bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid psychosis: when your hormones take over your mind: a case report
Authors: Razki K. , Najar C. , Ouali U. , Ben Aissa S. , Jomli R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, is a common endocrine disorder that affects various body systems. While most commonly recognized for its classic symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, and palpitations, it is important to acknowledge that hyperthyroidism can also lead to a rare but significant complication: psychosis. Psychosis in the context of hyperthyroidism refers to the presence of delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking, which can significantly impact an individual’s mental health and overall well-being.

Objectives

This case report aims to describe a rare case of hyperthyroidism-related psychosis in a patient including the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. Additionally, we aim to increase awareness of and promote further research into this condition.

Methods

We present a comprehensive case report detailing the clinical course of a 29-year-old male patient with no previous medical or psychiatric history, who sought urgent psychiatric evaluation at the Razi Hospital La Manouba’s emergency department due to escalating symptoms of agitation and paranoia persisting for three days. The patient, identified as Mr. S.O., a Tunisian male, presented with severe agitation and paranoia necessitating the use of restraints upon admission to the psychiatric emergency department. The initial physical examination revealed no notable abnormalities, except for the presence of tachycardia, which was subsequently confirmed on an electrocardiogram, arousing suspicion of a primary psychiatric illness.

Results

While the standard blood workup yielded unremarkable findings, the endocrine workup revealed decreased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and elevated free thyroxine (FT4). Further laboratory investigations demonstrated elevated anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, leading to the diagnosis of Graves’ disease. Collaborative consultation with an endocrinologist resulted in the initiation of a treatment regimen consisting of methimazole, propranolol, and risperidone. Notably, within three days of the initiated therapy, the patient exhibited significant improvement in terms of reduced agitation, coherent speech, and the development of self-reflection regarding the episode, ultimately leading to his discharge on the seventh day of hospitalization. This case report serves to highlight the complexity of psychiatric presentations associated with underlying endocrine disorders and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusions

While mental health factors play a significant role in the development of psychosis, it is essential to recognize that underlying medical conditions may also contribute to its onset or exacerbation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A HORMONAL INFLUENCE? Polycystic ovary syndrome and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Jesus Magueta S. , Almeida M. , Osório E. , Guerra C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic personality disorder characterized by emotional and interpersonal instability, difficulty in mentalization, impulsivity with functional impairment and increased rates of comorbid mental disorders. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in premenopausal women, with important impact on quality of life and mental health. Studies have begun to explore the eventual relationship between these two pathologies.

Objectives

The authors aim to describe the existing evidence exploring the relationship between BPD and PCOS as well as explore eventual common causal pathways and the forms which one might influence the other.

Methods

The authors describe a clinical case of a 31 year old female patient with history of borderline personality disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome presenting with hyperandrogenism and hirsutism as well as menstrual irregularities. As a compliment to the case, the authors conducted a brief non-structured literature review using articles published in the Medline/Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used during the research, alone or in combination, included: Polycystic ovary syndrome and Borderline Personality Disorder. The studies consulted in this work included: cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, literature reviews and clinical case reports. Of these, those that were written in the English language and deemed most pertinent to the explored theme were chosen for review in this work.

Results

The results demonstrate a paucity in the literature with only 10 articles having been published between 2009 and 2023 having dedicated studies and research to the relationship between the pathologies. One study reports that those with PCOS show relevant psychiatric disorders in comparison to controls, including personality disorders, such as is demonstrated in the described clinical case. Of the few case studies available, these found that BPD was associated with PCOS with the latter having most frequently been diagnosed previously to the personality disorder. Altered androgen metabolism has been described in both these pathologies, thus further strengthening the relationship between these.

Conclusions

Hormonal fluctuation has been classically associated with psychopathological symptoms, including unstable mood and impulsivity. The alterations demonstrated in PCOS might serve as an exacerbating factor in the genesis of the emotional instability and other symptoms present in BPD. The literature on this topic is still in an embryonic phase with a clear lacuna existing which merits attention and further study so as to fully comprehend the potential of these comorbid states. Clinicians should remain attentive to this comorbidity and the influence that PCOS might have on the psychopathology of BPD so as to better quality of life and global functioning which is impacted in both.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Dandy-Walker malformation and psychotic disorder. Review in accordance with a clinical case
Authors: Calle González A. , Batet Sánchez D. , Martínez Hernanz Á. , Roque González I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

A clinical case is presented of an 18-year-old woman diagnosed with Dandy-Walker malformation, who is admitted to an Acute Inpatient Psychiatry Unit due to atypical psychotic symptoms, pseudology and aggressive behaviour. After several medication trials, there is a partial response observed with low doses of clozapine, consolidating the improvement afterwards, being referred to an open-door community mental health center because of poor family and social network.

Objectives

Review clinical information about Dandy-Walker malformation and the development of psychiatric disorders, specifically psychotic symptoms, pointing out the peculiarities regarding clinical presentation and treatment management.

Methods

Search in the medical database PUBMED, MEDSCAPE and UPTODATE. Keywords: “Dandy-Walker Syndrome”,” Psychotic Disorders”.

Results

The Dandy-Walker syndrome consists on a cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle, an abnormally high tentorium and the agenesis of the cerebellar vermis. Cerebellar structures are involved in cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes. This syndrome is related to the development of psychotic and affective disorders, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The clinical presentation is usually atypical, being characterised by an early onset, a family history of psychosis and a high prevalence of cognitive deficit and borderline intelligence. There are no specific drugs recommended for the treatment of these patients, which present a high rate of refractoriness to antipsychotic treatments, together with a greater sensitivity to its side effects. Depending on the clinical presentation it is advisable to focus on the most relevant symptoms to be treated and potential side effects in order to reduce polypharmacy.

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Conclusions

-

The Dandy-Walker syndrome is related to a higher risk of psychiatric disorders

-

Clinical presentation is usually atypical and in early stages

-

There is a high rate of refractoriness and greater sensitivity to treatments

-

A specific pharmacological treatment is not recommended and it is recommended to avoid polypharmacy

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Training curriculum psychiatry: an European perspective
Authors: Szulc A.
Published: August 2024

Training in psychiatry varies greatly from country to country in Europe - there are differences in the duration of training, the content of training, etc. Different perspectives on training will be presented, especially as far as common features are concerned. We will also present proposals and directions leading to a common European curriculum in psychiatry.Further work is needed in the direction of developing a European curriculum and organizing a European exam in psychiatry.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychiatryai.com: Real-Time AI Scoping Review (RAISR 4D) in Psychiatry and Mental Health with Live Real-World Evidence and CPD/CME for Psychiatrists
Authors: Naik P. , O’Leary D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychiatryai.com was launched in 2021 and initial findings were published at EPA 2023. The portal is an advanced computing science project in Applied Data Science and Evidence-Based Healthcare for my MSc studies at the University of Oxford (Kellogg College). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science (DS) technology are utilised to analyse live Real-World Evidence (RWE) in Psychiatry and Mental Health from PubMed to provide CPD/CME online. A two-year review of the site and its performance will be presented to EPA 2024.

Objectives

To develop and study an experimental real-time AI and DS platform in Global Mental Health and Psychiatry, to provide the latest RWE from PubMed for online education and training, and to report findings to EPA 2024 for peer review in Budapest. AI and misinformation are newly identified risks in healthcare (AI Safety Summit 2023). The site also aims to raise awareness about “Aiatrogenesis” to address this problem, with RWE and CPD/CME utilising AI and DS technology for the categorisation and meta-analysis of evidence, rather than the production of possibly misleading or false Generative AI evidence (Monteith et al. BJP 2023; 1-3).

Methods

As reported to EPA 2023 in Paris, a free open-code WordPress site was launched on the 22nd of November 2021 (Psychiatryai.com). The portal has been further developed and now features over 90k pages comprising 7GB of data with Cloudflare security and speed. Live evidence is collected into an open database and research articles are categorised into evidence nodes with AI. The results are presented in a real-time Evidence Matrix and Blueprint, creating 15-minute CPD/CME reflection modules. Data analytics from Psychiatryai.com with Google Analytics (G4A) along with platform insights from two years of development and research will be presented to EPA 2024. The site is conceptualised and designed to be viewed in an interactive VR headset.

Results

Live Citations380000+PubMed Articles Analysed with AI92142CPD/CME23002 hoursAlgorithms/Topics in Psychiatry291Open Data7 GB

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Conclusions

Psychiatryai.com has successfully developed a novel AI and DS platform that incorporates the latest research in mental health and psychiatry, providing real-world evidence (RWE) for psychiatrists and healthcare professionals worldwide, along with CPD/CME online. This enhances hypothesis testing in research by presenting a related Evidence Matrix and Blueprint (from the last 365 days) for each evidence node on the site (RAISR 4D). These matrices provide a real-time visual table (8 x 8 / 64) of global research related to the evidence node in the preceding year. The site is VR-ready and has a special focus on AI and Psychiatry, Disaster and Traumatology Sciences, and Youth Mental Health. This project is dedicated to the memory of Dr Denis O’Leary and Dr Navin Venkatraman.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Comparison of Smartphone and internet addiction and Optical Coherence Tomography findings among University students
Authors: Atan Y. S. , Güzel Özdemir P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Internet and smartphone use that reaches the level of addiction often leads to deterioration in the quality of life and functionality of individuals.

Objectives

In our study, we aimed to investigate possible differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and central macular thickness obtained by optical coherence tomography in internet and smartphone addiction.

Methods

A total of 212 volunteer university students participated in our study. All participants were administered the Sociodemographic Information Form, Chen Internet Addiction Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form. Participants who completed the scales underwent routine eye examinations by experienced physicians in the ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and central macular thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

In our study, internet addiction rate was 17% and smartphone addiction rate was 38.2%. RNFL thickness was found to be statistically significantly increased in the temporal superior and temporal inferior quadrants in those with internet addiction compared to healthy subjects (p<0.05). In smartphone addiction, RNFL thickness was found to be statistically significantly increased in the temporal inferior quadrant compared to healthy subjects (p<0.05). In the analyses comparing OCT measurements according to sex, it was found that nasal inferior (p<0.01) and global (p<0.05) quadrants in women and central macular thickness (p<0.01) in men were statistically significantly increased.

The correlation analyses in our study revealed statistically significant positive correlations between internet addiction scale scores (p<0.01) and smartphone addiction scale scores (p<0.01), RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness (p<0.01); smartphone addiction scale scores and RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Internet and smartphone addiction are seen considerable rates among university students. In OCT measurements, RNFL thickness was found to be increased in various quadrants in patients with addiction. In addition, RNFL thickness was found to be increased in all quadrants in female gender and central macular thickness was found to be increased in male gender. Correlation analysis revealed that internet addiction scale scores, smartphone addiction scale scores, and RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness were positively correlated. In addition, there was a positive correlation between smartphone addiction scale scores, and RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Experiences of commissioning mental health services for children and young people in England: qualitative study of commissioners’ perspectives
Authors: Trethewey S. P. , Allen K. A. , Matthews F. , Price A. , Newlove-Delgado T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Commissioners play a central role in coordinating and planning CAMHS. However, there is little research on their experiences and approaches to understanding the needs of their populations. An improved understanding is likely to benefit the translation of research into practice, by ensuring research outputs meet the needs of key stakeholders and in optimising the sharing and use of data to improve services.

Objectives

To better understand commissioners’ experiences of commissioning child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and the challenges they face.

Methods

Between May to June 2023, we conducted twelve individual, semi-structured interviews with Integrated Care Board commissioners of CAMHS across England. We analysed data using framework analysis; a qualitative analysis method which involves systematically charting and organising data using a framework to generate themes.

Results

We generated five core themes from the data: 1) ‘Reflections on role’ – how commissioners’ roles are informed by their background and ‘positioning’ within the system in which they work, 2) ‘Priorities and Tensions’ – the wider context in which commissioners work and how this may present challenges, 3) ‘Insights and evidence’– how commissioners develop an understanding of child mental health need and the different roles of quantitative and qualitative data, 4) ‘Children’s mental health in the limelight’ – commissioners’ perceptions of changes in child mental health in their populations, 5) ‘Responding to need’ – how commissioners are addressing the needs of their populations and the challenges they perceive.

Conclusions

CAMHS commissioners are negotiating a complex and changing political, social and economic environment with differing priorities and pressures. Commissioners draw heavily on insights from providers and their role is shifting towards managing relationships and bringing the system together. A key challenge is balancing investment in prevention/early intervention versus specialist services needed by children with more severe and complex problems.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cognitive activity of infants after severe brain damage (early habilitation/ rehabilitation)
Authors: Zakrepina A. , Martishevskaya D. , Sidneva Y.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

One of the forms of early comprehensive care for children after severe brain injuries is inpatient habilitation/ rehabilitation. Children receive help from a team of medical, psychological and pedagogical specialists. The process of special education consists mainly in the development of cognitive interest, because it is the basis of socialization.

Objectives

To study cognitive activity in children who have suffered severe brain damage.

Methods

observation, pedagogical examination, psychiatric supervision.

Materials

36 children aged 1.2-1.8 years during hospital treatment.

Results

According to the results of the pedagogical survey, three groups of children were identified.

Group 1 (11%): fixed gaze; emotional response to sound (smile); short-term eye tracking of an object; ability to touch an object and hold it for a short time; walking skill is formed.

Group 2 (33%): short-term gaze fixation; reaction to sound by involuntary hand movements; lack of eye tracking of an adult’s face; lack of ability to touch or hold an object; walking skill is formed.

Group 3 (56%): lack of fixed gaze; reaction to sound by shouting and increased motor activity; lack of ability to touch or hold an object; lack of walking skills.

Conclusions

Indicative responses to an adult’s voice and face, eye tracking of an object, sensorimotor activity, and so on. these are indicators that show whether a child has cognitive activity. The rehabilitation team can rely on these indicators when choosing treatment and the content of the special educational process.

Key words: early intervention, toddlers, organic damage of central nervous system, rehabilitation/ habilitation

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Depression and Medierranean diet: analysis of the PREDIDEP randomised trial
Authors: Cabrera Suárez B. M. , Sánchez Villegas A. , Hernández Fleta J. L. , Molero Santos P. , Sosa J. T. R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Unipolar depression is a growing global Public Health challenge. During last years, life factors such as diet, have been identified as a target for the development of adjunctive treatment that could reduce the rates of depression. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is one of the most studied dietary factors that has been inversely associated with depression (Rahe et al. Eur J Nutr. 2014;53:997–1013). The PREDIDEP study is an ongoing secondary prevention trial aimed at assessing the effect of a MD enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on depression recurrence (Sánchez-Villegas et al. BMC Psychiatry. 2019 Feb 11;19(1):63).

Objectives

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a remote Mediterranean diet–based nutritional intervention in the context of a trial of depression.

Methods

The PREDIDEP study is a 2-year multicenter, randomized, single-blinded trial designed to analyse the effect of the MD enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the prevention of depression recurrence. The inervention group received phone contacts with dietist and had access to web-based information, and the control group had usual care for depressed patients. The 14-item MD Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were collected by dietitians at baseline and at 1-year and 2-year of follow-up. We used mixed effects linear models to assess changes in nutritional variables according to the group of intervention. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03081065.

Results

We observed that participants in the MD group increased their adherence to MD (between-group difference: 2.50; 95% CI 1.88-3.12; p<0.001) after one and two years (between-group difference: 2.57; 95% CI 1.93-3.22; p<0.001) of intervention compared with control group.
MEDAS questionnaire
Control, mean
(95% CI)
Intervention, mean
(95% CI)
Between group difference, mean (95% CI)P valueBaseline6.96 (6.54-7.39)7 (6.63-7.39)N/AN/A1 year7.2 (6.82-7.58)9.74 (9.3-10.18)N/AN/A1-year change0.23 (-0.19-0.65)2.74 (2.28-3.19)2.50 (1.88-3.12)<0.0012 years7.06 (6.66-7.46)9.68 (9.28-10.07)N/AN/A2-years change0.10 (-0.38-0.58)2.67 (2.24-3.1)2.57 (1.93-3.22)<0.001

Calculated using mixed-effect models with center as random factor.

P value between group intervention difference.

N/A: not applicable.

MEDAS: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener

Conclusions

We found that this multifaceted remote nutritional intervention is a useful tool kit to maintain the quality of the diet according to the goals of the MD among patients at risk of depression.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The social determinants of depression: social support, loneliness, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gabarrell-Pascuet A. , Haro J. M. , Domènech-Abella J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic involved stringent social restrictions, a surge in mortality, and significant economic consequences, affecting age groups differently and leading to increases in loneliness and mental health problems, particularly depression, which was already very common before the pandemic.

Objectives

Analyse changes and related factors of the relationship between loneliness and depression by age group from (1) before to the COVID-19 outbreak, (2) during the pandemic, and (3) after the last state of emergency. Moreover, we aim to (4) evaluate the effect of social support to alleviate feelings of loneliness and improve the course of depression.

Methods

We used data from three different cohorts, all representative of the Spanish adult population. (1) We longitudinally analysed the association between loneliness and depression with a sample interviewed before (N = 1,880) and during (N = 1,103) the pandemic. We used mixed-models to study changes in major depressive disorder (MDD) by age group and regression models to quantify the association between age and potential mediating effects. (2) We analysed data of 2,000 adults during the pandemic. Several regression models were constructed to assess the impact of pre-pandemic mental disorders on the main association by age group. (3) Out of those 2,000 participants, 1,300 were interviewed 9 months later, to determine group-based loneliness trajectories and its associated risk factors. (4) We analysed the relationship between loneliness, social support, and MDD over a 7-year period (N=404 individuals aged 50+ having MDD). We tested cross‐lagged panel models using structural equation modelling.

Results

During the pandemic the probability of having MDD increased significantly among younger individuals, and was partly explained by loneliness, low resilience, and worsened economic situation. Loneliness was associated with more depressive symptoms, and this association was stronger in younger adults without pre-pandemic mental disorders and in older adults with them. At the end of pandemic, three courses of loneliness were detected: invariant low loneliness (42.6%), decreasing medium loneliness (51.5%), and fairly invariant high loneliness (5.9%). Risk factors for worse trajectories were being younger, female, not married, and, notably, having pre-pandemic mental disorders. Among individuals with depression prior to the pandemic, lower social support predicted higher subsequent levels of loneliness, resulting in an increase in MDD recurrence.

Conclusions

Strategies to decrease the impact of loneliness on depressive symptoms should consider individuals mental health background, address social determinants, and adopt an age-driven perspective.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Evaluation of Problematic Technology Use in Preschool Children
Authors: Tepetaş M. , Ünsal A. , Tepetaş Cengiz G. S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Individuals have difficulty controlling their use of technology, it constantly on their minds when they don’t have access to it, it takes up too much time in their daily lives, and these situations negatively impact daily life are referred to as “problematic technology use”. The widespread use of technology from a young age is leading to an increase in the number of children with problematic technology use. Problematic technology use negatively impacts children’s development, especially their mental development. Important risk factors for problematic technology use include a long stay at home, a previous traumatic event, and low life satisfaction. In addition, it is possible that problematic technology use is more common in children with low social competence and low behavioral levels.

Objectives

The aim is to determine the level of problematic technology use in 48-72-month-old children receiving preschool education, to examine some variables thought to be related to it, and to assess their level of social competence and behavior.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional research conducted between January and September 2023 among the parents of children studying in Eskişehir and Bolu. The study group consisted of the parents of 883 children. In our study, the Problematic Technology Use Scale for Young Children (PTUS-YC) and the Social Competence And Behavior Evaluation-30 Scale (SCBE-30) were used.

Results

The age of the parents ranged from 20 to 54 years (mean: 35.5±4.8), 740 of them were women. The average age of the children was 63.2±7.3 months and 442 of them were boys. The scores obtained from PTUS-YC ranged from 26-104 and the mean was 55.1±14.9 points. Among the variables associated with problematic use of technology, those related to parents were place of residence, age and marital status, while those related to children were time spent at home with technological devices, parental control over content used, adaptation to school and ownership of a technological device. There is a weak positive correlation between children’s scores on the PTUS-YC and the SCBE-30 (r:0.336; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It can be said that problematic technology use in our study was at a moderate level. As the level of social competence and behavior increase, problematic technology use decreases. It is recommended to limit the time children spend with technological devices, ensure that parents control the content they use on technological devices, support their adaptation to school, and work on gaining social competence and positive behavior.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Development and psychometric testing of the Acceptability regarding Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions Survey – Cancer Survivors (ACRIS-CS)
Authors: Oliveira A. F. , Bártolo A. , Loureiro L. , Santos I. M. , Torres A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cognitive rehabilitation interventions (CRIs) for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) have shown promising results. However, the acceptability of CRIs in the context of CRCI treatment has not yet been assessed among cancer survivors. Due to the absence of suitable instruments designed to assess the acceptability of CRIs in this population, we developed the Acceptability regarding Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions Survey for Cancer Survivors (ACRIS-CS).

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of the newly created instrument, ACRIS-CS.

Methods

The study was conducted in two stages: (1) the creation of scale items derived from a comprehensive literature review, considering the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA); and (2) the assessment of the scale’s psychometric properties with cancer survivors. At the end of stage 1, the questionnaire was revised by four clinicians and researchers with expertise in the field of CRCI, and the final item selection was determined by the authors, considering redundancy, item relevance, and face validity. The final scale comprised 11 items, answered on a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”). Higher scores indicated more positive perceptions related to the acceptability of CRIs. Data were collected online and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 28.0). Construct validity (exploratory factor analysis, EFA) and reliability (internal consistency) analyses were performed.

Results

In this study, 154 cancer survivors were included. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of 0.847 confirmed the adequacy of sampling (KMO>0.5), and Bartlett’s test of sphericity yielded statistical significance (Χ² (55) = 864.431, p < 0.001), validating the structure of the correlation matrix. The EFA results indicated the presence of three factors, each with eigenvalues exceeding the Kaiser criterion of 1. The scree plot confirmed the existence of three factors beyond the inflection point. All items demonstrated factor loadings higher than 0.40, indicating their relevance to the identified factors. This factor structure was conceptually justifiable. These factors were labeled as follows: 1) Affective attitude and effectiveness (6 items); 2) Perceived benefits and self-efficacy (3 items); and 3) Perceived burden (2 items). Collectively, these factors accounted for 68.7% of the total variance. The ACRIS-CS total scale and subscales demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.727 to 0.848.

Conclusions

The results of the EFA and internal consistency analysis were satisfactory. The ACRIS-CS appears to be a valid and reliable scale for assessing the acceptability of CRIs among cancer survivors.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The dynamics of statistical learning in autism – exploratory research
Authors: Nagy C. A. , Hann F. , Brezóczki B. , Farkas K. , Vékony T. , Pesthy O. , Nemeth D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In the context of developmental disorders, it is frequently observed that atypical processes may yield seemingly unimpaired behavioural outcomes. Research has shown that children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have intact statistical learning performance. Recent studies have indicated that learning can happen not only during practice but during ultrashort rests between practice blocks (that is, ultrafast offline learning) but no study to date examined these dynamics in ASD.

Objectives

This research aimed to unravel the effect of ASD on learning during and between blocks, also known as online and offline improvement.

Methods

We conducted a series of research with three different samples: 1) ASD children (N = 27), 2) ASD adults (N = 42), and 3) neurotypical adults with distinct positions on the autism spectrum, i.e., the severity of autistic traits (N = 174). Participants performed the Alternating Serial Reaction Time task, allowing us to measure statistical learning (the extraction of statistical knowledge) and general skill learning (speed-up regardless of probabilities) separately.

Results

Individual differences in online and offline improvements were observed. Results of individual studies further confirmed by meta-analysis performed on the three above-mentioned datasets show that neither ASD nor the severity of autistic traits influences the dynamics of learning.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, not only learning but also the dynamics of acquisition of statistical knowledge are intact in autism.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Prevalence of drug use and substance dependence among university students at the University of Girona
Authors: Calvo F. , Giralt C. , Solench-Arco X. , Patiño-Masó J. , Font-Mayolas S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study examines the prevalence of drug use and substance dependence among university students majoring in Social Education at the University of Girona, aiming to comprehend its impact on the mental health of this population.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of drug use and substance dependence among university students majoring in Social Education at the University of Girona and to examine gender differences in consumption patterns.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational, and analytical design was employed. The study population consisted of 258 enrolled students in the program. Convenience sampling was used, with a sample size of 156 students, confidence level of 95%, and margin of error of 5%. The final obtained sample size was n=161. An ad hoc questionnaire was used to collect data on general characteristics and drug use. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s Chi-square tests and Student’s t-tests.

Results

A total of 161 students participated (88.2% females, 11.2% males), with an average age of 21.61 years. Among them, 75.8% grew up in structured families, while 24.2% came from dysfunctional families. Regarding socioeconomic status, 4.3% considered themselves from a low-class background, 32.9% from low-middle class, 51.6% from middle class, and 11.2% from upper-middle class.

Substance dependence was identified in 29.2% of the participants: alcohol (20.3%), MDMA (11.1%), cocaine (10.3%), psychopharmaceuticals (4.8%), and hallucinogenic mushrooms (4.0%). No significant differences were found in SDS scale scores for determining dependence thresholds for any substances except for cannabis (Males = 6.13 vs. Females = 1.80, t = 3.886, df = 83, p < .001). A total of 55.6% of males showed substance dependence compared to 25.7% of females (X^2 = 6.853, df = 1, p = .009).

Conclusions

This study highlights a concerning prevalence of drug use and substance dependence among university students majoring in Social Education at the university, with certain gender-based consumption pattern differences. These findings emphasize the urgency of intervention approaches targeting mental health and substance prevention in this specific population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Decreased telomere length in a subgroup of young individuals with bipolar disorders: replication in the FACE-BD cohort and association with the shelterin component POT1
Authors: Spano L. , Marie-Claire C. , Godin O. , Leboyer M. , Aouizerate B. , Lefrere A. , Belzeaux R. , Courtet P. , Olie E. , Dubertret C. , Schwan R. , Aubin V. , Roux P. , Polosan M. , Samalin L. , Haffen E. , Bellivier F. , Etain B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

A 10-15 years decrease in life expectancy has been observed in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and has been associated with premature cellular aging, but mechanisms involved remain unclear. Our team recently identified a subgroup of young individuals with prematurely shortened telomere length (TL).

Objectives

The aims of the present study were to replicate this observation in a larger sample and to analyze the expression levels of genes associated with age or TL in a subsample of these individuals.

Methods

TL was measured by qPCR using peripheral blood DNA from 542 individuals with BD. Clustering analyzes were performed with age and TL as classification variables to identify similar groups.

Gene expression of 29 genes, including 20 associated with age and 9 with TL, was analyzed by RT-qPCR using peripheral blood RNA in a subgroup of 129 individuals. Gene expressions were compared between groups obtained from the previous clustering analyzes by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results

Clustering analyzes identified 3 subgroups and replicated the clustering previously described: a subgroup of aged individuals with a low TL (mean age : 51.73 years ; mean TL : 2), a subgroup of young individuals with a high TL (mean age : 29.02 years ; mean TL : 4.36) and a subgroup of young individuals but with a low TL (mean age : 29.64 years ; mean TL : 1.96). None of the tested clinical variables were significantly associated with this subgroup.

Furthermore, gene expression level analyzes showed that only POT1 expression was different between the two subgroups of young individuals, with a downregulation of POT1 expression in the subgroup with a lower TL level. POT1 is a protein involved in the maintenance of TL. POT1 binds to another protein TPP1 allowing the recruitment of telomerase, the enzyme which extends TL. Our hypothesis is that in the subgroup presenting a lower POT1 expression, the POT1-TPP1 complex cannot form and thus prevents telomerase recruitment and TL elongation.

Conclusions

This study confirms, on a larger sample, the existence of a subgroup of young individuals with BD presenting accelerated cellular aging. The observed decrease of POT1 expression level suggests a newly described cellular mechanism in individuals with BD, that may contribute to telomere shortening.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Telehealth Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative Safety, Patient Satisfaction, and Effectiveness to Prepandemic In-person Treatment
Authors: Zimmerman M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a transition from in-person to telehealth psychiatric treatment. There are no studies of partial hospital telehealth treatment for bipolar disorder.

Objectives

In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we compared the effectiveness of partial hospital treatment of patients with bipolar depression treated virtually versus in-person.

Methods

Outcome was compared in 76 patients with bipolar depression who were treated virtually from April, 2020 to December, 2022 to 130 patients who were treated from May, 2017 to January 2020. The patients completed self-administered measures of patient satisfaction, symptoms, coping ability, functioning, and general well-being.

Results

In both the in-person and telehealth groups patients with bipolar depression were highly satisfied with treatment and reported a significant reduction in symptoms from admission to discharge. Both groups also reported a significant improvement in positive mental health, general well-being, coping ability, and functioning. Suicidal ideation was reduced in both groups. No patients attempted suicide. A large effect size of treatment was found in both treatment groups. The length of stay and the likelihood of staying in treatment until completion were significantly greater in the virtually treated patients.

Conclusions

Telehealth delivery of partial hospital level of care for patients with bipolar depression was as safe and effective as in-person treatment.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Systematically Informed Literature Review: What is the Prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in Adolescents, 13-17, using DSM-5 Criteria?
Authors: Abdullah S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In child & adolescent mental health settings, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a dominant and substantial condition with high occurrence rates seen in community, crisis, and in-patient settings. Previously because of multiple concerns, BPD diagnosis in adolescents was considered questionable and was perceived to be invalid. However, in light of the evidence, recent guidelines and diagnostic manuals affirm the diagnosis in the under-18 population.

Objectives

Given its existence in adolescents and that DSM-5 (from 2013) allows diagnosing BPD in adolescents, a study was conducted in 2019 to explore what current literature had to say about its prevalence.

Methods

To answer this, a systematically informed literature review tried to look at the evidence. The hypothesis was that not many clinicians or researchers are aware of or using the opportunity to diagnose and thus manage BPD in adolescents, i.e., early in the course of this illness. Four databases were searched- PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Psycinfo- with the following inclusion & exclusion criteria:

1.

Age: Adolescents (13-17).

2.

BPD (disorder not traits or features).

3.

Language – English, not just the abstract in English.

4.

Time limit & diagnostic criteria (2013 onwards, DSM-5).

5.

Full length articles not Abstracts alone.

6.

No geographical limit.

7.

Contacted academics personally for additional data.

Following search terms were used: Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD, EUPD, Emotionally Unstable Personality disorder, DSM V, DSM 5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, DSM-5, Prevalence, Rate.

Results

All searches yielded 525 results. Other sources didn’t identify any other records to be included. Out of these 525 results, 74 were duplicates. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied on the remaining resources. Of the remaining records, 133 were in language other than English, and thus, were excluded. Remaining 318 articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 196 had used diagnostic criteria or rating scales based on previous diagnostic criteria, and thus were excluded. Furthermore, 41 articles had focused on a totally other clinical question than ours. 79 articles had the wrong age range as per our diagnostic criteria. Thus, the total number of articles which met inclusion and exclusion criteria was 02. The results showed higher rates of BPD in adolescents, especially in those exposed to online sexual solicitation (OSS) (355 vs 13%) and in females (80% of cases).

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Conclusions

Despite the research and diagnostic allowance, there still seems to be reluctance among clinicians to diagnose BPD in adolescents. We advise consideration of BPD in adolescents if clinical picture indicates and application of the relevant criteria so patients can get appropriate treatment and support that they need.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Catalyst effect of human body odours in social anxiety treatment – a pilot study.
Authors: Vigna E. , Carli V. ,   C. Cecchetto, E. Dal Bò and C. Gentili from the Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. E. Eliasson, G. Hadlaczky and D. Wasserman from the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health, Karolinska
Published: August 2024

POTION is an EU funded project (No. 824153) within the Horizon2020 initiative that aims at understanding the nature of chemosignals in humans and their sphere of influence on social interaction. The emotional state of one person can be transmitted to another through volatile molecules contained, for example, in the sweat. These molecules, or chemosignals, are processed by the receiver who is not only able to identify the feelings of the sender but also to respond accordingly.

Whitin this project, we conducted a study with the aim of exploring the possible catalyst effects of body odour on social anxiety. We hypothesized that subjects exposed to human chemosignals, while undergoing mindfulness treatment, would show an enhanced reduction in anxiety symptoms in comparison to the control group (exposed to clean air).

To this aim, a study including 96 women aged between 18 and 35 years with symptoms of social anxiety was conducted. Ater recruitment, subjects were randomly allocated to one exposure group (happiness, fear or neutral human body odour or clean air) and followed a mindfulness intervention while being exposed to one of the odour or clean air. The same intervention was repeated twice, over two consecutive days. The main outcome was change in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores for which data was collected before and after treatment at each day. Mixed model analysis revealed significant changes in STAI scores in all groups during both days of trial. However, a greater decrease in anxiety symptoms was observed in subjects exposed to fear chemosignals during both days. A post-hoc comparison of the group exposed to clean air and the group exposed to fear chemosignals showed a trend level time x odour interaction during the second day of trial (F(1,45)=3.74, p=0.07).

In conclusion, our pilot study indicated a potential use of human body odours as a catalysts of social anxiety treatment. While the small sample size restricts the generalizability of our findings, the observed trends offer a promising foundation for future research.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Revealing complexity: beyond the whole—segmentation of hippocampal subfields in adolescents with depression and its relationships with cognition
Authors: Zhang Y. , Liu X. , Yang Y. , Xu F. , Yu D. , Zhu X. , Wang K. , Zhang W.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The occurrence of depression in adolescence, a critical period of brain development, linked with neuroanatomical and cognitive abnormalities. Neuroimaging studies have identified hippocampal abnormalities in those of adolescent patients. However, few studies have investigated the atypically developmental trends in hippocampal subfields in adolescents with depression and their relationships with cognitive dysfunctions.

Objectives

To explore the structural abnormalities of hippocampal subfields in patients with youth depression and examine how these abnormalities associated with cognitive deficits.

Methods

We included a sample of 79 first-episode depressive patients (17 males, age = 15.54±1.83) and 71 healthy controls (23 males, age = 16.18±2.85). The severity of these adolescent patients was assessed by depression scale, suicidal risk and self-harm behavior. Nine cognitive tasks were used to evaluate memory, cognitive control and attention abilities for all participants. Bilateral hippocampus were segmented into 12 subfields with T1 and T2 weighted images using Freesurfer v6.0. A mixed analysis of variance was performed to assess the differences in subfields volumes between all patients and controls, and between patients with mild and severe depression. Finally, LASSO regression was conducted to explore the associations between hippocampal subfields and cognitive abnormalities in patients.

Results

We found significant subfields atrophy in the CA1, CA2/3, CA4, dentate gyrus, hippocampal fissure, hippocampal tail and molecular layer subfields in patients. For those patients with severe depression, hippocampal subfields showed greater extensive atrophy than those in mild, particularly in CA1-4 subfields extending towards the subiculum. These results were similar across various severity assessments. Regression indicated that hippocampal subfields abnormalities had the strongest associations with memory dysfunction, and relatively week associations with cognitive control and attention. Notably, CA4 and dentate gyrus had the highest weights in the regression model.

Conclusions

As depressive severity increases, hippocampal subfield atrophy tends to spread from CA regions to surrounding areas, and primarily affects memory function in patients with youth depression. These results suggest hippocampus might be markers in progression of adolescent depression, offering new directions for early clinical intervention.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared