bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEHA-S), cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in drug-naive, first episode patients with psychosis
Authors: Petrikis P. , Tigas S. , Christou M. , Brikos S. , Karampas A. , Georgiou G. , Hyphantis T. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionImpaired response to stress and a pathological activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophreniaObjectivesTo measure serum ACTH, cortisol and DEHA-S levels in drug-naïve, first-episode patients with psychosis.MethodsResults are reported as mean (standard deviation, range). Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test were performed for group comparisons. The level of significance was set at p-value<0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata 15.1.ResultsData were included for 110 subjects (70 men, 40 women); 55 patients and 55 controls matched for age and sex. Mean age was 31.3 years (8.7, 18-48) in patients and 31.4 years (8.9, 17-49) in controls. Serum cortisol and Cortisol/DHEA-S ratio were statistically significantly lower in patients [12.6μg/dl (4.5, 3.5-24.5) and 5.3 (3.6, 1.3-19.5), respectively] compared to controls [15.5 μg/dl (4.9, 4.2-30.1) and 8 (4.7, 1.1-25.5), respectively] (p-value=0.0068 and 0.0005, respectively). Additionally, serum DHEA-S was statistically significantly higher in patients [306.5 μg/dl(165.4, 70-790)] compared to controls [240.1 μg/dl(113.5, 46-597)] (p-value=0.0114). ACTH was also higher in patients [28.5 pg/ml(15.7, 6.2-73.9)] than controls [26.5 pg/ml (15.3, 7-70.5)] but this difference wasn’t statistically significant (p-value=0.6359).ConclusionsWe report elevated DEHA-S, decreased cortisol levels and decreased cortisol/DEHA-S ratio in the patients’ compared to the controls’ group.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Psychosis in a 40-year-old man as debut of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Martín C. Vilella , Sanz M.Á. Heredero , Vázquez P. García , Rodríguez I. Gonzalez , Sevillano S. Nuñez , García A. Serrano 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPsychosis in Alzheimer’s disease has an incidence of ~ 10% per year. Recent work has focused on the presence of psychosis in people with mild cognitive impairment, as a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.ObjectivesTo study a case of Alzheimer’s disease presenting psychotic symptomsMethodsRetrospective review of clinical records and complementary test, including psychiatry, electrophysiology and neurology.ResultsA 40-year-old goes to the emergency room due to hetero-aggression at home. He says that his father steals his money and prostitues have been hired in his house. The patient is oriented, partially collaborative and approachable. Psychomotor restlessness is observed. He has self-referral delusions, auditory hallucinations and insomnia. Provisional diagnosis of acute psychotic episode made and low dose risperidone was prescribed. During his stay on the hospital Ward, sedation, recent memory alterations, spatio-temporal disorientation lack of initiative and disorganized behaviors appear. Risperidone is withdrawn and complementary test are performed. Imaging tests show temporal and frontal atrophy. Increased TAU protein and low levels of amyloid in CSF are found. Brain biopsy is +. His mother died of Alzheimer’s disease with 36 years-old and another affected brother with 42 yeras-old. The definitive diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease and genetic studies are currently being carried out.ConclusionsPsychiatric symptoms may be present in Alzheimer’s desease. It is mandatory to carry out an adequate organic screening before a late first psychotic episode.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Stigma, insight and social anxiety in first episode patients with psychosis
Authors: Efthimiou M. , Petrikis P. , Toki E. , Siafaka V. , Fakitsa P. , Karampas A. , Georgiou G. , Hyphantis T. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPeople with schizophrenia are considered to be within the most stigmatized social groups. Accurate and efficient detection of stigma and its correlates is essential in patients with psychosis.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess illness insight, stigma, social anxiety and quality of life in patients with a first episode of psychosis and their possible correlationsMethodsThe sample of this study consisted of 90 patients with a first episode of psychosis that fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Tools used for the purpose of this study were Schedule for the assessment of insight-Expanded version, Internalized Stigma for Mental Illness Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment - Greek version, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale - Greek version. Data were collected and analyzed with SPSS v26.ResultsThe study group had good insight (SAI-E score: 20.33±4.449), medium to high stigma values (ISMI score 50.93±7.854), a good enough quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF score: 86.08±10.010) and low levels of social anxiety (LSAS-Gr Fear score: 3.26±8.653; Anxiety score: 2,93±7,596). The results of this study show significant at the 0.01 level 2-tailed correlations as such: (i) a positive and significant relationship between ISMI and LSAS-Gr, (ii) a negative and significant relationship between ISMI and WHOQOL-BREF, and (iii) a negative and moderate relationship between WHOQOL-BREF and LSAS-Gr.ConclusionsWe report medium to high stigma levels, good insight and a good enough quality of life in a sample of first-episode patients with psychosis.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Effect of long-acting injectable paliperidone 3 monthly and aripiprazol 1 monthly on hospitalization rate in a first-episode psychosis
Authors: Lopez P. Gil , Sanchez J.M. Rodriguez , Fernandez L. Garcia , Estevez V. Sanchez 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionLong-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) can reduce relapse and hospitalization risk but they are not widely used in first psychotic episode (FEP) patientes.ObjectivesTo examine the effcacy of two of the most used second generation LAI antipsychotics (paliperione 3 monthly and aripiprazol 1 monthly) to reduce hospitalization rates.MethodsWe evaluated in a naturalistic study a sample of patients (n=277) with a FEP. We carried out a mirror-design study to compare the number of hospitalizations and days in hospital before and after the introduction of LAI paliperidone (3 monthly) or LAI aripiprazol. In our Early Intervention Services (Lehenak) antipsychotic treatment is not protocolized and is established for each patient according to the psychiatrist criteria.ResultsWe review the oucome of 277 FEP treated in our Early Intervention Service “Lehenak” with LAI paliperidone 3 monthly (n=156) or LAI Aripiprazol (n=121)Pre LAI Mirror PeriodPost LAI Mirror PeriodWithin group comparisons (paired t-test) t pAripiprazol LAI number of Hospitalizations (mean, standard deviation)2.31 (1.72)0.73 (1.23)17.4 (<0.001)Paliperidone LAI 3 monthly number of Hospitalizations number0,68 (0.93)0.15 (0.47)4.62 (<0.001)Aripiprazol LAI Days in Hospital30.26 (33.52)17.02 (38.19)2.93 (0.004)Paliperidone LAI 3 monthly Days in hospital12.63 (24.23)3.40 (14.18))7.5 (<0.001)ConclusionsBoth LAI paliperidone 3 monthly and LAI aripiprazol had a postive impact on hospitalIzation rate, decreasing them significantly after their introduction. These data also support a more extensive use of LAI paliperidone 3 monthly in FEP.DisclosurePresenting author has received honouraria for lectures or advisory boards from Janssen, Otsuka, Lundbeck and Angelini in the last five years
Schizophrenia long-acting antipsychotics initiation index (SLAAII)
Authors: Ifteni P. , Teodorescu A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionBackground In individuals with schizophrenia, long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) have been shown to be beneficial in preventing relapse. An important issue in these individuals is poor medication adherence, which can negatively affect outcomes. Although currently underutilized in comparison with oral antipsychotics, LAIs can be an important treatment option for addressing the high rates of poor adherence to medication in individuals with schizophrenia. There is a lack of published evidence and treatment guidelines on optimal strategies for the initiation of treatment with LAIs, which would at least partly explain why LAIs remain underutilized.ObjectivesAims The aim of this report is to present an index for initiation of LAI in schizophrenia.MethodsA restrospective chart review of a cohort of 1000 consecutive patients hospitalized with schizophrenia in Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry and Neurology Brasov, Romania, between 2011 and 2019. The number and reasons of LAIs initiation were evaluated.ResultsRezults The results shows a reduced number of LAIs initiation and led to the realization of an index entitled Schizophrenia long-acting antipsychotics initiation index (SLAAII) with 6 domains (age, duration of illness, number of relapses, response to oral treatment and antipsychotic available formulation), each with 3 response variants rated with 5 points, 3 points and 1 point. The maximum posible score is 30 points and minimum 6 points. A score above 20 points is a strong indication for LAI initiation.ConclusionsSchizophrenia long-acting antipsychotics initiation index (SLAAII) could be a very useful tool to facilitate the initiation of LAI treatment in patients with schizophrenia.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Innovative mental health policies, plans and interventions: How to manage consequences of economic crisis?
Authors: Caldas De Almeida J.M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract BodyAvailable evidence shows that countries may shield their population’s exposure and vulnerability to mental health risks during and after an economic recession by strengthening their policies and reorienting their budgets. Populations’ mental health protection during economic crises can only be achieved by the policies of different sectors. Social protection, social programmes and social safety nets proved to be fundamental buffers against inequalities in mental health. Several actions have proven to be effective in this area, including measures to improve social protection, reduce income inequalities, and mitigate the impacts of unemployment. To address the negative consequences of unemployment, active labour market programmes, including special programmes for unemployed young people and families, programmes to promote the employment of people with disabilities, and debt relief programmes should be implemented. The response of the health system is critical. During and after economic recessions, it is fundamental to ensure the responsiveness and effectiveness of the mental health system. To attain this goal, mental health services that are closer to the populations and that facilitate the early identification of mental health problems and the implementation of integrated interventions should be strengthened. The latter is a crucial approach to tackle the mental health problems that more often worsen in periods of economic instability, such as depression, suicidal behaviour and heavy drinking. A special attention should also be dedicated to strengthening the network of community-based mental health services, promoting the integration of mental health in primary care, and enhancing the coordination between mental health services and social care.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Cognitive impairment in first psychotic episodes: The role of cannabis
Authors: Boi S. , Sanz-Aranguez B. , Salvador M.T. González , Labrador R. Gutierrez , Ruíz C.M. Martín , Caballero L. , De Arce Cordón R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe role of cannabis on cognitive impairment in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is becoming more important, with multiple investigations on this regard, with heterogeneous results due to different methodologies.ObjectivesTo evaluate the cognitive profile in patients who suffer a FEP, analyzing the potential effect of cannabis.Methods
We present the preliminar results of a cross-sectional case-control study about the effect of cannabis on cognition, in patients suffering a FEP. We recruited a total of 41 FEP during the last two years. We investigated the theorical differences between those who were cannabis users (FEP-Cannabis+)(n=28) and not cannabis users (FEP-Cannabis-)(n=13). We included a control group with healthy subjects who were cannabis users (Healthy-Cannabis+)(n=24).Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire was completed. The Screening Scale to evaluate Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry(SCIP-S) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were used. The consumption pattern was also evaluated.ResultsIn this study, cognitive impairment was found in FEP-Cannabis+,when compared with Healthy-Cannabis+.The most affected areas were immediate verbal learning (I-VL), delayed verbal learning (D-VL), processing speed (PS), and total score (TS). Significant differences were also observed in the cognitive profile of patients suffering FEP depending on their use of cannabis. FEP-Cannabis+) showed lower scores in PS, I-VL and TS.ConclusionsAlthough several prognostic factors have been identified in FEP, to date there are no reliable markers for predicting the possible evolution of high-risk mental states to a FEP. More investigations are necessary in order to elucidate the role of cannabis in the cognitive impairment.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Historical path of paraphrenia
Authors: Mata A. Hernández , Gómez A. Sotillos , Coscujuela P. Marco , Méndez B. Ordóñez 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionParaphrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by an insidious development of a vivid and exuberant delusional system, accompanied by hallucinations and confabulations, without a personality deterioration. It is considered to be an intermediate entity between the disorganization of schizophrenia and the systematization of a delusional disorder.ObjectivesDevelop knowledge about paraphrenia as an individualized diagnostic entity and its historical path through the classical authors’ texts.MethodsExtensive research on the historical path of the paraphrenia diagnostic entity was carried out, as well as the current situation of the term.ResultsIn the German psychiatry it was Karl Kahlbaum who first introduced the term of paraphrenia. Later many authors of the German psychiatry delved into this diagnostic entity. Emil Kraepelin described four different subtypes of paraphrenia: paraphrenia systematica, expansiva, confabulans and phantastica. However, other authors such as Kleist or Bleuler, considered paraphrenia should not be judge as an individualized diagnostic entity as it should be considered inside schizophrenia, so the term disappeared in the German psychiatry. In the French psychiatry, unlike the German, the independence of chronic psychosis from schizophrenias was recognized, so the term had a longer path. Henry Ey recognized four important clinical features in this disorder: paralogical thought dominance, megalomania, confabulation and integrity of relation with reality.ConclusionsCurrently the term paraphrenia is no longer considered an individualized diagnostic entity. In fact, in today’s textbooks of psychiatry paraphrenia is considered a psychotic disorder that has nothing in common with the one described by the classical authors, and it is part of the late-onset psychosis.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of women admitted to eileen skellern ward (ES1) psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU)
Authors: Rose E. , Blake L. , Covshoff E. , Sethi F. , Rathouse R. , Wilson A. , Bolade A. , Pittrof R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPICU inpatients are likely to be at increased risk of having unmet SRH needs due to barriers to accessing services. Since May 2018, an in-reach SRH assessment has been available to all psychiatric inpatients on ES1 ward, if referred. Analysis of referrals over 15 months identified only 24 had been made during this time.ObjectivesTo assess the SRH needs of women admitted to ES1 PICU, the feasibility of providing a SRH in-reach clinic, and the acceptability of delivering a nurse lead referral programme.MethodsA bi-monthly SRH in-reach clinic and a nurse led SRH referral pathway were implemented on ES1 over a seven-month period. A staff training needs assessment was performed followed by training, a protocol was developed, staff attitudes were explored, and patient engagement was sought.ResultsA total of 41% (32/77) of patients were referred, which was a 29% increase. 53.1% (17/32) of the total referrals had a true SRH need, equating to a 10% increase and 22% (17/77) of all PICU admissions. 90% of referrals were made by nursing staff. A staff focus group (n15) highlighted the acceptability and perceived importance of offering SRH care in PICU, if interventions were appropriately timed and the patient’s individual risk profile was considered.ConclusionsResults identify that SRH needs for PICU admissions are greater than previously realised. Providing a nurse led referral pathway for an SRH in-reach clinic is acceptable, feasible and beneficial for PICU patients. This project has resulted in service improvements including offering asymptomatic STI testing to all PICU admissions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Gender incongruence: A longitudinal perspective from childhood throughout adolescence
Authors: Borges L. , Riggi G. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionGender identity is each person’s internal and individual experience of gender. Gender expression is how a person publicly expresses their gender. Gender incongruence (GI) is defined as a condition in which a person has a marked incongruence between the expressed or experienced gender and the biological sex at birth. Adolescence is a crucial period for the persistence or development of GI, due hormonal changes, peer relations and first romantic experiences.ObjectivesTo make a revision of the literature about GI along childhood throughout adolescence.MethodsResearch in the literature with the words “gender identity”, “gender incongruence”, “gender dysphoria”, “childhood” and “adolescence” in scientific databases.ResultsGI is present in a small percentage of children, often provoking psychopathological distress. There is a high prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in these children, compared with the general population. In most cases the dysphoria does not persist until adolescence. There has been an increasing number of adolescents seeking for treatment at gender identity services. The studies show that after the onset of puberty, the probability of persistent GI is high and that adolescents submitted to hormonal suppression tend to continue the medical treatment.ConclusionsEpidemiological formal studies about gender incongruence in children and adolescents are very few. Studies of prevalence in these populations are community studies and don’t reflect the true prevalence of GI, so it would be necessary to investigate its prevalence and persistence in different world populations. It’s also necessary to make more prospective studies about the long-term effects of the medical treatment of GI.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Analysis of risk factors in patients with alcohol delirium who have been treated at the riga psychiatry and narcology center in 2018
Authors: Kurzemnieks K. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAlcohol abuse can be the cause for psychotic disorders. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD10) they are coded F10.4-F10.9. One of the potentially life-threatening complications is the development of alcohol delirium. Mortality rates in patients with untreated alcohol delirium reach 15%. It is extremely important to identify the risk factors that contribute to the development of delirium in time to ensure the most effective treatment and to ensure the patient’s potential survival in the hospitalization and post-hospitalization phase.ObjectivesTo analyze and evaluate the risk factors that have coused alcohol withdrawal with the development of delirium in patients admitted at the department of Narcology of the Riga Psychiatry and Narcology Center in 2018.MethodsThis study is a retrospectively conducted cohort study based on data from inpatient medical records for patients diagnosed with alcohol-induced delirium at the Department of Narcology of the Riga Psychiatry and Narcology Center in Year 2018.ResultsIn the Riga Psychiatry and Narcology Center 113 patients were diagnosed alcohol caused delirium. That makes up to 8% of all inpatients in year 2018. Summary of the prevalence of the most significant risk factors in 2018 inpatients with alcohol delirium.High levels of aspartate aminotransferase95%Tachycardia76%High levels of alanine aminotransferase54%Low platelet count51%High systolic blood pressure50%High diastolic blood pressure46%Other somatic diseases45%Previous history of detoxification37%History of alcohol-induced seizures13%ConclusionsThe study indicated that some easily determined parameters are potential clinical predictors for the development of delirium tremens.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Predictors of smoking cessation treatment attrition in individuals with substance use disorders
Authors: Aonso-Diego G. , García-Pérez Á. , Weidberg S. , Secades-Villa R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAttrition rates in smoking cessation treatments are high, particularly in persons with substance use disorders. It is estimated that about 55%% disengage prematurely at treatment, meaning that a large portion will not benefit from smoking abstinence. So far, no previous studies have examined predictors of dropouts in a smoking cessation treatment with persons with SUD.ObjectivesThe study was two-fold: 1) to analyze the percentage of
early-, late-dropouts and completers, and 2) to examine sociodemographic, psychological, and substance-related predictors of dropouts.MethodsA total of 86 participants (69.8% males; Mage=43.84, SD=9.917) were randomly assigned to two psychological smoking cessation treatment: cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) (n=51) or CBT + contingency management (CM) (n=35). Interventions were delivered during eight consecutive weeksResultsOf the 86 participants who completed the baseline assessment, 21 did not start treatment, 17 dropped out of treatment during treatment, and the remaining 48 completed the treatment. Predictors of early-dropout were younger age (B=-.234; p=.024; OR=.792) and lower number of days in SUD treatment (B= -.005; p=.026; OR=.995). Patients’ primary substance of use was associated with reduced early-dropouts; compared to cocaine users, alcohol (B=-1.827; p=.043; OR=.161) and opioids (B=-3.408; p=.018; OR=.033) related to improved attrition. Late dropout was directly related to higher number of tobacco use cessation attempts (B=.407; p=.039; OR=1.502).ConclusionsIncorporating strategies to improve attendance and completion rates in SUD populations should be a priority. Mobile reminders, offering online therapies, or CM to reinforce attendance to therapy may be considered.DisclosureNo significant relationships.