bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the role of social position on extreme stress appraisal: Implications for post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Gillavry D. Mac
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Recently, several studies have implicated the social context during a traumatic experience in susceptibility to, and severity of, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although the precise mechanisms through which the social context affects the development of PTSD are unknown, it has been suggested that the neuropeptides oxytocin and β-endorphin may play a key role in this dynamic through their effects on both the locus coeruleus and the mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine systems.

Objectives

This experiment aims to identify in how far a formal social position, endowed by a recognised authority, modulates the stress response in cadets at the Czech military academy during a highly stressful training exercise.

Methods

As part of survival training, 40 cadets partake in a simulation of an avalanche. Although the maximum duration of the experience (being buried under snow) is 15 minutes, most cadets do not last longer than a few minutes with a significant portion requesting termination after a matter of seconds. During the experience, participants are fitted with a heart-rate and heart-rate variability monitor and tested before and after for pain resilience (a common proxy measure for β-endorphin). Participants are randomly allocated to have their individual scores or the average of their collective scores (in small groups of 5) incorporated in their final evaluation of the exercise.

Results

Not all data has been collected yet.

Conclusions

We expect to see a difference in resilience (measured in duration) between the two groups which is mirrored in the afore mentioned biomarkers.
Exposure to violence and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in family caregivers of psychotic patients
Authors: Daoud M. , Charfi N. , Omri S. , Feki R. , Smaoui N. , Bouali M. Maalej , Zouari L. , Thabet J. Ben , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Family caregivers of psychotic patients are exposed to violence and stress. However, associated psychological outcomes are poorly characterized in this population.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between violence directed towards caregivers of patients with psychosis and developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

Participants were family caregivers of psychotic patients (n=95). They completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics. Sociodemographic and clinical data of patients were collected from medical records. We used the perceptions of prevalence of aggression scale (POPAS) to measure the frequency and severity of aggression directed at the respondent in the past and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to evaluate PTSD.

Results

A rate of 75.8% of caregivers reported experiencing moderate to severe levels of aggression. Decreased contact with patient (p=0.00), male gender (p=0.00), older age (p=0.00) and parent relationship (p=0.01) of caregivers, diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (p=0,00) and poor adherence to treatment (p=0,00) in affected relatives were associated with experiences of moderate–severe aggression. More than a half of caregivers (54.7%) reported potentially significant levels of PTSD which correlated with the level of aggression (p=0.00).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a large proportion of family caregivers of patient-initiated violence in psychosis reported experiencing a great distress and a high level of PTSD symptomatology. So, more attention should be paid to the support needs of caregivers who are faced with potentially life threatening aggressive behaviour by psychotic family members.
Post-traumatic stress disorder after first-episode psychosis
Authors: Pinho M. , Martins D. , Carvalho S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A psychotic episode may be sufficiently traumatic to induce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which could impact outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP). Yet, post-traumatic stress disorder is often left untreated and undiagnosed in the presence of psychosis.

Objectives

To conduct a short review of literature on the prevalence and impact of PTSD after FEP.

Methods

We performed a literature search on PUBMED, using the query: “Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic” [Mesh] AND “first episode” AND “psychosis”. We focused on data from systematic reviews, clinical trials and meta-analysis published on last 10 years, either in English or Portuguese.

Results

Approximately one in two people experience PTSD symptoms and one in three experience full PTSD, following a FEP. Prevalence may be higher in affective psychosis, inpatient samples and patients previously suffering from depression and anxiety. PTSD Symptom Scale – Self-Report (PSS-SR) can be a useful screening instrument, but there is no established evidence-based intervention for PTSD in people with FEP. Coercive intervention such as involuntary hospitalization, seclusion, restraint or being forced to take medication, as well as being around sick or anxious patients, can be upsetting and traumatizing.

Conclusions

Our data showed high rates of psychosis-related PTSD. To prevent PTSD, conditions of hospitalization should be optimized and the use of coercive treatments should be limited. Subjects with recent-onset psychosis should be screened for PTSD symptoms. Evidence-based interventions to treat PTSD symptoms in the context of FEP are needed to address this burden and improve outcomes.
Emotional eating as a risk factor for body image and life satisfaction
Authors: Fyodorova E. , Arina G. , Nikolaeva V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that emotional eating is associated with binge eating disorder, body image disturbances and depression.

Objectives

In this study we wanted to find out if there is a relationship between emotional eating and body image and life satisfaction in non-clinical sample.

Methods

The study involved 182 normal participants (153 Female, 29 Male, mean age 22,6 ± 7,3), which were recruited in Moscow, Russia. Emotional eating was measured by the opposite pole of Eating for Physical Rather Than Emotional Reasons subscale of Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), body image was measured by Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to measure the corresponding construct. Correlation analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0.

Results

Emotional eating was associated with the following MBSRQ subscales: lower appearance evaluation (-0,431, p<0,0001), lower body areas satisfaction (-0,335, p<0,0001), as well as lower fitness evaluation (-0,208, p=0,005) and lower health evaluation (-0,182, p=0,014), but higher overweight preoccupation (0,279, p=0,0001) and overestimation of body weight (0,362, p<0,0001). It was also connected to lower satisfaction with life (-0,195, p=0,008).

Conclusions

The results of the study allow us to conclude that emotional eating may pose risks to psychological health of a normal individual. It was shown that emotional eating is connected to negative evaluation of one`s body appearance, fitness and health state, weight and shape concerns, and even to the lower level of satisfaction with one’s life.
The interaction between health and personal anxiety in children
Authors: Shishkova I. , Pervichko E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In modern health psychology there is a question of separating the concepts of “personal anxiety” and “health anxiety” and defining the interaction features and mutual influence between these concepts.

Objectives

To study the interaction between personal anxiety and health anxiety in children, taking into account the parents’ influence and depending on the child’s personal illness experience.

Methods

The sample: 145 respondents (46 frequently ill children (mean age 16.3±0.3), 41 rarely ill children (mean age 16.1±0.1), 28 parents of frequently ill children (mean age 44.9±0.8), 30 parents of rarely ill children (mean age 44.5±1.5)). We used: “Short Health Anxiety Inventory” (SHAI; Salkovskis et al., 2002), STAI (Spielberger, 2002).

Results

We find significant differences in the personal anxiety indicator (1.386, p≤0.01), which is higher in frequently ill children (moderate level of severity). Parents of frequently ill children have the same level of personal anxiety (no statistically significant differences) (12.825, p>0.05). For groups of rarely ill children and their parents we find significant differences (2.382, p≤0.01), and the level of personal anxiety is higher in children. The indicator of health anxiety in frequently and rarely ill children has no significant differences (9.265, p>0.05). The same is typical for rarely ill children and their parents while in the groups of frequently ill children and their parents this indicator has significant differences and is higher in parents (9.136, p ≤0.01).

Conclusions

The results show that health anxiety is an independent construct, the consideration of which should begin with non-clinical, normative forms of manifestation in both adults and children.
Emotional regulation as factor of commitment to paralympic sports
Authors: Yavorovskaya A. , Polikanova I. , Semenov Y. , Leonov S. , Rasskazova E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Commitment to sports is especially important for well-being in people with disabilities (Malm et al., 2019), although mental health problems are common among Paralympic athletes (Hunt et al., 2019). Importance of representations of and regulation in sport situations was supported for different kind of sports (Moran, 1993, Suinn R., 1982, Hardy et al., 1996) but Paralympic ones.

Objectives

The aim was to reveal aspects of psychological regulation important for achievement and longer commitment to Paralympic sports comparing to non-Paralympic sports.

Methods

51 athletes from Paralympic sports (49.1% candidates and masters of sports) filled Questionnaire of Image Representations of Professional Activity of Athletes (Leonov et al., 2020) measuring general importance and self-appraisals of different aspects of image representation and regulation in sport activities: control of temporal, spatial, informational, technical and tactical, energetic aspects, game intelligence, motivational, emotional and social aspects (Cronbach’s alphas .61-.89). Data were compared to 399 athletes without disabilities (48.4% candidates and masters of sports).

Results

Comparing to athletes without disabilities, Paralympic athletes higher appraise general importance and their capacities for emotion regulation during sport situation (t=2.26-3.35, p<.01). High-level Paralympic atheletes report marginally better emotion regulation (t=1.74, p<.10). Longer experience in sport in Paralympic athletes is associated with better representations of spatial and social aspects of sport situations and better emotion regulation (r=.25-.29, p<.05).

Conclusions

Data suggest that improvement of emotion regulation in sport situation in Paralympic athletes could be helpful for longer participation and better achievement. Research is supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 19-78-10134.

Conflict of interest

Research is supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 19-78-10134
Protransition – an online-course for professionals to optimize the health care service for young people with mental illness in transition from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: König E. , Reetz S. , Hoffmann U. , Fegert J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Adolescent transitions to adulthood are a vulnerable phase for the development of mental illnesses. Additionally, there are often disruptions in psychiatric care delivery during the transition phase, potentially leading to a considerable treatment delay with a high risk of early chronification. Thus, the health care system and professionals in both child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry should be given greater consideration to the transition phase.

Objectives

The aim of the project ProTransition is the development of an online course for health care professionals to give in-depth knowledge of “transition psychiatry”, practical guidance and to sensitize them for the special challenges and needs of young adults with mental illness.

Methods

The online-course is being developed at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm and is expected to start in May 2021. It comprises e.g. special psychopathology of emerging adulthood, clinical interventions for adolescents with mental illness or legal aspects. An innovative and multi-didactical approach with specialized texts, case-studies, online-chats and interviews with experts and young people is applied. Additionally, user satisfaction with the online course will be evaluated.

Results

On the basis of the gained experiences, ideas for new transition-psychiatric treatment models will be derived. The accompanying research will point out the status quo and the course-related increasing knowledge of health care professionals regarding transition psychiatry. First results are expected in November 2021.

Conclusions

As transition psychiatry is facing great difficulties and challenges, professionals should be adequately educated. E-Learning offers a flexible and low-level approach to reach a broad target group.
Implementation and evaluation of a mindfulness based program for children in a school setting in france
Authors: Monsillion J. , Zebdi R. , Romo L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) held within an academic context continue to develop at an international scale, and continue to show benefits for children, specifically on cognitive functioning and emotional regulation (Theurel, Gimbert, Gentaz, 2018).

Objectives

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the relevance of implementing MBIs within French elementary school settings, in order to promote mental health, positive pedagogy and quality of life.

Methods

This study utilizes the Belgian program “Gestion des émotions par la pratique de la Pleine Conscience” (Emotional regulation using Mindfulness practices) (Deplus, 2015) and compares an experimental group participating in 9 MBI sessions to a control group “waiting list”. An interpretative phenomenological analysis at post-test investigates participant’s perception on the effects of the intervention on familial and school climates.

Results

The results of this study have been highly impacted by COVID19 (confinement).Quantitative results reveal that 33% of the participants (n=6) show a decrease in depressive symptoms, 33% show no change and 33% show a slight increase, post-intervention (T2). Results also suggest a decrease in anhedonia in 50% of the participants. 50% of participants show an improvement with regards to worrying and hypersensitivity. Qualitative analysis puts forth perceived improvements on emotional regulation and mindfulness abilities of participants, which has shown to have positive effects on familial climate.

Conclusions

We estimate that the implementation of such a MBI in a school setting will favour the development of executive functions and emotional regulation, allowing children to develop resilience towards stress and anxious-depressive affects. We also expect the intervention to help develop socio-emotional abilities and well-being in French schools.
Improving hospitalization in children and adolescents through animal assisted interventions (AAIS): A systematic review
Authors: Correale C. , Borgi M. , Collacchi B. , Capitello T. Grimaldi , Vigevano F. , Cirulli F. , Cappelletti S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are increasingly introduced in pediatric care settings as a mean to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of hospitalized children and adolescents and the humanization of the hospital environment.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to review published studies implementing AAIs in hospital settings and to assess their effectiveness in reducing stress and pain, ameliorating social behavior, quality of life, and mood in pediatric patients. Reviewed interventions were also evaluated for their effects on caregiver’s stress and burden, as well as on perception of the work environment in hospital staff.

Methods

Studies were systematically searched using PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Web of Science databases in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search was aimed at identifying studies examining the effects of AAIs on behavioral and physiological response to stress in children and adolescents (0-18 years) formally admitted to a hospital for a stay, as well as in those undergoing a visit for treatments or medical examinations.

Results

Of 350 studies screened, 17 were eligible for inclusion. Most of them focused on stress, pain and anxiety reduction in pediatric patients, and used both physiological parameters and behavioral observations/scales. The vast majority of the studies employed dogs. Results show the potential of AAIs to reduce anxiety and behavioral distress in pediatric patients, while acting on physiological measures associated with arousal.

Conclusions

Although further studies of better quality are still needed, the findings of this review may have implications for clinical practices suggesting appropriate planning of AAIs by pediatric healthcare professionals.
The emotional schemas of psychiatric patients- a case-control study
Authors: Rivis I. , Papavă I. , Minciună M. , Bredicean A. , Ursoniu S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Our Emotional Schemas dictate how we deal with our own emotions, therefore, how we interpret and face different events that occur in our everyday life. Maladaptive schemas have been proven to be at fault for the inability to face different challenges.

Objectives

This study aims to find the differences in emotional schemas between subjects with history of psychiatric disorder and subjects without a psychiatric disorder.

Methods

We realized a case-control study matched for age and gender, and analyzed the answers of 28 subjects (14 women and 14 men) to Leahy Emotional Schema Scale (LESS); 14 of which have a personal history of psychiatric disorders, while the remaining 14 had no such history. The LESS evaluation was part of a bigger study and was addressed to the general population, over 18 years old. The test was applied online, with the informed consent of the subjects.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 40.28±13.98. Out of the 14 subjects with a psychiatric diagnosis, 71,43% have a job, 21,43% are retired and 1% are still studying. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the Higher Values dimension of the Emotional Schemas (p=0.0419). Also, the question regarding the feeling of shame when it comes to their own feeling, showed significant difference between the two groups (p=0.0211).

Conclusions

As opposed to the subjects without a history of psychiatric disorder, those who do have a psychiatric diagnosis, feel more often devalued and ashamed, therefore having a lower self-esteem.
News about medicine affect compliance in people with hypochondriac beliefs
Authors: Kumchenko S. , Shekina O. , Rasskazova E. , Tkhostov A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The context of infodemic and necessity of preventive behavior (Roy et al., 2020) demands for studies of the role of news in compliance including health priming (Gibbons, 2003, Pechmann, 1999). Especially important is a topic the effect of news about traditional and alternative medicine (Furnham, Forey, 1994) their impact on subjective compliance.

Objectives

The aim was to study the relationship to medicine and subjective compliance in people with hypochondriac beliefs after priming by negative news about traditional and alternative medicine.

Methods

122 healthy adults (56 males, mean age 40.7±13.6) were randomized to conditions (control, negative news about traditional medicine, negative news about alternative medicine); then they read and appraised four news (in two experimental groups one of them was about medicine); filled changes in emotions after reading (PANAS, Carver et al., 1989), Cognitions About Body and Health Questionnaire (Rief et al., 2018), checklist of relationship to medicine and compliance.

Results

Moderation analysis indicates that in people with higher hypochondriac beliefs negative news about alternative medicine lead to lower readiness to use these methods but also to comply with any medical recommendations (p<.01). In people with higher hypochondriac beliefs negative news about traditional medicine decrease readiness to use it but not alternative medicine (p<.01).

Conclusions

Negative news about formal medicine situationally decrease readiness to use it while negative news about alternative medicine situationally decrease any readiness for treatment. Research is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project No. 20-013-00799.
Psychiatric manifestations of autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Valadas M.T. , Freitas R. Mota , Varela R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) refers to a newly described, heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by brain inflammation and circulating autoantibodies. Various AE have been described and each of them is linked to the presence of specific autoantibodies directed against synaptic and neuronal cell surface antigens. The clinical picture includes a wide array of neuropsychiatric symptoms and is correlated with the associated antibody subtype. Since pronounced psychiatric symptoms are relatively common at the onset, patients can be misdiagnosed and initially driven to psychiatric institutions, thus delaying the adequate diagnosis and management of AE.

Objectives

We aim to review and summarize the psychiatric manifestations of AE that might dominate the clinical picture. We also aim to describe the clinical signs that should alert the psychiatrist to the possibility of these diagnoses.

Methods

We performed an updated review in the PubMed database using the terms “autoimmune”, “encephalitis” and “psychiatric manifestations”. The included articles were selected by title and abstract. We also consulted a reference textbook.

Results

We summarize the reported psychiatric manifestations of AE and also include two situations that can be helpful in AE diagnosis in the psychiatric setting: symptoms that should alert the physician for the possibility of AE and symptoms that should prompt an antibody detection test.

Conclusions

AE are rare diseases that present very frequently with psychiatric symptoms as the first manifestation. Psychiatrists need to be aware of the most common psychiatric manifestations of AE since the early recognition and treatment of AE is fundamental for a good outcome.
Capgras syndrome. Where to find it?
Authors: Carrasco I.D.L.M. Santos , Cerejeira J. Gonçalves , Vázquez E. Rodríguez , Meseguer C. Capella , De Llano De La Viuda M. Queipo , Valera G. Guerra , Ramírez A. Gonzaga , De Andrés Lobo C. , Adame C. Vallecillo , Aparicio T. Jiménez , Escudero A. Pérez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Capgras syndrome, where patients have the conviction that one or more close people have been replaced by a “double,” is the most prevalent delusional misidentification syndrome. It appears in psychiatric illness and organic brain damage. It seems to be due to damage of bifrontal and right limbic and temporal regions, mainly in the right hemisphere.

Objectives

To review the pathologies associated to Capgras Syndrome and the relevance of the differential diagnosis

Methods

53-year-old female was admitted due to great sadness, crying, social withdrawal and severe paranoid concerns over the last month. Follow-up in Mental Health since 2014, because of anxious depression. After her mother’s death, she felt being followed because of old faults. Since then, low dosis of antipsychotics were used. Now she is afraid of being harmed in relation to petty thefts she committed over 15 years ago. In recent days, she has been noticing small details indicating that her family members have been impersonated by strangers, showing anguish regarding their whereabouts.

Results

During her admission, high doses of antidepresants and paliperidone 6 mg/day were used with the complete disappearance of Capgras Syndrome and her anguish. Mild guilty thoughts were present after her discharge. That is why she was diagnosed with psychotic depression.

Conclusions

Capgras syndrome can be encountered in primary psychiatric diagnosis (particularly in schizophrenia and mood disorders) – where an organic element may exist in about a third of all cases – or secondary to organic disorders or medication-induced, through to overt organic brain damage, particularly in neurodegenerative disease.
The future of psychiatry: The perspectives from a senior psychiatrist
Authors: Sartorius N.
Published: February 2022

The future of psychiatry as a discipline (and as the main source of knowledge in the construction and functioning o mental health services) can best be grasped on the basis of an examination of the development of psychiatry over the past century in the light of current options for its functioning. Such an examination demonstrates that psychiatrists will have to expand their field of work to include the management of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders and public health approaches to the primary prevention of mental and other brain disorders. Their engagement in research will have to become restricted to psychopathology and participation in the formulation of hypotheses which will be tested in laboratory and field work;; and their involvement in teaching about mental health and illness will have to undergo a fundamental change in terms of content, methods and evaluation of effects of education which they will organize. The presentation will focus on the future tasks of psychiatrists in these areas

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
To the question of the possibility of influence of the hepatitis C virus on the development of neuropsychological disorders
Authors: Artemieva M. , Tsygankov B. , Ivanova G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection produces a chronic systemic disease that induces chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with chronic HCV infection may present with a range of extrahepatic symptoms including neuropsychiatric disorders.

Objectives

The aims of this review are to summarize recent literature looking at the associations between psychosocial and neurocognitive factors and HCV, identify the most common neuropsychological disorders and consider the probable mechanisms of mental and cognitive impairment in patients with HCV.

Methods

PubMed/Medline was systematically searched for psychosocial and neurocognitive factors associated with hepatitis C and patient wellbeing. In this review 83 valid articles were analyzed from 1994 to 2018.

Results

According to the literature review in the group of HCV-positive patients were found a significant decrease in higher cognitive functions: memory impairment, concentration and listening. These manifestations of cognitive dysfunction are supposed to be similar to the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. An increased risk of developing dementia has also been noted. The most frequently diagnosed symptoms were fatigue and sleep disturbances, associated with mood disorders diagnosed in 19,2% of cases. Several mechanisms have been considered to explain the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders observed in chronic HCV infection: 1) the concept of the direct neuroinvasion of HCV; 2) derangement of metabolic pathways; 3) cerebral or systemic inflammation.

Conclusions

To date, the mechanisms of various mental and neurological disorders in patients with chronic HCV infection have been partially identified, but the long-term effect of these changes requires further study.
Neonatal and infant outcomes of clozapine exposure in pregnancy: A consecutive case series
Authors: Imaz M.L. , Lera S. , Sureda B. , Roca A. , Andres S. , Palomo A. Giménez , Solé E. , Torres A. , Garcia-Esteve L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic agent approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and risk reduction of recurrent suicidal behavior in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Given the known negative consequences of relapse of severe mental disorders for both mother and infant, the maintenance of clozapine during pregnancy is recommended.1 Studies of pregnancy regarding to clozapine have demonstrated a heterogenous range of neonatal and infant complications.2

Objectives

To evaluate neonatal and infants outcomes of clozapine exposure in pregnancy.

Methods

We report three cases of infants exposed to clozapine politherapy throughout pregnancy. The dose range for all women on clozapine was 200-600 mg/day. Infants were evaluated between 4-6 months of chronological age with the Bayley-III infant development scale (BSID-III)3 and with the Alarme Détresse Bébé Scale (ADBB)4 for the detection of early-signs of withdrawal.

Results

Women remained stable during pregnancy but presented obesity and gestational diabetes. Clozapine Newborn were born to term by caesarean section due to breech presentation (N=2) or instrumental delivery due to loss of fetal well-being (N=1). They presented normal weight (3500-3800 gr). Two presented Apgarmin1-5 9/10 and one Apgarmin1-5 6/8 which showed lethargy and low alertness during the first weeks of life. All showed normal capacity for sociability, reciprocity and development of language and communication. However, one baby had scores in the low normal zone for cognition and another for motor skills.

Conclusions

The infant’s risks of clozapine exposure during pregnancy should be discussed with women and weighed against those associated with other treatments and/or with untreated severe mental illness.
Title: Risk factors of prolonged corrected QT interval among patients with mental disorders
Authors: Smaoui N. , Abid W. , Lajmi I. , Omri S. , Feki R. , Bouali M. Maalej , Charfi N. , Zouari N. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is an increased rate of sudden cardiac death in mental health patients. Studies provide consistent evidence that prolonged QT interval is associated with higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prolonged QTc interval (corrected QT>450 milliseconds) and to determine the possible factors in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Methods

We reviewed records of all mental health inpatient admissions to the psychiatry “C” department at Hedi Chaker university hospital in Sfax, between 1 february and 30 april 2019. Electrocardiogram (ECG) availability was noted and QTc interval was manually measured. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic data were collected.

Results

Of 68 mental health inpatient admissions, 59 (86.6 %) presentations had an ECG. A total of seven (11.8 %) had a prolonged QTc interval. These seven patients were treated with typical antipsychotics. Of the 7 patients with a prolonged QTc, 4 patients (57.1%) suffered from schizophrenia. QTc prolongation was significantly correlated with the presence of a recent physical trauma (p = 0.021), dietary restriction (p = 0.026), and taking at least two antipsychotics (p = 0.008). Moreover, this prolongation of QTc was linked to a longer duration of disease and an older age, without significant associations.

Conclusions

Our study supports an association between a prolonged QTc interval and clinical situations at risk and antipsychotic polypharmacy. However, a larger study with routine ECG screening is required to better assess the significance of this problem.
Quincke-edema induced by chlorpromazine: About two cases
Authors: Brahim S. , Bouali W. , Henia M. , Abid A. , Zarrouk L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Quincke-edema has been specifically associated with using certain drugs including chlorpromazine as detailed through two clinical cases.

Objectives

Illustration of two clinical cases about angioedema induced by Chlorpromazine.

Methods

We reviewed clinical data from two patients who committed a suicide attempt and then transferred to the psychiatry department after their somatic stabilization: the first was 27-year-old followed in psychiatry since childhood for intellectual deficiency and admitted to the emergency department for the suicide attempt by taking 14 tablets of chlorpromazine 100 mg and the second was a 20-year-old patient, admitted to the emergency department for suicide attempt by Raticid.

Results

The first patient presented a delusional persecution-themed syndrome with auditory hallucinations. Therefore, he was initially put on injectable treatment with Haloperidol 15mg and Diazepam 30mg then oral relay after 48h by Risperidone 4 mg and Chlorpromazine 200 mg. On the fourthday of his hospitalization, he presented a Quincke edema without laryngeal impairment. We stopped chlorpromazine and eliminated the other causes of this edema, resulting in a gradual regression of symptomatology. The second patient was put on chlorpromazine. On the second day, the patient presented a Quincke edema without laryngeal impairment. Somatic examination and biological exploration did not reveal any abnormalities. We stopped chlorpromazine and put the patient on Dexamethasone 3 days in a row resulting in a good outcome.

Conclusions

These two cases identified a Quincke-edema reaction associated with the use of Chlorpromazine, this complication can lead to life-threatening manifestations and warrants greater awareness of the potential for recurrence.
Therapeutic monitoring of mood stabilizers in bipolar disorder
Authors: Falfel D. , Ammar H. Ben , Hamdi G. , Khelifa E. , Mnif L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Efficacy of lithium is well documented in the literature, making it the gold standard treatment. However, its use declines with the advent of anticonvulsants. This raises the question about monitoring of mood stabilizers in practice.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the prophylactic lithium response in patients followed for bipolar disorder and compared to those of anticonvulsants and assess the mood stabilizers monitoring procedures in clinical practice.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, over a period of six months, with patients followed for bipolar disorder stabilized under the same mood stabilizer (lithium or anticonvulsant) for at least one year. The participants were divided into two groups according to the mood stabilizing treatment. The two groups were compared according to socio-demographic, clinical and evolutionary profiles as well as the prophylactic response to treatment.

Results

Patients included were 64 in the study, 28 received lithium and 36 received anticonvulsants. The socio-demographic profile and clinical characteristics were similar in two groups, except for the average total number of mood episodes. Retrospective evaluation of the prophylactic response by ALDA scale showed a significantly higher mean total score in patients receiving lithium (5.9 ± 2.8 versus 2.58 ± 2.4, p = 0.025).). Ten of them were in compliance with the recommendations; while 19.44% received anticonvulsants had all the monitoring parameters within the recommended time frame.

Conclusions

Thymoregulators significantly modify the disease’s prognosis. Practitioners will attach particular special attention to distinguish the therapeutic efficacy of the side effects which are numerous and sometimes serious.
Neural underpinnings of contingency awareness in human fear conditioning
Authors: Pavlov Y. , Kotchoubey B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The recognition of the conditioned-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US) association in classical conditioning is referred to as contingency awareness. The neural underpinnings of contingency awareness in human fear conditioning are poorly understood.

Objectives

We aimed to explore the EEG correlates of contingency awareness.

Methods

Here, we recorded electroencephalography (EEG) from a sample of 20 participants in a semantic conditioning experiment. In the acquisition phase the participants were presented with sequences of words from two semantic categories paired with tactile stimulation followed by presentation of a neutral sound (US-) ((e.g., animals -> left hand vibration -> US-, clothes -> right hand vibration -> US-). In the test phase the association violated in 50% of trials which followed by a presentation of a loud noise (US+). The participants were only instructed to listen carefully. On the basis of self-reported contingency awareness, twenty participants were divided in aware (N=12) and unaware (N=8) group.

Results

The aware group expressed a non-lateralized effect of alpha-beta (12-23 Hz) suppression along with a more negative CNV at central channels preceding presentation of the vibration (main effect of Group). Also, CNV was more negative in expectation of US+ comparing with expectation of US- in the aware group but not in the unaware group.

Conclusions

The results indicate that contingency awareness is accompanied by neural patterns reflecting expectation as can be seen in the suppression of somatosensory alpha-beta activity before expected presentation of the vibration as well as in CNV in expectation of an aversive event.
Complex sympathetic arousal during negative emotional stress
Authors: Visnovcova Z. , Ferencova N. , Olexova L. Bona , Tonhajzerova I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a key role in maintenance of the homeostasis and adaptability of the body to different stimuli. The disturbances of ANS, especially sympathetic dysregulation in stress response, are associated with various disorders.

Objectives

Thus, we aimed to study the sympathetic arousal in response to negative emotional stress and during recovery using heart rate variability (HRV) nonlinear analysis (symbolic dynamics parameter 0V%) and skin conductance level (SCL) as sympathetically-mediated indices in healthy students.

Methods

Seventy students (age: 23.1±0.2yr., 39 females) were examined during complex stress response: baseline – negative emotional stress – recovery. RR intervals (for HRV analysis) and electrodermal activity were continuously recorded during each period lasting six minutes. Evaluated parameters: HRV nonlinear analysis - symbolic dynamics index 0V% as cardiac sympathetic index, skin conductance level (SCL) as sympathetic cholinergic index.

Results

Regarding electrodermal activity, the parameter SCL significantly increased in response to negative emotional stress (p<0.001) and remained higher after stress (recovery phase, p<0.001). Symbolic dynamics index 0V% was without significant changes.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed increased sympathetically-mediated index SCL in response to negative emotional stress and in recovery phase indicating higher sympathetic arousal during complex stress response in young people. Surprisingly, cardiac sympathetic index 0V% was not sensitive to detect discrete changes in sympathetic arousal to negative emotion. We suggest that detailed knowledge about complex sympathetic regulatory mechanisms to emotional stress in healthy probands represents the first step for understanding of pathomechanisms leading to abnormal stress response in mental disorders.

Conflict of interest

This study was funded by the Slovak Scientific Grant Agency under grants VEGA 1/0044/18; VEGA 1/0190/20 and Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic under the project registration number 2018/20-UKMT-16.
Age-related differences in processing speed in children can be explained by heterochronicity of human brain development
Authors: Kiselev S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Age-related differences in the processing speed have been observed in a great variety of tasks. In spite of the great amount of researches in this area, we know relatively little about the nature of this developmental tendency.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess whether age-related differences in reaction time (RT) can be explained satisfactorily in terms of a global age-related differences in processing speed alone.

Methods

The sample consisted of 48 4-year-olds, 50 5-year-olds, 46 6-year-olds children, and 35 adults. To investigate processing speed in children and adults we used the test battery consisted of three types of RT tasks: simple, discrimination, and choice.

Results

We have revealed clear age-related differences in processing speed not only between children and adults but also between three age groups of children. However, using transformation method proposed by Madden et al. (2001) and Ridderinkhoff & van der Molen (1997) we have revealed that there are not only global age-related differences but also process-specific age-related differences in processing speed. Among children, age-related differences larger than predicted by the global difference hypothesis were evident when tasks required spatial orientation discrimination and stimulus–response rule complexity, but not for response suppression or reversal of stimulus–response contingencies.

Conclusions

It can be assumed that the observed process-specific, age-related differences in processing speed generally can be explained by the principle of heterochronicity of human brain development (Casey et al., 2005).
Electroconvulsive therapy use in psychiatric hospitalizations - a nationwide descriptive study
Authors: Mota P. , Gonçalves-Pinho M. , Macedo S. , Ribeiro J.P. , Freitas A. , Mota J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Despite being one of the oldest treatments in the field of Psychiatry, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used worldwide for various severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders, establishing itself as one of the fastest and most effective treatments.

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to describe a nationwide epidemiological perspective of the use of ECT in hospitalized psychiatric patients. The secondary aims were to characterize clinical and sociodemographic trends of hospitalized patients who needed ECT.

Methods

A retrospective-observational study was conducted using an administrative database which gathered all hospitalizations registered in Portuguese public hospitals from 2008 to 2015. We selected all hospitalizations with a procedure code 94.27 - Other electroshock therapy defined by the International Classification of Diseases version-9, Clinical Modification.The variables included in the study were birth date, sex, residence address, primary and secondary diagnoses, admission date, discharge date, length of stay (LoS), discharge status from each single hospitalization episode.

Results

There were a total of 879 hospitalizations with ECT during the 8-year period of the study. Most of the hospitalizations occurred in female patients (53.4 vs 46.6%), belonging to the age group of 51-70 years old, with a mean age of 50.5 years old. The median LoS was 43.0 days with an IQR of 27.0-68.0 days. The specific primary diagnosis most frequent in all hospitalizations was Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode representing 19.6% of all ECT related hospitalizations.

Conclusions

In Portugal most of the patients who received ECT were women above middle age, and depressive disorders were the most common indication.
Symptom improvement is associated with serum cytokine level change during RTMS tretament in patients with treatment resistant depression
Authors: Lazary J. , Elemery M. , Kiss S. , Pogany L. , Faludi G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Introduciton: Repetetive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective and safety noninvasive technique for treatment of major depression disorder (MDD). There is a body of increasing evidences on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying its effectivity even in case of treatment resistant depression (TRD), however, the exact mechanism is still not clarified. Among multiple biological systems, inflammation can be a target of rTMS in MDD (Tian et al. 2020; Tateishi et al. 2020).

Objectives

Here we analysed serum cytokine levels in TRD before and after rTMS interventions.

Methods

We used bilateral stimulation (15Hz for left DLPC and 1Hz on the right side) in 18 patients with TRD (5 men and 13 women; mean age=47.7±12.1 year) for 2x5 days. Blood samples were collected before the first (V1) and after the last inetrevntion (V2). Phenotypic changes were measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT) modified by Golden. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by ELISA assays.

Results

Change of BDI and BAI scores between V1 and V2 is associated with difference of TNFalpha levels (p=0.043; adj.R2=0.42 p=0.011; adj R2=0.43). Decrease on SHAPS score has been depended on IL-6 level (p=0.027) and the interaction of TNFalpha and IL-10 (p=0.005; adj R2=0.63). Sleep disturbance and neurocognitive function was not associated with cytokine levels.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the association between depressive, anxious and anhedonia symptom improvement and inflammatory mechansims during rTMS treatment. The study was supported by the OTKA 151513 grant.
Alexithymia and gambling: Psychotherapy to differentiate feelings
Authors: Savnikova A. , Khaustova O.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The relationship of alexithymia with gambling addiction is not obvious, but it is present, as evidenced by the results of many studies. Alexithymia is likely to associate with gambling as a coping behavior to increase emotional arousal and avoid negative emotions, according to the affect dysregulation model. Alexithymic individuals experience the same spectrum of emotions as ordinary people, however, from the standpoint of psychology, psychiatry, unexpressed emotions are repressed into the subconscious, and their bodily manifestations accumulate.

Objectives

We plan to conduct research to improve the medical and psychological support of patients with pathological gambling due to the presence of alexithymia.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was run in the major reference databases including PubMed, Cochrane Database for Systematic Review, Web of Science, Scopus until 2019. All studies assessed alexithymia with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale while gambling problems were assessed mostly with the South Oaks Gambling Screen.

Results

We assume that for pathological gamblers, specific psychotherapeutic techniques like body-centered psychotherapy could help them to differentiate feelings from bodily sensations.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of taking in the relationship between alexithymia and pathological gambling. Further studies are needed to widen the knowledge of this association.
Social media misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts on public mental health
Authors: Alvarez-Mon M.
Published: February 2022

Social Media Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts on Public Mental Health

Introduction

Some behavioral measures such as handwashing, masking or social distancing are among the most effective tools to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

Describe the extent to which major media outlets in the United States and Spain have tweeted about COVID-19 health related behaviors, and determine if differences exist between major media outlets in the two countries.

Methods

We analyzed contents posted on Twitter by 25 major media outlet’s (15 from USA and 10 from Spain) about COVID health related behaviors (HRB). News content were analyzed and classified as well as Twitter users’ reactions.

Results

Masking and quarantine were the HRB that generated most of the tweets. However, we found differences between media outlets in the two countries. Twitter user´s engaged more with tweets posted by USA media. Most of the tweets describing HRB from the general population were consistent with CDC/WHO guidelines.

Conclusions

Understanding the public view of these HRB is necessary to design promotional strategies aimed at the appropriate population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.