bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Psychiatric Inpatient Unit- experience and challenges
Authors: Mesquita B. , Fraga A. , Albuquerque M. , Espada-Santos P. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Paulino S. , Costa M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionOn January 2021 the Department of Psychiatry became the only unit exclusively dedicated to COVID patients with severe mental illness in acute decompensation. Only patients in risk of rapid medical deterioration were excluded and forwarded to intensive care.ObjectivesDiscussion of this unprecedented experience.MethodsAnalysis of 28 patients hospitalized during 3 months with both an acute psychiatric disorder and an SARS-CoV-2 infection; description of the multidisciplinary intervention made.ResultsOur sample was characterized by a majority of patients with an acute psychotic episode derived from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (42%) or a bipolar affective disorder (21%). Only 3% of the patients had a diagnosis of severe major depressive disorder. And 10% of patients developed severe respiratory symptoms requiring oxygen or urgent transfer to COVID medical wards. Most patients presented periods of psychomotor agitation, lack of impulse control and self-aggression. Psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions had to be adapted to these unusual conditions. Most of them had already gone through a period of isolation in the buffer ward created to exclude false negatives, which promoted atypical deliriums and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The psychiatric team was faced with the emergent need to adapt an intervention model based on trust to a model that had to prioritize physical safety.ConclusionsThe pandemic experience was transformative for all who lived through it. From the challenge perspective, it may have been enriching. But the maintained confrontation with the antithesis of therapy, defined by “caring, supporting, communicating, approaching”, was devastating in ways that we consider essential to be debated.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Past, Present, and Future of Involuntary Admission in Georgia
Authors: Chkonia E. 
Published: September 2022

Since gaining independence in 1991, Georgia has struggled to transform the old-Soviet mental health care structure into a humane system to meet basic human rights standards.The current version of the mental health law was introduced in 2007, which instituted the new practice that required court decisions for involuntary hospitalization and several practical procedures.The Public Defender’s Office (Special reports, 2019-2021) revealed gaps and contradictions within the law that lead to human rights violations and malpractices in involuntary hospitalization.Currently, the group of Georgian experts with international support from Expertise France- French Development Agency, at the request of the Ministry, are working on the new version of the mental health law, which will be in line with international requirements and standards.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Evolution of Electroconvulsive Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Regional ECT Unit of the Region of Murcia
Authors: Cutillas Fernández M.A. , Medina Garrido M.L. , López Villaescusa M. , Bermudez Larrosa E. , Martínez Milán C. , Aparicio Castro E. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionCovid-19 was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. From the beginning, the pandemic posed a challenge to the different health systems around the world, which were forced to prioritise and distribute their resources as efficiently as possible. During the period between 11 March 2020 and 28 April 2021, the Regional ECT Unit of the Region of Murcia remained closed.Objectives- Determine the clinical status of patients on maintenance ECT in the Regional ECT Unit during the Covid-19 pandemic.- Prioritise resumption of treatment in those who were clinically decompensated or at risk- Understand the consequences of discontinuation of maintenance ECT for these patients.MethodsA longitudinal descriptive study was conducted during the month of May 2020.ResultsThirty-seven patients were contacted by telephone. On the first call, a total of 15 patients were unstable or at risk of decompensation.Prior to the second call, CT was administered preferentially to a total of 8 patients and programmed to 2. On the second call, a total of 11 patients were at risk of decompensation.ConclusionsThe closure of the Regional ECT Unit had negative consequences for patients undergoing maintenance treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy is an essential part of the treatment of psychiatric patients both in acute episodes and in relapse prevention.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Determinants of Mental Health and Psychiatric Decompensation
Authors: Jay J. , Garrels E. , Korenis P. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled changes in healthcare delivery, incorporating new technologies and resulting in interruptions of care and access to treatment.ObjectivesTo understand the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health, particularly in those with psychotic disorders. The unique nature and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic today presents an opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by our patients and improvements that can be made in the delivery of mental healthcare.MethodsWe report five cases of patients with preexisting psychotic disorders seen on an inpatient psychiatry unit who decompensated for reasons relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a review of the literature by searching the PubMed database for the keywords “mental health,” “psychosis,” “COVID-19,” “epidemic,” “pandemic,” and “coronavirus.ResultsThe prevalence of psychotic disorders in the US is estimated to be between 0.25% and 0.64%. In the context of an epidemic or pandemic, the incidence of psychotic symptoms in those infected with a virus is estimated to be between 0.9% and 4%, demonstrating increased risk to this group. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to psychiatric decompensation.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to identify ways in which our patients are at risk and how we can attempt to alleviate those risks to provide improved care going forward. By appreciating the multifaceted ways in which the current situation has affected our patient population, we can extrapolate lessons that will allow us to better serve our patients even when this pandemic passes.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Vaccination and COVID-19: beliefs and perceptions
Authors: Stati S. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on societies, with hopes of a return to normalcy pinned on the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. The success of a vaccination programme will depend on the participation rate among the population which is influenced by perceptions and attitudes that are partly determined by contextual factorsObjectivesto study the associations between vaccination intention and theoretical background, contextual and socio-demographic factors in a demographic representationMethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted from 3 December 2020 to 10 March 2021, using a questionnaire exploring demographics, psychiatric impact of the pandemic, general opinion of the pandemic and the vaccine, main reasons for being for or against the vaccine, and people’s affinity for the different vaccine currently on the market worldwide.Results182 responses were collected, of which 83.5% were female, 50.5% were between 18 and 30 years of age, gender, contextual factors on vaccination uptake and type of vaccine showed a statistically significant difference with a P<0.005, between the 2 groups who agreed or disagreed with the vaccine uptake Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR = 0.193; 95% CI: 0.0437 -0.851) was independently associated with vaccine acceptance.ConclusionsThe exploration of perceptions and beliefs concluded that there is an undeniable impact of contextual factors on the practice and acceptance of covid 19 vaccination among the general population in Morocco, and that awareness and psycho-education of the population is therefore desirable.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Dissociation and emotional dysregulation in pathological personalities related to the fear of SARS-COV-2: a case report
Authors: Sousa R. , Brás J. , Costa A. , Vaz R. , Martins J. , Teixeira D. , Marques A. , Abreu J. , Almeida E. , Cunha N. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic represented a serious strain on the mental health resilience worldwide. Implementation of restrictive rules implied the disruption of social networks, eliciting emotional exhaustion and intense response to fear. This was amplified by media spread of panic and fake news, representing risk factors for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fear can be dangerous, especially accounting premorbid psychopathological vulnerability, such as pathological personality traits. Emotional dysregulation increases fear levels, mediated by the relationship between emotional dysregulation and lack of tolerance.ObjectivesClinical case presentation of patient who developed dissociative and behavioral symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Bibliographic research.MethodsBibliographic research using Pubmed®. Clinical file consultation and patient interviews.ResultsHeightened psychophysiological reactivity can result from the persistent fear experienced during a traumatic event and repeated memories related to it, leading to a sensitization of the response to fear. We present 57 year-old female patient, admitted to the COVID ward after trying to escape from home isolation due to positivity to COVID-19. In the hospital setting she developed dissociative symptoms, trying to escape from the ward and infect other people.ConclusionsIntense fear responses to COVID-19 are likely explained by poor emotion regulation capacities as well as dissociative mechanisms. Studies have shown that this pandemic was experienced as a real traumatic event and some studies have found that it may lead to the development of PTSD. Pathological personality is positively related to PTSD symptoms, attributable to higher levels of mood instability, cognitive/perceptual disorders, interpersonal dysfunctions and negative affection.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Effect of Covid-19-pandemic on loneliness, well-being, significant others – Results of a national survey of adults in Hungary
Authors: Brys Z. , Albert F. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionCovid-19-pandemic is likely to have a substantial and long-term effect on the mental health of the adult Hungarian population.ObjectivesTo investigate the self-reported change of loneliness, change in well-being, and change in the numbers of significant others due to Covid-19-pandemic.MethodsComputer-assisted web interviewing is being conducted. Survey design uses a multistaged sampling and iterative weighting algorithm, both based on the 2016 Hungarian micro census. The sample can be considered representative for age, gender, educational attainment, region, and size of the settlement. Continuous variables will be tested for normality of distribution using the Shapiro–Wilk, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. To check the comparability of the two groups, the Mann–Whitney U tests will be applied. The cross-tabulation Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests will be performed to assess the association between categorical variables. Two-sample Z-tests will be applied to evaluate the difference between the proportions of the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression models will be also applied to understand the association between the direction of change and sociodemographic variables.ResultsThe survey is currently being conducted; results shall be presented at the conference.ConclusionsThe survey is currently being conducted; results and conclusions shall be presented at the conference.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Moral Injury, Depression and Anxiety among Israeli Health and Social Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Thwarted Belongingness
Authors: Zerach G. , Levi-Belz Y. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic can affect the mental health of health and social care workers (HSCWs) who are frontline workers in this continuous crisis. Following exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) that undermine deeply held moral beliefs and expectations, HSCWs might experience moral injury (MI) and deleterious psychiatric consequences such as depression and anxiety symptoms.Objectives

To examine associations between exposure to PMIEs, MI symptoms, depression, and anxiety symptoms. We also aim to assess the moderating role of thwarted belongingness in these associations.MethodsA sample of 243 Israeli HSCWs completed online validated self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional designed survey in February and March 2021.ResultsAbout one-third (33.6%) of the sample met the criteria for major depressive disorder, 21.5% met the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and 19.1 % reported comorbidity of depression and anxiety. A moderated-mediation model shows that high thwarted belongingness intensified the relations between exposure to PMIEs and MI symptoms, and between MI symptoms and depression and anxiety symptoms. Importantly, the indirect effect of exposure to PMIEs on both depression and anxiety symptoms via MI symptoms existed only among those with high levels of thwarted belongingness.ConclusionsThe study’s findings highlight the mental burden of HSCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the contribution of MI to possible mental health consequences. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of high thwarted belongingness in depression and anxiety sequelae of exposure to PMIEs among HSCWs.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
COVID- 19 Following Acute Psychosis: Case series report
Authors: Hrnjica A. , Šarkić-Bedak Š. , Lokmić- Pekiċ I. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) could result in various medical consequences. Clinical manifestations are diverse and range from asymptomatic or mild, fever-like symptoms, to more severe and life-threatening complications. Although the clinical presentation was initially dominated by respiratory symptoms, psychiatric symptoms and sequelae have been reported in COVID- 19 patients and convalescents.ObjectivesTo describe four clinical case reports of patients admitted to the inpatient unit of Psychiatric Hospital Sarajevo (PHS) with acute onset of psychosis in the recovery stage of COVID-19.Methods

In this case series we report cases of 4 patients, all female, mean age 53.25 years, hospitalized in PHS during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. All developed psychotic symptoms in the recovery phase of COVID-19. None had a previous history of psychiatric disturbances of any kind. All patients were diagnosed with brief psychotic disorder (BPD), according to DSM 5 criteria for BPD.ResultsCOVID-19 affects various organ systems, including the brain, with variable symptoms based on disease severity. Psychotic features have been observed as well. The pathophysiology and direct biological effects of the disease are not fully understood. COVID-19 patients and convalescents can develop psychotic symptoms as a consequence of multiple concurrent factors. Several proposed mechanisms include direct central nervous system infiltration, cytokine network dysregulation, peripheral immune cell transmigration, and post-infectious autoimmunity [1], treatments used to manage the infection, and psychosocial stress.ConclusionsClinicians need to be aware of possible psychotic manifestations in COVID-19 patients and survivors. Long-term follow-up is warranted to provide efficient patient care.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The Prevalence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers of East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pereyra-Borlongan M.Y.E. 
Published: September 2022

Introduction
COVID-19, caused by the most recently discovered corona virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), has already reached pandemic scale worldwide. And it is expected for health care workers to feel stressed and worried during these times due to their exposure to infected individuals.ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the relationship between the demographic profile and health-related traits of EAMC employees, and their perceived stressors that aggravate psychologic distress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study of 390 health care workers, we use two brief mental health screening tools, namely Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated tool for depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) a validated tool for anxiety.ResultsFactors such as marital status, occupation and employment status appear to have association with the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Perceived stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic include long working hours, inconsistent administrative policies, exposure to Covid-19 positive individuals, inadequate time off from work and increasing number of patients but without commensurate additional work force. For our sample population, 31.8% did not have depressive symptoms, 35.6% had mild, 21% moderate, 9.7% moderately severe and 1.8% had severe depressive symptoms. While for anxiety, 57.7% had no to minimal symptoms, 26.9% mild, 9.7% moderate and 5.6% had severe anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsIt is therefore concluded that the Covid-19 pandemic indeed caused significant anxiety and depressive symptoms among health care workers. Measures to increase the work force should be put in place to decrease work burden and employee fatigue.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Personal believes - Barriers to vaccination against Covid_19
Authors: Abu Shehab A.H.I. , Gurita A.V. , Luca L. , Burlea L.Ș. , Ciubara A. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe ongoing global pandemic of Covid_19 had a huge pressure to accelerate the development process of Covid_19 vaccine. This acceleration of the vaccine appearance raised many concerns regarding the effectiveness and the adequate safety of the vaccine among general population.ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to determine the reasons behind vaccine refusal among general population.MethodsOnline questionnaire with the subjects’ agreement; The study included 61 participants aged between 18 and 40 years old. The study was effectuated in October 2021.ResultsMost of the participants (n=60, 98.36%) declared that they knew some persons who have refused the Covid_19 vaccine. Moreover, a number of 29 participants (48.33%) declared that vaccine refusal among the people who refused the vaccine was due to personal believes.ConclusionsThe success of the vaccination programs mainly depends on the proportion of the population that receive the vaccine. It is crucial to implement new strategies to increase the acceptability of Covid_19 vaccine.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The impact of the COVID pandemic on the attitude and mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID departments
Authors: Elleuch O. , Feki R. , Gassara I. , Smaoui N. , Charfi N. , Omri S. , Maalej M. , Ben Thabet J. , Zouari L. , Maalej M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID pandemic brought an overwhelming impact on hospital systems and personnel in the world.ObjectivesOur study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID pandemic on the attitude and mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID departments.MethodsWe included 23 healthcare professionals working in the COVID departments of the Hospitals of Sfax. Sociodemographic data, medical history and COVID related details were collected from the participants. Their mental health was assessed by the Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).ResultsIn our sample, 26.1% were men and 73.9% were women, they were aged from 26 to 52. They worked for 57 hours per week, including 27.38 hours of direct contact with COVID positive patients and 5.43 nightshifts per month. A rate of 52.2% of the participants claimed having enough protection tools and 13% confirmed having enough equipment for patient management. 30.4% feared the lack of equipment and 39.1% considered themselves trained enough to manage COVID patients. As for the protective measures, 95.7% reduced contact with family members, 30.4% stopped visiting their parents, 8.7% left the family house and 4.3% didn’t take any particular measure. The mean HADS depression score was 9.61, and 60.86% had a Depression score equal or greater than 8, indicating depression. As for the HADS Anxiety score, its mean was 10.61 and 69.56% had a score equal or greater than 8, indicating anxiety.ConclusionsThe pandemic had a big impact on healthcare professionals working in COVID departments, as shows the relatively high depression and anxiety rate.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Revision and Validation of the Hwa-Byung Scale
Authors: Kim J. , Park S.-A. , Lee S. , Kwan Y. , Choi S.-W. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionHwa-Byung is a cultural-related mental syndrome that reflects the cultural characteristics of Korean in DSM-IV. This syndrome is caused by anger or resentment towards unreasonable social violence and trauma.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to revise and validate the ’Hwa-Byung scale’, which can be used to diagnose Hwa-Byung and evaluate the severity of its symptoms.Methods

To begin with, the factors of the Hwa-Byung scale were set based on the previous studies. Additionally, the respective subfactors were generated by the semi-structured interviews with these patients. Based on these factors and previous studies, a 142-item pool was developed and verified by six Oriental Neuropsychiatrists. A pilot study was conducted on 50 patients with Hwa-Byung and the main study for the validation was conducted on 200 Hwa-Byung patients. Item analysis, internal consistency, and exploratory/confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Lastly, this study analyzed the ROC curve to present the diagnostic cut-off score of the scale.ResultsAs a result of analyzing the content validity of the item pool, we constructed a preliminary scale. We excluded the inadequate questions from the pilot study results. In the main study, The Hwa-Byung scale showed high internal consistency and its items were suitable for the factor structure. Finally, we suggest an optimal cut-off score of the symptoms sub-scale for screening Hwa-Byung.ConclusionsOverall, the results of this study indicated the reliability and validity of the Hwa-Byung Scale. Based on these results, we discussed several values and limitations of this study and provided suggestions for further research.DisclosureNo significant relationships.