bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of vortioxetine in real-world clinical practice: Interim results from the relieve study
Authors: Mattingly G. , Christensen M. , Simonsen K. , Hammer-Helmich L. , Ren H. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionVortioxetine has demonstrated sustained efficacy and favorable safety profile in multiple clinical trials.ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the effectiveness and safety of vortioxetine in real-world clinical practice.MethodsRELIEVE is a prospective, multi-national, observational cohort study of outpatients initiating vortioxetine treatment for MDD at physician’s discretion and followed for 6 months. Data were collected at routine clinical visits. The primary outcome was functioning measured by Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Depressive symptoms measured by Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9), cognitive symptoms measured by PDQ-5 and DSST were key secondary outcomes. Safety outcomes including adverse events were reported. This interim analysis presents results of 527 patients who completed the study and were followed for 6 months. Mixed models of repeated measures were used to assess improvements between baseline and month 6, adjusted for relevant confounders.ResultsA total of 527 patients (mean age, 50.2 years, 65% female) were enrolled from US, Canada, France and Italy, and included in the analysis. Mean SDS total score, PHQ-9, PDQ-5 scores decreased by 8.6, 7.4 and 4.7 respectively from baseline to last visit. Mean DSST score improved by 6.5 from baseline to last visit. Patients’ overall functioning and quality of life significantly improved, sick leave days and underproductive days (both absenteeism and presenteeism) decreased over the entire follow up period. The overall incidence of adverse events(AE) was 25%, with the most common AEs being nausea and headache.ConclusionsThe results confirm the effectiveness and good tolerability of vortioxetine in a broad range of patients in routine clinical practice.Conflict of interestDr. Mattingly has served as researcher, consultant or speaker for Akili, Alcobra, Alkermes, Allergan, Axsome, Boehringer, Forum, Genentech, Jansen, Lundbeck, Medgenics, Merck, Neos, NLS Pharma, Otsuka, Reckitt Benckiser, Roche, Sage, Shire, Sunovion, Supe
The role of zinc, albumin, c reactive protein, and interleukin-6 in differentiation of unipolar depression and depression in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bagaric T. , Zivkovic M. , Marinovic P. , Kozmar A. , Jaksic N. , Sagud M. , Mihaljevic-Peles A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThere is no clinical difference between depressive episodes in bipolar disorder compared to major depressive disorder, which is why bipolar disorder remains unrecognized. Correctly distinguishing these disorders is of great importance because the therapeutic approach differs significantly. According to previous research, zinc, albumin, C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6(IL-6) seem to play a role in differentiating these two types of depressive episodes.ObjectivesTo determine zinc, albumin, CRP and IL-6 serum concentrations in patients with major depressive disorder and depressive episode of bipolar disorder.MethodsResearch involved 60 participants. Participants signed informed consent prior to inclusion in the study. Sociodemographic data have been collected using a previously structured questionnaire. The severity of depressive symptoms has been measured by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D-17). Blood samples were obtained from each study participant’s brachial vein, to determine zinc, albumin, C reactive protein and interleukin-6 serum concentrations.ResultsStatistically significant difference was found in zinc serum levels between the two analysed groups. In the overall sample, there is a significant positive correlation between the results on the rating scales and the serum level of CRP.ConclusionsWe confirmed an association between serum levels of CRP and the severity of the illness. Regardless, these are preliminary results of the research. Sufficient final conclusion cannot yet be drawn because it is being limited by the sample size and further investigation is needed.
Challenging stigma attached to mental disorders: A psychosocial perspective
Authors: Fiorillo A. 
Published: February 2022

Stigma attached to mental disorders represent one of the main obstacles to patients’ full recovery and empowerment. In the last decades, many anti-stigma programmes have been implemented worldwide, but stigma still represents a major obstacle for people with severe mental disorders, their family members, friends and also healthcare professionals. Stigma is a complex social phenomenon, which entails a lack of knowledge, discriminating attitudes and excluding behaviours in the general population, which deserves a multi-level approach. In particular, anti-stigma strategies combining the three most common approaches, including contact, education, and organization of protest activity, are the most effective. Interventions should contain age-appropriate information and should be provided at an early age (e.g., in schools). Interdisciplinary approaches are recommended. In particular, contact strategies are important to reduce prejudice and change attitudes towards people with mental disorders and may be implemented either by video (interviews/personal testimonies), but ideally in person with affected individuals, reporting their real life experiences. In this workshop, the role of advocacy associations together with all stakeholders of mental health will be discussed in the process of fighting stigma according to a psychosocial perspective.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Online psychological intervention with LGBT clients in Portugal
Authors: Pereira H. , Figueira M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThis is a quasi-experimental and pioneering study in Portugal.Objectives(1) to provide assessment materials for symptoms of internalized homophobia, depression, and anxiety targeted at LGBT people; (2) offer support materials for psychotherapeutic work-oriented in the areas of internalized homonegativity, depression, and anxiety; and (3) offer monitoring measures throughout the program to demonstrate changes. It consists of three phases (pre-program evaluation, therapeutic activities and post-program evaluation).Methods38 LGBT + individuals participated, average age was 34.15 years, 30 self-identified as male. Measures used for the pre and post-intervention assessment were the sociodemographic questionnaire, the LGBT identity questionnaire, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and the BSI-18. Participants were invited to join the program online, through a platform created for this purpose, where ethical aspects were clarified, namely: confidentiality and commitment to adherence. Therapeutic tasks were sent by email or WhatsApp depending on the preference of each participant.ResultsRelevant differences in internalized homophobia, depressive, and anxious symptoms between the pre and post-intervention moments were observed, indicating that the program is effective in changing these symptoms.ConclusionsThe importance of validating this type of program allows reaching “hidden” populations by offering online support that minimizes the effects of sexual stigma on LGBT + populations.
Mental health mobile apps for patients: Psychiatrists’ concerns
Authors: Hanft-Robert S. , Tabi K. , Gill H. , Endres A. , Krausz R.M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe use of mobile apps aimed at supporting patients with a mental illness is rapidly increasing.ObjectivesThe presented results explore psychiatrists’ concerns about mobile apps for patients with a mental illness. These results are part of a larger study that examines psychiatrists’ attitudes regarding the use and development of mobile apps.MethodsIn the qualitative exploratory study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 psychiatrists in Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia. Psychiatrists were recruited via snowball sampling. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and content analyzed using deductive and inductive category development.ResultsThere were mixed feelings regarding mobile apps for patients with mental illness. While psychiatrists emphasized certain benefits (e.g. increasing patients’ treatment motivation and engagement), several concerns were also expressed, especially by psychiatrists who were generally unfamiliar with mobile apps. They feared being replaced; were afraid that patients would act as their own doctors, thereby damaging their health; stressed that mobile apps could not respond or be tailored to an individual the same way psychiatrists could tailor treatment to a patient.ConclusionsThe psychiatrists who were more likely to have concerns about mental health apps were those who were generally unfamiliar with the apps and/or thought the apps aim to replace, rather than support, face-to-face treatment. Thus, clinicians and patients should be familiarized with the use of such mobile apps and educated on how they could support the face-to-face treatment.
Transdiagnostic internet cbt for mixed anxiety and depressive: Results from a feasibility study in primary care
Authors: Roberge P. , Vasiliadis H.-M. , Lesage A. , Labelle R. , Haskelberg H. , Grenier J. , Drapeau M. , Provencher M.D. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIn response to the treatment gap for anxiety and depressive disorders, psychological treatments with innovative modalities and high implementation potential are essential. Internet CBT (iCBT) is a cost/effective approach that could improve access to a low-intensity evidence-based CBT intervention.ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of the French adaptation of the physician-prescribed six-lesson This Way Up transdiagnostic iCBT program for mixed anxiety and depressive disorders developed in Australia.MethodsFeasibility study with pre- post-intervention evaluations, including an embedded qualitative study in Family Medicine Groups (Quebec, Canada). Inclusion criteria comprise a family physician diagnosis of Major Depression, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Primary self-reported outcomes: PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety); secondary measures include diagnostic-specific scales and health service utilisation.ResultsFamily physicians (N=21) from five Family Medicine Groups prescribed iCBT to 45 patients (30 women, 15 men; mean age = 39.7), 31 initiated the program. To date, 20 patients completed 5 or 6 lessons, nine completed between 2 and 4. Intervention and post-treatment assessments are ongoing, results forthcoming. Results of semi-structured interviews with patients (N=15) and family physicians (ongoing) on iCBT acceptability indicate it is beneficial, practical and easy to use. Program adherence requires patient readiness and determination and could be fostered by motivational support from clinicians.ConclusionsResults support this French iCBT program’s scaling-up potential to contribute to reducing the gap in evidence-based treatments for common mental disorders. Its implementation in primary care could improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity to a rapidly accessible treatment.
Telepsychiatry care during the COVID-19 outbreak in young adults with a first episode of psychosis or entering schizophrenia
Authors: Kiesmann E. , Mallet J. , Charlot V. , Dubertret C. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionDuring the Covid Outbreak, the deployment of psychiatric phone-based consultations (PbC) became a large necessity.ObjectivesThe main objective of our study was to assess, 4 months after the end of the lockdown, the degree of satisfaction of the PbCs compared to that of usual face-to-face consultations (FC) in young adults presenting a first episode of psychosis (FEP) or entering schizophrenia (SCZ).MethodsAll patients beneficiated from PbCs conducted by hospital care staff during lockdown. A 15-items questionnaire evaluating satisfaction was carried out remotely (score ranging from 1 to 10). Primary outcome was satisfaction with consultation allowing the comparison of a group preferring FC (FC+) against a group in favor or equivalent of PbC (PbC +).Results30 patients were recruited (mean age 26.93 years old (4.9 SD), Male 56%. Diagnoses were SCZ 60% and FEP 40%. 20/30 participants belonged to (FC+) group. Total scores of satisfaction for the PbC differed between the (PbC+) group (mean 9 (1.69 SD)) and (FC+) group (mean 6.80, (1.32 SD)) p < 0.05. The (FC+) group tends to have PbC more frequently (40%) than the (PbC+) group (10%) and to find the phone interface more stressfull (40%) than the PbC+ group (10%). The (FC+) group tends to less wish (40%) PbC follow up in future than the (PbC+) group (90%).ConclusionsThis study shows that the PbCs were favorably evaluated by a third of the patients. The anxiety-inducing experience of the PbC in the (FC+) group could be explained by the severity of their pathology.
Mapping mental healthcare professionals’ journey towards digital mental health adoption: A qualitative study
Authors: Mendes-Santos C. , Nunes F. , Weiderpass E. , Santana R. , Andersson G. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionDigital Mental Health holds strategic potential in fulfilling populations’ mental healthcare unmet needs, enabling convenient and equitable access to mental healthcare. However, despite strong evidence of efficacy, uptake by mental healthcare providers remains low and little is known about factors influencing adoption and its interrelationship throughout the Digital Mental Health adoption process.ObjectivesThis study aimed at gaining in-depth understanding of factors influencing adoption and mapping its interrelationship along different stages of the Digital Mental Health adoption process.MethodsThis work adopted a qualitative approach consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 13 mental healthcare professionals, including both psychologists and psychiatrists. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically, following Braun and Clarke’s method.ResultsIn this communication, we will describe how digital technology is currently used by clinicians to deliver mental healthcare. We identify potential factors influencing Digital Mental Health adoption and characterize the different identified stages inherent to this appropriation process: i) Pondering appropriate use; ii) Contractualizing the therapeutic relationship; iii) Performing online psychological assessment; iv) Adapting and/or developing interventions; v) Delivering Digital Mental Health interventions; and vi) Identifying training unmet needs. A discussion on how different factors and its interrelationship impact the adoption process will also be performed.ConclusionsBy characterizing mental healthcare providers journey throughout the Digital Mental Health adoption process, we intend to inform ecosystem stakeholders, such as researchers, policy makers, societies and industry, on key factors influencing adoption, so policies, programs and interventions are developed in compliance with this knowledge and technology is more easily integrated in clinical practice.
A comparative study reveals a similar validity of telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric assessment in emergency room setting
Authors: Bistre M. , Eitan R. , Linkovsky O. , Barash I. , Juven-Wetzler A. , Katz G. , Kohn Y. , Argo D. , Teplitz R. , Fastovsky N. , Said M.-M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionTelepsychiatry (TP) can provide an alternative to traditional face-to-face (FTF) assessments. However, TP in the emergency room setting is much less prevalent, probably due to lack of solid evidence about its effectiveness and acceptability.ObjectivesTo directly compare traditional FTF and TP modalities in the emergency room setting.MethodsPsychiatric patients (n=38) presented to the emergency room went through traditional in-person and videoconference TP interviews in varying order. Both FTF and TP interviewers that examined the patients as well as a third psychiatrist, acting as an observer for both modalities, determined the diagnosis, disposition recommendation and indication for involuntary admission.ResultsRater decisions had a high matching on disposition and indication for involuntary admission (Cohen’s Kappa (CK) of 0.84/0.81, 0.95/0.87 and 0.89/0.94 for FTF-TP, Observer-FTF and Observer-TP, respectively). Although identical diagnosis matching between the raters was relatively low, the partial diagnosis matching was high (CK of 0.52/0.81, 0.52/0.85 and 0.56/0.85 for FTF-TP, Observer-FTF and Observer-TP, respectively). Telepsychiatry assessments had comparable acceptability in items such as psychiatrists’ certainty and interviewers’ and patients’ satisfaction.ConclusionsTP and FTF psychiatric assessments in the emergency room settings have similar validity and acceptability. Implementation of TP in emergency room settings might improve the mental health services’ quality and access especially for remote populations. TP is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable treatment for epidemiologically isolated patients and to protect the medical personnel.
Changes in pornography use and sexual behaviour during lockdown
Authors: Koós M. , Bőthe B. , Király O. , Paksi B. , Demetrovics Z. 
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions had a significant impact on the living and working conditions as well as the everyday behavior and mental health condition. Aim of the current analysis was to examine the impact of the input-deprived circumstances on the sexual life characteristics. An online survey carried out after a few weeks of the first nation-wide lockdown was enacted in Hungary. 1,755 persons participated in the first wave (50.4% males). Relationship and sexual life satisfaction, sexual intercourse and masturbation frequency were assessed with additional single-item questions about the subjective change (5-pont Likert scale; 1=“decreased significantly”; 5=“increased significantly) in these characetristics since the epidemiological restrictions had been introduced. Furthermore, several potential protective and risk factors were measured (depressive symptoms, perceived stress, loneliness, general well being, intolerance of uncertainty, sensation seeking, and COVID-19 related health anxiety). Linear regression models were calculated to assess which of the former variables predict the subjective changes of one’s sexual life. The analyses resulted in weak standardized coefficients. The subjective change in relationship satisfaction (mean 3.20, SD 0.94) and sexual satisfaction (mean 2.82, SD 0.73) were predicted positively by general well-being (β=.11–0.25, p<.01), and negatively by loneliness (β=-.14-0.19, p<0.01). Loneliness predicted negatively the subjective change in sexual intercourses (mean 2.75, SD 0.89) and masturbation frequency (mean 2.89, SD 0.84) (β=- .10–.12, p<.01), while sensation seeking had no effect (β=-.09, p<.01). The COVID-19 related health anxiety predicted negatively only the change in sexual life frequency (β=-.07, p<.05). The explained variances were rather small (1.7%-11.8%).DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Equestrian vaulting as an innovative complementary intervention in eating disorders: A pilot study
Authors: Collacchi B. , Cirulli F. , Borgi M. , Monaci I. , Piccotti A. , Renga S. , Ragione L. Dalla , Ettorre M. , Biccheri G. , Rossetti F. , Cerino S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAnorexia is a disorder associated with severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions (distorted weight perception, body dissatisfaction). Multidimensional integrative treatment approaches are needed to act both on intrapersonal (e.g. nutritional and psychological) and interpersonal (e.g. behavioral and affective) processes.ObjectivesAim of this pilot project was to develop a 3-months horse-assisted intervention based on Equestrian Vaulting (EV) and tests its suitability and acceptability in patients with anorexia nervosa. Preliminary observations were carried out to assess the effectiveness of this program on body image, interpersonal relationships and communication and in managing anxiety.MethodsSeven patients in charge of public service specialized in eating disorder participated in the study. EV activities were performed in an Equestrian Centre included horse grooming, gym exercises and horseback sessions.Clinical and psychological tests (SF 36, IPAQ, EDI3, STAI, SCL90) were administered at baseline and at the end of the program.ResultsIncreases in body fat and decreases in lean muscle mass were observed. These were accompained by an improvement in participants’ anxiety and relational skills and in the specific disease related symptoms.ConclusionsResults indicate the potential of EV to help patients with eating disorder regaining awareness of themselves and their body, a critical element for their future reintegration in the contexts of everyday life and society. Although this is a pilot, the protocol developed represents an initial step to promote the application of EV in persons with eating disorders, informing feasibility in the design of larger controlled studies and suggesting critical variables to be targeted.
Dynamics of aggressive manifestations in eating disorders
Authors: Belokrylov I. , Bryukhin A. , Lineva T. , Okonishnikova E. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAnorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are often accompanied by aggressive manifestations that undergo typical dynamics at different stages of the disease. The presence of aggressive phenomena in eating disorders can cause severe maladaptation of patients, cause difficulties in diagnosis, establishing compliance, and prevent the normalization of family relations.ObjectivesTo study the varieties of aggressive manifestations and their changes in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia.MethodsPsychopathological, anamnestic, psychological.ResultsThe most pronounced aggressive symptoms in typical anorexia nervosa are verbal and physical aggression against relatives and close people; feeding younger siblings, parents; threats and suppression of the opinion of relatives in relation to patients. The above aggressive statements and actions occur at the stage of correction and in the initial period of the stage of exhaustion. With deep exhaustion (pronounced cachexia) and in the process of food rehabilitation, aggressive behavior is significantly reduced. In the future, there is criticism of their own aggressive symptoms. In bulimia nervosa, only verbal aggression toward loved ones is noted, especially when they interfere with purifying behavior and massive compulsive overeating. The degree of aggression in bulimia nervosa is significantly less.ConclusionsAggressive manifestations in eating disorders depend on the stage of the disease, the degree of exhaustion and undergo reverse development in the course of therapy. Aggressive phenomena in eating disorders have a significant impact on the clinic, dynamics, outcomes of diseases and the effectiveness of treatment tactics.Conflict of interestNo significant relationships.