bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Engaging, interactive, not boring” – A new innovative tutorial programme for medical students with promising longevity at the University of East Anglia.
Authors: Das S. , Beezhold J. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Medical students at the University of East Anglia (UEA) complete a psychiatry rotation in the fourth year of their MBBS degree. There are four rotations each academic year, in 2022-2023 there were 24 students per rotation. The rotation consists of two weeks of lectures, a four-week clinical placement, and then a further two weeks of lectures. Students are based across Norfolk and Suffolk for their clinical placements. Although case-based discussions occurred every Wednesday morning via Teams, there were no face-to-face small group teaching sessions during placement.ObjectivesTo design an interactive set of tutorials for medical students covering a wide range of psychiatric topics which can be easily delivered by other facilitators.MethodsThree 1.5 hour tutorials were created: 1)” Psychotic Bingo” - Students have a unique card with terms used in descriptive psychopathology to play Bingo, 2) “Medical ethics, mental health and the law” – Explores the case of Kerrie Wooltorton to discuss the mental capacity act, advanced decisions, and the mental health act, 3) “Team Quiz” – Played in groups and covers the different sub-specialties of psychiatry and pharmacology. Tutorials were only mandatory for students in Norwich (average 11 students per tutorial) due to a large geographical area across placements. Tutorials were delivered for three rotations between December 2022 – May 2023, the initial two rotations by the first author and the third rotation by other facilitators. Facilitators were provided with a tutorial guidance document to ensure consistency. The same feedback form was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative feedback from students at all tutorials.ResultsThe table below shows that feedback from students was consistently high, and there was little difference in average students rating between tutorials delivered by the first author and other facilitators. The predominant qualitative feedback was that the tutorials were “very interactive”, “engaging” and “fun”.Image:ConclusionsThis tutorial programme consistently received excellent feedback. The results show that the tutorials can be effectively delivered by other facilitators whilst maintaining a high standard, which ensures the programmes longevity. The tutorial programme is being formally implemented for all medical students at UEA from October 2023.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Electroconvulsive therapy: the perspective of the informal caregiver in the decision-making process
Authors: Geerts P.-J. , Abihi S. , Verhaeghe S. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Despite the importance of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as treatment, it remains one of the most controversial and misunderstood treatments. Negative media representations, primitive practice in the past and fear for electricity results in fear that extends beyond other therapies. Research on the perspective and role of informal caregivers (IC) in the process of ECT is limited. Most research focuses on relatives’ attitude or knowledge of ECT measured with questionnaires. However, profound understanding of their perspective can facilitate the role of physicians (or psychiatrists) in guiding patients and their IC through the decision-making process of ECT.Objectives
The aim of this study was to describe the perspective of informal caregivers in the decision-making process in ECT treatment.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological study was set up. Semi-structured interviews were held with IC of patients who are treated with ECT. Purposive sampling was based on maximum variation. All interviews were fully transcribed and thematic analyses took place. Trustworthiness was guaranteed by e.g. researcher triangulationResults
In nine interviews were held with partners, children and parents of patients. The interviews had a mean duration of 102 minutes and interviewing proceeded until saturation of the most important themes was reached. During the interviews it became clear that the decision-making process of ECT is strongly influenced by the illness-trajectory and context of living with the mental health problems of the patient. IC describe their life and that of the patient as ‘trying to survive’. The proposal of ECT is seen as a way out of this unendurable situation. The perceived responsibility of the IC in the informed consent process to ECT adds to this burden. The IC worry, feel uncertain and fear to do wrong. Nonetheless ECT seems to be a beacon of hope. Trust in the psychiatrist as a competent professional who wants the best for the patient seems more important than having an answer to all of their questions. After the ECT has been started, IC establish a framework to evaluate the side-effects and effectiveness of ECT. This framework is based on how they experience the patient in daily life and on what they define as ‘the patient becoming a bit more himself again’. IC weigh the effects and side-effects to support the continuation of ECT. However, if patients clearly express that they experience side-effects that are too hindering, IC follow the patient if he or she wants to stop ECT.ConclusionsOur study gives an insight in the perspective of the IC of patients undergoing ECT. It could be helpful for IC if the psychiatric team repeats information stepwise and takes the burden of responsibility perceived by the IC into account. The framework used by IC to evaluate the effects of ECT could be a valuable addition to the clinical evaluation of the ECT treatment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mental health front-liners: Police officers’ knowledge and attitudes towards suicide in Malta
Authors: Zammit D. , Bezzina Xuereb M. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPolice-officers are in a strategic position of providing the first immediate response to a crisis as mental health frontliners.ObjectivesIn this nation-wide cross-sectional study, we explored knowledge and attitudes towards suicide in the local police force, a crucial first step in the design and implementation of effective suicide prevention programmes.MethodsAn online, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all local police-officers (n=2600). It contained questions about their demographics and their experience with suicide while on duty, along with 34 statements from the validated tool Attitudes Towards Suicide (ATTS) (Renberg & Jacobsson. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2003; 33 52-64), scored on a 5-point Likert Scale (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree).ResultsThe sub-scale “Suicide as a right” was positively correlated with “Tabooing” (r (201) = .25, p=<.001), “Normal-common
” (r (201) = .29, p=<.001), and “Resignation” (r (201) = .47, p=<.001), but negatively correlated with “Incomprehensibility” (r (201) = -.26, p=<.001), and “Preparedness to Prevent” (r (201) = -.19, p=<.001), meaning such individuals had a more permissive attitude towards suicide. On the other hand, the subscale Preventability was found to be positively correlated with Incomprehensibility (r (201) = .21, p=<.001) and Preparedness to Prevent (r (201) = .30, p=<.001).Females scored higher in the sub-scale Non-communication
(M=3.40, 95% CI [3.29, 3.51]) while males scored higher in Preventability (M=3.35, 95% CI [3.27, 3.44]). The higher the educational status of police-officers, the more they adopt a pro-prevention attitude to suicide (M=3.67, 95% CI [3.44, 3.89]) and the more likely they are to appreciate that suicidal thoughts and behaviour can be common (M=3.40, 95% CI [3.20, 3.60]). Participants with a mixed/different composition at home (M=4.05, 95% CI [3.86, 4.24]) and/or have experienced only between 0 to 2 situations related to suicide in the past one year alone (M=4.05, 95% CI [3.94, 4.16]), were the most likely to feel prepared to prevent suicide.Conclusions
This study brings out different attitudes police-officers hold towards different aspects of suicide, influenced by their gender, educational background, personal life at home and total exposure to suicide during their career. Training programmes can help improve their knowledge and attitudes towards suicide, leading to a more positive behavioural response to individuals in crisis and create a safer environment. Malta, through an EU-funded programme, is currently investing its resources on drafting a national suicide prevention strategy, and such educational opportunities for our frontliners will ensure we have the right tools in screening, identifying, treating, and saving more lives.Abbreviations:M: Mean score; CI: Confidence IntervalDisclosure of InterestNone Declared
Telepsychiatry as catalysts for equitable Mental Health Care in Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Krysta K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Telepsychiatry has emerged as a transformative force in the field of mental health care, addressing disparities in service delivery and increasing access to care. This exploration focuses on the role of telepsychiatry in achieving equitable mental health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Intellectual disabilities affect millions globally, posing significant public health challenges. This vulnerable population encounters numerous barriers in accessing quality mental health care, including geographical isolation, limited transportation options, and a shortage of specialized providers. Telepsychiatry offers a promising solution, leveraging technology to overcome these challenges. The presentation reviews the current landscape of mental health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the specific barriers they encounter. It highlights the potential benefits of telepsychiatry, including increased availability of specialized care, reduced geographical barriers, and enhanced caregiver support. Ethical considerations and best practices associated with implementing telepsychiatry in the context of intellectual disabilities are discussed. Case studies and success stories illustrate how telepsychiatry positively impacts individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. In conclusion, telepsychiatry plays a promising role in promoting equitable mental health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Embracing technology and adopting best practices pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system, leaving no one behind.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Exploring the Interplay Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Depression: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Zanfir A.-G. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDepression, a pervasive mood disorder, significantly impairs one’s quality of life. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS), ingrained thought patterns stemming from early life experiences, play a pivotal role in shaping adult beliefs and behaviors. This study delves into the relevance of specific EMS domains—Emotional Inhibition (EI), Negativity/Pessimism (NP), and Social Isolation/Alienation (SI)—in influencing the severity of depression among medical students and diagnosed patients.ObjectivesOur primary goal was to assess the correlation between specific EMS domains and depression severity in medical students and clinically diagnosed patients. We aimed to elucidate whether these schemas could serve as indicators for potential depressive tendencies or if they had a stronger association in those already diagnosed with depression.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cross-sectional analysis involving 73 medical students and 61 diagnosed depression patients (aged 18-32). Four key variables—Depression, EI, NP, and SI—were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-2 and The Young Schema Questionnaire-Short-form-3 in the Romanian context. Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficients and t-tests, were employed to explore the relationships between EMS domains and depression severity.ResultsIn the non-clinical sample, we identified moderate, statistically significant correlations between depression and EI (r=0.63), NP (r=0.71), and SI (r=0.59). Conversely, the clinical sample exhibited slightly weaker, yet significant correlations (EI-r=0.42, NP-r=0.39, SI-r=0.29). Notably, significant differences emerged between the groups in all measured variables. These findings imply that while a positive correlation between EMS variables and depression exists in both samples, the association weakens in diagnosed patients, indicating that these schemas may be less predictive in this population.ConclusionsOur study underscores the importance of understanding EMS domains in assessing depression severity. While specific schemas—EI, NP, and SI—correlate with depression in both medical students and diagnosed patients, this link is notably weaker in the latter group. Elevated EMS variables suggest a potential for future subclinical depression in medical students, but they might not strongly predict depression in those already diagnosed. These nuanced insights have implications for preventive interventions and therapeutic approaches tailored to individuals at different stages of depression, thereby enhancing targeted mental health care strategies.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A comparative study of depression, anxiety, loneliness, well-being and self-esteem among patients with and without Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Efstathiou V. , Theodoridou I. , Karvouni A. , Kaloudi E. , Bali P. , Papadopoulou A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIndividuals diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience recurring and painful symptoms, which can significantly affect their daily life, while hospitalization and/or surgery may be needed when they present complications. During the course of the disease, IBD patients may experience feelings of anxiety and/or depression and present decreased well-being.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate depression, anxiety, loneliness, well-being and self-esteem in patients with IBD in comparison to individuals without IBD (healthy controls), while taking into consideration demographic and clinical parametersMethodsThe study included 164 participants and in particular 98 patients with IBD and 66 healthy controls matched for sex and age. All participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess depression and anxiety, UCLA Loneliness Scale to assess feelings of loneliness, Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) to assess well-being and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) to assess self-esteem, while socio-demographic and clinical data were additionally recorded.ResultsAccording to the results, statistically significant differences were observed in all psychological parameters with IBD patients presenting higher depression (p<0.001), higher anxiety (p=0.002), higher loneliness (p=0.002), lower well-being (p=0.019) and lower self-esteem (p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. Among IBD patients, higher well-being was independently associated with higher self-esteem and lower anxiety, but not with depression, loneliness or patients’ sex and age.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of investigating and timely detecting psychological symptoms among patients with IBD, with a view to providing them an integrative physical and mental health care.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Translation and validation of the Greek versions of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale and the Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale
Authors: Bakola M. , Kitsou K. S. , Angelidou V. , Giannakopoulos A. , Drakopoulou M. , Mavridou K. , Kalianezos P. , Argyropoulos K. , Petropoulos C. , Charalambous G. , Gourzis P. , Lee S. A. , Jelastopulu E. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding coronophobia, or the heightened fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, involves assessing physiological, cognitive, and behavioral measures.ObjectivesWe aimed to develop a Greek version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), and the Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), to identify groups that appear vulnerable to this form of pandemic-related anxiety.Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional online study from February to April 2021 in Greek-speaking people living in Cyprus. Participants completed sociodemographic questions and questions related to COVID-19, the CAS, OCS, and the CRBS. All three scales are rated on a 5-point scale, from 0 (not at all) to 4 (nearly every day). For CAS, a score ≥ 9 indicates probable dysfunctional coronavirus-related anxiety, for OCS a ≥ 7 score indicates probable dysfunctional thinking about COVID-19, and for CRBS score ≥ 12 suggests above-average reassurance-seeking activity.ResultsA total of 405 adults (66.4% women) from Cyprus participated in this study. The results of this study demonstrate that these Greek adapted measures have adequate reliability (Cronbach’s alphas >0.70) and factor structure (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis support). However, only the CAS demonstrated both convergent and divergent validity. Education personnel, housekeepers, and older adults were also found to have higher coronavirus anxiety relative to their counterparts.ConclusionsThe findings of this research support the use of these coronaphobia scales in Cyprus and other Greek-speaking populations. Assessing the potential for fear-driven behaviors may be of great benefit to both clinicians and researchers, helping to identify individuals at risk, adapt interventions, and improve our understanding of the psychological consequences of surviving a public health emergency.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Exploring the Philosophy of Mind and Its Implications for Psychiatry
Authors: Gomes M. , Fernandes A. , Veloso P. , Santos V. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPhilosophy of mind grapples with fundamental questions concerning the Consciousness, the Mind-body problem, the Identity, and Free will (as opposed to Determinism). In the context of psychiatry, this philosophical groundwork provides a conceptual framework for comprehending the intricate workings of the human psyche.ObjectivesWe aim to discuss how the philosophical investigation of the mind influence and enhance psychiatrists understanding of psychiatric disorders and patient-centered
care.MethodsReview of the literature.ResultsPhilosophy of mind explores what it means to be conscious and the nature of subjective experience. This includes questions about the “hard problem” of consciousness, that refers to the difficulty of explaining why and how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective, first-person experiences (or qualia). The “hard problem” posits that even if we knew everything about the brain’s physical processes and how they relate to cognitive functions, we would still lack an explanation for why these processes give rise to subjective consciousness. Psychiatry often deals with individuals who experience disturbances in their subjective conscious experiences, so the “hard problem” perspective allows psychiatrists to appreciate the diversity of conscious experiences and to empathize with their patients’ unique mental worlds.Related with the previous topic is the mind-body problem. The elucidation of this problem highlights the challenge of reconciling mental phenomena with neurobiological processes. Integrating philosophical notions of dualism, materialism, and emergentism into psychiatric practice is essential for addressing the holistic nature of mental health.Concerning to philosophical perspectives on personal identity, questions about the continuity of identity, selfhood, and the role of narrative in shaping one’s sense of self contribute to a deeper understanding of disorders like dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder and even psychosis.Furthermore, philosophical discussions on free will and determinism are pertinent to psychiatric ethics and the treatment of individuals with behavioral disorders, informing the ethical considerations surrounding involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, medication administration, and the delicate balance between autonomy and paternalism in psychiatric care.ConclusionsPhilosophy of mind provides psychiatry with a rich conceptual landscape, offering insights into the nature of mental phenomena. As our understanding of the brain and consciousness continues to evolve, the philosophy of mind remains an evolving area of philosophical inquiry.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Teaching clinical phenomenology in a post-graduate medical training program
Authors: Mehl-Madrona L. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPatient care suffers when practitioners do not understand the patient’s experience of the illness. This is especially true in psychiatry relative to patients having learned the jargon and studying the diagnostic criteria for various mental disorders using internet search engines, especially Google. Patients more commonly present with a list of symptoms that match the checklist for their self-diagnosis. Their experience may be quite different from the words they use to present their symptoms to medical personnel. More than ever, psychiatric providers need to unpack the words their patients use to discover the actual experience. K. Toombs has written exquisitely about clinical phenomenology in the context of her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and her negotiation of a medical system that largely ignored her lived experience. This algorithmic, checklist approach to human suffering derives from an understanding of clinical practice in which the practitioner applies scientific knowledge of the bodily processes of diseases, recognizing those diseases by inquiring about the presence of symptoms characterizing those diseases and then rendering treatments based upon statistical studies (preferably randomized, controlled trials) of large groups of individuals. Within this approach, little need exists to encounter the person with the disease as an actual human being, an Other in the sense of Levinas. This approach suffers because even history-taking requires an encounter with an Other in which the internal, private experience of this Other must be heard and made part of the clinical process. This approach can ignore the role of the doctor-patient relationship and the clinical encounter in symptom relief.ObjectivesTo describe an educational program in clinical phenomenology that was well received by trainees who rated that it improved their practice.MethodsIn this presentation, we will describe our efforts at teaching clinical phenomenology and psychiatry within a residency training program, in which we encourage trainees to develop deeper listening skills through conducting life story interviews, motivational interviewing techniques, and narrative approaches in which they search for the metaphors underlying the patients’ illness. We will describe factors influencing trainees’ acceptance or rejection of these approaches and the change in the culture of our training program and clinic that have arisen from their implementation.ResultsOne hundred and twenty residents have taken this course. Eighty-eight percent reported improved clinical skills and ability to relate to patients.ConclusionsThe practice of medicine does not exist independently from the relationships in which medicine is practiced and a thorough understanding of the lived experience and experience of the patient is necessary for accurate diagnosis, psychiatric or medical, and for discovery of a treatment approach with the patient.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared