bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformity to masculine norms and self-stigma of help-seeking are not unique barriers to formal help-seeking in men, but are also relevant for women
Authors: Komlenac N. , Maresch F. , Lamp E. , Hochleitner M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Studies that explain men’s reduced willingness for formal help-seeking for depressive symptoms often did not analyze whether assumed unique barriers, namely, conformity to masculine norms (CMN), reduced self-compassion, and self-stigma are also linked to women’s help-seeking behavior.

Objectives

The current study analyzed whether CMN, self-compassion, and self-stigma for help-seeking are linked to women’s and men’s willingness to seek formal help for depressive symptoms.

Methods

German-speaking participants (N=481; 68.8% women, 31.2% men; Mage=35.6, SD=14.2) of an online-questionnaire study read a vignette about a character with depressive symptoms. Participants indicated how likely they would be to seek medical or psychological help if they were in the character’s situation. Furthermore, the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, Self-Stigma of Seeking Help scale, and Self-Compassion Scale were used.

Results

Women and men were moderately willing to seek formal help for depressive symptoms. A manifest path model revealed that strong CMN and low self-compassion were linked to strong self-stigma in women and men. Strong self-stigma was associated with reduced help-seeking intentions. In men with low self-compassion CMN was directly linked to reduced willingness for help-seeking. In women and men with strong self-compassion no direct, but indirect links between CMN and reduced help-seeking intentions via self-stigma were found.

Conclusions

CMN and self-stigma of help-seeking were not unique barriers in men, but also were relevant for women’s formal help-seeking intentions. Even though increased self-compassion was associated with decreased self-stigma, interventions that aim to increase self-compassion may not help increase help-seeking behaviors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The impact of early and late childcare experience on cognitive functions
Authors: Békefi A.Z. , Kárpáti J. , Futó J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Previous studies have found long lasting cognitive delays among children with early childcare experience, especially institutionalised experience. However, little is known about institutions’ effect in late childhood.

Objectives

Our goal is to identify the characteristics of cognitive functions in connection to attachment related anxiety among adopted children and children living in institutional care.

Methods

The participants’ (N=68, Mage=14.20, 29 boys and 39 girls) cognitive functions were measured with the following tests: Rey15 Memory Task, Knock And Tap Task, Simon Says Test, Verbal Fluency Task, D-KEFS 20 Questions Test. Participants completed two questionnaires: the Family Affluence Scale and the Experiences In Close Relationships Revised Scale. The results from the adopted children (N=19) and children living in institutional care (N=18) were compared to the matched control group: children living with their biological parents (N=31).

Results

Children living in institutional care did not differ significantly from their (SES-based) matched controls. Children adopted after the age of 2 years (N=7, M =56,57month) and the low SES control group (N=14) differed from the high SES control group on tests of attention (Verbal Fluency Task, Mhigh.c.=212.50, Mad.aft.2=193.50, U=59.50, z=-2.62, p=0.009) and verbal memory (Rey15, Mhigh.c.=17.94, Mad.aft.2=9.18, U=35.00, z=-2.79, p=0.005). Children adopted before the age of 2 years differed from the high SES control as well, in inhibition (Simon Says Test, Mhigh.c.=12.26, Mad.bef.2=18.88, U=55.55, z
=-2.23, p=0.026).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that only in the early years is child protection experience associated with long-lasting cognitive delays and attachment related anxiety.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The association between lifestyle factors, and physical and mental health in inpatients with MI: a network analysis
Authors: Den Bleijker N. , Van Schothorst M. , Hendriksen I. , Cahn W. , Deenik J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

People with mental illness (MI) have a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population, mostly attributable to somatic diseases caused by poor physical health. Lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, diet, substance use) are associated with poor physical and mental health. Although lifestyle factors, and physical and mental health are believed to be interconnected, research has mainly focused on one-sided relationships. Currently, we are implementing a lifestyle focussed approach in treatment, in which we assess lifestyle factors as well as physical and mental health of people with MI on a large scale (˜850 places of residence).

Objectives

To investigate the association between lifestyle factors, and physical and mental health in people with MI.

Methods

Baseline data from an open cohort cluster randomized stepped wedge study. Lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, diet, substance use), physical health, medication use and psychological health (symptoms, quality of life) were assessed using data from patient files and questionnaires. Associations will be analysed with network analyses.

Results

First results (N≈1600) show that 54% of patients have high blood pressure, 51% have excessive waist circumference, 46% are experiencing sleep problems, 71% smoke and 88% do not meet exercise guidelines. Patients experience a lower quality of life compared to the general population.

Conclusions

Initial results show that patients have poor physical health, low quality of life and an unhealthy lifestyle. Further analyses are currently being conducted to gain insight in the complex pattern between lifestyle factors, and physical and mental health. This can contribute to the improvement of routine clinical care.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
“Care is needed the most, when it is deserved the least” – the experience of BPD-women
Authors: Jensen M.E. , Andreasson K. , Vinberg M. , Oestergaard L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

BPD are often characterized by dependence, affectability, unpredictability, impulsivity and self-destructiveness. Paradoxically, the symptoms associated with BPD are the same behaviors that makes them difficult to accommodate by health professionals. They constitute the most excluded and stigmatized patient group.

Objectives

To gain knowledge on how BPD patients felt acknowledged when they experienced the need for professional help.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with six BPD-women, aged between 18 to 46, all inpatient at different psychiatric units in the Capital Region of Denmark. The data were analyzed and interpreted through meaning condensation. We entered the philosophical hermeneutic framework of Hans-Georg Gadamer.

Results

We found that the women experienced that; the diagnosis was a filter, in which they were always viewed and judged through as “just another BPD-patient” and not a unique individual. their cry for help was expected to be verbalized in a certain manner and therefore was often not understood nor heard, but instead they experienced to be scolded by health professionels. the emergency plan became a legitimate way for the health care professionals to avoid spending to many resources, rather than a helpful tool. the psychiatry as a unit was largely characterized by stigmatization and a distrustful attitude towards them. Therefore they felt deeply dependent on meeting that one special health professional who were experienced to have a genuine interest and desire to help them.

Conclusions

Findings correspond with the findings of existing research. Hence, there also seems to be significant barriers nationally for patients with BPD to experience being acknowledged and helped, when in need of professional help.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Evaluation of treatment adherence in patients with mental illness
Authors: Jemli H. , Jomli R. , Ghabi H. , Ouali U. , Ben Amor M. , Zgueb Y.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Treatment adherence, is defined as “the extent to which a person’s behavior — taking medication, following a diet, and/or executing lifestyle changes — corresponds with the agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider.” The course of patients with mental health is habitually chronic and based on an indefinite continuation of treatment to sustain remission and prevent relapses. Treatment adherence issues are the main obstacles in the management of these patients

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment adherence in patients with mental health and the demogrphic and clinical factors associated with it.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study conduced at the department of Psychiatry A at Razi Hospital.The validated arabic version of Morisky-Green test was used to assess medication adherence. The patients were considered as adherent if they answered ‘No ’ to all questions

Results

60 patients were included, with a sex ratio M / F of 0.47. Patients were treated for bipolar disorder type1 in 45% of cases, schizophrenia in 28.3% of cases, schizoaffective disorder in 10% of cases and depressive disorder in 6.7% of cases. 50% of included patients had Moderate level of adherence, 35% were considered as non- adherent and only 13.3% had high adherence. The reported reasons for treatment discontinuation were insight (50%), financial problems (26.9%), side effects (15.4%) and unavailability of drugs (7.7%). The Morisky-Green test score were not correlated neither to the nature of the psychiatric disorder nor to multiple medication.

Conclusions

We found a high proportion of nonadherence in patients with mental illness.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Resilience and perceived social support among family Caregivers of patients with mental illness : what links ?
Authors: Safa K. , Charfi N. , Marwa M. , Smaoui N. , Gassara I. , Feki R. , Omri S. , Maalej M. , Zouari L. , Ben Thabet J. , Maalej M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Burden among family caregivers of patients with mental illness can be mediated by resilience and perceived social support.

Objectives

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived social support and resilience levels among caregivers of patients with mental illness and to identify its associated factors.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted on caregivers of patients followed in the outpatient psychiatry department at the university hospital of Sfax (Tunisia), during septembre 2021. Resilience was assessed with the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the social support with the social provisions scale. High scores indicate high resilience and support.

Results

We have involved 34 family caregivers with an average age of 47.47 years(SD=12.4 years). The mean resilience score of caregivers was 42.85 and the mean social support score was 28.09(SD=5.54). The score of resilience correlated positively with the score of social support among family caregivers of patients (r= 0.76 ; p=0.0001). Furthermore, resilience and social support were significantly lower among caregivers with a history of chronic illness (p=0.0001 and 0.002 respectively). Regarding clinical factors, the scores of social support and resilience decreased significantly with the duration of providing care to patients (r=-0.60; p=0.0001 and r=-0.75; p=0.0001 respectively). Similarly, they decreased significantly with the number of hospitalizations of patients (r=-0.53; p=0.001 and r=-0.62; p=0.0001 respectively).

Conclusions

The findings suggests that high social support promotes better resilience among family caregivers of patients with mental illness. So, a better adjustement to the role of caregiver can be effectively achieved by improving the perceived social support.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in a Tunisian footwear industry
Authors: Rmadi N. , Kammoun N. , Masmoudi R. , Kotti N. , Masmoudi J. , Hammami K. , Masmoudi M.L. , Hajjaji M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

A growing body of literature has documented that occupational stress is associated with increased risks of musculoskeletal injuries or symptoms.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of occupational stress on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers in a Tunisian footwear industry.

Methods

Material and methods: This was an exhaustive and cross-sectional study including workers in a footwear industry. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using a modified Nordic questionnaire. We used the Job Demand/Control model of Karasek to measure occupational stress. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method was used as an ergonomic risk assessment tool. Data were analysed using R software.

Results

A total of 337 workers participated in the survey (the age range: 18-60 years). A total of 83.7 of workers reported musculoskeletal symptoms at one site or more. Elbows and upper back were the most symptomatic sites in respectively 84% and 65%. We noted job-strain and iso-strain situations in respectively 57% and 32%. In 78.1% of the workers studied, the QEC score was high and very high in 21.9%. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model showed that iso-strain situation was associated with the number of symptomatic sites (p= 0.0003, OR=1.34), having musculoskeletal symptoms in elbows (p= 0.03, OR=2.33) and upper back (p=0.009, OR=2.40), and the final QEC score (p= 0.018, OR= 1.04).

Conclusions

Occupational stress constitutes a significant risk for this leather industry. It is associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the workplace and with work-related biomechanical exposure.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Characterising the nature of the beast: Challenges associated with understanding patient safety within community-based mental health services
Authors: Averill P. , Vincent C. , Reen G. , Henderson C. , Sevdalis N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Patient safety problems stemming from healthcare represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The evidence base on safety in mental healthcare, particularly regarding community-based mental health services, has long fallen behind that of physical healthcare, with fewer research publications, developed primarily in isolation from the wider improvement science discipline. This disconnect both yields, and stems from, conceptual and practical challenges which must be surmounted in order to advance the science and improvement of safety in mental healthcare.

Objectives

The objectives of this research were to conduct a narrative review to provide an overview of conceptual issues in this area, their origins, and implications for patient safety science and clinical care. We also sought to identify approaches to overcoming these issues.

Methods

We examined theoretical and empirical evidence from the fields of patient safety, mental health, and improvement science to address this knowledge gap.

Results

We identified challenges with defining safety in the context of community mental healthcare, ascertaining what constitutes a ‘preventable’ safety problem requiring intervention, and in finding relevant research evidence. The research indicated that risk management has taken precedence over proactive safety promotion in mental healthcare. This positions service users as the origin of safety risks, with iatrogenic harm and latent system hazards associated with mental healthcare widely overlooked.

Conclusions

We propose a broader conceptualisation of safety to advance the field and outline potential next steps for the integration and uptake of different sources of ‘safety intelligence’ within community mental health services.

Disclosure

NS is the director of London Safety and Training Solutions Ltd, which offers training in patient safety, implementation solutions and human factors to healthcare organisations and the pharmaceutical industry. The other authors have no competing interests.
Recognition and Assessment of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia
Authors: Mucci A. , Giordano G.M. , Galderisi S.
Published: September 2022

A renewal of interest in the cognitive assessment of people with schizophrenia was related to the increasing acknowledgement of the strong relationships of cognitive deficits with functional outcome. In the early 2000’s, research focused on those aspects of cognition that demonstrated a strong correlation with a variety of functional outcome measures (community functioning, functional capacity, social skills acquisition). Later on, social cognition, which was not included in neuropsychological batteries, became also a focus as it represents a mediator of the impact of neurocognition on functioning. The renewed interest and the association with functional outcome stimulated the development of batteries specifically devoted to the cognitive assessment of subjects with schizophrenia. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is the instruments with the largest evidence of good psychometric properties and strong relationship with functional outcome. The MCCB has been proposed as the gold standard in assessing cognitive impairment in subjects with schizophrenia and has been translated into 24 languages and validated in many different countries. Different instruments are also available to assess emotional processing and theory of mind which should complement MCCB and similar batteries. The long administration time limits the use of batteries in everyday clinical routine and short-administered instruments were developed as screening tools. A brief, interview-based assessment of cognitive functioning, the Cognitive Assessment Interview, has also been developed and validated for use in clinical settings or as a co-primary measure in clinical trials. The development of a guidance paper might promote the routine assessment of cognition in subjects with schizophrenia.

Disclosure

Honoraria, advisory board, or consulting fees from Angelini, Astra Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gedeon Richter
Bulgaria, Innova-Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, Otsuka, Pfizer, and Pierre Fabre, for services not related to this abstract
Development of human brain neuroimmune system under influence of alcohol
Authors: Shushpanova T. , Solonskii A. , Shumilova S. , Shushpanova O. , Bokhan N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Exposure to alcohol causes imbalances in neuroimmune function and impaired brain development.

Objectives

Alcohol activates neuroimmune molecules, expressed and secreted by glial cells in the brain, alter neuronal function and stimulate alcoholic behavior.

Methods

The study involved women aged 25-41 years-did not drink alcohol 1 month before and during pregnancy – 1-st group; women with I-II degree of alcoholism 3-13 years – 2-nd group. Embryonic material were obtained 8-15 weeks of igestation. 2-nd group were divided into subgroups. Group Alcohol (A)-alcoholic women,s embrious, included 2 subgroups: A1-embryos 8-9 weeks, A2-10-11 weeks of gestation (n=12). The Control group (K) includ control samples K1-8–9, K2-10-11 weeks (n=14). The analysis of changes in morphometric parameters was used to identify quantitative changes among glioblasts, correlation between the degree of differentiation components and the degree of influence of alcohol. For this, the program AxioVision 4.8 was used Parameters of GABAA/benzodiazepine receptors were studied by the radio-receptor assay of [3H]-flunitrazepam with synaptoneurosomes.

Results

Changes in glioblasts tof human brain embryos and fetuses were revealed under conditions of chronic prenatal alcoholization with an increase in gestational age compared to the control subgroups: a significant increase in the average number of glioblasts, the length of the perimeters of the presynaptic terminal, postsynaptic density, presynaptic terminal areas were significantly less (p<0, 01) in the study group than in the control. Exposure to ethanol reduces the affinity of GABAA/benzodiazepine receptors, which affects neuronal plasticity associated with the development of glioblasts and neuroblasts during embryogenesis.

Conclusions

Changes in microglial cause disruption of the neuronal activity

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Exploring the selective gray matter profile of autism spectrum disorder through Bayes Factor Modeling
Authors: Liloia D. , Cauda F. , Uddin L. , Manuello J. , Mancuso L. , Keller R. , Costa T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Despite decades of brain MRI research demonstrating atypical neuroanatomical substrate in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it remains unclear whether and to what extent disorder-selective neuroanatomical abnormalities occur in this spectrum. This, and the fact that multiple brain disorders report a common neuroanatomical substrate, makes transference and the application of neuroimaging findings into the clinical setting an open challenge.

Objectives

To investigate the selective neuroanatomical alteration profile of the ASD brain, we employed a meta-analytic, data-driven, and reverse inference-based approach (i.e.; Bayes fACtor mOdeliNg).

Methods

Eligible voxel-based morphometry data were extracted by a standardized search on BrainMap and MEDLINE databases (849 published experiments, 131 brain disorders, 22747 clinical subjects, 16572 x-y-z coordinates). Two distinct datasets were generated: the ASD dataset, composed of ASD-related data; and the non-ASD dataset, composed of all other clinical conditions data. Starting from the two unthresholded activation likelihood estimation (ALE) maps, the calculus of the Bayes fACtor mOdeliNg was performed. This allowed us to obtain posterior probability distributions on the evidence of brain alteration specificity in ASD.

Results

We revealed both cortical and cerebellar areas of neuroanatomical alteration selectivity in ASD. Eight clusters showed a selectivity value ≥ 90%, namely the bilateral precuneus, the right inferior occipital gyrus, left lobule IX, left Crus II, right Crus I, and the right lobule VIIIA (Fig. 1).

Conclusions

The identification of this neuroanatomical pattern provides new insights into the complex pathophysiology of ASD, opening attractive prospects for future neuroimaging-based interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Catatonia in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A case study and literature review
Authors: Suddath A. , Franks A. , Winston H.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

There are extremely few reported cases of OCD causing catatonia and some of those cases are possibly associated with the somewhat contentious diagnosis of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus. As there is a symptom overlap between OCD and catatonia some cases of catatonia are possibly being missed, warranting discussion regarding differential diagnosis, symptomatology, and treatment of catatonia and OCD.

Objectives

We describe a case of a 18-year-old patient who developed severe catatonia secondary to OCD, possibly related to PANDAS/PANS. We discuss the complex work-up, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this patient.

Methods

Discussion of a single case and a review of catatonia literature as it relates to OCD and autoimmune disorders.

Results

Our patient was an 18-year-old Ukrainian male who presented with sub-acute onset of decreased movement, decreased oral intake, and inability to speak. He was diagnosed with catatonia of an unclear etiology and treated with high-dose lorazepam at an outside hospital then transferred to our care. Presenting symptoms were then clarified and found to be consistent with OCD, upon which OCD treatment was initiated. The patient’s sub-acute and severe onset of OCD raised the question of a PANDAS/PANS diagnosis, which was further investigated. Ultimately, his symptoms improved with ongoing lorazepam and he was transferred to another hospital for ECT treatment.

Conclusions

OCD has been observed to cause catatonia in extremely rare cases. Diagnosing catatonia associated with OCD is challenging and important as catatonia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Our patient improved with concurrent treatment of catatonia and OCD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The Role of N-Acetylcysteine in Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and Related Disorders
Authors: Sá Couto J. , Rodrigues J. , Pão Trigo M. , Da Luz B. , Ventura Gil T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

N-acetylcysteine is known for its uses in non-psychiatric conditions, such as paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic. The rationale for its administration in psychiatric conditions is based on its ability reducing synaptic glutamate release, which was found to be increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of OCD patients.

Objectives

Evaluating N-acetylcysteine efficacy in OCD symptoms. Studying mechanisms underlying its action. Identifying the frequency of side effects.

Methods

PubMed database search, with the “N-acetylcysteine obsessive compulsive” keyword expression. The search was restricted to English-only articles, published in the last ten years. Twenty-five results among the best match correspondence were selected. Reference lists of articles were reviewed to identify additional articles.

Results

Oliver et al. found that a daily dose of 2.400 to 3.000 milligrams of N-acetylcysteine reduced the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms with minimal side effects; Smith et al. found inconclusive evidence on its efficacy. A clinical trial from Ghazinadeh et al. revealed N-acetylcysteine to be effective as an add-on to citalopram, reducing the score of resistance/control to obsessions after supplementing with N-acetylcysteine. Costa et al. found out it was superior to placebo in anxiety control as a secondary outcome.

Conclusions

The potential efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders attracted interest. Mixed evidence was found that N-acetylcysteine may have some benefits controlling compulsions, both as an adjunctive as and as monotherapy. Thus, larger and more robust studies are required to further investigate the clinical effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in this area.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychotherapeutic Treatments of Trichotillomania
Authors: Mhaimeed N. , Sinha P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Trichotillomania (TTM), also known as hair pulling disorder, is an obsessive- compulsive disorder characterized by the recurrent, overwhelming urge to repeatedly pull out one’s hair. Hair pulling can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes and subsequently results in bald patches. While TTM is a very prevalent, debilitating disorder, there is still no FDA approved treatment that exists.

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to explore the various forms of available psychotherapy available for the treatment of trichotillomania.

Methods

Two independent reviewers conducted title, abstract, full-text searching and data extraction among the PubMed, PsycINFO, and ResearchGate data bases. Of the 79 articles screened, five were included in this review

Results

Habit reversal therapy (HRT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that is considered the first line treatment for management of TTM. Other psychotherapeutic techniques include acceptance and commitment therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness therapy.

Conclusions

This study supports the current data which states that HRT is the first line treatment and there is yet to be a pharmacological treatment of choice for TTM. It is also very important to note that TTM is still underdiagnosed and can be mistaken for a dermatological disorder like alopecia aerata. Furthermore, many people with trichilemmoma have underlying mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression that must first be addressed before treating the hair pulling itself.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
An observational study of the correlation of efi severity with depression
Authors: Rasheed R. , Patel A. , Shanthakumaran Y.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Patients with high fraility indices experience poor mental health due to multiple co morbidity and social isolation.

Objectives

This was a retrospective observational analysis that studied the correlation of Electronic frailty indices and GAD scores with Depression scores in a rural population.

Methods

An annual frailty assessment is offered to elderly patients and we screen routinely for anxiety and depression using the PHQ-9 score and GAD score. This was an observational study examining the correlation of the Electronic Frailty Indices (EFI) depression and anxiety scores.

Results

Of the 118 patients ranging from mild to severe frailty we found a positive correlation of the EFI with the Depression and anxiety scores. Within the data set, the correlation coefficient of EFI scores and PHQ 9 scores was found to be 0.819. Similarly within the same data set we found a correlation coefficient of EFI and GDS scores of 0.651. The higher the EFI the greater was the scale of dependency and comorbidity and this correlation was consistent across the data set with depression and anxiety. We believe physical impairment, loss of independence and social isolation cognitive decline contribute to loss of self-esteem.

Conclusions

Our study found a positive correlation between frailty severity based on EFI scores and depression and anxiety severity. Early detection in deterioration of mental health will enable supportive measures and targeted treatment strategies. Our study shows the strong correlation of EFI severity scores with worse mental health.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
A novel Arabic tool of cognitive assessment in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: El Sayed S. , Gomaa S. , Gomaa Z.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment is one of the commonly reported disorders nowadays in old age individuals,it might represent the prodroma of definite dementia.There is a novel Arabic tool now which could help in the evaluation of cognitive functions in these patients.

Objectives

1-To study the cognitive functions in mild cognitive impairment by a novel Thinc-it tool (Arabic version) 2-To compare between Mini Mental Status Examination ( Standard test) and the novel Thinc-it battery ( Arabic version ) in detection of cognitive dysfunctions in these patients.

Methods

1-The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a tool that can be used to systematically and thoroughly assess mental status. It is an 11-question measure that tests five areas of cognitive function: orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, and language. The maximum score is 30. A score of 23 or lower is indicative of cognitive impairment. The MMSE takes only 5-10 minutes to administer and is therefore practical to use repeatedly and routinely 2-Thinc-it THINC-it® is a screening tool designed to measure cognition and provides important data for an overall evaluation of whether cognitive functioning is impaired,it includes the folloowing tests:

1.

PDQ-5D Subjective Questionnaire

2.

“Spotter” – CRT game

3.

“Symbol Check” – Nback game

4.

“CodeBreaker” – DSST game

5.

Trails – TMT game

Results

The results of Thinc-it (Arabic version) is statistically correlated to the mean score of Mini Mental state Examination,this means this Arabic version is a valid novel tool for assessment of Cognitive dysfunctions .

Conclusions

Arabic version of Thinc-it can be used in cognitive evaluation

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Catatonia and dementia: a case report
Authors: Almeida E. , Abreu J. , Martins J. , Vaz R. , Sousa R. , Brás J. , Costa A. , Teixeira D. , Marques A. , Monteiro E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor, behavioral and autonomic changes. It is associated with several psychiatric disorders, including dementia. Catatonia is an underdiagnosed syndrome, so it is important to draw attention to it. Here, we review a case of a patient admitted to our psychiatric department with a clinical presentation compatible with catatonia. After proper treatment, further assessment revealed dementia.

Objectives

This work aims to describe a case of catatonia in a patient with dementia.

Methods

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

Results

Catatonia is a disorder that was already been described as part of several types of dementia. We present a 69-year-old female patient, admitted to our psychiatric department with clinical presentation compatible with catatonia. To admission, she presented some typical complications resulting from long immobility such as pressure ulcers and nutritional deficiencies. During the hospitalization, she developed a urinary infection and there was the need to tube feeding. She was treated with benzodiazepines and improved. Further assessment revealed dementia.

Conclusions

Catatonia in dementia is not uncommon, although it is an underdiagnosed syndrome, and when treated early and properly it has a good prognosis.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The occurrence of symptoms of fear of COVID-19 among participants of the Polish University of the Third Age
Authors: Cybulski M. , Cwalina U. , Krajewska-Kulak E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The older adults have been considered one of the groups at highest risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death due to COVID-19. Fear of SARS-CoV-2 infections has become widespread. It’s constantly being enhanced by the media reports and social distancing principle.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assessment the occurrence of symptoms of fear of COVID-19 among participants of the Polish University of the Third Age (UTA).

Methods

The study included 296 participants of the UTA in Poland, including 258 women and 38 men. The study conducted with the use of the following validated psychometric scales: General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Results

The mean scores in STAI and SHAI demonstrated mild symptoms indicative of anxiety disorders in the older adults. Women and men did differ significantly in terms of the scores obtained in STAI(X-1) (p=0.002) and STAI(X-2) (p=0.020). There were no statistically significant differences between respondents with higher education and those with a different level of education. The single respondents differed significantly from divorced ones in terms of STAI(X-1) (p=0.046). Moreover, widows/widowers differed significantly from divorced ones in terms of STAI(X-2) (p=0.045) and GAD-7 (p=0.032).

Conclusions

The subjective experience of anxiety symptoms associated with fear of contracting COVID-19 was increased due to the ongoing pandemic, but was not significantly high in the analysed population of older people. COVID-19-related anxiety was significantly more common in lonely individuals. Women and men differed significantly in terms of perceived state anxiety and trait anxiety measured by STAI.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Language disorders or mild cognitive disorder. About a case
Authors: Valverde Barea M. , Solis M. , Perdiguero Sempere E. , Ortigosa Luque M. , Santiago Paris J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Patients with mild cognitive impairment may present deficits in naming, speech production, oral comprehension and written comprehension. In the differential diagnosis, cerebrovascular disease that can lead to cognitive impairment must also be differentiated from endogenous depressive disorder or language impairment.

Objectives

The aim is to highlight the importance of differential diagnosis in cognitive disorders in relation to a case.

Methods

A 68-year-old female patient attended a psychiatric consultation derived from neurology when presenting a language disorder. The husband who accompanies her and the patient indicate that she has problems finding words and substitutes other expressions for them or sometimes does not answer or does so with something different from the topic that is being asked. She refers that she presents repetitive language with memory problems, alteration in the evocation of memories. The patient reports mood swings and irritability and crying with a low tolerance for frustration since she cannot express herself. Cranial MRI: cortical and central involutional changes. Periventricular leukoaraiosis and ischemic gliosis-like lesions in the white matter of both hemispheres. Psychopathological exploration: Conscious, oriented. She smiles at the questions but doesn’t answer them. Repetitive language. Alteration in the articulation of language. Depressed mood reactive to current situation. Some irritability Alteration in recent memory and evocation.

Results

She was diagnosed with organic mental disorder compatible with mild cognitive impairment. Treatment with rehabilitation of the language disorder of vascular etiology is established.

Conclusions

Imaging and neuropsychological tests should always be performed in a patient with language, memory, and mood disorders to study its etiology.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychosis as the Initial Presenting Symptom of Anti-Hu Encephalitis: A Case Series with Literature Review
Authors: Garrels E. , Zamiri A. , Pakniyat-Jahromi S. , Gunturu S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Anti-Hu related Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome (PNS) is one of the most common paraneoplastic-associated neurological syndromes (Kayser 2010). While the primary clinical manifestations are neurologic in nature (Smitt 2002), only rare reports exist regarding psychiatric manifestations. Our poster presents two cases of Anti-Hu Encephalitis manifesting as psychosis as well as a systematic literature review on the co-occurrence of psychosis and PNS.

Objectives

The aim of this case series is to show psychosis as the primary symptom of a paraneoplastic syndrome that does not typically present in this way. It also serves as a reminder to have a detailed work-up and maintain a wide differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with first-episode psychosis.

Methods

Two cases of anti-Hu encephalitis primarily presenting with psychiatric symptoms are discussed. A systematic literature review was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model on three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO. Search terms included were (Anti-Hu) AND (Psychosis OR Hallucinations OR Schizophrenia OR Schizoaffective).

Results

Our case series reports on two patients with diagnosed anti-Hu encephalitis who were treated by our psychiatry team, where the primary manifestations of the illness were psychiatric in nature. Psychotic symptoms in these cases were managed with Risperidone, Olanzapine, and Paliperidone.

Conclusions

Psychotic symptoms are seldom reported in the literature and cases like the ones presented emphasize the importance of a full medical work-up for first episode psychosis as well as a wide differential. Given the increased association between PNS and psychiatric illness, more emphasis and further research is warranted.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Self-harm on a closed psychiatric ward
Authors: Kool N. , Jaspers A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Self-harming behavior is a frequent problem seen at patients admitted to closed wards in psychiatric hospitals. People who self-harm have al higher risk of other forms of aggressive behavior as well. Little is known about prevalence and characteristics of this behavior, the preceding triggering factors and the relation with other aggressive behaviors.

Objectives

To gain insights in the self-harming behavior of patients admitted to a closed ward in a psychiatric hospital.

Methods

From September 2019 till January 2021 information on self-harming incidents and aggressive behavior towards others or objects, of 27 patients admitted to the closed department of the Centre Intensive Treatment (Centrum Intensieve Behandeling), has been gathered. The Self-Harm Scale and Social Dysfunction and Agression Scale were used to gather the data.

Results

Twenty of 27 patients examined (74%) showed self-harming behavior. Head banging (41,9%) and self-harming using straps/ropes (30%) occurred most. Tension/stress as triggering factor was mentioned most (19,1%), followed by reliving (13,5%) and team interaction (11,8%). Self-harming behavior occurred more in evenings then during the rest of the day. No significant difference was found in the degree of aggressive behavior towards others or objects between the group of patients harming themselves and the group that didn’t.

Conclusions

This study delivers insights in self-harming behavior of patients admitted to closed psychiatric departments that can be used for prevention and treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Portuguese validation of the Self-Generated Stress Scale
Authors: Brito M.J. , Carvalho F. , Vitória P. , Amaral A.P. , Carneiro M. , Cabacos C. , Araújo A. , Macedo A. , Pereira A.T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Self-Generated Stress might be defined as stress that is created by oneself by engaging in behavior or making decisions that ultimately add strain to pre-existing personal stress. The Self-Generated Stress Scale (SGSS; Flett et al. 2020) is a seven-item self-report measure built to assess this tendency to make one’s own life more stressful.

Objectives

To analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese Version of the SGSS.

Methods

Participants (127 medicine and dentistry students; 78.0% female) answered an online survey including the preliminary Portuguese version of the SGSS and other validated questionnaires: Maslach Burnout Inventory – Students Survey, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, HEXACO-60 and Big Three Perfectionism Scale.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the unidimensional model presented good fit indexes (χ2/df=1.546; RMSEA=.0666, p<.001; CFI=.982 TLI=.972, GFI=.960). The Cronbach’s alfa was .868. Pearson correlations between SGSS and the other measures were significant (p<.01) and moderate/high: Burnout, .412; Stress/Anxiety/Depression, >.550; Perfectionism, .600; Emotionality, .315; Extroversion, -.411. After controlling for the effect of Emotionality and Extroversion, SGSS explained significant additional increments of 19.9% and 14.0% of the DASS and MBI variance; controlling for Perfectionism, the increments were respectively of 27.9% and 2.0%. SGSS mean score (22.96±5.90 was not significantly different by gender.

Conclusions

As observed with the original English-language scale, the Portuguese version of SGSS showed good validity (construct and convergent-divergent) and internal consistency. As such, the SGSS might be useful in further investigation, particularly to explore the different pathways between personality traits, emotional regulation processes and psychological distress.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Alexithymia and dissociation in personality disorders: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Pacetti M. , Salmaso D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Patients with “personality disorder”, has history of traumatic life events and are predisposed to develop alexithymia and dissociation, considered as risk factor for severity.

Objectives

The aim of the research is to analyze alexithymia relating to dissociative symptoms, and investigate their associations, in 34 patients with personality disorder.

Methods

Outpatients with personality disorder relating to Mental Health Centre have been identified and tested with the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Parma Scale for Personality Functioning and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale.

Results

There was no significant association between age of patients and presence of alexithymia (r=-0.16) and dissociation (r=-0.19); most patients with alexithymia and dissociation were female (67%; 0.67%). 71% of alexithymic subjects had attended lower secondary school, 50% upper secondary school and 43% had a university degree. Substance use is higher in alexithymic patients (73%). 69% of subjects who do not undergo any individual or group psychotherapy are alexithymic; for dissociative symptoms it is significant to undergo both psychotherapies. Alexithymia and dissociation are more frequent in histrionic personality disorder (80%; 60%) and borderline personality disorder (55%; 54%). There is a potential correlation between alexithymia and the presence of dissociative symptoms (r=0.64).

Conclusions

This study found that alexithymia and dissociative symptoms are frequent within personality disorders, particularly in histrionic and borderline personality disorder. We found that the two phenomena were associated. Furthermore we found alexithymia is more influenced by external factors than dissociative symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The moderating role of emotion regulation on the relationship between sensitivity to punishment and aggressive behaviour
Authors: Megías-Robles A. , Gómez-Leal R. , Cabello R. , Gutiérrez-Cobo M.J. , Fernández-Berrocal P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The role of sensitivity to punishment on aggression is controversial, both positive and negative relationships have been observed in previous literature.

Objectives

The aim of this research was to clarify the role of sensitivity to punishment in different types of aggression and provide a better understanding of the influence of emotional regulation on this relationship.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty-nine participants took part in the study (130 women; average age = 21.52 years). All of them were assessed for levels of verbal aggression, physical aggression, anger, and hostility (by Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire), levels of sensitivity to punishment (by SPSRQ–20), and emotional regulation ability (by MSCEIT).

Results

A higher reactivity to punishment had a direct negative effect on physical and verbal aggression. However, a higher reactivity to punishment also showed a positive indirect effect on verbal and physical aggression through an increase in anger and hostility. In addition, ability in regulating emotions moderated the indirect effects of sensitivity to punishment on physical aggression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sensitivity to punishment can act both as a protective factor and as a risk factor for aggression. This relationship depended on the type of aggression studied and the emotional regulation abilities. These findings can help to inform the design of programs aimed at reducing aggressive behaviour. This work was funded by Junta de Andalucía (projects: EMERGIA20_00056 and UMA18-FEDERJA-137) to Alberto Megías Robles.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.