bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic mechanisms and stress coping in mood disorders
Authors: Hogea L. , Ulucean A.M. , Nussbaum L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Experimental data from both clinical and preclinical studies have unequivocally shown positive correlations between stress and depression, stress, depression and epigenetic changes.

Objectives

The aim of this research is to analyze clinical trials on coping mechanisms and their interaction with epigenetic mechanisms in patients with mood disorders. Generally, we studied the interaction between these two mechanisms and its effects on the onset, recurrence and progression of these disorders.

Methods

109 articles were analyzed, of which 37 were considered relevant. 72 studies were excluded based on titles and abstracts. Regarding the coping mechanisms, 10 longitudinal and cross-sectional studies were selected. Longitudinal studies are defined here by a follow-up period longer than 6 months.

Results

There is a consistent association in the literature between the degree of methylation of the NR3C1 gene, stress and affectivity disorders. The analyzed studies showed that methylation of the NR3C1 gene is associated with both stress and mood disorders. FKBP5 influences glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and stress response. SLC6A4 gene methylation has been systematically associated with stress and affectivity disorders. Higher BDNF methylation has also been found in people who report high levels of stress at work. The data collected suggest that SKA2 methylation may serve as a biomarker for certain features of depression, such as suicidal ideation, and is not directly involved in the etiology of mood disorders.

Conclusions

The results suggest that environmental stress and adversity in early childhood may change biological systems through epigenetic mechanisms and have long-term consequences, increasing the risk for unfavorable prognosis of mood disorders.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Anorexia Nervosa as a Metabo-Psychiatric Disorder: Consequences for Assessment and Treatment in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Herpertz-Dahlmann B. , Seitz J. , Dahmen B.
Published: September 2022

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has the highest mortality of all psychiatric disorders. Patients who experience the onset of AN in their teens suffer on average 10 years from an eating or other mental disorder. Recently many clinicians in the US and Europe have addressed the inadequacy of treatment for this disabling disease which – at least in adult patients - is mainly based on individual psychotherapeutic interventions. Against the background of a recent GWAS and genetic correlations with other mental disorders, but also inverse correlations with important metabolic parameters such as fasting insulin and leptin new treatment strategies must be developed. This presentation wants to elucidate two different interventions, a biological strategy, and a more pragmatic treatment setting in the “real world”. The biological strategy refers to the gut-brain axis which has been shown to be severely affected in AN. Patients show a deep perturbation of the gut microbiome with no significant improvement with weight rehabilitation. Thus, additional ways must be found such as nutritional strategies (e.g., administration of pre- or probiotics, stool transfer) to probably improve the outcome of this disorder. In addition, inpatient treatment which is still the gold standard for treatment of AN in Europe, has not been proven to alter the long-term prognosis of AN. Consequently, other interventions such as home treatment which involve the family and interrupt eating disorder associated habits as disease preserving factors will be introduced and the results of a pilot study in adolescent AN be presented.

Disclosure

European Commission/ERA NET Research Grant Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policies of Research Grant North-Rhine-Westfalia, Germany Joint Federal Committee (GBA) Rese
Barriers to access cancer screening and treatment services in Germany
Authors: Baessler F. , Zafar A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

individual attitudes and structural inadequacies act as major barriers towards non-utilization of cancer screening and treatment offers in many high-income countries with subsidized public healthcare.

Objectives

Our interdisciplinary research group at Heidelberg University is studying the underlying individual perceptions, attitudes and experiences of age- and gender-specific barriers against cancer-related medical and psychosocial offers available in Germany.

Methods

We designed a mixed-methods, sequential explanatory study using two quantitative instruments to determine the most important age- and gender-specific barriers for non-patients and cancer patients and survivors. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews will be conducted via selective sampling to record participant opinions, experiences and expectations of using cancer-related health services.

Results

We expect to identify and explain important personal barriers and facilitators related to the use of cancer screening and treatment offers. Further interviews with stakeholders in cancer healthcare, such as physicians, nurses and self-help groups will be conducted to complement data from the service-providers’ point of view. The results will be analyzed with behavioral and sociocultural theories to gain a deeper understanding of perceived and experienced barriers in accessing cancer care in Germany and to formulate recommendations for prospective targeted approaches and interventions.

Conclusions

Our findings will be useful for facilitating knowledge transfer and policy dissemination to increase public awareness about cancer offers and improve participation rates. The results will be also used to develop an interprofessional teaching module in the medical curriculum as well as prepare and implement advanced training courses for medical professionals certified by the State Medical Association.

Disclosure

This study is funded by Strube Stiftung Stuttgart.
Emigration intentionality among Tunisian interns and residents in medicine
Authors: Tabib F. , Guermazi F. , Zouari A. , Ben Abdallah M. , Hentati S. , Baati I. , Masmoudi J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Emigration is the act of leaving one’s country of nationality or habitual residence to settle in another nation. In Tunisia, this phenomenon is increasing in particular for doctors.

Objectives

Evaluating the intentionality of emigration among interns and medical residents in Tunisia while studying the factors related to it.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of interns and medical residents who participated in our study through the social network ’Facebook’ by an anonymous self-questionnaire. The level of satisfaction with the different aspects of life were assessed by a 5-point Likert scale, from “not at all satisfied” to “very satisfied”.

Results

The total number of participants was 56 of which 64.3% were medical residents. More than 50% of the participants expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of tasks and organization of work (66.1%), safety at work (53.6%), comfort (57.2%), time allocated to personal life (53.6%) and salary (69.6%). The political, health and educational situation in the country was considered unsatisfactory by the majority of participants (90% to 95%). Among our participants, 44.6% regretted having chosen the profession of medicine and 53.6% had plans to immigrate to work abroad. The intentionality of immigration was significantly higher among men (p=0.02), those with siblings abroad (p=0.047) and those without dependent relatives (p=0.040).

Conclusions

Young physicians are strongly looking for emigration. This decision could emanate from professional, personal and political factors. Further studies seem to be necessary to explain this emigration phenomenon.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
¿Do we prescribe less clozapine to immigrant psychotic patients compared to non-immigrant psychotic patients?
Authors: Trabsa A. , Mané A. , Llimona González A. , Vargas L. , Muro C. , Moreno A. , Amann B. , Pérez-Solà V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Clozapine, the first atypical antipsychotic, is a highly effective medication for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Robust evidence describes important risk for psychosis in immigrant population(2). Despite this, some studies suggest that immigrant patients are less treated and misdiagnosed due to cultural barriers(3,4). Clozapine and Electroconvulsive therapy tend to be less prescribed in immigrants(3). However, few studies assess differences in clozapine prescription between immigrants and non-immigrant psychotic inpatients.

Objectives

To describe and compare clozapine prescription between psychotic patients and non-psychotic patients in a sample of Acute and Chronic inpatients.

Methods

Patients who have presented, according to DSM-V criteria, one or more non-affective psychotic episodes, were recruited in Acute and Chronic inpatients units leading to a total sample of 198 patients. Immigrant condition was defined as “a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country”. Demographic characteristics of patients, clinical data and main pharmacological treatment were recorded through a questionnaire. Comparative analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics using Chi-Square Test and t-Student
test.

Results

From a total of 198patients clozapine was prescribed to 31(15,7%). From the total immigrant sample only 7,1% had prescribed clozapine compared to 24,2% from the locals(p<0.005). Significant differences in diagnosis associated to clozapine were found between both groups : Schizophrenia(57,1%immigrants, 57,1%locals), Schizoaffective disorder(14,3%immigrants, 41,7%locals) and Non specific psychosis (28,3%immigrants, 8,3%locals).

Conclusions

According to our results, immigrant psychotic inpatients receive less clozapine prescription compared to non-immigrant psychotic patients. There results should be considered to study barriers for clozapine prescription in this population and offer a treatment based in equality.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Are there differences in affective temperaments between patients with Bipolar I and II disorder?
Authors: Rodríguez Rey A. , Piazza F. , Montejo L. , Jiménez E. , Martínez-Arán A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe mental disorder with a high genetic load, in which is relevant to identify potential differences in affective temperaments between both diagnostic subtypes.

Objectives

To find differences between BDI and BDII patients in affective temperaments evaluated by Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego TEMPS-A.

Methods

A sample of 407 euthymic patients with diagnosis of bipolar disorder type I (BDI= 307) or type II (BDII= 100) according to DSM-IV-TR criteria being age 18 or older was recruited from the Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. Five affective temperaments were evaluated using the TEMPS-A. It was initially verified that the scores of these temperaments do not fulfil the assumption of normality by means of tests. Differences in means were estimated using Mann-Whitney U and Chi square tests (p <0.05) as appropriate, and ANCOVA controlling the effect of confounding variables.

Results

Data revealed that patients with BD II had significantly higher scores in four affective temperaments: dysthymic, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious compared to BDI. After controlling the most relevant moderating variables, BDII patients continued to show higher scores in irritable temperament .

Conclusions

BDII patients present a more irritable temperament than BDI (p=0,037), which can affect the course and management of the disease. It could be suggested that presenting higher scores of these temperaments could be associated with BDII and further studies are needed to replicate this finding since it might help the clinicians in early phases to guide in the diagnostic process.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Prevention program of emotional and behavioral disorders in children with developmental language delay
Authors: Leonova A. , Raeva T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The number of children with developmental language delay is growing. But the isolated use of speech therapy doesn’t always help to improve the long-term prognosis. It was found that developmental language delay is almost never the only violation of a child.

Objectives

To develop the prevention program of emotional and behavioral disorders in children with developmental language delay.

Methods

100 children with developmental language delay (70 boys;
Mage= 26.9 months, SD = 5.5) and 50 children with typical language development were studied by clinical follow-up method. The clinical method was supplemented by the Bayley Scale, the Language Development Survey and the Child Behavior Checklist 1½ -5.

Results

A comprehensive children examination revealed developmental language delay risk factors, the psychomotor profile of the children, and the types of emotional and behavioral impairments, which were determined by us as: emotionally labile, emotionally detached and oppositional. The presence of subclinical disorders symptoms in children makes it necessary to carry out preventive measures. The primary prevention consists of pregnancy planning, effective care in pregnancy and childbirth. The secondary prevention aims to early diagnosis of developmental language delay, risk factors assessment of emotional and behavioral disorders and effective methods application of language and psychomotor development correction. Tertiary prevention have to individualized solves the children problems in accordance with revealed types of emotional and behavioral impairments. But the most important part is psychoeducation (special courses for parents and children with developmental language delay).

Conclusions

The prevention program was developed to prevent numerous psychiatric problems in childhood and adolescence.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Pharmacogenetic CYP2D6 variability, phenoconversion and treatment outcomes: A Danish population-based cohort study in 6,798 individuals initiating atomoxetine treatment
Authors: Ishtiak-Ahmed K. , Lunenburg C. , Thirstrup J. , Clausen L. , Thomsen P. , Gasse C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Atomoxetine, a first-line treatment option for ADHD, is affected by pharmacogenetic (PGx) variation of the drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6. Despite the recommendation of CYP2D6 testing, the use of PGx-guided dosing remains low in Denmark.

Objectives

We investigated wide-ranging clinical outcomes in atomoxetine users in association with PGx variability.

Methods

We analyzed 6,798 individuals (55% children) with a first prescription for atomoxetine identified from the Danish population-based iPSYCH case-cohort study linking biobank information with Danish registers. Individuals were categorized based on their single-nucleotide-polymorphism-based CYP2D6 genotype into normal (NM), intermediate (IM), and poor metabolizer (PM). Clinical outcomes included treatment switching, discontinuation, psychiatric inpatient-, outpatient-, and emergency contact, suicide attempt/self-harm, sleep problem, and depression. Individuals’ CYP2D6-status could change due to drug-drug-interactions of weak, intermediate, or strong-CYP2D6 inhibitors (phenoconversion), which we accounted for by time-varying phenotype assessment. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated using Poisson regression analyses and adjusted for a wide range of potential confounders and covariates.

Results

Over two-thirds of the individuals had a hospital diagnosis of ADHD at the first atomoxetine prescription. The distribution of CYP2D6 phenotypes was similar in children and adults. IM/PM children had a significantly higher risk of a sleeping problem compared with NM children (IRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54). Compared with NM adults, those with IM/PM had a higher risk of switching (1.15, 95% CI 0.98-1.35).

Conclusions

This is the first study showing the potential impact of PGx variability on clinical outcomes of atomoxetine users in a population-based setting, highlighting the utility of PGx testing.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Model-based and model-free decision making in major depressive disorder after performing behavioral training
Authors: Bampi A. , Sorg C. , Brandl F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In major depressive disorder (MDD), reward-based decision-making (DM) is frequently impaired: e.g. patients don’t engage in pleasant activities as much as healthy subjects. Put differently, previous and expected future rewards have less reinforcing effects on DM. This study investigated two experimentally well-observable reward-based DM modes, namely model-based (based on cognitive models of the environment) and model-free (based on previous experience) DM.

Objectives

We hypothesized that model-based training can improve reward-based DM in patients with MDD. Answers to these questions could enhance the development of cognitive-behavioral therapeutic interventions.

Methods

27 patients with MDD were recruited and assessed with psychometry. All patients performed the „two-step Markov decision-task“ (Daw, 2011), which allows the simultaneous investigation of model-based and model-free DM via computational modelling. All subjects performed the task 4 times: at the beginning and at the end of 2 assessment days (session-interval: 4 days). Subjects were randomly allocated to an intervention group, which performed model-based training, and a control group, which performed model-free training. The main outcomes of training effect were the influence of model-based reward expectations on decisions (quantified by computational modelling parameters) and overall monetary reward-success.

Results

In all patients, the influence of model-based reward expectations on decisions increased after training. However, there was no significant effect of group allocation. Furthermore, patients in the intervention group did not achieve significantly higher overall monetary reward.

Conclusions

Results suggest that in MDD, the influence of model-based reward expectations on decisions can be improved regardless of specific training type. Future studies should investigate the effects on everyday functioning.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
What is Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Republic of Georgia?
Authors: Zirakashvili M. , Gabunia M. , Mebonia N. , Mikiashvili T. , Chvamania G. , Kurashvili E. , Nadareishvili V. , Bishop S. , Kim Y.S. , Leventhal B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Despite the fact that 95% of all <5 years of age children with developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) live in low- and middle-income countries (LAMI), to date there is an information gap in LAMI studies including Republic of Georgia.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of ASDs among the third-grade school students using a total population approach.

Methods

The target population (N=27,336) included all 3rd grade students of schools of five main cities of Georgia. The study was conducted in four steps: phase I screening, sampling of screen positive students, phase II confirmative diagnostic assessment, and best-estimate diagnosis. Parents and teachers completed two screening questionnaires in phase I: 27-item Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and 25-item Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). In phase II, screen-positive children were evaluated using standardized diagnostic assessments.

Results

Overall, 16,654 students (82%) were assessed by either parent and/or teacher. Students whose ASSQ and/or SDQ scores were in the top 10th percentile were considered as screened positive for diagnostic assessment (N=1976). Of 300 students completed diagnostic assessment 53 were diagnosed ASD. Crude prevalence of ASDs was estimated to be 4.5%. 75% of cases of ASD were first diagnosed. Efforts are currently underway to compute adjusted prevalence, which will be available for the Conference presentation.

Conclusions

The prevalence data of ASD is important to assess the burden of the disorder and facilitate better understanding of specifics of the disorder in different part of the world.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The sense of guilt of the mothers of children with special needs
Authors: Sedova E. , Tokmakova E. , Goryacheva T. , Gardanova Z.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The fact of emergence of a child with special needs in a family is followed by intensive emotional reaction of the parents. One of the pronounced feelings in those circumstances is the sense of guilt.

Objectives

The research aim is studying the emotional experience of mothers of children with special needs connected with the sense of guilt and the characteristics of the parent-child relationship in such families.

Methods

The research sample includes 25 mothers of children with special needs in the age from 3 to 10 years old with the diagnosis ASD, cerebral palsy and epilepsy as well as 29 mothers of normally developing children of the same age. Research methods: Guilt Inventory (Jones &Kugler); Inventory of Parental Attitude (Varga &Stolin); Inventory of the Parent’s Psychological Type(Tkacheva).

Results

The mothers of children with special needs show the more pronounced sense of guilt comparing with the mothers of the healthy children. They are less optimistic towards the future of the child, more sensible to the failures of the child, but demonstrate the higher degree of readiness to cooperation with the child. Those results can be applied when designing the intervention programs for the families of children with special needs.

Conclusions

Those results can be applied when designing the intervention programs for the families of children with special needs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Call the Psychiatrist! - Study about Delirium in the context of liaison psychiatry
Authors: Fonseca Vaz I. , Mouta S. , Jesus B. , Castro S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Delirium is characterized as a short-term consciousness and cognition disturbance which tends to fluctuate during the course of the day. It is a common and serious problem, mainly in hospitalized older adults, potentially avoidable and often poorly recognized.

Objectives

We propose an analysis on the theme through a work that evaluates the requests for psychiatric consultation made in a district hospital in Portugal during the course of 12 months.

Methods

We identified all patients on the requests for psychiatric consultation and obtained a demographic, clinical and consultation requests by medical specialties data and conducted statistical analysis using Excel.

Results

We identified 106 consultation requests, in which 41 cases were eventually diagnosed as delirium. Most (83%) were hyperactive delirium, 12% were hypoactive delirium and 5% were mixed delirium. Incidence was higher in males (59%) and in those aged between 66 and 80 years old (56.1%). Most consultation requests were made by Internal Medicine (46.3%), followed by General Surgery (26.8%), Pulmonology (14.6%), Orthopedics (9.8%) and Neurology (2.5%). Finally, we analyzed which symptoms mentioned in the request made physicians consider requesting a psychiatric evaluation. Approximately half of the cases (48.8%) reported psychomotor agitation, followed by temporal/spatial disorientation (41.5%) and aggressive behaviour (17.1%).

Conclusions

We highlight a still notorious lack of proper identification of delirium, resulting in symptoms being incorrectly interpreted as a psychiatric disorder. This may cause a delay in the adequate diagnosis and management of the condition, increasing the morbidity and mortality of patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The relationship between proactive coping and mindfulness: cross-cultural analysis
Authors: Belinskaya E. , Djuraeva M. , Tihomandritskaya O. , Dubovskaya E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The inconsistency of the available empirical data on personal and situational predictors of effective coping allows us to make an assumption about the presence of mediating variables. Their search can be centered both on the inclusion of parameters of a higher socio-cognitive level in the analysis, and on the procedural characteristics of coping, one of which is proactivity in coping. The construct of mindfulness satisfies both of these requirements.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify cross-cultural differences in the relationship between proactive coping strategies and the level of mindfulness

Methods

Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (“eastern” awareness), Scale of Mindfulness (“western” awareness), Proactive Coping Invertory. The sample was N = 452 (residents of Russia and Uzbekistan, age 18-25)

Results

For Russians and Uzbeks, the indicators of “western” awareness are associated with the attitude to potential difficulties as a source of positive experience and with reflection in case of their occurrence of possible behaviors, cognitive assessment of their own resources and prediction of results, as well as with such a proactivity strategy as the search for instrumental support. Intercultural differences were noted in terms of “eastern” awareness: for Uzbeks, they are associated with a proactive coping strategy, and for Russians – with reflexive coping.

Conclusions

Mindfulness has the potential of meta-cognitive function in a situation of assessing possible life difficulties and choosing proactive coping strategies.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: The Underrecognized Diagnosis but True Disease
Authors: Bellman V. , Zolnikov T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by adverse health effects due to exposure to common chemicals which may lead to disability. The pervasive nature of stigma associated with MCS and similar conditions, including that which exists among providers, creates unbearable barriers to healthcare access.

Objectives

The main objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the symptoms associated with MCS, (2) determine whether environmental exposure has an impact on psychological well-being of patients with MCS.

Methods

The qualitative phenomenological study consisting of 42 individuals presenting with medically-unexplained symptoms was conducted using semi-structured interviews.

Results

The symptoms experienced by participants with MCS are diverse, with common symptoms being migraine, paresthesias, seizure-like attacks, allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms (e.g., SOB, swollen throat), GI distress, muscle pain, chronic fatigue and persistent insomnia. These symptoms always develop in response to low level exposures to various toxicants, recur reproducibly and improve when toxic agents are removed. Finally, the adults with MCS are more likely to experience significant affective and PTSD-like reactions. The participants stated the stigmas and misconceptions against those with toxicant sensitivities affected their mental wellness.

Conclusions

Multiple clinically significant behavioral and psychological symptoms are associated with MCS. Our data suggested that diagnostic overshadowing is pervasive in the healthcare system. This study also highlights the importance of psychological interventions and doctor–patient relationship in the management of MCS in various settings. Public education to increase knowledge around environmental illness is paramount.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Prevalence of alcohol use disorder among the Latvian general population and associations with the PHQ-9 screening results and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Vinogradova V.V. , Kivite-Urtane A. , Vrublevska J. , Rancans E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression are potentially disabling and economically burdensome disorders. There is no available information about the prevalence of alcohol use disorder in the general population of Latvia.

Objectives

To determine the 12-month prevalence of AUD and the association with depressive symptoms and socio-demographic factors among the Latvian general population.

Methods

Computer assisted face-to-face interviews were carried out in 2019-2020 among a representative sample of the Latvian adult population (n=2687). The study sample was selected using a stratifyed random sampling method. The respondents were interviewed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (a score of ≥10 was defined as indicating the presence of a clinically relevant depressive symptoms) and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test 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 12-month prevalence of AUD according to the M.I.N.I was 13.1% with a statistically significant difference between the genders: 23.6% in men and 4.1% in women (p<0.001). AUD was significantly more prevalent among the respondents younger than 40 years: 18.0% (p<0.001), especially among young (18-44 y.o.) men – 28.1% of all diagnosed cases (p<0.001); There was found an association between the severity stage of AUD and PHQ-9 screening results: 18.8% of those diagnosed with severe AUD had a score greater than 10 points in the PHQ-9 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Young men are at particularly high risk of alcohol use disorder. Those with diagnosed alcohol use disorder should be also screened for the depressive symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: Völlm B.
Published: September 2022

In this session I will discuss recent publications that have advanced the field of forensic psychiatry or changed clinical practice. Content will be current so that it is not possible to specify at present.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Are Neurotrophin Genes Involved in the Pathophysiology of Gambling Disorder?
Authors: Baenas I. , Solé-Morata N. , Etxandi M. , Granero R. , Gené M. , Barrot C. , Gorwood P. , Ramoz N. , Fernandez-Aranda F. , Jimenez-Murcia S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Gambling Disorder (GD) is considered a multifactorial behavioral addictive disorder, leading to severe psychological, social and economic consequences. Previous studies have investigated genetic mechanisms underlying GD. Growing literature showed a possible link between addiction-related disorders and neurotrophic factors (NTF), involved in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. Thus, the study of NTF genes emerged as promising targets in the field of GD.

Objectives

To evaluate genetic implications of the NTF family in the pathophysiology GD. We hypothesized the involvement of some NTF genes polymorphisms in the onset and progression of GD as potential biological risk factors.

Methods

The sample was composed by 166 individuals with GD and 191 healthy controls. 36 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from NTF (NGF, NGFR, NTRK1, BDNF, NTRK2, NTF3, NTRK3, NTF4, CNTF and CNTFR) were selected and genotyped. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype constructions were assessed, related to the presence of GD. Moreover, regulatory elements overlapping the identified SNPs variants associated with GD was also analyzed.

Results

6 SNPs were potentially associated to GD after the comparisons of allele frequencies between groups. Single and multiple-marker analyses showed a strong association between both NTF3 and NTRK2 genes, and GD.

Conclusions

This study suggests the implication of NTF genes in the development of GD, being the altered cross-regulation of some NTF factors signalling pathways, a potential biological vulnerability factor in GD. Fundings and Acknowledgements: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (RTI2018-101837-B-100) Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2017I067, 2019I47), Instituto Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (PI17/01167, PI20/00132) and CIBERObn, an initiative of ISCIII.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The association between gender expression, beliefs about alcohol, coping skills, and alcohol consumption in post-secondary students at two Canadian universities
Authors: Bahji A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Unlike sex, the association between gender and high-risk drinking has been relatively understudied in post-secondary students. Gender expression may influence the use of protective coping strategies and beliefs about alcohol.

Objectives

This study evaluated associations between gender expression, protective coping strategies, beliefs about alcohol, and high-risk alcohol use in post-secondary students.

Methods

We analyzed data from a cross-sectional study of 3,446 undergraduate students at two Canadian universities in October 2017. The primary outcome was high-risk drinking during the previous month, measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score. We evaluated gender expression (masculine, feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated), protective coping strategies, and beliefs about alcohol using validated scales. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the association between gender expression and AUDIT scores.

Results

The most prevalent gender expression was androgynous (35.1% overall), while the undifferentiated role was the least prevalent (17.4% overall). Those who adhered to an androgynous gender role (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.90) were significantly more likely to engage in problem drinking. In addition, greater scores on the protective behavioural strategies scale were associated with reduced odds of problem drinking (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.97) while higher alcohol saliency scores were associated with higher odds of problem drinking (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.13).

Conclusions

Higher protective behavioural strategies and lower alcohol salience beliefs were associated with lower alcohol use. Androgynous gender roles were associated with high-risk alcohol use.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Modern-type depression and web-based psychopathology in a cohort of Italian university students
Authors: Orsolini L. , Bellagamba S. , Longo G. , Tempia Valenta S. , Salvi V. , Volpe U.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hikikomori represents the severe social withdrawal condition of the so-called ‘modern type-depression” (MTD). Digital addictions, including Internet addiction (IA), Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and smartphone addiction, have been associated with MTD and Hikikomori.

Objectives

This is a post-hoc study aimed at assessing digital addictions in a cohort of university students with a positive screening for MTD and Hikikomori.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted by administering the Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-11), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) and the Smartphone addiction scale-Short Version (SAS-SV).

Results

Among 1,148 respondents, a significant association was found between the HQ-11 scale and the DASS-21 total score (r=0.434). The HQ-11 positively correlated with IAT, IGDS9-SF and SAS-SV (r=0.329; r=0.292 and r=0.205 respectively).

Conclusions

Digital addictions appear to be widely diffuse among university students positive to the Hikikomori and MTD screening. Further longitudinal studies are needed to weight and balance the potential consequences of digital tools in Hikikomori subjects.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Growing use of valproic acid in substance use disorders
Authors: Romão J. , Gonçalves M. , Ribeiro M. , André R. , Saraiva R. , Abreu M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug used in different fields of Psychiatry. It is known mostly for its use in managing patients with bipolar affective disorder. In psychiatry of addiction, there is still no approved indications for its usage, but it is widely prescribed in treating alcohol and cocaine abuse, due to the existence of studies in these addictions.

Objectives

This review aims to clarify the relation between valproic acid and dependences, particularly cocaine.

Methods

Non-systematic literature review using a PubMed search, using the following key words: “valproate”; “cocaine use”.

Results

Cocaine dependence can decrease GABA levels in humans. Valproic acid has multiple mechanisms that favour the synthesis of GABA, potentiating its release and postsynaptic GABAergic response. Because of this, valproic acid was found effective in promoting abstinence and in reducing the use of cocaine. There are studies that support the valproic acid’s use in alcohol and cocaine dependences. Valproic acid has been shown to be promising in relapse prevention. It has also showed efficacy in the management of impulsivity and irritability, what makes it useful in managing patients with borderline personality disorder – patients at higher risk for alcohol or substance use disorders.

Conclusions

Cocaine addiction involves different phenomena and may respond to distinct pharmacologic approaches. Although some studies need to be confirmed by larger clinical trials, valproic acid seems a promising agent as one of some potential treatments for cocaine dependence. Further studies are required in this field to come to more reliable conclusions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Eating Disorders
Authors: Treasure J.
Published: September 2022

Covid had a profound impact on services for eating disorders because of the huge increase in demand. Nevertheless, services quickly adopted a virtual form of working. This rapid change in prevalence was attributed to a number of factors, including a general increase in fear and fragmented social functioning, with a specific accentuation of higher risk associated with body weight. Recent advances in the conceptualisation of eating disorders include a move from a transdiagnostic to a more to a personalised approach. For example, it has been further demonstrated that reducing the duration of untreated illness within three years of onset is associated with a better outcome (1). This has led to the rollout of FREED, an early intervention service in the UK. Genetic associations have been compared and contrasted across the spectrum of eating disorders. People with binge eating disorders share a profile with those at risk of metabolic syndrome whereas people with anorexia nervosa have the opposite profile (2). This reconceptualization of eating disorders as conditions with both brain and body underpinnings has led to new treatment approaches. For example, there have been small proof of concept studies in which metreleptin has been administered. These show promise with rapid reductions in depression and other symptoms (3, 4). Meanwhile the value of “experts by experience,” in co designing and delivering services is an area of active investigation which offers the much needed potential of improving treatment outcomes (5).

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Protective effects of glucocorticoid receptor antagonist Mifepristone on fear memory extinction impairment in a rat model of PTSD
Authors: Liu Y.-P. , Lin C.-C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Central glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been found to play an important role in the interpretation of cognitive abnormalities of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly focused on the extinction failure of fear memory. Potential of using GR antagonist as a pharmacological agent to prevent PTSD-related fear memory disruption is worth investigating.

Objectives

We aimed to examine whether GR antagonist Mifepristone (RU486) administered before single prolonged stress (SPS) can prevent rats from fear memory extinction impairment.

Methods

In the present study, SPS was employed in rats to induce a rodent model of PTSD. 60 minutes before SPS, RU486 (20 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection. Seven days after SPS, rats received a protocol of behavioral testing to measure their abilities of specific fear memory (by a cue-dependent fear conditioning paradigm) and nonspecific spatial memory (by T-maze). Neurochemically, we measured plasma corticosterone with or without dexamethasone suppression, activation ratio of GR and levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in amygdala, paraventricular nucleus, dorsal and ventral hippocampus.

Results

Our results found that RU486 exerted protective effects on SPS-induced fear extinction impairment. Corticosterone of SPS-RU486 rats was less suppressed by dexamethasone. GR became less activated in dorsal hippocampus of SPS-RU486
rats.

Conclusions

The findings supported the utility of GR antagonism in preventing the development of PTSD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The outcomes of the computerized training of cognitive functions in patients with MCI in epilepsy
Authors: Blazhina I. , Korostiy V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Cognitive impairments have a considerable impact on the functioning of patients, their socialization and level of disability. Cognitive deficits significantly deteriorate the quality of patients’ life. Currently, the possibilities of pharmacological correction of cognitive disorders in patients with epilepsy are limited.

Objectives

Study of non-pharmacological program of cognitive disorder correction in patients with epilepsy and the assessment of its efficiency.

Methods

We have studied the features of clinical and psychopathological manifestations in patients suffering from epilepsy. The study included 146 patients with epilepsy (85 men and 61 women) who were receiving inpatient care. The following psychodiagnostic techniques were used: MOCA test, Mini Mult test, Münsterberg test, depression and Hamilton anxiety scale, quality of life scale. 63 patients received cognitive training online, of which 30 patients also used psychoeducation methods.

Results

According to the MoCA findings, patients with epilepsy showed cognitive decline, the average score was 20.72, whereas healthy persons’ average score was 27.36. The Quality of Life Scale: the average rate among all examined persons was 69.45 out of 100, 78.60 were the results of healthy persons. In patients with PG1, who used cognitive training and psychoeducation the results of the MoCA test showed an improvement in cognitive functions (1.4, p <0.001) and increased subjective assessment of quality of life (2.77, p <0.05).

Conclusions

The study of the use of cognitive training and psychoeducation in patients with epilepsy for cognitive functions, quality of life resulted in a positive outcome. Cognitive online training is an encouraging area in the rehabilitation of patients with cognitive decline.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Personal Health Budget: a new rehabilitation approach for severe mental illness within a caring community
Authors: Pelizza L. , Maestri D. , Leuci E. , Paulillo G. , Ceroni P. , Quattrone E. , Pellegrini P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Personal Health Budget (PHB) has been provided to consumers with severe mental illness within a policy shift toward a person-tailored mental healthcare treatment based on individual unmet needs. PHB is an amount of money to support patient’s health and wellbeing needs, which is planned and agreed between patients and their local NHS team. It is not new money, but it may mean spending money differently so that patients can get the care that they need. However, evidence of beneficial effects of PHB is still scarce.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to provide preliminary data on clinical and social benefits of adding PHB to a standard pharmacotherapy in patients with severe mental illness across a 24-month follow-up period.

Methods

137 individuals with severe mental illness (aged 18–50 years) were recruited in one of the adult mental health services of an Italian Department of Mental Health. They completed the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Friedman’s test for repeated measure was used to assess the longitudinal stability of functioning and clinical parameters. A linear regression analysis was also performed.

Results

A significant decrease in all GAF scale, HoNOS and BPRS scores along the 24 months of follow-up was observed. Regression analysis results specifically showed a relevant association between a PHB multiaxial intervention and the longitudinal reduction in BPRS ‘Negative Symptoms’ and HoNOS ‘Social Problems’ subscores.

Conclusions

Our findings support the useful implementation of a PHB approach for severe mental illness patients within the Italian mental health service network.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Does technology-based interventions in psychosis improved functioning and quality of life? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Morales-Pillado C. , Sanchez-Gutierrez T. , Fernandez-Castilla B. , Barbeito S. , Gonzalez-Fraile E. , Calvo A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Technology-based interventions (TBIs), including computer and Internet-based interventions, mobile interventions, health applications, social media interventions, and interventions using technological devices, could become a useful, effective, accessible, and cost-effective approach (Berry et al., 2016; Firth, 2016) to complement conventional interventions for psychosis

Objectives

to compare TBIs with conventional interventions for psychosis, focusing mainly on functioning and quality of life.

Methods

The systematic review preceding this work was based on 58 RCT of TBIs for psychosis. We selected the studies that analyzed functioning (N = 23) and quality of life (N = 15). We calculated the standardized mean change (SMC) and applied a three-level model because there were several effect sizes within the same study.

Results

There were significant differences between TBIs and conventional interventions for functioning (d = 0.25, SE = 0.09, z = 2.72, p = <.01), but not for quality of life (d = 0.14, SE = 0.08, z = 1.78, p = .076) in patients with psychosis.

Conclusions

On average, patients who received TBIs performed better in functioning, but not in quality of life. Functioning is impaired in patients with psychosis, so TBIs should be considered a complement and efficacious intervention, highlighting the power of these type of interventions in improving some outcomes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.