bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health problems and psychotherapy in female victims of human trafficking
Authors: Ali F. S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Human trafficking is the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others. This may encompass providing a spouse in the context of forced marriage or the extraction of organs.

Research into the mental health impact of trafficking has consistently found high rates of mental health problems, most commonly depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While there is some evidence that these factors can contribute the diagnosis of PTSD, exposure to trauma is the most important feature in the development of PTSD.

Other Mental Health Problems in victims of

Trafficking:

1.

Dissociative disorders

2.

Substance-related disorders

3.

Complex trauma

Objectives

Although mental health problems among victims of trafficking have been shown to be high, recovery without treatment is rare, particularly in those who have developed PTSD.

Where there is comorbidity, recovery often does not occur even when rehabilitation has been attempted. This is unsurprising given the multiplicity of trauma that victims of trafficking have experienced, which often includes trauma prior to the trafficking situation.

Methods

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Treatment Options for PTSD:

Some evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptakeinhibitors can effectively complement the psychotherapeutictreatment of PTSD as well as other anxiety and mooddisorders.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Exposure therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

Results

In the absence of research pertaining to the mental health treatment of victims of human trafficking, mental health professionals working with this population must educate themselves on the evidence based research related to the treatment of common diagnoses and similarly marginalized populations to ensure proper provision of the best mental health care possible.

Conclusions

Among the most devastating mental health consequences for victims of any crime can be the destruction of basic life assumptions; that one is safe from harm, one is a good and decent person, and the world is meaningful and just. For victims of human trafficking, mental health problems can be compounded by the misconceptions about and limited understanding of the issue of human trafficking.

Additionally, lack of social support and stigmatization by friends, family, and social institutions can exacerbate victims mental health conditions.

Psychologically process the trauma they have experienced. However, until these studies are conducted and their results made available, mental health practitioners can base treatment options for this population on existing research findings and interventions found to be successful with other similarly victimized populations.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impact of menopause on the mental health of women in the basic health center of Réjiche, Tunisia
Authors: Zaouali F. , Ben Slama A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Menopause is a special period for women which can have both physical and psychological consequences.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to assess the impact of menopause on women’s quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on menopausal women consulting at the basic health center in réjiche over a period from 12 september to 12 october 2022. The impact of menopause on the mental health of women was assessed by the menopause rating scale (MRS).

Results

A total of 83 women were incluted in our study. The mean age was 61.89±11.03 years. The median age of menopause was 45 years (50-43). The majority of women (90.4%) were married and five women (6%) lived alone. Twenty-six women were professionally active and more than half were sedentary (54.2%). The comorbidities were dominated by arterial hypertension (50.6%). The mean BMI was 30.6±4.75 Kg/m². All the women had a variable psychological impact (from minor to very strong). The median score of the psychological scale was 10 (13-7): median scores for depressed mood, anxiety and physical and intellectual fatigue equal to 3 (4-1), each and median score for irritability equal to 2 (4-1). Physical and mental fatigue was the most common psychological symptom in 88% of cases followed by irritability in 86.7% of patients. Depressive and anxious symptoms were noted in 85.5% and 84.3% of cases, respectively. Psychological impact was severe in 33.7% of patients (strong or very strong symptoms).

Conclusions

Focusing on a small sample of menopausal patients, our study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress during menopause which requires early adequate assessment and treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Postpartum Delirium: A Psychosis Born in the 18th Century
Authors: Martins J. R. , Vaz R. , Costa A. L. , Brás J. , Sousa R. , Abreu J. , Almeida E. , Andrade R. , Castro N. , Casanova T.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Pregnancy and childbirth are moments of great vulnerability in a woman’s life, which can predispose her to the development of psychopathology, ranging from transient depressive symptoms (“baby blues”) to psychotic symptoms. Postpartum delirium is the psychiatric syndrome that some authors refer to as puerperal psychosis par excellence. It was first described in the 18th century and were thought to be associated with painful delivery, then became rare after the introduction of effective analgesia.

Objectives

The objective of this work is to contribute to a better understanding of this condition, through a literature review.

Methods

Bibliographic research using Pubmed® and the keywords: postpartum delirium.

Results

Clinical presentation of postpartum delirium includes: constantly varying degrees of consciousness; perplexity; hallucinations or pseudo-hallucinations of one or more organs of sense; delusions or delusive-type thoughts; great motoric unrest and considerable motoric and verbal abandon; and acute aggressive discharges can also occur. It is thought to be due to organic complications, such as infectious disease, abnormal loss of blood, thrombosis, neurological disease, obstetric disease, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes. An article from 1975 mentions how difficult was to treat postpartum delirium despite the development of psychopharmaceutical therapy. The patients remained psychotic for long periods and had many relapses. They mention a comparative study that found that the symptomatic treatment of this syndrome with a combination of perfenazine and lithium carbonate produced relatively favorable results. For that reason, at that time, it was the medication of choice. Nowadays the psychopharmacological treatment of puerperal psychosis, in general, still consists of the combination of lithium and an antipsychotic, such as haloperidol, and possibly a benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam.

Conclusions

Postpartum delirium is rarely mentioned in the literature and just a few cases have been described. It is considered a rare postpartum psychotic condition but would perhaps be less rare if its existence were recognized. On this note, it is important for clinical practice to research on the psychoses of pregnancy and not just the most common.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Peritraumatic distress associated with domestic violence
Authors: Jbir R. , Aribi L. , Mseddi N. , Chaari I. , Charfeddine F. , Ellouze S. , Aloulou J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The violence against women massively committed by their spouses is a scourge that transcends countries, ethnicities, cultures, classes social and age groups.

This violence is traumatic and represents a serious attack on the physical integrity and mental health of the women who are victims

Objectives

To study the prevalence and predictors of peritraumatic distress among women victims of domestic violence

Methods

We contacted 122 women who consulted at the psychiatric emergency of ‘Hedi Chaker hospital’,Sfax examined in the context of medical expertise on the period between May 2021 until January 2022

A questionnaire regarding the violence was asked to responders .It included demographic and violence exposure questions and a scale applied during violence ‘Peritraumatic distress inventory’

Results

The average age of women assaulted in our study was 35.6 ± 9.94 years (min=18,max=64).

78.7% (n=96) of ladies were of urban origin.

The majority of them(44,3%) had secondary level education.

The half of the population (51.6%) had an average socio-economic level. (86.1%) had children.

98.7%were victim of verbal violence,94.7% of physical violence, 97.3% of psychological violence and 54.7 %of sexual violence.

72.1% of women (N=88) developed peritraumatic distress related to the assault with a risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Women who were threatened by their spouses were more in distress than others (0,04).

Physically abused women using a knife developed more peritraumatic distress (p=0,02).

Conclusions

Domestic violence is a global public health problem, that calls for urgent actions.Peritraumatic distress linked to violence may lead to psychotraumatic disordersthat are the source for traumatized victims of great suffering mental health and a possible vital risk (suicide, risky behavior).

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A Pilot Study Comparing a Community of Practice Group Therapy Program with and without Concurrent Ketamine-assisted Therapy
Authors: Tsang V. W. L. , Moyer R. , Kryskow P. , Walsh Z. , Dames S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Healthcare practitioners (HCPs) are facing a mental health crisis. Group therapies have long been used to treat symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety and/or depression, however no studies have investigated the role of implementing group therapy with and without ketamine-assisted therapies (KaT).

Objectives

The current study investigated the effects of the Roots to Thrive (RTT) group therapy intervention both with and without adjunctive KaT.

Methods

In the present study we conduct a secondary analysis of data derived from the 12-week group psychotherapy program to that of the same program with adjunct KaT. Participants were administered a series of validated psychiatric assessment tools before and after the 12-weeks. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of treatment resistant mental health condition (depression, PTSD and/or generalized anxiety disorder) and a score of 15 or greater on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). To assess the effects of time x group interaction and calculate differences between the RTT only and RTT-KaT subgroups, a repeated measures ANOVA was conducted. Effect sizes were calculated through partial eta-squared.

Results

Forty-nine HCPs with treatment-resistant PTSD, anxiety and/or depression were treated with the RTT group therapy model to target their symptoms. A total of 49 individuals (34 female, 10 male, 3 other) with a median age of 47 years old (SD 14.19) participated in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between RTT only (n=14) and RTT KaT (n=35) subgroups across gender [X2 (1, N=44) = 2.84, ns] or age [F (1, 36) = .257, p = .615]. From pre- to post-treatment, all patients showed significant reductions in scores of PTSD (from 39.3 to 20.99), depression (from 15.5 to 7.7) and anxiety (from 15.5 to 6.2). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA did not reveal any significant between-group differences between the RTT and RTT-KaT subgroups.

Conclusions

This observational study provides preliminary support for the potential of the RTT community of care model of group therapy and adds to a small but growing body of knowledge on the integration of group therapy and the broad category of psychedelic psychotherapies. Given the rapid proliferation and expansion of KaT clinics throughout North America, the finding that KaT did not appear to impact changes related to the RTT intervention suggests the need for further research to better explain the potential impacts of relational transference between the two groups, and the distinct contributions of ketamine administration in a group therapy context.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Childhood trauma and anger in adults with and without depressive and anxiety disorders
Authors: De Bles N. , Putz L. E. , Rius Ottenheim N. , van Hemert A. M. , Elzinga B. M. , Penninx B. W. , Giltay E. J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Childhood trauma (CT) is associated with severe sequelae, including personality disorders and stress-related mental health disorders that can perpetuate long into adulthood.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate (1) whether childhood trauma is associated with anger in adulthood, and, if so, (2) to explore which types of childhood trauma predominate in the prediction of anger, and (3) to explore whether the association is independent of psychopathology in a cohort that included participants without lifetime psychiatric disorders, with current or remitted depressive and anxiety disorders, or comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders.

Methods

In the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), childhood trauma was assessed with a semi-structured Childhood Trauma Interview (CTI) at baseline, and analyzed in relation to anger as measured at 4-year follow-up with the Spielberger Trait Anger Subscale (STAS), the Anger Attacks Questionnaire, and cluster B personality traits (i.e., borderline, antisocial) of the Personality Disorder Questionnaire 4 (PDQ-4), using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Post-hoc analyses comprised cross-sectional regression analyses, using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire – Short Form (CTQ-SF) obtained at 4-year follow-up.

Results

Participants (n = 2,276) were on average 42.1 years (SD = 13.1), and 66.3% were female. Childhood trauma showed a dose-response association with all anger constructs. Zooming in, all types of childhood trauma except for sexual abuse were associated with higher levels of trait anger, and a higher prevalence of anger attacks and antisocial personality traits in adulthood, independently of depression and anxiety. Additionally, all types of childhood trauma were significantly associated with borderline personality traits. Cross-sectionally, the effect sizes were larger compared to the analyses with the childhood trauma measured four years prior to the anger measures.

Conclusions

Childhood trauma is linked with anger in adulthood, most strongly for trait anger and borderline personality traits. It is of clinical importance to explore childhood traumatic experience and start trauma-focused interventions when appropriate.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Mental Health and Life Events among United States adolescents with Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Sultan R. , Zhang A. , Levin F.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Substance use during adolescence is linked to adverse biopsychosocial events, including poor mental health, cognitive deficits, low academic performance, and delinquency (Deas & Brown J Clin Psych 2006; 67 18; Armstrong & Costello JCCP 2002; 70 1224; Cox et al. JSH 2007; 77 109-115; Chassin JJSU 2008; 165-183). Identifying risks for these events is critical, given they are associated with adverse outcomes in adulthood.

Post-pandemic, rates of adolescent depression and anxiety have more than doubled (Racine et al. JAMA Ped 2021; 175 1142-1150). Adolescents often use substances, most commonly alcohol and cannabis, to manage mental health (Colder et al. JCCP 2019; 87 629).

Cannabis is increasingly viewed by adolescents as safe, while alcohol is viewed negatively (SAMHSA 2021). Non-disordered alcohol use (ND-AU), alcohol use below diagnostic criteria level, has adverse developmental impacts for adolescents, including increased risk-taking behavior and heavy substance use in adulthood (Marshall Alcohol Alcohol. 2014; 49 160-164).

With growing normalization of cannabis use, important questions still remain whether non-disordered cannabis use (ND-CU) among adolescents is linked to adverse life events.

Objectives

Using data from the 2018-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an annual US representative survey on substance use and mental health, we compared associations among common adolescent substance use and adverse life events.

Methods

Responses from adolescents aged 12-17 (N=32,407) from the 2018-2020 NSDUH were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses and adverse adolescent life events. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were obtained while controlling for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Analyses included sampling weights to account for the US population. Adolescents in ND-CU and ND-AU groups were defined by either past-month or past-year use without their respective SUD diagnosis.

Results

Approximately 5% of adolescents had any SUD, and 1.3% had more than one SUD (Table 1). All SUD variables, including cannabis use disorder (CUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), were significant for all adverse adolescent life events (Table 2). Adolescents with a SUD were nearly 3 times more likely to have major depression in the past year, 2.5 times more likely to have a C+ or below grade average, and 10 times more likely to be arrested, than controls. These risks increased with more than one SUD (Table 2). Adverse events were similar between ND-CU and ND-AU. (Figure 1).

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Image 3:

Conclusions

Given the biopsychosocial risks to ND-CU and ND-AU in adolescents, there may be reason to reevaluate whether the DSM adequately captures the population of youth affected by their cannabis and alcohol use. Clinicians can use these nationally representative data to stratify risks and direct to appropriate treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Mitochondrial disorders and ASD. Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD
Authors: Sidenkova A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

ASD is a multifactorial disease. They arise from the interaction of various genetic and environmental factors. These factors affect specific neuronal circuits, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction. This disrupts the development of the nervous system, the formation of synapses, the connection between brain regions, and the size of the brain. Almost 80% of patients with ASD suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Objectives

Deficiency of adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) and abnormal levels of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD. This leads to metabolic disorders, disorders of synaptic plasticity and disorders of the immune response

Methods

The negative association between pathogenic mtDNA mutations and IQ is specific for children with ASD / MD. The overall prevalence of these abnormalities is 1.2 times higher in ASD / MD. ASD, researchers reaffirm that autistic probands carry the burden of mutations in mtDNA, especially mutations that are prone to deleterious effects on OXPHOS. According to a number of researchers, all children with ASD should be screened for MD, given: the high prevalence of abnormal markers of mitochondrial function in ASD compared with the control group; relatively high prevalence of MD in ASD; some children with ASD who have MD may be phenotypically indistinguishable from typical children with ASD; the potential clinical significance of MD in children with ASD.

Results

According to a number of researchers, all children with ASD should be screened for MD, given: the high prevalence of abnormal markers of mitochondrial function in ASD compared with the control group; relatively high prevalence of MD in ASD; some children with ASD who have MD may be phenotypically indistinguishable from typical children with ASD; the potential clinical significance of MD in children with ASD.

Conclusions

The pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD are multifactorial. They are largely unclear. But the mitochondrial hypothesis of the pathogenesis of ASD is being clarified. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a hallmark of diseased neurons in ASD patients, suggesting a critical role for mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ASD and allowing the development of ASD correction by normalizing mitochondrial functions.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (ATMS) vs standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS) in the treatment of major depressive episodes. preliminary data of a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial
Authors: Prato M. , Ragone N. , Passani C. , Cardaci V. , Seghi F. , Barbini B. , Colombo C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder is a frequent and disabling condition. More than 20% of patients do not respond to pharmacotherapy alone, so there is the need to find alternative strategies in order to potentiate the drugs. Therapeutic alternatives include repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), which has shown an antidepressant effect in the last decades.

Objectives

Comparison of the efficacy of accelerated repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS) treatment (4 sessions/day for 5 days) with the standard rTMS protocol treatment (1 session/day for 4 weeks), using the FDA-approved parameters.

Methods

33 patients affected by Major Depressive Episodes treated with either Fluvoxamine or Venlafaxine were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to the two protocol groups: standard rTMS protocol (15 patients) and aTMS protocol (18 patients). In the standard protocol, patients received 1 rTMS session/day for 4 weeks, while in the aTMS protocol they received 4 rTMS sessions/day for 5 days. Symptomatological improvement was evaluated through MADRS, BDI-II and SSI rating scales administered on day: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 14, 21, 28, 56. The study is single-blind, since the clinical rater was unaware of the treatment protocol group. Response and remission rates were calculated, defined respectively as a reduction ≥50% in the MADRS score and a MADRS score <10.

Results

The analysis was carried out on 32 patients (18 in the aTMS group and 14 in the rTMS group). ANOVA for repeated measures shows a statistically significant difference in the MADRS scores on day 5 (p=0.001) and on day 56 (p=0.037). Regarding the BDI-II evaluation, the differences were not fully statistically significant on day 5 and not significant on day 56. No statistically significant differences between the two protocols were observed in the SSI assessment. The aTMS and rTMS response rates were respectively 84.6% vs 45.5% on day 28 (p=0.043) and 92.3% vs 45.5% on day 56 (p=0.012). The aTMS and rTMS group remission rates were respectively 76.9% vs 18.2% on day 28 (p=0.004) and 69.2% vs 36.4% on day 56 (p=0.107). Concerning side effects, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

Treatment with aTMS seems faster and more effective than treatment with standard rTMS in improving the clinical condition in patients with Major Depressive Episodes, allowing to treat patients in just 5 days instead of 4-6 weeks, without impacting on side effects and tolerability.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on depression and suicidal ideation in Korean community dwelling elderly
Authors: Kim K. , Yoon B.-H. , Jung H. , Yun H.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The impacts of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on mental health have been relatively severe.

Objectives

This study examined the influence of the COVID-19 especially on depression and suicidal ideation in community-dwelling elderly in Korea.

Methods

Data were employed from a survey on elderly mental health in Jeollanam-do (southwest province in Korea). A total of 2,423 elderlies were recruited from 22 counties in Jeollanam-do between April and October 2021. We used self-reported questionnaires, including sociodemographic factors, COVID-19 related stress, suicidal ideation, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form Korean Version (GDS-SF). Logistic regression was performed to examine the factors on depression and suicidal ideation

Results

Of the 2423 subjects, 622 (25.7%) reported depressive symptoms and 518 (21.4%) reported suicidal ideation. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that living alone, poor perceived health status, the worry of COVID-19 infection and restriction of daily activity due to COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with depression. Male sex, poor perceived health status, disability in house chores and depressive symptom are risk factors for suicidal ideation.

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Conclusions

These findings showed that increased risk factor for depression and suicidal ideation in community dwelling elderly during COVID-19 pandemic. We confirmed that feelings of isolation and negative perception of health were risk factors on depression in community dwelling elderly in the context of the COVID –19 pandemic. Also male, poor self-perceived health status, difficulty of independent living and worry and depression are increased the risk of suicidal ideation among the elderly.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Addictive behaviors among healthcare workers: A bicentric Tunisian Study
Authors: Omrane A. , Dabbebi H. , Mlouki I. , Khalfallah T. , EL Mhamdi S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Addiction is a disease that comes with a range of consequences. Its physical, mental, personal, social and financial repercussions could not be neglected. Yet, this issue is still stigmatized. It is a public health problem that may affect people from different backgrounds including healthcare professionals.

Objectives

To investigate the risk factors for a substance addiction: cigarette addiction and behavioral addiction: internet addiction among health care professionals.

Methods

A cross-sectional bi-centric study was conducted among healthcare workers from two public hospitals in the center-east of Tunisia. A questionnaire was distributed to those who gave their oral consent to take part in the study. It included items related to participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, self-esteem and mood assessment. It combined questions from the Rosemberg self-esteem scale (RSES) and the Beck Depression Inventory alongside with validated tests: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE-IQ), the Fagerstrom Test for Cigarette Dependence and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT).

Results

Among respondents, 16.1% were smokers. Risk factors for smoking were: being a male (OR=9.62), being in contact with patients (OR=4.75), a job tenure exceeding ten years (OR=3.11), having regular alcohol consumption (OR=7.27), unprotected sex (OR=9.24), depression (OR=3.87) or having suffered from sexual abuse during childhood (3.07). Nevertheless, practicing sport regularly (OR=0.32) and anxiety (OR=0.23) were identified protective factors. A high level of cigarette addiction was observed with 34.3% of cigarette smokers. Predictors of high cigarette dependence were: job tenure over ten years (OR=20.69), regular alcohol consumption (OR=6.11) and unprotected sex (OR=7.14). Among healthcare workers, 70.8% reported a normal internet use. Internet addiction was specially seen with those who were not engaged (OR=2,92) and those who worried about being unsuccessful (OR=1.91). Good self-esteem and being older were protective factors with OR=0.49 and OR=0.38 successively. Depression did not contribute to the development of internet addiction, on the opposite it protected against it (OR=0.36).

Conclusions

Cigarette and internet addiction are threatening health problems that need more effort to screen and address. This public health issue has never stopped growing with the emergence of new types of illicit drugs and behaviours. Finally, this study draws attention to the importance of assessing the prevalence of different categories of addiction in Tunisia and highlights the necessity of updating policies used to address these addictions in a timely and appropriate way.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Analysis of the relationship between personality traits and Internet addiction
Authors: Cybulska A. M. , Rachubińska K. , Schneider-Matyka D. , Grochans S. , Grochans E.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Behavioral addictions are a growing problem in the society. Digital technologies are
used by people of different ages, and their number is increasing every year. The precise
reasons for the development of addictions remain unknown. In the case of behavioral
addictions, especially Internet addiction, the significance of personality traits and
behaviors predisposing an individual to addiction, such as depressiveness, anxiety, hostile
attitude, aggression, impulsiveness, psychotic behaviors, shyness and self-esteem disorders,
are emphasized. Personality predispositions play an essential role in Internet
addiction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was a general assessment of the level of Internet addiction with
regard to personality traits according to the Big Five model by Costa and McCrae among women
from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.

Methods

The study involved 556 women, whose average age was 34 years and who met the inclusion
criteria: female sex, age of 18 years or above, place of residence in the West Pomeranian
Voivodship, an informed consent for participation in the study, and completion of the set of
questionnaires. The study was conducted using a diagnostic poll method with a questionnaire
technique. To carry out the analysis both author’s own and standardized tools were used: the
author’s questionnaire covering socio-demographic data, the NEO-Five Factor Inventory which
assesses the levels of personality traits, and the Internet Addiction Test used to measure
behaviors and characteristics related to compulsive use of the Internet.

Results

Most (70.9%) of the women were average users of the Internet, 25% of respondents were
at risk of addiction, and the least numerous group of women (4.1%) was addicted to the
Internet. Conscientiousness negatively correlated with Internet addiction (r = -0.22; p <
0.001; R2 = 4.9%). Openness to experience was conducive to Internet addiction (r = 0.15; p
< 0.001; R2 = 11.1%). A positive link between neuroticism and Internet addictions was
established (r = 0.33; p < 0.001; R2 = 11.1%). No significant relationships between
Internet addiction and extraversion (r = 0.03; p = 0.45) as well as agreeableness (r = -0.07;
p = 0.10) were demonstrated.

Conclusions

The type of personality of the studied women implicated relationships to Internet
addiction. Neuroticism might be a personality trait that particularly predisposes to an
increased risk of Internet addiction. Openness to experience was conducive to Internet
Addiction. Low levels of conscientiousness more often become addicted to the
Internet.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Prevalence of depression among Iraqi dentistry students during COVID-19 returning to onsite learning: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alhashem G. , Abbas A. A. R. , Ali S. A. J. , Almhanna A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, students were vulnerable to mental health issues and dentistry students were no exception. All Iraqi universities were transitioning back to face-to-face learning in the last year. Acclimatization with all pandemic regulations that schools apply might increase the vulnerability to depression.

Objectives

The current study aims to assess the levels of depression among Iraqi dentistry students after transitioning from online to onsite learning during the pandemic period.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted online after transitioning from online to the onsite learning method during the pandemic period. Sociodemographic data and Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) were included in the questionnaire.

Results

A total of 307 respondents, 216 (70.4%) female and 91 (29.6%) male, 276 (90%) live with family, 20 (6.5%) live with friends and 11 (3.5%) live alone, 268 (87.3%) of student claimed that post-COVID-19 regulations face to face learning is more stressful while 39 (12.7%) answered no difference. 39 (12.7%) of dentistry student with normal level of depression, 199 (38.8%) have mild depression 101 (32.9%) moderate depression, 32 (10.4%) moderately severe, 16 (5.2%) severe. Depression level and students’ perception of teaching mode transition showed a significant association (p<0.05).However, there are no significant associations between gender, living conditions, or dentistry stages with depression levels (p>0.05).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of depression symptoms among Iraqi dentistry students was found during onsite learning, along with all educational institutions’ pandemic rules and regulations. Psychological supporting preventive programs are needed to apply for supporting students’ mental health.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cross-sectional study on anxiety in confinement due to covid-19 in a sub-acute and long-stay mental health unit
Authors: Llimona González A. , Mayans Henares J. , Pechuan Martínez E. , Orejas Pérez O. , Masferrer Herrera C. , Muro Celma C. , Vargas Puertolas L. , Peñalver Aguilar J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Chronic psychiatric patients admitted to subacute and long-stay hospital units are especially vulnerable to the situation of confinement due to the pandemic. Throughout 2020 and 2021 they have suffered the consequences of multiple strict confinements given the differences in isolation protocols in hospitalized patients compared to the general population. This has repercussions on the increase in anxious symptomatology, which influences a more torpid and prolonged evolution of mental disorders in this subpopulation.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to study the anxiety levels of patients admitted to a sub-acute and long-stay mental health unit in a situation of confinement due to covid-19.

Methods

We have carried out a cross-sectional descriptive observational study in 25 patients admitted to the subacute and long-stay unit of the Barcelona Forum Center between December 8 and 23, 2021 in the context of confinement due to a covid-19 outbreak. Sociodemographic and clinical variables are collected. We have used the self-administered STAI scale to assess clinical anxiety.

Results

The mean age is 47.7 years; women 60%. 80% with single marital status. 90% of the patients presented active tobacco consumption, with an average of 21.2 cigarettes/day. The mean score on the STAI scale was 58.8 for state anxiety and 46.7 for trait anxiety, both levels above the 75th percentile for adults, both men (state anxiety 28, trait anxiety 25) and women (state anxiety 31, trait anxiety 32).

Conclusions

The state and trait anxiety scores of the STAI scale of hospitalized patients are higher than the average of the general population, which could be due to the situation of confinement due to the covid pandemic.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
José Saramago’s “Blindness” and a Vision for Mental Healthcare: perspectives in the fields of Literature, Architecture, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Authors: Jorge B. , Carvalho J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The Portuguese writer and Nobel prize winner José Saramago, is well-known for his sharp depiction and reflection of human condition. The recent events of the COVID pandemic juxtapose with his novel “Blindness” (1995) – original title: “Ensaio sobre a Cegueira”–, where the expression of fear of dehumanization in a globalized world where any contemporary society may lead to the obligation to follow what power structures define and establish. In his epidemic of blindness, an abandoned psychiatric asylum was chosen by the author as a quarantine ward and the centre of the plot. A question imposes: why an asylum? What is the focus of such a place in a cultural postmodernism message?

Objectives

An historic background revision is proposed, glancing at the evolution of the architectural concept of asylum evolved until modern times, while setting a reflection towards today’s mental health services and European models.

Methods

A narrative review was performed, gathering points of view in the fields of Literature, Architecture, Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Results

Bertolt Brecht claims that “all art is political and the question is simply whether art attacks existing structures of power or refuses such attacks and thereby contributes to the continuation of those structures”. Regarding evolution of Asylum Architecture, and the principles which ought to control Modern Construction, In “Blindness”, the thematic of space appears above all through the reference of Marc Augé’s Non-Place. Initially extended to the city, gives way to the funneling of the space that leads to the “asylum” - a space that centralizes all the action. Through Saramago’s description, the floor plans were designed by Portuguese architect José Cardoso. As the first waves of blind people are imprisoned, it is characterized as a heterotopia, the embodiment of Foucaudian panopticism, as it is constituted as a prison whose role is to isolate, even if this attitude is motivated by despair of the government. A mental healthcare system assumes a multidisciplinary approach to psychiatric disorders. Evidence points to a balance between community-based and modern hospital-based care, with frontline services based in the community and hospitals playing a more specialized role. For most European countries, mental healthcare is financed in the same way as other healthcare services, using either national, regional or local budgets and four ways to purchase mental health services are looked at in depth. Therefore, general decisions about such financing may not be in line with mental health policy-maker or planner.

Conclusions

Where culture meets anthropology, social policies, legal boundaries and ethic reflections, a time for a joint dialogue arises. How to surpass the differences and heterogeneity between countries? Is there a place for a common system in mental health care?

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Study on cultural representations in mental health and psychosocial support in the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Dozio E.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In the Ituri region of eastern DRC, Djugu territory has been the epicenter of violent clashes in 2020 and significant displacement since 2017. An initial assessment conducted by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) in January 2021 showed a significant level of psychological distress among 85% of respondents. Following this finding, an emergency response was proposed with the aim of contributing to the improvement of the psychological state of men, women, boys and girls affected by displacement and conflict while strengthening their psychological resilience. As part of this response, prior to the intervention, the NGO conducted a study on the representations of mental health and psychosocial needs as well as locally existing support mechanisms.

Objectives

The study aimed to better understand the cultural dimension of the perception of mental health and psychological suffering as well as the use of traditional care or support systems. This will allow for better adaptation of clinical approaches to psychosocial intervention as well as the identification of risks incurred by communities in the context of mental health programming, in a context of inter-community tensions, and the development of mitigation measures, co-constructed with the targeted communities.

Methods

An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the local perception of mental health issues and pre-existing community support mechanisms was conducted using a mixed methodology. A quantitative approach was used to estimate the prevalence of psychological/psychiatric pathologies present in the intervention area and relate it to known data in the country. This was complemented by qualitative data collection including semi-structured interviews with key informants and focus group discussions with community members (adult men and women) as well as health workers, legal and customary authorities, religious leaders, community leaders, traditional practitioners, humanitarian actors, etc.

Results

12 interviews, 8 focus group discussions and 316 questionnaires confirmed the high rates of distress in the community surveyed.

The cultural representations of mental suffering were better understood (i.e. the origin of suffering and mental illness is exogenous and a spiritual cause is often evoked: witchcraft, curse, divine punishment). Resilience factors (the most resilient would be children and women) and local support mechanisms have been identified, notably in religious leaders.

A very strong group cohesion and solidarity was highlighted.

Conclusions

This study helped to understand the issues related to a mental health care and psychosocial support proposal. This type of study is fundamental to culturally adapting care in humanitarian aid contexts. Concrete details of adaptation will be presented as an example.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Explanatory Style in Asian Populations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Siu C. , Gacayan E. , Tsang V. W. L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Cultural upbringing is an important factor that affects how one perceives the world and determines how blame is assigned when facing unfavorable outcomes. Governed by explanatory style, which refers to one’s pattern of causal explanations towards positive and negative situations, pessimism is defined as classifying bad events as internal, stable, and global within the personalization, permanence, and pervasiveness dimensions respectively (Peterson, 1992). This indicates that a pessimistic person would attribute a bad event as their own fault, as lasting, and as having great impact across all domains of their lives (Peterson, 1992).

Objectives

Previous research has shown that when comparing the levels of pessimism between Mainland Chinese individuals, Chinese American individuals, and White American individuals, the Mainland Chinese group is found to be the most pessimistic (Lee & Seligman, 1997). However, much of the existing research to date assessing pessimism and optimism in Asian samples do not define these concepts within the realms of the explanatory style. Instead, a broader and more generalized understanding is usually used. This review therefore seeks to investigate whether Asians are more pessimistic compared to people of other races as defined by the explanatory style (Peterson, 1992).

Methods

A search was conducted in two bibliographic databases (Medline OVID and PsycINFO) to identify articles for inclusion. Two reviewers screened the search independently through Covidence and performed a result analysis.

Results

A total of 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 1972 and 2022 are included that broadly compare the explanatory styles of Asians to other racial groups. Of the 20 studies, 3 papers specifically compare optimism versus pessimism in Asian groups, 4 papers mention coping strategies for “bad events”, 2 papers mention self-esteem, and 2 papers each mention causal attributions for success and failure respectively. When compared to other races, Asians were found to be more pessimistic, turn to faith and religion as a coping mechanism, have lower self-esteem, attribute success to external factors and internalize failure.

Conclusions

It is concluded that Asian groups internalize bad events, and view good events as external, which aligns with Asian groups being more pessimistic on the personalization dimension as defined by the explanatory style (Spencer-Rodgers et al., 2004; Anderson, 1999; Park & Kim, 1998). By understanding the cultural implications of the explanatory style, one can recognize why and in what way people behave and cope differently across cultures when facing adversity.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Associations in time between salivary cortisol and emotions in depressed patients and controls
Authors: Koning A.-S. , Booij S. H. , Meijer O. C. , Riese H. , Giltay E. J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Depression can be understood as a complex dynamic system, where depressive symptoms can directly affect each other. Knowledge on this symptom-symptom interaction is still scarce and is likely to differ between individuals. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is often implicated in depression, with hypercortisolism and impaired glucocorticoid receptor-mediated feedback inhibition being commonly reported. High salivary cortisol levels may reflect a reaction to symptoms, or may rather be a cause, effectively ‘binding’ symptoms.

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the temporal interplay between salivary cortisol and emotions in depressed patients and controls by using the novel Dynamic Time Warp analysis (DTW) approach.

Methods

The ‘Mood and movement in daily life’ (MOOVD) study consisted of 30 pair-matched (15 depressed and 15 control) participants. Salivary cortisol was collected three times a day for 30 days, resulting in 90 measurements per individual. At the same moments, participants completed questionnaires on an electronic diary, which included different momentary positive (PA) and negative (NA) affect items. The dynamic interplay between salivary cortisol and affect were analyzed by DTW, which extends momentarily associations to include one earlier and one later time point, in both undirected and directed analyses.

Results

Individual networks differed substantially within groups. At the group level, undirected and directed network analyses showed differences between depressed patients and controls. In undirected analysis, connectivity of PA items was comparable between depressed patients and controls, but the NA items showed a less dense network in depressed patients. Directed DTW analyses indicated (p = 0.07) that increases in salivary cortisol preceded that of some NA items (e.g., tiredness) in controls, but tended to follow upon NA item increase (e.g., not feeling appreciated) in depressed patients.

Conclusions

At the group level, connectiveness between NA items was substantially weaker in depressed patients compared to controls. As in complex systems strong internal connectivity facilitates “critical transitions” to different states, this may reflect (or explain) the persistence of a chronically depressed state. We preliminary conclude that high salivary cortisol in depression may be a consequence of NA, rather than a cause. Replication of these first exploratory findings are needed.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared