bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosomatic symptoms according to psychiatric diagnosis
Authors: Fernández Fernández R. , Fontecha Banegas L. , Suárez Pérez C. , Gómez Olmeda D. , Santos Carrasco I. D. L. M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Psychosomatic symptoms are an important problem that is frequently presented in medical consultations. These symptoms are often associated with psychiatric disorders, especially depressive and anxiety disorders.

Objectives

To study the association between anxiety disorders and psychosomatic symptoms in a sample of patients referred for pathology of functional origin.

Methods

We made a descriptive retrospective study through the use of electronic medical records. The symptom onset and diagnosis were obtained for all patients referred to outpatients for psychosomatic symptoms during a 1-year period. We performed χ² Tests to assess the association of the diagnosis with the occurrence of psychosomatic symptoms.

Results

The only diagnosis that presented statistically significant association was anxiety disorder (χ² = 11.1; p<0.001).Anxiety disorderPsychosomatic symptomsNoSiTotalNoObserved3127319Expected30613.47319YesObserved11912131Expected1255.53131TotalObserved43119450Expected43119450

Conclusions

Our study finds results that follow the line of other studies that show this association, such as Campo’s study which finds that functional somatic symptoms are consistently associated cross-sectionally with anxiety and depressive symptoms (Campo, 2012) or Imran’s study which finds that higher levels of somatization independently and significantly predicted higher anxiety (β=.37, p=.0001) (Imran et al., 2013). However, our results show no association with depressive disorders whereas frequent associations are found in the literature; for example, a recent meta-analysis found that neuroticism and depression had the strongest influence on the association of medically unexplained physical symptoms and frequent healthcare use (den Boeft et al., 2016). This lack of association is probably due to greater ease in identifying depressive disorders as the main pathology versus anxiety disorders.

References

Campo J. V. (2012). Annual research review: functional somatic symptoms and associated anxiety and depression--developmental psychopathology in pediatric practice. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 53(5), 575–592. den Boeft, M., Twisk, J. W., Terluin, B., Penninx, B. W., van Marwijk, H. W., Numans, M. E., van der Wouden, J. C., & van der Horst, H. E. (2016). The association between medically unexplained physical symptoms and health care use over two years and the influence of depressive and anxiety disorders and personality traits: a longitudinal study. BMC health services research, 16, 100

Imran, N., Ani, C., Mahmood, Z., Hassan, K. A., & Bhatti, M. R. (2014). Anxiety and depression predicted by medically unexplained symptoms in Pakistani children: a case-control study. Journal of psychosomatic research, 76(2), 105–112.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Mental Health of University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Prospective Cross-National Study
Authors: Ochnik D.
Published: August 2023

This prospective study aimed to examine changes in mental health and differences due to educational status (ES) and country among young adults aged 20-40 from four countries during the COVID-19 pandemic in a three-month period.

The total of 1714 participants (932 women): students (n = 321) and non-students (n = 519) aged 20-30, educated (n = 388), and non-educated (n = 486) adults aged 31-40 from Poland (n = 445), Slovenia (n = 430), Germany (n = 417), and Israel (n = 422) responded to online survey in February 2021 and May–June 2021. The used measurements were: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8).

A repeated-measures two-way mixed-factor ANOVA was performed to examine changes over time, educational status (ES), and across countries for mental health indicators. The results showed stability over time in anxiety and depression while a small decrease in stress. Students scored significantly higher in stress, anxiety, and depression compared to non-/educated adults and in depression compared to non-studying peers. Participants from Poland and Germany scored higher in anxiety and depression than from Slovenia and Israel. Moreover, Polish participants reported the highest stress among all countries.

The student population is more vulnerable to mental health issues than non-studying peers and adults with and without an academic degree, particularly in Poland and Germany.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The effect of psychological factors in pain intensity of patients with chronic pain conditions
Authors: Lyrakos G. N. , Ogah H. U. A. , Aslani E. , Spinaris V.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain can lead to depression, weariness, sleep problems, decreased physical and cognitive function, personality changes/shifts, and social interactions, all of which can lead to social marginalization and financial loss.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate how psychological variables affects pain intensity.

Methods

193 patients diagnosed with chronic pain conditions, men 67 (34.8%) and women 126 (65.2%), participated in the study. This study used a quantitative between-subjects design to investigate the effect of psychological factors on pain intensity using the VAS scale. Analysis was performed with the use of SPSS23.

Results

The analysis produces a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.448 – suggesting that a total 44.8% variability in pain intensity in the previous month can be explained by Age, Fear-avoidance belief about physical activity, Commitment to activity, fear avoidance beliefs about work and Pain catastrophizing magnification. A repeated measure analysis of variance shows that the regression model is statistically significant F (1, 187) = 30.381, p = 0.000. The predictors variables (Age, fear-avoidance belief about physical activity, commitment in activity, fear avoidance beliefs about work and pain catastrophizing magnification) are found to statistically significant t (187) = 9.627, p = 0.001, t (187) = 4.616, p = 0.001, t (187) = 2.982, p = 0.003, t (187) = -2.599, p = 0.010, t (187) = 2.253, p = 0.025 respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of this study are in agreement with previous literature and also provide insight into the major psychological factors correlates with pain intensity

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Examination of the Effectiveness of a Universal Prevention Program to Enhance Understanding and Regulating Others’ Emotions for Children in Terms of Implicit and Explicit Affect
Authors: Uchida K. , Yamasaki K.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Uchida & Yamasaki (2012, 2022) have developed a universal prevention program to enhance understanding and regulating others’ emotions for elementary and junior high school students. In recent years, affect and emotions are popular research topics in the domains of psychology and brain science. Most research has thus far focused on the effects of explicit affect on health and adjustment. However, an increasing number of studies have started to examine the effects of implicit affect on psychological outcomes. Although the program was developed for enhancing coping of explicit emotions for health and adjustment, the effectiveness needs to be examined also in terms of implicit affect.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of this program in terms of implicit and explicit affect.

Methods

Participants were 6th-grade children in a public elementary school in Japan. The final sample was 61 children (32 boys and 29 girls). Participants completed a battery of two questionnaires just before (Time 1) and just after (Time 2) the intervention program. The questionnaires were the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test for Children (IPANAT-C) for assessing implicit positive and negative affect (IPA and INA) and the Japanese version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule for Children (PANAS-C) for measuring explicit positive and negative affect (EPA and ENA). The universal intervention program that was one of the programs we developed for children’s health and adjustment was implemented over four regular classes targeting all children in their homeroom classes.

Results

Data were analyzed by 2 (pre-intervention and post-intervention periods) x 2 (boys and girls) analyses of variance (ANOVA) with the hoc tests using Holm corrections. First, regarding the EPA and IPA, there was a significant main effect of periods (Fs (1, 59) = 6.82 and 4.54, p < .05, respectively), revealing in the post hoc tests that they significantly increased at the post-intervention period. In contrast, regarding ENA and INA, there was no significant main effect of periods. Moreover, regarding EPA, there was a significant main effect of sex. No significant period x sex interactions were found in any affect.

Conclusions

These results revealed that the current program was effective in enhancing explicit and implicit positive affect. On the other hand, no significant effects were found in enhancing explicit and implicit negative affect. The necessity of future research that will examine the sustainability of the effectiveness of the program is discussed, along with several limitations.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Caring for Bierzo: A plan for improving motivation for health workers from Mental Health
Authors: Pelayo-Terán J. M. , Zapico-Merayo Y. , Vega-García S. , García-Llamas M. E. , Gutiérrez-Hervás Z. , Castro-Bayón A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Motivation is an essential determinant of performance, particularly for those working in difficult conditions, such as the conditions facing many health workers. The relationship between motivation and performance is influenced by the health workers’ organizational environment and social context. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence the impulse to head for and maintain and effort to achieve the objectives of the organization these may include acknowledgements, status and incentives, but also auto efficacy perception, personal growth, welfare and physical and mental health.

In the last years and particularly during COVID-19 pandemic health organizations have suffered a crisis of lack of motivation and high turnover rates in health professional, particularly among highly specialized professions.

Objectives

to develop a quality program to promote mental health and motivation, detect risk of mental disorders and improve communication skills in the health workers of the Health Area of El Bierzo (GASBI).

Methods

A committee with four members form the psychiatry and mental health service, two from the Quality and Security Unit and 1 from the Occupational Risk Prevention Service analyzed the GASBI with a SWOT-CAME matrix analysis. Actions to be implemented were ordered with a Hanlon method score according to a representative sample of the employees of GASBI.

Results

The CAME matrix recommended an offensive strategy, given a number of strengths and the opportunities for an administration sensible to new paradigms. The program proposed included 6 main lines (evaluation, access to mental health consultation, prevention of suicide behavior, resilience group, communication and relation groups and a group of actions to improve motivation and prevent burnout called “10 actions to dream together”, displayed in figures 1 and 2. The Hanlon classified suicide behaviour as the highest priority (score: 16,25 points), mental disorders the second (score: 13.75), then fatigue (13 p), burnout and resilience (12p) and the less prioritary was motivation (7 points). The project was displayed in a canvas business model (figure 3)

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Image 2:

Image 3:

Conclusions

Mental health, fatigue, burnout and motivation of health workers is a complex problem that affect health organizations and quality of services. Mental Health service have an important role in the promotion of wellbeing and prevent burnout in the health system.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Implementing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program of supported employment in Finland: Experiences on integrating the program in psychiatric care
Authors: Appelqvist-Schmidlechner K. , Sipilä N.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Mental health problems increase the risk for long-term sick leaves, early transitions to disability pensions and unstable career paths. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based program integrated into psychiatric care aiming to support individuals with serious mental illness in finding employment. One key element in the implementation of the program is that the program is adequately integrated into the psychiatric care. However, knowledge on implementation challenges as well as best practices experienced by the practitioners, especially from the perspective of professionals in psychiatric care, is limited.

Objectives

The Finnish Individual Placement and Support Evaluation Study (2020-2023) aims at investigating the implementation, feasibility as well as perceived benefits and outcomes of IPS program. The present study focuses on experiences on implementation of the program in the psychiatric care.

Methods

Both quantitative and qualitative data from different stakeholders have been and will be collected. The data collection will be finished at the end of 2022. For the present study, data among professionals (psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists) in the psychiatric care has been and will be collected using questionnaires (n=58) and individual interviews (n=17). Among IPS employment specialist delivering the program, the data have been / will be collected using focus group interviews (6 focus groups, n=29) and workshops.

Results

The preliminary findings of the study show that the key elements in successful implementation of the IPS program into the psychiatric care are sufficient information about the program among professionals in the psychiatric care, adequate flow of information between IPS employment specialists and psychiatric care (including regular meetings) and facilities promoting the co-operation (including physical space and common information system). Majority of professionals in psychiatric care reported that the client-related communication with the IPS employment specialist had been active (81%) and adequate (76%).

Conclusions

Successful implementation and integration of the IPS program into psychiatric care requires seamless cooperation and communication between mental health professionals and IPS employment specialists, especially in cases when the IPS employment specialists do not have access to patient information due to confidentiality legislation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Tunisian general practitioner’s perception of benzodiazepine prescription:
Authors: Boudriga S. , Aissa A. , Benzarti A. , Zgueb Y. , Ouali U. , Jomli R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Despite the scientific requirements and restrictive recommendations, there is a significant disparity between theory and practice in the prescription of benzodiazepine(BZD). Long-term prescribing, defined by a duration exceeding six months has been commonly reported worldwide, some authors explained this by physician’s perceptions.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of general practitioners practicing in Tunis, in the private or public sector, concerning the prescription of BZDs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners in the private and public sectors practicing in Tunis during the study period (September and October 2021). It is based on the response to a questionnaire, which focused on the perception of prescribing BZD, via google forms distributed to members of the regional committee of the order of physicians.

Results

A total of 75 physicians participated in the study. The mean age was 47.75± 12,2 years, with 17,28 ± 11,8 years of clinical experience. Among the 75 participating physicians, 83% considered that patients on BZD patients had a better quality of sleep and 58% assert that patients on BZDs had restful sleep. 83% of participants agreed that BZDs were associated with fewer nocturnal awakenings 83% and 85% with a decrease in the feeling of irritability. 18% of the doctors think that the easiest way to manage a patient’s anxiety is to prescribe a BZD. 24 doctors believe that chronic use of BZDs is essential to control anxiety. patients’ anxiety. The number of years of practice is inversely correlated with the perception that the patient wakes up less at night (p= 0.059). Male gender correlates with the perception that it is acceptable to continue prescribing beyond the recommended duration as long as they are well tolerated (p=0.035).

Conclusions

BZD prescription decision in general medicine is complex. This study participates in increasing our level of understanding of the reasons behind the long-term prescription of this molecule.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Relationship between elimination disorders and internalizing-externalizing problems in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aymerich C. , Pedruzo B. , Pacho M. , Laborda M. , Herrero J. , Bordenave M. , Salazar de Pablo G. , Sesma E. , Fernandez-Rivas A. , Catalan A. , González-Torres M. Á.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Elimination disorders (ED) include enuresis, defined as wetting from 5 years, and encopresis, defined as soiling from 4 years onwards after organic causes are excluded. They are highly prevalent in childhood and often associated with clinically relevant comorbid psychological disorders. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis examines their co-occurrence with internalizing and externalizing problems in children.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine if, and to what extent, children with ED show higher internalizing and externalizing problems than their healthy peers.

Methods

A multistep literature search was performed from database inception until May 1st, 2022. PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022303555) were used to identify studies reporting on internalizing and/or externalizing symptoms in children with an ED and a healthy control (HC) group. First, a systematic review was provided. Second, where data allowed for it, a quantitative meta-analysis using random effects model was conducted to analyze the differences between the ED and the HC groups for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Effect size was standardized mean difference. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of sex, age, and study quality. Funnel plots were used to detect a publication bias. Where found, the trim and fill method was used to correct it.

Results

36 articles were included, 32 of them reporting on enuresis (n=3244; mean age=9.4; SD=3.4; 43.84% female) and 7 of them on encopresis (n=214; mean age=8.6; SD=2.3; 36.24% female) [Image 1]. The ED group presented significantly lower self-concept (ES:0.42; 95%CI: [0.08;9.76]; p=0.017) and higher symptom scores for thought problems (ES:-0.26; 95%CI: [-0.43;-0.09]; p=0.003), externalizing symptoms (ES:-0.20; 95%CI: [-0.37;-0.03]; p=0.020), attention problems (ES:-0.37; 95%CI: [-0.51;-0.22]; p=0.0001), aggressive behaviour (ES:-0.33; 95%CI: [-0.62;-0.04]; p=0.025) and social problems (ES: 0.39; 95%CI: [-0.58;-0.21]; p=0.0001) [Image 2]. Significant publication biases were found across several of the studied domains [Image 3]. No significant effect of sex, age or quality of the study score was found.

Image:

Image 2:

Image 3:

Conclusions

Children with an elimination disorder may have significant internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as impaired self-concept. It is recommendable to screen for them in children with ED and provide interventions as appropriate.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impacts of visual neurorehabilitation on autistic children
Authors: Marinho D. A. , Avejonas D. R. M. , Rhein L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a qualitative deficit in social interaction that can be manifested by two of the following characteristics: a) deficits in the use of non-verbal behaviors, such as eye contact, facial expressions, body postures and gestures used to regulate the social interaction; b) inability to develop peer relationships in an adequate manner compatible with their level of development; c) absence of the spontaneous tendency to share emotions, interests and objects; d) lack of social and emotional reciprocity. Among these characteristics, we can mention the difficulty in establishing and maintaining eye contact as one of the points that make it more difficult to develop important skills for learning in general.

Objectives

The present study aims to investigate the impacts of visual neurorehabilitation on autistic children.

Methods

The online questionnaire based on the emotional and functional development scale (FEDQ) of the DIR/Floortime model was distributed to parents and professionals as of October 15, 2022. To date, the Visual Contact Protocol has been applied to 34 children.

Results

The protocol has been applied to 34 children so far.The collection suggests that when we favor the visual contact of the autistic, the motor, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and especially social learning prove to be facilitated

Conclusions

Discussion

Vision is the master of all the senses. When the child is born, his visual ability is very limited. As she grows functional visual skills (HVF) develop. When we talk about the autistic child, these abilities may not be well defined.The collection suggests that when we favor the visual contact of the autistic, the motor, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and especially social learning prove to be facilitated. When observing the children in speech therapy, a better engagement was verified during the execution of the activities suggested by the therapist. Vision is a learned process that adds meaning to what is seen. There is still a lot of research to be done, but by providing the possibility of visual screening to the autistic child, we give them the opportunity to explore the world, get to know and recognize the environments that surround them and consequently improve their learning.Keywords: autism, visual neurorehabilitation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The impact of prenatal maternal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic on birth outcomes: A cohort study within the CONCEPTION cohort
Authors: Berard A. , Tchuente V. , Pages N. , Gorgui J. , Fareh T. , King S. , Elgbeili G.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

External natural events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can contribute to increased stress, depression and anxiety in pregnant persons. Thus far, studies on the impact of maternal mental health during the pandemic on perinatal outcomes have been conflicting.

Objectives

Assess the impact of prenatal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic on preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW).

Methods

Pregnant individuals, >18 years were recruited in Canada, their data were collected through a web-based questionnaire. Our analysis includes data on individuals recruited between 06/2020 and 08/2021, who completed questionnaires at baseline and 2-month post-partum. Data on maternal sociodemographic, comorbidities, medication, mental health measures (Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale, General Anxiety Disorder-7, stress), hardship (CONCEPTION study Assessment of Stress from COVID-19 –150 points), gestational age at delivery and birth weight were self-reported. PTB defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. LBW defined as birth weight less than 2,500 grams.

Results

A total of 1,265 and 1,233 participants were included in the analyses of PTB and LBW, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found no differences between prenatal mental health and PTB ([depression [adjusted RR [aRR] 1.01, CI 95% 0.91 to 1.11], anxiety [aRR 1.04, CI 95% 0.93 to 1.17], stress [aRR 0.88, CI 95% 0.71 to 1.10], hardship [aRR 1.00, CI 95% 0.96 to 1.04]). However, we found that the risk of PTB was increased with ethnicity/race (aRR 3.85, CI 95% 1.35 to 11.00), obstetrician/gynecologist follow-up (aRR 2.77, CI 95% 1.12 to 6.83). We didn’t find any significant association between prenatal mental health and LBW. However, annual household income, previous delivery were associated with a decreased risk of LBW (aRR 0.15, CI 95% 0.05 to 0.49; aRR 0.39, CI 95% 0.20 to 0.77, respectively).

Conclusions

Conclusion: No association was found between prenatal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of PTB or LBW. However, it is imperative to continue the follow-up of mothers and their offspring in order to detect early any long-term health problems.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cross-cultural comparison of mental illness stigma : A Multinational Population-Based Study from 16 Arab Countries and 10,036 Individuals
Authors: Stambouli M. , Fekih Romdhane F. , Ghrissi F. , Jaoua A. , Ellini S. , Cheour M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Attitudes toward people with mental disorders in Arab countries have undergone huge transformations throughout history. Stigmatization of the mentally ill has been a long tradition in our communities. The public’s views have evolved since then, however, little is known about the current situation regarding mental illness stigma in our context.

Objectives

Explore attitudes towards mental illness and mental health knowledge in Arab countries.

Methods

We carried out a multinational cross-sectional study using online self-administered surveys in the Arabic language from June to November 2021 across 16 Arab countries.The Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill scale,the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule scale and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form were administered to participants from the general public.

Results

The study sample was predominantly female (77%), married (41%), educated (89% with tertiary education), living in urban areas (85%), with a mean age of 29.6 ± 10.8 years.

Based on the CAMI, MAKS, and ATSPPH-SF total scores, 75th, 50th, and 25th percentile were considered as cut-off points for the high, medium, and low scores. We found that 26.5% exhibited stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental illnesses, 31.7% had poor knowledge, and 28.0% hold negative attitudes toward help-seeking. Regarding attitudes toward mental illness, the highest mean score was on the social restrictiveness subscale (35.1 ± 5.6), reflecting the lowest amounts of stigma in this dimension; while the lowest mean score was on the Authoritarianism subscale (32.0 ± 4.6).

We found a significant difference between countries regarding attitudes (F=194.8, p<.001) and knowledge (F=88.7, p<.001).

Conclusions

Although much scientific progress has been made in the fields of diagnosing and treating mental illness, at a societal level the stigmatization of mental illness is still an important societal problem. The general population is largely ignorant about mental disorders, and fear of the mentally ill remains prevalent.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Divergent Mentalization Types in Adolescent Borderline Personality Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Akca O. F. , Wall K. , Sharp C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) have several similarities and it is difficult to distinguish these disorders in adolescents.

Objectives

We aimed to identify the unique correlates of mentalization abilities that may distinguish these two disorders, and to investigate the mentalization abilities of adolescents with ADHD, BPD and ADHD+BPD in an inpatient sample (n=550) to determine the effect of co-morbidity on mentalization abilities.

Methods

We have explored the relationship between Child Eye Test (CET) scores, Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) subscales, and ADHD and BPD symptoms in adolescent inpatients. In addition, we compared ADHD, BPD and ADHD+BPD groups in terms of their mentalization abilities.

Results

Correct MASC scores were negatively associated with both ADHD and BPD symptoms in girls, and negatively associated with ADHD symptoms in boys. In addition, hypermentalization scores were associated with BPD symptoms in girls, and hypomentalization and no mentalization scores were associated with ADHD symptoms in girls. CET scores were negatively associated with ADHD symptoms in girls, but no relations with BPD were found. Group comparisons revealed no significant difference among groups.

Conclusions

We found that while ADHD symptoms are related to hypomentalization, BPD symptoms are rather related to hypermentalization. We believe that these findings make significant contributions to literature aimed at understanding the differences between two disorders which have great commonalities in terms of clinical appearance and developmental course.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (German version, SCIP-G): Validation, dimensionality analysis and practical application in inpatient psychiatric treatment
Authors: Erfurth A. , Sachs G.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Psychiatric disorders are often characterised by cognitive impairment. The Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP) was developed for routine screening of psychiatric patients and is available in several languages.

Objectives

Using the German version (SCIP-G), 3 studies were conducted: 1. feasibility, reliability, and validity of the SCIP-G were investigated [Sachs et al. Schizophr. Res. Cogn. 2021: 25, 100197], 2. a confirmatory factor analysis was performed [Sachs et al. Schizophr. Res. Cogn. 2022: 29, 100259], and 3. patients with psychotic, bipolar affective, and depressive disorders were assessed before and after standard inpatient treatment including cognitive remediation.

Methods

Study 1 included patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective psychosis and thirty healthy controls matched for sex, age, and education. Data were collected at the Medical University of Vienna, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. In studies 2 and 3, patients from the Klinik Hietzing, 1st Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Vienna, Austria, were studied. In study 3, all patients received modern pharmacotherapy plus cognitive remediation using the COGPACK® software package version 6.06; based on the ICD-10 criteria for research, 54 patients received an F2 diagnosis (schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders), 39 patients met criteria for bipolar disorder (F30 and F31), and 50 for depression (F32 and F33).

Results

In Study 1, significant differences in cognitive performance were found between patients and healthy controls on both versions of the SCIP. The SCIP effectively discriminated between patients and the control group. In Study 2, a two-factor solution in which the Verbal Learning Test-Immediate Recall subtests, Delayed Recall Test of the VLT, and Working Memory Test loaded on the first factor and the Verbal Fluency Test and Psychomotor Speed Test subtests loaded on the second factor yielded good model fit (χ² = 6.7, df = 3, p = .08, χ²/df = 2.2). In Study 3, SCIP total score showed significant improvement after treatment in all three diagnostic groups (p < .001), with no statistically significant interaction between SCIP total score and diagnostic groups (p = .860).

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the SCIP-G is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing cognitive impairment. Good model fit can be achieved with a two-factor solution for the SCIP. Our study is the first to perform a confirmatory factor analysis with the German SCIP version and to test its dimensional structure with a hypothesis-testing approach. Inpatient treatment consisting of pharmacotherapy and cognitive remediation improved cognitive deficits. This improvement in cognitive performance was observed to a similar extent in patients with psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Optimizing the Correction of Depressive Disorders in Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Pityk O. M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Population recent studies have shown that most patients with endocrine pathology suffer from at least one of the three DCPR syndromes: irritable mood, demoralization (despair), persistent somatization. The thyroid gland is a unique organ among the glands of internal secretion, in the pathology of which non-psychotic mental disorders are extremely common. Therefore, the use of a complex, integrative, systemic approach in the examination of patients with thyroid pathology should be the basis of planning the strategy and tactics of the treatment program for such patients.

Objectives

We examined 132 patients with primary hypothyroidism.

Methods

We used psychopathological method and an adapted methodology for assessing typologies of psychological defence. It was the method of Robert Plutchik adapted by L.I.Wasserman, O.F.Eryshev, E.B.Klubova for assessment of the next mechanisms of defense: negation, projection, regression, displacement, repression, intellectualization, reactive formation, compensation.

Results

In 108 patients, who made up 81.12% of the total number of investigated, various forms of non-psychotic mental disorders were detected, among which 23 patients (12.04%) had an anxiety-depressive syndrome, and astheno-depressive syndrome (32.41%).

It was established that excessive compensation, projection, reactive formation formed a tendency to increased self-control, to analysis and introspection, self-justification, isolation, which in general influenced the structure of the astheno-depressive syndrome. Insufficient reactive formation, displacement, and excessive intellectualization in a complex contributed to the formation of subjective feelings of anxiety and fear in patients, led to the avoidance of problematic situations, unnatural slowness with behavioral manifestations of anxiety, therefore influenced the structuring of anxiety and depressive disorders at the same time. Thus, significant connections have been established between the intrapsychic level of functioning and the formation of astheno-depressive and anxiety-depressive disorders, which should be used in the planning of psychotherapeutic and psychocorrective measures.

Conclusions

This approach ensures that endocrinologists and general practitioners master the simplest skills for providing psychocorrective care to patients with depressive disorders. It includes the application of elements of rational psychotherapy, in order to form a sense of control over their own condition and the ability to master negative influences, which contributes to stabilization their general condition and improvement of the quality of life. So medical care to such patients should focus on early diagnosis and correction of nonpsychotic mental disorders. Both medications and psychological influences should be used in the treatment of such patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Investigating an objective orthodontics index in order to screen body dysmorphic disorder, a case-control study in orthodontic patients
Authors: Omidvar Tehrani S. , Talaei A. , Farzanegan F.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Recently, orthognathic surgeries have gained popularity in orthodontics settings. The perception of body image is a driving force in individuals who seek orthodontic treatments. Therefore, the clinician should be suspicious of underlying psychological conditions, namely body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Indices like the “index of complexity, outcome, and need” (ICON) in orthodontics not only objectively determine malocclusion traits but also consider the influence of subjective beauty perspectives.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess if dentists can use an objective orthodontics index in order to screen for and detect BDD among their patients.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted in the Faculty of Dentistry at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. In total, 414 women were recruited between January 2019 and April 2020. After determining the ICON index, applicants filled out a demographic questionnaire, the Beck depression inventory (BDI II), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD-YBOCS).

Results

In total, 31 (15%) cases in the orthodontics group and 21 (10.1%) subjects in the control group had a score of 20 or higher on the BDD-YBOCS (p=0.182). Moreover, there was no significant difference between groups in the mean BDD-YBOCS (p=0.184), BAI (p=0.163), and BDI-II (p=0.147). However, a statistically significant difference was found between the orthodontics patients and controls in the mean ICON index score (p<0.001). No correlation was found between the severity of ICON and BDD-YBOCS scores in all participants (p=0.804), cases (p=0.655), nor controls (p=0.403).

Conclusions

Objective indices such as ICON were not able to screen for BDD. Furthermore, BDD has an increased prevalence in patients seeking orthodontic treatments. Orthodontists should look for BDD features in patients during the first visit by careful history taking and can benefit from utilizing the BDD-YBOCS survey as a screening tool in patients who are suspected of having BDD while referring the individuals who have higher scores to psychiatrists for further clinical evaluations.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Working with migrants and refugees - Ethical principles and dilemmas in psychiatry
Authors: Schouler-Ocak M.
Published: August 2023

More than 100 million people are forcibly displaced including refugees, internally displaced persons and asylum seekers who have fled their homes to escape violence, conflict, and persecution. The vulnerable group of refugees and forcibly displaced people have a high burden of mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, idioms of distress, and prolonged-grief disorder, which are highly related to the load of traumatic circumstances surrounding refugees associated with human rights abuses, lack of human needs, and separation from others and many refugees are severely traumatized and suffer a variety of symptoms, and not all seek help. Their mental health problems are of emergency nature place a huge burden upon services which are difficult to deliver. This implies that mental health professionals and patients are more likely than ever to come from different cultural backgrounds. To have access to mental health care is often a challenge for them and most of them do not seek help. Unfortunately, these vulnerable groups are not treated equally according to ethical principles of mental health professionals. This presentation will focus on these dilemmas and discuss them.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Orthorexia and perceived stress by medical students: which association?
Authors: Jbir R. , Masmoudi R. , Abdelkefi M. , Guermazi F. , Feki I. , Sellami R. , Masmoudi J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Orthorexia is a neuotic behavior characterized by an obsession with healthy eating. This trend is growing among medical students; it may be related to the stress experienced by these young people.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of orthorexic eating behaviors among medical students in Tunisia and to examine the relationship with perceived stress.

Methods

Our study was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional, carried out with medical students in the faculty of medicine of sfax (Tunisia) during October 2022.

An anonymous survey was asked to the students.

Data collection was done by a self-administered questionnaire via Google Forms administered in the students’ Facebook groups. The questionnaire was composed of a part for the collection of socio-demographic data and two psychometric scales :

-The ORTO-15 was used to assess orthorexia

- Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to determine the level of stress

Results

Atotal of 95 responses was collected.The average age of our samplewas 25.8±3.4 with sex ratio M/F=0,25.Tobacco and alcohol usewere found in 14.7% and 13.6% of casesrespectively.A psychiatric history was reported by 17.9% of students, 76.5% of whom are anxiety disorders.Average body mass index was 23.64 ± 3.53 kg/m2. More than half (58%)of the students were dissatisfied with their feed. In our sample, 8.4% of students have already consulted a nutritionist and 58.9% regularly practiced sport at gym.According to the ORTO 15, 52.6% of the students presented orthorexia. The mean score of the ORTO-15 was 39.19±4.48.According to PSS scores, 21.1% of students had severe level of stress, 69.5% had moderate stress level while 9.5% had low level of stress.Severe stress was significantly correlated with female gender and psychiatric follow (p=0.047), (p=0.001) respectively.Orthorexia was significantly correlated with the practice of sport (p=0.042).Orthorexics students had a higher level of stress without significant correlations.

Conclusions

Our study showed significant frequencies of orthorexia and a considerable level of stress among medical students. A high level of stress was observed in these orthorexic students. Further studies should be conducted to better investigate this relationship in order to promote student mental health

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Epidemiological, clinical, and forensic approach to a series of defendants examined in criminal psychiatric expertise
Authors: Kacem M. , Bouali W. , Abdelaziz M. , Brahim S. , Zarrouk L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The transgression of the law can be a deliberate act by a lucid adult, but it can also be the result of a deficiency in judgment and discernment due to lack of age or insanity. Psychiatric expertises are more and more solicited in the penal field with the objective of identifying the causal link between mental illness and the criminal act.

Objectives

The objective of this work was to give an overview of the subjects expertised, the offences and the pathologies encountered through the report of a psychiatric expertise activity in criminal law.

Methods

It is a retrospective descriptive study carried out on the criminal psychiatric expertises made for a forensic act in the psychiatric department of Mahdia during the period from January 1, 2003 to March 30, 2022.

Results

In total, we collected 101 defendants. The average age of our study population was 35±12.07 years. The majority of our study sample was male (98%), from an urban area (50%). 46.6% had primary education and only 11.2% had higher education.

The defendants were single in 57.8% of the cases, and almost half (45.7%) had no occupation. Two-thirds of the accused (61.2%) had experienced emotional deprivation at a young age. The problematic use of psychoactive substances was found in 10.3%, as well as alcohol consumption in 46.6%. Moreover, 39.7% of the patients had a personal psychiatric history and 19% had been incarcerated at least once. The forensic acts were mostly against people (62.9%) dominated by physical aggression (33.6%) followed by homicide or its attempt in 19% of the cases.

The majority of patients were not related to their victims (62.1%). The nosographic diagnosis found was a personality disorder in 32.75% of cases, followed by schizophrenic disorders in 22.4% of cases.

Conclusions

Psychiatric expertise is a useful, complex and noble clinical act. Determining the predictive factors of a possible acting out allows to specify the objectives of interventions aiming at limiting the acts of violence, hospitalizations and incarcerations of patients suffering from mental disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A mixed-methods investigation into impact of motivation type on adherence and effect in iCBT for binge eating disorder
Authors: Holmberg T. T. , Sainte-Marie M. , Jensen E. K. , Runge E. , Linnet J. , Lichtenstein M. B. , Tarp K.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Motivation is an important factor in therapy and potentially even more so in an online setting. Earlier research shows that more autonomously motivated patients have better outcomes and completion rates than more controlled motivated patients´. However, little is known about how motivation type influences treatment effect in an online setting and in patients with binge eating disorder specifically.

Objectives

This study set out to investigate how motivation type as per the Self-Determination Theory would affect treatment adherence and effect in a sample of 148 patients, undergoing an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for BED.

Methods

The study was mixed-methods. A sample of 148 patients gave two written qualitative statements regarding their motivation for seeking treatment and reasons for choosing online therapy

The statements were transformed into quantitative units via the condensation method. The themes were categorized according to the model by Ryan and Deci based on level of autonomy and perceived locus of causality.

This was compared with completion rate and outcomes on eating disorder symptomatology. Completion was designated into three groups. Low adherers - less than six sessions (n=54), high adherers – between 7 and 10 sessions (n =56) and full adherers - 10 session plus follow up (n=37).

The effect of the treatment was measured via the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) and Binge Eating Disorder Questionnaire (BEDQ).

Results

Table 1

shows the distribution of patients’ motivational types regarding therapy aims

Controlled→AutonomousMotivational type:IntrojectionIntrojectionIdentificationIntegrationPatient motivation:ShameWeight lossPsychological
stressInsightIn allIn all25255048148Table 2

shows the distribution of patients´motivational types regarding online treatment

Controlled→AutonomousMotivational type:IntrojectionIntrojectionIdentificationIntegrationPatient motivation:ExternalAvoidanceConvenienceReflectionIn AllIn all31218115148Table 3

shows the results from morivational types in each setting on BEDQ and EDEQ scores. No significant correlation was found.

Therapy AimsBEDQ0.92EDEQ0.51Why Online TherapyBEDQ0.99EDEQ0.23

Conclusions

Perceived locus of causality and level of autonomy, did not affect level of adherence or outcome of treatment in either setting. This unexpected result may suggest that internet-based therapy is less dependent on motivation types, when comparing with face-to-face treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared