bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder with memantine: A case report
Authors: Mota D. , Oliveira A. , Silva J. , Fernandes M. , Ribeiro J. , Martins V. , Duarte F. , Marques M. , Pereira A.T. , Andrade J. , Macedo A.F. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionOCD could be a very disabling condition, implying severe impairment of social and occupational functioning and decreased quality of life. OCD is treated with a combination of psychopharmacological treatments and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Clomipramine was the first anti-obsessive drug, and was followed by selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), both modulating serotoninergic transmission. Low dose atypical anti-psychotic are sometimes used to potentiate serotoninergic agents. Growing evidence based on animal models and on neuroimaging shows that glutamatergic transmission could play an important role in the aetiology of OCD. Therefore, glutamate modulators such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists became the focus of the search of novel treatments for OCD. One of this drugs, memantine, already approved for Alzheimer disease treatment, was used off-label the first time ten years ago in resistant case of OCD with positive results. Besides some further successful case reports, there are a single-blind case control study and a couple of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showing improvement of OCD symptoms with memantine adjuvant pharmacotherapy.Objectives and aimsTo describe a case report of off-label treatment of a severe resistant case of OCD with memantine, after 15 weeks of treatment.MethodsLiterature review and case description. Before beginning treatment with memantine, the patient made a psychological assessement (baseline) with a battery of tests (MINI Plus, Y-BOCS, QPP-15, WDQ, ECPAD, OP2, OAS2, MPS-H&F, MPS-F, HEXACO-PI-R, MOCI, BDI-II). This battery will be repeated after 15 weeks of treatment, to evaluate symptom improvement.Results and conclusionsTo be announced after 15 weeks of treatment course.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Borderline personality disorder and working memory: A systematic review
Authors: Marini S. , Ranalli C. , Di Gregorio C. , Cinosi E. , Corbo M. , Lupi M. , Carlucci M. , Mancini V. , Santacroce R. , Vellante F. , Acciavatti T. , Di Giannantonio M. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose of the studyThe purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive functioning in Borderline Personality Disorder subjects, with particular reference to the Working Memory functioning. The Working Memory seems to be relate to core features of the disturb. The final aim was to better understand the disorder and to implement a cognitive training to improve the deficits.MethodsA literature search was conducted in April 2015. Pubmed and Scopus databases were used to find studies to include in the systematic review. The keywords used for the literature search were: “borderline personality disorder”, “borderline personality”, “working memory”, “executive functioning”. In each search, the keywords were used together with the logical operator “and”.SummaryThree studies were included in this systematic review (Table 1). In each study, the working memory was investigated using N-back test. In two of those studies significantly differences were found between patients and healthy group in N-back task. In the third study, which used more tests to investigate working memory domain, no differences were found between the two groups.ConclusionsBorderline personality disorder patients performed significantly worse on the N-back test compared to healthy controls and the impairment increased with increasing working memory load. In the third study the working memory domain was investigated using four different tests and single scores were not included therefore it was impossible to compare N-back data.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Importance of C-PTSD symptoms and suicide attempt
Authors: Pinheiro M. , Mendes D. , Mendes T. , Pais J. , Cabral T. , Rocha J.C. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionTraumatising experiences have been shown to be important in suicide ideation and attempt. A prolonged and continuous exposure to stressing interpersonal events can have more complex consequences. Therefore, the concept of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) has been emerging.ObjectivesOur goal is to relate the symptoms of C-PTSD with suicide attempt and to evaluate the differences between C-PTSD and PTSD on those patients. Moreover, we compared our findings with a control population without prior suicide attempts.MethodsFifty patients that had been hospitalised in the Psychiatry ward following a suicide attempt were evaluated one week after the event with the ICD-11 Trauma Questionnaire (PTSD and C-PTSD). The same evaluation was performed on a control population without known suicide attempts.ResultsThere is a statistically significant relationship (P < 0.001) between the symptoms of C-PTSD and PTSD and suicide attempt, which effect is higher for C-PTSD. These symptoms are almost absent in the control group.ConclusionC-PTSD seams to be a more relevant risk factor for suicidal attempts. This aspect is important to define preventive and treatment programs and for suicidal attempts follow-up. The importance of traumatic events and of traumatic stress symptoms as moderator factors should be considered in future research.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Physical exercise and students’ mental health
Authors: Theodoratou M. , Dritsas I. , Saltou M. , Dimas V. , Spyropoulos A. , Nikolopoulou E. , Bekos V. , Kloni P. , Psychogioy A. , Valsami O. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionStudies have shown that sport participation is connected with a more positive self-image and higher self-esteem in adolescents (Bowkers, 2006, Kirkcaldy et al., 2002), whereas sedentary behavior is associated with negative mental health characteristics (Primack et al., 2009).PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate whether physical activity influences adolescents and young people's emotions, self-esteem and generally mental health.MaterialQuestionnaires were redacted by the research team investigating participants’ habits, emotions and health benefits concerning physical activities.MethodQuestionnaires were administered to 150 adolescents, aged 18–20 years old in Technological Educational Institutes, colleges and fitness centers in Patras, Southern Greece during 2015's spring.ResultsEighty-seven percent of the respondents worked out in fitness centers or in natural environment. Most of them answered that exercise contributed to revitalization and euphoria feelings (63%), stress relief (78%), better self-image, and better health (49%). According to 63% of the adolescents, exercise improved their school performance and 61% of them felt that exercise affected positively mental health.ConclusionsPresent study's results underline physical activities’ benefits in students’ mental health, self-esteem, feelings and school performance being in line with other studies’ results [Biddle et Asare (2011), Ekeland et al. (2005), Brown et al. (2013)]. Restrictions refer mainly to small size sample.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Impact of anti-inflammatory drugs on the risk of anxiety disorders after critical illness
Authors: Medici C.R. , Østergaard S.D. , Sørensen H.T. , Christiansen C.F. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionCritical illness increases the risk of mental illness, including anxiety disorders. As critically ill patients exhibit high levels of inflammation and inflammation plays a role in mental illness, critical and mental illnesses may be linked by systemic inflammation.ObjectiveTo investigate whether anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of subsequent anxiety disorders among intensive care patients requiring mechanical ventilation.AimsTo assess the risk of anxiety disorders after intensive care requiring mechanical ventilation according to pre-admission use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), glucocorticoids, statins or combination. To compare risk in users with non-users.MethodsThis nationwide, registry-based, cohort study includes all patients receiving mechanical ventilation in Danish intensive care units during 2005–2013. Preadmission use of NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, statins or combinations will be identified from filled prescriptions. Risk of anxiety disorders in users and non-users of these anti-inflammatory drugs will be estimated using the cumulative incidence method, accounting for death as a competing risk. After propensity-score matching, risk in users and non-users will be compared using hazard ratios from a Cox regression.ResultsN/A. The estimated number of patients is 100,000. Expected preadmission use is 14% for statins, 15% for NSAIDs, and 10% for glucocorticoids. The study will have 95% power to detect a 10% decrease in risk between users and non-users.ConclusionsN/A. The study potentially will contribute knowledge about the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders and a mechanism linking critical illness and mental illnesses. If anti-inflammatory drugs reduce risk of anxiety disorders, this may guide trials.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Thought overactivation as a marker of bipolar disorder
Authors: Ferrari M. , Ossola P. , Lucarini V. , Accardi V. , De Panfilis C. , Tonna M. , Marchesi C. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionRecent studies have underlined the importance of considering the form of thoughts, beyond their content, in order to achieve a better phenomenological comprehension of mental states in mood disorders. The subjective experience of thought overactivation is an important feature of mood disorders that could help in identifying, among patients with a depressive episode, those who belong to the bipolar spectrum.ObjectivesPatients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) were compared with matched healthy controls (HC) on a scale that evaluates thought overactivation.AimsValidate the Italian version of a scale for thought overactivation (i.e. STOQ) in a sample of bipolar patients.MethodsThirty euthymic BD and 30 HC completed the Subjective Thought Overactivation Questionnaire (STOQ), the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and global functioning (VGF).ResultsThe 9-items version of the STOQ has been back translated and its internal consistency in this sample was satisfactory (alpha = .91). Both the brooding subscore of RRS (b-RRS) (r = .706; P < .001) and STOQ (r = .664; P < .001) correlate significantly with depressive symptoms whereas only the first correlate with VGF (r = –.801; P < .001). The two groups did not differed in the b-RRS (HC = 8.41 vs BD = 9.72; P = .21), whereas BD where significantly higher in the STOQ total score (HC = 6.62 vs. BD = 14.9; P = .007).ConclusionOur results, although limited by the small sample size, confirm the validity of the STOQ and suggest that this scale could grasp a feature characteristic of BD, independently from their tendency to ruminate. The latter seems to impact more on global functioning.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Automatic attentional processing of faces with disease cues
Authors: Soares S. , Magalhães A.C. , Oliveira A.F. , Silva B. , Dias J. , Godinho M.J. , Xavier S. , Ferreira J. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionStimuli that are relevant to our survival, especially those that signal the presence of a threat in the environment (e.g., threatening faces), automatically attract our attention.ObjectiveThe same may be true for faces displaying subtle disease cues as they may signal danger of potential contamination and, hence, disease-avoidance behaviour, which was the focus of the present research.AimThe present study investigated, for the first time to our knowledge, whether faces with disease cues (DF), compared to control stimuli (faces without such cues) (CF), interfered with the participants’ performance in a letter discrimination task.MethodEighty-six (44 women) university students volunteered to participate in a letter discrimination task where 240 DF and 240 CF were presented.ResultsThe results confirmed our hypothesis by showing that for DF, compared to CF, participants took longer to discriminate the target letters. Moreover, the results from a further rating task showed that DF, compared to CF, were rated as significantly more disgusting and associated with disease, thus confirming our experimental manipulation and suggesting that disgust may be driving automatic attention to DF.ConclusionsOur findings provide important insights on the possible influence of exogenous attention to disease cues in social avoidance behaviour, which may have relevant implications in clinical disorders with disgust at its core.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Utilization of psychotropic drugs in Europe: Why is Portugal such a particular case?
Authors: Alves-dos-Reis T. , Matias M.A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPsychotropic drugs are among the most utilized medications in Europe.ObjectivesTo perform an international comparison of the utilization trends of antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives (AHS).MethodsWe used data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). We used the World Health Organization's Defined Daily Dosage (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD) methodology. We performed a general comparison between 14 European countries and a more detailed comparative analysis between Portugal, Italy, Spain and Germany. These countries were selected according to the following criteria: similar 12-month prevalence of mental health disorders, similar results for negative mental health (SF-36 questionnaire) and similar standardized death rates for suicide.ResultsPortugal had the highest overall utilization of antidepressants and AHS in 2011, amounting to 110.7 DHD, and the highest increase in utilization of AHS (1.8%) from 2003 and 2011. Concerning antidepressants, Portugal had the third highest utilization of these drugs in 2011 (78.3 DHD). Regarding the more detailed comparative analysis, utilization of AHS was still significantly higher in Portugal. Considering antidepressants, Portugal experienced an increasing utilization, which grew by approximately 11.4% from 2003 and 2008. From 2009 onward the utilization increased but at a slower pace.ConclusionThe very high utilization of these drugs, especially of AHS, is a worrying fact since this might indicate an inadequate treatment choice for anxiety and depressive disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship of these findings with regulations concerning utilization of psychotropic drugs and compliance with best medical practices between distinct European countries.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Efficacy and safety of generic escitalopram (Lexacure) in patients with major depressive disorder: A 6-week, multi-center, randomized, rater-blinded, escitalopram-comparative, non-inferiority study
Authors: Jeong J.H. , Bahk W.M. , Woo Y.S. , Lee K.U. , Kim M.D. , Kim W. , Yang J.C. , Lee K.H. , Lee S.Y. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThe primary aim of this non-inferiority study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of generic escitalopram (Lexacure) versus branded escitalopram (Lexapro) for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsThe present study included 158 patients who were randomized (1:1) to receive a flexible dose of generic escitalopram (n = 78) or branded escitalopram (n = 80) over a 6-week single-blind treatment period. The clinical benefits in the two groups were evaluated using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Scale (CGI-S), and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale (CGI-I) at baseline, week 1, week 2, week 4, and week 6. The frequency of adverse events (AEs) was also assessed to determine safety at each follow-up visit.ResultsAt week 6, 28 patients (57.1%) in the generic escitalopram group and 35 patients (67.3%) in the branded escitalopram group had responded to treatment (P = 0.126), and the remission rates (MADRS score: ≤ 10) were 42.9% (n = 21) in generic escitalopram group and 53.8% (n = 28) in the branded escitalopram group (P = 0.135). The most frequently reported AEs were nausea (17.9%) in the generic escitalopram group and nausea (20.0%) in the branded escitalopram group.ConclusionsThe present non-inferiority study demonstrated that generic escitalopram is a safe and effective initial treatment for patients with MDD and may also be considered as an additional therapeutic option for this population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Knowledge and attitude toward repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhadi A. , AlShiban A. , Alomar M. , Aljadoa O. , AlSayegh A. , Jameel M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a new treatment, used for different psychotic disorders mainly depression.ObjectivesAssessing knowledge and attitude toward rTMS among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia, and determining factors affecting that.AimsTo ensure that psychiatrists have sufficient knowledge regarding rTMS. A good knowledge will most likely have a positive impact on their attitude.MethodsCross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. The study population is all psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia. A new valid and reliable questionnaire was developed.ResultsSample of 96 psychiatrists enrolled in the study, 81% were males. Participant's mean age was 37 years. Half of participants were consultants. The sample mainly consists of general psychiatrists (65%). The study showed that 80% of psychiatrists have an efficient knowledge about rTMS. Consultants have higher knowledge than residents do. Abroad training has no association with the level of knowledge or attitude. Seventy-nine percent of psychiatrists have a positive attitude toward rTMS. Only 53% of psychiatrists agreed to receive (rTMS) in case they were in a psychotic depressive condition. Minority (7%) of psychiatrists would not refer their patients for rTMS.ConclusionMost of psychiatrists have a good knowledge and a positive attitude toward rTMS. Those who have high level of training and experience show higher level of knowledge. Articles are found to be a better source for updating knowledge. Having an rTMS treated person in the family or relatives will positively affect the psychiatrist's attitude.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Student's strategies to cope with stressful situations
Authors: Theodoratou M. , Nτavarinou M. , Stratoudaki-chondrou E. , Xiga M.P. , Nikolopoulou I. , Kloni P. , Psychogiou A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIt is well known that students have several stressful situations to cope with and their coping strategies are of a wide range (Brougham et al., 2009, Zi et al., 2011, Pierceall and Cane, 2009).ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to investigate how students coped with various stressful situations they faced.AimsOne hundred participants, 60 men and 40 women, studying at TEI of Patras, Greece, were randomly selected and asked to describe their stressful situations and the ways they dealt with them.MethodThe questionnaire used was based on “Échelle Toulousaine de Coping” (Tap et al., 1993) adjusted by Theodoratou et al. (2006).ResultsForty-five percent of the students could not control their feelings, while facing a difficult situation and might feel panic, but the majority of the students (63%) did not use medication to cope with a difficult situation. When facing a problem, the 45% of the students did not amuse themselves and 35% of the participants avoided communication with other people when they faced a problem. Moreover, 29% of the students chose to pray to face a difficult situation. Finally, 58% of the participants estimated that a counseling center in TEI of Western Greece would be necessary.ConclusionsIn conclusion, many students were overwhelmed by a negative emotion and most of them chose social withdrawal. Thus, they might feel helpless and suggested that a counseling center in their College and university might help them to overcome difficulties during their studies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A neuropsychological group rehabilitation program with institutionalized elderly
Authors: Lemos L. , Espírito-Santo H. , Simões S. , Silva F. , Galhardo J. , Oliveira M. , Costa M. , Martins S. , Daniel F. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionElderly institutionalization involves an emotional adaptation and the research shows that the risk of depression increases.ObjectivesEvaluate the impact of a neuropsychological group rehabilitation program (NGRP) on depressive symptomatology of institutionalized elderly.AimsNGRP influences the decrease of depressive symptoms.MethodsElderly were assessed pre- and post-intervention with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and divided into a Rehabilitated Group (RG), a Waiting List Group (WLG), and a Neutral Task Group (NTG).ResultsIn this randomized study, before rehabilitation, 60 elderly people (RG; 80.31 ± 8.98 years of age; 74.2% women) had a mean GDS score of 13.33 (SD = 9.21). Five elderly included in the NTG (80.13 ± 10.84 years; 75.0% women) had a mean GDS score of 10.60 (SD = 4.72). Finally, 29 elderly in the WLG (81.32 ± 6.68 years; 69.0% women) had a mean GDS score of 14.93 (SD = 6.02). The groups were not different in GDS baseline scores (F = 0.74; P = 0.478). ANCOVA has shown significant differences (P < 0.05) in GDS scores between the three groups after 10 weeks. Sidak adjustment for multiple comparisons revealed that elderly in the WLG got worse scores in GDS, comparing with elderly in RG (P < 0.01), and with elderly in NTG (P < 0.05).ConclusionsElderly that are not involved in a task get worse in depressive symptomatology. Being involved in a structured group task means lower depressive symptoms and being in a NGRP means even greater results.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.