bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventions to promote social connection and their effect on depression: An umbrella review
Authors: De Risio L. , Pettorruso M. , D’Onofrio A. , Vicinelli M. C. , De Troia C. , Santorelli M. , Boffa M. , Politi P. , Martinotti G. , Zoratto F. , Borgi M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Social connection (SC) is a multi-dimensional concept capturing both the structural–quantitative (e.g., number of social relations, social contact frequency, network structure) and the functional–qualitative dimension (e.g., social support) of social relationships. Although empirical evidence of the association between SC measures and depression has increased significantly in recent years (De Risio et al, J Affect Disord 2024; 345 358–368), very little is known about the extent to which interventions that build SC are effective in improving depressive symptoms.

Objectives

This umbrella review of systematic reviews/meta-analyses aims to synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of SC interventions on depression. Our primary focus is on interventions directly acting upon the natural social network, while indirect interventions that aim to improve social skills, or those that provide professional (formal) or semi-professional support through health services, were excluded.

Methods

We provide a synthesis of the consistency and magnitude of the effectiveness of SC interventions on depression. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE and 16 reviews/meta-analyses were included. Information on the effectiveness of SC interventions on depression were compared among different populations. The quality/certainty of evidence was assessed using AMSTAR-2 and GRADE tools.

Results

Included interventions were categorized into the following domains: social support (interventions increasing both perceived and enacted social support from family, friends, and others); social engagement (interventions aimed at strengthening social networks and contrasting social isolation); social inclusion (interventions promoting social integration and access to social capital); social identification (interventions enhancing participants’ identification with a group). Overall, the evidence is rather mixed with some SC interventions resulting in little to no difference in depressive symptoms compared to usual care/other interventions. The most promising interventions appear to be those contrasting social disengagement and reducing social isolation in older individuals and in patients with depression, as well as social inclusion interventions for adolescents and young adults.

Conclusions

The broader implications of SC as a key determinant of depression call for a deep examination of the impact of interventions/preventive programs on the evolving psychopathology of depressive trajectories and inform on which targeted interventions are more effective, thus guiding public health policies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Endometriosis and depressive symptoms: The role of quality of life in endometriosis, chronic illness-related shame, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility
Authors: Galhardo A. , Simões B. , Pinto-Gouveia C. , Cunha M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Endometriosis is a gynaecological pathology characterized by endometrial tissue similar to stroma and endometrium in extra endometrial and myometrial sites. This condition affects women’s mental health and quality of life and can elicit shame feelings.

Objectives

To explore the role of quality of life in endometriosis, chronic illness-related shame, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility in depressive symptoms.

Methods

260 people diagnosed with endometriosis, aged 18 years or older, were recruited through patients’ associations. Participants completed an online sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the following self-report instruments: Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scales (DASS-21), Endometrioses Health Profile (EHP-5), Chronic Illness-Related Shame Scale (CISS), Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (EEAC-SC), and the Psy-Flex Scale.

Results

Regression analyses showed that years of education, endometriosis-related quality of life (pain, control, emotional well-being, social support, and self-image), chronic illness-related shame, and psychological flexibility were the significant predictors of depressive symptoms. On the other hand, endometriosis-related quality of life (work life, relationship with children, sexual life, relationship with healthcare professionals, treatment, and infertility) and self-compassion were not significantly associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The identification of chronic illness-related shame and quality of life related to endometriosis as relevant variables regarding the presence of symptoms of depression points to the relevance of early detection of these phenomena to prevent the development of depressive symptoms. Moreover, interventions targeting the development of psychological flexibility may contribute to the amelioration and prevention of depressive symptoms.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Complex antidepressant therapy with the inclusion of various neuroprotectors in inpatient gerontopsychiatric practice
Authors: Pochueva V. , Safarova T. , Yakovleva O.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Depressions are the most common mental disorders in elderly and senile patients. In these patients, there is a decrease in neurotrophic potential. Treatment of such patients with antidepressants alone does not always allow to achieve complete normalization of the secretion of neurotrophic factors and complete restoration of neurogenesis processes. In this regard, it is important to expand therapeutic opportunities to develop new therapeutic strategies for pharmacotherapy of late-age depression.

Objectives

Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of two types of complex antidepressant therapy with the inclusion of different neuroprotectors (actovegin or cerebrolysin) in the treatment of late-life depression in the therapeutic regimen.

Methods

The study included 2 groups of patients with mild and moderate depressive episode (DE), comparable in basic demographic and clinical parameters.

The 1st group included 21 people, including 7 men (33.3%) and 14 women (66.7%), median age were 69 years [66; 76]. In 10 patients (47.6%), DE was diagnosed as part of recurrent depressive disorder (DDR), in 9 patients (42.9%) - as part of bipolar affective disorder (BAR), and in 2 patients (9.5%) is a single DE. Group 2 included 20 patients, 5 of them men (25%) and 15 women (75%), median age were 64 years [62; 70]. In 11 patients (55%), DE was diagnosed as part of DDR, in 6 patients (30%) - as part of BAR, and in 3 patients (15%) – single DE.

The 1st group of patients received complex antidepressant therapy with the inclusion of actovegin for one month, the 2nd group - with the inclusion of cerebrolysin. The effectiveness of the therapy was assessed on the HAMD-17 and HARS scales.

Results

A comparative study demonstrated the effectiveness of both types of complex antidepressant therapy used.

A comparative assessment of the effectiveness of the therapeutic response in two groups of patients showed no statistically significant differences in the reduction of depressive disorders after 2 weeks of therapy. Only by the end of the therapeutic course there was a more pronounced reduction of depressive disorders in the 1st therapeutic group (73.6% vs 63.6% (p < 0.05)).

Reduction of anxiety disorders, assessed on the HARS scale, was noted both by the 14th and 28th day of therapy in both therapeutic groups. However, it turned out to be more pronounced in the 1st therapeutic group: by the 14th day of therapy, the reduction of anxiety in the 1st and 2nd groups of patients was 36.4% and 30.0%, respectively (p < 0.05), and by the end of therapy - 77.7% and 60.0%, respectively (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The augmentation of antidepressant therapy with drugs with multimodal activity, actovegin and cerebrolysin, should be considered as effective and it can be recommended for inclusion in the therapeutic regimen for the treatment of late-age depression in a psychiatric hospital.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The four abilities of emotional intelligence as predictors of health risk behaviour: what role do impulsivity and sensitivity to reward play in this relationship?
Authors: Sanchez-Lopez M. T. , Fernández-Berrocal P. , Gómez-Leal R. , Gutiérrez-Cobo M. J. , Cabello R. , Megías-Robles A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Risky sexual relationships, reckless driving or initiating drug use are examples of health-related risk behaviours that are often related to poor emotional abilities (emotional identification, emotional understanding, facilitating thought and emotional regulation). However, the mechanisms by which this relationship operates have been relatively little studied. It is well known that certain personality traits such as impulsivity and sensitivity to reward are strongly related to risk-taking behaviour.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to explore the role of these two traits in the relationship between each of the different abilities/ branches of emotional intelligence and health risk behaviour, as well as to identify the emotional ability that best predicts this relationship.

Methods

A community sample of 250 participants (Mage = 23.60; 72% women) was used to measure levels of emotional intelligence in each of its branches (through the performance-based ability test MSCEIT), and levels of health risk behaviour, impulsivity and sensitivity to reward.

Results

The results supported the existence of a negative relationship between the four emotional abilities and health risk-taking. Mediation analyses that included all four MSCEIT branches as predictors revealed an indirect effect of the “managing” branch on risk-taking, being the most important branch in predicting health-related risk-taking, due to its effects through impulsivity and sensitivity to reward.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a strong negative relationship exists between emotional management ability and health risk-taking, highlighting that the emotional components of impulsivity and levels of sensitivity to reward have been shown to be among the mediating factors underlying this relationship. Further experimental research is needed to confirm the role of emotional intelligence, and in particular emotional management, as a protective factor for risk-taking behaviour.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cariprazine as adjunctive treatment of catatonia in schizoaffective disorder: a case report.
Authors: Magalhaes D. , Fernandes L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cariprazine is one of the most recent innovations in neuropsychopharmacology, with evidence for its efficacy in affective and psychotic spectrum disorders.

Objectives

To present a case that highlights cariprazine’s potential use outside the regulatory approved indications.

Methods

Case report using CARE guidelines and a narrative review.

Results

We present the case of a 41-year-old male readmitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit due to three months of mutism and withdrawal. At admission, the patient did not communicate verbally or in writing, but he complied with simple orders, and his consciousness remained unimpaired. He scored 11 points on the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), indicating immobility, mutism, staring, withdrawal, ambitendency, and automatic obedience. We observed psychomotor retardation and indirect signs of a depressive mood, including the omega sign. His medical history included ongoing psychiatric treatment since the age of 30, with two prior admissions to an acute inpatient unit. At the time of admission, he was treated with olanzapine 20 mg/day, lorazepam 2 mg/day (recently downtitrated), venlafaxine 150 mg/day, and bupropion 150 mg/day. At the start of the current episode, the patient’s diagnosis was uncertain, with previous descriptions of psychotic, affective, and catatonic features. Due to suspicion of catatonia, we administered a high dose of lorazepam (8 mg/day), resulting in a partial response with a 4-point reduction in the BFCRS. We discontinued bupropion, increased venlafaxine to 225 mg, and switched from olanzapine to cariprazine using a taper, washout, and switch strategy. Psychotic symptoms briefly appeared when the patient was not taking a dopamine D2-receptor modulatory drug. We identified mild possible adverse drug reactions, including akathisia, transient insomnia, and daytime sleepiness. At a dose of 6 mg/day of cariprazine, we observed complete remission of catatonia (BFCRS=0) and significant improvement in affective and psychotic symptoms. The patient was discharged home with diagnoses of catatonia and schizoaffective disorder, prescribed 6mg/day of cariprazine, 225mg/day of venlafaxine, and 2,5mg/day of lorazepam. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient continues to exhibit clinical stability.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the safety and potential effectiveness of cariprazine in treating catatonia within the context of schizoaffective disorder. We consider that the partial agonist properties of cariprazine could theoretically reduce the risk of exacerbating catatonia, a risk typically associated with full D2-receptor antagonists. Other mechanisms of action, such as D3 partial agonism, may also contribute to the improvement or at least the non-aggravation of catatonic symptoms. Cariprazine’s mood-stabilizing properties make it a promising off-label choice for treating schizoaffective disorder, especially when catatonic features are present.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Protective effect of lithium pyruvate against oxidative damage to peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Smirnova L. , Epimakhova E. , Plotnikov E. , Losenkov I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in lithium therapy due to emerging evidence of the protective effects of lithium against neuronal death caused by a wide range of neurotoxic effects. Oxidative stress is a common pathway that is involved in various pathologies. In this regard, the development and study of new lithium compounds with combined antioxidant effects becomes relevant. Pyruvate has many potential benefits due to its positive effects on cellular metabolism.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to study lithium pyruvate on blood cells of healthy donors under conditions of induced oxidative stress.

Methods

The study used blood from 20 healthy control group volunteers, aged 25 to 54 years. Venous blood was taken at baseline and then used for PBMCs extraction. After that cells were incubated during 24 hours in RPMI 1640 medium at 37°С and 5% carbon dioxide concentration. For oxidative stress induction hydroperoxide of trisubstituted butyl (HTB) was used in concentration of 50 μM. Cells were also incubated with lithium pyruvate in final concentration of lithium ions of 1.2 mM with or without HTB. Level of oxidative stress in culture was assessed by flow cytometer «Muse Cell Analyzer» (Merck Millipore, Germany) using «Oxidative stress» reagents kit (Merck Millipore, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, release 20.0 for Windows.

Results

Percentage of cells with reactive oxygen species (ROS) cultivated with HTB (65,33 (41,95-79,30) %) was statistically significant higher compared to intact cells (11,03 (7,93-15,53) %) (p=0.001). After addition of lithium pyruvate in culture statistically significant antioxidant effects were observed. In PBMCs incubated with HTB and lithium pyruvate statistically significant decreased percentage of cells with ROS (42,70 (16,73-58,70) %) (p=0.001)

Conclusions

A pronounced antioxidant effect of lithium pyruvate under induced oxidative stress on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been established. Lithium pyruvate can be considered as a promising psychotropic antioxidant for further experiments.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Gender differences in the effect of rtms with the H7-coil on physical and social anhedonia in schizophrenia spectrum disorder; a randomized, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Matić K. , Šimunović Filipčić I. , Orgulan I. , Milovac Ž. , Bajić Ž. , Filipčić I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Studies of differences in the incidence and severity of physical and social anhedonia between women and men diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) are often inconsistent, and gender differences in treatment response have not been well studied. Hormonal factors, such as those related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, as well as social and cultural patterns and roles, may influence treatment response. The incidence of affective or stress-related psychiatric comorbidities may be gender-specific, which could also complicate the treatment of anhedonia and other negative symptoms of SSD. Finally, there is no evidence of sufficient quality on gender differences in the effects of rTMS, but the results are intriguing and point to the need for further research.

Objectives

To investigate gender differences in the effect of rTMS with the H7-coil on physical and social anhedonia in patients diagnosed with SSD with dominant negative symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, sham-controlled trial during 2000-2023 in the population of patients diagnosed with SSD with primary negative symptoms defined as PANSS negative symptoms subscale score > 24, and PANSS positive symptoms subscale score < 20. The intervention was HF rTMS H7 coil (Brainsway Ltd. Jerusalem, Israel) once daily for 20 days applied to the prefrontal cortex (mPFC and ACC) at 100% motor threshold with a frequency of 18 Hz, and total of 39600 pulses. The outcomes were Physical and Social Anhedonia Scales (PAS, and SAS). We controlled for the large number of relevant covariates.

Results

We randomized 49 men and 29 women of similar age. The effect on physical anhedonia was statistically significant in women (b = 9.04; p = 0.016), but not in men (b = 2.87; p = 0.272). The effect on social anhedonia was similar, but the difference was smaller (for men b = 3.71; p = 0.082; for women b = 5.42; p = 0.043). However, the Wald test showed no statistically significant differences between the beta coefficients for women and men.

Conclusions

Based on this study, it is not possible to make valid and reliable conclusions about the existence of gender differences in the effects of rTMS treatment of anhedonia with the H7 coil. However, it is possible to claim that the treatment of anhedonia with this protocol is effective in women.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Sociodemographic profile and prescribing pattern of antipsychotic medication in patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Palushaj A. , Kola V.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that changes the patient’s life by influencing how they think, behave, express emotions, percept reality and their interpersonal relationships.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic and therapeutic factors that act as risk and protective factors in the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods

This was an observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, treated at the “Xhavit Gjata” Psychiatric Hospital, Tirane, Albania, who were discharged between May 1-
October 30, 2022. The follow-up period was six months. Data on further hospitalizations during the follow-up were obtained from the Department of Statistics, QSUT, and confirmed by family members for hospitalizations in other psychiatric hospitals in the country. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential factors associated with emergency room stays, length of stay, and time until the next admission.

Results

A total of 158 patients were included in the study, 63 women and 95 men (p=0.03). The average age of the patients was 42.9 years, with women averaging 45.3 years and men 40.6 years (p=0.01). 43.7% of them had elementary education. The average age of disorder onset was 24.7 years. Haloperidol was the ambulatory therapy used in 54.3% of patients, while atypical antipsychotics were used in 75.1% of patients. The most commonly used atypical antipsychotic was Risperidone in 34.1% of patients, followed by Olanzapine in 17% of cases. Depo antipsychotics were used in 35.1% of patients. Clozapine was administered to 29.3% of patients, where 12.8% for the first time. 54.2% of patients starting Clozapine for the first time had three or more admissions. Clozapine was more frequently used in men, showing a significant difference from women (p=0.05). In 44.7% of cases, monotherapy was prescribed. The average hospital stay was 21.9 days, ranging from 2-68 days. Living with a family member, male gender, and being “married” helped reduce the length of hospital stay. In the 6-month follow-up period, 31.4% were re-hospitalized. Significant factors affecting the reduction of time spent outside the hospital until the next hospitalization were social problems, the number of previous hospitalizations, civil status “not married,” living arrangements, negative symptoms, and alcohol use (nearly significant). Protective factors included Clozapine, which reduced the prevalence of hospitalization by 57% compared to patients not taking it. Additionally, the use of Clozapine and Haloperidol increased the time spent outside the hospital.

Conclusions

Social and family support, positive compliance, and antipsychotic therapy such as Clozapine serve as protective factors for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Predictors of Adherence and Response to Exercise Interventions in Schizophrenia
Authors: Röll L.
Published: August 2024

Exercise can be considered a feasible and efficient add-on treatment in schizophrenia. However, there remain two major challenges with regard to feasibility and efficiency: First, drop-out rates during exercise programs appear to be relatively high, ranging between 30 to 80 percent. Second, only between 30 and 50 percent of patients clinically respond to exercise interventions. Hence, we aimed to identify factors that predict adherence and response to exercise programs in people with schizophrenia. Based on data from 180 patients with schizophrenia enrolled in the Enhancing Schizophrenia Prevention and Recovery through Innovative Treatments (ESPRIT) C3 study, we examined clinical baseline characteristics that may predict study completion and number of attended trainings (adherence), as well es clinically relevant improvements in symptomatology and functioning (response). We found that only levels of functioning at baseline, but not symptom severity, cognitive functioning, or physical health, predicted adherence. Further, we provide preliminary evidence suggesting that patients with higher cognitive abilities and higher education who performed regular exercise already prior to the study participation were more likely to respond. To conclude, our findings indicate that exercise is particularly helpful for a subgroup of patients characterized by higher levels of functioning, higher cognitive abilities and education, and more pronounced affinity to exercise. Future studies should additionally include environmental, genetic, and neural data to predict adherence and response to exercise.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
DNA methylation signatures support the role of neutrophils and monocytes in depression
Authors: Atil E. , Van Assche E. , Hohoff C. , Baune B. T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Research repeatedly linked inflammation with major depressive disorder (MDD). The presence of an inflammatory subtype of depression is supported by molecular findings as well as imaging reports. We investigated the cell type composition estimated by using epigenome-wide DNA methylation markers in a sample of depressed individuals showing high or low inflammation levels measured by hsCRP. We aimed to understand the connection between depression and inflammation, specifically differences in cell type compositions between high and low inflammation groups at baseline.

Objectives

119 individuals with MDD were included for this analysis. Following quality control procedures, 113 participants were included in the analysis (Mage= 47 years, 57.98% women). The sample consisted of 37 individuals with high hsCRP (hsCRP > 1.5, Mage=45, MhsCRP=8.2, MMADRS=28, 70% women) and 76 individuals with low hsCRP (hsCRP < 1.5, Mage= 44, MhsCRP=0.99, MMADRS=28, 49% women).

Methods

The Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC 850k BeadChip was used for analyzing whole blood derived DNA. Data processing and cell type estimation was conducted using the RnBeads package. We applied the Houseman method to estimate cell type composition through epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures, resulting in six cell types: neutrophils, natural killer cells, B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and monocytes. Comparisons between both groups were tested using ANOVA.

Results

High and low hsCRP groups were compared for each of the six cell types estimated. A statistically significant difference was seen for monocytes (p=0.0316) and a trend for neutrophils (p=0.0742). The mean values for neutrophils in patients without inflammation were found to be 60%, while in patients with inflammation, it was 63%. For monocytes, the mean values for patients without inflammation and those with inflammation were 10% and 9.4%, respectively, with a smaller range (4.5%-14.3%) for individuals with inflammation as compared to patients without inflammation (5.3%-20.7%). None of the other four cell types showed a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

We identified differences in the cell type composition between groups of depressed patients with high versus low inflammation. These results align with the existing body of knowledge reported in established academic literature. Our study emphasizes the role of specific cells like neutrophils and monocytes in inflammation and depression. These findings offer valuable insights for improving depression treatment strategies as inflammation state may be relevant for treatment response. We also show the merit of DNA methylation signatures for the profiling of patients’ inflammation status, i.e., immunomethylomics.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Clozapine and the Risk of Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yaich I. , Touiti A. , Ben Said C. , Bram N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Clozapine is the standard treatment for managing treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). However, concerns arise due to potential hematologic side effects, such as agranulocytosis, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the association between clozapine treatment and an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection in patients with TRS.

Methods

A retrospective study reviewed clinical records of forensic patients with TRS from 2020 to 2022 at Razi Hospital’s forensic psychiatry department in Tunisia. Twenty-five patients, including 18 on clozapine treatment, were included.

Results

All patients were male, with an average age of 39.7 years. Twenty-three patients received at least one vaccine dose. Twenty-two patients contracted COVID-19. Among those treated with clozapine, two required intensive care unit admission and oxygen therapy without intubation. Clozapine treatment remained uninterrupted, with no dose escalation during infection episodes. Lymphopenia was the most commonly reported hematologic abnormality.

Conclusions

While there may be an association between clozapine use and an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, no clear correlation with infection severity and antipsychotic treatment was established in this study. Further research is needed to explore this potential association comprehensively.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The causes of negative countertransference in its cultural aspect among psychiatric residents in Tunisia
Authors: Mezri D. , Walha S. , Hamzaoui S. , Mahfoudh K. , Ouertani A. , Ouali U. , Aissa A. , Jomli R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Negative countertransference in psychiatry refers to the therapist’s unfavorable emotional reactions to the patient, such as anger and frustration, which can hinder the therapeutic relationship and the client’s progress. This is why it is imperative to study the causes of this negative counter-transference, such as cultural causes, to ensure effective treatment, appropriate care and better comfort for psychiatry residents during their professional practice.

Objectives

To study the cultural causes of negative countertransference among psychiatric residents in Tunisia and their coping behavior.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among Tunisian residents working in psychiatric departments, using a questionnaire deployed via Google Forms.

Results

The study involved 26 residents with 23 females. The average age was 27.57 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 32. The participants were family doctors practicing in psychiatric wards (26.9%), first year psychiatry residents (15.4%), second year psychiatry residents (23.1%), third year psychiatry residents (19.2%), fourth year psychiatry residents (11.5%) and child psychiatry residents (3.8%). The majority of residents admitted having had a negative transference towards a patient (88.5%). The level of frustration felt by residents during this counter-transference on a scale of 100 varied from 1 to 100 with an average of 61.9. Substance abuse was the primary cause in 52.17% of cases. The second cause was the patient’s ideology, with a percentage equal to 43.47%. The same percentage of 17.39% was for traditions, socio-economic level and membership of a particular political group. In 82.6% of cases, residents tried to analyze this counter-transference and 65.2% of them managed to deal with their frustration. The feeling of guilt was experienced by 56.52% of practitioners and the same number of residents tried to avoid the patient. Among the participants, 43.47% discussed this difficulty with their supervising physician and only 4 residents asked to change patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study identified the cultural causes of negative countertransference in Tunisian psychiatry residents, including substance abuse, ideology, traditions, socio-economic level and politics. Understanding these causes is essential to resident training but also to the delivery of quality care in psychiatry. By integrating this knowledge into training, we can help residents recognize and manage negative countertransference, in order to improve the quality of care they provide to their patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychological and Pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the inpatient units. A General Review.
Authors: Owusu E. , Shalaby R. , Nnamdi N. , Mobolaji L. A. , Agyapong V. I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, around 2 billion people worldwide are estimated to drink. Alcohol intake results in 25% of the 3.8% of worldwide fatalities and 4.6% of global disability-adjusted life years that may be attributed to alcohol

Objectives

This review seeks to synthesize data on psychological and pharmacological treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) available in the inpatient setting.

Methods

A comprehensive and narrative review of studies and research on psychological and pharmacological interventions for patients with alcohol use disorders in inpatient treatment units was performed. Data was extracted from electronic bibliographic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, HealthSTAR, and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost. This review included both qualitative and quantitative studies

Results

Overall, after an initial title, abstract screening, and subsequent full-text screening, seven out of 1245 extracted studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. This review suggests that a combination of pharmacological interventions such as naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosate and brief psychological interventions were effective in treating AUD.

Conclusions

This review suggests that pharmacological and psychological approaches, when used together, are efficacious in treating AUD. There is a need to adopt both pharmacological and psychological interventions in the treatment of AUD.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
How digital technology can contribute to timely and effective recognition and response to opioid overdose events
Authors: Baldacchino A. M.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To discuss novel approaches in the development early detection, response and interventions of drug overdoses.

Rationale

There is an urgent need to research and develop novel strategies to rapidly and accurately detect, respond, and treat them with the ultimate goal of reducing drug deaths secondary to fatal drug overdose incidents. This should be additional to supporting communities and networks able to intervene utilizing novel public health approaches.

Methods

We will describe technologies and associated systems that are able to accelerate detection and result in a timely response to potential overdose with effective and timely intervention to these occurrences using digital technologies and therapeutics. This will be contextualised around novel public health approaches.

Results

We will describe 11 protypes as part of a £5 million UK inititiative. The themes will include:

–

Use of discrete digital technology for easy use by people who use drugs in clinical and non-clinical settings

–

Simple alert / responder pathways that created effective responses to potentially fatal overdose events

–

Enhance innovative therapeutics as antidotes to overdose episodes

–

Novel public health approaches

Conclusion

The use of remote monitoring devices like wearables and smartphone applications, paired with artificial intelligence and innovative therapeutics is an emerging field of research. This needs to be balanced around novel public health approaches.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Conduct problems, hyperactivity, and screen time among community youth: Can mindfulness help?
Authors: Kim S. , Munten S. , Kolla N. J. , Konkoly-Thege B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

While technology continues to evolve and the prevalence of screen-based activities is rising, limited studies have investigated the effect of various types of screen time on youth behavioural problems. Further, the influence of mindfulness intervention programs on behavioural problems beyond hyperactivity is largely understudied.

Objectives

This study aims to address a research gap by examining the associations between four types of screen time and hyperactivity and conduct problems among community youth during the pandemic. The current study also aimed to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing hyperactivity and conduct problems.

Methods

Community youth aged 12-25 from Ontario, Canada, were recruited between April 2021 and April 2022 (n=117, mean age=16.82, male=22%, non-White=21%). The Mindfulness Ambassador Program, a structured, 12-week, evidence-based intervention program, was offered live, online and led by two MAP-certified facilitators. We conducted linear regression analyses using pre-intervention data to examine the unique association between the four types of screen time and behavioural problems (hyperactivity and conduct problems). The efficacy of the MAP on adolescent hyperactivity and conduct problems was examined considering the three survey time points (pre-, post-, and follow-up) using a series of linear regression models utilizing the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) Maximum Likelihood (ML), unstructured model.

Results

The average score for conduct problems was classified within the normal range, while the average score for hyperactivity was considered borderline at baseline. More than 5 hours of playing video games were significantly associated with increased conduct problems [β= -1.75, 95% CI=-0.20 – 3.30, p=0.03]. Accounting for age, sex, baseline mental health status, and screen time, the mindfulness intervention program significantly contributed to decreased hyperactivity at post-intervention compared to the baseline [β=-0.49, 95% CI=-0.91 to -0.08, p=0.02]. It was maintained at follow-up [β=-0.64, 95% CI=-1.26 to -0.03, p=0.04].

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an adverse impact of excessive video gaming on behavioural problems among community youth and confirm that the trend remains the same. Considering the simplicity, brevity, non-invasive nature and other mental health benefits of the mindfulness intervention, we argue that the results are promising and worthy of further study and larger-scale implementation. Clinicians, parents, and educators should work collaboratively to provide developmentally appropriate strategies to moderate screen time spent on video games among youth.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of antibodies in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Smirnova L. , Kazantseva D. , Kornetova E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The development of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia is associated with changes in the level of activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is likely that catalytically active antibodies (abzymes) can take on these functions. Abzymes are antibodies with enzymatic activity. Catalase and SOD activity of abzymes was previously detected in patients with schizophrenia. But NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity has not been studied. The present work discusses the protective role of abzymes against reactive oxygen species within the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of IgG in patients with paranoid schizophrenia in the exacerbation phase and in the remission phase.

Methods

A total of 124 patients were examined during the work. Of them, 82 patients with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0) had a mean age of 33.6±5.12 years (52 males, 30 females), disease duration averaged 8.9± 4.62 years. Patients with schizophrenia included 42 patients with acute schizophrenia and 40 patients with schizophrenia in therapeutic remission. The control group included 42 sex- and age-matched patients. IgG was purified by affinity chromatography on columns with proteinsepharose on an AKTA purifier chromatograph (GE). The homogeneity of isolated IgG preparations was checked by Lemilly electrophoresis in a gradient of 4-18% PAAG. Gel filtration under pH-shock conditions was performed on a Superdex-200 HR 10/30 column. NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of IgG was determined on a SPECORD M-40 spectrophotometer (Carl Zeiss) at 340 nm by NADPH oxidation in the conjugated glutathione reductase reaction of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide reduction. Statistical processing of data was performed in Statistica 12.0 program.

Results

It was proved that IgG from patients with schizophrenia had NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity, and this activity is an intrinsic property of the investigated antibodies. The NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity in IgG patients in the exacerbation stage was increased 3-fold (p=0.0001) compared to the studied activity in the group of healthy individuals, and it was increased 2-fold (p=0.017) in the group of patients in therapeutic remission compared to the activity in healthy individuals. Also NADPH-dependent IgG peroxidase activity in patients in remission was 1.7 times lower than in patients during the exacerbation period (p=0.012).

Conclusions

It was established for the first time that abzymes from patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals have NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity and can decompose lipo and hydroperoxides. We hypothesize that these abzymes help cope with generalized oxidative stress. Under the influence of neuroleptic therapy in patients in remission, the level of oxidative stress and NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of abzymes decrease.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Medication choice and psychosis Hospital readmissions: A two-year comparative study
Authors: Martin-Santiago O. , Calvo-Valcarcel M. , Martinez.Gimeno P. , Alario-Ruiz C. , Arribas-Simon B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hospital readmissions in psychosis are a critical concern, with medication choice playing a vital role. Oral antipsychotics, though common, rely on patient adherence and can lead to relapses if not followed. Long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotics (LAIAs) provide an alternative, ensuring consistent medication release and reducing relapse risk due to missed doses. Studies indicate that LAIAs result in fewer readmissions due to improved adherence. Tailoring treatment to individual needs is essential. Medication choice significantly influences hospital readmission prevention in psychosis. LAIAs, which could offer greater adherence to treatment and symptom control, present a promising option. Individualized treatment decisions are a priority for long-term recovery.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the hospital readmission rates within two years post-discharge among two groups of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders who received either oral antipsychotic treatment or LAIAs.

Methods

We collected sociodemographic and hospitalization data from 155 patients, 90 receiving oral antipsychotics and 65 receiving LAIAs, following their discharge from a psychiatric unit.

Results

There were 90 patients in the oral treatment group, and 65 in the LAIA group, with 67.6% receiving paliperidone and 26.1% receiving aripiprazole. There were no significant differences in age or gender between the two groups. However, patients in the LAIA group had longer stays in the hospital (M=14.7; SD=10.2 vs M=11.1; SD=6.4; t(153)=2.67; p<.01) and a higher number of prior admissions (M=3.2; SD=3.7 vs M=1.3; SD=3.5; t(153)=2.41; p<.01) compared to the oral antipsychotic group. Additionally, a higher percentage of patients in the LAIA group were diagnosed with schizophrenia (60%) compared to the oral antipsychotic group (24%) (X2(1, N = 155)= 20.4, p<.01). After two years, readmission rates were 66.6% for the oral antipsychotic group and 61.5% for the LAIA group (X2(1, N = 155)= 8.5, p > .05). However, the time to readmission was shorter for patients on oral antipsychotics (M=172.4; SD=162.0) compared to those on LAIAs (M=326.2; SD=211.4; t(153)=3.05; p<.01). Notably, 86.6% of patients on oral antipsychotics were readmitted within the first year, while only 52% of those on LAIAs experienced readmission during the same period (X2(1, N = 155)= 8.5, p = .001).

Conclusions

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) appear to reduce hospital readmissions, with a more pronounced effect in the first few months post-discharge. However, after two years, the readmission rates between LAIAs and oral antipsychotics become comparable. This data suggests that while LAIAs may reduce early readmissions, their long-term effectiveness is on par with oral antipsychotics.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Sleep disorders and addiction A study of 100 patients
Authors: Bensalah Y. , Sabir M. , Elomari F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of sleep-related complaints in subjects with an addiction to psychoactive substances (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, cocaine)

Sleep disorders negatively influence the quality of life of subjects suffering from addiction and increase the risk of relapse

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with problematic use of psychoactive substances as well as associated factors

Methods

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out among 100 patients followed at Ar-Razi hospital Salé in Morocco for problematic use of psychoactive substances from June 1 to August 30, 2023

A questionnaire was used assessing the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of our population

Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Scale (PSQI)

Results

There were 100 patients, with ages ranging from 18 to 56 years old and the majority of whom were males.

History of somatic pathology was reported in 36% of patients

The majority of patients had an associated anxiety disorder (60%)

The most consumed psychoactive substances were tobacco (95%), followed by cannabis, benzodiazepines and alcohol.

75% of patients reported poor sleep quality

There was a statistically significant difference between the risk of relapse and the reduction in sleep quality

Conclusions

The prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with disorders linked to psychoactive substance use is high, hence the importance of early detection in order to improve treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Enhancing Quality of Life in the Elderly: The Impact of Psychosomatic Exercises on Healthy Aging
Authors: Argyropoulos K. , Sfakianaki R. , Argyropoulou A. , Avramidis D. , Gourzis P. , Jelastopulu E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Older individuals constitute a significant portion of the population, and concerted efforts are underway to enhance the quality of this life stage by minimizing health issues and maximizing opportunities.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of psychosomatic exercises, including practices like yoga, meditation, and tai chi, as an alternative approach to promoting healthy aging and ultimately enhancing the quality of life among elderly individuals.

Methods

The study comprised 84 participants, with 51 individuals engaging in various forms of psychosomatic exercises and 33 serving as the control group, having no prior exposure to such practices. Data collection was carried out electronically, with the initial section gathering socio-demographic information and health-related details about the participants. The second part consisted of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life scale, consisting of 26 questions, which assessed six domains: Overall Quality of Life and General Health, Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships, and Environment. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26.

Results

The average age of the participants was 66.7 years. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified within the first subscale of the tool, “Overall Quality of Life and General Health,” with scores of 74.3/100 for those engaging in psychosomatic exercises and 66.7/100 for those who did not (t(82) = -2.513, p = 0.014). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the remaining subscales.

Conclusions

Psychosomatic exercises, including yoga, meditation, and tai chi, hold promise as a means to improve the overall quality of life and general health of elderly individuals. These practices could serve as valuable components of strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging. Further research is needed to explore their effects in greater detail and across various dimensions of well-being.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared