bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1475 – Chelation Therapy Impact And Its Correlation With The Psychological Parameters In Patients With Thalassaemia
Authors: Lyrakos G.N. , Vini D. , Spinaris V. , Aslani H. , Drossou- Servou M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Iron Chelation treatment (ICT) in beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) patients undergoing blood transfusions can cause low satisfaction, low compliance, with possible negative consequences on treatment success, patients’ wellbeing, and costs.

Aims

The purpose was to estimate the existing correlation between the Chelation therapy factor of the Specific Thalassaemia Quality of life instrument (STQOLI) and certain psychological assessments.

Method

The Chelation impact scale, of the Specific Thalassaemia Quality of life instrument (STQOLI), along with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale, were administered to 70 patients with thalassaemia Major on regular blood transfusion, registered with Thalassemia unit at General Hospital of Nikaia Greece.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that Chelation impact in health related quality of life in patients with thalassaemia has a significant and negative correlation with depression (r=-.325 p< .001), anxiety (r=-.276 p< 0.05) and total DASS (r=-.308 p< .05) and a significant positive correlation with the psychosocial impact scale of the (STQOLI) (r=.463 p< .0001), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (r=.265 p< .05) and the Total scale of STQOLI (r=.784 p< .001).

Conclusion

The better quality of life in the Chelation therapy factor a patient has the less anxious and depressed is feeling. Thalassaemia has a negative impact on emotional, social and well being in thalassaemia patients. Continuing support for better Chelation quality should be given to these patients. More understanding and support especially from health authorities, and the society is essential to enhance their quality of life.
1477 – Role Of Rotigotine, a Dopaminergic Modulator, In The Management Of Pharmacoresistant Depressed Patients
Authors: Pompei F. , Di Lorenzo C. , Penna L. , Gentili F. , De Filippis S.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Pharmacoresistant depression is a challenging clinical condition faced daily by psychiatrists. Although several strategies have been tried to optimize the outcome of this condition, depressive symptoms management remains difficult. Serotonin is regarded as the target neurotransmitter of mood regulation while other monoamines are considered as secondary characters in symptoms management although their role has not been fully explored.

Objectives

Verify the role of dopaminergic modulation in management of pharmacoresistant depression.

Aims

Aim of our study is to evaluate the role of a dopaminergic treatment in pharmacoresistant depression management by administration of transdermal rotigotine.

Methods

Pharmacoresistant depressed patients, with a stabilized antidepressant treatment and in lack of symptomatic improvement in last six weeks, underwent a clinical trial with transdermal rotigotine, up to 4 mg/day. Symptoms were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and after one month by three validated scales: Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

Results

Ten patients (9 F / 1 M; mean age 48,1 yrs) fulfilled inclusion criteria in the roll-in period. The mean scores before rotigotine treatment were: 22.80±5.8 for HAMD, 25.9±4.9 for HAMA and 41.4±11.62 for GAF. After one month of treatment with rotigotine, scores respectively changed in 11.3±3.3 (t=5.76; p< 0.001), 17.2±1.5 (t=6.37; p< 0.001) and 58.3±4.7 (t=-4.24; p=0.002).

Conclusions

Dopaminergic modulation achieved by rotigotine improved mood, motor and anxiety and global functioning scores, in lack of any side effect. In particular, transdermal administration avoided drug plasmatic peacks related to side effects
1484 – Could Emotional Awareness Influence Drinking Outcomes In An Alcohol Dependent Population?
Authors: Raucher-Chéné D. , Cuervo-Lombard C.-V. , Kaladjian A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Alexithymia has been studied in several addictive disorders with a special interest in alcohol dependence (Thorberg et al., 2009; Taieb et al., 2002). Nevertheless, recent studies failed to demonstrate the relationship with drinking outcomes (de Haan et al., 2012; Stasiewicz et al., 2012). Evaluation of emotional awareness in these populations could be added to specify the deficits of emotions’ differentiation and to understand the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of abstinence (Bochand & Nandrino, 2010; Carton et al., 2010).

Aims

We intend to evaluate short and long-term abstinent alcohol dependent subjects in a dimensional approach for alexithymia and emotional awareness, expecting relationship with drinking outcomes.

Methods

Thirty-two abstinent alcohol dependent participants and 28 matched controls were included. The two groups were assessed for anxiety (STAI state and trait) and depression (BDI-II). Alexithymia (TAS 20) and emotional awareness (Emotional Self-Awareness Questionnaire; ESQ) were also evaluated. The severity of alcohol dependence was specified with Alcohol Dependence Severity scale.

Results

Alexithymia was significantly higher in the group of alcohol dependent participants (50.1 vs 45.1; p=0.049). Within the alcohol dependent group, ESQ was negatively correlated to the severity of alcohol dependence (r=-0.29; p=0.028) with subscales “social awareness” and “social skills” negatively correlated to the duration of abstinence (r=-0.37; p=0.03 and r=- 0.38; p=0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Alexithymia is significantly higher in the alcohol dependent group, compared to the control group, but within this group, evaluation of emotional awareness may become more interesting to evaluate the characteristics of alcohol dependent subjects and predict their drinking outcomes
1489 – Study On Dream Contents In Patients With Suicidal Attempts In Poisening Section Of Afzalipor Hospital And Compaired With Control Group
Authors: Mehdizadeh Zare Anari A. , Ghaffarinejad A. , Najmaee S.
Published: July 2013

Objective

One of important issue in psychodynamical healt is suicide.more than 60% of people who act complete suicide,suffered from psychological illness.One of important factor for psychodinamic resolutation of this attempt is the survey of their dream.Dream can be used as a tool for deliberation of suicidal intention.refering to this fact that a forth of people who have suicide attempt, may have another attempt within the next year,so we desided to check validity of dream in this kind of people in order to reach an objective relationship to determine peril of a further attempt.

Methods

In this study 50 subject of people who have suicide attempt thruogh taking pill and 50 case were selected as the control group.The people studied were asked to record their dream,then these dream were codified on the basis of Hall van de castle method.Data analyzed with and ANOVA with SPSS17.

Results

This study showed that a dead character contents(pv=0/00) and non-speaking activities(pv=0/045)in dreams are more in people who have suicided, and if friendship validity exists the dremer is the recivier of friendship(pv=0/026) and the setting usually are undetermined(pv=0/041).

Conclusion

This result indicate that present of death content and non-speaking activity in dream of persons who get psychological health care can be an Alarm for suicidality in these persents.
1490 – Transsexualism And Personality, Study About 14 Cases With Structured Assessment
Authors: Gaudeau V.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Transsexualism is a rare condition, characterized by permanent conviction of belonging to opposite sex, leading to a request for hormono-surgical sex reassignment.

Objectives and aims of the study

The personality of transsexual patient is a matter of debate: most psychoanalysts postulate a severe personality disorder, while STOLLER's and biological hypothesis argue for of the absence of specific disturbance.

Methods

Fourteen transsexuals patients (9 men and 5 women), referred to the specialized multidisciplinary team of Nantes University hospital were included. All received hormone therapy, 5 patients underwent surgery. The MMPI-2 and SCID-II were used as standardized tools to assess personality.

Results

Using the SCID-II, frequency of personality disorders was 14.29%, showing no statistical difference compared to the general population (10%). The MMPI-2 mean T score was close to the general population 50. Moreover, man versus woman transsexuals have a degree of psychopathology significantly higher than woman versus man transsexuals. Operated versus non-operated patients showed no significant differences in the various tests.

Conclusion

Our results tend to relativize the unique psychopathological determinism of transsexualism, and seem to strengthen the hypothesis of biological factors involved in this problem.

The prognosis is more favorable for woman versus man transsexuals.
1497 – Men Committing Spousal Homicides
Authors: Delbreil A. , Voyer M. , Lebeau M. , Sapanet M. , Senon J.-L.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The spousal homicide is committed on a partner or ex-partner of intimate life whatever the stature of this one. In France, it represents about 20% of total homicide. Its multifactorial origin makes its spotting complex.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine predictive factors of acting out, by analyzing sociodemographical, psychopathological and criminological features of men committing spousal homicide.

Method

It is a descriptive and retrospective study of 37 spousal homicides (or attempts of homicides) files judged between 1999 and 2010 by the Court of Appael of Poitiers. An important number of variables concerning the perpetrators, the victims and the facts have been searched. Then, they have been sorted to establish profiles.

Results

Men stand for 88% of spousal homicides perpetrators. Most of them are impulsive (80,4%), have a judicial (64,8%) and domestic violence (70,3%) previous history. Half drinks excessively. The acting out is often motivated by the couple breaking up (64,8%). Homicide is frequently committed with an excessive violence (54%). Before the crime, about half of the perpetrators had expressed death or suicide threats.

Conclusion

Our study showed that spousal homicide is an unpremeditated act committed by men, facing the difficulty to accept their partner leaving. This crime is often linked to domestic violence and chronical alcoholism. Emphasizing these profiles allow to offer better-aimed prevention measures.
1498 – Patient Characteristics, Service Usage And Continuity-of-care Over One Year Of a Representative Cohort Of People With a Diagnosis Of Severe Mental Illness Across England
Authors: Reilly S. , Planner C. , Hann R. , Reeves D. , Nazareth I. , Lester H.
Published: July 2013

Aims

This presentation describes and analyses patient characteristics and service usage over one year of a cohort of people with a diagnosis of severe mental illness across England, including contacts with primary and secondary care and continuity- of-care.

Methods

Data were collected from primary care patient notes (n=1150) by trained nurses from 64 practices in England, covering all service contacts from 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009.

Results

The estimated national rate of patients seen only in primary care was 31.1% and rates of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were 56.8% and 37.9%. Patients had 7,961 consultations within primary care and 1,993 contacts with mental health services (20% of the total). Of those seen in secondary care, 61% had at most two secondary care contacts recorded in primary care notes. Median consultation rates with GPs were lower than have been reported for previous years and were only slightly above the general population. Relational continuity in primary care was poor for 21% of patients (Modified Modified Continuity Index =< 0.5), and for almost a third of new referrals to mental health services the primary care record contained no information on the referral outcome.

Conclusions

Primary care is centrally involved in the care of people with serious mental illness, but primary care and cross- boundary continuity is poor for a substantial proportion. Research is needed to determine the impact of poor continuity on patient outcomes, and above all, the impact of new collaborative ways of working at the primary/secondary care interface
1499 – Neurodynamic Patterns Of Sleep Disturbances Related To Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In War Veterans
Authors: Pudikov I. , Smirnova D.
Published: July 2013

Sleep disturbances are important features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, data characterizing PTSD sleep phenomena are limited. Detailed clinical description of sleep function and its study with the use of modern instrumental methods is important for timely and differential diagnosis of mental disorders in PTSD patients.

21 war veterans fighting in “hot spots were observed during treatment in the specialized department of psychological rehabilitation, Samara Regional Clinical Hospital for War Veterans. After clinical interview the overnight polysomnography “Sagura-2000” (PSG) was performed.

Sleep disorders in PTSD patients are characterized by the complex of subjective, clinical and neurophysiological symptoms:

1.

Superficial sleep (restless, lack of deep sleep);

2.

Increased motor activity during sleep (number of activations of the paradoxical phase of sleep to those of deep sleep);

3.

Nightmares;

4.

Specific (defensive) movements during sleep;

5.

Frequent nocturnal awakening (increased number and duration of awakenings);

6.

The excess of REM sleep. PSG identified the most frequently related nightmares neurodynamic phenomena:

1.

Deficiency of the deep sleep (stages 3 and 4 NREM);

2.

Up to 70% of the time NREM takes stage 2 sleep;

3.

The increase in motor and EEG activations;

4.

The number of activations of the REM than those of NREM;

5.

The increase in total REM sleep time;

6.

Increasing episodes of REM sleep.

Further studies are required to clarify polysomnographic sleep changes, in particular, role of REM sleep dysregulation and treatment of sleep disorders in PTSD.

Study was supported by Russian Humanitarian Scientific Foundation (???? 12-36-01155)
1501 – Early Effects Of Agomelatine On Self-referential Processing In Acute Depressed Patients: a Fmri Study
Authors: Fossati P. , Jabourian M. , Laredo J. , Allailli N. , Lehericy S. , Delaveau P.
Published: July 2013

Increased Self-focus, the tendency to excessively appraise stimuli as strongly related to oneself, is a core feature of major depression. In major depressive disorder increased self-focus is associated with abnormal dorsal and ventral medial prefrontal activity as well as increased dorsolateral prefrontal activity.

Objective

Although Lemogne et al, 2010 suggested that Medial Prefrontal Activity does not change after reduction of depressive symptoms, sensitivity of brain regions involved in self-referential processing to antidepressant is unknown. The main goal here was to assess with fMRI early effects of agomelatine, on self-referential processing in depressed patients.

Methods

25 acute depressed patients and 14 healthy controls were scanned before and after 7 days treatment, while performing self-referential processing task using emotional pictures. Patients were randomized to agomelatine 25mg/day (n=13) or placebo (n=12), healthy controls received placebo. Subjects were asked to evaluate pictures according to different conditions: Self (Does the picture relate to you?); General (Is the picture positive or negative?). Depression was assessed with Hamilton Scale.

Results

Depressed patients compared to controls at baseline showed hyperactivity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). After 7 days treatment, Agomelatine, compared to placebo, normalized the hyperactivity of VLPFC to healthy volunteers’ level.

Conclusion

Agomelatine targets specific brain structures, namely VLPFC, involved in automatic regulation of emotion during self-referential processing. These changes in brain activity at day 7 could contribute to the early clinical effects of agomelatine, suggesting an early set up of the brain for long term response and remission of depression.
1507 – Consequences Of The Choice To Specialize In Psychiatry
Authors: Szczegielniak A. , Skowronek A. , Skowronek R. , Wydra K. , Krysta K. , Krupka-Matuszczyk I.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Providing of mental health service is the main task of every country. Its implementation obviously depends on the number of professionally active psychiatrists. So the issues of a great importance for current psychiatry are determinants and consequences of the decision of specialization in this medical domain.

Objectives

The aim of our work was, most of all, the assessment of motives of the choice of specialization in psychiatry from the perspective of physicians-practitioners.

Methods

In order to do it, we prepared an original questionnaire, which contained 22 questions (some of them were of multiple choice) concerned with, i. e. sociodemographical and professional aspects. The study group was created from 132 psychiatrists (including 33 men), participating in international scientific-training conference in Wisla in 2011. Average age was 43 years (SD=9.7), and seniority in psychiatry - 15 years (SD=9.8). The obtained results were statistically analyzed using Statistica 8.0. Detailed results of our analysis will be presented during conference.

Results

The results of our questionnaire may be used to improve the image of psychiatry as attractive path of professional career (almost 95% of questionnaired physicians do not regret their decision!).

Conclusions

The results may also become an essential argument during the discussion about current problems in psychiatry, for example problem of occupational burnout, and possibilities of their solution.
1509 – Methadon Therapy, Damage Reduction In a Wider Social Context
Authors: Macic A. , Stjepcevic A. , Cetkovic A.
Published: July 2013

Two years ago the second methadon center was opened in Montenegro.

The goal of this treatise is to show all aspects of ‘damage reduction’, more precisely, of the benefit a methadon center offers to its environment. Under the term’damage reduction; are meant medical aspects [smaller number of cases of hepatitis C and HIV] as well as the influence on the social functioning of an individual. This work will show the positive influence of the methadon center on the community in general, beginning with impressive reduction of the number of new heroin addicts on annual basis to the influence on the total heroin circulation on the street and reduction of criminal acts committed by heroin addicts. Better results are noticed in smaller communities, so the work considers optimal number of inhabitants that one center can cover to achieve the best effects in this sense.

In conclusion, the net of methadon centers ought to be spread, not only for the benefit of drug addicts and their families, but for the welfare of the entire society, as well.
1511 – Interface Between Child And Adult Mental Health Services. What Can We Do To Improve The Gap?
Authors: Moscoso A. , Jovanovic N.
Published: July 2013

Background

Transition from adolescent to adult mental health services is extremely important since most mental illnesses start in late adolescence. Although often discussed, this issue is rarely studied.

Aim

The aim of this study is to gather information of how transition from adolescent to adult mental health services is yielded across Europe.

Methodology

The study was conducted during the EPA and the IACAPAP conferences in 2012 as a joint project of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees and the Early Career Psychiatrists Committee. The survey contained 14 questions related to general data, situation of transition in participant’s country and participant’s opinion on the concept of transition process. It was given to the randomly chosen participants (N=397).

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 166 European participants from 28 European Countries. They were mostly men (N= 88, 53 %) and specialists (N=107, 64.5%). Nearly half (N=76, 45.8%) have contact with transition issues at least once per month. Data analysis is in progress, but preliminary results show that more than half of participants think the transition process could be significantly improved (N=94, 56,6%), and they are manly from Italy, Portugal, Germany, Ireland and Spain. Only one fourth is quite satisfied with the current situation (N= 45, 27,1%). The latter group in mainly from the UK.

Conclusions

We plan to use these results to broaden the study and gather more details regarding this issue in every European country
1513 – Exploratory Study Of Risk-taking And Self-harm Behaviours In Adolescents: Prevalence, Characteristics And Its Relationship To Attachment Styles
Authors: Paiva A.C. , Cunha M. , Xavier A.M. , Marques M. , Simões S. , Espírito Santo H.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Risk-taking (RT) and self-harm (SH) occur across the lifespan, but many types of RT and SH typically appear for the first time in adolescence. According to Vrouva, Fonagy, and Fearon (2010), it is important to measure RT and SH simultaneously because they are clinically, empirically, and conceptually linked.

Objectives

(1)

analyse the prevalence of risk-taking and self-harm behaviours in community adolescents, controlling the effect of genderand age;

(2)

examine the link between RT and SH behaviours;

(3)

investigate the relationship between attachment style and RT and SH behaviours.

Methods

346 adolescents (girls: n = 194, 56%) aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.10, SD = 1.77) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents (RTSHIA) and the Attachment Questionnaire for Children (AQ-C).

Results

RT behaviours more prevalent are taking chances while doing one’s hobbies, smoking tobacco and cheating. SH behaviours more frequent are self-demeaning thoughts and behaviours intentionally. Boys showed higher RT behaviours than girls. There is a positive association between age and both behaviours (RT and SH). Insecurely attached teenagers reported higher SH behaviours than did securely attached adolescents.

Conclusions

This study shows the prevalence of RT and SH behaviours in a community sample of adolescents, showing how gender and age can influence the expression of both behaviors. It seems that secure attachment may be protective to the engagement in SH behaviors, strengthening the important role of quality of relationships on psychological adjustment in adolescents
1515 – Collaborative Care Approaches For People With Severe Mental Illness: The Results From a Cochrane Collaboration Review
Authors: Reilly S. , Planner C. , Gask L. , Hann M. , Knowles S. , Druss B. , Helen L.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Collaborative care is a community based intervention which typically consists of a number of components. The intervention aims to improve the physical and/or mental health and health care of people with a severe mental illness (SMI).

Objectives

To explore how collaborative care is implemented.

To assess the effectiveness of collaborative care approaches in comparison to standard care for people with SMI who are living in the community.

Methods

A Cochrane Review: The Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Specialised register was searched in April 2011. Fifty one experts in the field of SMI and collaborative care were also contacted.

Results

We included one RCT (306 participants; US veterans with bipolar disorder I or II) in this review. The trial provides data for one comparison: collaborative care versus standard care The reanalysis of data from the one included study indicated that collaborative care significantly reduced psychiatric admissions at year 2 in comparison to standard care (N= 306, 1 RCT, RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.99). Direct intervention (all-treatment) costs of collaborative care at the three year follow up did not differ significantly from standard care,mean difference -$2981.00 (N= 306, 1 RCT95% CI $16934.93 to $10972.93).

Conclusions

One trial at moderate risk of bias suggests that collaborative care may significantly reduce psychiatric admissions. More large, well designed, conducted and reported trials may be required to determine the effects of collaborative care and help inform healthcare professionals and policy makers about the value of collaborative care for people with SMI
1517 – Sloreta Findings In Patients With Panic Disorder - Differences Between Responders And Non-responders To Combined Cbt And Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Kamaradova D. , Praško J. , Látalová K. , Grambal A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Panic disorder is common disease characterized by spontaneous attacks of massive anxiety and fear. Anxiety is generally considered to be a condition in which the organism is increasingly aroused and EEG may therefore play an important role in the study of the biological basis of anxiety disorders. Standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) is a new quantitative EEG method for determining distribution of neuronal electrical activity in the form of three- dimensional images of current density of the cerebral cortex.

Objectives

EEG may be usefull method in searching for predictors to the pharmaco and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Aims

The study aimed at finding electrotomographic differences between patients with panic disorder who respond to combined CBT and pharmacotherapy.

Methods

The study comprised 24 patients diagnosed with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. The severity of symptoms was measured with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sheehan Anxiety Scale, subjective and objective Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). Based on final BAI score decreases by 25%, the patients were classified into two groups - responders and non-responders. 21-channel EEGs were recorded at baseline and after completion of therapy.

Results

In non-responders, there were no statistically significant changes in sLORETA findings following therapy. Responders showed a significant decrease of alpha-2 sources (p< 0.05) in the occipital lobes and cuneus and a statistical trend for increased beta-3 sources (p< 0.10) in the posterior cingulate.

Conclusion

Only treatment response was associated with significant changes of electric neuronal activity.
1523 – Suspicious Recurrent Child Abuse And The Intersection Field Of Psychiatry And Law: a Case Report
Authors: Barros I. , Santiago C.R.S. , Sudo F.K.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

In Brazil, children and adolescents are considered holders of Special Rights, as depicted in Article 227 of the 1988 Brazilian Constitution. Special Rights refers to a condition in which their rights should be respected, but also protected from physical, moral and psychological harm. Moreover, the Brazilian Child and Adolescent Statute (Law n. 8.069) specifically guarantees full protection of children and adolescents.

Objective

This case-report sought to discuss the intersection of Psychiatry and the Brazilian Law in a case of suspicious recurrent child abuse. AIM. To demonstrate the importance of protecting children from maltreatment by reporting the case of a suspicious recurrent child abuse.

Method

Case-report: A 7-year-old child and her mother were evaluated by two psychiatrists, as requested by the Public Attorney Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Denouncements of possible recurrent negligent treatment by the parents had been referred to the Public Attorney Office since the child was one year old. Other family members were also interviewed, to better understand the family dynamics. RESULTS. The mother had no symptoms of mental disorder. The child had symptoms of possible child abuse, such as physical and school failure, emotional and social withdrawal.

Conclusions

Clinicians must pay attention to emotional signs and symptoms that can be indicators of child abuse, which must be reported to law enforcement. We also highlight the importance of evaluating and giving support to the whole family.
1525 – Ekbom Syndrome With Folie à Deux: a Case Report
Authors: Alves J. , de-Melo-Neto V.L.
Published: July 2013

Delusional parasitosis (Ekbom Syndrome) was firstly described by Thirbierge in 1894 as acarophobia. Nowadays this syndrome is not considered an independent diagnostic category and is defined in DSM-IV-TR as a delusional disorder, somatic subtype. Folie à Deux is characterized by the “transmission” of delirious thoughts from a “primary patient”, the inductor to a “secondary patient”, the induced one. The association between delusional parasitosis and Folie ... Deux is an uncommon syndrome that was described by Skott in 1978.

Objectives

To describe a case of Ekbom Syndrome with Folie à Deux, between mother and daughter, that has the mother as the “primary patient” even with borderline intelligence and the daughter as the induced patient, but without any cognitive deficits.

Aims

To highlight that some cases of Folie à Deux can occur in a strictly affective dominance fashion relationship.

Methods

Case report.

Results

MRC, 46 years old, illiterate, was referred to the outpatient psychiatric clinic of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Alagoas-Brazil, by a dermatologist of the same hospital because of hyperchromic scaly pruritic skin lesions in legs and back with no findings at skin biopsy that the patient attributed to “bugs” under her skin and that her daughter also believed that existed even when her mother showed her desquamative skin as being the bug.

Conclusions

The dominance between the primary patient and the induced one can be of affective nature only but not cognitive nature in Folie ... Deux with Ekbom Syndrome.
1528 – Factors Associated With Physical Domestic Violence Against Women In Countries Of Eastern Mediterranean Region (emr); a Systematic Review
Authors: Davoudi F. , Rasoulian M. , Ahmadzad Asl M. , Nojomi M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Physical domestic violence (DV) against women is associated with adverse health effects and great burden on victims, families and communities. The phenomenon, though prevalent in EMR countries, is not well defined regarding the determining factors.

Objectives & aims

This systematic review is to sum up evidences from the EMR countries, on factors associated with physical DV.

Methods:

Data sources

Pubmed, EMBASE, ISI, PsycInfo, IMEMR, Ovid, Global health, Cochrane Library, IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, Science direct, Elsevier, Proquest and Magiran were searched with no language limits up to December 30, 2011. The hand searching included papers’ lists of references and evidence list of “The National agenda for preventing domestic violence”.

Study selection

Quantitative studies on ever partnered, not-pregnant women in the EMR countries, which referred to either predisposing or protective factors of physical DV, in each of victims, perpetrators and community domains, were selected. A criterion based critical appraisal was performed by two reviewers.

Synthesis methods

The Odds Ratios of all reported factors - regardless of statistical significance- were either directly extracted from the papers or indirectly calculated from provided contingency tables, and used to make summary tables.

Results

According to 16 finally selected articles, either partners’ lower levels of education, their witnessing /exposure to DV in childhood, personal/ family unfavorable socioeconomic status, rural residency and husbands’ alcohol / drug abuse were predisposing; while consanguinity, women’s age and employment were protective factors.

Conclusion

Findings are consistent with most international evidences. A meta-analysis will provide a more comprehensive understanding and evidence.
1529 – The Role Of Screening Instruments In The Detection Of Psychotic-like Experiences, Depression And Suicidal Behavior Among Young Adolescents
Authors: Serafini G. , Pompili M. , Ricci F. , Innamorati M. , Girardi P.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

In the last decades, the early intervention on individuals at risk of developing mental disorders became one of the most important and emerging issue not only in psychiatry but also in the overall evidence-based medicine. Subjects who reported severe psychotic-like experiences may be considered five times more likely to manifest psychosis in the following four years when compared to the general population. We aimed to conduct a general screening with the scope to detect subjects at risk for psychotic-like experiences, depression and suicide. Also, we aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between the screening evaluations, gender and early traumatic experiences.

Methods

A total of 120 patients was screened using the TeenScreen Program, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results

At the bivariate analyses, male subjects had significant lower total scores in several measures (p=0.001) than female. When multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association with gender and early traumatic experiences, we found that female subjects were 1.7 times more likely to be older (p< 0.01) and 1.52 times more likely to report depressive symptoms compared to male. Also, subjects with higher total scores at the CTQ were several times more likely to be older than those with lower total scores.

Conclusion

Although the small sample size did not allow to generalize the present findings, the detection of some subgroups of subjects at higher clinical risk may play a critical role in terms of prevention and early interventions.
1531 – Pain And Psychopathology: The Experience Of a Multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Unit
Authors: Ribeiro A.M. , Costa A. , Rebelo V. , Gomes A. , Coelho R. , Roma Torres A.
Published: July 2013

Our modern understanding of pain has moved forward from a simplistic one, viewing pain as a one-dimensional, anatomical, physiological body process, towards the recognition of pain as a complex biological, psychological, social and existential phenomenon.

Chronic Pain Unit of Centro Hospitalar de Sao Joao (in the North of Portugal) is a treatment center where both physiological and psychological aspects of pain can be addressed. It provides a multidisciplinary approach to patients with chronic pain, integrating health professionals of several intervention areas, always working in close collaboration. There, we can find Psychiatry/Psychology ambulatory clinic, with two major goals: uncovering any subjacent major psychiatric disorders and identifying emotional influences that underlie or exacerbate primary pain, offering an effective approach to enhance outcome.

The authors start by characterizing sociodemographic and psychopathological data, concerning patients followed in this ambulatory clinic (4 year experience).

Preliminary results show a preponderance of female adult patients, married, retired or in sick leave. Physical diagnoses are more often degenerative pathology of spine and/or fibromyalgia. Most frequent psychiatric diagnoses are adjustment disorder and dysthymia, as well as histrionic personality disorder. It seems that, in general, pain decreases when psycho-emotional equilibrium improves.

Clearly, these comorbidities together require complex evaluation and treatment, in order to improve somatic and emotional pain, and enrich patients’ quality of life.

Thereby, patients with chronic pain require careful, comprehensive and integrated multidisciplinary treatment, in which Psychiatry/Psychology definitely plays an important role for a successful outcome.
1535 – Language Disorders In Schizophrenic Female Patients, And Its Relation With Their Female Sex Hormonal Profile
Authors: Amin O.R.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To find out the language disorders in a sample of schizophrenic female patients. Also to explore the relationship between female sex hormone estradiol and language disorders in schizophrenic patients.

Hypothesis

Schizophrenic females show language disorders as a part of their overall cognitive impairment. The female sex hormone, estrogen, acts as a neuro- active hormone that is assumed to have effects on the central nervous system and specifically on the cognitive functions.

Subjects and methods

This case-control study included 30 schizophrenic female patients who were admitted in Al Abasseia Psychiatric Hospital. It also included 15 healthy controls that were matched in age and education. They were assessed using: Psychiatric interviews, The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Serum estradiol level on 3 consecutive weeks and language and speech items of The Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB). General and neurological examinations were performed as well.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between both groups in all the clinical scales (receptive and expressive speech, reading and writing) of the LNNB, as well as most of the factor scales covering a wide range of linguistic abilities. High estradiol levels were correlated with poor performance in speech and language scales.

Conclusion

Female schizophrenic patients had menstrual irregularities and hypo-estrogenism. They performed significantly worse on their linguistic abilities, receptive and expressive speech, reading and writing. Increased estrogen levels correlated with poor performance on the linguistic functions, including writing and reading domains in patients with schizophrenia
1538 – Reduced Gray Matter Volume In Orbitofrontal Cortex, Insula And Basal Ganglia Differentially Predicts Early Onset Of Cocaine, Tobacco And Cannabis Use
Authors: Faluyi Y.O. , Jones P.S. , Williams G.B. , Ersche K.D. ,   KD Ersche s Addiction Research Group
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Drug abuse is typically initiated during adolescence, which is a critical period of brain maturation and vulnerability to drug dependence. Accumulating evidence suggests that the early initiation of drug use is associated with altered brain structure compared to individuals who start taking drugs at a later stage in life, suggesting that these brain abnormalities might reflect neurobiological markers of vulnerability.

Objectives

Our objective was to identify neurobiological risk markers in the brain structure of cocaine-dependent individuals.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the effects of onset of drug use on the brain abnormalities typically seen in adults with cocaine dependence.

Methods

Sixty cocaine-dependent individuals and 60 healthy volunteers underwent an MRI brain scan. We used whole-brain voxel-based morphometry to find grey matter abnormalities in the cocaine group. We then performed three whole brain analyses of grey matter volume in the cocaine group using the general linear model with a within-group correlation design, separately for the drugs cocaine, tobacco and cannabis. We identified variance in grey matter uniquely attributable to the age at which each of these drugs was first used; the regressors were orthogonalised to the duration that each drug had been consumed.

Results

The age of first use was associated with a reduction in grey matter volume in distinctly different brain regions for cocaine, tobacco, and cannabis; irrespective of duration of use.

Conclusions

We identified neurobiological markers for three common drugs of abuse that may be associated with the risk for developing dependence.
1544 – The Portuguese Traumatic Experiences Checklist (tec): Psychometrics And Prevalence Of Traumatic Experiences
Authors: Espirito-Santo H. , Rocha P. , Gonçalves L. , Cassimo S. , Martins L. , Xavier M.
Published: July 2013

The TEC is a validated measure that should integrate mental health assessment. We want to assess the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version, and examine the prevalence of traumatic experiences. Of the 248 participants (77.8% women, mean age = 31.12 ± 13.70), 36 had mood disorders (MD), 38 had eating disorders (ED), 29 had pain disorder (PD), 54 were substance and alcohol dependent (SAD), 20 were violence victims (VV), and 71 were non-patients. All completed the TEC, 55.2% completed the Dissociation Experiences Scale (DES), and 23.8% the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20).

Twelve per cent reported at least one traumatic experience to a maximum of 29 traumatic experiences (19.8%). The mean score of TEC was 9.37 ± 10.48, with the higher scores in SAD (27.22 ± 6.31), followed by VV (8.65 ± 3.82), MD (6.69 ± 3.12), ED (5.37 ± 4.83), PD (3.07 ± 1.46), and non-patients (2.06 ± 2.57). Reliability was high (Cronbach α = 0.93) in total sample, ranging from 0.94 (ED) to 0.44 (PD). In ED group, TEC significantly correlated with DES and SDQ-20. On the other groups (MD, SAD, VV), the correlations were not significant. An optimal cutoff point of 5.5 traumatic presences distinguished between clinical and non-clinical patients (AUC = 0.87, p < 0.001).

Portuguese TEC is a promising reliable and valid screen and allows for measurement of traumatic experiences in clinical and non-clinical samples. However, the criterion validity should be established with other measures and involve larger clinical samples.
1547 – Psychoform And Somatoform Dissociation Severity In Eating Disorders (ed)
Authors: Espirito-Santo H. , Gonçalves L. , Marques M. , Rocha P. , Cassimo S.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Psychoform and somatoform dissociation in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) is yet to be studied in Portugal.

Objectives

Explore the severity of psychoform and somatoform dissociation in ED; explore the differences between ED and other psychiatric disorders (PD), and between AN and BN.

Methodology

From two psychiatric clinics, 29 women with ED (AN = 16; BN = 13) and 35 women with different PD (posttraumatic stress = 9; panic = 4; major depression = 4; obsessive-compulsive = 8, social phobia = 10), matched sociodemographicaly (mean age = 26.69 ± 7.31), were voluntarily assessed with the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20).

Results

ED patients had higher scores on DES (M ± SD= 28.10 ±19.76, p < 0.05) and on SDQ-20 (M ± SD= 38.41 ±13.19, p < 0.05) than PD patients (DES: M ± SD= 19.27 ±12.84; SDQ: M ± SD= 38.41 ±13.19). Comparing with PD, BN had higher scores on DES (M ± SD= 31.13 ±21.25, p < 0.05), and on SDQ-20 (M ± SD= 42.45 ±17.36, p < 0.01). Finally, there were no differences between AN (DES: M ± SD= 25.65 ±18.80; SDQ-20: M ± SD= 35.63 ±8.98) and BN (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings point out to the need to of watchfully assessing ED for dissociative symptoms and, accordingly, include the treatment of dissociation.
1549 – Correlates Of Elderly Loneliness
Authors: Costa M.D. , Espirito-Santo H. , Simões S.C. , Correia A.R. , Almeida R. , Ferreira L. , Conde Â. , Alves V. , Ferreira F. , Caldas L. , Pena I.T. , Costa A. , Simões D. , Daniel F. , Lemos L.
Published: July 2013

In Portugal, the number of elderlies living alone and being institutionalized are rising. Institutionalized elderlies are susceptible to loneliness. Loneliness is associated with depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, and cognitive decline. Determining which variables predict loneliness in institutionalized elderlies may allow appropriate targeting interventions in loneliness to potentially preserve mental and cognitive health.

We want to explore the prevalence of loneliness in a sample of institutionalized elderly, and determining which variables predict loneliness.

Loneliness was measured using UCLA loneliness scale. We also included a measure of socio-demographic aspects and health-related variables, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Sleep Subjective Index for Elderly.

Our sample included 539 elderly (60-100 years, mean age = 80.03 ± 7.38), mostly women (75.8%), widowed (60.3%), with primary basic education (39.5%), frequenting day care center (61.0%) or living in retirement home (39.0%).

The prevalence of loneliness feelings was 68.2%. Loneliness was significantly related with more anxiety and depressive symptoms, poor sleep quality, and poor life satisfaction. Women and elderlies without partner had also more loneliness feelings. Loneliness was not associated with age, education, living alone/accompanied, number of social contacts, nor with cognitive performance or sensorial problems (low vision and poor hearing). After the multiple logistic regression of the significant variables, only satisfaction with live predicted loneliness (OR = 1.07, p = 0.05).

In conclusion, satisfaction with live may affect feelings of loneliness. More studies with non-institutionalized are needed for appropriated targeting interventions.
1553 – Affectivity And Cognitive Functioning In Institutionalized Elderly
Authors: Espirito-Santo H. , Correia A.R. , Marques M. , Pena I.T. , Caldas L. , Rodrigues F. , Ferreira L. , Costa M.D. , Moitinho S. , Almeida R. , Costa A. , Simões D. , Conde A. , Guadalupe S. , Daniel F. , Lemos L.
Published: July 2013

Affectivity is related to cognitive impairment, but it is not known whether positive affect and negative affect increase/decrease the risk of cognitive impairment. In this study, we sought to examine the prevalence of cognitive impairment, and the potential role of positive and negative affectivity on cognitive functioning in institutionalized portuguese elderly, controlling the potential role of demographic and emotional factors.

A cross sectional investigation has been conducted with a portuguese institutionalized sample at Coimbra’s Council. We inquired 412 healthy elderly with a mean age of 80.38 years (SD = 7.24) using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Demographic (76.9% women, 14.3% > 4 years of education, 99.1% manual occupation, 82.2% without partner) and other self-reported related factors were taken into consideration (GDS mean 14.30 ± 6.31; GAI mean = 12.49 ± 5.93).

The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 66.6% (youngest-old: 1.4%; young-old: 24.7%, old-old: 36.5%, oldest-old: 3.9%). We found that only the positive affect was significantly related with the MMSE (r = 0.22). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that positive affect predicted impairment in cognitive performance (OR = 0.96, CI 95% = 0.93-0.98; p < 0.001). These relationships were significant even after controlling for depression and anxiety status, age, education, and occupation.

These findings suggest that positive affect is a variable to attend to when evaluating cognitive functioning in institutionalized elderly.