bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-compassion mediates the relationship between self-esteem and social anxiety symptoms in socially anxious individuals
Authors: Holas P. , Kowalczyk M. , Krejtz I. , Wisiecka K. , Jankowski T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Fear of evaluation and a negative view of the self are the key characteristics of social anxiety, which is one the most prevalent anxiety problem. Self-esteem refers to views of oneself, including individual’s personal feelings towards self, whereas self-compassion refers to caring attitude toward oneself. Both constructs are two distinct positive views of the self, and were found to be related to each other, well-being and good mental health. To date, however, little is known, how they interplay in people with predominantly negative view of themselves, that is in socially anxious individuals.

Objectives

The current research aims at evaluating how social anxiety interacts with self-esteem and self-compassion and to assess whether self-compassion, mediates the relationship between social anxiety and self-esteem.

Methods

In this research, 388 adult participants with elevated social anxiety level (LSAS score M = 81.47, SD = 21.20) were recruited via open calls posted on the Internet and completed measures of social anxiety, self-compassion, and self-esteem.

Results

In accordance with the view that individuals with social anxiety tend to have negative mental representation of the self, we found that both self-esteem and self-compassion correlated negatively with social anxiety, and positively with one another. More importantly, self-compassion partially mediates the relationship between self-esteem and social anxiety.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that self-compassion may play an important role in buffering against social anxiety and suggest that enhancing self-compassion might be beneficial for reducing symptoms of social anxiety

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Bipolar disorder, cardiac comorbidity and therapeutic impasse: A case report
Authors: Bouslama I. , Jemli H. , Ahmed A. Ben Cheikh , Nacef F. , Jomli R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

BipolarDisorders (BD) are regarded as a multidimensionaldiseaseinvolvingbothpsychological and physicaldeterminants. Althoughmood dimension andthymicinstability areconsidered as the « core » aspect of bipolardisorders, itis crucial to note thatsomaticproblemsfrequentlyoccur in BD,deeplyworsening the prognosis.

Objectives

Herewedescribea case of atwentyyearshistory of psychiatricimpairment, diagnosedlaterwithcardiac malformation.

Methods

Female patient H.G has been admitted for the first time to psychiatric department ‘A’ of Razi Hospital,treated for type 1 bipolar disorder since 2004 with poor therapeutic compliance. We reviewed the clinical and paraclinical data.

Results

The patient was hospitalized for a severe manic episode with psychotic features, without cardiac personal history. The patient was asymptomatic and physical examination showed no abnormalities. Following a routine electrocardiogram, an acute coronary syndrom was discovered (inverted T waves seen in V1 to V6). Cardiac troponins were not elevated. According to cardiology recommandations, ischemic heart disease could not be ruled out and extensive cardiovascular investigations were needed. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizors were contraindicated.Therefore, the manic episode could only be managed using benzodiazepines. Given contradictions between clinical, electrocardioagraphic and imaging findings,coronary angiography was necessary. Results showed no significant stenosis of coronary arteries and a myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending artery and we were able to put her on antipsychiotics and moodstabilizer, almost two months after her admission.

Conclusions

This case underlines the significant impact of somatic comorbidities in therapeutic management of bipolar disorders. Cardiovascular diseases in particular cause a delay in treatment initiation and an increase in patient length of hospital stay.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Chronotype and biological rhythms in bipolar disorders
Authors: Ahmed A. Ben Cheikh , Ouali U. , Bouslama I. , Zgueb Y. , Nacef F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Biological rhythms play an important role in the etiology of mood disorders. Several lines of evidence established a link between circadian rhythm disruption and mood episodes. Chronotypes are the behavioral manifestations of circadian rhythms and eveningness appears to be more frequent in bipolar disorder (BD). The influence of chronotype on mood symptoms needs yet to be clarified.

Objectives

-Identifying the predominant chronotype in a Tunisian sample of patients with BD -Assessing the association between chronotype and biological rhythm disruptions in the sample

Methods

For this study, a total of 80 euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder and 80 control subjects were recruited. Biological rhythms disruptions were assessed using the Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN). Predominant chronotype was identified using the composite scale of morningness (CSM).

Results

BRIAN scores showed greater biological rhythms disruptions in bipolar patients than the control subjects (mean scores 35.26±9.21 vs 25.84±2.68). Low CSM scores in the patients’ group indicated a predominant evening chronotype whereas an intermediate chronotype was more frequent within the control group. The correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between the 2 scales (r=-0.716, p<0.001): the CSM scores decreased as the BRIAN scores increased.

Conclusions

This study indicates that eveningness is more common in BD. This chronotype is more likely to disturb biological rhythms which may increase the risk of mood symptoms and lead to a poor prognosis for BD, thus the relevance of treating rhythm alterations, especially in evening-type patients, in order to improve their quality of life and prevent mood episodes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Prediction of functional outcome in bipolar disorder: Effects of cognitive remediation and cognitive psychoeducational group therapy
Authors: Sachs G. , Erfurth A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In bipolar patients cognitive deficits are an important feature. Persisting neurocognitive impairment is associated with low psychosocial functioning.

Objectives

The aim of this presentation is to discuss potential cognitive, clinical and treatment-dependent predictors for functional impairment in bipolar patients.

Methods

In a first study (1) at the Medical University of Vienna 43 remitted bipolar patients and 40 healthy controls were assessed testing specifically attention, memory, verbal fluency and executive functions. In a randomized controlled trial, patients were assigned to two treatment conditions as add-on to state-of-the-art pharmacotherapy: cognitive psychoeducational group therapy over 14 weeks or treatment-as-usual. At 12 months after therapy, functional impairment and severity of symptoms were assessed. In a second, ongoing study, in-patients from a defined catchment area in Vienna (12th, 13th and 23rd district) were assessed via SCIP (Purdon S. 2005. The screen for cognitive impairment in psychiatry: Administration and psychometric properties. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: PNL Inc.). The SCIP was performed before and after cognitive remediation. The effects of treatment on functioning were measured with the clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI).

Results

Compared to controls, bipolar patients showed lower performance in executive function, sustained attention, verbal learning and verbal fluency. Cognitive psychoeducational group therapy and attention predicted occupational functioning. In the second study, SCIP and CGI values showed improvement after treatment.

Conclusions

Our data support the idea that cognition affects outcome. Bipolar patients benefit from cognitive psychoeducational group therapy in the domain of occupational life. (1) Sachs G et al. Front. Psychiatry, 23 November 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.530026

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
22Q11.2 deletion syndrome and psychosis: About a case
Authors: García-Bernal C. , Neth O. , Veguilla M. Ruiz , Torres N. Garrido
Published: February 2022

Introduction

We present the case of a boy born in 2002 who was diagnosed with 22q11.2 DS at the age of 2 years. He was referred to neurology at age 9 for “attention deficits and irritability.” At age 12 he was referred to mental health for “irritability and anxious and depressive symptoms.” The boy was erroneously discharged with a diagnosis of “only” emotional disorder without subsequent follow-up. The evolution of this case resembles the evolution of others already described in the literature.

Objectives

To demonstrate the lack of knowledge of the variety of comorbid disorders in this syndrome (20 to 40% present psychotic symptoms).

Methods

Bibliographic search in the Pubmed database.

Results

There is a partial T-cell immunodeficiency in 22q11.2DS patients confirmed by significantly reduced percentages of circulating T and helper T cells. An increased percentage of Th17 was found in adults with psychotic symptoms compared to non-psychotic adults in one article. The percentage of Th17 was related to the presence of positive psychotic symptoms. Another study says higher levels of IL-17 were found in patients with fewer symptoms. The importance of Th17 and IL-17 in the development of the hippocampus and of Th17 in the development of psychosis is highlighted. In those patients, there is a high IL-6 / IL-10 ratio in favor of a pro-inflammatory state. High levels of IL-6 are correlated with greater neurocognitive deficits and negative symptoms.

Conclusions

1. There is evidence for a theory of inflammation in psychosis development. 2. The 22q11.2 DS could be used as a research model.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Case of psychological consultation and observation an adolescent with dissociative dysmnesia
Authors: Zvereva N. , Zaytseva E. , Zvereva M. , Sinkevich A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cases of memory loss are rare phenomena. We present a case-study of common psychological and psychotherapy observation 14,5 years old girl with dissociative dysmnesia during 2 years. Teenager grew up in a small town near Moscow, her parents were divorced. A girl and her elder brother stay with mother. One day in New Year Holiday in January she had come to take out the trash and did not return home. When mother and her friends had found girl on the other side of town, she did not remember anything about her life and family. Goal: description the case of long observing adolescent with dissociative dysmnesia

Objectives

Girl age 14,5 y.o.

Methods

Psychodiagnostics, Psychotherapy.

Results

First period (1 months later initial episode) mother provided mane consultations to understand what has happened with daughter and what is illness. Psychiatrist made a diagnosis - dissociative dysmnesia, neurologists did not find any disturbances. Psychological diagnostics showed small gaps in knowledge, pronounced violations of autobiographical memory, decreased activity, and mood. Unusual results were obtained in projective drawing. She got to know her family and friends again, started an account on Internet, shares her stories. These 2 years she worked with individual psychotherapist with positive changes. In September 2020 she went to school, not yet caught up with program. She masters the guitar, continues to play in the theater studio, and makes plans for future.

Conclusions

After 2 year observation and work autobiographical memory has not restored. Girl’s personality hasn’t changed, according to the family. Her mood and communication look better.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Increased externalizing and internalizing problems in children with sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Csábi E. , Benedek P. , Gaál V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sleep-disordered Breathing (SDB) is a spectrum disorder ranging from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One of the most common sleep-disorder in childhood, however remarkably little is known of the effect of SDB on behavioral functions.

Objectives

The aim of our study to investigate the behavioral consequences of SDB compared to children with no history of sleep disorders.

Methods

Two hundred thirty-four children aged 4-10 years participated in the study. The SDB group consists seventy-eight children, sixty-one of the them with OSA and seventeen with primary snoring (average age: 6,7 (SD = 1,83), 32 female/46 male), One hundred fifty-six children participated in the control group (average age: 6,57 years (SD = 1,46), 80 female/76 male). The two groups were matched by age and gender. We used the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale, Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire, and Child Behavior Checklist to assess the behavioral functions. Furthermore, the OSA-18 Questionnaire was administrated to support the diagnosis of SDB.

Results

According to our results, children with SDB showed a significantly higher level of anxiety and depression and demonstrated significantly higher externalizing (such as attentional problems, hyperactivity, or social problems) and internalizing behavior problems (aggression, rule-breaking behavior).

Conclusions

Due to the neurobehavioral consequences, our finding underlines the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disorder breathing.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Street working children in kurdistan region of Iraq; Mental health and traumatization
Authors: Taib N. , Arinell H. , Ahmad A. , Ramklint M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Street working children are often poor, deprived of love and care, and lack supervision by responsible adults. The Kurdistan region of Iraq has experienced war conflicts for decades. Many families have been displaced and their children forced into the streets. However, little is known about mental health among the street working children in this region.

Objectives

To explore mental health and trauma among street working boys in Duhok.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted on street working boys (n=100), eight to 16 years old in Duhok. A control group of age-matched school boys (n=100) were recruited. The Child Behaviour Checklist 6-18 was used for assessment of the children’s competences and behavioural problems. Mental disorders were assessed by using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescence. Experienced trauma was assessed by the Harvard-Uppsala Trauma Questionnaire for Children.

Results

Sixty-one percent of the street working boys had at least one psychiatric disorder (57 % anxiety disorders). Street working boys reported more traumatic events than school boys, 96% vs 64% (X²= 32, p < 0.001), the largest effect size was found for torture (OR 28.4) and the smallest effect size for maltreatment or assault (OR 2.7). Also, they reported higher levels of internalising symptoms, T-score 59.4 (8.2). There was a significantly increased risk of more externalising symptoms with increasing working hours, OR 2.90 [95% CI 1.02; 8.29].

Conclusions

Internalizing symptoms, anxiety disorders and trauma were more common in street working boys compared to school boys. More working hours increased the risk for more externalising symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The prevalence of oppositional defiant disorders among young people in europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sacco R. , Camilleri N. , Umla-Runge K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This systematic review estimates the pooled prevalence (PP) of oppositional defiant disorders (ODD) among 5-to-18-year-old YP living in Europe, based on prevalence rates established in the last five years (LFY).

Objectives

Trends of prevalence rates across countries, gender and level of education were analysed. The random effects pooled prevalence rate (REPPR) for ODD was calculated.

Methods

A search strategy was conducted on three databases. Studies were also identified from reference lists and grey literature. Eligible studies were evaluated for reliability, validity, bias, and the REPPR for ODD was calculated.

Results

The European REPPR for ODD is calculated at 1.9% (Figure 1). The REPPR among males is 4.8%, whereas the rate among females is 2.7% (95% CI: 0.7%- 1.4%). The prevalence rate of ODD among primary school children is 1.8 times higher than the prevalence of secondary school children (Figure 2).

Conclusions

Gender, culture and socioeconomic diagnostic inequality may contribute to prevalence differences across countries. Routine screening and addressing these aspects may facilitate early intervention.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Lockdown: A chance to strengthen the relationship or to widen the gap for tunisian couples?
Authors: Meddouri L.S. , Cherif E. , Hajri A. , Maamri A. , Zalila H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

General lockdown due to the outbreak of Corona virus is a major change in people’s lives. Some mental health professionals consider it as a traumatic event with potentially serious psychiatric repercussions, especially on married couples.

Objectives

Determine the consequences of the lockdown on married couples.

Methods

An online survey conducted on social media during Mai 2020.

Results

A total of 223 married persons filled our survey with 86,1% females. Marriage was traditional in 17%, through mutual friends and acquaintances in 0,4% and after a love story in 84,3%. Families were not consenting to the marriage in 5,4% and 28,7% of participants did not consider that they knew their partner enough prior to marriage. The mean duration of marriage was 2 years and 10 months. Having children was reported in 77,1%. Before the general lockdown, 1,79% described their relationship as “bad” compared to 5,82% during; sharing house chores raised from 56,44% to 68,44%. And taking care of children by both parents during the lockdown raised also from 55% to 67,22%. Frequency of sexual intercourse was the same in 57,4% and lower in 23,8%. The lockdown was an opportunity to discover new things in their partner for 28,4% and 19,7% did not consider the lockdown as a chance to spend more time with their partner.

Conclusions

The lockdown gave us a chance to study the impact of the absence of social life on married couples.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Children’s mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Molini-Avejonas D. , Pacheco P. , Leal C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In the midst of a global pandemic with a rising death toll, the children´s mental health can be easily overlooked in the country’s response. But this overlook would have devastating consequences for years to come.

Objectives

The objective of this research is to compare children’s physical and mental development before, during and after the situation of social isolation caused by the pandemic of COVID-19.

Methods

The parents/guardians of 100 children aged between 0 and 5 years and 11 months old were asked to answer questions based on the ASQ-3 (Ages and Stages Questionnaire III), containing questions related to Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social and ASQ- SE (Ages and Stages Questionnaires Social-Emotional) addressing issues of self-regulation, compliance, social-communication, adaptive functioning, autonomy, and affect. In addition, behavioral issues related to children’s mental health will be included, such as: aggressiveness, insomnia, lack of appetite, apathy, sadness, tiredness, lack of interest, hyperactivity, manias, tantrum, morning among others. Child development data will be collected before and during quarantine / isolation and later, in a second stage, after the end of social isolation.

Results

The data will be analyzed in order to characterize child behavior before, during and after the period of social isolation, correlating the different areas of child development, especially mental health.

Conclusions

As argued, socially isolated children are at increased risk of health problems in adulthood. Furthermore, studies on social isolation have demonstrated that a lack of social relationships negatively impacts the development of the brain’s structure.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Neutropenia in patients treated with clozapine during COVID-19 infection
Authors: Bonany J. Marti , Carre M. Pérez , Olive J.R. Fortuny , Castellví C. Macias , Diez E. Carrió , González R. Sánchez , Elias M. Vallve , Codina G.A. Mateu , Casamitjana M.I. Martínez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic for treatment resistant schizophrenia but adverse reactions to clozapine include neutropenia. Patients with COVID-19 infection frequently experience lymphopenia, but not neutropenia.The impact of clozapine treatment in the presence of COVID-19 is unknown

Objectives

Show 2 cases of neutropenia in patients treated with long-term clozapine during COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Subjects: 48 admitted patients to a long-stay psychiatric unit. COVID-19 infection confirmed by positive nasopharyngeal swab for viral ribonucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2. Hematological controls between March and April 2020.

Results

16 patients (33%) treated with clozapine.18 patients (37’5%) had COVID-19 infection, of which 5 (10’4%) were treated with clozapine; 2 presented neutropenia. 1- 56-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia on clozapine since 2009. Begins to have a dry cough and fever with positive COVID-19 swab (day 0). Slight leukopenia without neutropenia was observed on day 1. On day 7, neutropenia was observed with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 1100. We decided to suspend clozapine and to initiate daily hematological controls. The ANC on day 8 was 970. Over the next few days the ANC will progressively improve until neutropenia resolved (day 22). 2- 55-year-old woman who required a transfer to a general hospital because of respiratory complications from COVID-19. She presented significant leukopenia (1’01x 10^3/uL) and neutropenia (ANC 100). Clozapine was not withdrawn. She was treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Conclusions

An urgent full blood count will be required to exclude neutropenia with appropriate action. Further research will be needed to clarify the possible relationship between COVID-19, clozapine and neutropenia.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Diagnostic dilemma’s in the new world of ICD-11 personality disorders
Authors: Wise M.
Published: February 2022

Personality disorders have ever been a troublesome group. From the early 90’s ICD 10 tidied up the group. DSM-IV, IV-TR, aand then DSM 5, changed the style but not substance, leaving clinicians to grapple with thorny questions of multiple diagnoses, treatment and prognosis. International views on the utility of the diagnosis often depended upon the institution or the funding mechanism. Were fears of exclusion and stigma dominated or where there was no treatment, there was under-diagnosis, such as in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Where a label was a ticket of entry to treatment and funding, diagnostic generosity prevailed, such as in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Gender discrepancies disappeared with structured interviews, and interest grew in the category which seem to only include the most severe forms. For many years the DSM taskforce tried to shift the construct but shied away from the cliff edge; a bold new initiative did not materialise. It was left to the ICD-11 to generate a much more adventurous and positive view of how characterological traits shift under pressure, moving from something that may at first have helped patients to ‘survive’ to something that became maladaptive and harmful. With a court tested case Dr Wise will demonstrate the differences between ICD-10 and ICD-11 highlighting the more important differences: onset, course and severity descriptors. PD’s are no longer lifelong impairments. Prepare for ‘The shock of the new’!

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown - case report
Authors: Jesus B. , Correia J. Martins , Ramos S. Freitas , Cruz E Sousa D. , Vaz Soares M.I. Fonseca Marinho
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In early 2020, governments started to implement different forms of public health measures, from physical distancing recommendations, to stay-at-home orders, to limit the propagation of COVID-19. Here we report the case of a 41-year-old woman, with a diagnosis of panic disorder. During the end of the lockdown, the patient presented psychopathological worsening, from her fear of Covid-19 infection, stemming from a heart failure disease and concerns regarding the hygiene and safety measures of those around her.

Objectives

Presentation of a clinical vignette.

Methods

Selection and analisis of clinical case and review of the literature using PubMed database.

Results

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures adopted to prevent the spread of the disease had a huge impact on a personal, social, and economic level for the world population. The rise of fear and anxiety among people due to uncertainty about the disease are coupled with essential yet disruptive measures such as lockdowns and quarantines. The chronically ill population are especially vulnerable during such circumstances and require addressing their physical health and any psychological difficulties they might experience, being at higher risk of suffering physically from the pandemic’s disease as well as psychologically from the implemented countermeasures.

Conclusions

This vignette provides a case where a person’s psychiatric conditions are worsened due to the end of a pandemic lockdown, rather than the lockdown itself. Additional work should aim at comparing the experiences of the different countries affected by the pandemic in order to understand the size of the psychological impact, the potential risk and protective factors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
On immediate verbal learning. Descriptive study in post-intensive care syndrome patients after COVID-19 infection in a functional rehabilitation unit in Spain. A pilot study
Authors: Maldonado-Belmonte M.J. , Fernández-Jiménez E. , La Torre E. Muñoz-De
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is a physical, cognitive, emotional and functional condition resulting from prolonged stays in ICU (Intensive Care Unit). In pathologies with clinical characteristics similar to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, most patients showed cognitive deficits after discharge from ICU. In particular, previous studies describe impairment on verbal learning among PICS patients.

Objectives

To analyse the immediate verbal-learning performance in patients with PICS after COVID-19 infection in a Functional Rehabilitation Unit in Madrid (Spain) using the Spanish version of the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP-S).

Methods

This study was conducted in the Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, in Madrid (Spain). A sample of 17 PICS adult patients was included, with age ranging from 56 to 74 years old (mean = 68.35 years; 13 males). Patients were assessed around three weeks after referral from their reference hospital. The Verbal Learning Test-Immediate (VLT-I) of the SCIP-S was used as outcome. Descriptive analyses were conducted (mean and standard deviation) on standardized scores (z) based on age-adjusted general population norms. Significant impairment was set at z < -1.5.

Results

Mean z-score on VLT-I was -1.08 (S.D. = .80) from the total sample, with 33.3% of cases with significant impairment (mean = -1.81; S.D. = .20).

Conclusions

These preliminary results show the probable presence of mild-moderate impairment on immediate verbal learning in a subgroup of patients, which was already observed in PICS patients with other medical conditions. Longitudinal studies, with larger samples, are needed where the premorbid cognitive level is considered.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Isolation syndrome in children: Clinical and psychological aspects in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Ivanov M. , Kotlyarov V. , Kozlovskaya G. , Kremneva L. , Kalinina M. , Krylatova T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, a lockdown was introduced everywhere in the Russian Federation, the main psychological feature of which is social deprivation - the deprivation or restriction of social habitual real interactions.

Objectives

Describe clinical and psychological manifestations in children in the context of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Methods

During the period from June to September 2020, parents of 108 children of early, preschool and school age applied for advice. Children are divided into two groups: I -children with previously established mental disorders; II - children who have not previously been observed for developmental disorder by a psychiatrist.

Results

Parents of children applied for counselling with complaints of psychological, neurotic and psychosomatic symptoms that were present in children during the period of lockdown. It was found that the active use of electronic gadgets, an abundance of alarming information from the media, can cause disturbances in the family system and become an additional risk factor in the developmental disorders and an increase in the existing psychopathological symptoms in children. However, in young children with normative development and in some children with autism spectrum disorder, the phenomenon of social isolation did not reveal any pronounced changes in the mental state towards deterioration; on the contrary, in a number of cases there is a weakening of previously manifested deviations, apparently associated with increased communication with the loved ones and increased parental attention.

Conclusions

Clinical and psychological services should offer preventive support to the entire family.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Clozapine treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dąbrowska E. , Galińska-Skok B. , Zalewski D. , Nobis A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Clozapine is an effective antipsychotic used in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. One of the serious complications of clozapine therapy is agranulocytosis, therefore regular monitoring of the level of white blood cells (WBC) in plasma is necessary. During acute inflammatory infections, including the COVID-19 infection, levels of clozapine may increase, by the CYP 450 system, leading to adverse effects such as sedation, hypersalivation and consequently to aspiration pneumonia.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to assess the validity of continuing clozapine treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Brief literature review, based on research of scientific articles published in PubMed, using as keywords the terms “clozapine” and “COVID-19”.

Results

Research studies indicate that SARS-COV2 infection in patients treated with clozapine does not significantly reduce the level of neutrophils, despite commonly observed leucopenia with lymphopenia. Due to pandemic, existing WBC scheme has been modified with a trend towards less frequent measurements. To minimize the side effects of clozapine during infection, it is recommended to reduce the dose of clozapine by half and continue lower dose until 3 days after fever has subsided. Additionally, there have been reports of psychosis recurrence after discontinuation of clozapine causing difficulties in treatment COVID-19 as also comorbid mental disease.

Conclusions

Treatment of clozapine is associated with higher risk of COVID-19 complications and at the same time COVID-19 infection may increase clozapine toxicity. Therefore, the risks of COVID-19 infection present a challenge for safe clozapine use. Further research will be needed to assess these dependencies and strategies.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Measuring anxiety and depression in parents of hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic in a pediatric Italian hospital
Authors: Correale C. , Tondo I. , Falamesca C. , Amodeo G. , Boldrini F. , Capitello T. Grimaldi , Vigevano F. , Cappelletti S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Parents of hospitalized children with chronic illness (HCCI) during the COVID-19 epidemic may face huge pressure and worry, leading to mental health issues. Parent’s depression and anxiety disorders increase the risk of mental health problems in the child and affect his/her recovery.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of depressive and anxiety symptoms among a pilot sample of parents of HCCI (in- and out-patients) with diagnosis of epilepsy (9), cystic fibrosis (8) and congenital heart anomalies (6) during COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatric patients were under a regular Children Hospital medical and psychological follow-up program.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 23 Italian parents (15 F; 8 M) of HCCI during the COVID-19 epidemic period. We performed face-to face interviews and assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) questionnaire during scheduled follow up visits.

Results

The anxiety score of parents of HCCI was 4.43 ± 3.17, of which 39.1% of parents were anxious (≥5 points), while the depression score was 4.04 ± 2.67, of which 30.4% of parents show depressive symptoms (≥5 points). The prevalence of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms was 26.1% among the entire sample.

Conclusions

Preliminary data of our pilot study showed a high prevalence of anxious depressive symptoms and comorbidity among parents of HCCI. Timely provision of psychologic interventions are needed during and after COVID-19 pandemic in order to empower parenting and promote children recovery and quality of life.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The role of Mediterranean Diet in mental health in pandemic times
Authors: Fraga A. , Esteves-Sousa D. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Albuquerque M. , Costa M. , Moura N. , Espada-Santos P. , Moutinho A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In late 2019, an epidemic outbreak emerges in China caused by a new coronavirus with high transmission and human infection potential which in March 2020, was characterized by WHO as a pandemic. The lockdown has repercussions on the population’s well-being, reflected in their food choices. There is a tendency to increase the consumption of energy dense food, rich in fat and carbohydrates, which are related to an increased risk of depression.

Objectives

The main goal of this non-systematic literature review was to understand the impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Mental Health promotion in SARSCoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

Literature from Pubmed database were searched, with the following keywords: COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health and Mediterranean Diet.

Results

Studies indicate that a diet based on the Mediterranean Diet is associated with a decreased risk of developing depressive symptoms, especially when there is moderate to high adherence to this dietary pattern. High consumption of plant and fish foods, reduced consumption of sugary products, processed and red meats and the use of olive oil as a fat source, are principles of the Mediterranean diet, associated with an improvement in endothelial function, increased levels of eicosanoids and serotonin synthesis and regulation of serotonin which seem to explain this protective effect.

Conclusions

In addition to decreasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, comorbidities associated with the most serious disease of COVID-19, the Mediterranean Diet seems to play an important role in promoting mental health, with a decreased risk of developing depressive symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Locked in and stressed out: COVID-19 and video-telemedicine in community perinatal mental health services
Authors: Turki M. , Miele M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 viral pandemic has taken the world by surprise. The pandemic has caused a great impact on the mental health and wellbeing of pregnant women with mental health difficulties. Healthcare providers veered towards video-telemedicine to safely and swiftly provide services to its users.

Objectives

To determine impact of Video-telemedicine on: 1. Access to Care 2. Ease of Use 3. Quality of Care 4. Difficulties of Use 5. Future Prospects of Video Telemedicine

Methods

We have decided to conduct a targeted survey to 100 pregnant women who are known to Perinatal Mental Health services to assess the new methods of contact that the viral pandemic has enforced upon healthcare providers.

Results

Pre-pandemic: video-telemedicine was ranked as least preferred Post-pandemic it is ranked as second favourite. 70.4% of responders have confirmed that video-telemedicine significantly facilitated access to care. 23.3% of responders insisted video-telemedicine made the service better. 50% of responders thought it was much easier to use video options to access their care services needs 95.4% of responders felt that video-telemedicine alternatives should remain post-pandemic

Conclusions

Video-telemedicine options have significantly improved the access and quality of services provided by Community Health Services to pregnant women during the pandemic. Video options can also make it easier to reach critical care without negatively affecting the quality of wholistic care provided, in fact, it can sometimes improve it. It is important that the psychiatric field learn from this pandemic and implement these services permanently. Bigger and wider studies need to be done in the future to support these conclusions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
COVID-19 pandemic and first episode of psychosis: Clinical characteristics
Authors: Brahmi L. , Ammar H. Ben , Hamdi G. , Khelifa E. , Felhi R. , Mnif L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The rapid spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic among the world poses challenges to the management of both physical and mental health. This unexpected situation could predict an exacerbation of anxiety, depressions, obsessions, and even multiple cases of psychosis.

Objectives

The aim of this literature review is to identify and analyze studies conducted in 2020 that investigate the incidence of psychotic disorders, related to COVID-19 pandemic and describe its symptoms.

Methods

A systematic search in the PubMed electronic database was performed using keywords “COVID-19”, “pandemics”, “psychotic symptoms”, and “ first episode of psychosis” Relevant literature was limited to articles describing studies conducted and published in 2020.

Results

9 papers met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies reported 20 cases of psychosis in patients with no psychiatric history, directly triggered by stress derived from the COVID-19 pandemic and by social distancing and quarantine. All cases were characterized by sudden behavioral changes out of character, increased concern about coronavirus risk infection, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, and insomnia. In multiple cases, psychotic symptoms were characterized by thoughts of reference, persecution, and structured delusional. 5 patients were convinced that COVID-19 Pandemic was part of a conspiracy and that someone was trying to infect them by diffusing the COVID-19 or other pollutants. Half of the patients had the delusional conviction that they got infected and they were contagious.

Conclusions

COVID-19 pandemic appears to be the trigger for precipitating psychosis which has a high risk of suicidal behavior. During pandemics, mental health professionals should carry out more focused diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Trait-anxiety among healthcare professionals in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bouaziz A. , Smaoui N. , Kraiem M. , Feki R. , Omri S. , Bouali M. Maalej , Charfi N. , Zouari L. , Thabet J. Ben , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Factors causing anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCP) are increasing, and psychosocial causes are the most common. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCP are exposed to additional stressful factors.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of trait-anxiety and its associated factors towards the COVID-19 outbreak among Tunisian HCP.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted among Tunisian HCP during November and December 2020. The data were collected by an online questionnaire including the sociodemographic information and the “General anxiety questionnaire of Spielberger” (STAI-Y-B) which was used to assess the trait-anxiety.

Results

A total of 135 HCP participated in this study (47.4% female and 52.6% male). The average age was 31.98 years (SD=6.59). Of the participants, 3% were nurses, 8.1% were interns, 48.1% were residents, 34.8% were specialist doctors and 5.9% were generalist doctors. Concerning marital status, 61.5% were single, 36.3% were married and 2.2% were divorced. Of HCP involved in the study, 13.3% of the participants had a history of chronic somatic-disorder and 11.9 % of them had a history of a psychiatric disorder. The prevalence of trait-anxiety in HCP was 53.3%. The analysis showed that anxious HCP were more younger (p=0.002) and had history of a psychiatric disorder (p=0.017) compared to non-anxious HCP. However, no significant difference was found by gender, marital status and professional degree according to trait-anxiety.

Conclusions

In our study, we found that more than the half of HCP were anxious and these one were more younger and had history of psychiatric disorders.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
To fast or not to fast
Authors: Marinho G. , Cotta C. , Vieira S. , Peta J. , Marguilho M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Ramadan happens in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. The cycle of the sun marks the beginning and the end of fasting. Its duration varies depending on the season: approximately 18 h in the summer to approximately 12 h during winter. The obligation to eat only during the night leads to an important change in the circadian rhythm There are certain psychiatric illnesses wherein people are very sensitive to this circadian disruption, bipolar disorder in particular. We know that a regulated circadian rhythm with adequate sleep are essential for symptom regulation and mood stability, with the risk of relapse or worsening symptoms. Additionally, some medications have to be maintained at a specific therapeutic index, namely lithium, a common mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.

Objectives

To review the impact of Ramadan on patients with bipolar disorder

Methods

Pubmed and Google Scholar search using the keywords Bipolar disorder, Ramadan, circadian rhythm, fasting, sleep deprivation

Results

All physiologic parameters are influenced by the circadian rhythm, which is influenced in its turn by the food rhythm. Studies on the effects of Ramadan on mood and mental health in the general population provide contradicting evidence. The inability to take medications during the day, dehydration and other somatic changes that necessitate dosing modification may lead to psychiatric symptom exacerbation.

Conclusions

Patients with bipolar disorder might be particularly sensitive to circadian rhythm disturbances and could require increased monitoring of their symptoms during this month.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Nuptial psychosis and Tunisian culture: A case report
Authors: Mhiri E. , Charfeddine F. , Messedi N. , Chamseddine A. , Bouattour W.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In Tunisia, traditions of marriage are still preserved by certain regions of the country : the taboo of sexuality and the requirement of the preservation of virginity until marriage mark the Tunisian mentality till this day.

Objectives

To discuss the impact of the Tunisian culture related to marriage on the precipitation of psychotic disorders in the bride.

Methods

A case report and a review of litterature via PubMed using the terms : « nuptial, psychosis, bride».

Results

A 31-year-old woman With no personal desease, developped a mutism, refusal of food and heteroagressiveness since the day after the wedding. The wedding party went well and it was consumed on the first night without any real incidents, yet, Ms. H was very anxious about the loss of her virginity and especially because of the low bleeding she had. The day after the wedding day, the bride was especially worried because of the presence of her family waiting in front of the bedroom to see the the blood-stained sheet : proof of the virginity of their daughter and the virility of the husband. In fact, incertain of the reaction of the family, the patient left her house early without informing her husband and was found by the police. Later, she developped an incoherent speech, audio-visual hallucinations and delusions against those around her.

Conclusions

In Tunisia, despite the progress made in terms of equality betwen men and women, women’s sexuality still suffer from certain taboos. Sexual education needs to be improved among young people to avoid subsequent sexual problems.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Cross-cultural research of coping: Individualization and modernization in Post-Soviet societies
Authors: Lianguzova V. , Khoroshilov D. , Belinskaya E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The article is devoted to the main methodological problems of qualitative research in the psychology of culture. Methods of ethnographic (field) observation were borrowed by psychology from social and cultural anthropologists in the first half of the twentieth century, and in modern research practices there is a special ethnographic direction that claims to analyze behavior and lifestyle in various subcultures and communities.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the key cross-cultural difference in coping behavior of respondents from Moscow and Tashkent.

Methods

The methodological basis of the research was the thematic analysis of narratives and free-form interviews. The sample was N = 60 (residents of Russia and Uzbekistan age 17-39).

Results

The results of thematic analysis of narratives and free-form interviews of respondents from Moscow and Tashkent allow us to conclude that the key cross-cultural difference in coping behavior is the degree of its individualization: representatives of Uzbek culture are focused on receiving support and care from significant Others, and not on independent internal work (unlike Russian respondents). At the same time, they are not satisfied with the traditional prescriptions that come from the family environment, which forces them to coping practices that go beyond the boundaries of normative social (often religious) ideas.

Conclusions

This can be interpreted from the point of view of the process of modernization of Uzbek culture, which is gradually becoming individualistic, and the latter circumstance requires the construction of flexible coping strategies in the situation of social and cultural changes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.