bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Music as a Helpful Instrument in the Treatment of Children with Asd in Their School Inclusion Program
Authors: Sindelar M.T. , Meini C. 
Published: June 2017

Since birth infants are active and communicative partners engaged in protoconversations with caretakers. Motherese, the simplified language adults spontaneously use with infants, has a musical structure. We believe that for developmental and evolutionistic reasons music is a preferential tool to favor communication and to promote group identity. We carried on a musical experience with a group of autistic (ASD) children aged 5 to 7 years. Each child participated at their school with 10 typically developed classmates and their teachers. Our ASD children love music and enjoy playing and singing. With music, they overcome some communicative and social difficulties. Their bodily posture changed with music, facilitating joint attention and improvement of verbal language. When singing children learned linguistic skills, they ameliorated vowels’ pronunciation and understood how a question and an answer differ in melodic contour. Taking into account the unique sensory motor profile of each ASD child, we proposed rhythmic music with high proprioceptive input (for under-reactive children) and smooth and calming music for avoidant and easily overwhelming children in order to ameliorate intentionality and enlarge circles of communication. A combination of semistructured and spontaneous activity is the main components of our approach, which has both therapeutic and educational impacts. In the musical group, all the ASDs appeared to be more attentive, motivated, better performing and able to teach their acquired skills to their peers. Typical peers interact more with children with ASD with music. We consider this very helpful in the inclusion of ASD children in a school setting.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Influence of Peers Drinking and Parental Drinking and Attitudes on Adolescent Drinking
Authors: Smaoui N. , Charfi N. , Turki M. , Maâlej-Bouali M. , Zouari L. , Zouari N. , Ben Thabet J. , Maâlej M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIt is widely recognized that parents and peers play a critical role in the adolescent's introduction to alcohol.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to examine the relationship of parental and peers drinking to adolescent drinking behavior.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in four colleges and schools in Sfax in Tunisia, in May and June 2016. The sample consisted of 317 pupils, and was determined through a simple randomized sampling. These adolescents were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire, after their consent. Alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) was used to evaluate alcohol dependence.ResultsThe mean age was 16 years, with a sex-ratio of 1.07. The participants reported having drunk alcohol at least once in 18.9% of cases and 41.66% of them still consume. According to AUDIT, 1.6% of alcohol users presented an alcohol misuse and 21.6% presented dependence. They reported that parents’ attitude toward their alcohol use was favorable in 27.11% of cases. Among dependent adolescents, the prevalence of fathers’ alcohol consumption was 20% while that of friends was 70%. Adolescent drinking was significantly correlated to fathers, mothers and peers drinking (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, P < 0.001 respectively), mothers and peers smoking (P = 0.05, P < 0.001 respectively), fathers and peer's cannabis use (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 respectively).ConclusionFindings suggest that negative family and peers influence increased risk of alcohol consumption in adolescents. Understanding the influences on parents’ beliefs about their children's drinking and the functions of social networks in preventing alcohol consumption may be necessary to address adolescent risky drinking.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Polypharmacy among elderly populations
Authors: Leal I. , Ordás P. , Vicente R. , Avila C. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPotentially inappropriate prescribing, is highly prevalent among older patients hospitalized with major psychiatric illness. Inappropriate use of psychotropic medications in elderly patients has become a focus of concern.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing including potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescription omissions (PPOs), according to STOPP-START, Beers and PRISCUS criteria applied by CheckTheMeds®.AimsTo identify potentially IP, PPo and the prevalence of contraindications, interactions and precautions in older patients hospitalized with major psychiatric illness.MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional study with patients over 65 discharged from the Psychiatric acute unit of the university hospital of La Princesa (Madrid) between January 2013 and October 2015 was conducted. The CheckTheMeds® program was used to identify IP.ResultsA total of 104 elders–74 females and 30 males–were included, with a mean age of 76 years (range: 65–91). An average of 5.73 (range: 1–16) was prescribed drugs at discharge. The Ip results STOPP 81.73% (n = 85), START 43.26% (n = 45), Beers 94.23% (n = 98) y PRISCUS 40.38% (n = 42). Contraindications were described in the 21.15% of the patients, precautions in 83.65% and interactions in 83.65%. Psychotropic drugs were the most often inappropriate prescribed medicaments.ConclusionPrescribing omissions are twice as prevalent as IP in the elderly. Currently, inappropriate prescription of psychotropic agents is very common for the elderly. Application of such screening tools to prescribing decisions may reduce unnecessary medication, related adverse events, healthcare utilization and cost and nonpharmacological interventions, should be thoroughly explored.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinico-pathological profile evaluation in patients affected by chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Travagliati F. , Borrelli E. , Martinelli S. , Dattoli L. , Ferrarese D. , Gaetani E. , Scaldaferri F. , Gasbarrini A. , Janiri L. , Camardese G. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionInflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have high social impact. Aetiology is still unknown, however multifactorial genesis is surely implicated. We tried to correlate IBDs and psychological distress through evaluated psychometrical instruments and subsequently to relate subjective influences with gastroenteric clinical manifestation, defining new critical elements on which IBD are based.MethodsIn our study, we included 57 participants, selected according to their diagnosis, between those attending our gastrointestinal ambulatory: 26 had Chron's disease, while 31 had ulcerative colitis. 78 people without gastroenteric or psychiatric disorder were also included in the study as control group. Psychometric questionnaires were administered to evaluate anxiety and depressive symptoms, quality of live, self-efficacy and resilience (Fig. 1).ResultsLevels of anxiety and depression were higher in patients with IBDs than in the control group. STAI-Y highlighted higher state anxiety and trait anxiety levels in first group. HADS showed higher scores in ill patients, as well as CD-RISC showed a more impaired resilience. EQ-VAS, PGWBI and GSE revealed significant differences in health status, psychological wellness and self-efficacy between the two groups.ConclusionsIBDs seem related to psychological diseases. Affected patients have higher anxiety and depression levels than general population as well as lower self-efficacy and resilience. Those elements being strictly linked to physical discomfort contributes to develop a loop in which patients get caught. Creating a model of integrated cooperation between gastroenterologist and psychiatrist during treatment of patients with IBDs seems fundamental to grant at once all the professional figures each patient needs for better care.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Augmentation in profound, SRI-refractory OCD: Is aripiprazole superior to other to other dopamine blockers?
Authors: Pampaloni I. , Tyagi H. , Drummond L. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionOCD is a common disorder, affecting 1% of the population and usually responds to treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) or exposure and response prevention (ERP) and to augmentation with antipsychotics. However, some patients fail to respond. The national inpatient unit for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (i) is the only 24-hour staffed inpatient facility for OCD in the UK and treats patients with profound, treatment-refractory OCD. There is evidence of efficacy of aripiprazole in augmenting SRI sin severe OCD (ii).ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of aripiprazole versus other antipsychotics as SRI augmentation.MethodsOne hundred and nine patients admitted to the unit between March 2006 and September 2011 and discharged on an antipsychotic and an SRI were included. The Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (YBOCS) was administered at admission and at discharge. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23 using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Two groups were compared: those receiving SRI + aripiprazole versus those receiving SRI + another antipsychotic.Resultssixty-two patients received SRI with aripiprazole and 47 SRIs with another antipsychotic. Overall, patients showed improvement, with an average YBOCS reduction of 11.7 (33% reduction). Patients taking aripiprazole improved by an average of 13 (36% reduction, P < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients of the national unit with severe, treatment refractory OCD treated with aripiprazole augmentation showed a greater improvement than those on other antipsychotics. Further research into aripiprazole in OCD is warranted.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Antidepressant therapy is followed by normalization 0f serum albumin conformation in patients with melancholic depression
Authors: Syrejshchikova T. , Smolina N. , Uzbekov M. , Dobretsov G. , Krjukov V. , Brilliantova V. , Krasnov V. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesDiscovery of biomarkers for evaluation of efficacy of psychopharmacotherapy is important task.AimTo study parameters characteristic for albumin binding sited in melancholic depression (MD) using fluorescent laser spectroscopy in range of 30–50 picoseconds.Methods22 patients with MD (dep) (F33.1 and 2) were investigated in dynamics of antidepressant therapy (venlafaxine: 75–150 mg/daily) for 30 days. Control group (con) consists of 54 volunteers. Decay of fluorescence amplitude (A) of fluorescent probe K-35 from serum albumin was measured using laser. Earlier, we revealed 3 binding sites in albumin with amplitudes A1, A2 and A3 with decay time of 1, 3 and 9 nanoseconds, respectively.ResultsThere was revealed significant decrease of amplitude A1dep, normalized on mean value of A1 for controls (A1dep/A1con), for patients with MD after treatment with venlafaxine. In this case, A1depvalues decreased and were equal to A1 values of controls (P < 0.01): A1dep/A1con before treatment–1.23 and after 30 days of therapy–0.97 relative units; for controls this value was–1.00 relative units. The same type of normalization was observed for amplitudes A2 and A3 of melancholic patients. There were revealed significant changes of A3/A1 ratio that points out on conformational changes of serum albumin molecule in dynamics of venlafaxine therapy.ConclusionWe have registered unidirectional changes in albumin molecule in patients with MD. Investigated parameters can serve as potential biomarkers for evaluation of efficacy of psychopharmacotherapy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Genetic counselling in patients with bipolar disorder–ethical challenges
Authors: Vasile D. , Vasiliu O. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundGenetic counselling in psychiatric patients is almost always a challenge on multiple levels of communication, because the mental health specialist is situated between the need to validate the freedom of procreation, and the duty to inform patients about the risk of transmitting their disease to off-springs. Bipolar disorder (BPD) is reputed to be one of the most heritable psychiatric disorder, a factor that complicate even more the ethical situation.ObjectivesTo assess how psychiatrists and psychologists conducted genetic counseling for patients with BPD and the challenges that mental health professionals consider important when they need to make this type of counseling.MethodsStandardized interviewing of 15 psychiatrists and psychologists who experienced during their clinical practice aspects of genetic counseling in patients with BPD.ResultsThe most commonly reported problems related to the genetic counseling in bipolar patients were: lack of reliable data on family history (53.3%), amplification of patient stigmatization (46.6%), controversies in the literature on the assessment of the disease risk (40%), difficulties in maintaining a nondirective attitude (33.3%), lack of genetic counseling follow-up (33.3%), disproportionate interest from the partner without mental disorder, when compared to patients, in terms of aspects of genetic counseling (26.6%), alteration of the therapeutic relationship and patients interest in treatment (26.6%).ConclusionsGenetic counseling is a challenge for mental health professionals, who must cope with the lack of reliable data on the pathogenesis of BPD, negative reactions from the patients’ partners, patient disinterest or hostility and possible negative effects on the therapeutic relationship.Disclosure of interestThe presenting author was speaker for Astra Zeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, CSC Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, Janssen Cilag, Lundbeck, Organon, Pfizer, Servier, Sanofi Aventis and participated in clinical research funded by Janssen Cilag, Astra Zeneca, Eli Lilly, Sanofi Aventis, Schering Plough, Organon, Bioline Rx, Forenap, Wyeth, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Dainippon Sumitomo, Servier.
Akathisia: Prevalence and risk factors in patients with psychosis and bipolar disorder
Authors: Jouini L. , Ouali U. , Ouanes S. , Rania Z. , Jomli R. , Zgueb Y. , Nacef F. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAkathisia is probably the most common and one of the most distressing of the movement disorders associated with antipsychotic drugs. Little is known about its prevalence and its risk factors in real-world psychotic and bipolar patients to date.ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of akathisia and to determine the risk factors and the treatments associated with it in a sample of Tunisian patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder.MethodsSeventy-four patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder were included and assessed with a validated scale: the Barnes Akathisia scale (BAS). Ongoing psychotropic treatments were recorded.ResultsThe global prevalence of akathisia (as defined by a score ≥ 2 on the global akathisia subscale of the BAS) was 20.5%. Akathisia was significantly more common in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder than in patients with Bipolar disorder (27.5% vs 9.4%; P = 0.049). However, the prevalence of akathisia did not differ according to sex, age, the illness duration, the presence of a comorbid anxiety disorder, the number of antipsychotics used, the type of the used antipsychotic (first vs second-generation), the antipsychotic chlorpromazine-equivalent total dosage, the use of benzodiazepines or anticholinergics, or the reported drug compliance.ConclusionsAkathisia seems to be more common in some psychiatric disorders than in others such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Longitudinal studies would be required to draw any firm conclusions concerning the factors involved in the emergence of akathisia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
National child developmental and mental health disorders screening policy in Thailand
Authors: Benjaponpitak A. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundDevelopmental disorders and mental health problems result in less optimal outcomes in children. Although awareness among the public had been improving, there was paucity of early identification frameworks, care pathways as well as the process of monitoring and evaluation in Thailand.ObjectiveTo develop appropriate National child mental health policy in Thailand.AimTo promote developmental and mental health outcomes of children.MethodCurrent child development and mental health research as well as policy development were reviewed. The framework of development together with major mental health disorders screening and intervention among children has been studied and established as a major policy in Thailand since 2014. The National developmental screening has been implemented in children aged 9, 18, 30 and 42 months. District level hospitals have been coached to facilitate Health promotion schools to screen and provide early intervention for grade 1 students with mental health problems. Annual data has been collected and analyzed to reflect the milestones of child development and mental health prevention-promotion policy in Thailand.ResultThe coverage of National developmental screening ranges from 70–80% of children. About 20% of preschoolers are at risk of language delay while nearly 20% of grade 1 children are at risk of emotional, behavioral and learning problems. Parental awareness is the major challenge for those with limited financial resources.ConclusionInvestments in early childhood development are needed. The pathways to develop the appropriate intervention requires further collaboration among stakeholders.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Differences in symptom expression between Vietnamese and German patients utilizing a psychiatric outpatient service using the PHQ
Authors: Dreher A. , Hahn E. , Ta T.M.T. , Nguyen M.H. , Diefenbacher A. , Burian R. , Dettling M. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveDespite a large body of work on somatic symptom presentation among people of Asian descent, research has shown heterogeneous results. Examining symptom presentation in clinically and ethnically well-characterized populations constitutes a first step towards better understanding differing patterns symptom of presentation. This is the first larger study aiming to compare Vietnamese and German psychiatric outpatients regarding symptom presentation.Methods110 Vietnamese and 109 German patients seeking psychiatric treatment at two outpatient clinic services in Berlin were asked to complete the patient health questionnaire (PHQ). Comparisons of Vietnamese and German patients were conducted using independent t-tests. The somatic symptom module (PHQ-15), the depression module (PHQ-9) and the original PHQ-modules examining anxiety and psychosocial stress levels were compared for both groups using multivariate analysis. Categorical variables were evaluated using Chi2 analysis. Crohnbach's alpha was calculated separately for both groups and all PHQ modules.ResultsVietnamese patients endorsed significantly higher levels of somatic symptoms overall and on individual somatic items, such as pain-related disturbancies. Yet, German and Vietnamese patients did not differ in terms of depression severity. Vietnamese patients with fewer German language skills showed a significantly higher tendency for somatization. While German patients showed higher total scores on the anxiety- and stress-modules of the PHQ, this difference was not statistically significant. Vietnamese and German patients showed comparable Crohnbach's alpha for all subscales.ConclusionAs data was collected from both groups upon the first visit to an outpatient clinic, the symptoms reported could be reflective of culture related symptom awareness when feeling discomfort in the context of mental illness.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Time spent in retirement, health and well-being
Authors: Lucas A.R. , Daniel F. , Guadalupe S. , Massano-Cardoso I. , Vicente H. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFrom a life-span developmental perspective, retirement can be considered a life event that entails a complex psychological challenge, including leaving one's professional life and organizing/enjoying the newly available free time. The literature about retirement identifies different stages and patterns of transition/adaption associated with time spent in retirement.ObjectivesTo analyze the association between time spent in retirement and subjective measures of mental health, depressive symptomatology, loneliness and satisfaction with life.MethodsQuantitative cross-sectional study with 641 participants (M = 74,86). The instruments included: sociodemographic questionnaire; mental health inventory (MHI-5); geriatric depression scale (GDS); UCLA loneliness scale; satisfaction with life scale (SWLS).ResultsStatistically significant differences in all the health and well-being variables addressed were found between subgroups of time spent in retirement (MHI-5: P = 0.001; GDS: P < 0.001; UCLA: P = 0.038; SWLS: P = 0.022). Mental health and satisfaction with life increases in the first year after retirement, but during the second year, they decrease to the levels found in pre-retirement. Loneliness and depressive symptomatology follow an inverted pattern. With the passing of years, loneliness and depression tend to increase; mental health and satisfaction with life tend to decrease.ConclusionsThe results provide support to the hypotheses of honeymoon and disenchantment phases in the recently retired and to the existence of different patterns of transition/adaptation associated with time spent in retirement. They also highlight the relevance of devising intervention strategies that enable individuals to maintain the satisfaction levels with life and mental health achieved during the first phase of retirement.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
MINDing the gap: Service users’ perspectives of the differences in mental health care between statutory and non-statutory organisations
Authors: McAndrew S. , Warne T. , Beaumont E. , Hickey A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn the UK, almost 50% of illness diagnosed among working age adults is mental distress, depression and chronic anxiety being the two most prevalent illnesses. However, only 24% of those diagnosed receive appropriate interventions within the National Health Service (NHS). In light of this, third sector organisations, such as MIND, are left to fill the gap in providing therapeutic care. This paper reports on an evaluative study of what Mind offers as opposed to statutory services from a service user perspective.AimAn exploration of the differences in mental health care between statutory and non-statutory organisations.ObjectivesTo identify how service users experienced MIND's counselling service. To establish the benefits and disadvantages of mental health care within statutory and non-statutory services. To identify the impact of mental health care from non-statutory services.MethodThis qualitative research project, adopted a case study approach. Using one to one narrative interviews, data from 12 participants, five males and seven females were collected. Following transcription, each narrative was analysed individually, with thematic analysis being used across all 12 interviews.ResultsSix themes were identified; mindful of the gap; easing like sunday morning; magic moments; love is in the air; lighting up a future and changing the status quo.ConclusionMind plays a significant role in enabling those with psychological problems to move towards building a better future. Findings suggest statutory services can learn important lessons from non-statutory organisations not least how best to provide cohesive, collaborative and compassionate mental health care for those in distress.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.