bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of seasonality, climatic and temporal factors on suicide attempts amongst patients from southern tunisia
Authors: Tfifha M. , Abbes W. , Mahdhaoui W. , Kerkeni A. , Dhemaid M. , Rejeb I. , Ghanmi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Seasonal changes, climatic factors such as temperature, sunlight intensity and precipitations as well as temporal factors seem to have an influence on suicidal behavior.

Objectives

Our study aimed to analyse the association between seasonal changes, climatic variations, temporal factors and suicide attempts.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was undertaken including all patients consulting for the first time at Gabes psychiatry department from the 4th March 2009 to the 25th September 2020 for suicidal attempt. Sociodemographic and clinical data as well as suicidal attempts’ characteristics were assessed. Meteorologic data, related to the years 2009 through 2020, were obtained from the official weather website of Tunisia.

Results

278 patients were collected, including 217 female. Mean age was 26. Suicidal patients were unmarried (75.9%), childless (79.1%) and unemployed (47.5%). Results showed that suicidal attempts occurred most frequently in summer (32.5%) specifically in June and July (10.9% for each). Regarding the distribution of suicide attempts over the days of the week, the highest rate was observed on Monday (22.5%) and the lower one on Friday. There were a correlation between high temperature and suicide attempt by hanging (p=0.006), between days of sunlight and manifestations preceding the suicidal attempt (p=0.04) and between rainfall and anxiety disorder leading to suicidal attempt (p=0.03).We finded also an association between the summer and risk behavior such as runaways (p=0.024).

Conclusions

A better identification of seasonality, climatic and temporal factors in suicidal behavior could allow a better prevention in suicidal attempts and a reduction in death by suicide
Experiencing quarantine restrictions for adolescents with and without suicidal experience in Russia
Authors: Dovbysh D. , Ermakova M. , Kiseleva M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The life changes and limitations associated with Covid-19 clearly have serious psychological implications. The life of adolescents has also changed significantly in many areas: study, communication with peers, contact with family, etc. and not all adolescents have adapted to these changes equally easily.

Objectives

Study adolescents’ perception of Covid-19, describe the effect of self-isolation on adolescent emotional well-being, and examine changes in the family system through the eyes of a teenager.

Methods

The study involved two groups of adolescents: the first (G1) - 174 students of a Moscow school and the second (G2) - 39 adolescents hospitalized in a children’s psychiatric clinic in connection with suicidal actions. Teenagers filled out the author’s questionnaire, Short Health Anxiety Inventory (Salkovskis), Analysis of Family Anxiety (Eidemiller, Yustickis), Prohibition on the expression of feelings (Kholmogorova).

Results

Participants in G2 significantly more often than G1 reported that their functioning worsened (it became more difficult to study - 72% versus 51%; more difficult to communicate - 76% versus 41%, more conflicts with family members - 49% versus 25%). G2 demonstrated a significantly higher level of family anxiety (M = 17.3 and M = 12.1 p<0.01), a more pronounced prohibition on expressions of negative emotions (M = 37.2 and M = 21.3 p<0.01). The level of anxiety (for one’s own health, well-being of relatives and financial stability) is also significantly higher in G2.

Conclusions

Many adolescents in self-isolation need the support of relatives and the help of specialists. For a number of teenagers, self-isolation has become a crisis situation.
Sociodemographic and clinical profile of attempted suicide patients
Authors: Bader S. , Abbes W. , Mahdhaoui W. , Tfifha M. , Rjeb I. , Ghanmi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicide attempts are common and constitute a serious problem for public health.Thus, it is very important to evaluate risk factors for suicidal behavior.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the socio-demographic and clinical profile of attempted suicide patients consulting in the psychiatry department in Gabes (southern of Tunisia).

Methods

It was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study covering all patients who had attempted suicide during the period from the 1st of May, 2009 to September 25th, 2020 and who were referred to the psychiatry department in the regional hospital of Gabes. Sociodemographic and clinical data of the patients as well as characteristics of the suicide attemptswere assessed.

Results

Socio-demographic profile of the suicidal consultant in psychiatry department corresponded to a single (73.4%) female (78.8%), with a mean age of 26 years, from an urban area (46%). Suicide attempts were most often by the intentional drug ingestion (67.8%), committed between March and August in 54% of cases. At most of the time, the suicidal person was alone (85%) at home (94%) when he committed his suicidal attempt. He did not communicate his intention to commit suicide in 46% of the cases and only 22 cases (7.9%) notified a person before the suicide attempt and 12.6% afterwards. Suicide behavior was impulsive in 79.5% of the cases and a verbal expression of a desire to die was only noted in 24.5% of cases.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a systematic and specific psychiatric evaluation of any patient who attempts suicide.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Warning signs of suicide attempts and risk of suicidal recurrence
Authors: Bader S. , Abbes W. , Tfifha M. , Dhemaid M. , Mahdhaoui W. , Ghanmi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Detecting warning signs of suicide attempts is a particular difficult task. However, people who plan to commit suicide almost always announce it to someone in some way.

Objectives

Aims of this study were to describe signs preceding the suicide attempt in a group of suicidal persons and its links with suicidal recurrence.

Methods

It was a retrospective study that included all the patients who attempted suicide during the period from May 1st, 2009 to September 25th, 2020 and who were referred to the psychiatry department of the regional hospital of Gabes. Sociodemographic and clinical data as well as suicidal attempts characteristics were assessed.

Results

278 patients were included (female=78.1%), with mean age of 26. The common suicidal attempt method was intentional drug intoxication (67.8%). At least, one clinical manifestation was reported by 75.2% of suicide patients. The most common signs were the tendency to isolation (47.1%), a change in character or behavior (46.6%), thoughts of death (29.6%), anxiety or agitation (24.8%) and recent worsening of the pre-existing psychiatric symptoms (24.3%). Suicidal recurrence affected 24.8% of patients. It was correlated to the presence of a mental disorder (p<10-3), the presence of reflections on death (p=0.02), the onset of a state of anxiety or agitation (p<10-3), recent worsening of pre-existing psychiatric symptoms (p = 0.001) and verbal expression of suicidal thoughts (p<10-3).

Conclusions

The pre-suicidal syndrome is frequently heralded by changes in the patient’s character or behavior. Some suicidal warning signs are associated with the risk of suicidal recurrence.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Quality of life of patients with nonsuicidal self-injury: The role of suicidal ideation
Authors: Zinchuk M. , Kustov G. , Voinova N. , Pashnin E. , Akzhigitov R. , Guekht A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Lower quality of life (QoL) scores are associated with suicidal behavior, both in the general population and in psychiatric patients. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is a public health concern because of its increasing prevalence and high risk of lifetime suicide attempt. Despite its significance QoL in patients with NSSI is underinvestigated. There is a gap in knowledge on the influence of suicidal ideation (SI) on certain domains and facets of QoL in patients with NSSI.

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the impact of SI on QoL of patients with NSSI.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study (1:3): 13 consecutive patients (11 female) with non-psychotic mental disorders and NSSI without lifetime SI were compared to 39 age and gender matched patients with NSSI and SI. All patients were evaluated by a psychiatrist, underwent Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview (Nock MK et al., 2007) and filled out the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment 100 (WHOQOL-100). Mann-Whitney and Fishers exact test were used as statistical methods.

Results

The overall QoL (p=0.001) and the perception of life (p=0.005) were significantly higher in patients without SI. Patients with SI had a lower scores in psychological (p=0.002), social (p=0.036) and spiritual (p=0.005) domains as well as lower rates in energy (p<0.02); positive emotions (p<0.001); thinking, learning, memory and concentration (p=0.007); self-esteem (p=0.013); negative emotions (p=0.035); activities of daily living and participation (p=0.014) and opportunities for recreation/leisure facets (p=0.007).

Conclusions

SI in patients with NSSI was found to be associated with worse QoL
The unseen face of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Anghel C.E. , Bacila C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Starting with December 2019, the first cases of SARS-CoV2 virus appeared in the Wuhan region of China, which will become the COVID-19 pandemic and will have an impact on the bio-psycho-socio-cultural environment. Lockdown and social isolation measures have been imposed in an attempt to gain time and find a viable treatment and a vaccine, for this new infection. The media, in an attempt to promote these measures and information about COVID-19 symptoms, have further increased fear of the virus in population.

Objectives

This presentation tried to observe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients confirmed positive with SARS- CoV2 infection, treated in hospitals, inpatients who died by suicide.

Methods

As methods a brief review of the literature was made, based on research in scientific articles published in PubMed, APA PsychNet, The BMJ, Who.int, using as keywords the terms “pandemic covid-19”, “inpatients” and “suicide”, published between January 2020 - October 2020.

Results

Several studies conducted to assess the impact of the pandemic on mental health found a significant increase in dysphoria, unhappiness, irritability, anxiety, dominant thoughts related to the transmission of the SARS-CoV2 virus, a tendency to worry about their health and culminating with suicide in the medical unit.

Conclusions

Depending on the psychological structure of each person and the socio-cultural context, different behaviors were observed related to the impact of this pandemic on mental health. The most important is, however, the occurrence of a significant number of deaths by suicide in hospitals in the context of social isolation, patients without a psychiatric history.
Italian validation of the ACSS-FAD in a sample of university students
Authors: Dolenz F. , Magliocca S. , Silva A. , Madeddu F. , Calati R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicide is one of the most relevant cause of death especially in young populations. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005) is an important contribution tends to explain variability in suicidal behavior, particularly the difference between suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.

Objectives

This study aimed at the Italian validation of the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale – Fearlessness About Death (ACSS-FAD), assessing fearlessness about death, one of the facets of the acquired capability (AC) to commit suicide as postulated by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide by Thomas Joiner.

Methods

This cross-sectional research was conducted on a sample of university students (n = 458) assessed with a battery including ACSS-FAD. The sample was evaluated for the presence of suicidal ideation and suicide risk. Factor structure, internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity of the scale were assessed.

Results

One-factor structure with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.84) was derived. ACSS-FAD correlated with suicidal ideation and suicidal risk, and there was a tendency towards significance considering its capacity to discriminate between those who had a history of suicide attempts and those who did not. 4.1% of the sample attempted suicide at least one time. The tool showed good convergent/discriminant validity results, but the relationship between ACSS-FAD and pain needs further investigations.

Conclusions

ACSS-FAD seems to be a useful and valid measure of fearlessness about death especially in young adults, which could be really important to enhance suicide risk assessment.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.
Collaborative development of course feedback with students for psyched up. Put more in, get more out
Authors: Zac-Williams L. , Kohara S. , Canon A. , Saunders C. , Zhang S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

PsychED Up is an extra-curricular course for 3rd year medical students at King’s College London delivered by psychiatry trainees, senior students and actors. It focuses on the hidden medical curriculum, exploration of holistic care and communication skills.

Objectives

Develop a responsive and sustainable template for course evaluation Obtain rich and specific feedback across multiple domains which can be translated into course improvements Work collaboratively with former students Empower current students with the knowledge that their input is valuable

Methods

Embedded evaluation in start of term course development sessions to engage faculty in evaluation processes Faculty survey to determine what student feedback would be most useful Questionnaire finalised Collaborative design and refinement of questions, confirmed sub-sections and scope

Results

Revised questionnaire: - Included rationale at the start - Questions tailored to faculty development needs - Greater quantity of prompted questions - Specific questions for large group presentation, small group teaching, actors’ performances and students’ reflections - Quantitative ratings and open-space questions thoughtfully paired Reduced time between sessions and obtainment of feedback Quality and quantity of feedback: - High response rates: 32/30 (2 duplicates) mid-term, 29/30 end-of-term - High-quality filling of open-space feedback allowed consolidation of themes to improve the course

Conclusions

Co-designed questionnaire brought focus and organisation to questions leading to richer, more personalised responses for faculty More detailed reflections were attributed to better student understanding of the questionnaire rationale, and knowledge that they would aid course improvement Created a robust system for collecting long-term feedback for PsychED Up and will continue making iterative amendments
Are uk higher psychiatry trainees using special interest sessions to develop their career pathways as intended? what might help achieve this goal?
Authors: Clay F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

UK Psychiatry Trainees are allocated one day per week in their final three years of training to use for “a clinical or clinically related area of service which cannot be provided within the training post but which is of direct relevance to the prospective career pathway of the trainee”. It is unclear how trainees in the East of England are using this time and what could help them optimise use of this time. We completed a survey to evaluate these areas.

Objectives

To determine details of how Special interest sessions (SIS) are spent by trainees: How much support/ planning for SIS is available and if this is adequate. Whether trainees feel they are able to use their SIS for its intended purpose of providing “a clinical or clinically related area of service which cannot be provided within the training post but which is of direct relevance to the prospective career pathway of the trainee” Exploration of barriers/tensions to maximizing use of SIS. SIS Record keeping What advice would trainees give re: special interest sessions to a new SPR? What lessons can be drawn to assist trainees from other countries/ training programmes to maximise their own development.

Methods

Survey sent to all Higher trainees in the East of England via Regional Training Programme.

Results

Awaited. Survey sent 29/09/2020

Conclusions

Results pending. We will feedback in detail on outcomes from the survey and subsequent discussion with Regional training programme members.
Everyday and everynight psychiatry - experiencing a ward cover shift through zoom
Authors: Fukutomi A. , Bhamra M. , Butler S. , Wilson-Jones C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The delivery of medical education has changed alongside the effects of COVID-19. As a result, the undergraduate psychiatry training for medical students at Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine had to adapt rapidly. This poster portrays the journey in which the teaching sessions were developed and delivered throughout the first academic term of 2020-2021.

Objectives

To deliver an interactive online teaching day that can provide students with the knowledge and understanding of common psychiatric disorders in the interface of other medical conditions.

Methods

A clinical skills teaching day was developed to deliver the sessions via the online video calling platform Zoom. Published articles regarding online medical education as well as guidelines from the Royal College of Psychiatry were used as a resource to develop the structure. Feedback of the teaching day was collected via an anonymous survey.

Results

78 responses were collected in total from 4 teaching days. Overall satisfaction was high with a score of 86.5/100 in overall satisfaction. Themes for positive feedback included utilising actors in simulation (38% 30/78) and high interactivity within the teaching (31% 24/78). There were a number of students who found the whole day session online tiring (13% 10/78) and others felt the variation of scenarios were too limited (12% 9/78).

Conclusions

As lockdown has forced students to have less patient contact, they have suffered from the lack of learning opportunities. This teaching day showed the importance of organising high fidelity scenarios in order to try and fill the void that has been created due to COVID-19.
Apathy in schizophrenia: assessment in clinical settings and overlap with other dimensions of impairment
Authors: Mucci A. , Bucci P. , Giordano G.M. , Brando F. , Galderisi S.
Published: February 2022

Negative symptoms are considered a core feature of schizophrenia. They are present since the prodromal phase and tend to persist more than other psychopathological dimensions in the chronic stages. The domain of apathy has attracted research efforts for the strong association with poor functional outcome. This negative symptom domain is observed in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders and might have both overlapping and distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. In schizophrenia it can be secondary to other aspects of the disorder, such as positive symptoms and depression, to drug side effects and/or social isolation, often observed in affected subjects. When primary to schizophrenia, apathy is conceptualized in terms of a reduction of the voluntary activity due to a lack of interest and motivation for goal-directed behavior initiation and persistence. In a percentage of subjects, apathy tend to persist and do not respond to available pharmacological and psychosocial treatments. The assessment of this domain in patients with schizophrenia using internationally recognized criteria for its definition, as were recently developed in other neuropsychiatric disorders, might help disentangle the different pathophysiological mechanisms. In the presentation, studies of apathy in schizophrenia will be illustrated to highlight the relationships with cognitive dysfunction, other psychopathological dimensions and functional outcome using state of the art instruments to assess the construct in schizophrenia.

Disclosure

Prof. 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.
Evidence-based practice a relevant piece to update knowledge in mental health nursing
Authors: Laranjeira C. , Querido A. , Valentim O.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Web Journal Club as a collaborative learning method, is an effective method to enhance the knowledge base of nursing students, their presentation skills, problem-solving skills and ability to critically appraise literature.

Objectives

To describe the experience of a online journal club on education of MHN undergraduate students.

Methods

We implemented a journal club in the online classroom with a total of 24 portuguese undergraduate students enrolled in clinical training of MHN (sixth semester). Over a two-week period, five 2-hour online journal club sessions were conducted in April 2020. During each session, five journal articles were presented synchronously to a live online audience via the Zoom Classroom technology. After all sessions, students were invited by e-mail to complete an anonymous and voluntary online questionnaire via Google Forms.

Results

All students were all very positive about the journal club sessions and found the opportunity to discuss and reflect on practice issues in depth very helpful. They found the sessions supportive, they helped to bond the group, they learnt a great deal from each others experiences, and they felt that they gained in confidence as a group. Survey results also indicated that few participants experienced technical difficulties during sessions.

Conclusions

This pedagogical practice enhances gains in the various actors involved: 1) in students, contributing to their learning process and acquisition of competences, articulating research and clinical practice; and 2) lastly, even more indirectly, in people receiving care, since a evidence-based practice ensures safe and quality of nursing care delivery.
Gender balance in the validation of diagnostic tools for autism: A systematic review
Authors: Lonergan R. Murphy
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is considered more common in males; however, ascertainment estimates of ASD in the UK population suggest a significant proportion of female cases of ASD go unrecognised and undiagnosed. This review examines whether the apparent underdiagnosis of girls may be attributed to gender sampling bias in the validation of diagnostic instruments routinely used to diagnose autism.

Objectives

To compare the gender ratio in validation samples of commonly used diagnostic tools for autism to estimates of the gender distribution of children with autism in the UK population

Methods

A review of diagnostic tool manuals and a targeted literature search identified the gender of sample participants used to validate tools used by Scottish ASD services. Analysis of validation samples compared the mean percentage of female participants with ASD to estimates of the proportion of girls with ASD in the UK population.

Results

Data on 7 tools was extracted. The mean percentage of female sample participants with ASD was significantly lower than the ascertainment estimate of females with ASD in the UK population (p=0.010, t(6)=-3.67) and significantly lower than the mean percentage of females in comparison groups (p=0.010, t(12)=-3.06).

Conclusions

There is low representation of females in validity samples of tools, which may reduce their sensitivity to the female phenotype and contribute to diagnostic disparities. Future research is warranted on why instruments are poorer detectors of ASD in girls and how female features of ASD could be better represented in their structure.
Abnormal sensory sensitivity during pregnancy, peri-partum and post-partum in mothers with high functioning autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary study
Authors: Nisticò V. , Limonta S. , Faggioli R. , Turrizziani P. , Gianbanco L. , Calistro F. , Priori A. , Demartini B. , Gambini O.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder without intellectual disabilities (High Functioning ASD, HF-ASD) present atypical sensory sensitivity, due to the hyper-reactivity to sensory inputs.

Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate the sensory sensitivity in a sample of mothers with HF-ASD during pregnancy (pre-partum), delivery and childbirth (peri-partum) and during the three months after delivery (post-partum).

Methods

19 HF-ASD and 13 neurotypical (NT) mothers were asked to complete an ad-hoc questionnaire designed for the study, named Maternity Questionnaire, assessing sensory perception during pre-, peri- and post-partum. Moreover, they underwent the following assessment: the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Empathy Quotient (EQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPSD), the Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ) and the Post Partum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ).

Results

At the Maternity Questionnaire, HF-ASD mothers showed higher sensitivity scores than NT mothers overall. Moreover, HF-ASD mothers presented lower sensitivity during the peri-partum, compared to pre- and post- partum periods, while NT mothers showed a linear decrease from pre- to post- partum. The two groups significantly differed at the AQ, the EQ, the RAADS-R, the SPQ and Factor 3 of the PBQ. Sensitivity during pre- and post-partum positively correlated with EPDS scores.

Conclusions

Mothers with HFA tend to experience pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period differently from neurotypical mothers, particularly in terms of hypersensitivity, although during the peri-partum the hypersensitivity decreases. Further studies investigating these aspects might give fundamental hints to provide proper help to HF-ASD mothers during pregnancy and motherhood overall.
Negative attitude towards the appearance: Connection with eating behavior and social anxiety
Authors: Sedova E. , Kalina S. , Gardanova Z.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A negative attitude towards the body supposed to lead to eating disorders and to increase the level of social anxiety.

Objectives

The research aim is to study the characteristics of eating behavior and social anxiety in women who have negative attitude towards their body.

Methods

The following methods have been used: Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ); Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26); Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE); Iowa–Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM), Social avoidance and distress scale (SADS). The sample consists of 98 women in the age from 18 to 60 years belonged to three age groups: Group 1: N=41, mean age 21.0+3.1; Group 2: N=29, mean age 29,5+4,9; Group 3: N=28, mean age 47,5+12,5.

Results

We have found out a statistically significant correlation between the negative attitude towards the body and the social anxiety. The more a woman dislike her appearance the higher is the level of social anxiety and the higher is the risk of eating disorders. It should be mentioned that all the negative tendencies are more prounouced in the youngest age group.

Conclusions

The research results can be implemented when designing prevention programs. Such programs are extremely important for young women in the age from 18 to 24 years as they have the highest risk of forming an eatind disorder as well as the social anxiety disorder.
Well-being during COVID-19 pandemic in Russia: The effects of defensive optimism, destructive coping and gender
Authors: Gordeeva T. , Sychev O. , Lunkina M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Previous research shows that subjective well-being during pandemic (SWB-P) is related to sociodemographic variables (de Pedraza et al., 2020) and coping (Rasskazova et al., 2020). We hypothesized that SWB-P depends on specific types of optimism and coping with pandemic situation, namely defensive optimism (belief the coronavirus problem is exaggerated) and constructive optimism (belief that people’s efforts help prevent infection and spread of the virus) which effects are mediated by the effects of destructive and constructive coping.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effects of situation specific optimism and coping on SWB controlling for gender.

Methods

The sample comprised 1403 university students (68% women, M=20.59, SD=3.66). Online survey has been conducted from 10/4/2020 till 25/4/2020. The measures included LOT-R, the scales of defensive and constructive optimism, and the scales of destructive and adaptive coping with pandemic situation (Gordeeva, Sychev, 2020). Well-being was assessed by sum of positive affect minus negative affect (PANAS) and SWLS (Diener et al., 1985).

Results

Structural equation modeling shows that SWB-P is related directly to gender (less well-being in women), dispositional optimism, adaptive coping and destructive coping (negatively). The negative effect of defensive optimism was mediated only by destructive coping (p<0.001), the effects of constructive optimism on well-being was mediated by adaptive and destructive coping (both p<0.01) (χ2 (4)= 8.97; p = 0.06; CFI = 0.996; TLI = 0.978; RMSEA = 0.030; PCLOSE = 0.886).

Conclusions

Dispositional optimism together with situation-specific defensive and constructive types of optimism and coping are essential for explaining well-being during Covid-19 lockdown.
Childbirth expectations questionnaire – a psychometric study with a sample from brazil
Authors: Barros M. , Aguiar M. , Pereira A.T. , Macedo A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Childbirth Expectations Questionnaire (CEQ; Gupton, A., Beaton, J., Sloan, J. & Bramadat, I.; 1991) evaluates the women childbirth expectation’s with 34 items organized in four dimensions: Pain and coping; Significant others; Nursing support and Interventions.

Objectives

To analyze the psychometric properties (construct validity using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, discriminant validity and reliability) of the Brazilian preliminary version of CEQ.

Methods

350 women (Mean age: 30.01±5.452) in the second trimester of pregnancy (Mean weeks of gestation=25.17±6.55), with uncomplicated pregnancies, completed the CEQ. To analyze discriminant validity, thirty of these women participated in a workshop (12 hours, integrated in the GentleBirth, a specific perinatal education intervention program) and fill in the CEQ again after approximately 8 weeks.

Results

After deleting seven items (1-3-20-24-33-34-35) and some errors were correlated the four-dimensional second-order model of CEQ presented good fit (χ2=2.496; RMSEA=.071; CFI=.845, TLI=.828). The CEQ Cronbach’s alpha for the total was α=.90; all factors presented good reliability: Pain coping (α=.87); Significant others (α=.66), Nursing support (α=.84), and Interventions (α=.76). The CEQ mean scores (total, Pain coping and Nursing support) were significantly higher after the workshop, indicating more positive expectations for childbirth (p<.05).

Conclusions

This additional validation study emphasizes that CEQ is an adequate measure of expectations of labour. It will be very useful to understand the correlates of childbirth expectations and also to access the efficacy of childbirth preparation programs.
Postpartum depression screening scale-7: A valid and reliable short version both for portugal and brasil
Authors: Pereira A.T. , Barros M. , Aguiar M. , Azevedo J. , Marques M. , Carvalho F. , Pereira D. , Macedo A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Screening programs for perinatal depression are systematicly implemented in developed countries. To circumvent the most commonly pointed limitation by the primary healthcare professionals (the questionnaires length), we have developed shorter forms of the Beck and Gable Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-35. The shortest version consists of seven items, each one representing a dimension evaluated by the PDSS. This PDSS-7 demonstrated equal levels of reliability and validity as the 35-item PDSS with the advantage of being completed in as little as 1-2 minutes(Pereira et al. 2013).

Objectives

To analyze the construct validity of the PDSS-7 using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, to use both in Portugal and in Brazil.

Methods

The Portuguese sample was composed of 616 women (Mean age: 32.29±4.466; Mean gestation weeks=17.13±4.929). These participants were not the same who participated in the psychometric study that led to the selection of the seven items. The Brazilian sample was composed of 350 women (Mean age: 30.01±5.452; Mean gestation weeks=25.17±6.55). They all had uncomplicated pregnancies and completed the European/Brazilian Portuguese versions of PDSS-24 (Pereira et al. 2013/ Barros et al. 2021), which was composed of the same items and included the seven items that compose the PDSS-7.

Results

The unidimensional model of PDSS-7 presented a good fit in both samples (Portuguese/Brazilian: χ2/d.f.=3.439/2.653; RMSEA=.066/.069, CFI=.974/.981, TLI=.947/.957, GFI=.939/.957; p<.001). The PDSS-7 Cronbach’s alphas were .82/.83 and all the items contribute to the internal consistency.

Conclusions

The PDSS-7 is a valid and precise, economic, fast and easy screening instrument for perinatal depression, a major public health problem, both in Portugal and in Brazil.
The ugliest woman un the world
Authors: De Llano M. Queipo , Meseguer C. Capella , Vázquez E. Rodríguez , Carrasco I. Santos , Cerejeira J. Gonçalves , Valera G. Guerra , Ramírez A. Gonzaga , Adame C. Vallecillo , Lobo C. De Andrés , Aparicio T. Jiménez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The main feature of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is impairing preoccupation with a physical defect that appears slight or non-existent to others.

Objectives

To draw an overview of BDD through a clinical case of a patient with BDD and autolytic ideation, which improved after an adequate diagnosis and an early pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approach.

Methods

Bibliographic review of the treatment and diagnosis of BDD, from articles published in the last 5 years in Pubmed.

Results

18-year-old woman diagnosed with depression and obsessive ideation, which started at the age of 11, after a comment at school. The patient believes that she has intenseunder-eye bags or dark circles, this has caused her to abandon all activity and self-isolate at home. Symptoms included recurring obsessive and intruding thoughts related to the supposed defect, ritualized behaviors of hours of duration aiming toit through makeup, and autolytic ideation. Therapeutic approach combined psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, obtaining gradual improvement of symptomatology and disappearance of the autolytic ideation.

Conclusions

The disorder is severe, which is reflected in high rates of suicide attempts. Differential diagnosis between obsessive and delirious dysmorphophobia is essential for improving outcomes; the egodystonic nature of the symptom, awareness of illness and obsessive personality traits facilitate the diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists and clinical psychologists is necessary for a correct diagnosis and early treatment of this pathology, as well as recognition by dermatologists, surgeons and medical aesthetic professionals, where these patients go with the aim of finding solutions to their problem.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Exogenous attention to social stimuli in the neurotypical population: The impact of autism traits
Authors: Barros F. , Teixeira N. , Figueiredo C. , Silva S. , Soares S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been associated with decreased spontaneous attention to social stimuli. Several studies further suggest that a higher expression of autism traits (AT) in the neurotypical population (NTP) may also be related to decreased social attention, although the evidence is still scarce, especially when considering faces as task-irrelevant distractors.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the expression of AT in the NTP and exogenous attention to social stimuli.

Methods

Fifty-one adult participants were recruited and asked to complete the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), to measure AT, and to perform an attentional capture task. In the latter, they were instructed to detect a target letter in the middle of perceptually similar (high perceptual load) or dissimilar (low perceptual load) distractor letters. In 25% of the trials, task-irrelevant distractors, consisting of images of faces (social) or houses (non-social), were shown flanking the letter stimuli.

Results

Response times were found to be affected by distractor-response compatibility, increasing for contralateral distractors, but decreasing for ipsilateral distractors, in relation to trials with no distractors (baseline). Importantly, these trends were magnified for distractor faces in the group with less AT, considering the social skills dimension of AQ, while the same tendency was observed in the group with higher AT, but for distractor houses.

Conclusions

Our results support an altered attentional performance in the subclinical phenotype of the autism spectrum. Furthermore, they also add to existing literature documenting similar attentional abnormalities in both the clinical and subclinical extremes of the spectrum, hinting possible shared mechanisms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Anxiety disorders and eating disorder symptoms: The role of disgust sensitivity
Authors: Santarelli G. , Innocenti M. , Gironi V. , Faggi V. , Galassi F. , Castellini G. , Ricca V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The comorbidity between anxiety disorders (AD) and eating disorders (ED) has already been well discovered, and because of the link between disgust, food choice and rejection (which appear to be key factors of eating psychopathology), it can be suggested that these three aspects may be related. Accordingly, it can be hypothesized that individuals who express heightened levels of both disgust and eating concerns are at a higher risk to develop an AD. By contrast, disgust, as a negative emotion, influences ED symptoms through a greater level of anxiety.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the psychopathological role of disgust and eating disorder symptoms in the development and maintenance of anxiety symptoms in patients with AD.

Methods

We enrolled 84 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Disgust Propensity and Sensibility Scale-revised (DPSS-r) and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).

Results

A multiple regression model having ZSAS total as dependent variable, and EDE-Q total and DPSS disgust sensitivity subscale as independent variables explained 29% of ZSAS total variance (R²=0.290). The effect of EDE-Q total was positive, significant (β=0.331, t=2.631, p=0.011) and explained 11.9% of ZSAS total variance (pr²=0.119). The effect of DPSS disgust sensitivity was positive, significant (β=0.326, t=2.595, p=0.012) and explained 11.6% of ZSAS total variance (pr²=0.116) (Fig.1).

Conclusions

Such preliminary data suggest a possible role of feelings of disgust and eating disorder symptoms in development and maintenance of anxiety symptoms in patients with AD, making them a potential target for psychotherapy.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The risk of anxiety symptoms in young adult offspring of parents with mental health problems: Findings from the raine study
Authors: Ayano G. , Lin A. , Betts K. , Tait R. , Dachew B. , Alati R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Previous research has suggested that offspring of parents with mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, are at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders. Few studies have investigated this relationship in young adults.

Objectives

To investigate the risk of anxiety symptoms in young adult offspring of parents with mental health problems

Methods

We used data from the 1989-1991 cohort of the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Study, which is a multi-generational birth cohort study following mothers and their offspring from pregnancy to 28 years of age. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) was used to assess maternal anxiety and depression whereas a self-reported questionnaire was used to assess paternal emotional problems. Anxiety symptoms among offspring at age 20 were measured by using the short form of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21). A multivariable negative binomial regression model was used to quantify the associations.

Results

After adjustment, maternal anxiety [RR 1.60 (95% CI 1.11-2.32)] and paternal emotional problems [RR 1.32 (95%CI 1.03-1.68)] were associated with an increased risk of anxiety in offspring at age 20 years. Conversely, maternal depressive symptoms [RR 1.04 (95%CI 0.84-1.32)] were not associated with an increased risk of anxiety in offspring.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that maternal anxiety and paternal emotional problems were associated with an increased risk of anxiety in young adult offspring. However, maternal depressive symptoms were not associated with an increased risk of anxiety in the offspring. The findings suggest the potential for targeted screening and intervention of anxiety problems in the offspring.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Socio-demographic features of bipolardisorder in womenin the southern region of Tunisia
Authors: Kerkeni A. , Abbes W. , Nfoussi M. , Amorri F. , Ghanmi L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common and disabling condition. Gender differences are potentially important and can manifest in many ways.

Objectives

To determine the socio-demographic characteristics of women with BD, followed at the department of psychiatry of Gabes (southern of Tunisia).

Methods

A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was undertaken including all the patients having consulted for the first time in the department of psychiatry of Gabes, from January 1st, 2010 to December 31, 2016, for whom the diagnosis of a bipolar disorder was established according to the DSM-IV criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical data were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups according to gender. The collected data was compared between the two groups. The statisticalanalysiswasexecuted on the software SPSS (20thedition).

Results

We included 193 patients with BD (women = 103). The mean age of the women studied was 39.9 years. Women with BD had the following characteristics: married (55.3%), unemployed (65.1%), having an urban origin (75.7%), attending the primary or secondary school level (76.7%) and with an middle socioeconomic level (62.1%). Among the women studied, 9 (8.7%) were smokers, 2 (1.9%) consumed alcohol, and one (0.9%) used cannabis. Regarding the socio-demographic differences by gender, bipolar women were significantly less professionally active (p<10-3), less educated (p= 0.009), more frequently married, widowed or divorced (p <10-3) and having dependent children (p=0.008).

Conclusions

Our study made it possible to note the socio-demographic particularities of the woman followed for BD. A better knowledge of these particularities is the best guarantee of adequate care.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Social rhythms and occupational functioning disturbance in remitted bipolar patients
Authors: Cheikh Ahmed A. Ben , Ouali U. , Jemli H. , Aissa A. , Nacef F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Biological rhythm disturbance is etiologically involved in mood disorders. Previous literature focused on studying sleep disruption in bipolar disorders (BD). However, only a few studies addressed the influence of social rhythms and occupational functioning as they may affect circadian regularity and consequently be a critical pathway to mood symptoms.

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to assess biological rhythms in remitted bipolar patients and to evaluate their social rhythms and occupational functioning.

Methods

We recruited a total of 80 euthymic outpatients with BD and 80 control subjects. Biological rhythm disruptions were assessed using the Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN), an interviewer administered questionnaire that assesses disruptions in sleep, eating patterns, social rhythms, and general activity.

Results

Patients with BD experienced greater biological rhythm alterations than the control group (BRIAN total scores 35.26±9.21 vs. 25.84±2.68). In addition to their sleep-wake rhythm (mean scores 11.1±3.95 vs. 7.41±1.41), patients were particularly more impaired than the control group with regards to social rhythms (7.31 ± 2.57 vs. 5.24 ± 1.06) and general activity (8.9 ± 3.35 vs. 7.01 ± 1.4).

Conclusions

Our study indicated that patients with BD experience major disruptions in their social rhythms and occupational functioning. These alterations may lead to unstable biological rhythms and to a higher risk of mood episodes. Therefore, consolidating social rhythms and functioning appears to be a crucial step for preventing relapses in patients with BD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Orexins in the clinical course of bipolar disorder
Authors: Moya-Lacasa C. , Valtueña-García M. , Gil E. Martín , González-Blanco L. , García-Portilla M.P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Orexins are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms which play an important role in mood regulation(1,2), and are hypothesised to be associated with major depressive disorder(3). However, scarce studies analyse their relationship with bipolar disorder (BD).

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship of orexin-A and the clinical course of BD

Methods

95 BD patients were tested for serum orexin-A. The clinical course was analysed through number of depressive, manic/mixed episodes. HDRS and YMRS were used to assess severity of current episode. Statistics: Spearman correlations, U Mann-Whitney, linear regression analysis.

Results

Mean age was 50.03 (SD=12.87) and 64.2% were women. 63.2% had BD-type I. Mean number of manic, depressive and mixed episodes was 2.32 (SD=3.07), 7.28 (SD=12.37), and 3.01 (SD=9.06), respectively. Mean age of onset was 26.09 (SD=10.50). Mean concentration of orexin-A was 21.78 pg/ml (SD=15.41), with no differences in sex, body mass index, age at onset or presence of insomnia(ICD-10). A correlation with age was observed; r=0.24 (p=0.019). No association was identified between orexin-A and severity of current episode. In relation to clinical course, no correlation was found with manic or mixed episodes. However, a negative correlation was identified between orexin-A levels and number of depressive episodes; r=-0.36 (p=0.001). When linear regression (orexin-A as dependent variable) was used to control for age, only this covariate (B=0.304) entered in the model (R2=0.067, F=6.045, p=0.015).

Conclusions

No relationship between orexin-A and number of manic/mixed episodes were detected. The association of orexin-A with number of depressive episodes dissappeared when age was controlled.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.