bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1456 – Anxiety And Depression Among Patients With Obesity Referred For Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Emam E. , Osman O.T.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

There is a significant prevalence of morbid obesity among the population in the United Arab Emirates (BMI>40kg/m2). This has been accompanied by a growth in bariatric surgery.

Objectives

To study psychiatric co-morbidity in obese patients seeking Bariatric Surgery.

Aims

To identify baseline psychological characteristics such as symptoms of anxiety and depression that may potentially interfere or complicate the surgical procedure.

Methods

Eighty eight consecutive obese patients (F=69, M=19) seeking bariatric surgery were recruited at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain. Behavioral/psychosocial evaluations were conducted to screen for symptoms of anxiety and depression using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The impact on the degree of perceived disability was assessed on the four functional dimensions of the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Statistical methods used Pearson Correlation to study correlation between scales and quantitative variables, while frequencies were determined for categorical variables.

Results

The reported frequency of significant symptoms on the HAD were 26.7% for anxiety and 14.7% for depression. The average mean disability scores on the SDS were 21.3%. The relative frequency of disabilities on each of the 4 dimensions of functioning were 28.7%, 35.0%, 36.3%, 36.3% consecutively. Higher Depression scores were associated with marked disability on the dimensions of Social life, Family/home responsibilities and Religious duties (0.61, 0.38, 0.29 consecutively). Meantime, anxiety scores were associated with higher disability on social life, family/home responsibilities (0.39 and 0.3) but not on work/school or religious duties.

Conclusion

Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common among bariatric patients with morbid obesity in the UAE.
1462 – Escitalopram Can Rescue Partly Abnormalities Of Rhythmic System In Major Depressive Patients After 8 Weeks Treatment
Authors: Li S.-X. , Liu L.-J. , Gao L. , Wang X.-F. , Zhang J.-T. , Lu L.
Published: July 2013

Objective

There are strong links between circadian disturbance and some of the most characteristic symptoms of clinical major depressive disorder (MDD). However there are no published studies of changes in expression of clock genes or of other neuropeptides related to circadian-rhythm regulation, which may influence recurrent susceptibility after treatment with antidepressant in MDD.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from twelve healthy controls and twelve male major depressive patients pre- and post- treated with escitalopram for eight weeks at 4-hour intervals for 24 hours. Outcome measures were the relative expression of mRNA of clock genes (hPERIOD1, hPERIOD2, hPERIOD3, hCRY1, hBMAL1, hNPAS2 and hGSK-3beta) and the levels of serum melatonin, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1(IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) in twelve healthy controls and twelve pre- and post- treated MDD patients.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, MDD patients showed disruptions in diurnal rhythms of expression of hPERIOD1, hPERIOD2, hCRY1, hBMAL1, hNPAS2 and hGSK-3beta, along with disruptions in diurnal rhythms of release of melatonin, VIP, cortisol, ACTH, IGF-1, and GH. Several of these disruptions (hPER1, hCRY1, melatonin, VIP, cortisol, ACTH, and IGF-1) persisted after eight weeks escitalopram treatment, as did elevation of 24-hour levels of VIP and decreases in 24-hour levels of cortisol and ACTH.

Conclusion

These persisted neurobiological changes may play a role in MDD symptoms that are thought to contribute to recurrence vulnerability and in maintenance therapy for a long term.
1474 – Executive Functions In First Episode Remitted Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Triki R. , Derbel I. , Hajeri S. , Amado I. , Tabbane K.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Literature suggests that schizophrenia (SCZ) could, early in the evolution, involve significant deficits in executive functioning. However, little is known about patients with recent onset first episode. Besides, only few studies focused on symptom-free intervals. Furthermore, most of them included patients on polymedication of antipsychotics including also add on psychotropics.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate executive dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenia remitted patients with recent onset of the disease, receiving a strict monotherapy of antipsychotics.

Aims

Enhance the existence of executive dysfunction early in SCZ limiting the impact of relapses, medication and symptoms.

Methods

25 first episode outpatients with schizophrenia, having less than 3 years illness duration were included. All patients received a monotherapy of antipsychotic with no antidepressant, mood stabilizer, hypnotics or benzodiazepines. 25 healthy participants were matched one by one, according to age and educational level. For clinical evaluation, PANSS was applied. Executive functions were assessed with the Davidson et al. (2006) computerized battery designed to manipulate both inhibition and cognitive flexibility. It encompasses interrelated tasks that enabled us to independently vary demands on these abilities.

Results

Compared to controls, patients showed significant differences in the percentage of correct responses and in reaction time attesting difficulties in inhibition and in cognitive flexibility.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the notion that executive dysfunction in schizophrenia stands for itself early in the disease, cannot be only explained by relapses, duration of the disease, impact of medication nor symptoms.
1481 – New Standards In Schizophrenia Outcomes : Definition Of Therapeutic Remission In Russia Before And After The International Consensus-based Remission Criteria
Authors: Potapov A.
Published: July 2013

In Russian psychiatry the definition of therapeutic remission includes an interval from full recovery (symptomatic and functional) to marked deficit and can be divided on different clinical types according to leading psychopathology. A standardized concept of remission in schizophrenia, based on dimensional approach, has been proposed (low symptom threshold in the eight core Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale symptoms for at least 6 consecutive months). Recent studies devoted to validation of the international criteria found several limitations.

Analysis of limitations and combination of categorical and dimensional approaches allowed developing new standardized clinic- functional criteria of remission within two consecutive studies (1. population study of remission rate with 6-months follow-up period of symptomatic stability in two health care districts of an outpatient service (Moscow); 2. pharmacotherapeutic study in natural routine setting).

New criteria of therapeutic remission are based on PANSS and PSP scales providing specific symptom and symptomatic threshold according to ICD-10 diagnosis and contain 8 symptoms of international criteria. It has to note that episodic course with progressive deficit and remittent course of paranoid schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were pooled in one remission group because of possibility to achieve minimal level and less for all chosen symptoms. Practically all positive symptoms were excluded from remission criteria for simple and residual schizophrenia. Validation of standardized clinic- functional criteria showed that they covered wider range of stable schizophrenic patients as compared to international criteria of remission and provide more realistic target for modern antipsychotic therapy according to various clinical types and courses of schizophrenia
1482 – Acute Treatment For Patients With Bipolar Depression In a Hospital Setting In Romania
Authors: Dumitru M.M. , Andrei R. , Botezatu C. , Chirita R. , Chirita V.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent disease that can be unpredictable. Several guides provide clinicians evidence- based treatment options for bipolar depression.

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to investigate the most frequently administered combinations of psychotropic substances and focuses on the use of single drugs in hospitalized patients with bipolar depression.

Aims

To assess concordance between clinical acute treatment and recommendations of the guides for bipolar depression.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing and physical examination of a group of 45 consecutive patients who were hospitalized between February 1 and 30 July 2012, in University Hospital of Psychiatry “Socola” and were diagnosed with bipolar depression according to ICD-10 criteria.

Results

In our cross-sectional study average age of patients with bipolar depression was 55.7 ± 8.55 years, 66.7% female. Average number of drugs received by hospitalized patients with bipolar depression was 1.73 (SD 0.44), which increased to 3 (SD 0.81) drugs if adding sedatives. Classes of drugs most commonly prescribed in the acute treatment were benzodiazepines 86.7%, antidepressants 66.7%, antipsychotics 60% followed by anticonvulsants 40%. Monotherapy had a prevalence of 33.3% of the patients with bipolar depression.

Conclusions

Combinations of antidepressants with mood stabilizers and / or atypical antipsychotics are common in every day acute treatment for patients with bipolar depression. Evaluating indications and conditions of polytherapy are critical issues in future studies on the acute treatment on patients with bipolar depression.
1496 – Pathways To Care In Psychiatry, The Example Of The Carpi’s Mental Health Service
Authors: Landi G. , Spattini L. , Visentini C. , Fiorillo A. , Luciano M. , Ferrari S. , Mattei G.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Studying the pathways followed by psychiatric patients is important to plan both mental health services organization and training programmes for doctors and psychiatrists.

Objective

Detecting the main pathways-to-care followed by patients.

Aim

Finding the reasons why patients look for psychiatric help and the main responses given to patients’ problems by psychiatric services. Evaluating the delays occurring along the pathways.

Methods

The study has been done on 420 Italian patients. In one month, patients with a new episode of disease have been included. Each of them has been administered a questionnaire collecting socio-demographical, medical infos and data concerning health workers, timing and delays along the pathways. Diagnosis done using ICD-10 and an Intervention Detection Schedule filled for each patient.

Results

The Carpi’s sample consists of 43 patients. The 58% has seen the General Practitioner (GP) in the first place, the 19% the hospital doctor (HD), the 16% the psychiatric worker. Nation-widely, most patients have firstly referred to the psychiatrist (34%). In Carpi, the 44% has received a diagnosis of “Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders”. The 93% has been treated with psychotropic medications. The longest pathway has occurred for behavioural syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors, the shortest for affective disorders.

Conclusions

GP, HD and direct access are the 3 main pathways followed by patients. The importance of the GP is confirmed, so as the necessity for training of sanitary workers within the psychiatric field. A greater cooperation between general practice and mental health services should be pursued
1504 – Central Auditory Processing And Audio-vocal Psycholinguistic Abilities In Children With Attention Deficit-hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Amin O.R.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Central auditory processing disorders and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) have become popular diagnostic entities for school-age children. P300 (P3) event-related potential (ERP) putatively reflects central auditory dysfunctions associated with ADHD.

Hypothesis and aim

Detection of central auditory processing (higher auditory functioning) as measured by P300 in ADHD children. Determine the role of stimulants in central auditory processing and P300 in ADHD children for a better understanding of the nature of the deficit in these children.

Participants and methods

Forty children with a diagnosis of ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. and 39 normal children were included in the study and were subjected to P300 ERP, audio-vocal items of Illinois test of psycholinguistic abilities.

Results

This study found a significant difference in P300 latency, amplitude, and most of the audio-vocal subtests between the patients and the controls. This difference was obvious in older children for the Illinois test, but was not observed in P300 results.

Conclusion

There was a CAPD in children with ADHD (as indicated by Illinois subtests) and higher auditory central cognitive function (indicated by decreased amplitude of P300 and prolonged latency in such children). Audio-vocal abilities are more defective in older children (8-10 years) than in younger children. Children with ADHD should be assessed for CAPD. Stimulants may decrease the P300 latency and hence improve the attentive ability and auditory process.
1512 – Predictors Of Posttraumatic Growth In War Displaced Persons On The Territory Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Authors: Petrov B. , Klariĉ M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Researches indicate that traumatized people besides development of mental and physical disorders can experience positive changes.

Objective

Investigate relationships between war trauma, social support, psychological distress and posttraumatic growth.

Aim

Determine the predictors of posttraumatic growth in war displaced persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods

The test sample was composed of 71 refugees, who were due to war-related events been forced to leave the original residence, and their new residence is on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subjects were recruited by snowballing method, and the starting point of inclusion in the study were acquaintances of the medical staff at the Clinical Hospital Mostar. The study used General Demographic Questionnaire, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-version for BiH (HTQ), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Social Support Appraisals Scale (SS-A) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

Results

In the first predictive model (R2=0.053; F=4.889; P=0.030) that included BSI, HTQ and SS-A questionnaires, a linear regression analysis showed that a stronger social support leads to greater posttraumatic growth (standardized β coefficient=0.257; P=0.030), same as greater sensitivity in interpersonal relationships (standardized β coefficient=0.698; P=0.014), while growth in the number of positive psychological symptoms have a negative impact on posttraumatic growth (standardized β coefficient=-1.008; P=0.042). In the second predictive model (R2=0.043; F=1.226; P=0.299), of all demographic factors only the economic status was a significant predictor, where persons with stable economic status had greater posttraumatic growth (standardized β coefficient=0.337; P=0.040).

Conclusion

Social support is significant positive predictor of posttraumatic growth, which is also supported by sensitivity in interpersonal relationships.
1518 – Demographic And Epidemiological Profile Of Outpatients With Mental Disorders On Depot Medication In a Mental Health Teaching Hospital Clinic Of Marilia/sp/brazil
Authors: Sartori N. , Onofri V. , Parpinelli V.L.F. , Almeida C.B.P. , Gimenes V. , Neves Barbosa R.W. , Martins J.O.
Published: July 2013

Schizophrenia is the most severe mental disorder that may affect the individual. Among the proposed treatments it is included the use of medication for symptom control in addition to other therapies and psychoeducation. Often, individuals with schizophrenia suffer numerous hospitalizations when not adhering to the treatment proposed, in these cases depot antipsychotic injections are indicated. The objective of this study was to investigate the demographic and epidemiological profile of outpatients taking antipsychotic injections in a mental health clinic of a teaching hospital in Mar¡lia - SP, Brazil. It is a documentary research with a quantitative approach approved by the Ethics Committee in Research of the institution studied. It was observed that most of these individuals are male, young, white, education level less than 8 years, Catholic, single, unemployed. The drug of choice for treating most of these individuals was the haloperidol decanoate, and only one of the 26 patients studied showed extrapyramidal symptoms, who was also treated with biperiden injections. After the introduction of the treatment with depot medication there was a decrease in the number of rehospitalizations, shorter hospitalizations and bigger spacing between one hospitalization and another after the use of injectable medication. We conclude that these changes provide positive consequences for the patient, family and health sector in the country.
Treatment Effect Prediction In Panic Disorder Patients - Fmri Study
Authors: Grambal A. , Tüdös Z. , Kamaradová D. , Hluštík P. , Praško J.P.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Some patients have a chronic and/or recurrent form of the disorder. Reasons of treatment resistance have been described, but the neurobiological basis of disorder gravity is unclear.

Objectives

Examine if the hyperactivity of right and left amygdala, left posterior cingulate cortex or left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predict the treatment effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Aims

The aim of our study is to test the hypothesis of treatment predictability in panic disorder patients in fMRI.

Method

24 patients meeting the ICD-10 criteria for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Patients were studied in fMRI during the exposition of threat-related words compared with neutral words and emotional faces compared with fixation points. Patients were studied in fMRI scanner before and after CBT treatment. Psychopathology was assessed using Clinical Global Impression rating scale (CGI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Patients were divided into responders and non-responders groups by the 25% reduction in BAI scale.

Results

Significant reduction of activity was observed in responders on the right amygdala, while the left amygdala decreased activity is lower, and could be the effect of habituation. Incresed activation of left Broca’s area 46, and 45 was negative treatment effect predictor.

Conclusion

Negative treatment effect predictor is hyperactivity in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex BA 46 and 45. Positive predictors are higher reactivity of right amygdala for anxious faces, activation of right angular gyrus, right insula, right temporal pole.

Supported by the project IGA MZ CR NT 11047-4/2010
1541 – Influence Of Discarnated People In Mental Diseases And Its Respective Approach
Authors: Thiesen S.
Published: July 2013

The incidence and prevalence of mental diseases are growing throughout the world and their causes are not yet clearly established in spite of the recent advances in modern psychiatry. By using mediumnistic techniques, or the human ability to enter spiritual reality in an objective manner, we have come into contact with spirits and spiritual contexts that have a well defined relationship with each patient. This has happened in healing sessions in Spiritist Centers for patients with different mental diseases, such as depression, autism, schizophrenia and panic disorder.

The diagnostic approach to uncover the spiritual aspects of each case happened with the aid of a team of doctors-mediums. In all cases the spirits were of human beings who had lived their lives in the past such as we live ours in the present. They were now in a spiritual reality that is a world parallel to ours. They interfered psychically in the lives of the patients, causing harm and maintaining the symptoms of specific mental diseases.

The ties between these spirits and the patients were established in previous lives and old reincarnations. In a non-controlled prospective study of 48 patients with the mental diseases mentioned above, we were able to perceive them and to act in a psychotherapeutic manner with them such that we were able to undo the spiritual ties of each case. This resulted in an evident improvement of a significant percentage of the cases and even resulted in the complete and sustained recovery of many of them.
1552 – Impaired Decoding Of The Flouting Of The Gricean Maxims Mong Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Varga E. , Schnell Z. , Tényi T. , Simon M. , Hajnal A. , Németh N. , Herold R.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Pragmatic language skills were examined in schizophrenia patients compared to IQ-matched control subjects measured by the decoding of the flouting of the four Gricean maxims.

Methods

19 schizophrenic patients and 19 matched controls were evaluated. Five experimental conditions (all included four stories) were used, such as „quantity maxim” (QNM) condition, „quality maxim” (QLM) condition, „relevance maxim” (RM) condition, „manner maxim” (MM) condition and "control” (C) condition. An investigator presented the stories and asked for the hidden communicative intentions. PANSS scores and general intelligence were also measured.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia performed significantly worse than controls in each of the conditions containig the flouting of the Gricean maxims. The response accuracy in the C condition was not differed significantly between the two groups (QNM:p< 0.001; QLM:p< 0.001; RM:p< 0.001; MM:p< 0.001; C:p=0.487). Significant positive correlations were found between QLM and IQ (p< 0.001) and between RM and IQ (p=0.025), and there was no significant correlatios between PANSS scores and response accuracy. Full scale IQ was not differed significantly between the two groups (p=0.095).

Conclusions

We found that a complex pragmatic language deficit exists in schizophrenia. The impairment do not seem to have a relationship with symptom severity. Besides, it seems, that good intellectual function supports pragmatic language skills in schizophrenia.
1560 – Perceived Infant Difficult Temperament And Mothers Psychological Distress
Authors: Bos S.C. , Marques M. , Pereira A.T. , Soares M.J. , Amaral A.P. , Roque C. , Nogueira V. , Valente J. , Azevedo M.H. , Macedo A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

A perceived difficult infant temperament has been associated to mothers depressive mood (Beck, 1996; McGrath et al., 2008).

Objective

To identify infant difficult temperament dimensions associated to mothers psychological distress.

Methods

103 mothers (M= 31.9 years, SD=4.10; 68% married, 71.7% primiparae) filled in the difficult infant temperament questionnaire (DITQ; Macedo et al., 2011), two items of the Brief infant sleep questionnaire (number of infant night wakings, duration of infants wakefulness during the night; Sadeh, 2004), the Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck et al., 1996; Coelho et al., 2002) and the Postpartum depression screening scale (PDSS; Beck and Gable, 2000; Pereira et al., 2010) when their babies were 3 months of age. DITQ factor analysis with varimax rotation and reliability analyses suggested 2 temperament dimensions: emotional difficulties (irritable baby, cries excessively, difficult to calm down), F1; sleeping problems (baby who has sleeping problems, gives bad nights, has difficulties falling asleep), F2.

Results

DITQ-F1, DITQ-F2 and infants number of night wakings were positively and significantly associated with BDIII/ PDSS total scores. Infants eating problems were not associated with BDI-II or PDSS values. Controlling for mothers severe depressive mood, regression analysis revealed that DITQ F2 was the variable that explained BDI-II total score (R2=.081; p=.011). PDSS total score was predicted by DITQ F2 (R2=.050; p=.030) and number of infant night wakings (R2=.074; p=.010).

Conclusion

Infants sleeping problems and infants number of night wakings contribute to mothers psychological distress in postpartum.

Financial support

AstraZeneca Foundation.
1564 – Reliability And Validity Of The Thai Version Of The Calgary Depression Scale For Schizophrenia
Authors: Suttajit S. , Srisurapanont M. , Pilakanta S. , Charnsil C. , Suttajit S.
Published: July 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Thai version of the CDSS for the evaluation of depression in patients with schizophrenia.

Method

Sixty patients with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR were recruited in the study. The Thai version of CDSS, the Mongomery and Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 17-item version (HDRS-17), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were administered. Major depressive episode diagnosed by a psychiatrist according to the DSM-IV-TR was used as a gold-standard.

Results

The internal consistency of the Thai version of CDSS was very good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.869). The inter-rater reliability was found to be in substantial agreement with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.979. The test-retest reliability over a period of three days was high, with the ICC of 0.861. The Thai version of CDSS showed significant correlations with the MADRS (r =0.887), the HDRS-17 (r=0.865) and the PANSS-G6 (r=0.833). The areas under the ROC curves of the CDSS, MADRS, HDRS-17, and PANSS-G6 against the DSM-IV-TR criteria for major depressive episode were 0.993, 0.954, 0.966, and 0.933, respectively. The optimal cut-off scores to discriminate between depressed and nondepressed patients was 6/7, with a sensitivity of 92.31% and specificity of 97.87%.

Conclusion

The Thai version of CDSS is a reliable and valid measure for the evaluation of depression in Thai patients with schizophrenia.
1572 – Medication Adherence And Cognitive Functioning In Depressive Disorders
Authors: Espirito-Santo H. , Oliveira M.
Published: July 2013

Medication adherence in psychiatric patients is a major medical concern. Medication adherence in mood disorders is often problematic, with serious consequences ranging from chronicity to suicide. We explored the medication adherence in a sample of psychiatric inpatients, aiming to know wether there are differences between two types of depression [major depression disorder (MDD) and major depression with psychotic features (MDP)], and if medication adherence is associated with cognitive functioning.

We collected consecutively a sample of 30 women from a psychiatric inpatient unit (mean age = 44.37 ± 8.54, mean education= 12.27 ± 4.57), including 15 with MDD and 15 with MDP. Adherence, visual perceptual ability and memory, general cognitive functioning, phonemic and semantic fluency, executive functioning, verbal functioning, and simulation were assessed by Reported Adherence to Medication Scale, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Mini-Mental State Examination, phonemic fluency test (letter “R”), semantic fluency test (category “professions”), Trail making test, vocabulary from Wechsler Adult intelligence scale-III and Rey 15-item test, respectively.

All depressed patients displayed low scores in cognitive functioning, adhere moderately to medication, and did not simulated. The two groups differed statistically in all the neuropsychological and adherence measures. Medication adherence was strongly linked to all the neuropsychological measures, specially memory (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and phonemic fluency (r = 0.82, p < 0.001).

This study suggest that cognitive functioning may be an important factor in medication adherence in depressive inpatients, with implications for an appropriate assessment of cognitive functioning and cautious psychoeducation of these patients.
1585 – Social Adaptation And Immune Reactivity In Schizophrenia
Authors: Lobacheva O. , Kornetova E. , Vetlugina T. , Semke A.
Published: July 2013

Study of social-clinical and biological components of adaptation in schizophrenia currently is of relevance.

Objective

Identification of interrelationship immune reactivity with social adaptation types of schizophrenic patients.

Methods

We examined 38 schizophrenic patients (F20.00, F20.01, F20.02). The scale SASS (Bosc M. et al., 1997) was used to estimate the social adaptation of schizophrenic patients. The immunological examination included the definition of phenotypes of surface receptors of immunocompetent cells, immunoglobulins, circulating immune complexes and phagocytosis levels. The research was carried out in two points: first - at admission, second - in 6 weeks of treatment.

Results

Three adaptation types have been revealed: normal type of social adaptation (15 patients, 39,47%), difficult social adaptation (18 persons), disadaptation (5 patients). By week 6 of treatment number of patients with normal social adaptation has heightened by 1,4 times (21 patients, 55,26%), improvement of indices of social adaptation was observed in 10 patients, type of social adaptation did not change in 28 patients. At admission T-immunodeficiency (CD2+, CD3+, CD16+-lymphocytes decrease), increase CD8+, HLADR+, CD20+- lymphocytes, IgM and phagocytosis decrease were diagnosed among schizophrenic patients. During therapy, features of psychoneuroimmunomodulation were as follows: the normal type of social adaptation is relatively favorable in the immunological context. Patients with low level of social adaptation were characterized by clinical-immunological resistance toward therapy with deepening of T-cellular immune deficiency. Improvement of indices of social adaptation was accompanied by positive dynamic of immunological parameters.

Conclusion

Thus, social differences between groups have been confirmed by data according to immune reactivity.
1589 – Level Of Mental Health In Women With Inflammatory Gynecological Diseases
Authors: Nasyrova R. , Utochkina O. , Sotnikova L.
Published: July 2013

Aim of research is study of the levels of mental health in women at reproductive age with acute inflammatory diseases of pelvic organs.

100 women at reproductive age (from 18 to 45 years) with acute inflammatory gynecological diseases (N70 - ICD-10) were object of research. Results of the investigation have been processed with standard kit of programs Statistica (version 8.0). Analysis of level of mental health of women with pathology of reproductive system has allowed distinguishing great percent (42%) (p< 0,05) of co-morbid borderline mental pathology. Pre-nosological disorders were diagnosed in 23% of patients. Predominance of women with neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (F4) - in 23% was revealed. The reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (F43) was detected in 8% of patients, other neurotic disorders - in 6%, somatoform disorders - in 4%, phobic anxiety disorders - in 3% and dissociative disorders - in 2%. Affective disorders (F3) were found in 9% of patients, behavioral syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors (F5) - in 6%, disorders of adult personality and behavior (F6) - in 4%. Anxiety syndrome was diagnosed in 34% of patients, depressive - in 28%, asthenia - in 27%, hypochondriac - in 23%, phobic - in 9%.

Thus, high co-morbidity of mental disorders in patients of reproductive age with inflammatory gynecological diseases was revealed. This had a negative impact on course and prognosis of disease, and worsened quality of life and efficacy of therapy in gynecological patients.
1591 – Different Brain Responses With Matched Performances Between Mild Cognitive Impairment And Normal Older Adults During Episodic Retrieval: An Erp Study
Authors: Li J. , Li X.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage from normal aging to dementia. The objective of this study was to determine whether a source retrieval ERP is an effective neural marker for differentiating MCI from normal older adults while their behavioral performances were matched which may have implications for identifying seniors at risk for cognitive decline.

Methods

A source memory task was conducted on 16 aMCI and15 healthy older adults. Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded during retrieval phase. Memory performances were matched between the two groups by manipulating the number of items presented for each study session.

Results

The behavioral results showed that both source memory and item memory performances were perfectly matched between aMCI group under easy condition and healthy elderly group under hard condition. While under such case, the ERP results showed remarkable differences between the two groups. First, the right-lateralized positive-going old-new effects significantly decreased for aMCI group compared to control group, especially on the parietal sites. Second, the negative leftlateralized old new effect extended to the posterior sites of right hemisphere only in aMCI group but not in control group.

Conclusions

The results showed that source retrieval ERP is an effective neural marker for differentiating MCI from normal older adults even when they have matched task performances. The results also suggested that MCI brain may involve more regions to compensate their reduced efficiency of dedicated circuits so that they could behave like normal older adults.
1600 – Establishment Of a Regional Register For Neurstimulation Treatment In The Western Part Of Norway
Authors: Schoeyen H.K. , Oedegaard K.J. , Kessler U.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment option mainly in severe depression. ECTs longterm effects on cognitive function are currently unknown, limiting its use. Transcranial magnet stimulation (TMS), is considered less effective than ECT in treatment of severe depression, but is without cognitive side effects. TMS is studied to a less degree than ECT.

Objectives

There is a need of large scale studies of effect, side effects and patients’ subjective experience of ECT and TMS.

Aims

Generate data to better predict which patients will benefit from ECT and TMS by establishing a regional register including all patients referred to ECT and TMS as part of an ordinary clinical treatment practice in the western part of Norway.

Methods

All patients referred to ECT and TMS in Bergen and Stavanger will be asked to participate in the study. There are no exclusion criteria. Demographics and course of illness factors will be recorded before start of ECT. Severity of the depressive disorder and treatment effects will be evaluated with a mix of self evaluation and clinician administrated standardized rating instruments. There will be a follow up at 6 months. Date from the described register will be merged with other relevant central Norwegian health registers.

Results

We expect the described regional register to offer an opportunity to determine predictors for effect, side effects and subjective satisfaction of the treatments.

Conclusion

This register is investigator initiated, with the aim to investigate which patient will benefit from ECT and TMS without serious side effects.
1603 – Stress Hormone And Neuropsychological Functioning Predict Attention Bias Towards Threat In Healthy Individuals
Authors: Hakamata Y. , Izawa S. , Sato E. , Komi S. , Murayama N. , Moriguchi Y. , Hanakawa T. , Inoue Y. , Tagaya H.
Published: July 2013

Introduction/objectives

Attention bias (AB) is a biased information processing towards threat among competing stimuli occurred in early stage of sensory input. Substantial evidence indicates that AB is involved in the development and maintenance of anxiety and depressive disorders. However, little is known about the relationships between AB and individual differences of endocrine and neuropsychological functions.

Methods

Thirty healthy participants without major physical illness or axis I/II mental disorders as evaluated with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, were enrolled. Participants completed a dot-probe task, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure, and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Salivary cortisol levels were measured at three time points per day for consecutive 2 days: immediately and 30 min after awaking in the morning and before sleep at night. Correlation analyses were performed between AB and psychological measures, cortisol levels, and attention measures.

Results

As predicted, AB significantly correlated with BDI-II and Harm avoidance sub-dimension of the TCI. Above all, when those variables that were significantly correlated with AB were included in a step-wise multivariate regression analysis, higher cortisol level at night remained the most influential predictor for AB.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that AB is significantly influenced not only by anxious personality traits and depressive symptoms but also by individual differences of attention function and stress hormonal levels. Particularly, AB modification approach might have a beneficial effect on anxiety in individuals who have high cortisol levels.
1604 – ECT Subjective Memory Questionnaire Audit: The Effect Of Ect On Memory And Other Cognitive Functions
Authors: Al-Taiar H.
Published: July 2013

Aim

This audit is of particular interest to the Royal College of Psychiatrists ECT accreditations service and our local ECT department at the Warneford hospital.

Background

ECT has the drawback of affecting memory to different extents. This audit looks at the effect of ECT on the cognitive function of the recipients.

Methodology

A random sample of patients (who had received ECT in the last 2 years) was selected.

Standards

We looked at the following domains:

1.

Were the 3 forms returned to the ECT department.

2.

Was there any short or long term memory impairment.

3.

Problems with reading, speaking and concentration.

4.

Impairment of learned skills.

Results

The majority of the respondents didn’t have major memory problems in remembering planned events, visits and appointments or in finding the right words when spoken.They didn’t believe that ECT worsened their long term memory.The majority advised that their overall memory is good.

Conclusions

The overall memory was retained in most respondents and it seems that ECT didn’t have a major impact on the long term memory, reading, speaking and learned skills.

Further research into more detailed cognitive functions and their changes after ECT will be conducted at a later stage next year.
1605 – Health Care Utilization Of Patients With Non-affective Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Swildens W. , Termorshuizen F. , Smeets H.M. , Engelhard I.M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Research indicates a higher risk of somatic problems and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality among patients with non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD). Data on health care (HC) utilization of this group have revealed ambivalent results pointing at a higher appeal to somatic HC and possible under-consumption.

Objective

This study focuses on somatic HC utilization in the Netherlands among patients with NAPD, unipolar depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, compared to matched controls without psychiatric diagnosis.

Aims

To study possible under-consumption associated with NAPD and its correlates.

Methods

The HC utilization of 2,392 cases with NAPD registered in the Psychiatric Case Register Middle Netherlands (PCRMN) and above mentioned comparison groups was analyzed by using linked data on prescribed medication, general practitioner (GP) consults and treatment by specialists from insurance company Agis.

Results

The costs for somatic HC among NAPD patients was on average €1621 per year, marginally higher compared to matched controls (€1441, p=0.079). Among patients with depression and anxiety, much greater differences with their matched controls were found (p< 0.05). The percentage of NAPD patients who received somatic treatment by a specialist was lower than that of controls (OR=0.89, P< 0.05), especially at higher age (>60) and longer duration since diagnosis (>5 years) (OR=0.60, P< 0.05). In particular, treatment by a specialist was lower for cardiovascular disorders (OR=0.61) and diabetes (OR=0.37, P< 0.05).

Conclusion

In view of the higher somatic death risk, our data suggest HC under-consumption, which is increasing with a longer illness duration and older age.
1606 – Temperament In Individuals With Psychotic Disorders Before And After The Onset Of Illness
Authors: Miettunen J. , Juola P. , Roivainen E. , Veijola J. , Alaräisänen A. , Isohanni M. , Jääskeläinen E.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) is used to measure novelty seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), reward dependence RD), and persistence (P).

Objectives

We will study temperament in individuals with psychosis and healthy controls.

Aim

We aim to study the stability of temperament in individuals with psychotic disorders (with onset of illness before and after first follow-up) and in healthy controls.

Methods

As part of the 31-year follow-up survey of the prospective population based Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort, the TCI was filled by a large sample of individuals. A subsample of psychotic individuals, with the onset of illness before (n=16) or after (n=15) the 31-year follow-up, and healthy controls (n=117) filled in these scales again at the age of 43. We studied also the association between psychotic symptoms and premorbid temperament.

Results

The 31-year and 43-year temperament scores correlated strongly among controls (Pearson's r: NS 0.68, HA 0.60, RD 0.56, P 0.54), whereas correlations among psychotic individuals with the onset of psychosis before first follow-up were weaker (NS 0.38, HA 0.50, RD 0.17, P 0.53). High HA before the onset of illness (at age of 31 years) associated significantly with a lower likelihood of remission and with more negative, disorganization and total symptoms in the PANSS. High NS before illness associated with a higher likelihood of remission according to the PANSS.

Conclusions

Temperament was stable among controls, and more unstable in individuals with psychoses. Premorbid harm avoidance and novelty seeking predicts the clinical outcome in schizophrenia.
1608 – Free, Anonymous e-counseling Service: Means For People To Overcome Fear Of The First Appeal For Help From Mental Health Specialist, To Encourage Prevention
Authors: Marceniene S. , Dapsiene V. , Maciulis V. , Utkuviene J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

In Lithuania psychiatrist's service are easily accessible due to a wide network of Mental Health Centers; however, specialists recognize the existence of information gap, myths and attitudes that discourage well-timed appeal.

Method, results

The project has guaranteed access for anybody to anonymous, free consultation on any problem from a psychologist, the possibility being introduced on the website of Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital. The ways of communication are via e-mail or online/Skype (specialists are available at given hours). During two years approximately 1000 people has appealed concerning a variety of problems (from problems in interpersonal relations to complicated situations that urgently required interventions from mental health specialist). During our work we have discovered that about 25% required direct help from a psychiatrist, we were trying to keep emphatic contact and rapport with them, to give well-timed emotional support, to encourage and motivate to see a specialist eye-to-eye, to help to overcome fear of the first appeal, to dispel myths and attitudes towards psychiatrists, which are still present in our society. About 10% were appealing due to dangerous, troublesome behavior of their closest relatives, friends. They were also extensively informed about possibilities and ways of getting help.

Conclusion

The Internet, simple to use, easy accessible for anonymous services that require low material resources, opens up new possibilities to inform/educate people, to help them overcoming fear of the first help appeal from a specialist, to encourage and motivate search for direct help, to provide with adequate, extensive and well-timed information.
1620 – Blood Lipid Spectrum Changes In First-episode Schizophrenia Patients Treated With Risperidone And Haloperidol
Authors: Ozornin A. , Govorin N.
Published: July 2013

The aim

Comparative study of the blood lipid spectrum changes in first-episode schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone and haloperidol.

Materials and methods

68 patients with first-episode schizophrenia (average age 24,9 years) and 20 age-matched normal controls were investigated. All patients had PANSS total score not less than 80 points. The patients were divided in two groups of 34 persons in each group: treated with haloperidol and risperidone. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels were determined in serum before treatment and after 8 weeks of therapy.

Results

Before the treatment TC, LDL, non-HDL, apoB, Lp(a) levels were authentically higher, but HDL level was lower. After treatment with risperidone and haloperidol HDL and apoA1 levels were increased. In patient group treated with risperidone TC, LDL, non-HDL, apoB, Lp(a) levels did not authentically change after 8 weeks. After treatment with haloperidol TC, LDL, non- HDL, apoB, Lp(a) levels were decreased.

Conclusions

Changes of blood lipid spectrum in first-episode schizophrenia patients were discovered. It was established changes of lipid spectrum in patients treated with risperidone and haloperidol. Haloperidol was noticed to positively influence on blood lipid spectrum in first-episode schizophrenia patients.
1623 – Brain Abnormalities Associated With Stimulant Dependence - Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Cuzen N.L. , Jones P.S. , Williams G.B. , Ersche K.D. ,   KD Ersche's Addiction Research Group
Published: July 2013

Introduction

According to the United Nations, women are less likely to use illicit drugs compared with men. This gender gap is poorly understood, possibly because female drug users are underrepresented in research studies and treatment.

Objectives

We test the hypothesis of gender differences in neural mechanisms mediating addiction.

Aims

We aimed to explore gender differences in terms of trait-impulsivity, cognitive function, and brain structure in stimulantdependent individuals.

Methods

We re-analysed exiting neuroimaging and behavioural data on stimulant-dependent individuals (n=37; 17 females) and healthy controls (n =40; 20 females), all matched for demographic variables. Male and female substance users were additionally matched for the type, duration and severity of stimulant use. Behavioural measures included substance use variables, impulsivity and depression scores, and measures of visual sustained attention. ANOVAs using planned contrasts, ttests and Chi-square tests were employed to examine group and gender differences.

Results

Consistent with previous studies, stimulant-dependent individuals showed significant, widespread reduction in grey matter volume. Gender differences were observed within both stimulant-dependent individuals and healthy controls in the left parahippocampal gyrus: males showed grey matter reduction in this region relative to females. Stimulant-dependent individuals exhibited higher levels of impulsivity compared with healthy controls, but no gender differences were observed here. Aside from response time on the sustained attention task, there were no further group differences in any of the behavioural measures.

Conclusions

We found evidence for gender differences in brain structure between stimulant-dependent individuals and healthy controls, which can be statistically controlled for by matching for gender.