bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive disorders and intravenous drug use in chemsex context
Authors: Curto Ramos J. , Rodríguez Laguna A. , Barrio P. , Ibarguchi L. , García A. , Azqueta I. , Dolengevich Segal H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Several studies have called atention to the mental health disorders associated with chemsex -the intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) population-. Sexualized intravenous drug use is also known as slam or slamsex. There are few studies that analyze the mental health differences between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users in chemsex context.

Objectives

We aim to describe the mental health outcomes including current and past depressive disorders diagnosis in a sample of users with sexualized drug use (chemsex) attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” and to compare the differences of current and previous diagnosis of depressive disorders between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a sample of users attended by the non-govenrmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” between 2016-2019 was performed.

Results

We included 217 participants. Current or past diagnosis of depression was found in 137 participants. Depressive disorders were significantly higher in the intravenous drug use group compared to the non-intravenous drug use group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our study reports high levels of depression in chemsex users. The participants in our sample who engaged in intravenous drug use presented a higher frequency of depressive disorders than non intravenous drug use participants. Further studies analyzing the relationship between chemsex, slamsex and depresssion are needed. A multidisciplinary team is necessary to address chemsex and provide care and mental health treatment to chemsex users.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cortisol awakening response in bipolar patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Battipaglia M. , Attianese N. , Donato S. , Ceres R. , Cerra R. , Monteleone A. M. , Monteleone P. , Cascino G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severely debilitating psychiatric disorder with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and patients with BD have a 10-year reduction in their life expectancy. Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). BD patients with comorbid T2DM have been shown to have three times higher odds of a chronic course and rapid cycling and are more likely to present worse outcomes to treatment with lithium and/or other mood stabilisers when compared to BD patients without IGM (impaired glucose metabolism).

Objectives

The functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been never investigated in BD with respect to the glucose metabolic status. Therefore, we assessed the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in bipolar patients with or without comorbid T2DM.

Methods

Twenty euglycemic bipolar patients [12 males and eight females; mean age (±SD): 47.4 ± 14.4 years; mean (±SD) duration of illness: 18.3 ± 12.1 years], 16 BD patients with T2DM [11 males and five females; mean age (±SD): 63.6 ± 12.8 years; mean (±SD) duration of bipolar illness: 17.1 ± 10.8 years; mean (±SD) duration of T2DM: 5.2 ± 5.3 years], 18 healthy subjects [seven males and 11 females; mean age (±SD): 45.0 ± 12.1 years] and 12 non-psychiatric subjects with T2DM [eight males and four females; mean age (±SD): 56.7 ± 11.2 years; mean (±SD) duration of T2DM: 5.2 ± 3.5 years] were recruited. Saliva cortisol was measured at awakening and after 15, 30, and 60 min.

Results

With respect to both healthy controls and controls with T2DM, euglycemic and diabetic BD patients exhibited a CAR occurring at significantly lower levels. No significant difference emerged in the CAR between the two groups of bipolar patients. Controls with T2DM had an overall post-awakening cortisol production significantly higher than healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our results show that the CAR of patients with BD is reduced in terms of overall cortisol production but normal in terms of cortisolo reactivity independently from the occurrence of comorbid T2DM. The dampened CAR points to a tuning down of the functioning of the HPA axis in both euglycemic and diabetic BD patients, which may be a factor of vulnerability, since a preserved HPA axis functioning is essential to deal with stressors, which may precipitate affective episodes

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Surveillance and monitoring program of child neurodevelopment in population born during social confinement due to covid contigence: monteria-colombia experience
Authors: Otalvaro C. , Romero A. , Florian M. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports an incidence of 1 in every 54 children (Council on Children with Disabilities, 2021). The unique circumstances surrounding children born in 2020, who have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic since birth, present a distinct set of challenges for their neurodevelopmental well-being. The pandemic has led to reduced opportunities for learning and social interaction, masking mandates, decreased social support for research, and the potential misattribution of Autism Spectrum Disorders ASD symptoms to the effects of social isolation.

Objectives

This study aims to develop such a program for children born during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022).

Methods

All children born in March 2020 were included in the study. The initial assessment involved administering the ASQ-3 to evaluate their development across the specified domains. Diagnostic Evaluation: Among the population, 6% (4 children) displayed concerning signs on the ASQ-3, warranting further diagnostic evaluation by specialized health professionals for possible ASD.

Results

Early Intervention and School Monitoring: Of the remaining 72% (46 children), who did not require diagnostic evaluation, intervention guidelines were provided, both within the school environment and at home. These children were reevaluated after a three-month period. Follow-up in the School Environment: Those children who underwent reevaluation were categorized into three groups: Nine children fell into the “gray” category on the ASQ-3 and were subsequently referred for diagnostic evaluation. Thirty-seven children progressed to the “white” category on the ASQ-3 after receiving intervention guidelines in both school and home settings. The findings of this research underscore the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the neurodevelopment of children born in 2020. 6% of the evaluated population were referred for diagnostic evaluation due to signs of ASD, suggesting a potential association between the pandemic and an increased risk of ASD within this cohort.72% of children who received intervention guidelines demonstrated significant improvements in their neurodevelopment, highlighting the critical role of early intervention and school-based monitoring

Conclusions

Implementing support strategies within educational settings was linked to positive developments in neurodevelopmental outcomes. Consequently, school-based neurodevelopmental monitoring, complemented by cohesive curricular guidelines, emerges as a beneficial approach for enhancing child development outcomes. The ASQ-3, as a structured instrument, proves invaluable in facilitating neurodevelopmental surveillance within educational settings, particularly in contexts with high demand and limited access to specialized care.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychological distress and coping strategies of hospital nurses during covid-19 pandemic in Greece
Authors: Papathanasiou C. , Patithras K. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hospital nurses have played a crucial role during the covid-19 pandemic. Research demonstrates the extent to which nurses were experiencing acute stress and psychological distress during the waves of the pandemic.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychological distress (stress, depression, and anxiety) of nurses working in public hospitals in Greece during the covid-19 pandemic, to identify their coping strategies, and to explore the eventual sociodemographic and work environmental influence on distress and the coping strategies.

Methods

Sample consisted of 317 nurses working in public hospitals. A self-report online questionnaire was used for data collection. The first part of the questionnaire comprised the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the second part included the Greek version of the Ways of Coping questionnaire (WAYS), the third part the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), and the fourth part included participants’ sociodemographic data. Analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software (version 26.0).

Results

18.4% of participants presented severe depression, 39.9% very severe anxiety, and 22.5% very severe stress. Significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were experienced by those who slept more than 5 hours a day, compared to those who slept up to 5 hours. Participants who were infected with the coronavirus had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, participants who received moderate/high social support experienced overall less anxiety, stress, and depression than those who received low social support. Finally, the more they sought social support to deal with their problems and the more they avoided stressful situations, the higher the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Conclusions

A staff care protocol must be applied by every hospital, including rest breaks and night-shift naps, psychosocial support for those who get infected by SARS-CoV-2 and their families, peer support (groups and mentoring), and coping skills trainings.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Chronic and transient loneliness in western countries: risk factors and association with depression. A follow-up study.
Authors: Domènech-Abella J. , Domènech C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

While transient loneliness refers to feelings that last for a short time (less than two years), chronic loneliness alludes to feelings that last more than two years. Transient loneliness can appear after stressful life events such as retirement and loss of close social connections whereas chronic loneliness is more strongly related to maladaptive social cognition, poor social support, and lack of intimate relationships. In comparison to transient loneliness, chronic loneliness is more strongly linked to mental health problems, particularly the incidence and recurrence of depression. Therefore, understanding the specific risk factors for both types of loneliness would be of great utility in mitigating their impact on mental health.

Objectives

Our aim was to test distinct measures and risk factors for chronic and transient loneliness as well as cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of transient and chronic loneliness with depression.

Methods

Responses from participants in Wave 5 (T1, 2013) and Wave 6 (T2, 2015) of The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (N=45,490) were analyzed. The existence of clinically significant symptoms of depression was defined as reporting a value≥4 on the Euro-D scale. Loneliness was measured through 3-item loneliness scale and a single question. Both measures were tested in separate logistic regression models to identify risk factors for transient (loneliness at T1 but not at T2) and chronic loneliness (loneliness at both time points) as well as their impact on depression.

Results

Between 47% and 40% of the cases of loneliness became chronic, according to the UCLA scale and the single question, respectively. Risk factors for both loneliness courses were being female, not being married, having a low educational level, having a poor physical health, having a poor social network and living in a culturally individualistic country. Risk factor for chronic loneliness were stronger, particularly those related to health status and social networks. Chronic loneliness showed also a strong association with depression both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, while transient loneliness showed a weaker cross-sectional association and markedly lower probabilities in the longitudinal association.

Conclusions

Risk factors for chronic loneliness and measures of the temporal dimension of loneliness should be considered in psychosocial interventions designed to prevent mental disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Clinical and psychopathological features of very late onset of schizophrenia-like psychosis
Authors: Pochueva V. , Kolykhalov I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Very late onset schizophrenia-like psychosis takes the 3rd place among late-life psychosis, after dementia and affective disorders associated psychosis. It’s still unknown the real place of this psychosis.

Objectives

to investigate the clinical and psychopathological features and short-terms outcomes of late-onset schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychosis

Methods

45 patients, mean age 70,6 ±8,70 years, median age of manifestation psychosis - 68 [61; 75] years with late-onset schizophrenia (n=19, 42,2%), late-onset schizoaffective disorder (n=9, 20%), late-onset delusional disorder (n=7, 15,5%) and late-onset organic schizophrenia-like disorder (n=10, 22,3%) underwent clinical examination. Psychopathological, psychometric (PANSS, HAMD, CDSS, MoCA) and statistical methods were applied.

Results

3 clinical groups were allocated. The 1st group included 15 patients (33%) and was characterized with severe polymorphic psychotic symptoms, included catatonic and paraphrenic signs with mental disorganization. They had the highest score of PANSS (105,46±17,99, p=0,002) and the lowest score of MoCA (14,2±2,16, p=0,05) in compare with 2nd and 3rd groups. They also had symptoms of depression (CDSS 6,28±5,29), compared with the 3rd group (HAMD 21,00±5,92, p=0,05). In short-terms outcomes was formed negative symptoms and cognitive impairment with decreasing social and daily activity. The 2nd group (22 cases, 49%) included patients with prevalence of delusions of persecution, more rare auditory hallucinations and more often acoasms. They had medium score PANSS (90,22±16,79), with minimal cognitive declare (MoCA average score 20,33±4,27). The short-term outcomes were characterized with formation of residual positive and negative symptoms, that impact on daily and social activity. The 3rd group included 8 patients (8%) with prevalence of delusion symptoms, such as misidentification, persecutory and reference delusions, which were mood-congruent. They had medium PANSS score (89,75±18,90) with more severe depressive symptoms by HAMD scale in compare with 2nd group (22,00±10,00, p=0,07) and minimal cognitive declare (MoCA average score 25,00±1,00, p=0,05) in compare with 1st group. This group was characterized with high level of reduction of productive symptoms and restoration of premorbid social and daily activity in short-term outcomes.

Conclusions

features of clinical characteristics, including the nature and severity of cognitive impairment at the onset of disease, are significant for prognosis and outcomes of disease. The data obtained could be served for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches that take into account the syndromic features and course of late-onset psychosis.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Adolescents’ mental health and well-being in light of their substance use and the presence of special education needs
Authors: Dudok R. , Pikó B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Promoting mental health during adolescence is an essential health education objective and a crucial time for the formation of healthy mindset and behaviors. During this period, individuals are more likely to engage in health risk behaviors that can contribute to mental health problems that manifest in later adulthood. It has been demonstrated that optimal psychological health and the quality and application of students’ emotional and social skills may prevent and reduce the onset of risky health behaviors, such as subtance abuse. Students with specific learning difficulty (SpLD) are at higher risk to develop problem behaviors and they require special attention for promoting their mental health.

Objectives

The aim of the present study is to investigate mental health and well-being, and health behaviors as well as substance use in a sample of adolescents including those with SpLD, using the SDQ ‘Strenghts and Difficulties Questionnaire’, a widely utilized instrument for the multidimensional assessment of mental health in children and adolescents.

Methods

Our study included 276 school-aged children (mean age: 13.57 years; SD: 1.81; boys: 54.7%), 143 of whom had SpLD. We utilized a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire that included the Adolescent Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the WHO Well-Being Questionnaire. Peer support, individual internal psychological resources, and health risk behaviors were also assessed.

Results

The statistical analyses revealed a number of noteworthy differences. First, the SDQ scores of smoking and drinking adolescents were substantially different from those of their peers on the dimensions of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and hyperactivity in the case of smoking (p<.05), and on the dimensions of hyperactivity and prosocial behavior in the case of drinking (p<.05). On the other hand, significant differences were found between boys and girls, particularly in the domains of prosocial and affective symptoms (p<.05). Individuals with SpLD exhibited distinct patterns, particularly in the domains of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems (p<.05). Furthermore, all of the investigated components of mental well-being had significant negative correlations with the SDQ dimensions of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer relationship problems, whereas the dimension of prosocial behavior showed a significant positive correlation (p<.05).

Conclusions

Our findings support differences in mental health domains according to the adolescents’ substance using status or the presence of SpLD. The results of this study may contribute to the development of health promotion programs and intervention strategies as well as draw attention to the unique challenges faced by children with special education needs.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Exponential increase in the number of prescriptions for ADHD medication between 2012 and 2022 for in Poland.
Authors: Rzeszutek M. , Konowałek L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

ADHD medication prescribing trends are increasing in North America and both Northern and Western Europe (Raman, Sudha R et al. Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(10):824-835). Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are two substances available for use in ADHD in children and adolescents in Poland. To our knowledge, there is the lack of data on prescription trends for Poland and Middle-Eastern Europe.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to estimate the increase in the total number of prescriptions for methylphenidate and atomoxetine and factors influencing it, like the impact of the proportion of prescriptions for women and for people aged 18-24
on.

Methods

Methylphenidate and atomoxetine prescription data for the period between 2012-2022 and for patients aged 5-59 were obtained from e-Health Centre, which contains data on prescribed medications in Poland. We conducted a series of linear regression models to explore the relationship between the number of prescriptions as the dependent variable and calendar year as the independent variable. Additionally, we considered two more variables: Percentage of prescriptions for women and percentage of prescriptions people aged 18 – 24. Further, we decided to run a mediation analysis to see whether the effect of calendar year was mediated by percentage of women.

Results

We analyzed data on 925,536 prescriptions for methylphenidate and atomoxetine.

The model demonstrates a robust and statistically significant ability to explain the variance in the log-transformed dependent variable (R² = 0.98, F(2, 8) = 201.14, p < 0.001). The model’s intercept, corresponding to calendar year = 0 and percentage of prescriptions for women = 0, is estimated at -93.95, with a 95% confidence interval of [-152.74, -35.15]. The t-statistic for the intercept is -3.68, and the associated p-value is 0.006, demonstrating its statistical significance.

Within this model, the effects of the independent variables are as follows:

1.

Calendar year (β=0.05, t=4.07, IC95%: (0.02, 0.08), p<0,004)

2.

Percentage of prescriptions for women (β=0.06, t=4.18, IC95%: (0.02, 0.09), p<0,003)

The inclusion of the percentage of prescription for people aged 18-24 doesn’t improve the model’s ability to explain the variation in the number of prescriptions.

Mediation analysis showed that the indirect effect of percentage of prescriptions for women were significant.

Conclusions

These results provide robust evidence for the predictive power of the model, with both calendar year and percentage of women emerging as statistically significant and positively associated with the log- transformed dependent variable.

Between 2012 and 2022, the number of prescriptions for methylphenidate and atomoxetine increased exponentially in Poland. The percentage of prescriptions for women significantly contributed to the increase in the total number of prescriptions for methylphenidate and atomoxetine in Poland.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Maternal awareness and practices in managing screen-time for children
Authors: Atturu H. , Gujju S. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The issue of screen time usage among children has become a contentious topic for parents in contemporary society. While electronic devices offer undeniable benefits, their inappropriate use can lead to substantial mental and physical health challenges for children. Parents are tasked with the responsibility of equipping themselves and their children with the knowledge and skills necessary for mindful electronic device use.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the awareness levels of mothers regarding their children’s screen time usage and to promote mindful screen usage. It also aims to understand the reasons behind parents’ decisions to allow their children access to electronic devices.

Methods

An adapted short online screen-time questionnaire (Vizcaino et al 2019), was distributed through online Google forms, primarily to mothers residing in India. The questionnaire comprised of ten questions encompassing topics related to the child’s background, mothers’ awareness and patterns of screen-time usage.

Results

213 mothers with children aged one year to 17 years responded. 157 mothers (73.7%) were in employment (104 were working in an office, 32 were working from home and 18 were freelancing). 121 mothers had >one child. Majority of the mothers (n=170, 79.81%), believed that children should have one hour per day screen-time. The usage was more during weekends (>one hour=161, 75.58%) than weekdays (>one hour = 145, 68%)(p=0.021). Weekend screen-time was more in children whose mothers were employed (p=0.006). There is a significant increase in weekday (p=0.044) and weekend (p=0.006) screen-time usage as the child’s age increased. Children predominantly watched television, followed by mobile phones and tablets. Except for 29 children, the rest enjoyed interacting with other people (54 with everyone, 73 with only family members and 57 only for some time). The primary context in which children engaged with electronic devices was while they were being fed/ meals-time (n = 114,54%) or when the mothers were busy with household chores (n = 85,40%).

Conclusions

Despite maternal awareness about healthy screen-time, majority of the children were allowed to use higher screen-time. Efficient strategies should be imparted to parents to change the current practices of using digital-media as pacifier or distractor to mindful screen-time including usage for educational purposes.

Disclosure of Interest

H. Atturu Consultant of: Advisor to CognitiveBotics, AI based software., S. Gujju: None Declared
The quality of life of Hungarian adolescents in the light of their emotions
Authors: Rábavölgyi N. , Mayer Z. , Szabó B. , Miklósi M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Mental health professionals pay particular attention to adolescents, as many psychiatric disorders begin at this age, and the mental state of adolescents has been deteriorating worldwide in the last decade. Based on previous international research, the ability to regulate negative emotions and mentalizing - that is, the ability to identify the thoughts and emotions behind one’s own and others’ behaviour - mediate the negative effects of attachment difficulties experienced in close relationships on the quality of life. This relationship has not yet been investigated among Hungarian adolescents. Adolescent events can have a long-term effect on a person’s mental health, so it is very important to examine the factors that influence the quality of life.

Objectives

This research aimed to examine the relationship between attachment, mentalizing, emotion regulation and quality of life among adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age.

Methods

In our non-clinical cross-sectional research, 141 adolescents filled out the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire and the Quality of Life Scale after informed consent. We tested two mediator models, in which emotion regulation and mentalizing were the mediating variables in the relationship between attachment difficulty and quality of life.

Results

In our analyses, attachment difficulties (c’ = -1,87, p < .001, β = -0.41) and emotion regulation problems (b = -0.08, p < .001, β = -0.39) also predicted a reduced quality of life. Attachment problems also reduce the quality of life of young people through emotional regulation difficulties (∑ab = -0,81 [-1,21 – -0,45], β = -0.17). However, mentalizing was not significantly related to the adolescents’ quality of life (b = -0,05, p = .10, β = -0,11). Mentalizing also did not mediate the relationship between attachment and quality of life (∑ab = -0.09 [-0.27 – -0.02], β = -0.02).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that adolescents’ emotion regulation has a prominent role in their quality of life in addition to attachment styles. To improve the quality of life among adolescents, we recommend using techniques that develop emotion regulation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of hospital employees: single center experience
Authors: Kristic M. , Kuresic V. , Miskulin I. , Dumic J. , Dumic L. , Miskulin M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hospital employees are at high risk of developing mental health issues during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Indeed, several studies have shown increased rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues but existing studies show inconsistencies, and each country has some local specificities.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of the mental health of hospital employees (health workers and non-health workers) from Croatia.

Methods

This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from February to April 2023 period. A validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic data, as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was self-administered to a convenient sample of hospital employees from one general hospital in northwestern Croatia.

Results

The study sample included 360 subjects with a median age of 42 years (interquartile range 35-50), 24.7% males, and 75.3% females. According to the PSQI, 21.1% of subjects presented sleep disturbances. According to the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, there were 39.4% of subjects with anxiety while according to the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, there were 6.4% of subjects with depression. Sleep disturbances were more frequent among subjects who considered their socioeconomic status as under average (p=0.040), and among health workers in comparison to non-health workers employed in hospital (p=0.040). Anxiety was more frequent among females (p=0.010), and subjects with lower levels of education (only elementary school) (p=0.040). Depression was more frequent among females (p=0.030).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant negative influence on the mental health of hospital employees where health workers in comparison to non-health workers, females, subjects with lower levels of education, and subjects who considered their socioeconomic status as under average are more prone to the development of investigated mental health issues. The development of appropriate supportive programs that enhance the mental health of all hospital employees during pandemics is needed to address mental health issues in this vulnerable population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Tackling adversity through innovation: A pilot study exploring VR as a tool to identify and diagnose depression
Authors: Sutori S. ,   Karolinska Institutet: E. Eliasson, G. Hadlaczky, I. Todorov, V. Carli; University of Padua: F. Mura, V. Cardi; Polytechnic University of Valencia: V. Ortiz, M.A. Raya; University of Pisa: A.L. Alfeo, V. Catrambone, G. Valenza
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The final aim of the EXPERIENCE project is to enable individuals to record and share extended-personal realities in Virtual Reality (VR) - which entails the consideration of a person’s neurophysiological, psychological, and cognitive states. One prospective application is using this technology to aid in assessing symptoms of affective disorders.

Objectives

The objective is to test the ability of a pre-designed VR environment to differentiate between individuals with depressive symptoms and healthy controls (HCs) via machine learning algorithms.

Methods

Conducted as a pilot study in Italy, we recruited 100 volunteers, comprising 50 HCs and 50 individuals with moderate depressive symptoms assessed via the PHQ-9. Through a 40–60-minute VR engagement, comprehensive data on cognitive (inc. cognitive flexibility, sustained attention, working memory, processing speed), behavioral (exploration, attentional bias), and physiological (heart-rate variability, skin conductance) variables was collected. Subsequently, an explainable artificial intelligence model (xAI) was trained on data from 80% of the sample and tested on the remaining 20% in terms of accuracy for between-group classification.

Results

Following an iterative process that considered both the importance assigned to each variable in the different models and the theoretical relevance of these variables to depression the final model achieved an average accuracy of 71% (with individual trials ranging from 64.5% to 77.1%). Key predictors included exploratory behaviors and heart-rate variability during both exploration and cognitive tasks.

Conclusions

These results are comparable, however remain below the levels of accuracy achieved based on fMRI and DTI data alone (around 80%). Nonetheless, the EXPERIENCE system, slated for refinement beyond this pilot phase, shows potential in integrating multimodal data for evaluating affective disorder symptoms, aiming for a more objective screening and diagnostic approach at a lower cost.

Acknowledgement

The EXPERIENCE project is funded by the European Commission H2020 Framework Program, Grant No. 101017727.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The impact of Extremely Low Frequency Electro- Magnetic Fields on Depression Anxiety and Stress
Authors: Kacem I. , Jammeli I. , Ghenim A. , Aloui A. , Chouchane A. , Bouhoula M. , Brahem A. , Kalboussi H. , El Maalel O. , Chatti S. , Kekeni A. , Bouzabia K. , Maoua M. , Mrizak N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), Extremely Low Frequency Electro-Magnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) include frequencies ranging from 0 to 300 Hz. They are widespread in our daily life and in the workplace. These fields have an impact on physical and mental health including depression and anxiety.

Objectives

To assess the impact of chronic occupational exposure to ELF-EMF on Depression, Anxiety and Stress among workers in the Tunisian Electricity and GasCompany of Sousse, Tunisia.

Methods

In this cross-sectionalstudy, participants were enrolled into two groups: an “exposed group” including workers in a power plant and an “unexposed group” including administrative workers belonging to the same company. The Exposure to ELF EMFs was assessed by spot measurements using a portable magnetometer. Depression,Anxiety and Stress were assessed by the the Depression,Anxiety and Stress Scale(DASS-21).

Results

This study included 77 exposed subjects and 88 unexposed subjects. The median age was 37 years for the exposed group and 43,5 years for the unexposed ones. Almost half of the exposed group were technicians and had a work experience of 9 years. The median value of EMF was 5,86 uT in the power plant[Min 0,1 Max 40,34 ut].The interpretation of DASS-21 showed that 24.7% of the exposed group and 3.4% of the unexposed group had depression (p<10-3). Anxiety was reported by, 23.4% of the exposed group and by none of the unexposed group. Stress was observed among 46.8% of the exposed group and by none of the unexposed group. After multivariate analysis, ELF-EMF exposure was significantly associated only with depression (p<10-3 ; OR=1,45 [1,17-1,81]) ).

Conclusions

Chronic occupational exposure to ELF-EMF increases the risk ofDepression, anxiety and Stress. Underlying mechanisms are not established yet suggesting the need of further studies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Descriptive study of 100 patients with a diagnosis of psychosis treated with Paliperidone Palmitate 6-Month Long-Acting Injectable.
Authors: Mesones J. , Miller A. , Bautista N. , Dieguez J. , Calero I. , Griñant A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychotic disorders are serious mental illnesses that require long-term antipsychotic treatment that provides sufficient efficacy, safety and therapeutic adherence. The latter is an essential factor that must be emphasized in clinical practice in order to avoid relapses. On this occasion, we have the need to know the long-term impact on our clinical practice and on the evolution of patients after the change in formulation of paliperidone palmitate 1 (PP1M) and 3 Month long-acting injectable antipsychotic (PP3M) to paliperidone palmitate 6 Month (PP6M).

Objectives

The present study describes a sample of patients with severe mental disorders (n= 100) treated with six-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP6M) studying the diagnoses, socio-demographic characteristics, number of relapses, tolerability and treatment adherence of patients.

Methods

Prospective descriptive study with a sample selected by non-probabilistic consecutive sampling, retrospective type, in a time interval of 15 month (n= 100 outpatients). The patients selected were all those who received 6 monthly paliperidone palmitate treatment from May 2022 to September 2023. A descriptive analysis was performed. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for quantitative variables and N and percentage for categorical variables.

Results

Prospective study with consecutive sampling of 100 outpatients (62% men, 38% women; mean age 48 years) diagnosed with psychosis (76 % Schizophrenia, 21 % Unspecified psychosis, 3 % Delusional disorder) those who are administered PP6M long-acting injectable antipsychotic previously treated with PP1M (35%) and PP3M (65%).

After 15 months of the study, 4 patients (4%) have suffered a relapse, one of them (1%) requiring hospitalization. 5 patients (4%) declined to continue PP6M and have returned to their previous injectable. 1 patient (1%) has died of unknown causes outside the treatment. 90 patients continue treatment with PP6M (90% retention rate). 54 patients maintain antipsychotic monotherapy (54%). No additional adverse effects were reported after switching to PP6M. The subjective perception of satisfaction after the switch to PP6M by patients and caregivers was very high.

Conclusions

The present real clinical practice study shows that PP6M could be an effective and well tolerated treatment in patients with severe mental disorder, for patients diagnosed with psychosis, with a high rate of relapse prevention and high rates of compliance. Changing treatment from PP1M or PP3M to PP6M could help patients with severe mental disorder to normalize their lives and functionality.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Relation between the first psychotic episode in schizophrenia patients and IL-1β plasma levels – Serbian population study
Authors: Stojanovic N. M. , Tošić Golubović S. , Vujić S. , Stefanović N. , Nikolić G. , Todorović A. , Vrućinić A. , Petković M. , Simonović M. , Randjelovic P. , Jevtović Stoimenov T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

According to immunological theories of schizophrenia prenatal and postnatal exposure to pathogens may contribute to the etiopathogenesis, suggesting that chronically activated immune system cells (macrophages and T lymphocytes) constantly secrete proinflammatory cytokines which affect the development and function of central nervous system.

Objectives

In the present work we aimed to evaluate IL-1β plasma levels in schizophrenic patients during their first psychotic episode and to compare the obtained results to those from healthy subjects.

Methods

Plasma was obtained from 32 drug-naive schizophrenic patients, without history of substance abuse or addiction, immediately after their admission to the medical ward, while the control samples were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers.

Results

Levels of IL-1β were measured using ELISA assay, which measures IL-1β protein in a range from 7.81 to 500 pg/ml. Results revealed that the levels of IL-1β in patients with first psychotic episode were not increased and were below the limit of detection in all studied samples. The same was found in the samples belonging to the control group.

Conclusions

These data contribute to the poll of knowledge and a still unresolved dogma about the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia since the results obtained by some studies are also questioning this marker. Thus, whether or not an increase of IL-1β is congenital, acquired during the prodromal phase or absent until the time of first psychotic episode has not yet been investigated.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Sexuality in schizophrenia: Perception of signals of sexual interest
Authors: Biedková P. , Vaníček O. , Novák O. , Ständer K. , Kolářová E. , Androvičová R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There is emerging evidence that people with schizophrenia (SCH) struggle to form romantic relationships and are often dissatisfied with their sex lives. Intimate relationships are perceived as normalizing and related to a person’s recovery and better medication adherence. Nevertheless, this area remains scientifically unaddressed, and patients with SCH generally do not feel adequately supported in terms of their sexual health.

Objectives

The study aims to assess whether challenges in establishing sexual relationships could be connected to: a) decreased salience of sexual intimacy and/or b) compromised ability to detect, recognize, and react to signals of sexual interest.

Methods

Forty-three patients with SCH (29 males and 14 females) and a control group of twenty-four participants (11 males and 13 females) were exposed to our first experiment, the Circular attention task. This task was designed to evaluate the salience of erotic stimuli compared to neutral ones. At the beginning of each trial, a black fixation circle appeared in the middle of the screen. When a fixation of 250 ms or longer was detected within the circular area of interest (AOI) around the fixation circle, the fixation circle disappeared, and a pair of erotic/neutral pictures appeared. During the experiment, the eye movements were measured using the eye-tracking device Eyelink 1000plus. For data analysis, we used Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess the differences between the mean latency to first fixation, mean duration of first fixation, and mean proportion of time spent gazing at the stimulus both for sexual and neutral pictures in the whole sample regardless of sex and patient status. More detailed analysis was performed using 2 (sex: male, female) x 2 (status: patient, control) two-way ANOVA.

Results

Considering the whole sample there was a significant difference in mean latency to first fixation (W = 707, p = 0.007, rrb = -0.379) and mean duration of first fixation (W = 1923, p < 0.001, rrb = 0.739). There was a shorter latency to first fixations towards sexual pictures (M = 952.33 ms) than to neutral pictures (M = 1005.30 ms). First fixations were longer for sexual pictures
(M = 280.96 ms) than for neutral pictures (M = 243.73 ms). There was an effect overall in the sample towards the sexual pictures, but it was not different for participants based on their sex or patient status.

Conclusions

Findings revealed that interest in explicit sexual stimuli does not differ based on sex or patient status. Patients with SCH appear to find explicit erotic signals sexually salient, suggesting their interest in sexual intimacy. Our study will further investigate whether persons with SCH are able to interpret, recognize and respond to signals of sexual interest. Based on our results, the guidelines for sexological remediation will be developed.

The study was supported by the Charles University, 1. LF project GA UK No. 56123.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Evaluation of daytime sleepiness and insomnia symptoms in OSA patients with a characterization of symptom-defined phenotypes and their involvement in depression comorbidity
Authors: Gabryelska A. , Turkiewicz S. , Bialasiewicz P. , Grzybowski F. , Strzelecki D. , Sochal M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have emphasized the importance of clinical manifestations, such as insomnia and sleepiness, in defining phenotypes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), shifting from a focus on OSA severity and sleep structure.

Objectives

The study aimed to characterize insomnia and sleepiness associated with OSA phenotypes and assess their involvement in depression symptoms (DS) in OSA.

Methods

A total of 181 participants undergoing polysomnography (PSG) were asked to fill out questionnaires, including Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Back Depression Index (BDI). They were categorized into phenotypes: insomnia-sleepiness (I+S; ESS≥11; ISI≥15; n=20), sleepiness (S; ESS≥11; ISI<15; n=22), insomnia (I; ESS<11; ISI≥15) and asymptomatic (A; ESS<11; ISI<15; n=55).

Results

A linear regression model for BDI score (R2=0.357, p<0.001) included ISI score and subjective to objective sleep latency ratio. ISI score was a predictive factor for mild and moderate DS (OR=1.226, p<0.001 and OR=1.392, p=0.002, respectively). I and I+S phenotypes are characterized by higher BDI scores (p<0.001 and p=0.015), longer subjective sleep latency (p=0.008 and p=0.041), and shorter subjective total sleep time (TST; p=0.049 and p=0.006), compared to A. Furthermore, the I and I+S groups had shorter subjective TST than S (p=0.028 and p=0.047). I and I+S had higher BDI scores than A (p<0.001 and p=0.015, respectively) and S (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). I phenotype was associated with the risk of mild and moderate DS (OR=5.614, p<0.001 and OR=9.550, p=0.008 respectively). Moreover, the I+S phenotype presented an even greater risk for mild DS (OR=10.286, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The study suggests that using clinical features for OSA phenotyping holds promise for finding OSA individuals with increased risk for the occurrence of DS.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
How is trauma a transdiagnostic risk factor? A biopsychosocial model of risk and protective mechanisms following childhood trauma
Authors: Kerbage H. , Purper-Ouakil D.
Published: August 2024

Traumatic exposure is a common global problem across nations. It is currently well established that childhood trauma is associated with increased risk for psychopathology transdiagnostically, with children having experienced trauma being twice as likely to develop a mental health condition compared to those who have never experienced trauma. According to population-based studies, this heightened risk for the emergence of mental health disorders persists throughout adolescence and adulthood. The risk for psychopathology seems to be most marked in children exposed to interpersonal violence (child emotional and physical abuse, neglect, sexual violence). In this presentation, we will summarize the results of an increasing number of published studies that have examined the mechanisms underlying vulnerability to psychopathology following childhood trauma and protective factors that buffer this risk. Specifically, we will highlight the role of emotion dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties, related to disrupted threat processing following trauma exposure, in mediating the impact of trauma on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Research studies have also identified protective factors accross the lifespan that might mitigate these outcomes, including social support and emotional skills building. Based on this review, we will suggest a conceptual transdiagnostic and biopsychosocial model of risk and resilience, which can provide opportunities and targets for early interventions and treatment, at the primary and secondary healthcare levels, as well as the social, public health and community levels. Our model is based on a socioecological and multisystemic paradigm of risk and resilience, where resilience is conceptualized as an interaction between individuals and resourceful environments and communities.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Alcohol withdrawal seizures, epilepsy and brain trauma
Authors: Dzhupanov G. , Nikolov V. , Slaveykov G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Alcohol addiction can lead to withdrawal seizures, but most patients do not develop epilesy. In some cases a permanent complication occurs - symptomatic epilepsy. In other cases epilepsy precedes alcohol addiction. Comorbidity may pose serious chalenges to treating clinicians. There are conflicting data regarding relationship between alcohol use, seizures and epilepsy (Scorza CA et al.,CLINICS 2020;75:e1770). Other factors like brain trauma may have impact in genesis of epileptic states as well.

Objectives

Evaluation of interplay between seizures, epilepsy and brain trauma in patients with alcohol use disorder.

Methods

Analysis of a case series in a hospital setting and review of relevant literature.

Results

In our series of cases the number of patients who have suffered epilepsy before the onset of alcohol use is small. In most of the hospitalized patients epilepsy occurred after the development of alcohol use disorder. In this group we observed that head and brain trauma play role in genesis of seizures and epilepsy and in some instances the reverse happens.

Conclusions

Our data indicate the potential role of brain trauma as predisposing and complicating factor in patients who developed seisures and epilepsy. Seizures sometimes increase the risk of brain trauma. Seizures and trauma are important factors in typology of Lesch (Lesch et al. 2011) and a serious evaluation in this direction is improtant, because its diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications. Further clarification in this field is necessary.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared