bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Hector” case and the community rehabilitation of offenders with Intellectual Disability and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Santambrogio J. , Francia Emma , Giancontieri Antonino , Clerici Massimo , Santarone Alessandro
Published: August 2024

Hector, 44 years, with mild Intellectual Disability and impulse control disorder, committed serious sexual offences against two children of his partner. Considered “socially dangerous”, he was put in prison, then with a deferment of the enforcement of the prison sentence in the forms of home detention he was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility due to his depressive condition. Upon entering the Community, he presented a deflected mood as a reaction to the discomfort from the custodial experience, which was not cognitively integrated. Both psychotropic and rehabilitation treatments started. He has been involved in a gardening activity, too. After a first period of high degree of denial of the facts and a defensive mode marked by stolidity and fatuity, revealing his poor cognitive resources, during the psychiatric sessions he became even more conscious of his crime and the suffering of the victims. Services/pathways available for offenders with ID and psychiatric disorders will be presented.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of nursing professionals in the state of São Paulo
Authors: De Oliveira M. C. V. R. , Ribeiro dos Santos E. , Araujo E. C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This is a descriptive cross-sectional clinical study with professionals from the Nursing Team (Nursing Assistant, Nursing Technician and Nurse).

Objectives

To assess the psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on nursing staff professionals.

Methods

A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study will be applied to a structured interview aimed at collecting sociodemographic and occupational data, Mental Health Scales evaluating professional exhaustion - Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and Beck’s Anxiety Rating Scale to assess the state of anxiety.

Results

About 13,587 nursing professionals were interviewed, including nurses, technicians and nursing assistants. They were evidenced through the behavior indexes related to insomnia, the desire to cry and appetite variation may be related to the long working hours, the fear of contamination and the consequent absence from work, as well as the fear of getting sick may be related to the fact that the professional stops being a caregiver and starts to be cared for.

Conclusions

the study denotes the importance and need for interventions to promote and prevent mental well-being in health professionals exposed to COVID-19, these need to be implemented immediately, for nursing professionals, as they are on the front line, demanding attention Special. In this sense, the Nursing Council of the State of São Paulo created and implemented some bills such as the Obligation of Rest Rooms in Health Units, the Cuidando de Quem Cuida Program and the Yellow September Campaign in Allusion to actions for Nursing professionals for the prevention and promotion in mental health category.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Harmonizing and Contrasting Psychotherapy Approaches: Case Presentation
Authors: Tanyeri Kayahan S.
Published: August 2024

Various psychotherapeutic approaches could be used for the assessment, formulation, and treatment of the same case. It is of great importance to include cultural evaluation and empathetic reformulation in psychotherapy applications. This case presentation illustrates a female patient in her thirties who was consulted at the psychiatric outpatient clinic with depressive symptomatology, which presented after a psychosocially stressful life event. Following a detailed clinical evaluation, psychotherapeutic treatment was planned with the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. In this case presentation and subsequent discussion, the case-specific advantages, along with standard and differing aspects of different psychotherapeutic methods and treatments, will be evaluated.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) among Pakistani young adults
Authors: Kazmi S. M. A. , Lewis C. A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is recognized as being a widely used measure for the assessment of negative emotional states. While the DASS-21 has been widely used for assessing mental health in Pakistan, limited research has been done regarding its factor structure and measurement invariance.

Objectives

To assess the factor structure and measurement invariance of the DASS-21 among young adults in Pakistan.

Methods

A large sample of 1361 Pakistani young adults had completed the scale during the current study comprising 666 males and 695 females with a mean age of 24.51 years.

Results

Excellent internal consistency reliability was found for the overall DASS-21 and its three subscales (depression, anxiety and stress) ranging from r = .86 to .71 (Cronbach alpha). Moreover, the three subscales were strongly and significantly associated with one another. Additionally, the results showed a good fit of the three-factor model and the one-factor model of the DASS-21 aimed at assessing gender psychological distress. Strong measurement invariance was found regarding gender therefore showing that the DASS-21 is understood and interpreted similarly by males and females. However, little evidence was found regarding the three subscales (depression, anxiety and stress) for the measurement of three distinct constructs.

Conclusions

These findings confirm the utility of the DASS-21 for measuring mental health in Pakistan among young adults.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Applications of art therapy/occupational therapy in neuropsychic disorders: raw art objectives: stimulation, creativity, catharsis, socialization
Authors: Chirila E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Art therapy, occupational and play therapy support the idea that man becomes what he is through activity. We accept man in his totality, we oppose the rigid boundaries between “sick” and “healthy”, there is no contradiction between these states, but only an unbroken chain of neighboring nuances, of gradual differences of human life.

Objectives

Therapies based on the visual arts are also used in the discharge of repressed experiences, called in psychoanalytic terms “catharsis”, with the aim of preventing or remedying dysfunctions, facilitating maximum adaptability of the beneficiary, regardless of the degree of handicap. The activities of occupational therapy and ergotherapy has and productive objectives, in accordance with the outstanding, hidden skills, correlated with the current demands on the labor market. Art forms called: “Raw Art” can be practiced.

Methods

Traditional crafts and visual arts are reinvented as therapeutic methods. We use pottery and sculptural artistic ceramics with elements from the history of archaic arts connected with contemporary visual arts (pictures, sculpture, graphics, mixed arts and multimedia)

Results

The creative process and symbolic communication, associated with narration and imitation, develop new ways of communication, new ways of self-expression, new ways of seeing things. Throughout this process, people are more productive, more efficient, focused, calm and self-satisfied. (2014- Emilia Chirilă The role of art therapy in self-knowledge, self-esteem and interpersonal relationships in children with emotional disorders”- THE SECOND WORLD CONGRESS ON RESILIENCE: FROM PERSON TO SOCIETY may 8-10 Timisoara Romania 1139-1145editors: M Tomita, S.Cace – MEDIUMOND- INTERNATIONAL PROCEEDINGS copyright 2014 by MEDIMOND srl 40065 Piamond (Bologna) Italy -Printed May 2014 by Editografica.Bologna Italy - ISBN 978-88-7587)

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Conclusions

People who do not have a sufficiently developed vocabulary to be able to express themselves feel very good practicing art as a natural means of communication. Discovering the skills of the beneficiary, through the artistic product and the awareness of emotions and feelings open up ways to a more effective non-verbal communication.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Dissociative Identity Disorder from a Palestinian Perspective: A Case Report
Authors: Marzouqa N. , Saadeh S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is the presence of two or more distinct personality states within an individual. It is a rare dissociative disorder where usually self-non-integration arises as a response to significant stress. As is the case for many other psychiatric disorders, the diagnosis and management of DID is highly dependent on cultural variables and contexts.

Objectives

To present a case of DID in Palestine in which the diagnosis was dependent on noticing minor changes in the patient’s dialect at different times. To highlight the importance of understanding each patient’s environment, values, and culture when assessing DID to avoid under- or over-diagnoses.

Methods

A case report in which we present a case of a 17-year-old Palestinian girl who suffered from three months of general fatigue, restlessness, poor coordination, and peripheral numbness. She was seen by several doctors who excluded organic causes and several spiritual healers without benefit. This caused severe deterioration of social and academic functioning. The family noticed a change in her articulation and memory issues, so they presented her to a psychiatrist. Data was collected by interviewing the patient and her family weekly for a month. The psychiatrist noted that the patient has subtle differences in accent, and directed the family to record any change in tone of voice or articulation. The patient was found to have three different accents on top of her native one, representing a total of four personalities with no memory integrity among them. She was started on Escitalopram (gradually increased) and Alprazolam (gradually decreased).

Results

The psychiatrist detected the theme of being “stuck” throughout the personalities, each in its own way, according to the context of their roots. It was revealed that the patient is engaged to a man she doesn’t approve of and has “no way out” due to the social and familial significance of this relationship. Family counseling and trauma-informed psychoeducation were done, where the patient’s choice was reaffirmed. This led to significant improvement in terms of mood, identity integration, and social functioning with complete resolution of split personalities in just short of one-and-a-half months.

Conclusions

This case report asserts the importance of cultural understanding and sensitivity when assessing psychiatric patients. Symptoms, triggers, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation have a universal baseline, yet are highly culturally-dependent. Through this case study, we emphasize the importance of translating universal criteria into context-specific practices.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Art therapy/occupational and play therapy: plastic expressiveness as a means of reducing loneliness, anxiety, sadness – research carried out during the period 2008-2022 with the theme: creation in / with elements from nature at the placement center
Authors: Chirila E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapy - which also includes art therapy - is an activity/test with a purpose, it involves coordination between the sensory, motor, cognitive, and psychosocial systems of the individual. “Sciences recognize the role of observation in research… All artists who practice art therapy are based on their own artistic activity and present a common recurring feature: they are always in line with “essential pragmatism”. (McNIFF, Shaun, Trust the process: an artist’s guide to letting go. Creative ability. Psychological aspects. Self-actualization (Psychology). Artist-Psychology, Shambhala Publication, Boston, 1998, p. 78)

Objectives

We seek to find new development solutions through stimulation, creativity, catharsis, and socialization to be authentic, spontaneous, feel fulfilled, emotionally balanced, and transformed, with the aim of fulfilling one’s social role through contact with human and environmental factors. (Emilia Chirilă, ART THERA PY IN EMOTIONAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, printed edition 2018) ISBN 978-973-0-27683-1)

Methods

Through the graphic gesture, the child expresses various issues related to his feelings, like the search for his identity, the generated anxieties, the family and professional environment, and the situations of neglect and abuse. (MALCHIODI, Cathy A, Handbook of Art Therapy, The Guilford Press, New York and London, 2003, p. 157).

Results

The following reactions can be identified: aggression, frustration, dominance tendency, low self-esteem, fraternal rivalry, hopelessness, sadness, compensation mechanisms, self-defense, other significant psycho-traumatic aspects. The disappearance of frustrations and negative feelings due to the disinterest of parents who do not visit the beneficiaries was achieved by gaining authority over the environment and by improving pre-existing skills. emotional disorders of children and adolescents” - Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry of Children and Adolescents from Romania - 2012 - vol. 15 - no. 3-
p 121-136 - ISSN (printed): 2068-8040)

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Conclusions

Through the creative process and symbolic communication, associated with narration and imitation, we realize the development of outstanding and hidden abilities, we develop new ways of communication, new ways of self-expression, and new ways of seeing things, to increase the ability to face existential problems.(2018 Emilia Chirilă - Art therapy in emotional disorders of children and adolescents: “Festina lente - Hurry slowly!” Harmonizing the rhythm with those around us ,print edition, ISBN 978-973-0-27683)

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
“It was all yellow” first patient with resistant depresion treated with esketamina
Authors: Mateos - Sexmero M. J. , Arribas - Simón B. , Jiménez - Aparicio T. , Martín - Santiago Ó.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Esketamine, an active Ketamine isomeric form that indirectly inhibits the GABAergic neuronal pathways, has been recently approved to treated severe, resistant depressive disorders. Here, we present the case of a 64 years old woman diagnosed with severe, resistant depression and an initial score of 28 points in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale who was treated with Esketamine with excellent response and a HDRS of 8 points after 4 months.

Objectives

To expose our experience with the first patient treated with Esketamine in our Hospital.

Methods

Describing the patient’s patobiography and the different treatments lines tried in first place and exposing the experience among Ketamine treatment and the final results.

Results

We present the case of a 64 years old woman, divorced and retired, who lives with her son since the aggravation of the depressive symptomatology, with no medical nor surgical background and no history in Mental Health before her first psychiatric internment in 2020. Between February 2020 and June 2023, 5 different treatments options with supervise intake were tried, including increment of the dose, antidepressant rotation, the combination of Desvenlafaxine + Mirtazapine and adding Topiramate and Lithium, with no improvement. Among this years, 3 psychiatric internments were needed because of the depressive symptoms and 1 more hospitalization in Internal Medicine was required because of the patients severe, malnutritional state. In June 2023 and after two complete analysis, a MR and a score of 28 points in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale treatment with Esketamine was started with no incidences. She described one dissociative episode during which she assures “she was surrounded by soft, rubbery, yellow bubbles”. After 4 months of treatment the patient has recovered her previous functional rate and has an 8 points score in the HDRS.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we can affirm that Esketamine is an effective and secure option for Resistant Depresion Dissorder. Nevertheless, Before considering a Depressive Episode as “resistant to treatment”, treatment adherence and other medical, surgical and psychiatric comorbidities must be studied.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cold water swimming as an add-on treatment for depression: a feasibility study
Authors: Hjorth P. , Rasmussen M. R. V.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In Denmark, 14% of patients with depression develops treatment resistant depression (TRD) after the first hospital contact. Explanations for TRD include lack of clinical effect of pharmacological treatment and reluctance to treatment due to price, discomfort, and unacceptable side effects. Cold water swimming (CWS) describes swimming outdoors during the winter season in cold to ice-cold water on a regular basis. Many winter swimmers believe that exposure to cold water is beneficial for their health. However, evidence of health effects have been anecdotal or based on results from small sample-size studies. The availably studies report that winter swimming abolishes general tiredness, boosts self-esteem and improves mood and/or general well-being.

Objectives

Aims To test if it is possible for patients with depression to participate in two weekly sessions of CWS and to measure the effects of CWS on general well-being and depression.

Methods

All psychiatric in- and outpatients from the department of psychiatry at Little Belt Hospital, Vejle with a diagnose of depression were eligible for inclusion. CWS-sessions included a dip in an inlet - and a short swim for a few minutes – depending on individual preferences.

Results

The average water temperature was 7.5 grades C. The lowest water temperature was 2.0 grades C. 13 patients were participating in CWS sessions. One of the patients participated in 40 CWS sessions and the average number of CWS session was 14.5 (sd: 11.2). The participating patients were on average overweight, and they had mild to severe sleep problems with an average score of 10.1 (sd: 3.7) on Pittsburg Sleep Quality index. Patients with regular CWS have a wellscore of 39.2 and at the end of the swimming season, their score has increased to 54.0. Sleep: At index for regular swimmers, the score was 10.4 and at the end of season in had decreased to 8.0 while the patients’ not regular swimming had an unchanged score of 11.3. After each CWS sessions, a cheerful and uplifted atmosphere spread among the participants and the conversation afterwards was often characterized by this.

Conclusions

The nurses had an important task and function in guidance to the participating patients due to the patients’ symptoms from depression. It was surprisingly easy to get all the patients to swim in the cold water. Due to the design and small numbers of participants in this feasibility study, it is not possible to draw any statistically significant results. Nevertheless, we can conclude that it is possible to use CWS as a treatment opportunity for some patients with depression. The research group members are convinced that for some patients it will be an important part of recovery from depression. Further studies with control group and a statistical satisfying larger group of participants will probably generate more knowledge’s on these issues.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Neurocognitive Targets for Psychological Assistance in Patients with the Anhedonia Phenomenon within the Framework of Affective Pathology
Authors: Barkhatova A. , Popov M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic psychopathological phenomenon that is considered a key feature for several disorders, primarily affective spectrum disorders. It exhibits a significant association with social and occupational maladjustment, reduced quality of life, and increased suicidal risk among psychiatric patients.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to identify recommendations for psychotherapeutic assistance for patients with affective spectrum disorders.

Methods

A total of 26 patients with affective spectrum disorders (ICD-10 code - F33, F31) and the phenomenon of anhedonia were examined. We utilized neuropsychological methods aimed at investigating a wide range of cognitive functions (Dynamic praxis; Color interference test; Arithmetic Tasks; Number of skips and impulsive errors; Reverse and straight rows; Verbal fluency; Design fluency; Rey-Osterritz figure) and psychometric methods designed to diagnose various types of anhedonia (consummatory (TEPS), anticipatory (TEPS), social (RSAS), and physical (PAS)).

Results

Among patients with depression, the consummatory type of anhedonia was the most pronounced. A relationship was found between anticipatory anhedonia and phonetic verbal fluency (r = 0.487; p < 0.01). Additionally, there were correlations between immediate (consummatory) pleasure experience and Rey figure errors (r = -0.349; p < 0.05). Social anhedonia was associated with phonetic verbal fluency productivity (r = -0.509; p < 0.01) and performance in visual fluency productivity (r = -0.473; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The obtained results allow us to hypothesize that anhedonia is associated with difficulties both in evaluating and imagining possible positive stimuli, which leads to a lack of emotional response to the current stimulus. Thus, the availability of current pleasure may be linked to memory accessibility and regulatory function. When these domains are weakened, the respondent loses the ability to associate the current stimulus with positive past experiences, making it challenging to generate an emotional response in the current stimulus situation and disrupting the anticipation of pleasure. Based on the results, we propose the effective use of behavioral activation and work on the actualization of past experiences. Behavioral activation can be implemented by gradually introducing behaviors associated with past pleasures into the patient’s life, followed by cognitive restructuring aimed at focusing the emotional response on past and current stimuli. In addition to this, from a neurocognitive perspective, an additional element of therapy could involve training various types of cognitive functions, with an emphasis on the auditory modality.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Deafness and depression in the workplace: is there an association?
Authors: Ayed W. , Brahim D. , Yaich I. , Bensaid C. , Houissa L. , Mechergui N. , Bensaid H. , Mersni M. , Bahri G. , Youssef I. , Bani M. , Bram N. , Ladhari N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Chronic exposure to damaging noise can lead to hearing loss . People suffering from hearing problems find it increasingly difficult to communicate and become withdrawn. This lack of contact can lead to the onset of anxiodepressive disorders .

Objectives

To study the epidemiological and clinical particularities of hearing loss in patients with psychoaffective disorders.

To study the impact of this association on the medical aptitude for work.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive study of depressive patients with hearing loss who consulted the Occupational Medicine Department at Charles Nicolle Hospital over a six-year period from January 2016 to November 2022.

Results

Out of 150 patients with hearing loss who consulted our service, 10 patients had an axio-dépressive disorder . Seven were men and three were women. The mean age was 43 ± 5 years and the mean job seniority was 11 years [3-20]. they belonged to the telecommunications (n=6), industry (n=2), printing(n=1), and transport sectors (n=1) . The job positions were : teleconsultant (n=6), operator machine (n=3) and driver (n=1)  the symptoms presented by the patients were hearing loss (n=4), otalgia (n=1) , diziness (n=1), tinnitus(n=1) . The average time to onset of symptoms was 13±8 years [1-35] . The hearing deficits presented by the patients were: sensorineural hearing loss (n=7), mixed hearing loss (n=1) and conductive hearing loss (n=2). The mean of Hearing loss were 34±9 dB in the right ear and 34±6 dB in the left ear . A declaration of the deafness as an occupational disease was indicated in two of the cases. the univariate statistical study showed that anxiety-depressive disorders were associated with tinnitus (p=0,036,OR=4,2[0,99-17,659]) and the position of teleconsultant (p=0,009,OR=5,622[1,338-23,627] . Eviction from exposition to noise was indicated in seven cases

Conclusions

According to our study, hearing loss in patients with anxio-depressice disordes is associated with tinnitus and teleconsultant job position . Early screening early screening of people at risk is recommended.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acid as an Adjunct Treatment to Depression in Different Age Groups of the Patient Population - A Current Literature Review
Authors: Poudel S. , Dhawan A. , Vijayakumar V. , Flores S. , Abozaid A. , Parajuli K. , Aggarwal R. , Sadana A. , Kumar H. , Choudhari J. , Panta N. , Ahmed S. S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Depression is a widespread problem that affects individuals of all ages. This study looks at the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as an additional therapy for depression in people of different ages. Depression has an impact on everyone, from youth to the elderly, causing therapeutic concerns such as treatment resistance and recurrence. Omega-3 PUFAs, which may be found in fish and flaxseed, are important because of their impact on neurochemistry, inflammation, and neuroprotection. While pharmacotherapy, including antidepressants, has proven beneficial for many, the likelihood of remission and recurrence remains substantial. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in mitigating depressive symptoms. The primary constituents of n-3 PUFAs are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Understanding the potential of omega-3 PUFAs across the lifespan can help address the multifaceted challenges posed by depression and improve mental health outcomes for diverse age groups.

Objectives

This review aims to assess the role of omega-3 fatty acids in depression treatment across different age groups: children and adolescents, adults (18–60), and the elderly (60+). It investigates the effectiveness and potential differences in omega-3 supplementation among these age cohorts.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from 2003 to 2023 using PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE, using specific keywords. Studies with inadequate age group information or Omega-3 intervention were excluded.

Results

In children and adolescents, several studies indicate a positive association between omega-3 supplementation and improved depressive symptoms. In adults, results are mixed, with some studies showing benefits while others do not. In the elderly, omega-3 PUFAs appear to have a more consistent positive effect on depression. In contrast, a consistent positive association was observed in the geriatric population, suggesting that Omega-3 PUFAs may hold particular promise in the treatment of depression among older adults. However, variations in methodology, dosage, and study populations contribute to these mixed findings.

Conclusions

Omega-3 PUFAs show promise as an adjunct therapy for depression across different age groups. Further research with standardized methodologies and larger sample sizes is needed to clarify their role and establish optimal dosage guidelines. Omega-3 PUFAs should be considered as a potential complement to conventional depression treatments, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in depression management.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Evaluation of User Satisfaction in a Supportive Text Message Program for Public Safety Personnel
Authors: Obuobi-Donkor G. , Shalaby R. , Agyapong B. , Dias R. D. L. , Agyapong V. I. O.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Public safety personnel (PSP) encounter traumatic events in their workplace, elevating the likelihood of mental health issues. Delivering efficient, evidence-backed interventions, like supportive SMS text messaging programs, can significantly enhance PSPs’ mental well-being, garnering high user satisfaction rates.

Objectives

This study evaluates users’ satisfaction, receptiveness, and perceptions of the supportive SMS text messaging intervention (Text4PTSI).

Methods

Participants enrolled in the Text4PTSI program and received one-way cognitive behavioural–based supportive text messages for six months. They participated in a web-based survey delivered through SMS text messages at enrollment, six weeks, three months, and six months after enrollment. The participants’ perceptions and receptiveness of the program were evaluated through a 5-point Likert scale. Data were represented as categorical variables, and overall satisfaction with the Text4PTSI program was assessed on a scale ranging from 0 to 100.

Results

Of the 131 Text4PTSI program subscribers, 81 participants responded to the survey, yielding 100 responses across the three follow-up time points. The average satisfaction score was 85.12 (SD 13.35). A significant portion of respondents, constituting 79%, agreed or strongly agreed that Text4PTSI helped them manage anxiety. Additionally, 72% reported relief from depressive symptoms, and 54% (54 out of 100 responses) felt less lonely. Moreover, the majority (84%) of participants expressed that Text4PTSI connected them to a support system, improving their mental well-being, felt more hopeful about managing concerns about their mental health or substance use (82%), and helped enhance their overall quality of life (77%). The data also revealed that most participants consistently read the supportive text messages (84 out of 100 responses, 84%), took time to contemplate each message (75 out of 100 responses, 75%), and revisited the messages more than once (76 out of 100 responses, 76%).

Conclusions

PSP participating in the 6-month Text4PTSI intervention expressed significant satisfaction and gratitude in the follow-up surveys. Their positive feedback indicates a promising path towards increased service utilization, potentially enhancing its effectiveness and impact on end users.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
E-Learning challenges and trainee teacher engagement: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Boumaaize Z. , Bouhaba A. , Guider H. , Lafraxo M. A. , El Madhi Y. , Hami H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a compulsory shift to distance learning due to school closures. Consequently, all educational courses were delivered virtually. To facilitate this transition for students and educators, the Ministry of Education implemented digital learning platforms, such as Taalim.ma and TelmidTice. Furthermore, the Broadcasting and Television National Company reorganized its television channels to maintain continuity throughout the academic year. As a result, trainee teachers have effectively shifted to distance learning, using resources such as e-Takwine, MOOC classes, and digital classrooms.

Objectives

This study examines the factors that cause discomfort among trainee teachers and evaluates their influence on satisfaction with distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive study with 370 Moroccan trainee teachers, with a mean age of 28.30 ± 5.99 years. We collected data using a self-administered questionnaire that was divided into three sections. The initial section examined sociodemographic and professional factors, including gender, age, marital status, academic level, and training cycle. The subsequent section focuses on discomfort-inducing factors, including living arrangements during lockdown, digital skills, material availability, network connectivity, and training schedules. Finally, the concluding section analyzes the trainees’ satisfaction and perceptions within their learning community.

Results

The study indicated that 75% of trainee teachers lived in homes with four to seven residents, leading to confined living arrangements. Furthermore, 55% of the participants did not have a designated workspace for studying, focusing, or engaging with instructors. Participants identified various obstacles to online learning, including 80% lacking digital skills, 60% having insufficient equipment, 73.33% experiencing connection and network issues, 78.33% being unfamiliar with online learning, and 68.33% facing an unsuitable training schedule. The study indicates a positive correlation between trainee satisfaction and engagement (r = 0.422, p< 0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated online education as a crucial resource for ensuring the continuity of education. This study highlights the paramount significance of developing effective e-training policies to direct novice teachers toward successful online learning by alleviating their discomfort factors.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychological understanding of Anorexia nervosa gained from combined clinical care
Authors: Szilárd H. , Gonda X. , Menus Á. , Bognár J. , Pólya D. , Biliczki J. , Bana Z. , Nemoda Z. , Réthelyi J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a debilitating illness with rapidly increasing incidence. The longer it lasts the more difficult is to cure. Although in the majority of the cases the main treatment is psychotherapy severe cases require inpatient admission for life saving support. The presentation expounds the combined therapeutic approach that anorexia nervosa patients of Semmelweis University Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Department provided with.

Currently the backbone of psychotherapy for AN is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy and katathym imaginative psychotherapy (KIP) combined with psychodrama.

Objectives

One of the aims of our research is to identify the most relevant focus of psychotherapy by identification of specific personality traits in patients with AN, who will be compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, two subgroups of patients will be compared with each other: the milder version of AN (BMI above 16) with the more severe form of AN who are required inpatient admission.

Methods

Women with AN (age:18-45) have been compared to age-matched controls on MINI and SCID-5-AMPD interview variables and on the scales of online questionnaires, such as EDI-I., MZQ, DIS-Q, SCL-90, PHQ-9, STAI, CTQ and YPI.

Results

Clinical care highlighted important underlying psychological causes such as inadequate mirroring, absence of the father, or on the contrary, overly intimate relationship with the father, and relentless inner voice as a consequence of unintegrated inner aspects.

The SCID-5-AMPD pointed out affected areas of personality such as Identity, Self-directedness, Negative affectivity, Intimacy, Alienation. Importantly, neither trauma scales (measured by CTQ), nor dissociation (measured by DIS-Q) differed significantly between patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Planning psychotherapy could benefit from the identified foci. Anti-depressive medication must be considered in order to improve outcome of inpatient admission. The CTQ probably does not measure the subtle but chronic inadequacy of attachment and mirroring that apparently are typical in AN. The reliable identification of the typical dissociative inner voice that often seen in anorexia nervosa may need another questionnaire apart from DIS-Q.

The research is supported by bilateral science and technology (S&T) cooperation project 2019-2.1.11-TÉT-2020-00242

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Bulimic behaviors in the tunisian general population: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Hadj Ali A. , Turki M. , Megdiche M. A. , Ellouze S. , Chakchouk G. , Halouani N. , Aloulou J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bulimic behaviors (BB) are a major public health problem, due to their prognosis and serious psychological, somatic, and social consequences. The exact etiopathogenesis of BB is still poorly understood, and the literature suggests the interaction of multiple factors.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of BB in the Tunisian general population and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of Facebook group members, using an online questionnaire, from February 17, 2023, to May 26, 2023. All respondents over the age of 18 were included in the study. All participants filled out a socio-demographic questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height. The Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE) was used to screen and assess the intensity of bulimic behaviors.

Results

A total of 528 responses were included in the study. The mean age of the sample was 33.3±11.95 years, and the M/F sex ratio was 0.41. Subjects were unmarried in 63.4% of cases, of low socio-economic status in 19.5%, with a university education in 75.2%, and with a psychiatric history in 25.6% of cases. The mean BMI was 25.15±4.98. The mean BITE score was 10.76±6.85, and 6.6% of our population were at high risk of developing BB.

In the bivariate study, female gender (p<0.001), unmarried marital status (p=0.001), university education (p<0.001), and the presence of a psychiatric history (p<0.001) were significantly associated with a high risk of developing BB. Moreover, the BITE score was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.231; p<0.001) and positively correlated with BMI (r=0.307; p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study highlighted the magnitude of the risk of bulimic behaviors in the Tunisian general population and the need to set up programs to prevent and control these disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Nomophobia: A Cross-Sectional Study of Lifestyle-Induced Factors Among Global Health Professionals
Authors: Nawaz F. A. , Singh A. , Mehta P. , Matoung H. , Tawfeeq S. , Mahendru D. , Atulkar A. , Abraham D. , Padte S. , Kashyap A. , Monga V. , Shah R. , Surani S. , Arshad Z. , Kashyap R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In recent times, Health Professionals (HPs) people may feel a sense of discomfort and nervousness when disconnected from their smartphones, causing the emergence of the new phenomenon of “No Mobile Phone Phobia,” or Nomophobia.

Objectives

We aim to study lifestyle-related factors that influence HPs’ Nomophobia.

Methods

From April- June 2023, a global cross-sectional study was conducted using the modified Nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q). The original 20 NMP-Q questions (Qs) were reduced to 14 to avoid repetitive Qs with similar meanings. The Qs were categorized into 4 sections, A- Not Being Able to Access Information; B- Losing Connectedness; C- Not Being Able to Communicate; and D- Giving Up Convenience. A new section, “E- Daily Habits”, and “F- Smartphone Type”, and “Hours Spent Daily” were added. Before the launch, it was internally and externally validated by trained psychiatrists as well as experienced researchers. We utilized social media, WhatsApp, text and emails to share it with HPs of different specialties worldwide. The survey was anonymous and IRB-exempt.

Results

Total 105 countries’ HPs participation led to 12,253 responses. Total 47.3% of HPs agreed/strongly agreed (A/SA) that they prefer to use their smartphone before bedtime. Over half (57.8%) of HPs A/SA checked their notifications immediately after waking up in the morning. Only 19.4 % of HPs A/SA that woke up in the middle of the night to check notifications. Total 40.5% of HPs A/SA, 22% were neutral, and 37.3% of HPs disagreed /strongly disagreed (D/SD) with using smartphones while eating their meals. A total of 52.7% of HPs preferred smartphone usage over exercising as a break, while 454.9% of HPs A/SA that they chose smartphones over exploring other hobbies for relaxation. A total of 44.2% of respondents A/SA with smartphone usage in the restroom, 39.8% D/SD. 37.4% of participants D/SD with getting distracted by notifications and resisted the urge to answer any calls or texts while performing a focused task, whereas 39.6% A/SA and 23% were neutral. A total of 80% of respondents met the modified criteria for moderate-severe nomophobia.

Conclusions

In a large-scale survey-based study on Nomophobia, additional Qs in NMP-Q may help recognize that nomophobia can be a result of daily lifestyle decisions rather than an isolated issue.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Risks Associated with Prescribing Zolpidem: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jacob S. , Dore A. , Ali O. , Raai H. , Troneci L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine, which acts as a sedative- hypnotic that binds to GABA (A) receptors at the same location as benzodiazepines and increases GABA effects in the central nervous system (Kovacic et al. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2009, 2(1), 52–57). Literature shows that behavioral changes including amnesia, hallucinations, and other neurocognitive effects are some of the known side effects (Edinoff et al. Health psychology research 2021, 9(1), 24927). We present a case about Ms. A, a female in her sixties with a history of major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms who was brought into the hospital by the EMS under police custody after stabbing her granddaughter with a knife. During the evaluation she was dissociating with impaired memory of the circumstances of her presentation. Collateral information about Ms. A revealed that she had no history of being violent, or any history of psychoactive substance use. Ms. A’s home psychiatric medications consisted of Sertraline 100mg, Bupropion 150 mg, Zolpidem 5mg.

Objectives

To better understand the potential risks with prescribing zolpidem in patient with insomnia.

Methods

In depth literature review about zolpidem. In addition, observation of Ms. A in the emergency with a full medical workup including but not limited to urine drug screen, brain imaging, lumbar puncture, etc.

Results

Ms.A medical workup was positive for a urinalysis revealing asymptomatic bacteriuria and she was treated empirically with cefdinir. Her medication regimen consisted of Bupropion 150 mg and Sertraline 100m, both daily. Zolpidem was discontinued and changed to Clonazepam 0.5mg for insomnia. She was also started on Olanzapine 5mg in the AM and 10mg in the PM. Her mental status was noted to have improved after discontinuation of Zolpidem. Patient received one dose in the hospital but after two days since discontinuation her mental status improved. Upon literature review previous reports have been published citing cases of patients on Zolpidem physically acting out while sleeping in a parasomnia-like behavior, with no recollection of memories upon awakening. (Inagaki et al. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry 2010, 12(6)). There are case reports of Zolpidem associated homicide (Paradis et al.The primary care companion for CNS disorders 2012, 14(4).

Conclusions

One limitation of our study is the patient was noted to have a sudden change in behavior with altered mental status which may be attributed to an underlying asymptomatic bacteriuria. It should be noted that this may have been an incidental finding. This does not exclude the possibility of Zolpidem as the primary cause of the change of her altered mental status or further exacerbating the change in her mental status. Though Zolpidem can be therapeutic and safe, we as clinicians have to be aware of the potential side effects of Zolpidem when prescribing medications.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Characteristics of online shopping behaviour among Tunisians consumers
Authors: Mnif M. , Guermazi F. , Masmoudi R. , Abid W. , Feki I. , Baati I. , Masmoudi J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic confinement, the number of people shopping online has increased all over the word. To date, little is known about the online shopping behaviours of Tunisians consumers.

Objectives

Evaluate the characteristics of internet shopping among Tunisian consumers.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted among subjects who had already made at least one online purchase. Data was collected using a self-questionnaire published by GOOGLE FORMS. We used a survey form collecting socio-demographic data, personal history and characteristics of online shopping behaviour.

Results

A total of 137 participants aged 34.62 ± 9.82 years took part in this study.

All participants had made at least one online purchase, with 43.8% (N=60) purchasing “More than once a year”. The products purchased were most often textiles and shoes (50.4%; N=69). The main reasons consumers gave for buying online were special offers (37.2%, N=51), reduced prices (25.5%, N=35) and free delivery (14.6%, N=20). Almost half of the participants (N=63; 46%) said that they had visited physical shops less since they started shopping online. Regarding the average online shopping budget, 44.5% of consumers (N=61) spent less than 50 dinars/month and 18.2% (N=16) did not use all the products they bought online. Almost half of participants (N=68, 49.6%) feared that their credit card information would be at risk. The majority of respondents (88.9%) thought they might receive a faulty product following online shopping.

Conclusions

Our study has enabled us to identify certain factors that may act as a blocker for online purchasing. So that, stablishing strategic actions for the continuous improvement of online shopping services with the reduction of subjectivity in customer perception will be helpful.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared