bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Vit D and parathyroid hormone in clinical severity of patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Palummo C. , Marone L. , Caivano V. , Vece A. , Steardo L. , Luciano M. , Cerbo A. Di , Vecchio V. Del , Fiorillo A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionVitamin D modulates the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, thus influencing mood and its alterations. Decreased blood levels of Vitamin D are involved in many psychiatric disorders, in particular, affective disorders. As regards bipolar disorder (BD), an association between vitamin D deficiency and severity of illness has been found.ObjectivesIn this observational study, we assessed calcium homeostasis imbalance in a sample of patients with BD; in particular, we explored whether serum levels of PTH, Vitamin D and calcium influence the clinical presentation of BD and its symptom severity.MethodsAll patients were administered with validated assessment instruments to assess psychopathology, affective temperaments and global functioning. Vitamin D and PTH levels were assessed in all patients. An-ad hoc schedule was administered for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsThe total sample consisted of 199 patients (females: 51%; mean age: 47.1 ± 13.2 years). Levels of serum PTH were directly correlated with the total number of hospitalizations (p< 0.01), and of depressive (p< 0.0001), manic (p< 0.001) and hypomanic episodes (p< 0.01). Serum levels of Vitamin D were positively associated with age at first psychiatric contact and were inversely correlated with the total number of depressive episodes (p< 0.05) and cyclothymic temperament (p< 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased levels of PTH and Vit D correlate with a worse clinical outcome of patients with BD. Our results highlight the importance to routinely assess PTH, Vit D and calcium levels in BD patients. Moreover, vitamin D may represent a valid add-on treatment for these patients.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Bipolar mania with psychosis vs without psychosis: A clinical characterization with indirect measures of severity
Authors: Andrade F. , Machado A.S. , Vieira A. , Silva A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe presence of psychotic symptoms is highest during acute episodes of bipolar mania. There is no evidence base regarding the implications of psychosis in the prognosis of bipolar disorder, despite common assumption that their occurrence reflects greater disease severity.ObjectivesWe aim to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of inpatients admitted for bipolar mania with and without psychotic features.MethodsRetrospective observational study of inpatients admitted between January 1st 2017 and 31 October 2020 in a psychiatry inpatient unit of a tertiary hospital. Descriptive analysis of the results was performed using the SPSS software, version 26.0.ResultsBetween 2017 and October 2020 there were 103 admissions due to mania bipolar I disorder, 53.4% (n=55) with psychotic symptoms. When compared with mania without psychosis, psychotic mania was associated to male gender (71.1% to 39.7%; c2(1, N = 103) = 10,06; p = 0.02) and younger age (t(103) = -2.43; p = 0.017). The proportion of compulsory admissions and average length of stay were similar between mania with psychosis and mania without psychosis. Also, having a manic bipolar episode with psychotic symptoms was not associated to being prescribed a long-acting injectable antipsychotic.ConclusionsThe presence of psychotic symptoms in bipolar manic episodes were associated to male gender and younger age but not to indirect measures of illness severity.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Correlation between hand functioning, cognition and quality of life of CP children: 2-year prospective randomized study
Authors: Voloshyn T. , Kozyavkin V. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionFor treatment of CP patients multidisciplinary approach is often promoted. But it is not cost-efficient to involve all medical staff and variety of diagnostic/intervention tools for every patient.ObjectivesHaving knowledge on pivotal manifestations of CP and what are they related to would ease multidirectional approach in practice. It will shorten a search of pathologies only to those related to main manifestations related to quality of life.Methods611 children aged 2 to 18 years (mean age–6y5m) with CP(G80.0-G80.9): examined by 3 independent doctors. 56%males, 44%females. Randomized blinded assessment. Fine hand function assessed by “9-hole peg”,“Box and Blocks” tests, dynamometry. Intellectual functioning assessment was done using Raven Matrices. Quality of Life(QoL) assessment according to Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD). The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) was used for finding out discrepancies between observers. Inferencial statistics including 95%CI and P-value.ResultsICC coefficient between observers was highly reliable–0.93(95%CI:0.89–0.95). The mean QoL score for children GMFCS levels I and II was 58.5(SD 16.6), for GMFCS III, IV and V children–22.4(SD13.4). QoL was more related to fine hand functioning(r=0,344) than to cognition(r=0,295). There was a strong correlation bond between fine hand functioning and cognition (r=0,663). In case fine hand function improved positive changes in cognition were observed in 74% of subjects(p<0,05). Correlation between grasp power and IQ was weak(r=0,184). Grasp power improvement was slightly related to QoL(r=0,102).ConclusionsFine hand functioning improves QoL even more that cognition.So training of fine motor skills should be given a priority in case of limited rehabilitation resources.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Multidisciplinary approach in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Stanciu A.C. , Rad F. , Mihailescu I. , Mateescu L. , Grozavescu R. , Andrei E. , Budisteanu B. , Linca F. , Ioana D. , Iliescu C. , Papuc S. , Arghir A. , Dobrescu I. , Budisteanu M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and it is marked by repetitive sensory–motor behaviours and restricted interests or activities. Now recognized to occur in up to 1% of the population, the prevalence of ASD has registered a steady increase in the past two decades. Heterogeneity of presentation is a hallmark with comorbid psychiatric and medical morbidities frequently reported. Comorbidities mask and delay the diagnosis and are the cause of inadequate therapies.ObjectivesIn the present paper, we studied a cohort of patients with ASD, investigating the rates and types of psychiatric and medical comorbidities.MethodsA retrospective study of psychiatric and medical comorbidities was carried out on a sample of 120 participants that met ASD criteria according to DSM-V. The patients were examined with a detailed medical history, physical examination, as well as some additional functional, imaging, laboratory and genetic investigations. The associated conditions considered were: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, intellectual disability, gastrointestinal symptoms, ophtalmologic manifestations, infections.ResultsOf the 120 ASD subjects referred, 25 (20.8%) received the diagnosis of epilepsy. ADHD was established in 24 cases (20%). IQ score was obtained in half of the patients, 43.3% of them presenting a severe intellectual disability (IQ<35). Respiratory disorders occured in 25% of the cases. Ophtalmological findings were observed in 9.1% of the cases. Other frequent comorbidities included motor disturbances and feeding problems.ConclusionsA better understanding of comorbidities in ASD patients improves interdisciplinary collaboration, thus facilitating effective treatment programs.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Understanding of the prevalence of depression in a sample of gifted children by identifying the developmental trajectory of risk and protective factors
Authors: Vaivre-Douret L. , Hamdioui S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionDevelopmental studies in infancy remain rare. Studies measuring depressive symptoms in gifted children are contradictory, considering more anxiety or depression than in non-gifted children. Furthermore, questionnaires or anxiety scales are used without taking into account all aspects of mood disorders and thus, rarely depression scales have been conducted.ObjectivesTo refine the developmental trajectory of depression in a national sample of French gifted children by identification of the specific risk and protective factors.MethodsA self-reported depression scale MDI-C (Multiscore-Depression-Inventory-for-Children) were sent to families to be administered to their gifted children from preschool to high school, aged from 4 to 20 years-old (IQ >125) looking for help from gifted associations. A larger wave of data collection on different aspects of child and family history was collected (pregnancy, term and delivery mode, neonatal period, psychomotor development, health, schooling, interpersonal relationships with family and friends, personality, parental socio-economic status).Results438 children (> 130) were eligible. Regarding anamnestic fields, Exploratory-Factor-Analysis highlighted six predictive factors of depression with eigenvalues from 1.09 to 3.17. Major factors explaining 62.96% of total variance are: Factor-1 “motor skills disorder” (14.53%). Factor-2 “positive family relationships” (14.04%). Factor-3 “positive social relationships with peers” (14.02%). Factor-4 “integration of social codes” (11.23%). Factor-6 “Learning disabilities and rehabilitation” (10.1%).ConclusionsOur findings highlight specifics risk factors of depression in the field of learning disabilities or social cognition, while a good quality of social relationships since childhood seems to be a preventive factor.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Children’s mental health needs and access to specialized services in Mexico
Authors: Díaz-Castro L. , Márquez-Caraveo M. , Cornú-Rojas H. , Jaimes M. Martínez , García-Andrade M. , Cabello-Rangel H. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe prevalence of mental disorders (MD) is greater in children; however, they are the population with less help-seeking and access to mental health-care services (MHS).ObjectivesTo explore the characteristics of help-seeking and access to specialized MHS in children with MD.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from 2018 to 2019, in the Children’s Psychiatric Hospital and National Institute of Psychiatry in Mexico City. Sample 397 children and 397 caregivers. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee of both institutions. The patient’s family member was questioned on sociodemographic data and help-seeking to MHS. Sample’s descriptive statistics applying measures of central tendency, Inferential statistics with t-test for differences in means between groups (diagnosis), and one-way ANOVA to variables associated with the help-seeking to MHS.ResultsChildren´s sample: 37% female, average age 12 years (SD± 3.6), 51% had diagnosis of hyperkinetic disorder (HD), 34% depressive disorder (DD). The children´s age at the time of seeking healthcare was different according to the diagnosis: DD 10.1 (SD ± 4.5) and HD 6.95 (SD ± 3.4), (T = -3.18, p = 0.000); and by sex: girls 10.9 (SD ± 4.5), boys 7.85 (SD ± 4.0); (T = -3.07, p = 0.000). The mother was the first person to notice the symptoms.ConclusionsThe search for MHS differs by sex, diagnosis and family history; it is necessary to design mental health interventions considering gender-based differences, namely, to integrate a gender perspective.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Emotional intelligence in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: Impaired integration of emotions and decision-making
Authors: Belugina O. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionEmotional intelligence (EI) is a fundamental requirement to maintaining social activity. Patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis have difficulties in emotional awareness.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to assess EI in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.MethodsPatients with psoriasis n=67, atopic dermatitis n=59 and control group n=65 were included in cross-sectional study. EI and its main components (experiential: perceiving emotions and using emotions to facilitate thought; strategic: understanding emotions and managing emotions to promote personal growth and social relations) were assessed using The Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test 2.0. Statistical analyses were performed using One-Way ANOVA and One-Way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test). The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Data are presented as the Me (±SD).ResultsOur results show that there is statistically significant lower “strategic” component of EI for psoriasis Me=0.367 (±0.0455) and atopic dermatitis Me=0.369 (±0.0353) than for the control group Me= 0.381(±0.0361), (χ2 =7.15; p= 0.028). “Managing emotions to promote personal growth and social relations” is presented with statistically significant lower for psoriasis Me= 0,293 (±0.0374) and atopic dermatitis Me= 0.301 (±0.0351) than for the control group Me= 0.312 (±0.0272), (F=0.05; p=0.007). There is no statistically significant difference between other components of EI and the EI scores in three groups.ConclusionsPatients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis have emotional difficulties when it comes to making effective decisions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Effect of vortioxetine on proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with heart failure and comorbid depression
Authors: Sikora A. , Fedorov S. , Pityk O. , Vynnyk M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSeveral studies have shown impaired cytokine status in both patients with depression and chronic heart failure (HF).Objectivesto study the effect of vortioxetine on the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin -1β (IL-1β) and interleukin - 6 (IL-6).Methodsthere were examined 80 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) of ischemic genesis with functional class (FC) II-III (NYHA), 37 patients were without depression, 43 - with mild or moderate depressive disorders. Those with mild or moderate depressive disorders were divided into 2 subgroups: 21 patients received psychotherapy, 22 patients, in addition to psychotherapy, were prescribed vortioxetine at a dose of 10 mg / day in the morning after meals. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. The level of cytokines in the blood was determined by ELISA method.ResultsPatients with CHF have an increase in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the concentration in the serum of IL-1β was 2.3 times higher than the same indicator in the control group: (56.45 ± 4.17) pg / ml, against (24.71 ± 4.21) pg / ml p <0.001). Depression caused an additional increase in the levels of IL-1β by 13.5% (p <0.05) and IL-6 - by 17.3% (p <0.01). Additional administration of vortioxetine caused a more rapid decrease in blood levels of both IL-1β (HR 0.87 [95% CI 0.72-0.97; p = 0.034]) and IL-6 (HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.68-0.93; p = 0.029]).ConclusionsThus, vortioxetine causes a decrease in the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 in patients with HF and comorbid depression.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The psychological impact of COVID-19 and lockdown measures among a sample of italian patients with eating disorders: A longitudinal study
Authors: Nisticò V. , Bertelli S. , Priori A. , Gambini O. , Demartini B. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic and lockdown greatly impact on mental health, especially on individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.ObjectivesTo explore the prevalence of specific psychiatric symptoms across a sample of patients with Eating Disorder (ED), compared to a group of healthy controls (HC), during the lockdown period in Italy, and to assess whether patients’ symptoms improved, persisted or worsened with the easing of the lockdown measures.MethodsStudy 1: 59 ED patients and 43 HC were recruited and completed, at the beginning of May 2020(t0), an online survey including: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and few ad-hoc questions extracted from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Study 2: 40 ED patients from Study 1 completed the same survey two months after t0 (t1).ResultsStudy 1: ED patients scored significantly higher than HC at the DASS-21 (Total Score and subscales), the IES-R (Total Score and subscales) and the PSS. Moreover, they showed higher distress specifically related to food and their body. Study 2: at t1, levels of stress, anxiety and depression were not different than at t0, but symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) improved, together with patients’ reported level of psychological wellbeing and specific ED symptomatology.ConclusionsDuring lockdown, ED patients presented significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD-related symptoms, and ED-related symptoms than HC. With the easing of lockdown, PTSD-related and ED-related symptoms ameliorated, but high levels of stress, anxiety and depression persisted.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The COVID-19 lockdown: Impact on the mental-wellbeing of out-patients with chronic medical conditions in a teaching hospital in nigeria
Authors: Ogunmodede A.J. , Buhari O. , Ogunmodede J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionLock-down restrictions were introduced in most countries of the world at the onset COVID-19 pandemic. It was associated with serious implications for healthcare delivery, with affectation of access to medical services for patients with chronic medical conditions. It is important to assess the impact of this on the subjective feeling of mental wellbeing in these patients.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the access to health care services during the lock-down as well the perceived affectation of the mental, physical and social wellbeing and their related factors in patients with chronic illnesses in Ilorin.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study, involving 166 patients being managed for different chronic medical conditions, attending the Medical Outpatient Clinics of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. A socio-demographic questionnaire and a structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was used.ResultsThe mean age of all respondents was 49.5+18.5. 25.3% of respondents were being managed for heart-related conditions. 54 respondents(32.5%) reported a negative affectation of their mental wellbeing, which included changes in mood, sleep pattern and feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope properly. The age (p= 0.031) and employment status(p=0.015)of the patient were significantly associated with a subjective feeling of negative affectation of wellbeing.ConclusionsThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the mental well-being of patients with chronic medical conditions is significant and calls for a more strategic plan for delivery of health care services during pandemic situations with focus on the mental well being of patients.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The impact of COVID-19 on eating disorders: A longitudinal study with assessments before and after the lockdown
Authors: Rossi E. , Cassioli E. , Castellini G. , Sanfilippo G. , Felciai F. , Monteleone A.M. , Ricca V. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 epidemic that spread in Italy in the early 2020, together with the general lockdown, are high-risk events for vulnerable populations who need high levels of assistance, such as patients with eating disorders (EDs).ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown on subjects suffering from EDs, considering previous vulnerabilities.Methods74 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) already on treatment and 97 healthy controls were evaluated between November 2019/January 2020 (T1), and again in April 2020, 6 weeks after the start of lockdown (T2). Patients were also evaluated at baseline (T0). At each assessment, general and ED psychopathology (SCL-90-R and EDE-Q) were assessed. Childhood abuse experiences (CTQ) and adult attachment (ECR-R) were investigated at T1, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (IES-R) at T2.ResultsPatients reported a significant increase in compensatory exercise; in addition, patients with BN and those who achieved remission at T1 showed a significant exacerbation of binge-eating. The longitudinal trend (T1-T2) of psychopathology was not different between patients and controls, however the expected benefit from treatment on ED psychopathology was significant only for AN, while no changes were noted in BN. Patients with BN reported more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms than AN and controls, and these symptoms correlated positively with prior traumatic experiences and an insecure attachment style.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown had a significant impact on subjects with eating disorders, both by interfering with the treatment process and in terms of post-traumatic stress symptoms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
New onset of mental disorders, lifestyle changes, and quality of relationships during COVID-19 in italian population
Authors: Caldirola D. , Cuniberti F. , Daccò S. , Defillo A. , Lorusso S. , Perna G. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has been causing relevant public health and psychosocial consequences.ObjectivesTo assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, lifestyle and personal relationships in the Italian general population.MethodsAn online survey spread between May and June 2020 to collect socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle, relationship, and mental health self-reported information. Mental disorder screening was performed by the Patient Health Questionnaire and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5.ResultsParticipants were 2003, 1504 of which (75%) completed the entire questionnaire (1157 females, 77%). Among the completers who have not had any mental disorder before (n=524, 35%), 263 (51.7%) met cut-off scores for psychiatric diagnoses on the self-report psychiatric screeners during the pandemic (i.e., Major Depressive Disorder, 11.3%, with death thoughts in approximately half of the cases; Panic Disorder, 1.1%; Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 13%.3, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, 13.2%, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 7.3%; Alcohol Abuse, 5.5%). In line with this, 39% of completers complained of insomnia, while 12% and 10% started using anxiolytics and antidepressants, respectively. Approximately 7-8 % of completers started/increased alcohol and/or nicotine consumption, 33% quitted/decreased physical activity, and 40% declared decreased sexual satisfaction. Approximately 21% and 38% declared worsening in relationship with partner and difficulty in child-caring, respectively.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic appears to be a risk factor for new onset of mental disorders and worsening in lifestyle and familial relationships in the Italian population. These results should be confirmed by clinical interviews, and may represent a starting point for further monitoring of the medium and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.DisclosureNo significant relationships.