bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with PTSd severity in patients treated with omega-3 supplementation – a pilot study
Authors: Kalinić D. , Mimica N. , Jeroncic A. , Lalovac M. , Delaš I. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAssociation of pro-inflammatory cytokines with severity of various psychiatric disorders is shown. Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids reduce psychiatric symptoms due to anti-inflammatory properties.ObjectivesTo evaluate if serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines correlate with the intensity of PTSD symptoms, and the observed change in symptoms’ severity induced by omega-3 supplementation.MethodsWe included 26 Croatian Homeland war veterans (aged 39–60) with chronic PTSD and no major comorbidity, who were on stable therapeutic sertraline dose at least three months before recruitment. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Intensity of PTSD symptomatology was assessed by Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (17-HAM-D). During 12 weeks, participants took omega-3 capsules (600 mg/day) while continuing sertraline therapy.ResultsMost participants presented with moderate PTSD evaluated by CAPS. At baseline, cytokine levels were not associated with the severity of PTSD symptoms, as measured by all three scales (P ≥ 0.209). After 12 weeks of omega-3 supplementation the severity of PTSD symptoms significantly decreased, on average by 8 to 13% on the psychometric scales per person (P < 0.001 for all). However, no association was found between the change in cytokine levels and the change in scores, induced by omega-3, on the assessed scales (P ≥ 0.730).SummaryCytokine levels are not associated with PTSD severity or with improvement in PTSD symptomatology. At the same time, sertraline therapy supplemented with omega-3 seemed to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The “building block” effect of prior trauma for psychological outcome in victims of a natural disaster
Authors: Kraemer B. , Schumacher S. , Winkel B. , Imboden C. , Wittmann L. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundWith increasing numbers of previous traumatic experiences, a rising risk of psychiatric morbidity and in particular post-traumatic stress disorder following an acute trauma has been reported. This dose-effect relationship was called the building block effect. Most results are derived from studies on riot and prosecution victims. We investigated victims of a natural disaster with respect to the building block effect due to prior traumatization.MethodsWe assessed tourists who had been affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004 using the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. Outcome variables were related to the numbers or prior civil trauma according to the trauma history scale of the PDS.ResultsWe found a building block effect for the development of anxiety (P = 0.018) and by trend with PTSD symptoms (P = 0.06), but not with depressive symptoms (P = 0.436). Prior traumatization and the actual Tsunami exposure significantly explained variance of personal posttraumatic growth (P = 0.013). Prior interpersonal traumata emerged as a strong risk factor for the development of posttraumatic psychiatric morbidity.ConclusionsWe suggest that an increasing number of trauma is closely associated with anxiety but not with depressive disorders in the aftermath of natural disasters. For clinical practice, it is necessary to ask victims of natural disasters about prior traumatization, in particular about prior interpersonal trauma.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The temporal evolution of life satisfaction in institutionalized elderly: A longitudinal study
Authors: Espírito-Santo H. , Guadalupe S. , Lemos L. , Simões S. , Daniel F. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionResearch shows that variables, such as depression, less functionality and health, less contact with family and others, may have a negative impact on life satisfaction.ObjectivesTo verify which variables correlate with satisfaction with life (SWL) and analyse which of them predict the evolution of SWL.AimsTo examine correlates and predictors of SWL in institutionalized elderly.MethodsThis study involved a subsidiary longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional data gathered at Phase I (2010–2012; n = 493 elderly) and after 36 months at Phase II (2013–2014; n = 85) of Aging Trajectories Project from Miguel Torga University College.ResultsAt Phase I, higher scores in SWL scale correlated with having visits (r = 0.17; P < 0.01), specially from family (r = 0.20; P < 0.01), less depressive (r = –0.42; P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (r = –0.25; P < 0.001), less loneliness feelings (r = –0.37; P < 0.001), less functionality (r = 0.15; P < 0.01), and better general physical health (r = 0.25; P < 0.001). Age, sex, civil status, cognitive, and executive status did not correlate with SWL. SWL, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and loneliness feelings were stable through time, between assessment stages (P < 0.01). The worsening of depression and loneliness through time predicted the negative evolution of SWL (respectively, β = 1.16; P < 0.01; β = –0.69; P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings highlight the relevance of early detecting depressed mood and loneliness feelings in institutionalized elderly, and the importance of the treatment and the development of preventive interventions for this vulnerable population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Attitudes toward psychiatry and psychiatric patients in medical students: Can real-world experiences reduce stigma?
Authors: Pascucci M. , Stella E. , La Montagna M. , De Angelis A. , Parente P. , Di Nunzio V. , Ventriglio A. , Bellomo A. , Janiri L. , Pozzi G. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionStigma towards psychiatry and mental illness significantly worsens the quality of life of psychiatric patients. Negative prejudices in medical students make it difficult for future doctors to send patients to mental health services and promote an increased risk of premature death.AimsOur aim is to assess stigma towards mental illness and psychiatry in medical students, and to study the influence of real-world experiences, such as having visited a psychiatric ward, having personally met a psychiatric patient or having friends and/or family members who suffer from a mental illness.MethodsOne hundred and thirteen Italian medical students completed the following tests:– Attitudes Towards Psychiatry (ATP-30);– Community Attitudes Towards Mental Ill (CAMI);– Perceived Discrimination Devaluation Scale (PDD);– Baron-Cohen's Empathy Quotient (EQ).ResultsHaving visited a psychiatric ward correlates with a better attitude towards psychiatry (P = 0.008), rather than towards the mentally ill. Having personally known someone with mental disorders correlates with less stigmatizing scores in CAMI: total score (P = 0.002), authoritarianism (P < 0.001), benevolence (P = 0.047) and social restriction (P = 0.001). Similar results emerged in those who have close relationships with a psychiatric patient. There is no statistical significance as to empathy.ConclusionsThe students who have visited a psychiatric ward have a less stigmatizing vision of psychiatry, while having personally known psychiatric patients favors a less stigmatizing attitude towards them. Those who have not had this experience, have a more hostile and intolerant vision of mental illness, and consider psychiatric patients as inferior subjects that require coercive attitudes and that would be better to avoid because socially dangerous.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Oxidative DNA damage is associated with antidepressant use, not depression or anxiety disorders
Authors: Black C. , Bot M. , Scheffer P. , Penninx B. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionOxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety disorders and may be influenced by antidepressant use.ObjectivesThis study investigated the association of oxidative stress, measured by plasma levels of F2-isoprostanes and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), reflecting oxidative lipid and DNA damage respectively, with major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia and antidepressant use in a large cohort.MethodsData was derived from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety including patients with current (n = 1641) or remitted (n = 610) MDD and/or anxiety disorder(s) (of which n = 709 antidepressant users) and 633 controls. Diagnoses were established with the Composite Interview Diagnostic Instrument. Plasma 8-OHdG and F2-isoprostanes were measured using UHPLC-MS/MS. ANCOVA was performed adjusting for sampling, sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables.ResultsF2-isoprostanes did not differ between controls and patients, or by antidepressant use. Patients (current or remitted) using antidepressants had lower 8-OHdG (adjusted mean 38.3 pmol/L) compared to patients (current or remitted) without antidepressants (44.7 pmol/L) and controls (44.9 pmol/L, P < 0.001; Cohen's d 0.26). Findings for 8-OHdG were similar over all disorders and all antidepressant types (SSRIs, TCAs, SNRIs; P < 0.001).ConclusionContrary to previous findings this large-scale study did not find increased oxidative stress measured by F2-isoprostanes or 8-OHdG in MDD or anxiety disorders. 8-OHdG levels were lower in antidepressant users, which suggests antidepressants may have antioxidant properties.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Portuguese version of the Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised: Preliminary data
Authors: Ferreira J. , Soares S. , Bem-Haja P. , Alho L. , Rocha M. , Madeira N. , Silva C. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionDisgust propensity (DP) and disgust sensitivity (DS) contribute to individual differences in the experience of disgust. Studies have shown that DP and DS are predictive of some anxiety (e.g., spider phobia and blood-injection-injury phobia) and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.AimThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a Portuguese version of the Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised (DPSS-R; van Overveld= et al., 2006) for use in Portuguese-speaking populations.MethodTwo hundred and six participants (162 females), with ages between 18 and 47 (M = 25.92; SD = 8.75), filled in the DPSS-R, which was first translated and adapted into Portuguese language by individuals highly proficient in English and then back-translated by a bilingual with no prior knowledge of the scale. Finally, the DPSS-R was subjected to a think-aloud procedure.ResultsThe results showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alfa = .833) for a DPSS-R. The two subscales displayed an adequate internal consistency (DPCronbach'salfa = .776; DSCronbach'salfa = .790). Test-retest analysis documented good intraclass correlation coefficient for the two subscales (ICCPropensity = .889; ICC Sensitivity = .900). We also confirmed the bifactorial structure using a confirmatory factor analysis, since we obtained appropriate values in all goodness of fit indices (χ2df = 1,906; CFI = .94; PCFI = .736; GFI = .93; PGFI = .607; RMSEA = .067).ConclusionDPSS-R obtained good psychometric properties and may therefore be proposed as a valid instrument to assess DS and DP in the Portuguese population. This instrument may provide an important contribute to study the development and maintenance of psychopathology associated with disgust.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review
Authors: Sun X. , So S.H.W. , Zhu C. , Leung P.W.L. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIt is assumed that dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs about one's thoughts increase problematic appraisals and coping behaviors, which further contribute to the development of mental disorders (Wells and Matthews, 1994; Wells, 2000). Although this research interest originated around generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), recent studies have begun to examine similar meta-cognitive processes in other disorders. The majority of studies using Meta-cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ; Cartwright-Hatton & Wells, 1997) and its variants to assess meta-cognitive beliefs.ObjectivesWe conducted a meta-analysis to integrate empirical findings on group differences in meta-cognitive beliefs between healthy individuals and patients with various psychiatric disorders.MethodsWe followed the PRISMA guideline (Liberati et al., 2009). A systematic literature search was conducted. We included studies that involved a diagnosed psychiatric group and healthy controls (aged 18 or above), reported group comparisons of metacognition, and were published during the period of 1990–27 August 2015. Effect sizes were computed.ResultsA final set of 43 studies was included. Large combined effect sizes were found on each subdomain of the MCQ, indicating increased levels of dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs in patients. Subgroup analyses were carried out based on psychiatric diagnosis (i.e. psychosis, n = 10; GAD, n = 7; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, n = 15; anorexia nervosa, n = 5). All patient groups were more dysfunctional on each subtype of meta-cognitive beliefs than controls. Effect size of U/D was particularly large for GAD, and that of CSC was particularly large for OCD.ConclusionsDysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs are evident across several psychiatric disorders, with specific types of beliefs being more marked in certain diagnoses.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Characteristics and treatment patterns of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in real-world practice settings
Authors: Joseph A. , Davis K. , Fridman M. , Gustafsson P. , Quintero J. , Sikirica V. , Banaschewski T. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo document patient characteristics and treatment patterns in a real-world population diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of children/adolescents (6–17 years) diagnosed with ADHD in the UK, Germany and Netherlands who initiated stimulant monotherapy (SM), non-stimulant (atomoxetine) monotherapy (NSM) or polypharmacy (SM/NSM ± SM/NSM or other psychotropics) on/after 1-1-2012. To facilitate descriptive comparisons, cohort quotas were imposed: ∼50% SM; ∼25% NSM; ∼25% polypharmacy. Index date was first SM, NSM or polypharmacy treatment on/after 1-1-2012. Patients were required to have ≥ 6 months’ pre-index (baseline) history and ≥ 12 months’ post-index follow-up. Analyses were descriptive.ResultsIn total, 497 patients were included (mean [SD] age: 10.8 [2.9] years; 77% male); 65% (SM), 63% (NSM) and 83% (polypharmacy) had at least marked baseline ADHD severity based on Clinical Global Impressions scale (P < 0.05 SM/NSM vs polypharmacy). Ninety percent (SM), 75% (NSM) and 73% (polypharmacy) were pharmacotherapy naïve at index (all P < 0.10); 61% (SM), 65% (NSM) and 72% (polypharmacy) received previous behavioural therapy. In SM patients, methylphenidate was predominant (most frequent brands: Concerta® [29%], Medikinet® [28%]); in polypharmacy patients, methylphenidate plus atomoxetine (22%) or other psychotropic (19%) was most common. Index therapy switch was common, particularly in polypharmacy patients (25%) (P < 0.05 vs SM [14%] and NSM [13%]). Switches were precipitated by poor response in 75% of cases overall.ConclusionsPolypharmacy patients generally presented a more complicated history (including higher ADHD severity) and treatment pathway versus monotherapy patients. Index therapy switches were commonplace and more frequent in polypharmacy patients, often due to poor response.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Characterization of agomelatine-induced liver injury, incidence and risk factors: A pooled analysis of 7605 treated patients
Authors: Perlemuter G. , Cacoub P. , Valla D. , Guyader D. , Saba B. , Batailler C. , Moore K. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction/objectiveThe hepatic safety of agomelatine was assessed in 49 phase II and III studies. The aim was to analyze the characteristics of patients who developed an increase in transaminases whilst taking agomelatine.MethodA retrospective pooled analysis of changes in serum transaminase in 7605 patients treated with agomelatine (25 mg or 50 mg/day) from 49 completed studies was undertaken. A significant increase in serum transaminase was defined as > 3-fold the upper limit of normal (> 3 ULN). Final causality was determined in a case-by-case review by five academic experts.ResultsTransaminase increased to > 3 ULN in 1.3% and 2.5% of patients treated with 25 mg and 50 mg of agomelatine respectively, compared to 0.5% for placebo. The onset of increased transaminases occurred at < 12 weeks in 64% of patients. The median time to recovery (to ≤ 2ULN) was 14 days following treatment withdrawal. Liver function tests recovered in 36.1% patients despite the continuation of agomelatine, suggesting the presence of a liver adaptive mechanism. Patients with elevated transaminases at baseline, secondary to obesity and fatty liver disease (NAFLD), had an equally increased risk of developing further elevations of transaminases with agomelatine and placebo. This reflects the widespread fluctuations of serum transaminases in patients with NAFLD.ConclusionsThe overall incidence of abnormal transaminases was low and dose dependent. No specific population was identified regarding potential risk factors. Withdrawal of agomelatine led to rapid recovery, and some patients exhibited an adaptive phenomenon. The liver profile of agomelatine seems safe when serum transaminases are monitored.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
ECT-treatment in Western Norway; first data from the Regional register of neurostimulation treatment
Authors: Kessler U. , Schoeyen H. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most polarizing treatments in medicine. Although the treatment effect is well documented in clinical studies, there is a lack of data regarding patients treated in an ordinary clinical setting. In 2013, we established a regional register of neurostimulation treatment in Western Norway.ObjectivesTo describe the use of ECT at the Haukeland university hospital in Bergen.MethodsPatients treated with ECT between June 2013 and June 2015 were included in the register.ResultsOne hundred and forty-seven patients received ECT during the 2 years period. The mean age was 58.4 years (22–91 years), 67% were female. Half of the patients (49.7%) had been treated with ECT previously. Indication for treatment was depression in 137 patients (93.2%), of which 29 (19.7%) were moderately, and 69 patients (46.9%) severely depressed, and additional 37 patients (25.2%) presented with severe depression with psychotic features. All but two patients were treated with right unilateral electrode placement, with a mean of 9.7 (3–22) treatments.The mean MADRS before treatment was 34.2 (4–56) and after treatment 11.9 (0–39). One hundred and ten patients (74.8%) responded to treatment; of which 89 (60.5%) remitted (response defined as a 50% or greater decrease from MADRS baseline score, remission defined as MADRS ≤ 12). Twenty patients (13%) continued with continuation or maintenance ECT after the index series.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Shifting focus approach: An alternative to classical CBT therapy for relapse prevention among opioid detoxified patients
Authors: Rady A. , Moukoukheya T. , Shawky E. 
Published: May 2016

AimMost current psychotherapeutic approaches are self-focused in terms of focusing attention on how one thinks, feels, behaves or maintains, in one way or another, a pathological chain reactions. The aim of current is to challenge such focus by shifting the focus of attention to serving others rather than analyzing one's self.MethodSixty patients were recruited after heroin detoxification, all have been subject to psycho-education about addictive behavior, craving process and risks of relapse. Half of them (group A; n = 30) were subject to weekly basis classical CBT group sessions while the other half (group B; n = 30) were subject to shifting focus approach where they were encouraged to serve on voluntary nonprofit basis at Alexandria university hospitals with weekly group support sessions to share experiences and encourage action. Patients in both arms were followed for 3 months and evaluated in terms of abstinence rate and quality of life.ResultsBoth groups were balanced in terms of age, marital status, age of onset of abuse, number of previous detoxification, criminal record and score of the Quality of Life Scale QLS at base line before psychotherapy. After 3 months, no difference as regards abstinence rate between both arms (X2 = 1.763; P = 0.288), also no difference between both groups as regards change in QLS score after 3 months (t = 0.039; P = 0.969).ConclusionShifting focus approach shows no difference in terms of abstinence or quality of life improvement compared to classical CBT in non inferiority study.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Adaptation and validation of the Korean Version of the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (K-BDRS)
Authors: Bahk W.M. , Kim M.D. , Jung Y.E. , Woo Y.S. , Lee J. , Min K.J. , Chung S.K. , Kwon Y.J. , Jon D.I. , Lee K.H. , Kim H.C. , Yoon B.H. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThe Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS) is a scale for assessment of the clinical characteristics of bipolar depression. The primary aims of this study were to describe the development of the Korean version of the BDRS (K-BDRS) and to establish more firmly its psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity.MethodsThe study included 141 patients (62 male and 79 female) who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, were currently experiencing symptoms of depression, and were interviewed using the K-BDRS. Other measures included the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Additionally, the internal consistency, concurrent validity, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability of the K-BDRS were evaluated.ResultsThe Cronbach's α-coefficient for the K-BDRS was 0.866, the K-BDRS exhibited strong correlations with the HAMD (r = 0.788) and MADRS (r = 0.877), and the mixed symptoms score of the K-BDRS was significantly correlated with the YMRS (r = 0.611). An exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors that corresponded to psychological depressive symptoms, somatic depressive symptoms, and mixed symptoms.ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that the K-BDRS has good psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool for assessing depressive symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.