bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is body weight dissatisfaction associated with depression?
Authors: Eichholzer M. , Richard A. , Rohrmann S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Body image dissatisfaction is a risk factor for depression. Research has focused on female adolescents; yet little is known about sex and age differences.

Objectives/aims

The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of body weight dissatisfaction, a component of body image, with depression overall, and for different sex and age-groups independent of body weight.

Methods

We analyzed data of 15,975 individuals from the cross-sectional 2012 Swiss Health Survey. Participants were asked about their weight satisfaction. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to ascertain depression. Age was stratified in three groups (≥ 18-29; ≥ 30-59; ≥ 60 years). Body mass index (BMI) was self-reported and categorized into normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI: ≥ 30 kg/m2). The association between weight dissatisfaction and depression was assessed with logistic regression analyses and adjusted for known confounders (including BMI).

Results

Weight dissatisfaction was associated with depression in the overall group (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.66-2.50) and in men (1.85, 1.34-2.56) and women (2.25, 1.71-2.96) separately, independent of body weight (multivariable adjusted). Stratification by age groups revealed associations of weight dissatisfaction with depression in young (1.78, 1.16-2.74), middle-aged (2.1, 1.61-2.74) and old individuals (2.34, 1.30-4.23) independent of BMI. A sub-analysis in the overall group revealed statistically significant positive associations of weight dissatisfaction with depression in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese individuals.

Conclusion

Body weight dissatisfaction is associated with depression in men, women, young, middle-aged and old individuals independent of BMI.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Social withdrawal and suicide risk: A descriptive study
Authors: Malagon A. , Córcoles D. , Pérez E. , Mollà L. , Bergé D. , González A. , Bellsolà M. , Martín L.M. , Bulbena A. , Pérez V.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Social withdrawal is a major health problem that has been related with higher morbidity and mortality rates. There are few studies about the relationship between suicidal behavior and social isolation.

Aim

To describe the existence of suicidal risk in subjects with social isolation.

Method

Participants were 187 subjects referred to a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment because of social isolation. The inclusion criteria were: home isolation, avoiding of social situations and relationships, for at least 6 months. Suicide risk was assessed by the item of the Severity of Psychiatric Illness, dividing in four groups (from absence to high suicide risk). Socio-demographic and clinical data were also analysed.

Results

Most cases (n = 132, 70.5%) had absence of suicide risk. They were predominantly young males in all groups. There were no statistically significant differences in sociodemographic or clinical variables. The mean age at onset of social isolation was lower in the high suicide risk group, having lower socially withdrawn period. This group had also lower rates of child abuse and suicide attempt history. The more frequent diagnosis in all groups was psychotic, affective and anxiety disorders. Those cases with mild and high suicide risk needed more frequently hospitalization.

Conclusions

Social isolated people attended by CRHT do not have high frequency of suicide risk. Cases with higher suicide risk are younger and have a shorter period of isolation. The absence of child abuse history or previous suicide attempts contrasts with previous suicidal behavior research. These data can be influenced by the characteristics of functioning of CRHT and the small sample size.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Diagnosed depression and utilization of healthcare and preventive services in the general adult population in Germany
Authors: Maske U. , Maren J. , Hapke U. , Kleiber D. , Busch M.A.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Depressive disorders have been related to increased health service utilization, but specific information about associations between health professional-diagnosed depression and the utilization of health care and preventive services in the general population is limited.

Objectives

To compare the use of health care and preventive services among men and women with and without diagnosed depression in the general population in Germany.

Aims

To examine the association of diagnosed depression with the utilization of healthcare and preventive services.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of data from the representative telephone survey German Health Update (GEDA) 2009 and 2010 (n = 43.312 residents in private households 18 years and older). We analyzed associations between self-reported health professional-diagnosed depression (past 12 months) and the use of a range of healthcare services and preventive services covered by statutory health insurances using multivariable regressions adjusted for age, socio-economic status, marital status, employment and number of chronic somatic conditions.

Results

Twelve-month diagnosed depression was associated with increased health care service utilization (physician contacts, hospital admissions, rehabilitation) in both sexes. Of the preventive services, diagnosed depression was associated with increased use of general health check-ups, cancer screening and flu vaccination among women, while there was no association with dental check-up and tetanus and pertussis vaccination. Among men, no association of diagnosed depression with any preventive service was found except for cancer screening.

Conclusions

Health professional-diagnosed depression is associated with increased health service utilization independent of somatic comorbidity and socio-demographic confounders. This includes some preventive services in women and only one preventive service in men.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Depression course, functional disability, and NEET status in young adults with mental health problems
Authors: O’Dea B. , Lee R. , McGorry P. , Hickie I. , Scott J. , Purcell R. , Killackey E. , Yung A. , Hermens D. , Glozier N.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Role functioning is key to optimal health and inoculates against life-long inequality. Depression is a leading cause of functional disability. In most cases, improved symptomatology corresponds with improved functioning; however, functioning does not always return to “normal”, despite symptom remission. Furthermore, the relationship between symptom remission and the likelihood of being Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) is unknown.

Objectives and aim

To examine the temporal associations between depression course, functioning, and NEET status in young adults with mental health problems.

Methods

A prospective and multisite clinical cohort study of young people aged 15–25 years seeking help from a primary mental health service (n = 448). Participants completed a clinical interview (incl. QIDS-C16) and self-report battery (incl. WHODAS 2.0, employment, education) at baseline which was repeated at 12-month follow-up whilst continuing treatment as usual.

Results

Remitted depression was significantly associated with improved functioning; however, 12 month functioning was still lower than the normative ranges for age-matched peers. Remittance of depression did not change the likelihood of being NEET. Only 10% of those who were NEET had received vocational support during the study.

Conclusion

Remittance of depression was associated with improved functioning but it did not reduce the likelihood of being NEET. This may be explained by economic influences or alternatively, a time lag may exist where improvements in functioning do not immediately correspond with reduced NEET rates. Lastly, there may be a scarring effect of depression such that change in NEET status requires an additional intervention to depression treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Suicidal events due to overdose and medical comorbidities in psychiatric disorders of ICD-10 classes F1–F4: A comparative overview of five studies in general hospital admissions
Authors: Schoepf D. , Heun R.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

General hospital-based studies may help towards improving the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Objectives and aims

Based on five representative studies in general hospital admissions, we will represent a comparative overview of suicidal events due to overdose and of the most common medical comorbidities in psychiatric disorders of ICD-10 classes F1–F4.

Methods

In secondary analysis one-way Anova and Tukey HSD test were used for comparisons of interval variables. Suicidal events and medical comorbidities with prevalences > 10% were compared between studies using the OR and the 95% CI.

Results

Individuals with psychiatric disorders of ICD-10 classes F1–F4 were young (44.7–50.0 years), had an extended length of hospital stay at initial hospitalization (3.8–8.1 vs. 2.9–3.4 days), and significantly more likely suffered of suicidal events due to overdose than controls, contributing from 4.1% (OR = 4,1) to 11,6% (OR = 25.2) to general hospital admissions. Additionally, individuals with schizophrenia (SCH) significantly more likely suffered of type-2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.5–3.6) than individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorder (ANX), and alcohol dependence (AD), but equal likely as individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). Asthma and hypertension contributed significantly more to hospitalizations in the MDD and ANX samples compared to the SCH, BD, and AD samples. In the AD sample, alcoholic liver disease was more prevalent than in all other samples.

Conclusions

In psychiatric disorders, the frequency of suicidal events due to overdose in general hospitals is significantly determined by the diagnostic class. Additionally, different medical comorbidities contribute more than other medical comorbidities to general hospital admissions in various psychiatric disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Plasma micro-RNA profiles in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD)
Authors: Enatescu V.R. , Papava I. , Enatescu I. , Antonescu M. , Anghel A. , Seclaman E. , Sirbu I.O. , Romosan R. , Marian C.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Micro-RNAs (miRs) are involved in processes associated with MDD such as neural plasticity, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and stress response. MiRs are detectable in biological fluids; however, no data is available regarding the use of plasma circulating miRs as markers of MDD, only whole blood or serum being reported so far.

Objectives

We investigated plasma miR profiles as potential markers for MDD in patients treated with antidepressants.

Aims

To detect and characterize differentially expressed miRs in the plasma of MDD patients, before and after treatment with escitalopram.

Methods

Blood was collected from patients with MDD before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Plasma profiles of 1008 miRs were measured by real time PCR. The fold change of expression between time points was calculated and a paired t test was used for statistical significance. Gene targets and pathways were assessed in miRWalk2.0.

Results

From 222 plasma miRs expressed, 40 were significantly different after treatment. Upregulated miRs (23) belonged to 43 pathways, down-regulated miRs (17) belonged to 46 pathways; the top 5 significant pathways identified being pathways in cancer, Wnt signalling, endocytosis, axon guidance and MAPK signalling. Six of these miRs are common to all five pathways: miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-26a-5p.

Conclusions

Our analysis of significant changes in plasma miRs after escitalopram treatment of MDD might open new avenues for the understanding of its mode of action and its side effects. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess miRs affected by antidepressant treatment in plasma of MDD patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Comparison of the frailty phenotype and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator regarding the prediction of quality of life in a two-year follow-up
Authors: Coelho T. , Paúl C. , Fernandes L.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Frail individuals are highly vulnerable to minor stressful events, presenting a higher risk for adverse health outcomes (e.g. falls, disability, hospitalization), which can lead to a decline in quality of life (QoL). In this context, an early screening of elderly frailty is of crucial importance.

Objective

To compare how the Frailty Phenotype (FP) and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) predict QoL in a two-year follow-up.

Methods

A longitudinal study was designed recruiting 110 community-dwelling elderly (≥ 65 years). The presence of frailty was assessed at baseline (FP ≥ 3 and TFI ≥ 6), whereas QoL was measured two years later with two different scales: the WHOQOL-OLD and the EUROHIS-QOL-8. Hierarchical regressions were conducted.

Results

The mean age of the participants at baseline was 77.7 ± 6.9 years, and most were women (75.5%). According to FP, 33.6% of the participants were classified as frail, while the TFI detected frailty in 50% of the elderly. After adjusting for age and gender, the TFI significantly predicted QoL (WHOQOL-OLD: β = −18.9, t(106) = −6.97, P < 0.001; EUROHIS-QOL-8: β = −6.1, t(106) = −6.71, P < 0.001), whereas the effect of the FP on the outcome measures was non-significant.

Conclusions

Frailty at baseline was associated with a lower QoL at follow-up. A multidimensional frailty operationalization (TFI) showed a stronger predictive validity than an exclusively physical one (FP). The option of which frailty measure to use in a clinical setting should take into account its ability to predict specific adverse outcomes, conducing to targeted and effective interventions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cognitive screening in the acute hospital: Preliminary findings from a cognitive screening program in a university-affiliated, tertiary-referral hospital with 6-month interval outcomes
Authors: Power C. , Bates H. , Healy M. , Gleeson P. , Greene E.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Cognitive impairment impacts on patient outcomes [1] but is under-recognised in acute hospitals [2]. Data on rates and degree of impairment among hospital inpatients remain sparse. This information is vital for strategic planning of health services as the European population ages.

Objectives

To examine the rates and degree of cognitive impairment among patients aged 65 and older who were admitted to an acute general hospital and to assess its impact on patient outcomes.

Methods

All patients aged over 65 who were admitted over a 2-week period were invited to participate. Those who met the inclusion criteria were screened for delirium then underwent a cognitive screening battery. Normative values for age and level of education were obtained from the TILDA study [3]. Demographic and outcome data were obtained from medical records.

Results

One hundred and forty-eight patients underwent cognitive screening. Thirty-nine over 148 (26%) met the DSM-IV criteria for dementia of whom only 16 (41%) had a previously-documented impairment. Thirty over 148 (20%) had evidence of cognitive impairment that did not meet criteria for dementia, only 3 (10%) of whom were previously documented. Seventy-three over 148 (49%) were normal. Six over 148 (4%) were not classifiable. The impact of cognitive status on length of hospital stay, number of readmissions in 6 months and discharge destination was investigated. Impact on length of stay was significant (P = 0.017) but significance was not achieved against number of readmissions or discharge destination.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment is pervasive and under-recognised in the acute hospital and impacts on length of hospital stay. Longer interval analysis is necessary to investigate further implications.

References 1–3 available upon request.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
600 Greek people's attitudes towards family hosts for mentally ill persons
Authors: Kloni P. , Angelopoulou D. , Vardari E. , Zotos A. , Psychogiou A. , Theodoratou M.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Family hosts for people with mental diseases is a quite new institution in Greece [1,2].

Objectives

The study investigated Greek people's attitudes toward mentally ill people and their institutionalisation

Aims

The survey investigated Greek society's attitudes and bias concerning Family Host Programs for the mentally ill.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered to a sample of six hundred (600) people in the cities of Patras, Pyrgos and Mesologgi, Southern Greece from May the 27th to June the 12th

Results

Of the respondents, 47.3% were men while 52.7% were women. Most citizens were not familiar with the term “Host Family” and were not aware of this new institution (62.7%). However, many knew a person that suffered from mental illness environment (35.7%), but they thought that mentally ill people would be rather a “burden” to foster families (32.2%).

Conclusions

Although many people knew well a person with mental illness, they were not aware of psychiatric reforms and community based programs. In conclusion, psycho-educational programs contributing to repel bias towards psychiatric patients should be implemented.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Partial psychiatric hospitalization and differences in clinical outcome
Authors: Bourgon J. Vázquez , Zatón F. Hoyuela , Gómez-Ruiz E. , Lopez E. Cortazar , Perez B. Agüeros , Caso J. Cuetara , Ajenjo M.J. Gutierrez , Rodriguez C. Alvaredo , Rodríguez-Rodríguez P. , Reventún P. Pelayo , Crespo-Facorro B.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Intensive treatment in partial hospitalization unit may represent an efficient alternative to traditional inward hospitalization. However, there is evidence suggesting that this clinical resource may not be equally effective for every psychiatric disorder.

Objectives

We aimed to study possible differences in the effectiveness of treatment in a partial hospitalization regime for different psychiatric disorders.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-one patients were admitted to the Valdecilla acute psychiatric day hospital between January 2013 and January 2015. Clinical severity was assessed using BPRS-E and HoNOS scales at admission and discharge. Other relevant clinical and socio-demographic variables were recorded. For statistical comparisons, patients were clustered into 4 wide diagnostic groups (non-affective psychosis; bipolar disorder; depressive disorder; personality disorder).

Results

We observed a significant difference in the status of discharge (χ2 = 12.227; P = 0.007). Thus, depressive patients were more frequently discharged because of clinical improvement, while patients with a main diagnose of personality disorder abandoned the treatment more frequently (23% vs. 4,0%)

When analysing the clinical outcome at discharge, we found that patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder showed greater improvement in BPRS (F = 5.305; P = 0.001) than those diagnosed of psychosis or depressive disorder. Interestingly, we found no significant differences between diagnoses in hospital re-admission in the following 6 months after being discharged.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that acute treatment in partial hospitalization regime may be more effective for bipolar and depressive disorder, and particularly less effective for those patients with a personality disorder.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Task-shifting within health care systems – a general review of the literature and implications for mental healthcare
Authors: Agyapong V.
Published: May 2016

Background

There have been a growing interest in the effectiveness of task-shifting as a strategy for targeting expanding health care demands in settings with shortages of qualified health personnel.

Aims

To explore the reasons for task-shifting and the healthcare settings in which task-shifting are successfully applied as well as the challenges associated with task shifting.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar using the search term – ‘Task shifting’ and Task-shifting’.

Results

Reasons for task-shifting including: a reduction in the time needed to scale up the health workforce, improving the skill mix of teams, lowering the costs for training and remuneration, supporting the retention of existing cadres by reducing burnout from inefficient care processes and mitigating a health system's dependence on highly skilled individuals for specific services. Clinical settings in which task-shifting models of care have been successfully implemented, include: HIV/AIDS care, epilepsy and tuberculosis care, hypertension and diabetes care and mental healthcare. Finally, challenges which hinder the successful implementation of task-shifting models of care, include professional and institutional resistance, concern about the quality of care provided by lower lever health cadres and lack of regulatory and policy frameworks as well as funding to support task-shifting programmes.

Conclusion

The review brings to light important health policy and research priorities which can be explored to identify the feasibility of using task-shifting models of care to address the critical shortage of health personnel in managing emerging communicable and non-communicable diseases, including opportunities for expanding mental health care in conflict and under-resourced regions globally.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Psychiatric evaluation Ezidi Iraqi refugee children who settle in refugee camp in Turkey
Authors: Çeri V. , Özer Ü. , Nasıroğlu S.
Published: May 2016

Objective

We aimed to review the distribution of diagnoses in children and adolescents evaluated by a child psychiatrist, in refugee camps in Diyarbakır, Cizre and Silopi province of Turkey.

Methods

Sociodemographic data, psychiatric complaints and distribution of psychiatric diagnoses of 38 children and adolescents living in refugee camps in Diyarbakır, Cizre and Silopi were evaluated. Psychiatric diagnoses were made according to DSM-5 criteria but some diagnoses as conversion disorder were also mentioned even tough they were not included in DSM-5.

Results

The sample consisted of 22 female and 16 male children and adolescents. The mean age was 12.1 ± 4.5 and the range was 2–18 years. The mean duration of residency in the camp was 23.2 ± 3.9 days. The most common symptom was sleep problems. The most frequently seen psychiatric disorder was depressive disorder (36.8%) and at least two comorbidities were detected in 50% of children and adolescents. This diagnosis was followed by conversion disorder (28.9%), adjustment disorder (21.8%), acute stress disorder (18.4%), enuresis nocturna (18.4%), post-traumatic stress disorder (10.5%), separation anxiety disorder (10.5%), somatization disorder (7.8%), selective mutism (2.5%) and night terror (2.5%) respectively.

Conclusion

The study revealed that in refugee children and adolescents, starting from the early days of the migration period, various psychiatric symptoms and disorders might be seen. Therefore, it is essential to integrate psychosocial support units into the aid and support programs for refugees and quite important to observe and treat children in terms of psychiatric disorders, starting from the early days of the migration period.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Prefrontal cortical thickness related to negative symptoms in antipsychotic-naive, first-episode psychotic patients
Authors: Guinart D. , Bergé D. , Mané A. , Galindo L. , Vilarroya O. , Perez-Sola V.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

A significant cortical thinning has been repeatedly observed in adult-onset first-episode schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls, mostly in medial and inferior prefrontal cortices. However, it is yet unclear whether all these replicated alterations are related to any particular clinical feature.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate differences of cortical thickness in a sample of first-episode, drug-naive psychotic patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls and explore clinical correlates of these parameters regarding negative symptoms.

Methods

High-resolution T1-weighted images were acquired from 23 antipsychotic-naive, first-episode psychotic patients and 26 age-matched healthy comparison subjects. Clinical features were measured with the negative subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and after a 2-month follow-up period.

Results

No differences were found regarding age or gender when comparing patients and controls. We found a significant cortical thinning in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex and in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex in patients compared to healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Regarding clinical performance, no correlation was found at baseline between left medial orbitofrontal nor right lateral ortitofrontal cortical thickness and scores of the negative subscale of the PANSS. However, at the 2-month evaluation clinical performances were significantly associated to the left medial orbitofrontal cortical thickness values.

Conclusions

Cortical thickness alterations in prefontal cortex appear to be present at disease onset and these alterations may relate to clinical outcome. However, our findings must be considered just as exploratory. Larger longitudinal studies may help characterize, replicate and consolidate these findings.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Gender differences in neural activation during perceptual uncertainty in patients with major depression
Authors: Sobanski T. , Sauer H. , Bär K.J. , Wagner G.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Although male and female patients with major depression (MDD) differ in psychopathology and other illness characteristics, a potentially confounding effect of gender has not been systematically controlled or investigated in most of the previous neuroimaging studies.

Objectives

We investigated activation patterns during processing of ambiguous stimuli in MDD by functional MRI.

Aims

We aimed at examining potential activation differences between male and female patients.

Methods

A matching task was employed in which two stimuli with varying degrees of perceptual uncertainty had to be compared with respect to their sameness. Eighteen patients meeting DSM-IV criteria of MDD and eighteen healthy control subjects participated in this study.

Results

Whereas on the level of behavioral performance no significant group differences could be detected we found distinct disorder- and gender-related differences in the brain activation. Patients activated significantly stronger in superior parietal, prefrontal and cingulate regions. Gender specific analyses revealed that the hyperactivity in the patient group was mainly attributable to hyperactivity in the male patients who activated significantly stronger than the female patients in an extensive fronto-temporo-limbic network, which partly overlapped with the network we found when comparing patients and healthy controls.

Discussion

Our results indicate that male patients seem to be reliant on a significantly stronger metabolism in task-relevant regions to maintain an equal level of performance.

Conclusion

The present results provide evidence for gender-related differences in the functional organization of the brain in patients with MDD. Gender differences should be taken into consideration when investigating the neural correlates of MDD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Searching for meaning in meaningless gestures, pathologic activity in amygdala, hippocampus and temporal pole during planning of gestures in schizophrenia
Authors: Stegmayer K. , Stephan B. , Tim V. , Andrea F. , Roland W. , Rene M. , Werner S. , Sebastian W.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Schizophrenia is characterized by poor social interaction contributing to poor functional outcome. Particularly nonverbal communication is disturbed. Neural correlates of impaired gesturing are currently unclear. We thus tested functional correlates of gesturing in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.

Methods

We tested 22 patients and 25 controls with an event-related fMRI (instructed delay) paradigm to dissociate brain activation during planning and execution of meaningful (e.g. use scissors) and meaningless novel gestures. Preprocessing included realignment, coregistration, normalization and spatial smoothing. We used a two stage mixed effects model for statistical analysis. Conditions were contrasted against a linguistic control within and between groups. We correlated psychopathological characteristics with beta estimates of brain areas with between group effects.

Results

During planning and execution of both gesture subtypes both groups activated brain areas of the ventral and dorsal stream. However patients’ activity was less prominent and more left lateralized. During planning patients showed additional activity in bilateral temporal poles, amygdala and hippocampus associated with the level of delusions. Furthermore patients had increased dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and precuneus activity when planning meaningless gestures.

Conclusion

During the planning of meaningless gestures we detected aberrant activation of limbic structures in patients typically implicated in delusion formation, which also correlated with current severity of delusions. Moreover, planning of meaningless gestures relied on areas relevant for strategic control and attention. These results argue for a pathologic search for meaning in neutral gestures and increased control effort during planning of meaningless gestures in schizophrenia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Does cognitive flexibility moderate the relationship between disgust sensitivity and contamination fear?
Authors: Powell E.
Published: May 2016

High disgust sensitivity and poor cognitive flexibility have been independently identified as contributing factors in the aetiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This study looks at the relationship between contamination fear and disgust sensitivity in a non-clinical population. In particular, at whether two moderating factors, cognitive flexibility and emotional reappraisal, have a buffering influence. One hundred participants from an undergraduate population completed a battery of questionnaires which rated their disgust and level of contamination fear. They also completed a set-shifting task to assess cognitive flexibility and an emotion regulation questionnaire. The mean age of the sample was 21.4 years with 62% of the sample population being female. SPSS 16 was used to correlate the main variables using Pearson's correlation and moderated regression, using MODPROBE, was used for analysis. Results confirmed previous findings that high disgust sensitivity is significantly associated with contamination fear (P < 0.01). In addition to this, both cognitive flexibility and emotional reappraisal reduced the influence that disgust has on an individual's contamination fear. Cognitive flexibility and emotion reappraisal were not found to be significantly correlated to each other (P = 0.511), which suggest that these variables moderate the relationship between disgust and contamination fear independently of each other. Individuals with poor cognitive flexibility and/or poor emotional reappraisal were found to have high levels of contamination fear, which suggests that these two variables may attenuate the relationship between disgust and contamination fear. Future implications of these findings have been discussed although further research is needed to confirm these conclusions in a clinical population.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
A cross-sectional analysis of the relationships of FAM components and their effects on quality of life in Chinese patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Wong W. , Lim H. , Chen P. , Wong S. , Chow Y. , Lam J. , Fielding R.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

A body of evidence has accrued supporting the Fear-Avoidance Model (FAM) of chronic pain which postulated the mediating role of pain-related fear in the relationships between pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety in affecting pain-related outcomes. Yet, relatively little data points to the extent to which the FAM be extended to understand chronic pain in Chinese population and its impact on quality of life (QoL).

Objective

This study explored the relationships between FAM components and their effects on QoL in a Chinese sample.

Methods

A total of 401 Chinese patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain completed measures of three core FAM components (pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and pain anxiety) and QoL. Cross-sectional structural equation modeling (SEM) assessed the goodness of fit of the FAM for two QoL outcomes, Physical (Model 1) and Mental (Model 2). In both models, pain catastrophizing was hypothesized to underpin pain-related fear, thereby influencing pain anxiety and subsequently QoL outcomes.

Results

Results of SEM evidenced adequate data-model fit (CFI30.90) for the two models tested (Model 1: CFI = 0.93; Model 2: CFI = 0.94). Specifically, pain catastrophizing significantly predicted pain-related fear (Model 1: stdb = 0.90; Model 2: stdb = 0.91), which in turn significantly predicted pain anxiety (Model 1: stdb = 0.92; Model 2: stdb = 0.929) and QoL outcomes in a negative direction (Model 1: stdb = −0.391; Model 2: stdb = −0.651) (all P < 0.001) (Table 1, Fig. 1).

Conclusion

Our data substantiated the existing FAM literature and offered evidence for the cross-cultural validity of the FAM in the Chinese population with chronic pain.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Relationship between happiness and personality variables
Authors: Baqer G.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The focus of interest in this study is to investigate the relationship between happiness and optimism, satisfaction with life, hope, depression, and anxiety. Many efficient instruments have been used in this study, however there is no study until this date that has used the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) within Arabic countries and Kuwaiti samples specifically.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to investigate the correlations between happiness and optimism, satisfaction with life, hope, depression and anxiety.

Methods

The sample consisted of 510 students from Kuwait University, 270 females and 240 males, with a mean age of 22.8 (SD = 4.1). The OHQ 0.90 alpha was administered to participants, in addition to the Arabic version of Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) 0.70, The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) 0.78, The Hope Scale (AHS) 0.60, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) 0.87 and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) 0.95. Correlations were used in this study.

Results

The results revealed that all the correlations between OHQ and other scales were significant. Positive correlations have been found with LOT-R r = 0.50, SWLS r = 0.44, and AHS r = 0.39, while there were negative correlations with BDI-II r = −0.38 and BAI r = −0.17.

Conclusion

It was concluded that happiness correlates positively with other personality variables: optimism, satisfaction with life and hope, while it correlates negatively with Depression and Anxiety.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Perfectionism, cognitive emotion regulation and perceived distress/coping
Authors: Juliana C. , Soares M.J. , Pereira A.T. , Macedo A.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Perfectionism and cognitive emotion regulation (CER) mechanisms have been associated with perceived stress/coping, negative affect (NA) and mental problems. Comparatively, the correlates of Positive Affect (PA) have been less studied.

Aim

To compare Perfectionism, CER and Perceived distress/coping by groups with different levels of NA/PA.

Methods

A total of 344 medical students (68.4% girls) completed the Hewitt & Flett and the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scales (H&F-MPS/F-MPS), the Profile of Mood States, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.

Results

The subjects with high NA, when compared to those with low NA, showed significant higher levels of Evaluative Concerns (EC), Positive Striving (PStr), of H&F-MPS/F-MPS total and dimensions scores (excluding Organization) of Rumination, Blaming others, Self-blaming, Catastrophizing and Perceived distress (all P < 0.01). They also revealed lower levels of Positive reevaluation and planning; Positive refocusing, Putting into perspective and Perceived coping (all P < 0.01). The subjects with high and medium levels of PA, when compared to the subjects with low PA, showed significant lower levels of Perceived distress, EC, Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism, Doubts about action, Concerns over Mistakes, (all P < 0.01), Self-Oriented Perfectionism, PStr (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) and higher levels of Perceived coping, Positive reevaluation and planning, Positive refocusing, Putting into perspective (all P < 0.01) and Acceptance (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

NA is associated with perfectionism, high maladaptive and low adaptive CER, and also with high Perceived distress/low coping, which might increase the subject's vulnerability to psychopathology. Low perfectionism, high adaptive CER and perceived coping are associated with PA and might be protective factors.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Negative emotions and threat perception in narratives from battered women
Authors: Crespo M. , Fernández-Lansac V. , Gómez-Gutiérrez M. , Soberón C.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Trauma narratives contain a lot of emotion words, in comparison with narratives about other autobiographical memories. Negative emotion's words, as well as words about death (as an indicator of threat perception), have been associated to a worse adjustment after trauma. However, the different kind of negative emotions reported have been rarely explored. Also, in violence victims, the use of words about abuse might indicate threat perception.

Objectives

Analyzing the use of negative words and threat perception (death and abuse words) in trauma narratives from 50 battered women, compared with stressful narratives from 50 non-traumatized women, and positive narratives. The relationship between narratives aspects and symptomatology is explored.

Aims

Exploring differences in emotions and threat perception related to psychological functioning after trauma.

Methods

Battered women were asked to remember the worst violence episode, whereas non-traumatized women narrated their most stressful experience. Both groups remembered also a neutral and a positive episode. LIWC software was used to calculate the percentage of different words used.

Results

Anger was the most used negative emotion. Anger and sadness words were more reported in stressful and trauma narratives than in positive ones. There were differences between groups in the use of death and abuse words. Anger and abuse words were associated to anxiety and depression, but not PTSD symptoms. Death words were related to a better functioning.

Conclusions

This study evidences the need to explore the role of different negative emotions in the posttraumatic adaptation. Also contextual aspects involved on threat perception must be considered.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with PTSd severity in patients treated with omega-3 supplementation – a pilot study
Authors: Kalinić D. , Mimica N. , Jeroncic A. , Lalovac M. , Delaš I.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with severity of various psychiatric disorders is shown. Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids reduce psychiatric symptoms due to anti-inflammatory properties.

Objectives

To evaluate if serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines correlate with the intensity of PTSD symptoms, and the observed change in symptoms’ severity induced by omega-3 supplementation.

Methods

We included 26 Croatian Homeland war veterans (aged 39–60) with chronic PTSD and no major comorbidity, who were on stable therapeutic sertraline dose at least three months before recruitment. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Intensity of PTSD symptomatology was assessed by Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (17-HAM-D). During 12 weeks, participants took omega-3 capsules (600 mg/day) while continuing sertraline therapy.

Results

Most participants presented with moderate PTSD evaluated by CAPS. At baseline, cytokine levels were not associated with the severity of PTSD symptoms, as measured by all three scales (P ≥ 0.209). After 12 weeks of omega-3 supplementation the severity of PTSD symptoms significantly decreased, on average by 8 to 13% on the psychometric scales per person (P < 0.001 for all). However, no association was found between the change in cytokine levels and the change in scores, induced by omega-3, on the assessed scales (P ≥ 0.730).

Cytokine levels are not associated with PTSD severity or with improvement in PTSD symptomatology. At the same time, sertraline therapy supplemented with omega-3 seemed to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The “building block” effect of prior trauma for psychological outcome in victims of a natural disaster
Authors: Kraemer B. , Schumacher S. , Winkel B. , Imboden C. , Wittmann L.
Published: May 2016

Background

With increasing numbers of previous traumatic experiences, a rising risk of psychiatric morbidity and in particular post-traumatic stress disorder following an acute trauma has been reported. This dose-effect relationship was called the building block effect. Most results are derived from studies on riot and prosecution victims. We investigated victims of a natural disaster with respect to the building block effect due to prior traumatization.

Methods

We assessed tourists who had been affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004 using the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. Outcome variables were related to the numbers or prior civil trauma according to the trauma history scale of the PDS.

Results

We found a building block effect for the development of anxiety (P = 0.018) and by trend with PTSD symptoms (P = 0.06), but not with depressive symptoms (P = 0.436). Prior traumatization and the actual Tsunami exposure significantly explained variance of personal posttraumatic growth (P = 0.013). Prior interpersonal traumata emerged as a strong risk factor for the development of posttraumatic psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusions

We suggest that an increasing number of trauma is closely associated with anxiety but not with depressive disorders in the aftermath of natural disasters. For clinical practice, it is necessary to ask victims of natural disasters about prior traumatization, in particular about prior interpersonal trauma.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The temporal evolution of life satisfaction in institutionalized elderly: A longitudinal study
Authors: Espírito-Santo H. , Guadalupe S. , Lemos L. , Simões S. , Daniel F.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Research shows that variables, such as depression, less functionality and health, less contact with family and others, may have a negative impact on life satisfaction.

Objectives

To verify which variables correlate with satisfaction with life (SWL) and analyse which of them predict the evolution of SWL.

Aims

To examine correlates and predictors of SWL in institutionalized elderly.

Methods

This study involved a subsidiary longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional data gathered at Phase I (2010–2012; n = 493 elderly) and after 36 months at Phase II (2013–2014; n = 85) of Aging Trajectories Project from Miguel Torga University College.

Results

At Phase I, higher scores in SWL scale correlated with having visits (r = 0.17; P < 0.01), specially from family (r = 0.20; P < 0.01), less depressive (r = –0.42; P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (r = –0.25; P < 0.001), less loneliness feelings (r = –0.37; P < 0.001), less functionality (r = 0.15; P < 0.01), and better general physical health (r = 0.25; P < 0.001). Age, sex, civil status, cognitive, and executive status did not correlate with SWL. SWL, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and loneliness feelings were stable through time, between assessment stages (P < 0.01). The worsening of depression and loneliness through time predicted the negative evolution of SWL (respectively, β = 1.16; P < 0.01; β = –0.69; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the relevance of early detecting depressed mood and loneliness feelings in institutionalized elderly, and the importance of the treatment and the development of preventive interventions for this vulnerable population.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.