bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Reducing Psychological Distress Slow Down the Rate of Telomere Attrition?
Authors: Epel E. , Verhoeven J. 
Published: June 2017

Specific types of cognitions and mental processes may lead to greater stress arousal and may subsequently impact cell longevity. The study of telomeres and telomere-related molecular systems may provide a pathway for exploring the link between psychological domains and cell physiology. Based on findings emerging from clinical and preclinical data, we hypothesize that the telomere-telomerase system contributes to explain certain biological underpinnings of psychological interventions.In this symposium we’ll present the preliminary evidence on the complex translational relationships between specific psychological domains (i.e. childhood adversities, stressful life events, mindfulness-based interventions and perceived distress), the telomere-telomerase system and clinical outcomes. Further, we’ll discuss preliminary data on the effect of mindfulness- and meditation-based interventions on cellular ageing and disease-associated molecular phenotypes.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cardiac Issues Raised by an Examination of the Antipsychotic Prescribing Practices in the Elderly of St. James's Hospital (SJH), Dublin
Authors: McCarthy B. , Power C. , Lawlor B. , Greene E. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundAntipsychotic medication use may be associated with prolongation of the QTc interval, increasing the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias [1]. This is particularly pertinent in the elderly due to comorbid cardiovascular disease and polypharmacy. Attention to the ECG and co-prescribed medications is essential to minimise cardiac risk when prescribing antipsychotics.MethodsOn 23rd February 2016 all inpatients aged over 65 who were prescribed antipsychotic medications were identified as part of a hospital-wide survey. Data was collected from medical and electronic patient notes and medication kardexes.ResultsComplete data was obtained for 36 patients aged over 65 who were newly-prescribed an antipsychotic or had their antipsychotic changed. Of these, 39%(n = 13) had a cardiac history. One quarter did not have an ECG in the 12 months preceding antipsychotic initiation. Of the 28 patients with an ECG, 57% (n = 16) had a QTc > 450ms before starting antipsychotic treatment. Only 11% (n = 4) had an ECG within 24 hours of starting the antipsychotic. The average change of the QTc interval in those with a repeat ECG was 30msecs. 42% (n = 15) were co-prescribed another QTc-prolonging medication.ConclusionCurrent monitoring of QTc interval in an elderly population newly prescribed antipsychotic medications is inadequate and a cause for significant safety concerns. Education and clear guidance is warranted to improve safety and minimise risk in this population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Characteristics of Elder Mistreatment's Perpetrators in Tunisian Community-dwelling Elders
Authors: Saguem B. , Bouhlel S. , Ali B. Ben Hadj 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionWhile research is illuminating characteristics of elderly that are associated with mistreatment, far less research has investigated characteristics of the perpetrator that are involved in elder mistreatment cases.AimTo address the characteristics of elder mistreatment's perpetrators in a population of community-dwelling elders.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, including 80 subjects aged 65 years and older, with sufficient cognitive ability to complete the interview. Elderly were asked about several characteristics of mistreatment's perpetrators. Indicators of Abuse Screen (IOA) was used to evaluate abuse.ResultsFindings show that 13.8% of the participants suffered from elder mistreatment, with a mean IOA's score of 8.35. According to subtypes, 10% reported psychological, 2.5% physical and 1.3% financial abuse. Abuse was recurrent and the victim's reactions were passive in all cases.Perpetrators were family members in all cases, with being a partner in 63.6%, a child in 18.2%, a sibling in 9.1% and a stepdaughter in 9.1% of cases. They were men in 72.7% of cases and their mean-age was 64.09 years. Financial difficulties and psychological problems were reported in 54.5% and 36.4% of perpetrators, respectively. Perpetrators were most likely living with the victims (P = 0.009). Partners were the perpetrators of half of the psychological abuse, and the totality of the physical and financial abuse. Abusive marital relationships were significantly associated with the perpetrator (P = 0.04).ConclusionOur findings suggest that the cause of elder abuse is rarely unique, and that this phenomenon is consequent to many pre-existing underlying problems affecting both elderly and perpetrators.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Can Positive Community Practice Models Help Prevent Abuse?
Authors: Hall I. , O’Kane N. 
Published: June 2017

All different types of abuse can happen to people with intellectual disabilities living in community setting. This can include physical abuse, including the use of restrictive practices, financial abuse by strangers but also by family and carers. They can also be victim to sexual abuse. Neglect is a relatively common concern, which is perhaps more likely in the community compared to institutional settings.In this presentation we will discuss the fundamental balancing act between paternalism an autonomy that is so often an issue when supporting people with intellectual disabilities in the community, and how to decide where to draw the line in individual cases. We will consider a range of examples to illustrate this, including unlawful deprivation of liberty, people choosing life partners that others regard as unsuitable, why families might restrict access to services, and whether giving people more control over their care through direct payments and individual budgets can lead to financial exploitation.Finally we will discuss potential solutions to preventing abuse including robust Safeguarding procedures, integrated working between health and social services, a program of Positive Behavioral Support, maximizing communication, promoting access to health and the recognition of mental health problems, how to disseminate training, and the importance of advocacy and regular review.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A Study of empathy in Romanian general nursing students
Authors: Romosan F. , Romosan R.S. , Romosan A.M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionEmpathy is of most importance in the medical field. The ability to comprehend and connect with the emotional state of another person is essential for establishing a successful interaction between patients and health care professionals.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess empathic response in general nursing (GN) students.MethodsThe study was conducted between 2015–2016 on 75, sixth-year Romanian GN undergraduates from the Timisoara “Victor Babes” university of medicine and pharmacy. To evaluate the level of empathy, we used the empathy quotient (EQ), a 60-item self-report inventory with 40 questions empathy-related and 20 filler questions.ResultsWe included in this study 12 (16%) males and 63 (84%) females, with a mean age of 23.48 years (SD = 2.17). Female GN students had significantly higher EQ mean scores than the general female population. Compared to female students, males obtained significantly lower EQ mean scores. There were no significant differences between male and female students regarding age distribution.ConclusionsFemale GN students showed greater empathy than their male colleagues, as well as than the general female population. These results support the theory on women's understanding of others mental states, vital to the provision of a worthy nursing care.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Selfie as a Method of Perception of the Virtual Environment
Authors: Sulaimanova M. , Sulaimanov R. 
Published: June 2017

Nowadays selfie is one of the significant communication methods in the conditions of the developing internet space.GoalThe study of psychological mechanisms motivating perception of internet space via selfie.ObjectivesThe identification of:– The personal-social necessity in selfie, as a method of the virtual world perception;– The factors of personal-social necessity of the virtual communication via selfie;– The personal features, which contribute to self-presentation in virtual space via selfie.Research methodsOne hundred and thirty-four respondents aging between16–28 (1stgroup: 68 respondents fond of selfie(50.8%), 2ndgroup: 66 respondents not fond of selfie(49.2%)) were studied using standardized scales of anxiety (Spilberger-Hanin), depression (Zung), ego-defense mechanisms(EGMs)(Plutchik-Kellerman-Konte), and life quality(WHO, 1991).ResultsDesire of high evaluation dominates in 47.8% of respondents(r = 0.3; P < 0.01). Fifty point seven percent of the 1stgroup and13.4% in 2ndgroup have heightened anxiety (r = 0.3; P < 0.01). Forty-three point two percent in1stgroup and 23.9% in 2ndgroup don’t have depression.Subdepressive level dominates in 19,4% of 2ndgroup(r = 0.36; P < 0.01), against 11.9% of 1stgroup.In 1stgroup dominate: denial (17.9%), projection (16.4%), regression (7.5%); in 2ndgroup: denial(17.9%), intellectualization(13.4%), projection(7.5%)(P < 0.05). Forty-four point eight percent in 1stgroup and 40.3% in 2ndgroup have a high level of EGM stress (P < 0.05). Forty-six point eight percent in 1stgroup have high level of subjective life quality, 0% had low one; in 2ndgroup: 26.9% have high level, 13.4% low one.ConclusionsPersonal-social necessity of virtual space perception via selfie reflects the severity of narcissistic tendencies. Selfie in conditions of illusory reality increases the subjective level of life quality. Isolation of narcissistic personality from communication through selfie suggests subjective decrease of life quality. Effects of the selfie should be considered in the development of rational methods of use of internet-technologies and in the psycho-correction of people with low life quality.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Mental Illness is an Inevitable Consequence of the Singular Diversity of Human Beings
Authors: Schwartz M. , Moskalewicz M. , Schwartz E. 
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, we increasing value the broad physical, ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of human beings. “How wonderful that humans come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colors, ethnic groups and cultures.” So long as we conduct our behaviour within sanctioned norms. This presentation will focus upon the above paradox: In stark contrast to our delight in the physical, ethnic and cultural expressions of human diversity, there is, at the same time, a perhaps increasingly narrow tolerance for a variety of behavioural and experiential human differences. In such human realms, present-day cosmopolitan societies increasingly call for behavioural and experiential conformity rather than diversity. And if we cannot conform? We propose that the phenomenon of mental illness arises as a consequence of the phenomenon of human diversity coming up against constraints and limitations in expressed and experienced mental and behavioural realms. This presentation will focus upon the primary role that human diversity plays in mental illness. We will discuss adaptive strengths associated with the extraordinary diversity of humans (and our pets and domestic animals) as well as vulnerabilities accompanying this diversity. For example, diversity associated with skin pigmentation has enabled humans to extend across the globe. A consequence, however, is an enhanced vulnerability to skin cancer for some with fair skin and to Vitamin D deficiency for others with dark skin. Psychological diversities can be viewed in an analogous, pervasively more problematic manner. And furthermore, unlike physical diversities, often increasingly celebrated, mental and psychological diversity are – with notable exceptions, increasingly problematic.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Internet Addiction and the Virtual Self-image
Authors: Leménager T. , Dieter J. , Hill H. , Mann K. , Kiefer F. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundInternet gaming disorder appears to be associated with self-concept deficits and increased identification with one's avatar. For increased social network use, the few existing studies suggest striatal-related positive social feedback as an underlying factor. Furthermore, few study findings indicate that internet addicts generally have problems in emotional inhibitory control processing.MethodsPathological and addicted internet gamers as well as social network users were compared with healthy controls regarding psychometric and neurobiological measures of self-concept-related characteristics, avatar identification and emotional inhibitory control processing.Results and conclusionPsychometric results indicated that both subgroups showed higher self-concept deficits compared to healthy controls. Neurobiologically, different brain activation patterns were observed in the subgroups during self-knowledge retrieval and inhibition of emotional stimuli. Furthermore, addicted internet gamers showed a higher identification with the own avatar, mirrored in an increased left angular gyrus activation, a region functionally associated with identification processing and feelings of empathy.These findings provide a starting point for the deduction of specific psychotherapeutic treatment approaches for addicted internet gamers and social network users.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Insomnia and aggressiveness in affective disorders: Self-assessment versus clinical examination
Authors: Nascimento M. , Lázaro M. , Reis J. , Pereira G. , Bacelar F. , Nobre A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlthough, disturbances of sleep, as well as aggressiveness, have been described in patients with mood disorders, these patients may not be aware of them.Objectives/aimsTo access the personal perception of sleep, disturbances and aggressiveness in patients with mood disorders, admitted to an acute psychiatric ward.MethodsDiagnostic data (ICD-10: F31–33), including mood evaluation, were prospectively collected for all patients admitted at the affective disorder ward at Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa (Portugal), during the third trimester of 2016. Then, 2 auto-questionnaires – Athens insomnia scale (AIS) and Buss and Perry aggression scale (both validated to the Portuguese population) – were applied to these patients. Statistical analysis was performed for possible correlations between patients’ mood and the questionnaires’ scores, using R software.ResultsThirty-eight patients admitted were enrolled in this study: 28 with bipolar disorder (19 manic, 4 depressive and 5 mixed episodes), and 10 with depressive disorder. Depressed patients presented statistically higher values in the AIS (average = 20), compared to manic (14) and mixed ones (17.2) (P = 0.031). However, there were no statistical differences found between depressed patients (bipolar versus non-bipolar). Even though manic patients presented an increased average score in the Buss and Perry questionnaire (both total–65; but also sub-scores), these values were not significantly different than depressed (60) or mixed patients’ scores (57.4).ConclusionsEven though some symptoms (like sleep or aggressiveness) seem to be relevant to the clinics, patients with affective disorders do not seem to be aware these disturbances, and therefore are not able to acknowledge their relevance.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Use of eye-tracker device to detect attention deficits in adults with ADHD
Authors: Adamis D. , Unal M. , O’Mahony E. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAdult patients with ADHD may go unrecognized. This can result in psychosocial and functional decline.ObjectivesTo investigate the use of objective testing, with an eye-tracker device in the diagnosis of adult patients with ADHD.MethodsCase control study. Inclusion criteria were aged 18–65, minimum 5 years of education and literate in English. Exclusion criteria were visual impairment, amnesia and learning difficulties. ADHD was diagnosed with Conners’ adult ADHD diagnostic interview (group A, n = 15) and were matched for gender and age against normal controls (group B, n = 33). Participants completed four computer-based tasks while their eye movements were recorded. The tests included (i) Stroop effect test, (ii) Stroop effect test with visual aid, (iii) perceptual selectivity test and (iv) Saccadic interference. accuracy (%) and response time (msec) for tests (i–iii) measured while for test (iv), saccade count, average saccade amplitude and average fixation duration.ResultsStroop test accuracy showed a statistically significant difference between group A and group B (P = 0.004). Stroop response time also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (t = 3.228, df: 46, P = 0.001). For test (ii), there was a significant difference for response time (t = 2.326, df: 46, P = 0.024) but not for accuracy. For test (iii), the results were statistically significant for accuracy; (t = 2.682, df: 46, P = 0.010) and for response time (t = 4.028, df: 46, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the saccadic interference test.ConclusionAdults with ADHD have a longer response time and perform less accurately than controls. Thus, these data demonstrate that there is a use for objective tests (tests i–iii) in the diagnosis of adult ADHD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Smooth pursuit eye movements in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Mandolesi L. , Piraccini G. , Ambrosini F. , Vetere F.L. , Sant’Angelo R.P. , Raggini R. , Benassi M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionEye movements are used in several studies as a biomarker in order to evaluate cortical alterations in psychiatric disorders. Pursuit eye movements’ deficits were found both in schizophrenia and in affective disorder patients. Nevertheless, these findings are still controversial.ObjectivesSet up a system to record and evaluate the eye movements in psychiatric patients.AimsTo verify the applicability of a smooth pursuit task in a sample of psychiatric inpatients and to prove its efficiency in discriminating patient and control group performance.MethodsA sample of psychiatric inpatients was tested at psychiatric service of diagnosis and care of AUSL Romagna-Cesena. Eye movement measures were collected at a sampling rate of 60 Hz using the eye tribe tracker, a bar plugged into a PC, placed below the screen and containing both webcam and infrared illumination. Subjects underwent to a smooth pursuit eye movement task. They had to visually follow a white dot target moving horizontally on a black background with a sinusoidal velocity. At the end of the task, a chart of the eye movements done is shown on the screen. Data are off-line analyzed to calculate several eye movement parameters: gain, eye movement delay with respect to the movement of the target, maximum speed and number of saccades exhibited during pursuit.ResultsPatients compared to controls showed higher delay and lower gain values.ConclusionsFindings confirm the adequacy of this method in order to detect eye movement differences between psychiatric patients and controls in a smooth pursuit task.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Epigenetic Signatures of Early Life Adversities in Animal Models: A Role for Psychopathology Vulnerability
Authors: Riva M.A. 
Published: June 2017

Stressful experiences early in life (ELS) represent one of the most relevant factors for the vulnerability to psychopathologies. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, have emerged as a major mechanism through which ELS can alter adult behaviour leading to persistent changes of gene regulation.We performed DNA methylation analyses in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of adult rats exposed to stress during gestation (PNS), a model that is associated with persistent behavioral alterations relevant for psychiatric disorders.Using an epigenome-wide analysis, an overlap of 893 differentially methylated genes was observed between hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of adult male and female rats exposed to PNS. The list includes several genes previously associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions, such as calcium and potassium voltage operated channels as well as GABA and glutamate receptor subunits. By restricting the overlap to genes that were modulated in the same direction, we identified miR-30a as being less methylated in PNS rats. Interestingly one of the targets for this miRNA is the neurotrophin BDNF, whose expression was indeed reduced as a consequence of the prenatal manipulation. Interestingly chronic treatment of PNS rats with the multi-receptor modulator lurasidone during adolescence was able to prevent the changes in miR30a and BDNF expression.These results highlight the importance for the identification of methylation signatures through which stress exposure early in life could engrave on the outcome of the adult phenotype, and may allow the identification of novel genes and pathways that are affected as a consequence of ELS.Disclosure of interestM.A.R. has received compensation as speaker/consultant from Lundbeck, Otzuka, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and Sunovion. He has received research grants from Lundbeck, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and Sunovion.
Cultural Reflections in Practicing Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety
Authors: Aly R. 
Published: June 2017

Evidence-based practice of exposure therapy has long been adopted as an effective therapy for treating anxiety disorders including social anxiety. In many situations, it is the chosen therapy for such a debilitating disease. Due to its proven efficacy and readiness applicability, it has proven to be the 1st choice of therapy for social anxiety across different life spans from adolescents to geriatrics. Yet, cross-cultural differences have seldom been considered in the approach towards managing social anxiety. Many differences lie between populations and countries in defining what is accepted and what is not with regard to social interactions. Even across the one country, many differences may color the perception of appropriate social communication. Hence, no one-size-fits all can be adopted here. Some interactions are accepted and encouraged while others are basically banned. Thus, during the application of exposure therapy, therapists should modify the conceptual framework while still trying to abide with the fundamental notion of therapy of exposure experiments. In doing this, many therapists may be challenged in their work. While still lacking a strong body of research, clinical experience can provide us with some helpful innovations for successful practice. Our aim is to provide therapists and psychiatrists across the Arab world with tools for applying successful therapy for social anxiety. A series of case studies are discussed to present some innovations in applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy for patients suffering from social inhibitions. Moreover, essentials of past research are reviewed and needs for further research directions in the field are discussed.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.