bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors for Burnout Among Healthcare Workers in a Post -Covid Era
Authors: Lim L. , Heng G. , Loh L. , Chan Y. H. , Eng L. , Chan C. , Fam J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

We aimed to study predictive factors for burnout (BO) among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Objectives

We hypothesized that burnout would be assoiciated with singles, females, and foreign born staff recently moved into this country, unaccompanied by family members.

We further hypothesised that BO would be associated with those scoring less on resilience. Recognising that social support mitigated against stress and burnout, we hypothesized that those who perceived less support would be more prone to BO.

Methods

The study questionnaire was sent via corporate email to all staff with email access. We stressed that data would be fully anonymised. No financial rewards were given for participation which was carried out on a voluntary basis.

The following instruments were used, viz. F-SozU K-6, a brief form of the perceived social support questionnaire; Connor Davidson Resilience Scale; Oldenburg Burnout Inventory; Patient Health Questionnaire-4 item; Demand Control Support Questionnaire and Leisure Time Satisfaction Scale. Ethics approval for the study was sought from the SingHealth Centralised Institutional Review Board, which granted exemption of participant consent.

Analyses were performed using Stata version 17.0 (StataCorp. 2021), with statistical significance set as 2-sided 5% (p<0.05). The reliability and internal consistency of the scales used were assessed using Cronbach Alphas and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

Results

Neither males nor females were more at risk for BO. And contrary to what we hypothesised those who recently moved to this nation were not at greater risk for BO (p>0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that younger workers displayed higher burnout scores (p < 0.001).The psychological demand sub-score was positively associated with burnout [ 0.61 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.77), p < 0.001)]. Conversely, decision latitude [-0.33 (95% CI -0.44 to -0.21), p < 0.001)] and support [-0.47 (95% CI -0.60 to -0.35), p < 0.001] were negatively associated with BO.

Those who experienced anxiety or depressive symptoms were respectively more likely to experience burnout [0.30 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.58), p = 0.035 and 0.72 (95% CI 0.41 to 1.02), p < 0.001], with a clear association between higher PHQ-4 scores and risk for burnout (r = 0.619).

Moreover, satisfaction with utilisation of leisure time was inversely related to BO [-0.55 (95% CI -0.68 to –0.41; p < 0.001)]. We could not find any association between number of years worked, profession, marital status and perceived social support and BO, on multivariate anbalysis (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Strress reduction interventions should be made available for all staff, especially addressing those at highest risk for burnout.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Influencing factors of presenteeism among Portuguese workers in a private social solidarity institution in the aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Laranjeira C. , Maurício A. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In ordinary circumstances, the employed individuals demonstrate significant levels of psychological distress and presenteeism, a situation that has been further intensified by the COVID-19 epidemic. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have examined the phenomenon of presenteeism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore necessitating the undertaking of the present study.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to investigate the levels of presenteeism and its related characteristics, as well as job satisfaction and psychological distress, among a sample of employees employed at a Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS) in Portugal.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 2022 to observe personnel from an IPSS located in the central area of Portugal. The research had a sample size of 71 workers who were provided with a signed authorization. The survey was designed to gather both general and professional information from participants. Additionally, it included the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6), the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (S20/23), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) as measurement tools.

Results

The occurrence of presenteeism was seen in 32 employees, accounting for 45.1% of the sample, whereas illness absence was reported by 38 workers, representing 54.3% of the sample. The majority of the individual assessments for S20/23 demonstrated a higher degree of satisfaction (mean ≥ 4.5 points.), with the exception of the salary-related issue, which elicited a higher level of discontent (mean = 3.36 ± 1.9 pts.). Approximately 50.7% of the individuals had a high or very high susceptibility to experiencing or developing a mental condition. The correlation matrix revealed a statistically significant moderate positive association between presenteeism and work satisfaction, as well as a statistically significant moderate negative link between presenteeism and psychological distress (p<0.01). The associated factors of presenteeism were found to be marital status, quality of sleep, illness absenteeism, health perception, and psychological distress. The combined effect of these predictors was shown to account for 35.8% of the variance in presenteeism.

Conclusions

It is expected that the outcomes of our research will stimulate more investigations into the tangible implications of presenteeism in promoting improved health and well-being within the workplace.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Deaths of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder due to SARS Cov-2 in Avilés, Spain
Authors: Reyes Cortina M. A. , Pérez Gómez L. , Iglesias Fernández L. , Fernandez García R. , Martínez Jambrina J. J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychotic patients are a vulnerable population from a social and health point of view. The SARS Cov-2 pandemic affected millions of people around the world, however, its effects on psychotic patients in Avilés Spain, have not been analized.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine and compare the mortality of patients with psychosis due to SARS Cov-2 in Avilés, Spain with others regions and countries in the European Union. Determine the influence of social condition and antipsychotic treatment on the condition of these patients.

Methods

This is a descriptive, observational study, in which patients diagnosed with psychosis in the period 2020-2021 who contracted SARS Cov-2 infection in Avilés, Spain, were studied to determine those who died from this cause. The influence of social status and antipsychotic medication, as well as sociodemographic factors (age, sex, marital status) were analyzed and compared with other regions and countries of the European Union.

Results

Despite the high mortality rate in patients with psychosis, during the years of the pandemic SARS Cov-2 played an important role given the vulnerability of these patients.

Conclusions

The negative effects and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic were at the time a major problem for public health worldwide. This study concluded that the morbidity and mortality of psychotic patients who contracted COVID-19 was lower than the rest of the population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychiatric disorders in patients after hospitalization for COVID-19: Frequency, coping behaviours and associated factors
Authors: Sghaier N. , Ben Garouia H. , Khiari H. , Belaguide W. , Mannai J. , Bellali H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented major health crisis. Current data suggest that psychiatric sequelae may persist for a long time in survivors after infection.

Objectives

The objectives of our study were to determine the frequency of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder in patients after hospitalization for COVID-19 infection, and to investigate factors associated with their occurrence as well as to identify coping behaviors in these patients.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Ibn Jazzar Kairouan Hospital between September and December 2021 among patients who consulted three months after their hospitalizations for COVID-19 infection. The assessment of the different psychiatric disorders was performed using the validated Arabic versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Coping behaviors were studied using the Brief-COPE scale.

Results

Our work included 104 patients. The median age was 55.5 years [IQR:47-64]. The gender ratio M/F was 1.12. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were found in 26.9% and 25% of cases, respectively. The frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder was 22.1% and that of sleep disorders was 41.3%. Problem-solving strategies were the most widely adopted, followed by emotion-focused strategies. Younger age, female gender, persistence of a physical symptom, impairment of daily activity, and stigma were factors independently associated with psychological distress. No association was found between the intensive care unit stay and psychiatric disorders. Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping were negatively correlated with the different psychological outcomes studied.

Conclusions

Psychological distress in COVID-19 survivors persists beyond the acute phase and results from an intricacy of several factors. This highlights the importance of regular psychiatric follow-up after hospitalization in order to identify and treat, as early as possible, psychiatric disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impact of COVID-19 on community mental health care referrals
Authors: Gomes T. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

As the global community grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, its reverberations extend beyond the realm of physical health, significantly impacting mental health care systems. This article delves into the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on community mental health care referrals, scrutinizing the challenges, adaptations, and potential innovations that have emerged in the wake of this unprecedented crisis. By examining the nuanced interplay between the pandemic and mental health care access, we seek to shed light on crucial considerations for the future of community mental health services in a post-pandemic landscape.

Objectives

To understand impact of Covid 19 pandemic on number of referrals received by a specific community mental health service.

Methods

We analysed number of referrals to a specific community mental health services since July 2019 until July 2022.

Results

During the period assessed we noticed a significant decrease to number of new referrals to a specific community mental health service with onset of covid 19 pandemic. We also noticed a progressive increase to the number of referrals in the first six months of July 2022.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on attendance to healthcare appointments, leading to decreased attendance, shift to telemedicine, delays in care, increased no-shows, and rescheduling of appointments. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of being prepared for and able to adapt to changes in the healthcare landscape.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The connection between professional burnout of medical workers and the specific working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia
Authors: Deshchenko E. V. , Koniukhovskaia J. E. , Stepanova O. B. , Shishkova I. M. , Pervichko E. I. , Mitina O. V. , Dorokhov E. A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly become a stressful event for medical workers, so the aim of this research was to study the pandemic-specific working conditions that may be associated with the professional burnout of medical workers in Russia.

Objectives

To study the pandemic-specific working conditions that may be associated with the professional burnout of medical workers in Russia.

Methods

The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure the level of professional burnout. It was filled out by medical workers from January 2021 to November 2022.

The sample consisted of 314 medical workers (57 men and 255 women), whose average age was 36.97±11.93. According to the level of education, the sample included specialists with secondary general education (4.14%), with secondary special education (19.4%), with incomplete higher education (11.46%), with higher education (59.87%) and PhD (5.1%). 35 people (11%) of the surveyed medical workers worked in the red zone.

Results

Working in the red zone is significantly associated with Emotional Exhaustion (p=0.002) and Depersonalization (p=0.002), but not with a Reduction in Professionalism.

The working conditions of medical workers who were significantly associated simultaneously with Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and Reduction of professionalism (respectively): (1) Lack of confidence in support from the health system and the state in case of illness (r=0.170, p=0.002; r=0.202, p=0.000; r=-0.171, 0. 002); (2) Inability to meet the usual personal needs (daily routine, nutrition, communication with loved ones) as employment increases at work (r=0.200, p=0.000; r=0.154, p=0.006; r=-0.186, 0. 001); (3) Lack of confidence in their own professional competence in the fight against COVID-19 due to lack of knowledge about COVID-19 (r=0.202, p=0.000; r=0.148, p=0.009; r=-0.211, 0. 000); (4) Lack of confidence in their own effectiveness in the fight against COVID-19 due to the increase in the volume of work and the expansion of the scope of professional responsibilities (r=0.234, p=0.000; r=0.152, p=0.007; r=-0.177, 0. 002); (5) Lack of access to up-to-date information about COVID-19 (r=0.190, p=0.001; r=0.158, p=0.005; r=-0.140, 0. 013).

The Emotional Exhaustion scale is also associated with the fear of getting infected and getting sick with COVID-19 (r=0.125; p=0.026), as well as the lack of quick access to testing when COVID-19 symptoms appear (r=0.169; p=0.003).

Conclusions

Thus, not only work in the red zone, but also many specific working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic can become a provocateur factor for the deterioration of the emotional state of medical workers.

Disclosure: Research is supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 21-18-00624.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The connection between personal factors and burnout among medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Deshchenko E. V. , Koniukhovskaia J. E. , Stepanova O. B. , Shishkova I. M. , Pervichko E. I. , Mitina O. V. , Semenova E. R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Work in the severe conditions of the pandemic has become a risk factor for the deterioration of the medical workers’ psychological state, which together can lead to professional burnout and, as a consequence, to professional mistakes (Pervichko, Konyukhovskaya, 2020).

Objectives

The aim of the research was to study the connection between personal factors of medical workers and professional burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The degree of professional burnout was assessed using Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) (Maslach, 2000; Vodopianova, Starchenkova, 2008), HEXACO Personality Inventory (short version) was used to study personality traits (Ashton, Lee, 2007; Egorova, et al., 2019).

The study was conducted from May 2020 to October 2022. The sample consisted of 197 medical workers (32 men and 165 women), whose average age was 38.85±12.05.

Results

Honesty as a personality trait is negatively significantly associated with emotional exhaustion (r=-0.268, p=0.000), depersonalization (r=-0.323, p=0.000) and positively associated with a smaller reduction in professionalism (r=0.290, p=0.000). Emotionality in medical workers is positively significantly associated with emotional exhaustion (r=0.358, p=0.000) and depersonalization (r=0.243, p=0.001) and with a greater reduction in professionalism (r=-0.380, p=0.000). Extroversion is negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (r=-0.478, p=0.000) and depersonalization (r=-0.376, p=0.000) and positively associated with a smaller reduction in professional achievements (r=0.566, p=0.000). Benevolence and conscientiousness reveal negative associations with depersonalization (r=-0.248, p=0.001; r=-0.180, p=0.012) and positive associations with a smaller reduction in professionalism (r=0.190, p=0.008; r=0.301, p=0.000).

Conclusions

Thus, the state of emotional exhaustion during burnout is associated with greater emotionality, less honesty and extroversion. Whereas depersonalization and a greater negative assessment of one’s own professional competence and productivity is associated with less honesty, more emotionality, less extroversion, benevolence and consciousness.

Disclosure: Research is supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 21-18-00624.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Psychiatric Hospitalizations in a Portuguese Department: A Retrospective Observacional Study
Authors: Freitas J. R. , Desport C. P. , Martins D. O. , Santos M. , Fonseca C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on March 11th 2020. Since then, the containment measures were leading to increasing mental health problems in the general population and worsening of some pre‑existing psychiatric conditions. To our knowledge, there are few studies characterizing the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on psychiatric hospitalizations across the world.

Objectives

We aimed to compare the number and characteristics of the hospitalizations in the mental health department of a Portuguese psychiatric hospital from March 2nd 2019 to October 31st 2019 with those that occurred in the same period in 2020.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study including all patients admitted to hospital during these periods (n=805). Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics and information about the context of hospitalization were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using t Student Test, Mann‑Whitney and Chi‑square.

Results

In the pandemic period there was a marked reduction in the number of psychiatric hospitalizations. There was a statistically significant difference in the median length of stay and in the percentage of involuntary hospitalizations between the two periods. In 2019, the most frequent International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) diagnostic categories were F30‑F39 (mood disorders) and in 2020 were F20‑F29 (schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders).

Conclusions

The reorganization of services and the decrease in admissions through the emergency department may explain these results.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Variations in self-regulation of behaviour among different groups of the Russian population during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rozhdestvenskiy V. I. , Titova V. V. , Gorkovaya I. A. , Ivanov D. O. , Aleksandrovich Y. S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

During a pandemic, the population is required to adapt effectively to drastically altered environmental conditions to avoid the development of psychiatric disorders or other maladaptive responses. This adaptation is closely linked to an individual’s ability to regulate their behaviour effectively and to develop traits such as pliability and autonomy.

Objectives

The research aims to investigate individual self-regulation among students studying humanities disciplines and individuals living with HIV during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia.

Methods

Data collection took place from January to July 2021 using a custom-designed Google form. The study involved 35 university students in Russia specializing in humanities and 59 individuals living with HIV. To assess the development of individual self-regulation and determine its specific profile, we utilized the “Behavioural Self-Regulation Style” questionnaire developed by V.I. Morosanova.

Results

We found that 43% of students have an average level of self-regulation, 37% - high and 20% - low. Among people living with HIV the distribution is similar: 53 % have an average level of self-regulation, 37 % - high and 10 % - low. The analysis of average results of the scales did not reveal statistically significant differences among the groups of respondents. The average profiles have no pronounced peaks and look as follows: planning (M = 5.77±2.16 - students, M = 6.24±1.90 - patients, p > 0.05), modelling (M = 5.26±1.80 vs M = 5.69±1.90, p > 0.05), programming (M = 6.00±1.50 vs M = 5.93±1.66, p > 0.05), performance evaluation (M = 6.26±1.42 vs M = 5.78±1.60, p > 0.05), pliability (M = 6.17±1.87 vs M = 6.58±1.90, p > 0.05) and autonomy (M = 5.00±2.33 vs M = 5.56±2.08, p > 0.05) were almost at the same level in both the student and patient groups.

Conclusions

During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, there were no significant distinctions observed in the self-regulation behaviour styles between students and individuals living with HIV. The majority of participants from these chosen groups demonstrated a similar average level of effectiveness in self-regulating their behaviour, as well as comparable degrees of pliability and autonomy development.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination on somatic and psychiatric symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a cohort study
Authors: Touiti A. , Yaich I. , Ben Said C. , Bram N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Patients with mental illness, particularly those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, are at increased risk of severe COVID-19. The protective effect of vaccination against severe disease has been demonstrated, and vaccination of vulnerable individuals was a priority during the vaccination campaign. However, the effect of vaccination on the psychiatric symptoms of the disease is not well understood.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on psychiatric symptoms and somatic symptoms in patients hospitalized for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Methods

Thirty patients hospitalized for treatment-resistant schizophrenia with a history of medico-legal acts were admitted to the forensic psychiatry department at Razi Hospital in Manouba, Tunisia. The consent of patients and/or their relatives was obtained before vaccination, and potential side effects were explained to patients and their families. A neuropsychiatric assessment and clinical examination of patients were performed by their referring psychiatrist before vaccination and one month after.

Results

The patients were all male, with a mean age of 42.3 years.No patient had an allergic reaction to the vaccine. No patient was infected with the virus one month after vaccination. On the clinical level, 30% of patients had general symptoms such as fatigue and myalgia, which improved spontaneously within a few days. On the psychiatric level, exacerbation of positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions was found in 26% of patients. No increase in the frequency of agitation episodes or risk of hetero-aggressive behavior was reported. Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep and fragmented sleep were reported. The most common functional complaints reported by patients were palpitations, which were a source of somatic concern.

Conclusions

Several side effects of the vaccine have been documented and are taken into account in the daily practice of practitioners, but psychiatric effects are poorly reported and are sometimes attributed to the underlying disease. A complete examination, objective assessment, and regular follow-up are necessary to identify symptoms early and prevent relapses.Because of the small size of the sample;results could not be generelized.Further studies on a larger scale should be conducted.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Grief in modern multicultural Europe – a way out of “disenfranchisement”
Authors: Correia De Sá Z. , Castro Sousa B. , Ramos J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The recent addition to both ICD-11 and DSM-V of “Prolonged Grief Disorder” “PGD” raises questions regarding the complexity of the clinical manifestations and the nuances of “normal/abnormal” grief. The lack of consensus in diagnosing emphasizes grief as a non-homogeneous process highly dependent on cultural nuances and the proportion of losses.

Objectives

Provide an open discourse on (PGD) emphasizing its multicultural aspects in the diagnosis, and debate whether it reinforces mental health stigma by “pathologizing” grief in today’s multicultural society.

Methods

Non-systematic review of literature using key words “Grief”, “Prolonged Grief Disorder”, “Multicultural aspects of Grief”, “Major Depressive Disorder” and “Disenfranchised Grief”, on the platforms PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, “European Commission”, “International Migration Outlook 2022” and “Pordata”.

Results

Literature has not clearly provided a universal definition of grief, grief processes or the threshold of abnormality. Grief lasting longer than expected is often equated to Major Depressive Episodes, given symptomatic similarities. Migration, war and the pandemic have played a significant role in how people currently grieve. Evidence showed that in 2021 alone there was a 22% increase in the permanent immigrant population. Moreover, the top five nationalities applying for first time asylum in the EU (2022) were: Syrian, Afghan, Venezuelan, Turkish, Columbian, and as of September 2022, 5 million Ukrainian refugees were registered. These figures are not neglectable and show the multiculturality of todays EU population. However, the development of transcultural psychometric tools accessing grief has not been uniform, lacking consistency in validating various transcultural factors. On the other hand, actively diagnosing “Prolonged Grief Disorder” has shown helpful to clinicians in recognizing the debilitating effects of some pernicious grief responses and quickly providing the necessary help.

Conclusions

Diagnosing “PGD” might lead to “psychiatrization” and “medicalization” of normative emotional processes, given different cultural backgrounds, especially due to the absence of universally applicable tools validating transcultural factors. Consequently, an inadequate consideration of context leaves patients feeling invalidated, non-supported and disenfranchised. A culturally sensitive approach is crucial, focusing on individual differences for effective grief intervention and support.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The peak of the ‘Blue Monday’ depression and winter blues.
Authors: Botica A. , Baković M. , Strikić M. , Delić A. , Glavina T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

For many people, January is the most depressing month of the year. “Blue Monday” encompasses the generally accepted belief that Monday is the hardest day of the week compared to Friday and Saturday, which are the most anticipated days of the week. The connection between the color blue and Monday is in the emotional stage, which is presented as emotional anger. The third Monday in January is currently known as the most depressing day of the year. Speaker Cliff Arnall was the first to declare that day in 2014. The theory says that this is the time of the year when respiratory diseases are common, the day is shorter, the weather conditions are worse, and the time when people are burdened with guilt about whether they will achieve their New Year’s resolutions.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate that on third Monday in January there were more suicide attempts and that there were more depressive disorders in emergency psychiatric admissions.

Methods

In the research, we included participants who were examined at the Emergency Psychiatric Admission of the Clinical Hospital Center in Split, in the period from 2019. until 2023. Inclusion criteria were respondents of both sexes, examined in the outpatient clinic on Mondays in January for five years.

Results

There were 198 of them in total. The primary outcome of the research is to determine the occurrence (incidence) of psychological deterioration in patients diagnosed with the anxiety-depressive spectrum. The secondary research outcomes are of a descriptive nature, patient follow-up, examination outcome, and psychiatric heredity.

Conclusions

For now, there are no strong scientific foundations that justify the formula of “the most depressing day” of the year, some scientists believe that it is a marketing trick to achieve higher tourist revenues. However, the post-holiday period can have an impact on individuals.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Effects of a Chatbot-Based Interpretation Bias Modification on Early Adulthood Depression
Authors: Lee J. , Lee D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Depression, particularly in early adulthood, presents a significant mental health challenge with far-reaching implications. Innovative approaches to address and alleviate depressive symptoms are of paramount importance in this context. One such approach involves the utilization of technology, specifically chatbot-based programs, to target specific cognitive biases associated with depression.

Objectives

The central objective is to empirically examine whether this program can effectively influence depressive mood and negative cognition in individuals grappling with depressive symptoms.

Methods

To ascertain the program’s efficacy, participants were divided into two groups: the CBM-I group (n=20), which underwent interpretation bias modification training, and the Mood Check group(n=20), which served as a control and engaged in a simple mood-checking exercise. A battery of psychological measures was employed, including assessments of depression, interpretation bias, suicidal ideation, resilience, and attention control.

Results

Analysis results showed that the CBM-I group had a significant reduction in depression (PHQ-9, CES-D) compared to the Mood Check group in the post-measurement. Moreover, resilience (CD-RISC) and attention control (ACQ) significantly improved in the CBM-I group.

Conclusions

This research serves as a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of how chatbot-based interventions can contribute to the management of early adulthood depression, offering new perspectives and possibilities in the realm of mental health support and treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Obesity and depression: Review on common neurobiological mechanisms and identification of potential drug targets.
Authors: Lopez J. R. , Zaghi-Lara R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This review aimed to identify common pathophysiological mechanisms that exist between depression and obesity, as well as pharmacological strategies used in clinical trials and animal models. It is necessary to carry out larger studies that integrate the multiple neurobiological processes of these phenomena and the search for therapeutic targets that affect these pathways.

Objectives

Conduct a literature review on the common neurobiological aspects that exist between depression and obesity. Compare pharmacological and therapeutic strategies in the management of depressive patients by means of common neurobiological mechanisms.

Methods

We used the Pubmed search engine to search for the keywords: ((depression and obesity) OR (common pathways for depression and obesity) OR (therapeutic targets for depression and obesity) OR (neurobiology of depression and obesity) OR (treatments for depression and obesity))Once the predefined screening was carried out, 68 studies were identified. 54 articles were left for review and analysis. At the end of the review, 25 studies were discarded, including 29 studies with relevance to the objectives described in the study. These articles were selected when they provided information with adequate, concrete and specific reasoning towards the scientific and methodological elements of the review.

Results

Table 1: Findings related to the NEGR1 gene and its involvement in processes associated with alterations associated with depression and obesity.

Table 2: Findings of inflammation associated with depression and obesity in clinical trials and animal models.

Image:

Image 2:

Conclusions

Alterations in the NEGR1 gene, inflammatory markers, HPA axis and microbiota demonstrate multiple pathophysiological mechanisms in the clinical pictures associated with obesity and depression.

Infliximab, pioglitazone, ondansentron, BVT.2733 and palmitoylethanolamide showed anti-inflammatory regulatory effects with reduction in depressive symptoms and multiple anti-inflammatory markers.

Animal models for obesity and depression present ample and reliable evidence regarding the use of drugs that direct their therapeutic profile towards the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in pathologies involving depressive and metabolic disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Antidepressants and suicide risk in children and adolescents
Authors: Riam S. , Baabouchi N. , kisra H. , laajili F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In recent years, the prescription of antidepressants for children has faced significant scrutiny due to studies suggesting an elevated risk of suicide among those treated with these medications. The primary objective of this study is to examine the causal connection between antidepressant use and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents.

Objectives

In this article, we will examine the current research on this topic and discuss the current status of practical guidelines and recommendations for prescribing antidepressants to children and adolescents.

Methods

We conducted a literature review using the Google Scholar database, employing keywords such as antidepressants, suicide, children, and adolescents.

Results

The literature yielded conflicting data. While it has been established that SSRIs moderately elevate the risk of suicide ideation and attempts, with venlafaxine, paroxetine, and sertraline showing a higher risk compared to other SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram, several studies indicate that their use is linked to a noteworthy reduction in suicide rates among children and adolescents.

Conclusions

The existence of a definitive causal relationship between antidepressants and suicidality in children and adolescents is currently uncertain, and the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Esketamine in resistant depression: a case report
Authors: Carrión Expósito L. , Chauca Chauca G. , Galan Armenteros R. , Rodriguez Lopez M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Major depressive disorder is a common psychiatric condition affecting around 264 million people worldwide (WHO: Depression Fact Sheet. [Apr;2021]). Despite pharmacological advances, many patients still do not respond to antidepressant treatment or do so partially.

It is estimated that only 50-70% of patients respond to the initial antidepressant treatment according to the STAR-D study. 15% percent of cases do not respond significantly to various pharmacological and psychotherapeutic attempts (Rush AJ et. STAR*D report. al Am J Psychiatry). The current consensus places resistant depression for a practical approach in one that has been treated with two different antidepressant strategies in adequate doses and time and has not been remitted (Souery D et el, Treatment-resistant depression. J Clin Psychiatry 2006). We present a clinical case of a patient with Major Depressive Disorder, resistant to several therapeutic lines, in which intranasal esketamine was initiated.

Objectives

The main objective is to report the result of treatment with esketamine in a clinical case.

Methods

This work analyze the clinical evolution and reponse of a 62-year-old patient after initiating intranasal esketamine.

This is a patient with a single depressive episode, with no personal psychiatric history of interest that, after exhausting several options of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.

Regulated psychotherapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy was carried out along with different pharmacological strategies according to the recommendations of the main clinical guidelines: antidepressant dose increase, antidepressant change, combination of several antidepressants and potentiation with another drug. We measured clinical changes with MADRS Scale (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) at diferent times.

Results

From the fifth administration of esketamine the patient presented a clear improvement. At three months, the score on the MADRS scale improved markedly and at 6 months, the patient reported euthymia.

Score MADRS:

-

Basal 46

-

3 Months 14

-

6 Months 1

As for the adverse effects, the patient presented in all administrations very mild dizziness.

Conclusions

The use of esketamine is a new therapeutic approach, being fast, safe and well tolerated in patients with depression who do not respond to other treatments (Sapkota A et al. Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review. Cureus.2021 Aug 21;13(8)). In our patient has proven to be effective and fast.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The population-based Tromsø 8 study and e-mental health
Authors: Wynn R. , Bellika G. , Fernandez L. G. , Salcedo V. T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Ageing populations with increased needs, rising costs of traditional services, and new technologies are some factors driving the use of e-health services. A Norwegian study with data from 2015-2016 found that 13.5% had used apps, 7.3% had used social media, and 5% had used video services for health purposes. Little is known about the effects of many online health services, but in general they seem to increase knowledge and make most people feel reassured, although some users feel more anxious or confused after using such tools. Recent technological developments have resulted in new online health services, including AI-based technologies. More updated knowledge regarding the population’s use of e-health services in general and e-mental health services in particular, is needed.

Objectives

The objective here is to provide information about an upcoming large population-based epidemiological study and how it addresses e-health and e-mental health.

Methods

We introduce the upcoming 8th version of the epidemiological Tromsø Study and discuss its importance to the field of e-mental health.

Results

The Tromsø epidemiological study has since 1974 taken place in the Norwegian municipality of Tromsø. It contains information on a range of topics within health and illness, including topics from many medical specialities, psychiatry and substance use. In the upcoming 8th version of the study (2025-2026), more than 33,000 people aged above 40 will be invited to participate. The main questionnaire will include questions relating to a wide variety of topics, including on e-health use. We suspect the importance of e-health and e-mental health have increased lately, and we will examine how the use of e-health may impact mental health.

Conclusions

Community-based studies, such as the Tromsø Study, allow researchers to study associations between many different variables, including mental health and e-health. The upcoming Tromsø 8 study will enable us to study e-health use and its relationship to mental health in a large sample representative of the Norwegian population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Mitigating Psychological Symptoms in Public Safety Personnel Through Supportive Text Messaging Program
Authors: Obuobi-Donkor G. , Shalaby R. , Eboreime E. , Agyapong B. , Dias R. D. L. , Agyapong V.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Public safety personnel (PSPs) often suffer from mental health issues due to the challenging and intricate nature of their work. Various barriers may prevent them from seeking necessary support and treatment. Therefore, implementing innovative and cost-effective interventions can potentially enhance the mental well-being of PSPs.

Objectives

The study sought to assess the influence of the Text4PTSI program on symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress, as well as the resilience of public safety personnel after six months of receiving supportive text message intervention.

Methods

PSP subscribed to the Text4PTSI program and received daily supportive l SMS text messages for six months. Participants were invited to complete standardized self-rated web-based questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and resilience symptoms measured on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), respectively. The assessment of mental health conditions was conducted at enrolment, six weeks, three months, and six months after enrollment.

Results

One hundred and thirty-one subscribers participated in the Text4PTSI program. A total of 31 participants completed the baseline survey, and 107 total surveys were recorded at all follow-up time points. The baseline prevalence of likely major depressive disorder (MDD) was 47.1%, likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 37.5%, low resilience was 22.2%, and likely PTSD was 13.3%. At six months post-intervention, the prevalence of psychological conditions. There was a decrease in the mean scores on the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-C, and the BRS from baseline to post-intervention by 25.8%, 24.7%, 9.5%, and 0.3%, respectively. However, the decrease was only statistically significant for the mean change in GAD-7 scores with a low effect size (t (15) = 2.73, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest a reduction in the prevalence of likely MDD as well as the severity of anxiety symptoms from baseline to post-intervention for subscribers of the Text4PTSI program. The program has the potential to complement existing services, aiding in mental health support for public safety personnel.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Workplace mental health resilience: usability and impact study of a mental health coping mobile app on a corporate setting
Authors: Maçorano R. , Canais F. , Ribas M. , Parreira M. , Ferreira H. A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Mental health resilience is crucial to professional wellbeing and productivity, being that 57% of company employees are reporting burnout. Additionally, early-stage preventive mental health interventions are not common, and typically employees only have access to mid-stage professional care.

Objectives

The aim of this project is to provide employees with a preventive self-coping tool, enabling open and inclusive care. Specifically, the aim is to assess the receptivity, usability and impact of the usage of a mobile app that provides coping strategies based on positive psychology and a burnout-risk screening.

Methods

A mobile app was used with the purpose of being accessible to everyone, independently of their financial capacity. The app also promotes inclusiveness, by aggregating several approaches and methods for mental health coping, which are recommended given the needs of each user. The app was released to a large Portuguese company with 700 employees, in which employees could download it voluntarily.

Results

After 7 months, the results showed 37% receptivity rate, 24% improvement on anxiety levels, 36% improvement on workplace wellbeing, 23% increase on mental health self-coping skills, and 21% improvement on burnout-risk levels. These metrics were acquired via app’s back-end, self-reporting, and our model for burnout-risk screening.

Conclusions

First results showcase the positive impact of adding such a mobile solution to the employees’ mental healthcare. Next steps will be conducting a longer study, adding control groups and productivity assessment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
In People who Identify as Gender Minority People the Social Cure Model and in People who Identify as LGBTQ* People the Intragroup Status and Health Model might Explain the Link between Identity Centrality and Body Appreciation
Authors: Komlenac N. , Stockburger K. , Birke J. , Hochleitner M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are often found to have lower levels of body appreciation than do cis-heteronormative people.

Objectives

The current study utilizes the social cure model and the intragroup status and health model to investigate whether identification with a SGM social group and identity centrality (i.e., the degree to which a specific social identity is important to an individual) is linked to experiences of hostile behaviors because of a person’s looks or body and consequently, to body appreciation.

Methods

A cross-sectional online-questionnaire study was conducted with 1,680 German-speaking participants (49.2% cisgender women, 37.7% cisgender men, 9.0% non-binary, 4.1% transgender; Mage = 32.7, SD = 12.5). The Multidimensional and Multicomponent Measure of Social Identification, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, revised were used. A manifest path model was calculated.

Results

People who identified as gender minority (GM) people and LGBTQ* people reported lower levels of body appreciation. Sexual minority (SM) individuals who identified with a social group other than LGBTQ* people reported levels of body appreciation similar to those of individuals who identified as women. Individuals who identified as GM people experienced fewer instances of hostile behaviors because of their looks or body the higher their level of identity centrality was. On the other hand, individuals who identified as LGBTQ* people more frequently encountered hostile behaviors because of their looks or body when their identity centrality was strong. Frequent experiences of hostile behaviors because of a person’s looks or body was linked to poor body appreciation in all social groups.

Conclusions

Identity centrality might help alleviate experiences of discrimination, especially in people who identify as GM people, as the social cure model suggests. In line with the intragroup status and health model, individuals who strongly identify as LGBTQ* people might be more visible as SM people and experience more discrimination than do SM people who identify with another social group.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared