bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-participation to a longitudinal and interventional survey on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers (PSYCOVER) in France
Authors: Vuillermoz C. , Fossi L. , El Aarbaoui T. , Gosselin A. , Vignier N. , Melchior M. , Vandentorren S. , Bertuzzi L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

We conducted a national longitudinal survey among healthcare workers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, (1) to assess mental health and (2) to describe the results of an intervention to improve capacity of resilience. Non-participation is rarely studied despite being an important methodological matter when performing studies on mental health.

Objectives

The study aims to describe and identify the factors associated with non-participation of healthcare workers to the intervention part of a national longitudinal study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants were recruited from April to October 2021 via an Internet link widely disseminated. Data collected include participant’ socio-demographic, occupational and working conditions, general health, professional burnout and mental health. The intervention proposed the use of tools for self-management of stress and resilience (PsySTART-Responder® and Anticipate.Plan.Deter™ program). A robust Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with non-participation.

Results

Among 724 participants, 41% participated to the intervention part. Factors associated to non-participation to the intervention were to work with few or no COVID-19 patients, and low scores in the anxiety scale. Social determinants, occupational characteristics or general health were not associated with non-participation.

Conclusions

Our study provides a better understanding of the participation of healthcare workers that was not frequently studied. The results logically suggest lower participation among those with better mental health and not directly concerned with management of COVID-19 patients. Non-participation to the intervention was not associated with social factors, which is an argument in favour of using such a design/intervention in a socially heterogeneous population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
How to Integrate Patient-Centered Measures in Routine Care: Lessons from Belgian Experiences
Authors: Jansen L. , Glowacz F. , Kinard A. , Bruffaerts R.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND Against the treatment gap and the long delays in seeking treatment for mental health problems, primary care psychology (PCP) was added to reimbursed outpatient mental health services in the Belgian healthcare system. PURPOSE Within the Evaluation of Primary Care Psychology study (EPCAP), which provides evaluation of the measure of reimbursement of PCP, the objectives were: (1) To describe the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) of patients treated with PCP and (2) formulate guidelines to integrate patient-related findings and experiences within community mental health services. METHOD 428 patients participated in an online survey at the start of their PCP treatment in Belgium and after 3 and 6 months. Besides sociodemographic characteristics, DSM-5 mental disorders, suicidality, and service use, they were questioned about their findings (PROMs) and experiences (PREMs). RESULTS Almost 90% met the criteria of a lifetime as a 12-month DSM-5 mental disorder or STB at the start of PCP treatment. Both subjective well-being and the proportion of patients who had positive experiences regarding their PCP treatment increased with 46% resp. 23.2% after 3 months and remained stable after 6 months. CONCLUSION Although PCP in Belgium serves a clinical patient population with high proportions of lifetime and 12-month mental disorders and suicidality, their subjective well-being increased after 3 months and remained stable after 6 months. Despite differences between groups of patients, PCP seems to have a positive effect on subjective well-being of these patient in short term. Integration of PROMs and PREMs into PCP were recommended.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
From Perceived Vulnerability to Disease to Psychological Distress in times of COVID19 pandemic
Authors: Pereira A.T. , Cabacos C. , Araújo A. , Manão A. , Amaral A.P. , Soares M.J. , De Sousa R. , Macedo A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Perceived vulnerability to disease/PVD may influence psychological reactions to COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

To analyse the role of PVD in psychological distress/PD during the COVID-19 pandemic, testing whether it is mediated by perceived risk of COVID-19, fear of COVID-19 and repetitive negative thinking/RNT.

Methods

Participants (N=413 adults; 69.2% women) were recruited from September until December 2020, via social networks. They completed the following self-report validated questionnaires: Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire/PVDQ; Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale; Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. As women had significantly higher levels of PVD, COVID-19 perceived risk and fear, RNT, and psychological distress/PD, gender was controlled in mediation analysis (using PROCESS macro for SPSS; Hayes 2018).

Results

All the variables significantly (p<.01), moderately (r>.20) and positively correlated. The serial mediation model 6 with the three sequential mediators resulted in significant total effect (c=.326, se=.0791, p<.001, CI:.1702-.4814), non-significant direct effect (c’=.111, se=.065, p=.087, CI:-.0162 to .2380), significant total indirect effect (.2149, se=.065, CI:.1079-.3278); most indirect effects were significant, including the indirect 7 (.0144, se=.0077, CI=.0017-.0320), that goes through all mediators (PVD->COVID19 perceived risk->COVID19 fear->RNT->PD), meaning full mediation.

Conclusions

The effect of PVD on psychological distress operates by increasing the perception of risk and the fear of COVID-19, which intensify related worries and ruminations in times of pandemic. People with high perceived threat, aversion and discomfort in situations associated with increased risk of infection should be helped to decrease dysfunctional cognitive contents and processes in times of pandemic.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Healthcare costs and productivity losses in treatment-resistant depression in Finland
Authors: Rannanpää S. , Taipale H. , Tanskanen A. , Lähteenvuo M. , Huoponen S. , Tiihonen J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Due to its relatively high prevalence and recurrent nature, depression causes a major burden on healthcare systems and societies.

Objectives

To investigate healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) compared with non-TRD depression in Finland.

Methods

Of all patients aged 16-65 years and diagnosed with depression in Finland during 2004-2016, persons with TRD (N=15 405) were identified from nationwide registers and matched 1:1 with comparison persons with depression but no TRD. TRD was defined as initiation of a third treatment trial after having failed two pharmacological treatment trials. Follow-up period covered five years after TRD or corresponding matching data (until end of 2018). Healthcare resource utilization was studied with negative binomial regression and average excess costs of TRD with generalized estimating equations, by adjusting for baseline costs, comorbidity and baseline severity of depression.

Results

Persons with TRD (mean age 38.7, SD 13.1, 60.0% women) had more healthcare utilization and work disability (sick leaves and disability pensions), adjusted incidence rate ratio for work disability days was 1.72 (95% CI 1.64-1.80). This resulted in higher total costs for persons with TRD, adjusted mean difference 7572 (95% CI 7215-7929) EUR per patient per year, higher productivity losses (due to sick leaves and disability pensions, mean difference 5296, 95% CI 5042-5550) and direct healthcare costs (2002, 95% CI 1853-2151) compared with non-TRD patients. Mean difference was highest during the first year after TRD (total costs difference 11760, 95% CI 11314-12206).

Conclusions

Treatment-resistant depression is associated with a significant cost burden.

Disclosure

This study was funded by Janssen-Cilag Finland and the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health through the developmental fund for Niuvanniemi Hospital. ML was partly funded by personal grants from the Finnish Medical Foundation and Emil Aaltonen fou
Clinical validation of the self-rated 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale among inpatients
Authors: Kølbæk P. , Østergaard S.D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Measurement-based care (i.e., the systematic use of rating scales to guide clinical decision-making) has shown great promise in the treatment of major depression in clinical trials. Unfortunately, measurement-based care has not yet gained ground in clinical practice, possibly because clinician-rated scales are time-consuming and limited by the availability of trained raters. Hence, brief and valid self-rated scales (questionnaires) may serve as an alternative or supplement to clinician-rated scales. The self-rated 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6-SR) has shown some promise in this regard, but its validity among inpatients remains unclear.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the criterion validity and responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of the HAM-D6-SR among inpatients using the clinician-rated 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17) as gold standard reference.

Methods

Inpatients with depression will complete the HAM-D6-SR twice during admission (at least one week between the two self-ratings). At both occasions, the patients will subsequently be rated on the HAM-D17 by trained raters, who are blind to the HAM-D6-SR ratings. The agreement between the HAM-D6-SR and the HAM-D6 extracted from the HAM-D17 will be evaluated using intra-class correlation.

Results

A total of 100 inpatients will be recruited for the study. Data collection is ongoing, and the results of the study will be presented at the 2022 EPA meeting.

Conclusions

If the agreement between the HAM-D6-SR and the
HAM-D6 extracted from the HAM-D17 is satisfactory, the HAM-D6-SR could inform decision-making in the treatment of depression.

Disclosure

The presenting author, PK, declares no conflict of interests. Co-author, SDØ, has received the 2020 Lundbeck Foundation Young Investigator Prize. Furthermore, SDØ owns units of mutual funds with stock tickers DKIGI, DKIDKIX, MAJGRO, NBIDE, SPVILRKL and WE
ESKALE study, a French real-world study of esketamine nasal spray for patients with treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Ludovic S. , Codet M.A. , Rotharmel M. , De Maricourt P. , Boursicot J. , Gaudre Wattinne E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Esketamine nasal spray has been developed to treat adults with treatment resistant depression. On Dec.2019, EMA granted a market access approval in this indication.

Objectives

ESKALE is a descriptive study of treatment resistant depression patients treated with esketamine in France.

Methods

Observational retrospective study. 157 patients are included in 3 cohorts depending on their treatment initiation date. This abstract presents the second interim results of patients treated with esketamine and whom data collection ranges from Oct.2019 and Sept.2021.

Results

66.7% of patients were females. Average age was 49 years old with 26 patients > 65 years old. Duration of the current depressive episode was 26.0 months (mean). 48.8% of patient have > 1 suicide attempt during whole life. At esketamine initiation, 78.2% patients were clinically perceived to have severe depression with a MADRS score of 32.4 (median) and a PHQ9 score of 19.5 (median). For the overall sample, esketamine was prescribed in median as a 3rd line and for 40.5% of patients after neurostimulation. The majority of the patient started esketamine at 28 mg or 56 mg and increased the dose to 84 mg. After 4 months of treatment, clinical benefits are the following: decrease of MADRS total score -16.5 points (median) corresponding to 58% of responders and a PHQ9 total score decrease of -8.6 points (median). No new safety signal detected.

Conclusions

This second interim analysis describes patients’ profiles and clinical evolution over a longer period and a broader population than the first interim analysis. The conditions of use are consistent with the ones approved by health authorities.

Disclosure

I (Marie-Alix Codet) works as a full employee at Janssen Cilag
Immune cells as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of depression
Authors: Markova E. , Knyazheva M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

There are sufficient amount data on the immune cells and their biologically active products leading role in the pathogenesis of depression, which allows viewing modulated immune cells as model objects for developing new approaches to depression immunotherapy.

Objectives

We first demonstrated the ability of immune cells modulated outside the body by caffeine to edit depression-like behavior and showed the central cytokines-mediated mechanisms of this effect. Considering theimportant role of the peripheral immune system in the pathogenesis of depression, we investigated the main parameters of its functional activity after transplantation of modulated immunocytes.

Methods

(CBAxC57Bl/6) F1 depressive-like male mice, developed under the long-term social stress, were undergoing the transplantation of syngeneic immune cells with in vitro caffeine-modulated functional activity. Recipient’s behavior and immune systems functional activity parameters were studied.

Results

We showed earlier significant positive psychoneuromodulatory effect of caffeine-treated immune cells in depressive-like recipients which manifests itself in the behavioral editing (anhedonia reduction, stimulation of exploratory behavior and activity in forced swimming test); hippocampal neurogenesis stimulation against the background of increased BDN and modulation of brain cell’s cytokines production. Transplantation of caffeine-modulated immune cells in syngeneic depressive-like recipients also leads to positive changes in the immune system functional activity as evidenced by enhanced immune response, splenocytes proliferation stimulation on the background of modulation of cell’s cytokines production and decreased tryptophan catabolism, reducing systemic inflammation.

Conclusions

Results demonstrated that in vitro caffeine-modulated immune cells caused positive psychoneuroimmunomodulating effect in depressive-like recipients. So, its may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Particularities of suicide attempts in late adolescence in Tunisia
Authors: Boukhchina R. , Aissa A. , Kammoun I. , Zgueb Y. , Madouri S. , Ouali U. , Jomli R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Suicide attempts in late adolescence deserves special attention.

Identifying particularities of suicidal behavior in this age group seems important in order to detect suicidal ideations.

Objectives

Describe the characteristics of suicide attempts in late adolescence among hospitalized patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive study that was conducted in our psychiatry department in Razi Hospital, Tunisia. It focused on a population of Tunisian adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years old and who were hospitalized after a suicide attempt between January, 1st 2010 and November,15th 2018.We used a pre-established questionnaire that explored the sociodemographic and clinical data of patients.

Results

Thirty adolescents were included. Twenty-three of them (77%) were female. Mean age of suicidal adolescents was 16.5 years. They were mostly living with their families (80%). Intentional drug ingestion was reported in 56% of cases. Half of the adolescents were indifferent regard the suicide attempt. Conflictual family environment was reported to be a triggering factor of the suicidal thoughts in 60% of cases, and romantic breakup in 20% of cases. In fact, these adolescents were diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood in 47% of them and depression (28%).Adolescent suicide attempts were correlated with a conflictual family environment (p=0.04) and the presence of academic difficulties (p<10-3).

Conclusions

Family dysfunction and conflictual environment are predictors of suicide risk in the late adolescence. Prevention strategies should be reviewed and focus more on these factors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Safety hazards in clinical practice of seclusion in psychiatric care
Authors: Varpula J. , Välimäki M. , Lantta T. , Berg J. , Soininen P. , Lahti M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Seclusion is part of the clinical practice in European psychiatric hospital care with the aim to maintain the safety of patients and staff. Adverse events and harm have been reported for patients and staff resulting from seclusion. Safety hazards, which are the prerequisite of adverse events, can be identified using video observation methods. Identifying safety hazards can be used to prevent adverse events and improve the quality of psychiatric care.

Objectives

To identify safety hazards during seclusion in psychiatric hospital care.

Methods

Descriptive design with non-participant video-observation of seclusion care practice. Data consisted of video recordings (n = 36) from six wards of one psychiatric hospital in Finland. The data were analysed with inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Clinical practice of seclusion included safety hazards stemming from the actions of patients and staff. Patients’ actions were as follows: aggressive behaviour, attempting to escape, precarious movements, preventing the visibility of staff, exposing themselves to contamination, and falls during seclusion. Staff actions included: leaving dangerous items to seclusion, issues in the administration of medication, performing physical and mechanical restraints in unsecure way, and precarious movements and postures.

Conclusions

According to our results, the use of seclusion has safety hazards that can result in harm for patients and staff. To improve the quality and safety of seclusion in clinical practice, the guidelines, practices, and staff training need to consider the various safety hazards. While the work in Europe to abolish the use of seclusion is still in progress, this topic requires attention in clinical practice, education, and policymaking.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Attitudes and beliefs towards transgender individuals among residents of Mashhad in 2020
Authors: Omidvar Tehrani S. , Talaei A. , Sorouri Khorashad B. , Afzaljavan F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Transgender people are more vulnerable to psychiatric morbidities compared to cisgender people. This increased vulnerability can be partly due to the discrimination and stigma transgender people experience.

Objectives

Several studies have tried to assess the stigma by studying the public attitudes and beliefs about transgender people. This study aims to explore the attitudes of a large sample of Iranian citizens toward transgender people.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, attitudes and beliefs towards transgender individuals were evaluated using the GTS among citizens of the Mashhad city of Iran. Participants were interviewed, and demographic data and socio-economic status of participants were also obtained.

Results

A total of 1202 participants with a mean age of 41.57±13.41, including 27.4% males and 72.6% females, participated in the study. In our sample, the GTS mean score indicated a moderately positive attitude toward transgender individuals. Our results pointed out the significant difference between sex (p=0.002), marital status (p<0.001), educational and economic levels (p<0.001) in GTS. Furthermore, people who knew a Transgender individual indicated higher GTS (p<0.001).

Conclusions

In Iran, with religious culture and a closed community, the situation for transgender people can be more challenging compared to that of Western countries. Although intolerant views toward transgender people have faded in recent years, society’s attitude is still negative. This investigation revealed that educational level accounted for much of the variance in transgender attitudes. Therefore, we can say that increasing informative trans-related content in social media can educate the general population and reduce anti-trans attitudes and behaviors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Antipsychotic prescribing choices in patients with First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Fallon J. , Tierney O.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

As all first line options in treating First Episode Psychosis (FEP) are similarly effective there is a consensus among prescribing guidelines that clinicians and patients should consider side-effect profile as the ‘driver’ of initial choice of antipsychotic. Anecdotally it has been observed that different care teams prescribe particular medications preferentially.

Objectives

To evaluate the patterns of antipsychotic prescribing in patients with FEP at the time of initial treatment and over the first year with the Early Intervention Service (EIS).

Methods

Medical records of all patients who had completed 1 year of follow-up with EIS in Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (n=274) were reviewed. The first antipsychotic prescribed and antipsychotic prescribed at 12-months was recorded alongside initiating care team (EIS, non-EIS community services, inpatient services).

Results

99% (n=272) of patients were prescribed an antipsychotic. 46% were initiated by inpatient serves, 40% non-EIS community services and 14% EIS. Aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone accounted for 95% of initial prescriptions. Different care teams prescribed antipsychotics preferentially (p=<0.005) (Fig.1). Rates at which initial medication was continued at 12-months varied according to initial prescription (P=<0.05) (Fig.2).

Conclusions

The frequency that specialist EIS services prescribed aripiprazole as initial treatment contrasts the preference for olanzapine in other services. Olanzapine has a significant metabolic side effect profile, is sedating and was least likely to be continued at 12 months. This raises questions about why non-FEP specialist services prefer olanzapine and whether EIS services can support these services around initial medication choices more likely to be continued throughout the key first year of treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Efficacy of paliperidone palmitate 3-month formulation in preventing hospital admissions. 60 months of follow-up
Authors: Romero Guillena S.L. , Plasencia Garcia De Diego B.O. , Gotor Sanchez-Luengo F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Paliperidone Palmitate 3-month formulation (PP3M) has shown a significantly longer time to relapse compared to placebo, with similar efficacy and safety to Paliperidone Palmitate 1-month (PP1M). However, studies of longer duration are required.

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of PP3M in the prevention of hospitalizations in patients with non-acute schizophrenia in a naturalistic outpatient psychiatric setting.

Methods

Sample: 30 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM 5) that started treatment with PP3M after being stabilized with PP1M (the treatment dose was not changed in the four months before study inclusion) The mean dose of PP3M was 401. 55 mg Quarterly basis, the following evaluations were performed during a follow-up period of 60 months: The Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia scale (CGI-SCH) Treatment adherence, concomitant medication, and the number of hospitalizations. Efficacy values: Percentage of patients who remained free of admissions at the end of 60 months of follow-up. Other evaluation criteria: Average change from baseline visit to the final evaluation as assessed by score obtained on the following scale: GSI-SCH; percentage of patients on antipsychotic monotherapy, and treatment adherence rate.

Results

The percentage of patients who remained free of admissions at the end of the 60 months was 83.25%. Mean variations from baseline scores at 60 months were: (-0.36 ±0-37) on the GCI-SCH. The rate of adherence to treatment with PP3M after 60 months was 86.58%.

Conclusions

In our study, we found that paliperidone palmitate 3-month formulation effectively prevents admissions under daily clinical practice conditions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Using smartphone battery data to infer sleep-wake metrics in psychiatric cohorts – an exploratory study
Authors: Howes S. , Gillett G. , Palmius N. , Bilderbeck A. , Goodwin G. , Saunders K. , Mcgowan N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Disturbances to sleep-wake patterns are associated with bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Objective assessment typically involves actigraphy monitoring, although it may be possible to derive sleep-wake metrics from other digital data, such as smartphone battery degradation.

Objectives

To assess whether common actigraphy-derived phase markers of the sleep-wake pattern (L5 and M10 onset) are in agreement with measures derived from smartphone battery data and explore if battery metrics differ between people with BD, BPD , and a healthy control group (HC).

Methods

High frequency smartphone battery data was collected from 30 BD, 19 BPD and 33 HC participants enrolled in the Automated Monitoring of Symptom Severity (AMoSS) study, over 28 days. Participants also wore an actigraph during this period. L5 and M10 values were calculated separately based on the rate of smartphone battery degradation and conventional actigraphy methods. Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess agreement between battery-derived and actigraphy-derived values, and Kruskal-Wallis tests used to compare diagnostic groups.

Results

For L5, battery-derived and actigraphy-derived values had a bias of 0.46 [-0.10, 1.02], upper limit of agreement (LOA): 5.45 [4.49, 6.41], and lower LOA: -4.53 [-3.56, -5.49]. For M10, the bias was 0 [-0.92, 0.92], upper LOA: 8.19 [6.61, 9.76], and lower LOA: -8.19 [-6.61, -9.76]. Between diagnostic groups, there was no difference for battery-derived M10 (p=0.652), or L5 (p=0.122).

Conclusions

Our results suggest battery-derived and actigraphy-derived M10 and L5 show good overall equivalence. However, battery-derived methods exhibit large variability, which limits the clinical utility of smartphone battery data to infer sleep-wake metrics.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Coproducing multilingual conversational scripts for a mental wellbeing chatbot - where healthcare domain experts become chatbot designers
Authors: Nieminen H. , Kuosmanen L. , Bond R. , Vartiainen A.-K. , Mulvenna M. , Potts C. , Kostenius C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Digital mental health interventions, such as chatbots that promote mental health and wellbeing are a promising way to deliver low-threshold support 24/7 for those in need. According to current knowledge about the topic, health care professionals should participate in the design and development processes for digital interventions.

Objectives

The aim of this presentation is to describe the interdisciplinary content development process of the ChatPal chatbot.

Methods

The content development process started in co-operation with mental health professionals and potential users to identify requirements. Content was created, evaluated and tested in international, multi-disciplinary group workshops, and online tools were used to allow the collaboration. Initial conversational scripts were drafted in English, and translated into Finnish, Swedish and Scottish Gaelic.

Results

A multilingual chatbot was developed and the conversation scripts were structured and stored using a spreadsheet. The conversation scripts will be made freely available online in due course using this structured approach to formatting chatbot dialogue content. It will allow repurposing the content as well as facilitating studies that wish to assess the design of conversation scripts for mental health chatbots. Conversation design process also highlighted some challenges in turning empathetic and supportive conversations to short utterances suitable for a chatbot.

Conclusions

The ChatPal chatbot is now available in four languages. As literature about the topic is still scarce, it is important to describe and document the content development processes of mental health chatbots. Future work will develop a conversational UX toolkit that would allow health professionals to design chatbot scripts using design guidelines.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Implications of Covid-19 Pandemic on School-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Farmakopoulou I. , Efstratiou C. , Dokos A. , Lepsinioti E. , Theodoratou M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused multilevel changes worldwide. Everyday life of all people has been altered drastically. Children with ASD seem to face difficulties due to their heightened sensitivity to unpredictable and complex changes in their lifestyle. Our presentation aims to reveal the effects of Covid-19 on school-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Objectives

The main thematic areas of this research, concerning the social workers’ questionnaire, focused on the routine, psycho-emotional field, school performance, sociability and school environment of children with ASD.

Methods

Between June 22nd and August 16th, 2021, social workers (n=38) and parents (n=25) administrated a questionnaire -through google form platform- which investigated issues around routine, psycho-emotional field, school performance, sociability, school, and family. Descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis of the data.

Results

The routine and psycho-emotional conditions of children with ASD were found to have a negative shift. Moreover, the degree of change on school performance was moderate, while sociability change was minimal. The significance of the school’s contribution and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the family functionality was highly observed. Another interesting finding was that children with ASD did not display discomfort for the mandatory social limitations or fear for the virus transmission.

Conclusions

Lastly, it is important to implement appropriate practices for the protection of children with ASD, through the mobilization of the responsible parties and thus, social policy transformations are vital for this vulnerable population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Prevalence of depression in Europe using two different PHQ-8 scoring methods
Authors: Arias De La Torre J. , Vilagut G. , Ronaldson A. , Serrano-Blanco A. , Valderas J. , Martín V. , Dregan A. , Bakolis I. , Alonso J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of depression based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) may vary depending on the scoring method.

Objectives

1) To describe the prevalence of depression in Europe using two PHQ-8 scoring methods. 2) To identify the countries with the highest prevalence according to each method.

Methods

Data from 27 countries included in the European Health Survey (EHIS-2) for the year 2014/2015 were used (n=258,888). All participants who completed the PHQ-8 were included. The prevalence of depression and its 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) were calculated overall for the whole of Europe and for each country using a PHQ-8≥10 cut-off point and the PHQ-8 algorithm scoring method. Weights derived from the complex sample design were considered for their calculation.

Results

The overall prevalence of depression for all Europe was lower using the PHQ-8>=10 cut-off point (6.38%, 95%CI 6.24-6.52) than the PHQ-8 algorithm (7.01%, 95%CI, 6.86-7.16). Using the PHQ-8≥10 cut-off point, the highest prevalence was observed in Iceland (10.33%, 95%CI, 9.33-11.32), Luxembourg (9.74%, 95%CI, 8.76-10.72) and Germany (9.24%, 95%CI, 8.82-9.66). Using the PHQ-8 algorithm the highest rates were observed in Hungary (10.99%, 95%CI,10.14-11.84), Portugal (10.63%, 95%CI, 9.96-11.29) and Iceland (9.80%, 95%CI, 8.77-10.83).

Conclusions

There is variability in the prevalence of depression rates in Europe according to the PHQ-8 scoring method. These findings suggest the necessity of identify the method of choice for each country comparing with a gold standard measure (clinical diagnosis). Countries with consistent higher prevalence of depression based on PHQ-8 regardless of scoring method deserve further study.

Disclosure

This work has been funded by CIBERESP (ESP21PI05)
Electroconvulsive Therapy’s use in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Mood Disorder: caution, promise, and progress
Authors: Parker M. , Carr B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by an increase of intracranial pressure (ICP) with no identifiable cause to date. One-half of patients who suffer from IIH have co-morbid mood disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), that can be refractory to pharmacologic treatment. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for treatment-refractory mood disorder, but possesses a relative contra-indication for IIH due to its theoretical increase in ICP. Can ECT become the gold-standard treatment modality for mood disorder from IIH?

Objectives

We aim to synthesize and summarize the state of the literature surrounding the intersection of ECT and IIH. We will present notable findings and propose avenues for future investigation.

Methods

We conducted a literature review using PubMed’s search function. Key terms that were queried are as follows: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Benign Intracranial Hypertension, Mood Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, ECT, Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Results

The prevailing theory of IIH and mood disorder centers around HPA axis dysfunction, which has been heavily theorized to be positively impacted with ECT. ECT itself may not increase the ICP, but the anesthesia might. The only two case reports in the literature presented safe and successful use of ECT’s in patients with IIH and MDD.

Conclusions

More data is needed to draw conclusions, as the literature surrounding ECT’s use in patients with IIH remains sparse. Further studies must explore whether ECT’s use in IIH remains effective. Through this, we may understand more about both IIH and ECT itself.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Frequent visitors in a university psychiatric emergency department in Greece
Authors: Vlachos I. , Chondraki P. , Magioglou P. , Lempesi E. , Bourazana D. , Papageorgiou C. , Margariti M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Background :The profile of “frequent visitors” at the psychiatric emergencies (PE) has not been sufficiently investigated in Greece.

Objectives

In this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence and relevant parameters of frequent PE visits in a Greek University Psychiatric Hospital for the year 2017.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we analyzed data of patients who presented in the PE of Eginition University Hospital in Athens during 2017. Frequent visitors were grouped under this category if they had at least five visits per year. Clinical and sociodemographic data of the patients were further related to number of visits.

Results

84 patients were characterized as frequent visitors carrying out 9.8% of the total number of visits. 50% were women and 70% of them were living with family members. Anxiety, depressive and psychotic symptoms were the most frequent major complaints at the time of their visit, whereas psychosocial problems were associated with increased number of visits. Moreover, in terms of the underlying diagnosis substance use disorders significantly related to more frequent visits

Conclusions

Psychosocial problems and the diagnosis of substance use disorders significantly correlated to the number of visits at the PE of a university hospital setting in Greece for 2017.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Dysfunctional anxiety in women recovered from COVID-19
Authors: Lagha M. , Hamdi G. , Dhaouadi N. , Chebli S. , Ridha R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Studies assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 have shown that patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms than healthy controls.

Objectives

The objectives of our study were to assess dysfunctional anxiety in women recovered from COVID-19 and to compare it to healthy controls.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional case-control study.

We randomly recruited women, from April 1st to 30th, 2021.The women in the case group have been infected with Sars-Cov 2, with a benign or pauci-symptomatic clinical form, and cured for one to two months at the time of the study without any post-COVID complications. Women included in the control group have not been infected with Sars-Cov 2 .Anxiety was assessed by the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS).

Results

In total, we recruited 30 women in the case group and 30 women in the control group.The average age of the case group was 35.8 ±6.8 years versus an average age of 35.3 ± 6.33 years in the control group. The majority of coronavirus infections were symptomatic (83.3% (n=25)). Nearly one-third of the patients in the case group had a CAS score greater than 9, indicating dysfunctional anxiety probably related to coronavirus (33.3%), with a significant difference with the control group (p=0.026).

Conclusions

COVID-19 is significantly associated with dysfunctional anxiety, even in mild or pauci-symptomatic clinical forms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression among students and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ionescu T. , Minecan E. , Zaharia S. , Fetecau B. , Tudose C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns have developed.

Objectives

The aims of this study was to report the levels of depressive and anxiety within active population in Romania, and to identify possible risk and protective factors for mental health.

Methods

Data collection occurred between February-March 2021. The online survey included questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). 620 responses were validated (331 students and 289 workers).

Results

Among active population, risk of anxiety symptoms is lower in those who already were infected with SARS-Cov2 (p=0.026, df=2, Phi=0.109), while positive screening for anxiety or depression in this study was statistically significant associated with younger age (p=0.026, df=4, Phi=0.134) and female gender (p=<0.001, df=2, Phi=0.166). Even though anxiety and depression scores are similar among students and employees, there are different aspects regarding symptomatology between these two groups. Students have experienced more frequently tendency to worry and sudden feelings of panic (p=0.004, df=3, Phi=0.146). Also, their ability to laugh and see the funny side of things is affected (p=0.019, df=3, Phi=0.127) and they feel less enthusiasm about future (p=0.001, df=3, Phi=0.159). Participants living with someone else scored lower on anxiety and depression subscales and those are not influenced by the person with whom they are cohabitating or residing (p=0.020, df=3, Phi=0.138).

Conclusions

Findings from the current study offer initial insights into the rates of anxiety and depression within active population in Romania, one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Assessment of Relapse in Patients with Schizophrenia during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abdelfattah E. , Bassiony M. , Sehlo M. , Zayed A. , Atwa S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

People with schizophrenia could be more substantially influenced by the emotional stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in relapses or worsening of an already existing mental health condition because of the high susceptibility to stress.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the presence of relapse and its risk factors among patients with schizophrenia during the era of COVID 19 pandemic.

Methods

This study included 90 adults who met DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia and were diagnosed by (SCID-I) Arabic version and who are following up at the outpatient psychiatric clinic, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) measuring severity of symptoms, Compliance Rating Scale (CRS) and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). scales were conducted on those patients before COVID-19 pandemic from January to April 2019 and repeated on September to November 2020 during COVID 19 pandemic to compare clinical parameters between those two periods as to detect any deterioration in their clinical state.

Results

The mean score of compliance rating scale (CRS) was decreased after COVID-19 pandemic compared to before COVID 19 (P<0.001).The mean score of PANSS scale positive subscale (P) had increased after COVID-19 pandemic compared to before COVID 19 (P<0.001).

Conclusions

There was a deterioration of the clinical state of schizophrenic patients during COVID-19 pandemic especially the positive symptoms and following up the news about COVID-19 regularly, decreased level of family support, lower level of compliance with treatment, and having a family member with COVID-19 infection or death were the risk factors for relapse.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Adherence to the Recommendations from the Portuguese General Directorate of Health (GDH) during the COVID-19 pandemic: fear or prosocial behaviour?
Authors: Cabacos C. , Pereira A.T. , Pacheco M.J. , Soares S. , Manão A. , Araújo A. , Amaral A.P. , De Sousa R. , Macedo A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

During a public health crisis, preventive measures are essential. However, to make them effective, all citizens must be engaged.

Objectives

To analyse the differential role of individual and contextual variables in the adherence to public health recommendations.

Methods

1376 adults (70.5% female; mean age=35.55±14.27) completed a survey between September/2020 and May/2021 with: Adherence Scale to the Recommendations during COVID-19
(ASR-COVID19; evaluates three dimensions of adherence), Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FC19S) and Toronto and Coimbra Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire (ProBeQ; assesses empathy and altruism).

Results

Adherence did not differ between individuals with or without personal or family history of COVID-19 infection. ASR-COVID19 and all dimensions were positively correlated to ProBeQ’s altruism and empathy (from r=.32 to r=.54); FCV19S correlated positively to total adherence score and house sanitation (from r=.18 to r=.26; all p<.01). Linear regressions revealed that altruism and empathy (first model), as well as fear of Covid-19 (second model), were significant predictors of adherence; however, while the first model explained ≅28% of its variance, the second (FCV19S as independent variable) only explained ≅3%. Regression models performed in a subsample of participants with personal or family history of COVID-19 revealed that only empathy, but not altruism, was a significant predictor of adherence; in this subsample, fear was no longer a significant predictor of adherence, except for lockdown and use of teleservices.

Conclusions

Based on our results, we suggest health care providers and public health campaigns should take into consideration social solidarity and altruism, as well as previous experiences, when appealing to public’s engagement in health behaviour.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Early Intervention for Psychosis in emerging countries: findings from a first-episode psychosis programme in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Authors: Correa-Oliveira G. , Scarabelot L. , Morais Araujo J. , Boin A. , Mendes Paula Pessoa R. , Rodrigues Leal L. , Del-Ben C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

People presenting first-episode psychosis (FEP) benefit from early intervention programmes, although they are scarce in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Brazil, there are just a few of them unequally distributed across the country.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the workings of the Ribeirão Preto Early Intervention for Psychosis Programme (Ribeirão Preto-EIP) – an outpatient service for first-episode psychosis patients residents in the Ribeirão Preto catchment area in Southeastern Brazil.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of all patients attended throughout four years (2015-2018) was analysed. We excluded patients who attended only the first consultation and those with an initial diagnosis other than a psychotic disorder. Data was obtained through retrospective analysis of medical records.

Results

Our service had 358 new referrals during the four-year period, and 237 patients were followed on average (median) by 14 months. Most of the patients were male (64.1%), single (84.8%), with a median age of 23.5 years (age ranged from 9 to 86 years). Schizophrenia was the main diagnosis (43.4%), followed by substance-induced (25.7%) and affective psychosis (18.6%). Taking follow-up diagnoses as gold-standard, initial diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders had the highest positive predictive values, 83% and 81% respectively. Most referrals to our programme were made by tertiary care (63.7%), followed by secondary (28.5%) and primary care (7.8%).

Conclusions

Here we presented a large sample of FEP patients in a representation as trustworthy to the reality of our programme as possible. Our analysis suggest that Early Intervention Programmes can be successfully implemented in LMICs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Hospital readmissions in the group of users on the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment – experiences from RECOVER E Montenegro samples
Authors: Dedovic J. , Djurisic T. , Tomcuk A. , Macic A. , Matkovic N. , Miladinovic D. , Vlahovic S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

As a part of Horizon 2020 program, RECOVER-E project activities were initiated in Montenegro in 2018. The initial step involved a thorough situation analysis of the setting and circumstances of treatment of users with severe mental health illnesses, followed by the establishment of the community mental health team (CMHT) within the Special Psychiatric Hospital Kotor. The CMHT became responsible for the treatment of a group of clients with severe mental health illnesses, based on the principles of „Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT – A Dutch model).

Objectives

The main objective of this research was to establish whether there were substantial differences regarding the hospital readmissions in the group of patients treated by the CMHT, compared to usual mental health care in Montenegro.

Methods

Within the RECOVER-E project, a sample of 202 patients, users of mental health services, were recruited in Montenegro. Patients were randomized into two similar-sized groups - intervention group, whose treatment was managed by the multidisciplinary CMHT, and control group where treatment as usual was continued. To estimate and follow-up the frequency of hospital readmissions, medical documentation was used.

Results

Patients in the intervention group had less hospital days during the 18 months follow-up period. However, the differences between two groups regarding number of readmissions, and total length of hospital days were not statistically significant measured by independent T test.

Conclusions

This study showed that CMHT care could reduce the total length of hospital days during the treatment of psychotic disorders even dough during the COVID 19 pandemic and lock down measures

Disclosure

No significant relationships.