bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student mental health during the first two years of the COVID- 19 pandemic
Authors: Charbonnier E. , Le Vigouroux S. , Puechlong C. , Montalescot L. , Goncalves A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic have had deleterious effects on mental health of students. Authors suggest that the psychological effects will persist long after COVID-19 has peaked, but we have no data to confirm this.

Objectives

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare clinical issues (concerns, anxiety and depression symptoms) and adjustment (coping strategies) in French university students during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 (during two periods of lockdown and two periods after lockdown)

Methods

Method: Data were collected anonymously at four timepoints: during France’s first national lockdown (23 April- 8 May 2020; nT1 = 1294); during the period after lockdown (9‑23 June 2020; nT2 = 321); 1 year after the first lockdown, which was also a lockdown period (23 April- 8 May 2021; nT3 = 2357); and 1 year after the first unlockdown, which was also a unlockdown period (9‑23 June 2021, nT4 = 1174). The following variables were measured: concerns, coping strategies, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Results

In 2021, students have significantly higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than in 2020, and this is even more pronounced during the lockdown periods. For example, 44.1% had probable anxiety symptoms in the 2021 lockdown, compared to 33% in the 2020 lockdown. In the unlockdown periods, the rates are 21.7% in 2020 and 26.4% in 2021.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that university students, known to be a vulnerable population with significant mental health deterioration, have become even more vulnerable with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Gender-specific perception of socio-psychological risks during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Belinskaya E. , Tihomandritskaya O. , Dubovskaya E. , Popova T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The article is devoted to the study of adaptation to the covid-19 pandemic conditions in Russian men and women in the first part of 2020. Respondents assessed the degree of potential danger of various types of social threats caused by the pandemic, as well as the level of their adaptation to changed living conditions during the first lockdown.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify key differences in adaptation to pandemic conditions in groups of men and women.

Methods

The author’s methodology was developed to assess the level of adaptation to COVID-19. The questionnaire included 6 scales on different aspects of life during the lockdown (for example, physical and emotional state, communication, employment during the pandemic, etc.). The sample was N = 80 (residents of Russia age 18-37).

Results

Men significantly higher estimated the potential danger of an epidemic threat to themselves than women. The level of adaptation to conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic also differed in two gender groups according to t-test on the scale “Employment in a pandemic”: men were better adapted to work or study in conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic than women.

Conclusions

This can be interpreted from the point of view of the stereotype existing in Russian culture which postulates the performance of household duties and child care is more perceived as a woman’s responsibility. The adaptation of women to remote work during the lockdown was forced to be combined with an increased workload in the family and household sphere.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Social medias in increasing anxiety around COVID-19 in Morocco
Authors: Hanine I. , Chtibi M. , Bensalah Y. , Belbachir S. , Ouanass A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Discovered in December 2019, COVID has affected the entire planet, through direct exposure to its virus; SARS-COV-2, or indirectly through the media, Indeed, on January 20, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be “a public health emergency of international concern.” Along with other public health crises and other collective trauma (terrorism, H1N1 epidemic or SARS-COV), exposure to publicized information on this virus generates psychiatric disorders, in particular anxiety and absence of well-being.

Objectives

To link exposure to information about this pandemic through social media and anxiety and lack of well-being.

Methods

Use of a questionnaire consisting of three sections, individual status and conditions, the French versions of the GAD-7 scale for anxiety (Generalized anxiety scale of 7items) and the WHO-5 (five well-being index). This questionnaire is dedicated to the general population who have not been in direct contact with the virus, but through the media.

Results

We were able to collect 209 participants, they were essentially females with a mean age of 28yo, 17,7% had psychiatric history of anxiety and depression, the median use of social medias was 5.7 hours per day. And they were essentially getting their information about the pandemic from Instagram, Facebook, the Moroccan ministry of health’s website and electronic newspapers. 31,1% of our participants had anxiety which was above a Chinese study, and had a poor well-being.

Conclusions

the use of social media to get information about the pandemic had an impact on well-being and anxiety..

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
A qualitative study on the symptoms and psychological characteristics of young Hwa-Byung patients
Authors: Park S.-A. , Kim J. , Lee S. , Choi S.-W.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hwa-Byung is characterized by feelings of anger or resent about unreasonable social violence and trauma. Although Prevalence of Hwa-Byung is high in middle-aged, recently Hwa-Byung is occurred in young people. And it is suggested that young Hwa-Byung patients will show different patterns from middle-aged.

Objectives

The purpose of present study was to qualitatively analyze young Hwa-Byung patients’ experiences of symptoms and psychological characteristics related to antecedent events of Hwa-Byung.

Methods

10 women aged 20s were Interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to in-depth study on their experiences related to Hwa-Byung. The interview data were analyzed using phenomenological approach in order to understand the essence of experiences. In particular, it was analyzed through five steps according to Giorgi (1985). First, by repeatedly reading the material, recurring themes were identified. Second, the meaning units were divided to capture important parts of participants’ statements. Third, similar meaning units were grouped together. Fourth, the determined meaning units were described in psychological term. Finally, research data were integrated and presented according to the described meaning units. Reliability between coders was higher than the minimum reliability coefficient.

Results

In symptoms, two themes and seven sub-themes were emerged. In psychological characteristics, three components and five sub-themes were derived. In particular, the antecedent events of young Hwa-Byung patients were related to vertical social relationships, suggesting that Hwa-Byung need to be understood under social context which make them angry.

Conclusions

Present study revealed the social context of Hwa-Byung by discussing the differences between young and middle-aged patients, and furthermore, differences between Hwa-Byung and depression, PTSD patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Cultural competence of mental health professionals
Authors: Zartaloudi A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Societies nowadays, including Greece, are usually multicultural. Health professionals should therefore be properly trained to consider patients’ beliefs, attitudes and particular needs depending on their different cultural background.

Objectives

To identify the features that the culturally competent professional should have in order to understand better the nature of cultural competence and its importance to mental health professionals in early intervention of immigrants’ mental health problems.

Methods

A literature review has been made through PubMed database.

Results

The development of cultural competence is a continuous process. Culturally competent professionals should have the following features: a) Understand the concept of culture and the way individuals’ cultural background affect their feelings and their intercultural interactions. b) Choose appropriate collaboration strategies with people from different cultural backgrounds. c) Accept diversity and respect patients’ differences, demands and choices without criticism while providing them the proper care. d) Be fair and take care of all patients without any distinction regardless of the language they speak. e) Familiarize themselves with issues related to mental health and illness and encourage patients to explain how their illness affects their lives. Culturally competent mental healthcare professionals should seek more than the provision of caring without prejudice. They should respect the positive contribution of cultural origin and identity to people’s well-being, learn their life stories and develop a relationship of trust with each patient separately.

Conclusions

Cultural competence might help mental health professionals to understand and provide adequate services with respect to patients who come from a different cultural background.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: When Two Traditions Meet
Authors: Frecska E. , Kazai A. , Bokor P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

After a long moratorium since the Controlled Substances Act was passed in 1970, there has been a resurgence of research on the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic (PE) compounds. It has been widely believed that the PE effect is a result of the interaction between the drug and the mindset of the patient (the “set”) with the external physical and social conditions (the “setting”). In order to control non-pharmacological variables and improve therapeutic outcome two types of psychological approaches to PE use have emerged traditionally. One is based on psychoanalytically informed talk therapy with low to moderate doses of a PE agent with the goal of facilitating a discharge of emotionally charged mental contents (psycholytic therapy). The other used one or several high doses of a PE to create an “overwhelming experience,” which was then followed up in integrative sessions (psychedelic therapy).

Objectives

Currently, it is unclear which one is better than another, these two methods are frequently mixed, and all-together carry the name of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. There has also been some discrepancy about what is the right “set” and “setting”.

Methods

To add some anchor points for (and at the same time warn about the limitations of
) the reemerging field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy the authors refer to anthropological observations in cultures, where PE use has a long practice historically.

Results

As part of healing ceremonials PE has usually been administered in a tight community with shared cosmology (“set”) and ritual context (“setting”).

Conclusions

These are difficult-to-reach conditions for someone coming from Western tradition.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Study design of VGOAL-J: an observational, prospective cohort study to assess effectiveness of vortioxetine on goal achievement and work productivity in patients with MDD in Japan
Authors: Watanabe K. , Moriguchi Y. , Ren H.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is a method to assess the patient experience of whether a treatment is successful and capture outcomes across a diverse range of goal areas. However, this approach has not yet been used in assessing the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Japan. GAS was first developed by Kiresuk and Sherman in the 1968, it is increasingly recognised as a sensitive method for recording patient-centred outcomes throughout the course of treatment.

Objectives

To demonstrate the effectiveness of vortioxetine on patient’s goal achievement and depressive symptoms, emotional, cognitive, overall function and quality of life.

Methods

VGOAL-J is a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study of outpatients initiating vortioxetine treatment for MDD in Japan. Patients with a diagnosis of MDD according to DSM-5 who are 18 to 65 years will be enrolled from 20 sites in Japan and followed for 24 weeks. A total number of 120 patients is planned for enrolment. Primary outcome measures are GAS-D, WPAI, secondary outcome measures include Montgomery – Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Depression 5-item (PDQ-D-5), Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ), EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). Safety will be also assessed with Adverse Events collected during the study.

Results

The results will be disseminated in late 2022 and provide new insights on GAS-D as an effective strategy to assess MDD treatment in Japan.

Conclusions

We expect to observe patients treated with vortioxetine achieving their treatment goals as assessed by GAS-D and improvements on patient- and clinician-reported measures in real-world settings.

Disclosure

Prof. K. Watanabe reports consultancies undertaken for Eli Lilly, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, Taisho Toyama Pharmaceutical, and Takeda Pharmaceutical, honoraria received from Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, J
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicide risk among medical residents
Authors: Reyes C. , Santana V. , Arocha G. , Martínez N. , Almonte K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Depression and suicide risk are disturbing issues within the medical community. In many countries, physician’s mental health is not a concern, due to the fact that many do not even consider medical staff as potential mental health patients. However, health care providers are an at risk population for phycological affliction due to their heavy workload.

Objectives

We aim to describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal risk among medical residents from health centers of Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was made, between the months of February and May 2021, using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-2) and the Plutchick Suicidal Risk Scale.

Results

There was a total population of 507 residents, where 231 completed the survey. Of these, 1 recanted his participation, and 14 were excluded according to the study’s criteria, resultingin a total of 217 residents. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 24.9% and suicidal risk was 22.94%. Residents who worked in a private center had 3.83 times more risk of suffering depressive symptoms compared to those who belonged to the public sector. Furthermore, residents from Internal Medicine (39.5%) had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, and residents from Anesthesiology (42.2%) suffered a higher suicide risk compared to other medical residences.

Conclusions

A disturbing percentage of the medical residents suffer from depressive symptoms and suicidal risk. Therefore, residency programs should offer assistance to help prevent and manage mental health disorders.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Relation between Vitamin D level and severity, symptomatology and cognitive dysfunction of Major Depressive Disorder - A sample of Egyptian patients
Authors: Elsessy S. , Khalil M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Vitamin D helps in the regulation of neurotransmission and neuroprotection. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency might lead to inactivated receptors and may result in depression.

Objectives

The study assessed the relation between serum level of vitamin D and severity, symptomatology and cognitive dysfunction of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a sample of Egyptian patients.

Methods

Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured with electro-chemiluminescence binding assay technique in 75 patients with major depressive disorder. Patients were recruited from Psychiatry and Addiction Hospital, Kasr Al Ainy outpatient clinic. Patients were subjected to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders(SCID), Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D), Mini-mental status examination (MMSE), Wechsler memory subtests (story A and paired associate learning test (PALT) ), Benton visual retention test (BVRT) and Trail B test.

Results

94.6% of patients had vitamin D deficiency. There was no significant correlation between levels of vitamin D and severity of depression according to HAM-D. Regarding symptoms of depression, there was a statistically significant difference between levels of vitamin D, being more deficient with decreased concentration, decreased libido and menstrual disturbances. There was no statistically significant correlation between level of vitamin D and cognitive functions tests.

Conclusions

Major depressive disorder was associated with vitamin D deficiency but no statistical significant correlation could be established neither between levels of vitamin D and severity of depression nor between levels of vitamin D and cognitive dysfunction. Vitamin D level was statistically correlated with decreased concentration, decreased libido and menstrual disturbances.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
ICD-11 Primary Psychotic Disorders: What is New and May be Relevant for Treatment Selection and Outcome?
Authors: Gaebel W.
Published: September 2022

ICD-11 was released by WHO in 2018 and approved by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2019. The revision for all chapters was guided by the principles of global applicability, scientific validity and clinical utility. The new chapter for mental health is termed 06 Mental, Behavioural or Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MBND). The ICD-11 with its chapter on Mental, Behavioural or Neurodevelopmental Disorders, its Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (MMS), Coding Tool and Reference Guide, Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines (CDDG), and other tools for translation and implementation offers an innovative approach for individualised diagnosis, treatment and care of people with mental disorders. For supporting the international process of implementation, WHO has installed an International Advisory Group for Training and Implementation of ICD-11 MBND. Development, Concept and Structure of ICD-11 will be presented. Selected changes from ICD-10 to ICD-11 like new diagnostic categories, revision of diagnostic criteria, introduction of dimensional symptom qualifiers or course descriptors, and options for complex coding with regard to their innovative strength, controversial potential and impact on diagnostics, treatment and care will be briefly discussed. National challenges for implementation - partly informed by international field trials, administrative, organisational, educational and training requirements - will be outlined. The new ICD-11 chapter on Schizophrenia or other primary psychotic disorders will serve as an example to discuss potential impact on treatment selection and outcome.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Treating Catatonia: a Blind Spot of Psychiatry?
Authors: Mohr P.
Published: September 2022

Catatonia is a syndrome of primarily psychomotor disturbances associated with typical abnormalities of muscle tone. It is characterized by the co-occurrence of several symptoms of decreased, increased, or abnormal psychomotor activity. Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome, not an independent nosological entity. Historically associated mainly with schizophrenia (e.g., catatonic subtype), ICD-11, similarly to DSM-5, now recognizes catatonia under a separate classification category, apart from psychotic disorders. In addition to schizophrenia and other primary psychotic disorders, it can occur in the context of other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, or neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. Catatonia can also develop during or immediately after intoxication or withdrawal from psychoactive substances, including phencyclidine, cannabis, hallucinogens such as mescaline or LSD, cocaine and MDMA or related drugs, or during the use of some psychoactive and non-psychoactive medications (e.g. antipsychotic medications, benzodiazepines, steroids, disulfiram, ciprofloxacin). Moreover, catatonia can occur as a direct pathophysiological consequence of various nonpsychiatric medical conditions, e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis, hypercalcemia, hepatic encephalopathy, homocystinuria, neoplasms head trauma, cerebrovascular disease, or encephalitis. Due to the fact that catatonia was mostly associated witch schizophrenia, many cases were not diagnosed and thus did not receive indicated treatment. There are no specific “anti-catatonic” drugs, first-line treatment are benzodiazepines and ECT, in addition to the symptomatic and supportive therapy. The recognition of catatonia as an independent category in ICD-11 can improve medical care for catatonic patients in clinical practice.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Do malignant self-regard and depressive personality account for appearance evaluation? Preliminary results
Authors: Cavalli R. , Rogier G. , Velotti P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Despite the growing number of studies focusing on the relationship between appearance evaluation and personality dimension, few is known regarding the role of depressive personality and malignant self-regard regarding this topic. Moreover, there is a lack of studies investigating the potential role of both clarity of self-concept and interpersonal exclusion feelings in this relationship.

Objectives

To extend the knowledge regarding the relationships between malignant self-regard, depressive personality and appearance evaluation.

Methods

We administered to a very large sample of adults a battery of self-report questionnaires including the subscale Appearance evaluation of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, the Self Concept Clarity Scale, the Malignant self-regard questionnaire, the Depressive Personality Inventory and the Core Exclusion Schema Questionnaire.

Results

We found that depressive personality negatively predicted positive appearance evaluation whereas the inverse pattern of results was obtained in relation to malignant self-regard. Moreover, we found that both poor self-concept clarity and feelings of exclusion mediate the relationship between malignant self-regard and positive appearance evaluation.

Conclusions

Depressive personality and Malignant self-regard appear to be promising construct to investigate in the field of eating disorders.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Atrial fibrillation debut following first electroconvulsive therapy combined with venlafaxine: a case report and a literature review
Authors: Ilzarbe L. , Ilzarbe D. , Gil J. , Valentí M. , De Juan O. , Arbelo N. , Llach C. , Bioque M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Cardiovascular events (CVE) are infrequent adverse effects in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Nonetheless, it constitutes a threat for patient’s life and may compromise continuing ECT.

Objectives

To describe a case of acute-onset atrial fibrillation under combined therapy with ECT and venlafaxine.

Methods

We present a 76-year-old man diagnosed of delusional disorder and without any previous CVE, who was hospitalized in our acute psychiatric unit by major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms resistant to pharmacological treatment (valproic-acid 100mg/d, haloperidol 6mg/d, venlafaxine 300mg/d). ECT was initiated presenting atrial fibrillation after first session of ECT, requiring amiodarone and anticoagulant treatment for stabilization. Second session of ECT was delayed for three-weeks, worsening the psychiatric symptoms. Haloperidol was discontinued initiating lurasidone with better cardiovascular profile.

Results

CVE occur in 2% of the patients receiving ECT, being acute arrhythmia the most frequent one. Among them, few cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) under ECT have been reported. It has been hypothesised that initial vagal response followed by catecholamine surge secondary to ECT could facilitate the development of AF. In addition venlafaxine, an antidepressant drug, may also predispose to arrhythmia in high-risk individuals. High doses of venlafaxine (>300mg/d) combined with ECT have been related with an increment of CVE.

Conclusions

Although clinically effective for the treatment of major depression disorder, combined therapy of ECT and venlafaxine could precipitate the start of a CVE in genetically susceptible individuals. Therefore, identify and clarify potential risk factors other than previous history of CVE is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Pharmacological Treatment Strategies for Postpartum Depression
Authors: Vasiliu O.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is an important cause of discomfort and dysfunction that impair the quality of life and the daily functionality not only of the patient but also of her child and her family, in its entirety. New treatment options have been made available for this pathology, but their use is restricted by methodological aspects, like the difficulty of administration, lack of enough data regarding their long-term efficacy, and costs.

Objectives

To conduct a literature review in order to find the most evidence-based pharmacological interventions for PPD.

Methods

A literature review was performed through the main electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE) using the search paradigm “postpartum depression” AND “treatment” OR “pharmacological agents”. All papers published between January 2000 and August 2021 were included.

Results

Among the most evidence-based agents for PPD treatment are serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As individual agents, sertraline seems to be the most supported antidepressant by evidence from clinical trials, followed by escitalopram/citalopram, and fluoxetine. Other antidepressants supported by clinical data were venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, nortriptyline, and bupropion. A 6-12 months maintenance treatment is considered optimal after remission, in women with a low risk of recurrence. Brexanolone, zuranolone, and ganaxolone are members of a new class of drugs studied for postpartum depression, but currently, only the first agent is FDA-approved for this indication.

Conclusions

SSRIs are the most supported by evidence treatments for PPD, and brexanolone is a drug with a new mechanism, dedicated to this pathology that provides new hope for recovery.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Multidisciplinar treatment in postpartum depression. Coordinated attention of psychiatrist and midwife: use of desvenlafaxine while breastfeeding
Authors: Sánchez Rus S.S. , Suárez-Gómez S. , Sanchez R. D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Postpartum depression is a common psychiatric complication after pregnancy, so it is necessary to know the depressive symptoms to be able to carry out early prevention and treatment interventions. It is a health problem with a prevalence that ranges between 10–15% according to the world literature. Behavioral and psychosocial factors favoring postpartum depression are recognized.

Objectives

-To emphasize multidisciplinary treatment in the combined attention to the mother-baby. -To demostrate decreased risk for baby if early use of antidepressants. -To evaluate of the impact of desvenlafaxine during breastfeeding.

Methods

Descriptive-study. Clinical Case. Evolution of postpartum depression. Follow-up of a patient based on coordination with the midwife attending a successful breastfeeding while treatment with desvenlafaxine. Use of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results

-Use of Desvenlafaxine 50-100mg being compatible with breastfeeding, in adittion to depressive illness improvement *Obstetrics and psychiatry guidelines and safety considerations for lactation and antidepressants).

Conclusions

-Postpartum-depression could be the first episode of depression in a healthy woman. Sometimes there are unnoticed symptoms during pregnancy. -Health-care for puerperal women should be focused on both, biomedical and psychosocial issues, with a coordinated multidisciplinar team. -Due to important early treatment during the puerperium, it is recommended a close medical control of the mother´s psychological state after the birth. -If depression appears, a psychiatric follow-up is kept even after the episode remission. Besides, the role of the midwife is essential during lactation. -Some antidepressants like desvenlafaxine have demonstrated benefits over the risk of the baby´s complications without treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Erythropoietin – a potential tool in the treatment of depressive disorders?
Authors: Simões G. , Jesus S. , Silva R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Depression is one of the leading causes of psychiatric disability across the globe because of its high prevalence and chronic, treatment resistant and recurrent nature. Erythropoietin (EPO), well known for its effects on blood cells, has also a key role in neuroprotection and cognitive function.

Objectives

The authors aim to explore the potential of EPO to treat depressive disorders (DD) and related cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

A literature research was conducted on PubMed starting from the MeSH terms: “Erythropoietin” and “Depressive Disorders”. The results selected for our analysis corresponded to investigations using EPO based on an adult population with DD.

Results

The research provided 14 results, of which 9 met the defined criteria. Different types of studies with variable samples were considered, including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and a systematic review. Overall, despite records of reduction in depression symptomatology and increased quality of life, evidence does not demonstrate statistically significant reductions in depression severity through the use of EPO in the treatment of DD. However, several RCTs examined its effect on cognitive performance, founding effective improvements in memory, verbal recall and recognition. The underlying potential mechanisms and the current limitations in the use of EPO, and of the available studies are analysed and discussed.

Conclusions

Although EPO does not appear to be effective treating depression, it may play a role in improvement of deficits in memory and executive function. Larger RCTs evaluating its potential use are needed, in order to move towards better clinical practice, quality of life and functional reintegration of these patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
“Could she be a good mother?. The stigma of mental illness in motherhood. A case report
Authors: López Rodrigo M.V. , Osca Oliver A. , Palomo Monge M. , Pérez Fominaya M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Approximately 15% of pregnant women suffer from a mental illness, however only half of them accept psychopharmacological treatment. One of the reasons for refusing treatment is the stigma attached to it.An important part of functional recovery is defining identity. This identity is multifactorial and is defined by several variables, one of them being gender.Several studies on motherhood in women with mental illness define the importance of a mothering identity, providing meaning and values. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman, mother of a two-year-old child, undergoing follow-up at a psychiatric clinic for recurrent depressive episodes and a history of two suicide attempts ten years ago. Currently stable in treatment with escitalopram 10 mg and lorazepam 1 mg if necessary.The woman refers the desire to abandon treatment after realizing that she is pregnant again. Therapeutic accompaniment is decided. The social worker from the obstetric service communicates with the psychiatric service to question the woman’s ability to care for a child with her psychiatric history.

Objectives

Determine the stigma of mental illness, including among healthcare workers.

Methods

The woman makes her decision with full judgment. The patient is accompanied during pregnancy without incident, with clinical stability.

Results

After delivery, the patient decides to resume psychopharmacological treatment.

Conclusions

Having a mental illness does not determine a woman’s ability to be a mother. As long as it is agreed with the psychiatrist, patients have the right to make decisions about their treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Ketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy: Better Together?
Authors: Fraga A. , Mesquita B. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Espada-Santos P. , Albuquerque M. , Neves R. , Moutinho A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent clinical condition with a leading cause of disability worldwide. The currently available therapeutic agents have important limitations regarding side effects, partial or non-responsiveness. Patients are considered to have treatment-resistant depression (TRD) if there is no effect or minimal effectiveness after receiving adequate dose-duration use of antidepressants from two different categories. For this patients, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a treatment option and new therapies appear to tackle TRD like ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic and analgesic.

Objectives

The authors elaborate a narrative literature review to understand if ketamine might enhance the antidepressant efficacy of ECT.

Methods

PubMed database searched using the terms “Electroconvulsive therapy”, “ketamine” and “treatment-resistant depression”.

Results

ECT is currently recommended as an end-line therapy for TRD. Memory impairment after ECT could be a consequence of indiscriminate activation or saturation of glutamate receptors during the treatment, disrupting hippocampal plasticity involved in memory. Ketamine inhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, while stimulating glutamate release and was proposed as an ECT adjuvant, might reduce cognitive adverse effects, time until response/ remission and inclusively improve response rates to ECT.

However, response and remission rates of ketamine in ECT showed no significant difference from the comparator groups and was associated with higher rates of psychiatric and cardiovascular adverse events.

Conclusions

The results did not support the use the combination of ketamine and propofol as anesthetic agents for ECT in patients with MDD. However, further studies are needed to investigate the beneficial clinical and cognitive effects of ketamine alone in ECT settings.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Depression and anxiety among psychiatry residents
Authors: Bouattour N. , Bouattour W. , Abdelkefi M. , Messedi N. , Charfeddine F. , Aribi L. , Aloulou J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Residency training has been reported as being stressful which may lead to different mental disorders.

Objectives

To study the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and depression symptoms among psychiatry residents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey among psychiatry residents. Participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and the HADS questionnaire for screening anxiety and depression.

Results

Forty responses were collected.The average age of the sample was 28.08 ± 2.43 and the sex-ratio (F/M) was 0.875. Eleven participants were married. Eight residents were smokers. The prevalence of alcohol use and cannabis use was 22.5 % and 5% respectively. Half of participants were first year residents and near three-quarter of them (72.5%) declared working in poor conditions. A considerable proportion of participants had symptoms of anxiety and depression. The prevalence of anxiety case and depression case was 52.5% and 47.5% respectively. The prevalence of Anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms was significantly higher in female participants (p = 0.017, p=0.034 respectively). Poor conditions of the workplace were significantly associated with depression symptoms (p=0.004).

Conclusions

Training residents in psychiatry showed high rates of anxiety and depression symptoms. Screening and early management of these psychiatric manifestations is necessary. In addition, improving working conditions would upgrade their training and quality of life.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Can Prescribed Cannabinoids Substitute Cannabis?
Authors: Batalla A.
Published: September 2022

Legislative changes in the last years have made possible the prescription of medical cannabis in several countries, often following a growing public demand. However, the medical indications for use and the access to prescribed cannabis are still limited. Prescribers face several challenges in the form of barriers and dilemmas, often related to stigma, and deficient information and training. As a result, many people keep on using illicit cannabis for medical problems. In this session we will outline the most common controversies of cannabis prescription, particularly in psychiatry. We will discuss the ethical considerations regarding prescription practices, the benefit-risk assessment, the limitations of the current knowledge, and some potential solutions to respond to the strong demand from patients and families.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Postpartum Depression, Catatonia and Covid-19 Infection: One Case, Different Clinical Presentations
Authors: Leite D. , Antunes A.F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Post-partum depression may occur in the first year after childbirth in approximately 25% of women, at times presenting with psychotic symptoms and catatonic states. Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome that occurs in association with various neuropsychiatric disorders and can be described according to the characteristics of its manifestation in types such as retarded or agitated.

Objectives

We report the case of a patient with postpartum depression and catatonic syndrome who, after a session of electroconvulsive therapy, was infected with Sars-COV-2, suspended treatment, and had her condition aggravated with distinct clinical manifestations.

Methods

Clinical case report and non-systematic review of articles consulted in the PubMed platform.

Results

A 24-year-old patient develops depressive symptoms and obsessive behaviour 6 months after delivery and deteriorates with mutism, stupor and motor immobility. She was hospitalised and medicated with lorazepam, with no improvement. One session of electroconvulsive therapy was carried out with improvement of the symptoms. Due to an inpatient Covid-19 outbreak, in which the patient was infected, treatment was suspended. During isolation, deterioration of the patient’s condition was observed with psychomotor agitation, bizarre behaviour, and perseverative speech. The patient resumed treatment with ECT, with total remission of the catatonic syndrome and improvement of the affective symptoms.

Conclusions

Catatonic syndromes are relatively rare, but its association with post-partum depression is not so uncommon. The occurrence of different presentations of catatonia, although described as possible in the same episode in the literature, were not found in any clinical studies reviewed, which leads us to conclude that it is an uncommon situation.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Integration of real-world clinical data into the Munich Mental Health Biobank – clinical and scientific potential and challenges
Authors: Kálmán J. , Burkhardt G. , Pogarell O. , Padberg F. , Schulze T. , Falkai P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

New insights into the pathophysiology of mental disorders and innovations in psychiatric care depend on the availability of representative, longitudinal and multidimensional datasets across diverse, transdiagnostic populations. Biobanks usually attempt to collect such data in parallel to clinical routine, which is resource-intensive, puts additional burden on health-care providers, and may reduce the generalizability of the results. Despite containing rich phenotypic and biological information, data generated in routine clinical care is seldomly used for research purposes, because it is usually unstructured and locked in data silos. To truly link clinical practice and research, solutions that optimize the generation and scientific utilization of real-world clinical data are needed.

Objectives

Evaluation of a new digital infrastructure which warrants the efficient, automatized, and structured collection of real-world data in psychiatric care, and integrates the generated data into existing biobanking efforts.

Methods

We have developed a new documentation system which augments the existing IT-structures, enables the collection of routine clinical data in a structured format and involves patients in the data generation process. In an implementation science approach, to replicate and extend the findings of Blitz et al. (JMIR Ment Health 2021), we are investigating the acceptance, efficacy, and safety of the system in our outpatient clinic for affective disorders.

Results

First results describing the technical safety, usage metrics, and acceptance of the system, and the quality of the collected data will be presented.

Conclusions

Challenges of collecting real-world data for biobanking and research purposes and perspectives on future digital solutions will be discussed.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Creating a Digital Psychoeducation Programme for bipolar disorder in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gadelrab R. , Simblett S. , Hook J. , Rickwood S. , Martinez J. , Johnstone M. , Flower C. , Bourne S. , Young A. , Macritchie K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly affected delivery and accessibility of mental health care services at a time when most needed. The OPTIMA Mood Disorder Service, a specialist bipolar disorder service, adapted group psychoeducation programme for delivery on-line.

Objectives

We report the feasibility of creating a digital psychoeducation programme.

Methods

The OPTIMA ten session group psychoeducation programme was converted into a ‘Digital’ intervention using video-conferencing. Sessions offered a range of key topics, derived from the initial Barcelona Group Psychoeducation Programme. At the time of writing, OPTIMA had fully completed two 10 session digital courses.

Results

A total of 12 people (6 in each group) consented to be part of a service evaluation of the digital groups. Just over half of the participants were women (7/12; 58.3%) and one identified as being non-binary (8.3); remaining participants were men. Age of participants ranged from 25 years to 65 years (Mean=42.3; SD=13.1). Data showed a high level of engagement (77%) All participants reported some improvement with a mean Bipolar Self-Efficacy scale (BPSES) post-group score of 105.6 (SD=14.8). At group level, this change was not statistically significant (F (1, 15) = 0.71, p=0.41). At an individual level, two out of five showed a reliable change index >1.96.

Conclusions

Delivering a ‘digital’ group psychoeducation programme was possible due to careful planning and programme development. There was good uptake from service users suggesting it is a feasible approach with preliminary evidence of clinical benefit.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Opioid Substitution: More than Only Methadone!
Authors: Torrens M.
Published: September 2022

Opioid misuse and its rising rates of morbidity and associated mortality is an increasing area of concern worldwide. The licit/illicit consumption of opioids ranging from plant-based substances and pharmaceutical drugs (particularly analgesia) to the new synthetic opioids, has brought opioid use disorder (OUD) back to the public health concerns, including not only prevention but also availability of evidence-based treatments. Agonist opioids have demonstrated by long high efficacy and effectiveness for OUD treatment. Although methadone has been the more prescribed drug in most of the countries where opioid agonist treatment is available, other agonist opioids can be prescribed. We will present a start of the art of other agonist opioids available for the treatment of OUD, emphasizing in the differences among them, in line with of personalizing treatment in addiction. We will focus on morphine slow release, buprenorphine (with or without naloxone, sublingual or long-lasting) and diacetylmorphine.

Disclosure

MT has been consultant/advisor and/or speaker for Gilead Sciences, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, Servier, Adamed, Lundbeck, Camurus, Rovi and Molteni.
Compare in-person and online outpatient visits based on changes in patients’ treatment
Authors: Szczygieł K. , Podwalski P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID epidemic has forced psychiatrists to introduce changes in outpatient clinics. A significant proportion of visits began without the patient’s face-to-face contact with the doctor. Are these visits stigmatized with a worse assessment of mental state? We know that much of the information flow takes place outside of verbal contact. In telephone contact, psychiatrists are limited to listening to the patient’s response and we know that non-verbal speech does not always go hand in hand with words.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to compare face-to-face visits with a psychiatrist with outpatient visits by telephone in terms of changes in the treatment applied by psychiatrists.

Methods

The frequency of introducing changes in the current pharmacological treatment of patients was compared. Face-to-face visits to the outpatient clinic and visits where psychiatrists contacted patients via telephone were analyzed. Treatment change was defined as a reduction or increase in drug dose, drug discontinuation or the initiation of a new drug by a psychiatrist.

Results

We assumed that visits without non-verbal contact do not provide as much information as direct visits. Consequently, patients who are often negative about the need to take medications over the phone will present themselves better to psychiatrists, thus the change in treatment will be used less frequently in this group. The results will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions

Currently, various forms of psychiatric care are evolving to adapt to new needs. We should also be aware of the consequences of these changes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.