bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of prophylactic treatment against COVID-19 by paramedics
Authors: Kefi H. El , Kefi K. , Bouzouita I. , Baatout A. , Brahim C. Bencheikh , Krir W. , Oumaya A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that killed more than one million people. Scientists around the world are looking for prophylactic treatment against this virus.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to assess the acceptability of prophylactic treatment against COVID-19 by paramedics.

Methods

Descriptive and cross-sectional study including paramedics (nurses, orderlies) from the military hospital of Tunis. Data collection was carried out by a clinical psychologist. We studied the acceptability of prophylactic treatment by paramedics, reasons for refusal and factors that may affect this choice.

Results

A total of 161 paramedics agreed to answer our questionnaire. The average age was 37.73 years. The average number of years worked was 14.95 years. There were 85 women (52.8%) and 76 men (47.2%). Only 59 (36.6%) agreed to take prophylactic treatment for COVID-19. The main reason for refusal was fear of side effects 57 (34.7%). Sufficient hindsight was the main factor that could make them change their decisions. This refusal was definitive for 55 (34.2%) paramedics.

Conclusions

Fear of drug side effects exceeds the fear of COVID.19. An information and communication strategy on the value of prophylactic treatments during a pandemic must be developed.
Anxiety and depression among tunisian health professionals facing COVID-19
Authors: Aribi L. , Jbir R. , Messedi N. , Bouattour O. , Elloumi Z. , Bouattour W. , Charfeddine F. , Aloulou J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. This new health situation has created an anxiety-provoking climate, in particular among health professionals

Objectives

To study the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression among health workers

Methods

Our study was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional, carried out with healthcare on the period between May until June 2020. An anonymous online survey was sent to caregivers. The HADS questionnaire was used to screen for anxiety and depression

Results

125 responses was collected The average age of the sample was 32 years. The participants were predominantly female (72.8%), married (48%), and had at least one child (39.2%). 21.6% of the participants worked in the resuscitation anesthesia service and urgent medical aid, 14.4% in the medical services at high risk of contamination, 1.6% in the COVID-19 unit Many changes in habits were reported by the participants: 28.7% had increased their consumption of coffee/tea, especially with anxious people (p = 0.001). This increase was also noted for tobacco (30.8%) and alcohol consumption (12.5%). According to the HADS scale, anxiety was retained in 44% and depression in 47.2%. Anxiety was significantly related to sex with (p = 0.039) and affects more women than men The consumers of coffee/tea developed more anxiety (p = 0.034) and depression (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

This tragic health crisis had a major impact on the mental health of our heroes This is why we should better understand their vulnerability to psychological suffering to provide them with the necessary support
Distress and burnout among psychiatrists during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bassetti N. , Parente S. , Topa P. , Brondino N. , Damiani S. , Politi P. , Olivola M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The WHO on March 11, 2020, has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. Several studies found an association between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychiatric symptoms, such as distress, anxiety, fear of infection, depression and insomnia in the general population. Therefore, psychiatrists have been professionally overloaded, trying to manage the psychosocial impact of the pandemic and suffering its effects in person.

Objectives

To evaluate the disease perceptions, distress and burnout among psychiatrists from the Department of Mental Health and Addictions of Pavia in three different times, which correspond to the three main phases of the pandemic management in Italy: T0 is the first peak of the infections and the lock-down, from March to June; T1 is the reduction of the infections and the reopening, from June to October; T2 is the second wave of infections with a new progressive closure, the current one.

Methods

We used three questionnaires: the BIPQ (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), the PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale-10), the PED (Profile of emotional distress). We also used a survey (6 items) in T0, T1 and T2 to evaluate exposure, perception, quality of life and burnout.

Results

table 1,2,3. BIPQ: no one was exposed.

Conclusions

The increase of individual, who seeking help for mental health, impact on the perception of stress and on the emotional distress, even though psychiatrists have an adequate perception of COVID-19.
Effect of electrode placement on speed of response to ECT
Authors: Mcloughlin D. , Fox C.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be rapidly effective in treating severe depression. Right unilateral (RUL) or bitemporal (BT) electrode placement may affect the speed of ECT effectiveness although our current understanding of demographic and clinical factors for predicting predict speed of response and remission with ECT is limited. We investigated differences in improvement speed and also time to achieving response and remission criteria between brief-pulse moderate-dose (1.5 x seizure threshold) BT ECT and high-dose (6 x seizure threshold) RUL ECT. Additionally, we explored the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Se analysed weekly 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores obtained from severely depressed patients participating in the EFFECT-Dep trial (ISRCTN23577151). Improvement speeds in patients treated randomly with a course of either BT (n = 69) or RUL ECT (n = 69) were compared using independent sample t-tests. Weekly proportions of responders and remitters were compared using chi-square tests. Cox regression analyses were used to explore predictors of speed to achieve response and remission status.

Results

Se found no differences between RUL and BT ECT in speed of improvement or time to achieve response or remission. Exploratory analyses indicated that a wide variety of demographic and clinical features did not serve to predict speed of response and remission to ECT.

Conclusion

Electrode placement did not substantially influence speed of improvement, response and remission with twice-weekly brief-pulse ECT. Minimising the cognitive side-effects of ECT may be of more relevance when choosing between BT and RUL electrode placement for ECT.

Disclosure

Declan M. McLoughlin has received speaker’s honoraria from Mecta and Otsuka and an honorarium from Janssen for participating in an esketamine advisory board meeting. The other author reports no conflicts of interest. This work was supported by awards from
Prevalence of dysfunctional breathing associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia
Authors: Koniukhovskaia J. , Mitina O. , Stepanova O. , Dorokhov E. , Pervichko E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a situation of increased concern due to health threats and increased uncertainty. The risk of infection with the respiratory system coronavirus attracts increased attention to respiratory sensations. These two aspects can be beneficial grounds for the dysfunctional breathing-changes emergence in the breathing pattern that does not correspond to physiological needs.

Objectives

To study the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing associated with anxiety during the COVID – 19 pandemic in Russia.

Methods

The author’s socio-demographic questionnaire, the Naimigen Questionnaire, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. The survey was conducted online in May 2020. There were 582 participants (496 women&86 men) between the ages of 18 and 64.

Results

The severity of dysfunctional breathing significantly correlated with the height of personal anxiety (r=0.488,p=0.000). Women are more likely than men to have dysfunctional breathing (18.1±9.6vs11.6 ±7.9;p=0.000) and have more expressed personal anxiety(26±10.5vs19.8 ±9.7; p=0.000). The age of respondents has an inverse correlation with personal anxiety (r=-0.147,p= 0.000), but not with dysfunctional breathing. Respondents who consider coronavirus to be a very dangerous trend to have dysfunctional breathing more than those who believe that the danger of coronavirus is exaggerated(18.1±10vs15.9 ±8.9;p=0.052).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of dysfunctional breathing increases in a wide range of the population, especially among women. Since one of the dysfunctional breathing symptoms is a feeling of “difficulty inhaling”, anxious people may interpret this as shortness of breath in COVID-19, which may motivate them to seek medical help, thereby artificially increasing the burden on the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Distinguishing cultural experiences from psychotic symptoms in indigenous settings: Maori and North American perspectives
Authors: Mainguy B. , Mehl-Madrona L. , Nia W. Nia , Bush A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Indigenous people think about mind and mental health differently from contemporary psychiatry, particularly in relation to the symptoms that comprise psychosis.

Objectives

We aim to present the Maori (New Zealand) and the North American indigenous (primarily Lakota, Cherokee, and Wabanaki) views of extraordinary experience and to explore opportunities for dialogue and understanding among these perspectives, leading to genuine, respectful collaboration.

Methods

Auto/ethnographic methodology was used to describe a process in which psychiatrists and traditional cultural healers came to understand each others’ perspectives, dialogued, and forged a collaboration. We describe how this process unfolded in New Zealand and in North America, discussing similarities and differences among these two regions and cultures. We present cases to illustrate the level of cultural collaboration.

Results

The opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue arose when the psychiatrists observed that the traditional cultural healers were reaching and helping patients with whom they had been unsuccessful. This led to dialogue in the fashion of Two-Eyed Seeing, a North American indigenous concept of explanatory pluralism. We present the case of a young man whom the psychiatrist described as hallucinating and prescribed medication that did not help. The cultural healer assisted the young man to see how he had broken cultural taboos, helped him repair the damage, and the hallucinations disappeared. Other cases further illustrate the collaboration. Two-eyed seeing allows both perspectives to be correct and permits genuine dialogue.

Conclusions

Through cultivation of genuine listening without interpretation or judgment (see Jacques Lacan), cultures can begin to understand and collaborate together for the benefit of patients.
To be only human: Humanizing effect of lowering humanity
Authors: Poe S.L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The derogation and violence associated with describing others as less than human is documented in a wide range of research (e.g., Bandura, 1992; Optow, 1990). However, this research has only explored one side of the social comparisons that humanity can evoke. Integrating dehumanization research and that of social comparison, which suggests the different effects of upward and downward targets, we explore social comparison which lowers human nature and therefore raises the target (Suls et al., 2002; Suls et al., 2018).

Objectives

While dehumanization places others below humanity, we explore hyper-humanization which places humanity below other comparison classes. When humanity is characterized as a low social comparison class, this should lead people to reintegrate transgressors, evoke forgiveness and reduce revenge motives.

Methods

To test this hypothesis 577 participants viewed a vignette about a social transgression and completed the benevolence and avoidance subscales of the TRIM (McCullough et al., 2006). We manipulated dehumanization and hyper-humanization using a conversational prompt which asked participants to elaborate on descriptions of the social transgressor. In the dehumanization condition the target was described as “barely human”, and in the hyper-humanization condition the target was described as “only human”.

Results

Using a mixed-model ANOVA, results indicate that in the rehumanization condition benevolence increased (F=5.30, p<.01) and avoidance decreased (F=4.75, p<.01) relative to dehumanization and controls.

Conclusions

While lower groups below humanity may facilitate genocide and other social ills, other forms of social comparison with humanity may act to restore relationships and facilitate forgiveness.
Perception and preventive actions against COVID-19 in domestic and international students
Authors: Nikolaev E. , Aleksandrov A. , Poverinov I. , Niyazov L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Young people, regarded as less susceptible to the virus, may differently perceive the situation associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Objectives

To determine the differences in perception of COVID-19 and preventive actions taken against it by domestic and international university students under the spreading threat of COVID-19 illness.

Methods

During the outbreak of COVID-19, 224 domestic and 312 international students of Russian universities responded via on-line to the self-constructed Attitude towards COVID-19 Questionnaire.

Results

The showings of the international students were surely higher than those of domestic students in seriousness of their evaluation of the COVID-19-related situation in the world (p=.0006), in the country (p=.0096), and in the region (p=.0390); in the evaluation of the virus-related risks for aged and chronic patients (p=.0075), in adequacy of measures taken by the government against COVID-19 (p=.0114), in degree of disturbing their customary way of life (p=.0363), and ruining their plans for the future (p=.0161). The international students, who live mostly not at their homes and have a higher stress level (p=.0227), showed higher interest to COVID-19-related news (p=.0001), they were stricter in taking preventive measures: in wearing a mask, washing hands, keeping the distance in order to reduce the risk of the virus infection (p=.0009).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 outbreak, both the international and domestic students are calm in perceiving the threat to their health and life. At the same time, with a higher stress level, the international students are more watchful concerning the situation of COVID-19 spread, and they more strictly obey the restrictive measures.
Stendhal syndrome: Can art make you ill?
Authors: Marinho G. , Peta J. , Pereira J. , Marguilho M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A psychosomatic disorder, Stendhal Syndrome, causes tachycardia, dizziness, sweating, disorientation, fainting, and confusion when someone is looking at artwork with which he or she connects deeply emotionally. In 1817, a French author named Marie-Henri Beyle, whose pseudonym was Stendhal, described his experience visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence and feeling overwhelmed by all the beauty and rich history surrounding him. Over a century later, visitors to Florence continued to suffer from similar symptoms. In 1979, Dr. Graziella Magherini, Chief of Psychiatry at the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova in Florence, observed more than 100 tourists who were hospitalized after looking at art in Florence and coined the term Stendhal Syndrome.

Objectives

To review literature on Stendhal syndrome, a bizarre travel-related syndrome.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar search using the keywords Stendhal syndrome, travel syndromes, culture shock

Results

Victims are typically impressionable, single people between 26-40 years old, who are stressed by travel and may be struggling with jet lag. For art lovers, the thrill of arriving somewhere like Florence that gathers so much famous art is like meeting all your heroes at once. This strange aesthetic sickness is surely evidence of the special power of Renaissance art.

Conclusions

Stendhal Syndrome does not currently appear in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Psychiatrists have however, documented the syndrome in medical journals and advise that tourists pace themselves in art museums and get enough rest in between viewings of Italy’s breathtaking, powerful masterpieces.
Arts-based research in psychiatry: A way to the examination of the popular beliefs about mental disorders
Authors: Pavez F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Research about the depictions of psychiatry and mental disorders in popular culture has been scarce and often lacks systematized research strategies. However, this tendency has changed in the last few years and it is now possible to find articles which investigate the social representations of mental illness through the analysis of the media, music, films, and other artistic manifestations. One possible indication of the emerging relevance of this topic is the inclusion of the MeSH term ‘Medicine in the Arts’ in the database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2018.

Objectives

To understand prevalent ideas regarding mental illness and psychiatry in a specific time and place by using artistic and cultural productions as data sources.

Methods

Content and Thematic Analysis

Results

In this communication I present examples from the content and thematic analysis of 7,777 Spanish Punk Songs (1981-2010) referring to psychoses, suicide and related behaviors, and other interesting issues for the psychiatric field.

Conclusions

The study of the products of popular culture can give us information about common ideas present in the social imaginary regarding mental disease. One advantage of this type of study is the public character of the data. In addition, the fact that artistic productions persist over time enables access to information which could not be gathered through other qualitative research designs. In this way, the products of popular culture could be seen as what I call ‘cultural fossils’, which can be ‘traced back’ to the historical time in which they were produced.
The perceptions of turkish immigrants towards discrimination and racism during the last ten years: An empirical analysis of quantitative survey data
Authors: Herbrüggen E.D. Cindik
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Turkish people immigrated to Germany initially as guest workers since the 1950s. Even though some Turkish immigrants resist to integrate culturally in order to preserve their traditions, those who immigrated during the last ten years considered themselves as part of the German society. It is hypothesized that Turkish immigrants experience more discrimination in the labor market and in education life since the early years of immigration. In addition, they feel more discriminated in comparison to immigrants from other nations.

Objectives

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of Turkish immigrants towards discrimination in their daily lives. Besides, the relationship between being discriminated and having mental disorders is investigated.

Methods

125 participants aged between 18 to 70 years were surveyed through a specific questionnaire. Moreover, face to face interviews were held to gain more insights into participants perception of discrimination.The relationship between being discriminated and having mental disorders was analyzed.

Results

The preliminary findings illustrate that while the perception of the elderly Turkish immigrants towards discrimination is higher, the younger immigrants feel more integrated and in the society. Turkish immigrants mostly experience discrimination in education life (27.3 %), labor market (30. 8.%), and while house seeking (50.3 %). 38.5 % participants also indicate that they felt very depressed and stressful after they experienced discrimination during the last ten years. Turkish immigrants (58 %) feel more discriminated in comparison to other immigrants.

Conclusions

The results of the study demonstrate that there is a relationship between having mental disorders and being discriminated in daily life as an immigrant.
Vaginismus: Sociodemographic profile and cultural aspects
Authors: Bader S. , Abbes W. , Mahdhaoui W. , Ltaif W. , Ghanmi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Vaginismus is the most common reason for unconsummated marriages in Tunisia.

Objectives

To describe the socio-demographic profile and to explore the clinical and cultural aspects of sexual functioning of women with vaginismus.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the November 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020. This study focused on a population of women with vaginismus recruited from outpatient consultations of the hospital’s gynecology and psychiatry departments at the regional hospital of Gabes. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history and informations concerning the partner, the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity.

Results

35 women were included. They had a mean age of 30 years, jobless (54.5%) and with a secondary or university education (91.1%). The mean duration of marriage was 2.4 years. Partner had mean age of 36 and suffering from sexual dysfunction (21.3%). Among women, 12.5% had been sexually abused, 51.6% had suffered “Tasfih”, 70% had attended discussions about painful defloration. Vaginismus was primary in 85.7% and total in 50% of the cases. About the received thoughts of the women, 40% thought that vaginismus requires medical treatment, 13 of them (40%) thought that the disorder could be resolved spontaneously and 20% believed in a story of witchcraft. 85% consulted a physician and 24.2% a traditional therapist.

Conclusions

Vaginismus seems to be influenced by psychological and sociocultural factors so that a good psychoeducation of brides could reduce the incidence of this sexual disorder.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Psychological rapid response to population movements in democratic republic of congo (DRC)
Authors: Dozio E. , Bizouerne C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In DRC, the North Kivu province has been plagued by recurring humanitarian crises for nearly two decades, with multiple displacements of populations triggered low intensity armed inter-communal conflicts spread throughout nearly all territories. 818,605 people (displaced, returnees and indigenous) affected by these movements are in alarming psychosocial vulnerability.

Objectives

In 2019, the NGO Action contre la Faim started a psychological intervention with the objective to contribute to reducing the vulnerability of conflict-affected populations.

Methods

Participants have been identified through psychoeducation sessions in the community in which people recognizing corresponding symptoms in themselves were evaluated through a short one-on-one interview. Persons identified as particularly in distress, including those who have experienced gender-based violence, have been involved in a short group therapeutic intervention. Two different options have been proposed in order to evaluate the most effective for the specific context: six sessions with a weekly or bi-weekly frequency.

Results

767 people participated in the psychosocial intervention, 457 with weekly frequency and 310 bi-weekly. The measures of post traumatic symptoms (PCL-5), anxiety and depression (HAD) and resilience (CD-RISC) show that the two approaches have the same positive effects. This is very important in volatile contexts with difficulties of access to the population due to security problems.

Conclusions

The fact that even a short intervention focused on a bi-weekly frequency, can reduce the distress and increase the psychological resilience of populations living in contexts of conflict, gives us the possibility of intervening in areas with limited access, while guaranteeing therapeutic efficacy.
The results of PHQ-9 screening of latvian general population in 2019-2020
Authors: Vinogradova V.V. , Kivite-Urtane A. , Vrublevska J. , Rancans E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Under-diagnosis of depression is a concerning problem for Latvia. According to our previous research at least 115 000 new cases have to be diagnosed each year, but the data of National Health Service show that most of the cases remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Objectives

To determine the point prevalence of depressive episode and associated factors in Latvian general population.

Methods

Computer assisted face-to-face interviews were carried out between November 2019 and March 2020 to gather information on a representative sample of the Latvian adult population (n=2687). The study sample was selected using a stratified random sampling method. The participants were interviewed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9; a score of ≥10 was defined as indicating the presence of a clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Multinomial logistic regression was applied.

Results

There were 1238 males (46.1%) and 1449 females (53.9%) recruited. Mean age of respondents was 49.9 (SD 18.2). The point prevalence of depressive episode in general population was 6.5% with statistically significant difference between genders: 4.8% in men and 7.7% in women (p=0.02). Lower level of education (p<0.001) and unemployment (p=0.01) were statistically significant associated factors for depressive episode among women. The odds of having depressive episode were higher in male urban dwellers (p=0.03) (but not in the capital city) and in man, who live separately, are divorced or widowed (p=0.004).

Conclusions

Females, especially unemployed women and those with unfinished education, are at particular significant risk of depression, which should be adressed in developing prevention strategy and screening programmes of depression.
Behaviours of general practitioners in the city of douala’s in cameroon in front of depressive disorders
Authors: Michael T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In Cameroon, skepticism and neglect of doctors towards patients with mental disorders is noted. In order to change this, it was important to have an objective assessment. Depressive disorders are the most common form of mental disorders and Douala has the second largest number of general practitioners in the country. Thus, we proposed to evaluate the behaviour of general practitioners in Douala in front of patients with depressive disorders.

Objectives

Evaluate the frequency of depressive disorders in outpatient general consultation Evaluate the competence of general practitioners at diagnosing depressive disorders Evaluate the practices of general practitioners towards depressive disorders Evaluate obstacles faced by general practitioners regarding depressive disorders

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from February to June 2017 in the outpatient department. For each general practitioner include, we had 3 patients who complete the patient health questionnaire to find out if the patient has depression. During each consultation, we filled out a clinical fact sheet to determine if the general practitioner had diagnosed a depressive disorder. If so, what care has he taken? Finally, we gave the general practitioner a questionnaire to know his difficulties when facing depression.

Results

We obtained a frequency of 32.5% of depressive disorders in consultation of general medicine in Douala and a rate of diagnosis by general practitioners of 1.92%. Diagnosed cases have just received counseling.

Conclusions

in Cameroon, despite the low interest in depressive disorders, they constitute a public health issue in Douala, and surely in Cameroon; Because of its frequency and the harm, they inflict on patients.

Conflict of interest

I don’t have any conflict of interest
Emotional blunting and cognitive profile in elderly depressed patients in treatment with vortioxetine
Authors: Franza F. , Solomita B. , Colucci A. , Perito M. , Pellegrino F. , Buono G. Del , Tavormina G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Antidepressants in older people have experienced their increase in medical prescriptions in recent decades whit comorbidity with other pathologies and drug polytherapies. With the use of antidepressants, can be observed side and unwanted effects (e.g. emotional blunting). Vortioxetine is a new antidepressant agent which promises fewer side effects.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, side effects (e.g emotional blunting) and cognitive profile

Methods

45 elderly patients affected by MDD (DSM-5) were recruited in our observational study. All patients were treated with vortioxetine for 12 months. Physiological and pathological parameters were collected at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2); 12 months (T3). All patients were administered the following scales: GDS; MMSE; QLi; ODQ. The statistical data were processed with EZAnalyze.

Results

33.33% of patients had a score in the “unlikely depression” GDS group. The ANOVA ODQ “Total” results indicate that at least two of the repeated measures differ significantly. Data of the “antidepressant as cause” dimension are interesting [T0 vs T3 (P-Unadjusted .000; P-Bonferroni .000; T-value 5.687. MMSE scores are indicative of one small but not significant difference. Mean QLIndex scores did not show statistically significant changes, but are indicative of positive changes from the baseline score

Conclusions

Vortioxetine resulted in partial reduction of depression. There was a moderate non-statistically significant increase in body weight, glycidic and lipid profiles. Overall data highlight the importance and role that vortioxetine can have in the management of depressive symptoms in elderly subjects. The handling, effectiveness and reduced side effects of the molecule are emphasized.
Childhood trauma influences the age of onset and severity of major depressive disorder via brain function
Authors: Chen S. , Yuan Y.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Associations between childhood trauma (CT), social support (SS), brain functions and major depressive disorder (MDD) is unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether brain functions mediated associations between CT, SS, and MDD.

Methods

164 MDD and 98 healthy controls (HC) were recruited and measured by HAMD-24 and HAMA. Some completed CT questionnaire (CTQ) and social support rating scale (SSRS). We examined amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) between the two groups and correlations between HAMD-24, HAMA and ALFF in MDD. Then, the peak voxels of the ALFF changed regions were used as seeds to analyze whole-brain functional connectivity (FC). Next, correlations between FC and clinical variables of MDD were performed. Last, mediation analysis was used to further determine whether ALFF or FC could mediate the associations between CT, SS, and different clinical variables in MDD patients.

Results

Compared to HC, MDD showed decreased ALFF in right posterior cingulate (PCC_R), left postcentral gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and left thalamus (THA_L), but increased ALFF in right medial frontal gyrus, left subgenual anterior cingulate, and left middle occipital gyrus as well as decreased FC in bilateral PCC and THA_R. HAMD-24 had negative correlation with ALFF of THA_L, while positive with sexual abuse (SA) score in MDD. Mediation analysis revealed that FC of PCC_R mediated association between SA and baseline HAMD-24, and itself or together with SS mediated association between CT and onset age of MDD.

Conclusions

CT may influence the depression severity and onset age of MDD by moderating FC of PCC_R only or together with SS.
The impact of religiousness on life satisfaction and anxiety level of the patients with depression disorders treated at the neuro-psychiatric center in riem, munich
Authors: Herbrüggen E.D. Cindik , Akdag B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Religious people suffer less from depression disorder than less or non-religious people. According to a longitudinal study investigating religiousness and negative life events, religious participants demonstrated fewer depressive symptoms than non-religious. Furthermore, depressed patients with higher religiosity scores show lower values of depression symptoms.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between religiosity and patients with depression symptoms in the Neuro-Psychiatric Center in Riem (NPZR). The correlation between religiousness and life satisfaction as well as anxiety level was analyzed. Additionally, possible gender differences are also assesed.

Methods

The patients of the NPZR were selected as sample of the study (N =106, F=61, M=45). The participants were provided with three surveys including the life satisfaction questionnaire, state trait anxiety inventory and the Centrality Scale. A Pearson Correlation was conducted to investigate the association between life satisfaction, level of anxiety and religiousness. T-Test was carried out to find out the differences between female and male patients.

Results

There was a positive relationship between religiousness and life satisfaction of the depressed patients (r = .608, p= .001). There was also a significant relationship between religiosity and anxiety level (r = - .548, p < .001). However there was no significant difference between male and female patients with regard to their religiousness (t= .149, p= .882).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that while there is a significant relationship between life satisfaction, level of anxiety and religiousness of the patients, the gender of the patients has no impact on the religiosity of participants.
Correlation of dsm-5-based and hads self-reported depression phenotypes: Preliminary results of on-line survey in russian population cohort
Authors: Rukavishnikov G. , Rakitko A. , Kasyanov E. , Ilinsky V. , Kibitov A. , Mazo G. , Neznanov N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

To reduce the heterogeneity of depressive GWAS samples it seems relevant to evaluate and compare current instruments for depression phenotyping.

Objectives

The aim is to evaluate the agreement of DSM criteria and HADS scores in depression phenotyping for population studies.

Methods

The self-report data was obtained from 5116 clients (females 50,63%; mean age 36,92±9,82 years, Ме=42; Q1=35, Q3=76) of genetic testing company Genotek Ltd.. The respondents completed an on-line questionnaire with items on social status and biometrics. Depression phenotyping was based on DSM-5 criteria (life-time and current for major and bipolar depression) and HADS (current).

Results

Mean HADS scores were: HADS-A – 6,43±2,9, Ме=8; Q1=6, Q3=18; HADS-D – 4,5±2,83, Ме=6; Q1=4, Q3=17. Abnormal anxiety and depression (≥11 for each subscale) were present in 9% (N–456) and 3,4% (N–174) of respondents, respectively; borderline (8-10) – in 23% (N–1172) and 11,9% (N–592), respectively. The life-time report of major depression according to DSM-5 criteria was 17,6% (N–261) and of bipolar disorder – 8,3% (N–139). Moderate correlations were present for borderline HADS anxiety scores and DSM major depression (0.19, p<.01). Similar correlations of HADS anxiety scores were registered for DSM bipolar depression (0.20, p<.01). Moreover, HADS depression scores did not correlate with any DSM depressive phenotype.

Conclusions

Our study shows significant correlations only for DSM depression criteria and HADS anxiety, but not depression scores. It could indicate the different significance of individual scale items in depression phenotyping and the need for their separate further evaluation.

Conflict of interest

The research is supported by the Russian Scientific Fund grant #20-15-00132.
Improvements in mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functioning in outpatients with mdd in greece treated with vortioxetine: A patient-rated evaluation
Authors: Galanopoulos A. , Tsiolka E. , Ntounas P. , Mpelimpasakis D. , Karakoutas D. , Sidiropoulos N. , Mpougiouklis I. , Kyziridis K. , Papalexi E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Functional recovery is the contemporary treatment goal in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Although consistency among physician and patient expectations may influence the therapeutic result (Demyttenaere K et al, 2011), patients’ perceptions are not always fully captured. Vortioxetine,a multimodal antidepressant, has shown encouraging data in achieving functional recovery, improving both mood and cognitive symptoms (Mahableshwarkar AR et al, 2015).

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of vortioxetine on mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functionality, assessed by patient-rated tools, in MDD outpatients in Greece.

Methods

In this non-interventional study, vortioxetine was administered as flexible dosing (5-20 mg/d). Mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functioning were assessed by the patient-rated scales PHQ-9, PDQ-D and SDS respectively, at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Repeated measures analysis of variance and t-test were used for the statistical analyses.

Results

336 patients participated in the study. PHQ-9 score ±SD decreased from 16.1±5.3, to 10.0±5.7 and 4.6±4.5, PDQ-D score ±SD decreased from 37.3±16.6 to 23.1±14.8 and 12.0±10.6, SDS Score ±SD decreased from 18.7±5.3 to 12.9±5.9 and to 7.8±6.5, at baseline, 1 and 3 months, respectively. The 3 SDS subscales: work/school life improved from 5.8±2.4 to 4.2±2.2 and 2.6±2.2, social life improved from 6.6±2.0 to 4.5±2.2 and 2.7±2.3 and family life improved from 6.3±2.0 to 4.3±2.1 and 2.6±2.3 -baseline, 1 and 3 months, respectively (p<0.001 for all paired comparisons).

Conclusions

MDD patients in Greece treated with vortioxetine significantly improved on mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functioning, enriching the already published efficacy data which is mostly based on clinician-rated scales.

Conflict of interest

A. Galanopoulos and E. Papalexi are full-time employees in Lundbeck Hellas.
Efficacy and safety of mij821 in patients with treatment-resistant depression: Results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study
Authors: Ghaemi N. , Sverdlov A. , Shelton R. , Litman R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

MIJ821 is a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, with a potentially low rate of the psychotomimetic side effects that limit the therapeutic utility of ketamine in treatment-refractory depression (TRD).

Objectives

To assess efficacy and safety of MIJ821.

Methods

Adults with TRD (>2 prior treatment failures; Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS], >24) were eligible and were randomized (n=70) to low versus high doses of MIJ821, with two dosing regimens of weekly or biweekly, versus ketamine versus placebo. The primary outcome was change in MADRS total score at 24 hours and final follow up was at 6 weeks.

Results

At 24 hours, adjusted mean differences (ΔAM) versus placebo were –8.25 (p=0.001), –5.71 (p=0.019) and –5.67 (p=0.046) and at 48 h were –7.06 (p=0.013), –7.37 (p=0.013), –11.02 (p=0.019) in the pooled MIJ821 low dose, high dose, and ketamine groups, respectively. At 6 weeks, ΔAM (80% CI) versus placebo on MADRS were –6.46 (–11.8, –1.15); p=0.059 for low dose MIJ821, –5.42 (–10.8, –0.02); p=0.099) for high dose MIJ821, and –5.24 (–10.4, –0.06); p=0.097 for ketamine. Further details on dosing, efficacy, and safety outcomes will be provided.

Conclusions

In this proof-of-concept study, MIJ821 was effective and tolerable in TRD. This study was funded by Novartis. Clinical trial.gov: NCT03756129

Conflict of interest

Employee of Novartis.
Pessimistic attributional style for positive life events as a predictor of low mental health in russian sample
Authors: Gordeeva T. , Sychev O.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Attributional style (AS) indicates cognitive dispositions for explaining positive and negative events. People with pessimistic АS explain failure with stable and global causes. Previous studies and meta-analyses (Hu et al., 2015; Peterson et al., 1985; Zhang et al., 2014) showed that pessimistic AS for failures is a reliable predictor of depression and ill-being, but the possible mediators of such relations are understudied.

Objectives

Our main objective was to analyse relations of pessimistic AS for success and failure with mental health. We hypothesized that pessimistic AS would be a predictor of low mental health mediated by self-esteem, dispositional optimism, and gratitude.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 261 adults (MA=32.09, SD=12.53, 13% male) using a 24-item attributional style questionnaire (SFASQ, Gordeeva et al., 2009), mental well-being scale (Tennant et al., 2007), self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965), gratitude questionnaire (McCullough et al., 2002), and LOT (Scheier, Carver, 1985).

Results

A path model of effects of pessimistic AS in positive and negative situations on mental ill-being was developed. The model with three mediators fits the data very well: CFI=0.990; RMSEA=0.048. The pessimistic attributional style for positive events was a significant predictor of mental ill-being mediated by self-esteem, dispositional optimism, and gratitude while the indirect effect of pessimistic AS for failures on mental ill-being (controlling for age) was not significant.

Conclusions

Only the pessimistic AS for successes but not for failures was a significant predictor of mental ill-being which underline the importance of stable and global attributions of positive life events for mental health.
Family history of mood disorders and concomitant psychopathology in patients with depression
Authors: Kasyanov E. , Nikolishin A. , Rukavishnikov G. , Kibitov A. , Mazo G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A family history (FH) of mood disorders is an important clinical feature that affects the risk of depression and its clinical manifestations during the course of the disease.

Objectives

To assess the impact of FH in patients with depression on the presence of concomitant psychiatric disorders.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 172 patients with depression (64.5% women; age - 40,87±15,86 years). The M.I.N.I. was conducted to verify the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. FH is based on indirect reports of patients.

Results

The most prevalent concomitant psychiatric diagnoses in patients with depression were generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; 26,2%), panic disorder (24,4%) and social anxiety disorder (13,4%). FH was recorded in 52 (30.2%) patients with depression. Patients with depression and FH more often had concomitant GAD (with FH - 20 (38,5%), without FH - 25 (20,8%); p=0.016). Women with depression and FH showed a higher rate of early onset (before age 18) of depression (with FH - 10 (32,3%), without FH - 10 (12,5%); p=0.015). Men with depression and FH more often had concomitant GAD (with FH - 10 (47,6%), without FH - 8 (20%); p=0.025). Logistic regression revealed that FH was associated with GAD in patients with depression (p=0.019).

Conclusions

FH of mood disorders in patients with depression is associated with specific concomitant psychopathology. Further genetic studies are needed to explain this comorbidity.
Delta and theta eeg activity during resting state is altered in patients affected by major depression
Authors: Spironelli C. , Fusina F. , Angrilli A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Major depression (MD) is associated with cognitive and behavioral alterations in many domains. It is not well clear what cortical structures and functional alterations characterize MD patients during resting state, a condition during which mind wandering process is prevailing.

Objectives

In MD patients with severe levels of depression we expected, during resting state, an altered asymmetry of cortical activity in the EEG bands that generally mark neurological impairment, i.e. Delta and Theta EEG bands.

Methods

30 MD patients under pharmacological treatment and 32 matched controls underwent an EEG recording (38 scalp sites) during 5 min resting state with open eyes. Eye movements were corrected by ICA modeling and the 5 min recording was divided in 2 sec epochs from which Delta and Theta spectral powers were extracted.

Results

Spectral analysis of the 5 min resting state revealed a significant difference between the two groups at the level of left temporal lobe. MD patients showed larger Delta and Theta spectral power in the left superior temporal gyrus at the level of Brodmann’s Areas 22 and 42.

Conclusions

Results evidenced a cortical inhibition (greater EEG Delta and Theta activity) in left temporal linguistic areas in severe depression, a result pointing to a different mind wandering process and thought architecture in MD patients during resting state.
Insideout project: Using big data and machine learning for prevention in psychiatry
Authors: Nastro F. Fiori , Croce D. , Schmidt S. , Basili R. , Schultze-Lutter F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Social Media might represent an amazing and valuable source of information on mental health and well-being. Several researches revealed that adolescents aged 13 to 17 years old go “online” daily or stay online “almost constantly”.

Objectives

The aim of this project is to identify distress in pre-clinical stages using Social media screening methods. The system can be modelled to centre on different several health-related topics.

Methods

We created a digital system able to analyse scripts written by adolescents on Twitter. InsideOut works using machine learning techniques and computational linguistic items to catch significant and sense of written messages and it improves its performances with iterations. The system is able to automatically identify semantic information relevant to different topics: in this case “distress in teenagers”.

Results

The task of our system is considered correct when it is able to identify triples of Life Event, Sentiment and Experience of a tweet in agreement with the Gold Standard established among the annotators. The system has around 70% of accuracy in identifying triples. The analysis has been carried out both in Italian and English collecting over 4 million Italian tweets and 30 million English tweets. Comparative analysis with self-report questionnaires show that tweet analysis is able to suggest similar statistics.

Conclusions

This study analyzed contents of messages posted on Social Media Twitter meta-dating them with psychological and health-related information. Using InsideOut, we can plan clinical intervention in district and regions where high levels of uneasiness are revealed.
The impact of physical distancing on body-image and social media use
Authors: Corazza O.
Published: February 2022

The current coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) is posing new critical challenges on mental health due to widespread social alarm as well as long lasting “physical distancing” as a result of public health protection measures or voluntary conduct. In a period of uncertainty, certain rewarding behaviors, such as the use of the Internet, exercise among other coping strategies might have increased considerably. We will share the results of an international cross-sectional investigation on the impact of physical-distancing on such potentially addictive behaviours to mitigate the pandemic effects, while identifying the most risky patterns and vulnerable populations. The studied sample consists of 3161 participants from Italy (41%), Spain (16%), the UK (12%), Lithuania (12%), Portugal (11%), Japan (6%), and Hungary (4%). Results are currently being analysied.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.