bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of enteroceptive awareness in eating disorders: A study on a group of binge eaters
Authors: Longo G.M. , Falcone J. , Martoni R.M. , Bellodi L. , Ogliari A. , Erzegovesi S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Enteroceptive awareness is defined as the ability to perceive the body states. Such ability is provided by the enteroceptors, organs and structures specifically designated to receive both internal and external stimuli. This capability, especially the perception of satiation, seems to be lacking in individuals suffering from Eating Disorders and there is no procedure to increase this ability.

Objectives

The primary purpose is to improve patient's enteroceptive awareness. We tested whether patients diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED), while deprived of eyesight, would better focus on their internal signals, such as the satiation feeling, and therefore eat less and slower.

Methods

For the first time, 29 patients with BED were deprived of vision during a meal. In a standardized procedure, participants ate two different meals, the first one while deprived of eyesight, the second one, a week later, in normal conditions. Both the amount of eaten food and the total time to complete the meal were taken into account during each of the meals. The patients filled in a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire at the end of each meal, in order to evaluate the experience and their internal feelings.

Results

The results show that patients suffering from BED, when deprived of eyesight, eat less food, take more time to finish the meal and experience the same level of satiation with respect to the normal condition.

Conclusion

This procedure could be of great interest for the implementation of specific intervention protocols that are aimed at the recovery of enteroceptive awareness in patients with eating disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A literary exploration of British cultural attitudes to psychiatry during the late 1800s and their development over the following century
Authors: Pittock A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

British psychiatry was in its embryonic stage in the late nineteenth century. Early psychiatrists employed radical treatments with little success and not much is documented about public attitudes. Using fictional depictions of madness and physicians allows us to explore cultural attitudes to psychiatry at the time.

Objectives

First, to analyze the portrayal of madness and physicians in the island of Dr. Moreau and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; second, to use this to provide insight into the public opinion of psychiatry and third, to evaluate the development of attitudes using twentieth century media.

Aim

To provide an insight into the social perspective of mental illness in the late nineteenth century and consider its evolution over the last one hundred years.

Methods

Two famous, well-received novels of the time were chosen for analysis. Historical knowledge of the period was sought using JSTOR, NHS Scotland's The Knowledge Network and Google Scholar. Novels and media depictions were analysed in relation to the scientific understanding at the time.

Results

The novels show two ways of control: surgical (Moreau) and chemical (Jekyll). Both are unsuccessful, as were physician's attempts in reality. The narrators’ concerns mirror the cultural anxiety at the time surrounding containment and treatment of mental illness. Media portrayal of cruel, unsuccessful treatment continues throughout the twentieth century.

Conclusions

Nineteenth century cultural attitudes to mental illness show a distinct anxiety and concern with barbaric treatments and their inefficacy. Despite psychiatric progress, the media have continued to portray mental illness and its treatment in a negative light, suggesting continued levels of societal concern.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Demographic characteristics of the cohort of patients, receiving out-patient psychiatric help in regional medical consultative and diagnostic center of sub-arctic territory
Authors: Shapovalov K. , Shapovalova L.
Published: June 2017

The analysis of mental health 5356 patients referred to the outpatient reception of a psychiatrist in the structure of the regional consultative diagnostic center. The structure of the patient, the psychiatrist received increased by 14.0% the proportion of initial applications (59.6%). The number of men has decreased in absolute terms, 1.84 times, and the relative by 10.4%, which led to the formation of a clear trend dominance of the female population of the territory. Men are turning mainly in the active working age 18–44 years (54.2%), while women are turning mainly aged 50 years and older (59.3%). This is explained by the peculiarities of the physiological, mental and emotional state at a certain age period of the female orgasm, as well as the prevailing female population of the region (5.6%) over the masculine. Statistically significant difference on the prevalence of urban agriculture is not set. Reduction adopted children under the age of 17 years from 62% to 16% is a result of filling in the municipalities vacancies child psychiatrists and can be evaluated as a positive result of the dynamic development of mental health services. At present, it formed the objective necessity of the development of community mental health as a result of growth in the number of mental illnesses. But this comes at the expense of lighter forms (outpatient options). Most exacerbations do not require compulsory hospitalization, as a rule.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Hardly manageable forensic case, as a result of unsuitable legal and psycho-social factors
Authors: Blakaj-Ramadani V. , Obertinca B. , Blakaj F.
Published: June 2017

The court may impose a measure of mandatory psychiatric treatment in custody in a health care institution on a perpetrator who has committed offense while in a state of mental incompetence or substantially diminished mental capacity. An offense should be punishable by imprisonment of at least 3 years and is necessary to avoid a serious danger. Implementation of this measure can be difficult if surrounded by unsuitable psycho-social circumstances. Patient N.N, Albanian, 22-years-old, was born in Kosovo and raised in Germany. During this period, he only visited Kosovo 2–3 times. A few weeks before admission in the Institute (year 2014), he came in Kosovo willingly, to escape a prison sentence in Germany. Due to a fight, he was arrested and because of resistance that he showed, in the court – psychiatrist proposes mandatory psychiatric treatment. In admission was quiet, but after being told the rules of the Institute, he started to become aggressive, refusing to speak and eat. After refusal, his medical condition deteriorates. After “therapeutic weekend”, we saw improvement. The Court approved the doctor's proposal to change the measure. The measure must be appropriate for the patient in order not to cause more harm than good.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Use of new synthetic drugs in Slovenian prisons
Authors: Ceranic Ninic K. , Jejcic K. , Glavnik E. , Pustoslemsek M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Prisons are a specific environment, in terms of population and various factors that affect health in the broader sense. According to the report of the board of prisons for Slovenia in 2013, 1 078 people who have had problems with illicit drug use were identified, representing 23.04% of all incarcerated persons. Moreover, an increase in the use of various types of new psychoactive substances, the so-called designer drugs, was recorded in recent years.

Aims

The research aimed to point out the psychoactive drugs most used in Slovenian prisons and to explore whether these pose a public health issue.

Methods

We conducted statistical research with semi-standardised epidemiological and psychoeducational questionnaires, which were distributed among prison population in Maribor region, Slovenia.

Results

The analysis of the questionnaires received, which was completed by 54 prisoners, has shown that 54.55% of people aged between 18 and 35 years take synthetic drugs regularly, 30.30% of the population enjoys synthetic drugs occasionally. In the category of over 50 years, no one enjoyed these drugs. The most popular synthetic drugs were synthetic cannabinoids. Although a third of the users of these drugs has experienced at least one side effect, as many as 55.56% do not know how to act in such a case.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that the majority of users of synthetic drugs are young adults who are convinced that their use is less harmful than the use of “ordinary” psychoactive substances. A surprisingly low awareness of side effects measure was stated.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Decision making in structure of self-regulation of persons with mental disorders at assessment of capacity
Authors: Perepravina Y.
Published: June 2017

The paper is based on the conception of Luria's neuropsychological theory, the conception of self-regulation (Nikolaeva V.V.), the model of decision making (Kornilova T.V.), methodological basis of psychological and psychiatric assessment of capacity of The Serbsky State Scientific Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry (Kharitonova N.K.).

Research goal

To study neuropsychological factors in persons with mental disorders who are involves in forensic assessment of capacity and find out correlation between decision-making and neuropsychological factors.

Research subject

The three levels of self-regulation (the level of regulation of mental status, the operational level, the motivational level) and the role of decision making in this structure in persons with mental disorders who are involves in forensic assessment of capacity.

The research methods

Neuropsychological methods by Luria A.R., patopsychological methods for assessment Higher Psychological Functions (Zeigarnik B.V.), Melbourne decision making questionnaire (a Russian adaptation, Kornilova T.V.).

According to Luria's neuropsychological theory, series of the basic neuropsychological methods include: (1) determine arithmetic task using an algorithm, (2) tests for study of praxis and gnosis, (3) tests for study of memory and attention, (4) test for study of comprehension of logical-grammatic expressions.

Results

– The three levels of self-regulation correspond to the three functional brain's areas (according to Luria's neuropsychological theory)

– Decision making correlation with factors of the third brain‘s area (the frontal lobe)

The conclusions

Our research considers neuropsychological factors like possible medical criterion for assessment of capacity.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Managing challenging behavior in people with intellectual disabilities in communities and reducing hospital stays: Current and future challenges from an European perspective
Authors: Perera B. , Courtenay K. , Elstner S. , Krysta K.
Published: June 2017

Prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) ranges from 0.05 to 1.55%. A total of10–15% of the people with ID present with challenging behavior (CB). This causes a significant strain on mental health services. People with ID; end up staying in psychiatric inpatient units for longer periods. Most people with ID move out of their family home to various care settings due to severity of their behavior difficulties. Few European countries have specialist services for people with ID whereas most countries manage people with ID and CB using adult mental health services. There is ongoing debate whether patients with ID and CB need to be managed by specialist services. There are significant financial implications looking after people with ID and CB. This has often led to over prescribing of psychotropic medications to people with ID without a mental disorder to manage their behaviors. There are significant strains on mental health services to manage people with ID and CB. This presentation discusses. Describe people with CB and ID and their characteristics including mental disorder, use of psychotropic medications, socio demographic factors and financial costs to look after them. Social and health care approach to look after people with CB in the UK, Challenges to develop services for people with CB in ID in Germany and Poland. Do we need specialist services for people with ID and CB? Pros and cons.

Disclosure of interest

COI: Bhathika Perera, I have received travel grants from pharmaceutical companies to attend ADHD conferences and I have been a speaker at pharmaceutical company sponsored events on ADHD.
Descriptive study of patients with intellectual disability attended in a community mental health care center
Authors: Oller Canet S. , Pérez Sánchez E. , Alba Pale L. , Mur Mila E. , Samsó Buixareu B. , Mizrahi Recasens C. , Gasque Llopis S. , Castillo Magaña S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The rate of mental illness among people with intellectual disability is at least 2.5 times higher than in the general population [1].

Objective

To describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of all patients with intellectual disability treated in a community mental health care center (CMH) located in a city of 120,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Barcelona with a high poverty index.

Methods

Documents and patient records were reviewed. Clinical, sociodemographic and other treatment data of patients with intellectual disability treated at the CMH were collected.

Results

The sample consisted of 118 patients. Mean age: 39.5 (SD: 15), 54% men. 92% single and 23.7% legally incapacitated. 46.6% never completed basic education and 44.1% completed primary school. Employment status: 14.4% unemployed, 14.4% currently active, and 50% pensioned. Patients living mainly with their family (parents:) 86%. 68.6% of patients showed aggressive behavior, but the rate of hospital psychiatric admissions was low (mean: 1.1 (SD: 2.3)). Organic comorbidity: 44.9%. Functionality measured with GAF mean: 45 (SD: 12). Level of intellectual disability was mostly mild (62%). Psychiatric diagnoses were: psychotic disorders: 49.25%, affective disorders: 6.8%, personality disorder: 3.4%, Obsessive-compulsive disorder: 3.4%, autism: 11.9% and other diagnoses: 37.3%. Patients treated with anti-psychotics: 78.8%, anti-depressants: 40.7%, and mood stabilizers: 70.5%.

Conclusions

Intellectually disabled patients from our sample showed high comorbidity with psychotic disorders, were highly medicated and often exhibited aggressive behavior.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Effect of chronic exposure of Losartan in mouse prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) model
Authors: Takyi A.
Published: June 2017

Background and aims

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that currently affects 1% of babies born in Europe and North America. It is characterised by memory impairment, developmental delay and distinctive facial features. This research uses a mouse prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) model to explore the effects of PAE on learning, memory and to explore the potentially beneficial effects of common drugs previously shown to have cognitive enhancing effects in both humans and animals.

Methods

Sixty mice (M = 30 F = 30) C57 mice were exposed to 5% ethanol throughout pregnancy. After weaning the offspring received Losartan (10 mg/kg) via their drinking water for 8 weeks. At 3 months, learning and memory was assessed using the novel object recognition paradigm.

Results

PAE caused a significant decrease in offspring body weight. Treatment with Losartan caused no growth impairment or renal damage. Novel object recognition indicated that PAE caused male offspring to spend significantly less time exploring the novel object than controls and that treatment with Losartan had the effect of improving awareness of the novel object both in the control and alcohol group and decreasing anxiety (P ≤ 0.05). A significant opposite effect was noticed in the female alcohol progeny when compared to the male alcohol progeny (P ≤ 0.05). Losartan in female alcohol progeny had no effect on anxiety. Male control Losartan spent more time exploring the novel object than male alcohol Losartan (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Losartan had no deleterious effects on the development of the animals, and was able to improve learning and memory in control animals without effect in PAE mice.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Comparing the educational impact of simulation training to role play and didactic teaching for integrating mental and physical healthcare
Authors: Attoe C. , Vishwas A. , Cross S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Addressing the interaction between mental and physical health to provide more integrated healthcare has been highlighted as an international priority for health and education systems. Educational interventions focusing on multi-disciplinary, interprofessional approaches to integrated mental and physical healthcare are an essential part of transforming health systems. Simulation training is one tool by which such training can be delivered, in contrast to traditional teaching methods. However, simulation training can be high-cost and clarity over the impact is required.

Aim

To compare simulation training for integrating mental and physical health to role-play and didactic teaching, on their effect on confidence, knowledge, and attitudes of participants.

Methods

Participants in simulation training (n = 24) and role play plus didactic teaching (n = 87) both completed self-report measures of confidence and knowledge in working with mental and physical health needs, as well as the Readiness for interprofessional learning scale (RIPLS) collecting attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration. All participants also completed post-course qualitative feedback form with open questions.

Results

T-tests found statistically significant increases in confidence and knowledge following both educational interventions. T-tests showed statistically significant increases in attitudes to interprofessional collaboration (RIPLS) following simulation training, while there were no statistically significant changes after role-play and didactic teaching. Thematic analyses of post-course open questions demonstrated differing learning outcomes.

Conclusions

Simulation training appears to have a different and beneficial impact to role play and didactic teaching alone, when training participants on integrating mental and physical health.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Help-seeking for sleep problems among psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Chang S. , Seow E. , Lau Y.W. , Chong S.A. , Subramaniam M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Though sleep disturbances are common among psychiatric patients, some patients may trivialize their problem and not discuss it with their doctors. This study thus aimed to assess patient profile that is associated with help seeking for sleep problems among psychiatric patients.

Methods

Outpatients from a tertiary psychiatric hospital were recruited for this study (n = 400). The pittsburgh sleep quality index was administered to identify cases of probable insomnia, and daytime impairment due to sleep disturbances was recorded. Participants were asked if they have ever consulted a doctor or any health professionals for their sleep problems. Sociodemographic information was recorded and clinical profile was obtained from the patient's medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine correlates of help-seeking behaviour among patients with probable insomnia.

Results

275 cases of probable insomnia were identified. Among this group of patients, 38.9% had never sought help for their sleep problems. Participants who were single were less likely to seek help as compared to those who were widowed/separated/divorced (OR= 0.319, P = 0.023). Having a comorbid psychiatric condition was independently associated with increased odds of help seeking (OR= 1.952, P = 0.027). Participants who perceived greater daytime impairment due to sleep problems were more likely to seek help (OR= 1.465, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

The majority of psychiatry patients with sleep problems sought professional help, though there remained a substantial group that did not do so. There is a need to educate and create awareness of potential sleep problems among psychiatric patients, and to inform them of the availability of treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Nursing care to the person with mental disorder: Experience report
Authors: Vasconcelos S.C. , Santos A.E.M. , Maranhão K.N. , Lordão A.V. , Carvalho Z.F.D. , Almeida S.A. , Neves J.C. , Alves M.J.J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The formation of nursing professionals requires a dynamic teaching that provides the acquisition of skills and abilities to execute care, management, teaching and research activities. In this perspective, the operative groups are a teaching and nursing care strategy, performed by a knowledge exchange and collective interventions.

Aims

Discuss the experience in nursing care to the person with mental disorder.

Methods

It is about a fourth year undergraduate nursing students’ experience report. The activities were developed at a center of psychosocial attention in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Once a week, four operative group sessions were held under the theme “men's health”. In the first session were agreed norms of behavior and activities plans on which the participants chose the subjects.

Results

The operative group provided a friendly environment to exchange knowledge, in which the contents where addressed from the participant's acquirements and experiences. There was a good group interaction. The students conducted the activities under the teacher and monitor's supervision.

Conclusion

This report provided experiences that contributed to the students’ teaching-learning process as well as for understanding the nurse's insertion in the care scenario and the use of soft technologies to an efficient care to the person with mental disorder. The students also noticed the operative group's impact in the user's lives though sentences such as “It was fun”, “I won gifts”, “liked it”, “I learned”.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Task-shifting in Mental Health Services: Extent, Impact and Challenges in Ghana
Authors: Agyapong V.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To examine the role and scope of practice of community mental health workers (CMHWs) as well as the impact and challenges associated with of work of CMHWs within Ghana's mental health delivery system.

Methods

A cross sectional survey of 11 psychiatrists, 29 health policy directors and 164 CMHWs as well as key informant interviews with 3 CMHWs, 5 psychiatrists and 2 health policy directors and three focus group discussions with 21 CMHWs. Results of quantitative data were analysed with SPSS version 20 whilst the results from qualitative data were analysed manually through thematic analysis.

Results

In addition to duties prescribed in their job descriptions, all the CMHWs identified several jobs that they routinely perform including jobs reserved for higher level cadres such as medication prescribing for which most of the CMHWs have no training. Some CMHWs reported they had considered leaving the mental health profession because of the stigma, risk, lack of opportunities for continuing professional development and career progression as well as poor remuneration. Almost all the stakeholders believed CMHWs in Ghana receive adequate training for the role they are expected to play although many identify some gaps in the training of these mental health workers for the expanded roles they actually play. All the stakeholders expressed concerns about the quality of the care provided by CMHWs.

Conclusion

The study highlights several important issues, which facilitate or hinder effective task-shifting arrangements from psychiatrists to CMHWs and impact on the quality of care provided by the latter.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Syrian Refugees in Canada: Clinical Experience in Mental Health Care
Authors: Bazaid K.
Published: June 2017

War is the most serious of all threats to health (World Health Organization, 1982) and can have severe and lasting impacts on mental health. Forced displacement and migration generate risks to mental well-being, which can result in psychiatric illness. Yet, the majority of refugees do not develop psychopathology. Rather, they demonstrate resilience in the face of tremendous adversity. The influx of Syrian refugees to Canada poses challenges to the health care system. We will present our experience to date in the Ottawa region, including a multisector collaborative effort to provide settlement and health services to newly arriving refugees from the Middle East and elsewhere. The workshop will be brought to life by engaging with clinical cases and public health scenarios that present real world clinical challenges to the provision of mental health care for refugees.

Objectives

(1) Understand the predicament of refugees including risks to mental health, coping strategies and mental health consequences, (2) know the evidence for the emergence of mental illness in refugees and the effectiveness of multi-level interventions, (3) become familiar with published guidelines and gain a working knowledge of assessment and management of psychiatric conditions in refugee populations and cultural idioms of distress.

How will the participants receive feedback about their learning? Participants will have direct feedback through answers to questions. The authors welcome subsequent communication by email. Presenters can give attendants handouts on pertinent and concise information linked to the workshop.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Genetic Variants in the ABCB1 Gene Determine Bioavailability of Antidepressants in the Brain
Authors: Holsboer-Trachsler E. , Breitenstein B. , Kirmeier T. , Holsboer F.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Antidepressants are the first-line treatment of major depressive disorder, but response rates following the first antidepressant medication are moderate.

Objectives

Clinical efficacy requires to overcome the blood-brain barrier where p-gp molecules are located. If they recognize and bind an antidepressant, they pump it back into the circulation. If the antidepressant is not recognized, the passage is not impaired by p-glycoproteins.

Aims

We studied whether variants in the ABCB1 gene that encodes the p-glycoprotein have an effect on blood-brain passage of antidepressants and as consequence on their clinical benefit.

Methods

ABCB1 gene variants were determined with sequencing (Illumina Bead), substrate property analysis employed mice with deletion of ABCB1-analog genes. Clinical protocols followed those of the MARS-project.

Results

– The SNPs rs2032583 and rs2235015 provide the best clinical information about blood-brain-penetrance, with CC/CT and TT/GT being the favourable gene variants whereas TT and GG are less favourable. This distinction holds only true if antidepressants are p-glycoprotein substrates;

– in the presence of the favourable gene-variant patients treated with an antidepressant that is a p-glycoprotein substrate are more likely to remit in shorter time;

– in the presence of the less favourable gene-variant treatment with a substrate, higher dosages and augmentation strategies, or switch to non-substrates are recommended.

Conclusion

From these data, a treatment algorithm was developed that maximizes treatment benefit and minimizes adverse effects.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Correlation Between Chronic Somatic Co-morbidities and Prognosis of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Lucev N. , Vuk A. , Simunovic Filipcic I. , Filipcic I.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Depression and somatic disorders are closely interrelated. Depressed mood is recognized to contribute to the development and progression of wide range of somatic diseases, while at the same time somatic diseases may increase the risk of depression. Co-morbidity research still represents huge research and clinical challenge to contemporary psychiatry and medicine.

Objectives

To check whether the correlation of NSC and poor prognosis of MDD treatment is merely the consequence of age and duration of illness.

Methods

We investigated a cross-sectional sample consisting of 290 psychiatric diagnosed with MDD. Outcome was the number of psychiatric rehospitalizations (NPR) since the first diagnosis of MDD treatment success. Predictor was NSC. Covariates controlled were sex, age, BMI, marital status, number of household members, education, work status, duration of MDD, CGI-severity of MDD at diagnosis, treatment with antidepressants and anti-psychotics.

Results

After adjustment for all confounders, mediation analysis revealed insignificant indirect effects of NSC on NPR through patient's age (P = 0.296) and duration of MDD (P = 0.180). Direct effect of NSC was significant and clinically relevant (P < 0.001). Effect of NSC was significantly moderated by duration of MDD (P = 0.019). NSC and NPR were not significantly associated if MDD lasted for less than a year. The more MDD lasted the stronger was correlation of NSC and NPR.

Conclusion

Correlation of NSC and poor prognosis of MDD is not a mere consequence of patient's age and duration of illness. To treat MDD effectively we have to treat simultaneously somatic comorbidities.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Shame and Depression: The Roles of Self-reassurance and Social Safeness
Authors: Marta-Simões J. , Ferreira C. , Mendes A.L.
Published: June 2017

Self-reassurance and social safeness are both positive factors linked with a lighter experience of shame and depression symptoms. Self-reassurance is defined as an adaptive emotion regulation process, and social safeness as an emotion experience related to feelings of being safe around others, accepted by others, and connected to one's social world. Nevertheless, data about how self-reassurance and social safeness and pleasure operate in the association between external shame and depression is still scarce. A path model which hypothesised that self-reassurance and social safeness and pleasure may act as mediators on the association between shame and depressive symptomatology was tested. This study's sample consisted of adult men (n = 54) and women (n = 125), from the Portuguese general population. Results indicated that self-reassurance and social safeness act as mediators in the relationship between shame and depression symptoms. Specifically, a higher report of shame seems to explain higher levels of depressive symptomatology, via lower tendency for self-reassurance and poorer experience of social safeness. The tested model explained 45% of the variance of depressive symptomatology and was revealed to be invariant between men and women. This study's results underline the profound impact of the experience of comfort within secure and warm social relationships, but mostly the importance of self-soothing and self-compassion abilities which associate with greater social functioning. Moreover, in practical terms, these findings reinforce the pertinence of cultivating self-compassion, which has proven to be particularly relevant when intervening with high levels of shame, and in the prevention of depression.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Does Substance Abuse Mediate or Moderate the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and the Experience of Persecutory Delusions in People with Schizophrenia in South Africa?
Authors: Mall S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Persecutory delusions, a key symptom of schizophrenia, may be associated with the experience of early childhood trauma as well as with cannabis dependence. Little research has, however, addressed these associations in people with schizophrenia on the African continent. We examined if persecutory delusions were significantly associated with childhood trauma in people with schizophrenia from South Africa, and we investigated whether cannabis dependence mediates or moderates this association.

Methods

Seven hundred and twenty-eight people with schizophrenia completed several scales including the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) which captures several domains of childhood trauma. Logistic regression and structural equation modelling methods were employed to examine the relationship between persecutory delusions and specific experiences of childhood trauma, and to determine if cannabis dependence is mediating or moderating this relationship.

Results

Preliminary results suggest that of the various childhood traumas, the strongest predictor of the presence of persecutory delusions was emotional abuse [OR: 1.02 (0.94–1.08)]. There was no evidence of mediation by cannabis dependence. However, all experiences of childhood trauma, measured by the CTQ (with the exception of physical neglect) interacted with cannabis dependence to increase the risk of the onset of persecutory delusions (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results are consistent with previous data in demonstrating that both childhood trauma and cannabis dependence are associated with persecutory delusions in schizophrenia. These findings suggest that it is important to examine the role of early childhood trauma as well as substance use in predicting the onset of psychosis to inform treatment strategies.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Mental Disorders in Patients with Temporomandibular Pain-dysfunction Syndrome
Authors: Medvedev V. , Frolova V. , Fofanova Y.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Maxillofacial surgeons and dentists often deal with the phenomenon of temporomandibular pain-dysfunction syndrome–painful condition of maxillofacial area without clear organic pathology. Psychiatric studies of this disorder are almost lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with temporomandibular pain-dysfunction syndrome and to define the psychiatric diagnosis (ICD-10).

Methods

Study sample consists of 57 patients (44 women and 13 men) with temporomandibular pain-dysfunction syndrome aged older than 18 years, who gave inform consent. The study used clinical psychopathological, psychometric (HADS, HDRS, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hypochondria Whitley Index, Visual Analog Scale for Pain).

Results

Psychiatric disorders were revealed in 48 patients (84.2%) with temporomandibular pain-dysfunction syndrome–39 women and 9 men aged 18-65 years (mean age 39.6 ± 15.4 years). Affective disorders was diagnosed in 56.3%, personality disorders in 20.8%, schizotypal personality disorder in 12.5% and schizophrenia in 10.4%. Among affective pathology mild and moderate depressive episodes prevailed (59.3%). The severity of pain (VAS) in patients with affective disorders was higher than in patients with other psychiatric conditions.

Conclusion

This study shows high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with temporomandibular pain-dysfunction syndrome and proves the feasibility of a psychiatrist participate in the complex treatment of these patients. The use of psychometric method allows to improve the timeliness of the detection of patients who require further clinical psychopathological examination in order to determine the need of pharmacotherapy.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Purpose of this Research was Standardizing the Questionnaire of Personality Disorder Cluster A
Authors: Farrokhi N. , Ghahari S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

As more or less stable personality traits of the person, temperament, intellect and body is what makes an individual unique compatibility with the environment.

Objective

The purpose of this research was standardizing the questionnaire of personality disorder cluster A. On the basis of realizing criterion standard, DSM- 5.

Method

1303 people from universities of Tehran and Alborz provinces (753 females and 550 males) were examined by using the randomized sampling method. The questions of the questionnaire were conformed Dr. ShahramVaziri on the basis of Iran s population and culture. Then the reliability was tested and accomplished simultaneously Millon(MCMI-III) questionnaire.

Result

After computing the correlation scales of Millon test with each of the questions, 20 questions that showed the highest correlation and diagnosis coefficient were chosen and scored again in next stage.

Conclusions

Investigating the psychometric component of three scales (Paranoid 60%, Schizoid 66%, Schizotypal 59%) shows that they are reliable and defensibly valid. It can be said that questions related to all three measures paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal of acceptable psychometric properties and reliability are desirable.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Shame Feeling in the Parents of Children with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Albani E. , Kotrotsiou E. , Gouva M. , Bargiota A. , Hadjigeorgiou G. , Paralikas T. , Kotrotsiou S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Chronic diseases such as childhood diabetes mellitus constitute a challenge for both the affected children and their families. Childhood diabetes mellitus is characterized by complex therapeutic management and has a profound physical and psychological impact on the whole family and a number of losses for the parents.

Aim and objectives

To recognize and quantify the factors affecting shame feelings for parents of children with diabetes mellitus.

Method

A cross-sectional design was performed. A sample of 316 parents (110 men–206 women, mean age 40.6 years, SD = 6.0 ranged 17–57) participated to the present study. The questionnaire included: (a) social-demographic characteristics, (b) The Other As Shamer Scale (OAS), (c) The Experience of Shame Scale (ESS). SPSS for Windows 20.0 was used for the statistical analysis.

Results

Age and the place of residence of the parents, the duration and the severity of disease were identified as significant multivariate factors on internal and external shame.

Conclusion

Feeling of shame consist a significant psychological burden of the parents with children suffering from diabetes mellitus. Screening for psychological distress in parents of children is indicated, and preventive interventions are needed, targeted according to the increased needs as suggested in the research results.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Empowerment With Psychotic Symptoms Scale (EWPSS): Exploratory Study of the Scale's Psychometric Properties
Authors: Martins M.J. , Carvalho C. , Castilho P. , Pereira A.T. , Gonçalves J. , Guiomar R. , Pinto A.M. , Marques C. , Carreiras D. , Bajouco M. , Macedo A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Empowerment has been defined as the ability to act autonomously, the willingness to take risks and being aware of responsibility. The importance of this construct in psychosis has been emphasized by recovery models. An integrant part of the Clinical Interview for Psychotic Disorders (CIPD), the EWPSS is a visual analog scale in which the participants assess their sense of empowerment regarding symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, negative symptoms and disorganization). EWPSS focuses on personal empowerment (self-worth and self-efficacy) as it could apply to symptoms.

Aims

To preliminarily assess the psychometric properties of the EWPSS in a sample of participants with psychosis.

Methods

The sample comprised 22 participants (68.2% male), 72.7% single, 50% employed, between 19 and 47 years old (M = 31.05; SD = 7.088), with 4–17 years of education (M = 11.77; SD = 3.176). The most prevalent diagnosis was schizophrenia (68.2%) and the participants had a mean of 1.90 hospitalizations (SD = 2.548). The participants were assessed with the CIPD (EWPSS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21.

Results

EWPSS has shown acceptable reliability for all dimensions (with alphas ranging between .54 and .78). Empowerment with delusions was associated with the other dimensions, excepting for empowerment with negative symptoms (which in turn was not associated significantly with any dimension). Empowerment regarding hallucinations and with disorganization were only associated with empowerment with delusions, which was also associated with anxiety symptoms (r = –.52, P = .016).

Conclusions

The EWPSS presented adequate reliability and validity. Further studies intended to explore the factorial structure of the EWPSS are under development.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dyspareunia After Childbirth: Does Psychosocial Context Play a Role?
Authors: Hajri A. , Zgueb Y. , Abdallah M.W. , Ouali U. , Ben Alaya S. , Chelli D. , Nacef F.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Dyspareunia is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. Dyspareunia after childbirth is quite common and have a range of repercussions to women's lives, including their sexual functioning. It could be affected by different risk factors. While role of obstetric factors including mode of delivery has been largely investigated, the influence of psychosocial factors remains unclear.

Aims

Our purpose was to determine frequency of postpartum dyspareunia and identify related psychosocial factors.

Methods

Thirty women between 2 and 6 months postpartum were recruited in consultation of maternity and neonatology center of Tunis. Data were taken from medical file and questionnaire designed to record psychosocial data and postpartum sexual function.

Results

The mean age of women was 28.74 ± 8.4 years. Dyspareunia was reported by 43.33% of women. Dyspareunia was not associated to professional status. On the other hand, dyspareunia was significantly associated to fatigue (P = 0.024), lack of familial support (P = 0.03), conjugal conflicts (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

We have found an association between dyspareunia after childbirth and several psychosocial factors, pointing out the influence of social and psychological aspects in the sexual function in women. Thus, management of sexual disorders should take in consideration psychological dimension and involve an appropriate psychological care.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Are Low Body Weight and Psychological Symptoms Associated with Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa?
Authors: Kjærsdam Telléus G. , Jepsen J.R. , Fjelkegaard M. , Christiansen E. , Birgitte F. , Valentin J.B. , Thomsen P.H.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Despite an increasing focus on cognitive functions in eating disorders, only limited and contradictory knowledge regarding the relationship between cognitive functions and anorexia nervosa symptomatology currently exist.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between cognitive functions and anorexia nervosa symptomatology in children and adolescents.

Method

Eating disorder symptoms and cognitive functions were examined in this cross-sectional, multi-centre study. Diagnostic scores i.e. BMI, psychological symptoms, and global EDE-16 were stratified on cognitive function. Children and adolescents suffering from severe recent-onset anorexia nervosa (n = 94) and healthy controls (n = 94), between the age 10.6 and 17.9 years (mean age 14.9 years, SD 1.8), participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, respectively above and below the median of cognitive functions.

Results

The study findings revealed that Global EDE score significantly increased with age (P = 0.002, CI 0.08–0.36). Besides this, no significant associations between low body weight or psychological symptoms and cognitive functions were found. However, a large variability in cognitive functions was found on all measure in patients with anorexia nervosa than healthy controls.

Conclusion

While age seems to be significantly correlated to symptom burden the study results indicate that patients with anorexia nervosa is a much more heterogeneous group with regard to cognition than healthy controls. However, cognitive functions and anorexia nervosa symptomatology does not appear to be associated.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Childhood Emotional Experiences and Eating Psychopathology: The Mediational Role of Different Emotion Regulation Processes
Authors: Mendes A.L. , Ferreira C. , Marta-Simões J.
Published: June 2017

Positive experiences from childhood have been consistently associated with well-being and with feelings of social safeness and connectedness. On the other hand, the lack of early experiences characterized by warmth, soothing and care may lead to the later experience of fearing to receive compassion from others, to the engagement in self-judgment, and may be associated with a large spectrum of psychopathology. The present study tested a model which hypothesized that the impact of early positive memories with family figures on the engagement in disordered eating is carried by the mechanisms of social safeness and connectedness with others, fears of receiving compassion from others, and self-judgment. The sample comprised 399 women, aged between 18 and 55 years old. The path model accounted for 33% of eating psychopathology's variance and showed excellent model fit indices. Results revealed that the impact of early affiliative memories with family figures on eating psychopathology was totally mediated by the mechanisms of social safeness, fears of compassion from others, and self-judgment. In fact, women who reported a lack of early memories of warmth and safeness with family figures seemed to present lower feelings of safeness and connectedness within social relationships, higher tendency to fear receiving kindness and compassion from others, and more self-judgmental attitudes. These findings support the importance of developing intervention programs in the community, which target maladaptive emotion regulation processes (such as compassionate-based interventions) to promote mental health, especially in a context of early adverse experiences.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.