bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depressive Symptoms and Urbanization - A Cross-Sectional Network Analysis
Authors: Ochnik D. , Buława B. , Nagel P. , Budziński M. , Gachowski M. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionWith increasing urbanization, more people are exposed to mental health risk factors stemming from the urban social or physical environment. However, research on urbanization and depression is not clear.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore environmental and social factors with depression symptoms in view of a network theory of mental health disorders.MethodsThe study was conducted among a representative sample of 3,296 habitants of Metropolis GZM (63% of women)– the most urbanized region in Poland. The measurements used were PHQ-9, UCLA, Neighbourhood Cohesion (Neighbourhood Belonging and Social Cohesion), REAT 2.0 (Quality of architecture in neighborhood area), distance and frequency use of green public areas, Self-Rated Health, Physical Activity, size of place of residence per person.ResultsThe prevalence of depression risk in villages (N=713), towns under 20,000 (N=219), towns (under 99,000; N=823), and cities (under 300,000; N=1541) was 44.2%, 44.7%, 39.2%, and 34.9% respectively.The depression nodes with the highest centrality degree and expected influence were PHQ9 (suicidal thoughts), PHQ2 (feeling depressed), and neighborhood belonging. Living in a more urbanized area (UA) had a smaller centrality degree in the network. Edges between PHQ9 and environmental factors were mediated by loneliness (UCLA). Poor architectural conditions (REAT) were linked positively with neighborhood belonging and adversely with social cohesion. Living in UA was negatively related to PHQ9, PHQ5 (eating control), and PHQ2, social cohesion, and green area distance, while positively to PHQ7 (problems with being focused), poor physical health, REAT, and neighborhood belonging (Figure 1).ConclusionsLiving in a city is negatively related to the most central depression symptoms. Even though social cohesion is negatively linked to UA, neighborhood belonging is higher in more urbanized areas.The balance between detrimental environmental factors and those that protect mental health requires a better understanding of the interaction between urban living and depression.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Rates of delirium referrals to the Neuropsychiatry Service in a tertiary referral centre hospital
Authors: Gunawardena S. M. , Riaz S. , Murphy K. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBeaumont Hospital is the National Neurosurgical Centre in Ireland. Due to the high numbers of referrals from Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Department of Psychiatry established a specialist Neuropsychiatry inpatient Liaison service and a weekly Neuropsychiatry outpatient clinic. Many of the referrals that the service receive involve the management of delirium. Delirium is a common medical complication, particularly in neurosurgical settings. Delirium causes significant symptom burden which can lead to distress to all involved and impacts quality of life.ObjectivesThe aim was to improve the rates of referrals for delirium presentations and referral rates overall from Neurology and Neurosurgery. The neuropsychiatry service have implemented a delirium protocol for all medical and surgical teams in Beaumont Hospital. This protocol can be accessed through the Beaumont hospital phone app, or on site on each ward. For this reason, delirium can be managed by medical teams in the first instance. If this is not successful, neuropsychiatry can be contacted for further advice or review of patients with more complicated presentations.MethodsThe neuropsychiatry service receives referrals through the Patient Information Profile Explorer system which is accessed through the Beaumont Hospital online portal. In the event of an urgent referral, neurology or neurosurgery teams can contact the neuropsychiatry service directly by phone. Referrals are logged on the team referral log book, and details of the referral are recorded along with diagnosis and management. Data was collected retrospectively from the PIPE and log book to measure the rates and reasons for referrals over a one year period. Rates and details of referrals were initially recorded between July-December 2022. An educational intervention was provided where psychoeducation was provided to junior hospital doctors during protected teaching times and further education was provided over the phone when referrals were discussed between team members. Rates and details of referrals were then recorded between January-July 2023.ResultsThere was a reduction in referrals when comparing the two six month periods. There were 115 neuropsychiatry referrals from July to December 2022 and 78 referrals from January to July 2023. Rates of delirium referrals also reduced from 31% to 25% after psychoeducation was provided to junior doctors.ConclusionsThis audit highlights the importance of communication and education for medical and surgical trainees in the management of delirium. There is a high rate of turnover of junior doctors throughout the year in Beaumont Hospital. For this reason, it is imperative that continued education is provided to allow them to follow the delirium protocol independently before seeking tertiary service assistance. Ultimately, early and rapid intervention of delirium can have a positive impact on patient care and prognosisDisclosure of InterestNone Declared
Impact of Antidepressant Treatment on Fibronectin Levels in Patients with Depression and Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Sikora A. K. , Fedorov S. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionInflammation has emerged as a critical factor in the pathophysiology of both depression and chronic heart failure (HF). Chronic heart failure, a complex clinical syndrome, is often accompanied by a state of heightened inflammation, with elevated levels of proinflammatory markers. Likewise, depression, a prevalent comorbidity in HF patients, has been intricately linked to inflammation, with evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of antidepressant treatment on plasma fibronectin levels in patients with comorbid depression and chronic heart failure.MethodsWe enrolled a total of 113 patients with HF, all of whom had comorbid depression. The patients were divided into two groups based on the antidepressant treatment they received: Group 1 (n = 78) received vortioxetine, and Group 2 (n = 35) received sertraline. Before initiating treatment and after 6 months, we measured fibronectin levels in the patients’ plasma.ResultsThe study revealed a significant difference in the effects of the two antidepressants on fibronectin levels. Patients treated with vortioxetine demonstrated a substantial reduction in fibronectin levels post-treatment, with an approximate threefold decrease compared to the pre-treatment levels (pre-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml to (post-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml, (p<0.05). Conversely, patients treated with sertraline experienced a comparatively lesser reduction in fibronectin levels, with a change from (pre-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml to (post-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml (p<0.05).ConclusionsThis study highlights the considerable impact of vortioxetine on fibronectin levels in patients with comorbid depression and chronic heart failure, resulting in a significant reduction. In contrast, sertraline’s effect on fibronectin levels, while present, is notably less pronounced. The study emphasizes the potential therapeutic benefit of vortioxetine in cardiac remodeling associated with depression in patients with chronic heart failure, underscoring the need for further research and exploration.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Anxious-depressive symptoms after a first episode of schizophrenia: Response to treatment and psychopathological considerations from a 2-year follow-up study in Italy
Authors: Pelizza L. , Leuci E. , Quattrone E. , Di Lisi A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDepression is common in schizophrenia and is correlated with suicide risk and poor long-term outcomes. However, the presence of depressive symptoms is often underestimated in both research and treatment, particularly at the illness onset.ObjectivesThe goals of this study were: (a) to longitudinally observe anxious-depressive symptom levels in patients with First Episode Schizophrenia (FES) during a 24 months of follow-up period, and (b) to examine their associations with other psychopathology and the intervention patients received in an “Early Intervention in Psychosis” (EIP) program during the follow-up period.MethodsThe Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were completed by 159 FES patients both at baseline and across the follow-up. Data were analyzed by linear regression analysis and Spearman’s coefficients.ResultsAnxious-depressive symptoms had significant longitudinal associations with GAF deterioration and PANSS “Positive Symptoms”, “Negative Symptoms” and “Disorganization” subscores. During the follow-up period, FES participants significantly improved the level of anxious-depressive symptoms. This was significantly associated with the number of case management and individual psychotherapy meetings the patient engaged in, as well as with lower antipsychotic doses prescribed during the follow-up period.ConclusionsIn conclusion, anxious-depressive symptoms are prominent in FES and at the initial entry into EIP programs. Anxious-depressive symptom severity tends to diminish overtime, especially with the provision of specialized EIP treatments. However, since we did not have a control population studied in parallel, we cannot say whether these results are specific to the protocols of EIP programs or just to the intensity of engagement in care.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The impact of climate change on mental health
Authors: Heinz A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClimate change has a profound impact on mental health, supported by meta analytic evidence. For every degree temperature increase, there is a statistical increase in mental health problems by about 0.9%. The direct association between catastrophic events such as hurricanes or flooding and traumatization or negative mood states is evident. However, there are also interactions between pollution or heat islands in urban contexts and stress associated mental disorders, and there are indirect interactions e.g. between loss of agricultural space, poverty, displacement and mental health challenges. We provide an overview regarding direct and indirect effects of climate change on mental health and discuss possible interventions on the health care system.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Relation between biomarkers and suicide attempts in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Garcia Fernandez A. , Martínez-Cao C. , Couce-Sánchez M. , González-Blanco L. , Sáiz P. , García-Portilla P. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAn increased risk of suicide has been reported by psychiatric patients, including schizophrenia1. Numerous evidence suggests alterations in the grade of pro-inflammatory impact on suicidal behavior2, and this relation has been shown in patients with mood or anxious disorders3,4. However, the grade of inflammation impact suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia has hardly been investigated.ObjectivesIdentify peripheral blood biomarkers of suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia, including inflammatory and lipid profile parameters.MethodsSecondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. Sample: 254 patients with schizophrenia, aged 18-72. Assessments: ad-hoc demographic and clinical questionnaire, PANSS, CDS, CAINS, PSP. Inflammatory and lipid parameters: C-reactive protein (PCR), interleukin 6 (IL-6); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceridaemia (TG). Statistical analysis: Correlations, T Student, U Mann-Withney and lineal regression.ResultsMean age: 40.49 (13.10). Men: 64.2%.No statistically significant differences were found between patients with suicide attempts and those without in any of the inflammatory or lipid parameters (p>0.05). However, differences were found in terms of suicide attempts (yes/no) in the PANSS negative (T=-2.217; p=0.028) and PANSS general psychopathy (T=-4.224; p< 0.001), in depressive symptoms (T =-6.967; p< 0.001), and the MAP subscale of the CAINS (T= -3.741; p<0.001).Among patients with suicide attempts (n=42; 16.52% of the sample) (mean=1.90; sd=1.73; Range:1-7), statistically significant correlations were found with PCR (r=0.309; p=0.046), but not with cytokines and lipid parameters. On the other hand, no correlations were found with age, sex, length of illness, and any of the clinical scales.A multiple linear regression was performed considering the number of suicide attempts as the dependent variable and as independent variables, age, sex, and those that were significant in the bivariate analysis (PCR).A predictive model was found that explains 9.60% of the variance of number of suicide attempts (F = 4.224; p < 0.001). The variable that entered the model was PCR (β= 0.309; p=0.046).ConclusionsThe increase in inflammation (manifested by the elevation of PCR) is related to an increase in the number of suicides. On the contrary, no correlations were found with lipid parameters or interleukins.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The association between maternal diabetes and the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Sinishaw Y. D. , Dachew B. A. , Ayano G. , Betts K. , Alati R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe existing body of evidence on the association between maternal diabetes and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring is inconsistent and inconclusive. Thus, we need to synthesise the available evidence to examine the association between maternal diabetes and risk of ADHD in offspring.ObjectivesThe aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the association between maternal diabetes and the risk of ADHD in offspring.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases from their inception to September 8th, 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and potential publication bias was checked using both funnel plot and Egger’s test. Randomeffect model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimates and subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression were further performed to support our findingsResultsTwenty observational studies (two cross-sectional, five case-control and thirteen cohort studies) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis indicated that intra-uterine exposure to any type of maternal diabetes was associated with an increased risk ADHD in offspring [RR=1.33: 95 % CI: 1.23–1.43, I2=79.9%]. When we stratified the analysis by maternal diabetes type, we found 17%, and 37% higher risk of ADHD in offspring exposed to maternal gestational [RR=1.17: 95 % CI: 1.07–1.29] and pre-existing diabetes [RR=1.37: 95 % CI: 1.27–1.48] compared to unexposed offspring respectively. Results of subgroup and sensitivity analysis further supported the robustness of our main finding.ConclusionsOur review suggested that exposure to maternal diabetes increased the risk of ADHD in offspring. These findings underscore the need for early screening and prompt interventions for exposed offspring.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Best of 2023 in psychosomatic medicine: the contribution to the rest of psychiatry
Authors: Ferrari S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe field of psychosomatics has experienced many waves of “celebrity” since its origin. Its historical origin is impossible to precisely locate in time, one may argue that medicine since its very beginning has been psychosomatic in nature. In very recent times, many clinicians and researchers even from different backgrounds than psychosomatic medicine or psychiatry have expressed disappointment and worry about the excessive fragmentation of medical sciences, providing evidence in support and advocating towards the so-called holistic approach and integrated care. The old lesson of psychosomatic medicine, then, appears more contemporary than ever. This is also because it has been able to stay coherent but at the same time integrate the enormous progresses in the understanding of physiology and pathophysiology that medical sciences have witnessed in the last decades.The presentation will focus on the most striking scientific production of 2023 in the field of psychosomatics, to show the contributions in its three souls of research, training and clinical activities and to outline the stimulating though sometimes difficult dialogue between this area of behavioural sciences and the rest of psychiatry.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Self-stigma and its reduction in patients with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Oshevsky D. , Alieva L. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe phenomenon of self-stigma in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BD) has been studied much less than in other mental disorders (Favre, Richard-Lepourie, 2023). However, self-stigma has equally negative psychosocial consequences for them (Shargh et al, 2015). Therefore, identifying the clinical and psychological characteristics of self-stigma in BD patients, especially in the initial stages of the disease, and developing on this basis new directions for their psychosocial rehabilitation to reduce self-stigma is relevant.ObjectivesTo identify clinical and psychological characteristics of self-stigma in BD patients, to identify targets for psychosocial rehabilitation.Methods«Questionnaire for assessing the phenomenon of self-stigmatization of mentally ill people» (Mikhailova et al., 2005), «Insight Scale for Psychosis» - ISP (Birchwood et al., 1994). We examined 17 patients (12 women and 5 men) with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (F31.xxx according to ICD-10). The average age of the patients was 25.52±4.55 years. The duration of the disorder is 0.5-3 years.ResultsIt was shown, that patients with BD had a high level of self-stigma. Indicator «General level of self-stigma» was 1.22±0.73 points, that higher its average values. The main component in the structure of self-stigmatization was an overestimation of possible limitations of one’s own internal activity and self-realization (1.96 ± 0.87 and 1.62 ± 0.82 points, respectively) associated with the disease. Idealization of one’s pre-illness qualities and achievements (1.62±0.82 points) and the formation of misconceptions about the loss of previous opportunities will able to lead to negative personal changes and limit the activity of patients. Correlation analysis revealed significant (p≤0.01) correlations between the «Patient’s ability to recognize painful phenomena as symptoms of mental illness» scale of the ISP scale and individual parameters of the questionnaire for assessing self-stigma: «Imagination of one’s own failure due to illness» - r = 0, 52; «Fear of becoming insolvent due to illness» - r=0.54; «Idealization of the «healthy self», r=0.51. Thus, in BD patients, self-stigma is associated with low awareness of the disease and misconceptions about it and about themselves.ConclusionsPsychoeducation programs, aimed at formation an adequate perception of mental disorder, the ability to recognize its symptoms, and destigmatization trainings to increase the social activity are needed for BD patients. Such trainings were developed during the research and are currently being tested.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychometric Properties of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) in a Portuguese Sample during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Laranjeira C. , Dixe M. A. , Querido A. I. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 global crisis has resulted in significant disruptions in the lives of students in higher education, leading to negative consequences for their academic achievements and general psychological well-being.ObjectivesIn this study, we sought to examine the psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) among students in Portuguese higher education institutions during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and its efficacy in capturing mental health symptoms due to a global health crisis.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a convenience sampling method was used to enlist a total of 1522 participants. The sample consisted of 75.1% women and 79.2% undergraduate students. Participants completed an electronic survey that was designed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) — a self-report instrument measuring anxiety, depression, and stress.ResultsThe findings of the study indicated a significant occurrence of depressive symptoms [≥10] (N = 434, 28.5%), anxiety symptoms [≥7] (N = 551, 36.2%), and stress symptoms [≥11] (N = 544, 35.7%). Based on the collected data, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted in order to examine the factor structure of the scale. The analysis revealed a three-factor solution that corresponded to the three subscales of the DASS-21. The Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) correlation ratio was then used to assess the discriminant validity, with good results. Results showed that the DASS21 has satisfactory reliability indexes (Cronbach’s α > 0.90).ConclusionsIn light of the notable changes in living conditions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the present study has shown that the DASS-21 instrument has maintained its reliability and validity. Consequently, this finding supports the appropriateness of using the DASS-21 as a screening tool for assessing mental health among students in Portugal. Moreover, it is recommended that academics and healthcare practitioners use the DASS-21 as a tool for assessing the levels of psychological distress experienced by students. Additional validation studies of this scale are required, using bigger and more representative populations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared