bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caregiver burden in parents of children with neurological impairement and its relation with depression
Authors: Mellouli A. , Zouari S. , Smaoui N. , Bouchaala W. , Gassara I. , Jallouli O. , Feki R. , Ben Ncir S. , Kamoun F. , Maâlej M. , Charfi Triki C. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionCaregiving negatively affects the psychological and physical health of the caregivers, especially in parents of children with neurological impairement (NI).Furthermore, the behavior and demands of the patient make the caregivers encounter increased stress levels and negative thoughtsabout the future that may lead to depression in caregivers.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between caregiver burden and symptoms of depression in parents of children with NI.MethodsA total of 33 caregivers of children with NI, participated in this cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out in Child Neurology Department of the University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), between February and April 2021.The Zarit-Caregiver-Burden-Scale (Zarit-CBS) and the Beck Depression Scale were administered.ResultsThe average age of the caregivers (27 mothers and 6 fathers) was 38,33 years ± 6,53 years. Among the parents, 81,81% didn’t exceed the secondary educational level and75,75% of them had an irregular occupation.
The average age of the children (21 boys and 12 girls) was 7,58±4,29 years.Near to the half of them (51,51%) had intellectual disability.Over 54.54% of the children had a functional independence, while 21.21% required help in walking and 24.24% were unable to walk.The intervention was based on motor rehabilitation (57,57%), adequate equipment (24,24%), ergotherapy (45,45%) and speech therapy (60,6%).After the intervention, 63,63% of children had an improvement and 30,3% had a stationary state.The mean score of Zarit-CBS was 52,45±14,26. The caregiver burden was noted in 96,96%.The mean score of Beck was 9,33±5,48. The depression was noted in 78,78%.The total Zarit-CBS score had positive correlation with Beck scores (p=0.038).ConclusionsThere is a positive relationship between the caregiver burden and depression symptoms. Thus, effort should be made to relieve caregiver burden in parents of children with NI.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Anxiety and depression among patients with spondyloarthritis
Authors: Feki A. , Mejdoub Y. , Mnif I. , Sellami I. , Gassara Z. , Bendejemaa S. , Ezzeddine M. , Kallel M. H. , Fourati H. , Akrout R. , Masmoudi M. L. , Yaiich S. , Baklouti S. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by spinal and/or peripheral involvement, enthesitis, dactylitis, and several extra-articular manifestations. Chronic inflammation often leads to reduced spinal mobility and functional disability. The frequency of psychological problems has increased in AS patients.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among AS patients and explore the underlying associated factors.MethodsThe Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and other clinical measures were collected during the clinical trial. We evaluated also the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADs). P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsSixty-two patients with AS were included in the study. The average age was 41 years [18-65]. The diagnostic delay varied from one year to 26 years with an average of 4 years. Twenty-nine years is the average age of onset of symptoms with a standard deviation of 10 years. The mean duration of the disease was 10 ± 8 years. At baseline, the mean BASFI score was 53.9 ± 2 and BASDAI was 4.5± 2.Clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression were present in 48.4% and 54.8% of patients, respectively. Depression was noted with a mean HADS depression of 10,5 ± 5,2. Anxiety was noted with a mean HADS anxiety of 11,3 ± 4,6.In univariate analysis, anxiety was associated with the low educational level of patients (p = 0.038) and with CRP level (p= 0.041). There was a significant association between depression and anxiety (p=0.000). There was no relationship between these psychiatric disorders and disease activity, treatment modalities or functional status (p>0.05)ConclusionsIn patients with Ankylosing spondylitis, the prevalence of risk of mental disorders is high.Anxiety and depression are common in AS and even alter the quality of life.Patients should be regularly screened for these disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Risk factors for psychiatric readmission among inpatients with major depressive disorder: A patient-chart based study
Authors: Al-Haboobi H. , Ioannou M. , Ben Saleh M. , Bakken Wold A. E. , Berg S. , Patraskovic S. , Szabó Z. , Steingrímsson S. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and severe mental disorder. Although inpatient care may be needed in some cases, little is known on which factors are associated with risk for readmission.ObjectivesTo identify risk factors associated with an increased risk of readmission within 90 days, after being discharged from psychiatric inpatient care for depression.MethodsA medical record review is ongoing based on consecutive inpatients admitted in 2019-2021 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, in Sweden. Inclusion criteria are MDD-diagnosis, admission > 7 days, no admission during the past half-year. Exclusion criteria are blocked medical record, patients who expired within 90 days after discharge. Time to first readmission for discharged patients was examined within 90 days. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were compared between readmitted and no-readmitted patients.ResultsTo date, 446 cases have been included with a readmission rate of 19.5%. In a subgroup of 182 patients (admitted between April 2020 and March 2021), psychotic subtype of depression seems to be protective to re-admission (p < .003) while comorbid eating (p < .017) and neurodevelopmental disorder (p < .029) seem to be associated with high risk. At the congress, results from the whole cohort will be presented.ConclusionsMedical record reviews can give good clinically relevant data for prediction of readmission. Comorbidities and depression subtypes may affect the risk for readmission.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Open-Label placebo for the treatment of unipolar depression: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nitzan U. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe response to placebo is robust in studies of various antidepressant treatments. The strong placebo response, combined with the absence of side-effects, has prompted suggestions to use the ethically sound open-label placebo (OLP) as a treatment for depression.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of OLP in the setting of a randomized controlled trial for the treatment of unipolar depression.MethodsThirty-eight patients (28 females, 73.7%) were randomized to either an eight-week treatment with OLP (n=18) or four week of treatment as usual (TAU) followed by four weeks of OLP (n=20). Clinical and socio-demographic measures were assessed at baseline, after four weeks, and at the end of the trial. Response to treatment was determined using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS SR-16).ResultsThere was an overall decrease in depression levels over time, F(2,35) = 3.98, p = .028). A significant group x time interaction was found only among non-geriatric patients (<65y) with an early onset of depression (<50y), F(2,22) = 3.89, p = .036]. Post-hoc tests indicated a significant decrease during the first four weeks, but only in the OLP group, t(11) = 2.29, p = .043.
Table 1:Demographic measures of OLP and TAU patients.MeasuresOLP (n = 18)TAU (n =20)Statistical analysesAge (years) [Mean ± SD]48.17 ± 16.8651.65 ± 17.68t(36) = -0.62, p = .539Education level (years) [Mean ± SD]15.61 ± 3.6614.22 ± 2.62t(34) = 1.31, p = .200Gender (male/female) [no.]4 / 146 / 14X2(1) = 0.30, p = .587Age of onset (years) [Mean ± SD]34.19 ± 15.8232.45 ± 17.72t(36) = 0.32, p= .752Number of depressive episodes (no.) [Mean ± SD]2.58 ± 2.616.64 ± 9.16t(21) = -1.47, p = .156Number of hospitalizations (no.) [Mean ± SD]0.12 ± 0.330.17 ± 0.38t(33)= -0.40, p = .689NotesOLP = Open label placebo; SD = Standard deviation; TAU = Treatment as usual.Image 3:ConclusionsOur findings support the possibility that OLP is an effective treatment for the relatively young population of patients suffering from depression. Additional studies are warranted in order to explore the use of open-label placebo in clinical work.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
ARIPIPRAZOLE INDUCED COMPULSIVE EATING DISORDER: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Turki M. , Samet A. , Sahnoun F. , Jemil F. , Ellouze S. , Halouani N. , Aloulou J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAripiprazole is a newer atypical antipsychotic with a favorable side-effect profile, especially a low propensity to result in metabolic syndromes.It is effective at treating bipolar disorder, the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and has the potential to treat negative and cognitive symptoms.However, prior studies suggested that aripiprazole seem to be associated to a risk of inducing certain impulse control behaviors, such as uncontrollable gambling, hyper sexuality, as well as compulsive eating.ObjectivesWe proposed to assess the evidence for compulsive eating associated with the use of aripiprazole.MethodsWe report a rare case of new onset aripiprazole induced compulsive eating behavior in a patient with bipolar disorder. Then, we conducted a literature review using“PubMed” database and keywords “Aripiprazole”, “Impulse Control Behaviors”, “Compulsive Eating”.ResultsHe was a 21-year-old patient, diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder. He was prescribed Aripiprazole, after a neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by haloperidol (which was prescribed during the first episode psychosis).One month following the treatment initiation, the patient complained of eating excessively. He was not able to control his eating and gained 30 Kg over the period of 4 months. Metabolic assessment showed a hypercholesterolemia.ConclusionsAripiprazole is a promising novel antipsychotic in mental diseases. However current evidence associates compulsive behaviors like eating with the use of Aripiprazole, probably due to the drug affinity to 5-HT receptors. More studies are needed to confirm this rare side effect.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
E-tool for mental health coping: usability and effectiveness study of a biofeedback approach on a digitized diaphragmatic breathing strategy
Authors: Maçorano R. , Canais F. , Perdigão A. , Gonçalves I. , Parreira M. , Ribas M. , Ferreira H. A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionOne of the most common somatic responses of the human body to a mental health issue consists of alterations of the breathing rate. Typically, when an individual is under stress, tends to have a more rapid shallow breathing - instead of resorting to the diaphragm to help the air in and out the lungs, ends up conducting a thoracic breathing, leading to extended fatigue or dizziness.ObjectivesThe aim of this project is to assess the accuracy and efficacy of measuring the breathing rate through abdominal breathing movements, via the smartphone’s sensors, and applying it to personalize a digitized diaphragmatic breathing strategy. The main hypothesis under testing is that the digitization of this strategy with the personalization to the subject’s own response is efficient as a valuable tool for mental health coping.MethodsA tool was developed and integrated with a mobile app that aggregates mental health coping strategies, based on the digitalization of positive psychology techniques. The tool included the diaphragmatic breathing exercise and the personalization to the user through biofeedback. Such biofeedback was based on the user’s abdominal movements and directly impacted the course of the strategy. The tool is under testing, counting so far with 25 subjects resident in Portugal.ResultsThe usability and effectiveness metrics of the solution will be assessed on the first contact of the subject with the app, and segmented by different subject profiles. Mental health metrics will also be assessed, namely anxiety levels - using the smartphone sensors and standard psychiatric scales. The results will be compared with a control group, in which the subjects will only perform the self-assessment, without using the breathing exercise.Image:ConclusionsWe have yet to draw conclusions from the project; however, we aim to achieve the first results in due time.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Phenibut intoxication in a patient on methadone substitution therapy: A case report
Authors: Ceranic Ninic K. , Celofiga A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPhenibut is a synthetic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist used to treat symptoms of mental disorders like anxiety and insomnia. The substnce is licensed and widely used in Russia. Its recreational use is increasing in many countries as it is easily accessible online. In a recent years, several case reports of phenibut intoxication and withdrawal have been published worldwide.ObjectivesWe present a case report of intoxication with phenibut in a patient with psychoactive substances use disorder on regular methadone substitution therapy.MethodsA 40-year-old male was hospitalized for the first time in the psychiatrc ward due to intoxication with phenibut. Before admission, he was confused, with incoherent speech. Bradypnea and somnolence were observed. A urine screening test was positive for methadone and benzodiazepines, while there was no information on phenibut intake at that time. After receiving naloxone, the patient became, agitated and haloperidol was introduced.ResultsThe main symptoms of phenibut intoxication, which have also been described in other cases, are cardiovascular effects, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, and reduced level of consciousness. In our case, a more heterogeneous clinical picture of intoxication was observed, due to the simultaneous use of methadone and other PAS.ConclusionsThe availability of various synthetic substances available online is constantly increasing. Their use is most common in the population with substance use disorders, in patients on substitution therapy and in patients with mental disorders in general. The clinical picture of intoxication can thus be very diverse and atypical, which requires increased attention from clinicians.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mental Health in the digital area: what every doctor should know
Authors: Molina-Ruiz R. M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe use of social networks is an integral part of our daily life as a means of communication. Patients manage information mostly from the internet, that strongly influence their beliefs and behaviors toward illness. Scientific dissemination through these kinds of platforms has expanded enormously in recent years, varying between them in style, contents and type of interaction with the users, that make necessary an individualized analysis. The use of Instagram goes beyond sharing photos and free comments, and it has been used extensively in different fields of medicine, such as mental health. This tool has enormous potential as a means of more effective communication and prevention and it is very valuable as a tool for psychoeducation and prevention in mental health. However, in the era where “information is easy to get but knowledge is difficult to find”, professionals of mental health should get involved and adapt to new scenarios of communication.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
What does a Peer Support Worker do in a Forensic Mental Health Clinic for Addicted Offenders?
Authors: Walde P. , Völlm B. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPeer support work can be an effective way to support patients and their participation in psychiatric treatment. Unlike in general psychiatry there is less experience with peer support work in forensic mental health inpatient settings. Characteristics different from general psychiatry, e.g., regarding patient structure and background, might lead to different tasks of peer support workers and subjects of conversation.ObjectivesWe aim to present an overview of tasks and conversation topics of a peer support worker in a forensic mental health setting for addicted offenders during an 12 month period. We address tasks on regular and irregular basis and the most frequent conversation topics.MethodsWe used the anonymized work documentation about weekly working activities and conversation notes of the peer support worker to extract information. Extracted data were thematically analyzed and clustered into themes for tasks and conversation topics.ResultsResults reveal several recurring and routine tasks, like joining ward rounds and changes of shift or leading a recovery patient group along with one-to-one conversations with patients according to their request. These topics were expanded by irregular tasks like group discussions for special occasions, e.g., after incidents. During one-on-one conversations, patients addressed topics, e.g., about their substance use history, thoughts and issues about their therapy or ways to achieve their goals in the future.ConclusionsPeer support is a well-accepted offer that can contain various different tasks in groups and in one-on-one settings as well. Although the peer support worker is seated on one ward, there are many requests from other wards, too. There also exists a broad range of conversation topics, some might be also present in general psychiatric wards and others that might be more unique to forensic settings. The broad range of tasks and acceptance of peer support make it necessary to provide corresponding resources like peer support staff and payment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Examining the operationalizability of findings from homicide investigations
Authors: Nathan R. , Caplan R. , Gill-Mullarkey M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionInvestigations into health and social care services offered to people who have died by suicide or who have committed a homicide have the potential to facilitate improvements in future practice. Such improvements are, however, dependent on the operationalizability of the recommendations of these investigations. Operationalizability in this context means the potential of the recommendations to alter the thinking/actions of practitioners involved in the areas of practice to which the recommendations relate. Critically, the proposed learning must make sense to practitioners in a multiplicity of single instance episodes of practice when the future is unknown. Although common content themes identified by investigations have been reported, no study has yet specifically examined how the framing of recommendations in investigation reports affects their operationalizability.ObjectivesPrimary objective: to pilot a novel approach to the thematic analysis of investigations into serious incidents which focuses on the operationalizability of recommendations for day-to-day practice. Secondary objective: to explore the operationalizability of the specific recommendations arising from a recent UK review of child homicides.MethodsA publicly available UK national review of child homicides by parents under social care services was subjected to a two-stage thematic analysis (firstly, to identify the types of thinking/acting that were scrutinised; and secondly to characterise the ways in which these thoughts/actions were appraised). The frame of reference for the thematic analysis was that of a practitioner involved in typical instances of practice where there is uncertainty about outcomes (i.e. real-life practice).ResultsStage 1 - Four types of thinking/acting were identified: (i) information gathering, (ii) interpretation, (iii) judgement formation, and (iv) decision to act (figure 1).Stage 2 - The thoughts/actions were appraised according to three key themes: (a) occurrence of thoughts/actions at a pivotal moment, (b) erroneousness of thoughts/actions, and (c) thoroughness of thoughts/actions.Image:ConclusionsWith regard to the specific report analysed, the recommendations were found to have differing degrees of operationalizability. For instance, examples of ‘erroneous thinking/acting’ were more readily applicable to future practice (since they can be operationalised in terms of general principles). However, the notion of ‘pivotal moments’ is less useful, since the labelling of moments as ‘pivotal’ is dependent on a knowledge of the outcome and therefore would not have been readily identified contemporaneously in these cases (or, by extension in future similar cases prior to any serious incident). This pilot demonstrates that the novel approach used is a feasible way to examine not just the content, but also the utility, of investigation recommendations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychological and sexological characteristics of rape perpetrators - first report
Authors: Kowalczyk R. M. , Daren A. , Hejmej A. , Lesniak M. , Waszynska K. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionFor many years, the crime of rape has been the focus of attention of numerous representatives of criminal law doctrines, psychologists and sexologists, and is also part of the considerations of courts and penitentiary centers.Statistical reports made available by the police clearly indicate that in recent years the problem of sexual crime has been growing, especially crimes consisting in committing a forbidden act such as rape or sexual murder.However, complete and objective data on the prevalence of sexual offenses are very difficult to obtain. Data from the judiciary statistics reveal only a narrow part of the problem of rape.ObjectivesThe project involves the analysis of the collected research results, the result of which will be the preparation of a report - a psychological and sexological profile - the characteristics of the convicts. The indicated analysis will be the result of research conducted in several penal facilities in the territory of Poland, including: Kraków, Warsaw, Poznań and others. on a research group comprising about 15% of the total number of prisoners for this crime.MethodsThe source of data on sexual offenders will be data obtained as a result of direct examinations of persons charged with rape, forensic psychiatric opinions, forensic psychological opinions and sexological opinions issued in their cases based on psychiatric and sexological tests commissioned by the court. The research material comes from the files of the perpetrators made available for the purposes of the study by the Central Board of the Prison Service. The authors of the project created a comprehensive perpetrator questionnaire containing a range of data including items on life line, origin, education, work, sexual preferences, sexual life, sexual initiation, psychiatric diagnoses and disorders of sexual preferences and personality.ResultsA preliminary review of the available material gives grounds to conclude that the data it contains is comprehensive and has enormous scientific value. The created tool (based on a comprehensive analysis of the material) by the research team also includes items on the course of the act itself, the method of searching for victims, the method of persuading or forcing victims to submit to sexual activities, the repetition of the act and, finally, the perpetrator’s relationship to the criminal act committed by him.The final report will be presented at the EPA conference.ConclusionsThe presented report will allow to get to know the characteristic elements of the psychological and sexological profile is a necessary condition for developing an effective strategy of social rehabilitation interactions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared