bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1760 – Attempted Suicide Predictive Factors: a Case Control Study
Authors: di Giacomo E. , Giampieri E. , Clerici M.
Published: July 2013

Aim and methods

The aim of the study is to evaluate risk factors for attempted suicide in psychiatric patients.

We compared three groups: psychiatric patients who attempted suicide, patients with the same diagnosis and no history of attempted suicide and healthy controls, through the administration of the following tests: TCI, SCL-90, WHOQOL, SASS, SF 36 and IIP.

The subjects were matched for sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, level of education, field of employment and role, marital status) with a 1:1:1 ratio.

Results

We obtained statistically significant differences between patients who attempted suicide and patient who didn’t in subscales: harm avoidance (TCI, p = 0.021) and environment area (WHOQOL, p = 0.021).

We also underline we were able to discriminate healthy subjects from patients, but we didn’t obtain statistically significant differences between controls and patients who attempted suicide in the subscales egocentricity (IIP, p = 0.051), aggressiveness (IIP, p = 0.057) and self-transcendence (TCI, p = 0.255).

Conclusion

These results underline the importance of caring, with preventing purpose, about personal history data such as socioeconomic status, living environment perceived safety, different tendency to inhibit own behaviors (correlated to previous suicide attempts), closure to external relations and aggressiveness.
1766 – Female Sexual Identity Disorder And Substance Use Disorder
Authors: di Giacomo E. , Clerici M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Sexual identity is often neglected in the analyzes of a potential patient and this represents a very bias and a potential blurring factor especially when we research about attempted suicide or substance abuse.

Materials and methods

We analyzed EBM Literature published in the last five year, and text otherwise and previously published but esteemed as important for our purpose.

Results

Lesbian population (L) have a greater and huger use of illicit drug.

It's necessary to add that a great part of L population uses drug by injection, thus including all the considerations about related infections (2).

Epidemiologically,we can attest that 10% of bisex (B) and 8,8% of L population have an ev drug intake.

It results of the greatest interest the fact that we can measure an increase in rapist's victims in the population analyzed compared to GP (64%vs44%), and in ⅓ of the cases violence occurred during childhood.

Adding that homosexual population is at major risk of suicide and attempted suicide, we are obliged to wonder if there's a common pathway or a sum of risk factors leading to these conducts.

Conclusions

The evidence of a possible correlation between sexual abuse and via PTSD the conservation of victim role, as well as the development of dissociation or personality disorder might explain a deeper use of illicit drug or alcohol in this population. International researchers in the field of SUD strongly demand to analyze sexual orientation as a risk factor for SUD since the given evidence quoted above.
1769 – Psychotic Disorder And Hospitalization Through Mobile Crisis Unit
Authors: Gómez Pérez L. , Nascimento Osorio M.T. , Sabaté Gómez A. , Córcoles Martínez D. , Malagón Amor Á. , Álvaro Serón P. , Bellsolà M. , González A. , Martín López L.M. , Bulbena Vilarrasa A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The utility of Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) and its target population has been a controversial issue and many scientific articles have been writen about it (1,2).

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify the demographic and clinical features of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder who have been hospitalized and have not required hospitalization in psychiatric unit through a Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU).

Methods

We collected retrospectively demographic and clinical variables. These include psychiatric rating scales of severity: Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and Psychiatric Disease Severity (GEP); of functionality as Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF); the aggressive behaviour and violence scale (AVAT) and psychopathology with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) of a total of 136 patients between June 2007 and July 2010.

Results

There have been found stadisticaly significative differences between patients who have been hospitalized versus patients who have not in the items of treatment adherence and security staff intervention (Table 1). There is a positive correlation between patients who required hospitalization and the clinical scales CGI, GEP, GAF, AVAT, SUMD, PANSS-P and PANSS-G (Table 2).

Conclusions

We can conclude that patients cared for by the Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) that require of psychiatric hospitalization have poor adherence to previous treatment. A high frequency of cases require intervention of security staff for having a higher risk of aggressiveness at the moment of hospitalization. The presence of greater psychopathology and functionality severity in patients hospitalized through the Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) is also considered.

Variables No hospitalization Hospitalization p  N%N% SexMen3354.14154.70.95CohabitationAlone1524.62533.30.27ToxicsYes14231722.70.97Psychiatric historyYes4578.95477.10.81Previous hospitalizationsYes4268.942560.12Treatment adherenceYes1431.123.5< 0,05Security staffYes11.73957.4< 0,05Chi-square
1770 – Pattern Of Tobacco Use And Psychopathology In Patients With Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder That Participated In Multicomponent Smoking Cessation Program
Authors: García-Álvarez L. , García-Portilla P. , Rico-Villademoros P. , Elizagarate E. , Ubis A. , Sarramea F. , Torres A. , Galván G. , Díaz-Mesa E. , Sáiz P. , Bobes J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

People with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are more likely to smoke, smoke more cigarettes per day and have greater mortality from smoking-related disease than those in the general population.

Objectives

To describe the sample and to identify the relationship between the pattern of tobacco use and psychopathology.

Methods

Multicenter, observational, prospective, 12-month follow up study to assess the clinical efficacy of a multicomponent smoking cessation program specifically designed for patients with severe mental illness.

Sample

65 patients from 3 Mental Health Centers sited in Spain [64.6% males; mean age (SD) = 44.63 (8.93)].

Instruments

(1)

Pattern of tobacco use: Fargerstrom Test for Nicotine physical Dependence; Glover-Nilsson Test for Nicotine psychological Dependence; expired carbon monoxide (CO); n° cigarettes/day; n° smoking years.

(2)

Psychopathology: PANSS; Hamilton; Young; CGI-G.

Results

Schizophrenia 64.6% and bipolar 26.2%; suicide attempts 36.9% (2.83 mean of suicide attemps); economically active 7.7%. There is no differences: in psychopatology severity between “heavy smokers” (ppm ≥ 26 or n° cigarettes/day ≥ 30) and “non heavy smokers” (ppm < 26 or n° cigarettes/day < 30) and in the pattern of tobacco use between schizophrenia and bipolar patients. There is no relationship between psychopatology severity and the pattern of tobacco use in schizophrenia patients. Finally, there is relationship between depressive symptoms (Hamilton) and nicotine psychological dependence (Glover-Nilsson Test) in bipolar disorder patients (r = 0.72, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

In bipolar disorder patients, there is relationship between the severity of depressive symptoms and the dependence of nicotine.
1775 – Economic Impact Of Antidepressant Treatment Duration In a Real-life Setting
Authors: Tournier M. , Crott R. , Gaudron Y. , Verdoux H.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The benefit-risk ratio of a long duration of antidepressant drug treatment (ADT) may not be favourable. A pragmatic way to study the consequences of ADT duration in accordance with practice guidelines is to assess its impact on health care use.

Objectives

To assess the economic impact of ADT duration in a real-life setting through the changes in direct health care costs.

Method

A historical fixed cohort study included 27,134 patients aged 18 and over with a new ADT registered in the national insurance database. The economic impact concerned health care expenditure in the first three months after treatment discontinuation. Generalized linear models compared two groups of treatment duration: less than six months and six months and over.

Results

After adjustment for care costs before and during ADT, gender, age, chronic diseases, welfare entitlement and prescriber specialty, total health care costs (in log) [-0.06 (-0.14;0.01) p = 0.11] and psychiatric care costs (in square root) [-0.08 (-0.41;0.25) p = 0.6] were similar in both groups after ADT discontinuation. Non-psychiatric care costs were significantly lower in the “long treatment duration” group compared with the “short treatment duration” group [-11.4 (-15.8;-7.0) p < 0.0001]. The decreases in total and non-psychiatric care costs after the ADT episode were larger in the “long treatment duration” group compared with the “short treatment duration” group.

Conclusions

With regard to health care costs and global health, ADT of short duration appear less effective than treatment of recommended duration.
1779 – Spectral Analysis Of Cerebral Hemodynamics And Gender During Set Shifting And Set Maintenance
Authors: Pude I. , Boeker H. , Seifritz E. , Schuepbach D.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Set shifting provokes gender related alterations of rapid cerebral hemodynamics in large basal cerebral arteries. However, no information on frequency patterns has been reported, especially when comparing phases of set shifting and set maintenance.

Objectives

In the following functional transcranial Doppler study (fTCD), we introduced spectral analysis to rapid cerebral hemodynamic changes.

Aims

To investigate signal characteristics during both phases and its correlate with sociodemographic and performance variables.

Methods

Male and female participants performed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test during measurement of the middle cerebral arteries. Cerebral hemodynamics underwent spectral transformation during set maintenance and set shifting. Correlation analyses examined the linkage with sociodemographic and performance variables.

Results

Scattering of frequencies was significantly increased during set shifting as compared to set maintenance (P = 0.006). Increasing age was significantly associated with increasing variability of spectral frequencies during set maintenance (P < 0.002). In males, but not in females, higher age predicted increased variability of spectral frequencies during set shifting on the right hemisphere (P = 0.002). During that phase, males showed a frequency peak near 0.1 Hz (trend level).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that spectral analysis of cerebral hemodynamics is a fruitful strategy to characterize gender differences and brain behavior relationships during higher cognitive functioning. Further covariates such as age, performance and hemisphere have to be considered. In other words, signal frequency of cerebral hemodynamics may be an underreported neurobiological marker in addition to signal strength, with special relevance for psychiatric diseases with cognitive dysfunction and/or gender differences, such as schizophrenia or major depression.
1784 – The Characteristics Of Nicotine Addiction Among Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Wojtyna E. , Wiszniewicz A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Nicotine addiction is common among people with schizophrenia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This rate is a much higher than among the general population, where the percentage of smokers varies between 25-47%.

Aims

This study aims to characterize nicotine dependence in schizophrenics compared to smokers not having mental health problems. The research was also to determine whether the affective psychological factors (anxiety and depression) and the level of distress are important predictors of smoking in a group of psychotic patients.

Methods

204 smokers participated in the research, including 104 people with schizophrenia and 100 healthy persons. Participants were interviewed and asked to complete five questionnaires: Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Test of Motivation for Smoking Cessation, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Distress Thermometer.

Results

The study has shown that the schizophrenics smoked more, took a greater number of puffs, showed a higher level of dependence and were less motivated to give up smoking than the mentally healthy persons. The results show the important role of affective factors and feeling of distress in nicotine dependence. The study also confirmed a significant relationship between distress and the number of cigarettes smoked. Affective factors and distress explain 34% of variance of the number of cigarettes in the group of schizophrenics and 56% in the control group.

Conclusions

This study showed that psychological treatment should be implemented into programs for nicotine dependence to improve the functioning schizophrenics in terms of coping with stress and maintaining good mood.
1787 – The Importance Of Gender Proofing Government Policy To Tackle Gender Mental Health Inequality
Authors: Datta A. , Frewen J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The ongoing global economic recession has impacted most severely on the more vulnerable sections of society. The policy of economic austerity being pursued by the British government - 2011-2012 saw the first decline in spending on mental health in 10 years - has placed further strain on the underprivileged.

Objectives

This paper will examine the impact of the recession and British government policy on gender mental health inequality and recommend corrective action as appropriate.

Aims

Examine impact of recession and British government policy on

a)

negative social determinants of mental health of women

b)

how they contribute to mental health inequity and

c)

what measures might be adopted to tackle these negative social determinants.

Methods

1/

Analyse arguments on impact of social determinants on mental health inequities.

2/

Review available hardcopy and internet literature on recession and government policies as they pertain to women and mental health inequalities.

3/

Determine optimal approach on behalf of government to prevent gender mental health inequalities.

Results

Current British government policies risk adversely impacting upon the social determinants of mental health of women in Britain, with negative consequences in terms of gender mental health equity. This is particularly true for women in economically disadvantaged circumstances.

Conclusions

Urgent action is required to address this situation by

a)

reversing policies that negatively impact upon women and risk provoking mental health inequalities and

b)

introducing gender-proofed policies that will not negatively impact upon the social determinants of mental health of women in Britain.
1789 – Learning Resource For Water Control To Enhance Hemodialysis Patients’ Complience
Authors: Martins J.P.L.B. , Biavo B.M.M. , Caramello S.R. , Rocha J.C. , Santos J.A.P.d. , Barros C.M.D. , Ribeiro E. , Silva T. , Martins C.T.B.
Published: July 2013

Background

Two parameters for assessment compliance in HD patients are interdialytic weight gain (IWG) and absences, both influenced by psychological and nutritional aspects.

Objective

Achieve greater compliance by using Water Control Dynamic (Bucket Dynamic - BD) to clarify risks of excessive IWG.

Method

BD was performed during HD session by nutritionist and psychologist in 48 HD patients to show that HD doesn’t eliminate fluids as a healthy kidney. Two buckets (B) are presented; one filled with water (B1) another empty (B2). Professional holds an 250 mL glass (represents fluids someone ingests), the other holds a 50 mL glass (represents HD fluid removal capacity). The 250 mL glass, one professional takes water from B1 and places it in the B2. Meanwhile, the other uses the 50 mL glass to take water from B2. This analogy demonstrates that HD doesn’t remove all liquid someone can drink. Hence, water intake control necessity. Nutritionist clarifies patients’ nutritional concerns, while the psychologist addresses emotional issues. We compared percentage of IWG and absences in two months before and after BD.

Results

After BD, we observed decreases in absences (7,2% X 5,7%) p < 0,05 and IWG (4,9% X 4.1%) p < 0,05. IWG was within recommended levels (3.5% to 5% of dry weight) before and after BD, but, before BD, IWG was at the upper limit of the recommendation.

Conclusion

We believe this experience fostered self-control, resulting in better compliance, and allowed us to benefit from an innovative work interaction between health professionals from different areas.
1794 – Augmentative Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rtms) In The Acute Treatment Of Drug-resistant Depression
Authors: Camuri G. , Dell’Osso B. , Guerrieri I. , Arici C. , Oldani L. , Altamura A.C.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

rTMS is a non invasive technique, used for the stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) by means of coil-generated magnetic fields [1,2]. The present study was aimed to assess efficacy and tolerability of augmentative low and high frequency rTMS in TRD patients, with current moderate-severe major depressive episode.

Methods

24 patients with a diagnosis of drug-resistant Major Depressive Episode (Unipolar or Bipolar Depression) were treated with 4 weeks of rTMS. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: right DLPFC, 1 Hz, 110% of motor threshold (MT), 420 stimuli/day; right DLPFC, 1 Hz, 110% MT, 900 stimuli/day; left DLPFC, 10 Hz, 80% MT, 750 stimuli/day, according to safety guidelines [3]. Analyses were performed using t-test and ANOVA.

Results

3 subjects dropped out at the 1st or 2nd weeks of stimualtion. 21 patients completed the treatment, showing a statistically significant score reduction at HAM-D, MADRS, HAM-A e CGI-s (tr = 9.05, p < 0.005; tr = 7.93, p < 0.005; tr = 6.81, p < 0.005; tr = 4.37, p < 0.005). Response (reduction of HAM-D score of 50%) was achieved by 2 patients, one of whom considered remitter (HAM-D≤8). Partial response (reduction of HAM-D score between 25-50%) was obtained by 12 patients. No significant difference was observed in terms of efficacy between high vs low frequency. With respect to tolerability, only mild and transient side-effects were reported (discomfort, headache, insomnia). One patient withdrew because of hypomanic switch.

Conclusions

Both augmentative low and high-frequency rTMS appeared to be equally effective and well tolerated in the treatment of TRD.
1798 – Perfectionism, Insomnia And Depressive Symptoms In The Post-partum
Authors: Macedo A. , Bos S.C. , Soares M.J. , Marques M. , Maia B.R. , Azevedo M.H. , Valente J. , Nogueira V. , Madeira N. , Roque C. , Pereira A.T.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

It has been shown that perfectionism constitutes a risk factor both for insomnia and postpartum depression.

Objective

To analyse the relationship between perfectionism, depressive symptoms and insomnia in the postpartum.

Methods

201 3-months postpartum women (M=12.27 ± .91 weeks postpartum) completed the Portuguese versions of Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). Three MPS dimensions derived by factorial analysis with data from this sample were used: Self-Oriented Perfectionism/SOP, Social Prescribed Perfectionism-Conditional Acceptance/SPP-CA and SPP-Others Highs Standards/OHS. Women also answered 5 questions about sleep, considering the previous month, based on which three insomnia groups were formed: Good Sleepers/GS (women without insomnia symptoms or daytime impairment); Insomnia Symptoms Group (women with at least one insomnia symptom but no daytime impairment); Insomnia Syndrome Group/ISG (women with at least one insomnia symptom and sleep related daytime impairment).

Results

Insomnia and PDSS were correlated (r = .39, pr < .01). SOP was not correlated with insomnia neither with PDSS total score. SPP-CA was significantly correlated with insomnia and with PDSS (rr > .25, pr < .01). SPP-OHS was only significantly correlated with insomnia (r = .14, pr < .05). SPP-CA mean scores were significantly higher in ISG than in GS (23.45 ± 3.032 vs. 18.98 ± 8.81, p = 002). Considering insomnia as a quantitative variable, linear regression showed that SPP-CA (β = .20, p = .005) and PDSS (β = .17, p = .021) were both significant predictors of insomnia, explaining 8.7% of variance (pr < .001). The mediation analysis revealed that SPP-CA partially mediated the relationship between PDSS and insomnia (IC 95% .008-.005).

Conclusion

SPP-C is a relevant correlate of postpartum insomnia.
1812 – Complex Neuropsychiatric Symptoms After Suicidal Attempt By Double Gunshot To The Head
Authors: Croca M. , Mendes T. , Vian J. , Frade P. , Maltez J. , Levy P.
Published: July 2013

Cranioencephalic trauma and resulting traumatic brain injury are sometimes associated with hard to manage psychiatric symptoms, requiring interpretation from an integrated neuropsychiatric perspective.

We present the case of a 49-year-old man with no known psychiatric history who attempted suicide by gunshot to the head resulting in severe cranioencephalic trauma (GCS=7) and subsequent admission to our hospital's Neurosurgery ward. Brain-CT showed two intracranial projectiles, in left temporal and right occipital topography, as well as multiple haemorragic foci. He was transferred to our Psychiatry ward, as there was no neurosurgical indication and he repeatedly attempted suicide. At admission, he presented with level of consciousness fluctuations, temporospatial disorientation, anosognosia and difficult to assess depressive symptoms. Brief neuropsychological evaluation showed deficits on visual-perceptive abilities, executive functions, logical reasoning, and immediate verbal memory, with a MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) total score under the normative values. Some language capacities (i.e. naming and repetition) were found to be preserved. Neuroophthalmological evaluation evidenced damage to the anterior left optic tract and a right campimetric defect. The EEG revealed no epileptic activity. At the 34th day of hospitalization, after accidental choking, he began to exhibit delirium with accompanying psychotic symptoms. Presently, two-and-a-half months after admission, we observe remission of delirium, coherent and organized speech, an alexithymic pattern of response, ideative perseverance and no suicidal ideation.

The noteworthiness of this case resides on the scarcity of published reports and on the difficulty it presents in terms of therapeutic and post-discharge management, originating from the hard-to-interpret symptoms and uncertain prognosis.
1818 – Early Onset Dementia: Socio-demographic And Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Guermani M. , Robbana L. , Moula O. , Bouasker A. , Ghachem R.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Early onset dementia (EOD) is conventionally defined by age of onset less than 65 years. It is increasingly recognized as a real public health problem because it reaches potentially active people. Although little studied, it is not uncommon and has some clinical and etiological features.

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of early onset dementia in psychiatric consultation to examinate sociodemographic, clinical and etiological characteristics of this entity.

Materials and methods

It is a cross-sectional study in external consultation of the psychiatric hospital Razi. We collected the records of patients seen between 01/09/2011 and 01/09/2012 and in whom the diagnosis of dementia was retained as the diagnostic criteria of DSM IV.

We compared the epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary dementia, beginning before the age of 65 with late onset dementia (LOD) (after 65 years).

Results

50 patients were included. The prevalence of EOD was estimated at 20% of all dementias. There was an over representation of men in the early onset group. MMS average score of our patients was 16. This score did not differ between the two groups but differed significantly according to the etiological diagnosis. Alzheimer's disease was the main etiology for both groups. Compared to late-onset dementia, the EOD is characterized by greater heterogeneity in the etiologic diagnosis.

Conclusion

The EOD and the LOD seem to have common characteristics, but some features of the EOD especially etiological, emphasize the value of a more comprehensive approach to the research of curable dementia.
1824 – Menstrually Related Cyclothymia: a Case Report
Authors: Skokou M. , Gourzis P.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a premenstrual syndrome comprising physical and psychic symptoms. Bipolar disorders, particularly “soft” forms, share symptoms such as depressive mood, irritability or mood reactivity with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, posing challenges on differential diagnosis. In the present work a case of a woman suffering from cyclothymia is reported, with mood episodes confined in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Methods

Case Report.

Results

A 42-year-old married Caucasian woman is presented, suffering from mood disorder episodes lasting for 10-12 days each, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and remitting after the beginning of her menses. The mood episodes occurred since the age of 20, in almost every menstrual cycle. The patient described hypomanic symptoms during the first 4-5 days of the luteal phase, reporting irritable mood, pressured speech, increased libido as well as vividness of her perceptions and excessive goal-directed activity. The hypomanic symptoms were followed by irritable and depressive mood, fatigue, hypersomnia, tearfulness, decreased self-esteem and pessimism, lasting for another 6-7 days. The patient also reported migraine and binge-eating episodes during each depressive phase. A full range of examinations, including blood and hormonal tests, yielded normal results. Lamotrigine was titrated at 200 mg/day, with subsequent amelioration of symptoms.

Conclusions

The exact relationship between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other disturbances, which either coexist, or deteriorate premenstrually, or even synchronize with the menstrual cycle, has not been elucidated yet. Studies aiming at a better understanding of this relationship could aid at accurate diagnosis and treatment.
1828 – Improving Patient Safety In Mental Health Through Quality Risk Management
Authors: Cheema F. , Mckechnie L. , Riley P. , Carlyle A. , Ross J. , Renwick C. , Hall D.
Published: July 2013

Fig. 1

[Improvement in daily accessible risk assessments]

We show enhanced patient safety through a quality improvement methodology project in an intensive psychiatric care unit of a psychiatric hospital in southwest of Scotland. This is a project as part of the national patient safety programme in mental health. The Scottish Patient Safety Programme for Mental Health aims to systematically reduce harm experienced by people using mental health services in Scotland, by supporting frontline staff to test, gather real-time data and reliably implement interventions, before spreading across their catchment area.

Multidisciplinary staff worked together in improving recording of daily electronic and paper based risk assessments from a baseline of 20% to nearly 100% over a sixth month period. We expect better quality risk management by readily accessible risk assessments and safe practise through enhanced safety perception by the patients as well as staff. Patient and staff safety perception tools were designed to measure impact of improvement in risk management. We have seen drop in the number of critical incidents and challenging situations requiring restraint following coordinated approach to risk assessment and easy access to key information. We have been successful as the frontline staff became part of the process of change and this has enabled sustained improvement.
1836 – Functional Remission In Depression And Patient Satisfaction Index: Results Of The Diapason Study
Authors: Mouchabac S. , Lemoine P. , Baylé F.J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

A consensus is emerging for functional remission to be routinely assessed in the treatment of major depression. This is because, in many cases, clinical remission is not necessarily accompanied by optimum functioning which would favour the rehabilitation of patients.

Aim

The objective was to study in depressed patients treated with agomelatine their global clinical response and their social functioning. The QFS (Questionnaire de Fonctionnement Social) provides information on specific areas of functioning: objectively via the frequency of social behaviours (F: Frequency index) and subjectively via the patient's perception of his/her social performance (S: Satisfaction index), making up a global index (G).

Method

3139 patients were followed over 6-8 weeks. Assessments were carried out at inclusion (C1) and at the follow-up visit (C2): QIDS-C, CGI, QFS and SDS.

Results

At C1 the mean QIDS-C score was 17.0 ± 3.4. For the QFS-G: 72.4% of functioning was “poor”. The SDS global score was 21.3 ± 4.8. At C2, a reduction in the QIDS score was observed: -7.9 ± 4.7 (p < 0.01). QIDS response rates were 50.2% [48.4-52.0%]. Improvement on the SDS was significant and the 3 QFS indexes saw significant increases, but more markedly so for S (6.7 ± 6.7) than for F (4.2 ± 5.4).

Conclusion

The results show an improvement in the social functioning of depressed patients treated with agomelatine. They suggest that a specific action of the treatment contributes to providing the patient with the possibility of better rehabilitation into his/her social, family and professional environments.
1837 – Characteristics Of Social Networks Of Patients With Psychotic Disorders: a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Palumbo C. , Matanov A. , Volpe U. , Priebe S.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The concept of the “social network” (SN) describes the set of social relationships of an individual. SNs of patients with psychotic disorders have often been investigated in the last few decades, however, diverse theories and different assessment methods were utilised within this field of research.

Objectives

To assess morphological (size, density, degree) and interactional (direction and intensity) characteristics of SNs of patients with psychotic disorders reported in different studies.

Aims

To explore the characteristics of the SNs of psychotic patients and to identify the factors that influence their size and composition.

Methods

A systematic literature review was carried out using the databases MEDLINE, PsychInfo and EMBASE. When feasible, the characteristics of SNs were compared across studies.

Results

Out of 739 identified studies, 142 reported quantitative findings on SN characteristics. 27 (19%) of them reported figures on the size of SNs in a way that allowed meaningful comparison across studies. For all other SN characteristics, only descriptive accounts were possible. The overall mean network size was 15.2 (SD 9.4). Being single was negatively correlated with SN size.

Conclusions

The concept of SNs in psychotic disorders has been underpinned by diverse theoretical frameworks and assessed with a variety of tools. Only a small number of studies were methodologically comparable, which makes findings on SN characteristics and associated factors difficult to interpret. There is a need to develop standardised instruments in order to advance the quality of the research in the field.
1838 – Preliminary Results Of Using The Geriatric Depression Scale In Serbian Elderly Population
Authors: Ignjatovic Ristic D. , Jovic J. , Bukumiric Z. , Knezevic M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Late life depression is still not well recognized. As depression increased risk for mortality and morbidity in elderly,it is necessary to have efficient instrument for detecting and measuring depression in this population. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is a screening test for depression in late life but it is not use in Serbian erderly population.

Objectives

To show preliminary results of using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) in Serbian elderly population.

Aims

We wanted to estimate whether this scale correlate with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) which has been validated in Serbia.

Methods

We studied 248 pariticipants (40,3% were male,59,7% female) age 65 and older. Mean age for the whole sample was 70,87 ± 5,79. Hamilton depression scale, BDI and GDS-15 we used for assessing depressive symptomathology and two psychiatrist confirmed diagnosis of depression. According to inclusion criteria,102 participants met criteria for depression (experimental group) and 146 were in control group.

Results

We found statistically significant difference in mean GDS-15 score between experimental (4,83 ± 4,93) and control group (1,51 ± 1,42) and no gender differences were found according to GDS-15 mean score. Significant difference (p≤ 0,05) was found on GDS item 11(Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?),where woman scored higher in control group. Strong positive correlation was found between BDI and GDS-15 mean scores (r=0,863; p< 0,001).

Conclusions

The preliminary results confirm that GDS may be accepted as useful tool for measurement depression in Serbian elderly population. This may facilitate recognition and treatment of depression in elderly.
1839 – The Influence Of Psychoactive Substances On Paranoid Schizophrenia
Authors: Verbenko V.A. , Stroevskiy V.V.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

During the last years an increasing number of abusers of various psychoactive substances (surfactants), leads to a high incidence depending on the surfactant in patients with various forms of mental disorders, including schizophrenia patients. Interaction between schizophrenia and drug addiction is very complex, because of atypical clinical picture of both diseases and there are a lot of different opinions about the impact of drug use on the progression of schizophrenia. That's why this problem must be studied.

The main aim of research

To study influence of psychoactive substances (alcohol, cannabis) on the paranoid schizophrenia's clinic, to develop treatment and prevention measures. This research includes studies of 60 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and addiction of cannabis and alcohol.

Results

Admission mentally active agents in patients with schizophrenia impact on the overall clinical and dynamic patterns of endogenous disease: manifest in patients receiving mentally active substances episode schizophrenia are exogenous type. With the progression of the development of schizophrenia complicated by psychoactive substances we can see smoothing of psychotic defect. Adherence of psychoactive substances to schizophrenia affect social functioning.

Conclusions

The significant differences in the dynamics of mental health status in patients with paranoid schizophrenia, depending on psychoactive substances addiction were described. Joining alcohol and cannabis addiction increases the frequency of hospitalizations, but did not affect the level of social functioning of patients with schizophrenia.
1843 – Depression In The Peripartum Period In Association With Salivary Cortisol Levels
Authors: Iliadis S.I. , Hellgren C. , Sylvén S. , Papadopoulos F. , Sundström Poromaa I. , Skalkidou A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA axis) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many affective disorders. Peripartum depression is a condition that includes depressive episodes occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period. During uncomplicated pregnancy, mean cortisol levels rise substantially, mostly due to high levels of corticotropin releasing hormone produced by the placenta (p-CRH). The latter also suppresses hypothalamic CRH, leading to hypo-cortisolemia after partus. Cortisol concentration is usually normalised within two weeks after delivery. Failure of the above process results in continuing hypo-cortisolemia, which might increase susceptibility to PPD.

Objectives/aims

The current study aims to investigate the relationship between evening salivary cortisol levels and depression during the peripartum period.

Methods

Three hundred and forty six pregnant women were asked to participate in the study. They completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State version (STAI-S) at the 36th week of pregnancy and the 6th week after delivery. At both times, study subjects were also asked to collect evening salivary samples by using a mail-delivered kit. Moreover, they were interviewed at the 36th week of pregnancy using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Results

Preliminary results indicate significantly higher evening salivary cortisol levels in depressed women during late pregnancy compared to healthy controls. No difference in cortisol levels was found between women with postpartum depression and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our study results support the hypothesis that depression during pregnancy resembles melancholic depression characterized by hyperactivity of the HPA-axis and hyper-cortisolemia.
1851 – Prevalence Of Mental Disorders Among Karajá Indians In a Primary Psychiatry Service
Authors: Caixeta L.F. , Taveira D.L.R. , Vargas C.M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Mental disorders are highly prevalent in the general population and are among the factors that most affect the quality of life, creating great social impact. The national literature that discusses mental disorders in indigenous is very scarce.

Objectives

To characterize the socio-demographic profile and major psychiatric disorders that affect a sample of indigenous villagers who sought primary care mental health.

Methods

We developed a retrospective cross-sectional study of a consecutive series of cases of Karajá Indians who sought primary care. Symptoms were classified as major syndromes: affective, anxiety, psychotic and organic, and then calculated the prevalence of each syndrome and psychiatric diagnosis according to DSM-IV, as well as their association with sociodemographic variables.

Results

63% of the sample were male. Aged 10-67 years, mean 30.7 years. Schooling to 1st elementary school was 46.2%, and 26.9% illiteracy. 54.5% are married. The affective syndrome was present in 50% of patients, depression in 28%, and 21% in Bipolar Disorder. The anxiety disorder accounted for 8%, the psychotic 15%, and 12% organic. Considering the whole sample, 20% are composed of married patients with affective syndrome. Of the patients diagnosed with affective syndrome, 30% had problems with alcohol and drugs, 38% had suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt 6%. Regarding treatment used, 35% and 33% of patients were on antidepressants and mood stabilizers, respectively.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of Depression and Bipolar Disorder among the causes of mental disorder among Indians who seek primary care.
1852 – Psychosis In Parkinson's Disease. a Case Report
Authors: Diaz Marrero G. , Suarez Benitez M.N. , Vera-Barrios E. , Hernandez-Dorta A. , Gonzalez I. , Quant-Herrera P. , Barrau Alonso V.M. , Yelmo S.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) is classified primarily as a movement disorder. Psychiatric complications, however, are common during the progression of the disease. Psychosis is rare in untreated patients with PD, but the prevalence rises to 40% during dopaminergic treatment.

Objectives

We report the clinical course of a ropinirole induced psychosis in a 57-year-old female with PD.

Aims/methods

The patient was treated with different antiparkinsonians (rasagiline, ropinirole and levodopa), and after a dosage increase of ropinirole, psychotic symptoms appeared (auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusion). Antipsychotic treatment started with quetiapine and a gradual dose reduction of antiparkisonians. Nevertheless, psychotic symptoms required a hospital admission.

Rasagiline was suspended at admission, the dose of ropinirole was decreased until withdrawal, and the dose of levodopa was reduced. The dose of quetiapine was increased to control psychotic symptoms.

Results

The pathogenesis of psychosis in PD is poorly understood. It has been related with the presence of dementia and concomitant treatment with dopaminergic agonists (DA). According to the literature, pergolide is associated with a significantly increased risk for the development of psychosis, followed by ropinirole, pramipexole and cabergoline, whereas levodopa has the lowest associated risk. Treatment includes, in the first place, suspending anticholinergics and selegiline, and then, amantadine, DA, and entacapone. Finally, levodopa may also be reduced. These patients frequently require antipsychotic treatment that may worsen extrapyramidal symptoms.

Conclusions

Psychosis should be considered in PD, especially in patients treated with DA. Treatment begins with reducing antiparkinsonians and then adding antipsychotics. Clozapine and quetiapine are a good choice.
1858 – The Influence Of The Emotionally Negative Tv-news Plots With Real Violence On The Psychological State Of Human
Authors: Tukaiev S. , Radchuk O. , Havrylets Y. , Vasheka T.
Published: July 2013

Numerous governmental and non-governmental health organizations report significant harmful effects of TV news containing violent episodes. The aim of this study was to investigate immediate reactions on watching violent news stories, as well as delayed consequences of it. 53 healthy volunteers (women and men) - first-year students aged 17 to 22 years participated in this study. Psychological testing was performed before and after the demonstration of set of videos containing violent episodes. We used the following tests: Syndrome of emotional burnout (by Boyko, adapted for students), WAM (Well-being, Activity, Mood), State Anxiety Inventory by C. Spielberger, Y. Hanin, Internal Aggression test by S. Dayhoff, and Aggression Test by A. Assinger (assessment of aggressiveness in the relationship). Facial reactions observed while watching to the TVplots were recorded with video camera. The results of psychological tests demonstrated that watching to the negative TVnews plots increased state anxiety and decreased internal aggression; it also worsened well-being, mood, and reduced activity. We found direct correlation between burnout and changes in state anxiety, and inverse correlation between burnout and changes in well-being; watching to violent plots caused such emotions as fear, anger, and abomination. It should be noted that we couldn‘t find interrelations between burnout and a set of mimic reaction. Thus, our results suggest that violence in TV news exert significant influence on the psychological condition of the participants.
1861 – Affective Temperaments And Somatization In a 55 Healthy Subjects Sample
Authors: Gentile A. , Ventriglio A. , Bonfitto I. , Bellomo A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Some authors have found an association between affective temperaments and mood fluctuations, and a common comorbidity between somatization disorders and mood disorders. In addition, It’s known a significant association between abnormal affective temperaments and somatoform disorders.

Objectives

The present study investigated associations between affective temperaments and somatization in a 55 healthy subjects sample.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe associations between affective temperament and somatization scores in a sample of healthy subjects.

Method

In this observational study we adopted the following rating scales: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), 17-item Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hypomania check list 32(HCL-32), Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), DCPR diagnostic criteria for psychosomatic research, Brief TEMPS-A, Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ), Somatosensory Amplification Scale- SSAS.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that cyclothymic temperament scores at Brief TEMPS-A are associated with MSPQ scores for somatic perception (somatosensory amplification) and SASS scores (hypochondriacal aspects). Moreover, depressive temperaments scores at Brief TEMPS-A are significantly associated to MSPQ tools.

Conclusion

Our data suggest an association between an affective temperamental dysregulation and somatization aspects in a 55 healthy subjects sample.
1865 – Cognitive Adaptation Training For Long-term Hospitalized Patients With Schizophrenia Living In The Netherlands
Authors: Quee P.J. , Stiekema A. , Schneider H. , Wiersma D. , Velligan D.I. , Bruggeman R.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Cognitive impairment substantially contributes to functional disability in schizophrenia. Methods to improve functioning in long-term hospitalized patients are lacking. Cognitive Adaptation Training (CAT) improves functional outcomes in schizophrenia outpatients living in the US.

Objectives/aims

To investigate the efficacy of CAT in long-term hospitalized schizophrenia patients living in the Netherlands.

Methods

Twenty schizophrenia inpatients participated in this study. Ten patients received treatment as usual (TAU), the other 10 patients received TAU plus CAT. CAT uses environmental supports (e.g. calendars, alarm clocks) in order to compensate the impact of cognitive impairment. CAT was provided for 8 months. Assessments of the Multnomah Community Ability Scale (MCAS) and SOFAS were conducted at baseline, halfway, and after 8 months. In addition, participation in work-related activities (e.g. woodworking, graphic center) was recorded every month for a duration of 12 months. Anayses of mixed models were conducted, using the baseline score as a covariate.

Results

After 6 months, CAT patients spent significantly more partial days at activity centers, compared to TAU patients. Differences remained significant after 12 months. With regard to the other measures, CAT patients showed improvement on the SOFAS and the MCAS after 8 months (trend) with a large effect size (0.8).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that inpatients with schizophrenia may benefit from CAT. In particular, the method may be effective to increase productivity in this chronic population. These results are promising, research with a larger sample size is needed to further investigate the effect of CAT in long-term hospitalized psychiatric patients.
1871 – The Shedler-westen Assessment Procedure (swap) As a Useful Procedure In a Multi-perspective Diagnostic Process Of Personality And Eating Disorders In Adolescent Patients
Authors: Bragoszewska J. , Misiec M. , Namyslowska I.
Published: July 2013

Diagnosis and case conceptualization are of utmost importance for treatment planning in eating and personality disorder patients. The science-practice schism, especially noticeable in personality assessment, has been a growing concern among both researchers and clinical practitioners. The Shedler - Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP) allows for a systematic and empirically sound quantification of clinical observations and formulation of a dimensional diagnosis of personality. It offers clinicians and researchers a common “standard vocabulary” in the field of personality assessment. Unlike self-report questionnaires, it enables clinicians to discover patient characteristics that the patients may be unlikely to disclose themselves, without subjecting patients to a pen-and-paper procedure. It offers clinicians an opportunity to rely on their perceptions and feelings, thus fostering self-awareness and a reflective stance.

Preliminary results of former studies in which SWAP-200-A was used revealed three personality subgroups of adolescent anorexic patients (Zechowski, Namyslowska, Bragoszewska, Witkowska). The use of SWAP-200-A has since been incorporated by the authors into their clinical practice. The way the procedure is currently being used by the authors as part of a multi-dimensional and multi-perspective diagnostic process of personality and eating disorder patients will be presented. A case study will illustrate how the procedure may be used in assessment, treatment planning and treatment monitoring.