bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined therapy of positive interventions and cognitive training for reducing neurobehavioral symptoms of traumatic brain injury: A clinical case
Authors: Khaustova O. , Assonov D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is a need to study therapies that may contribute to the successful rehabilitation of veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and increase their effective interaction with the stressful environment, reduce the severity of symptoms. Combined short-term therapies may have potential.

Objectives

To analyze the clinical case of combined psychological treatment of TBI in a Ukrainian combat veteran with reduced resilience

Methods

The clinical case of Ukrainian combat veteran with TBI is presented. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess cognitive domains. Neurobehavioral symptom inventory (NSI) was used to assess neurobehavioral symptoms of TBI. CD-RISC was used to assess resilience. In addition to pharmacotherapy, the patient agreed to undergo a combined program of psychological therapy of 3 short-term positive intervention sessions and 3 cognitive training sessions.

Results

MoCA result prior to treatment was 24 p., NSI – 38 p., CD-RISC – 44 p. (lower than in population). After the combined therapy, the results of the assessment with MoCA were 26 points, NSI was 17 points, CD-RISC – 47 points. Subjectively, the patient noted an improvement in emotional state, better resilience, and a significant reduction in the intensity of cognitive symptoms.

Conclusions

Combining positive interventions with cognitive training can have the potential to significantly improve the neurobehavioral and cognitive functioning of war veterans with traumatic brain injury, and also possibly increase resilience. Further research in this direction will be conducted to obtain more reliable results.
The efficacy of social skills training in the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Brando F. , Giordano G.M. , Piegari G. , Palumbo D. , Bucci P. , Mucci A. , Galderisi S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Social cognition and skill deficits have been largely documented in subjects with schizophrenia (SCZs), and have a strong influence on the functional outcome of these subjects. Different behavioural interventions have been developed to target and improve social skills in SCZs. For instance, the Social Skills Training (SST) focuses on improving communication skills and assertiveness to facilitate disease management, independent living and real-life functioning of SCZs. SST seems also to have an impact on negative symptoms and social cognition.

Objectives

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SST in improving social cognition and negative symptoms in SCZs.

Methods

The sample included 8 chronic SCZs (age between 18 and 60), who completed 6 months of SST. The intervention consisted of two weekly group sessions of 2 hours each. We assessed psychopathology, neurocognition, real-life functioning, functional capacity and social cognition at baseline and after training. Paired samples t-tests were performed to evaluate the differences of the variables considered after completing the treatment.

Results

Significant improvements in negative symptoms (p<.05), social cognition (p<.05), functional capacity (p<.001), activities of daily living (p<.001) and interpersonal relationships (p<.011) were found.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that SST might ameliorate social cognition and negative symptoms which are generally not influenced by antipsychotic treatment. The integration of pharmacological and SST interventions might have an impact on major determinants of poor real-life functioning in SCZs.
Internalized stigma, depression and quality of life in schizophrenia
Authors: Elleuch S. , Smaoui N. , Feki R. , Bouali M. Maalej , Omri S. , Charfi N. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

People with a schizophrenia experience higher levels of stigma.

Objectives

Our aim was to explore the relationship between internalized stigma, depression and quality of life (QoL) in these patients.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional and analytical study including 37 stabilized patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder followed up in the outpatient psychiatry department at Hedi Chaker hospital university of Sfax, between August and October 2019. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale (ISMI-29) was used to assess internalized stigma and its five dimensions. We used the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF) to assess QoL and the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) to evaluate depression.

Results

73% of these patients were followed for schizophrenia and 27% for schizoaffective disorder. The global mean score of ISMI was 71.95. The mean scores of alienation, stereotype endorsement, perceived discrimination, social withdrawal and stigma resistance were 15.16, 16.54, 12.95, 15.65 and 11.38, respectively. The Q-LES-Q-SF mean score was 65.51. According to CDS, 18.9% of patients had depression with a mean score of 2.27. Internalized stigma scores (global and the five dimensions scores) were significantly and negatively associated with QoL enjoyment satisfaction score (respective p: p<0.001;p<0.001; p=0.004; p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0,001; p<0.001). Global ISMI score and the four first dimensions scores were positively associated with depressive patients (respective p: p=0.002, p<0.001, p=0.025, p=0.001 and p=0.003) while stigma resistance was negatively correlated with depression (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that internalized stigma is associated with impaired QoL and depression in stabilized patients with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis.
Empirical validation of the wcst network structure in patients
Authors: Gil-Berrozpe G. , Sánchez-Torres A. , Moreno-Izco L. , Lorente-Omeñaca R. , Ballesteros A. , Rosero Á.S. , Peralta V. , Cuesta M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and executive deficits are within the most impaired cognitive functions The Wisconsin Card Sorting test (WCST) has been extensively used in literature on schizophrenia and psychosis. The underlying structure of executive impairment may have important implications for our understanding of the complex connections between executive dysfunction and the psychopathology and neurofunctional basis of psychosis.

Objectives

The objective was to empirically validate the dimensions of the WCST network structure of patients regarding antecedent, concurrent and outcome variables.

Methods

Subjects were 298 patients with a DSM 5 diagnosis of psychotic disorder. To assess the empirical validation of network structure of the WCST antecedent, concurrent and outcome variables were selected from the CASH interview and other scales of patients.

Results

Pearson coefficient correlations between the 4 network loadings (NL) of WCST, namely perseveration, inefficient sorting, failure to maintain the set and learning, and antecedent, concurrent and outcome validators are shown in the table. PER and IS showed common and strong associations with antecedent, concurrent and outcome validators. LNG dimension was also moderately associated and FMS did not show significant associations.

Conclusions

‘Perseveration’ and ‘Inefficient sorting’ dimensions achieve and share common antecedent, concurrent and outcome validators. While ‘Learning’ dimension achieves partial validation in terms of antecedent and outcome validators and ‘Failure to maintain the set’ dimension was not associated with external validators. These four underlying dysfunctions might help to disentangle the neurofunctional basis of executive deficits in psychosis.
Improving contraceptive and family planning awareness on a perinatal inpatient unit
Authors: Xia G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Unplanned pregnancies are a significant risk factor in perinatal mental health. They also have the potential to result in adverse health impacts for mother, baby and children into later in life. Women from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to access contraception. Women are more likely to on board health advice during pregnancy and post partum period due to high level of surveillance by health professionals.

Objectives

Our aim was for 90% of patients on Coombe Wood Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) to feel supported to make an informed decision about their contraception by October 2020.

Methods

A questionnaire was completed by fifteen inpatients at the Mother and Baby Unit over a 4 month period (April- August 2020) to assess areas around their pregnancy and contraceptives of choice. Contraceptive training was provided by a Sexual Health Specialist to staff across multiple disciplinaries on Coombe Wood MBU. Sexual Health discussion groups were delivered by doctors to inpatients on a monthly basis. A post-intervention questionnaire was given to patients.

Results

•53% of patients reported unplanned pregnancies. •40% of women felt lacking confidence in choosing the right contraceptive •The most frequent question asked during the sexual health groups was regarding hormonal contraceptives impacting on mental health. •By September 100% of patients felt they were able to make an informed decision about their contraception on discharge.

Conclusions

Facilitating women to make informed decisions regarding their contraception empowers them to gain autonomy, reduces the risks of physical and mental illness, improves the quality of life for mothers and babies.
COVID-19 and technological addiction: The role of loneliness
Authors: Rogier G. , Zobel S. Beomonte , Velotti P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Covid-19 outbreak has shown to negatively impact on mental health. Several anecdotical and theoretical evidences argued that lockdown measures would have increased subjective feelings of loneliness and addictions’ proneness.

Objectives

In addition, preliminary data underlined a possible increase in the frequency of gaming and social media use. Increased loneliness levels are likely to account for increased gaming and social media addiction during the lockdown.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study administering to a sample of 154 Italian adults several self-report questionnaires at the beginning of lockdown (Time 1) and three days before the end of the lockdown (Time 2). We therefore assessed loneliness feelings, frequency of gaming and social media use as well as both gaming and social media addiction. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling.

Results

We observed that loneliness levels longitudinally predicted both gaming and social media addiction also controlling for gaming and social media use at Time 1.

Conclusions

Increased feelings of loneliness, a well-known risk factor for gaming and social media addiction, may be a central variable heightening vulnerability to the onset or the maintenance of technological addiction during forced social isolation. Thus, future prevention interventions may want to target this issue.
Cannabis linked to improved sleep quality: A preliminary study
Authors: Cebrian J. , Gonzalez-Cuevas G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sleep disorders are a substantial public health issue with serious consequences on patients’ quality of life. Cannabis has been recently suggested as a potential treatment for patients with sleep disorders; however, research on the relationship between cannabis and sleep is still in its infancy.

Objectives

The aim of this investigation was to assess whether cannabis use was associated with improved sleep quality.

Methods

Our study comprised 173 participants, 42 cannabis users and 131 non-cannabis users, who completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the most common self-reported measure of sleep quality. The scale provides a global PSQI score and seven component domain scores, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime functions.

Results

Cannabis users self-reported statistically significantly healthier scores than non-cannabis users in the global PSQI as well as the specific domains of subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, as well as sleep disturbances.

Conclusions

This preliminary evidence points to the possibility that cannabis could provide effective treatment for patients with sleep disorders. Research into the constituents of cannabis that may have a differential impact on sleep and sleep disorders is warranted.
Clinical experiences in low-resource settings: Experience from Croatia
Authors: Medved S. , Rojnic-Kuzman M.
Published: February 2022

Croatian healthcare faced dramatic changes as a response to the ongoing pandemic, which further pressured financially loaded system. Besides, the capital of Croatia was hit by an earthquake that caused material damage and organizational difficulties. Contrary to the World Health Organization’s recommendations that mental health services are essential services to be maintained during the pandemic, there was severe disruption of utilization and accessibility to mental health services during the pandemic. In the beginning, the only services maintained were in-hospital and emergency services, while daily hospitals and ambulatory visits were disrupted. Psychiatric resources were not formally implemented in the treatment and management of COVID-19 and majority of mental health workers remained within the boundaries of psychiatric services. In the following period, some of the services reopened, with reorientation to online provision. However, the interference of services gradually occurred as the second wave started, with some psychiatric departments being repurposed for non-psychiatric use. Psychiatric care was organized in some of the COVID-19 departments as liaison service. Some of the psychiatric services offered consultation and prevention of burn-out for frontline personnel. Lastly, as the University hospital centre Zagreb was implementing the flexible assertive community treatment teams for persons with severe mental illness through the Large-scale implementation of community based mental health care for people with severe and enduring mental ill health in Europe (RECOVER-E) project in the period from 2018-2022, we investigated the effect of this service on the health outcomes during the pandemic and found it superior compared with the standard treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Childhood risk factors for substance abuse in a clinical sample of adults with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in an addiction outpatient clinic
Authors: Laizāne M. , Ennītis M. , Bezborodovs N. , Landsmane I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Substance use disorder (SUD) in patients with ADHD symptoms is associated with a poorer treatment prognosis. The study is aimed to investigate psychosocial risks factors for developing SUD in patients with ADHD.

Objectives

To examine the associations between self-reported weak academic performance, repetition of a grade, single – parent family, self-reported quality of parent – child relationship, conduct problems in childhood and SUD in adulthood in a sample of outpatients with ADHD symptoms of an addiction medicine clinic in Riga, Latvia.

Methods

Self-report surveys, containing Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v I.I), were completed by outpatients of addiction clinic, including healthy control subjects (adults without addiction, formally assessed for fitness to drive, firearms licensing etc.). Patients then were examined in relation to childhood risk factors.

Results

Survey was compleated by 341 outpatients – 98 (28,7%) healthy controls and 243 (71,3%) patients with SUD (mean age, 36,8 and 37,7, respectively; 76,4% males). 62 (18,1%) patients were tested positive for ADHD, of whom 12 (19,4%) were healthy subjects and 50 (80,6%) were with SUD. Data shows connection between conduct problems in childhood (p=0,010), single - parent family (p=0,010), repetition of a grade (p=0,026) and SUD in adults with ADHD symptoms. Comparing patients with and without ADHD symptoms, there was found no significant association between these factors, except for conduct problems (p=0,015).

Conclusions

The study found preliminary evidence that adults with ADHD symptoms who experienced single – parenthood in childhood, had conduct problems or repeated a grade are more likely to develop SUD. Futher investigation is required.
Suicidal tendencies in university students during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Nikolaev E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicidogenic effects COVID-19 pandemic are expected to reveal themselves not immediately, but within a longer period.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of suicidal tendencies in university students during the COVID-19 outbreak and specify the psychosocial characteristics of the students with a low anti-suicidal barrier to mitigate their suicide risks.

Methods

The research was done via an on-line survey, which covered 536 students of both sexes (aged 21.46±2.95), who studied in Russian universities and who filled in a structured questionnaire during their distance learning due to COVID-19 outbreak.

Results

We revealed that 11.38% of the respondents (57.47% of whom are males) with a low anti-suicidal barrier showed suicidal tendencies by allowing the possibility of committing a suicide in a certain situation. Among them were more Russian students than international ones (p=.0272). They also certainly exceeded the students with the developed anti-suicidal barrier in taking alcohol (p=.0126), in underestimating their own health (p=.0053), in expressing happiness (p=.0001), and in degree of religious belief (p=.0001). They perceived the situation associated with the COVID-19 outbreak with a more strongly manifested anxiety due to the fear of their own infection with coronavirus (p=0.0347). At the same time, they acted less responsibly in following personal restrictive measures aimed to reduce the risk of infection (p=.0002).

Conclusions

Students with suicidal tendencies during the COVID-19 outbreak present a risk group in COVID-19 spread and infection. The pandemic can intensify anti-vital sufferings and enhance the risk of committing suicide in individuals with suicidal tendencies, which should be taken into account in prevention programs.
The role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between narcissism and suicide
Authors: Zobel S. Beomonte , Sciarretta A. , Velotti P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation are peculiar aspects of several cluster b disorders, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Similarly, difficulty in regulating negative affects can play a role in the relationship between narcissist features and suicidal ideation. To date, it is still unclear which facet of narcissism is more related to the desire to die and which other factors are involved in this relationship.

Objectives

To offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, emotion regulation and suicide ideation.

Methods

We administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with Suicide ideation (n= 68) and a sample of community participants (n=140).

Results

Controlling for age and gender, we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism, but not with the grandiose one, and with all DERS dimensions. Nevertheless, emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

Suicide ideation seems to be deeply connected with the vulnerable dimension of pathological narcissism and the relationship between the constructs is partially mediated by emotion dysregulation. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.
Covid 2019 and suicide - a global pandemic: How to prevent?
Authors: Gonçalves M.J. , André R. , Sereijo C. , Andrade G. , Saraiva R. , Linhares L. , Chendo I. , Abreu M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The mental health effects of Coronavirus2019(COVID-19) outbreak might be profound, including higher suicide rates.This phenomena is likely to become a more pressing concern as the pandemic spreads.While remarkable social distancing interventions have been implemented to reduce the rate of new infections,the potential for adverse outcomes on suicide risk is high, especially among vulnerable populations.

Objectives

The aim is to do a review of the literature of suicide prevention during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

Non-systematic review of the literature with selection of scientific articles published in the last 7 months; by searching the Pubmed databases, the following MeSH terms were used: Suicide prevention; COVID-19

Results

In order to prevent suicide, urgent consideration must be extend beyond general mental health approaches. A wide-ranging interdisciplinary response that recognises how the pandemic might heighten risk is needed. The application of knowledge about effective suicide prevention is the key. Mental health services should develop clear remote assessment and care pathways, and staff training to support new ways of dealing with. Publications on mental health and psychological effects of COVID-19 outbreak provide important information and recommendations for all three levels of suicide prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Conclusions

The challenge of the COVID-19 outbreak might bring with it an opportunity to advance the field of suicide prevention and, thus, to save lives, which also represent a public health priority. The mental health community, backed by active vigilance and international collaboration, should be prepared and can use this challenging period to advance suicide prevention.
Improving depression screening in HIV positive pregnant women
Authors: Bhullar D. , Gunturu S. , Mirhom M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Depression is a common complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Up to 70% percent of women report depressive symptoms during their pregnancy, and approximately 10-16% meet full criteria for major depressive disorder. Women with a history of perinatal or non-perinatal major depression are likely to relapse during pregnancy. Research shows that exposure to untreated depression and stress can have negative consequences on the birth outcome and child development. Given the harmful effects of this disease on both the mother and child, it is essential that all pregnant patients be screened for depression. Literature review did not reflect many studies that focus on depression screening in this population, let alone in pregnant patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Our study focuses on the impact the mandatory screening tool had on the incidence of depression screening in pregnant HIV patients.

Objectives

- Gain understanding of the Family Focused HIV Health Care Program for Women - Understand the importance of a mandatory screening tool for depression

Methods

Using standardized Quality Improvement tools Implementation of screening tool in notes & enforcing a hard stop in the medical records

Results

We noted both qualitative & quantitative improvement in depression screening. Qualitatively the screening has been standardized by creating a universal workflow by the inclusion of screening tools (PHQ2 and PHQ9) in Electronic Medical records. Quantitatively there has been a 34.9% improvement in screening by the case managers in the post interventional quarter.

Conclusions

Significant improvement noted in the incidence of depression screening by implementation a mandatory screening tool
Perinatal grief caracteristics
Authors: Pinilla R. , Hermosillo R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Perinatal grief is the reaction to the death of a loved one in the perinatal period (according to the WHO, it ranges from 22 weeks of gestation to the 1st week of postnatal life). Despite the fact that perinatal grief presents a set of distinctive characteristics, it is not recognized as a differentiated entity in the main diagnostic manuals (DSM-5 and ICD-11). There are a number of characteristics that make perinatal grief a different grief reaction. Characteristics that make perinatal grief a different grief reaction:

General characteristics: Proximity between the beginning and the end of life, the lack of religious rituals that legitimize the loss. Physiopathological characteristics; The gestational hormone increase act in the brain favoring emotional bonding with the child and facilitating care, sustained modifications in the gabaergic, endorphinic and nitrinergic synapses in the mothers’ brains. Increased physical activity of the fetus during the third trimester increases the mother’s basal metabolism and changes her emotional reaction. Clinical characteristics; feelings of guilt, loneliness and detachment, irritability, dissociative symptoms, concern dead son and angry reactions.

Objectives

Search for the specific characteristics of perinatal grief and the importance of its therapeutic approach.

Methods

Literature review using pubmed database and scientific dissemination articles.

Results

Between 10 and 50% of mothers who suffer perinatal grief develop depression disorder, 50% have anxiety disorders that usually reappear with the possibility of a new pregnancy, and between 5 and 25% are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusions

Perinatal grief has characteristics that differentiate it from other grief reactions; mental health professionals must attend to and understand these specificities in order to attend it.
Apathy in patients with schizophrenia: Treatment perspectives
Authors: Kaiser S.
Published: February 2022

Apathy occurs in many neuropsychiatric disorders and is a central negative symptom of schizophrenia. Apathy has severe functional consequences for patients with schizophrenia and the development of evidence-based treatments is a major challenge. There is now increasing evidence that dysfunctions in reward processing underly apathy, in particular regarding reward anticipation, cost-benefit computation and reward learning. In addition, metacognitive processes such as defeatist performance beliefs modulate reward processing. Psychological interventions for negative symptoms target these processes. While the evidence for cognitive-behavioral therapy for negative symptoms remains limited, recent findings suggest that specifically targeting reward-related dysfunctions may improve efficacy of these interventions. On the neurobiological level, there is now considerable evidence that a dysregulation of the dopaminergic reward system is related to reward processing dysfunctions. Regarding pharmacological treatment approaches, psychostimulants have successfully been used for apathy in dementia to target the reward system. Pro-dopaminergic drugs to target apathy in schizophrenia seem to be safer than anticipated, but their efficacy remains to be established. At the current state of knowledge, there is no evidence-based treatment that specifically targets apathy in patients with schizophrenia today. However, there are encouraging results from research inspired by basic research in neuroscience and clinical research in patients with other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Disclosure

SK has received royalties from Schuhfried (Austria) for cognitive test and training software.
Severe depression when everything else is dismissed. A case
Authors: Rodriguez L. Soldado , Sánchez Rus S.S. , Dafonte A. Alvarado
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Simulation is a deliberate counterfeiting of physical or psychological symptoms in order to obtain a secondary gain or external incentive, like evading from military service, scape from work, obtain economic compensations or avoid criminal responsibility. It is estimated that prevalence is roughly 1% in mental health patients, with higher prevalence in young males and middle aged. Male with 52 years attends to emergency service. Erratic tracking in Mental Health Service from two years ago with unfavorable progress. He goes to emergency service referring aggravation of discomforted state of mind even with readjustment a week ago. Addiction to benzodiazepines and clinophilia. Currently with temporary inability to work of large data.

Objectives

To set a differential diagnose between depression, factitious disorder and malingering.

Methods

Examination shows moderated sad mood with despair, reactive to disability and progression of his illness. Sparing in words speech, focused on life or work problems. Autolytic verbalizations and self-control inability.

Results

Mmpi2 that shows: Gough’s F-K. Dissimulation index, 34. Cut-off point to consider simulation/ pretending being ill varies among authors. A conservative cut-off point is 15, showing a severe exaggeration of its discomfort and dissimulation.

Conclusions

It is important to make an appropriate anamnesis and psychopathological exploration, as well as observation to reach a correct diagnose. In this case, clearly secondary gain was founded, therefore diagnose was malingering.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Transdiagnostic effect of contamination disgust on asceticism
Authors: Santarelli G. , Innocenti M. , Gironi V. , Faggi V. , Galassi F. , Castellini G. , Ricca V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is a growing literature suggesting disgust plays a major role in religiosity. Asceticism is a personality trait characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Since few studies suggested that higher disgust levels may lead to greater fear of sin, contamination disgust may serve as effective mechanisms for inflated scrupulosity.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the role of contamination disgust on a specific religious belief in two clinical groups: eating disorders and anxiety disorders.

Methods

We enrolled 84 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders (AD) and Eating Disorders (ED). We administered them: Disgust Scale Revised (DS-R) and Eating Disorders Inventory 2 (EDI-2)

Results

A t-test for independent samples between AD patients and ED patients showed no difference in DS-R contamination disgust subscale (t=1.437, p=0.153), while significantly higher EDI-2 asceticism scores were detected in ED patients (t=2.452, p=0.010). An ANCOVA model having EDI2 Asceticism subscale as dependent variable, and DS contamination disgust subscale, diagnosis, and interaction between contamination disgust and diagnosis was estimated. The overall model was significant (F(1,136)=4.854, p=0.003) and accounted for 9.7% of variance of EDI2 Asceticism subscale (R2=0.097). The effect of contamination disgust was positive and significant (β=0.302, t=2.781, p=0.006), and accounted for 5.4% of variance of EDI2 Asceticism (partial η2=0.054). No effect was detected for diagnosis (F(1,136)=0.012, p=0.912) or interaction between contamination disgust and diagnosis (F(1,136)=1.346, p=0.248).

Conclusions

Contamination disgust may have a trans-diagnostic effect on asceticism and may be a possible driver for specific religious behaviors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
That’s not my family: The undercover bipolar patient
Authors: Guerra M.F. Tascon
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a serious psychiatric condition based on depressive, manic, and mixed phases. Bipolar disorder has been usually divided into type I (manic phases and depressive phases) and type II (hypomanic and depressive phases). Furthermore, subsequent classifications have been developed based on subtypes complexity.

Objectives

A case of a 52-year-old man is presented. The patient had suffered depressive symptoms and self-destructive ideation. He had sold his house to pay for drugs and prostitution, even though he was in quarantine for COVID-19. The patient had a history of depressive episodes with milder manic episodes which had been treated with antidepressants.

Methods

Analytical and imaging tests were performed without findings. Mood stabilizing treatment was started based on lithium salts. He became perplexed and suspicious of the medication. Auditory hallucinations appeared congruent with the mood and he began to think that his relatives were dead; the patient started to communicate via telephone with actors. A treatment based on olanzapine 30mg/d was started.

Results

The clinic was resolved with antipsychotic treatment. The diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder has been made in youth; however, some patients symptoms could be camouflaged and allow a functional life. Depressive episodes could present with psychotic symptoms and predispose more to suicide attempts than manic phases.

Conclusions

The early-stage diagnosis should play a key role on bipolar disorder control. More public and clinic efforts are needed to prevent non-easily distinguishable cases which could derived on serious social and health problems.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Suicide in adolescence
Authors: Zartaloudi A. , Kalligeri E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among young people worldwide. Adolescence is an important developmental period of life due to the increased risk of suicide and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders.

Objectives

To explore the suicidal ideation, intentions and risk factors of adolescents.

Methods

A clinical case study presentation will be performed.

Results

An adolescent female, aged of 16 years old, was admitted to the Department of Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents of a General Hospital, diagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorder and active suicidal ideation on ground of sexual abuse. During her hospitalization, she exhibited self-destructive behaviour by swallowing objects or causing extensive skin scarring as well as serious suicide attempts by hanging. Her emotional and behavioral status was unstable and unpredictable. The adolescent had repeatedly expressed her will to escape from an unbearable life.

Conclusions

The results of the presentation of our clinical case could contribute to the improvement of awareness regarding suicidal behavior in adolescence, which might have a significant effect on the prevention and treatment of this potentially lethal condition.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Pathopsychological assessment of pediatric patients with autoimmune diseases of central nervous system
Authors: Fedorova J. , Burlakova N. , Mikadze J. , Azizova U.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Autoimmune diseases of central nervous system (CNS) are wide spread in children. In some cases, mental disturbances in such patients are barely noticeable in the beginning, which hinders early detection of risks in the child’s mental development.

Objectives

The study focuses on comparative analysis of the structure of mental disorders in pediatric patients with autoimmune diseases of CNS.

Methods

Research includes two cases: girls aged 14 and 16, one with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), disease onset at 4 years and 11 months, and another with multiple sclerosis (MS), disease onset at 5 years and 5 months. The following methods were used: analysis of patient’s medical record, interview with neurologists, pathopsychological assessment.

Results

Common features in both cases: 1) organic brain disorders; 2) patients do not demonstrate intellectual deterioration, can master regular school curriculum; 3) detected mental disturbances reflect risks for mental and personality development. Specific features: 1) the patient with MS demonstrates polymorphism of mental disorders, while the patient with ADEM — homogeneity of mental disorders; 2) main problems of the patient with MS are related to self-regulation, which makes the general picture similar to pseudo-frontal syndrome; the patient with ADEM has major neurodynamic disturbances, which has similarity to psychoorganic syndrome; 3) predictors of personality disorders detected in case of MS determine the negative prognosis for mental development.

Conclusions

The delineated features evidence for further psychological study of CNS autoimmune diseases and formulation of criteria for clinical psychological assessment. These patients need to be monitored by psychologists to prevent personality disorders.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Structure of early signs of affective pathology in adolescents
Authors: Osipova N. , Bardenshteyn L. , Beglyankin N. , Aleshkina G. , Dmitriev M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Studies in adults with bipolar disorder (BD), shows that in 25% of cases first affective episode occurs under the age of 13 and in 63-69% under the age of 19. The most difficult problem is the early identification of BD, which starts in adolescence as a result of polymorphism of clinical symptoms, their syndromic incompleteness.

Objectives

Study of the structure of adolescents affective disorders on primary appointment in outpatient psychiatric unit.

Methods

Content analysis, sampling method, statistical method. 120 disease histories of adolescents who first applied for outpatient psychiatric unit in 2019 were used. 93 (77.5%) of them were girls and 27 (22.5%) of them were boys. The average age was 17 years.

Results

In the structure of initial diagnoses, according to ICD-10, mood disorders [F30-F39] - 56.0% prevailed. [F40-F49] - 25%, [F00-F09] - 6.6%, [F20-F29] - 6.6%, [F50-F59] – 4,2%, [F90-F99] – 1,6% were less likely. Structure of complaints of adolescents and their parents on primary appointment for specialized psychiatric care is shown in Table 1 (p<0,05).

Conclusions

Initial signs of emotional disorders in adolescence are polymorphic, nosologically nonspecific, and can lead to diagnoses that are not limited only by the affective pathology. The most common symptoms (irritability, anxiety, mood falls) can act as transdiagnostic phenomena that must be taken into consideration both in the diagnostic study and in further clinical and dynamic follow-ups and treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychiatric comorbidity in a patient with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. differences in the transition from childhood to adulthood: A case report
Authors: Casanovas F. , Martínez L. , Cirici R. , Dinamarca F. , García D. , Pérez A. , Diaz L. , Nascimento M.T. , Castro J.I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Opsoclonus-Myoclonus syndrome (OMS), also known as Kinsbourne syndrome, is a paraneoplasic pediatric condition characterized by erratic eye movements and generalized myoclonus. Previous studies have described a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities in children with this syndrome. Cognitive impairment (especially intellectual capacity and language), affective symptoms (irritability, poor mood regulation) and behavioral problems are the most frequent presentations (1). However, there is a lack of literature describing the progression of this symptoms when the patient reaches the adulthood.

Objectives

To illustrate the psychiatric comorbidity of an adult patient with Opsoclonus-Myoclonus syndrome.

Methods

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

Results

We present a 18 year old girl diagnosed with OMS and Graves-Basedow hyperthyroidism. During her childhood she started presenting attention and comprehension difficulties. She was diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and started treatment with methylphenidate. She completed elementary and secondary education. During the adulthood, the main psychiatric comorbidity was related to affective symptoms. We observed an impaired mood regulation, hypothymia, anhedonia, and frequent episodes of irritability, which persisted after the thyroid regulation. This caused incremented anxious symptoms and insomnia that were treated with mirtazapine and lormetazepam. After some weeks, she fulfilled criteria of a depressive episode and we started antidepressant treatment with vortioxetine.

Conclusions

- Adult patients diagnosed with OMS during childhood can persist presenting ADHD as a comorbidity. - Affective symptoms, and even a major depressive episode, should be considered during the follow-up of this population. Insight of the cognitive limitations could be a risk factor for a depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Quarantine-related depression and anxiety during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Authors: Alateeq D. , Aljhani S. , Alsubaie M. , Althiyabi I. , Majzoub S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychological well-being has an important impact on individuals. In the face of the health threat of COVID-19, psychological changes as fear stress anxiety and depression is reported.

Objectives

Explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety among people under quarantine during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 65 participants who were quarantined at multiple hotels under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Health. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety.

Results

The majority of the participants were male (66.2%), aged 18–29 (47.7%) from the Eastern region (66.15%), who were still waiting for the result of the COVID-19 test (64.6%). Approximately half of the sample had depressive and anxiety symptoms (49.2% and 44.6%, respectively). The depression mean score was significantly higher only among the 18–29 age group. However, the depression and anxiety mean scores were higher among females than males and among participants with positive COVID-19 test results compared to those who had pending or negative results. The anxiety mean score was higher during the first week of quarantine, but the depression mean score was higher during later weeks.

Conclusions

Depression and anxiety were prevalent among people in quarantine during the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia. It is crucial to study the most effective interventions to reduce the psychological consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. Longitudinal research studies need to be conducted to follow up regarding participants’ mental health symptoms and evidence-based interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Psychiatryteleconsultation/teleconsulting: Experience of general confinement in Tunisia
Authors: Jomli R. , Jemli H. , Ouali U. , Zgueb Y. , Nacef F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic in Tunisia has led a total confinement startingfrom March 23rd, 2020. Remote interventions of psychiatrists and psychologists have been set up to help tunisiancitizens. The requestsconcerned panic attacks, acute stress disorder, sleepdisorders and relapse of some patients followed for mooddisorders, obsessive compulsive disorder or anxietydisorders.

Objectives

We propose to present 3 types of interventions by apsychiatrist in response to the request of 3 Tunisiancitizensin this first experience.

Methods

We will summarize three interventions with the history of each patient and his or herrequest as well as the short term evolution of the presenteddisorder.

Results

As a first experience, weresponded to numerousrequestsfrom people of all ages and living all over Tunisia. The first intervention concerned a lady whowasvolontarilyvomiting in order to maintainhercurrentweight.Shewasafraid of having the covid infectionrelated to a sore throat. The second situation is a gentleman whodid not toleratehome confinement because for 20 yearshe has been going out for adailywalk at exactly 4 pm. The thirdrequest came from a father living in a rural area who chose to self isolate in his room and refused to go out and seehischildrendespitetheir pressing demand. We offered active listening, reassurance and behavioural psychotherapy techniques.

Conclusions

Duringthis first experience in Tunisia, wefoundthatcitizens haveadhered to new communication techniques. Anxiety, stress and relapse of priormedical conditions were the mostfrequent diagnoses. Several interventions have proven to be effective despite obstacles related to teleconsultation.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
COVID-19 lockdown and its impact on mental health in various population groups in Greece: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Argyropoulos K. , Krikonis K. , Alexopoulos P. , Avramidis D. , Gourzis P. , Jelastopulu E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has brought a serious impact on physical and mental health.

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the impact of the first lockdown in Greece, on both quality of life and anxiety levels in different occupational groups.

Methods

A cross-sectional on- line survey was conducted from 20th of April to 4th of May 2020. A 24-item anonymous questionnaire was administered to collect basic demographic and socioeconomic data. The 5-item WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5, 0-100%, cut-off 52%) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) tools were used to assess well-being and anxiety, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows v.24.0 Statistical Package.

Results

A total of 575 participated in the study, 62.8% females, 48.5% aged between 40 to 59 years. 32.5% were employed in education sector, 32.5% in health sector and 20.3% as season workers in tourism sector. Males showed slightly higher levels of wellbeing (52.1 vs. 47.3, p=0.023) and lower levels of anxiety (7.1 vs. 8.2, p=0.023) compared to females. Factors associated with higher wellbeing and lower anxiety were higher education and income level, optimism, taking less protection measures, and being seasonal worker. Furthermore, participants with comorbidities and symptoms like headache, musculoskeletal pain, as well as feeling depressed or stressed revealed lower wellbeing and higher anxiety scores.

Conclusions

Our study revealed an overall poor wellbeing and mild to moderate levels of anxiety during the lockdown. Actions should be taken to address and to prevent its serious impact on mental health.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The effect of views on the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of depressive symptoms in a sample of the elderly
Authors: Mentis M. , Lamprinakou I. , Marneras C. , Garantoudi A. , Dritsas I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The covid-19 virus pandemic is another risk factor not only for the lives of older people, but also for their mental health, as the threat is immediate and intense.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate depression during the pandemic in a population of elderly people over 65 years of age living in the Greek countryside.

Methods

The research was synchronous and was conducted in the autumn of 2020 in Crete. The sample of the study was random and consisted of 200 elderly users of services of the Health Center of the Municipality of Phaistos, Crete. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to conduct the study in combination with 24 questions related to pandemic perceptions.

Results

40.5% of the sample were men and 59.5% were women. The mean age was 75.70 years (SD ± 6.29). The mean value of GDS-15 was found to be 5.97 (SD, 3.07), while the comparison of depressive symptoms showed that women, lonely people and the elderly with chronic health problems are more vulnerable to the development of depressive symptoms. In relation to covid-19 and depressive symptoms, there was a positive correlation with twelve factors (p <, 05) with the most important being the fear for their family health, sleep disorder, loneliness and inability to deal with the virus.

Conclusions

The research showed moderate depressive symptoms, while a clear effect of the pandemic due to Covid-19 was found on the emotional mood of the elderly, a fact that makes their psychosocial support necessary.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.