bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Puzzles Test and the Red Shapes Test as new diagnostic tools for neglect syndrome
Authors: Propustina V. , Stepanov G. , Yurina D. , Varako N. , Kovyazina M. , Vasilyeva S. , Daminov V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Neuropsychological methods for diagnosing neglect syndrome (NS) are focused on identifying the inability of patients to respond to stimuli localized in contralesional space. There are a large number of methods capable of diagnosing spatial neglect, but at the same time having various limitations and restrictions in their use.

Objectives

To devise and to test universal diagnostic techniques for visuospatial neglect detection.

Methods

1) A.R. Luria test battery; Trail Making Test (Part A); the Bells Test; 2) Authors’ methods: the Puzzles Test, the Red Shapes Test. A total of 47 patients after stroke with right hemisphere damage participated in the study and were divided into a target (18 patients with NS) and a control (29 patients without NS) groups. The Puzzles Test consists of three tasks: turning over cards, completing a sentence using cards with letters, completing a picture. The Red Shapes Test consisted in the search for a variable number of geometric shapes. Objective indicators of the study: total task completion time, the number of left omissions.

Results

The sensitivity of the tests to NS was examined using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Differences in the number of omissions and task completion time between patients with and without spatial neglect were statistically significant regarding all tasks: turning over cards (p=0.01), completing a sentence (p<0.001), completing a picture (p<0.001), finding geometric shapes (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The Puzzles Test and Red Shapes Test along with the foreign tests (the Bells Test, Trail Making Test) are sufficiently effective methods for spatial neglect detection.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
From medication to meditation as treatment for chronic stress and utility of hair cortisol measurement: randomized clinical trial
Authors: De Juan Viladegut O. , Bioque M. , Bueno Sanya L. , Andreu Gracia H. , Olivier Mayorga L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Stress is part of the daily life of many people, especially in Western countries. Recent studies have shown that cortisol has been listed as the primary hormone linked to stress. Currently, to measure cortisol values there are only tests that quantify it at a determined time point, without taking into account its variability and its changing pattern over time, depends on the circadian rhythm and other stress-related factors.

Objectives

This randomized clinical trial of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona proposes to study the utility of accumulated hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a measure to correlate the levels of this hormone over time with the stress suffered by the patient.

Methods

Patients are classified into two groups: a control group and an intervention group. In the second group, the participants will follow a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with the aim of reducing stress and, consequently, cortisol levels.

Results

The purpose of this study is to validate the utility of HCC in order to, retrospectively, obtain cortisol secretion curves as a measure of the level of stress of each individual and personalize the treatments. Simultaneously, we intend to present new perspectives for treatment in psychiatric disorders where stress predominates, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or major depression (MD), which are becoming increasingly important in our society.

Conclusions

HCC contributes to the practice of personalized medicine as it allows us to detect cortisol exposure in the months prior to obtaining the capillary sample, and thus to draw the trend of this hormone over time.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Trainees between theoreticalknowledge and the initiative takingat the hospital
Authors: Betbout I. , Amemou B. , Ben Haouala A. , Bouraoui W. , Chida S. , Zaafrane F. , Mhalla A. , Gaha L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The internshipis a period in which the studentimplements what they have learned from their training to obtain or certification and to promote their professionalintegration, the difficulty of taking initiative and the lack of self-esteemrepresenting an obstacle to their training

Objectives

This is a quantitative descriptive study conducted at the different placement departments among all 2nd-year students in all sections. Our data collection was done using two questionnaires administered, one for the supervisors and the other for the students.

Methods

Theoretical Framework: Theorist Patricia Benner

Results

According to the results found, in oursample, thereis a predominance of females 89.17%, with a sex ratio of 0.121. 88.34% are aged between 20 - 21 years and an averageage of 22.4 years. According to the interpretation of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores, 17.5% of the trainees have a “Very Low Self-Esteem”, 47.5% have a “Low Self-Esteem”, 25.83% have an “Average Self-Esteem”, and only 9.17% have a “High Self-Esteem”. In addition, more than half of the respondents, 53.33%, state thatthey “often” have difficultytaking the initiative in the traineeshipenvironment, while 30.83% do not have such difficulty but “rarely”. Indeed, 53.33% of confirmedsupervisorssaythatthey “often” have difficultytaking the initiative in the placement environment

Conclusions

It isnecessary to take into account these obstacles to the trainee’s training through better psychological supervision, which could be the first steptowardssolving the problem

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychiatric adverse events reported after COVID-19 vaccination in the European Union (EU), the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK)
Authors: Macias Saint-Gerons D. , Correa Ghisays P. , Tabarés-Seisdedos R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Several psychiatric adverse events can occur after vaccination. Passive surveillance reporting systems can support the identification of rare adverse events and contribute to hypothesis generation for potential causal associations.

Objectives

To describe the psychiatric adverse reactions associated with various COVID-19 vaccines reported in the WHO database (VigiBase®)

Methods

We for individual case reports (ICSRs) for “Psychiatric disorders” linked to COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the EU, the US and the UK. Reporting rates were calculated using the number of administered doses as a denominator. Disproportional reporting was investigated through frequentist and Bayesian approaches by the calculation the information component (IC) for adverse psychiatric adverse not included in the vaccine label.

Results

63322 ICSRs including 76,163 psychiatric adverse events were identified, 21878 (34.6 %) were serious events. Mean age in the reports was 48.8 years old (SD: 17.8) and involved 44441 (70.2%) female and 17975 (28.4%) women; sex was not specified in 906 (1.4%) reports. Rate of reported psychiatric adverse events per million administered doses were 52.0, 110.3, 164.8 and 170.8 for Tozinameran/Cominarty (Pfizer-BioNTech), Elasomeran (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV2-S (Janssen) vaccines respectively. UK recorded the highest rates. The most frequently reported events were insomnia (21.6%), confusional state (13.6%) and anxiety (13.5%). Disproportionality was found for: habit cough (IC:3.6), clinomania (IC: 2.2), exploding head syndrome (IC: 2.2) and autoscopy (IC: 2.1).

Conclusions

Rates of reported psychiatric adverse events are very low. Doctors and patients should be aware of these potential adverse reactions. Continuing monitoring of emerging potential safety signals is advised.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
ADHD and Intellectual Disability: using ADHD medication
Authors: Courtenay K. , Perera B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Mental disorders and ADHD in people with ID are higher than in the general population.Clinicians may be reluctant to diagnose ADHD in people with ID. They could be denied effective treatment.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to ascertain antipsychotic use in people with ID before and after the a diagnosis of ADHD.

Methods

A casenote review in an ID service for aduls with ADHD. Data collected on psychotropic use before and after the diagnosis.

Results

Forty-eight aduls with ADHD-ID were identified. 38(79%) were male and 10(21%) were female. 19 to 58 years of age. Four (8%) had mild ID; 44 (92%) had moderate to severe ID. 27(56%) had anxiety, mood disorders or psychosis. 21(44%) had ADHD only. Challenging behaviour was reported in 24 (50%) of cases. Thirty-three (68%) used psychotropic medication prior to the diagnosis of ADHD and after the diagnosis. Post-diagnosis, 20(60%) continued to use antipsychotic medication indicating the elimiation of antipsychotic use in 13(40%) of people. The level of medication use remained the same in spite of the reduction of antipsychotic medication. The diagnoses of challenging behaviour was not affected by the reduction in antipsychotic medication and the increase in ADHD medication use.

Conclusions

The use of antipsychotic medication in people with intellectual disaibilities and ADHD is high. ADHD should be considered when people present wtih challenging behaviour. ADHD medication can be effective in treating ADHD-ID and can lead to a significant reduction in the use of antipsychotic medication.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Efficacy and safety of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) in treatment resistant depression
Authors: Kavakbasi E. , Tonkul M. , Baune B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory treatment option, which is used in a variety of neurological and psychiatric diseases. It is approved for depression treatment and recommended in international guidelines. A significant reduction in treatment duration was achieved by using theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols, which are practicable and non-inferior to conventional TMS.

Objectives

To analyse the efficacy and safety of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of left DLPFC in inpatients with treatment-resistant depression.

Methods

We evaluated n=44 inpatients with treatment resistant major depressive disorder (n=37) and bipolar depression (n=7), who were treated with the 5 Hz intermittent TBS once daily for 3-6 weeks according to clinical decision. A total of 600 pulses and 200 bursts were applied in each treatment session. Clinical and response data were obtained by chart review.

Results

Mean age at time of first stimulation was 54 years. 61,3 % of patients were female. On average, the current episode started 21 months before the first stimulation. In total, 924 treatment sessions were performed. On average, patients received 21 sessions. The mean MADRS Score pre-treatment was 27.2. Post-treatment, there was a clear reduction in depression severity (MADRS 18.3). No severe adverse events and no seizures occurred in this clinical observational analysis.

Conclusions

Intermittent TBS is efficacious and safe in patients with chronic and refractory depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Food Attentional Bias and Eating Disordered symptomology: The moderating role of cognitive reappraisal
Authors: Lev-Ari L. , Kreiner H. , Avni O.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Cognitive reappraisal (CR) is a cognitive regulation strategy aimed at changing how people think about certain stimuli in order to change their emotional impact. CR strategies have been used in research to try to change eating behaviors and other food-related responses. This study is the first to use a behavioral measurement to examine the effect of CR on food attentional bias (FAB) in people with elevated FAB.

Objectives

It was hypothesized that CR would reduce FAB. Ninety-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CR, upregulation (UP) or controls (CN).

Methods

All participants performed a computerized Visual Dot Probe (VDP) task using food stimuli to measure their FAB before and after the manipulation. The CR group recited five sentences aimed at curtailing the reward of high caloric food. Participants in the UP group recited five sentences aimed at strengthening the reward of high caloric food. The CN group recited five mundane sentences about their day. Participants also self-reported on eating disordered symptomology and BMI.

Results

People with elevated FAB had more disordered eating than people low on FAB. A significant interaction was observed between group and time (pre/post-test), with the lowest FAB levels in the CR group following the manipulation.

Conclusions

CR, a self-administered strategy can be effective in reducing FAB. CR may be an effective strategy for developing resistance to tempting food stimuli and curbing high caloric food intake. Being highly attentive to food cues may contribute to obesity. The attentional bias paradigm can be used to detect early signs of FAB.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Anorexia nervosa admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a Department of Psychiatry in northern Portugal
Authors: Vieira A. , Nunes P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Emerging evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on mental health. In particular, patients with Anorexia nervosa (AN) may have faced increased symptom severity.

Objectives

To compare the clinical characteristics of inpatients with AN admitted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic versus the two previous years.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of inpatients admitted between January 2018 and December 2020 in a psychiatry inpatient unit of a tertiary hospital.

Results

There were 11 admissions of patients with AN in 2020 (8 from March onwards), a 22% increase relative to 2019, which in turn saw a 28% increase in admissions relative to 2018. Most patients had an AN diagnosis previous to the pandemic. The majority were undergoing outpatient treatment for over a year. Two patients were admitted within a month of outpatient treatment. There was an increase in admissions through the emergency service in 2020. The most frequent diagnostic was AN binge-eating/purging type in 2020 and 2019, whereas in 2018 the AN restrictive type was dominant. Mean BMI at admission and average length of stay were similar across the three years. Readmission in a 12-month period was 54,5% in 2020 (22,2% in 2019 and 42,9% in 2018).

Conclusions

Despite the widespread impression of a negative impact of the pandemic on AN patients, in our study the clinical characteristics of AN patients admitted in 2020 were mostly similar to the two previous years. Readmissions were higher in 2020, therefore future analysis of data from 2021 might be more enlightening.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Attitudes and knowledge of the tunisian medical staff towards LGBT patients
Authors: Sediri S. , Chahed M. , Bouguerra I. , Maamri A. , Zalila H.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sexual minorities have been coming out more than ever before. However, Tunisian laws and society are still not supportive of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights. To this day, Tunisian doctors are requisitioned to carry out anal tests as part of expert testimonies in cases of conviction for homosexuality.

Objectives

Assess Tunisian physicians’ attitudes and knowledge towards LGBT patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in October 2021, among 445 Tunisian physicians and medical students. Data were collected via an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire including sociodemographic data and the LGBT Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS).

Results

The overall LGBT-DOCSS score was quite good (4.47 ±0.85). The attitudes of Tunisian doctors were better than their knowledge (p=0.01; t=2.6), which was better than their clinical preparedness (p<10-3; t=25) in treating LGBT patients. Doctors who self-identify as sexual minorities and those who interacted with LGBT people in their daily lives, were less stigmatising, more able to treat them and had better knowledge of their needs. Those who had had sexology training (5%) had better LGBT-DOCSS score (p=0.013), better knowledge (p=0.045) and preparedness (p<10-3) in treating LGBT patients but did not appear to be less stigmatising than the rest of the group (p=0.9). Religiosity was associated with a more stigmatising attitude (p<10-3), but had no impact on knowledge or preparedness.

Conclusions

This study points to gaps, identified by doctors themselves when faced with an LGBT patient. A more inclusive health system requires better matching of health services to the needs of the whole population without discrimination.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
A cross-sectional study of factors associated with life satisfaction in Thai elderly
Authors: Joowong S. , Junsirimongkol B. , Khaektao P. , Doungyota T. , Paomee K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Aging raises wide-ranging issues within social, economic, welfare, and health care systems. Life satisfaction is regarded as an indicator of the quality of life which, in turn, is associated with mortality and morbidity in older adults.

Objectives

Life Satisfaction is a dimension of happiness and well-being which represents the quality of life in both literacy and every aspect of a person. The purpose of the article is to assess the level of life satisfaction and the factors associated with life satisfaction in old age.

Methods

This research was conducted in a cross-sectional study using 36 items from Satisfaction and Well-being of Elderly (Thai semi-structured in-depth interviews) tools to collect data. The population used in this study was Thai people over 60 and used multistage probability sampling, were held with 2000 elderly individuals from 13 health regions of Thailand.

Results

Of the 2000 samples, the overall life satisfaction was moderate (54.1%). Upon data analysis, ten categories were extracted. However, there are 7 factors that significantly influence the level of life satisfaction of the Thai elderly at p < 0.05: Age, Occupation, Recreational activities, Revenue, Education level, Religious activities, and Social Support. Moreover, when tested with Pearson Correlation found that the relationship between and Thai brief screening for depression (2Q) was low correlated (r -0.121, P=0.000).

Conclusions

Aging should be foreseen and forethought to increase life satisfaction. The following can be effective in increasing life satisfaction in the elderly: Placing greater emphasis on spiritualism in life, employment of the elderly, and promoting positive leisure in the elderly.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Depressive symptoms in the peripartum: incidence and associated characteristics
Authors: Pompili S. , Mauro A. , Orsolini L. , Salvi V. , Volpe U.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The peripartum is a period at high risk for the onset of depressive symptoms. The prevalence of peripartum depression (PD) ranges from 6 to 20% and is burdened with high adverse birth outcomes, poor mother-infant bonding, and a high risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. However, PD is underrecognized and consequently undertreated.

Objectives

We aimed at screening depressive symptoms in women during pregnancy and postpartum, and evaluating the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with depressive symptoms.

Methods

199 women, 55 during pregnancy and 144 in the postpartum period, consecutively admitted to the Perinatal Mental Health Service of Ancona (Italy) were administered a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire together with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Women scoring ≥ 12 at the EPDS were considered screening positive.

Results

Twenty women (10%) were screening-positive. These women were more often foreigners (R2=0,032; β=0,178; p=0,012), single (R2=0,026; β=0,163; p=0,022), with a positive psychiatric family history (R2=0,114; β=-0,337; p=0,001) and more frequently affected by physical comorbidities unrelated to pregnancy (R2=0,03; β=0-0,174; p=0,014). These women also had more gestational comorbidities such as gestational hypertension (R2=0,02; β=-0,154; p=0,030), shortening of uterus neck (R2=0,05; β=-0,234; p=0,001), and miscarriage threats/placental abruption (R2=0,004; β=-0,067; p=0,001).

Conclusions

Our study highlighted the association between depressive symptoms and potentially dangerous gestational comorbidities. Our results further stress the need to screen all women in the peripartum for the presence of depression, in order to identify those at-risk and eventually put in place strategies to prevent further complications to mothers and children.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Modified Completion Test (MCT) in Psychological Diagnostics of Patients with Paranoid Schizophrenia — Stage of Filling the Gaps
Authors: Burlakova N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The study demonstrates potential of the modified completion test (MCT) (text by H. Ebbinghaus) for diagnostics of patients with schizophrenia. MCT includes four stages: 1) filling the gaps in the story; 2) reading and retelling; 3) making up a continuation and a title; 4) retelling the story and its continuation after half an hour (Burlakova,2020).

Objectives

The objective was to research diagnostical potential of the first stage of MCT for patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia with hallucinatory syndrome.

Methods

The study included 42 patients (28 female, 14 male) with schizophrenia (disease onset at least 5–7 years ago), aged from 19 to 51 (average age 35±8), receiving treatment. Control group consisted of 44 people (average age 37±6), never sought psychiatric help, never diagnosed with any mental disorders. Groups were organized to be equal in gender proportions, age, and educational level.

Results

The psychiatric patients in comparison to the control group: 1) accomplished the task slower; 2) although instructed to fill the gaps in succession, often violated the instruction and demonstrated orientation on specific fragments rather than on the whole; 3) had lower efficiency: ˜5% of the clinical group did the task without mistakes; 4) chose strategies of interacting with the text not detected in the control group: a) did not fill several gaps, b) added words outside the gaps, and c) crossed out fragments of the text; 5) filled the gaps with words inadequate emotionally, semantically and/or logically.

Conclusions

Comparative analysis demonstrated that already on the first stage, the method proves informative in pathopsychological assessment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Association with severe and treatment-resistant depression among patients with inflammatory joint disease. Nationwide nested case-control study in Swedish registers
Authors: Brenner P. , Askling J. , Stang P. , Brandt L. , Hägg D. , Reutfors J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Treatment resistant depression (TRD) and severe depression (SD) are common among patients with depression. Patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD) are at higher risk for developing depression compared to the general population; however, the risk for SD or TRD is not known.

Objectives

To examine the odds of patients with IJD for developing SD and TRD compared to non-severe and non-TRD depression.

Methods

This case-control study was nested within a cohort of patients with incident depression (n=443,384) identified in nationwide Swedish registers 2006-2018. Patients with SD (n=42,975) were identified through the ICD-10 code specifier, through psychiatric hospitalization and/or through suicide attempts. Patients who started a third consecutive treatment for depression were identified with TRD (n=33,830). Each patient was matched with five non-SD - or non-TRD - patients by sociodemographics and year of cohort entry. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated by conditional logistic regression with regard to a history of any IJD and specific IJDs prior to depression onset.

Results

Among patients with depression, those with a history of IJD did not have higher odds for developing SD (aOR 1.09 (95%CI 1.00-1.20)) or TRD (aOR 1.03 (0.93 - 1.14)) compared to patients without IJD. A history of rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a significantly higher odds for SD among patients aged 18-29 (aOR 1.55 (1.01-2.36)) and for TRD among patients aged 30-49 (aOR 1.33 (1.05-1.67).

Conclusions

Overall, no association was observed between history of IJD and developing SD/TRD; with the exception of younger age strata in rheumatoid arthritis.

Disclosure

PB, JA, DH, LB, and JR are affiliated to or employees at The Unit for Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, which receives grants from several entities (pharmaceutical companies, regulatory authorities, contract research organizations) for the per
The soluble ST2 levels in patients with depression and comorbid heart failure
Authors: Sikora A. , Fedorov S. , Vynnyk M. , Pustovoyt M. , Pityk O. , Bezuk J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Depression in HF has become a major issue as the burden of HF has continued to increase, and many studies have suggested poorer outcomes in HF patients reporting depression. The prevalence of major depression in HF is about 20–40 %, which is 4–5 % higher than in the normal population. Soluble ST2 is involved in multiple pathogenetic pathways including cardiac strain, inflammation, and myocardial necrosis with remodeling.

Objectives

The purpose of study was to assess the predictive effect of soluble ST2 (sST2) and depressive symptoms in patients with ischemic HF

Methods

It this observational cross-sectional trial 129 patients with ischemic HF FC II-IV by New York Heart Association and depression were investigated. The diagnosis was verified by laboratory and instrumental methods according to European Society of Cardiology recommendations (2016). Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The ST2 level in blood serum was detected by ELISA method. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistica 12 (StatSoft, Tulsa, OK, USA).

Results

The prevalence of depression increases with NYHA functional class. With decreasing ejection fraction of left ventricle, levels of sST2 were gradually increased (P for trend < 0.001), as well as the prevalence of depressive symptoms (P for trend < 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that depressive symptoms and elevation of sST2 were both independent predictors of all-cause mortality and HF-related hospitalization.

Conclusions

The serum levels of sST2 and depressive symptoms were independent and additive predictors of all-cause mortality and heart failure-related hospitalization in patients with ischemic HF.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Change people attitudes towards schizophrenia using a short video
Authors: Amsalem D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Social contact-based video interventions effectively reduce stigma toward individuals with psychosis.

Objectives

We recently demonstrated the efficacy of a 90-second social contact–based video intervention in reducing stigma. The current randomized controlled study presents four briefer videos differing in presenter’s gender and race, with baseline, postintervention, and 30-day follow-up assessments. The study aimed to examine whether people changing their attitudes following the intervention.

Methods

Using a crowdsourcing platform (CloudResearch), we recruited and assigned 1,993 race and gender-balanced participants ages 18–35 years to one of four brief video-based interventions (Black female, White female, Black male, and White male presenters) or a nonintervention control condition. In the videos, a young presenter with psychosis humanized their illness through an evocative description of living a meaningful and productive life.

Results

Five-by-three ANOVA showed a significant group-by-time interaction for the total score of all five stigma domains: social distance, stereotyping, separateness, social restriction, and perceived recovery. A one-way ANOVA showed greater reductions in video intervention groups than control at post-intervention and 30-day follow-up, but no differences between video groups.

Conclusions

This randomized controlled study replicated and extended previous research findings by showing stigma reduction across videos that differ in the presenter’s gender and race, thus enhancing generalizability. The videos described the experience of psychosis and reduced stigma, suggesting their potential utility on social media platforms to increase the likelihood of seeking services and ultimately may improve access to care among young individuals with psychosis. Future research should address intersectional stigma experienced by culturally tailoring the narrative.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Difference in spectral power density of sleep electroencephalography in individuals with or without insomnia
Authors: Kang J.M. , Cho S.-E. , Kang S.-G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Power spectral analysis is the most common method of quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) techniques and enables investigation of the microstructure of insomnia. Previous spectral analysis studies on insomnia have shown inconsistent results due to their heterogeneity and small sample sizes.

Objectives

We compared the difference of electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral power during sleep among participants without insomnia, insomniacs with no hypnotic use, hypnotic users with no insomnia complaints, and hypnotic users with insomnia complaints.

Methods

We used the Sleep Heart Health Study data, which is large sample size and has good quality control. The fast Fourier transformation was used to calculate the EEG power spectrum for total sleep duration within contiguous 30-second epochs of sleep. For 1,985 participants, EEG spectral power was compared among the groups while adjusting for potential confounding factors that could affect sleep EEG.

Results

The power spectra during total sleep differed significantly among the groups in all frequency bands (p corr < 0.001). We found that quantitative EEG spectral power in the beta and sigma bands of total sleep differed (p corr < 0.001) between participants without insomnia and hypnotic users with insomnia complaints after controlling for potential confounders. The higher beta and sigma power were found in the hypnotic users with insomnia complaints than in the non-insomnia participants.

Conclusions

This study suggests differences in the microstructures of polysomnography-derived sleep EEG between the insomnia groups.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
I can’t wait! An investigation into time processing in cocaine use disorder
Authors: Burke T. , Ersche K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Almost all definitions of impulsivity include the notion of distorted time perception such as impaired awareness of the future or premature responses. Preclinical evidence suggests that stimulant drugs speed up the internal clock, making time pass faster than it actually is. However, stimulant-addicted humans, who are drug-abstinent seem to over-estimate long time intervals.

Objectives

The present study aims to investigate time processing in actively using patients with cocaine use disorder (CUD). We hypothesise that active cocaine use will be associated with an under-estimation of long time intervals.

Methods

We recruited 48 men with a chronic history of cocaine use, meeting the DSM-5 criteria for CUD, and 42 healthy men without a history of substance use disorders. All participants completed a time reproduction task in which they were presented four times with six different time durations and were subsequently asked to reproduce them by pressing the space bar for the same time duration of the target interval they had just seen. Participants also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).

Results

Overall precision in time reproduction was significantly reduced in CUD patients (F6,81=3.97,p=0.002), which was particularly evident for longer time delays. CUD patients’ estimated-to-target-duration ratios were marginally shorter for the 11000ms (F1,86=3.1,p=0.084) and significantly shorter for the 18000ms and 24000ms time intervals (both p<0.05). Time reproduction performance correlated with self-reported attentional impulsivity on the BIS-11 in both CUD patients and healthy controls (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Consistent with preclinical work, the inner clock of humans with regular cocaine use seems to be accelerated.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
An application for identification and stratification psychological crisis among pandemic frontline healthcare workers
Authors: Szendi Md Habil I. , Bóna O. , Jenei T. , Kovács C. , Nagy Á. , Németh-Rácz K. , Török I.A. , Rudics E. , Dalos V. , Bilicki V. , Bácsfalvi M. , Téglás K. , Szabó Z. , Kelemen E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID-MENTA Screening Program was developed to monitor the mental health of frontline healthcare professionals and identify those at high risk for suicide at the Kiskunhalas Mobile Disease Control Hospital.

Objectives

Our post hoc analysis aimed to investigate the association between psychological distress and suicide ideation based on passively collected data during the screening work.

Methods

A sample of 50 healthcare professionals was analyzed from 167 participants in the COVID-MENTA Screening Program between the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was performed during the breaks of healthcare professionals at work. Half of the group (N=25) perceived severe distress (scored > 5/10 on Distress Thermometer). The crisis monitoring application was based on Klonsky and May’s 3-step theory (2015) and was built by adapting the questions on the appropriate international scales (Psychache Scale, Beck’s Hopelessness Scale, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Suicide Capacity Scale). The tool can stratify the current suicide risk into seven levels.

Results

Spearman’s Rank Correlation was used for statistical analysis. There was a significant positive correlation between the psychological distress and the suicide risk (r (48) = 0,43, p
< 0,01).

Conclusions

Our findings supported the hypothesis of the study that the risk of suicide rises with the increase of the level of distress. The application has been proved effective in ecological conditions, helping in several cases to screen individuals currently at increased risk for suicide, allowing us to intervene in a timely and effective manner.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Healthcare workers’ knowledge and management skills of psychosocial and mental health needs and priorities of individuals with COVID-19
Authors: Hamdan-Mansour A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Individuals confirmed with COVID-19 were isolated or treated in medical and well-designated units; however, such a situation probably causing psychological and mental health problems that require prompt intervention.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and management of healthcare workers regarding psychosocial and mental health priorities and needs of individuals with COVID-19.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data collected conveniently at one single point in time from 101 healthcare workers in Jordan directly managing the health of individuals with COVID-19.

Results

healthcare workers have moderate to a high level of knowledge of psychological distress related to COVID-19; mean ranged from 50-70% agreement and confidence. Healthcare workers had moderate to a high level of management of psychosocial and mental health needs. In general, healthcare workers were able to identify mental and psychosocial health needs and priorities at a moderate level. Healthcare workers’ knowledge had a positive and significant correlation with age (r = .24, p = .012) and years of experience (r = .28, p =.004), and a significant difference was found in their management towards using mental and psychosocial care between those who are trained on psychological first aids and those who are not (t = - 3.11, p = .003).

Conclusions

there is a need to train healthcare workers to integrate psychosocial and mental health care while managing psychological distress related to COVID-19.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Older adults and sexual well-being: A qualitative study in Portugal and Slovenia
Authors: Von Humboldt S. , Ribeiro-Gonçalves J.A. , Costa A. , Low G. , Benko E. , Leal I.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Beyond living longer, it is increasingly important to live with more and better health during aging (1). Sexual well-being (SWB) was found to contribute to health and well-being in old age and is highly under-researched in the older population (2).

Objectives

This study aims to analyze SWB in a cross-cultural way through older Portuguese and Slovenian older samples.

Methods

We interviewed 136 older participants with an average age of 71.6 years old. Participants were Portuguese and Slovenian and lived in the community. Participants were subjected to semi-structured interviews and these were subjected to a content analysis process.

Results

The content analysis indicated nine themes related to SWB: self-reported good health; demonstrations of love; non-sexual joint activities; overall well-being and quality of life; partner support; positive self-image; being independent and active; sexual compatibility; and masturbation. Portuguese older adults experience their SWB associated mainly with self-reported good health and demonstrations of love, while Slovenians older adults associate their SWB mainly with non-sexual joint activities and overall well-being and quality of life.

Conclusions

The themes found in this study are fundamental evidence for cultural interventions and guidelines outlining in the context of sexual health in aging, mainly due to the scarcity of knowledge of SWB among older adults. 1.von Humboldt S et al. Sexual expression in old age: How older adults from different cultures express sexually? Sex Res Social Policy. 2020;1-15. 2.von Humboldt S et al. Are older adults satisfied with their sexuality? Outcomes from a cross-cultural study. Educ Gerontol. 2020;46:284-293.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis Case Report In A Patient With Suspected Conversion Disorder
Authors: Duran Öztürk A.N. , Sahmelikoglu Onur O. , Karamustafalioglu N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

. Autoimmune encephalitis is a difficult-to-recognize, complex disease that can present with various neuropsychiatric symptoms. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-r) and anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 protein (LGI-1) subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis may present with psychiatric symptoms.

Objectives

We would like to present an autoimmune encephalitis case that can be confused with conversion disorder.

Methods

A 54-year-old, female patient started to have forgetfulness ten months ago, and convulsions started five months ago. The patient had disorganized behaviors and contractions in the extremities. Diffusion MRI and brain CT images were normal. The patient had low blood sodium level. In the follow-up, her orientation was impaired and she could hardly make eye contact. As the patient’s contractions were evaluated as conversion in the first stage, 50mg/day sertraline was added to the treatment.

Results

After cranial MRI and EEG recordings were completed, the patient was referred to the neurology department due to the suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis. In the cerebrospinal fluid examination anti-LGI-1 and anti-yo antibodies were positive. Thereupon, IV pulse steroid was given. After that her orientation and disorganized behavior improved. Then, the patient was referred to oncology department.

Conclusions

Limbic encephalitis may manifest as sleep disorders, short-term memory loss, conversion disorder, disorganized behaviors, slurred speech, non-epileptic seizures, sensory and motor defects. Delay in diagnosis may worsen the prognosis of possible malignancy. It should be kept in mind that the patient with a suspected conversion disorder may have limbic encephalitis.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Early Intervention Programmes in Psychosis
Authors: Nordentoft M.
Published: September 2022

Early Intervention Programmes in Psychosis Mental illness is associated with high burden of disease and it has severe individual and societal consequences. In first episode psychosis, specialised Early Intervention Services with team-based intensive case management and family involvement are superior to standard treatment in reducing psychotic and negative symptoms and comorbid substance abuse and improving social functioning and user satisfaction. The results of the OPUS-trials will be presented together with meta-analyses based on similar trials. The sustainability of positive effects will be highlighted with results from three different trials. Results of long-term follow-up studies indicate that the prognosis of first episode psychosis is very diverse with the extremes represented by one group being well functioning and able to quit medication without relapse; and another group having a long-term chronic course of illness with a need for support to maintain daily activities. The latter is, in spite of many efforts, still poorly served. A substantial proportion of patients with psychosis have treatment resistant auditory hallucinations. The UK-based AVATAR-trial was the first to demonstrate effect of simulation training on devaluating voices. The Danish CHALLENGE-trial aim to replicate the findings from the AVATAR trial in a virtual reality setting.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Effects of acute physical activity on executive functions requiring inhibition among children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Miklós M. , Komáromy D. , Futó J. , Balazs J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In recent years, physical activity as a potential intervention for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) became into the focus of researchers, however the results are conflicting.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the effect of acute moderate physical activity on executive functions requiring inhibition.

Methods

The study included 50 treatment-naïve ADHD children, 50 medicated children with ADHD and 50 typically developing children, aged 6–12 years. To diagnose ADHD, we applied the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents. To measure executive functions, the pediatric version of the Test of Attentional Performance (KiTAP) was used. Half of the children in each study group participated in a 20-minute, moderately intense exercise while watching a cartoon video. In the control intervention, the other half of the children from all three study groups watched the same cartoon video in a sitting position for 20 min.

Results

Regarding distractibility, flexibility and inhibition, physical activity had a significant positive effect on two of 10 parameters (number of total errors and errors when distractor was presented, both in the distractibility task) in the treatment-naïve ADHD group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that moderate acute physical activity has some significant positive effects on certain executive function parameters among children with ADHD. Future studies should consider determining the optimal form, intensity, and duration of physical activity to become a potential adjunctive intervention for children diagnosed with ADHD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Association of FKBP5 gene methylation and adolescents’ sex with depressive symptoms outcomes: a nested case-control study among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Li W. , Lu C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Altered DNA methylation in the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene has been shown to regulate stress response, which may serve as a biomarker of depression and a promising candidate for explaining sexual differences. However, there is no consistent conclusion so far.

Objectives

The present study aimed to test the associations of FKBP5 DNA methylation with depressive symptoms and whether these associations were influenced by sex.

Methods

A nested case-control study comprising 87 cases and 151 controls was conducted in South China from January 2019 and December 2019. Peripheral blood for DNA extraction and DNA methylation analysis of FKBP5 gene promoter was collected, and severity of depressive symptoms was assessed at baseline and after one year follow-up.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, lower methylation percentage of FKBP5-12 CpG 1 was observed in adolescents with depressive symptoms after adjusting covariates (case: 0.94 ± 2.00, control: 0.47 ± 0.92; F = 5.41, P = 0.021). In addition, hypomethylation of FKBP5 CpG sites was not an independent risk factor for depressive symptoms after adjustment for environmental stress factors (P > 0.05). No significant sex differences were found in the association of FKBP5 gene methylation with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Lower levels of FKBP5 methylation were found in adolescents with depressive symptoms. Our study supported that the epigenetic factors did not act alone in the development of depressive symptoms. Taken together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of complex mechanisms of gene-environment interactions involved in depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Specifics of depression in epilepsy
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Kuzminova M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The strong comorbidity between depression and epilepsy is widely acknowledged. However, depression in epilepsy can manifest atypically, leading to its low detection rate and lack of access to treatment in patients with epilepsy

Objectives

To study the specifics and pattern of depression in epilepsy for its timely diagnosis and therapy and to prevent suicide risk and improve the quality of life in patients with epilepsy

Methods

Clinical, statistical, psychometric. A total of 149 patients, mean age 45.0 ± 11.7 years, 74 males, 75 females, were examined

Results

It was found that depression was manifested in 46.3% of patients before the onset of epileptic seizures, and in 20.8% of patients it developed after treatment with some AEDs. The incidence of symptoms characteristic of depression in epilepsy, such as unstable mood, irritability, euphoria, episodes of pain and sleep disturbances, and its’ impact on the quality of life in patients with epilepsy were analysed. Gender differences were identified for a range of symptoms

Conclusions

The authors expanded their understanding of the clinical specifics of depressive manifestations in patients with epilepsy to allow timely detection and medical and rehabilitative care for these patients

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Sleep and Mental Disorders
Authors: Pollmächer T.
Published: September 2022

Since ancient times, the close connection between disturbed sleep and mental disorders has been well known. And yet, it was not until the middle of the 20th century that these connections could be studied in detail, after the EEG and REM sleep were discovered. Especially the study of the sleep EEG of depressed patients has brought to light alterations of SWS and REM sleep that could be of considerable clinical value, but at least in part still await broad confirmation. In the treatment of disturbed sleep in psychiatric patients, cognitive behavioral therapy in particular has become increasingly established in recent years, whereas only limited innovations have been recorded with regard to pharmacological treatment. Only in recent years it has become clear that psychiatric disorders are often accompanied by clinically relevant somatic disorders of sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and that such comorbidities urgently require attention and treatment. It is becoming increasingly clear that detailed knowledge of sleep disorders is essential for the effective treatment of mental disorders. Moreover, it is likely that the scientific study of sleep in mentally ill people still has untapped potential in terms of understanding the pathophysiology.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.