bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-related differences in the use of relaxation techniques during intensive professional training
Authors: Zlokazova T. , Kuznetsova A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Intensive professional training is widely used in modern organizations, as it helps employees adapt to dynamic work and technology changes (Noe, 2010; Patrick, 2000). Relaxation techniques may reduce the negative effects of intense learning processes (i.e. fatigue, anxiety and stress). They can also enhance the productivity of the training itself by helping to achieve optimal states for the completion of learning goals.

Objectives

Our study concerns differences in mastering relaxation techniques by employees of younger and middle-age groups during intensive professional training.

Methods

Sample - 62 employees, participants of communication training. The 15-min session of progressive relaxation combined with autogenic formulae was conducted after 5 hours of intensive training. Measures: standard psychological and physiological functional state tests (Leonova & Kapitsa, 2003); an information perception task.

Results

The efficiency of the relaxation techniques varied between different age groups: younger participants (aged 20-30) were more successful in managing both tasks – learning new relaxation skills and achieving deeper rest (including more apparent positive physiological effects). They were also more prepared for completing the information perception task (they made less mistakes). Older participants (aged 30-50) experienced more difficulties with the new relaxation skills and used relaxation primarily to restore their psychophysiological resources, rather than to prepare for the upcoming training task.

Conclusions

The results showed that relaxation techniques provide a system optimization effect on the participants of intensive training programs, though participants’ individual differences (ie age, length of service) should be taken into account when planning the outcomes of such interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Collaborative and scalable training model for rural comunities of La Sierra Madre in Chiapas, México: An opportunity for global mental health in low-middel income areas
Authors: Irurozqui M. Oscoz , Rodríguez-Cuevas F. , López-Salinas A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In Chiapas, Mexico, it is estimated that 1,356 million people suffer from depression; there are about 210 psychologists (1/24,847 people) and 4 psychiatrists (1/1,304 people). Collaborative task sharing, which engages nonspecialists in mental health care delivery, is essential to address the large global burden of mental illness. The collaborative care model (CoCM), a specific type of task-sharing strategy, incorporates a team-based approach with: a primary care provider (PCP); a behavioral health professional, who is the care manager (CM); and a consulting psychiatrist. CoCM has shown improved outcomes for both mental and general health, expanded access to care, and cost-effectiveness.

Objectives

Our objective is to implement one of the arms of the phased model and CoCM, through supervision and training of health professionals not specialists in Mental Health, in different clinical spaces of community primary care, by specialists.

Methods

We implemented a training program taught by psychiatrists and psychologists for health workers in communities of La Sierra Madre in Chiapas, which includes: training of intern nurses, training and supervision of intern doctors and on-site supervision and training of community mental health workers (CMHW); all undergoing a process of monitoring, evaluation and quality.

Results

Of the patients that were treated (202; 89% women), more than 80% had a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. The most notable clinical improvement (measured with the PHQ-9 depression scale) occurred in the intervention group of CMHW + interns (reduction PHQ-9 58%).

Conclusions

This strategy seems acceptable to address the large gaps in the availability of mental health providers in low-income countries.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The worms that invade your brain
Authors: Marinho G. , Peta J. , Vieira S. , Marguilho M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system and caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Humans become infected after consuming undercooked food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs, or through poor hygiene practices. The clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis (NCC) largely depend on the number, type, size, localization, and stage of development of cysticerci, as well as on the host immune response against the parasite. Seizures are the most common manifestations of NCC (70–90%) of patients, followed by headache (38%), focal deficits (16%) and signs of intracranial hypertension (ICH) (12%), but psychiatric symptoms can also be seen.

Objectives

Literature review on neuropsychiatric manifestations of neurocysticercosis, based on a clinical case.

Methods

Pubmed search using the keywords neurocysticercosis, psychiatric comorbidity, neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Results

We present a clinical case of a 29-year-old male patient, with history of an epilepsy, that immigrated to Portugal with his family from Cape Verde for specialized medical care. He presented to the ER with an acute psychotic episode characterized by disorientation, persecutory ideation, psychomotor agitation and violent behavior. Brain CT scan showed multiple calcifications in cerebral parenchyma and CSF was positive for antibodies against T. solium.

Conclusions

The polymorphous symptomatology seen in NCC is mimicked only by neuro-tuberculosis and neurosyphilis in developing countries, and multiple sclerosis in the Western countries. Psychiatric symptoms are a part of the clinical presentation of infectious diseases. It is important to consider NCC in endemic areas presenting with psychiatric symptoms, especially those showing poor response to the standard treatment and in those with history of seizures.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Impact of initial health assessment and crisis counselling for newly arrived Asylum seekers
Authors: Uwamaliya P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Evaluate the impact of the initial health assessment service for asylum seekers provided by the Asylum Practice Service.

Objectives

Examine the inputs of Asylum practice service to asylum seekers. Investigate the activities and outputs of the Asylum practice service. Identify the outcomes of Asylum practice service to asylum seekers. Assess the impact of Asylum practice service to asylum seekers.

Methods

The conceptual framework for measuring impact at the asylum practice service was based on a Logic Model to engage stakeholders and service users in order to evaluate the impact of services provided by the service. Also the Refugee Health Screener – 15 (RHS15) was used to screen the emotional distress/trauma to identify those individuals who would benefit from further mental health evaluation and treatment. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used to articulate and evidence social value performance and to tell the story of change created.

Results

The study shows that newly arrived asylum seekers benefit from the services of asylum practice, even though the impact could be marginal in some cases.

Conclusions

There is a need to revisit the current Initial Health Assessment tool, as in its current form, vital information on the causes of trauma such as rape, torture, human trafficking, and witnessing the death of parents, child, and close relatives which may underpin mental health problems, may not be captured, thus preventing access to appropriate interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Roles of trait resilience, flexibility, and volitional self-control in social adaptation: An fMRI study
Authors: Tei S. , Fujino J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Resilience and cognitive flexibility are considered as pre-adaptive traits that help individuals to deal with environmental and social distress. Although they may alleviate emotional impulses and/or support volitional self-control (VSC), these cognitive mechanisms remain insufficiently explored.

Objectives

To better understand resilience and flexibility, we built a mechanistic framework to explain variations in socially adaptive responses under distressing situations (cooperation dilemma) using economic and social decision-making paradigms.

Methods

Twenty-four university students (7 females) were enrolled. We used ego-resiliency (ER) and Machiavellian (Mach) questionnaires to measure resilience and flexibility, and applied third-party punishment (TPP) and ultimatum game (UG), as well as moral dilemma (MD) tasks to derive VSC-associated brain activity using 3T-functional magnetic resonance imaging. Mediation analysis was used to investigate whether these pre-adaptive trait levels explain cooperative decision-making (invested sum in TPP and acceptance rate of unfair offers in UG), together with VSC-associated brain activity during MD. The regions of interest included the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and temporoparietal junction (TPJ).

Results

Pre-adaptive traits were a statistically significant mediator for two different models. There was an indirect effect of 1) ER on the relationship between OFC activity strength and TPP scores, and 2) Mach on the relationship between DLPFC/TPJ and UG (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although recruitment is still ongoing, our results suggested that trait resilience and flexibility may help other-regarding and goal-directed motivation shifts. They may align self-interests with collective interests and support VSC, thereby adjusting peoples’ behaviors within social contexts and cultivating social intelligence.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Evaluation of the function of the hippocampus at the preoperative stage of cardiac surgery as a harbinger of postoperative psychosis
Authors: Sidenkova A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Development of an acute cerebral dysfunction in a form of delirium after cardiac surgeries is common general medical problem that associated with prolonged hospital stay after the surgery, risk of development of infection, risk of subsequent neurocognitive changes, and postoperative morbidity

Objectives

To compare risk of development of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with and without hippocampal dysfunction

Methods

Selective observational longitudinal study of the same group of objects in pre and postoperative period

Results

For the diagnosis of degenerative process in CNS on early stages Free and cued selective reminding test immediate recall (FCSRT-IT) was shown to be the most sensitive. Based on learning of verbal material and semantic cues with recalling, FCSRT-IT allows differentiating amnestic disturbances hippocampal type from secondary disturbances of memory due to neurodynamic changes

Conclusions

Hippocampal dysfunction is a factor of developing of postoperative delirium in elderly patients that requires using additional measures in patients with mild cognitive disturbance to prevent developing of postoperative delirium

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Functional connectivity alterations between default mode network and occipital cortex in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Authors: Geffen T. , Smallwood J. , Finke C. , Sjoerds Z. , Schlagenhauf F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A meta-analysis by Gürsel et al. (2018) found altered functional connectivity in OCD patients within and between default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and frontoparietal networks (FPN), as well as evidence for aberrant fronto-striatal circuitry.

Objectives

Testing the replicability of meta-analysis rsfMRI findings in OCD patients.

Methods

We measured functional connectivity during resting-state fMRI in a sample of OCD patients (n=24) and controls matched for age and sex (n=33). The CONN toolbox implemented in SPM was used to perform seed-to-voxel analysis using 30 seed regions based on the previous meta-analytic findings.

Results

OCD patients showed reduced functional connectivity between SN and DMN compared to controls, replicating previous findings. We did not observe significant group differences of functional connectivity within the DMN, SN, or FPN. The strongest finding consisted of altered connectivity between DMN and SN to the visual network. OCD patients showed reduced functional connectivity between the left lateral parietal seed (LPl) and the inferior lateral occipital pole left (iLOCl) compared to controls. Furthermore, the LPl was found to be hyperconnected with the right superior lateral occipital cortex (sLOCr) and the right precuneus. This finding was positively correlated to OCD symptom severity, especially compulsions.

Conclusions

Our findings replicated partly the meta-analysis findings, specifically reduced connectivity between SN and DMN. Using seeds based on the meta-analysis, we identified aberrations between the SN and, in particular, the DMN to the visual network. This raises the question about the visual system’s involvement in OCD symptoms and the abnormal connectivity of a unimodal region to the multimodal DMN.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Face sensitivity: Effects of gender and orientation
Authors: Romagnano V. , Sokolov A. , Fallgatter A. , Pavlova M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Research on face tuning is of particular relevance during the Covid-19 pandemic leading to social isolation and anxiety, but also requiring social integrity. Face sensitivity represents an essential component of social competence. This ability is aberrant in most neuropsychiatric conditions. Studies in typically developing individuals enable to develop new tools for examination and better understanding non-verbal social cognition in neuropsychiatry.

Objectives

Here we used a novel set of Face-n-Thing images to address the following issues: (i) whether the ability to seeing faces in non-face images (face pareidolia) is affected by gender; and (ii) whether it is altered with changing display orientation. The main advantage of Face-n-Thing images is that face tuning occurs without being explicitly fostered by familiar elements.

Methods

A newly developed Face-n-Thing task, on which images were shown either with canonical upright orientation or inverted 180º in the image plane, was administered to healthy females and males. On each trial, they have to indicate whether they have a face impression.

Results

Face impression was substantially impeded by display inversion in both males and females. With upright display orientation, no gender differences were found, whereas with inversion, Face-n-Thing images elicited face impression in females significantly more often.

Conclusions

The findings open a way for examination of face sensitivity and underwriting brain networks in neuropsychiatric conditions, most of which are gender-specific. Display inversion represents a proper control for face tuning in neuroimaging studies. Gender differences should be taken into account when conceiving studies in neuropsychiatric populations.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Impairments in theory of mind following traumatic brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: Chikramane R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Theory of Mind (ToM) enables one to reflect upon the thoughts and emotions of others and oneself. Brain damage can lead to impaired social cognition resulting from ToM deficits. Studies examining ToM in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have yielded conflicting findings.

Objectives

To assess the nature and extent of Theory of Mind (ToM) impairments post-TBI.

Methods

Electronic databases searches included PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Scopus, PsychArticles, PsychINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Wiley Online Library databases. Only studies conducted on adult patients with TBI compared with healthy controls published in English in peer-reviewed journals were considered. Reference lists were manually checked for additional studies. 19 studies were identified.

Results

Marked moderate-to-severe ToM deficits in adults post-TBI were observed across all severities of injury and chronicity. ToM deficits were documented across tasks and reflected a hierarchy where performance worsened significantly as tasks progressed in complexity. Despite supportive factors, certain aspects of ToM impairment, such as ability to detect and interpret non-literal speech and judge appropriateness of context remained affected in the subjects.

Conclusions

ToM deficits represent a robust finding in adults with TBI. The chronicity of TBI requires a long-term view and is complicated by the fact that ToM deficits are invisible and difficult to understand. Perceptive-taking deficits faced by TBI sufferers has bio-socio-economic implications. This review also discusses implications for basic and clinical neuropsychology and rehabilitation efforts. Further research is needed, particularly in the form of large, longitudinal studies that mimic day-to-day interactions, to inform/support rehabilitation programs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Mechanisms linking gut microbiota to depression
Authors: Fraga A. , Esteves-Sousa D. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Albuquerque M. , Costa M. , Espada-Santos P. , Moura N. , Moutinho A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The gut microbiota constitute the largest and most diverse community in the body which is primarily responsible for the maintenance of the intestinal wall integrity and the protection against pathogens. Besides having an important role in the regulation of host energy metabolism, the gut microbiota can also influence neurodevelopment, modulate behavioral and might contribute to the development of psychiatry disorders.

Objectives

The authors elaborated a narrative literature review to understand how gut microbiota can influence depression.

Methods

Using PubMed as the database, a research was conducted about how Gut Microbiota relates with Depression.

Results

The microbiota-gut-brain axis encompasses the strong bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the CNS. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in this bilateral communication, including immune, endocrine and neural pathways. Permutations in the gut microbiome composition trigger microbial lipopolysaccharides production that activates inflammatory responses. Cytokines send signals to the vagus nerve, which links the process to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that consequently causes behavioral effects. Beyond this, gut microbiota have the capacity to produce many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators such as serotonin and can induce the secretion of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, an important plasticity-related protein that promotes neuronal growth, development and survival.

Conclusions

Neuroinflammatory processes like those that occur in depression are deeply modulated by peripheral inflammatory stimuli, especially those from the intestinal microbiota. However, the knowledge is currently limited and the information available is not enough to understand the exact mechanisms. Therefore, more studies are required to show how gut microbiota influences the human brain.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder onset and COVID-19 pandemic: Is there a relation between both?
Authors: Aldeias J. , Polido F. , Cruz M.D.C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions). Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, a lot of people developed fears of contamination or being infected.

Objectives

To describe a clinical case and discuss the diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in context of COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The data was achieved through patient’s and his family. For the literature review we searched the terms: “OCD” and “COVID-19 Pandemic”.

Results

45 years-old, male, single. He has a generalised anxiety disorder since 2010. At July 2020, the patient asked for help due to worsening of symptoms. Before the appointment, he was waiting outside because he didn’t feel comfortable in the waiting room. When he touch anything unintentionally, he wash his hands immediately. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, he stopped working because he was too afraid of being infected. He started to think a lot about SARS-COV2 contamination, avoiding all public places, depending on his mother and friends to do basic daily tasks. His thoughts led to cleaning and hand-washing rituals, spending a lot of time. Those symptoms are egodystonic, have a huge impact on global functioning and are not explained by normative fear or protection measures. During 10 years of psychiatric follow-up he never showed obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Conclusions

This case is an example of OCD onset during the COVID-19 pandemic in a patient with an anxiety disorder (without previous obsessive-compulsive symptoms). He has improved after paroxetine 60mg and risperidone 1mg daily, as well as cognitive behaviour therapy weekly.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Indiana jones and ganser syndrome
Authors: Fominaya M. Pérez , López M.V. , Osca A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Ganser syndrome is a rare medical disorder situated between hysterical etiopathogenesis and psychosis, factitious disorders and organic lesions which results in a difficult diagnosis. It is listed in DSM VI as a dissociative disorder whose main symptom is approximate answers, other accompanying symptoms appearing in Ganser: clouding of consciousness, somatic conversion symptoms and hallucinations. Psychopathologically explains a mental state of escape from a situation difficult to being tolerated. Organically appears in pathologies involving the frontal lobes

Objectives

We present a case of a XX year old man who suddenly develops a depressive disorder with no apparent cause. Initially he was a professionally developed man. Famous archaeologist. University professor. Guitarist in a musical group. He deteriorated through the years, appearing dementia data with auditive hallucinations and resistant headache. He begins to have difficulty speaking correctly, with paraphasias and short answers, continually repeating “I don´t know”, Short-term amnesia and bed-chair life

Methods

It was impossible to perform both the Mini-Mental State Examination test and the fototest because the patient refused claiming to be very nervous. The CT and MRI showed a slight temporary atrophy and vascular age changes. Subsequently, PET was performed without notable findings. Antidepressant and anxiolytic treatment was introduced without success as well as treatment for dementia and antipsychotic treatment.

Results

The headache was improved. The rest of the symptoms did not disappear

Conclusions

Ganser syndrome is a psychiatric condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The bed smells like oil: About a case with diagnosis of epilepsy
Authors: Suárez-Gómez M. , Rodrigues P. , Gómez A. Suárez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Olfactory hallucinations have been described since the 19th century as a particular, often unpleasant smell at the beginning or during the spell. The olfactory cortex are involved in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Objectives

The aim was analyze the relationship between the olfactory hallucinations and the previus diagnosis of epilepsy.

Methods

In this study, we present a clinical case and review the current literature showing the relationship between smell and epilepsy.

Results

A 69-years-old woman, with a medical history of epilepsy, went to the emergency department describing a recent episode of seizure, self-limited in time, after a sensation of an unpleasant smell in bed. A medical history of osteoarthritis, cholecystectomy and essential tremor is described. No unknown drug allergies. The neurological examination shows dysarthric speech, tremor in the right upper limb, isochoric and reactive pupils, preserved sensitivity and strength, and a positive Romber’s sign. The physical examination, blood test and vital signs were normal. The head CT scan showed signs of ischemic leukoencephalopathy, without acute ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions. The patient was medicated with 1000 mg of valproate daily, which was suspended a month ago due to an alteration in liver transaminases. Treatment with diazepam 10 mg daily was prescribed and referred for consultation. The sense of smell changes over time for anormal aging process, affecting abilitiesto detect, identify and discriminate odors.Several neurodegenerative diseases presentcertain alterations that help us determine yourorigin and progression (Vaughan and Jackson, 2014).

Conclusions

Olfactory auras occurs before a seizure of the temporal lobe. Repeated stimuli in limbic regions can produce changes in the piriform cortex, with increased excitability and in epileptic discharges.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Paving the way for the oncological process in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Casanovas F. , Castro J.I. , Masferrer C. , Martínez L. , Gallardo V. , Sotomayor M.D.L.Á. , Dinamarca F. , Orejas O. , Oller S. , Pérez-Solà V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Oncologic patients with schizophrenia have a higher mortality, which could be explained by a delayed diagnosis and a poor quality of the oncologic treatment (1). Some of the potential reasons are related with patient’s psychopathology, stigma, and barriers in access to medical care. An structured support during the oncologic treatment has been proposed to solve the difficulties that patients with schizophrenia can experience when handling with an oncologic process. (2).

Objectives

To illustrate two approaches for cancer accompaniment in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We present two case-report and literature research of the topic.

Results

Case A. A 49 y.o. woman diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder. In the last years she had difficulties to manage her selfcare, so her mental health providers linked her to an individualized community nurse, who later played a crucial role in helping the patient during the diagnosis and treatment of a breast cancer. Case B. A 37 y.o. man diagnosed with schizophrenia, who was very integrated in a peer-support organization. After being diagnosed with a Lymphoma, he continued participating in all the group activities (theatre, collaborative radio, painting) until his decease. Sharing the process with other patients not only improved his quality of life but also helped the group to manage the grief.

Conclusions

- Individualized support with a mental health nurse could enhance the communication between the oncologist and mental health providers, improve the symptoms management, and allow psychological support. - Peer-support can prevent social isolation, improve the quality of life and the management of the oncologic treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The role of alexithymia on psychological resilience in women with breast cancer
Authors: Atkan F. , Oflaz F. , Bahar Z.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Studies indicated that breast cancer cause alexithymia that having adverse effect on resilience. Recognizing and expressing emotions are very crucial to cope with the difficulties.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the role of alexithymia on psychological resilience and related variables in women with breast cancer.

Methods

In this descriptive study, 70 women with breast cancer who apply to a medical oncology outpatient between June 2019-February 2020 were included. 9-questions questionnaire was used to determine the sociodemographic and cancer related characteristics of the participants. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Psychological Resilience Scale (PRS) were used to determine perceived social support, alexithymia and psychological resilience levels. Descriptive statistics, correlations, ANOVA and t-test were used for data analysis.

Results

The MSPSS (20.07 ± 10.54) and TAS-20 were found low (47.71 ± 11.96) and PRS were high (132.24 ± 16.47). A negative, weak, significant relationship was found between the alexithymia (r=-0.370, p=0.02) and perceived social support (r=-0.496, p=0.01) with psychological resilience. There was no significant difference between the psychological resilience and age, education level, marital status, having children, profession, employment status, duration of illness, type of treatment, having metastases, and becoming caregiver (p> 0.05).

Conclusions

The psychological resilience of women with breast cancer was negatively related to their alexithymia and perceived social support levels. It indicates that being able to recognize the emotions and having social support systems would positively affect the recovery process.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Why ICF? advantages of ICF in the clinical practice with regard to the medical care of people with mental health problems and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Theil M.-M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework rooted in patient-centered care and the biopsychosocial model that facilitates a comprehensive description of a person’s health and their level of societal participation. The importance of the ICF for assessing the needs of individuals with mental health problems (MHP) and intellectual disabilities (ID) is growing, especially in the social medicine.

Objective

To describe the benefits and limitations of the ICF in clinical practice, pertaining to the assessment of healthcare needs and societal participation in persons with MHP and ID.

Method

Comprehensive literature search in medical databases using the Keywords: ICF, mental health, intellectual disabilities, social and occupational participation.

Results

ICF-based instruments such as the Mini-ICF-APP, with which impairments and competencies in social and occupational participation can be described, are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare and rehabilitation. In Germany, for example, in accordance with the Federal Participation Act, the entitlement to disability support benefits is assessed using ICF-based instruments, which therefore play a decisive role in social medical care.

Conclusion

The functional descriptions of the ICF provide the opportunity for a standardized, yet individualized assessment of medical needs, general health and societal participation, thus facilitating the provision of a comprehensive package of care and support for people with disabilities. ICF-Core Sets and the Mini-ICF-APP are effective tools to describe level of function. It would be clinically valuable to further develop these instruments for use in persons with ID and MHP in the field of social medicine.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Transcendental cinema and psychiatry. The case of Blue Velvet by David Lynch
Authors: Nowocień J. , Szejko N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Term ‘transcendental cinema’ was first used by Paul Schrader in the context of slow cinema, characterized by long shots, austere camerawork and acting devoid of self-consciousness. This style expresses a spiritual state and comes closer to metaphysic dimension. All these features bring transcendental style closer to philosophy of mindfulness characterized by the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment without judgment, a skill one develops through meditation or other training.

Objectives

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the connection between transcendental style in cinema and mindfulness. Moreover, we would like to present the cinema as a tool approaching meditation and mindfulness. Particularly, we will use the example of David’s Lynch movie Blue Velvet.

Methods

In our research we use the approach proposed by Paul Schrader and David Lynch to analyze the principles of mindfulness and transcendental cinema in Blue Velvet.

Results

There are a number of presenting positive impact of mindfulness and meditation on mental and physical health of patient not only with neurological or psychological problems. Transcendental cinema is a representation of mindfulness as it teaches paying attention to single stimulus and staying in one thought. Particularly, the combination of meditation music, slow sequences as well as contemplation of human mind and emotional reactions displayed in Blue Velvet is perfect example of transcendental cinema.

Conclusions

We think that transcendental cinema should be treated as a technique of mindfulness used to understand psychological state of health and disease.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Borges and the art of forgetting
Authors: Ohri N. , Gill A. , Saini M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In 2005 Elizabeth Parker and fellow researchers described the first case of Hyperthymestic Syndrome, a woman going by initials AJ. Thereafter, a handful more of such cases have emerged. Older descriptions of extraordinary memory in medical literature mainly considered semantic and working memories. Jorge Luis Borges in his 1930s short story ‘Funes, his Memory’ writes about his, presumably fictitious, encounter with a man named Ireno Funes who possessed an extraordinary memory and a knack for keeping track of briefest of passing moment. Among many qualities that Funes and AJ share are their extraordinary memories, obsession for keeping track of time, and their problems with abstraction. After describing his extraordinary memory, Borges says of Funes, ‘I suspect nevertheless, that he was not very good at thinking. To think is to ignore (or forget) differences, to generalize, to abstract.’ Similarly, AJ has been described to have impaired abstraction, hypothesis formation and conceptual shifting. Moreover, both Funes and AJ see their capability as a burden rather than a gift. “My memory, sir, is like a garbage heap.” Says Funes.

Objectives

A brief exploration of Jorge Luis Borges’ works in the context of autobiographical memory.

Methods

The comparisons between Borges’ description of his character’s autobiographical memory and findings of modern research techniques will be done qualitatively.

Results

Effort is made to undersatnd Borges philosophy in context of mordern memory research.

Conclusions

An in depth look into Borges’ philosohies linking perception of time, coding of memory, abstration and language can inform further line of research regarding autobiographical memory.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Introducing the ICF in the care of individuals with id under consideration of the situation of health care services in poland for individuals with id and mental health problems
Authors: Krysta K.
Published: February 2022

The introduction of the ICF scale in Poland started a few years ago. One of the institutions, which started trainings and implementation of the scale is the Polish Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability (PSONI). The use of the ICF scale turned out to be very important because the diagnosis itself still tells us little about the life and personality of a person. The disorder itself does not determine functioning in society. The application of this scale helps to capture the dynamics between concepts such as health, human body functions, ability to participate in different activities, environmental factors and personality. It allows, for example, to clearly define whether the problems are caused by the health of a given person or by external limitations, even of an architectural nature. It is expected to implement ICF in different centers run by the Association like e.g. Vocational Activity Centers or the Center for Vocational Counseling and Support for People with Intellectual Disabilities (DZWONI). The scale is also being implemented in Health Care Services for Individuals with ID and Mental Health Problems in Poland because it remains an integrative model and not only medical and social one.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Inventory construction to track cognitive profiles compatible with intellectual disability, ADHD, and dyslexia in children between 6 to 11 years old
Authors: Carreiro L.R. , Marino R.L. , Souza A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The most frequent complaints from children referred to psychiatry and psychologist are related to academic and attentional impairments, or developmental delay, which are shared by many conditions.

Objectives

To develop an inventory that evaluates cognitive functions of children between 6 to 11 years old to track cognitive profiles compatible with Intellectual Disability, ADHD, and dyslexia to assist in differential diagnosis.

Methods

In study 1 (identification of the relevant constructs, operational definition, and items development), data were collected from parents of children and professionals who serve this population; articles, verification of screening instruments and identification of cognitive impairments by the DSM-5. In study 2, an analysis of judges with professionals was carried out, as well as a verification of the items’ clarity by the target population; In study 3, we looked for evidence of validity and precision indicators with a sample of 272 parents and 178 teachers of 72 children diagnosed with one of the three disorders and 207 that had no suspect of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Results

For the parent version, the four-factor solution was the most appropriate, with the following Scales: Attention, Executive Functions, Intelligence and Oral Language. The final version for parents was composed of 60 items, with excellent internal consistency indices (coefficients> 0.90).

Conclusions

ROC curves expressed good sensitivity and specificity of the scales for each disorder. Future studies have to expand the sample size of children diagnosed with one of the three disorders so that new analyzes can be performed and the results can be generalizable to the population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Internet-related problems and learning motivation of the students of medical university
Authors: Sedova E. , Goryacheva T. , Zavadskaya M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Nowadays the cyberspace penetrates all the spheres of our lives: work, leisure and learning activity. However, uncontrolled presence in the virtual reality can form Internet-addictive behavior. Young people seem to be in increased risk of Internet-related problems.

Objectives

The research aim is to study the motivational shpere of the students with different level of Internet dependency.

Methods

The research methods are: Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS), Internet Perception Inventory, Learning Motivation Diagnostics Inventory, Test of Motivation of Success or Fear of the Failure. The sample consists of 37 students of the medical university in the age from 21 to 24 years. According to the results of the CIAS 3 groups have been marked out: Group 1 - with the highest level of Internet-related problems, Group 2 – the risk group of forming the Internet addiction, Group 3 – students who have not demonstrated proneness to Internet-addictive behavior.

Results

The motivational sphere of the students with a low risk of Internet addiction seem to be more differenciated comparing with the one of the rest students. The motives of creative self-realization; communicative, social and learning motives have been demostrated. However, we have not found a significant differance between the groups in motivation for success. The motives of professional self-realization are equally important for all the research participants.

Conclusions

The obtained data can be implemented when designing Internet addiction prevention programs. We assume that including the motivational component into such programs can make them more effective.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
An unbalanced time-perspective profile in cardiac surgery patients as a risk factor for depression
Authors: Nikolaeva O. , Nikolaev E. , Petunova S. , Grigorieva N. , Lazareva E. , Hartfelder D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Depression is one of common comorbid states that accompany cardiovascular diseases. Risk of co-morbidity can rise when patients have to undergo heart surgery, which is an additional stress-factor.

Objectives

To specify psychological correlations between depressive manifestations in cardiac surgery patients based on the analysis of their time perspective profile.

Methods

Using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, we examined 60 cardiac surgery inpatients (80% male, mean age 58.25±10.55). We calculated the statistical estimation of the received data based on the comparison with the norm and the correlation analysis.

Results

The research revealed that cardiac surgery patients’ indices significantly exceeded the norm on three out of five scales – Negative-Past (t=4.405; p=.000), Positive-Past (t=3.536; p=.000), and Future (t=5.008; p=.000). We also identified essential correlations between the level of depression and the indices of Negative-Past (r=.390; p=.002) and Positive-Past (r=-.270; p=.037). We distinguished a positive correlation of the negative attitude to the past with cognitive-affective (r=.369; p=.004) and somatic (r=.338; p=.008) manifestations of depression, and a negative correlation with the level of education (r=-.292; p=.024).

Conclusions

The personal time perspective profile in cardiac surgery patients is unbalanced due to a high level of their negative attitude to the past with an optimal level in other time perspectives. The degree of the Negative-Past attitude correlates in the patients with a low level of education and a high risk of depression in all its manifestations. The given correlations should be taken into account when conducting preventive psychological interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Academic procrastination in university students: Associated factors and impact on academic performance
Authors: Alaya M. Ben , Ouali U. , Youssef S. Ben , Aissa A. , Nacef F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Academic procrastination is a specific sub-type of procrastination, assessing the tendency to delay academic tasks in connection with the preparation of courses or exams.

Objectives

To determine the impact of academic procrastination on studies and academic performances and identify associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in students from three different universities: a medical school, a law school and an engineering school. Socio-demographic, clinical and academic data were collected. Procrastination was assessed using the Academic Procrastination Scale. We further administered the Short Version of the impulsive behaviour scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Perfectionism scale, and the one item Self-esteem Scale.

Results

Our sample consisted of 1019 students. The mean age was 22 ± 2.25 years, and 62% were females. About one third of study participants used tobacco or alcohol, and 10% used drugs (cannabis or others). We found a significant positive correlation between procrastination and academic failure (r=0.22 p= 0.00) and a negative correlation with academic success (r= -0.27 p=0.00). Multivariate regression analysis showed the following risk factors for academic procrastination: alcohol consumption (ORa= 1.74 [1.14; 2.67]), study field (with reference to medicine: law ORa= 1.50 [1.02; 2.19], engineering studies ORa= 2.01 [1.34; 3.02]), and impulsivity (ORa= 2.11 [1.55; 2.86]).

Conclusions

Academic procrastination has a negative impact on academic achievement and performance. This impact appears to differ depending on the field of study. It also seems closely related to impulsiveness and alcohol use. Our findings might contribute to find new ways of helping students to improve academic performance.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The autopoiesis and the mindfulness as a tool for selfmanagement in health. A theoretical support for a clinical study in psychoneuroimmunology
Authors: De Arce J.T. Saavedra Perez , Zarate C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Clinical studies had shown a correlation between mindfulness and changes in the immune response. Other studies had observed an interaction between sensory neurons and neuropeptide-mediated immune response.

Objectives

This research aims to provide theoretical support to carry out a clinical study based on psychoneuroimmunology.

Methods

For this, An epistemological analysis of the concepts of autopoiesis and evocative body was carried out to explain the self-conformation of the organism.

Results

The result of this analysis indicates that the autopoietic process of the organism can be experienced from the three levels proposed by the concept of the evocative body (preontological, ontological and logical). It is posible to generate a nexus between the preontological and the logical in the autopoietic process through the ontological level. Mindfulness is the tool through which it is possible to access the ontological and thus express the preontological in the logical, thereby generating the theoretical possibility of being able to influence our therapeutic process.

Conclusions

This analysis supports the concept of the self-management in health as a measurable therapeutic tool in a clinical study.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Efficacy of IV immunoglobulins on depressive symptoms and self-injury: A case report
Authors: Silva A. , Politi P. , Brondino N. , Olivola M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Some studies in literature highlight the correlation between immune-mediated inflammatory processes and psychiatric pathologies. However, there are few studies about the efficacy of IV immunoglobulins in psychiatric features (1). (1) ZUNSZAIN, Patricia A.; HEPGUL, Nilay; PARIANTE, Carmine M. Inflammation and depression. In: Behavioral neurobiology of depression and its treatment. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2012. p. 135-151.

Objectives

Case report: a 39 year patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and myasthenia was hospitalized for self-injury ideation, acting out and depressive episode treated with acid valproic, aripiprazole, gabapentin; flare-up of myasthenia that needed treatment.

Methods

Clinical and test evaluation was performed in three stages: before (t0), immediately after (t1) and 3 weeks after (t2) the administration of the IgEV without other treatment modifications. We have used: - Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) - Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, Version 11 (BIS-11) - Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) - Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) - Alexian Brothers Urge to Selfe-Injure Scale (ABUSI)

Results

The patient has a score of 79 at BIS-11. She used to have a huge number of acting aout as we see on ISAS (Fig.1).Figure 1Figure 2

Conclusions

We observed a reduction in non-suicidal self-injurious ideation, the suspension of acting-out, a complete remission of depressive symptoms with mild persistence of anxious symptoms immediately after the administration of immunoglobulins, and the remission continue until one month after the administration (Fig.2).

Disclosure

No significant relationships.