bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forearm bisection task suggests an alteration in Body Schema in patients with Motor Conversion Disorders (Functional Movement Disorders)
Authors: Nistico’ V. , Ilia N. , Conte F. , Broglia G. , Sanguineti C. , Lombardi F. , Scaravaggi S. , Mangiaterra L. , Tedesco R. , Gambini O. , Priori A. , Maravita A. , Demartini B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Motor Conversion Disorders (also called Functional Movement Disorders, FMD) are a group of neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by neurological symptoms of altered voluntary motor function that cannot be explained by typical neurological diseases or other medical conditions. In the last decade, several hypotheses have been formulated with respect to their pathophysiology, and a major line of research, trying to integrate psychological, cognitive, and neurobiological factors, focused on the subjective experience that patients feel of their own bodies. However, no study has, so far, directly investigated their Body Schema (the implicit sensorimotor representation of one’s own body) and its plasticity.

Objectives

To investigate the Body Schema in patients with FMD through a paradigm specifically designed to assess their perceived body metrics, through a spatial estimation of body parts length, and to compare their results with the ones obtain on a group of healthy control subjects (HC)

Methods

10 patients with FMD and 11 HC underwent the Forearm Bisection Task, aimed at assessing perceived body metrics, which consists in asking the subject, blindfolded, to repeatedly point at the perceived middle point of their dominant forearm with the index finger of their contralateral hand, and a psychometric assessment for anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and tendency to dissociation.

Results

FMD patients bisected their forearm more proximally (with an increased shift towards their elbow equal to 7.5%) with respect to HC; average bisection point was positively associated with anxiety levels in the whole sample, and with the tendency to dissociation in the FMD group.

Conclusions

FMD patients seem to perceive their forearm as shorter than HC do, which might suggest an alteration of their Body Schema. The Body Schema can go through short- and long-term plastic changes in the life course, mainly related to the use of each body segment; we speculate that, despite FMD being a disorder of functional nature, characterized by variability and fluctuations in symptomatology, the lack of sense of agency over a body part might be interpreted by the nervous system as disuse and hence influence the Body Schema, as deficits of organic aetiology do.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Traumatic Childbirth and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: prevalence in a Brazilian cohort
Authors: Osório F. D. L. , Baldisserotto M. L. , Theme Filha M. M. , Ayers S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Although birth is experienced, in most cultures, as a positive event, for a significant percentage of women, it is considered a traumatic event, which can be associated with the development of psychopathologies, with negative impacts for the mother and the baby .

Objectives

As part of a larger, multicenter study called Intersect, we aim to assess the prevalence of women who considered childbirth traumatic, in a cohort of women in southeastern Brazil, and the association with the outcome of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

A total of 427 women who gave birth in two hospitals in southeastern Brazil in the period from May to October 2022 were included in the study, who answered self-assessment instruments, through on a telephone interview, in the period from 6 to 12 postpartum weeks. For the purposes of this study, the City Birth Trauma Scale stands out.

Results

The participants had a mean age of 28.4 (± 6.4) years, 39.2% were primiparous and 76.1% had a partner. The results showed that 51.3% of them considered the birth moderately or extremely traumatic (N=218). Of these, 50.9% met criterion A for PTSD according to the DSM-5 (N=111) and among these, 20.7% had a PTSD profile (N=23; City-Birth >28 points). These mothers represent 5.4% of the total sample.

Conclusions

there is a high prevalence of traumatic experiences during childbirth, with high rates of PTSD associated with this condition, which requires attention from the medical community in order to track and treat PTSD associated with birth and, from the public authorities, in the institution of preventive measures, through public policies aimed at this population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Diagnosing Trauma-related Dissociative Disorders in Hungary: The Development of the Hungarian Version of MID (MID-HU)
Authors: Boytha Z. , Münnich Á. , Molnár J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The recognition, diagnostics and treatment of dissociative disorders (DD) in Hungary is currently in its infancy. According to international researches the prevalence of dissociative disorders is similar to that of the major psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.). Due to the lack of valid diagnostic tools no data is available regarding the prevalence of dissociative disorders in Hungary so far.

Objectives

To fill this gap within our profession; to provide a complex diagnostic tool; developing the hungarian version of the Multidimensional Dissociation Questionnaire (MID-HU)

Methods

341 people participated in our study classified into four groups: (1) healthy controls (n=88), (2) patients from private practice diagnosed with DD and all those participants who have DD according to their MID results (n=103), (3) hospitalized psychiatric (mixed sample, n=60) and (4) SUD patients (n=89). The questionnaire package contained the hungarian version of the Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation (MID-HU), the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), the Traumatic Antecendents Questionnaire (TAQ), the Self-Report Version of the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (DDIS-SR) and additional questions. Now we present the first results regarding the adaptation process of the hungarian MID (MID-HU).

Results

The mean age of the participants was 36 years, 61,6% were female and 38,4% male.

The MID-HU has strong internal consistency: the alpha coefficients for the 14 facet scales were 0.88 or higher. The alpha coefficients for the 23 dissociation diagnostic scales ranged from 0,74-0,95; 9 were excellent (0,90 or above), 10 were good (0,80 or above), and 4 were fair (0,70 or above). The test-retest correlation of the Mean MID-HU scores is good (0,87). Factor analysis of the MID-HU extracted one main factor: dissociation. The mean MID-HU scores correlated with mean DES scores (0,87), indicating a good convergent validity. We found significant differences between the healthy control group and the dissociatve group in the mean DES (control: 9,5, dissociative: 27,6, Sig:<0,001), mean MID (control: 2,5, dissociative: 27, Sig: <0,001), the 23 dissociative diagnostics scales of the MID, 14 facet scales of the MID, and all diagnostics scales of the DDIS (using Mann-Whitney).

Conclusions

The MID-HU seems to be a valid instrument, that can differentiate between DD patients and healthy people.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychopathological characterization of nomophobia in a sample of patients with severe mental illness
Authors: Longo G. , Volgare R. , Orsolini L. , Volpe U.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nomophobia, a neologism derived from the combination of “no mobile,” “phone” and “phobia,” represents one of the syndromes of today’s digital and virtual society. By this term, we refer to the discomfort, anxiety, nervousness, and distress generated by the individual’s loss of connection to his or her cell phone or other technological medium that allows connection to the Internet. No study has attempted to evaluate the impact of disconnection syndrome on a clinical sample of patients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI).

Objectives

Our study has the objective of characterizing subject affected by SMI with nomophobia.

Methods

Our study is conducted on inpatients (>16 years) referred to our Psychiatric ward in Ancona (Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy). The following rating scales were administered to these subjects: Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), Multidimendional State Boredom Scale (MSBS), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), Temperament Evaluation in Memphis, Pisa and San Diego (TEMPS-M), Coping Orientation to the Problems Experiences-new Italian version (COPE-NVI).

Results

Most of the subjects included in the study tested positive for nomophobia (99%; n=97). The mean score scored on the NMPQ is 69.2±27.9, while the mean score obtained at SAS-SV is 25.1±12.7. Gender has no influence on the scores obtained at the NMPQ (p=0.823), as well as the type of SMI (p=0.376). Those not in a relationship scored a higher mean score than who has a relationship (p=0.02). Patients who suffer from insomnia scored higher mean score on the NMPQ (p=0.21). A linear univariate regression between SAS-SV and NMPQ was observed (R2=0.575, F=129.731, p<0.001). A multivariate linear regression was observed between the NMPQ (R=0.556, R2=0.2830, F=12.057, p<0.001) and the IUS (B=1.343, p<0.001), the irritable temperament subscale of the TEMPS (B=1.293, p=0.003) and the inattention subscale of the MSBS (B=-1.029, p=0.033). In the men-only sample, a multivariate linear regression was observed between the NMPQ (R2=0.437, F=9.847, p<0.001) and the IUS (B=1.361, p<0.001), the anxious temperament subscale of the TEMPS (B=1.687, p=0.005) and the inattention subscale of the MSBS (B=-1.465, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Patients with higher intolerance to uncertainty, irritable temperament and lower inattention have higher risk to develop nomophobia. In men with SMI, nomophobia is associated with higher intolerance to uncertainty, anxious temperament, and lower inattention. Further study have to be conducted to expand data and results.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Development of a novel screening questionnaire for brain fog
Authors: Jheng Y. , Hsieh W.-C. , Chou Y.-H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Amidst the widespread proliferation of the COVID-19 virus, brain fog has become one of the most critical issues of public health. Brain fog may lead to sub-health conditions, such as forgetfulness, difficulty thinking, and other related symptoms. Although they are not immediately life-threatening, these sub-health conditions could gradually erode the quality of life. Currently, there is no relevant screening tool for brain fog.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a reliable screening tool.

Methods

A web-based brain fog screening questionnaire was developed in the study. It was based on previous studies, which summarized five parts of the most common clinical symptoms after COVID-19: forgetfulness, difficulty thinking, difficulty concentrating, feeling confused, and difficulty finding words or phrases to speak. Unfortunately, these items were used only in a way of yes or no answers in previous studies. Each of these items was expanded to five anchors to evaluate their severity in the study. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to assess internal consistency. K-means clustering was used as a second method to validate the cutoff points. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to validate the appropriateness of the cutoff point.

Results

There were 534 participants who completely finished the questionnaire. It includes 183 males and 351 females, and all of them aged between 19 and 81 years. The Cronbach’s Alpha value was 0.821. The cutoff point was at a total score of 6 in terms of K-means. Based on the result, the ROC curve revealed that an area under the curve (AUC) was 0.816 with a confidence interval of 0.784 to 0.849.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the web-based screening test for brain fog.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Risk assessment and treatment - Evaluation of a group therapy for people with pedophilia
Authors: Heindl P. , Schobel S. , Fischer K. , Nenov-Matt T. , Chrobok A. , Wertz M. , Schiltz K.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Deviant sexual interest for children (pedophilia, hebephilia) is associated with a higher risk of sexual offending against children (CSA) and consuming child sexual abuse images (CSAI). There is a general shortage of therapeutic programs for individuals who feel sexually attracted to juvenile bodies and are concerned about their sexual behaviour. Efforts to establish regional centres throughout Germany offering preventive support led to the prevention network “Don’t become an offender” (“Kein Täter werden”).

Objectives

To identify dynamic risk factors (DRFs) and evaluate a treatment programme aiming to reduce CSA and CSAI among potential or existing pedosexual offenders (who have not been legally charged). In addition, changes in the course of therapy are examined to provide information about the accessibility and motivation of the target group and its therapeutic responsiveness.

Methods

Participants undergo standardized diagnostic and treatment procedures. Therapy comprises an outpatient psychotherapy program (group therapy) over the course of approx. 48 weekly sessions, optional individual and partner/relative including sessions, as well as additional pharmaceutical treatment. Assessments are carried out through self- and other-reported psychometric test batteries pre-, during and post-treatment up to a 3.5 year follow-up. The test battery includes clinical questionnaires (WHO-5, CTQ-SF), personality questionnaires (ISK-K, NEO-FFI), sexuality questionnaires (EKK-R, KV-M, MSI, HBI-19) and risk assessment procedures (VRAG-R, STATIC-99, VRS:SO). Main outcome measures are self- and externally-reported DRF changes well as offending behaviour characteristics.

Results

By September 20, 2023, N=12 individuals were enrolled in the treatment program. All individuals had a deviant sexual preference (exclusive/non-exclusive pedo-/hebephilia). Nine individuals reported past and/or current use of CSAI. Of these, two individuals reported at least one CSA in the past. Three had no previous use of CSAI or CSA history.

In the first treatment group (N=6), preliminary results show reduction in dynamic risk factors (e.g., Cognitive Bias, Sexual Compulsivity, Impulsivity) after the first 12 weeks of treatment. The evaluation of additional clinical data is pending.

Conclusions

To date, therapy for individuals with pedophilia or hebephilia has been insufficient – particularly when not offending. Ongoing evaluation of the therapy program should provide further insight into responsiveness and therapeutic motivation of this target group. In particular, the impact of therapy on changing dynamic risk factors for CSA and CSAI remains to be examined.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Self-stigma, career development and employment in young adults with ASD in Chile.
Authors: Burrone M. S. , Barrientos C. A. , Saa-Ulloa D. , Madrid Lira J. , Alarcón C. , Cortés Rojas C. , Colantonio L. D. , Solís-Soto M. T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Stigma describes prejudicial attitudes, negative stereotypes, and discrimination targeting a subgroup. Various forms of stigma have been identified in the literature, including self-stigma. Self-stigma or internalized stigma occurs when stigmatized individuals become aware of the negative stereotypes and apply these to themselves. Self-stigma may be a barrier to career development and employment in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, there are few data available on the presence of self-stigma among young adults with ASD in Chile to inform local interventions and policies.

Objectives

To analyze self-stigma and its relation with career development and employment in young adults with ASD in Chile.

Methods

A mixed-method observational study was conducted to analyze self-stigma and its association with career development and employment among young adults with ASD in two regions of Chile. For the quantitative analysis, self-stigma was assessed using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, and employment information was collected. For the qualitative analysis, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data from the interviews were digitalized and transcribed, and the analysis was conducted using ATLAs.ti following the principles of Glaser and Strauss’s Grounded Theory. All participants provided written informed consent, and the study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board.

Results

Overall, 356 participants were included in the quantitative analysis (mean age: 27.8 [SD 6.2] years, 44.7% women, 14.8% with regular employment). The mean ISMI for the total sample was 2.34 (SD = 0.62). By triangulating this information with the qualitative analysis (n=27), it was observed that young adults with ASD frequently experience self-stigma attitudes. Through the in-depth interviews, we identified barriers and facilitators for the development of self-stigma. Also, we identified that negative self-perceptions among young adults with ASD may be a barrier to seeking career development opportunities and employment in this population.

Conclusions

The current study shows self-stigma is present in young adults with ASD in Chile, and this may impact negatively their career development and employment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A Cohort Based Case Series: Learnings from an Iterative Group Therapy Model to Support Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Patients with a Terminal Diagnosis
Authors: Tsang V.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

While much is known about psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals, little is known about the experience of participants in a group psilocybin therapy model.

Objectives

In an attempt to bridge this gap in the literature, a program development and quality improvement effort was launched.

Methods

Thirty-one psychedelic-assisted therapy (PaT) sessions were provided for 25 participants within four iterative cohorts over the span of one year. This article reports participant feedback in an effort to inform the benefits and challenges of group-administered
PaT.

Results

Six to eight once-weekly group resilience-based community of practice (CoP) sessions were combined with one psilocybin-assisted therapy session for patients experiencing distress related to a terminal health condition. The virtual hybrid group therapy model is research informed, with a curriculum that provides knowledge-based content, combined with the relational elements necessary to successfully deliver group-administered psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Twenty one of the twenty five participants (84%) completed the program. Based on participant feedback, the following themes emerged: 1) Improvement of pre-treatment preparation sessions; 2) PaT Benefits: Gaining perspective, peace, non-attachment, authenticity, honesty, relational capacity; 3) The community of practice (CoP) as the primary conduit for connection and regulation 4) Population specific curriculum with a greater focus on how to navigate death, pain and loss; 5) PaT session Challenges; 6) The interpersonal and support capacity of the team as critical for the overall experience.

Conclusions

While more research is needed, results suggest that psilocybin can be delivered safely in a group setting, and that a virtual CoP is effective across the spectrum of set, setting and integration Our findings also suggest that there is much to learn - and improve upon - in this novel area of service delivery.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Differences in habenula and septal nuclei and resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in the presence or absence of clinically significant insomnia in patients with MDD
Authors: Heo J.-M. , Kang S.-G. , Cho S.-E. , Kang C.-K. , Jung J.-Y.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There are differences in clinical presentation with and without insomnia in MDD, and it is expected that there are brain biological differences that contribute to this, but functional MRI studies of MDD with insomnia vs MDD without insomnia are scarce. In particular, few studies have examined resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) seeding the habenula and septal nuclei, which play key roles in both mood and sleep.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there are differences in habenula and septal nuclei and RSFC in the presence or absence of clinically significant insomnia in patients with MDD.

Methods

To identify the effects of insomnia in MDD group, one-way ANCOVA covariate control was used to compare differences of RSFC between MDD_w/INS and MDD_wo/INS group. The potential confounders (i.e., age, sex, education years, and total score of HDRS-17) were adjusted in this analysis. To examine the relationship between RSFC and clinical sleep questionnaires (i.e., ISI and PSQI) in the participants with MDD, Pearson’s partial correlation analysis controlling same potential confounders was performed by using Fisher-transformed correlation coefficients and scores of ISI and PSQI. For comparing the difference of RSFC between MDD and HC, the analysis was also performed with ANCOVA controlling for age, sex, education years.

Results

The analysis in this study included 36 in the MDD_w/INS group, 21 participants in the MDD_wo/INS group, and 38 in the healthy controls (HC) group. The main finding of this study was that MDD with insomnia showed increased RSFC in Habe_L - Rolandic_Oper_R, Habe_L - Cuneus_R, Habe_R - Thal_Pul_R, and decreased RSFC in Septal - Cerebellum_Crus1_R compared to MDD without insomnia. All regions with significant results were significantly correlated with insomnia severity.

Conclusions

Since the RSFC of all pairs of regions that showed significant differences between the two groups in this study were significantly correlated with insomnia severity (i.e., ISI score), the association of these regions with insomnia in MDD is supported. The significance of this study is that there have been studies that have examined the RSFC in fMRI for insomnia, but there are few studies on MDD with insomnia, and since the habenula and septal nuclei play an important role in insomnia, sleep, and mood, it is meaningful to seed fMRI studies on these areas.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Use of videogames, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Agressiveness in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Silva D. , Maia B. R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Internet gaming disorder has been associated with an excessive number of hours spent playing video games, which leads to a detriment of other daily activities and interests. In addition, it is associated with personality traits such as aggression and anger. In Portugal this relations are almost unexplored.

Objectives

To explore the relationship between video game use, internet gaming disorder and aggression.

Methods

This study was applied to a sample of 202 subjects, aged between 18 and 29 years old (M = 22.5, SD = 3.006). Subjects fulfilled a sociodemographic and viodeogame pattern questionnaire, and the Portuguese versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (short form), and the Buss-Perry Aggressiveness Questionnaire.

Results

In this study 20.3% (n = 27) of the males and 5.8% (n = 4) of the females use excessively videogames, considering the screen time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, 81% (n = 70) of the sample have a positive self-perception of their use. 21.4% (n = 45) use videogames during day, 71% (n = 49) during night and 3.8% (n = 8) during dawn. The total score for internet gaming disorder was of 15.17 (SD = 6.006), but only 1 subject (0.5%) presented probable videogame disorder considering the sutt-off points. A positive and significant correlation was found between internet gaming disorder and physical agressiveness (.32**), verbal agressiveness (.28**) and hostility (.45**). Finally, a positive correlation was found between internet gaming disorder and time spent playing video games.

Conclusions

Our results, despite being merely exploratory, show us the relationship that exists between the use of video games, internet gaming disorder and aggressiveness. In that sense it is important to continue to explore internet gaming etiology and consequences.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychoactive substance disorder: first experience In a comprehensive model of harm reduction model in Bogotá Colombia, 2017-2021
Authors: Quesada A. S. , Cote M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In Colombia the traditional treatment model implies the needing of a total cessation of consume to be able to acces an impatientand long stance rehabilitation program. However, literature in other countries expériences had sugested and used a harm reduction program with an otpatien rehabilitation program.

As this programs are more cost-effective and enables the patient to continue his daily life, perpetuate his life style, keep and enhance the psychosocial network, an outpatient comprehensive multimodular program was designed to adapt to a health promotion company (EPS for its spanish acronym) and has been used since 2017.

Objectives

-

share the expérience aquired in an undeveloped country of latin America

-

The tipification in the main substance consumption in the development group as well as it’s differentiation in gender and age group

Methods

Expérience and results

Results

-

The majority of patients are men over women

-

the predominant age group is between 29-59 years old

-

there is a difference between the age group depending on the substance of impact

Conclusions

The experience have shown that up to 30% of the population treated have gotten to a controlled consumption or the total suspension without the needing of an impatient program In général thé patient have shown motivation and adherence to an outpatient program

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Spironolactone in Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD): Introduction to an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending dose, Phase 1b study
Authors: Leko A. , Farokhnia M. , Weiss S. T. , Blake C. A. , Farinelli L. A. , Leggio L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Efforts are critically needed to increase the armamentarium of options that clinicians can use to treat patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Numerous preclinical studies support the hypothesis that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) pharmacological antagonism may represent a novel and promising treatment for AUD. Namely, the non-selective MR antagonist spironolactone dose-dependently decreased 1) the intake of alcohol in mice in a model of alcohol binge drinking procedure and 2) alcohol self-administration in dependent and non-dependent rats (Farokhnia, Rentsch, Choung et al., Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27(11):4642-4652). Furthermore, two U.S.-based independent human pharmacoepidemiologic studies utilizing electronic health records data showed that patients treated with spironolactone for any indication reduced their weekly alcohol use in a primary care-type medical setting (Palzes et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46(12):2140-2147) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) score in a Veterans Affairs medical setting (Farokhnia, Rentsch, Choung et al., 2022; 27(11):4642-4652). In both studies, spironolactone-treated patients were compared to matched ones without spironolactone prescription using propensity score matching.

Objectives

We are conducting a Phase 1b human study to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of spironolactone-alcohol co-administration and testing the safety and tolerability of spironolactone, alone and combined with alcohol in individuals with AUD.

Methods

Spironolactone in Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, within-subject, ascending dose study with spironolactone (0, 100, 200, 400 mg/day) PO for 5 days to reach steady-state, followed by oral fixed-dose alcohol administration aimed at reaching a blood alcohol level of approximately 0.08 %. Our sample consists of 12 adults diagnosed with AUD.

Results

The primary endpoint is to measure spironolactone and alcohol PK during concomitant administration. Our secondary endpoints are 1) assessment of subjective and cognitive effects of acute alcohol administration during concomitant spironolactone treatment; 2) number and severity of adverse events (AEs) experienced, compared between placebo (0 mg/day) and all three spironolactone doses; 3) PK characteristic of spironolactone active metabolites, canrenone, 7-α-thiomethylspirolactone (TMS) and 6β-hydroxy-7α-thiomethylspirolactone (HTMS), before and after administration of alcohol. Recruitment is underway.

Conclusions

The above-mentioned preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that spironolactone may be repurposed for the treatment of AUD. Our Phase 1b study is a key step before moving to larger efficacy trials.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Profile of cannabis users among a population of Tunisian young adults residing abroad
Authors: Moalla M. , Charfi N. , Sellami S. , Gassara I. , Feki R. , Smaoui N. , Omri S. , Zouari L. , Ben Thabet J. , Maalej Bouali M. , Maalej M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Tunisian emigrants may consume psychoactive substances in other countries. This community is exposed to sociocultural and legal contexts different from those in Tunisia and the degree of acculturation would tend to increase over time. However, data on the use of psychoactive substances, particularly cannabis, in this particular population are scarce.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the profile of Tunisian young adults residing abroad who use cannabis.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study. It was carried out in the form of an online survey. We focused on young Tunisians people who have completed their secondary studies at the pilot high school of Sfax and currently residing abroad. Data collection was through Google Forms administred questionnaire.

Results

Thirty-five participants were included in our study. Cannabis use behavior affected 48.6% of them (N=17)) and it was done with friends in a festive setting in 88% of cases (N=15). Cannabis use was more common among people who were single (p=0.001), living alone (p=0.047), had a psychiatric history (p=0.032) and hanging out with friends who also smoked cannabis (p=0.032).Cannabis use was also more common among cigarette smokers (p=0.000) and alcohol consumers (p=0.000). It was significantly more common among people who shared erroneous beliefs about cannabis, that it is a mild drug (p= 0.024) and that it does not cause dependence (p= p=0.042).

Conclusions

Cannabis use among Tunisian young adults residing abroad seems to be a form of poly-consumption, more common among singles, living alone and having a psychiatric vulnerability. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address cannabis use within this specific population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Pathophysiology and Management of Amphetamine-Related Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Jupe T. , Stamoulis N. , Varsamis A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Amphetamines may induce symptoms of psychosis very similar to those of acute schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. This has been an argument for using amphetamine-induced psychosis as a model for primary psychotic disorders. To distinguish the two types of psychosis on the basis of acute symptoms is difficult. However, acute psychosis induced by amphetamines seems to have a faster recovery and appears to resolve more completely compared to schizophrenic psychosis.

Objectives

The objectives of this e-poster is to identify the pathophysiology of amphetamine-related psychiatric disorders and outline the available treatment and management options for amphetamine-related psychiatric disorders.

Methods

A bibliopgraphical review was performed using PubMed platform. All relevant articles were found using the keywords: psychotic episode, amphetamines, pathophysiology and menagement.

Results

Amphetamines inhibit monoamine (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin) reuptake, leading to increased monoamine concentrations in the neuronal synapse. Amphetamines can also lead to increased monoamines in the cytosol by interactions with vesicular monoamine transporter 2. Dopamine and norepinephrine release in the nucleus accumbens results in a feeling of euphoria and a reward feedback loop, which may result in addiction. Studies also suggest increased dopaminergic pathways lead to glutamate excesses in the cerebral cortex, altering the function of cortical GABAergic neurons. This damage leads to dysregulation of glutamate in the cerebral cortex, a precursor to psychosis. Prior psychiatric studies have found that GABAergic cortical dysfunction seems to relate to schizophrenia. Generally, acutely agitated psychotic patients are treated with intravenous benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, or midazolam) as first-line agents. However, if a second-line agent is needed, antipsychotic medicines like risperidone, haloperidol, ziprasidone, and olanzapine have been successful in managing amphetamine-associated psychosis. Lipophilic beta-blockers, such as metoprolol and labetalol, have also been used successfully to resolve agitation and hyperadrenergic vital signs.

Conclusions

Compared to schizophrenic psychosis, amphetamine-induced acute psychosis induced appears to demonstrate a more rapid recovery. It also seems to resolve with substance abstinence; however, this recovery may be incomplete.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Wellbeing after Brief Alcohol Interventions in Male Inpatients in a General Hospital in Singapore
Authors: Lew Z. W. , Lim C. S. , Ong H. S. , Ong R. M. , Ng Y. C. , Teo W. L. , Peh L. H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Harmful alcohol consumption has significant cost on health and is associated with lower quality of life (e.g., Lu et al. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:789). In Singapore, a significant proportion of the adult population exhibit alcohol misuse behaviours (e.g., Lim et al. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:992). Many patients admitted into general hospitals have excessive alcohol consumption and related problems. These admissions can be an opportunity for intervention due to accessibility to the individuals and their time (Saitz et al. Ann Intern Med 2007; 146 167-176). Some studies have suggested that brief alcohol interventions (BAI) delivered in general hospitals can be effective in reducing alcohol use. However, there has been less support for the benefits of BAI on wellbeing.

Objectives

This study investigated the effectiveness of BAI in improving perceived sense of wellbeing among male alcohol users admitted to a general hospital in Singapore.

Methods

108 male inpatients in various medical wards received BAI by the hospital’s addiction counsellors and completed the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) questionnaire. At a one-year follow-up via telephone, the PWI was again administered.

Results

Average PWI scores were higher at follow-up (M = 7.83, SD = 1.16) than during baseline admission (M = 7.60, SD = 1.12), p < 0.01. Further analyses found that scores improved significantly on PWI items related to standard of living (M = 7.36, SD = 1.41 vs M = 7.09, SD = 1.65; p < 0.05), health (M = 7.42, SD = 1.74 vs M = 6.62, SD = 1.87; p < 0.01) and achievement (M = 7.43, SD = 1.44 vs M = 6.98, SD = 1.64; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in scores on the other PWI items between baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions

Conclusions: The results suggest that BAI can be beneficial in improving patients’ sense of wellbeing.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
An exploration of the most frequent comorbidities in patients with mobile phone addiction
Authors: Vasiliu O. , Vasiliu D. G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) has been associated in the literature with various psychiatric comorbidities and psychological risk factors, which indicates the need to screen these patients for multiple disorders. However, a clear protocol for the evaluation of individuals with an MPA does not yet exist, therefore, investigating the most prominent risks for comorbidities is considered necessary from the perspective of developing structured methods of assessment.

Objectives

The main objective of this review was to determine the available existence able to describe the most common comorbidities in individuals presenting with MPA.

Methods

Data regarding MPA were collected from the main medical electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Clarivate/Web of Science), but also from other sources (main engines research and grey literature). All published papers between January 2000 and July 2023 were included in the primary selection, if they corresponded to the paradigm „mobile phone addiction”/”cell phone addiction”/”mobile phone dependence” and „comorbidity”/”dual diagnosis”.

Results

Based on the review of six papers, the most frequently reported comorbidity in MPA patients were substance use disorders (mainly nicotine and cannabis) and other behavioral addictions (especially problematic Internet use). Other symptoms or syndromes reported in the literature as co-occurring with MPA were anxiety, depression, high levels of stress-related pathology, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, and somatization. Overall lower levels of mental health were reported in patients with MPA. A heterogeneity in the results of these epidemiological studies was observed because of the different instruments administered and the populations explored.

Conclusions

The screening for detection of comorbid disorders or psychological problems in patients with MPA is important because the case manager should integrate all this information into a therapeutic strategy.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Drama-based therapy program in the recovery of adults with addictive disorders
Authors: Krupa M. , Balogh-Pécsi A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Following the pandemic, we can find many new communication situations. Social relationships have changed a lot and are developing differently due to digital development, new lifestyles, and the effects of COVID-19. These components: social media, the transformation of interpersonal relationships, and the use of the platforms provided by the internet can lead to addictive disorders as risk factors.

Objectives

In this presentation, we review studies investigating the relationship between the new digital techniques, social connection, and communication development of adults with addictive disorders. We attempt to provide a summary of new theories and the areas currently being researched around the topic. Another aim of our research is to present the new drama-based therapy theories and methods in adults with addictive disorders.

Methods

To learn about recent international results, we conducted a literature search in 3 databases (PubMed, Medline, Web of Science) using the following keywords: drama therapy, addiction, emotion regulation, and adults, over the past 5 years. Empirical journal articles in English were used to prepare the literature review. Exclusion criteria were: the appearance publication before the year 2017 and the adolescent population.

Results

Changes in social behavior, emotion regulation, and addictive disorder were correlated. The studies examined social communications and loneliness in primarily cross-sectional studies design. The escapism from interpersonal relations and low self-esteem is the highest motivation to start regular videogame playing or using social media without control which becomes an addictive disorder.

Conclusions

Problematic social media use and changes in social connection threaten adults’ mental health. The diagnosis of emotion dysregulation, low self-esteem, and social disconnection is the detection of risk factors for addictive disorders. The new methods and tools of drama-based therapy are new prevention possibilities for these risk factors. In this way, it is a relevant issue in the field of education science.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Epigenetic biomarkers of borderline personality disorder with severe suicidal behaviors
Authors: Jokinen J.
Published: August 2024

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with excess suicide risk, natural-cause mortality, comorbid medical conditions, poor health habits and stress related epigenomic alterations. This presentation will report findings of BDNF and stress system associated epigenetic alterations in a group of severely impaired BPD and suicidal patients. Further, findings of GrimAge – a state-of-the-art epigenetic age (EA) estimator- in patients with BPD and attempted suicide patients will be presented. Genome-wide methylation patterns were measured using the Illumina Infinum Methylation Epic BeadChip in whole blood from well characterized 97 BPD patients, 88 suicide attempters and 32 healthy controls.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cannabinoids Hyperemesis Syndrome – An Urgent Call for Timely Diagnosis, Management, and Future Directions– A Case Report and Review of the Updated Literature
Authors: Poudel S. , Choudhari J. , Panta N. , Kumar H. , Ahmed S. , Leszkowitz D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is distinguished by a pathognomonic cyclic pattern of hyperemesis characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting every few weeks to months, as well as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior, such as a proclivity to take frequent hot baths or showers. It is largely accepted as the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with estimates ranging from 42% to 46% lifetime consumption. Despite greater awareness of CHS, practitioners continue to lack comprehension, resulting in an unfortunate delay in patient identification and treatment.

Objectives

The aim of this article is to bring attention to CHS in order to enable clinicians, and more specifically, addiction medicine specialists and psychiatrists, to diagnose it as quickly as possible and thus avoid unnecessary additional invasive examinations and investigations. This will save the patient’s time, prevent financial burdens and mental health stresses, and increase their overall quality of life.

Methods

A thorough screening and data extraction of the relevant articles was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. Databases were used to search for articles on CHS published between January 2021 and September 2023, yielding relevant articles. Keywords used were “hyperemesis”, “cyclical vomiting,” “cannabis” and “cannabinoid”.

Results

We present a case of 20-year-old teens who came to emergency with severe dehydration and vomiting of more than 40 episodes at home. He had multiple admissions for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in the past and was evaluated and diagnosed with gastritis, PUD, and H. pylori infection. A more detailed medical history revealed a frequent use of cannabis over the past few years and symptoms manifestation and worsening is associated with the use of cannabis. After the complete cessation of cannabis, there have been no new symptomatic episodes reported in the patient and the patient is stable clinically.

Conclusions

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a serious health hazard that requires immediate discovery and treatment. Despite the widespread use of cannabis, CHS is often misdiagnosed, resulting in unnecessary medical treatments and complications for patients. Given their special knowledge of linking chronic cannabis use to this syndrome, this case report and literature review highlight the critical role of addiction medicine experts and psychiatrists in quickly detecting and treating CHS. Early detection and treatment, particularly complete cannabis abstinence, are critical in alleviating symptoms, minimizing recurrent hospitalizations, and ultimately improving patients’ overall quality of life.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
What Do Case Studies Tell Us About Addictions and Psychiatric Comorbidities? A Survival Story: The necessity for a transdiagnostic and holistic approach
Authors: Ulug B. D. , Ozden H. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Comorbidities in addiction: It is a rule rather than an exception. The story starts in childhood; even before, in infancy, may be in utero. The dimensional traits have been already there, existing obviously far before any DSM-5 diagnosis. Developmental qualities of stress sensitivity, impulsivity and emotion dysregulation are the leading ones. Besides, comorbidity research (NESARC being one of the prominents) (Hasin and Grant. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidem, 2015;50 (11): 1609-1640) addressed childhood abuse, neglect or other childhood adverse experiences as a definite risk factor for adolescence and adult mental disorders, particularly substance use disorders. Developmental and environmental adversities in a mutually amplifying pattern make a vicious cycle in which the individual finally finds an illusionary exit, a pathway to addiction.

Objectives

This presentation aims to discuss the complexities and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a twenty five year follow-up, a survival period for the patient herself as well as for the therapeutic alliance (Ulug, Arch Neuropsychiatr, 2015;52: 213-215).

Methods

Case study: The history and the life chart of her, diagnosed as having at least seven DSM diagnoses, indicate the depth of pyschopathology and the intensity of interventions, most of which failed due to the lack of a transdiagnostic and holistic perspective. A specific focus of the case study will be on the problematic use of Borderline Personality Disorder formulation/diagnosis and its negative, somehow short-coming, impact on the treatment, course and recovery.

Results

The challenges brought by comorbid transdiagnostic cases, similar to the subject of this presentation, have become a common practice for addiction professionals. While big data or empirical large datasets can have their own limitations to help the practitioner for overcoming such challenges, as stated in Stein’s article “it is important to recognize the value of a wide range of complementary research designs including the age-old single-case study, which may sometimes provide clinical insights that outweigh those from big data analyses.” (Stein et al. World Pychiatry, 2022; 21(3): 393-414).

Conclusions

The case study indicates the necessity for transdiagnostic and holistic approach in the management and long term treatment of such difficult-to-diagnose and difficult-to-treat patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared