bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changing drinking patterns among Italians: 7 out of 10 students experience Binge Drinking
Authors: Marcolini F. , De Ronchi D. , Atti A. R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe expression Binge Drinking (BD) refers to dysregulated alcohol consumption, characterized by the intake of large quantities of alcohol, regardless of their nature, consecutively in a limited period of time. BD is a significant public health problem in many European countries, including Italy. According to data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, dated 2020, over 4 million Italians exhibit episodic excessive alcohol consumption (compared to 2019 data, there was an increase of approximately 5,3%).ObjectivesThis study aims to examine alcohol consumption habits in the Italian population, evaluating psychopathological correlations that can explain its diffusion.MethodsBetween January and May 2023, an anonymous online questionnaire was randomly sent to the general population. Alongside with tests to evaluate psycho-social features, to estimate the presence of alcohol abuse or dependence the AUDIT scale (Saunders et al. Addict Abingdon Engl. 1993; 88:791–804) was used. It included two specific questions to frame the phenomenon of BD (Cranford et al. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006; 30:1896–905). No other study conducted in Italy has so far used the aforementioned validated questions.ResultsThe sample consists of 308 people (189 F, 119 M), with an average age of 32 years (sd 14). The AUDIT indicates a state of chronic alcohol consumption in 11,7% (95% confidence interval 8,5%-15,7%), of the recruited sample, positively correlating with the element of impulsivity (p<0,005) confirming what has already been reported in literature. BD prevalence reaches 56% (M 57%, F 55%) without any significant correlation with impulsivity, personality disorders, emotional dysregulation, or sensitivity to rejection. Among university students the prevalence of BD exceeds 70% (95% confidence interval 60%-76%), with a number of drinks reported for a single occasion reaching up to 25 units and a reported number of binge episodes, in a two-week span, ranging from 2 to 10.ConclusionsDespite possible
biases,
this study raises the relevant issue of the extremely high prevalence of BD disorder, which is particularly alarming in light of the numerous issues related to the behavior itself. A direct correlation with reduced school performance, an increase in risky sexual behavior, and an increase in cases of drunk driving have been evaluated. Considering these consequences, it is of primary importance on a medical, but even more social level, to best characterize this phenomenon in such a way as to be able to implement awareness-raising and prevention interventions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A preliminary analysis of clinical characteristics of patient with alcohol use disorder and suicidal ideation
Authors: Palma-Alvarez R. F. , Rios-Landeo A. , Ortega-Hernandez G. , Ros-Cucurull E. , Daigre C. , Perea-Ortueta M. , Sorribes M. , Grau-López L. , Ramos-Quiroga J. A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSuicidal behaviors are frequently observed among patients with substance use disorder, including suicidal ideation (SI) (1). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most prevalent addictions and may be related to suicidal behaviors (2,3). However, the association between AUD and SI requires a deeper analysis which includes several clinical features observed among AUD patients.ObjectivesTo analyze the clinical characteristics and features associated with lifetime SI among patients who had AUD.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study performed in an outpatient center for addiction treatment in patients seeking for treatment who met the criteria for AUD between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2021. Patients were evaluated with an ad-hoc questionnaire and the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI), SI was evaluated using the item for SI in EuropASI.ResultsFrom a potential sample of n=3729 patients, only n=1082 (73.8% males; mean age 42.82±12.51) met inclusion criteria and had data for the current analysis. Lifetime SI was present in 50.9% of the AUD patients. Several clinical features were related to SI, including: sex differences, any type of lifetime abuse, polyconsumption, benzodiazepine use disorder, any psychiatric diagnosis aside from SUD, and higher addiction severity according to the EuropASI.Image:ConclusionsSI among AUD patients is related to several clinical features which indicate a higher addiction severity, more polyconsumption, and a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities. These findings may contribute to the understanding of suicidal behaviors in AUD patients but it is required further investigations, including longitudinal studies.REFERENCES1 Rodríguez-Cintas
L, et al. Factors associated with lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in outpatients with substance use disorders. Psychiatry Res. 2018;262:440-445. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.0212. MacKillop J, et al. Hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2022;8(1):80. doi:10.1038/s41572-022-00406-13.Darvishi N, et al. Alcohol-related risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide: a meta-analysis [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0241874]. PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0126870. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0126870Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Dual Pathology: An Integrative Protocol
Authors: Moleon A. , Alvarez de Toledo P. , Martín-Bejarano M. , Narbona J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDual pathology, characterized by the simultaneous presence of substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders, is a topic of growing interest in the scientific community. In particular, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common comorbid psychiatric condition in patients with substance use disorders.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of rTMS on comorbid disorder symptoms by applying specific protocols for OCD and substance use disorder in a clinical case of dual pathology.MethodsCase Description: A 36-year-old male diagnosed with OCD and habitual cocaine use (an average of 6 times per month). Previous unsuccessful attempts to quit substance use. Undergoing psychotherapy and psychopharmacological treatment for OCD since the age of 22 with no significant clinical improvement.Methodology: The severity of OCD was quantified before and after the intervention using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). To assess addictive behavior, the Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP) was used. During the intervention period, the occurrence of substance use was recorded based on the patient’s and family members’ reports. The intervention involved the administration of an rTMS protocol tailored to the specific case, consisting of the simultaneous application, using a double-cone coil, of rTMS at 20Hz over the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) at an intensity of 100% of the resting motor threshold (RMT) to treat OCD symptoms, followed by intermittent theta burst stimulation (TBS) over the left DMPFC at an intensity of 120% of the RMT to address substance addiction. The patient received a total of 30 sessions at a rate of one session per day, five days a week, for six weeks.ResultsResults: The results showed an improvement in the total score on the YBOCS scale, decreasing from a value of 26 in the pre-intervention assessment to 16 in the post-intervention assessment, representing a reduction of more than 35% from pre- to post-intervention, meeting response criteria. Thus, there was a decrease in both obsessive and compulsive symptoms, with reduced associated distress and increased control. Additionally, throughout the intervention, there was a gradual decrease in substance use, decreasing from an average of 6 monthly instances before treatment initiation to a total of 1 in the month the treatment ended.ConclusionsConclusions: This unique case study represents a therapeutic window for the treatment of patients with comorbid disorders, demonstrating promising preliminary benefits of the combined rTMS intervention for both conditions, especially in the field of addictions.Keywords: rTMS, neuromodulation, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictionsDisclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mental disorders in internally displaced persons: clinical features, therapy, prevention
Authors: Maruta N. O. , Panko T. V. , Fedchenko V. Y. , Yavdak I. O. , Semikina O. E. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMilitary aggression significantly worsens the mental health of the population due to losses: human, economic-financial, social-psychological, ecological. One of the negative consequences of military aggression is migration, the movement of the population within the country and outside its borders, which disrupts adaptation and leads to the formation of a wide range of psychological and mental disorders.ObjectivesTo study the state of mental health of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and to develop, on this basis, a system of therapy and prevention of mental disorders.MethodsA combination of clinical-psychopathological and psychodiagnostics methods of studying were used to identify peculiarities of the mental state and various forms of mental pathology.Results270 IDPs were examined. It was established that the group of IDPs is heterogeneous and includes 3 categories: 1 group of IDPs who do not have signs of mental disorders (conditionally healthy) (34.81%), 2 group of IDPs who have separate symptoms of mental disorders (risk group) (25.19 %) and the 3 group of IDPs with established mental disorders (40.00 %). The assessment of the general condition of the IDPs of the 1 group shows that they have various somato-neurological disorders and the absence of mental disorders. The assessment of the emotional state of the IDPs of the 2 group indicates the presence of various emotional disorders that include asthenic syndrome (41.18 ± 5.97) %, agripnic syndrome (45.59 ± 6.04) %, somato-vegetative syndrom (30.88 ± 5.60) %, anxiety-depressive syndrome (20.59 ± 4.90) %). That separate syndromеs do not meet the criteria of ICD-10 and were subthreshold. The general features of mental disorders in group 3 IDPs are characterized by the predominance of disorders of the anxiety-depressive spectrum and includes adjustment disorders (F43.2) in 35,18%; post-traumatic stress disorder (F43.1) in 17.59%; a moderate depressive episode (F32.1) in 16, 67%; organic affective (depressive) disorder (F06.3) in 14.81%; organic anxiety disorder (F06.4) in 9.28%; recurrent depressive disorder (33.1) in 6.48%.ConclusionsA system of treatment of mental disorders in IDPs has been developed, which includes pharmacotherapy (the usage of antidepressants, anxiolytics and, if necessary, antipsychotics), cognitive-behavioral and family psychotherapy. For prevention mental disorders among IDPs of groups 1 and 2, a psychoeducational program was created, aimed at forming awareness of clinical manifestations of mental disorders, opportunities to prevent their formation, and necessary actions in conditions of exacerbation of the mental state. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed system of therapy and psychoeducation has testified to their effectiveness.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The feasibility of a combined approach including neuromodulation by tDCS and cognitive remediation for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Authors: Cailhol L. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBPD is a common and severe mental health condition. Longitudinal studies related to BPD show a reduction of symptoms related to the disorder but very little improvement in functionality. The betterment of executive functions of people with BPD after psychotherapy is very limited. The efficacy of those treatments on functionality appears to be mild with a small effect size. Based on previous studies, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to improve impulsivity and emotional instability in patients with BPD. Moreover, cognitive remediation focuses on reducing neuropsychological alterations by re-educating patients and apply specific strategies to aid them long term on certain daily functions like developing healthy habits, executive functions, problem solving, attention, working memory and cognition.ObjectivesOur objective is to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the tDCS and cognitive remediation on BPD symptoms and functioning.MethodsThe open study includes 10 daily sessions of tDCS for 2 weeks and 8 weekly group meetings for the cognitive remediation. Based on studies conducted on people with BPD, the settings for the tDCS are as follows; 20 minutes of continuous current at the intensity of 2mA and the electrodes are placed on specific stimulation sites related to impulsivity. To verify the effectiveness of the combination on the symptoms and evaluate the cognition and functionality of the patients, questionnaires at neuropsychological texts are conducted at the beginning of the study, after the tDCS, after the cognitive remediation and 3 months after the end of the study. The expected results of this study are that the combination of the two treatments will reduce the symptoms of BPD and improve executive functions compared to the treatment as usual or tDCS alone. This study would allow the implementation of an efficient and low-cost first-line treatment and a better functional progression of BPD patients.ResultsThe expected results of this study are that the combination of the two treatments will reduce the symptoms of BPD and improve executive functions compared to the treatment as usual or tDCS alone. This study would allow the implementation of an efficient and low-cost first-line treatment and a better functional progression of BPD patients.ConclusionsThis study would allow the implementation of an efficient and low-cost first-line treatment and a better functional progression of BPD patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Advancing Psychiatric Education: Leveraging Simulated Patients and Actors at the University of Pécs “Shame dies when stories are told in safe places”
Authors: Fekete J. D. , Simon M. , Voros V. , Tényi T. , Hambuch A. , Nagy A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe integration of simulated patients and actors (SPs) into psychiatric education has long been recognized as a transformative pedagogical approach, yielding substantial benefits to healthcare students and professionals.ObjectivesThe aim of this investigation was to evaluate the SP methodology and to refine it for future implementation in psychiatric education at the University of Pécs, Hungary.MethodsTo investigate the feasibility and utility of incorporating SPs into psychiatric education, we conducted a preliminary study involving participants from the German Program in the University of Pécs, Hungary. This group consisted of 16 medical students in their 5th year of study. The study design involved participants forming groups of three, engaging in psychiatric interview with SPs. After the interview, SPs provided feedback from patient’s perspective, articulating their emotional responses. These sessions lasted 60 to 90 minutes.ResultsStudy participants expressed a range of apprehensive feelings, including inadequacy, the desire for correct performance, and acknowledgment of the emotional challenges involved. Another recurring issue was the students’ initial confidence contrasting with their later realization of subpar performance. A subset of students voiced concerns related to performance anxiety, particularly in light of being observed. Nevertheless, by the culmination of the course, students spontaneously recognized and valued the enriching nature of the experience. Pre-existing skills have been confirmed authentically by the feedback of the SP.ConclusionsPsychiatry, given its intricate and sensitive nature, necessitates a secure and controlled learning environment. SPs precisely provide this environment, facilitating the exploration of a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders, emotional states, and patient interactions, all while upholding patient safety and confidentiality. Additionally, this methodology promotes the development of essential skills, including empathetic communication, the cultivation of therapeutic relationships. Moreover, the adaptability of SPs enables the creation of diverse scenarios reflecting real-world practice. Our preliminary findings and student feedback have provided a promising foundation for the design of a forthcoming pilot program in the next academic year. The integration of SPs into psychiatric education presents a dynamic, immersive, and highly effective approach, capable of markedly enhancing the quality of training.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Motivation to Motivate: Pilot of motivational interview training in a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Corrigan K. , Crudden G. , Clarke A. M. , Doherty A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMotivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based communication style that is effective in facilitating behaviour change and patient engagement. Originally developed in the field of addiction, MI can be applied to address a range of health behaviours including smoking cessation, medication adherence and diabetes and weight management. Given its demonstrated efficacy, training clinicians in medical and psychiatry specialties in MI has potential to enhance patient outcomes.Objectives1. Enhance awareness and understanding of the basic concepts and methods of MI among NCHDs (Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors) and hospital staff.1. Assess the perceived effectiveness of the training and help foster a culture of teaching and learning within the hospital.MethodsMI training was organised by the psychiatry department and delivered by a certified external trainer. The training was structured into 2 sessions, each lasting three hours, with a six-week gap between sessions. The training was integrated into the regular academic teaching for psychiatry trainees and a circular email invite was sent to the medical NCHD cohort and psychology department. Pre and post-training questionnaires were collected from participants with five-point Likert scales used to gather responsesResultsThere were 40 attendees across the two sessions. In total, 25 questionnaire responses were collected for the pre training (62.5%) and 30 responses were collected post-training (75%).Prior to training 48% (12/25) indicated they were familiar with MI, 48% felt confident in using MI and 88% (22/25) felt it was applicable to their practice. Post-training, 73% (22/30) felt confident in using MI, 90% (27/40) felt MI was applicable to their practice and 100% indicated they would use MI in their practice. The perception of applicability (p=0.011) and likely utilisation of MI skills (p<0.001) significantly increased over the course of the training as measured by paired t-test (n=23). Ninety-seven percent of responders stated they would recommend the training and 57% (17/30) indicated that they would use MI on a weekly basis in the future.ConclusionsNCHDs and other staff welcomed this training and indicated the training was relevant to their practice. MI demonstrated a positive effect on staff perceptions of applicability and future utilisation of MI skills. Increasing clinician self-perceived efficacy through training events may help contribute to a culture of learning and teaching in hospital settings.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Evaluating the role of autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in eating disorders and autistic-like eating behaviours
Authors: Ingrosso G. , Nistico’ V. , Lombardi F. , Morlacchi B. , Cigognini A. C. , Faggioli R. , Mottaran A. , Tramontano M. , Ranzini L. , Redaelli C. A. , Anselmetti S. , Bertelli S. , Gambini O. , Demartini B. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn recent decades, there has been extensive research on the association between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Eating Disorders (ED), as well as the existence of sensory sensitivity alterations in both diagnostic groups.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to examine the presence of autistic traits in a sample of adult women diagnosed with different ED, and the concurrent role of autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in both their eating disorder symptomatology and their autism-related eating behaviours.MethodsSeventy-five women with different ED completed the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), the Sensory Perception Quotient - Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35) and the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA), which investigates specific eating behaviour related to autism.Results12% of the sample scored above the cut-off at both the AQ and the RAADS-R, while 68% scored above the cut-off at the RAADS-R only. We found an association between: i) hypersensitivity in the taste domain and ED severity and autistic-like eating behaviours; ii) hypersensitivity in the vision domain and autistic-like eating behaviours; iii) higher autistic traits and ED severity and autistic-like eating behaviours.ConclusionsThis study confirms the presence of autistic traits in patients with ED and underscores the significance of conducting additional systematical investigations on this topic across all diagnostic categories of ED. It is becoming progressively evident that identifying and measuring the levels of autistic traits in patients with ASD is crucial not only for a better understanding of the causes of these disorders, but also because it would help to tailor specific therapeutic interventions, especially considering the cognitive flexibility issues presented by these patients and the socio-emotional challenges they face. Additionally, this study has laid the foundation for further insights into the relationship between sensory sensitivity and dysfunctional eating behaviours typical of ED and ASD.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared