bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of new synthetic drugs in Slovenian prisons
Authors: Ceranic Ninic K. , Jejcic K. , Glavnik E. , Pustoslemsek M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPrisons are a specific environment, in terms of population and various factors that affect health in the broader sense. According to the report of the board of prisons for Slovenia in 2013, 1 078 people who have had problems with illicit drug use were identified, representing 23.04% of all incarcerated persons. Moreover, an increase in the use of various types of new psychoactive substances, the so-called designer drugs, was recorded in recent years.AimsThe research aimed to point out the psychoactive drugs most used in Slovenian prisons and to explore whether these pose a public health issue.MethodsWe conducted statistical research with semi-standardised epidemiological and psychoeducational questionnaires, which were distributed among prison population in Maribor region, Slovenia.ResultsThe analysis of the questionnaires received, which was completed by 54 prisoners, has shown that 54.55% of people aged between 18 and 35 years take synthetic drugs regularly, 30.30% of the population enjoys synthetic drugs occasionally. In the category of over 50 years, no one enjoyed these drugs. The most popular synthetic drugs were synthetic cannabinoids. Although a third of the users of these drugs has experienced at least one side effect, as many as 55.56% do not know how to act in such a case.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that the majority of users of synthetic drugs are young adults who are convinced that their use is less harmful than the use of “ordinary” psychoactive substances. A surprisingly low awareness of side effects measure was stated.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Decision making in structure of self-regulation of persons with mental disorders at assessment of capacity
Authors: Perepravina Y. 
Published: June 2017

The paper is based on the conception of Luria's neuropsychological theory, the conception of self-regulation (Nikolaeva V.V.), the model of decision making (Kornilova T.V.), methodological basis of psychological and psychiatric assessment of capacity of The Serbsky State Scientific Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry (Kharitonova N.K.).Research goalTo study neuropsychological factors in persons with mental disorders who are involves in forensic assessment of capacity and find out correlation between decision-making and neuropsychological factors.Research subjectThe three levels of self-regulation (the level of regulation of mental status, the operational level, the motivational level) and the role of decision making in this structure in persons with mental disorders who are involves in forensic assessment of capacity.The research methodsNeuropsychological methods by Luria A.R., patopsychological methods for assessment Higher Psychological Functions (Zeigarnik B.V.), Melbourne decision making questionnaire (a Russian adaptation, Kornilova T.V.).According to Luria's neuropsychological theory, series of the basic neuropsychological methods include: (1) determine arithmetic task using an algorithm, (2) tests for study of praxis and gnosis, (3) tests for study of memory and attention, (4) test for study of comprehension of logical-grammatic expressions.Results– The three levels of self-regulation correspond to the three functional brain's areas (according to Luria's neuropsychological theory)– Decision making correlation with factors of the third brain‘s area (the frontal lobe)The conclusionsOur research considers neuropsychological factors like possible medical criterion for assessment of capacity.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Managing challenging behavior in people with intellectual disabilities in communities and reducing hospital stays: Current and future challenges from an European perspective
Authors: Perera B. , Courtenay K. , Elstner S. , Krysta K. 
Published: June 2017

Prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) ranges from 0.05 to 1.55%. A total of10–15% of the people with ID present with challenging behavior (CB). This causes a significant strain on mental health services. People with ID; end up staying in psychiatric inpatient units for longer periods. Most people with ID move out of their family home to various care settings due to severity of their behavior difficulties. Few European countries have specialist services for people with ID whereas most countries manage people with ID and CB using adult mental health services. There is ongoing debate whether patients with ID and CB need to be managed by specialist services. There are significant financial implications looking after people with ID and CB. This has often led to over prescribing of psychotropic medications to people with ID without a mental disorder to manage their behaviors. There are significant strains on mental health services to manage people with ID and CB. This presentation discusses. Describe people with CB and ID and their characteristics including mental disorder, use of psychotropic medications, socio demographic factors and financial costs to look after them. Social and health care approach to look after people with CB in the UK, Challenges to develop services for people with CB in ID in Germany and Poland. Do we need specialist services for people with ID and CB? Pros and cons.Disclosure of interestCOI: Bhathika Perera, I have received travel grants from pharmaceutical companies to attend ADHD conferences and I have been a speaker at pharmaceutical company sponsored events on ADHD.
Descriptive study of patients with intellectual disability attended in a community mental health care center
Authors: Oller Canet S. , Pérez Sánchez E. , Alba Pale L. , Mur Mila E. , Samsó Buixareu B. , Mizrahi Recasens C. , Gasque Llopis S. , Castillo Magaña S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe rate of mental illness among people with intellectual disability is at least 2.5 times higher than in the general population [1].ObjectiveTo describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of all patients with intellectual disability treated in a community mental health care center (CMH) located in a city of 120,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Barcelona with a high poverty index.MethodsDocuments and patient records were reviewed. Clinical, sociodemographic and other treatment data of patients with intellectual disability treated at the CMH were collected.ResultsThe sample consisted of 118 patients. Mean age: 39.5 (SD: 15), 54% men. 92% single and 23.7% legally incapacitated. 46.6% never completed basic education and 44.1% completed primary school. Employment status: 14.4% unemployed, 14.4% currently active, and 50% pensioned. Patients living mainly with their family (parents:) 86%. 68.6% of patients showed aggressive behavior, but the rate of hospital psychiatric admissions was low (mean: 1.1 (SD: 2.3)). Organic comorbidity: 44.9%. Functionality measured with GAF mean: 45 (SD: 12). Level of intellectual disability was mostly mild (62%). Psychiatric diagnoses were: psychotic disorders: 49.25%, affective disorders: 6.8%, personality disorder: 3.4%, Obsessive-compulsive disorder: 3.4%, autism: 11.9% and other diagnoses: 37.3%. Patients treated with anti-psychotics: 78.8%, anti-depressants: 40.7%, and mood stabilizers: 70.5%.ConclusionsIntellectually disabled patients from our sample showed high comorbidity with psychotic disorders, were highly medicated and often exhibited aggressive behavior.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Effect of chronic exposure of Losartan in mouse prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) model
Authors: Takyi A. 
Published: June 2017

Background and aimsFoetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that currently affects 1% of babies born in Europe and North America. It is characterised by memory impairment, developmental delay and distinctive facial features. This research uses a mouse prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) model to explore the effects of PAE on learning, memory and to explore the potentially beneficial effects of common drugs previously shown to have cognitive enhancing effects in both humans and animals.MethodsSixty mice (M = 30 F = 30) C57 mice were exposed to 5% ethanol throughout pregnancy. After weaning the offspring received Losartan (10 mg/kg) via their drinking water for 8 weeks. At 3 months, learning and memory was assessed using the novel object recognition paradigm.ResultsPAE caused a significant decrease in offspring body weight. Treatment with Losartan caused no growth impairment or renal damage. Novel object recognition indicated that PAE caused male offspring to spend significantly less time exploring the novel object than controls and that treatment with Losartan had the effect of improving awareness of the novel object both in the control and alcohol group and decreasing anxiety (P ≤ 0.05). A significant opposite effect was noticed in the female alcohol progeny when compared to the male alcohol progeny (P ≤ 0.05). Losartan in female alcohol progeny had no effect on anxiety. Male control Losartan spent more time exploring the novel object than male alcohol Losartan (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsLosartan had no deleterious effects on the development of the animals, and was able to improve learning and memory in control animals without effect in PAE mice.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Comparing the educational impact of simulation training to role play and didactic teaching for integrating mental and physical healthcare
Authors: Attoe C. , Vishwas A. , Cross S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAddressing the interaction between mental and physical health to provide more integrated healthcare has been highlighted as an international priority for health and education systems. Educational interventions focusing on multi-disciplinary, interprofessional approaches to integrated mental and physical healthcare are an essential part of transforming health systems. Simulation training is one tool by which such training can be delivered, in contrast to traditional teaching methods. However, simulation training can be high-cost and clarity over the impact is required.AimTo compare simulation training for integrating mental and physical health to role-play and didactic teaching, on their effect on confidence, knowledge, and attitudes of participants.MethodsParticipants in simulation training (n = 24) and role play plus didactic teaching (n = 87) both completed self-report measures of confidence and knowledge in working with mental and physical health needs, as well as the Readiness for interprofessional learning scale (RIPLS) collecting attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration. All participants also completed post-course qualitative feedback form with open questions.ResultsT-tests found statistically significant increases in confidence and knowledge following both educational interventions. T-tests showed statistically significant increases in attitudes to interprofessional collaboration (RIPLS) following simulation training, while there were no statistically significant changes after role-play and didactic teaching. Thematic analyses of post-course open questions demonstrated differing learning outcomes.ConclusionsSimulation training appears to have a different and beneficial impact to role play and didactic teaching alone, when training participants on integrating mental and physical health.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Help-seeking for sleep problems among psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Chang S. , Seow E. , Lau Y.W. , Chong S.A. , Subramaniam M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThough sleep disturbances are common among psychiatric patients, some patients may trivialize their problem and not discuss it with their doctors. This study thus aimed to assess patient profile that is associated with help seeking for sleep problems among psychiatric patients.MethodsOutpatients from a tertiary psychiatric hospital were recruited for this study (n = 400). The pittsburgh sleep quality index was administered to identify cases of probable insomnia, and daytime impairment due to sleep disturbances was recorded. Participants were asked if they have ever consulted a doctor or any health professionals for their sleep problems. Sociodemographic information was recorded and clinical profile was obtained from the patient's medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine correlates of help-seeking behaviour among patients with probable insomnia.Results275 cases of probable insomnia were identified. Among this group of patients, 38.9% had never sought help for their sleep problems. Participants who were single were less likely to seek help as compared to those who were widowed/separated/divorced (OR= 0.319, P = 0.023). Having a comorbid psychiatric condition was independently associated with increased odds of help seeking (OR= 1.952, P = 0.027). Participants who perceived greater daytime impairment due to sleep problems were more likely to seek help (OR= 1.465, P = 0.007).ConclusionsThe majority of psychiatry patients with sleep problems sought professional help, though there remained a substantial group that did not do so. There is a need to educate and create awareness of potential sleep problems among psychiatric patients, and to inform them of the availability of treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Nursing care to the person with mental disorder: Experience report
Authors: Vasconcelos S.C. , Santos A.E.M. , Maranhão K.N. , Lordão A.V. , Carvalho Z.F.D. , Almeida S.A. , Neves J.C. , Alves M.J.J. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe formation of nursing professionals requires a dynamic teaching that provides the acquisition of skills and abilities to execute care, management, teaching and research activities. In this perspective, the operative groups are a teaching and nursing care strategy, performed by a knowledge exchange and collective interventions.AimsDiscuss the experience in nursing care to the person with mental disorder.MethodsIt is about a fourth year undergraduate nursing students’ experience report. The activities were developed at a center of psychosocial attention in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Once a week, four operative group sessions were held under the theme “men's health”. In the first session were agreed norms of behavior and activities plans on which the participants chose the subjects.ResultsThe operative group provided a friendly environment to exchange knowledge, in which the contents where addressed from the participant's acquirements and experiences. There was a good group interaction. The students conducted the activities under the teacher and monitor's supervision.ConclusionThis report provided experiences that contributed to the students’ teaching-learning process as well as for understanding the nurse's insertion in the care scenario and the use of soft technologies to an efficient care to the person with mental disorder. The students also noticed the operative group's impact in the user's lives though sentences such as “It was fun”, “I won gifts”, “liked it”, “I learned”.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Task-shifting in Mental Health Services: Extent, Impact and Challenges in Ghana
Authors: Agyapong V. 
Published: June 2017

AimTo examine the role and scope of practice of community mental health workers (CMHWs) as well as the impact and challenges associated with of work of CMHWs within Ghana's mental health delivery system.MethodsA cross sectional survey of 11 psychiatrists, 29 health policy directors and 164 CMHWs as well as key informant interviews with 3 CMHWs, 5 psychiatrists and 2 health policy directors and three focus group discussions with 21 CMHWs. Results of quantitative data were analysed with SPSS version 20 whilst the results from qualitative data were analysed manually through thematic analysis.ResultsIn addition to duties prescribed in their job descriptions, all the CMHWs identified several jobs that they routinely perform including jobs reserved for higher level cadres such as medication prescribing for which most of the CMHWs have no training. Some CMHWs reported they had considered leaving the mental health profession because of the stigma, risk, lack of opportunities for continuing professional development and career progression as well as poor remuneration. Almost all the stakeholders believed CMHWs in Ghana receive adequate training for the role they are expected to play although many identify some gaps in the training of these mental health workers for the expanded roles they actually play. All the stakeholders expressed concerns about the quality of the care provided by CMHWs.ConclusionThe study highlights several important issues, which facilitate or hinder effective task-shifting arrangements from psychiatrists to CMHWs and impact on the quality of care provided by the latter.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Syrian Refugees in Canada: Clinical Experience in Mental Health Care
Authors: Bazaid K. 
Published: June 2017

War is the most serious of all threats to health (World Health Organization, 1982) and can have severe and lasting impacts on mental health. Forced displacement and migration generate risks to mental well-being, which can result in psychiatric illness. Yet, the majority of refugees do not develop psychopathology. Rather, they demonstrate resilience in the face of tremendous adversity. The influx of Syrian refugees to Canada poses challenges to the health care system. We will present our experience to date in the Ottawa region, including a multisector collaborative effort to provide settlement and health services to newly arriving refugees from the Middle East and elsewhere. The workshop will be brought to life by engaging with clinical cases and public health scenarios that present real world clinical challenges to the provision of mental health care for refugees.Objectives(1) Understand the predicament of refugees including risks to mental health, coping strategies and mental health consequences, (2) know the evidence for the emergence of mental illness in refugees and the effectiveness of multi-level interventions, (3) become familiar with published guidelines and gain a working knowledge of assessment and management of psychiatric conditions in refugee populations and cultural idioms of distress.How will the participants receive feedback about their learning? Participants will have direct feedback through answers to questions. The authors welcome subsequent communication by email. Presenters can give attendants handouts on pertinent and concise information linked to the workshop.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Genetic Variants in the ABCB1 Gene Determine Bioavailability of Antidepressants in the Brain
Authors: Holsboer-Trachsler E. , Breitenstein B. , Kirmeier T. , Holsboer F. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAntidepressants are the first-line treatment of major depressive disorder, but response rates following the first antidepressant medication are moderate.ObjectivesClinical efficacy requires to overcome the blood-brain barrier where p-gp molecules are located. If they recognize and bind an antidepressant, they pump it back into the circulation. If the antidepressant is not recognized, the passage is not impaired by p-glycoproteins.AimsWe studied whether variants in the ABCB1 gene that encodes the p-glycoprotein have an effect on blood-brain passage of antidepressants and as consequence on their clinical benefit.MethodsABCB1 gene variants were determined with sequencing (Illumina Bead), substrate property analysis employed mice with deletion of ABCB1-analog genes. Clinical protocols followed those of the MARS-project.Results– The SNPs rs2032583 and rs2235015 provide the best clinical information about blood-brain-penetrance, with CC/CT and TT/GT being the favourable gene variants whereas TT and GG are less favourable. This distinction holds only true if antidepressants are p-glycoprotein substrates;– in the presence of the favourable gene-variant patients treated with an antidepressant that is a p-glycoprotein substrate are more likely to remit in shorter time;– in the presence of the less favourable gene-variant treatment with a substrate, higher dosages and augmentation strategies, or switch to non-substrates are recommended.ConclusionFrom these data, a treatment algorithm was developed that maximizes treatment benefit and minimizes adverse effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Correlation Between Chronic Somatic Co-morbidities and Prognosis of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Lucev N. , Vuk A. , Simunovic Filipcic I. , Filipcic I. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDepression and somatic disorders are closely interrelated. Depressed mood is recognized to contribute to the development and progression of wide range of somatic diseases, while at the same time somatic diseases may increase the risk of depression. Co-morbidity research still represents huge research and clinical challenge to contemporary psychiatry and medicine.ObjectivesTo check whether the correlation of NSC and poor prognosis of MDD treatment is merely the consequence of age and duration of illness.MethodsWe investigated a cross-sectional sample consisting of 290 psychiatric diagnosed with MDD. Outcome was the number of psychiatric rehospitalizations (NPR) since the first diagnosis of MDD treatment success. Predictor was NSC. Covariates controlled were sex, age, BMI, marital status, number of household members, education, work status, duration of MDD, CGI-severity of MDD at diagnosis, treatment with antidepressants and anti-psychotics.ResultsAfter adjustment for all confounders, mediation analysis revealed insignificant indirect effects of NSC on NPR through patient's age (P = 0.296) and duration of MDD (P = 0.180). Direct effect of NSC was significant and clinically relevant (P < 0.001). Effect of NSC was significantly moderated by duration of MDD (P = 0.019). NSC and NPR were not significantly associated if MDD lasted for less than a year. The more MDD lasted the stronger was correlation of NSC and NPR.ConclusionCorrelation of NSC and poor prognosis of MDD is not a mere consequence of patient's age and duration of illness. To treat MDD effectively we have to treat simultaneously somatic comorbidities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.