bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opium tincture for opioid substitution treatment
Authors: Nikoo M. , Kianpoor K. , Nikoo N. , Javidanbardan S. , Kazemi A. , Choi F. , Vogel M. , Gholami A. , Tavakoli S. , Wong J. , Moazen‐Zadeh E. , Givaki R. , Jazani M. , Mohammadian F. , Moghaddam N. Markazi , Schütz C. , Jang K. , Akhondzadeh S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Opium tincture (OT) is widely used for opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Iran.

Objectives

To determine if OT is a safe and effective medication for OST.

Methods

Opium Trial was a multicenter, double‐blind, noninferiority randomized controlled trial, with 204 participants with opioid dependence in Iran. Participants were then randomized to OT or methadone arms with an allocation ratio of 1:1 and were followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was retention in treatment, compared between the two groups using both intention-To-Treat (ITT) and Per-Protocol (PP) analyses.

Results

A total of 70 participants (IT: 68.6%, PP: 69.3%) in methadone arm and 61 participants (ITT: 59.8%, PP: 60.4%) in OT arm remained in the treatment. The relative retention rate was 1.15 (0.97, 1.36) in both analyses in favour of methadone. A total of 46 out of 152 (30.3%) participants in OT arm and 83 out of 168 (49.4%) participants in methadone arm reported opioid use outside the treatment. The difference in these two proportions (OT - methadone) was 19%: (10%, 28%) in favour of OT. The proportion of patients with adverse events were not different between the two arms (P = 0.06). There was no serious AE in OT arm.

Conclusions

Opium tincture is a clinically effective and safe medication, but this study could not conclude if it was as equally effective as methadone in retaining participants in treatment, but it showed that OT was superior to methadone in reducing opioid use outside the treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Effect of group psychotherapy on the annual incidence of self-harm and suicide attempts in borderline personality disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Figuereo I. , Labad J. , González-Rodríguez A. , Santamaria M. , Cebrià A.I. , Vidal D. Palao , Monreal J.A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been characterized by mood instability, impulsive behavior and eventual dissociative and psychotic symptoms. Around 70% of patients present repeated self-injury behavior which is associated with high risk of completed suicide.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of group psychotherapy on the annual incidence of self-harm behavior and suicide attempts in BPD.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective longitudinal study by selecting BPD patients who received group psychotherapy during 2016. Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) or Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) psychotherapies were applied. Patients without any self-harm/suicidal attempt before the intervention, those with comorbid diagnosis and those who did not engage at least half of total sessions were excluded for final analyses. Number of self-harm events, suicide attempts and other clinical events were recorded and compared one-year before and one-year post-intervention. SPSS software version 21.0 (IBM) was used for statistical analyses. Nonparametric tests and Survival tests were performed.

Results

Eight women out of 35 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. After group psychotherapy, a significant reduction in the number of self-harm events and suicidal attempts was found (mean 1.9+/-1.4 vs 0.5+/-1.1; p=0.042). Survival tests revealed significant differences in the occurrence of suicidal attempts. We did not find significant differences in the other clinical events.

Conclusions

Our results show a clear effectiveness of group psychotherapy in reducing self-harm events and/or suicidal attempts in BPD patients. If these findings are confirmed in future studies including larger samples, group psychotherapy could be indicated for diminishing suicide risks in BPD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Association between hair loss severity and risk for later mental health problems in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood
Authors: Segal-Engelchin D. , Shvarts S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Hair loss resulting from childhood irradiation for tinea capitis has been linked to mental health effects in women. However, the association of hair loss severity with mental health in this population is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine the association between hair loss severity and mental health outcomes in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood and to identify contributing factors to these outcomes.

Methods

Medical records, held at the archives of Israel National Center for Compensation of Scalp Ringworm Victims, were retrospectively reviewed for 2509 women who received compensation for full or partial alopecia resulting from irradiation in childhood for tinea capitis. Mental health outcomes were determined by the number of mental health conditions reported.

Results

Among women with high hair loss levels, risk was increased for a range of mental health problems, including depression symptoms, emotional distress, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Hair loss severity emerged as a significant predictor of mental health, adding to the effects of other predictors such as family, and social and physical health problems. Effects of hair loss severity on mental health outcomes were mediated by women’s negative social experiences.

Conclusions

Hair loss severity is a significant risk factor for mental health problems in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood. Further research is needed to assess mental health risks among women with severe hair loss associated with additional diseases.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The impact of a regional training program on peripartum depression in territorial psychiatric services
Authors: Sceusa F. , Mauro A. , Pompili S. , Orsolini L. , Volpe U.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Unit of Clinical Psychiatry of the University Hospital “Ospedali Riuniti – Ancona”, in collaboration with the Marche Region Health System, is conducting a national observational project entitled “Measures related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and assistance of postpartum depressive syndrome”, aiming at promoting women’s Mental Health, particularly in pregnancy and peripartum period.

Objectives

The primary objective is implementing all measures/interventions needed to promptly screening, early diagnosising, and supporting/caring women with mental health disease during pregnancy and peripartum period. A dedicated training program was performed by our clinical team belonging to the Peripartum Psychiatry Outpatient Service of the Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, at the University Hospital “Ospedali Riuniti”, Ancona, Italy, to a selected audience of Gynecologists/Obstetricians/Nurses/Psychologists/Psychiatrists/GPs and Pediatricians.

Methods

The training program is a 2-days residential course, held on 21-22th September, 2020. After the training program, all participants (n= 70) were asked to provide an informed consent and complete an online questionnaire to evaluate knowledge/opinions/experiences and clinical practices in the field of depression in pregnancy and postpartum.

Results

A 40-items questionnaire investigated: a) general attitude in performing screening of depression/anxiety during pregnancy; b) overall knowledge about peripartum depression; c) overall knowledge about management/treatment; d) how physicians manage patients with peripartum depression/anxiety (i.e., how they perform screening/diagnosis/treatment during pregnancy, their levels of knowledge/confidence about psychopharmacology in pregnancy).

Conclusions

The findings of the residential course may allow clinicians to adequately inform and help in drafting a preventive, screening and management program able to assist regional stakeholders in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and assistance of perinatal depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The impact of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy on maternal perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms
Authors: Dachew B. , Alati R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Existing evidence regarding the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and the risk of maternal mental illness is inconclusive.

Objectives

This study aimed (i) to investigate the relationship between HDP (pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension) and the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and in the postpartum period and (ii) to test whether parity moderates the association between HDP and antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of more than 8500 mothers who participated in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), UK. Maternal antenatal and postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Crown-Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI), respectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations.

Results

Mothers with pre-eclampsia had a 53% (aOR= 1.53; 95% CI, 1.06-2.23) increased risk of antenatal depressive symptoms compared with those without pre-eclampsia. Having pre-eclampsia and being a nulliparous woman resulted in a 2.75 fold increased risk of antenatal depressive symptoms (p-value for interaction = 0.03). Gestational hypertension was associated with antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. We found no associations between pre-eclampsia and/or gestational hypertension and postnatal anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our study showed that mothers with HDP were at higher risk of antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. Nulliparous women with pre-eclampsia are a higher risk group for depression during pregnancy.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Conversion disorder in children and adolescents : Clinical features of pseudoneurological symptoms
Authors: Gadhoum R. , Daoud M. , Rhouma H. Ben , Salem S. Ben , Klaa H. , Kraoua I. , Turki I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Pseudoneurological symptoms are frequent among children consulting in neuropediatrics. Psychogenic origin is often unrecognized, which may cause a major disruption and an increase of medical care expenses.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify clinical features of pseudoneurological symptoms through patients admitted in neuropediatrics.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective study of a population of 19 children and adolescents hospitalized in the neuropediatrics department at the National Institute of Neurology in Tunis, between January 2015 and April 2019, having recieved the diagnosis of psychogenic symptoms.

Results

Twelve girls and seven boys were included in this study.The averge age were 11.5 years. All patients had normal cogntive and motor development. In most cases (84%), patients had a history of somatic illness. Only three patients had a history of psychiatric disorders. Family history of somatic disorders was found in 42 % of the sample and psychiatric disorders in three patients. Negative pseudoneurological symptoms such as loss of function, were detected in 60 % of patients, paraparesis and paraplegia were the most recurrent. Only one patient had pseudo-epileptic symptoms. Further investigations were performed in all patients, averaging 4 tests per patient. The average term between the beginning of the symptoms and the established diagnosis of psychogenic symptoms was 72 days with an average stay at hospital of 4 to 7 days. All patients had conversion disorder according to DSM V.

Conclusions

It is recognized that somatization could be a warning sign of psychological distress mainly among children. Conversion disorder, rarely seen in children, presents frequently as pseudo neurological symptoms.
Depersonalization and a severe form of agoraphobia: A case report and review
Authors: Fernandes C. Pedro , Jorge B. , Freitas D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Depersonalization during panic attacks may be a feature of a subgroup of Panic disorder. Several studies suggest that such subgroup corresponds to a more clinically severe form of Panic Disorder, with earlier onset and a higher rate of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also hypothesized that depersonalization during panic attacks may lead Panic disorder to evolve into Agoraphobia.

Objectives

To present the case report of a patient with severe Agoraphobia, whose only symptom of Panic disorder was depersonalization.

Methods

Description of a case report.

Results

We describe the case of a 20-year-old woman who developed Agoraphobia after a single panic attack, during a physical education class, at the age of 13, with depersonalization symptoms only. After the attack, the patient stopped playing sports and engaging in any kind of activity in the absence of a trusted person. At the age of 20, the patient will only travel alone in the immediacies of her home, sometimes missing classes, because she cannot get a ride from trusted acquaintances. She justifies such avoidances with her fear of feeling depersonalized again. Over the course of her illness, she denied having experienced any other symptoms of a panic attack. She was treated with Paroxetine 40mg daily and cognitive behavioral therapy, having improved.

Conclusions

We believe this case provides good insight into depersonalization in panic attacks, supporting the view that Panic disorder with depersonalization may be a distinct and more severe subgroup of Panic Disorder.
Prevalence and correlates of COVID-19 related anxiety among university students
Authors: Nikolaev E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 is a disease with insufficiently studied diagnosis, therapy, and prevention that causes anxiety disorders in population.

Objectives

To evaluate prevalence and correlates of COVID-19-related anxiety in university students during the period of their distant learning due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The on-line survey of May 2020 covered 327 Russian university students aged 17-40. The questions concerned evaluation of threats, risks and acute problems faced by the students and their closest people in the situation of COVID-19 spread. We determined the anxiety level of the students by the degree of their concern about high risk of COVID-19 infection.

Results

We established that 17.1% of the students had maximal level of COVID-19-related anxiety that correlated with older age (r=.13), better academic performance (r=.12), expectation of higher COVID-19-related threat to their life (r=.57), to the closest people’s health (r=.44), to the aged people’s lives (r=.16). It correlated with a more serious approach to evaluating the COVID-19-related situation and dangers in the world (r=.19), in the country (r=.24), and in the region of their residence (r=.37). Students with a high anxiety level often saw in pandemic a threat to their way of life (r=.12), material wellbeing (r=.12), and plans for the future (r=.11). They more strictly obeyed the restrictions (r=.13) and they did not exclude a recurrence of COVID-19 type pandemics in the future (r=.17).

Conclusions

COVID-19 related anxiety is present in every sixth student and it correlates with older age and better academic performance. These students may have a high risk for depressive disorders.
Preoperative anxiety in patients admitted for brain surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Martinelli A. , Oteri V. , Crivellaro E. , Gigli F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Up to 80% of patients scheduled for surgery experience preoperative anxiety, which may implicate perioperative psychological and physical discomforts. Several studies focused on this phenomenon in neurosurgical setting, still controversial evidence exists.

Objectives

Our aim is to synthesize this evidence, investigating prevalence, implications and therapy of preoperative anxiety in brain surgery patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of literature by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Data were extracted using the PICO framework. PRISMA guidelines were applied, and the risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 and ROBINS tools, as was the methodological quality of the included studies, following GRADE criteria; we excluded articles with serious risk of bias and/or low quality.

Results

We included 27 articles, accounting for 2558 patients of twelve different countries. Prevalence of anxiety before brain surgery was up to 89%, reaching higher levels in women. Anxiety concerned mostly anesthesia and surgical outcome. No correlation emerged between level of anxiety and laterality, histological type of tumor or survival rate. Before surgery, anxious patients performed worse in cognitive tasks and had worse subjective evaluation of their cognitive abilities. After surgery, preoperative anxiety was associated with depression, longer hospitalization, increase of physical disability and lower quality of life. Effective approaches to reduce anxiety were acupuncture, music therapy, virtual reality and pharmacological support.

Conclusions

Preoperative anxiety in brain surgery patients is a common experience that should not be underestimated to achieve a better perioperative care through early detection and adequate pharmacological or non-pharmacological management.
Are anxiety disorders a prelude to delusional disorder? A systematic review
Authors: Pedrero A. Alvarez , González-Rodríguez A. , Guàrdia A. , Delgado L. , Fucho G.F. , Acebillo S. , Monreal J.A. , Labad J. , Vidal D. Palao
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Prevalence rates of panic attacks have been reported to be around 24-63% in psychotic patients. Common underlying biological substrates for panic and paranoia have been proposed, suggesting that delusional disorder (DD) may be preceded by the development of anxiety disorders.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to investigate anxiety comorbidity in DD. As a second objective, we set ourselves to know prescription rates for the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines in anxiety disorders in the context of DD.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed (1980- September 2020) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The following search terms were used: (delusional disorder) AND (anxiety OR anxiety disorder OR anxi*). Research studies and case reports were included if they met the following criteria: DD diagnosis (DSM, ICD), publication in peer-review journal and investigations containing information on anxiety comorbidity in DD.

Results

Four studies fulfilled our criteria, including 155 patients: 65 (42%) women, mean age 42.7 years (SD:14.96). Thirty-three of the 155 patients (21.29%) presented at least one comorbid anxiety disorder: 14 specific phobias, 9 panic attacks, 5 social phobias and 2 agoraphobias. Treatment was not reported for many patients (n= 28). Four patients received fluoxetine and 1 patient benzodiazepines. All of them showed partial improvement of symptoms.

Conclusions

Less than a third of DD patients showed an anxiety disorder. The effectiveness of antidepressant and benzodiazepine treatment has been poorly described. Future studies may be focused on the investigation of preceding comorbid anxiety disorders in patients with DD.
Ketogenic diet for anxiety disorders: Dietary regimen for relapse prevention?
Authors: Włodarczyk A. , Cubała W.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Anxiety disorders are a mental disorder that is widespread all over the world and are associated with a high burden of the disease. While poor dietary habits are common in depression, they can lead to worsening of the illness or prolong the treatment, which also leads to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases.

Objectives

With the array of the treatment modalities including monoaminergic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, psychotherapy, there is the unmet need for the effective treatment of anxiety disorders resulting in full remission and relapse prevention. Benzodiazepines can quickly resolve anxiety due to their positive allosteric GABA modulation mechanism of action. Although, they are not recommended for chronic use.

Methods

Ketogenic diet(KD) may be hypothesized as the promising strategy impacting treatment strategies, in particularly facilitating full remission, recovery and preventing relapses. In this popular high-fat diet, where daily calories intake is consists in at least 70% from fat, up to 25 % from protein and as little sugar as possible is mainly known for its helpful role in drug resistant epilepsy treatment, glucose levels balance or fast way for weight-loss.

Results

Could be effective in anxiety disorders treatment due to its possible role in GABA:glutamate balance change in favor of GABA levels, which may enhance the anxiolytic effect in sustaining remission and preventing relapse.

Conclusions

KD in some anxiety disorders may provide a rewarding outcome, but more research is needed. The evidence mentioned in this paper should encourage psychiatrists to recommend KD as advice somewhere between psychotherapy, pharmacology or as an add-on to those two.
Impulsivity in remitted bipolar disorder
Authors: Lajmi I. , Smaoui N. , Yaich K. , Feki R. , Omri S. , Bouali M. Maalej , Zouari L. , Thabet J. Ben , Charfi N. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bipolar disorders (BD) are associated with a high degree of impulsivity especially during manic and depressive episodes. However, there is little information on impulsivity during remission phase.

Objectives

Our objective was to assess impulsivity in patients with BD in remission compared to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

This was a comparative, cross-sectional and analytical study, conducted in the outpatient psychiatry department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), from July to September 2019, among 30 patients with BD in remission compared to 34 HC. Data were collected on a pre-established questionnaire. Impulsivity was assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).

Results

Mean ages of BD patients and HC were 44.17 and 40.1 years, respectively. The sex ratio was 1.7 in BD patients and 0.9 in HC groups. Age of onset of BD was 30 years. Impulsivity scores of the BD patients were higher than HC on total (66.27 vs 53.53) and three subscales measures; motor (21.83 vs 16.15), attentional (15.83 vs 13.53) and non planning impulsivity (28.93 vs 23.71). High degree of impulsivity was noted in 33.3% of BD patients. BD patients scored significantly higher than the HC on total, motor, and non planning impulsivity scores (p = 0.001; p = 0.001; p=0.000, respectively)

Conclusions

Our study found that patients with BD had a high degree of impulsivity outside the critical period compared to healthy individuals. Would this impulsivity be a vulnerability marker to the risk of early onset of the disease or the risk of its relapse?
Feasibility of group cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in bipolar disorder
Authors: Swagemakers O. , Nugter A. , Engelsbel F. , Schulte P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Euthymic patients with bipolar I and II disorder (BD) often have comorbid insomnia, which is associated with worse outcome. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is rarely offered to this population, though preliminary research indicates CBT-I to be safe and helpful to improve sleep and mood stability.

Objectives

The present study investigates if CBT-I for euthymic BD patients is feasible and acceptable when offered in a group format.

Methods

14 euthymic bipolar disorder I or II participants participated in a 7-session group CBT-I with BD-specific modifications (CBT-I-BD), preceded by one individual session. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by recruitment, treatment drop-out and participants’ and therapists’ evaluations, while sleep quality, mood and sleep medication were assessed at baseline, end of treatment, 3 and 6 months later.

Results

31 of 539 patients with bipolar disorder were referred, 14 were included and one dropped out of treatment. Group CBT-I-BD was acceptable as shown by high session attendance and good homework compliance. Participants highly appreciated the treatment, the group format and learning effect. Insomnia severity decreased significantly between baseline and post-treatment. Group CBT-I-BD did not cause mood episodes during treatment and although not requested, the total number of nights with sleep medication decreased.

Conclusions

Group CBT-I-BD seems to be a feasible, acceptable and therefore viable treatment for euthymic patients with bipolar disorder suffering from persistent insomnia. The small sample size, resulting in small CBT-I-BD groups was a main limitation of the study.
Effectiveness of antidepressants in bipolar depression
Authors: Potanin S. , Morozova M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Prescribing antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar depression remains highly controversial due to the inconsistency between routine clinical practice and the results of controlled trials.

Objectives

To assess the validity of antidepressants use in bipolar depression from the point of view of evidence-based medicine.

Methods

Database search (Scopus and MEDLINE) followed by analysis of studies concerning the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in the bipolar depression treatment.

Results

The search found 23 studies. There was a high degree of inconsistency in the results, apparently related to the methodology. Only two studies compared the effectiveness of antidepressants in monotherapy with placebo. No differences were found in the study with 740 participants but in the study with 70 participants with type 2 bipolar disorder antidepressants were found to be more effective than placebo. Nevertheless, both studies had significant methodological issues. In 6 studies comparing the effectiveness of the combination of antidepressants with mood stabilizers against the combination of mood stabilizers with placebo, only the effectiveness of fluoxetine in combination with olanzapine was confirmed, other antidepressants were ineffective. At the same time, studies where antidepressants were compared with each other in combination with mood stabilizers revealed a significant clinical response to therapy. Risk of the treatment emergency adverse events were relatively low for SSRI.

Conclusions

Despite the contradictory literature data, the use of antidepressants in bipolar depression is justified from the point of view of evidence-based medicine for certain groups of patients with taking into account risk factors.
Quality of life in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Smaoui N. , Lajmi I. , Guermazi A. , Bouali M. Maalej , Omri S. , Feki R. , Zouari L. , Charfi N. , Thabet J. Ben , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) frequently experience residual symptoms, problems in psychosocial functioning, cognitive impairment, and poor quality of life (QOL).

Objectives

* To evaluate the QOL of euthymic patients with BD compared to healthy controls (HC). * To identify factors associated with its deterioration.

Methods

This is a comparative and analytical study, conducted over 3 months, involving 30 euthymic patients with BD, followed up in the outpatient psychiatry department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). They were compared to 34 HC. General, clinical and therapeutic data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. QOL was assessed with the «36 item Short-Form Health Survey» (SF-36).

Results

The mean ages of BD patients and HC were 44.17 years and 40.1 years, respectively. Compared with HC, patients with BD had decreased overall SF-36 scores (53.73 vs 73.78; p=0.000) and decreased physical and psychological subdomain scores (p=0.001; p=0.000). The study of the relationship between the dimensional average scores and different variables revealed correlations between; physical health problems and somatic disease (p=0.021) and unemployment (p=0.001), impaired general health and somatic disease (p=0.02) and psychotropic association (p=0.021), emotional health problems and psychiatric family history (p=0.023), pain and psychotropic association (p=0.031), and impaired global QOL and psychiatric family history (p=0.05).

Conclusions

Our results confirm the impairment of the QOL of patients with BD even in euthymic periods. Many factors have been associated, including demographic and clinical variables. The improvement of QOL is to consider these factors in the management of these patients.
Clinical profile and outcome of bipolar disorder patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Bouali W. , Gniwa R. Omezzine , Soussia R. Ben , Mohamed A. Hadj , Zarrouk L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious and extremely recurrent illness frequently associated with cognitive and functional deterioration that poses many treatment challenges. However, over the years, with the evolution of more and more mood stabilizers and neuroleptics, there were controversies surrounding the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Objectives

The present study was an attempt at studying the clinical profile of BD patients who receive ECT and to study its effectiveness.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from all bipolar patients submitted to acute ECT treatment, between June 2015 and June 2016, at the Department of Psychiatry of the University Hospital of Mahdia, Tunisia.

Results

During the study period, among all the patients who received ECT, 47% were diagnosed to have bipolar disorder. ECT was administered most commonly for mania with psychotic symptoms, followed by severe depression with psychotic symptoms. Most of patients showed more than 65% response (based on reduction in the standardized rating scales) with ECT. Few patients (18.7%) reported some kind of side effects.

Conclusions

ECT resulted very effective for all BD acute depressive and manic episodes not responding to conventional pharmacologic management.
How does coping influence impulsivity in patients with remitted bipolar disorder?
Authors: Messedi N. , Mhiri E. , Charfeddine F. , Bouattour O. , Aribi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Impulsivity is an important component of the phenomenology of bipolar disorder. Recent studies show that bipolar patients use various strategies to deal with life stressors and with the discomfort related to their disease.

Objectives

To study impulsivity and coping strategies in bipolar patients in remission phase and the factors associated with them.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of 30 patients followed for bipolar disorder, in remission, at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, the Ways Of Coping Checklist to assess coping and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale to assess impulsivity.

Results

The average age was 43.77 years, the sex ratio was 0.5. Smoking was found in 30%. Bipolar I disorder was diagnosed in 93% of patients. The mean age of onset was 27.8 years, and the mean duration of illness was 15 years. *Impulsivity was found in 20% of cases and was correlated with the duration of the disease (p = 0.016) and smoking (p = 0.009). *Coping focused on the problem present in 70% of patients, correlated with the duration of the disease (p = 0.032) and coping (p=0.02). *Emotion-centered coping revealed in 20% of patients, correlated with gender (p = 0.037) and cognitive impulsivity (p=0.032). *Coping focused on seeking social support was present in 10% of patients.

Conclusions

Impulsivity is quite frequent in remitted bipolar patients, who mainly used problem-focused coping and a cognitive management of the stressful event. Thus the hypothesis was that impulsivity is core trait of bipolar disorder.
Neurocognitive functions in children and adolescents with different enthusiasm for video games
Authors: Soldatova G. , Vishneva A. , Koshevaya A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Video games are becoming increasingly popular among children (Lenhart et al., 2015). There is a lack of research that studies the impact of online games on children’s neurocognitive functions.

Objectives

The aim is to study neurocognitive functions in children and adolescents playing and not playing online games.

Methods

The sample comprises 100 children aged 5-10 years and 100 adolescents aged 11-16 years. The following neuropsychological indexes (Akhutina, 2016) are studied: programming and control, serial organization of movements, auditory and visual memory, left and right hemispheric functions, and neurodynamic component of mental activity. Wexler’s Awareness and Comprehension Tests were used to study verbal functions. The game activity are measured by social-psychological questionnaire.

Results

Children who play online games have a serial organization of movements (smooth switching from one component of the program to another) (F=14,46, p<0,01) and a neurodynamic component (F=13,07, p<0,01), which are worse developed than children who do not play online games. Adolescents playing online games have better analytical (left hemispheric) functions (F=13,37, p<0,01), mathematical abilities (F=3,47, p=0,063), and Awareness subtest (F=3,47, p=0,065) scores than nonplaying adolescents.

Conclusions

Children playing online games have lower results on neurocognitive functions directly related to motor development. Teenagers playing online games had higher scores in mathematical ability, analytical functions and awareness. The results indicate the need to develop an optimal time for digital gaming activities depending on the age of the child. The reported study was funded by RFBR, project No. 19-29-14181.

Conflict of interest

The reported study was funded by RFBR, project 19-29-14181.
Attention deficit and hiperactivity disorder: Age, sex and social environment as evaluable factors in children and teenagers
Authors: Rus S.S. Sánchez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Attention Deficit and Hiperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder, affecting executive functions and defined by hyperactivity, attention deficit and/or impulsivity symptoms. This neurodevelopmental disorder affect up to 7% of children. It is observed as a chronic pathology appearing on childhood with other comorbid diseases. Often, remarkable symptoms use to change with the age, however a real improvement is also related with other -external- factors, as social environment.

Objectives

-To highlight variability of ADHD symptoms and complexity of available treatments in childhood. -To analize influence of personal and familiar factors, which affect to evolution of ADHD and the response to treatment.

Methods

Comparative-study. Retrospective selection of 8 patients with treatment for ADHD and currently stable. A 12-months ADHD confirmed diagnosis in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit and follow-up after diagnosis. They are compared by aged-pairs (females and males) at the different development school-stages (preschool 3-6 years, primary school 7-12 years and adolescence 13-16 years). *Pairs of study: male-5 years/female-6 years; male-7 years/female-8 years; female-10 years/male-11 years; female-13 years/male-15 years

Results

-Evolution of ADHD highlights the influence of age-factor about remarkable symptoms mainly (from hiperactivity to inattentiveness). -Comorbid disorders seems related with sex-factor (impulsivity-eating disorders on females and irritability-mood disorders on males). -Children social environment, specially family support, is an important external factor for all these patients (low self-steem or somatization disorders).

Conclusions

1. ADHD as a chronic disorder whose evolution depends on the age, sex and social factors 2. Genetic component or familiar support are also considered as influencers factors 3.Multidisciplinary approach to objectives: motivation, organization and maturity 4. Treatment is consider according to side effects and comorbidity
Psychotic-like experiences in community-dwelling young people in hong kong: Preliminary finding from the hong kong youth epidemiological study of mental health (HKYES)
Authors: Wong C.S. , Chan C.C. , Chan S.K. , Hui C.L. , Lee E.H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are often referred to as psychotic experiences, such as hallucinations and delusions, in the absence of a psychotic disorder. PLEs as part of the continuum of psychosis suggested that healthy population can endorse PLEs without having significant distress or impairment which would warrant them a clinical diagnosis. While PLEs are usually associated with psychotic disorders, previous research has also shown the link between PLEs and many other mood symptoms.

Objectives

The present study aims to identify PLEs in community youths and explore the underlying risk and protective factors.

Methods

This is an ongoing study in which young people aged 15-24 were recruited from community through a random stratified sampling method. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, functioning, and other psychosocial factors were assessed in a face-to-face structured interview. In particular, PLEs were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Screening Scales (CIDI-SC). Six domains of lifetime PLEs were measured, including auditory and visual hallucination, thought insertion/ withdrawal, delusion of control and reference, and persecutory delusions.

Results

To date, 746 participants were recruited and of these, 3.2% of them has endorsed lifetime PLEs. Results showed that significantly higher depressive, anxiety and stress scores were found in those who has PLEs (p<0.001), and additionally, these scores significantly predicted the presence of PLEs in regression models (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings highlighted the inter-related phenomena between PLEs and mood symptoms. Further investigation is needed to examine the likelihood of PLEs in predicting psychosis over time.
The enduring effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) on mood dysregulation in children: A literature review
Authors: Arain F. , Chavannes N. , Corona C.C. , Tohid A. , Arain H. , Jennings M. , Sanchez-Lacay A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Behavioral dysregulation is a common presentation of children in the Emergency-Room (ER)1. A 10-year-old African-American boy with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder with poor treatment adherence, two previous psychiatric hospitalizations and multiple ER visits, presented with dysregulation and aggressive behavior. He had inconsistent parenting and poor attachment with present involvement of child protective services. We did a systematic review to interpret associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of behavioral dysregulation in later life.

Objectives

To see associations between ACEs and the development of behavioral dysregulation in later life.

Methods

We searched PsycINFO, APA PsycNet, PubMed, and Medline. Among 35 articles, five were included: 1) a meta-analysis of health consequences and ACEs1; 2) a data analysis of 64,329 youth from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice that focused on suicide attempts and ACEs2; 3) a systematic review of 42 articles related to ACEs 3; 4) data from 22,575 youth for childhood abuse, trauma and neglect 4 and 5) a multimodal logistic regression study on 64,000 juvenile offenders focused on ACE scores and latent trajectory.5

Results

There is increased risk of substance use, mental and physical health problems, and violence associated with ACEs1, 2. The relationship between childhood difficulties and suicide is interceded by adolescent’s maladaptive behaviors3. By age 35, ACEs increase the risk of becoming a serious juvenile offender4. Increased exposure to ACEs differentiates early-onset and sustained criminality from other forms of criminality5.

Conclusions

ACEs can affect the development of a child in multiple ways including suicidal behavior, aggression, impulsivity, criminality, academic difficulties and substance abuse
Smartphone internet addiction among hong kong young adults: The role of gender and depression
Authors: Chan D.L. , Wong C.S. , Hui C.L. , Chan S.K. , Lee E.H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Growing evidence studying pathological online behaviour has shown an increasing rate of internet addictions in younger populations across the globe.

Objectives

The current study aims to investigate the prevalence of smartphone internet addiction of youths in Hong Kong, and its associations with gender and depression.

Methods

A total of 1,164 participants’ preliminary data were extracted from the Hong Kong Youth Epidemiological Study of Mental Health, a territory-wide, household-based study of mental health in youths aged between 15-24. Internet usage behaviors, socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics of the participants were assessed. The Chen Internet Addiction Scale was modified to measure smartphone internet addiction (SIA). Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine (i) SIA across gender and (ii) depressive symptoms between high and no to low SIA groups. Linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between SIA and depression.

Results

The prevalence of smartphone internet addiction was 27.8% using the cut-off scores of 67/68. Women had higher SIA scores than men (U=144239.50, p=0.001). Participants with high SIA were associated with a higher severity in depression than those with no-to-low SIA (U=89187.00, p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between depression and SIA after adjusting for confounding factors (B=0.099, t=9.138, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a gender difference on online behaviour using smartphones. Further investigations are needed on whether SIA may exacerbate severity of common mental disorders.
Childhood trauma in a sample of patients with psychosis and healthy brothers
Authors: Anton R. Hernandez , Talavera G. Gutierrez , Zorrilla M. Zandio , Izco L. Moreno , Sánchez-Torres A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychosis are complex disorders due to their symptomatic and evolutionary heterogeneity. The genetic-environmental interaction model is the most accepted etiopathogenic model, in which neurobiological processes (genetic factors, connectivity and brain structure) and environmental factors (for example: childhood trauma) are studied. The association between suffering traumatic events in childhood and the subsequent development of a Mental Disorder is of increasing interest.

Objectives

Analyze if a childhood trauma is a modulating factor of psychotic symptoms in patients with Mental Disorder. Analyze the implication of childhood trauma in long-term functionality.

Methods

The sample is made up of 37 patients with psychosis and their healthy brothers. Different sociodemographic, clinical and evolutionary variables were collected in all groups. The sample was evaluated using the semi-structured interview CASH, the WHODAS scale and the self-applied questionnaire CTQ.

Results

We did not find significant differences between the scores of CTQ between patients with psychosis and their healthy brothers. Sexual abuse is significantly correlated with the presence of hallucinations, inappropriate affect, formal thought disorders and catatonic symptoms. Emotional neglect is significantly correlated with the presence of hallucinations, inappropriate affect, affective blunting, and anhedonia. Physical neglect is significantly correlated with flattery and blunt affection. Sexual abuse is correlated with poorer personal care. Emotional neglect is correlated with poorer personal care, poorer family functioning, and worse overall functioning in the last year.

Conclusions

The intensity of traumatic experiences throughout childhood could be considered a modulating factor of psychotic symptoms (positive, negative, disorganized and catatonic) and overall functioning (occupational, family, social and personal care).
The work of a children’s psychiatric clinic in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in russia
Authors: Dovbysh D. , Bebchuk M. , Zhorina Y. , Gimranova E. , Timoshenko S. , Popil E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare workers experienced significant distress. At the same time, concern for the safety and well-being of employees remained important priorities to ensure the quality of care for children with mental illness.

Objectives

To study the specifics of the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic among employees of a children’s psychiatric clinic, highlight the existing among them attitudes about the pandemic and form administrative decisions to improve the quality of care for children.

Methods

380 employees voluntarily took part in the study (group 1 (G1): 115 people who worked directly with Covid-19 and group 2 (G2): 265 people without this experience) from 05/18/2020 to 05/20/2020. The author’s questionnaire included the following blocks: 1) attitude towards patients and colleagues; 2) emotional experiences; 3) ways of coping; 4) social support; 4) finance.

Results

The main motive when deciding to work with Covid-19 was the motive of professional duty (25.4% of participants). There are a number of significant differences between group 1 and group 2: participants in G1 are characterized by denial of special experiences associated with Covid-19, seeking help from colleagues in difficult working conditions, reliance on family members and a positive vision of administrative decisions significantly more than participants G2. Relatives of G1 participants are less concerned about their future and health.

Conclusions

The personnel decisions made on the basis of the research allowed the clinic’s team to provide quality care to children and families throughout the pandemic.
The gender distribution of psychopathological disorders at a child and adolescent psychiatry department: About 577 cases
Authors: Ben Othman A. , Slama H. , Souid O. , Soualmia I. , Oumaya A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The evaluation of the distribution of pathologies according to gender in child and adolescent psychiatry remains an interesting question both for epidemiological and etiopathogenic research.

Objectives

The objective of our work was to study the influence of gender on the psychopathological expression of disorders in children and adolescents.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the outpatient child psychiatry department at the Tahar Sfar University Hospital in Mahdia, Tunisia, among patients who consulted for the first time during the period from January 2015 to December 2017. To carry out this work, we used a pre-established form evaluating the sociodemographic and clinical information. We opted for grouping diagnoses according to axis I of the DSM IV-
TR.

Results

We collected 577 cases: 231 girls, and 346 boys. The analysis of the results showed a male predominance (60% of our sample were boys). A significant difference in diagnosis relating to gender was found (p = 0.02). In fact, boys were more likely to have pervasive developmental disorders, mental retardation and externalizing disorders, while girls were more likely to develop sleep and eating disorders and internalizing disorders such as mood disorders.

Conclusions

Demonstrating the existence of a significant gender distribution of pathologies in adolescent and child psychiatry is certainly of real importance in the context of epidemiological, clinical and etiopathogenic research. However, it would be more efficient to further investigate other epidemiological and socio-cultural data in order to better specify the involvement of each of these factors in the emergence of psychopathology.