bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived helpfulness of various sources of help for 5 mental illnesses
Authors: Shahwan S. , Tay E. H. , Chong S. A. , Subramaniam M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental illness (MI). This is expected to rise with increasing societal pressures. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments, MIs remain undertreated. In Singapore, efforts such as the ‘It’s OK to Reach Out’ campaign was launched to encourage help-seeking. Help-seeking behavior is complex; determined by an interplay of factors including perceptions towards help sources. As seeking ineffective sources contributes to unmet needs, understanding beliefs towards various sources of help is vital.

Objectives

The study aims to examine perceived helpfulness of various sources of help for 5 mental illnesses and changes in perceptions towards them over time.

Methods

The Mind Matters 2023 (M2) is an ongoing nationwide survey of mental health literacy among Singapore residents aged 18-65 years. Analysis is based on a preliminary sample (N=2500). Interviewers read a vignette depicting 1 of 5 randomly assigned MIs- depression (DP), schizophrenia (SZ), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), alcohol abuse (AA) or dementia (DT). Respondents were asked to rate whether 10 Professional/Informal sources and 12 Actions were ‘helpful, ‘harmful’ or ‘neither’ for the person in the vignette. Frequencies of helpful ratings were compared with the first Mind Matters study (M1) conducted in 2015 (N=3006).

Results

In M2, seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist and counsellor were rated helpful most frequently (79%-96%) while seeking traditional medicine and religious advisors were rated the least (12%-60%) across the vignettes, except for DT where doctor and close family (81%-85%) replaced psychologist and counsellor (66%-70%). Compared to M1, phone counselling saw an increase in helpfulness rating across all vignettes (p<.05) except AA. For Actions, reading about how others dealt with similar problems was rated helpful most frequently (76%-89%) while dealing with problems on one’s own was rated the least across all vignettes (3%-11%) in M2. Compared to M1, being more social saw an increase in helpfulness (p<.001) rating for DP but a decrease for AA (p<.001). Admission to an institution was associated with a decrease in helpfulness rating for DP (p=.006) and OCD (p=.04) but increase for AA (p=.03).

Conclusions

The findings suggest recognition that MIs would be helped by professionals and self-reliance is ineffective to address these problems. Increased perceived helpfulness of telephone counselling was promising as studies have shown high client satisfaction coupled with its potential in reducing some barriers to care. Differences in directional changes in helpfulness rating for institutional care and socialising for DP and AA may represent understanding of the importance of behavioral activation and stimulus control for these MIs respectively. Literacy regarding help-seeking sources has improved in Singapore over the last 8 years which may translate into increments in seeking appropriate care.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Psychotic experiences in university students: prevalence, correlates and association with non-specific psychological distress
Authors: Werbeloff N. , Sobol N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Subclinical psychotic experiences (PEs) are far more prevalent than psychotic disorders, with an estimated prevalence of 7.2% (Linscott & Van Os. Psychol Med 2013;43(6) 1133-1149). PEs are particularly prevalent in late adolescence and young adulthood, when obtaining academic education is one of the main developmental tasks. University students are at the peak age of onset of mental disorders, and often experience high levels of social and academic stress that may contribute to the onset of psychopathology. Hence, estimating the prevalence and correlates of PEs among university students is particularly important.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of PEs in a sample of Israeli students; assess whether rates of PEs differ by selected sociodemographic characteristics; and examine the association between PEs and non-specific psychological distress.

Methods

150 students from universities and colleges in Israel participated in a cross-sectional online survey. All students were over the age of 18 and were not diagnosed with psychotic disorders. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Prodromal Questionnaire - Brief Version (PQ-B), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and sociodemographic details. The PQ-B yields a score for the total number of items endorsed (range 0–21), and a total distress score (range 0–105). A cutoff of ≥8 distressing symptoms was used to identify participants at high-risk for psychosis.

Results

21 participants (14.0%) reported 8 or more distressing PEs. PEs were more common in males and among those with a psychiatric illness (Table 1). PEs were not associated with marital status, religiosity, or immigrant status. While a greater number of PEs was positively associated with non-specific psychological distress (r=0.589, p<.001), there was no association between distress caused by PEs and non-specific psychological distress (r=0.145, NS).
Table 1.

Sociodemographic characteristics by group

PEs-PEs+X2, pSexM29.5%52.4%4.32, .038F70.5%47.6%Marital StatusMarried17.1%23.8%0.56, NSUnmarried82.9%76.2%ImmigrantNo89.9%85.7%0.34, NSYes10.1%14.3%ReligiositySecular74.4%57.1%2.67, NSOther25.6%42.9% Psychiatric
illnessNo87.6%61.9%8.87, .003Yes12.4%38.1%

Conclusions

The findings confirm that self-reported PEs are much more prevalent than clinically diagnosed psychotic disorders, particularly among young adults. As PEs were found to be associated with non-specific psychological distress, and as they are known forerunners for severe mental disorders, it is important to address mental health issues in school settings and promote prevention and early intervention programs.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Assessment of the intensity of state-trait anxiety of children with cancer
Authors: Kyritsi G. , Zartaloudi A. , Kyritsi H. , Dousis E. , Evangelou E. , Dafogianni C. , Polikandrioti M. , Vlachou E. , Koutelekos I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Children with cancer face many difficulties on a daily basis which place them at increased risk of developing anxiety and discomfort.

Objectives

To assess the intensity of state-trait anxiety in children with cancer.

Methods

The sample of the study consisted of 100 children from Greek Children’s Hospital, aged 8-16 years, of which 56 had cancer, representing the study group while the control-group was 44 in an outpatient clinic with endocrinological problems. Data were collected by the completion of the questionnaire “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for children” by Ch. Spielberger. Statistical package S.P.S.S. was used for statistical analysis. 22 and the statistical test, t-test and anova. The significance level was set at p <0.05.

Results

Of the total sample, sarcoma 38%, brain Ca 14%, 48% endocrine problem, and the largest percentage (57%) were aged 8-10 years. Children with cancer in 44.6% were under treatment and 55.4% in remission or recovery. Body image change was experienced by the 44%. The mean value of the state anxiety was 30.3±5.4 and trait was 35.3±6.9. Children with cancer experienced lower levels of state anxiety compared to control group, p =0.049, and did not differed in terms of trait anxiety, p=0.060. In the total sample, girls experienced trait anxiety of the highest intensity, p=0.018 and children aged 14-16, p=0.020. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to the type of cancer in both state and trait anxiety, p=0.096 and p=0.424, in relation to the phase of the disease and the change of body image, p>0.05. Children whose fathers were of higher education experienced less anxiety and differed significantly from those of primary and secondary education, p=0.036 and p=0.021, respectively. Comparison between control group and study group in relation to gender, showed that girls with cancer experienced trait anxiety of higher intensity, p=0.029 but children between 14-16 years from the control group experienced trait anxiety of higher intensity, p=0.030.

Conclusions

Children of both groups experienced mild to moderate anxiety and its intensity was related to socio-demographic factors of the children and their parents.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Methylomic signature of lithium response in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bourdon C. , Courtin C. , Bellivier F. , Etain B. , Marie-Claire C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder, characterized by the alternance of episodes of (hypo)-mania and major depression. Lithium (Li) is the first-line treatment for BD but unfortunately response to Li is highly variable: after at least two consecutive years of treatment, only a fraction of patients receiving Li will display significant improvement in the frequency and/or severity of mood recurrences. This interindividual variability of treatment response is difficult to predict, in the bipolar disorder context. This could be determined by genetic factors still misidentified by available genetic studies. In addition, no clinical or biological markers are available to reliably define eligibility criteria for a lithium treatment in bipolar disorder. A consequence is a long process of therapeutic trials (18-24 months) to phenotype Li response, delaying the stabilization.

Objectives

To identify objective biomarkers of the prophylactic response to lithium in order to improve patient care and propose therapeutic alternatives to patients who do not respond to lithium.

Methods

Using a genome-wide methylomic approach, and then logistic regressions incorporating as covariates the different types of treatments, we were able to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) whose methylation difference between responders and non-responders was not impacted by co-prescribed treatments. Then, we used Methylation Specific High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM), a PCR based method than can be implemented in any medical laboratory at low cost and with minimal equipment, to estimate methylation proportion of 9 DMRs in 61 samples of bipolar patients.

Results

In the sample of 61 individuals with BD, the 9 MS-HRM-measured DMRs combined with clinical variables (age, sex, cigarette smoking status, lifetime number of hospitalizations, age at onset of BD, polarity at onset, psychotic symptoms at onset, family history of BD, lifetime alcohol/cannabis misuse, panic disorders, Li prescribed as the first mood stabilizer (vs 2nd or 3rd choice)) correctly classified 83,6% of individuals as good or non-responders (n=61, prophylactic response phenotype defined using the “Alda” scale). Excluding the partial responders, the percentage of correctly classified individuals is as high as 100% (n=43, 18 non responders and 25 responders). The AUC are respectively AUC=0.913 and AUC=1.0.

Conclusions

The MS-HMR method allow to identify the response status of individuals with BD with 9 DMR. These DMRs discriminate good from non-responders and can be used in combination with clinical variables.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Awareness of the disease and attitude to treatment in patients with various mental disorders at the initial stages of the disease
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Tiumenkova G. , Alieva L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

An important aspect in providing effective psychiatric care and treatment is the formation of an adequate perception of their mental disorder in patients and awareness of the need for treatment, especially at the initial stages of the disease. Patients’ misunderstanding of their own psychopathological manifestations can act as a serious obstacle to their compliance and lead to an increase in the frequency of exacerbations and repeated hospitalizations.

Objectives

To assess the attitude to the disease and treatment in patients with various mental disorders at the initial stages of the disease.

Methods

Clinical and psychopathological, psychological, statistical. The following scales were used: Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI, Hogan T.P. et al., 1983); Insight Scale for Psychosis (ISP, Birchwood M., 1994); Questionnaire “Style of self-regulation of behavior” (SSPM, V.I. Morosanova, 1988) and others. 17 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD, F31.xxx, ICD-10) were examined, the average age of patients was 25.52±4.55 years and 39 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20.1xx and F23.1xx, ICD-10), the average age of patients was 29.29±9.71. The duration of the disorder in both groups of patients was 0.5-3 years.

Results

A comparative analysis of the average scores of the scale of attitude to the disease revealed significant differences in the groups (p≤0.01). Patients with schizophrenia had a lower awareness of their disease (2.31±0.91 points) than patients with bipolar disorder (3.59±0.76 points). Correlation analysis revealed reliable connections (p≤0.01) between the scales of attitude to the disease and drugs and the self-regulation questionnaire. In patients with schizophrenia, deeper violations were found in the links of self-regulation, such as programming and planning when assessing the presence of a mental disorder and deterioration of their condition due to discontinuation of medication (r=0.38 and r=0.36, respectively). The low level of self-regulation in general and the rigidity of negative attitudes in awareness of the disease and the need for treatment also have a negative impact on compliance with the medication regimen. No such correlations were found in patients with bipolar disorder: they were more aware of the presence of a mental disorder and the need for treatment, but the degree of compliance with the medication regimen was not high enough.

Conclusions

The treatment of patients with mental disorders requires an integrated approach with the mandatory inclusion of a psychoeducational component in order to form an adequate model of their disease and an understanding of the expected risks when therapy is discontinued. Psychoeducation is especially relevant in the early stages of the disease, both for patients with schizophrenia and with BD.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The presence of autistic traits might explain the relationship between sensory sensitivity and eating disturbances in a sample of young adults referring to a mental health clinic.
Authors: Nistico’ V. , Ingrosso G. , Lombardi F. , Chiudinelli E. , Faggioli R. , Bertani A. , Gambini O. , Demartini B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The relationship between autistic traits and eating disturbances, although gaining considerably more attention in the last decades, is still unclear. Most of the studies up to date were conducted on individuals with a full diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or of Eating Disorders (ED). One of the common features reported in both conditions is the alteration of sensory sensitivity, which is, in both cases, widely discussed in the literature, but mostly in the pediatric age.

Objectives

To investigate the association between sensory sensitivity, autistic traits, and eating disorders symptomatology in a group of young adults (18-24) who were referred, for the first time, to a mental health outpatient clinic.

Methods

259 patients completed: the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), the Sensory Perception Quotient - Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35) and the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA), which investigates specific eating behaviour related to autism.

Results

23.55% participants scored above the cut-off at the EAT-26, suggesting that they should be assessed for the presence of an eating disorder by a specialized clinician. The RAADS-R explained a great proportion of variance in the relationship between sensory sensitivity and both the SWEAA (Total Score and subscales) and the EAT-26 (Total Scores and subscales).

Conclusions

Our study revealed a substantial prevalence of potential eating disorders among young adults in our sample, with nearly one-fourth of participants surpassing the EAT-26 cutoff score. Additionally, we observed a noteworthy association between the presence of autistic traits and not only autistic-like eating behaviors but also a broader spectrum of eating disorder symptoms; this relationship was found in a cohort of young adult patients seeking clinical attention due to generalized distress, prior to receiving specific diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Eating Disorders (ED). These findings give rise to several intriguing inquiries. Could the existence of autistic traits, even when subthreshold, function as a mediator between alterations in sensory sensitivity and the emergence of maladaptive eating behaviors? Furthermore, if these traits exist at subthreshold levels, might they manifest in various psychiatric conditions, distinct from traditional categorizations, during episodes of acute distress? What potential precipitating factors should be considered in such cases?

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The truth about modelling – disordered eating, body image, abuse and more: A content analysis among professional fashion models
Authors: Bogár N. , Túry F. , Kővágó P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The escalating demand for models to uphold a slim physique and extremely small measurements could play a pivotal role in contributing to the onset of eating disorders, in their clinical or subclinical forms.

Objectives

The study aimed to explore models’ relationship with food, exercise, body image, industry members, experience of abuse and other related factors through self-narrated reports. To our knowledge, this study involved a larger number of multicultural female models than any previous qualitative research and is the first-ever study to use content analysis for the assessment of ED-like symptoms and body image disturbances in this population.

Methods

87 models’ data was analyzed. Snowball sampling was used. Semi-structured interviews targeted models’ careers, attitudes towards the fashion industry, their body image, eating, exercising and dieting habits, etc. Thematic content analysis was performed on the transcripts of the interviews. A coding booklet was developed containing instructions on 31 codes. The codes developed for the analysis included calorie restriction, weight gain, loss of control, laxative abuse, self-induced vomiting etc. They also included specific symptoms of eating and/or body image disorders. the analyses were conducted using relative frequencies. The absolute frequency of the codes was divided by the wordcount corresponding to the interview.

Results

The mean BMI of the subjects was 16.8 (SD= 1.30, range 13.58- 19.37). 44.7% of the models reported BMI of between 18.5 and 17.0, and 21.2% were under 17.0. Body image disorder symptoms were expressed by 63.10% of the models, and 36.90% have referred to eating disorders. The most referenced code was statements about the subjects’ bodies (95.24% neutral, 89.29% negative, 64.29% positive statements). Statements about eating included 96.43% neutral and 45.24% negative claims. Monotrophic eating occurred in 27.38% of the answers, and 40.48% claimed to have used extreme calorie restriction. Juice fasting was occurrent amongst 3.57% of the interviewees. 22.62% have lost control over their food intake. 83.33% of the participants received criticizing comments on their bodies and such individuals talk negatively significantly more often about eating. Those individuals who engage in psychotherapy (16.67%) show significantly fewer signs of body image disorders, however, talk significantly more about eating disorder-related content.

Conclusions

The persistent expectation for thinness in the fashion industry elevates the likelihood of eating disorders and body image disorder development among models. The current study aims to offer insights into prevention strategies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Older Adults in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Trials: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bouchet L. , Sager Z. , Yrondi A. , Kabir N. , Anderson B. , Ross S. , Petridis P. , Beaussant Y.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Growing clinical interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies has led to a second wave of research involving psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and other substances. Data suggests that these compounds have the potential to treat mental health conditions that are especially prevalent in older adults such as depression, anxiety, existential distress and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to quantify the prevalence of older adults enrolled in psychedelic clinical trials and explore safety data in this population.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Search criteria included all trials published in English using psychedelic substances to treat psychiatric conditions, including addiction as well as existential distress related to serious illness. Articles were identified from literature searches on PubMed, EBSCO and EMBASE.

Results

4,376 manuscripts were identified, of which 505 qualified for further review, with 36 eventually meeting eligibility criteria. Of the 1,400 patients enrolled in the 36 studies, only 19 were identified as 65 or older, representing less than 1.4% of all trial participants. For 10 of these 19 older adults, detailed safety data was obtained. No serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in any older adults and only transient mild-to-moderate AEs related to anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, and hypertension were reported during the psychedelic dosing sessions.

Conclusions

While existing data in older adults is limited, it suggests that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is safe and well tolerated in older adults. Therefore, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy should be more rigorously investigated for the treatment of psychiatric conditions in this population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The link between early life stress and psycho-cardio-metabolic multi-morbidity: Findings from The EarlyCause Consortium
Authors: Cecil C.
Published: August 2024

In this talk I will present new findings from EarlyCause, a European consortium which aims to better understand the link between early life stress and the development of psycho-cardiometabolic (PCM) comorbidity across the lifespan, leveraging data from large-scale pediatric and adult population studies. I will discuss findings regarding the effect of (prenatal and postnatal) early life stress on PCM health outcomes and their comorbidity, potential moderating and mediating factors, as well as evidence for causality.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Case series and Literature review – Clozapine Induced Transient Myocarditis. Clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Anyeji U. L. , Bidkhanian P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Clozapine is a second-generation atypical antipsychotic medication used in patients with treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Its use is limited due to its associated adverse effects, including myocarditis. These adverse effects may have variable presentations, such as myocarditis transient or persistent, and a generalized inflammatory process. Thus, clinical monitoring to inform accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary discontinuation of clozapine, leading to psychiatric decompensation.

Objectives

To review clinical features of clozapine induced Myocarditis and accurately identify signs and symptoms attributed to be most specific for myocarditis and determine at what stage clozapine should be discontinued.

Methods

We conducted a literature review on PubMed, MeSH, google scholar and Mount Sinai’s Levy Library using keywords, clozapine, drug related side effects, adverse reaction, myocarditis, treatment resistant schizophrenia. Review of two cases series was done.

Results

A review of 15 articles that addressed the cardiac complications of clozapine was performed. This review provides a base on variable clinical characteristics and outcomes of clozapine –induced Myocarditis. It showed patients who had myocarditis ruled out, demonstrated high prevalence of systemic signs of inflammation such as fever, malaise, tachycardia and elevated c-reactive protein. However, despite clozapine maintenance in most, this systemic response subsided without any intervention. A nonspecific inflammatory response is common when initiating clozapine, this inflammatory “clozapine storm’ occurs within the first month of initiation and is not necessarily predictive of myocarditis. These patients were monitored closely. Those confirmed with clozapine- induced myocarditis using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were managed with dose reduction, laboratory monitoring, vital signs check, with early initiation of beta-blockers without discontinuation of clozapine, with improvement in their laboratory results and vital signs. Those with progressive clinical signs of myocarditis required immediate cessation of clozapine.

Conclusions

We are proposing a critical need for a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, cardiologists and pharmacists collaborating to prevent premature termination of clozapine in cases of treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Our cases showed middle aged patients with treatment - refractory schizophrenia, presenting with symptoms suggestive of clozapine induced- myocarditis, few weeks after initiation. Clozapine was continued with close monitoring, as symptoms resolved. Though clozapine is associated with myocarditis, with proper knowledge on guidelines for monitoring patients, it can mitigate unnecessary discontinuation of clozapine in those patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Relationship between childhood stressful events and drug consumption among university students
Authors: Rey-March S. , Giralt C. , Font-Mayolas S. , Calvo F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between stressful events experienced in childhood and subsequent toxic substance consumption among university students majoring in Social Education at a Spanish university during the academic year 2022-2023.

Objectives

The primary objective is to analyze whether an association exists between stressful life events in childhood and patterns of substance consumption among university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational, and analytical design was employed. The target population encompassed 258 students enrolled in the Social Education program in 2023. The final sample consisted of 161 students. A questionnaire incorporating the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) was administered to assess trauma history and substance consumption.

Results

A high percentage (95.03%) of students reported having consumed toxic substances at some point in their lives. The most common substances were alcohol (95.03%) and cannabis (52.8%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between childhood emotional abuse and increased alcohol consumption currently (p = 0.015). Furthermore, a significant relationship was identified between childhood sexual abuse and heightened alcohol consumption (p = 0.015). Moreover, positive correlations were found between sexual abuse and the consumption of specific drugs, such as cocaine and psychopharmaceuticals (p < 0.05).

No statistically significant differences were observed in drug consumption with regard to other forms of childhood maltreatment, such as emotional or physical neglect.

Conclusions

The results underscore the connection between childhood stress experiences and substance consumption among university students. Emotional and sexual abuse in childhood are linked to higher alcohol consumption and, in some cases, specific drugs like cocaine and psychopharmaceuticals. These findings emphasize the importance of considering traumatic experiences when addressing prevention and treatment strategies for substance consumption among young student populations.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Alteration of cortical functional networks in mood disorders with resting-state electroencephalography
Authors: Shim S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study investigated source-level cortical functional networks using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with Bipolar disorder and Major depressive disorder, comparing the neuropathology of these disorders.

Objectives

This study investigated source-level cortical functional networks using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with Bipolar disorder and Major depressive disorder, comparing the neuropathology of these disorders.

Methods

A total of 116 participants (35 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder(BD), 39 patients diagnosed with Major depressive disorder(MDD), and 42 people who are healthy-control groups(HC)) were enrolled for this study. Depression and anxiety were evaluated with using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Graph theory‑based source‑level weighted functional networks were assessed via strength, clustering coefficient (CC), and path length (PL) in six frequency bands.

Results

At the global level, patients with BD and MDD showed higher strength (p = 0.001) and CC (p = 0.001), and lower PL (p < 0.001) in the high beta band, compared to HCs. At the nodal level, compared to HCs, patients with BD showed higher high beta band nodal CCs in the right precuneus(p < 0.001), left isthmus cingulate(p < 0.001), bilateral paracentral(p < 0.001), and left superior frontal(p < 0.001); however, patients with MDD showed higher nodal CC only in the right precuneus(p < 0.001) compared to HCs. Although both MDD and BD patients had similar global level network changes, they had different nodal level network changes compared to HCs.

Conclusions

This study suggest that both patients have similar network changes at the global level, but they have different network changes at the nodal level. Also, the higher nodal CCs in the high beta band might indicate the regions became more connected with their neighbors in accordance with the severity of depressive and anxious states. This study found a significant correlation between cortical network state and anxiety-related psychological measure in BD patients. Our source-level cortical network indices might contribute to the understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms in these two disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Korean Medication Algorithm for Bipolar Disorder: changes in preferred medications for mania over 20 years
Authors: Jon D.-I. , Woo Y. S. , Jeong J.-H. , Seo J.-S. , Lee J. G. , Yoon B.-H. , Sohn I. , Bahk W.-M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Majority of international guidelines for bipolar disorders are based on evidences from clinical trials. In contrast, the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Bipolar Disorder (KMAP-BP) was developed to adopt an expert-consensus paradigm which was more practical and specific to the atmosphere in Korea.

Objectives

In this study, preferred medication strategies for acute mania over six consecutively published KMAP-BP (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022) were investigated.

Methods

A written survey using a nine-point scale was asked to Korean experts about the appropriateness of various treatment strategies and treatment agents. A written survey asked about the appropriateness of various treatment strategies and treatment agents commonly used by clinicians as the first-line.

Results

The most preferred option for the initial treatment of mania was a combination of a mood stabilizer (MS) and an atypical antipsychotic (AAP) in every edition. Preference for combined treatment for euphoric mania increased, peaked in KMAP-BP 2010, and declined slightly. Either MS or AAP monotherapy was also considered a first-line strategy for mania, but not for all types of episodes, including mixed/psychotic mania. Among MSs, lithium and valproate are almost equally preferred except in the mixed subtype where valproate is the most recommended MS. The preference of valproate showed reverse U-shaped curve. This preference change of valproate may indicate the concern about teratotoxicity in women. Quetiapine, aripiprazole, and olanzapine were the preferred AAP for acute mania since 2014. This change might depend on the recent evidences and safety profile. In cases of unsatisfactory response to initial medications, switching or adding another first-line agent was recommended. The most notable changes over time included the increasing preference for AAPs.

Conclusions

The Korean experts have been increasingly convinced of the effectiveness of a combination therapy for acute mania. There have been evident preference changes: increased for AAP and decreased for carbamazepine.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The morbidity and prevalence of mental pathology in children and adolescents in the kyrgyz republic for 2005-2020
Authors: Nurali Kyzy A. , Kadyrova T. M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

One of the principles of healthcare is preventive focus, that is, the implementation of measures to improve the hygienic education of the population and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The scientific rationale for carrying out primary prevention activities is based on an analysis of morbidity and prevalence rates and their dynamics.

Objectives

to conduct a comparative analysis of the primary incidence and prevalence of mental pathology in children and adolescents (0-17 years) in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2005-2020 .

Methods

statistical data from the Republican Center for Electronic Health and the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic were used  (http://www.stat.kg/ru/rss/), (http://cez.med.kg/).

Results

primary incidence of mental pathology among children and adolescents in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 amounted to 66.2, 44.1, 44.8, 51.1 respectively (based on 100,000 the child population). The prevalence of mental pathology for 2005-2020 was 418.4, 317.0, 312.5, 400.0 respectively (based on 100,000 the child population). That is, morbidity and prevalence rates show higher numbers in 2005 and in 2020 (Diagram №1). In the gender aspect, morbidity rates were higher in males 40.0, 28.0, 31.3, 31.0 compared to females 26.3, 16.1, 17.1, 20.1 (based on 100,000 the child population; (Diagram №2).

Image:

Image 2:

Conclusions

the variability of the obtained indicators of morbidity and prevalence of mental pathology in children and adolescents is due to difficulties in providing specialized psychiatric care to the child population due to the lack of child psychiatrists in the regions of the country, the processes of population migration, and the phenomenon of stigmatization. In this regard, measures and educational programs are needed to improve the provision of psychiatric care to the child population at the level of primary medical and social care.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The impact of ruminative thought style on the maintenance of depressive mood
Authors: Misic V. , Vukosavljevic Gvozden T. , Batinic B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Ruminations are a cognitive style of “thought recycling”, which involves passively and repeatedly focusing on disorder and distress symptoms, or their causes, without attempting to alleviate them. They are a significant indicator of cognitive vulnerability, predicting the emergence, maintenance, and recurrence of depressive symptoms.

Objectives

To estimate the impact of the ruminative thought style on the maintenance and escalation of depressive mood.

Methods

The research sample consisted of 60 students between the ages of 19 and 30 (M = 23), divided into two experimental groups with 30 participants each. The participants took part in a 5-minute experiment that involved recalling an autobiographically sad event, assessing their mood on the Scale for Self-Assessment of Emotions (EAS) before and after the induction, and then splitting into two groups of 30 participants for random ruminating or distraction. The Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Ruminative Response Scale, the Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire, and the EAS were used as research instruments. The progressive group relaxation approach was used at the end of the experiment with all participants to promote relaxation and lessen the psychophysical tension brought on by the experimental induction (10 minutes total).

Results

The experimental groups did not differ in mood intensity prior to the induction of sadness. Both experimental groups experienced significant impacts on depressed mood following the induction of sadness (F (1,58) =92.05, p<0.001): participants who ruminated demonstrated persistence in their negative mood, whereas participants who engaged in distractions demonstrated a decrease in their negative mood, even below the initial level (F (2,116) =12.69, p<0.001).

Conclusions

This result provides an additional experimental validation of the phenomenon of maintaining a depressive mood through ruminations. An essential psychotherapy goal should be the treatment (metacognitive therapy, rumination-focused CBT, mindfulness, cognitive bias correction, etc.) of such mechanisms, recognized as crucial for the maintenance of depression.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Slovenian version of the Cardiac depression scale – validity and reliability
Authors: Kokalj Palandacic A. , Ucman S. , Lainscak M. , Novak Sarotar B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were the cause of 40% of all deaths in Slovenia in 2016, and are the seventh most common cause of visits to the general practitioner. The prevalence of depression in people with CVD is high and is a strong predictor of mortality and additional cardiac events. In patients with coronary artery disease, depressive symptoms contribute to a lower quality of life and to physical limitations.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to translate the Cardiac Depression Scale into Slovenian (S-CDS) and to assess its psychometric properties on Slovenian patients with heart disease.

Methods

After obtaining the consent from the original authors, the Cardiac depression scale was translated by three bilingual Slovenian native speakers with medical knowledge. Afterwards, they worked jointly to reach consensus on one version, which was then back-translated (Slovenian to English) by two independent English translators unfamiliar with the original version. The original authors approved the final draft. The S-CDS was then applied to a total of 272 patients with heart disease that underwent elective coronary angiography. At the same time the Spielberger Stait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-20 (CES-D) were used. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, test–retest reliability and concurrent validity were performed.

Results

The total scale had Cronbach’s alpha 0.92 and test–retest reliability 0.71. Six factors were confirmed by the exploratory factor analysis, accounting for 60.88% of total variance. A two and one factor solution indicated by the confirmatory factor analysis had acceptable goodness-of-fit measures. A one factor solution was kept, considering a high correlation between the two factors and the theoretical background in previous studies. A moderate to strong correlations were confirmed by concurrent validation against the CES-D and the STAI-S.

Conclusions

The S-CDS with 25 questions is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring depressive symptoms in Slovenian patients with heart disease.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding: beliefs about women’s sexuality during this period
Authors: Bader S. , Zran Z. , Aloulou M. , Abdelmoula A. , Bouaziz A. , Abbes W.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Pregnancy,postpartum and breastfeeding is a very challenging period in the women’s life. Many shared false beliefs and perceptions about this period can influence a pregnant woman’s sexual life and couple.

Objectives

to explore sexual satisfaction, misconceptions and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum in women.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the June 1st, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This study focused on a population of pregnant postpartum and breastfeeding women recruited from outpatient consultations and inpatient of the obstetric gynecology department at the university hospital of Gabes, Tunisia. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history, informations concerning the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity and eight questions (yes or no / choosing an option) to explore the beliefs and perceptions about sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum. We administered the validated Arabic version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual functioning.

Results

Fifty-eight women were included. The average age was 35.6±5.5 years, they had a university level in 40% and they were unemployed in 74.2%. They were from an urban origin in 75%. They were pregnant in the first, second and third trimester in (15.6%, 15.6% and 25% respectively). They were in postpartum in 43.8% of cases with a cesarean delivery in 73.3% and breastfeeding in 56%. All women reported being on good terms with their spouses and satisfied with their sexuality. The usual frequency of sexual relations (SR) was (1/day: 22.6%, 1/week: 74.2%, 1/month: 3.2%). Only 3.4% masturbated and 5.17% had sexual fantasies. Among women, 55.1% believed that RS is not allowed in the first trimester, and 67.8% believed that it can harm the baby. Only 25% of women believed that RS is permitted throughout pregnancy. 58.1% believed that RS in the third trimester could induce early delivery, and 30% believed that it could harm the baby. They all believed that post-partum SR is only authorized after 40 days. Among the sample 22.6% believed that SR is not allowed during breastfeeding, and that it can harm the baby in 13% of cases. The mean ASEX score was 13 ± 4.3 and 47% had sexual dysfunction. Regarding the frenquency of SR, 25% reported wanting to reduce the frequency, 3.4% wanting to increase the frequency and 71.6% were neutral.

Conclusions

A better understanding of the misconceptions and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy and the post-partum period is needed to reduce restriction imposed on sexual activity during a normal pregnancy and to enhance marital harmony and the sexual life of the couple.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Latent classes based on clinical symptoms of military recruits with mental health issues and their clinical responses to treatment over 12 months
Authors: Jon D.-I. , Eo J. , Park E. H. , Hong H. J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In South Korea, all men at the age of 18 or older are required to serve at military for a certain period as an obligation. These recruits should be able to withstand psychological stress and pressures of rapid adaptation of the unique and new environment in military. The number of military recruits facing adaptation issues has been on the rise, necessitating an evaluation for active service. In our previous study (Park et al., in press 2023), we classified the military recruits with mental issues according to latent profile analysis (LPA) and examined the treatment response during six months.

Objectives

In this study, we further examined clinical characteristics over the next six months.

Methods

Ninety-two participants were analyzed with LPA using MMPI-2 clinical profiles in the previous study. The three classes were identified: mild maladjustment (Class 1, n=14), neurotic depression and anxiety (Class 2, n=36), high vulnerability and hypervigilance (Class 3, n=42). At 12 months, Clinical Global Impression-Severity and Global Assessment of Functioning were assessed to test their long-term changes.

Results

While Class 1 and 2 significantly improved over 6 months, Class 3 showed little or no improvement even with more medications in our previous study. During the 6-month follow-up period, 50% of Class 1, 38.9% of Class 2, and 41.5% of Class 3 were dropped. It was during this period that their level of military service was decided. Class 1 and 2 which showed marked improvement up to initial 6 months, did not demonstrate substantial further improvement during follow-up period with a considerable portion stopped visiting hospital. Subjects in Class 3, who showed little or no improvement during initial 6 months, demonstrated continued improvement in this study, although their symptoms still appeared relatively severe.

Conclusions

This study suggests clinical implications for treatment plan and intervention of each subgroup classified based on MMPI-2 clinical profiles of military recruits who might show maladjustment to serve. The long-term continuous treatment for Class 3 patients will be needed, even after exemption from active duty.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Linking Digital Traits from Facial Expression, Voice, and Head Motion to Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale Subscales
Authors: Zhu Z. , Wu Y. , Seidel J. , Roy D. , Salzmann E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The 10-item Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) measures different dimensions of depression symptomatology. Digital traits may generate deeper understanding of the MADRS subscales and provide insights about depression symptomatology.

Objectives

To identify digital traits that predict specific MADRS subscales and ascertain which digital traits are important for which MADRS subscales.

Methods

During a Phase II decentralised clinical trial in major depressive disorder (MDD), patients completed the MADRS and used AiCure (LLC, New York, NY, USA), a smartphone application, to complete image description tasks at baseline. Digital measurements identified from the literature as relevant to MDD symptomatology were conducted using audio and video data derived from the image description tasks. Digital measurements included speech (rate, sentiment and first-person singular pronouns), vocal acoustics (intensity, pause fraction and fundamental frequency), facial expressivity (regional facial movement) and head pose (Euclidean and angular head movement). Digital traits analysis involved data pre-processing followed by machine learning (ML) using Elastic Net, Decision Tree, and Random Forest models; model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and mean absolute error (MAE). Important digital traits were calculated by percentage change in MAE after permuting a specific variable. Important digital traits for the MADRS Apparent Sadness subscale score were mapped to defined, interpretable domains.

Results

The ML model predictions varied for different MADRS subscales (Table). Overall, Elastic Net and Random Forest models outperformed Decision Tree across all subscales scores other than suicidal thoughts. Half of the literature-based digital traits contributed to the prediction of ≥1 MADRS sadness sub-scale score. The important digital traits for the Apparent Sadness subscale score could be mapped to 4 domains (Figure); this aligned with findings from the literature.

Image:

Image 2:

Conclusions

Digital traits collected from patients with MDD were able to predict certain MADRS subscales better than others.

Funding

Boehringer Ingelheim.

Disclosure of Interest

Z. Zhu Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Y. Wu Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., J. Seidel Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, D. Roy Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., E. Salzmann Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH