bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological, clinical, and forensic approach to a series of defendants examined in criminal psychiatric expertise
Authors: Kacem M. , Bouali W. , Abdelaziz M. , Brahim S. , Zarrouk L. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
The transgression of the law can be a deliberate act by a lucid adult, but it can also be the result of a deficiency in judgment and discernment due to lack of age or insanity. Psychiatric expertises are more and more solicited in the penal field with the objective of identifying the causal link between mental illness and the criminal act.ObjectivesThe objective of this work was to give an overview of the subjects expertised, the offences and the pathologies encountered through the report of a psychiatric expertise activity in criminal law.MethodsIt is a retrospective descriptive study carried out on the criminal psychiatric expertises made for a forensic act in the psychiatric department of Mahdia during the period from January 1, 2003 to March 30, 2022.Results
In total, we collected 101 defendants. The average age of our study population was 35±12.07 years. The majority of our study sample was male (98%), from an urban area (50%). 46.6% had primary education and only 11.2% had higher education. The defendants were single in 57.8% of the cases, and almost half (45.7%) had no occupation. Two-thirds of the accused (61.2%) had experienced emotional deprivation at a young age. The problematic use of psychoactive substances was found in 10.3%, as well as alcohol consumption in 46.6%. Moreover, 39.7% of the patients had a personal psychiatric history and 19% had been incarcerated at least once. The forensic acts were mostly against people (62.9%) dominated by physical aggression (33.6%) followed by homicide or its attempt in 19% of the cases. The majority of patients were not related to their victims (62.1%). The nosographic diagnosis found was a personality disorder in 32.75% of cases, followed by schizophrenic disorders in 22.4% of cases.ConclusionsPsychiatric expertise is a useful, complex and noble clinical act. Determining the predictive factors of a possible acting out allows to specify the objectives of interventions aiming at limiting the acts of violence, hospitalizations and incarcerations of patients suffering from mental disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Pain and gain of predictive genetic testing: Particular case of fragile X syndrome
Authors: Bouayed Abdelmoula N. , Ramma N. , Abdelmoula B. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe purpose of predictive genetic tests is to identify carriers or the onset of a disease in pre-symptomatic individuals. Prediction is linked to a negative psychological impact (anxiety, depression, etc.), depending on the perception of risk, the severity of the disease, and the availability and effectiveness of treatments.ObjectivesHere, we report on genetic counselling during predictive genetic testing offered to an Arab family affected by fragile X condition (FXS) caused by the unstable expansion of a CGG repeat (CGGR) in the FMR1 gene.MethodsA 10-year-old boy who harbored a mental retardation was referred to our genetic counselling for genetic testing as he was suspected to be affected by FXS. Screening of FMR1 gene mutations was conducted for the index case and his mother. A predictive genetic testing for the family members (brothers, sisters and others) was offered, focusing on knowledge of genetics and medical risks of FXS.ResultsFMR1 molecular analysis showed a full mutation (300 to 2000 CGGR) for the boy and a large premutation (100 CGGR) for the mother. During genetic counselling, the family was informed about the significance of the genetic results. In FXS initiated by an expansion of over 200 CGGR. While mental retarded males usually harbor the full mutation, the mother carry a premutation (70 to 200 CGGR). The deficiency of FMR protein (FMRP) in the neurons of affected males leads to brain developmental abnormalities. Some pre-mutated children may show signs of the autism spectrum disorder and females may develop FMR1-related premature ovarian insufficiency. An increased risk of a late onset fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome is identified in pre-mutated men (55 to 200 CGGR) and less in women.ConclusionsThe reduction or loss of FMRP leads to multisystem damage. Neuropsychiatric disorders such as mental retardation, speech and language delay, autism spectrum disorder, sensory hyperexcitation, social anxiety, abnormal eye contact, shyness and aggressive behaviour are common in individuals with the mutation. Affected women are often under-diagnosed because mental retardation is not constant, but minor disorders including a borderline IQ with learning difficulties and emotional disturbances have been reported. Conditions associated with fragile X premutation, a term proposed by the European Fragile X Network (FXPAC), seem to be characterized by many physical and psychological health symptoms. Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and mood disorders are more common in permutated individuals. However, new reports suggested that FXS patients could be at unusually low risk of cancers, because FMRP is over-expressed in multiple cancer tissues.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Gaping gaps in rural mental health care: understanding causes and prioritizing solutions
Authors: Gupta R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMental health is crucial and is the backbone of all dimensions of health; physical, social and spiritual. Mental health has multiple interfaces and it is important to bring mental health to the center stage as it is the key regulator of all human activities. Unfortunately, there are alarming gaps in mental health care especially in rural areas which require attention of mental health professionals and policy makers.The study aims to understand the causes of these gaps and suggest possible and practical solutions to bridge them.ObjectivesTo study the spectrum of mental health gaps present in rural areas of Haryana, a state in the northern part of India and find culturally sensitive and relevant solutions keeping in view the socio economic realities and prevalent legal framework.Methods

Any factor having bearing on mental health but is operative sub-optimally would be considered as mental health gap for the current investigation. Rural camps were organized in 10 villages to assess the service gap at three different levels: overt (measurable), covert (including attitudinal) and ancillary (including those embedded in the psychiatry evaluation and treatment). The camps were organized by following these three basic steps: 1) Evaluating the geographic and demographic details of the villages selected. This was done by meeting the key stakeholders of the villages and the official health and service statistics available on the government website 2) Camp by multidisciplinary team in the villages with an advance intimation. The team members evaluated the mental health care awareness and the felt needs by interviewing all the villagers attending the camp on that particular day. 3) Post camp review by the team to analyze the service gaps and steps to address and narrow the gaps.ResultsApart from inadequate availability of professional and infrastructural resources, there were many attitudinal and ancillary gaps serving as obstacles to treatment seeking. Trust gaps leading to poor acceptance and legislation not congruent with the socio cultural needs were key impediments. Rural people had more faith in Spiritual leaders and faith healers for their mental health issues and medical help was sought only when they have signs of physical illness. Mental health and illnesses were not on priority. Availability, accessibility and affordability of health services were important factors needing immediate attention.Conclusions
Rural services need to be augmented by de professionalization and task shifting is the key to address and cover the yawning gaps in the services. Massive, coordinated, multidisciplinary and sustainable efforts are needed to bridge the multitude of gaps keeping in view poverty and illiteracy as compounding factors.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Perception of Violence by Psychiatric Nurses: Behind the scenes
Authors: Hamzaoui S. , Mahfoudh K. , Walha S. , Mezri D. , Ouertani A. , Ouali U. , Aissa A. , Jomli R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionViolence in psychiatric settings poses significant challenges for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. This study examines psychiatric nurses’ perceptions of violence and its impact on the quality of care they provide.ObjectivesThe primary objective is to assess the influence of violence on the quality of care in psychiatric settings, with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of nurses.MethodsWe employed a questionnaire-based survey administered to 30 psychiatric nurses working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric units of the Razi hospital Manouba. The survey gathered information on the prevalence of violence, types of violence encountered, and the impact on nursing practice.ResultsOf the 30 respondents, 75% identified as female and 25% identified as male. Most of them had more than five years of experience. The primary results revealed that all the psychiatric nurses reported experiencing at least one incident of violence during their psychiatric nursing careers. Regarding exposure to verbal violence, the results indicated that 52% encountered it sometimes, 22% often, 17% very often. Regarding physical violence, 30% experienced it rarely, 26% sometimes, 13% often, and 13% very often. For sexual violence, 56% reported never experiencing it, 8% rarely, 26% sometimes, and 8% very often. These incidents had varying effects on nurses’ emotional well-being, job satisfaction, and the quality of care they were able to provide. 53% of nurses reported experiencing emotional distress and feelings of anxiety as a result of violence, 13% felt anger and frustration. One nurse declared he was not affected emotionally. Most of the respondents (75%) indicated that their job satisfaction had been negatively affected by violent incidents. 40% of respondents stated that violence has a negative impact on their relationship with patients, but they make efforts to maintain care quality. Whereas, 20% found ways to strengthen connections despite challenging experiences.The most commonly endorsed strategies to cope with violence included attempting to master their emotions by remaining calm and patient (78% of respondents), seeking assistance or the presence of other healthcare team members (65%), and maintaining a safe distance from patients (69%). Fewer participants reported raising their voice and adopting a position of authority (30%), while a minority indicated engaging in additional training on the management of violent situations (20%). These results illustrate the diverse range of personal coping strategies.ConclusionsViolence in psychiatric settings has a multifaceted impact on psychiatric nurses, affecting both their emotional well-being and the quality of care they provide. Strategies for managing and preventing violence, as well as supporting nurses in coping with these challenges, are essential for maintaining high-quality psychiatric care.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mental Health Status and Fear of COVID-19 in Young Adult Male Inmates in Portugal
Authors: Laranjeira C. , Baccon W. , Mendes R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIncarcerated individuals are subject to a heightened risk of both mental and physical ailments. Hence, it is important to conduct regular assessments of their mental well-being and other potential health hazards.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the subjective experience of fear related to COVID-19 and the psychological consequences of the pandemic among a cohort of young adult male convicts.MethodsA research design using an institutional-based quantitative cross-sectional approach was used. The data collecting period was from July to September 2022, during which data was gathered at a juvenile correctional facility located in the center area of Portugal. The researchers used questionnaires to gather data pertaining to demographic and health attributes, fear related to COVID-19, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, stress, and resilient coping.Results
The study included a cohort of 60 incarcerated males who had been imprisoned for a duration exceeding 2 years. The prevalence of stress was found to be the highest among offenders, with around 75% reporting this symptom. Anxiety was the second most often reported symptom, with 38.3% of inmates experiencing it, followed closely by depression, which was reported by 36.7% of the inmate population. The average score on the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 17.38 ± 4.80, suggesting that participants generally reported mild levels of fear. A total of 38 subjects, accounting for 63.3% of the sample, had low scores in resilience. The participants’ responses indicated that their perceptions of mental health were within a fairly high range, with an average score of 3.62 ± 0.87. Similarly, their perceptions of physical health were also moderately high, with an average score of 3.73 ± 0.95. In terms of global health, participants reported a slightly lower average score of 3.27 ± 0.82 for the preceding month. The Pearson correlation matrix revealed statistically significant associations between fear of COVID-19 and characteristics linked to mental health, with the strength of these associations ranging from moderate to high (p < 0.001). The identification of predictive variables for fear of COVID-19 was accomplished by the use of a multiple linear regression model. Four predictors were identified in the study, namely age, perception of mental health, and overall levels of anxiety and stress. These predictors together account for about 49.7% of the variance in the outcome variable.ConclusionsThe findings of our research indicate a significant prevalence of stress among incarcerated individuals, accompanied by moderate levels of anxiety and depression. Our research has the potential to provide valuable insights for policymakers, mental health professionals, public health specialists, and other relevant stakeholders in the identification and effective management of pandemic-induced anxieties and mental health symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mindset and emotional intelligence in pre-service teachers
Authors: Gutierrez Cobo M. J. , Cabello R. , Megías-Robles A. , Fernández-Berrocal P. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPre-service teachers must confront emotionally demanding situations associated with the profession, and they must be prepared for it. Previous literature has shown that two variables are important for managing mental health in this population: emotional intelligence (EI) and mindset. EI is the ability to perceive, facilitate, understand, and manage emotions, while mindset refers to beliefs about the malleability of various life domains. According to their mindsets, those who believe that attributes are malleable are called incremental theorists, and those who believe attributes are fixed are entity theorists.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the influence of intelligence and EI mindset on self-report and ability EI in a sample of 224 female pre-school pre-service teachers (M= 21.27, SD = 4.72).MethodsParticipants completed a questionnaire battery, including intelligence mindset, EI mindset, the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, the Trait Meta-Mood scale, and paternal and maternal educational status.ResultsThe results showed that incremental EI theories — but not intelligence — were related to higher scores on self-report and ability EI. Specifically, being an incremental theorist of EI predicted 11% and 20% of the variance in global EI and the managing branch of ability EI, respectivelyConclusionsThese results suggest that EI mindset training programs could be implemented and evaluated to explore their impact on the EI of female pre-service teachersDisclosure of InterestNone Declared
Organized professional response to a large-scale disaster: Earthquakes in Türkiye
Authors: Başar K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn February 2023, a series of earthquakes with high magnitudes affected 11 cities in Türkiye, a region with a population of over 13 million. With more than 50000 recorded deaths and more than 3 million survivors replaced, rescue and recovery efforts were challenging. The Psychiatric Association of Türkiye (PAT) immediately launched a “Disaster and Crisis Management,” which urgently formed and installed a program for psychosocial support and psychiatric care. The program included immediate, medium, and long-term actions. Hundreds of recruitments followed a call for volunteers for on-site and online support. An online “Earthquake and Mental Health” library was launched immediately, and a series of webinars on psychological first aid and disaster psychiatry were organized in the first two weeks. Furthermore, in three major cities, separate interactive meetings where question and answer sessions with trauma experts have been possible were held weekly with smaller groups. Almost a hundred volunteer PAT members served in the region in the first few months after the earthquake. All colleagues in the field, including those who survived the earthquakes, benefited from the resources of the PAT for their needs in housing, food, and mobilization. Starting from the first days, the PAT organized regional centers for coordination, which required financial resources and staff. The demand was high and could only be met with close collaboration with the Turkish Medical Association and the financial support obtained from international agencies, WPA, and other national psychiatric associations. The PAT started an online support system with technical support from a professional company, targeting healthcare professionals and first responders in the earthquake area. Volunteering psychiatrists provided appointment slots, rendering the system available 12 hours a day, seven days a week. With time, as the national healthcare delivery recovered, the PAT activities transformed into coordination, education, and supervision. Furthermore, the psychiatry residency training, which was interrupted due to the disaster, has been supported through a nationwide mentorship program launched by the PAT. The experience of the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye with disasters paved the way for an organized response, which was made possible through national and international solidarity.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
An integrative, systemic day-clinic approach for the treatment of psychiatric disorders in young adults: a detailed study of two cases
Authors: Altunoez U. , Osiak A. , Anthoff M. , Rietig G. , Bald M. , Akbas S. , Graef-Calliess I. T. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMore than 75% of the psychiatric disorders arise before the age of 30. Adolescence and young adulthood pose numerous developmental challenges like identity development, educational and occupational concerns, gaining autonomy and boundary-setting skills. The adolescent crises, which can involve a broad spectrum of psychiatric symptoms, demands a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.ObjectivesOur goal is to present a best practice example of an interdisciplinary day clinic through two case presentations, aiming improving innovative strategies for assessment/treatment of psychiatric disorders in young adulthood.MethodsVia two comprehensive case presentations, we will introduce a psychotherapeutic day-clinic concept from a psychiatric training hospital in Germany.ResultsThe day clinic’s interdisciplinary team uses therapeutic approaches like dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapy to understand young adults beyond just their symptoms. Milieu-therapeutic methods, family constellations, socio-therapeutic approaches and non-verbal therapies are incorporated into our concept.
Case 1: A 20-year-old male patient, previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, was referred due to symptoms of living in an unreal world with perceived magical abilities and family conflicts. In the evaluation the features of high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were more prominent than the psychotic symptoms. Developmental history and diagnostic tools yielded the diagnosis of ASD. Magical abilities in an unreal world appears to align more closely with repetitive/restrictive patterns of behavior, hereby we excluded in the follow-up the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Psychoeducation, social-skills-training and family interventions helped him to comprehend his strengths and discover a clearer direction in his life.Case 2: Another 20-year-old male patient was referred with depressive symptoms, a sense of emptiness and self-mutilation. Following routine evaluation, we employed systemic methods (genogram constellations) to gain deeper insight into the patient’s psychopathology. His mother’s migration history from Thailand, coupled with unfulfilled aspirations, echoed in his recurring thought: “Where are my roots?” During follow-up, we recognized his passive stance toward therapeutic change, addressed through a systemic intervention known as ‘taking the side of non-change.’ This shifted his position from resistance to openness. Non-verbal approaches, family interventions, and corrective in-vivo experiences significantly contributed to his stabilization.ConclusionsSpecialized psychiatric centers tailored to the unique needs of young adults play a critical role in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric crises during this developmental stage. Achieving this requires the implementation of interdisciplinary holistic therapeutic approaches.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared