bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation depression prevalence and related effective factors among students at health faculty isfahan university 2019, Iran
Authors: Aboutalebi M. , Mehvari G. , Heidari E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The incidence of depression is associated with decreased social, occupational, and educational performance.

Objectives

The aim of this study was assessing the prevalence of depression and its related effective factors among students at health faculty at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2019.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study 177 students were included randomly. The Beak test included 21 questions were applied to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and were presented as descriptive statistics and analyses included One-way analysis of variance, t-test and correlation Pearson.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of the age of students was 22.15±3.88 years. More than 80% of students experienced some levels of depression. Of the participants 19.8% indicated no sign of distress, 26% mild distress, 37.3% average distress and 16.9% high depression. There was no statistical association of distress between female and male students (P=0.198). However, significant associations were Sedative drugs, parents level and occupation, Study Field, Future Career and Financial situation with depression (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, the prevalence of depression was higher among students compared with general population. Providing programs for improving student’s mental health is suggested.
Depression in elderly patients hospitalized in psychiatry
Authors: Halouani N. , Ouali R. , Jemal E. , Turki M. , Ellouze S. , Charf R. , Aribi L. , Aloulou J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Depression in the elderly represents a major public health problem, due to its high prevalence and its deleterious consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality, in particular by suicide.

Objectives

1-Draw up the socio-demographic and clinical profile of elderly patients hospitalized in psychiatry for a major depressive episode 2-Determine the semiological and therapeutic characteristics of depression in the elderly.

Methods

Participants were outpatients of Psychiatry B department in Hedi chaker University Hospital Center in Tunisia, over the age of 65, hospitalized in psychiatry for a major depressive episode, recruted between 2000 and 2015. The data was collected using a pre-established sheet containing socio-demographic information, the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of the depressive episode and the therapeutic data concerning the depressive episode.

Results

30 patients were included in this study with an average age (69 Y) and sex ratio (0.66). More than half (53.3%, 16 patients) had a history of chronic somatic disease. The average length of hospitalization was 26 days. The most frequent reason for hospitalization is sadness of mood (43.3%) with cognitive impairment as the predominant clinical symptomatology (40%). 93.3% of the population received as treatment an antidepressant mainly Fluoxetine (50%).

Conclusions

Depression and its different modes of expression in the elderly is a serious condition with direct effects on quality of life. Early detection is desirable in order to set up appropriate management, and thus prevent the occurrence of complications such as suicide.
Dental health awareness in patients feeling sad or hopeless- an estimate from youth risk behavior surveillance survey
Authors: Hsieh Y.C. , Chauhan B. , Patel J. , Soni P. , Tyagi G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Research has found that low mood including sadness and hopelessness is an important factor for decreased awareness in one’s oral health and lowered frequency of visit to the dental office, this relationship is not well studied in national representative samples. Poor mental wellbeing can lead to poor oral health.

Objectives

Aim is to examine the relationship between feeling sad or hopeless and awareness for dental care.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBS-CDC), USA, for years 2009-2017. All ages from 12 to 18 years, feeling sad or hopeless and dental visits were identified. Univariable relationship between feeling sad or hopeless (>2 weeks in the past year) and dental office visits for all dental care (during the past 12 months, 12-24 months, >24 months, and never) was evaluated using chi-square test.

Results

Out of a total of 53,098 youths, 30.5% of youths were feeling sad or hopeless. Within the youths feeling sad or hopeless, the prevalence of youth who never received dental care was higher at 37.1% in comparison to youths who received dental care >24 months ago 36.4%,12-24 months 33.7%, and visited the dental office in the past 12 months 28.9%. (p<0.0001). In youths who had dental care in the last 12 months, the prevalence of sadness or hopelessness was lower at 65% vs 70%, while it was higher in youths who had never had dental care at 3.3% vs 1.7%.

Conclusions

Further research is warranted to evaluate reduced oral health care awareness among participants feeling sad or hopeless.
The impact of dose on the real-world effectiveness of vortioxetine in outpatients with mdd in greece
Authors: Papalexi E. , Kakkavas P. , Vassos D. , Mylonaki T. , Partsafyllidis D. , Mageiria S. , Nestoris C. , Galanopoulos A. , Ettrup A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The current treatment goal in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is functional recovery (Zimmerman M et al, 2012). However, finding the “right dose for the right patient” may be challenging and the dose-response relationship for antidepressant efficacy remains controversial (Hieronymus F et al, 2016). Efficacy evaluated by MADRS increases with higher vortioxetine doses, based on meta-analysis data (Thase ME et al, 2016).

Objectives

The aim of this exploratory analysis was to assess the impact of different doses on vortioxetine effectiveness in clinical practice in Greece.

Methods

In this non-interventional study, open-label vortioxetine was administered at a flexible dosage (5-20 mg/d). Patients receiving 5/10 mg vortioxetine (group A), at the end of the study, were compared to patients receiving 15/20mg vortioxetine (group B). At baseline, 1 and 3 months, depressive symptoms and functioning were assessed by MADRS and SDS. Multiple regression was used for the statistical analyses.

Results

The study included 336 MDD patients. At the end of the study, 64.3% (n=200) of patients were receiving 15/20 mg vortioxetine. Higher vortioxetine dose at month 3 was significantly correlated with higher MADRS total score at baseline (p<0.001). SDS total score change from baseline to month 3 was significantly associated with vortioxetine dose (p<0.001), with group A and group B showing improvements of -9.2±8.2 and -12.1±6.0, respectively- whereas such association was not observed for MADRS total score.

Conclusions

In conclusion, patients with more severe depressive symptoms were treated with higher antidepressant doses. However, beyond symptom improvement, vortioxetine effectiveness on patient functioning seems to increase with higher doses.

Conflict of interest

A. Galanopoulos and E. Papalexi are full-time employees in Lundbeck Hellas. A. Ettrup is a full-time employee in H. Lundbeck A/S.
Characteristics of unipolar depression in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Kacem M. , Khouadja S. , Brahim S. , Boukhchina R. , Zarrouk L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Unipolar depression is daily encountered in psychiatry.

Objectives

To describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with unipolar depression.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out at the psychiatric department of the University Hospital of Mahdia. We have included patients with unipolar depression. The data were collected from patients’ medical files using a pre-established 37-item questionnaire.

Results

We have collected 53 patients. The mean age was 44 years. The majority of patients were female (56.6%) and unemployed (70%). 47.2% of patients were married. 72% of patients had a low socio-economic level. They were smokers in 45.3% of cases. Alcohol consumption was found in 24.5% of cases. A family history of mood disorder and suicide or attempted suicide were present in 7% and 13.2% of the cases respectively. 7% of the patients had a history of a postpartum thymic episode. The mean number of depressive episodes was 2.5. Personal history of suicide attempts was found in 40% of cases. The mean age of the first thymic episode was 35 years. At the psychiatric examination, psychomotor retardation was present in 64% of cases, anxiety distress in 58.5% of cases, psychotic, melancholic and atypical characteristics in 30%, 13.2% and 5.7% of cases respectively. 81% of patients were treated with anxiolytic drugs in combination with an antidepressant. Antipsychotic treatment was combined in 45% of cases and electro-convulsive therapy in 9.4% of cases.

Conclusions

Our patients presented predictive criteria of bipolarity. Therefore, vigilance is necessary in their medical management.
Stigma towards patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders: Challenges and interventions in Italy
Authors: Carpiniello B.
Published: February 2022

Stigma toward mental illness is considered a major public health problem, being a significant obstacle for the access to care by people with psychiatric disorders, not only the severe ones but also those improperly called “minor” disorders, as recent research demonstrates. Moreover, stigma per se causes further sufference, undermining the quality of life of those who suffer from mental disorders due to discrimination, social isolation and lack of opportunities. Thus, combating stigma is one of the main goal of mental health policies worldwide. After the 1978 Reform Act, substantial ideological and practical changes were introduced in Italy, such as, among others, the abandonement of custodial care and of the dangerousness criterion for involuntary treatments, along with the development of a nationwide system in mental health care. Notwithstanding there relevant changes and more than forty years of experience in community treatment of mental disorders and the widespread implementation of interventions oriented to social inclusion, no data about significant changes in public stigma toward mentally ill people could be registered in our country. Moreover, a quite limited number of specific anti-stigma programmes and campaigns at a national or local level were developed with a correspondently paucity of research regarding the evaluation of these interventions with specific reference to their quality and effectiveness

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and depression
Authors: Belghuith S. , Daoud S. , Smaoui N. , Farhat N. , Sakka S. , Hdiji O. , Moalla K.S. , Damak M. , Bouali M. Maalej , Mhiri C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The relationship between epilepsy and depression has been recognized for a long time. In fact, the presence of depression could worsen the disease outcome.

Objectives

we aimed to study the prevalence of depression in patients with epilepsy and to assess the determinant factors of its genesis.

Methods

54 patients with epilepsy, aged more than 18 years, attending the neurology department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, were enrolled for the study. All patients were administered Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for evalution of psychiatric comorbid disorders especially depression. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included, of whom 63% (n =34) were men. Mean duration of epilepsy was 20.13 years. The most frequent type of seizure was generalized 72.7%. Depression was present in 7.3 % of patients. Alcoholism (p=0.027) was significantly associated with occurrence of depression. Drug resistence (p = 0.03) and longer duration of epilepsy (p = 0.046) were significantly associated with occurrence of depression. No significant association was found between type of seizure, seizure frequency, medication compliance and depression. Depression wasn’t associated with anti-epileptic drug. We didn’t find any association between depression and other psychiatric comorbidities.

Conclusions

Depression wasn’t frequent in our study contrary to literature. The possible explanations are the reduced simple size and the sensitivity of the used tool to assess depression in epilepsy. Pursuant to literature, we found significant association between Alcoholism, drug resistance and long duration of epilepsy.
Distribution of inpatients with cardiovascular diseases and major depression
Authors: Kornetov N. , Molodykh O. , Arzhanik A. , Zvereva N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Major depression (MD) and anxiety symptoms (AS) are frequent cardiovascular diseases satellites (CVD).

Objectives

To examine features of comorbid physical and mental disorders considering age and sex variability.

Methods

Cross-sectional study 146 patients with СVD were examined in cardiologic department of the Medical Centre. Of these, 51 (60.0%) are women and 34 (40.0%) are men. Patients assessed the intensity of pain or its absence using Visual Analog Scale. Anhedonia was determined by the Snatch-Hamilton Pleasure Scale - SHAPS. A hospital scale, HADS, was used to assess anxiety and depression. The final clinical diagnosis of MD was carried out according to the DSM-V criteria. Quantitative and ordinal signs are presented in the form Me-Median (Q1; Q3) - the first and third quartiles, respectively.

Results

The degree of MD among male and female p=0,17; in “A” and “B” groups р=0,4912. Among patients of “A” age group is 2 (Q1 1 ; Q3 4) p=0,1777 had no difference. Patients of group “B” scored 3 (Q1 1,0; Q3 5,0) р=0,0019. Anxiety among female is 9 (Q1 6,0; Q3 11,0), among male 7 (Q1 3,5; Q3 9,0) р=0,0006. In the group of patients under 60 years anxiety score is 8 (Q1 4,0; Q3 9,0), group above 60 - 8 (Q1 6,0; Q3 11,0) р=0,0045. Pain intensity scored 3 (Q1 1,0; Q3 5,0) among male, 5 (Q1 3,0; Q3 7,0) among female p=0,0009.

Conclusions

Despite invariability of main depression symptoms among sex and partly age, pain and anxiety symptoms prevailed in elderly male and female.
Salivary markers of stress system activation and social withdrawal in humans
Authors: Bauduin S. , Giltay E. , Noorden M. Van , Van Der Werff S. , Leeuw M. , Hemert A. Van , Van Der Wee N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Social withdrawal is an early and common feature of psychiatric disorders. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activation through increased salivary cortisol (sC) and sympathetic activation through increased salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) may play a role.

Objectives

We aimed to study whether the link between increased sC and sAA on the one hand and depression on the other hand is mediated by social withdrawal.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, observational study, sC and sAA measures were measured in seven saliva samples in 843 participants (231 psychiatric patients and 612 healthy controls). Social withdrawal was assessed through the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)-, the Short Form 36-, and the Dutch Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology social withdrawal subscales, and analyzed using linear regression and mediation analyses. On average, participants were 44.0 years old (SD=12.8; 64.1% female).

Results

Basal and diurnal sAA were unrelated to any social withdrawal scale and depression. Certain sC measures were positively associated with the BSI social withdrawal subscale (i.e., area under the curve with respect to the increase, beta=0.082, p=0.02; evening sC value: beta=0.110, p=0.003; and mean sC value: beta=0.097; p=0.01). We found limited support for statistical mediation by social withdrawal (measured using a composite social withdrawal score) on the relationship between evening sC and depression.

Conclusions

Thus, although we found no support for a role of basal and diurnal sAA in social withdrawal, HPA-axis activation may partly aggravate social withdrawal in depressive disorders.
Online psychotherapy in times of COVID-19: professional’s experience
Authors: Sakoman A. Jambrosic , Jendricko T. , Zegura I. , Skelin M. , Brecic P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The global pandemic of corona virus has brought on the imperative of swift organisational changes within mental health care institutions. Outpatient psychiatric care system with all its complex features was organized online. Patient’s adjustment to different modality of treatment, and their benefit, was of our primary concern. Mental health professionals had many challenges in this process as well. Couple of months into providing this form of treatment, we were interested in therapist experience.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to highlight challenges faced by the various mental health professionals that were a part of interdisciplinary team at University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče.

Methods

We used self-assessment scales to assess mental health professionals experience and to recognize some of the possible difficulties in this process. We have examined satisfaction with available technology, suitability of different psychotherapeutic background when providing online treatment, therapists competencies for this kind of treatment and levels of perceived stress. Mental health treatment comprised individual and group approach, and was provided by interdisciplinary teams of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, social pedagogues, psychiatric nurses, and work therapists.

Results

The results show differences between professional’s psychotherapy background, educational level and previous experience in perceived efficiency and experienced stress in the process of providing online treatment.

Conclusions

The findings of this study have proven that professionals perceive technical, organisational standards, previous experience, and education to be important for their efficiency. This should be taken into account when developing standards in online treatment within mental health institutions.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Telecommuting and employees’ mental health
Authors: Lietor M.D.C. Molina , Cuevas I. , Prieto M. Blanco
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Telecommuting is defined as “a work practice that involves members of an organization substituting a portion of their typical work hours to work away from a central workplace, using technology to interact with others as needed to conduct work tasks”. The prevalence rate of telecommuting in Sapin in 2019 was 5%, while this rate grew up to 34% during de COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

The purpose of this poster is to make a review about how telecommuting affects the employees’ mental health.

Methods

A review os the available literature on employees’ menthal health.

Results

Most employers who offer telecommuting consider it a strategic decision for their businesses: it could reduce the expenses of physically accommodating the employees, and it might help employers to contact their subordinates anytime, if needed. Many articles in the popular press about telecommuting extol the benefits of this practice on employees’ health (work-life balance, reduction of travel expenses). However, only a handful of empirical studies substantiate these claims (job satisfaction, quality of life, and role-related stress). Less discussed is the potential of telecommuting to have a negative impact on employees’ health. It may increase both social and professional isolation, which in turn is associated with higher levels of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, cognitive stress complaints and lower levels of work engagement.

Conclusions

Finally, although it is not as effective as personal contact, organizations may stimulate qualitative virtual interaction with coworkers by providing robust online meeting tools and infrastructure, so users can seamlessly collaborate regardless of their physical location.
Tele-rehabilitation for people with dementia in the COVID-19 pandemic: A case-study
Authors: Lorito C. Di , Duff C. , Rogers C. , Tuxworth J. , Bell J. , Fothergill R. , Wilkinson L. , Bosco A. , Howe L. , O’Brien R. , Godfrey M. , Dunlop M. , Van Der Wardt V. , Booth V. , Logan P. , Harwood R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) is delivering an exercise programme for people with dementia. The Lincolnshire partnership NHS foundation Trust successfully delivered PrAISED through a video-calling platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

This qualitative case-study identified participants that video delivery worked for, and highlighted its benefits and challenges.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with participants with dementia, caregivers and therapists, and analysed through thematic analysis.

Results

Video delivery worked best when participants had a supporting carer, when therapists showed enthusiasm and had an established rapport with the client. Benefits included time-efficiency of sessions, enhancing participants’ motivation, caregivers’ dementia awareness and therapists’ creativity. Limitations included users’ poor IT skills and resources.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic required innovative ways of delivering rehabilitation. This study supports that people with dementia can use tele rehab, but success is reliant on having a caregiver and an enthusiastic and known therapist.
Telehealth in children’s psychiatric services
Authors: Shchedrinskaya O. , Bebtschuk M. , Khairetdinov O.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Covid-19 intensified public demand for telehealth services in child psychiatry. The shift towards online services raised concerns related to safety and quality of services.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to explore outcomes and perceptions regarding psychiatric telehealth services from the patients’ and professionals’ perspectives.

Methods

Survey and questionnaires were the main methods to collect feedback after 1129 sessions conducted by psychiatrists and psychotherapists for 559 young patients in 2020.

Results

Overall, patients/caregivers were generally satisfied with the quality of services, despite some technical issues and limitations of the platform. The most common outcomes of the sessions were: psychotherapy, in-depth assessment, pharmacotherapy, in-patient treatment, referrals for in-person appointments with other specialists, parenting strategies. Professionals gave more positive feedback on telehealth services after a few months of practice and training. Psychiatrists preferred conducting telehealth appointments for the patients they have previously seen in-person. The most common diagnosis were various neurodevelopmental disorders (48,9%), as well as patients within F84.0-F84.5 27,9%, and F84.8 (19,8%). Identification challenges, confidentiality and safety maintenance were among the top concerns for mental health workers. Specific guidelines for caregivers helped to use the appointment time effectively, prevent some technical and organizational issues and decrease negative effects of limited communication capabilities during a telehealth appointment.

Conclusions

Telehealth services in psychiatry are meeting real needs of patients, caregivers and professionals, and require further development. Proper training for professionals and clear guidelines for caregivers are among the key factors that enhance the quality of services.
New technologies as tools to prevent suicide in adolescence: A literature overview
Authors: Sarli G. , Polidori L. , Forte A. , Pompili M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicide in adolescents represents a major public health concern. To date, a growing number of suicide preventive strategies based on the use of new technologies are emerging.

Objectives

The purpose of the present paper is to provide an overview of the present literature on the use of new technologies in adolescent suicide prevention.

Methods

A systematic electronic search was run using the following keywords: Technology OR Technologies OR APP OR Application OR mobile application) AND (Adolescent OR youth OR puberty) AND (Suicid* OR Self-harm OR self-destruction).

Results

We found 12 studies on the use of telemedicine, 7 on mobile applications, and 3 on language detection. Heterogeneity regarding the study design was found: 3 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), 13 are Open-label single group trials, 2 Randomized studies, and 1 Cross-sectional study. Telemedicine was the most adopted tool, especially web-based approaches. Mobile applications mostly focused on screening of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and for clinical monitoring through the use of text messages.

Conclusions

Despite telepsychiatry and mobile applications can provide a fast and safe tool, only a few studies demonstrated efficacy in preventing suicide among adolescents through the use of these interventions. Some studies suggested sophisticated algorithms able to recognize people at risk for suicide from language detection on social media posts. To date, only a few data support the use of such interventions in clinical practice and preventive strategies. Further studies are needed to test their efficacy in suicide prevention among adolescents and young adults.
Computer-based detection of depression and dementia in spontaneous speech
Authors: Chlasta K. , Holas P. , Wolk K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is a significant relation between old-age depression and subsequent dementia in patients aged 50. This supports the hypothesis of old-age depression being a predictor, and possibly a causal factor, of subsequent dementia. The number of people aged 60 years and over has tripled since 1950, reaching 16% in 2050, leading to new medical challenges. Depression is the most common mental disorder in older adults, affecting 7% of the older population. Dementia is the second most common with about 5% prevalence worldwide, but it is the first leading cause of disease burden.

Objectives

Early detection and treatment is essential in promoting remission, preventing relapse, and reducing emotional burden. Speech is a well established early indicator of cognitive deficits. Speech processing methods offer great potential to fully automatically screen for prototypic indicators of both dementia and depressive disorders.

Methods

We present two different methods to detect pathological speech with artificial neural networks. We use both deep architectures, as well as more traditional machine learning approaches.

Results

The models developed using a two-stage deep architecture achieved 59% classification accuracy on the test set from DementiaBank. Our CNN system achieved the best classification accuracy of 63.6% for dementia, but reaching 70% for depressive disorders on the test set from Distress Analysis Interview Corpus.

Conclusions

These methods offer a promising classification accuracy ranging from 63% to 70%, applicable in an innovative speech-based screening system.
Patient motivations for seeking online therapy for binge eating disorder
Authors: Holmberg T. , Jensen E. , Bindzus J. , Lichtenstein M. , Tarp K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by repeatedly losing control over eating behavior and consuming large amounts of food within a short period of time. In later years, a growing body of evidence for effectiveness of internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) as treatment for BED has emerged. Regarding the ability to complete a self-help program on the internet, internal self-regulation can be viewed as important.

Objectives

To qualitatively explore patient motivations for seeking therapy for BED according to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as well as patient reasons for seeking online therapy.

Methods

The research design of this study was qualitatively. The participants were 52 adults suffering from mild to moderate BED. Data consisted of written texts entered by the participants into the online therapy program. The texts addressed the participants’ goals for their treatment course and their motives for seeking online therapy. The texts were analyzed by the means of systematic text condensation.

Results

Pertaining patient motivations for seeking therapy for BED, five main motivations that reached a saturated level in the sample were discovered: wish for control; avoidance of guilt/shame; desire for tools/insights; weight loss; and psychological stress. Participants ranged from one motivational factor to four, no participant had all the motivational factors. Regarding patient reasons for seeking online therapy, the following themes including sub themes were found: online treatment, treatment at home, and flexible treatment.

Conclusions

The results indicate that online therapy for BED may be able to breach some of the barriers there are towards treatment seeking.
Internet addiction and mental disorders: Clinical effects by self-distancing
Authors: Bersani G.
Published: February 2022

We face today the huge and very rapid worldwide growth of behavioural issues related to the use of Internet. The definition of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) refers to new behavioural patterns that can potentially affect in variable degree, from mild to extremely severe, both individual and social wellbeing. PIU is strongly increasing in people affected by different forms of mental disorders and personality disorders, often inducing substantial changes in their clinical phenomenology, with consequent emergence of new symptom and course profiles. On the other side, PIU represents itself with growing frequency as a factor with high potential of inducing progressive psychological and behavioural impairment, with possible negative outcome on personal and psychosocial wellbeing and adjustment, also potentially leading to the development of new specific forms of psychopathology. Among PIU patterns, Internet Addiction (IA) plays a central role, due to its wide diffusion and behavioural as well as interpersonal and social consequences. The worldwide COVID 19 epidemics induced limitations in direct social relationships, such as social distancing, appear to lead to changes of patterns of IA, for an increase of time spent in addictive behaviour and a further reduction of research of interpersonal contacts. Obsessive-compulsive and autistic-like behaviour are differently reinforced by the combined effect of compulsory self distancing and general health concern, but also possibly induced in previously not affected subjects. Anxiety and mood reactivity also contributes to maladjustment profiles. Further evidences and new guide-lines are requested to face this novel and multifactorial social and clinical phenomenon.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Assessment of body dysmorphic disorder in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The final data of the study
Authors: Okonishnikova E. , Bryukhin A. , Lineva T. , Belokrylov I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) occur predominantly females, take one of the first places in the risk of fatal outcome among mental disorders, have a tendency to chronicity, disability with social disadaptation, high suicidal risk. The psychopathological basis of these diseases is dysmorphophobia, characterized intrusive, overvalued or delusional ideas of physical disability. The significant role of dysmorphophobia determines the urgency of the detailed study using psychometric techniques.

Objectives

Assess the degree of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with one’s body and its separate parts in patients with AN and BN.

Methods

130 female patients with AN and BN at the age of 13-44 years (the average age is 18). The disease duration from 6 months to 24 years. The psychometric method using the validated Questionnaire image of one’s own body (QIOB) and the Scale of satisfaction with one’s body (SSOB).

Results

According to QIOB 84,62% in the category expressed dissatisfaction with their appearance, 15,38% in moderate category. According to SSOB, 32,31% of the patients is not satisfied with characteristics that belong to head, 45,38% is not satisfied with characteristics that belong to torso, 56,92% is not satisfied with characteristics that belong to the lower part of body. The number of dissatisfied with all of these body parts equals 38% which indicates the presence of polydismorfofobia.

Conclusions

High rates of dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, which are consistent with the severe somatic state of patients, affect the dynamics and outcome of the disease. Publication was prepared with support of the “RUDN University Program 5-100”.
Modern approaches to psychopharmacotherapy of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Belokrylov I. , Okonishnikova E. , Lineva T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Currently, there are no ideal medications for treating anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). This is due to the variety of symptoms from the mental and somatic spheres.

Objectives

Describe the modern methods of psychopharmacotherapy AN and BN.

Methods

Data from available publications on the topic of psychopharmacotherapy AN and BN, and long-term practical experience of research staff the Department of psychiatry and medical psychology RUDN University, Moscow.

Results

Therapy includes antidepressants (AD) - serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics and tranquilizers. AD groups of SSRIs reduce most of the symptoms AN and BN - depressive disorders, anxiety, obsessive and compulsive symptoms, episodes of overeating and purifying behavior, suicidal thoughts, and reduce the frequency of relapses. With severe and persistent dysmorphophobia, a high degree of impulsivity, and psychopathic behavior second-generation antipsychotics Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Risperidone and Aripiprazole are used. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers (Lorazepam) are used in small doses and as additional therapy. Data from the European national guidelines for the treatment of AN and BN very different, and the world Federation of societies for biological psychiatry (WFSBP) does not provide specific recommendations at all. There are many reasons for disagreement and lack of specificity regarding drug selection, including the lack of an equally solid evidence base, that reflects the modern state of research on the psychopharmacological treatment of eating disorders.

Conclusions

In General, therapy AN and BN should be comprehensive - psychopharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, diet therapy, social rehabilitation. Treatment should be carried out both in the hospital and on outpatient basis and should be decided individually.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Binge eating disorder, emotional eating and night eating syndrome: A comparative study between subjects with normal weight, overweight and obesity
Authors: Esgalhado G. , Marques S. , Pereira H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Obesity has been associated with certain psychiatric disorders, especially in patients seeking treatment. It is known that obesity is not a psychiatric disorder in itself, however, it should be noted that a significant part of the population has some type of clinical eating disorder.

Objectives

This study aims to assess levels of Binge Eating Disorder, Night Eating Syndrome and Emotional Eating patterns, according to different groups of Body Mass Index categories.

Methods

A sample of 220 subjects, aged between 18 and 81 years old, with an average age of 33 years participated in this study. 140 (63.6%) were female and 80 were male (36.4%) The sample was divided into three comparison groups, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). The following measures were used: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Binge Eating Scale, Night Eating Habits Questionnaire, and the Emotional Eating Scale.

Results

When comparing the different BMI groups, it was found that obese subjects were the ones that most reported binge eating behavior. Overweight subjects had higher levels of binge eating when compared to normal-weight participants, but this was not true for Night Eating habits. Subjects with normal weight reported more nocturnal eating behavior, followed by obese individuals.

Conclusions

The prevalence of binge eating disorder seems to be more frequent in obese people, tending to increase according to the level of severity of obesity. Normal-weight subjects reported more nocturnal eating behavior, so they may be more likely to develop this syndrome and, consequently, overweight or obesity.
The WPA programme on implementing alternatives to coercion
Authors: Herrman H.
Published: February 2022

Abstract Body

The call for alternatives to coercion in mental health care is growing both within the profession and among people with lived experience of coercion in mental healthcare. There is widespread agreement that coercive practices are over-used. Considerable work is warranted across the mental health sector and in communities and governments to ensure that people living with mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities uniformly have access to high-quality care and support that meet their needs and respect their personhood and human rights. The question of whether coercive interventions can ever be justified as part of mental health treatment, to protect rights holders’ own interests or on other grounds, is highly contested. WPA issued a Position Statement and Call to Action in 2020: Implementing Alternatives to Coercion: A Key Component of Improving Mental Health Care after extensive consultation and review. The purpose is (1) to recognize the substantive role of psychiatry in implementing alternatives to coercion in mental health care and (2) to support action in this regard, essential to improving mental health treatment and care in all countries. The Statement recognises the diversity of views and experiences among mental health professionals, people with lived experience and their families and carers. This initial step is the beginning of a longer-term process, which requires continued engagement with WPA member societies, people with lived experience, families and other partners to encourage and support the implementation of alternatives to coercion in mental health care. https://www.wpanet.org/alternatives-to-coercion

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Monoaminoxidase inhibitors as a cause of serotonin syndrome – a systematic case review based on meta-analytic principles
Authors: Truedson P. , Ott M. , Wikström H. , Maripuu M. , Lindmark K. , Werneke U.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a toxic state characterized by increased serotonin activity. It has been suggested that severe serotonin syndrome usually involves monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Objectives

To quantify in how far severe SS is associated with MAOIs.

Methods

Systematic review and quantitative analysis of all SS cases published between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. Severe SS was defined as cases, either requiring intensive care or resulting in death. Cases were included if they met the diagnostic criteria for SS according to at least one of the three diagnostic criteria systems (Hunter, Radomski and Sternbach).

Results

Of the 299 included cases, 118 (39%) met the definition for severe SS. Eight cases had insufficient information to enable severity classification. Of the severe cases, 48 (40%) involved a MAOI. Of these, 67% related to psychiatric MAOIs, such as phenelzine and moclobemide and 33% to a somatic MAOI, such as methylene blue and linezolid. Of the remaining 173 non-severe SS cases, 24 cases (13%) involved a MAOI. In these, 12% related to a psychiatric MAOI and 83% to a somatic MAOI. One case (4%) had a combination of both. The odds ratio for MAOI involvement in severe versus non-severe serotonin syndrome was 4.3 (CI 2.4 – 7.5; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the majority of published case reports, drugs other than MAOIs are involved in serotonin syndrome, even in severe cases. MAOIs are, however, more common in severe serotonin syndrome than in non-severe cases.

Conflict of interest

M. Ott: scientific advisory board member of Astra Zeneca, Sweden. U. Werneke: received funding for educational activities on behalf of Norrbotten Region; Astra Zeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Otsuka/Lundbeck, Servier, Shire, Sunovion. Others: None
The convulsive syndrome in the structure of alcohol withdrawal syndrome with delirium
Authors: Kuzminov V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Withdrawal states with delirium, having convulsive syndrome in their structure, are one of the most severe emergency conditions in psychiatry.

Objectives

A total of 160 patients were examined with delirium alcohol withdrawal. Prognostic factors of occurrence of convulsive syndrome in the withdrawal syndrome of alcohol were studied.

Methods

Clinical, psychopathological, electrophysiological.

Results

It was found that the most significant prognostic factors seizures were: severe bloating condition, the duration of hard drinking, the total dose of drinking alcohol before the breakdown of consumption alcohol. Convulsive syndrome not always correlated with marked vegetative disorders in the state of withdrawal of alcohol. Convulsive syndrome that appeared after the development of delirious syndrome often indicated a more serious conditionIt is suggested that the convulsive pattern of response to the severe condition of alcohol withdrawal is formed in some young patients under the influence of endogenous factors, but is realized under certain situational conditions - long binge drinking, massive consumption o alcohol before the break of the reception of alcohol, the use of psychoactive drugs with stimulating effect. In the electrophysiological examination, there were significant differences in the group of patients with convulsive syndrome in the current admission from the group of patients with convulsive syndrome in the past and the group without convulsive syndrome in the state of abolition of alcohol.

Conclusions

It is emphasized that when indicating the seizures in the state of abolition of alcohol in the past, the beginning of treatment is necessary to begin even in a state of binge drinking.
Service user perspectives on coercion in mental health
Authors: Nomidou A.
Published: February 2022

GAMIAN-Europe is a patient-driven pan-European organisation, representing and advocating for the interests and rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities.

While recovery is a deeply personal journey it is also a product of interaction facilitated or impeded through the dynamic interplay of many forces, such as among characteristics of the individual, of the environment and of the exchange. To move recovery forward, recovery-oriented systems in recovery-facilitating environments are needed. Mental health professionals can either facilitate or hinder this journey. Service users and families want to feel they are more than their medical concerns, more than ‘the suicidal’ in room five. Respecting individuals and their human rights, active and engaged listening, including patients in their own healing plan, promoting wellness and engaging with compassion build trust between patients and health care professionals, leading to willingness to follow through with care plans. At the same time, by creating emotional connections and environments, not only can frequent burnouts be prevented, but productivity can be increased.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Community mental healthcare in lebanon
Authors: Charara R. , El-Khoury J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Lebanon is a medium-income country in the Eastern Mediterranean which has seen a surge in interest in mental health following years of stagnation. The mental health needs of the country for severe psychiatric disorders are underserved.

Objectives

The aim of our study is to describe community mental healthcare services in Lebanon and to address local opportunities and challenges.

Methods

A review of the literature using local resources along with expert opinion was undertaken to synthesize the evidence.

Results

Political instability, chronic underfunding and widespread stigma have contributed to maintaining a traditional model of private clinics affiliated with inpatient and long-stay psychiatric units. A number of initiatives have been launched to cater for patients with psychotic disorders and to offer partial hospitalization for others with mood-related conditions. In parallel, the Ministry of Public Health, with international funding, has been instrumental in efforts to standardize care at a national level, particularly for early detection and treatment in primary care. The priorities of the national mental health programme are consistent with the global trend in shifting services to the community. Hurdles remain, in line with those facing countries with similar socio-demographics and resources. These include limited third-party coverage of mental health, absence of training opportunities in multidisciplinary community settings and some clinicians’ reluctance to update their ways of working.

Conclusions

Development of a local workforce dedicated to providing a patient-centred approach in the least restrictive settings, is essential for consolidating community care in Lebanon. This would be reinforced by (overdue) legislation and implementation of a mental health law.
Do we really listen?
Authors: Vázquez P. García , Martinez R. Gomez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The improvement perceived by the patients is a subjective measure of the psychic state, while the clinical evaluation corresponds to an objective evaluation of the psychopathological improvement performed by a psychiatrist. It is therefore relevant to evaluate whether these parameters evolve in a common way after patients have undergone an intervention in Day Hospital focusing on first psychotic episodes.

Objectives

Study the relationship between subjective improvement and clinical evaluation.

Methods

This is a prospective study, which includes consecutive patients admitted to the Day Hospital during 2018. Their objective clinical improvement was assessed by means of the PANSS and GAF scales at admission and discharge. Subjective clinical improvement was assessed using an anonymous Likert scale with a score between 1 and 7. Sociodemographic data and other satisfaction parameters were also collected. A statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation.

Results

A total of 73 patients were included. The perception of improvement on the part of the patients is very high presenting average values close to the maximum in almost all the evaluated items. The correlation between subjective improvement and PANSS variation presented a Pearson value 0.008; p = .957 and with the GAF variation presented a Pearson correlation of -0.066; p = .578 which indicates that there is no significant correlation between the variables.Diagnostic groupsFrequencyPercentageDrugs11,4Psychosis3750.7Affective2128.8Neurosis1013.7Personality34.1Total72

Conclusions

Clinical evaluation and subjective perception of improvement are independent parameters.