bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Falling into a burning ring of fire: A case of psychosis unmasking hidden neurosyphilis
Authors: Jesus S. , Costa A. , Alcafache J. , Garrido P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The first description of syphilis was made in Europe around the year 1493, and although perceived as a disease relegated to its historical importance, recent studies demonstrate that the prevalence of these infections is on the rise. Spanning decades after initial infection, 30% of affected individuals without treatment may develop tertiary syphilis, which includes neurosyphilis. Its notoriously “chameleon-like” presentation implies the necessity to not overlook neurosyphilis as a differential diagnosis in psychiatric settings.

Objectives

Case report study and discussion.

Methods

The authors present a case of affective and psychotic symptoms (including auditory and visual hallucinations and persecutory delusions) of rapid onset in a 61-year old woman without prior psychiatric history. A clinical investigation was conducted, which subsequently revealed a positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test. A lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed neurosyphilis.

Results

Steady improvements in initial psychopathological manifestations were noted after completing recommended treatment for neurosyphilis. After discharge, the patient was medicated with an antidepressant and antipsychotic, demonstrating a complete return to baseline mentation and functionality on follow-up.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates the vital importance of considering syphilis in our differentials, especially due to the wide range of manifesting psychiatric symptoms. Although considered a disease of the past, this case reminds us that syphilis remains present in our society and its timely diagnosis and treatment can ameliorate the debilitating psychopathological manifestations of the disease. Due to the potential difficulties in identifying this great imitator, routine screening tests are still recommended in the psychiatric setting.
Satisfaction of the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ouali R. , Sellami R. , Cherif F. , Elleuch S. , Cheffi N. , Masmoudi R. , Masmoudi J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that has a significant impact on quality of life satisfaction in patients with schizophrenia.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of socio-demographic factors and psychotic symptoms on quality of life satisfaction in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Participants were outpatients of Hedi chaker University Hospital Center in sfax, Tunisia, recruited between January and July of 2019, diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A Demographic questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and The Quality of life satisfaction and enjoyment Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) were administered in this study.

Results

50 patients were included in this study with an average age 40,80 ±9,7. The majority of patients were single (72%), unemployed (60%), without medical heredity (80%) and living with their families (92%). The average score of the positive symptom scale (PANS) was 17.46 (SD = 9.1), the negative symptom scale (PANS) was 12.35 (SD = 7.4) and the psychopathological scale (PANS) was of 27.83 (SD = 14.7). the higher the score of the positive symptom scales (p <10-3) the negative scale score (p <0.002) and the psychopathological scale (p <0.001) was high, more the quality of life satisfaction score has been altered.

Conclusions

Improving the quality of life satisfaction of these patients through these different parameters could be a goal of care complementary to the objectives of traditional care.
Correlation profiles between interoception and exteroception in psychotic patients versus healthy controls
Authors: Donadeo A. , Politi P. , Silva A. , Civardi S.C. , Farinella E. , Brondino N. , Olivola M. , Sommi F. , Damiani S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Individual abilities to perceive internal and external sensations are defined respectively as interoception and exteroception: the dysregulation of these functions can explain many psychotic symptoms. (Ardizzi et al. 2016)

Objectives

We evaluated the differences in the interoceptive and exteroceptive perception between 39 patients with psychosis and 250 healthy controls using self-administered questionnaires. The association between interoception and exteroception in the two groups was also tested.

Methods

The tests we used are AASP (Adolescent / Adult Sensory Profile) and MAIA (Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness). Differences were measured with t-tests, associations with spearman’s correlation.

Results

Significant differences emerged between the two samples in the AASP total score and in its Low registration (LR) and Sensory Avoiding (SA) sub-scales and in the MAIA total score and in all its sub-scales except “Not Worrying” (Fig.1). Different patterns of associations between AASP and MAIA were observed: psychotic patients showed negative correlations between MAIA and AASP in the LR and Sensation Seeking (SS) sub-scales and in the auditory (AU) and tactile (TO) sensory channels. Healthy controls, positive correlations emerged between MAIA and AASP in the Sensation Seeking (SK) sub-scale and in the “perception of movement” (MO) sub-score (Fig.2)(Fig.3).

Conclusions

Higher scores of psychotic patients in AASP and MAIA reveal both a disregulated sensory related behavior and a hightened awareness towards internal stimuli. The negative correlation between the two scales in psychotic subjects highlights the importance of the interaction between internal and external perception in determining the global subjective experience.
The correlation between first words appearance and productive speech in adolescents with schizophrenia
Authors: Shvedovskiy E. , Zvereva N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Shown that there is connection between early development and the current speech parameters in adolescents with schizophrenia. With a more pronounced lag in speech, there was a decrease in the actualization of speech semantic links.

Objectives

Present work aims for a more detailed analysis of the correlations between early speech development and the actual level of development of speech activity in adolescents with schizophrenia.

Methods

SampleAge12,2 - 18,2 (SD=1,35)males17females13DSF20.xx, F21.xx, F25.xx, F06.xx, F32.xx, F33.xx, F50.xx.

Analysis of medical records (medical history) “Syllabic Test”. Parameters: Standard Ratio (SR, SR_2, SR_3); Response Time (RT, RT_2, RT_3). The correlation between the indicators measured by the Spearman correlation coefficient (rs).

Results

There was no statistically significant correlation between the First Words (FW) and SR: rs = -0.031, p> 0.05.FW and SR_2 (rs = -0.004, p> 0.05), FW and SR_3 (rs = 0.107, p> 0.05). In addition, statistically significant correlation did not revealed between FW and RT: FW and RT (rs = 0.067, p>0.05), FW and RT_2 (rs = 0.041, p>0.05), FW and RT_3 (rs = 0.066, p>0.05).

Conclusions

The results obtained on the Syllabic test in adolescent sample correspond to the previously identified indicators in adult patients with schizophrenia. RT tends to increase with an increase in the FW age. The limitations of present study: the lack of objectivity in medical history data (mainly parents interview), small sample size and large heterogeneity of DS of patients.
Values and implicit self-stigmatization among people with mental disorders
Authors: Arina G. , Oleichik I. , Fyodorova E. , Iosifyan M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

People with mental disorder can share negative stereotypes, related to mental disorders. This might cause self-stigmatization, which is negatively related to quality of life and compliance with treatment. This self-stigmatization can be non-conscious or implicit, which might complicate it detection and further therapy.

Objectives

In present study we investigated the role of values in implicit self-stigmatization among 40 women diagnosed with schizophrenia (mean age 23.77 years ±6).

Methods

Participants completed the Portrait Value Questionnaire (Schwartz, 2003) and two brief implicit association tests (BIAT), measuring implicit self-esteem and attitudes towards mental disorders (Corrigan et al., 2010). The results of two BIATs were combined as a measure of implicit self-stigmatization.

Results

A linear regression model was built. Four values (self-enhancement, self-transcendence, openness to change and conservation values) were entered as independent variables, while implicit self-stigmatization – as dependent variable. It was found that self-transcendence values were marginally negatively related to implicit self-stigmatization (b=-.122, β=-.398, SE=.064, p=.067), while other values were not significantly related to it (ps>.125).

Conclusions

Self-transcendence values – values related to the well-being of others, which include tolerance, altruism and protection for the welfare of all people and for nature – are negatively related to implicit or non-conscious self-stigmatization. This finding, although marginally significant, is in line with previous studies. Previous studies showed that self-transcendence values are also negatively associated with explicit or conscious self-stigmatization (Lannin et al., 2020). Thus, these values can be targets for programs which aim to decrease self-stigmatization tendencies among patients with mental illness.
Recovery in schizophrenia: A network analysis of inter-relationships among disease-related variables, personal resources, context-related factors and real-life functioning
Authors: Mucci A. , Galderisi S. , Rucci P. , Rossi A. , Rocca P. , Bertolino A. , Maj M.
Published: February 2022

Abstract Body

Central to recovery-oriented approaches in schizophrenia are treatment integration and personalization, targeting key variables beyond symptom reduction. The Italian network for research on psychoses conducted a study demonstrating, using network analysis, the central role of community activities in bridging the effects of symptoms, cognition, functional capacity and service engagement on real-word functioning. A 4-year follow-up study was recently completed and the presentation will illustrate the findings. Network analysis was used to test whether relationships among all variables at baseline were similar at follow-up. In addition, the network structure was compared between subjects classified as recovered or non-recovered at follow-up. Six hundred eighteen subjects were assessed at both baseline and 4-year follow-up. Results showed that the network structure was stable from baseline to follow-up, and the overall strength of the connections among variables did not significantly change. Functional capacity and everyday life skills were the most central variables in the network at both baseline and follow-up, while psychopathological variables were more peripheral. The network structure of non-recovered patients was similar to the one observed in the whole sample, but very different from that of recovered subjects, showing few connections among the different nodes. These data strongly suggest that connections among symptoms/dysfunctions tend to maintain over time, contributing to poor outcome in schizophrenia. Early treatment plans, targeting variables with high centrality, might prevent the emergence of self-reinforcing networks of symptoms and dysfunctions in people with schizophrenia.

Disclosure

Armida Mucci has been a consultant and/or advisor to or has received honoraria from Gedeon Richter Bulgaria, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, Otsuka, Pfizer and Pierre Fabre. None of these has any impact on this abstract and on the presented study.
Bleuler’s a or autism spectrum disorder in adults?
Authors: Miranda J. , Silva L. , Almeida C. , Figueiredo I. , Machado D. , Fonseca S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Nowadays we know that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Schizophrenic spectrum (SS) are different types of disorders in their etiology, symptoms and prognosis, but the clinical distinction is often difficult to make due to comorbidity and similar symptoms.

Objectives

With this project, the authors intend to explore the differential diagnosis between ASD and SS specially when we talk about critical ages of onset.

Methods

An analysis of articles searched on Pubmed (articles between 2010-2020) with the key words “adult autism”, “childhood onset schizophrenia”, “childhood psychosis”.

Results

Early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) is defined as occurring before age 18 years. The condition share key diagnostic symptoms with adult-onset schizophrenia (AOS) but his prognoses and comorbidities differ. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties since early childhood across reciprocal social communication and restricted interests and behaviors. ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, however there is a lack of answers and research for adults with ASD. There are shared aspects of odd thinking, rigid behaviors and impaired socialization in schizophrenia and ASD and COS seems to have a strong relationship with ASD, being comorbid in up to 50% of cases.

Conclusions

Usually the evaluation of the developmental history of the person, prodrome and onset, its course and the presence of positive symptoms of schizophrenia is enough to help us find a diagnosis. Unfortunately, in some ages the conclusion is not so easy to find. However is essential to determine whether the clinical manifestations belong to the autistic spectrum, the schizophrenic or result from comorbidity.
What is the best approach for patients with prolonged duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) - about 2 clinical cases with dup longer than 10 years
Authors: Gomes R. , Santos C. , Moutinho F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Studies have consistently found that many individuals with psychosis experience significant delays before receiving treatment. DUP refers to the period between the emergence of psychotic symptoms and the initiation of appropriate clinical treatment.

Objectives

To review current knowledge on the best approach for patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and prolonged DUP.

Methods

Non-systematic review of literature through search on PubMed database, following the terms “DUP and treatment” and “impact of longer DUP”. Two clinical cases are described.

Results

The clinical cases describe patients with SCZ with DUPs older than 10 years, in whom we could not achieve complete clinical remission after several therapeutic trials and whose prognosis was admitted as reserved. Longer DUP is an independent predictor of poorer outcome in SCZ, including the poor response to treatment and difficulty in achieving remission, predicting treatment resistance. Identifying treatment-resistant patients is crucial due to the importance of initiating clozapine as early as possible since the chances of responding are higher.

Conclusions

DUP is a key prognostic variable in psychosis, revealing the significance of early treatment. Patients with long DUP should be regarded as at high risk of poor recovery. The detection of these patients enables clinicians to avoid unnecessary exposure to ineffective treatments while effective interventions are delayed. However, in view of adverse side effects of clozapine, future studies need to examine relevant predictors to detect accurately non-responders. We also suggest further studies to understand if there is correspondence between DUP and different stages of the disease that justify these results.
Adherence to treatment in patients with delusional disorder - study of acute inpatient population in psychiatry ward between 2007-2017
Authors: Delgado A. , Barbosa D. , Curral R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Delusional disorder is a mental illness in which delusions are the dominant symptom. Delusional disorder is not well studied relative to other psychotic disorders - it is poorly understood in practically every aspect of its nature, including cause, phenomenology, prevalence, comorbidity, course, treatment, and prognosis.

Objectives

To study the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals admitted for inpatient treatment with the diagnosis of delusional disorder, in particular the adherence to treatment.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of inpatient treatment of patients with delusional disorder diagnosis between january 1st2007 and 31th december of 2017 in the Psychiatry Service of CHUSJ. Follow up of 2 years from discharge. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features. Descriptive analysis of the results was performed using SPSS (v.26).

Results

In the period of time analyzed, 152 hospitalizations were identified, corresponding to 114 patients: 38.2% male and 62.8% female. The average age was 58 years. 3 months after discharge: 65% of patients were going to the medical appointments, which dropped to 60% in 6 months, 55% in 12 months, 53% in 12 and 24 months. Regarding adherence to the treatment: 65% of patients were still adherent to medication in 3 months time, 55% in 6 months, dropping to 50% in a year and to 48% in 2 years. There is a relation between involuntary discharge and adherence to consultations and medication.

Conclusions

A cardinal characteristic of delusional disorder, conviction that one is not mentally ill, contributes complexity to the treatment challenges and profoundly affects the therapeutic relationship.
Impact of male infertility on self-esteem
Authors: Zouari A. , Hammami F. , Ellouze S. , Turki M. , Jenhani R. , Chibani M. , Ghachem R. , Jallad S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Infertile males experience considerable psychological distress, with feelings of inadequacy, marginalization, guilt and loss ofself-esteem.

Objectives

Our study aims to investigate the impact of male infertility on men’s self-esteem and to study risk factorsfor low self-esteem.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional, descriptive and analytical study, including 108 infertile men who presented to the laboratory of reproductive biology and the unit of assisted medical procreation of Military Hospital of Tunis between June and September 2019. For each patient, we collected sociodemographic and clinical data. We used Rosenberg scale to assess self-esteem.

Results

The average age of participants was 36.8 years. Eleven patients had a history of varicocele (10.18%) and six of them sufferedfrom associated erectile dysfunction (5.55%). Infertility was primary in most of patients (77.8%) with an average duration of 3.32 years. 25% of patients had at least one previous failed assisted reproductive attempt. Spermogram abnormalities were found in 78.7% of patients. The mean score of Rosenberg scale was 30.68±4.35. Low self-esteem was associated with older age (p=0.006), lower educational level (p=0.019) and longer duration of infertility (p=0.022). Men who had children had better self-esteem (p=0.022). No associations were found between self-esteem and erectile dysfunction or previous failed assisted reproductive technique attempt.

Conclusions

Our results show that infertility reduces men’s self-esteem, especially of patients with lower educational level and longer duration of infertility. Physician dealing with infertility should be aware of these psychosocial aspects and offer help when needed.
Third generation cognitive-behavioral therapies and genital pain
Authors: Barbosa D. , Ramos B. , Covelo V. , Mota M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Genital pain is a heterogeneous chronic pain condition and the relationship between biological, psychological and social factors sets a complex clinical challenge. The importance of negative thoughts and emotions has opened up an opportunity for the role of third generation cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT). While the majority of evidence revolves around female sexual desire and arousal problems, research on genital pain disorders is beginning to take shape.

Objectives

To review the evidence of third generation CBT on genital pain disorder.

Methods

Review of literature using the Pubmed platform.

Results

We identified 21 publications. Evidence shows that mindfulness-based CBT (MbCBT) improves reduction of fear linked to sexual activity, pain acceptance, catastrophizing and decentering. MbCBT shows significant improvements on secondary outcomes (overall sexual function, sexual satisfaction, depression and anxiety) while reduction of genital pain has yielded contradictory results. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been studied for chronic pain disorders with improvements on pain acceptance, psychological flexibility, anxiety, depression and functioning. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has yielded favorable results on pain distress and intensity, self-efficacy, self-acceptance, anxiety and depression. Self-compassion may be a promising protective factor in genital pain. Both ACT and CFT have not yet been studied specifically for genital pain.

Conclusions

Third generation CBT are most commonly used for depressive, anxiety and chronic pain disorders which signals the logical role that these interventions may have in genital pain. While MbCBT has started to present favorable results in treating genital pain (as well other sexual problems), ACT and CFT require more research.
Psychosocial adversity and the developing brain: Findings from the abcd study on 10,000 us children
Authors: Frangou S. , Modabbernia A. , Doucet G. , Janiri D.
Published: February 2022

Background

Childhood exposure to social risk has the potential to disrupt brain development and increase vulnerability to adverse mental health outcomes. Here, we examine the effect of adversity on brain structure and psychopathology in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a US population-based sample of 10 year-olds.

Methods

Personal, caregiver, family and neighborhood characteristics were considered in 9299 unrelated children [age: mean (sd)=9.9 y (0.6); 53% males]. Hidden Markov Models were used identify clusters of participants based on their psychosocial exposure. The identified clusters were compared in terms of current psychopathology, lifetime psychiatric diagnosis, intelligence and brain structure.

Results

ABCD participants clustered in to a “disadvantaged” group (N=4205) with multiple adverse exposures, and an “enriched” group (N= 5094) with limited exposure to adversity and multiple protective factors. Compared to the enriched group, the disadvantaged group had higher levels of all types of psychopathology and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses; lower scores on fluid and crystallized intelligence; smaller subcortical volumes; thinner sensorimotor cortices and thicker cortex in frontal regions; smaller surface area in temporal regions and larger surface area in the posterior cingulate cortices (all p<0.05 following Bonferroni correction for multiple testing).

Conclusions

Social adversity has significant and wide-ranging consequences for brain development and psychopathology, that shows little specificity for types of symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Sexual dysfunctions and sexual behaviors of normal weight, overweight and obese sexual minority men
Authors: Pereira H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

With the growing recognition of overweightness and obesity as significant, international public health concerns, the body of research investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI), sexual health and sexual functioning in sexual minority men is still scarce.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to assess sexual health determinants (sexual behavior and sexual functioning) in relation to normal weight, overweightness and obesity among gay and bisexual men.

Methods

The survey included four categories of questions/measurements, encompassing sociodemographic information, protected/unprotected sexual behaviors, sexual functioning, and BMI. The survey was conducted online, and recruitment consisted of online notifications (emails and electronic messages), and advertisements sent to LGBT community organizations, mailing lists, and social networks.

Results

The study sample was composed of 741 gay and bisexual men, ranging in age from 21 to 75 years old (Mage=43.30, SDage=11.37), 62.5% of men self-identified as gay and 37.5% as bisexual. Prevalence of normal weight was 50.3%, of overweight 33.3% and of obesity 16.4%. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis to assess the effects of BMI on sexual health showed that being younger in age, self-identifying as gay, being in a relationship, having longer penises, adopting insertive position in sex and being normal weight were significant predictors of anal receptive sex without condoms, explaining 24.2% of the total variance. Yet, BMI was not predictive of sexual functioning.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of including BMI in sexual behavior models of sexual minority men to better understand BMI’s role in influencing sexual risk.
Sexual dysfunction in infertile couples
Authors: Daoud M. , Omri S. , Smaoui N. , Feki R. , Bouali M. Maalej , Zouari L. , Thabet J. Ben , Charfi N. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Interactions between infertility and sexuality are numerous and complex. Recently more attention is being paid to the impact of infertility on the marital sexuality.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of infertility on sexual functions.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study, the obstetric gynecology department Basic demographic information was collected. Respondents were surveyed regarding sexual impact and perception of their infertility etiology.

Results

Our patients had an average age of 33.2. The average number of years of infertility was 3.9 years.. The most common cause of female infertility was an ovulat disorder (36%), that of male infertility was sperm production defect. The confrontation with a diagnosis of infertility marks a difference in the way couples organize their sexual life. In our study, sexual problems after this diagnosis were experienced by 38% of women. Sexual dysfunction was detected as a pain problem (24%), a desire problem (10%), an arousal problem (4%), and an orgasm problem in 6% and. Faced with this situation, women felt guilty (46%), angry (72%) and anxious (82%). Infertility was perceived as the worst experience of life by 78% of our patients.

Conclusions

Infertility can interfere negatively in women sexuality. The investigation of sexual difficulties in infertility consultations must be systematic.
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and sexuality: Inevitable disorders?
Authors: Charfi N. , Guermazi A. , Guermazi F. , Omri S. , Smaoui N. , Feki R. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Bouali M. Maalej , Tahri N. , Boudabous M. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Improving the quality of sexual life of patients has become a major therapeutic objective in the management of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (CIBD).

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with CIBD in remission and compare it to healthy controls (HC), and to determine the associated factors

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, conducted over 8 months, involving 36 patients with CIBD, who attended the gastroenterology outpatient of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). They were compared to 36 HC. Sexual function was assessed with the “Female sexual Function Index” and the “International Index of Erectile Function”.

Results

In the sample of CIBD, the prevalence of SD was 65.4% in women and 50% in men. Compared to controls, patients with male gender had significantly more impaired erection and orgasm (p=0.005; p=0.002 respectively), and those with female gender had significantly more impaired sexual arousal and desire (p=0.003; p=0.028 respectively). In the sample of patients, having a poor marital harmony and a fewer sexual attraction towards partner were correlated with decreased desire (p=0.017) in men and with sexual arousal (p=0.024) and decreased desire (p=0.048) in women. The number of relapses negatively affects erection (p=0.038) and orgasm (p=0.048). Depression correlated with a decreased orgasm (p=0.001) and desire (p=0.048) in men, and with a decreased sexual arousal (p=0.006) in women.

Conclusions

SD is common in CIBD, hence the need for a multidisciplinary approach to allow improvement of the quality of life of these patients, and of their partners.
Antidepressants effect on sexual dysfunction in men with PTSD
Authors: Maalej R. , Hamdi G. , Felfel D. , Ammar H. Ben , Kissi Y. El , Maamri A. , Zalila H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Various therapeutic approaches for post-traumatic stress disorder have been the subject of numerous studies. Antidepressants are sometimes used in PTSD. They improve the symptoms of PTSD. But their effect is not clear on the sexual dysfunctions that accompany this disorder.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to display the effect of antidepressants on sexual dysfunctions in men with PTSD.

Methods

A total of 30 male patients with PTSD were included in this study. The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF15) was used to assess sexual dysfunction in participants before treatment and two months after starting antidepressant treatment.

Results

Half of the patients (50%) used sertraline, 23% paroxetine, 20% fluoxetine and 7% escitalopram.The mean IIEF-15 score was 51.16 ± 6.82 in patients with PTSD before initiation of treatment. The average scores of the areas of sexuality studied by this scale were 3.93 ± 0.52 for sexual desire; 18.80 ± 5.68 for erectile function; 8.93 ± 8.97 for orgasmic function; 5.13 ± 1.10 for satisfaction with intercourse and 4.13 ± 1.16 for overall satisfaction. After 2 months of use of the antidepressant treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in sexual functions: significant increase in the total score of the IIEF15 (p <0.001), and in the mean scores of the areas of sexuality.

Conclusions

Antidepressant treatment could, by improving post-traumatic symptoms, improve sexual dysfunction.
Sleep quality, sensory processing abilities and work performance for adults with attention deficit hyperactive disorder
Authors: Grinblat N. , Rosenblum S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Poor sleep quality has been reported among adults with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and has been associated with reduced sensory-processing abilities and low work performance. However, the relationships among sleep quality, sensory processing and the insufficient work performance of adults with ADHD is still unclear.

Objectives

Following the World Health Organization’s international classification of functioning, disability and health concepts, this study compares sleep quality and sensory processing (body functions) and work performance (participation) of adults with ADHD to those of controls, and examines the relationships among those components in adults with ADHD.

Methods

Participants were 69 adults with ADHD and 52 age- and gender-matched controls. All completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini Sleep Questionnaire, the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile and the Occupational Questionnaire.

Results

Compared to controls, the adults with ADHD showed significantly poorer body functions (sleep quality and sensory processing patterns) and lower work performance. Significant correlations were found between sleep quality and sensory-processing abilities and between sleep quality and work performance among adults with ADHD. Regression analysis revealed that for adults with ADHD, sleep quality accounted for 22.0%, and sensory sensitivity accounted for 10.9%, of the variance of their work performance.

Conclusions

Sleep quality, together with sensory processing patterns, has a significant influence on work performance of adults with ADHD. Because work is a vital occupation for adults, these body functions need to be considered in clinical settings, and further research on this topic is required for better understanding of the phenomena.

Keyword

ADHD add Sleep quality add work performance add sensory processing
Sleep and personality in college students: A preliminary study
Authors: Amaral A.P. , Fernandes C. , Pocinho M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sleep represents an important process in the stable behavioural and emotional functioning of the individual and is an important health indicator. Personality is related with academic and occupational achievement, quality of interpersonal relationships, but also with sleep. Concerning personality, individuals with lower emotional stability have greater sensitivity to stress and maladaptive sleep-related behaviour.

Objectives

The main goal of this study is to analyze the relation between sleep quality and personality in college students.

Methods

This study employed a correlational design. A sample of 220 Portuguese students (84.9% females), with mean age of 19.5 years (sd=3.4), from different health courses, filled in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire and HEXACO-60, during a single individual session. A descriptive statistical analysis, a Pearson correlation analyses and the t Student test, for independent samples, were performed.

Results

The results showed a predominance of poor sleep quality among students (96.3%). The more prevalent HEXACO dimensions are: Conscientiousness (X=32.6; sd=4.2) and Emotionality (X=31.2; sd=5.2). When exploring personality differences between sleep groups (GSG=Good Sleep Group; PSG=Poor Sleep Group) a significant difference was found in mean scores of the dimension Emotionality. It was observed that the PSG revealed higher levels of Emotionality than the GSG (PSG=31.5; sd=5.1; PSG=26.3; sd=4.0; p<.05).

Conclusions

College students self-report a poor sleep and the prevalent personality dimensions are Conscientiousness and Emotionality. Students with higher levels of Emotionality (fearfulness, anxiety, dependence and sentimentality) presented a poor sleep. To conclude, mediation studies are needed in order to better understanding the link between personality and sleep.
Chronic upregulation of circadian clock protein per1 among OSA patients
Authors: Gabryelska A. , Sochal M. , Bialasiewicz P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

PER1 is a repressor protein involved in regulating circadian rhythm. While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurred pauses in breathing caused by the collapse of the upper airways it might be associated with disruption of the circadian clock.

Objectives

The study aimed to assess PER1 protein in OSA patients and evaluate its association with PSG parameters.

Methods

The study included 40 individuals, who underwent diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) examination. Based apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) patients were divided into groups: control (AHI<5; n=10) and OSA (AHI5; n=30). All participants had their peripheral blood collected in the evening (9:00-10:00 pm) before and in the morning (6:00-7:00 am) after the PSG. PER1 protein concertation measurements were performed using ELISA. Funding: National Science Centre, Poland-2018/31/N/NZ5/03931.

Results

The control and OSA group were match in sex and age, while differed regarding BMI (p=0.039), desaturation index (p<0.001) and AHI (p<0.001). PER1 protein level was elevated in OSA group compared to control both in the evening (322.384.1vs.208.460.1pg/ml;p<0.001) and morning (314.891.9vs.228.157.3pg/ml;p=0.002). No difference was observed between evening and morning PER1 level (p=0.946). Morning PER1 correlated with AHI (r=0.400; p=0.011), desaturation index (r=0.391;p=0.013), age (r=-0.312;p=0.049) and BMI (r=0.383;p=0.015). In a multiple linear regression model (R2=0.268;p=0.003) morning PER1 protein level was influenced by age (p=0.006) and AHI (p=0.025), while BMI and desaturation index were not significant.

Conclusions

OSA patients might suffer from circadian clock disruption, which is mainly associated with the severity of the disorder and age. Further studies are needed as this dysregulation can result in metabolic and mood disorders often observed in this group of patients.
Parental postpartum affective disorders as a risk factor for infant bedtime resistance
Authors: Ragni B. , De Stasio S. , Capitello T. Grimaldi , Giampaolo R. , Gentile S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Infant intrinsic factors, parental mental health, and parenting functioning could influence infant sleep development (Camerota et al., 2019). The current study was designed to advance understanding of parental mental health in influencing bedtime resistance in infants aging 8-12 months.

Objectives

The main aim of the present study was to examine the role of parental postpartum affective disorders, infants’ temperament and paternal involvement at bedtime in predicting infants’ bedtime resistance (e.g. fussing, crying or protesting).

Methods

60 Italian families of infants (34 boys and 26 girls) aging from 8 to 12months (M =10.73, SD = 2.54) participated in this study. Parents completed Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (Sadeh et al., 2009), Perinatal Assessment of Paternal and Maternal Affectivity (Baldoni et al., 2018), QUIT for infants’ temperament (Axia, 2002) and an ad-hoc questionnaire for fathers’ involvement. Two multiple linear regressions (MR), one for fathers and one for mothers, and relative weight analyses (RWA) were conducted.

Results

Infants’ involvement in constant bedtime routines (reported by fathers: β = −.35, p < .05; mothers: β = −.31, p < .05) and paternal involvement at bedtime (fathers: β = −.45, p < .01; mothers: β = −.27, p < .05) represented protective factors for infants’ bedtime difficulties. Paternal affective disorders, accounted for 17.2% of the explained variance for mothers’ and 12.5% for fathers’ reports of infant bedtime difficulties, more than did maternal postpartum affective disorders.

Conclusions

Findings support that parental mental health can interfere with infants’ bedtime resistance.
Is ADHD a sleep disorder? can adhd improve by treating the comorbid sleep disorder(S)? a research update
Authors: Kooij J.J.S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Research has shown that ADHD and sleep disorders are intimately intertwined in the majority of patients in both childhood and adulthood. Circadian rhythm sleep disturbances, esp. the delayed sleep phase syndrome, as well as several other sleep disorders, such as Insomnia, Restless Legs, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Sleep apnea are associated with ADHD. With a prevalence rate of 80% of sleep disorders in adults with ADHD, the question not only is what is chicken and egg, but even if both conditions share a joint pathophysiology.

Objectives

To investigate the consequences of this comorbid sleep disorders on severity of ADHD, mood and health, as well as to find evidence on improvement of ADHD by treatment of the sleep disorder(s).

Methods

Recent research will be evaluated to formulate answers to these questions.

Results

Sleep loss resulting from sleep disorders increases ADHD severity due to more impairment of cognition and memory as well as mood instability. Sleep loss in the longer term also leads to obesity, with negative consequences for health in general. First studies showing a decrease of ADHD symptoms by treatment of sleep disorders will be discussed.

Conclusions

ADHD and sleep disorders come together in the majority of patients and need both assessment and treatment. Treatment of ADHD by improving sleep, is an intriguing research question with potential new treatment options.
Elderly: Coping with sleep disorders
Authors: Silva D. , Martins R. , Polido F. , Cruz M.D.C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sleep problems are a common presenting symptom of elderly patients to Primary care physicians and Psychiatrists. Almost half of seniors over age 65 who live at home are dissatisfied with their sleep, and nearly two-thirds of those residing in nursing home facilities suffer from sleep disorders. Chronic and pervasive sleep complaints and disturbances are frequently associated with excessive daytime sleepiness and may result in impaired cognition, diminished intellect, poor memory, confusion, and psychomotor retardation.

Objectives

The aim of this article is to sumarize and explore the facts envolving sleep disorders, discusses approaches to treatment and highlights new research in the area of geriatric sleep disorders.

Methods

An online bibliographic search was carried out on PubMed and Medline using the keywords “Elderly”, “sleep” and “Psychiatry”.

Results

Management of sleep disorders is complicated by the risk of side effects of pharmacologic treatment approaches, and thus nonpharmacologic strategies are preferred when possible. Additionally, many of the pharmacologic strategies used in treating younger adults have not been studied adequately in the geriatric population, and more specifically in patients with underlying cognitive disorders, making treatment choices difficult.

Conclusions

This review has provided insights into the biopsychosocial impact of sleep disorders in the elderly, as this group pose unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Sleep changes in the elderly may have a far broader impact on geriatric health than originally thought, with implications for AD and delirium, and further research is needed in these areas as well.
Sleep problems in opioid dependent patients maintained on buprenorphine
Authors: Tripathi R. , Rao R. , Dhawan A. , Jain R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Opioid dependent individuals frequently complain of sleep problems in withdrawal and during abstinence.

Objectives

The objectives were to assess the subjective sleep parameters among buprenorphine-maintained opioid-dependent patients and to correlate it with socio-demographics, concomitant drug use and treatment related variables

Methods

Using a cross-sectional study design, 106 hundred six opioid-dependent patients maintained on buprenorphine for at least six months and on same dose in past month were interviewed. Sleep was assessed by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale. Association between subjective sleep parameters, socio-demographics, concomitant drug use and treatment related variables was also studied.

Results

All participants were males. Their mean age was 41.1 years (SD:14.3). The mean duration of illicit opioid use was 10 years (IQR: 5,22). About 63.2% (n=67) had PSQI scores more than 5 denoting sleep problem. The scores obtained in Epworth Sleeping Scale were in normal range. Mean subjective total sleep time of the sample was 403.5 (SD 94.8) minutes and median sleep latency was 35 (IQR 18.8, 62.5) minutes. Subjective total sleep time was significantly higher in participants who had use tobacco in the past three months (p value=0.03) and who were in moderate ASSIST risk category (p value=0.04). Subjective sleep latency was significantly higher (p value=0.04) in participants who had used opioids in last three months. It was observed that age was a significant predictor of subjective total sleep time and OST compliance was a significant predictor of sleep latency.

Conclusions

A sizeable proportion of opioid dependent patients on buprenorphine have sleep problems
A mixed-methods analysis of patient safety incidents involving opioid substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine in community-based care in England and Wales
Authors: Gibson R. , Macleod N. , Donaldson L. , Williams H. , Sheikh A. , Carson-Stevens A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is a paucity of knowledge and understanding of medical error in opioid substitution treatment programmes.

Objectives

To characterise patient safety incidents involving opioid-substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine in community-based care to identify the sources and nature of harm, describe and interpret themes and use this qualitative analysis to identify priorities to focus future improvement work.

Methods

We undertook a mixed-methods study examining incidents involving opioid substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine in community-based care submitted between 2005 and 2015 from the National Reporting and Learning System, a repository of incident reports from England and Wales. We analysed each report using four frameworks to identify incident type, contributory factors, incident outcome and severity of harm. Analysis involved detailed data coding and iterative generation of data summaries using descriptive statistical and thematic analysis.

Results

2,284 reports were identified. We found that most risks of harm came from failure in one of four processes of care delivery: prescribing opiate-substitution (n=151); supervised dispensing errors (n=248); non-supervised dispensing errors (n=318); and monitoring and communication activities (n=1544). Most incidents resulting in harm involved supervised or non-supervised dispensing (n=91/127, 72%). Staff- (e.g. mistakes, not following protocols) and organisation-related (e.g. poor working conditions or poor continuity of care between services) contributory factors were present for over half of incidents.

Conclusions

We have identified four processes of care delivery and associated contributory factors, which represent potential target areas for healthcare systems worldwide to develop interventions to improve the safe delivery of opioid substitution treatment.
Assessing altered executive functioning in substance use disorder: Evidence from a novel neurocognitive screening battery
Authors: Balconi M. , Losasso D. , Balena A. , Crivelli D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Recently, clinical models based on neuroscientific evidence have highlighted the detrimental role of executive functions impairments in negatively contributing to the functional decline of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Yet, despite these potential implications, the screening tools that are typically used to assess such impairments are not specific for patients presenting addiction and are not able to properly sketch their dysfunctional executive control profile.

Objectives

This study aimed at testing the clinical potential of a novel screening battery for neurocognitive disorders in addiction.

Methods

The screening battery was tested on 151 patients with SUD and 55 control subjects. The battery consisted of five neuropsychological tests tapping on verbal and working memory, focused attention, and cognitive flexibility and two computerized neurocognitive tasks (Stroop and Go/No-go tasks adapted for the evaluation of interference inhibition, executive control, and attention bias towards drugs of abuse).

Results

Statistical analyzes showed worse cognitive performance in patients with SUD compared to controls, both at neuropsychological tests of cognitive flexibility, focused attention and verbal memory and at neurocognitive tasks, suggesting the presence of deficit of regulatory mechanisms involved in inhibition and orientation of attention/cognitive resources. These results were also confirmed by second-level analyses where the role of age and education as potential moderators was checked, suggesting the robustness of the tested measures.

Conclusions

The results further stress the link between specific executive impairments and SUD and suggest the potential of the battery as a quick yet valid neurocognitive screening tool.