bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive conversion disorder (functional cognitive disorder) – what’s new?
Authors: Morais J. , Fonseca S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Some patients present with significant subjective cognitive symptoms, sometimes interfering with day-to-day live, that are not compatible with any recognizable psychiatric, neurodegenerative or systemic condition. Recent studies have proposed that these patients can be diagnosed with Conversion Disorder (Subtype Cognitive), also known as Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD). This is a relatively recent concept, that still lacks consensus.

Objectives

Review the current state of knowledge regarding prevalence, diagnosis criteria, core clinical features and proposed treatment of Functional Cognitive Disorder.

Methods

Bibliographic review of the literature published in English in the last 5 years, in the databases Pubmed, PsycINFO and Cochrane. The keywords used were: Functional Cognitive Disorder; Cognition; Conversion Disorder. A review of the titles and abstracts of the resulting articles was made, and selected according to their relevance to the study.

Results

Ten articles related to prevalence, diagnosis, clinical associations and treatment of Functional Cognitive Disorder were selected, of which two were systematic reviews, three descriptive studies, three cross sectional clinical studies of memory clinics attendants, one cohort prospective study and one article was a case series report.

Conclusions

The prevalence of FCD is estimated between 11.6% and 56% of patients presenting to memory clinics. However, the prevalence of FCD is hindered by the lack of consensus regarding its definition. Recently, Ball et al proposed a definition in line with the DSM-5 definition of Conversion Disorder with emphasis on positive criteria with the identification of positive evidence of internal inconsistency. Treatment discussion is still limited, and the approach is similar to other conversion disorders.
Changes in illness representations in patients with somatoform disorder after group-analysis therapy: Comparisons to psychoeducation program
Authors: Belokrylov I. , Semikov S. , Rasskazova E. , Tkhostov A. , Sadovnichaja V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychological work with cognitive beliefs were shown to be beneficial for patients with somatoform disorders and unexplained somatic complaints (Liu et al., 2019). There is still a question of whether these results are specific or common for different kind of interventions including psychoanalytic psychotherapy (Kaplan, 2014).

Objectives

The aim was to reveal dynamics of illness perception after group analysis psychotherapy comparing to psychoeducation in patients with somatoform disorders.

Methods

100 patients with somatoform disorders were randomized to psychoeducation intervention (48 patients; 15 males and 33 females) and to the group analysis psychotherapy (52 patients; 15 males and 37 females). Before and after treatment they filled Screening for somatoforms symptoms (Rief, Hiller, 2003) and Illness Perception Questionnaire - Revised (Moss-Morris et al., 2002).

Results

2 (Groups) × 2 (Time: Before / After) ANOVA with repeated measures revealed major effect of time with both groups demonstrated equal decrease in somatoform symptoms during treatment (F=101.42, p<.01, η²=.52). Patients from both groups after treatment appraised their illnesses as having shorter duration without cycles, less severe consequences on their lives, reported increase in treatment control, understanding of their illness and decrease in emotional reactions (F=7.13-30.62, p<.01, η²=.07-.24). In group analysis condition only patients demonstrated increased beliefs that psychological and risk factors could impact their illness (interaction: F=4.58-7.24, p<.05, η²=.05-.07).

Conclusions

Patients with somatoform disorders almost equally benefitted from both psychoeducation and group analysis but group analysis psychotherapy led to better awareness of psychological and risk factors of their illness.
Iatrogenesis as a possible cause of chronification of mental disorders
Authors: Villarroel C. Martín , Garcia L. Carpio , Revuelta M. Sánchez , Matsuura J. , García G. Belmonte , Cutanda J. Dominguez , Daza M. Fernández-Torija , García E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Most mental disorders tend to relapse (severe or mild pathologies such as anxiety or dystima disorders), which are potentially recoverable and yet, tend to evolve poorly, persisting residual symptoms without achieving a complete recovery.

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to analyze the factors that influence process of recurrence and chronification, among which are our own therapeutic interventions.

Methods

A bibliographic search was performed from different database (Pubmed, TripDatabase) about the iatrogenic potential of our intervention (psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic), analyzing influence and mechanisms involved, and the way to prevent them.

Results

Anxiety is a necessary element for the development of people, both from a biological perspective (natural and adaptive psychological response that allows us to respond adequately to possible threats); as an evolutionary psychological (element involved in conflict resolution, in turn necessary for personal development). It would be a mistake to consider it as pathological and try to eliminate it through medication or psychotherapy, since we could interfere with the natural recovery processes, contributing to its chronification and preventing possibility of change. At times, anxiety can be pathological when it occurs disproportionately and exceeds ability to adapt, but we must not eliminate it but to study origin and factors involved, to achieve complete resolution.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we must consider possible iatrogenesis of our therapeutic interventions in process of chronification of mental disorders and try to avoid them by adequately studying individual factors and characteristics, before intervening.
Event-related potentials in a human serial conditioning paradigm
Authors: Pavlov Y. , Kotchoubey B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In a serial compound conditioning paradigm, a sequence of several conditioned stimuli (CS) is predictive to an unconditioned stimulus (US) (e.g., CSA->CSB->US). Animal research showed that, when the US is aversive, CSA elicits the strongest conditioned response, while CSB appears redundant. These effects of primacy and proximity have never been investigated in humans.

Objectives

To study the effects of temporal proximity of imminent threat and safety in serial compound conditioning.

Methods

Twenty-two participants were presented with sequences [CSA->CSB->CSC->CSD]. In 55 trials all four CS were identical vowels (e.g, [oh]), and no US was presented. In the other 55 trials, the CSA was different (CSA+, e.g., [uh]), and the CSD was followed by an electrical shock (US) 2.5 times higher than the individual pain threshold.

Results

No ERP component distinguished between CS- and CS+ for the first three stimuli in the sequence (i.e., CSA, CSB, CSC). The last CS (CSD) elicited a strong fronto-central CNV only when it was followed by US. Moreover, already after the CSA- (which signalized that no shock would be presented on that trial) the power of alpha oscillations over the somatosensory cortex significantly increased, particularly on the side contralateral to the hand that was electrically stimulated on US trials. The alpha increment lasted up to the onset of the US.

Conclusions

The data indicate two possible mechanisms of adjustment to predictable threat, one of which relies on safety signals (manifested in alpha increment), and the other is related to flight response (manifested in the CNV immediately preceding the shock).
Attitude towards psychological help in anxiety disorders
Authors: Vinogradova M. , Ermusheva A. , Kiselnikov A. , Tsvetkov V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In anxiety disorders with a lot of research on the effectiveness of treatment procedure it is important to consider patients’ implicit attitude towards mental health services, especially psychological help.

Objectives

To investigate the attitude towards psychological help in anxiety disorders.

Methods

In order to reconstruct an implicit attitude towards psychological help the method of color-emotional semantic associations (Kiselnikov et al., 2014) was used. Ten patients with anxiety disorders and 25 subjects from control group with no history of attending mental health services evaluated subjective differences between 15 semantic objects, 10 basic emotions and 10 colors. Factor analysis was used.

Results

The analysis revealed the two-factor structure: “Valence” and “Arousal”. The semantic object “Psychological help” got 0.92 and 0.72 as first factor loadings and 0.26 and -0.65 as second factor loadings in anxiety disorders and in control group, respectively. The comparison showed a more intense and positive attitude towards psychological help in anxiety disorders. Contrariwise, the data for other semantic objects showed the tendency of more intense and negative evaluations in the clinical group.

Conclusions

In anxiety disorders a shift in the categorical structure of consciousness to more negative and intense attitudes could be associated to anxiety and threat readiness. However, the attitude towards psychological help was an exception as more intense and positive which could be considered as an important factor of the effectiveness of the treatment in anxiety disorders. The research was supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research with the Grant 17-29-02506.
Cognitive and behavioral factors of quality of life in patients with somatoform disorders
Authors: Belokrylov I. , Semikov S. , Tkhostov A. , Rasskazova E. , Yavorovskaya A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Studies of the cognitive and behavioral factors of perpetuation and quality of life in patients with somatoform disorders are important for identifying targets for psychological interventions and risk groups (Piontek et al., 2018, Dehoust et al., 2017, Schaefer et al., 2012, Flasinski et al., 2020).

Objectives

To reveal beliefs and behavior in patients with somatoform disorders associated severity of somatic complaints and poorer subjective well-being.

Methods

125 patients with somatoform disorders 17-68 years old filled Screening for Somatoform Symptoms (Rief, Hiller, 2003), Cognitions About Body And Health Questionnaire (Rief et al., 1998), Scale for the Assessment of Illness Behaviour (Rief, Ihle, Pigler, 2003), and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnairie-18 (Ritsner et al., 2005).

Results

Severity of somatoform symptoms is higher in patients with catastrophization of bodily sensations, autonomic sensations, belief in their bodily weakness, somatosensory amplification, scanning for bodily symptoms, and disturbances in daily activities due to illness (r=.18-.38, p<.05). Adjusting for the severity of somatoform symptoms, subjective well-being was lower in patients with higher belief in their bodily weakness and somatosensory amplification, autonomic sensations, expression of symptoms, and changes in daily activities due to illness (r=.21-.40, p<.05).

Conclusions

The results suggests that regardless of symptoms severity poorer quality of life in patients with somatoform disorders is associated with beliefs about body and body perception that could be addressed in psychotherapy.
Insight and self-esteem in patients with bipolar disorders
Authors: Hentati S. , Abdallah M. Ben , Daoud M. , Baati I. , Sallemi R. , Feki I. , Masmoudi J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The recurrence of bipolar disorder due to poor treatment adherence can be explained by different factors.The poor awareness of the disorder seems to be the major cause.

Objectives

To evaluate insight in patients followed for euthymic bipolar disorders and determine the factors correlated with it,mainly the self-esteem.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study of 33 euthymic subjects with bipolar I and II disorders (DSM 5) and followed up at the psychiatric consultation in Hédi Chaker university Hospital of Sfax.Data collection was performed using a sheet exploring socio-demographic and clinical data. We used Birchwood insight scale to assess the quality of insight and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale.

Results

The average age of our patients was 44,52±12,99 years old.The sex ratio =0.32.Patients were followed for bipolar I disorder(60.6%).The first episode of the disease was depressive in(51.5%) of cases.The average number of depressive episodes was1.97±1.87.The last episode was depressive in(57.6%) or manic in(42.4%).There were no psychotic characteristics in(42.4%) of cases.The patients had good insight in(54.5%).The average of self-esteem score was27±7.85and it was low in 51.5% of cases.Factors correlated with good insight were bipolar II disorder(p=0.001), high number of depressive episodes(p=0.013) and absence of psychotic characteristics(p=0.003) during the last episode.In addition,good insight was significantly associated with low self-esteem(p=0.023).

Conclusions

Our study shows that a poor insight depends mainly on the clinical characteristics of bipolar disorders. Moreover,low self-esteem seems to be linked to it. For this reason, our attention should be focused on psychoeducation to improve insight, especially during episodes, in order to facilitate integration and increase patients’ self-esteem.
Does bipolar disorder cause posttraumatic growth? Relationship between psychological resistance in patients with bipolar disorder and caregivers
Authors: Kırşavoğlu B. , Kumsar N. Akkişi
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Focusing on the negative changes experienced by both patients and caregivers associatively caregiving and experiencing chronic mental illnesses, there is an increasing interest in the phenomenon of development after traumatic experiences with high levels of stress. These changes are in line with the concept of posttraumatic growth.

Objectives

In the study, posttraumatic growth and psychological resilience in bipolar patients and caregivers has been examined in the context of the variables that are claimed to be related to it.

Methods

With the approval of ethics committee, 49 patients in euthymic period and caregivers, 49 healthy volunteers meeting the inclusion criterions, applied to Erenköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Training-Research Hospital outpatient clinics between July-December 2019 were included. While psychological resilience and posttraumatic growth scale were implemented to patients and caregivers only psychological resilience scale was applied to healthy volunteers. The relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychological resilience, patient and caregiver variables was examined through statistical methods.

Results

Comparing with the patients and caregivers, respectively posttraumatic growth total scores were 57.7%-61.3% of the highest score obtained from the scale in the patients and caregivers. Considering the literature, patients and caregivers experienced moderate to high posttraumatic growth. Caregivers’ psychological resilience levels was higher than the other groups.

Conclusions

The results of the study are in line with the findings that, negative life experiences positively contributes to individuals. Knowing the factors affecting posttraumatic growth can make contribution to approaching patients and caregivers in clinical practice.
Psychosocial functionning in euthymic bipolar patients
Authors: Elleuch S. , Sellami R. , Ouali R. , Masmoudi R. , Feki I. , Masmoudi J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, recurring illness that can lead to serious disruptions in functioning.

Objectives

To evaluate functionning in this population and to explore the relationship with socio-demographic and clinical features of BD.

Methods

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study including patients with BD (DSM V) in euthymia, followed on an ambulatory basis to the Mood Disorders Unit of the Psychiatry A Department at Hedi Chaker Hospital University of Sfax between January and April 2019. Patients were considered euthymic if they scored less than 7 on the Young Mania (YMRS) rating scale and less than 8 on the Hamilton Depression scale (HDRS-17). The Short Function Evaluation Test (FAST scale) was used to evaluate functionning. Global functional impairment is defined by a total FAST score>11.

Results

We recruited 62 patients with a mean age of 45.65 years (SD=13.3) and a sex ratio of 1.13. 88.7% of patients were followed for BD I and 11.3% for BD II. The mean age of onset was 29.37 years (SD=11.6). The mean numbers of manic and depressive episodes were respectively 3.73 (SD=3.8) and 2.48 (SD=2.9). The mean FAST score was 28.97 (SD=15). Overall impairment was observed in 85.5% of patients. Impaired functionning was significantly more frequent in patients with a history of surgery (p=0.046), in those with a higher number of depressive episodes (p<0.001) and in subjects with partial remission (p=0.01).

Conclusions

Thus, the treatment should target not only the improvement of symptoms but also the reduction of the incapacity of patients.
Quality of life and mood disorders
Authors: Smaoui N. , Lajmi I. , Guermazi A. , Omri S. , Feki R. , Bouali M. Maalej , Charfi N. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Many researches addressing quality of life (QOL) has been demonstrated its impairment during acute episodes of bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Objectives

To compare QOL between patients with remitted MDD and remitted BD and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

A comparative and analytical study, conducted over 3 months in the outpatient psychiatric department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia) among 30 patients with remitted BD, 30 patients with remitted MDD and 34 HC. QOL was assessed with the «36 item Short-Form Health Survey» (SF-36).

Results

Compared with HC, the MDD and the BD groups had significantly lower scores for the total of the SF-36 and its sub-domains (table 1). Physical scores were lower in patients with MDD, compared with patients with BD (table 1). Table 1: Comparison of SF-36 sub-domain scores between MDD, BD patients, and HC.Sub-domains of the SF36MDDBDHCPMean physical score - Physical functioning - limitation due to physical health - Pain - General health45.5 67 42.5 60 48.559,28 69,00 44,17 67,13 56,8377,86 84,26 71,03 83,50 72,050.000 0.003 0.005 0.001 0.000Mean psychic score - limitation due to emotional problems - Social functioning - Energy/fatigue - Emotional well-being
47.25 41 55.8 40 5248,19 48.89 43.48 46.5 53.8668,66 76.97 75.52 56.02 66.120,000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.007Mean global score50.8853,7373,780,000

Conclusions

QOL of patients with mood disorders such as MDD and BD suffered damage even in euthymic periods.
Terbinafine and antidepressants: Potential risk of medication induced mania
Authors: Barbosa P. , Nombora O. , Monteiro J. , Ribeiro L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Mood destabilization and induced manic episodes are well-known phenomenon under antidepressant medications. However, even with a cautious introduction of antidepressants, it’s important to be aware of possible pharmacological interactions. Terbinafine is a known inhibitor of CYP2D6, a major hepatic metabolizer of a full list of antidepressant medications, and so capable of raising their serum levels and potentiating their side effects.

Objectives

With this case report we aim to emphasize the importance of cautious usage of Terbinafine when combined with antidepressant medications.

Methods

We present a clinical case of an induced first manic episode after the introduction of Terbinafine in a patient under antidepressant medication and a qualitative review on the topic, using PubMed database.

Results

A 66-year-old woman, with an history of Major Depressive Disorder, previously medicated with Venlafaxine 75mg/day and Mirtazapine 30mg/day, was brought to the emergency department because of psychomotor agitation. She also had an history of seasonal fluctuating mood, although never fulfilling the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. At admission, her clinical status was compatible with a manic episode. This episode followed two months after the initiation of Terbinafine for onychomycosis.

Conclusions

There are few studies that have shown antidepressant toxicity mediated by an interaction with Terbinafine. As far as we know this is the first case of induced mania after the introduction of Terbinafine. Therefore, it is important to remind that Terbinafine is a potential interacting agent when combined with psychotropic medications.
Comparative study of affective temperaments between medical students and humanities students(evaluation by validated temps-a)
Authors: Jomli R. , Ouertani J. , Jemli H. , Ouali U. , Zgueb Y. , Nacef F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

While the links between cyclothymia and creativity are well documented, the experts have tried to determine whether temperament would influence the major choices of life such as career.

Objectives

The study aims mainly to evaluate the temperaments of a sample of Tunisian students, and to look for the possible correlations between the temperament and the choice of studies.

Methods

The Tunisian version of the TEMPS-A which is a self-evaluation measure to assess affective temperaments was administered to 100 medical students and 100 humanities students.

Results

Student populations differed in their socio-demographic and scholar variables such as age, sex ratio or socio-economic level, choice of studies and their religiosity. The temperamental prevalences were close between our two populations by considering the threshold score Mean +1standard deviation; they ranged between 13 and 18%. Hyperthymic and cyclothymic scores were significantly higher among humanities students (11.38 ± 4.385 versus 9.00 ± 4.192 and 11.96 ± 4.497 versus 9.63 ± 4.499 respectively) and irritable scores were higher in the latter, though not significant (6.45 ± 3.823 versus 5.39 ± 2.998). Depressive and anxious temperament scores were close in both groups. The study showed significant temperament differences within gender, socioeconomic status, high school marks, religiosity and political affiliation.

Conclusions

It is relevant and even necessary to include such studies in the selection of candidates who could adapt to a specific professional field on the basis of objective criteria such as conscientiousness, and privileging profile diversity.
Screening for a false unipolarity in patients treated for a major depressive disorder
Authors: Regaieg N. , Baati I. , Amor F. Ben , Kallel M. , Hentati S. , Masmoudi J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The early diagnosis of bipolar II disorder remains difficult in clinical practice, hence the importance of psychometric tests.

Objectives

To detect hypomania in patients followed for a major depressive disorder (MDD) and to determine factors which are correlated with it.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It involved 40 psychiatric outpatients, who were followed for MDD (isolated or recurrent episode) at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), from January 26 to February 10, 2020. The study was conducted using a questionnaire and the Angst Hypomania Checklist-20 (HCL-20).

Results

The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.66 with an average age of 54.8 years. MDD started at an average age of 41.45 years. According to HCL-20, half of our sample had hypomania. The presence of hypomania was correlated with young age (p = 0.022), academic failure (p = 0.038) and smoking (p = 0.003). In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of hypomania and the characteristics of the disease: number of depressive episodes ≥ 2 (p = 0.013), psychotic features (p = 0.038), melancholic features (p=0,025) and premature discontinuation of treatment (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that bipolar depression is still underdiagnosed and poorly treated. Questioning a patient about a history of hypomania would be a delicate task and would require the help of a scale, in particular the HCL -20.
Specificities of bipolar depression in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Kacem M. , Khouadja S. , Brahim S. , Betbout I. , Zarrouk L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bipolar depression is not strictly clinically identical to unipolar depression.

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with bipolar depression and to identify factors linked to bipolar depression.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative study carried out at the psychiatric department of the University Hospital of Mahdia. We have included 26 patients with bipolar depression and have compared them to 26 patients with unipolar depression. The data were collected from patients’ medical files. The analytical study has been made using Chi2 tests. The threshold of p<0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

The mean age was 45 years. The majority of patients were male (61.5%) and unemployed (69.2%). Half of the patients were married. Alcohol consumption was found in 30.8% of cases. Family history of bipolar disorder and attempted suicide were present in 27% and 11.5% of cases respectively. A hospitalization number greater than or equal to 4 was found in 54% of cases. Personal history of suicide attempts was found in 46.2% of cases. At the psychiatric examination, psychomotor retardation, anxiety and psychotic and atypical characteristics were present in 73%, 31%, 42.3% and 7.7% of cases respectively. 46.2% of patients were treated with antidepressants in combination with a mood stabilizer. Antipsychotic treatment was combined in 80.8% of cases. A significant difference was noted for the number of hospitalizations, anxiety and antipsychotic treatment.

Conclusions

An early distinction between bipolar and unipolar disorders is crucial for the treatment of both diseases.
Music composers and bipolar disorders: Where do we stand?
Authors: Giannouli V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The intersection between bipolar disorders and creativity has been investigated in western literature. Although psychopathology has been proposed for famous artists in painting, writing, music and other forms of art, there is no systematic study examining bipolar disorders and music production in composers.

Objectives

The aim of this review is to investigate this relationship by providing an overview of published studies.

Methods

The search included papers published in English as abstracts as well as in full length until October 2020. The literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases. For all the searches, the terms/key words that were used were “bipolar disorder”, “music”, “creativity”, and “composers”.

Results

Search results for composers from different music genres and musical periods indicated that the proposed origin of the overall bipolar pattern is attributed to several stressful environmental factors which are taking the form of interpersonal problems regarding the expressed emotion, life events, and paucity of stress-management skills. In addition to that, bipolar psychopathological patterns seem to influence the quantity of music composing activity indirectly due to changes in everyday functional abilities.

Conclusions

Published reports, although based on biographical research, do provide evidence in support of a strong bipolarity-music creativity/production link for famous composers. Further well-designed studies in living music professionals engaged in music composition are needed.
Suicidality in women
Authors: Wasserman D.
Published: February 2022

Every year, around 800,000 people die by suicide globally. Whist suicide mortality rates are higher among men, women typically have higher rates of suicidal ideation and behaviours. Despite this fact, suicidality in women is still of grave concern as 71% of women’s violent deaths is accounted for by suicide – a greater percentage than men’s. Suicide patterns among women differ between countries and regions. For example, there is a greater difference in suicide rates between men and women in high-income countries in comparison to low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, many theories exist to explain women’s suicidality. Yet many of the dominant theories have been challenged from studies in both low- to middle-income and high-income countries. Further research that focuses on the context and culture, rather than the individual, is warranted and will be important for preventative efforts of women’s suicidal behaviours.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Subsyndromal symptoms in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mellouli A. , Feki R. , Omri S. , Smaoui N. , Bouali M. Maalej , Charfi N. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The inter-critical phase in bipolar disorder may contain symptoms that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a thymic episode. According to studies, these symptoms are common and usually associated with impaired psychosocial and family functioning.

Objectives

Study the subsyndromal symptoms in remitted patients with bipolar disorder, and their functioning repercussions.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, in the outpatient psychiatry department of the University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia) among 30 remitted patients with bipolar disorder. We used: the Montgomery And Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Angst Hypomania Questionnaire and the FAST test to assess functioning levels.

Results

The average age of our population was 44.37±15.45 years with a sex ratio (M/F) =0.66. Most of them lived in urban areas (60%) and half of them did not go beyond the primary school level. Most did not have a constant job (76.6%). The average number of previous thymic episodes was 2±1.33 times/year. A quarter of the patients (26.6%) had hypomanic symptoms in the intercritical phase and 20% had depressive symptoms. Hypomanic symptoms were correlated with tobacco use (p=0.035). Depressive symptoms weremore frequent in men (p=0.074). Functioninglevel was lower in subjects living in rural areas (p=0.065).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that residual symptoms were frequent with a significant functional impact. As a result, their identification and management are highly essential to improve the overall functioning of patients with bipolar disorder.
Non-suicidal self-injury and impulsivity: Study of inibithory control in adolescent population
Authors: Pacifici S. , Baglioni V. , Cammisa L. , Guerrini D. , Mancini C. , Mirabella G. , Terrinoni A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a clinical condition defined as intentional, self-inflicted act causing pain or superficial damage without suicidal intents (12-35% of the adolescent community). Several findings show a high correlation between NSSI and impairments in the impulsivity control.

Objectives

The goal of our study is to evaluate the role of impulsivity in NSSI adolescents, relatively to the inhibitory control, in order to investigate if it can represent a neurocognitive risk factor underlying maladaptive behaviours and which psychopathological dimensions can be associated with this neurobiological process.

Methods

30 NNSI inpatients (age range: 12 to 18 years), drug-free, were compared with an age-matched control group, using two behavioural paradigms for the study of inhibitory control: the Stop Signal task and the emotive go/Nogo. Psychopathological traits were evaluated by self-report questionnaires for impulsivity dimensions, suicidality and self-injurious acts. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS program (p =0.05).

Results

NSSI patients did not present impairments in the global inhibitory control but they had longer movement times in both paradigms and faster reaction times in the Go/no-go behavioural paradigm. Therefore, NSSI patients tended to be impulsive at an early stage of movement (rapid TR) and have to slow down in a second phase (TM slow) in order to have time to rework the cognitive processes underlying movement.

Conclusions

The impulsivity dimension is a complex construct that involves multiple interconnected factors. The study of neuro-cognitive and psychopathological aspects and how they are interconnected is necessary to draw new perspectives on the etiopathogenesis of NNSI.
Microbiome - a (FUTURE) marker for the differential diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
Authors: Ramos I. , Figueiredo-Braga M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The differential diagnosis between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often challenging and detrimental to early and timely treatment. Co-current and overlapping symptoms contribute to erode differential diagnostic accuracy, based mainly on clinical assessment supported by standardized instruments and reports from parents and teachers. The microbiota was recently considered a valuable resource in the search for biological markers in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Objectives

Our objective was to examine the published literature in order to clarify the role of the microbiome as a possible differential biomarker between ASD and ADHD.

Methods

Five hundred and sixteen articles were reviewed in order to contextualize the role of Gut- Brain Axis in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders, the microbiome as a biomarker and ultimately to unravel microbiome abnormalities reported in patients diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD.

Results

Although gut microbiome appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD with several reports identifying changes in gut populations and functions, a “microbial signature” is still not reached. In ADHD patients, research confirms that the composition and predicted functions of gut microbiome are also altered, but identically controversial results were found.

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to confirm the relationship between the composition and function of the microbiome and the occurrence or presentation of each of the disorders. A specific signature of the microbiota could then constitute itself as a differential biomarker in ASD and ADHD.
Electrodermal activity – a promising biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment in adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Tonhajzerova I. , Ferencova N. , Ondrejka I. , Olexova L. Bona , Funakova D. , Hrtanek I. , Visnovcova Z.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa (AN) represents a severe mental disorder associated with cardiovascular complications leading to morbidity and mortality. Abnormal functioning of autonomic nervous system, particularly sympathetic nervous system, plays a crucial role in AN-linked psychopathology and cardiovascular diseases; however, the pathomechanisms are still unclear.

Objectives

Thus, we studied sympathetic arousal in response to mental stress using conventional parameters, and for the first time by spectral analysis of electrodermal activity with aim to detect non-invasive biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment already in adolescent AN patients.

Methods

Twenty-five AN girls were examined (14.8±0.4 yr.) and age/gender matched controls (15.1±0.3 years). Electrodermal activity (EDA) was continuously recorded at rest (5 min.) and in response to Go/NoGo test (5 min.). Evaluated parameters: skin conductance level (SCL) and spectral parameter of EDA in the sympathetic frequency band (EDASymp). EDA reactivity was calculated as percentual change (%) of SCL and EDASymp in response to stressor.

Results

The AN group had significantly reduced SCL and EDASymp compared to controls during baseline (p=0.041, p=0.0001, respectively) and in response to Go/NoGo test (p=0.043, p=0.017, respectively). The EDASymp index reactivity was significantly lower in AN group compared to control (p=0.034).

Conclusions

Our study revealed resting sympathetic underactivity associated with lower reactivity to mental stressor indexed by EDA parameters in adolescent AN patients. This altered pattern of sympathetic arousal could play important role as a pathomechanism leading to cardiovascular complications in AN. It seems that EDA indices represent potential non-invasive biomarkers to detect AN-linked cardiovascular risk already at adolescent age.

Conflict of interest

This study was funded by the Slovak Scientific Grant Agency under grants VEGA 1/0044/18 and VEGA 1/0190/20 and Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic under the project registration number 2018/20-UKMT-16.
The effect of vitamin C on sociability in a juvenile zebrafish pesticide-induced model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Robea M.A. , Ciobica A. , Strungaru S.-A. , Plavan G. , Nicoara M. , Solcan C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multi-factorial disease characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. The necessity of developing an adequate treatment for ASD is essential. There is an increase in clinical studies assessing the positive effects of vitamins in ASD children. Vitamin C (vit. C) is implicated in biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and in protein metabolism.

Objectives

This study evaluated the possible effect of vit. C on zebrafish sociability after a single insecticide mixture administration as inductor for ASD.

Methods

A single dose of insecticide mixture (600 μg L-1 fipronil and 600 μg L-1 pyriproxyfen) was administrated to zebrafish juvenile. Vit. C (25 μg L−1) was daily administrated during 14 days. A control group simulated the administration of insecticide mixture and vitamin. Each animal was tested in the experimental tank designed for the social interaction test. The trials were recorded and analysed using EthoVision XT 11 (NOLDUS, Netherlands). The locomotor activity parameters and the time spent next to the group were measured. Each trial had 4 minutes duration.

Results

We have found no significant differences in the average levels between pre-treatment and treatment days (P< 0.05 ANOVA) regarding the locomotor activity parameters. Significant changes in sociability were observed for the group exposed to insecticide mixture and for vit. C group (P > 0.05 ANOVA). It was also found that 14 days vitamin administration can lead to sociability improvements after a single administration of mixture insecticide.

Conclusions

The results of the current study bring some positive insights for the future of ASD therapy.

Conflict of interest

This work was co-funded by the European Social Fund, through Operational Programme Human Capital 2014-2020, project number POCU/380/6/13/123623, project title
Observing flaming or trolling online: Prevalence in russian youth and adolescents and relationship to tolerance and aggression
Authors: Soldatova G. , Chigarkova S. , Koshevaya A. , Rasskazova E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cyberaggression including the most wide-spread variants of flaming (O’Sullivan, Flanagin, 2003; Voggeser et al., 2017) and trolling (Buckels et al., 2018) is affecting mental health of adolescents and youth although it could be (Kowalski, 2014; Wright, Wachs, 2020).

Objectives

The aim was to study prevalence of flaming and trolling experience in Russian youth and adolescents and its relationship to general aggression and tolerance.

Methods

525 adolescents 12-13 years old, 1029 adolescents 14-17 years old, 736 youth 18-30 years from 8 Federal regions in Russia appraised their experience of flaming or trolling online (as initiators, victims and observers) using vignettes. 1105 parents of adolescents appraised whether their children experienced flaming or trolling online. Then they filled Aggression Questionnaire (Buss, Perry, 1992) and Tolerance Index (Psychodiagnostics…, 2008).

Results

More than one-half of adolescents (51-58% in 12-13 years old and 64% in 14-17 years old) and youth (45-69%) reported experience of flaming and trolling online, mostly as observers (32-65%). Parents accurately appraised flaming experience in their children but underestimated trolling experience (p<.05). Adolescents and youth observing flaming online report higher hostility, anger and physical aggression (F=17.8-28.3, p<.01, η²=.02) while lower social tolerance (F=4.27, p<.05, η²=.01). In adolescents observing trolling online these effects are stronger than in youth observing trolling online (interaction: F=5.68, p<.05, η²=.01).

Conclusions

Observing trolling and flaming online is related to higher aggression and low tolerance in adolescents and youth and for adolescents the relationship is stronger. The reported study was funded by RFBR, project 20-013-00857.

Conflict of interest

The reported study was funded by RFBR, project 20-013-00857.
Online-risks and user activity in Russian adolescents: Comparing results from 2010-2019 Russian population studies
Authors: Soldatova G. , Rasskazova E. , Koshevaya A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Internet provides wide opportunities not only for development, but also for developmental risks including information about drug consumption, advocacy for weight loss and suicide (Livingstone et al., 2011).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare user activity and online risks in Russian adolescents and parents according to three population studies, 2010, 2013, and 2019.

Methods

Using EU Kids Online methodology (Livingstone et al., 2011), the data of 1219 parents of adolescents 12-17 years old and 1553 adolescents 12-17 years old from 15 regions of Russia in 2019 were compared with the data of 1203 adolescents 12-17 years old and 1209 parents in 2013, as well as the answers of 685 couples “parent - teenager 12-16 years old” in 2010.

Results

Compared to 2010, in 2019 adolescents are more frequently disappointed or worried about something online (41.5% versus 33.6%, χ2=12.44, p<.01, CC=.07). Contemporary adolescents rarer report having seen sexual images (χ2=339,48, p<0,01, CC=0,36) online but more frequently report having seen rude actions online (χ2=69,93, p<0,01, CC=0,16). They more frequently see information about drugs and suicides (χ2=37,11, p<0,01, CC=0,12 и χ2=85,04, p<0,01, CC=0,17, respectively) and report an experience of cyberaggression (χ2=80,85, p<0,01, CC=0,19) and fraud (χ2=17,75, p<0,01, CC=0,09).

Conclusions

In Russian sample online risks in adolescents closely related to mental health and risky behavior in 2010-2019 increase suggesting necessity of social programs of risk prevention. Study is supported by Russian science Foundation, project 18-18-00365.

Conflict of interest

Study is supported by Russian science Foundation, project 18-18-00365.
Recent versus long-term maternal traumatic life events: Which one impacts prenatal attachment?
Authors: Meddouri L.S. , Bourgou S. , Fakhfakh R. , Bousnina D. , Triki A. , Belhadj A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Prenatal attachment is a strong predictor of post-natal attachment. Identifying factors influencing this bond is important, especially maternal history of stressful life-events.

Objectives

Determine which type of maternal trauma impacts prenatal attachment.

Methods

We conducted a transversal descriptive study in a first line clinical practice center and in an university gynecology-obstetrics department. We used Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) to assess maternal-fetal attachment, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to evaluate maternal childhood stressful events and the Life-Threatening Events (LTE) to explore traumas during the past 6 months.

Results

For the 125 pregnant women in our study, the mean age was 30 years and 5 months with 99,2% of them married. Mean gestational age was 33 weeks +1 day. PAI’s mean score was 55,58± 10,20; CTQ‘s mean score was 36,62 ± 9,53 revealing trauma in 28%. Women admitted being victims of IPV in 49,6% with almost the half (48,38%) being exposed to two or more forms of violence. Mean score for recent traumatic events in LTE was 1,87 with 65,2% being exposed to two or more life threatening event. A correlation between the total score of PAI and CTQ was found (p=0.021) particularly subscales of physical and emotional negligence of the CTQ (p=0.023 and p=0.006). We found no statistically significant correlation neither between PAI and IPV (p=0,453) nor between PAI and LTE (p= 0,360).

Conclusions

Providing an appropriate training for health care providers can enable them to detect pregnancies at risk in order to refer them to trauma-informed mental health services.
Correlations between autism spectrum disorders and childhood apraxia of speech
Authors: Cabral C. , Fernandes F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by inabilities in communication and social interaction. ¹ Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological disorder in which the consistency and precision of speech movements are impaired, in the absence of neuromuscular deficits.2 Research indicates that children with ASD do not have a higher prevalence of CAS.3 It is suggested that comorbid ASD and CAS would be expected to be extremely rare.

Objectives

Verify the occurrence of CAS in children with ASD.

Methods

The study included 22 children diagnosed with ASD aged between 4 and 8 years, who were undergoing speech therapy at a specialized health service and their therapists. The test was applied by the therapists Differential Assessment of Autism and Other Developmental Disorders (DAADD)4, divides into six areas of development: language, pragmatic, sensory, motor, physical and behavioral to differentiate and diagnose disorders of neurological origin.

Results

Among the 22 children participating in the research, 20 did not score the item apraxia. Only two children were referred with apraxia and twelve had receptive language and pre-academic skills proportional to their age. Of 22 participants, only three were overly excited for verbal productions.

Conclusions

The analyzes of data suggests that the occurrence of CAS in children with ASD is low and underlying the disorder.
Suicidal behaviour and addiction: An inseparable couple? Mechanisms underlying the association and targets for interventions
Authors: Lengvenyte A.
Published: February 2022

Suicidal behaviour is common in people with substance use disorder or behavioural addictions, and vice versa. Suicidal behaviour and addiction share many risk factors, such as increased allostatic load, and are associated with dysregulations of reward processing and impaired prefrontal cortex functioning, resulting in decision-making problems, loss of cognitive control, and impulsivity. Trait impulsivity predisposes the individual to increased sensitization to stressors or addictive stimuli. Addiction emerges when the motive for a pleasurable substance or activity transitions from positive to negative reinforcement. At this point, the stress response system is activated, and the main motivator shifts from pleasure to the escape from an aversive stimulus –withdrawal and craving. In parallel, insufferable psychological pain is the core component of the suicidal process, and a suicide attempt has been conceptualized as a way to reduce or escape it. Both states are associated with increased pain perception, stress system activation, inflammation, and anhedonia. However, while addiction generally reflects a shift from pleasure to the avoidance of negative stimuli, the pleasure is less identifiable in the suicidal process. Furthermore, not all individuals that engage in suicidal behaviours are impulsive or have an addiction, and not all individuals with addiction engage in suicidal behaviours. Yet, the understanding of the shared neurobiological component of addiction and suicidal behaviours may inform possible interventions in some individuals. Reward, pain, and stress systems are possible targets. Promising substances related to these systems that could reduce suicide risk include buprenorphine, lithium, ketamine, and psychological interventions aimed at psychological pain reduction and resilience.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.