bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric asthma biomarkers in relation to mental disorders of asthmatic children and their caregivers
Authors: Zaky E. , Fouda E. , Samir E. , Ahmed F. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundPediatric bronchial asthma as a chronic airway inflammatory disorder has a significant impact on asthmatic children both biologically and psychologically. On the other hand, parental stress and depression has been linked to pediatric asthma and claimed to play an important role in its morbidity.ObjectivesAssessment of pediatric asthma biomarkers as parameters of disease severity in relation to mental disorders of an Egyptian sample of asthmatic children and their caregivers.MethodologyThe current cross-sectional study comprised 60 Egyptian asthmatic children as Group I and 35 clinically healthy children of comparable age and sex as Group II. Thorough clinical evaluation and psychometric assessment were carried out for all enrolled children and their caregivers. In addition, pulmonary function testing and measurement of esinophilic count, IL-5, and total IgE were carried out for children of both studied groups.ResultsEnrolled asthmatics had significant elevation of all studied asthma biomarkers with significant reduction of measured pulmonary functions compared to controls. Furthermore, asthmatics had significantly more encountered poor self-esteem, clinically manifest anxiety, and psychosocial impairment compared to controls. Meanwhile, parents of studied asthmatics had higher frequency of severer grades of clinically manifest isolation, anxiety, depression, and stress. Strikingly, the severer the asthma, the more the elevation of studied asthma biomarkers, the severer the asthmatic child's and caregivers’ anxiety and depression, and the more the caregivers’ isolation and stress.ConclusionPediatric asthma biomarkers as parameters of disease severity has been proven to be linked to mental health impairment of asthmatic children and their caregivers.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Misdiagnosis of anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome as a somatization disorder
Authors: Arts M. , Buis J. , de Jonge L. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAnterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a frequently overlooked disease, causing chronic abdominal wall pain due to entrapment of an anterior cutaneous branch of one or more thoracic intercostal nerves. It is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric condition, particularly under the heading of a somatization disorder.ObjectivesWe describe the case of a patient who developed depressive symptoms after months of suffering from chronic abdominal wall pain.AimsTo report a case-study, describing ACNES as a cause of persistent depressive symptoms.MethodsA case-study is presented and discussed, followed by a literature review.ResultsA 35-year-female was referred to a psychiatrist for her depressive symptoms and persistent cutaneous abdominal pain for months. There she was diagnosed with a depression and possible somatization disorder and she received psychotherapy. Through Internet search, the patient found ACNES as a possible cause for her persistent abdominal pain. Since administration of anesthetic agents only shortly relieved her symptoms, a surgeon decided to remove the nerve end twigs. After surgery, her somatic problems and depressive mood disappeared.ConclusionThe awareness of ACNES is still very limited in medicine. This may lead to incorrect diagnoses, including psychiatric disorders such as somatization disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Liasion psychiatry–1 year review in psychiatry department of centro hospitalar Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal
Authors: Figueiredo A.R. , Silva M. , Fornelos A. , Macedo P. , Nunes S. , Viseu M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionLiasion psychiatry is a clinical area of psychiatry that includes psychiatric assistant activities in other medical and surgical areas of a general hospital. In Portugal, it has developed as a result of psychiatry integration in general hospitals. Historically, it started at the beginning of 1930s in USA. In Portugal, the law 413 of 1971 definned the articulation of mental health services with other health services–liasion psychiatry.ObjectiveWe aim to define patients evaluated in the context of liasion psychiatry, as well as other medical and surgical areas needs of psychiatry collaboration.MethodsRetrospective analyses of collaboration requests realized to psychiatry department of centro hospitalar Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro–Vila Real, between October 2014 and October 2015.DiscussionMost of collaboration requests came from Internal Medicine Service. Authors systematize the reasons for the requests, the time of response to those, the existence of psychiatric history, the type of intervention, the number of observations in the same patient, the most frequent diagnosis and treatment. This psychiatric service consists of four specialists and activity evaluated in this article is one of the clinical areas where these professionals intervene. Depending on the results, it is interesting then to assess needs and optimize available resources.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Healthy living and smart choices - A project for developing a web-based Turkish obesity treatment program
Authors: Hepdurgun C. , Elbi H. , Pırıldar Ş. , Saygılı F.L. , Ünalır M.O. , Can Ö. , Rudarlı Nalçakan G. , Sezer E. , Seçkiner S. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionObesity is a major public health problem in the world and getting obesity under control is one of the most important goals of the World Health Organization. Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are helpful for adjusting lifestyle to stay at a healthy weight range. Success of web-based programs which designed with evidence-based behavioral strategies has been proven with different studies. However, a web-based program suitable for Turkish culture and eating habits is still missing.ObjectivesPrimary objective of this project is to develop and test a web-based obesity behavioral treatment program in collaboration with experienced academicians from different disciplines.AimsThe aim of this project is to develop a program which will help Turkish primary care physicians in treating and tracking obesity patients.MethodThe web-based program will include a 12-week-long core behavioral program. Participants will be asked to record their daily dietary intakes and automatic feedback will be given by the system. Weekly behavioral training videos will be available during the core program. As participants watch the videos and record their daily intakes, they will get instant awards such as virtual diet-coin which they will be able to spend for gifts such as low calorie recipes. One hundred obese patients (with body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2) will be recruited to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The changes in their blood pressures, body weights and waist circumferences will be recorded.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Beneficial effect of mindfulness based art therapy in patients with breast cancer - A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee S.Y. , Duck-In J. , Kyung-Joon M. , Hye-Jin L. , Kwang-heun L. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundMindfulness based art therapy induces emotional relaxation in cancer patients and is a treatment known to improve psychological stability. The objective of this research was to evaluate the treatment effects of MBAT for breast cancer patients.MethodsTwenty-four breast cancer patients were selected as subjects of the study. Two groups, the MBAT group and control group with 12 patients each, were randomly assigned. The patients in the MBAT group were given 12 sessions of treatments. To measure depression and anxiety, low scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was used. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). The treatment results were analyzed using Ancova and two-way repeated measures Anova.ResultsThe results showed that depression and anxiety decreased significantly and health-related quality of life improved significantly in the MBAT group. In the control group, however, there was no significant change.ConclusionsMBAT can be seen as an effective treatment method that improves breast cancer patients’ psychological stability and quality of life. Evaluation of treatment effects using program development and large-scale research for future clinical application is needed.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
New interferon-free therapies on HCV+ chronic hepatitis: Overcoming psychiatric side effects in a real world setting
Authors: Moneglia M. , Santangelo A. , Ballerini A. , Ricca V. , Zignego A.L. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionInterferon-alpha (IFNα) was the backbone therapy for HCV+ related chronic hepatitis (CH-C). However, it was associated with significant neuropsychiatric side effects and impaired health-related quality of life. Second Generation IFNα-free direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) seem to be associated with fewer side effects, better tolerability, high efficacy rates and better patient reported outcomes (PROs) [Younoussi, 2014].AimsTo describe the neuropsychiatric symptoms and PROs during Second Generation DAAs plus ribavirin oral treatment in a group of CH-C real world patients.MethodsNineteen CH-C outpatients, scheduled for IFNα-free treatment, were assessed at enrolment (T0), at 4 (T1) and at 12 (T2) weeks, the end of treatment, by means of MDRS, HAM-D, HAM-A, MRS, Y-BOCS and SF-36. A pharmacological therapy, based on clinical evidence, was provided at psychiatric symptoms onset.ResultsDuring the treatment, we didn’t report any worsening in the administred psychometric scales. Furthermore, we observed a general improvement at week 12 (T2), statistically significant only for MRS (P < 0.05). Any statistically significant difference was found for SF-36 mean scores comparing T0, T1 and T2. However, SF-36 cluster analysis showed between T0 and T2 a meaningful and significant rise of global health clusters “General health perceptions” (P < 0.05), “Change in overall health status” (P < 0.001) and a significant impairment in cluster “Emotional role functioning” (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur real world data are consistent with trial setting results [Younoussi, 2014]. Contrary to previous IFNα-based therapy, new regimens don’t seem to be associated with psychiatric side effects and suggest an immediate gain in general health PROs over the treatment period.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Apathy and impulse control disorders association: A study in a sample of Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Sáez-Francàs N. , Ramirez N. , Alegre-Martin J. , De Fabregues O. , Alvarez-Sabin J. , Hernandez-Vara J. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with a wide range of motor symptoms, cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders. Apathy and impulse control disorders (ICDs) are common in these patients and have been considered opposite ends of a reward and motivation disorders continuum.AimTo evaluate the association and impact of ICDs presence on apathy symptoms in PDs patients, considering the influence of other psychopathological symptoms on this association.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional, observational study in which 115 consecutive medicated PD patients without dementia (mean age 61.22 ± 13.5 years; 63.5% men) were recruited. All the patients underwent a psychiatric and neurologic evaluation. Motor dysfunction was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), ICDs were evaluated with the Minnesota Impulse Control Disorders Inventory (MIDI) and apathy with the Lille Apathy Scale (LARS). The Hamilton Depression scale (HAM-D). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS) were also administrated.ResultsTwenty-seven (23.5%) patients showed an ICD. Patients with an ICD scored higher in apathy (P = 0.012), trait anxiety (P = 0.003) and impulsivity (P = 0.008). There were no differences in depressive symptoms. In the linear regression analysis, TCI was associated with more severe apathy (b = 4.20, t = 2.15, P = 0.034).ConclusionsICDs and apathy are frequent in PD. Although ICDs have been related with a hyperdopaminergic state and apathy with low dopamine levels, the observed frequent association suggests common etiopathological mechanisms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Diabetes: Psychiatric and somatic comorbidity
Authors: Monforte Porto J.Á. , San Román Uría A. , Llanes Álvarez C. , Herguedas Vela P. , Escuer Núñez I.E. , Alcalá Dueñas J.A. , Conde Ledesma M.T. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and mild cognitive impairment. To determine the psychiatric and somatic comorbidity in diabetic patients treated by our Liaison Psychiatry Unit.MethodsSociodemographic variables (age, sex, marital status, place of residence) and clinical (somatic disease that motivates the admission, comorbid somatic pathology, number of concomitant somatic diseases, drug consumption and its type, psychiatric history, previous psychiatric diagnosis, number of concomitant psychiatric disorders).Study DesignEpidemiological study of 172 diabetic patients, from the total of 906 consulted from 1 January 2012 until 31 December 2014.Bioethical considerationsThe study complies with the principles of justice, non-maleficence, autonomy and beneficence.ResultsThe average age is 72 years, 50% are women, 49.4% are married, and 54.1% live in rural areas. Somatic diseases that most frequently motivate admission at the hospital are the endocrine-metabolic (14%), gastrointestinal (12%) and cardiovascular (12.2%). A total of 32.5% of the sample have six comorbid somatic diseases and 55.2% five. A percentage of 14.5 of patients recognize consumption of toxic (cigarettes–12.2%–7.6% Alcohol). One hundred and eight patients have a history of psychiatric disorders (62.8%), especially anxiety disorders (28.4%), depression (14.5%) and organic mental disorders (11.1%).ConclusionsThere is a high psychiatric and somatic comorbidity in diabetic patients, therefore it would be desirable early diagnosis and treatment to provide symptomatic control of both types of pathologies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Mental health of traumatized refugees and asylum seekers: Experiences of a centre of transcultural psychiatry in Hannover, Germany
Authors: Altunoz U. , Castro Nunez S. , Graef Calliess I.T. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionGermany has always been an important host country for traumatized refugees and asylum seekers. Although, recently an increasing number of investigations about mental health of individual migrant groups have been published in Germany, there is a paucity of research concerning mental health of asylum seekers and refugees.Aims-objectivesTo investigate socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of traumatized refugees-asylum seekers who were applied to an outpatient psychiatry clinic in Germany.MethodA standardized data collection form (socio-demographics, diagnosis, suicidality, etc.) was filled by therapists for each traumatized refugee-asylum seeker who was applied to outpatient clinic of Klinikum Wahrendorff-Centre of Transcultural Psychiatry between April 2013 and October 2015.ResultsFifty-eight traumatized refugees-asylum seekers (F/M = 27/31, age: 34.7 ± 1.4) were assessed. 53 (91.4%) of them were assessed via interpreters. Thirty (51.7%) of them were staying in refugee-dormitories, 25 (43.1%) of them were living alone. They’ve been living in Germany for 19.9 ± 16 months (min: 1–max: 82). Psychiatric symptoms appeared before 29.9 ± 19 months. Time to reach to psychiatric care in Germany was 14.2 ± 11 months. Psychiatric diagnoses were posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 12 (21%), depression + PTSD: 44 (76%), depression: 2 (3%). Fifty-three (91.4%) of them had suicidal ideation and 16 (27.6%) of them had at least one suicide attempt before.ConclusionsTraumatized refugees in this study have high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and it takes months to years for them to reach a psychiatric care. Therefore, strategies should be developed for early detection of PTSD symptoms in traumatized refugees and access barriers to reach a psychiatric care should be overcome.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The challenges of post conflict reintegration in Africa
Authors: Okpaku S. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIn the past 50 years, the continent of Africa has witnessed major conflicts ranging from civil wars and liberation wars to chaos from failed States. Increasingly in these political upheavals, kidnapping and abductions of women and young persons have become more prominent.Aims/objectives/methodsIn this paper the consequences of political upheavals will be discussed. For the community there are economic, political and social disruptions. For the individuals there are family disruptions and improvements. For the abducted and kidnapped individuals there are physical, psychological and cognitive impairments, as well as consequences of sexual injuries.FindingsThere is controversy as to prevention, reduction, and management of young victims of war and conflicts. Some workers have suggested that:–the imposition of peace agreements by foreign powers may not be strictly relevant to the parties engaged in the conflicts;–culturally appropriate rituals have efficiency in the readjustment of boy soldiers and abducted girls. Nevertheless the guidelines suggested in international disagreements provide a basis for there adjustment of young war conflict victims.Conclusion–Traditional healing rituals have a place in the healing and reintegration in person's abduction in post conflict situations.– Community approaches are superior to individual approaches.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Recent and childhood adversities in patients with depressive disorders
Authors: Abdelhameed M. , Kamal A. , Abdelfadeel N. , Morsy S. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionA strong association is believed to exist between stressful life events and the development of depressive disorders. Childhood adverse experiences contribute to person's vulnerability to such disorders.ObjectiveThe study of the complex interplay between child abuse, stressful life events and the development of depression.AimsTo study the effect of type and severity of child abuse and magnitude of pre-onset stress on the severity and duration of adulthood depression.MethodsSeventy-five patients with depressive disorders not having a comorbid mental illness were studied using Social Readjustment Rating scale (SRRS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ).ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 34.96 ± 12.32 years, 69.3% of patients were females, duration of the illness ranged from 2–288 weeks with a mean of 30.94 ± 54.61 and 36% of the sample had severe depression. There was a statistically significant relationship between urban residence and magnitude of stress (P = 0.049), married patients suffered less severe depression than unmarried ones (P = 0.02) and a positive and significant correlation was found between magnitude of stress and severity of depression (P ≤ 0.001).Duration of depressive illness was positively and significantly correlated to the raw score of SRRS and to the severity of emotional neglect as measured by CTQ (P = 0.02 and 0.04 respectively).ConclusionsThe development of depression in adulthood is significantly associated with past exposure to child abuse and stressful life events. Childhood history of emotional neglect and magnitude of pre-onset stress may be contributing factors to duration of depressive illness.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Agomelatine vs fluoxetine: Efficacy and improvement of cognitive functions in patients with MDD
Authors: Aydın E. , Güleç M. , Oral E. , Daloğlu A.G. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIn major depressive disorder (MDD) neurocognitive functions are impaired. In addition to melatonergic properties of agomelatine, via 5-HT2C antagonism it increases extracellular noradrenaline and dopamine in frontal cortex and may improve the neurocognitive functions of patients with MDD.Aims and objectivesTo investigate the extent of neurocognitive improvement and efficacy of agomelatine and fluoxetine in patients with MDD.Material and methodAgomelatine 25 mg/day (n: 24) and fluoxetine 20 mg/day (n: 24) were administered to drug-naive unipolar, non-psychotic, non-suicidal MDD patients according to DSM-IV. Evaluations were performed just before the treatment and at the sixth week of treatment via administering Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), Digit Span Test (DST), Trail Making Test (TMT-A/B), Stroop Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.ResultsBoth agomelatine and fluoxetine was found to be efficacious for the treatment of MDD (P < 0.05 for both). Further there was no difference between the antidepressant efficacy of two drugs. Both of the drugs improved measured neurocognitive functions (P < 0.05), except scores of DST (P > 0.05) and only fluoxetine improved significantly scores of COWAT (P < 0.05). Only in terms of TMT-B there was significant difference between groups and agomelatine was superior to fluoxetine (P < 0.05).ConclusionAgomelatine and fluoxetine were efficacious in treatment of MDD. Furthermore both of the drugs improved cognitive functions in patients with MDD. Superiority of agomelatine in improvement of executive functioning (TMT-B) is important and therefore it could be an appropriate choice for MDD patients who have pronounced executive disturbances.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.