bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children's trilogy “LILI, from conflict to conflict Medition” (“Lili, do Conflito à Mediação de Conflitos”)
Authors: Gabriela C. , Lima C.
Published: June 2017

The author has devoted her life to matters relating to communication, whether in business contexts, or as a mediator, trainer and moderator.

The trilogy “Lili, do conflito à Mediação de Conflitos” aims to help create more informed citizens, starting from an early age, namely in terms of the new forms of solving conflicts.

In the first book: “Lili and the conflicts” (“Lili e os Conflitos”), we find the theme of conflicts; how to deal with them; respect for the different other; to put oneself in the place of the other.

In the second book: “Lili and Conflict Medition” (“Lili e a Mediação de Conflitos”), we find the space created by conflict mediation so the parts in conflict can be heard; the enormous need to listen to the other; the needed empathy so as to know the reality of the other.

In the third and final book: “Lili and the Conflict Mediator” (“Lili e o Mediador de Conflitos”), we explain what it is to be a conflict mediator, this “new” profession, distinguishing it from other professions which also use the word “Mediator”.

The author makes presentations of the books and its topics, bringing these issues to debate and making them known to the school environment, both to students and teachers, as well as staff and parents.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The origins of mental toughness–internalizing and externalizing problems at the age of 5 years predict higher mental toughness scores at the age of 14 years
Authors: Sadeghi Bahmani D. , Hatzinger M. , Gerber M. , Lemola S. , Clough P.J. , Perren S. , von Klitzing K. , von Wyl A. , Holsboer-Trachsler E. , Brand S.
Published: June 2017

Background

The concept of mental toughness has gained increasing importance among non-elite athletes for its psychological importance and explanatory power for a broad range of health-related behaviors. On the flip side, no study has focused so far on the psychological origins of mental toughness. Therefore, the aims of the present study were three-fold: to explore, to what extent psychological profiles of preschoolers at the age of five years predicted mental toughness scores and sleep disturbances at the age of 14 years, and to explore possible gender differences.

Method

Nine years after their first assessment at the age of five years (preschoolers), a total of 77 adolescents (mean age: 14.35 years; SD = 1.22; 42% females) took part in the present follow-up study. At baseline, both parents and teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), covering internalizing and externalizing problems, hyperactivity, negative peer relationships, and prosocial behavior. At follow-up, participants completed a booklet of questionnaires covering socio-demographic data, mental toughness, and sleep disturbances.

Results

Preschoolers with high prosocial behavior and low internalizing and externalizing problems, as rated by parents and teachers, at the age of 14 years self-reported higher mental toughness and lower sleep disturbances. At the age of 14 years, and relative to their male counterparts, female participants reported lower MT scores and higher sleep disturbances.

Conclusions

The pattern of results suggests that mental toughness traits during adolescence have their origins during pre-school years.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Neurobiological marker for child and adult ADHD diagnoses
Authors: Super H. , Cañete J. , Faraone S.V. , Asherson P. , Ramos-Quiroga J.A.
Published: June 2017

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is a chronic disease where 50–60% of ADHD cases persist into adult life. ADHD is associated with a range of clinical and psychosocial impairments. In children hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are the core symptoms of ADHD. In adults these core symptom are also present but inattention is more prominent. Correct diagnosis of ADHD remains challenging, especially as several other psychiatric and medical disorders show the similar symptomology.

Objectives

The diagnosis of ADHD is clinical based upon a cluster of symptoms and criteria established by guidelines such as the DSM-5. Yet, objective markers are needed to support the clinical ADHD diagnosis in children and adults. Studies suggest that a neurobiological marker (eye vergence i.e. where the eyes move in opposite directions) can detect ADHD in children and adults. The eyes converge during orienting attention, as evidenced by visual event related potentials at parietal locations. This attention related vergence is impaired in ADHD patients.

Methods

We review the neurobiology and findings of eye vergence and the relevance of its measurement for the clinical diagnosis of ADHD.

Results

Neural circuits underlying eye vergence and attention largely overlap. Using machine learning, eye vergence measurements can classify ADHD in children and adults with high (> 90%) accuracy.

Conclusions

Eye vergence is a promising candidate for an objective clinical diagnosis of ADHD.

Disclosure of interest

Part of this research was paid by Braingaze. HS is co-founder and shareholder of Braingaze.
Complicated grief: Is there a place in psychiatry?
Authors: Azevedo Pinto S.L. , Soares J. , Silva A. , Curral R.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Grief is as normal reactive to a significant personal loss. It is characterized by affective, cognitive, behavioural and physiological symptoms. The grieving process is usually divided in five different stages, but in most cases presents a benign course, with decreased suffering and better adaptation to the new context. However, when high levels of emotional suffering or disability persist over a long time period, it becomes a case of complicated grief (CG), which should be adequately addressed.

Objectives

To review the characteristics of CG, the evidence that supports it as an individual pathological entity, and its place in current classification systems.

Methods

We performed a bibliographic search in Pubmed and PsychInfo, of articles written in English, Portuguese and Spanish, containing the key words: grief, bereavement, psychiatry, classification.

Results

The main issue regarding grief is the degree to which it is reasonable to interfere with a usually benign process. Since DSM-III bereavement has been referred to as an adaptive reaction to an important loss, which should not be diagnosed as major depressive disorder or adjustment disorder. However, DSM-5 has stated persistent complex bereavement disorder as an independent entity. In fact, CG fulfils the general criteria of every psychiatric syndrome, namely regarding specific diagnosis criteria, differential diagnosis from depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, and improvement with adequate treatment.

Conclusion

It is important to correctly approach CG, since it presents with characteristic diagnosis features and much improvement may be achieved once adequate treatment is provided.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A new syndrome? The sport identification addiction and the case of Italian football ultra-fanatical support
Authors: Lanzaro M.
Published: June 2017

The new DSM-5 has a number of changes to addictions and substance-related disorders. Internet Gaming for instance is a “Condition for Further Study”. This means that it is not an “official” disorder in the DSM, but one on which the American Psychiatric Association request additional research.

The DSM diagnostic criteria for addictions to the X-subject generally include:

– repetitive use of X, that leads to significant issues with functioning;

– preoccupation or obsession with X;

– craving/withdrawal symptoms when not dealing with X;

– the person has tried to stop or curb X, but has failed to do so;

– the person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies;

– a person has had continued overuse of X even with the knowledge of how much they impact a person's life;

– the person uses X to relieve anxiety related to other issues;

– the person has lost or put at risk and opportunity or relationship because of X.

I suggest that some sport fans may:

– meet the above mentioned criteria;

– be subject to over-identification with “their team performances”, superstitious conditioning and loss of self-consciousness that may lead to a full blown addictive syndrome, along with comorbidity with pathological gambling.

This seems particularly true in Italy, for example, as far as the phenomenon of ultra football supporters is concerned.

I argue that further research might be needed to explore the psycho-social consequences of obsessive sport addiction and how this may impact on a person's overall functioning.
Resilience and risk, metal health and well-being: How do these concepts relate?
Authors: Schultze-Lutter F. , Ochsenbein S. , Schmidt S.J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Resilience and well-being have become commonplace and increasingly used terms in a wide range of scientific as well as mental health political contexts.

Objectives

There is much confusion about the relationship of the two constructs: while some use well-being as a proxy measure of resilience, others treat one concept as a component of the other or see interchangeably one as the prerequisite of the other.

Aims

To study the definition of these two concepts in relation to each other.

Methods

Literature review.

Results

Both ‘resilience’ as well as ‘well-being’, have so far defied universal definition and common understanding of their respective measurement. Part of the confusion around these two concepts is the overlap in their components, in particular with regard to resilience and psychological well-being, and the lack of research on these concepts both by themselves, in relation to each other and in relation to other concepts like mental health, risk or protective (or promotive) factors.

Conclusion

Our critical and comparative inspection of both concepts highlights the need for more conceptual cross-sectional as well as longitudinal studies:

– to uncover the composition of these constructs and to reach agreement on their definition and measurement;

– to detect their potential neurobiological underpinnings;

– to reveal how they relate to each other;

– to determine the potential role of developmental and cultural peculiarities.

Thus, the use of the terms resilience and well-being should always be accompanied by a brief explanation of their respective meanings and theoretical framework.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cancer incidence in young and middle-aged people with schizophrenia: Nationwide cohort study in Taiwan, 2000–2010
Authors: Chen L.Y.
Published: June 2017

Aims

The relationship between cancer and schizophrenia requires re-examination. We investigated the cancer risk among young and middle-aged patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Records of newly admitted patients with schizophrenia (n = 32.731) from January 2000 through December 2008 were retrieved from the Psychiatric Inpatient Medical Claims database in Taiwan, and the first psychiatric admission of each patient during the same period was defined as the baseline. Five hundred and fourteen incident cancer cases were identified and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare the risk of cancer between those with schizophrenia and the general population. Stratified analyses of cancer incidences were performed by gender, site of cancers, and duration since baseline.

Results

The incidence of cancer for all sites was slightly higher than that of the general population for the period (SIR = 1.15 [95% CI 1.06–1.26], P = 001). Men had a significantly higher incidence of colorectal cancer (SIR = 1.48 [95% CI 1.06–2.06], P = 0.019). Women had a higher incidence of breast cancer (SIR = 1.47 [95% CI 1.22–1.78], P < .001). Intriguingly, the risk for colorectal cancer was more pronounced 5 years after the first psychiatric admission rather than earlier (SIR = 1.94 [1.36–2.75], P < .001), and so was the risk for breast cancer (SIR = 1.85 [1.38–2.48], P < .001). The cancer incidence was higher in schizophrenic patients contradicting the belief that schizophrenia was protective of cancers.

Conclusions

Men and women with schizophrenia were more vulnerable to certain types of cancers, which indicate the need for gender-specific cancer screening programs.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome in a sample of Italian psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Fusar-Poli L. , Brondino N. , Rocchetti M. , Ballerio M. , Vercesi M. , Grasso F. , Politi P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Psychiatric population is characterized by a higher prevalence of cardiovascular events compared to general population. This difference might be due, in part, to the metabolic adverse effects of psychotropic agents, and, in part, to common risk factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Another potential risk factor is represented by the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and to identify the baseline predictors for the longitudinal development of MetS in a sample of Italian psychiatric inpatients.

Methods

Medical records of 343 patients admitted to our psychiatric ward between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Prevalence of MetS was 21.5%. MetS appeared directly associated with age and number of medication assumed. ROC curves showed HDL as the best predictor of metabolic syndrome in our sample.

Conclusions

Our results confirm previous data on the association between metabolic syndrome and exposure to complex polytherapy. Additionally, our findings support the notion of psychiatric patients as an at-risk group for metabolic abnormalities, which should be carefully monitored.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Factitious disorder in a patient with Arnold-Chiari malformation: A case report
Authors: Celona D. , Sandri F. , Fabrici E. Pascolo , Peresson G. , Garino D.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The factitious disorder is characterized by simulation or exaggeration by the subject of his/her physical or psychological symptoms to take a sick role. This disorder may be associated with a real disease, used to simulate other symptoms and receive treatment. Our case is represented by a 49-year-old man, affected by Arnold Chiari Malformation Type I (ACM-I), a structural defect in the cerebellum with extension of the cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum, without involving the brain stem. The patient had three surgical operations involving the complete resolution of the disease. However, the subject reported a worsening of all symptoms, with the outcome of a severe self-limitation, with admission to a residential care and taken over by the multidisciplinary equipe of the district. Symptoms, which mainly consisted in pain, motor functional impairment, headaches, slurred speech were not evaluated due to the ACM-I. This diagnosis was confirmed when there was the complete resolution of the symptoms in a date pointed by the patient.

Methods

To make an appropriate differential diagnosis, in addition to the neurological examination, the subject had psychiatric interviews and completed an MMPI evaluation.

Results

Neurological examinations revealed no residual outcome of the ACM-I. At MMPI there were not significant peaks. Regarding to the attitude towards this test and its validity, it appears an obvious attempt to lie from the patient, which tries to present himself in a favourable unrealistically way.

Conclusion

This case shows that appropriate diagnosis can help health services in a better management of their resources in such situations.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Treatment difficulties in the pathology of the frontal lobe
Authors: Isac A. , Cristina B. , Viorel L.
Published: June 2017

Frontal lobe lesions may present as mood disorders, with apathy, emotional flattening and indifference towards the environment, refered to as “pseudodepression”. A 14-year-old adolescent is transferred from a pediatric ward for frontal headaches, sleepiness, apathy, food refusal, irritability and marked weight loss (BMI = 14 kg/sqm). The patient has a history of Socialized Conduct Disorder, with extremely low compliance towards treatment. When admitted he is cooperating partially, has an influenced general state and refuses to drink liquids. He is sad, impulsive, with low frustration tolerance, negativist, oppositionist, with voluntary urine emissions and marked sleepiness. There are clinical signs of dehydration and an intermittent convergent strabismus in the left eye. Laboratory tests show an inflammatory syndrome, nitrate retention, dyselectrolytemia. Neurologically: exaggerated tendon reflexes, frust bipyramidal syndrome, slight ptosis of the left eye; electroencephalogram–slow activity (lesion?) in left deviations. A consult with the Infectious Disease unit renders a diagnosis of headache syndrome and frontal sinusitis. The MRI is suggestive for a left frontal infectious expansive process (abscess) and massive maxillary–ethmoidal–frontal sinusitis. Combined parenteral antibiotics and pathogenetic treatment are initiated and the patient undergoes neurosurgery with the evacuation of the tumor. A cystic formation of 6/5/1, 5 cm, containing an opalescent yellow liquid is found at the histopathological exam. Streptococcus spp. is identified by the bacteriological exam. The evolution is good under treatment, with a slight accentuation of the behavioural symptoms. This case illustrates the importance of correct differential diagnosis, the psychiatric diagnosis being one of exclusion.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Influence of depression on the quality of life after stroke
Authors: Kostadinova E. , Anita A.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Approximately 30–60% of the stroke survivors suffers from depression. This, together with the physical changes after stroke may lead to a decline in their quality of life (QOL). The aim of this paper was to analyse the incidence of post-stroke depression, associated risk factors and its influence on the QOL.

Material and methods

We carried out a prospective study on stroke patients during a period of 6months. We excluded patients with dysphasia and aphasia. For each patient, we collected socio-demographic characteristics as well as clinical and therapeutic data. We used the Hamilton Depression Scale to screen for anxiety and depression, the SF-36 scale to assess the quality of life and modified Rankin scale (mRS) to measure the degree of disability.

Results

We included 155 men and 143 women with stroke, with mean age of 58.15 years. Out of 298 analysed patients, depression was present in 147 (49.3%). Associated risk factors were hypertension, female gender and severity of stroke (P < 0.05). The mean score of the SF-36 was 52.18. Impaired QOL was found in 221 (74.1%) and mRS > 3 was found in 169 (57.1%) of the patients. Impaired mental component of QOL significantly correlated with the presence of depression (P < 0.05) and anxiety (P < 0.05). The severe degree of disability had a significant negative impact on all areas of QOL.

Conclusion

Important effect after stroke is occurrence of depression which affects the QOL and functional outcome. All stroke patients should be evaluated for depression through regular interviews with them and their families or caregivers. Adequate antidepressant treatment should be given, in order to improve the QOL and physical rehabilitation.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Aspects of the psychological consequences of cannabis use
Authors: Reula L. Montes , Fernández A. Portilla , García H. Saiz
Published: June 2017

Cannabis is seen among general population as an “anti-depressive drug”. Many papers have been published in the field of investigation about the relationship between cannabis use and affective disorders. We pretend to find the aspect of the psychological consequences of cannabis use.

Methods

Using Pubmed and PsychInfo, we conducted a narrative review of the literature on cannabis and psychiatric comorbidity using the keywords cannabis, psychosis, mood, depression, mania, bipolar, and anxiety.

Results

There is substantial evidence of an association between cannabis use and psychosis. A few reports suggest an association with bipolar disorder while the association with depression and anxiety disorders is mixed.

Conclusions

The present review confirms earlier findings of an association between cannabis use and a lower age at onset. Data shows that cannabis use, beginning in the adolescence and with a frequency higher than once a week, correlates with the development in adult age of affective symptoms and/or disorder, mainly in bipolar disorder, with a moderate relation with Depressive spectrum. Even more, some authors hypothesize that cannabis may play a role in the development of the disorder, that to say, affective disorder would not appear in the absence of cannabis use. The current findings suggest that recent cannabis use is associated with a more severe course of illness in the early phase of BD I.

Recent cannabis use was also associated with more lifetime suicide attempts.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
From alcohol to delusional jealousy
Authors: Rodríguez M. , Rojas Y. , Ortega P. , Goretti S.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

With this clinical case we want to show an example of diagnosis and treatment of a frequent psychiatric comorbidity in alcohol dependence: delusional jealousy.

Methods

We analyzed a clinical case of a 52-year-old man who has a voluntary drug intake promoted by a delusional jealousy to his wife in a context of chronic alcohol consumption. A bibliographic search is made about the comorbidity of delusional jealousy in alcoholism.

Results

A 52 year-old man is brought to the hospital after to have a voluntary drug intake. He has not got medical history of mental health. As personal antecedents, the harmful alcohol consumption of the last 6 years in which he is unemployed is highlighted. After the clinical interview with the patient and with direct relatives (woman and daughter), we have the suspicion that it is a case of cellotipia induced by alcohol, in which the patient has made an autolytic attempt fomented by a delusion of jealousy. In this moment treatment is started. After a few weeks in which the patient starts treatment and leaves alcohol consumption, delusional clinic of jealousy refers progressively.

Conclusions

The alcoholic etiology of cellotipia has not been specifically confirmed. However, clinical experience shows this association is extremely frequent. It's a chronic delusional disorder with content of jealousy, providing interpretations and suspicions unfounded. Is added hostility to his partner, with potential risk of heteroagresivity. The most important thing is to assess the emotional and behavioral resonance of delirium. The treatment consists of indicating abstinence from alcohol and administration of neuroleptics.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Liaison psychiatry–characterization of inpatients with psychiatric pathology in the infectiology service
Authors: Carvalhao T.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The interface of the Liaison Psychiatry with Infectiology is fundamental for the continuous and specialized support of these patients. Prevalent psychiatric records are known in the HIV infection, such as anxiety, depression and abuse and/or addiction to substances. There are also different neuropsychiatric situations associated with this infection owing, namely, to the HIV direct action on the central nervous system, to the adverse effect of the antiretroviral therapy and to the resurgence of existing prior pathology.

Objective

The author intends to characterize the population evaluated in the Liaison psychiatry in the Coimbra university hospital with respect to inpatients of the Infectiology Service in a central hospital in order to optimize resources and better adjust interventions made.

Methods and results

The quantitative retrospective study was carried out between May 2015 and May 2016, with a duration of one year, in the infectiology service of the Coimbra university hospital.

Observation and evaluation of the inpatient of the infectiology service having in view the sample characterization in relation to demographic data, nature of the request, antiretroviral therapy, psychiatric diagnosis, type of intervention and follow-up. The quantitative data were subject to statistical analysis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of the psychiatric disorders associated with HIV infection is high and with great emotional impact and implications in the personal, sexual, occupational and social life of the individual. The diagnosis and treatment of the psychiatric comorbidity is determinant in the patients’ evolution, both in reducing suffering associated with experience of HIV infection and in its implications.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Psychiatric morbidity managed by liaison psychiatry in a Tunisian population
Authors: Charfi N. , Hajbi K. , Bouali M. Maâlej , Zouari L. , Zouari N. , Thabeut J. Ben , Maâlej M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The epidemiology of the association between mental disorders and medical illnesses is the subject of many research studies, mainly due to the worse prognosis associated with this comorbidity.

Objectives

To investigate the psychiatric morbidity associated with somatic diseases in liaison psychiatry outpatients and to identify factors associated with this morbidity.

Methods

A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. It took place at the psychiatry outpatient unit at CHU Hedi Chaker of Sfax in Tunisia. We collected 110 files of patients having a medical and/or surgical condition, addressed for the first time in 2014, as part of liaison psychiatry.

Results

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and adjustment disorder (AD) with anxious and/or depressive mood were the most common diagnoses in liaison psychiatry (respectively 53 cases and 28 cases).

MDD has been diagnosed mainly during the course of three somatic illnesses: cancer, sciatica and hypertension, with respective rates of 90%, 85.7% and 60%.

The onset of a MDD during the evolution of a somatic disease was significantly more common in female patients (P = 0.04) and those living in couple family (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Among all psychiatric disorders, depression and AD were the most frequently associated disorders with somatic diseases. This comorbidity may be explained by the physiological and psychological impact of certain somatic diseases, the iatrogenic effect of certain treatments, or the involvement of a biological, psychological or environmental common factor for both conditions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychopathological features of mental disorders in IDPs
Authors: Khaustova O. , Kovalenko N.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Violation of mental health is common in forced migrants. Lack of positive motivation to move and physical impossibility of further stay at home, mental trauma caused by the history and causes of migration; difficulties in adapting to new location determine the formation of specific experience IDPs. The most common are psychogenic depression, anxiety and somatoform disorders.

Methods

We had observed 60 IDPs aged 18 to 80 years: medical history, current complaints and mental state.

Results

We allocated 3 groups: persons of retirement age with severe chronic physical illness or disability on physical illness (1 group); persons with disabilities to mental disease (group 2) and persons without chronic diseases or disability (relatively healthy, caring for the sick) (group 3). Group 1 patients have anxiety (51.4%) and depression (42.8%) syndromes; 25.7% of subjects showed suicidal thoughts and intentions; 25.7% have some PTSD symptoms, including avoidance, overexcited, emotional numbness, pointing to adjustment disorder. In group 2 patients, changes were not found in mental state. Despite traumatic events delusional story does not change, recurrence and relapse rating was stable. In some cases, patients begin to abuse alcohol. In 3 group 31.3% persons experienced depression, 25%-anxiety symptoms, combined with a severe somatic symptoms; 12.5% showed suicidal thoughts; in 18.7% were diagnosed adjustment disorders. So among IDPs the individuals with severe medical conditions are most vulnerable population in the formation of stress-related and neurotic disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Behavioral manifestations post hemispherectomy due to Sturge–Weber syndrome–A case of success
Authors: Melim J. , Batista A. , Tarelho A. , Araújo R. , Fonseca S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Sturge-Weber syndrome or encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis is an uncommon neurocutaneous syndrome that manifests with vascular malformations involving the brain, eye and skin; Severe cases present with refractory seizures, sometimes requiring major surgery such as hemispherectomy. Most of the times, some degree of mental retardation and behavioral problems are associated, requiring use of psychotropic medication and other contention strategies. This report describes the case of a 19-year-old boy who was submitted to a left hemispherectomy by the age of one, and was still able to successfully complete basic education. He started presenting severe behavioral problems, with aggressive outbursts, by the beginning of adulthood, having been committed to psychiatry ward. By the age of 22, the patient finds himself calm and functional considering his limitations, with no need for hospital admission for 2 years.

Objectives/aims

To describe a clinical case whilst reviewing literature concerning this matter.

Methods

Case report with complete clinical history and medical data. Non-systematic review of PubMed database under the terms “Sturge-Weber disease”, “Hemisferectomy”, “behavioral disorder due to organic causes”, “post hemisferectomy out-comes”.

Results/discussion

Although presenting with severe arteriovenous malformation, refractory epilepsy and left hemispherectomy, the patient was able to conclude basic instruction; He has lived with his family until the age of 19, when he started displaying disruptive behaviour; after 3 hospital admissions and perfecting psychotropic drugs treatment, the patient was admitted to an institution for rare diseases patients Since then he has experienced a calm and functional life, with trained professionals who can offer the non-pharmacological approaches he needs.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
System of early medical and psychological support among patients with acute physical conditions
Authors: Mykhaylov B. , Fedak B. , Kudinova O.
Published: June 2017

Basing on a systematic approach to assessing the results of a comprehensive clinical, clinical and psychological psychodiagnostic investigation of 605 patients with acute physical condition, had been established clinical model of phenomenology and pathogenetic mechanisms of formation of mental sphere disturbances. Basing on the clinical data had been identified clinical variants of mental disorders development depending on the degree of severity: somatogenically, due to asthenic syndrome nosogenic reactions of psychological maladjustment, nosogenic neurotic disorders. Had been determined pathogenetic mechanisms of mental disorders, taking into account the stratification of various parts, highlighted psychophysiologic level, emotional functioning, motivation, personal performance. Design and implementation of integrative and differentiated system of early medical and psychological support of patients with acute physical condition based on the principles of phasing, consistency and comprehensiveness, its effectiveness had been evaluated from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Parental expectations in families from different social and cultural groups and their influence on emotional and personal development of a child
Authors: Burlakova N. , Davidovich P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The study explores subjective image attributed by parents to their child that was formed under the influence of different socio-cultural conditions and affects communication with a child. Methodological basis of Vygotsky's scientific school was used in the research.

Objectives and methods

The study included two groups of families from different social strata: group 1 — middle-high stratum, group 2 — middle-low stratum (n1 = 31, n2 = 36), all the families live in Moscow; the children (5.5–7 years old) attend extracurricular activities. Following methods were used: analysis of social context of child's development; long-term overt and covert observations; analysis of complaints, ambitions and expectations — “a project of future development” of a child imagined by parents followed by reconstruction of their relations that appear to be the basis for the “project”; method of semi-structured interview.

Results

First group demonstrates high level of irrelevance in subjective extra-positive image of a child. That poses risk for child's emotional and personal development. Families from different strata tend to demonstrate irrelevance between ambitions and real success of a child. First group tend to overstate, 2nd group — to understate. In some cases parents’ mindsets cause emotional peculiarities of the child: individuality and as a result inflated ego, demonstrative behavior accompanied by interest to external attributes. In 2nd group children are mostly anxious and encounter difficulties in demonstration their abilities, but they possess higher level of emotional and personal maturity and social flexibility.

Conclusion

Socio-cultural features of the stratum influence parental expectations that form potential risk zones in child development.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Mental health stigma among Oman Medical Speciality Board (OMSB) residents
Authors: Musharrafi S. , Al-Ruzaiqi W. , Al-Adawi S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Arab/Islamic culture such as those in Oman has been prescribed to be part of “collective culture” where family is central to one's identity. It is not clear how mental illness is perceived among young doctors in Oman in the light of modernization and acculturation.

Aims

Explore the socio-cultural teaching impact on attitudes towards mental health problems among Omani physicians.

Method

The consenting residents were asked to fill self-reported questionnaire Attitudes towards Mental Health Problems (ATMHP). It measure: external shame (beliefs that others will look down on themselves self if one have mental health problems); internal shame (related to negative self-evaluations); and reflected shame (believing that one can bring shame to their family/community). Socio-demographic information was also sought, including age, gender and previous contact with a person with mental illness.

Results

One hundred and seventy residents filled the questionnaire. The response rate was > 80%. The majority were female. It showed elevated scores in indices of external shame and reflected shame. However, having a history of mental distress or having contact with a person with mental illness have moderate indices external shame and reflected shame.

Conclusion

This study suggests that medical education has little eroded societal teaching among physicians under training in Oman. Thus, their attitude toward mental disorder appears to be expressed in term of external shame and reflected shame, which, in turn, encapsulate cultural patterning of shame and the centrality of family identity in Oman. Such socio-cultural teaching could lay groundwork for further research to mitigate mental illness in Oman.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Performance of cognitive measures and affective ranges in clients marked with spirit possession in Oman
Authors: Musharrafi S. , Al-Kalbani Y. , Al-Adawi S.
Published: June 2017

Background

There is a dearth of studies that have explored cognitive performance in different grades of spirit possession.

Aim

This study was undertaken to investigate two areas: the first was to explore whether there is a difference in demographic characteristics among presently defined grades of spirit possession in Oman: total possession (TP), partial possession (PP) and symbiotic possession (SP) seen in the Omani society. The second was to compare cognitive performance among the different grades of possession. Assessment criteria for these three groups included indices of current nonverbal reasoning ability, attention/concentration and recall, and those measures calling upon executive functioning.

Results

In terms of socio-demographic characteristics, being female, having low education and being in a particular age group are strongly associated with participants classified as TP. In contrast, the SP group endorsed more history of trauma. The three groups showed performance variation in current nonverbal reasoning ability, attention/concentration and recall, and executive functioning, with TP appearing to have poorer performance on these measures compared to PP and SP.

Conclusion

Previous studies have investigated whether spirit possession is a pathological state or a culture-specific idiom of distress. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined performances in cognitive measures among different types of possession. The entrance of possession trance disorder and dissociative trance disorder into the psychiatric nomenclature warrants more studies of this nature.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Biomarkers of depressive disorders: A multiplex analysis of blood serum
Authors: Boiko A.S. , Losenkov I.S. , Levchuk L.A. , Simutkin G.G. , Bokhan N.A. , Bosker F.J. , Wilffert B. , Loonen A.J.M. , Ivanova S.A.
Published: June 2017

Depressive disorders are a great burden for individual patients and society. Blood-based biomarkers are regarded as a feasible option for investigation of depressive disorders. Several potential biomarkers for depression were selected. We studied the following serum markers: cortisol, melatonin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), prolactin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), β-endorphin, orexin A. The patient sample consisted of 78 persons with depressive disorders. Patients were divided into two groups: 46 patients with a first depressive episode and 32 patients with recurrent depressive disorder. Control group consisted of 71 healthy individuals of corresponding age and sex. All markers were measured in serum using MILLIPLEX® MAP panels (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) by analyzer MAGPIX (Luminex, USA). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results were expressed as median and quartile intervals [Q1–Q3]. There was a significant increase of serum concentrations of cortisol (663.69 [467.5–959.49] nmol/L, Р < 0.001) and melatonin (66.31 [33.6–132.59] pg/mL, P = 0.029) in patients compared with the control group (526.1 [367,24–654,7] nmol/L and 45.11 [27.47–73.47] pg/mL). In addition, correlations were found between potential biomarkers, clinical indicators and treatment response measured by applying the Hamilton Depression rating scale and the Clinical Global Impression rating scales. A significant correlation was found between the concentration of prolactin and high response to pharmacotherapy (r = –0.267, P = 0.029). Identifying biomarkers that can be used as diagnostics or predictors of treatment response in people with depressive disorders will be an important step towards being able to provide personalized treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The work is supported by the project of Russian Foundation of Basic Research No 14-04-01157a.
Electroconvulsive therapy as an effective alternative in depressive disorder
Authors: Chauca G.M. Chauca , Expósito L. Carrión , Lobato P. Alonso
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of depressive episodes is well established, and so is reflected in the major guides.

Objectives

Description of a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms and obsessive compulsive disorder prevalence of compulsive acts that do not respond to drug treatment but to electroconvulsive therapy.

Methods

Presentation and review of a case.

Results

A 55-year-old woman diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder with worsening in the last 4 years.

Clinical depressive Sadness, spontaneous crying in the form of access, apathy, isolation and clinofilia desires, complaints mnemonic deficits and complete anhedonia. Obsessional symptoms compulsive as more repetitive behaviors of obsessive ideas, which repeats incessantly despite checking, that does not prepare or calm. The patient has not responded to any pharmacological strategy, despite using full doses and combinations of antidepressant, but euthymics more antipsychotics (sertraline, fluoxetine, reboxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, lithium, valproic acid, lamotrigine, risperidone, quetiapine, trifluoperazine, clotiapine). For this reason, it was decided to start treatment with ECT, progressively responds in each session, after 8 sessions the patient is euthymic, it has resumed normal activities, no obsessive or psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions

It is important to know that it is a safe technique that would save not only an economic cost, if not a personal emotional cost. It is noteworthy that more than 50% of depressed patients who respond to a course of ECT, fall between 6 and 12 months despite receiving adequate pharmacological treatment then so we will have to closely monitor the patient.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the revised Korean version of Ruminative Response Scale
Authors: Kim W.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Rumination is a negative coping strategy defined as repetitive and passive focusing on negative feelings such as depression. The Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) is a widely used instrument to measure rumination, but there is continuing argument about the construct validity of the RRS, because of probable overlap between the measurement of depression and that of rumination. The RRS-Revised, which removed 12 items of the RRS, is suggested as a more valid instrument for measuring rumination. Therefore, we translated RRS-R into Korean and explored the reliability, validity and factor structure in patients with major depressive disorders.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients with major depressive disorder took the Korean version of RRS, RRS-R, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Penn State Worry Questionnaire. We performed exploratory factor analysis of RRS-R, and tested construct validity, internal reliability and test-retest reliability.

Results

The internal and test-retest reliability of RRS-R was high. Factor analysis revealed that RRS-R is composed of two factors. “Brooding” factor explained 56.6% and “Reflection” factor explained 12.5%. RRS-R, especially “Brooding” factor, was highly correlated with other clinical symptoms such as depression, anxiety and worry.

Conclusions

In this study, we find out the RRS-R is more reliable and valid than the original RRS in Korean patients with depression because the RRS-R is free from the debate about the overlap of item with BDI. We also revealed that “Brooding” is highly correlated with depressive symptoms. RRS-R may be a useful instrument to explore the implication of “Brooding” in depression.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Depressive disorders: A multidimensional non-drug approach
Authors: Tafazzoli S. , Miloni A. , Quaderi A. , Palazzolo J.
Published: June 2017

In Europe, 25% of the population suffers from one type of depressive disorders each year. When depression is diagnosed, one on two people will actually be given a medication e.g. antidepressant and benzodiazepine (when correlated to anxiety or sleep trouble); the relapse risk is about 50%. This pathology and its chemical treatment affect the individual's health and life balance, e.g. cognitive impairments, family circle and career. Plus, side effects might create dependence, inability to focus or drive, disinhibition leading to suicide attempts. In addition, it also affects society at an economic level.

Comparing prior research, there are many causes to depressive disorders, a fragile balance that allows depression to begin and last. These causes include psychological factors (personal history, loss, trauma) biological factors (genetic predisposition, neurochemical dysregulation, bacteria) and environment (stress, social interaction, family circle, physical environment). Due to their multiple causes and maintenance factors, we consider depressive disorders in a multidimensional clinic through non-drug approach treatment and prevention. In severe depressive disorders and resistant depression EMDR therapy has shown effective results. Taking in account the high chance of relapses (50%), we highlight regular physical activity as a prevention factor that diminishes relapses chances compared to medication. Furthermore, meditation practice impacts cerebral plasticity. Finally, an environmental approach through luminotherapy (increase serotonin precursor) or nutritherapy (bacterium balance) helps healing and prevents relapses. These therapies can be easily adapted to any population and institutional context.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Depression and loneliness did not affect academic achievement among university students
Authors: Sadeghi Bahmani D. , Faraji R. , Faraji P. , Holsboer-Trachsler E. , Brand S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Many students experience symptoms of loneliness, either as a result of the new academic situation or due to the lack of social skills, which results in an inability to actively participate in community activities and socialization. Depression is another common problem that impacts students’ ability to perform life activities. Further, while intuitively a negative association between loneliness, depression and academic achievement is assumed, consistent data are missing. Accordingly, the present study investigated the relationship between depression, and loneliness and academic achievement among undergraduate students.

Method

This study was carried out on 240 university students (mean age: M = 23.42 years), who completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while for academic achievement the average marks were used.

Result

Increased age was associated with lower scores in loneliness and depression, and higher achievements. Higher scores of depression and loneliness were associated. Achievement scores were unrelated to loneliness and depression.

Conclusions

Against intuitive expectations, academic achievement was unrelated to symptoms of depression and loneliness. Accordingly, we assume that academic achievement seemed to be related to further cognitive and emotional processes such as motivation, mental toughness, stress resistance, and goal oriented behavior.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.