bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in brain structure and function in youth at familial risk for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: implications for early intervention
Authors: Sugranyes G. ,   BASYS Working Group
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The evaluation of child and adolescent offspring of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder seeks to understand changes taking place in the brain in individuals at heightened risk for disease during a key developmental period. In this session I will present findings from the BASYS (Bipolar And Schizophrenia Young offspring Study) cohort, which has recruited young offspring of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder ages 6 to 17 years, using clinical, cognitive and brain imaging measures for over 15 years in Spain. I will begin by reviewing our baseline and 2 year findings using structural magnetic resonance imging (MRI) measures, where we found whole brain and regional cortical grey matter volume and surface area reductions, specifically in offspring of patients with schizophrenia relative to controls, but not in offspring of patients with bipolar disorder, which I will compare with results from the ENIGMA relatives working group analyses. Within our cohort I will expain the relevance of baseline brain structural findings to clinical and cognitive outcome over time. I will then present longitudinal analyses of structural anf functional MRI measures at up to 8 year follow-up, examining the influence of development of psychotic spectrum symptoms over time and cognitive and functional outcomes, on longitudinal brain imaging measures. I will finish the talk explaining avenues for future research in the field, which include incorporating other imaging modalities and validating our findings in other cohorts, while I will also present avenues for increasing understanding of the neurobiological changes underpinning our MRI findings.This project has received funding from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI151500467; PI1700741; PI1800696; PI1800976, PI2100330), Fundació Marato TV3 (091630, 202232-30-31), the Catalonia Government (2021SGR01319), PERIS (SLT006/17/00346), Fundació Clínic Recerca Biomèdica (Ajut a la Recerca Pons Bartran), co-financed by ERDF Funds from the European Commission and CIBERSAM.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Promoting mental health by peer education at the University of Debrecen
Authors: Molnár V. A. , Ménes E. , Kósa K. , Tóth L. I. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMedical students have been shown to experience mental health problems more frequently compared to their non-medical student peers. This can manifest in pathological levels of stress and depression, and can lead to substance abuse, reduced academic performance, or even suicide.ObjectivesA credit course on professional socialization is offered for medical students at the University of Debrecen in the form of peer education. Our goal was to evaluate experiences of this course delivered in the past 5 academic years.Methods
After reviewing the relevant literature, the structure of a focus group interview was developed. The focus group consisted of 8 participants and was moderated by the course supervisor with the help of an assistant moderator. The group summarized the number of students completing the course, and narratives of teaching experiences between 2018/19 and 2022/23. They also revised relevant versions of the tutors’ handbook containing the topics and methodology of the course. The duration of the interview was 90 minutes, and it was tape recorded by the assistant moderator, who also made notes in case the tape is inaudible.Results
Between 2018/19 and 2022/23 61 students finished the course with the help of 23 tutors. The course is offered for students of general medicine, dentistry and pharmacy to improve their positive professional attitudes and social skills through group work and practical exercises. The medical curriculum includes mandatory courses with practical opportunities for developing professional and social skills, but due to the limited number of contact hours and the varying levels of student interest and motivation, these skills are difficult to master. The credit course was developed using the concept of Bálint groups, offering peer-supervised opportunities for motivated students above year 2 to practice their professional skills in controlled conditions while also receiving feedback from their peer group leaders. The course complements the traditional medical curriculum and sensitizes students in a protected environment in which they can observe their own communication more consciously and recognize unfavourable behaviour patterns. Developing the ability to work in a team, learning to listen, and practicing assertiveness during study years can also reduce performance-related stress and future medical errors along with increasing job satisfaction and patient adherence.ConclusionsBased on the narrative summary of the focus group, both the experiences of participating students and peer teachers are positive, the handbook is a useful tool. The structured focus group provides a suitable method to evaluate the credit course which should be held once every academic year to evaluate the implemented course and explore options to improve future courses.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Dyslipidemia induced by antipsychotics: di”erences between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Tahirovic A. , Zuko M. , Lokmic Pekic I. , Arnautovic Tahirovic M. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe introduction of antipsychotics, especialy of newer generation, greatly a”ects the e”ectiveness of the psychiatric treatment of patients with schizophrenia (SCH) and bipolar disorder (BP). Patients su”ering from SCH and BP often have metabolic syndrome (MetSy), as a result of taking antipsychotic therapy, especially in patients with abdominal obesity, there is an atherogenic fat profile that carries a high risk for the development of dyslipidemia.ObjectivesTo investigate frequency and di”erences of somatic diseases in patients with SCH and BD depending on the presence of MetSy.MethodsThis five-year prospective study was conducted in the Psychiatric Hospital of Canton Sarajevo. We followed 135 patients with SCH and 135 patients with BD, aged 30 to 69 years, who were treated with antipsychotics for five years.ResultsDyslipidemia was significantly more common in SCH patients (73.3%), compared to BD (54.1%) and was dominantly presented in women (61.4%). The frequency of dyslipidemia increased with the age of the patient. Associated risk factors in patients with SCH diagnosed with dyslipidemia were 73.5% smokers, 78.7% hypertensive patients, 69.7% patients with elevated BMI and 83.0% with elevated blood glucose values, while slightly lower values were recorded patients with BP. 97.8% of patients with dyslipidemia had elevated CRP.ConclusionsThere are significant di”erences in dyslipidemia in patients su”ering from SCH and BP. Adequate knowledge of the antipsychotic drugs is required in order to provide adequate psychiatric treatment, regarding minimalising adverse e”ects of antipsychotics will be reduced to a minimum. It is important to recognize high-risk patients and educate them about preventive measures.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Empowering Minds: A Comprehensive Study of ECT Treatment in a Reference Mental Health Center in Portugal
Authors: Barbosa Pinto M. , Viseu M. T.D. , Frias Gonçalves P. , Gomes Pereira E. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionElectroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is one of safest and most effective treatments for severe mental illnesses. The ECT Unit of Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António – Magalhães Lemos Hospital (CHUSA-HML) is a reference center for this treatment modality, providing support to the northern region of Portugal.ObjectivesThis study aims to characterize patients undergoing ECT treatment from April to June 2023, at the ECT Unit of CHUSA-HML.Methods
Retrospective study from April to June/2023. Social, demographic, epidemiological and clinical data were evaluated.ResultsAmong the 55 patients who were treated there was a predominance in male sex (56%), the average age was 53 years old and only 9 completed higher education. Half of them were in a long-term relationship. Around 67% of patients are retired, predominantly (62%) due to psychiatric disability.
Most patients (78%) were referred through psychiatric consultation and the remainder came from psychiatric hospitalization (only 3 were never hospitalized). 41 patients were under maintenance treatment and 14 under acute treatment. Concerning the type of treatment 30 were submitted to bilateral ECT. For 33% it wasn’t the first ECT treatment. Almost all patients improved their symptoms, only one patient had complications related to the procedure (tooth loss).According to the international classification of disease (ICD11) the most frequent primary diagnosis was Schizophrenia or Other Primary Psychotic Disorders (58%). Neurodevelopmental disorders and substance use disorders were the most frequently comorbid diagnoses.The results presented are preliminary, and other data that may be relevant are being collected and processed.ConclusionsSevere mental illnesses profoundly impact patients, often imposing substantial limitations and suffering. These findings support the safety and effectiveness of ECT as treatment for severe mental disorders. Founding more specialized centers represents an important step toward enhancing mental health treatments. Access to controlled studies is crucial, fostering a deeper understanding of the ECT technique and long-term benefits.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Association between metabolic syndrome, cognitive dysfunctions, and peripheral inflammation in schizophrenia
Authors: Kancsev A. , Kelemen O. , Kéri S. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is of primary clinical interest because of its harmful impact on the general health and quality of life of patients with psychotic disorders. Paradoxically, MetS is associated with impaired cognitive functions in patients receiving antipsychotics primarily shown to improve cognition (e.g., clozapine and olanzapine).Objectives
In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between MetS, cognitive functions, and peripheral inflammation.MethodsThe participants were 154 patients with schizophrenia. Fifty-seven patients met the criteria of MetS. We evaluated cognitive functions with the Repeated Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) quantified the clinical symptoms. We also measured the plasma levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition to conventional statistics, we also calculated Cohen’s effect size (d) and Bayes Factors (BF10).ResultsResults revealed that patients with MetS exhibited worse cognitive function relative to patients without Mets in attention (d = 0.19, BF10 = 2.3) and delayed memory (d = 0.25, BF10 = 5.7). No significant between-group differences existed in immediate memory, visuospatial functions, and language. The MetS and non-MetS groups did not differ in positive, negative, or general symptoms. Higher IL-6 levels were associated with worse delayed memory (r=-0.56, BF10=34.6).ConclusionsOur results suggest that MetS-associated cognitive dysfunctions are less severe than reported in the literature: it was confined to two cognitive domains, the effect size was small, and the Bayesian evidence level was weak. Peripheral inflammation may mediate the association between MetS and long-term memory dysfunctions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Improving Skills and Knowledge: Adapting a Core Competencies Suicide Risk Assessment Training Program to Support Mental Health Professionals in Hungary
Authors: Bérdi M. , Cramer R. J. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Competency and skill-based education and assessment have become increasingly significant in mental health professional training. The conventional approach of acquiring knowledge is now being supplemented by emphasizing practical skills and implementing best practices that prove effective in the field. This emphasis on competencies is particularly apparent in the instruction regarding suicide risk evaluation and management. Cramer and colleagues have identified ten core competencies essential for working with patients at risk of suicide and developed a training material (Cramer et al. 2013, Train. Educ. Prof. Psychol; 1 1-11).Objectives
We aim to tailor Cramer et al.’s training program to the Hungarian setting and assess its efficacy among mental health experts, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and social workers. Additionally, we aim to validate the Suicide Prevention and Assessment - Competency Assessment Form (SCAF-R), which comprises a ten-item survey to measure the ten core competencies’ levels with Likert scales and textual ratings by observers. Through this training program, we aim to offer mental health professionals an educational framework to enhance their skills in evaluating and managing suicide risk. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive approach to suicide risk assessment and better equip professionals to handle this emotionally difficult clinical task.Methods
We have created a Hungarian version of the core competencies training material tailored to the culture. We are assessing changes in attitudes towards suicide behavior and prevention by administering pre- and post-training psychometric measures, such as Willingness to Intervene against Suicide (WISE), Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire (SBAQ), Attitudes Toward Suicide Prevention Scale (ASP), and Suicide Competency Assessment Form - Revised (SCAF-R). A quantitative analysis will be performed on the responses. The research was approved by Péterfy Hospital’s Institutional Review Board (IRB): approval number 07-2023.ResultsThe questionnaires’ results will be summarized with standard statistical methods.ConclusionsImproving mental health education in healthcare with up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based best practices is a top priority. Enhancing skills and knowledge can lower clinicians’ anxiety in this emotionally challenging and burdensome task. There is a high demand for mental health workshop training among healthcare workers in both undergraduate and post-graduate education. We expect positive changes in attitude and self-perceived competencies in participants.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Basic beliefs about self and the world in people with suicidal ideation
Authors: Medvedeva T. I. , Boyko O. M. , Vorontsova O. U. , Enikolopov S. N. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBasic beliefs can be defined as a person’s implicit, global, stable ideas about the world and about himself. The psychological features of people with suicidal ideas can be considered as characteristics of the value sphere of a person who is ready to choose a destructive way of solving problems.ObjectivesThe relationship of basic beliefs regarding the general «Benevolence of the surrounding world», its «Meaningfulness» and «Worthiness of the Self» with the presence of suicidal ideas was investigated.MethodsThe study involved 140 people, (117 women). The Janoff-Buhlman World Assumptions Scale (WAS), the short Epstein Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI)), Simptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90R), moral dilemmas (proposed by J.D.Green), as well as separate questions about the suicidal ideation, risk tendency were used.For analysis, the subjects were divided into two subgroups: 98 people without thoughts of suicide; and 42 people answered that they had thoughts of suicide of varying severity. The subgroups did not differ by gender; in the group with suicidal ideation, the average age of the subjects was lower.Results
In the subgroup with suicidal ideas, almost all indicators of basic assumptions, such as “Benevolence of the World” (average values of 16.10 ± 3.28 and 12.13 ± 4.80 for the control subgroup and the subgroup with suicidal ideas), were lower: “Benevolence of the People “ (15.35±3.07 and 12.42±4.97), “justice” (12.46±3.30 and 10.46±3.60), “value of one’s own self” (16 .21±3.93 and 11.83±5.15), etc., with the exception of the “Self-controllability”, which does not differ between subgroups. Also, in the subgroup with suicidal ideas, the indicators of “randomness” were increased (15.67±3.64 and 18.67±3.96). Indicators on the clinical scale “Hostility” of the SCL-90R questionnaire are also significantly higher in the group with suicidal ideation (average values 0.53±0.5 and 1.29±0.8). In the group with suicidal ideation, there is a higher tendency to take risks. At the level of a statistical trend, the rational method of decision-making in the “Rational - Intuitive” questionnaire is lower (average values 14.3 and 13.0; significance level of differences 0.05). In the “Moral Dilemmas” test, in the subgroup with suicidal ideas, the ratio of choices in personal and impersonal dilemmas is statistically higher (0.67 and 0.93).Conclusions
It was shown that the presence of suicidal ideas is associated with a reduced indicator of the Worthiness of the Self, the meaningfulness of the world and its benevolence, and with an increased sense of randomness as a principle for distributing ongoing events, which can manifest itself in a propensity for risk, impulsive decisions, devaluation of human life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychological risk factors that predict social networking addiction in students
Authors: Abid W. , Guermazi F. , Mnif M. , Mnif D. , Feki I. , Baati I. , Masmoudi J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSocial networks (SN) addiction is a serious problem among young adults that requires increased attention.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the relationships between internet addiction and selected psychological characteristics of university students.MethodsThis is a descriptive and analytical study, conducted over the period from November 2022 to January 2023, among students in various fields. SN addiction was measured using the Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF). The Rosenberg scale was used to assess global self-esteem and the Social Self-Esteem Inventory was used to assess social self-esteem. The Big Five Personality-10 (BFI 10) scale was used to assess the 5 personality dimensions.ResultsA total of 116 students, with an average age of 25.49, took part in the study. Most students (91.4%) were over 20 years old. They were female in 78.4% of cases. They enrolled in postgraduate studies in 55.2% of cases. The majority of students (59,5%) studied medicine. According to the SMAS-SF scale, the average score was 75.87. The mean score for social self-esteem score was 122.03. Sixty-four participants (55.2%) had low and very low self-esteem. The dominant personality dimensions were extraversion and neuroticism in 15.5% each. Addiction to SN was significantly associated with very low global self-esteem (p=0.028) and a lower social self-esteem score (p=0.011). Low conscientiousness and neuroticism were significantly associated with increased SN use (p=0.007, p=0.004 respectively).ConclusionsThis study provides a better understanding of the phenomenon of addiction to SN, and enables us to tailor prevention and care more effectively. The psychological factors associated with this behavior need to be more explored in future research.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Interplay of Environmental Factors, Genetic Susceptibility, and Sleep Disturbances predict Bipolar Disorder’s Relapses: preliminary results from a pilot study
Authors: Bort M. , Fico G. , Oliva V. , de Prisco M. , Bracco L. , Possidente C. , Rivas M. Y. , Ruiz V. , Montejo L. , Vieta E. , Murru A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPredicting acute affective episodes in individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) remains a clinical challenge. Specific environmental stressors, including air pollution, noise, and temperature variations might worsen affective symptoms or sleep in the general population, but their role in BD relapses is often overlooked. Indeed, they might exacerbate BD by perturbing circadian rhythms – fundamental aspects of BD.ObjectivesWe thereby present the protocol of this pilot study and future preliminary data. We aim to longitudinally assess sleep alterations, mood fluctuations, and environmental exposure to several factors (air pollutants, climate, noise, artificial light-at-night, green space access) in patients with BD and to check the association of these variables with BD relapses.MethodsIn this pilot study, we will recruit 40 patients with BD in a 6-month prospective study. Patients were assessed during baseline, at 3 and 6 months. Data recollected will consist of a subjective (questionnaires) and objective (through meteorological stations) evaluation of physical environmental factors around the home residence; clinical assessment of mood and circadian rhythms, and continuous tracking of sleep-wake patterns, energy, and movement using actigraphy.ResultsExpected results will show that exposure to a worse environment (higher pollution, noise, light exposure, climate) will be associated with worse BD outcomes (i.e., relapse, mood symptoms, sleep alterations).ConclusionsWe will be sharing preliminary data from our ongoing study, offering insights into early patterns and findings that shed light on our objectives.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The Impact of Severe Wildfires on Mental Health: Prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder and Related Factors among Residents in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada.
Authors: Mao W. , Shalaby R. , Agyapong B. , Obuobi-Donkor G. , Dias R. , Agyapong V. I. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionHundreds of fires have been burning from coast to coast across the country since March 2023, putting Canada on track to experience the worst wildfire season ever. From East to West, provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia have been particularly affected by large and uncontrollable wildfires.Objectives
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression symptoms among residents of Alberta and Nova Scotia during the Canadian wildfires of 2023.Methods
This study conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey for data collection. In the period between 14th May and 23rd June 2023, an online survey was administered using REDCap. Through the Text4Hope program, participants subscribe to receive supportive SMS messages daily. After the first message, participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire, containing demographic information, wildfire-related information, and responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression assessment. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were employed.Results
A total of 298 respondents completed the online survey out of 1802 who accessed it, resulting in a response rate of 16.54 %. Most of the respondents were females (85.2%, 253), below 40 years of age (28.3%, 84), employed (63.6%, 189), and in a relationship (56.4%, 167). A historical depression diagnosis (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.39–7.14) was a significant predictor of moderate to severe MDD in our study. While employment status did not significantly predict MDD, unemployed individuals were two times more likely to report moderate-to-severe symptoms of MDD than employed individuals (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.06–5.67). Among the total sample population, the moderate to severe MDD prevalence was 50.4%, whereas it was 56.1% among those living in wildfire-affected areas.Image:Image 2:ConclusionsAs a result of our study, the development of moderate to severe MDD symptoms during wildfire disasters was significantly associated with a history of depression diagnosis. Although employment status did not significantly predict MDD, unemployed individuals had a greater likelihood of experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms than employed individuals. Further research is necessary to ascertain reliable predictors of mental health issues among those who have experienced disasters, as well as to offer appropriate interventions and treatment options to the communities and individuals who are most vulnerable.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared