking picture viewing
Authors: Tomacsek V. , Blaskovich B. , Reichardt R. , Simor P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In nightmare disorder, dysfunctional emotion regulation goes along with poor subjective sleep quality, which is characterised by pathophysiological features such as abnormal arousal processes and sympathetic influences. Dysfunctional parasympathetic regulation, especially before and during REM phases, is assumed to alter heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV) of frequent nightmare recallers.

Objectives

We hypothesised that cardiac variability is attenuated in participants experiencing frequent nightmares as opposed to healthy control subjects during less deep sleep stages and an emotion-evoking picture-rating
task.

Methods

Based on the second-nights’ polysomnographic recordings of 24 nightmare disordered (NM) and 30 control (CTL) subjects, we examined HRV during pre-REM, REM, post-REM and slow wave sleep periods, separately. Additionally, ECG recordings of wakeful periods such as resting state before sleep onset and an emotional picture-rating task were also analysed.

Results

According to our results, a significant difference was found in the HR of the NM and CTL groups in the nocturnal segments but not during resting wakefulness before sleep onset, suggesting autonomic dysregulation, specifically during sleep in nightmare disorder. However, despite the accelerated HR of NM subjects at night, they did not exhibit lower HRV. Regarding the emotional task, we also found a contrast between the NM and CTL subjects’ HR and HRV, which might indicate altered processes of emotion regulation in nightmare disorder, but the two groups’ subjective picture ratings did not differ.

Conclusions

In summary, our study suggests that there might be some trait-like autonomic changes during sleep, but also state-like autonomic responses to emotion-evoking pictures in nightmare disorder.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The role of sleep quality in psychotic-like experiences
Authors: Simor P. , Polner B. , Báthori N. , Peigneux P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Impaired sleep quality is among the most common complaints in psychopathological conditions including psychotic states. The clinical relevance of sleep disruption is, however, notoriously overlooked and considered as a secondary symptom that automatically ameliorates if the mental problem is adequately treated. Nevertheless, research findings indicate that sleep quality has a causal role in the occurrence and maintenance of psychotic states, and instead of being merely the “nocturnal impact” of an underlying mental disorder, shows bidirectional associations with mental health complaints.

Objectives

Although the majority of studies examined the links between sleep and psychosis by cross-sectional assessments, sleep quality and psychotic-like experiences both fluctuate from night to night and day to day, respectively, even in non-clinical populations. The prospective assessment of these variables hence allows for the analyses of the temporal (and intraindividual) associations between sleep and psychosis. In our studies, we examined the temporal, bidirectional associations between sleep quality and psychotic-like states.

Methods

Across three experience sampling studies with participants from the general population ( N = 73 / 166 / 60), we assessed sleep quality and daytime psychotic-like phenomena every day for at least two weeks. Using mixed-effects models, we examined if sleep quality predicted psychotic-like experiences the following day, and also if psychotic-like experiences predicted sleep quality the following night.

Results

Our findings consistently highlight the dominant direction of prediction from sleep to daytime psychotic-like experiences, whereas the inverse direction is not supported by enough evidence.

Conclusions

Individuals at risk for psychosis could benefit from sleep-specific interventions that could be integrated into treatment protocols.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Clinical predictors of kynurenine pathway aberrations in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Skorobogatov K. , Leboyer M. , Foiselle M. , Morrens M. , De Picker L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are severe mental illnesses that are known to have a considerable overlap in underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. More specifically, disturbances in the kynurenine pathway have been hypothesized as processes bridging altered immune responses and clinical manifestations of these illnesses.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the abnormalities in serum kynurenine metabolites in schizophrenic and bipolar patients and the impact of clinical factors.

Methods

Four patient groups were included in the current study: 1) Acute bipolar inpatients (n=205); 2) stable bipolar outpatients (n=116); 3) acute schizophrenia inpatients (n=111) and 4) stable schizophrenia outpatients (n=75); and one healthy control group (n=185). Clinical symptoms were established using symptom severity scales. The quantitative determination of serum kynurenine metabolites was performed using LC-MS/MS. General linear model and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to perform the statistical analysis with JMP Pro 15.

Results

In line with previous research, the results indicate that serum kynurenine metabolites are disturbed in schizophrenic and bipolar patients compared to healthy controls. Whereas no differences were observed between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, illness state and duration of illness clearly impacted kynurenine metabolite levels. Acutely ill patients had significantly lower levels compared to stable patients, which seemed to be driven by psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions

To conclude, the results confirm the involvement of the kynurenine pathway in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by lowered peripheral kynurenine metabolite level. In addition, an important role of acute psychotic symptoms and longer illness duration on these metabolite aberrances is demonstrated.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Factors related to Gaming addiction in adults
Authors: Neily C. , Maalej M. , Gassara I. , Feki R. , Smaoui N. , Zouari L. , Zouari A. , Ben Thabet J. , Omri S. , Charfi N. , Maalej M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

With the advancement of technology over the last years, gaming is no longer reserved to adolescents. It has become a growing phenomenon within young adults which should,’t be overlooked as it is accompanied with the risk of addiction.

Objectives

To study the factors involved in video games addiction behaviors in adults

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on social networks. We solicited adults between 18–40 years. We used the gaming addiction scale (GAS) in its validated Arabic short version.

Results

A hundred and nine participants were included. The mean age was 29.6 ±10.3 with a sex ratio of 1.5.The mean age of the beginning of regular gaming was 16.3± 8.64. we found that40.4% of our participants preferred the mode Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) while others played casual single player games. A play time of over 20 hours per week was reported by 11.9%of participants. According to the GAS, 25.7%were addicted gamers. Our participants spent an average of 7.94±6.71 hours before they play their first game of the day. We found that the score of Gas was significantly correlated to the male gender of the participants (p<0.000), a higher number of weekly gaming hours (p<0.000),a lower number of hours before gaming (P<0.000) and the mode of games (p<0.000).

Conclusions

Our study showed that contextual factors play an important role in understanding gaming addiction in young adults as a holistic phenomenon,embedding the problematic behavior within the context of the individual the game and gaming practices.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.