bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of school closures during the pandemic on screen time and behavior of children: Evidence from a developing country
Authors: Malhi P. , Bharti B. , Sidhu M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Serious concerns regarding the indirect physical and mental health impact of the extended school closure measure to control the spread of the pandemic have been raised, however, the extent of the problem remains unquantified in India.

Objectives

To examine the impact of school closures on recreational screen time, emotional, and behavioral functioning of school-going children during the pandemic.

Methods

The survey utilized a Google form that was sent to parents of children (6-14 years) through emails and social media platforms. Parents were asked to report on the child’s duration of recreational screen time and whether the child’s overall behavioral functioning had changed since the school closures. The child’s emotional and behavioral functioning was assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The study was cleared by the Ethics committee.

Results

A total of 160 parents were recruited for the study. Overall, a little more one-fourth (28.1%) of the children’s behavior was reported to have worsened. The mean recreational screen time was 2.65 hours (SD=1.89). A significantly higher proportion of children whose behavior worsened after school closures, relative to those whose behavior improved or remained same, had scores in the abnormal range of functioning on three of the subscales of SDQ. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that recreational screen time explained 2% of the variance in the total SDQ score (F=4.18. P=.04).

Conclusions

Increase in psychological services supporting healthy behaviors and anticipatory telehealth consultations for high-risk children and families is the need of the hour to foster psychological wellbeing during the pandemic.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychopathology in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Mccarthy J.
Published: September 2022

Background: A review describing the mental health needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) published just over 10 years ago found that those with ID and ASD were more vulnerable to psychiatric disorders than adults with ID who did not have comorbid ASD (Underwood, Tsakanikos & McCarthy, 2010). Method: An overview of psychopathology presenting in adults with ID and autism including the relationship of challenging behaviours to psychiatric disorder will be summarised. A review of key papers published from 2009 to 2021 was also undertaken. The focus of the search was on assessment, diagnosis and management so as to be relevant to clinical practice. Findings: There was only one paper identified describing a new structured diagnostic tool for use with adults with ID and ASD. The majority of the new evidence focused on interventions both psychological and pharmacological. Two brief case vignettes will be presented to illustrate the diagnostic and treatment challenges. Conclusion: The past decade has produced a small increase in the evidence base on the mental health needs of adults with ID and ASD. However more evidence on effective interventions is required. Underwood L, Tsakanikos E & McCarthy J. (2010). Mental health of adults with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 23, 421-426.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Cognitive, emotional and expressive factors determining the quality and variability of mentalization styles
Authors: Vologzhanina A. , Sokolova E. , Ryzhov A. , Pechnikova L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In contemporary context the difficulties of making sense of social ambiguity becomes one of the most important appeals for seeking the psychological help. This grounds the importance of studying the mechanism underlying the quality of mentalization and its individual variations.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to find empirical relations between the quality of mentalization and its cognitive, emotional and expressive mediating factors.

Methods

(1) The Adult Attachment Interview, scored using Social Cognition and Object Relations-Global rating method for mentalization ability. (2) Group embedded figures test. (3) New Tolerance-Intolerance to ambiguity and (4) Toronto alexithymia scale questionnaires. Twenty participants, aged 18-38, looking for psychological consultation, took part in the study.

Results

Correlation analysis suggests positive relation between field-independency and tolerance to ambiguity (r = .47; p < .05). The complexity of representations of the mind positively correlates with the understanding of social causality (r = .92; p < .01). The affective quality of relationships’ representations positively correlates with the ability to emotionally invest into relationships (r = .66; p < .01), and with the understanding of social causality (r = .47; p < .05). The ability of emotional investment into relationships also positively correlates with the understanding of social causality (r = .93; p < .01). There is a negative link between the severity of alexithymia and the presence of long-term relationships with a partner (r = -.53; p < .05).

Conclusions

Mentalization should be understood as a system, with underplaying cognitive, expressive and emotional factors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Does emotional intelligence have the same role in each risk behaviour?
Authors: Sánchez-López M.T. , Fernández-Berrocal P. , Gómez-Leal R. , Megías-Robles A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

One of the most important factors that represents a threating both physical and psychological health in our lives is the individual’s risk behaviour. Though emotions exert a strong influence on risk decision-making, the literature studying the role of emotional abilities on the tendency to engage in risk behaviour is scarce.

Objectives

The aim was to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence (Attention, Clarity, and Repair) and risk behaviour in its different domains (Ethical, Health, Financial, Social, and Recreational domains). We also examined whether there were gender differences in both variables.

Methods

A Spanish community sample of 1435 participants (Mage = 29.84, ranging from 18 to 70 years old; 61.9% women) were assessed in levels of EI and risk-taking by the TMMS-24 and DOSPERT-30 scales.

Results

The result revelated that emotional intelligence was positive related with Social and Recreational domains, and negative related with Ethical and Health domains. Moreover, women showed higher scores for EI and Social risk-taking domain than men, and men showed higher scores for Ethical, Financial, Health, and Recreational risk-taking domains.

Conclusions

These findings show and support that EI is differentially related to risk behaviour depending on the risk domain studied. We suggest that higher levels of EI could be adaptive for risk behaviour regardless the directionality of the relationship. Considering the impact of health-related risky behaviours on public health and individual well-being, the development of effective risk prevention programs that train emotional abilities could reduce the incidence of these behaviours in our society.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Raising community awareness to improve access to mental health services in Bali
Authors: Lesmana C.B.J. , Bikker A. , Tiliopoulos N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Changing attitudes and behaviour regarding mental health and help-seeking is a complex process, especially in poorer areas where access to mental health services is relatively new. Data from the Indonesian national health survey indicate that after the introduction of the Universal Health Coverage a large number of people suffering from mental illness remain untreated

Objectives

This study aims to address this issue by seeking the views of community leaders (i.e. village and banjars leaders) on ways to raise community awareness to improve access to mental health services, increase service utilisation rates and reduce the duration of untreated mental illness in Bali.

Methods

This is a qualitative study with community leaders (i.e. village and banjar leaders) in communities in Bali on barriers and facilitators of accessing mental health services for people.

Results

In Bali they still have faith in the traditional healer so if they see one and the mentally ill patient is getting better then they don’t think they need to go to the hospital. According to the community leaders the determinants for non-uptake of mental health services were mental health awareness should be integrated systematically starting at primary care and must be complemented by secondary care, and have linkages to informal community-based services and self-care. The community leaders can play a role in awareness-raising by empowerment the community and other logics in community care setting.

Conclusions

Community awareness can improve access to mental health services, increase service utilisation rates and reduce the duration of untreated mental illness in Bali

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Factors associated to stigma in mental health workers of Castilla y Leon. The role of burnout and work motivation
Authors: Pelayo-Terán J.M. , Zapico-Merayo Y. , Garcia Llamas M.E. , Vega-García S. , López-Zapico C. , Villa-Carcedo M.R. , Álvaro-Prieto Á.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Stigma is one of the most important barriers to help-seeking, treating maintenance and recovery for people suffering mental disorders. These attitudes, when present in mental health workers, may have a negative effect on the quality of health care.

Objectives

to evaluate the levels of stigma in a representative sample of mental health workers and to explore potential modifiable factors associated to stigma attitudes.

Methods

An online survey was conducted on the mental health workers of Castilla y León (Spain, 2409164 habs) while projecting the 2022 Mental Health Humanization plan in order to asses educational skills, burnout (Maschlach MBI), Professional Quiality of life (CVP-35) and Stigma attitudes (Mental Illness: Cinician’s Attitudes Scales, MICA4) together with sociodemographic and work position variables.

Results

193 workers completed completed the survey. Stigma Attitude values of the sample were low (MICA4: 31.71; SD:7.3) and burnout were low or medium (medium Emotional Exhaustion: 19.22; SD8.89; low Depersonalization: 4.91; SD:3.61; Medium Personal Accomplishment: 34,17; 6.3). In the linear regression (R2=0.249; F:11,527; p<0,001), a lower Stigma was predicted by psychologist (Beta:0,207; p=0,003) or psychiatrist position (Beta:0,204; 0,005), Self-efficacy assessed by the item “I am qualified” in the CVP-35 (Beta:-10,144; p=0,023), and a higher stigma was predicted by nurse assistant position (Beta: -0.230; p=0.001), Depersonalization Burnout dimension (Beta:0,351; p<0,001) and years of service (Beta:0.148; p=0,023)

Conclusions

Some groups of mental workers are more vulnerable to develop stigma attitudes. These, may be increased by fatigue and burnout. Future interventions should determine if reducing burnout and increasing capacitation may be effective in stigma eradication

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Efficient self-regulation of human functional states as a predictor of work success under long-term innovation stress
Authors: Kuznetsova A. , Titova M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Research data indicate the necessity of efficient human functional states’ (HFS) self-regulations for successful work execution, and not only for those professionals, who work under extreme work conditions; efficient HFS self-regulation is discussed as one of the key professional competences in socionomic jobs as well (Friedman, 2003; Landy & Conte, 2021). Moreover, ability of efficient HFS self-regulation could be viewed as a differentiative competence for separation of professionals with normal and high work achievements (Spencer L. & Spencer S., 1993).

Objectives

The empirical study was targeted to investigate HFS self-regulation efficiency as a predictor of work success under long-term innovation stress.

Methods

The longitudinal research was conducted in college teachers (n=50) during the period of organizational innovations. The empirical data were obtained by the diagnostic set of methods for self-assessment of attitudes towards innovations as a factor of long-term work strain, coping strategies and self-regulation means, chronic fatigue and burnout as the main consequences of long-term stress manifestations (Hobfoll, Dunahoo, Ben-Porath & Monnier, 1994; Leonova, 2012).

Results

The significant diversity in the level of HFS self-regulation efficiency in teachers with different work success has been found (p<0,05). Teachers with the highest level of work results have a well-developed system of self-regulation means, which allows them to cope with innovation stress.

Conclusions

The empirical data revealed patterns of effective self-regulation means, which are adequate to situational requirement, professional norms and rules of organizational behavior. Obtained results formed the basis for the elaboration of training course for HFS self-regulation skills development.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Incidence and predictive factors of non adherence to therapy in young adults attending a psycho social center in Milan: a retrospective observational “Real world” study
Authors: Vanzetto S. , Cirnigliaro G. , Piccoli E. , Dagoberti S. , Vismara M. , Benatti B. , Viganò C. , Dell’Osso B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Non adherence to psychotropic drugs is associated with negative outcomes, including hospitalizations, aggressive behaviors, suicide attempts and increased premature mortality. It represents a psychiatric challenge, especially in young adults who show higher risk of non-adherence to treatment

Objectives

Firstly this study evaluates the incidence of non-adherence to therapy in 18-24 years patients from a Psycho-Social Center in Milan; and then to analyze the predictive factors of non-adherence.

Methods

In this retrospective “Real Life” observational study, 120 outpatients aged 18 to 24 years, from Psycho-social Center of L. Sacco University Hospital in Milan, were recruited in 2019. Non-adherence to treatment, according to the World Health Organization, was considered “a modality of assuming medications that does not correspond to healthcare professionals’ recommendations”. Statistical analysis were performed with chi-square, ANOVA and linear regression tests, setting significance to p<0.05.

Results

88 of 120 outpatients (73.3%) received an indication to psychopharmacological treatment. Of these, 23 (26.1%) did not show adherence to therapy. Results showed a positive association between non-adherence and increased hospitalizations (p <.01), oral antipsychotics (p<.05) and drop-out rates (p<.001). A significant correlation was also observed between non-adherence and Intellectual Disability (p<.05), Bipolar Disorder (p<.05), psychotic symptoms (p<.05), alterations in affectivity and mood (p<.005), alterations in sleep pattern (p<.05), school dropout (p<.05) and poor family support (p<.01).

Conclusions

This study confirms that non-adherence has a relevant incidence in young-adults psychiatric population, highlighting the importance of effective and structured assessment in clinical practice to identify predictive factors and risk profiles associated with this phenomenon.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Multidisciplinary Approach in Diagnosing Patients with Mental Health and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Krysta K.
Published: September 2022

It is possible to properly diagnose and treat a person with intellectual disability and mental health problems, but it requires a lot of work on the part of a doctor, nurse, professional medical care, proper rehabilitation and cooperation with a speech therapist, psychiatrist and many others. To improve the functional capacity of this person, it requires the help of a wide variety of professionals to meet their needs. One of the examples of interdisciplinary cooperation in this area is the “Circles of Support” program implemented by the Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disability in Poland. Support circles assume the creation of a group of supporters around a person with a disability, in accordance with their needs, combining formal (family doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, personal assistant, social worker, therapist, lawyer) and informal support (family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors) , salesperson in your local store). The support is strictly focused on the needs of a person with a disability, and according to their individual preferences, it is fully inclusive. This goal can be achieved by preparing a person with a disability and the environment in a way that enables them to function safely in their local community based on the concept of supportive circles. The only way to build a system of care for of people with intellectual disabilities and their relatives is to rely on networks of connections - people and institutions, on their real commitment and on working out mechanisms supporting the empowerment of people with disabilities - in life, physical, financial matters.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Explanations on school task procrastination reported by medical students: A qualitative study at a public university in South-eastern Brazil
Authors: Turato E. , Gonzalez L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

How do medical students, who have self-criticism of being procrastinators of their study obligations, deal psychologically with daily tasks? The experience of procrastination by those who are considered high-performance students involves resources of mental health to cope with guilt, exhaustion, or even self-sabotage. According to MeSH used by PubMed, procrastination is ‘the deferment of actions or tasks to a later time, or to infinity’.

Objectives

To explore the psychological meanings that medical students attribute to procrastination phenomena to better understand how they handle the usual curriculum overload.

Methods

Clinical-qualitative design. Sample of 13 participants closed by information saturation with 2nd, 3rd, 4th-year students. Semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions in-depth. Clinical-qualitative content analysis, free-floating readings with psychodynamic concepts. Results were validated by peers at the Laboratory of Clinical-Qualitative Research.

Results

Emergent categories: 1) between procrastination and despair: the process of stress in procrastination; 2) a proving mechanism: procrastination as an emotional defense; 3) a very delicate rumination: between procrastination and mere delay, an emotional dilemma; 4) this conflict is painful: the confrontation between the desire to comply with tasks with excellence and the enjoyment of life.

Conclusions

Procrastination is reported by students as a source of great tension generated by opposing forces and desires, in which exhaustion is eventually reached. There are emotional contradictions related to guilt for leaving tasks to the last moment and the need to live other things besides doing academic tasks. Procrastination is a message-metaphor. It is important that institutions listen to students to understand what procrastination is saying about them.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Utilitarian Concept of Mind and Mental Health
Authors: Jain S. , Thirunavukarasu M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Many classification system and mental health act in many country attempted to define mental illness but mental health perse has not been defined.Some unaddressed question like ” what is diseased in mental illness, what do you treat or set right by treatment, how the psychiatrist say that a pateint is improved and describe or define mental health” are addressed.

Objectives

Working concept for professionals of all allied clinical disciplines. Enable them to understand mental illness and mental health in a uniform and consistent way. Enable all MHP to speak the same language, without room for personal bias. Avoid misconceptions and reduce the stigma with mental illness

Methods

We divided spectrum of mental health into Mentally Healthy, Not Healthy, Unhealthy and ill . Based on two dimension: 1. impact on self and 2. Impact on other. Awareness of ones own self, ability to relate well with other and ones own actions are useful to self as well as others are the three arms of mental health.

Results

A presentation was given to psychiatrist & allied sciences professional & members from judicairy, technolocrats, industrialist and educationist. Interaction was recorded and analysed, people even gave their responses comments and suggestions by mail and writing.

Conclusions

Mind is defined as a functional concept consists of Mood Thought and Intellect which is nicely amalgamated in a synchronised manner which always function in unison and the constituents cannot function in isolation. The three arms of the mental health are used to develop a tool to measure the same. All details will be discussed during the presentation.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Hidden role of gut microbiome in mental health
Authors: Duarte A. , Simões I. , Cordeiro C. , Martins P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The recent literature indicates that the gut microbiota may affect brain functions through endocrine and metabolic pathways, antibody production and the enteric network while supporting its possible role in the onset and maintenance of several neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders.

Objectives

The aim of this work is to discuss the role of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics as a potential treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Methods

Pub Med database was searched using following key words: “probiotics”, “prebiotics”, “mental disorders”, “psychological disorders”.

Results

Although the exact mechanism is unknown, there is a link between the gut and mood disorders. Psychosocial factors, such as quality of life or well-being, are greatly influenced by gut function and there is a strong correlation between psychosocial features and gastrointestinal disorders. Elevated stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to intestinal dysbiosis and mood disorders are disproportionately high in patients with functional gut disorders. So, psychobiotics may provide benefit when used in conjunction with current antidepressant medications. Probiotics may exert their therapeutic benefits by restoring microbial balance in the gut, and also by minimizing gastrointestinal complaints, allowing for the effects of antidepressant medication to not be reduced. Stress and immune responses were improved following psychobiotic intervention in stressed adults. Psychobiotics offer potential alternative treatment options in mood disorders and their accompanying symptoms.

Conclusions

Pro and prebiotics can improve mental health and psychological function and can be offered as new medicines for common mental disorders. However, more clinical studies are required to support the clinical use of probiotics.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
From Mild Encephalitis Hypothesis to Autoimmune Psychosis - and remaining challenges
Authors: Bechter K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The mild encephalitis (ME) hypothesis of severe mental disorders, ME to be caused by infections, autoimmunity , toxicity and trauma ( Bechter 2001, updated Bechter 2013), is now emergingly supported from neuroimaging and CSF and postmorten findings.

Objectives

Review about the present status of ME hypothesis and autoimmune psychosis and remainig challenges to assess and categorize mild neuroinflammation.

Methods

expert review

Results

Autoimmune Encephalitis presenting with exclusive psychiatric symptoms and all cases of Autoimmune Psychosis (international consensus criteria in Pollak et al, Lancet Psychiatry, 2020) match the proposed ME criteria ( Bechter 2001 & 2013). Majority of these cases of an autoimmune type of ME are well treatable with immune modulatory treatments. It remained unclear, whether CNS antibodies are causal or contributive by shaping the observed clinical syndrome. The increasing evidence of mild neuroinflammation present in considerable subgroup of schizophrenia or psychosis spectrum cases from ongoing clinical studies, including CSF ( Bechter et al 2010, Endres et al 2018, 2020, aso.) and neuroimaging plus the observed clinical improvement with immune modulytory therapies, strongly support ME hypothesis, potentialy even in considerably larger subgroup of SMDs,supported by brain biopsy (Najjar et al ,several papers) and post mortem studies (Bogerts et al group ,Weickert et al group, several papers).

Conclusions

Beyond ME even more refined categories of mild neuroinflammation, including parainflammation ( proposed by Medzhitov 2008) and neuroprogression ( proposed by Berk et al 2010/11) need to be considered in further research on the possible role of mild neuroinflammation in SMDs (Bechter 2020, Frontiers Psychiatry).

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
“I want to kill my mother”
Authors: Tan H.T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The incidence of Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is 1.5 per million population per year but it has only been described sporadically in the paediatric population. The median age of onset is 21 years old. In children, seizures, abnormal movements, insomnia, and irritability are more frequently identified than psychosis or abnormal behavior. Early detection and treatment can improve treatment outcomes.

Objectives

Presentation of a case of a paediatric patient with Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis displaying homicidal behavior towards her family members

Methods

Case report

Results

A 12 year old with no significant past psychiatric and medical history, was brought in by police to the hospital after she attempted to stab her mother with a knife. She had low grade fever, headaches and lethargy prior to presentation. Organic workup revealed serum and CSF anti-nmda receptor to be positive. She received early treatment with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins and no longer harboured further homicidal ideations.

Conclusions

Initial suspicion of anti-NDMA receptor encephalitis should be raised and early auto-immune workup performed in paediatric patients presenting with acute change in behavior especially in young females with no past medical or psychiatric history

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Association between markers of inflammation and indicators of systemic endotoxemia in endogenous psychosis
Authors: Zozulya S. , Oleichik I. , Otman I. , Yakovlev M. , Klyushnik T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The clinical and biological studies indicate the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of endogenous mental disorders. The inflammation markers leukocyte elastase, α1-proteinase inhibitor, and autoantibodies to neuroantigens reflect the severity of the pathological process in the brain. Systemic endotoxemia is a pathological process caused by an excess of endotoxins in the systemic circulation, can be considered as one of the components of the inflammatory process in endogenous psychosis.

Objectives

To evaluate the association between systemic inflammation markers and indicators of systemic endotoxemia in patients with endogenous psychosis.

Methods

The study included 25 patients aged 23-49 with endogenous psychoses (F20, F25) and 25 healthy people. The severity of symptoms was assessed using PANSS. We detected the activity of leukocyte elastase and a1-proteinase inhibitor, antibodies to neuroantigens, endotoxin (ET) concentration, and antibodies to endotoxin (aEТ) in serum.

Results

In 24% of cases, an increase of inflammation markers activity, ET concentration, and aET deficiency were observed (p<0.05), which is an unfavorable factor that aggravates the clinical course of the disease. In 76% of cases, ET concentration remained within control values (p>0.05) but associated with different levels of aET, which is likely to be a consequence of previous endotoxin aggression. There were correlations between ET concentration and antibodies to neuroantigens S-100B and MBP. We also revealed the association between the activity of the inflammatory marker with the severity of clinical symptoms in patients.

Conclusions

Results suggest the relationship between systemic inflammation markers and indicators of systemic endotoxemia and their involvement in the pathogenesis of endogenous psychosis.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Immunoregulatory and neuroprotective activity of ovocystatin
Authors: Stańczykiewicz B. , Gburek J. , Gołąb K. , Konopska B. , Zabłocka A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Ovocystatin has beneficial properties for cognitive function in young rats and might prevents aging-related cognitive impairment in older animals, as well as reduces memory decline in APP/PS1 mice model.

Objectives

Our study aimed at assessing the impact of ovocystatin on microglia activation and neurogenesis.

Methods

Immunoactivation: Mouse wild type microglia were stimulated with ovocystatin at dose of 100 micrograms/ml. The effect of ovocystatin on nitric oxide production and interleukin 1 beta secretion were determined. Neurogenesis: Primary rat hippocampal neurons of H19-7 cell line was used. The impact of ovocystatin on proliferation, nitric oxide production, and expression of markers of neurogenesis: microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2, isoforms A/B and C/D) and Synapsin 1, were determined.

Results

It was shown that ovocystatin does not stimulate microglial cells to produce inflammatory mediators. Whereas, no toxic effect of ovocystatin (1-100 ug/ml) on H19-7 cells viability, and dose-dependent down-regulation of proliferation were demonstrated. It was also shown that in primary hippocampal neurons of H19-7 cells incubated with ovocystatin (100 micrograms/ml), the expression level of MAP2 C/D (75kDa) - characteristic form of immature neurons is unchanged. However, the increased expression of MAP2 A/B protein (280 kDa) – characteristic for mature neurons was observed after 6 and 24h incubation with ovocystatin. Relatively to MAP2 A/B, increased expression of synapsin 1 was observed.

Conclusions

The ovocystatin might be a potential activator of molecular mechanisms in primary hippocampal neurons, participating in regulation of neurogenesis. Nevertheless, further studies are needed.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Immunology and psychosis: 22q11.2 syndrome as a model of study
Authors: Garcia-Bernal C. , El-Idrissi Benhnia M.R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) defines a set of developmental abnormalities due to a loss of genetic material. Phenotypic expression is highly varied. The immunological alterations that present as a severe combined immunodeficiency and the neurodevelopmental alterations stand out, especially the psychotic symptoms. It is the best described genetic alteration for the development of psychosis, presenting up to 30% of patients with compatible symptoms, with various hypotheses that justify it.

Objectives

General objective:

1. Justify that SD2q11 can be used as a model for human research on the origin of psychosis.

Specific objectives

1. Describe the pro-inflammatory state present in SD2q11.

2. Describe differences at the immunological level in SD2q11 among those patients with presence of psychotic symptoms of those who do not present them.

3. Describe possible biomarkers.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature in the last 5 years using electronic resources (PubMed and WOS) until June 2021 following the PRISMA recommendations.

Results

Three original articles were reviewed. There is a very marked pro-inflammatory state in 22q11DS patients with psychotic symptoms. They present an increase in subpopulations of CD4. The IL-17 is important in the formation in primitive stages of the hippocampus, its ease of breaking the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio is presented as a possible biomarker to predict patients at high risk of developing psychosis.

Conclusions

There is sufficient evidence that patients with 22q11DS can be used as a research model regarding possible hypotheses about the genesis of psychosis.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Imunne system and schyzophrenia
Authors: Almeida A. , Teixeira T. , Quarenta J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world population, having a devastating impact not only in patients but in all society. As a result, it has been subject of extensive investigation and the presence of certain genes was associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. However, the presence of these genes is not sufficient, therefore, other factors are necessarily involved.Observation of the association between schizophrenia and inflammatory states of the Central Nervous System led to the hypothesis that a dysfunction of the immune system may play a central role in this process.

Objectives

In this work we intend to make a brief review of the existing literature related to the immunological theory of schizophrenia.

Methods

A bibliographic research was conducted in Medline library using the following terms: “schizophrenia and immune system”; “schizophrenia and inflammation” and “schizophrenia and neuroinflammation”.

Results

The survey results reveal increasing evidence of the key role of the immune system in schizophrenia. Several studies show benefits of treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs in patients at an early stage of the disease. In the same way, it was verified that pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines influence glutamatergic transmission and tryptophan metabolism. Furthermore, the decrease in microglial activity appears to have a beneficial effect on schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Future will say if neuroimmunology mechanisms are primary or a secondary consequence in Schizophrenia. Recent discoveries in this area are encouraging and open the possibility of new therapeutic targets and new therapeutic approaches to this disease.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Conversion or inflammation?
Authors: Rodriguez Rodriguez L. , Gordillo Montaño M.J. , Boned Torres S.V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Autoimmune encephalitis are inflammatory diseases of the CNS mediated by antibodies that attack neurotransmitter receptors or proteins on the surface of neurons, usually in the limbic system. The clinic is different according to the antineuronal Ac involved.

Objectives

To make a correct differential diagnosis between autoimmune encephalitis and primary psychiatric pathologies that may be similar in symptoms through a complete study of the patient including anamnesis, physical examination, imaging tests, cerebrospinal fluid and serum studies.

Methods

Description of a clinical case. A 31-year-old female patient, with no previous history of interest, was brought to the emergency department for a suspected seizure. The previous days she had presented emotional lability, difficulty in concentration and reading, blurred vision, confusion and hemicranial headache. Two days later she returned to the emergency room for insomnia, dysarthria, difficulty in reading, comprehension, naming, and excessive rumination of her problems. Incoherent and repetitive language. The Emergency service requested to rule out a conversive disorder.

Results

Neuropsychiatric manifestations (anxiety, depression, behavioral disturbances, insomnia, memory deficits, psychomotor agitation, mania, auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions) are the first symptom in 70% of autoimmune encephalitis due to anti-NMDA antibodies and usually respond poorly to psychiatric treatment, making the treatment of the primary cause necessary for the remission of these symptoms.

Conclusions

Given their increasing recognition and prevalence, autoimmune causes should always be taken into account in behavioral changes, cognitive or consciousness impairment of subacute installation, especially in young patients and once infectious, metabolic and vascular causes have been ruled out with an appropriate complementary study.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
NIRS Hemodynamic Response to Methylphenidate in Children with Attention Aeficit Hyperactivity Disorder: First Administration, Titration Phase and Associations with Clinical Severity
Authors: Crippa A. , Grazioli S. , Rosi E. , Mauri M. , Villa F. , Maggioni E. , Diwadkar V. , Brambilla P. , Pozzi M. , Molteni M. , Nobile M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by lack of self-regulation and deficits in organizing behaviors in response to emotional stimuli. Methylphenidate (MPH) is one of the most effective psychostimulant drugs for ADHD, however, a possible predictive utility of brain hemodynamic data related to MPH administration and its relation to clinical symptomatology is still not clear. To address these questions, we used Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology, a non-invasive optical technique that allows to investigate the effect of psychopharmacological treatment on cortical hemodynamics.

Methods

Twenty children with ADHD underwent a three-waves study and 25 healthy controls were recruited at W1. At W2 children with ADHD received first MPH administration and at W3 they reached the titration phase. At each phase children performed - during NIRS recording - an emotional continuous performance task with visual stimuli of different emotional content. Clinical data were also collected at W1 and W3. We investigated the relationship among the difference between NIRS activation at W2 and W1 (Delta1) and W3 and W2 (Delta2), for each subject, task condition and brain region. Lastly, we investigated correlations between the Delta1 and clinical symptomatology indexes at W1 and between Delta2 and clinical data at W3.

Conclusions

Our study results suggest that hemodynamic changes in right prefrontal region probably induced by first MPH administration could predict hemodynamic changes related to MPH titration phase. These biological indexes could be associated to clinical evidences related not only to core ADHD symptoms but also to affective correlates.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Religious End-World delusion: psychopathological types
Authors: Gedevani E. , Kopeiko G. , Borisova O. , Orekhova P. , Kaleda V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Diagnostics of End-World delusion with religious content (EWDRC) is relevant due to its insufficient exploration, difficulty in differential diagnostics and social danger of the delusional behavior.

Objectives

To develop a typology based on psychopathological and phenomenological features.

Methods

Sixty patients with EWDRC were examined. Psychopathological and statistical methods were applied.

Results

Study of EWDRC found heterogeneity of clinical appearances. Two different types were identified: apocalyptic and eschatological. The apocalyptic type (51 patients, 85%) was characterized by prevalence of End-World ideas in an acute sensual delusion. Due to heterogeneity of delusion’s dynamics two subtypes were identified: - Subtype 1 (31 patients, 61%) was characterized with long period of development (changes in the stages) of different delusion’s types: delusion of perception, importance, staging, and the antagonistic one. Psychotic symptoms were quickly reduced with antipsychotic therapy. - Subtype 2 (20 patients, 39%) was characterized with rapid development of delusion’s stages up to oneiro-catatonic states which were hardly jugulated. Eschatological type (9 patients, 15%) was characterized by the systematized interpretive delusion with individual interpretation of apocalyptic signs. These states evolved within mixed forms of schizophrenia.

Conclusions

The analysis of EWDRC revealed the apocalyptic type’s acute course. Patients with the apocalyptic type have a premonition of upcoming End-World, and feel themselves engaged in it. The eschatological type is based on the systematized interpretive End-World delusion with “confirmations” found in everyday life. The results showed the high risk of the delusional behavior in patients with EWDRC which requires careful approach to the diagnostics and treatment of these conditions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Individual differences in the experience of meta-mood and internalizing psychopathology
Authors: Yildirim D. , Vives J. , Ballespí S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Emotional competencies such as attention to emotion and emotional clarity have been extensively studied in the literature. Depending on the context, their role shows different patterns of association with emotion regulation and psychopathological states.

Objectives

In the current study, we aim to understand when and how attention to emotion and emotional clarity are related to the co-occurrence of anxiety and depression.

Methods

Data were collected on attention to emotion, emotional clarity, anxiety, and depression. A sample of 258 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (M = 14.6, SD = 1.7, 54.5% girls) was examined to investigate the moderating role of attention to emotion and emotional clarity on the relationship between anxiety and depression after controlling for age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Results

showed that high levels of attention to emotion and low levels of emotional clarity were associated with increased risk for anxiety and depression. Balanced levels of attention to emotion and emotional clarity were also associated with increased risk for anxiety and depression. However, low levels of attention to emotion and high levels of emotional clarity showed no statistically significant association with the occurrence of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Overall, this positive imbalance of low attention to emotion and high emotional clarity appears to be the most favorable emotional states for coping with internalizing problems, suggesting less harmful effects of attention to emotion.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Delusion of pregnancy : The role of prolactin
Authors: Jomli R. , Jemli H. , Ghabi H. , Zgueb Y. , Ouali U. , Aissa A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

A delusion of pregnancy is defined as a fixed false belief that one is pregnant in the absence of any evidence to support the pregnant state. Different mechanisms have been advanced to explain this phenomenon.

Objectives

Herein, we present a case of hyperprolactinemia with delusion of pregnancy during the use of Amisulpride.

Methods

Herein, we present a case of hyperprolactinemia with delusion of pregnancy during the use of Amisulpride.

Results

This case concerns a 39-year-old, divorced Tunisian woman with the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder,She has never been pregnant. She was taking Amisulpride at the dose of 400 mg per day with 100mg of Haldol Decanoate. In June 2021, she was admitted to our department as she expressed the thought that she was pregnant. No other psychotic symptoms were reported. There was no history of alcohol or illicit drug use. The physical examination was normal. The blood pregnancy test was negative. A measure of serum prolactin was performed and revealed a high prolactin level at 700 ng/ml. Amisulpride was discontinued. We then recorded the serum prolactin level at one month and then at three months after we stopped Amisulpride. We found that as her prolactin levels decreased her complaint of pregnancy also diminished. Actually, the patient has a normal level of prolactin and has no pregnancy delusion.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware that delusion of pregnancy in psychotic patients may be caused by side effects of the treatment. Monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients under Amisulpride may help to improve the management of these patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Dealing with Psychotic Symptoms at Digital Distance
Authors: Gaebel W.
Published: September 2022

The EPA Guidance on the Quality of eMental health interventions in the treatment of psychotic disorders (1), based on systematic literature review, found strong evidence that web- and mobile based interventions for people with schizophrenia and/or other psychotic disorders are feasible and acceptable both for patients and caregivers. There was moderate evidence that eMental health interventions may improve specific elements of mental healthcare processes, such as shared-decision-making, symptom monitoring, disease management, information provision, empowerment, and there was preliminary evidence that they may also improve outcomes by fostering symptom reduction and treatment adherence. E-mental health interventions hold promise to shape the future of mental healthcare delivery through increasing service accessibility, reducing stigma and self-stigma, and providing timely and flexible support to individuals with psychotic disorders and their caregivers. Nevertheless, it is important to also consider other aspects such as the lack of ethical guidelines and quality assurance mechanisms, and the need to analyse the legal frameworks about eMental health in different nations when developing and implementing eMental health interventions. We did not identify ethical guidelines or quality assurance systems specifically developed for eMental health interventions targeting people with psychotic disorders. E-mental health interventions are efficacious to increase mental health literacy. We also found preliminary evidence that eMental health interventions are efficacious to treat psychotic disorders. Recent overviews (2) are coming to similar conclusions. Future research needs to provide better controlled, sufficiently powered studies to provide definite answers to open questions. Gaebel et al., 2016, DOI 10.1007/s00406-016-0677-6 Donahue, Rodriguez, Shore, 2021, doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01242-y

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Clinical case of religious delusion in a combination of schizoaffective disorder and epilepsy
Authors: Gedevani E. , Kopeiko G. , Borisova O. , Iznak A. , Orekhova P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Despite existing observations of religious delusions in epilepsy in classical psychiatric literature, such clinical cases are rare in current practice.

Objectives

To reveal features of disease progression, interference of combined mental pathology, treatment specifics, markers of possible harmful behavior.

Methods

Psychopathological, Multichannel eyes closed resting EEG in interictal period.

Results

Patient N, 39 years old, manifested her illness at age 13 with affective bipolar disorder; phases lasted several months each. From age 19, rare recurrent generalized convulsive paroxysms preceded by an aura; non-convulsive paroxysms were observed. The patient was uncritical of paroxysms and discontinued anticonvulsive therapy. At age 29 and 30 she suffered two psychotic attacks (lasting several weeks) with sensory delusions of meaning, staging, persecution, megalomaniacal ideas of apocalyptic content (ideas that she was responsible for possible outbreak of nuclear war, coming of the Apocalypse, her son was the antichrist). Delusional behavior (tried to take the naked infant out into the cold, throwing him out of the window). Anticonvulsive therapy accompanied by antipsychotic medications. Schizoaffective disorder and epilepsy diagnosed. From age 35, acute psychotic attacks with apocalyptic delirium preceded by the same aura lasted maximum one day, followed by partial amnesia. Epileptiform polyspikes (up to 150 μV) registered in the right temporal-central EEG leads.

Conclusions

Presence of religious delusion in combined schizoaffective disorder and epilepsy, requires special approach: combination of anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. Religiosity of patient should be taken into account as well.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.