bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regionally decreased cortical gyrification in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Han K.-M. , Kang Y. , Ham B.-J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionEarly neurodevelopmental deviations, such as abnormal cortical folding patterns, are a candidate biomarker for major depressive disorder (MDD). Previous studies on patterns of abnormal cortical gyrification in MDD have provided valuable insights; however, the findings on cortical folding are controversial.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the association of MDD with the local gyrification index (LGI) in each cortical region at the whole-brain level and the association of the LGI with clinical characteristics of MDD, including recurrence, remission status, illness duration, severity of depression, and medication status of patients with MDD.MethodsWe obtained T1-weighted images of 234 patients with MDD and 215 healthy controls (HCs). LGI values were automatically calculated using the FreeSurfer software according to the Desikan–Killiany atlas. LGI values from 66 cortical regions in the bilateral hemispheres were analyzed. We compared the LGI values between the MDD and HC groups using the analysis of covariance, including patients’ age, sex, and years of education as covariates. The association between clinical characteristics and LGI values was investigated in the MDD group.ResultsCompared with HCs, patients with MDD showed significantly decreased LGI values in the cortical regions, including the bilateral ventrolateral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortices, insula, right rostral anterior cingulate cortex, and several temporal and parietal regions, with the highest effect size in the left pars triangularis (Cohen’s f = 0.361; P = 1.78 × 10-13). As for the association of clinical characteristics with LGIs within the MDD group, recurrence and longer illness duration of MDD were associated with increased gyrification in several occipital and temporal regions, which showed no significant difference in LGIs between MDD and HC groups.ConclusionsConsidering that the aforementioned cortical regions are involved in emotion regulation, abnormal cortical folding patterns in such regions may be associated with the dysfunction of emotion regulation-related neural circuits, which may lead to MDD. These findings suggest that LGI may be a relatively stable neuroimaging marker associated with the trait of MDD predisposition.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
50% Improvement: Should Treatment Response Go Beyond Symptom Improvement When Evaluating the Treatment of Depression?
Authors: Zimmerman M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe emphasis on symptom resolution in depression treatment research is at variance with the recommendations of official treatment guidelines and the results of surveys of depressed patients’ views of the most important treatment goals.ObjectivesIn the present study, we examined the interrelationship between response rates on various outcome domains and whether response on each domain was associated with patients’ global rating of improvement (PGI) reported upon treatment completion. We also examined whether the PGI was associated with the number of domains on which the patients had achieved responder status and which domains were independent predictors of PGI response.MethodsEight hundred and forty-four patients with major depressive disorder completed the Remission from Depression Questionnaire (RDQ), a self-report measure that assesses 6 constructs considered by patients to be relevant to assessing treatment outcome. The patients completed the RDQ at admission and discharge from the treatment program. For each domain, response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in scores. At discharge, the patients rated the PGI.ResultsThe patients significantly improved from admission to discharge on each of the 6 domains assessed on the RDQ. The responders on each domain reported significantly greater improvement on the global rating of improvement at discharge. Responder status in one domain mostly co-occurred with responder status in another domain. In a logistic regression analysis, responses on all domains, except nondepressive symptoms, were independently associated with PGI response.ConclusionsThe results of the present study are consistent with multiple surveys which have suggested that focusing on symptom reduction is too narrow of an approach when measuring outcome in the treatment of depression. Expanding the assessment of outcome beyond symptoms and viewing nonsymptomatic outcome domains as critical composites of primary endpoints would be more consistent with a patient-centered approach towards the treatment of depression.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A 28-Day, Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Phase 2 Study in Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder (TRD) Patients Receiving Intranasal Esketamine Comparing Addition of Almond Therapy TM with Treatment-as-Usual (TAU)
Authors: Chue P. , Silverstone P. , Hillier T. , Rizvi S. , Phillips S. , Langkaas L.-A. , Davidson K. , Brown M. , Chue J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionTreatment Resistant Depression (TRD) occurs in up to 30% of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). New treatments are clearly needed and there is a burgeoning interest in novel agents including ketamine. While ketamine in various formulations has been demonstrated to have a robust antidepressant effect there is a lack of evidence-based psychotherapies specifically designed for combination use.ObjectivesWe hypothesize that the combination of “Almond TherapyTM” with intranasal ketamine will result in a statistically significantly better outcome as demonstrated by a greater reduction in MADRS scores and/or response rates and/or remission rates in TRD patients compared with those who receive esketamine plus TAU. Secondary outcome measures include PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, Asssessment of Quality of Life - 8D (AQOL-8D), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.MethodsWe have developed a research protocol combining a unique and specifically-designed, multi-modal psychotherapy program, “Almond TherapyTM”, with intranasal esketamine in a randomized, controlled, single-blind 28-day study. The therapy utilizes an individualized, evidence-informed approach for each participant consisting of a number of modules selected using a shared decision-making process determined at the first study visit. This uniquely tailored approach ensures that the chosen modules are personally meaningful to the participant, and thus, promotes therapeutic adherence. The proprietary therapy combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused-CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness, together with biofeedback. In addition to in-clinic sessions, participants also receive standardized remote therapy sessions by trained therapists.ResultsPatient recruitment and enrolment has begun. Interim results are anticipated.ConclusionsThis study is the first examination of the potential additional clinical benefit of adding a specific therapy program to existing intranasal esketamine treatment. If demonstrated to be of clinical benefit then further studies may potentially provide comparison to other therapy programs and in conjunction with other agents.Disclosure of InterestP. Chue Shareolder of: Zylorion, P. Silverstone Shareolder of: Zylorion, Employee of: Zylorion, T. Hillier Shareolder of: Zylorion, Employee of: Zylorion, S. Rizvi: None Declared, S. Phillips Shareolder of: Zylorion, Employee of: Zylorion, L.-A. Langkaas Employee of: Zylorion, K. Davidson Employee of: Zylorion, M. Brown: None Declared, J. Chue: None Declared
Empathy in patients with schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder
Authors: Tasios K. , Douzenis A. , Gournellis R. , Michopoulos I. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionViolent behavior has been linked to deficits in social cognition, namely cognitive and affective aspects of empathy. Schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder have been associated with violence and empathy deficits.ObjectivesOur main objective is to search for differences in empathy between patients with schizophrenia who have committed a violent offence, patients with schizophrenia with no history of violent offence and patients with antisocial personality disorder.MethodsA total sample of Ν=100 participants was divided into four groups: 1) 27 patients with schizophrenia and history of committing a violent offence, 2) 23 patients with schizophrenia with no history of committing a violent offence, 3) 25 participants with antisocial personality disorder and 4) 25 general population participants comprising the control group. Symptoms of schizophrenia were rated using the Positive(P), Negative(N) and General Psychopathology (G) subscales of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Empathy was evaluated using a) The Empathy Quotient (EQ). Theory Of Mind was evaluated using a) The First Order False Belief task, b) The Hinting task, c) The Faux pas Recognition Test and d) The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Revised).ResultsThe four groups differed in PANSS scoring (p<0.001), EQ scoring (p<0.001) and Theory of Mind tests (p<0.001), but this difference was only significant between the controls and the three groups of patients. The three groups of patients did not differ to each other in any of the Theory of Mind tests. No difference was also found between the two groups of psychotic patients.ConclusionsPatients with antisocial personality disorder, schizophrenia and schizophrenia with a history of violent offence do not seem to perform differently in affective and cognitive empathy tests.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychometric properties of the Parma Scale for the treatment evaluation of prisoners with mental disorder: a new instrument for routine outcome monitoring in different forensic psychiatric settings
Authors: Pelizza L. , Paulillo G. , Pellegrini P. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe clinical relevance of Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) to formulate longitudinal evaluations of treatment appropriateness/efficacy and to assist decision making aimed at improving the quality of person-centered interventions has been poorly implemented in forensic psychiatry, also in Italy. Indeed, very few assessment instruments have been developed in this crucial field.ObjectivesAs reliable ROM instruments are lacking, the aim of the current investigation was to examine psychometric properties (i.e. reliability, concurrent validity and sensitivity to measure scores’ longitudinal changes) of the Parma Scale (Pr-Scale) (a new instrument fro the evaluation of offenders with mental disorder) in an Italian sample of forensic psychiatric patients.MethodsParticipants were male adult offenders with mental disorder recruited within the Parma REMS (“Residence for the Execution of Security Measure”) or the Parma Penitentiary Institute (PPI). Exclusion criteria were known moderate/severe intellectual disability or any other medical condition inducing inability to express a valid consent for participating in the research. The Pr-Scale includes 20 items divided into 3 main domains: “Historical”, “Clinical” (observational) and “Treatment Plannining". To test psychometric properties of the Pr-Scale, we examined interrater reliability, short-term (1-week) test-retest reliability and internal consistency. As measure of concurrent validity, a correlation analysis of Pr-Scale item scores with corresponding HKT-R (the “Historisch, Klinische en Toekomstige – Revisie” instrument) item subscores was performed. Finally, we examined the Pr-Scale sensitivity to measure scores’ longitudinal changes over a 3-month treatment follow-up period.Results60 male adult patients were recruited in this study. Our findings showed good to excellent interrater and test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and internal consistency for the Pr-Scale. Pr-Scale scores also display a moderate to large changeability over time (Intra-Class Correlation coefficient = 0.963, coefficient of stability = 0.997, Cronbach’s ɑ = 0.736). Statistically significant correlations of Pr-Scale item scores with the corresponding HKT-R scores were found. Across the 3-month follow-up period, we observed statistically significant sensitivity values in measuring longitudinal changes for the Pr-Scale total score and Pr-Scale domain and item subscores.ConclusionsOur results support the clinical use of the Pr-Scale in different forensic psychiatric settings (i.e. prison, REMS) as reliable ROM instrument.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychiatric hospitalization among offenders: a retrospective study in the acute psychiatric ward in Monza, Italy
Authors: Provenzi M. , Affaticati L. M. , Carrara G. , Di Forti C. L. , Viganò D. , Clerici M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe closure of forensic psychiatric hospitals and the conversion to a residential model of care based on secure residential units in the community (REMS) has made Italy the first and only country in the world to have followed the principles of the deinstitutionalization movement. Following the reform, several management issues have emerged, such as the creation of long waiting lists for admission to REMS. Improper hospitalization in Acute Psychiatric Units (SPDC) has often been used to address this issue. In addition, the handover of inmates’ care to Mental Health Departments (DSMD’s) has posed further challenges. To date, the field has received little attention from international literature.ObjectivesDescription and analysis of a sample of offender inpatients hospitalized in an acute psychiatric unit.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study including male offenders admitted to the SPDC of San Gerardo Hospital (ASST Monza), between January 2007 and September 2022. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS.Results120 male offenders were included for a total of 204 admissions. 98 offenders (81.7%) were hospitalized once. We observed an absolute (N=1; N=30) and percentage (0.2%;12%) increase in the number of hospitalized offenders per year during the time period under study. Jail was the main provenance in the sample (46.6%), followed by residential care facilities (27%) and the psychiatric observation unit (ROP) of Monza’s jail (10.8%). The two most prevalent diagnoses were personality disorders (37.5%) and psychosis (39.2%). In addition, 66 subjects (55%) had a history of substance abuse. The average duration of hospitalization was 19.45 days; it increased to 77 days for inpatients waiting to be transferred to REMS. Hetero-aggressive behavior as the reason for admission was associated with longer hospitalization (p=0.031), while attempted suicide correlated to shorter hospital stay (p=0.032). Out of the 55 offenders who attempted suicide, 41 came from jail (74.5%). Finally, longer hospitalizations were associated with an increased number of adverse events (p=0.001).ConclusionsPsychiatric hospitalizations of offenders have increased over the last years. This population tends to require longer hospital stays (regional average of SPDC hospitalization in Lombardy: 14 days), which are even lengthier for inpatients destined to REMS. Longer hospitalizations exert a large burden on DSMD’s and impact the general health of patients, exposing them to a higher risk of adverse events. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to develop better strategies for the management and care of offender patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The clinical stages of psychosis among violent and non-violent adult prisoners in Australia
Authors: Yee N. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPast research examining the relationship between psychosis and criminality has typically focused on chronic schizophrenia and violence. However, contact with the criminal justice system is not constrained to the most unwell or most violent. The present study is novel as it examines the different clinical stages of psychosis, from the at-risk mental states (ARMS)/Ultra-High Risk (UHR) to the early and chronic psychotic illness phase, across the entire spectrum of criminal offending.ObjectivesThe main study objective is to establish the prevalence of the clinical stages of psychosis among adults entering custody and to examine the sociodemographic and forensic characteristics associated with the different stages of psychosis. A further aim is to examine whether psychosis-spectrum prisoners differ from non-psychotic prison controls across these characteristics.MethodsParticipants consist of unselected 291 adult male and female prisoners entering the largest maximum security reception centres in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. They completed a range of semi-structured questionnaires and adapted mental health screening measures. The Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS; Yung et al., 2005) was used to ascertain whether participants met the Ultra High Risk (UHR), First Episode of Psychosis (FEP) or Established Psychosis (EP) criteria.ResultsParticipants were 34.25 years old (SD = 10.69) on average and men were significantly older than women (p = 0.035). Among prisoners with a psychosis-spectrum illness (n = 121), the prevalence of UHR was 24%, First Episode Psychosis (FEP) was 6% and established psychosis was 11%. Compared to controls, psychosis spectrum prisoners were found to have higher levels of social disadvantage, psychiatric comorbidities and multiple incarceration episodes. However, psychosis was not associated with a greater risk of violent offending. Implications on the complex illness burden associated with psychosis and the need for early identification and intervention across forensic mental health services will be further discussed.ConclusionsThis study is novel as it examines the full spectrum of psychotic illness across the entire spectrum of criminal offending. The findings support the notion that risk of criminal justice contact and complex illness burden exist across the different clinical stages of psychosis, from the UHR to the early FEP and chronic psychosis stages, for both violent and non-violent offending. Early intervention services must consider how to more effectively identify and intervene to reduce the risk of criminal justice system contact among mentally ill individuals.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Association between perceived workload and mental health among electricians
Authors: Sellami I. , Feki A. , Abbes A. , Ghrab M. A. , Kotti N. , Baklouti S. , Masmoudi M. L. , Jmal Hammami K. , Hajjaji M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe work conditions of electricians have been associated with heavy physical and psychological workloads. It is essential to know the impact of this perceived workload on the mental health of workers.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the relationship between perceived workload on the mental health of workers.MethodsThe study was conducted among a group of electricians. Data were gathered between January-June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). To assess the perceived workload, we choose the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). In this study, we evaluated raw NASA-TLX scores.ResultsSeventy-four workers participated in the study. They were married in 67,6% of cases. The mean age was 39,3 ± 10,5 years. The average job tenure was 15,5 ± 11,2 years. The mean score of K6 was 5,4±4,8. The proportion of respondents with high levels of psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater) was 9.5 %. The mean score of mental demand, physical demand, performance, effort, frustration level and temporal demand were respectively 88.8±14, 60.8±23.6, 85.2±13.1, 82.7±15.4, 34.3±29.3 and 61.8±29.2. The frustration level was correlated with high levels of K6 (p = 0.002, r = 0.36).ConclusionsA high perceived workload was correlated with the altered mental health of workers. Hence, practices and policies should focus on improving working conditions to enhance the mental health of the employees.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Professional Quality of Life among healthcare workers in a Covid-19 unit
Authors: Sellami I. , Haddar A. , Abbes A. , Halweni H. , Masmoudi M. L. , Jmal Hammami K. , Hajjaji M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe pandemic of Covid-19 has overwhelmed healthcare systems including healthcare workers(HCWs) imposing additional physical and mental workloads.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the professional quality of life of HCWs.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs working in the Covid-19 unit in Sfax, Tunisia in December 2021. We used a self-administrated questionnaire including sociodemographic and professional information. Professional issues were assessed by The Professional Quality of Life scale.ResultsOur population consisted of 69 participants. The mean age was 31± 6 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.1. Sixty-eight per cent had a university education. On a scale from 0 to 10,76.8% rated their Health Status greater than or equal to 8 and the mean score was 8.89±1. Medical history of Covid-19 infection was found in 37.7% of paricipants and 94,1% were vaccinated against SARS Cov 2.Most of the workers showed moderate to high levels of compassion (65.2% and 31.9 % respectively). Fifty-five per cent showed moderate burnout levels. Only 2.9% of the population had a high level of secondary traumatic stress.Secondary traumatic stress was associated with age (p=0.049; R=0.238). The males were more affected with burnout symptoms. Vaccination Status was associated with compassion satisfaction (p=0.042). Health Status Evaluation was not correlated with compassion satisfaction, burnout or secondary traumatic stress.ConclusionsThe current pandemic has affected the HCWs system professional and social lives. A long follow-up should be maintained to support HCWs dealing with the pandemic.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The impact of perceived exertion on satisfaction with life among power line workers
Authors: Sellami I. , Feki A. , Abbes A. , Ghrab M. A. , Masmoudi M. L. , Baklouti S. , Jmal Hammami K. , Hajjaji M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe power line workers have a heavy physical workload. It is essential to know the impact of this perceived exertion on their satisfaction with life to improve their mental health.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the associations between perceived exertion at work and satisfaction with life among power line workers.MethodsWe conducted a study among a group of power line workers from January to June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. We evaluated socio-professional characteristics, physical exertion with the Borg CR-10, and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS).ResultsSeventy-four male line workers participated in the study. They were married in 67.6% of cases. The mean age was 39.3 ± 10.5 years. The average job tenure was 15.5 ± 11.2 years. The mean of perceived exertion was 6.1±1.9. High to very high exertion was found in 73% of participants. The mean score of satisfaction with life was 26.8 ±6.5. Five (12.6%) participants were dissatisfied to extremely dissatisfied. Fifty-six (75.9%) participants were satisfied to extremely satisfied. High perceived exertion was correlated with higher satisfaction with the lives of line workers (p = 0.03, r = 0.24).ConclusionsPower line workers with high perceived exertion were more satisfied with their lives. This can be explained by the positive impact of work on the lives of workers. The work environment is paramount to ensuring good mental health.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared