bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric intervention on patients recovering from hospitalization due to Covid-19
Authors: Machado D. , Borges A. , Laureano C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

According to recent reports Covid-19 patients may exhibit psychiatric co-morbidities that cause dysfunction, loss of autonomy and emotional suffering even after the physical illness is treated. Considering the high impact Covid-19 may have on mental health, we have created a psychiatric consultation dedicated to the study, observation and support of patients that developed mental illness after being hospitalized due to Covid-19.

Objectives

We aim at 1) describe the profile of patients that developed psychiatric comorbidities following a hospitalization due to Covid-19 and 2) recognize and treat early psychiatric symptoms in Covid-19 patients.

Methods

Based on what was described in other epidemic crisis, we established a semi-structured interview to evaluate several dimensions of the patients’ life that may have been affected by Covid-19 and that may impact on mental health. The interview included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Each patient was observed multiple times over several months. Our evaluation was done in parallel with consultations in Internal Medicine.

Results

Most patients complained of symptoms directly related with the infection of SARS-CoV-2, namely fatigue, short breath and reduced tolerance to efforts. Importantly, many patients also reported de novo or aggravation of anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disturbances and grief often associated with feelings of existential emptiness and lack of purpose.

Conclusions

Hospitalization due to Covid-19 has a high impact on mental health, raising important questions on purpose and emptiness. An early psychiatric intervention is highly recommended.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Assessement of burnout among high school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sfax, Tunisia
Authors: Regaieg N. , Zouari L. , Mejdoub Y. , Smaoui N. , Omri S. , Feki R. , Gassara I. , Charfi N. , Ben Thabet J. , Maalej M. , Maalej M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Facing educational difficulties related to COVID-19, some teachers can no longer adapt, making them potential candidates for burnout.

Objectives

We aimed to assess burnout among high school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine its prevalence and factors associated with it.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out on google drive in May 2021, and relating to 97 Tunisian junior and secondary school teachers from the Sfax region. Burnout was evaluated by the Burnout Measure Short version (BMS-10).

Results

The sex-ratio (M/F) of our population was 0.32 and the average age was 44.23 ± 7.81 years old. The labor load was low, medium and high in respectively 1.4%, 57.6% and 41% of cases. Almost a third of participants (30.6%) reported a low satisfaction with working conditions. The average BMS score was 40.19 ± 13.98. According to the BMS scores, 36.1% of teachers had a very low to a low degree of burnout, 23.6% had burnout while 40.3% had a high to very high degree of exposure to burnout. Furthermore, the BMS score was associated with the female gender (p=0.002), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), suicidal thoughts (p<0.001) and with a medium to a high labor load (p=0.045).

Conclusions

In this study, Tunisian high school teachers in times of COVID-19 reported a high burnout rate. Thus, the protection of this vulnerable population must be an important component of public health measures.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Unique combination of herbal ingredients for everyday distress in medical workers (short-term pilot study)
Authors: Morozova M. , Alexeev A. , Rupchev G. , Beniashvili A. , Potanin S. , Lepilkina T. , Burminskiy D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Psychological distress is a phenomenon that often occurs not only in patients but in normal subjects under excessive psychological pressure. Health care workers are at particular risk of distress in a pandemic. It negatively affects the quality of life, social and physical functioning and can be a trigger of different diseases. The pharmaceutical drugs can be unnecessary active for healthy subjects. Nutraceuticals may be the adequate choice in this situation.

Objectives

Assessing the effectiveness of the unique antistress combination of the three herbal ingredients (standardized extracts of passionfruit, melissa and catnip) in medical workers with the signs of psychological distress

Methods

Twenty-four subjects-medical doctors from 30 to 55 years old (15 women; 9 men) were included into the one-week study. Antistress combination was administered 1 tablet tid. The first part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI “State anxiety”) andor a free self-report were done twice (before and at the end of the study)

Results

From 24 subjects 19 subjects filled out the STAI, free self-reports were received from 10 subjects (5 people provided information about their condition in two forms). STAI scores showed statistically significant decrease in anxiety at the end of the study. A positive effect the emotional condition and quality of sleep was noted in free self-reports. Adverse effects of nutraceuticals were rare, mild, and transient. No negative impact on quality of working condition was registered.

Conclusions

The pilot study showed the promising effect of antistress combination in medical workers in specific stressful situation.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Retrospective Memories of Parents about Behaviour of Their Children During Lockdown
Authors: Burlakova N. , Diusimbeeva F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The trace in the memory left by the COVID-19 pandemic is no less important than the immediate reaction on it.

Objectives

The objective was to study the parent-child relations during the strict lockdown (April 2020) on the material of parental memories focusing on emotional reactions and behaviour of children.

Methods

The material was collected in July-August 2020 in a small city in south Russia. The group included 88 parents (average age 34±5). 42 parents had an only child, 38 two children and 7 from 3 to 5 children. Methods used in the study included questionary, half-structured interview.

Results

61% estimated the lockdown as “very stressful and difficult.” Vast majority (86 parents) said that the situation was constantly discussed in the family, 2 parents demonstrated the reaction of denial saying that the situation was never discussed at home. Respondents mentioned “increase of anxiety,” “insecurity,” “conflicts within the family,” etc. In most cases, parents did not succeed to provide a constructive and balancing explanation, which would answer the child’s wish to understand the situation. Describing the children’s reactions on the changes in the usual way of life, parents stressed anxious (15%) and explosive-angry reactions (10%), with prevalence of apathy, tendency to “stick to” the adult (45%). 30% of parents did not notice any changes in their children’s behaviour.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate the need in clinical-psychological solutions, which would be designed for wide use (“collective patient”) and aimed at explanation of the situation of pandemic to the children of different ages, belonging to different social groups.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Changes of ambulance departures to assaults during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions
Authors: Pisl V. , Vevera J. , Volavka J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Restrictions related to COVID-19 may affect aggressive behaviour. Increased incidence of gender-based, domestic, and intimate-partner violence was expected during the pandemic, however, retrospective analyses yielded contradicting results.

Objectives

Examine changes in frequency of assaults caused by pandemic restrictions, including separate analysis for male and female assault victims, for residential and non-residential location of assaults and for assaults related to domestic violence.

Methods

Weekly number of ambulance departures to injuries secondary to assaults in the Pilsen region, Czechia, during the COVID lockdown was compared to records from the three previous years using ANOVA and post hoc t-tests. Further, multilinear regression was used to model weekly number of ambulance departures between 1st January 2017 and 30th April 2021 based on presence of pandemic national emergency state, time, and seasonality.

Results

During pandemic lockdown, ambulance departures to assaults dropped by 43% compared to equivalent periods of the three previous years. The decrease was notable specifically among departures to male victims and to assaults in non-residential areas, with only small decrease observed for female victims and assaults related to domestic violence and no change found in frequency of assaults happening at home.

Conclusions

Lockdowns and restrictions of public life were associated with a decreased incidence of violent assaults. While the incidence decreased especially in males and in those assaulted outside of their homes, we found no support for an increase in domestic or gender related violence. Pandemic restrictions may serve as a protective rather than a risk factor for assaults.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
An exploratory qualitative study describing frontline nurses’ experiences with Presenteeism due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Laranjeira C. , Querido A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-lasting impact on healthcare workplaces and professionals alike. For that reason, it is necessary more knowledge and insights about sickness presenteeism behaviour to provide appropriate occupational health services for all healthcare workers affected directly and indirectly by this pandemic.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore and describe presenteeism experiences among frontline nurses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative thematic analysis was used to evaluate the perceptions of frontline nurses from different Portuguese hospital institutions joined in two Focus Groups. Using convenience sampling a total of 20 RNs participated in interviews. No restriction was given to their gender, age, career, and wards in charge so as to obtain diverse data on nurses’ experiences of presenteeism.

Results

The sample mean age was 36 years [range 25 - 42 years]; they had a clinical career of 12 years on average [range 2 - 20 years]. The major theme was the metaphor of “the rotten orange”. This theme implied the presence of a phenomenon that is invisible due to the ignorance of many, but which spreads through the members of a team, leading to an overload of its members for lack of one compassionate leadership. Consequently, leads to loss of the nursing spirit and nursing manpower.

Conclusions

Our findings point to the development of workplace interventions targets to reduce healthcare worker presenteeism and to help employers foster a ‘healthier’ sickness culture during the pandemic and beyond.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
COVID-19 Psychiatric Inpatient Unit- experience and challenges
Authors: Mesquita B. , Fraga A. , Albuquerque M. , Espada-Santos P. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Paulino S. , Costa M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

On January 2021 the Department of Psychiatry became the only unit exclusively dedicated to COVID patients with severe mental illness in acute decompensation. Only patients in risk of rapid medical deterioration were excluded and forwarded to intensive care.

Objectives

Discussion of this unprecedented experience.

Methods

Analysis of 28 patients hospitalized during 3 months with both an acute psychiatric disorder and an SARS-CoV-2 infection; description of the multidisciplinary intervention made.

Results

Our sample was characterized by a majority of patients with an acute psychotic episode derived from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (42%) or a bipolar affective disorder (21%). Only 3% of the patients had a diagnosis of severe major depressive disorder. And 10% of patients developed severe respiratory symptoms requiring oxygen or urgent transfer to COVID medical wards. Most patients presented periods of psychomotor agitation, lack of impulse control and self-aggression. Psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions had to be adapted to these unusual conditions. Most of them had already gone through a period of isolation in the buffer ward created to exclude false negatives, which promoted atypical deliriums and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The psychiatric team was faced with the emergent need to adapt an intervention model based on trust to a model that had to prioritize physical safety.

Conclusions

The pandemic experience was transformative for all who lived through it. From the challenge perspective, it may have been enriching. But the maintained confrontation with the antithesis of therapy, defined by “caring, supporting, communicating, approaching”, was devastating in ways that we consider essential to be debated.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Past, Present, and Future of Involuntary Admission in Georgia
Authors: Chkonia E.
Published: September 2022

Since gaining independence in 1991, Georgia has struggled to transform the old-Soviet mental health care structure into a humane system to meet basic human rights standards.

The current version of the mental health law was introduced in 2007, which instituted the new practice that required court decisions for involuntary hospitalization and several practical procedures.

The Public Defender’s Office (Special reports, 2019-2021) revealed gaps and contradictions within the law that lead to human rights violations and malpractices in involuntary hospitalization.

Currently, the group of Georgian experts with international support from Expertise France- French Development Agency, at the request of the Ministry, are working on the new version of the mental health law, which will be in line with international requirements and standards.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Evolution of Electroconvulsive Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Regional ECT Unit of the Region of Murcia
Authors: Cutillas Fernández M.A. , Medina Garrido M.L. , López Villaescusa M. , Bermudez Larrosa E. , Martínez Milán C. , Aparicio Castro E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. From the beginning, the pandemic posed a challenge to the different health systems around the world, which were forced to prioritise and distribute their resources as efficiently as possible. During the period between 11 March 2020 and 28 April 2021, the Regional ECT Unit of the Region of Murcia remained closed.

Objectives

- Determine the clinical status of patients on maintenance ECT in the Regional ECT Unit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

- Prioritise resumption of treatment in those who were clinically decompensated or at risk

- Understand the consequences of discontinuation of maintenance ECT for these patients.

Methods

A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted during the month of May 2020.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were contacted by telephone. On the first call, a total of 15 patients were unstable or at risk of decompensation.

Prior to the second call, CT was administered preferentially to a total of 8 patients and programmed to 2. On the second call, a total of 11 patients were at risk of decompensation.

Conclusions

The closure of the Regional ECT Unit had negative consequences for patients undergoing maintenance treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy is an essential part of the treatment of psychiatric patients both in acute episodes and in relapse prevention.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Determinants of Mental Health and Psychiatric Decompensation
Authors: Jay J. , Garrels E. , Korenis P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled changes in healthcare delivery, incorporating new technologies and resulting in interruptions of care and access to treatment.

Objectives

To understand the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health, particularly in those with psychotic disorders. The unique nature and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic today presents an opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by our patients and improvements that can be made in the delivery of mental healthcare.

Methods

We report five cases of patients with preexisting psychotic disorders seen on an inpatient psychiatry unit who decompensated for reasons relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a review of the literature by searching the PubMed database for the keywords “mental health,” “psychosis,” “COVID-19,” “epidemic,” “pandemic,” and “coronavirus.

Results

The prevalence of psychotic disorders in the US is estimated to be between 0.25% and 0.64%. In the context of an epidemic or pandemic, the incidence of psychotic symptoms in those infected with a virus is estimated to be between 0.9% and 4%, demonstrating increased risk to this group. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to psychiatric decompensation.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to identify ways in which our patients are at risk and how we can attempt to alleviate those risks to provide improved care going forward. By appreciating the multifaceted ways in which the current situation has affected our patient population, we can extrapolate lessons that will allow us to better serve our patients even when this pandemic passes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Vaccination and COVID-19: beliefs and perceptions
Authors: Stati S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on societies, with hopes of a return to normalcy pinned on the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. The success of a vaccination programme will depend on the participation rate among the population which is influenced by perceptions and attitudes that are partly determined by contextual factors

Objectives

to study the associations between vaccination intention and theoretical background, contextual and socio-demographic factors in a demographic representation

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted from 3 December 2020 to 10 March 2021, using a questionnaire exploring demographics, psychiatric impact of the pandemic, general opinion of the pandemic and the vaccine, main reasons for being for or against the vaccine, and people’s affinity for the different vaccine currently on the market worldwide.

Results

182 responses were collected, of which 83.5% were female, 50.5% were between 18 and 30 years of age, gender, contextual factors on vaccination uptake and type of vaccine showed a statistically significant difference with a P<0.005, between the 2 groups who agreed or disagreed with the vaccine uptake Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR = 0.193; 95% CI: 0.0437 -0.851) was independently associated with vaccine acceptance.

Conclusions

The exploration of perceptions and beliefs concluded that there is an undeniable impact of contextual factors on the practice and acceptance of covid 19 vaccination among the general population in Morocco, and that awareness and psycho-education of the population is therefore desirable.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Dissociation and emotional dysregulation in pathological personalities related to the fear of SARS-COV-2: a case report
Authors: Sousa R. , Brás J. , Costa A. , Vaz R. , Martins J. , Teixeira D. , Marques A. , Abreu J. , Almeida E. , Cunha N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a serious strain on the mental health resilience worldwide. Implementation of restrictive rules implied the disruption of social networks, eliciting emotional exhaustion and intense response to fear. This was amplified by media spread of panic and fake news, representing risk factors for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fear can be dangerous, especially accounting premorbid psychopathological vulnerability, such as pathological personality traits. Emotional dysregulation increases fear levels, mediated by the relationship between emotional dysregulation and lack of tolerance.

Objectives

Clinical case presentation of patient who developed dissociative and behavioral symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Bibliographic research.

Methods

Bibliographic research using Pubmed®. Clinical file consultation and patient interviews.

Results

Heightened psychophysiological reactivity can result from the persistent fear experienced during a traumatic event and repeated memories related to it, leading to a sensitization of the response to fear. We present 57 year-old female patient, admitted to the COVID ward after trying to escape from home isolation due to positivity to COVID-19. In the hospital setting she developed dissociative symptoms, trying to escape from the ward and infect other people.

Conclusions

Intense fear responses to COVID-19 are likely explained by poor emotion regulation capacities as well as dissociative mechanisms. Studies have shown that this pandemic was experienced as a real traumatic event and some studies have found that it may lead to the development of PTSD. Pathological personality is positively related to PTSD symptoms, attributable to higher levels of mood instability, cognitive/perceptual disorders, interpersonal dysfunctions and negative affection.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Effect of Covid-19-pandemic on loneliness, well-being, significant others – Results of a national survey of adults in Hungary
Authors: Brys Z. , Albert F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Covid-19-pandemic is likely to have a substantial and long-term effect on the mental health of the adult Hungarian population.

Objectives

To investigate the self-reported change of loneliness, change in well-being, and change in the numbers of significant others due to Covid-19-pandemic.

Methods

Computer-assisted web interviewing is being conducted. Survey design uses a multistaged sampling and iterative weighting algorithm, both based on the 2016 Hungarian micro census. The sample can be considered representative for age, gender, educational attainment, region, and size of the settlement. Continuous variables will be tested for normality of distribution using the Shapiro–Wilk, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. To check the comparability of the two groups, the Mann–Whitney U tests will be applied. The cross-tabulation Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests will be performed to assess the association between categorical variables. Two-sample Z-tests will be applied to evaluate the difference between the proportions of the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression models will be also applied to understand the association between the direction of change and sociodemographic variables.

Results

The survey is currently being conducted; results shall be presented at the conference.

Conclusions

The survey is currently being conducted; results and conclusions shall be presented at the conference.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Moral Injury, Depression and Anxiety among Israeli Health and Social Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Thwarted Belongingness
Authors: Zerach G. , Levi-Belz Y.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic can affect the mental health of health and social care workers (HSCWs) who are frontline workers in this continuous crisis. Following exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) that undermine deeply held moral beliefs and expectations, HSCWs might experience moral injury (MI) and deleterious psychiatric consequences such as depression and anxiety symptoms.

Objectives

To examine associations between exposure to PMIEs, MI symptoms, depression, and anxiety symptoms. We also aim to assess the moderating role of thwarted belongingness in these associations.

Methods

A sample of 243 Israeli HSCWs completed online validated self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional designed survey in February and March 2021.

Results

About one-third (33.6%) of the sample met the criteria for major depressive disorder, 21.5% met the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and 19.1 % reported comorbidity of depression and anxiety. A moderated-mediation model shows that high thwarted belongingness intensified the relations between exposure to PMIEs and MI symptoms, and between MI symptoms and depression and anxiety symptoms. Importantly, the indirect effect of exposure to PMIEs on both depression and anxiety symptoms via MI symptoms existed only among those with high levels of thwarted belongingness.

Conclusions

The study’s findings highlight the mental burden of HSCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the contribution of MI to possible mental health consequences. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of high thwarted belongingness in depression and anxiety sequelae of exposure to PMIEs among HSCWs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
COVID- 19 Following Acute Psychosis: Case series report
Authors: Hrnjica A. , Šarkić-Bedak Š. , Lokmić- Pekiċ I.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) could result in various medical consequences. Clinical manifestations are diverse and range from asymptomatic or mild, fever-like symptoms, to more severe and life-threatening complications. Although the clinical presentation was initially dominated by respiratory symptoms, psychiatric symptoms and sequelae have been reported in COVID- 19 patients and convalescents.

Objectives

To describe four clinical case reports of patients admitted to the inpatient unit of Psychiatric Hospital Sarajevo (PHS) with acute onset of psychosis in the recovery stage of COVID-19.

Methods

In this case series we report cases of 4 patients, all female, mean age 53.25 years, hospitalized in PHS during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. All developed psychotic symptoms in the recovery phase of COVID-19. None had a previous history of psychiatric disturbances of any kind. All patients were diagnosed with brief psychotic disorder (BPD), according to DSM 5 criteria for BPD.

Results

COVID-19 affects various organ systems, including the brain, with variable symptoms based on disease severity. Psychotic features have been observed as well. The pathophysiology and direct biological effects of the disease are not fully understood. COVID-19 patients and convalescents can develop psychotic symptoms as a consequence of multiple concurrent factors. Several proposed mechanisms include direct central nervous system infiltration, cytokine network dysregulation, peripheral immune cell transmigration, and post-infectious autoimmunity [1], treatments used to manage the infection, and psychosocial stress.

Conclusions

Clinicians need to be aware of possible psychotic manifestations in COVID-19 patients and survivors. Long-term follow-up is warranted to provide efficient patient care.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The Prevalence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers of East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pereyra-Borlongan M.Y.E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

COVID-19, caused by the most recently discovered corona virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), has already reached pandemic scale worldwide. And it is expected for health care workers to feel stressed and worried during these times due to their exposure to infected individuals.

Objectives

This study aims to identify the relationship between the demographic profile and health-related traits of EAMC employees, and their perceived stressors that aggravate psychologic distress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 390 health care workers, we use two brief mental health screening tools, namely Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated tool for depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) a validated tool for anxiety.

Results

Factors such as marital status, occupation and employment status appear to have association with the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Perceived stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic include long working hours, inconsistent administrative policies, exposure to Covid-19 positive individuals, inadequate time off from work and increasing number of patients but without commensurate additional work force. For our sample population, 31.8% did not have depressive symptoms, 35.6% had mild, 21% moderate, 9.7% moderately severe and 1.8% had severe depressive symptoms. While for anxiety, 57.7% had no to minimal symptoms, 26.9% mild, 9.7% moderate and 5.6% had severe anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

It is therefore concluded that the Covid-19 pandemic indeed caused significant anxiety and depressive symptoms among health care workers. Measures to increase the work force should be put in place to decrease work burden and employee fatigue.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Personal believes - Barriers to vaccination against Covid_19
Authors: Abu Shehab A.H.I. , Gurita A.V. , Luca L. , Burlea L.Ș. , Ciubara A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The ongoing global pandemic of Covid_19 had a huge pressure to accelerate the development process of Covid_19 vaccine. This acceleration of the vaccine appearance raised many concerns regarding the effectiveness and the adequate safety of the vaccine among general population.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to determine the reasons behind vaccine refusal among general population.

Methods

Online questionnaire with the subjects’ agreement; The study included 61 participants aged between 18 and 40 years old. The study was effectuated in October 2021.

Results

Most of the participants (n=60, 98.36%) declared that they knew some persons who have refused the Covid_19 vaccine. Moreover, a number of 29 participants (48.33%) declared that vaccine refusal among the people who refused the vaccine was due to personal believes.

Conclusions

The success of the vaccination programs mainly depends on the proportion of the population that receive the vaccine. It is crucial to implement new strategies to increase the acceptability of Covid_19 vaccine.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The impact of the COVID pandemic on the attitude and mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID departments
Authors: Elleuch O. , Feki R. , Gassara I. , Smaoui N. , Charfi N. , Omri S. , Maalej M. , Ben Thabet J. , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID pandemic brought an overwhelming impact on hospital systems and personnel in the world.

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID pandemic on the attitude and mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID departments.

Methods

We included 23 healthcare professionals working in the COVID departments of the Hospitals of Sfax. Sociodemographic data, medical history and COVID related details were collected from the participants. Their mental health was assessed by the Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results

In our sample, 26.1% were men and 73.9% were women, they were aged from 26 to 52. They worked for 57 hours per week, including 27.38 hours of direct contact with COVID positive patients and 5.43 nightshifts per month. A rate of 52.2% of the participants claimed having enough protection tools and 13% confirmed having enough equipment for patient management. 30.4% feared the lack of equipment and 39.1% considered themselves trained enough to manage COVID patients. As for the protective measures, 95.7% reduced contact with family members, 30.4% stopped visiting their parents, 8.7% left the family house and 4.3% didn’t take any particular measure. The mean HADS depression score was 9.61, and 60.86% had a Depression score equal or greater than 8, indicating depression. As for the HADS Anxiety score, its mean was 10.61 and 69.56% had a score equal or greater than 8, indicating anxiety.

Conclusions

The pandemic had a big impact on healthcare professionals working in COVID departments, as shows the relatively high depression and anxiety rate.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Revision and Validation of the Hwa-Byung Scale
Authors: Kim J. , Park S.-A. , Lee S. , Kwan Y. , Choi S.-W.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hwa-Byung is a cultural-related mental syndrome that reflects the cultural characteristics of Korean in DSM-IV. This syndrome is caused by anger or resentment towards unreasonable social violence and trauma.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to revise and validate the ’Hwa-Byung scale’, which can be used to diagnose Hwa-Byung and evaluate the severity of its symptoms.

Methods

To begin with, the factors of the Hwa-Byung scale were set based on the previous studies. Additionally, the respective subfactors were generated by the semi-structured interviews with these patients. Based on these factors and previous studies, a 142-item pool was developed and verified by six Oriental Neuropsychiatrists. A pilot study was conducted on 50 patients with Hwa-Byung and the main study for the validation was conducted on 200 Hwa-Byung patients. Item analysis, internal consistency, and exploratory/confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Lastly, this study analyzed the ROC curve to present the diagnostic cut-off score of the scale.

Results

As a result of analyzing the content validity of the item pool, we constructed a preliminary scale. We excluded the inadequate questions from the pilot study results. In the main study, The Hwa-Byung scale showed high internal consistency and its items were suitable for the factor structure. Finally, we suggest an optimal cut-off score of the symptoms sub-scale for screening Hwa-Byung.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of this study indicated the reliability and validity of the Hwa-Byung Scale. Based on these results, we discussed several values and limitations of this study and provided suggestions for further research.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Gender differences in the subjective evaluation of factors determining human health in Russians
Authors: Shilko R. , Shaigerova L. , Almazova O. , Dolgikh A. , Rabeson M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Research into sociocultural mediation of human health engages the role of gender differences in the subjective evaluation of factors that determine health status.

Objectives

The focus of the research was the respondents’ opinion about the importance of various factors for human health and subjective well-being.

Methods

210 men and 403 women aged 14 to 76 years (M = 26.9; SD = 13.7) from six regions of the Russian Federation participated in the study. Participants were asked to rank six factors: genetics, healthy lifestyle, good ecology, regular medical examination, absence of stress (ability to cope with them), financial well-being in terms of their impact on human health (1 is the most important, 6 is the least important).

Results

Both men and women consider “healthy lifestyle” to be the most important factor for human health, while financial well-being - most unimportant. Using the t-test for two independent samples, it was found that: women consider “absence of stress (the ability to cope with it)” significantly more important for health than men (t = -2.569; p = 0.010), while men consider “financial well-being” to be significantly more important than women (t = 2.807; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

It was revealed that men and women equally indicate the most and least important factors determining health. At the same time, subjective assessments of the importance of such factors as absence of stress and financial well-being for health have significant differences. The reported study was funded by the RFBR, project number 17-29-02506.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Rationality and suicide, cultural context and mental illness – tenuous limits: about a clinical case
Authors: Freitas C. , Felizardo M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Suicide results from a complex interaction between biological, genetic, psychological, sociological, cultural and environmental factors. The frequency of suicide among psychiatric pathologies is quite variable, with depression accounting for 45% to 70% of suicides. The association of suicide with the existence of mental illness is not consensual, with reports of rational suicides in 2% to 9% of suicide cases. It is unquestionable that the awareness of the lived experience limits the person’s condition to what it is.

Objectives

To describe a clinical case on the subject and discuss the influence of cultural context in suicide.

Methods

The authors describe a case of a patient hospitalized in Psychiatry, after a suicide attempt and a consummated suicide by his wife.

Results

The patient and his wife lived their entire lives as hermits. Although no acute psychopathology was found in the patient to justify the act, such as psychotic or depressive symptoms, dysfunctional personality traits were found, which translated into an attitude of superiority, requirement of subservience, hostility when contradicted and breaches of basic rules.

Conclusions

Taking into account what has been described, the authors discuss the influence of personality on the patient’s life choices and on the decision that led to the suicide attempt, as well as the suicide of his wife. A reflection is made on whether suicide can be completely independent of mental illness or whether, even in cases where rationality seems to be the causal factor, personality dysfunctionality and a profound influence of the cultural context, are present or not.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The effects of Cumulative Trauma and Cognitive Rigidity on the Severity of Depressive Disorder: Preliminary Results
Authors: Salla M. , Aguilera M. , Paz C. , Moya-Higueras J. , Feixas G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The long-lasting effects of trauma on mental health and the cumulative effect during the lifetime is one of the great interest in research and applied psychology. However, the effect of cumulative trauma in combination with cognitive biases, such as cognitive rigidity (“all-or-nothing” thinking pattern), on the severity of depression has not been tested yet.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse these variables, while considering for differential gender effects on a sample of patients with the diagnosis of depressive disorder.

Methods

A total sample of 177 patients (137 women) were assessed using the Cumulative Trauma Scale. Cognitive rigidity was measured with the Repertory Grid Technique and severity of depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results

indicated that high levels of cognitive rigidity and high frequency of perceived negative cumulative trauma predicted depressive symptoms; while high frequency of perceived positive trauma did not predict depressive symptoms. Moreover, gender did not explain variability of depression, and its interaction with frequency of perceived trauma was not significant.

Conclusions

Overall, traumatic cumulative trauma frequency and its negative appraisal are key to the understanding the severity of depression but also cognitive rigidity seemed to be a relevant factor to consider. Thus, these results highlight the need to focus on traumatic and cognitive aspects to increase the efficacy of psychological interventions in depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Early real-life evaluation of the efficacy of esketamine in resistant depressive disorder
Authors: Faisant S. , Crublet P. , Bellay R. , Langrée B. , Marie N. , Rojo-Bouton M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The efficacy and of current antidepressants is insufficient. Esketamine, a new antidepressant administered by nasal route, is available since 2019 in the management of resistant characterized depressive episodes.

Objectives

To evaluate the response profile of patients to Esketamine in our institution specialized in mental health.

Methods

We included all patients treated with Esketamine in our institution from November 2019 to September 2021.We collected efficacy and tolerability data using the computerized and paper patient record, prescribing support software, and nursing staff.

Results

Since 2019, we treated 11 patients with Esketamine in combination with an antidepressant as indicated in the MA. Two patients from the 11 were found resistant, three discontinued due to adverse events, four relapsed after an initial clinical response, and two were still ongoing at the end of the study.

Conclusions

Despite an initial and rapid response, our study does not highlight any long-term efficacy of Esketamine in resistant depressive disorder. This highlight the fact that its use in the acute phase of depression or earlier in the management strategy could be a good alternative because of its rapid onset of action. Esketamine was initiated as a last line therapy, which may represent a bias in the evaluation of the molecule, as the later the depression is treated, the lower the response rate. The place of Esketamine in the therapeutic strategy is not yet well determined due to a lack of hindsight, and the question of pharmacological tolerance and dependence on the molecule arises.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Bright Light Therapy for MDD in Children and Adolescents: a narrative review of literature
Authors: Vadukapuram R. , Trivedi C. , Mansuri Z. , Shah K. , Reddy A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder diagnosed in children and adolescents. Bright light therapy has been effective for seasonal affective disorders, however its role in the treatment of MDD is under studied.

Objectives

Our objective is to evaluate if bright light therapy (BLT) is a practical approach in treating Child and Adolescents having MDD.

Methods

We performed an extensive literature search using a wide range of MeSH terms in PubMed, PubMed Central and Google Scholar. We reviewed the literature for studies (published between 1983-2021) assessing the efficacy of BLT in the treatment of MDD in children and adolescents.

Results

The final search results yielded 8 randomized clinical trials and 1 case report from 1983 to 2021. BLT showed a superior effect in children and adolescents with MDD compared to the control group in the majority of the randomized trials and a case report. In six studies BLT showed good effect, however in a study by Magnusson et al. and Sonis et al., found a milder degree of improvement in depression symptoms when compared to the control group. In the majority of the studies, patients’ age range was 7 years 18 and in most of the studies, patients were not on antidepressants.

Conclusions

The use of BLT in children and adolescents suffering from MDD can be a promising alternative method of biological treatment, which is effective as well as well tolerated. Future long-term studies on large sample size are necessary in this field.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Treatment-Resistant Depression – What is the Effective Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Kolar D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) presents a significant challenge in clinical practice. Besides antidepressant medications, neurostimulation methods (ECT, rTMS) and ketamine are viable treatment options.

Objectives

To objectively evaluate the real effectiveness of treatments within interventional psychiatry in the maintenance treatment.

Methods

The extensive literature review of the efficacy of ECT, rTMS, and ketamine treatment in the maintenance treatment of TRD and the author’s clinical and research experience will be included in this presentation.

Results

Neurostimulation, particularly ECT and ketamine treatment are usually effective treatments for patients with TRD. However, both of these treatment modalities do not have sustained benefits and after discontinuing treatment the majority of patients relapse. Ketamine has rapid therapeutic effects in depression, but these effects are short-lived. Continuation treatment with ketamine in the form of intranasal ketamine is an option, but concerns over cognitive impairment, interstitial cystitis and significant addictive potential related to longer use of ketamine are significant limiting factors. rTMS is a first-line treatment option for patients with TRD according to the Canadian CANMAT guidelines. However, the majority of patients may relapse following the course of rTMS. The maintenance rTMS over an extended period of time is usually not feasible as it may significantly affect the waiting time for newly referred patients. Portable TMS machine for home use would be an alternative option for a limited number of patients.

Conclusions

Maintenance treatment has been always a big clinical challenge in mood disorder psychiatry. Only well-established multimodal treatment is a realistic option for getting long-term benefits in treating patients with TRD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Different phenotypic assessment of depression prevalence in Russian population: DSM-criteria vs HADS
Authors: Rukavishnikov G. , Rakitko A. , Kasyanov E. , Ilinsky V. , Neznanov N. , Kibitov A. , Mazo G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Because of different phenotypic approaches, data on depression prevalence is variable and controversial.

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of different depressive phenotypes in the Russian population (DSM criteria based self-report vs HADS questionnaire).

Methods

The data was from the on-line survey of 5116 clients of Genotek Ltd. (males - 50,63%; age - Me=35 (Q1-30;Q3-42)). The survey included questions on sex, age; sel-report adapted major depression DSM-V criteria questionnaire and depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

DSM Major depression phenotype was detected with moderately-high prevalence - 17,67% (N=904). The DSM depression phenotype was more prevalent in women (22,72%) compared to men (12,74%, p<0,001) and in younger individuals (10,18%, p<0,001) compared to older ones (6,16%). HADS-D clinical depression phenotype (score>11) was less prevalent (3,4%) with no significant differences for sex and age. However, the prevalence increased with HADS-D subclinical scores (>8) - 14,97%. HADS-D scores were higher in DSM-depression phenotype individuals compared to ones without DSM phenotype (5,822(3,221) vs. 3,893(2,437), p< 0,001).

Conclusions

Our results showed variable prevalence of depression with different phenotypic approaches. The differences could be associated with the clinical severity of the symptoms and the life-time evaluation in DSM compared to only current symptoms for HADS. Further research is needed to understand the factors affecting the phenotyping approaches and providing the most effective and valid instrument for depression prevalence evaluation. Research is supported by an RSF grant №20-15-00132.

Disclosure

Research is supported by an RSF grant №20-15-00132.