bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clozapine-induced parotitis: A case study
Authors: Kacem M. , Mami H. , Sellami S. , Moalla M. , Frej S. Ben , Bouzid R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Clozapine is the drug of choice for patients with an unsatisfactory response to classic antipsychotic treatment. Little is known about the involvement of clozapine in the development of parotid disease.

Objectives

Identify the clinical characteristics of Clozapine-induced parotitis through a case and literature review.

Methods

We report the case of a patient with a refractory schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type and who developed recurrent parotitis while taking clozapine. We conducted a literature review based on a PubMed search of articles published on this subject with the following keywords: ‘parotitis clozapine’.

Results

Miss W., 34 years old, suffers from a severe schizoaffective disorder that has been diagnosed for several years. She has received various psychotropic medications. She suffered from frequent relapses that required recurrent hospital admissions. One year ago, a diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder was made. The decision to introduce clozapine, associated with mood stabilizer treatment, was made on the basis of her treatment refractory symptoms. She experienced considerable sialorrhea after beginning clozapine treatment. Miss W. developed bilateral recurrent swelling over both temporal-mandibular areas after 6 months of treatment. It often appears after eating and lasts from 4 to 6 hours. There was no change in white blood cell count and she was afebrile. An otolaryngologist was consulted and a diagnosis of clozapine-induced parotitis was suggested. A spasmolytic and an anticholinergic treatment were prescribed and clozapine was continued.

Conclusions

This iatrogenic effect of clozapine must be recognized by clinicians in order to be better prevented.
Sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with good performance in paired associates learning (PAL) test in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Taivalantti M. , Kerkelä M. , Halt A.-H. , Barnett J. , Veijola J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Memory and learning deficits are central among cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, to a varying proportion ca. 20-25% of patients could not be considered deficit.

Objectives

Description of sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors related to good performance in PAL-test in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

Participants (N=4500) were members of the Finnish SUPER study on the genetic mechanisms of psychotic disorders (SUPER). The database of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966) was utilized as a reference data. Visual memory and new learning were assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Paired Associates Learning (PAL) test. The 50th percentile scores (10 error score or less) for outcome measure total errors adjusted (TEA) of NFBC 1966 was used as a cut-off for good performance in PAL test.

Results

The sociodemographic and lifestyle factors related good performance for both sexes were: younger age (p<.001), higher basic education (p <.001), independent form of dwelling (p<.001), hazardous drinking (p <.001), cannabis use (p <.001) and being married (females p = 0.009, males p = 0.049). The clinical factors related to good performance for both sexes were not using antipsychotic medication regularly (p <.001), not using all psychotropic medication (females p=0.05, males p <.001), less hospitalization times due to psychosis (p <.001), younger age at first hospitalization due to psychosis (p <.001), lower number of hospitalization days (p <.001) and lower percentage of time in hospital after first psychosis episode (p <.001).

Conclusions

Several factors related to good performance in the PAL–test in the crude analysis without any confounders.
Pregabalin addiction caracteristics at oran: A cohort study
Authors: Yasmine C. , Aicha D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Pregabalin is an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Recent reports suggest illicit pregabalin use may be increasing among youth, however its addictive potential has not been well established (1).

Objectives

Drug seeking behavior and chronic drug use are associated with defcits in glutamate clearance and activation of postsynaptic glutamatergic receptors (2). Based upon multiple studies, we compare here the addiction and misuse risks of pregabalin with those of traditional psychoactive substances (3).

Methods

Users of pregabalin were identified from 1st January 2019 to 31 December 2019 in Oran Addictology service, at west Algeria. The aim of the study was to establish the addictive potential of pregabalin and to compare the addiction risks of pregabalin with traditional psychoactive substances in west Algerian population. Clinical diagnosis was established according DSM-5 diagnosis criteria.

Results

A total of 92 cases of pregabalin abuse or dependence were identified. The principal population at risk consists of patients with other current or past substance use disorders, for the most part opioid and multi-drug users, the age group were between 17-38 years old, mostly single men. The mean daily dose of pregabalin was 1200 mg. Almost all patients experienced withdrawal symptoms when pregabalin was discontinued.

Conclusions

The misuse of pregabalin often leads to abuse and dependence, mostly in the context of multiple drug addiction, especially in youth population.
Burnout’s in young doctors: Prevalence, socio-demographic and psychological associated factors
Authors: Kolsi S. , Hentati S. , Baati I. , Masmoudi J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Burn-out is quite common in hospitals especially among young doctors. It results from a mismatch between expectation and professional reality.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of sever burnout and to identify its associated socio-demographic and psychological factors among young residents.

Methods

Analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among residents and interns working at the Hedi Chaker and Hbib Bourguiba University hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, during the month of July 2019. The characteristics of the participants were collected using a questionnaire. Burnout was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI) differentiating 3 components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and luck of personal achievement.

Results

Out of 85 questionnaires disturbed,60 were selected corresponding to a response rate of 72.94%. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.87. The middle age was 28.22. Forty three percent of the participants were married. More than half consumed tobacco and 45% of them consumed alcohol. The majority of doctors were residents(81.7%). The average working time was 55 hours per week. Burn-out was severe in 30% of our population. Furthermore, doctors who suffered from physical aggression(p=0.001) were more likely to develop severe burn-out. The dissatisfaction with the internship (p=0.01) and the feeling of do not satisfy seniors(p=0.02) were statistically associated with severe burnout. Severe burn-out was associated with anxiety (p=0.0073), conflictual partnership (p=0.0001),conflicts with colleagues(p=0.001) and the paramedical framework (p=0.0001)

Conclusions

The risk of burn-out is quite high among young doctors. Some factors seem to be associated with this phenomenon. This could affect not only the quality of life, but also the quality of care provided.

Keyword

burnout-young doctors-prevalence-associated factors
Evaluation of the frequency and predictive factors of cannabis consumption among students of the university of pharmacy of monastir
Authors: Bensaid N. , Ghorbel A. , Hmida K. Ben , Hachicha S. , Smaoui S. , Messadi F. , Aloulou J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In Tunisia, the use of cannabis has become an important phenomenon in the society that not well attested by epidemiological studies.

Objectives

The purpose of this work is to study the socio-demographic criteria of student of the faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir and risk factors encouraging them to consume cannabis and to estimate the extent of the phenomenon of dependence occurring among students.

Methods

A questionnaire composed of 45 questions was sent to students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir via the internet. The data was collected and analyzed using the software’ Google forms’ and ‘statistical package for social Science’ (SPSS)

Results

The prevalence of cannabis use among students of the faculty of Pharmacy was worrying, increasing to 21.4 %, for moments of pleasure and relaxation of the stressful life (p=0 et p=0.008). The frequency of cannabis use had a significant impact on the desire to stop cannabis use (p=0.012). Of the 55 consumers, only 5 tried to stop or reduce cannabis use. About 88% of participants indicated that cannabis was responsible for psychological dependence. Polydrug use (tobacco, alcohol, other drugs) had a significant influence on this use (p=0).

Conclusions

The scourge of cannabis use has invaded not only universities, but also high schools and colleges. At the end of this work, we propose debates to find the necessary means to protect cannabis users cannabis and treat dependents.
Online gaming dependency, attention levels and sleep quality among online gamers
Authors: Esgalhado G. , Fernandes A. , Pereira H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The persistent and recurrent use of the internet to engage in games, often with other players, which leads to clinically considerable deficits and online dependency still lacks more research support its impact of attentional levels and Sleep Quality.

Objectives

To assess levels of Online Gaming Dependency, its impact on attention levels and quality of sleep among online gamers.

Methods

The following instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as the Video Game Behavior Assessment Scale (α = .842) and the Portuguese version of Color and Words Stroop Test. The sample consists of 66 individuals, 92.3% male and 7.7% female, with an average age of 23.1 (SD ± 4.07).

Results

Mild levels of online gaming dependency were obtained. Male gamers presented higher motivation to play online games, and higher levels of Stroop interference. Regarding the association between gaming behaviors and quality of sleep, results show that individuals who have difficulty falling asleep show greater motivation to play online games, a greater degree of concern with daily life and a greater frequency of negative behaviors in relation to online gambling.

Conclusions

The results show the importance of an increase in investigations in this area, as well as to the development of psychological assessment instruments and psychological intervention strategies, based on scientific evidence, on the different variables under study, in order to improve the quality of life in of individuals.
Exploring the relationship between problematic internet use and emotion regulation skills in tunisian medical students
Authors: Rhouma A. , Saguem B. , Nasr S. Ben
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is paucity of researches addressing the relationship between individuals struggling to identify, express and communicate their emotions and problematic internet use, especially among medical students.

Objectives

To assess problematic internet use in Tunisian medical students and to address its relationship with emotion regulation skills.

Methods

First to fifth-year undergraduate medical students registered in the medical school of Sousse, Tunisia, were offered to answer an online questionnaire survey, involving sociodemographic and clinical data, Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).

Results

A total of 175 medical students participated in the study with a median age of 22 (20-23) years and a gender ratio of 0.3. Median score of IAT was 40 (30-48). Twenty-four percent of medical students (n=42) reported problematic Internet use. Higher scores of IAT were significantly associated with the perception of an unsatisfactory relationship with parents, not having a leisure activity, family history of psychiatric disorders, personal health conditions and regular alcohol consumption. Scores of IAT were strongly and positively correlated with the following DERS subscores: Non acceptance of emotional responses (r=0.328**), Difficulties engaging in goal directed behaviors (r=0.366**), Impulse control difficulties (r=0.238**), Limited access to emotional regulation strategies (r=0.311**), and Lack of emotional clarity (r=0.311**).

Conclusions

Problematic internet use seems to emerge as part of a cluster of symptoms related to ineffective emotion regulation skills. Hence, training for affective regulation abilities appears strategically useful in the control of Internet use.
Management of tobacco dependence in patients with severe mental illness in german-speaking countries: A literature review
Authors: Salas D. Gurrea
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A standardized approach to reduce or decrease the tobacco consumption is not performed. It is being used as a medium to socialize having an educational character on nursing and medical relationship.

Objectives

Current cessation program are thought for patients without relevant cognitive impairments. Evidence about alternative management for this patient subgroup was collected.

Methods

This investigation examined the state of the implementation of nicotine cessation therapy for chronic psychiatric patients in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. German- and English-speaking publications since 2010 were selected. 12 different reviews and control trials were included.

Results

Inpatient experiences from maximum hospital care in Germany have been published in the last 10 years, but mostly by oncologist departments in collaboration with pulmonologists and cardiologists showing a poor interest from psychiatrists, not even for harm reduction strategies in patients with severe mental illness. Therefore, the identification and treatment of nicotine addiction remains very low in patients with mental health conditions. Cognitive and pharmacological interventions are not covered by the German health system.

Conclusions

Latest evidence suggests that more flexible, open-ended, combination approaches of pharmacotherapy and counselling may be more successful. It will hence contribute to redressing the significant health and social inequities experienced by this. population sub-group as a consequence of tobacco smoking.
Spice related catatonia and its treatment: The case study
Authors: Pityk O. , Lutska O. , Sikora A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Synthetic Cannabinoids were recognized as drugs of abuse since 2008, they are sold under various names (Kush, K2, Spice).

Objectives

The Patient N., 17 years old male was admitted to the hospital with a first-time psychotic episode. He is fond of extreme sports (ski jumping, gymnastic and acrobatic elements).

Methods

The patient was fully examined.

Results

Then he was taken to the admission department. About a week before admission he fell, injuring his leg and head. After that he did not sleep, became excited, aggressive, “said strange things”. During the admission patient showed disorganized behavior, agitation, paranoid ideation, beliefs that others were inserting thoughts into his head (“thought insertion”) and that his thoughts could be read by others (“thought broadcasting”), imperative “voices”, bizarre delusional thoughts. The UDT showed positive K2 analysis. The patient was prescribed Diazepam, Zuclopenthixol, Valproic acid. No improvement observed. Haloperidol was prescribed next day. Then Haloperodol was changed to Quetiapine, and after 10 days of treatment no improvement was observed. The patient started to show catatonia symptoms such as elective mutism, mild rigidity, signs of cog-wheeling or clasp-knife rigidity. He experienced anxiety, fear, did not take care of himself. Every day he started to be aggressive, impulsive, started to experience auditory hallucinations. Due to that fact it was decided to prescribe Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Phenazepame, Diphenhydramine.That treatment improved behavior.

Conclusions

Thus, the intensive treatment with antipsychotic medications in combination with benzodiazepines and diphenhydramine is much more preferable for the management of the cases of oneiroid catatonia due to the usage of Spice.
The relationship between physical pain and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents: A meta-analysis
Authors: De Filippi M. , Rignanese M. , Salmè E. , Madeddu F. , Calati R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents (15-19 years). Physical pain is an important risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in a delicate phase as adolescence.

Objectives

Several studies investigated this association and the aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize data in literature about this topic in adolescents (11-20 years).

Methods

We started from a systematic review published by Hinze and colleagues in 2019 and we searched on PubMed (January 2019-June 2020) studies comparing rates of suicidal outcomes (Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Plan, Attempt, Self-Harm: SI, SP, SA, SH) in individuals with any type of physical pain (head, back, neck, chest, stomach, abdomen, muscle, joint, arthritis) vs. those without it. Data were analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA, version 3).

Results

Of the 16 included studies, eleven focused on SI (68.8%), six (37.5%) on SA, four (25%) on SH and two (12.5%) on SP. Adolescents with physical pain were more likely to report SI (p < .001), SH (p < .001), SA (p = .004) and SP (p = .006). In all analyses, the between study heterogeneity was high. The presence of publication bias has been detected in SI (k≥10).

Conclusions

Results are in line with previous literature on this topic. Future research should investigate the specific impact of: acute vs. chronic pain; different types and intensities of pain; planned vs. impulsive action and therefore suicidal intent; role of psychological factors (in particular sensitivity and tolerance to physical pain).
Professional development: Training in ethics
Authors: Shchedrinskaya O. , Bebtschuk M. , Snarskaya E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Some of the most vulnerable psychiatry patients are children under 18, as they can’t protect themselves and their rights from unethical behaviour of mental health professionals. There is a gap between theoretical knowledge and application of ethics at the workplace. Continuous education in ethics is necessary to address this gap.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to compare various forms of education in ethics and develop training for mental health practitioners.

Methods

The study had 2 groups (356 participants, aged 23 to 67, average age – 41.3) – staff of the main and oldest children’s mental health clinic in Moscow, Russia. The control group (124 participants) of mental health professionals received written materials on ethics (such as ethical codes and ethical decision-making protocols). The test group (232 people) participated in a several trainings on ethics. The trainings included 3 parts – discussing the code of ethics, creating examples of potential ethical challenges and role-plays. Participants reported that the topics on the quality of care, common ethical dilemmas and relationships between the practitioners, young patients and legal guardians, were the most helpful for them.

Results

The survey was conducted to evaluate the results. 70.8% of staff members that participated in training shared that they feel confident about applying the Code and the decision-making protocols in unclear cases. Only 32.6% from the control group reported the same level of confidence.

Conclusions

Hands-on training in ethics for continuing education has shown to be more beneficial, as compared to theoretical instructions
Can stress predict delivery date?: Role of chronic and acute stress to the threatened preterm labor as predictors of delivery date
Authors: Lorenzo J. Buesa , García-Blanco A. , Vento M. , Moreno-Giménez A. , Berga L. Campos , Diago V. , Hervás D. , Cháfer-Pericás C. , González P. Sáenz
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is a traumatic event during pregnancy that involves a threat to the physical integrity of the upcoming baby. Despite biomarkers would be the strongest delivery date predictors, an assessment of chronic and acute stress response to TPL diagnosis may improve this prediction.

Objectives

The objective is to predict delivery date in women with TPL based on their response to this diagnosis and chronic stressors, along with relevant obstetric variables.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with a sample was formed by 157 pregnant women with TPL diagnosis between 24 and 31 weeks. Determination of salivary cortisol, α-amylase levels, along with anxiety and depression symptoms were measured to estimate stress response to TPL. Cumulative life stressors as traumas, social and familiar functioning were also registered. To examine the effect of the possible predictor variables of delivery date, linear regression models were used.

Results

A correlation was found between the variables of response to chronic stress and between the variables of psychological response to stress. The main predictors of preterm delivery were low family adaptation, higher BMI, higher cortisol levels, and the week of diagnosis of TPL (<29 weeks of gestation).

Conclusions

The best predictor of delivery date was the combination of the stress response to the diagnosis of TPL measured by cortisol in saliva, cumulative life stressors (mainly family adaptation) and obstetric factors (week TPL and BMI). Through psychosocial therapeutic intervention programs, it is possible to influence this modifiable predictive factors of preterm birth in symptomatic women.
Subjective responses to emotional body odors and common odors in autism-spectrum disorders
Authors: Grave J. , Noll J. , Barros F. , Kogler L. , Freiherr J. , Wildgruber D. , Soares S. , Derntl B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in social domains, associated with abnormal socioemotional perception. Although olfaction provides access to socioemotional cues, little is known about the perception of emotional odors considering their social meaning in ASD.

Objectives

To investigate the subjective responses to emotional body odors (BOs) versus non-social, common odors (COs) in ASD.

Methods

Eleven ASD and 49 typically developed (TD) adults were asked to smell negative, positive, and neutral BOs (axillary sweat from healthy individuals exposed to fearful, happy, and neutral film-clips) and COs, and to rate each odor on perceived pleasantness, intensity, familiarity and arousal. Odors were presented for 5 sec. Analyses were performed with linear mixed-effect models with fixed factors (group × odor type × valence) and covariates (e.g., age; intensity for arousal/familiarity; familiarity for pleasantness). Post-hoc comparisons were Bonferroni-corrected.

Results

Odors were perceived as significantly more intense (p=.044) and pleasant (p<.001) in ASD than TD. Distinct response patterns were found in ASD and TD. First, positive BOs and COs were similarly arousing and pleasant in ASD (p>.05), but not in TD (p<.001). Second, positive and neutral COs were equally arousing, familiar and pleasant in ASD (p>.05), but not in TD (p<.001). No differences were observed between BOs in ASD and TD (p>.05).

Conclusions

ASD is associated with abnormal subjective responses to emotional odors, which could contribute to the social communication difficulties characterizing ASD. Since emotional BOs elicit psychological responses in others, analyses on subjective and automatic responses will allow a better understanding of the role of olfaction in ASD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adulthood and the heritability of this condition
Authors: Borges J. , Leite R. Almeida , Almeida M. , Morais S. , Madeira N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity resulting from the interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors. Family studies shows that persistent ADHD is very familial.

Objectives

We aim to review the literature on this condition and its heritability and describe the implications that a possible misdiagnosis can have during life.

Methods

Bibliography review was performed using the databases PubMed and Cochrane, using the following keywords: “ADHD”; “Adults”; “Heretability”; “Family” and “Rater effect”.

Results

Childhood ADHD persists into adolescence and adulthood substantially, identified in some studies, as going up to 78%. The prevalence of ADHD in children and adults is between 2.5% and 5% worldwide. Family studies have shown that children of adults with ADHD are at higher risk of having ADHD. Some large-scale twin studies of adult ADHD, used self-report assessments of ADHD symptoms and estimated the heritability of this condition to be between 30 to 40%, which differs from other studies that analyse parents and teachers responses and estimates heritability to be between 60 and 90%.

Conclusions

Since there is a direct influence of the evaluators in estimating the extent of ADHD heritability, future studies need to clarify and describe in detail all the related characteristics of the raters. Although ADHD is widely studied, there is still a lot to learn about its etiology. The diagnosis of ADHD is clinical and complex and must be considered both in childhood and adolescence and in adulthood, with special emphasis on the family antecedents.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Introduction to project ECHO (extension for community heathcare outcomes)
Authors: Harrison J. , Leppert M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Nationally and internationally, there is a gap between the need and availability of child mental health services. This gap stems from a lack of trained specialists, workforce misdistribution, variations in insurance and financing, and family concerns about the benefits of existing services. Of the possible solutions to these problems, expansion of the child mental health capacity of primary care providers (PCPs) has been proposed as a feasible and scalable approach. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model was originally conceived and executed by Dr. Sanjeev Arora at the University of New Mexico for Hepatitis C. It serves to de-monopolize medical expertise by extending knowledge from specialists to PCPs

Objectives

After attendance at this session, the learner will be able to: 1. describe the history and expansion of the ECHO model worldwide, 2.name the components and structure of ECHO sessions, 3. discuss ECHO as a force multiplier.

Methods

Dr. Harrison will briefly present the history and expansion of ECHO. She will then describe the program, which consists of a “hub and spokes” model with “tele-clinics” consisting of a “hub” of specialists and “spokes” of clinicians in rural, underserved areas who present cases for discussion, generating treatment recommendations.

Results

The ECHO model has been replicated in a variety of disciplines across the United States and internationally. Its success has been well documented. There are currently 920 active ECHO programs worldwide.

Conclusions

Project ECHO is a viable model to address the workforce shortage of child psychiatrists worldwide.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Hyperthymic traits, major depression and bipolar spectrum, review and case report
Authors: Moreno M. García , Milas A. De Cós , Carreño L. Beatobe , Del Sol Calderon P. , De La Puente Á. Izquierdo
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Akiskal proposed the bipolar spectrum concept with the aim of including those patients with atypical depressive presentations and mood temperaments. Also Koukopoulos accepted this proposal in those patients with poor response to antidepressants or highly recurrent course. Concretely bipolar disorder type IV was defined as clinical depression based on a lifelong hyperthymic temperament. Some years after DSM-III several experts in bipolar disorder continued in this work line even though DSM-IV and most recent DSM-V not considered to include this concept as a new diagnostic category.

Objectives

To present a theoretical and practical review about bipolar spectrum and its relationship with hyperthymic traits.

Methods

We carry out a literature review about bipolar spectrum, accompanied by the clinical description of one patient with major depressive disorder and hyperthymic traits base.

Results

45 years old female referred to our outpatient mental health service after episode of voluntary drug overdose. She presented long evolution depressive symptoms (sadness, apathy, anhedonia, anergy, irritability, anxiety, emotional lability, early awakening, social withdrawal, self-care neglect, hopelessness, cognitive failures, guilt feelings and death ideas) with onset in postpartum. She reported a previous depressive episode 9 years ago with good response to fluoxetine. Hyperthimic traits were described but no history of manic symptoms. An erratic evolution was observed with various antidepressant treatment and finally improved adding mood stabilizer.

Conclusions

We must propose to consider the diagnosis of bipolar spectrum in order to treat effectively patients with major depression dissorder and hyperthymic temperament in absence of manic symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The impact of gender in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Oertelt-Prigione S.
Published: February 2022

Data worldwide is pointing towards an increased mortality of men a from COVID-19, while infection rates are equal or higher in women. Immunological differences might play a role in this as well as differences in risk factors and co-morbidities. In addition, differences in exposure, testing, case definitions and access to healthcare might play a role. Differences in symptoms have been reported, as well as potential differences in therapeutic choices. Also, the phenomenon of “long COVID” with all its psychophysical consequences appears to be more common in women. In addition to the consequences of the acute infection, COVID-19 is significantly impacting economies, social systems and political priorities. I will try to give a general overview of the current situation, starting from a medical standpoint and moving into the wider social consequences of this pandemic. I will highlight how the lack of attention to sex and gender can impact statistics, potential therapies and vaccines, livelihoods and the healthcare sector as a whole.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Atypical episodes of dissociation in an adolescent female - possible relationship with the menstrual cycle
Authors: Stoica C.-E. , Cotuna D. , Pistea M. , Ciubotariu A.-M. , Mihailescu I. , Rad F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychiatric symptoms related with menstrual cycle vary from dysphoria to psychosis. There are only a few cases of menstrual psychosis reported, all characterized by acute onset, against a background of normality, brief duration, with full recovery and a circa-mensual periodicity.

Objectives

We report a case of dissociative disorder, in a teenage girl, with atypical presentation and an unusual periodicity of symptoms and recoveries.

Methods

Presentation of a case of dissociative disorder, followed by a review of the similar cases described in the literature.

Results

We are presenting a case of a 15 years old female, who presented in our Emergency Department for confusion, anxiety, negativism in verbal and non-verbal response, bradylalia and bradypsychia, insomnia for over 48 hours. The symptoms suddenly began two days before arrival in our clinic. From the patient’s personal history, we retain the following: menarche at 14 years old, irregular periods, hypermenorrhea. Patient was born premature, G=1200g, spastic diplegia, periventricular leukomalacia (MRI – 2018). Three similar episodes happened a year ago, with one month periodicity, with spontaneous remission after 5-6 days. Patient was treated with antipsychotics and benzodiazepines for the second and the third episode, but the treatment was stopped six month ago. The investigations results were normal, except for a high level of plasmatic cortisol. Patient fully recovered in the day the menses stopped.

Conclusions

We considered this case to be atypical due to the sudden debut and recovery and there are still some remaining questions. Is it hormonal related, menstrual related or is it exclusively a psychiatric condition?

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Domestic violence against women during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions
Authors: Keynejad R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In the United Kingdom(1) and internationally(2), help-seeking for domestic violence (DV) and domestic homicides have increased(3) during COVID-19 lockdown periods. Suspension and remote delivery of face-to-face clinical services, continuing healthcare and other support services limits opportunities for DV detection and disclosure.

Methods

This presentation will summarise changes in DV incidence and help-seeking during COVID-19, their impacts on health and wellbeing, and present guidance for clinicians assessing and supporting survivors.

Results

World Health Organisation recommendations to Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance safety and Support (’LIVES’) survivors of DV remain the cornerstone of first-line support (4). Urgently-issued guidelines on safeguarding(5) and responding to DV during COVID-19(6) make a range of recommendations for clinicians supporting people experiencing DV.

Conclusions

DV is an important social determinant of physical and mental health, with a range of potential fatal and non-fatal consequences. Despite the constraints of healthcare during a pandemic, attention to patients’ risk of DV and its consequences is a crucial part of bio-psycho-social assessment and management planning. References: (1) Kelly, Morgan. Coronavirus: Domestic abuse calls up 25% since lockdown, charity says. 2020. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52157620 (2) Graham-Harrison, et al. Lockdowns around the world bring rise in domestic violence. 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/28/lockdowns-world-rise-domestic-violence (3) Roesch, et al. Violence against women during covid-19 pandemic restrictions. BMJ 2020;369. (4) WHO. Responding to intimate partner violence and sexual violence against women: WHO clinical and policy guidelines. 2013. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/85240/9789241548595_eng.pdf;jsessionid=E19DCC3CDAB9BE390EE6F8360C6F1D7E?sequence=1 (5) RCGP. COVID-19 and Safeguarding. 2020. https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/149180/mod_resource/content/2/COVID-19%20and%20Safeguarding%20%286%29.pdf (6) IRISi. Guidance for General Practice teams responding to domestic abuse during telephone and video consultations. 2020. https://irisi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Guidance-for-General-Practice-Covid-19-FINAL.pdf

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Emotional and behavioral problems of 7-11 year old children in war-torn nagorno – karabakh region in azerbaijan
Authors: Osmanli N. , Babayev A. , Rustamov I. , Munir K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The present aimed to examine the mental health conditions of children, ages 7-11 years, living in conditions of war and conflict conditions in two districts of a Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan.

Objectives

The study surveyed teachers of 617 primary school children (mean age 8.9, SD 1.24; 50.7% female) across nine schools in Agdam and Karabakh districts.

Methods

The children were evaluated with the previously validated Azerbaijani version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Teacher Form. The total difficulty and five subscale scores (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior) were assessed.

Results

About a third of children (32.7%) had abnormal total scores, and a fifth (21.4%) were in borderline range. The SDQ subscale scores included emotional problems (19.4%); conduct problems (20.3%), hyperactivity/inattention (12.2%), peer relationship problems (31.1%), and pro-social behavior difficulties (13.1%). Boys had higher level of difficulties than females (p<.01) with a negative correlation of children’s school performance with maternal education.

Conclusions

The findings of the study show that more than half of the children living in the war zone in Azerbaijan have significant mental health problems. The psychological effects of the war environments have a profund effect on child development and education and need to be revisited under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These include the provision of implicit supports in terms of their emotional, behavioral, psychosocial development and education of children and protection of children from wars, conflicts, and persecution.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Child sexual abuse presenting to a teaching hospital in colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Rohanachandra Y. , Amarabandu I. , Dassanayake P.B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Child sexual abuse is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka, with prevalence rates ranging from 14-44%.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the victim and perpetrator characteristics, pattern of disclosure and psychological consequences of sexual abuse in children presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.

Methods

This was a retrospective file review study of 164 victims who presented to a Teaching Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with alleged sexual abuse over a period of 5 years from 2015-2019.

Results

Majority of the victims were female and older than 12 years. Majority (73.6%) have been subjected to penetrative sexual abuse with 58.5% of victims reporting more than one incident of abuse. Almost all (99.9%) of the perpetrators were male, with 94.5% being known to the child. Only 42.7% (n=70) of the children revealed about the incident within the first week. Delayed disclosure (i.e. more than 1 week since the incident) was significantly higher in penetrative abuse (p<0.01), multiple incidents of abuse (p<0.01) and in abuse by a known person (p<0.05). Children who disclosed after one week were significantly less likely to disclose about the incident spontaneously (p<0.01). Psychological sequel was seen in 28.7%, with depression being the commonest diagnosis (8.5%). Psychological consequences were significantly in higher those who had physical evidence of abuse (p<0.01), delayed (after 1 week) disclosure (p<0.05) and in those who did not disclose spontaneously (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The victim and perpetrator characteristics, pattern of disclosure is comparable with previous literature.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Treating pregnant and postnatal women with severe mental illness and their infants on a specialised inpatient unit during a pandemic: What are the challenges and lessons learnt?
Authors: Sutter-Dallay A.-L.
Published: February 2022

From the beginning of the pandemic, pregnant or postpartum women were considered particularly vulnerable. In France, the vast majority of joint care for parents and infants facilities have seen their services closed or the number of people cared for greatly reduced to allow for social distancing to be respected. This notion of social distancing is the antithesis of joint care work, the main objective of which is to support and care for the parent-infant bond by favoring social links Services have had to take ownership of this new situation within a few days and develop new approaches, inventing ways of supporting and linking up at a distance. This presentation will deal in detail with these changes and the solutions proposed, especially kind of home hospitalisations based on discussion groups, the development of programmes to support remote interactions, and also the development of work with fathers, who have been much more present than they usually are, due to the generalisation of teleworking.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Quality of life in neurotypical siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder: Detecting children at risk
Authors: Koukouriki E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Quality of life (QOL) instruments can provide unique information on various aspects of children’s everyday functioning beyond clinical symptoms and clinical measures. The study of the QOL in the siblings of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD-siblings) is a new direction in the field of ASD-research.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the QOL in ASD-siblings in comparison with an age and sex matched group of siblings of neurotypical children.

Methods

The sample included 233 neurotypical children (8-13 years old) of whom 118 comprised the observational group (ASD-siblings) and 115 comprised the comparison group. The Kidscreen-27 and a demographics questionnaire were administered to all participants.

Results

The two groups differed significantly in all subscales and in the overall score of the Kidscreen-27, with the children in the observation group having a significantly worse quality of life (Mean±sd 111,62±12,43, p<0,001). Additionally, the largest difference in the averages of the subscales occurs in the subscale General Mood and Emotions, where the observation group had significantly lower scores (Mean±sd 23,23±3,69, p<0,001) than the comparison group (Mean±sd 31,27±2,74).

Conclusions

QOL in children has been recognized as an important outcome indicator in detecting subgroups of children at risk within the general population, while ASD-siblings’ QOL is an important concept in the implementation of appropriate services for these children. This study revealed poorer QOL in ASD-siblings and highlighted the importance of assessing QOL in those siblings as well as the use of the Kidscreen-27 as a screening tool in order to detect children at risk of maladjustment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The prevalence of conduct disorders among young people in europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sacco R. , Camilleri N. , Umla-Runge K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This systematic review estimates the pooled prevalence (PP) of Conduct Disorder (CD) among 5-to-18-year-old YP living in Europe, based on prevalence rates established in the last five years (LFY).

Objectives

Trends of prevalence rates across countries, gender and level of education were analysed. The random effects pooled prevalence rate (REPPR) for CD was calculated.

Methods

A search strategy was conducted on three databases. Studies were also identified from reference lists and grey literature. Eligible studies were evaluated for reliability, validity and bias, and REPPRs were calculated.

Results

The European REPPR for CD is calculated at 1.5% (Figure1). The REPPR among males is 1.8% whereas the rate among females is 1.0% (Figure2). The prevalence rate of CD in primary school children is 1.4 times lower than the prevalence of secondary school children.

Conclusions

Gender, culture and socioeconomic inequality may contribute towards diagnostic inequality and prevalence differences. It is recommended that these aspects are addressed, and routine screening and early intervention services are developed.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychocultural experiences of medical students in simulated care in cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus at a public university in southeastern brazil: A qualitative study
Authors: Turato E. , Lavorato-Neto G. , Parisi M.C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The generalist assistance at the Primary Attention is fundamental to face the increase of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases through the relationship physician-patient. This sets the therapeutic plan and its continuous review. Therapeutic Plan could be affected by the same psychocultural phenomena related to the increasing cases numbers of DM2. Therefore, new trends in Medical Psychology have been promoted during medical undergraduate course. These incorporate methods and concepts of Liberal Arts to develop specific psychosocial management skills to DM2 clinic.

Objectives

AIM: To understand the experience of medical students in the simulated care of DM2 cases in two different moments: 1) to diagnose and start treatment; 2) start insulinization.

Methods

METHOD: Clinical-Qualitative design; data collected through an semidirected interview of open-end questions in depth; thematic analysis generated categories discussed in light of Medical Psychology of psychodynamic framework.

Results

RESULTS: Ten clinical clerkship students attended as clinicians two cases of Standard Patients of DM2. They reported their reflections toward the role they should sustain: being doctor in front of the patient and their colleagues; difficulty to play the leading and show skills and knowledge in a scenario full of surprises and fantasies; an existential and professional gains in simulation activity; and considerations about responsible in conduct so impacting situations to patients.

Conclusions

FINAL CONSIDERATONS: The themes translate moments during their simulated attending experience in which they have not sustained their semblance – the intended rule. These could be enriched though group reflecting, supervisor discussion, and patient dialog in the process of developing Medical Psychology skills.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Breast cancer and post-traumatic growth: A systemical review study
Authors: Yastıbaş C. , Karaman İ.G. Yılmaz
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Breast cancer is a serious threat to people’s health. In addition to negative psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, positive changes such as post-traumatic growth (PTG) can be experienced.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the variables related to PTG in people with breast cancer.

Methods

We searched five database (SCOPUS, Cochrane, Medline, Science Direct, and Pubmed) starting from 1990, by guidance of PRISMA criteria, using the keywords “breast cancer”, “post traumatic growth”, “stress related growth”, and “benefit finding”.

Results

There were conflicting findings regarding the relationship between PTG and following variables: sociodemographic variables such as age, education level, marital status, disease-related variables such as cancer stage, time since diagnosis, type of treatment. We observed that these variables may have a low effect on PTG. In addition, personality characteristics such as optimism, spirituality, and hope were found to be associated with PTG. Functional or problem-focused coping such as positive restructuring, acceptance, and religious coping, and ruminative thoughts predict PTG as a part of cognitive processing. Besides, social support has an important role in experiencing PTG.

Conclusions

Psychosocial interventions for cancer patients are increasing day by day, but the scarcity of interventions which aims increase PTG is noteworthy. With this review, we recommend developing intervention programs that include functional coping strategies such as stress management, social skills training, cognitive techniques focused on ruminative thoughts, and positive restructuring.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.