bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of knowledge of mental illness in a non-clinical population of tunisian students
Authors: Abassi B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Stigma, including beliefs about mental illness, can operate in different cultures in different ways, making Western theoretical bases considered “universal” on the stigmatization of theories not applicable to non-Western cultures; hence the need for international studies on this subject.

Objectives

This work aimed to assess knowledge of mental illness, available treatments and recovery in a non-clinical sample of Tunisian university students.

Methods

In a cross-sectional descriptive study from October 1 to November 30, 2019, we evaluated 714 students from 3 Tunisian public universities using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule scale (MAKS).

Results

We found that 34.2% of students did not agree that drugs can be an effective treatment for people with mental health issues, while 76.4% agreed on the effectiveness of psychotherapy. In addition, 34.3% did not consider drug addiction as a mental illness and 21.9% did not consider depression as a mental illness. We objectified a significant correlation of the MAKS score with gender (p=0.019), living environment (p=0.001), high academic level of father (p=0.000) and mother (p=0.027) and presence of personal psychiatric history (p=0.013).

Conclusions

Awareness and information campaigns aimed at developing the general public’s knowledge of the scientific, medical and psychosocial causes of mental illness and the means of management should be established.
The efficiency of self-regulation training program for coping with distant work stress under COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Kuznetsova A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Under COVID-19 lockdown, mostly all organizations in non-productive sphere had to implement distant work forms. The personnel obligatory and rapidly switched to unknown work conditions and faced new stressors: COVID-19 fears, unstable internet connections, tensed communications, permanent noise, work hours extension. In order to cope with increased daily stress, the new version of self-regulation training program (Leonova, Kuznetsova, 2019) was implemented in distant format in order to train people: to evaluate the impact of distant work stressors; to measure stress manifestations during work hours; to choose self-regulation skills, effective for distant stress reduction.

Objectives

In order to verify the distant training program, the empirical study was conducted, targeted to estimate effectiveness of self-regulation means during COVID-19 pandemic period.

Methods

The program included progressive relaxation exercises as means for anxiety reduction and negative emotions control, and autogenic exercises for achievement an optimal for different work situations mental state. The empirical data were obtained by diagnostic methods for self-assessment of the main distant stress manifestations: anxiety and high fatigue (Spielberger, 1994, Leonova, 2012).

Results

The program verification was conducted in employees of municipal administration offices (n = 214). The empirical data revealed high effectiveness of relaxation and autogenic means in decrease of anxiety (t=8,64; p<0,001) and fatigue (t=9,18; p<0,001).

Conclusions

The first variant of distant program could be recommended for stress-management under pandemic lockdown. At the same time, advanced evaluating procedures are necessary to measure the coping effect of such programs, and to prove stress-reduction capacities of specialized distant training modules.
Psychiatric impact of mobile usage on medical student life: Ringxiety, nomophobia, and sleep
Authors: Shaik L. , Singh R. , Devara J. , Basa P. , Shah K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The usage of mobile phones has seen exponential growth worldwide.1,2 While college students use mobile applications for educational purposes, the reports of adverse health problems are emerging.3,4

Objectives

Investigate the impact of mobile usage patterns on the life of medical students and its association with psychiatric effects concerning ringxiety and nomophobia.

Methods

Data was collected from the 300 medical students of Ashwini Rural Medical College of India through a survey for this cross-sectional study. Chi-square (χ2) was used for statistics that revealed association, mobile phone usage patterns, including time spent before sleep, in classrooms or clinics, and frequency of update checks.

Results

A significant association was found between time spent on mobile before sleep and duration of sleep, and mobile usage in classrooms or clinics and psychological effects (p<0.0001). Significant association observed between mobile use in classes or clinics and the frequency of update checks, and the frequency of update checks and psychological effects (p<0.0001). About 78% of participants distracted in self-study due to mobile. Updates checked every 10 minutes by 14.7%, every hourly by 43%, and during breaks by 42.3%. Mobile low network caused anxiety (13.3%) and irritability (67.3%). About 41.7% of students couldn’t abstain from mobile use for a day. Every student used the mobile phone averagely for 24 minutes before they went to sleep.

Conclusions

Our study results highlight the prevalence of ringxiety and nomophobia in medical school students. With the surging dependency on mobile phones and technology, we need to cautiously monitor its adverse effects on psychology and psychiatric conditions.
Mental health response to COVID-19 in China and impact on psychiatrists
Authors: Zhao M.
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak has raised numerous challenges for mental health service system in China. The pandemic has many affects on clinical, research and teaching, due to the strict quarantine in china. Fight the COVID-19 became the most important thing in work. We outlined major mental health needs during COVID-19 outbreak from the exiting studies and challenges for mental health professionals, and how to manage these challenges in China. To reduce the risk of negative psychological outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Health Authority of China and different national academic societies have integrated mental health crisis interventions into the general deployment of disease prevention and treatment. The NHCC developed a mental health triage strategy to provide four levels of psychological crisis interventions. More than 20 specific guidelines and expert consensus for mental health services for the COVID-19 outbreak were disseminated by the end of February 2020 to provide timely guidance for frontline health care professionals. External mental health expert teams in other provinces were also established to provide emergency mental health services in Hubei province, China. In addition, widespread adoption of online public education, psychological counseling, and hotline services have been set up for those in need. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been under control in China, we should take a proactive lead to share its protocol of emergency mental health services with other countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also international cooperation is urgely needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Large-scale epidemiological surveys should be conducted to examine the prevalence of mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to inform the development of appropriate mental health services in future.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Is ketamine and lamotrigine interactions responsible for the sub-therapeutic effect of ketamine?
Authors: Adnan M. , Motiwala F. , Mansuri Z. , Trivedi C. , Reddy A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The immediate antidepressant effect of Ketamine has become a breakthrough in the treatment of depression. Cytochrome CYP3A4 and 2B6 primarily metabolize Ketamine.

Objectives

The present study explores potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of Lamotrigine and Ketamine.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using (“ketamine” OR “Lamotrigine” AND Interactions in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO. Our literature search resulted in 72 hits and result in qualified five studies.

Results

We found five studies: one RCT study, a RCT, a crossover design, Two case reports, and one murine model study. In the first RCT conducted on 16 healthy normal volunteer subjects. lamotrigine significantly decreased ketamine-induced perceptual abnormalities (P < 0.001), positive (P < 0.001) and negative symptoms (P < 0.05), and learning and memory impairment (P < 0.05) which shows the counter effect of ketamine. Another study revealed Ketamine evoked increases in all the BPRS subscale scores, and all scores were lower after lamotrigine pretreatment. A case report from 2014 reports the failure of ketamine anesthesia in a patient with lamotrigine overdose. Another case report mentions that Lamotrigine reduced the craving in a patient with ketamine use disorder. A murine model study with lamotrigine showed improved PPI (Prepulse inhibition) ketamine-induced disruption. These results suggest that Lamotrigine may exert this effect via a glutamatergic system.

Conclusions

The literature review suggests that Lamotrigine interferes with glutamatergic neurotransmission reducing the effect of Ketamine. It is not clear how this may impact Ketamine’s antidepressant action. Future large scale and well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Barriers in managing psychiatric disorders in athletes
Authors: Shah K. , Ghouse M. , Kamrai D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Athletes have participated in sports and physical exercise for several decades as a coping strategy to alleviate mental health and behavioral issues. The increasing prevalence of psychiatric disorders among athletes attributed to the failure of its appropriate management.

Objectives

Our goal is to identify barriers in diagnosing and treating psychiatric problems among sportspersons to educate clinicians about the potential risk factors for athletes’ mental health disorders to provide optimal medical care.

Methods

We examined MeSH terms “Athletes,” “Sports,” “Risk Factors,” “Diagnosis,” and “Patient Care Management,” in the context of “Mental Health,” “Mental Disorders,” “sports psychiatry,” and “diagnostic barriers.” We included 23 studies per the PRISMA guidelines, searching Medline, PubMed, PubMed Central, and PsychInfo databases until August 2020.

Results

Barriers managing psychiatric disorders in athletes are overtraining syndrome, compensatory training, idolizing, negative coping mechanisms, social stigma, injuries, and performance-enhancing supplements usage. Other factors attributed to diagnostic barriers are general perceptions, age, racial and gender disparities, poor health services, interpersonal issues, patient-therapist relationships, sense of entitlement, control or confidentiality problems, and lack of quality preventative measures. Risk factors are injuries, sports type, doping, substance abuse, lifestyle, failures in achievement, eating disorders, and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Conclusions

These barriers in psychiatric care have adversely impacted the mental health of sportspersons. Athletes have deviated from their careers and lost valuable periods of their lives due to inadequate attention to sports psychiatry aspects, such as cognitive health services, inclusive sports management measures, diagnostic and treatment approaches, reliable mental health services, and public awareness programs.
New mental health laws in bosnia and herzegovina- step towards in our practice
Authors: Racetovic G. , Latinovic M. , Cerkez G. , Mesic E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Establishing broad spectrum of new mental health services in whole Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) existing mental health laws in both entities needed to be upgrade according positive results of the mental health reform in the country. Previous laws were exclusivelly oriented on protection of rights of the people with mental health disorders in (mainly) psychiatric institutions and were progressive and new in the period of their implementation (2001-2004).

Objectives

Since 2010 main reform processes had direction to community mental health care and developed positive movement with implementing new services oriented to patients and their needs/continuity of care. For example case management and occupational therapy are part of daily work in whole country and standards established trough accreditation process lead to uniform approach in community work in the area of mental health.

Methods

Comparative analysis of laws in BH concerning mental health.

Results

Carefuly and good preparation for pronounce of new Mental Health Law both in Republic of Srpska and Federation of BH were supported from both entities (task forces, drafts and proposition of the law and public discussion) and they are formaly supported in both entities parliaments in 2020 (prolonged since COVID-19 situation). In both laws is more emphasised role of commnity services, prevention, and post-hospital rehabilitation as continuity of care. Book of rules that follow the laws will be establish no longer than the end of 2020.

Conclusions

New mental health laws in BH are path to better protection of mental health of all population in BH and rights of our patients’ recovery.
Mental disorders management in general practice
Authors: Turki M. , Babbah T. , Abid W. , Ellouze S. , Ouali R. , Charfi R. , Halouani N. , Alouou J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Compared to specialized care, primary care is considered to be more accessible, less stigmatizing, and more comprehensive since it manages physical ailments along with mental disorders (MD). Thus, MD are mainly treated by general practitioners (GP), even though their ability to diagnose and treat these diseases is often considered unsatisfactory.

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze perceptions of GP capacity to manage MD, and to assess the difficulties encountered during this management.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey design was adopted between August 22 and September 23, 2020, so that 47 responses of GP were included.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 37.3 years. Among them, only 17% attended a post-university psychiatric training. On average, 6.3% of GP visits were MD-related. Anxious disorders and depression were perceived as very frequent respectively in 82.9% and 40.4% of cases. Among GP, 17% considered bipolar disorder as a difficult pathology to diagnose, followed by schizophrenia (12.7%), while the pathologies perceived to be most difficult to treat were dementia (17%), acute agitations (14.9%) and schizophrenia (10.6%). Anxiolytics and antidepressants use was very frequent (40.4% and 27.7% respectively), and 34% needed training in antipsychotics prescription. Difficulties encountered during MD management were related to lack of psychiatric continuing education (19.4%) and lack of collaboration with mental health professionals (12.5%). Among participants, 93.6% requested a psychiatric training: theoretical 29.3%, practice exchange 24.7%.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that MD related visits are common in primary care and highlighted several obstacles in their management. Further continuous education, training,and collaboration between practitioners is required.
Mental health outcomes among early-entrance to college students: A cross-sectional study of an emerging educational system in the united states
Authors: Singh S. , Singh S. , Narayanan S. , Kim J. , Jiao J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In the United States, students who attend early-entrance to college programs (EECP) undergo a unique, accelerated educational path. Many of these programs require students to forego their final years of high school to take dual-enrollment classes while residing on a college campus. While previous literature has documented mental health outcomes among traditional college and high school student populations, there is scarce literature on the mental health among this hybrid population in the United States.

Objectives

Investigate anxiety and depression among students enrolled in EECPs in the United States.

Methods

Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-8 item (PHQ-8) were asked in 3 sets for how students felt before, during, and after their attendance in their EECP.

Results

66 alumni students who graduated from an EECP were surveyed after giving informed consent. GAD-7 average scores before the students attended was 4.83 (median = 4, “mild anxiety”), during attendance was to 11.5 (median = 12, “moderately-severe anxiety”), and currently was 6.95 (median = 6, “moderate anxiety”). PHQ-8 scores for depression before attending were 5.1 (median = 4, “mild to potentially moderate depression”, during the program 10.9 (median 11.5, “moderately severe depression”), and current PHQ-8 was 16 (median = 16, “severe depression”).

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression seem to have a presence in this student population, compared to traditional college student populations, but different compared to international cohorts. Academic rigor was a notable driving force of these outcomes, differing from the literature on traditional college student populations.
Development & validation of the BSI-9: A brief screening tool for the SAD Triad
Authors: Macdonald C. , Brophy K. , Coroiu A. , Braehler E. , Korner A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53) was originally developed as a shorter alternative to the Symptom Checklist-90R, which captures a breath of psychopathology. Subsequently, the BSI-53 was further streamlined to an 18-item scale assessing psychological distress in terms of somatization (S), anxiety (A), and depression (D) – also known as the “SAD Triad”. The BSI-18 has been shown to have good validity in the German general population.

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to further improve the ease of use of the BSI as a clinical screening tool by developing a reliable and valid 9-item version of the BSI-18.

Methods

A representative sample of the German general population (N=2,516) was surveyed for demographic information and completed a variety of questionnaires, including the BSI-18. Confirmatory factor analyses, item-level statistics, and correlations were used to select three rather heterogeneous items for each subscale and confirm the model fit.

Results

The proposed 3-factor model of the BSI-9, corresponding to the SAD triad, demonstrated a good model fit. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was .87 for the total scale, .72 for the somatisation scale, .79 for the depression scale, and .68 for the anxiety scale. Each of the subscales were significantly related to the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 in the hypothesized direction.

Conclusions

The BSI-9 provides researchers and clinicians with a brief, effective, and valid tool to screen for anxiety, depression, and somatization, thus preventing potential overload for research participants and flagging patients who might need further clinical assessment.
Assessing a PSP (primary care support programme) from the point of view of the professionals involved: A joint-effort between primary care and psychiatric ward
Authors: Contaldo S.F. , Simeon D. Carbonell , Ferraz B. Rodriguez , García E. Blanco , Vergel R. Fernandez , Gonzalez M. Iglesias , Valera M. Rubio , Girbau M. Gil , Maria M.T. Peñarrubia
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The PSP has been implemented in Catalonia in 2006 in an attempt to improve the Primary Care treatment of the most common mental disorders and addictions. It’s based on a collaborative model, made up between Primary Care and Mental Health professionals.

Objectives

To identify the strengths and limitations of the PSP from the perspective of Primary Care and Mental Health professionals.

Methods

Qualitative, exploratory and interpretive study based on Grounded Theory, made between 2018 and 2019 with Primary Care and Mental Health professionals. Group interviews were conducted with triangulated analysis. The study got the approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Sant Joan de Deu’s foundation.

Results

11 group interviews were conducted in 6 primary care centers and 5 mental health centers in Barcelona. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting the programme functioning were detected. Within the extrinsic factors, elements related to professionals, patients and public health system have been observed. All the professionals agree that the PCSP has a favorable impact on inter-professional relationships and patients, facilitating the management of cases. In contrast the heterogeneity implementation, the lack of training, and the health care burden in is considered to negatively influence an optimal development of the programme. Professionals suggest communication and inter-professional collaboration would be improved by creating more a horizontal structure that eliminates vertical lines of command and disagreements in clinical judgement, thus facilitating shared decisions.

Conclusions

PrimaryCare and MentalHealth professionals value the PSP positively, but conclude there are communication and organizative barriers that should be addressed in order to improve the overall programme’s efficiency.
Features of clinical, psychological and socio-demographic characteristics of day hospital patients in the context of psychiatric service reform
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Tiumenkova G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The reform of the Moscow psychiatric service began in 2011 and was aimed at its optimization, reducing the inpatient level, actively introducing psychosocial rehabilitation, multidisciplinary teams of specialists and developing community-based forms of care. In 2016, the number of beds in day care hospitals in Moscow had doubled to rich 3500.

Objectives

Analyze the dynamics of characteristics of day hospital patients and propose measures to improve the quality of medical rehabilitation care provided.

Methods

Clinical and psychopathological, clinical and statistical, psychological, statistical of 337 schizophrenia patients discharged in 2010 and 2016.

Results

A comparative analysis of the results obtained in 2010 and 2016 indicates a change in the clinical, socio-demographic and psychological characteristics of patients treated in the day hospital. In 2016, the proportion of early stage disease patients with endogenous mental disorders (F20-F29, according to ICD-10) increased; the age of patients and the proportion of patients with disabilities decreased; the proportion of patients with preserved working capacity increased, demonstrating low rates of compliance and motivation for treatment, but higher rates of neuro-cognitive functioning. In 2016, only a fifth of patients received complex psychosocial therapy.

Conclusions

The modernization of the psychiatric service has improved the continuity between its inpatient and out-of-hospital units. To improve the quality of care in the day hospital and to prevent relapses of the disease, it is necessary to combine pharmacotherapy with complex psychosocial treatment followed by a long-term personalized management of patients with the patient’s families involvement.
Psychiatric manifestations of huntington’s disease: Two case reports
Authors: Göy D. , Onur Ö. Şahmelikoğlu , Karamustafalıoğlu N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neuropsychiatric and degenerative disorder that shows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The principal symptoms of HD are progressive movement disorders, cognitive deterioration, dementia, and certain psychiatric manifestations, which may occur in many different forms, such as depression, psychosis, personality changes.

Objectives

In this presentation, two female HD patients with psychotic components complicated with suicidal and homicidal thoughts will be reported to better illustrate psychiatric components of HD.

Methods

Hospitalization records of these two patients with genetically verified HD diagnosis indicated that their psychiatric health precipitously deteriorated in the last decade.

Results

While the first patient suffered from severe depression, anxiety, suicidality; persecution ideas, suspiciousness, hostility were noted more prominently in the latter. Moreover, both cases had a positive family history for psychiatric diseases which is one of the hallmarks of HD. Anti-psychotic drug olanzapine, which has minor side-effects on EPS, was found to be highly effective on our HD patients, alleviating the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of the disease.

Conclusions

In conclusion, HD should be one of the differential diagnoses if patients with psychiatric complaints have accompanying neurological findings such as movement disorders and impaired memory, and great attention should be paid to the extrapyramidal system (EPS) sensitivity of the chosen treatment regime when treating the HD patients,
Gastrointestinal functional impairments and epilepsy: Searching the possible connection mechanisms
Authors: Lefter R. , Ciobica A. , Balmus I.M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide characterized by unpredictable and recurrent seizures, resulting from abnormal brain activity, accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

Objectives

A higher risk of comorbid disorders in epilepsy has been reported for psychiatric affective conditions (i.e., depression and schizophrenia), sleep alterations, as well as some gastrointestinal disorders (inflammatory bowel disease and constipation), and lately there is an interest to determine and explain a putative association between functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) such as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and epilepsy.

Methods

In this way, we decided to review the current aspects of the gastrointestinal functional impairments and epilepsy by searching in the literature possible connection mechanisms.

Results

A handful of studies have only recently reported an increased prevalence of IBS in epilepsy in children, in adults, and conversely a higher incidence of epilepsy in IBS patients at the populational level. Paroxysmal abdominal complaints resulting from seizure activity are present in the abdominal epilepsy syndrome and the link between constipation and seizures has been demonstrated in animal models. Currently, there is no data to directly address the cellular and molecular connections between epilepsy and FGID, but these would probably involve the bidirectional dysregulation of the brain-gut axis with increased afferent processing of visceral nociceptive signals and subsequent hyperalgesia.

Conclusions

Thus, intestinal dysbiosis may play a role in triggering inflammatory and immune-related mechanisms reported in IBS manifestations and epilepsy, while vagal neuroimunomodulation issues are likely to be involved in both pathologies as well.

Conflict of interest

The authors are currently supported by a Young Research Teams supporting research grant PN-III-P1-1.1-TE2016-1210, named ”Complex study on oxidative stress status, inflammatory processes and neurological manifestations correlations in irritable bowel synd
Catatonia in patients with dementia
Authors: Khouadja S. , Taleb C. Ben , Melki R. , Younes S. , Zarrouk L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Catatonia has been reported with almost all types of dementia but it remains under-diagnosed.

Objectives

Describe the characteristics of catatonia in patients with dementia and the efficiency of early management.

Methods

We review a case of a young patient admitted in our psychiatric department for catatonia and after efficient treatment, assessment revealed a dementia.

Results

A 49-year-old male treated with classic antipsychotic drug for an acute psychotic episode at age of 35 years. Three years later, the patient was admitted for behavioral disorders with delirium and confusion. The patient was treated with high-doses of antipsychotic drugs with vasodilator treatment. Currently, ten years later, he was hospitalized in a stuporous state with food refusal, sustained posture and worsening of his overall situation. At the mental assessment, the patient was motionless, mute and rigid with frozen facial expression and gaze stare. Negativity and opposition were obvious against any solicitation. Moreover, the physical examination has shown a worsening of the overall state of health, weight loss and walking difficulties. After symptomatic treatment of catatonia with benzodiazepine, the assessment revealed an aphaso-apraxo-agnotic syndrome with memory dysfunctions such as amnesia with false recognition and executive dysfunction as well as limitations in intellectual abilities. A brain scan revealed cortical and subcortical atrophy predominant in the bilateral fronto-temporo-parietal region associated with ventricular system expansion. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was made. Following atypical antipsychotic treatment combined with benzodiazepine, there was release of inhibition.

Conclusions

Catatonia is a severe neuropsychiatric syndrome with an excellent prognosis if recognized and treated without delay.
The limits of medical recovery of post stroke patients suffering of different types of neoplasia
Authors: Rădulescu I.D. , Pâslaru A.M. , Creangă-Zărnescu V. , Fătu A.-M. , Ciubară A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A stroke represents a major cause of the disability of an adult with various biological, physiological and social implications. Excluding the characteristic neurological pathology, a series of complications may follow and if they are neglected they might compromise the success of medical rehab and the reintegration of the patient back into society.Recent studies have demonstrated that there is a higher rate of incidence of cancer among the survivors of a stroke in comparison with the general population.

Objectives

The correlation between strokes and oncological disease.

Methods

We have effectuated a prospective study of 6 months at the Neurology Section of Emergency Hospital “Saint Andrei”, Galati, in which we’ve included a total number of 50 patients who were over 60 years old. In this timeline we’ve analyzed the correlation between strokes and the comorbidities of the patient and the influence of these over the plan of medical rehab and the period of recovery after the stroke.

Results

Over these 6 months, of all 468 patients having suffered strokes, 50 of these had been secondarily diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders. 56% of them were male and 44% were female, 37% from rural areas and 63% from the urban areas.

Conclusions

The category of neurocognitive disorders includes the group of disorders in which the principal clinical deficit is located at the cognitive functions level and is usually acquired, not representing a disorder of development.
Psychological assessment of the cognitive development of children with IVF: The experience of neuropsychological approach
Authors: Sergienko A. , Zvereva N. , Zvereva M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The first stage of interdisciplinary studying (EEG, IQ, immunology, psychology, neuropsychology) of cognitive development of children with IVF, conducting at the Mental Health Research Center (Moscow, Russia) is presenting. A small number of studies analyzing the cognitive development of children in a wide age range, determined the design of this study.

Objectives

Assessment of the capabilities of the neuropsychological approach in qualifying the cognitive development of children with IVF.

Methods

20 children aged 7 to 15 years old, born with IVF, studying in school. Neuropsychological diagnosis according to A.R. Luria-L.S.Tsvetkova. All participants signed voluntary consent to participate in the study.

Results

1. Neuropsychological approach and methods of neuropsychological diagnostics are effective in qualifying the neurocognitive development of children with IVF 2. The overwhelming majority of the examined children (90%) had energy factor dysfunction (at the level of brain stem structures in 65%, at the level of diencephalic structures in 82%, combined disorders at both levels in 52%) 3. Regulatory inhibitory control (impulse control - suppression of the dominant reaction) was impaired (functionally unformed) in 58% of the subjects 4. A gross violation of the kinetic factor was found in 46% of the examined children and adolescents IVF 5. The development of speech and visual memory is variable.

Conclusions

The conclusions are preliminary and require testing on a wider sample of children born because of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies. It is necessary to study the functional state of other neuropsychological factors, to expand the number of participants.
Combination approaches to reduce weight-gain induced by antipsychotics
Authors: Hofer A.
Published: February 2022

Research demonstrates that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the general population is increasing rapidly worldwide and that the environmental changes that have provoked these increases have also affected people with severe mental illness (SMI). Of note, obesity is two to three times more common among people with SMI and it contributes to a significantly reduced quality of life and to an increased morbidity and mortality rate in this population. The most important factor related to weight gain in people with SMI is the use of antipsychotic medication. Weight gain often occurs within 6-8 weeks after the initiation of antipsychotic treatment and may continue for at least 4 years. This can lead to non-adherence and risk of relapse. Next to behavioural interventions several pharmacological approaches have been investigated to deal with antipsychotic-induced weight gain. They target different receptor systems including dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, adrenergic, opioid, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors. This symposium will provide an overview of the effectiveness of different add-on medications to treat weight gain in patients with SMI.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Functional connectivity between brain regions underlying executive control and language in schizophrenia patients with history of auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Panikratova Y. , Lebedeva I. , Tomyshev A. , Kaleda V. , Vlasova R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Schizophrenia patients with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) demonstrate impaired functional connectivity (FC) between brain regions, involved in executive functions and language. However, as most studies compare patients to healthy controls, the specificity of these findings either for schizophrenia in general or for AVH is unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to compare whole-brain resting-state FC of main language brain regions between schizophrenia patients with and without history of AVH and healthy controls.

Methods

Schizophrenia male patients with (n=31; mean age 29,8±11,6) or without history of AVH (n=16; 29±12,4) and 39 healthy male controls (30±8,9) underwent resting-state fMRI on 3T Philips scanner. No between-group differences in age, illness duration, and severity of clinical symptoms except AVH were revealed. Regions of interest (ROIs) were taken from the independent fMRI study with conventional language localizer and included left inferior frontal gyrus (l_IFG) and superior temporal gyri (STG) bilaterally. Whole-brain FC of each ROI was compared between groups (ANCOVA; p<.005 voxelwise; p(FDR)<.017 clusterwise, corrected for number of ROIs) with post hoc tests.

Results

Decreased FC between each STG (left and right) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was revealed in all patients, compared to healthy controls. Patients with history of AVH, compared to other groups, showed decreased FC between l_IFG and ACC.

Conclusions

Disrupted fronto-temporal FC is non-specific for AVH and characterizes all schizophrenia patients. Patients with history of AVH have impaired FC between the l_IFG, underlying language production, and ACC, involved in differentiation between language production and comprehension. The study was supported by RFBR grant 18-013-01214.

Conflict of interest

The study was supported by RFBR grant 18-013-01214.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) promotes social behaviour through 5-HT2A and ampa in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC)
Authors: Markopoulos A. , Inserra A. , De Gregorio D. , Gobbi G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder are mental illnesses characterized by a dysfunction in social behavior (SB); a phenomenon largely mediated by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Clinical studies have demonstrated that lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a partial agonist of the 5-HT2A receptor, can promote SB. However, its mechanism of action on SB is unknown.

Objectives

To assess the effects of repeated LSD administration on social behavior in mice and to identify which mPFC receptors mediate LSD’s behavioral effects.

Methods

Eight-week-old C57BL/6J male mice received vehicle or repeated LSD (30 μg/kg/day i.p. for 7 days) as well the selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL, or the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX. Twenty-four hours following the last injection, mice underwent the Direct Social Interaction Test and the Three-Chamber Test (TCT) to assess sociability and preference for social novelty. in vivo electrophysiological recordings were performed in mice treated with vehicle or LSD using multi-barrelled electrodes for microiontophoretic ejections of the selective 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI or the selective AMPA receptor agonist quisqualate on mPFC pyramidal neurons.

Results

Repeated treatment with low doses of LSD increased the interaction time in the DSI as well as sociability and social novelty indices in the TCT. These pro-social effects were blocked by the intra-PFC administration of both 5-HT2A and AMPA antagonists. LSD also potentiated, in a current-dependent manner, the excitatory response of mPFC neurons to 5-HT2Aand AMPA agonists.

Conclusions

Repeated, low doses of LSD increases social behavior via a mechanism of action that is mediated by 5-HT2A and AMPA in the mPFC.
Comorbidity and therapeutic response of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Authors: Pedrero A. Alvarez , González-Rodríguez A. , Pérez D. Garcia , Delgado L. , Fucho G.F. , Uribe I. Parra , Acebillo S. , Monreal J.A. , Vidal D. Palao , Labad J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a biological basis overlapped with obsessive compulsive disorders and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The combination of pharmacological treatment and psychological interventions have been considered the gold-standard

Objectives

Our main objective was to present the case of a patient with ASD and comorbid BDD. As a second objective, we reviewed recent works on the common neurobiological substrate and therapeutic options for both conditions.

Methods

(1)Clinical case: Patient with ASD and BDD, treated with fluoxetine 60 mg/day and aripiprazole 30 mg/day. (2)Non-systematic narrative review focused on neurobiological substrate and treatment of ASD and BDD. The electronic search was performed by the PubMed database (1990-2020) using the following key terms: “autism spectrum disorder”, “body dysmorphic disorder”, “dysmorphophobia”, “neurobiology”, “pharmacological treatment”, “psychological treatment” and “treatment”.

Results

Our patient is a 31-year-old single male fulfilling DSM-5 criteria for ASD, diagnosed in childhood, and BDD. He received pharmacological treatment and CBT. He also verbalized having been concerned with his lips and mouth for the last 10 years. This discomfort leads to passive ideas of death. Review: All articles (n=4) supported the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and CBT in this comorbidity. None of them reported the use of antipsychotics. Oone article described the use of Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and oxytocin.

Conclusions

ASD and BDD share the basis of corticostriatal circuits. ISRS and CBT may be effective in treatment. Other options (oxytocin or rTMS) should be further investigated. Examining this comorbidity could be useful for discovering possible endophenotypes.
Alcohol-related dementia – an overlooked entity?
Authors: Nogueira V. , Mendes M. , Pereira I. , Teixeira J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The relationship between alcohol use and dementia is complex. There is a J-shaped relationship between alcohol use and cognitive impairment and evidence shows that one-quarter of the dementia population have alcohol related problems. It is estimated that alcohol-related dementia (ARD) contributes for about 10% of all cases of dementia, especially early-onset dementia, but is largely overlooked or seen as a comorbid factor.

Objectives

To clarify the relationship between alcohol use, alcohol-related brain damage and dementia; to review the clinical features, neuropathology, nosology and neuropsychology of ARD and alcohol-induced persisting amnestic syndrome (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome- WKS).

Methods

We performed a review of systematic reviews from the last 10 years. A total of 28 systematic reviews were identified.

Results

Heavy alcohol use has been shown to be a contributory factor and necessary factor in the development of multiple brain diseases. It may cause brain damage in multiple ways: direct neurotoxic effect of acetaldehyde; thiamine deficiency. It is also a risk factor for other conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy, epilepsy and head injury.

Conclusions

Clinical observation favors the diagnosis of ADR as a distinct entity, but broader evidence reflects significant commonality between ARD and WKS, tough neuropsychological studies have largely attempted to differentiate these syndromes. Repeated episodes of WKS may cause cognitive deterioration. In contrast to other common causes of dementia, the decline in cognitive functioning in ARD is relatively non-progressive if abstinence is maintained, or even partially reversible, as supported by neuroimaging evidence. Given the increase in per capita consumption, it is expected a disproportionate increase in ARD.
Phenocopy syndrome of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Martins D. , Faria R. , Pinho M. , Rodrigues S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by behavioral or language changes with progressive executive dysfunction. It´s subdivided into two variants, the behavioral and language variants. The phenocopy syndrome of frontotemporal dementia (phFTD) mimics the behavioral variant, but doesn´t show frontotemporal atrophy in neuroimaging and doesn´t progress to frank dementia over the years.

Objectives

Presenting a review of phenocopy syndrome of frontotemporal dementia.

Methods

Search on Pubmed® and Medscape® databases with the following keywords: “frontotemporal dementia and phenocopy” or “FTD phenocopy”. We focused on data from systematic reviews and meta-analyzes published in the last five years. The articles were selected by the authors according to their relevance.

Results

Mutations in GRN and MAPT gens and genetic expansion of C9orf72 have been identified. The discovery of the C9orf72 expansion in psychiatric disorders (psychosis, bipolar disorder or depressive disorder), for some authors, represents that phFTD is a psychiatric pathology. In fact, there’s a higher frequency of psychiatric and psychological symptoms in phFTD compared to the variants of FTD. Usually are male patients who don´t have significant cognitive deficits, with preservation of executive functions and episodic memory. Until now, there are no definitive biomarkers of the disease. The prognosis is more benigne, unlike FTD, which has an average survival of 3 years since diagnosis.

Conclusions

phFTD is a clinical and scientific challenge. The neurobiological bases remain unknown, requiring further studies in this field. The identification of markers that can differentiate patients with typical FTD and phFTD can facilitate prognosis orientation and pharmacological an non-pharmacological treatment.
Dementia patients have greater anti-cholinergic drug burden on discharge from hospital: A multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Randall J. , Hook A. , Grubb C-M. , Ellis N. , Wellington J. , Hemmad A. , Zerdelis A. , Geers B. , Sykes B. , Auty C. , Vinchenzo C. , Thorburn C. , Asogbon D. , Granger E. , Boagey H. , Raphael J. , Patel K. , Bhargava K. , Dolley M.-K. , Maden M. , Shah M. , Lee Q. , Vaidya R. , Sehdev S. , Barai S. , Roche S. , Khalid U. , Harrison J. , Codling D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Anticholinergic medications block cholinergic transmission. The central effects of anticholinergic drugs can be particularly marked in patients with dementia. Furthermore, anticholinergics antagonise the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors, the main dementia treatment.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess anticholinergic drug prescribing among dementia patients before and after admission to UK acute hospitals.

Methods

352 patients with dementia were included from 17 hospitals in the UK. All were admitted to surgical, medical or Care of the Elderly wards in 2019. Information about patients’ prescriptions were recorded on a standardised form. An evidence-based online calculator was used to calculate the anticholinergic drug burden of each patient. The correlation between two subgroups upon admission and discharge was tested with Spearman’s Rank Correlation.

Results

Table 1 shows patient demographics. On admission, 37.8% of patients had an anticholinergic burden score ≥1 and 5.68% ≥3. At discharge, 43.2% of patients had an anticholinergic burden score ≥1 and 9.1% ≥3. The increase was statistically significant (rho 0.688; p=2.2x10-16). The most common group of anticholinergic medications prescribed at discharge were psychotropics (see Figure 1). Among patients prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors, 44.9% were also taking anticholinergic medications.

Conclusions

This multicentre cross-sectional study found that people with dementia are frequently prescribed anticholinergic drugs, even if also taking cholinesterase inhibitors, and are significantly more likely to be discharged with a higher anticholinergic drug burden than on admission to hospital.

Conflict of interest

This project was planned and executed by the authors on behalf of SPARC (Student Psychiatry Audit and Research Collaborative). We thank the National Student Association of Medical Research for allowing us use of the Enketo platform. Judith Harrison was su