bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Depression: What We Know?
Authors: Fraga A. , Mesquita B. , Esteves-Sousa D. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Albuquerque M. , Espada-Santos P. , Cintra P. , Moutinho A. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionDepression is a leading cause of disability affecting over 300 million indivuals worldwide. About 1/3 of patients with depression fail to achive remission despite treatment with multiple antidepressants and are considered to have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In view of such facts, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy was approved as an adjunctive long-term treatment for TRD.ObjectivesThe authors elaborate a narrative literature review about de effectiveness of VNS in treatment for TRD.MethodsPubMed database searched using the terms “treatment-resistant depression”, “vagus nerve stimulation”ResultsThe pathophysiology of depression is complex and includes social environmental stress factors, genetic and biological processes, inflammation, and disturbances in monoamine neurotransmission. The overdrive of the HPA axis is most consistently seen in subjects with more severe depression, when the cortisol feedback inhibitory mechanisms are impaired, contributing to cytokine oversecretion. It has been shown that chronic exposure to elevated inflammatory cytokines can lead to depression. The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including control of mood and imune response. VNS therapy has a demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect which might be a significant reason for its efficacy in patients who did not respond to antidepressants. Treatments thar target the vagus nerve increase the vagal tone and inhibit cytokine production and the stimulation of vagal aferente fibers in the gut influences monaminergic brain systems.ConclusionsThe mecanismos by which VNS may benefit patients nonresponsive to conventional antidepressants is unclear, with further research need to clarify this.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Implementation of an innovative web base support system (Psynary) and Nurse Practitioner led service to support optimisation of treatment for depression (OptiMA2)
Authors: Kabaila R. , Tranter R. , Latimer P. , Oakeshott R. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThere is overwhelming evidence to show that achieving full remission in depression is important — especially in reducing the indirect costs of depression. Evidence further demonstrates that in primary care, clinicians are not optimising treatments for depression in a timely way —resulting in them not being able to achieve early remission for their clients experiencing depression. Presently, secondary care is unable to provide specialist input for this client cohort.ObjectivesThis project is implementing a model which extends specialist care to primary care. This project assists GP’s through optimising treatments for clients presenting with moderate to severe depression This model uses nurse practitioner led care, with ‘Psynary’, an online system which optimises treatments for moderate to severe depression.MethodsMixed methods pilot service implementation study, utilising: literature review of published service implementation models; service data gap analysis; qualitative interviews and focus group methodology.ResultsGP and client focus group outcomes, as well as client remission rates in the OptiMA2 trial demonstrate that this healthcare pathway is effective.ConclusionsThe OptiMA2 trial focused on the qualitative analysis of the co-design process to implement the initial care pathway.The OptiMA3 trial will examine the cumulative clinical outcomes to consider if increased rates of remission are achieved and identify potential predictive factors. The long term goal for the system is to support the development of community based care-extender models, including specialist nurses, pharmacists and GPs, to extend specialist mental health expertise to larger primary care populations where the greatest burden of mental illness occurs.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The possible role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis in the etiology of Major depressive Disorder (MDD) The possible role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis in the etiology of Major depressive Disorder (MDD) The possible role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis in the etiology of Major depressive Disorder (MDD)
Authors: Pieters T. , Van Der Gronde T. , Van Der Velde L. 
Published: September 2022

Introduction1.Introduction MDD is a heterogeneous disorder, with a wide variety of symptoms and inconsistent treatment response, and is not completely understood. A dysregulated stress system is a consistent finding, however, and exhaustion is a consistent trait in adolescent patients. In order to open up our thinking about MDD we take up the challenge to reframe depression, specifically focusing on the possible role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis in the etiology of MDD.ObjectivesWe propose a ‘bidirectional feedback hypothesis’: microbiota can promote or inhibit a pro-inflammatory state, (in)directly altering the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis response and the microbiome and further increasing or decreasing its pro-inflammatory state. The aim is to show that the pro-inflammatory state is an integral part of a HPA axis stress spiralling mechanism that plays a role in the etiology of MDD.MethodsA systematic review based on publications from PubMed, Embase and PsycInfoResultsThe etiology of MDD can be understood as sliding down a spiral. This stress spiralling mechanism can be promoted or inhibited by: 1.factors such as a poor lifestyle or (pre-existing) illness 2.bettering someone’s lifestyle, coping behavior or providing pro-/prebiotics in combination with personalised therapeutics.Conclusions

We argue that an interdisciplinary One Health approach is the most promising preventive and therapeutic option for MDD.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
“I rather talk on the phone”: Factors affecting compliance with outpatient visits during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Arain F. , Motamedi N. , Hassan N. , Zamiri A. , Rashid A. , Jennings M. , Sanchez-Lacay A. , Korenis P. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic presented a global public-health crisis that demanded healthcare to adapt at an unprecedented pace. While challenging, it also created opportunities for the advancement of novel electronic-treatment-modalities. Telepsychiatry has emerged as an effective method to ensure continuity of care and ensure social distancing.1 Studies indicate that mental-health patients have higher rates of noncompliance to follow-up,
1 thus finding means to increase compliance is critical.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to determine the impact of telepsychiatry on compliance to follow-up and to identify numbers of psychiatric/medical emergency-room visits, most common contributing factors for admission, and compliance in terms of diagnosis.MethodsThis IRB approved study is a retrospective chart-review, that aims to study children/adolescents (5-18 years) who presented to the Child&Adolescent-Psychiatry Outpatient-clinic from July-December 2020 and engaged in telepsychiatry, compared to a group of patients presented in July-December 2019-Pre-Covid19-Pandemic. A review of clinical characteristics including diagnosis, demographic information, medication, and treatment compliance will be compared as well as admissions to inpatient-psychiatry/emergency-room visits.ResultsOur total sample (N=252) included patients from 2019-Pre-COVID19 (N=111) and 2020 Telehealth during COVID19-Pandemic (N=141). Our data analysis using SPSF and T-test has shown that Telehealth has significantly increased follow-up compliance (Two-tailed P-value=0.04); 2019-Pre-COVID outreach mean=0.06, 2020-Telehealth-during COVID outreach mean=0.02); significantly decreased ER/CPEP visits (P-value=0.02), and decreased In-patient-unit admissions (P-value=0.02).ConclusionsAccording to the presented study, the incorporation of telepsychiatry has increased the compliance to psychiatric-care in outpatient and decreased the emergency-room visits and inpatient admission. Sufficient resources and steps need to be taken to further strengthen telehealth services.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Mental health and life satisfaction among nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kchaou A. , Abbes A. , Hrairi A. , Masmoudi R. , Khrifech F. , Hammami K. , Masmoudi M.L. , Masmoudi J. , Hajjaji M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionNursing is highly demanding and stressful profession. Therefore, maintaining and improving psychological wellbeing among nurses seems essential to have a better life satisfaction and a better productivity.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between mental health and life satisfaction among nurses.MethodsThe study was conducted in a group of active nurses from Hedi Chaker hospital in Sfax- Tunisia. Standardized questionnaires were used, including the general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS).ResultsA total of 100 (males = 40; females = 60) nurses participated in this study. The mean age was 50.20 ±7.20 years. The average of job tenure was 25.25 ± 9.70 years. The majority of participants (66.7%) reported having chronic diseases. Rotating shifts work was noted in 72.50% of cases. Average scores for the GHQ-28 and the SWLS were respectively 30.66 ± 11.07 and 21.61± 6.23. The presence of chronic conditions was associated with psychological distress (higher GHQ-28 scores) (p = 0.01). Life satisfaction score was positively correlated with age (r= 0.29, p= 0.023), whereas it was negatively correlated with GHQ-28 scores (r= -0.36, p= 0.01). Low life satisfaction (SWLS scores between 5 and 14) was significantly associated with three domains of the GHQ-28: somatic symptoms (p = 0.008), anxiety (p = 0.001) and social dysfunction (p = 0.01).ConclusionsAccording to our study, low life satisfaction was associated with psychological disorder. Hence, nurses need support and subsequent interventions in order to improve psychological wellbeing and life-satisfaction.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Digital Psychiatry in the COVID-19 Era: the First Italian Cross-National Survey
Authors: Orsolini L. , Tempia Valenta S. , Marchetti V. , Bellagamba S. , Salvi V. , Volpe U. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of digital psychiatry (DP) in everyday clinical practice, resulting in the need for a skilled healthcare workforce.ObjectivesOur purpose was to investigate the level of training, knowledge and expertise of young mental health professionals and medical students in DP, as well as exploring their beliefs and experiences in this field.MethodsAn ad hoc cross-sectional survey was designed and administered to Italian medical students, psychiatry trainees, and early career psychiatrists.ResultsMost of the sample declared that the topic of DP was never discussed within their academic training (89.1%), mainly revealing an overall lack of knowledge on DP. Nevertheless, they mostly declared that DP represents a valuable therapeutic tool in mental health (80%) and that the academic background should include a dedicated course/module (54.4%). Moreover, most subjects declared that DP is less effective than in-person interventions (73.2%), despite the emerging evidence that being trained in DP is significantly associated with the belief that digital and in-person interventions are comparable in their effectiveness (p≤0.05).ConclusionsDuring the current pandemic, DP represented an ideal response to the need for physical distancing by ensuring the advantage of greater access to care. However, DP interventions are still uncommon, and there remains a certain resistance to their use in mental health care. The lack of formal training during the academic training could be a limiting factor. Therefore, addressing these issues in academic settings could be crucial to spreading this innovative practice also in the post-COVID-19
era.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Zooming in on Agoraphobic Behaviors: a Case Study
Authors: Solis C. , De Sousa R. , Marques T. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic brought many new challenges that people had to overcome with ingenuity. However, many patients already suffering with psychiatric diseases saw their access to conventional health care limited, aggravating their statuses. E-Medicine is the branch of health care that provides access through the Internet, and it has been growing in the last few years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care workers shifted towards E-Medicine, aiming to provide support to patients, especially with the social distance policies that were implemented worldwide.ObjectivesProvide an example of how e-Medicine can be a tool in establishing a therapeutic alliance, and patient follow-upMethodsCase report with a brief literature review on the subjectResultsRG is a 19-year-old female that contacts her family doctor through e-mail, expressing concerns over not being able to leave her house for over a year, also manifesting anxiety and depressed humor. This started in April 2020 and was slowly worsening throughout the year, culminating in a panic attack. RG started counselling and follow-up appointments via Internet and started treatment with vortioxetine. Three months later, improvements were stated, namely decreased anxiety, better sleep patterns, and leaving the house for small periods.ConclusionsWithout E-Medicine, RG wouldn’t be as able to reach out to her family doctor, and follow-up would be much more arduous since the patient avoided leaving her house, and telephone appointments lack the visual aspect of the clinical interview. E-Medicine is a valid alternative to conventional Medicine, providing a safe environment for patients concerned with public space.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Interventive psychodiagnosis of children through online orientation of parents in a University Clinical Practice in Brazil: an alternative for underserved populations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Varanda C. , Campos M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionA private university in Santos offers a free psychological service for assessing and intervening in chilhood psychological problems through a internship program which had to be delivered online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The interns were only allowed to attend their parents online, instead of their children.ObjectivesEvaluating this new online service is the aim of this work.Methods
24 parents of 34 children aged 4-10 years were attended by pairs or trios of 52 interns. The were modules made up of assessment, intervention and feedback, using different instruments such as interviews, screening questionnaires and the observation of 5-minute free play in domestic environment and of a family collage through a video recorded by parents. Feedback and intervention happened in various moments. The interns created a storybook using metaphoric narrative as a feedback tool in which a synthesis of the psychodiagnostic process and orientation was presented to the children.ResultsThere was progress and decrease or elimination of symptons in 19 of the 34 children. Among the children who did not improve, one of them did not present any difficulties; 7 of them had many absences and the other 7 were referred to further assessment for reasons related to the complexity of their difficulties or a probable unsuitability of the online orientation.ConclusionsThe orientation was helpful for 55,89% of the children, showing to be a valid alternative for families who do not have financial resources for attending private clinics or fail to access public health services or even during social distance measures.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Social media as a psychoeducative and preventive tool in mental health
Authors: Molina Ruiz R. , Nuñez Morales N. , González Vazquez A. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe use of social networks is an integral part of our daily life as a means of communication. Scientific dissemination through these kind of platforms has expanded enormously in recent years, for example in networks such as Instagram, a free photo, text messaging and video sharing social media application. Instagram has been used extensively in different fields of medicine. Initially it was limited to visually rich fields but it has been extended to others such as mental health. This tool has enormous potential as a means of more effective communication and prevention.ObjectivesTo analyze the role of Instagram as a tool of psychoeducation and prevention in mental healthMethodsAn analysis of different mental health profiles was carried based on different items: publications, interactions, likes, commentaries, shares, accounts reached, accounts engaged and hashtags.ResultsMental health has become one of the sanitary fields generating more traffic on social media reaching a great number of publications per day. Topics that generated more interaction were: depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep and emotion regulation difficulties among others. However most mental health information available in social media had not been provided by proffessinals of the mental health but by many others.ConclusionsInstagram is presented as a valuable mental health prevention tool and professionals should engage and adapt to new scenarios of communication. In the era where information is easy to get but knowledge is difficult to find, experts of mental health should more involved.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Griefing reaction and social networks
Authors: Molina Liétor M.D.C. , Martín M. , Cuevas Iñiguez I. , Romero Gerechter I. , Sanz Giancola A. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionGrief is a normal and not necessarily pathological psychological process that occurs after the loss of a family member or loved one with its psycho-affective consequences, external manifestations and rituals. Although mourning processes can be associated with losses of different types (employment, housing, baseline situation, housing), we will refer to mourning for the loss of a loved one. For some people, social networks facilitate the expression of feelings and experiences of grief, connecting with the emotional support of other friends and loved ones. However, the presence of accounts belonging to these deceased persons, the persistence of photos and memories that periodically appear on the screen without the person being able to choose them, can make it difficult to process the mourning.ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to consider the beneficial and detrimental factors of social media during a grieving reaction after the loss of a loved one.MethodsFor the preparation of this work, a bibliographic review on the subject has been carried out. Likewise, the clinical information provided by patients during our evaluations has provided critical views on what has been published in this regard.ResultsSupport through social networks can help to feel more affectionate, but there are other harmful factors that must be taken into account: permanence of photos, appearance of memories and reminder of the deceased person’s birthday.ConclusionsSocial networks can have favorable but also detrimental factors in the elaboration of a grief and should be considered in the psychiatric exploration and intervention.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Starting Digital Treatment for Neurodevelopmental Disorders by Experience Experts: On the Waiting List for Diagnostic Assessment via the Super Brains App
Authors: Kooij J.J.S. , Den Hollander R. 
Published: September 2022

Digital treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders is being developed in order to treat patients
online when possible, to reduce waitinglists, and to improve efficiency of treatment. In this workshop, first experiences with the so called Start Programme of the Super Brains app for ADHD in adults are presented. The Super Brains app has been developed by Rutger den Hollander, who himself has ADHD and owns an ICT company in the Netherlands, in cooperation with the speaker of this workshop and Parnassiagroep. The Start Programme is a new part of the Super Brains app, meant for patients referred for treatment that have to wait on often long waitinglists. Now they have no longer to wait, but can start immediately preparing for assessment by filling in questionnaires, and with psycho-education, lifestyle tips and support by experience experts that welcome them in the app and show them around. First data on the use of different parts of the Start Programme, the activity of patients in the app, and the satisfaction of patients will be presented. We also aim to study whether the Start Progamme is effective in reducing severity of ADHD symptoms. Super Brains can be adjusted for use in patients with other (neurodevelopmental) disorders easily.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Emotion dysregulation, dissociation and body dissatisfaction mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and ED symptoms
Authors: Lev-Ari L. , Zohar A. , Bachner Melman R. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe current study tests the relationship between eating disorder (ED) symptoms and trauma exposure. The mechanisms via which trauma is related to ED symptoms have not been sufficiently examined. This study examines the complex role of dissociation and emotional dysregulation in the context of trauma, BMI, ED symptoms and body dissatisfaction (BD).ObjectivesWe hypothesized that dissociation and emotional dysregulation would mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and ED symptoms / BD. We further hypothesized that BMI would play a moderating role in this association.MethodsA community sample of 229 (16.2% male) participants, with a mean age of 29.08±10.68 reported online on traumatic events (Life Events Checklist), dissociation (Dissociative Experiences Scale – II), emotional dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale), ED symptoms (Eating Disorders Examination – Questionnaire) and BD (Figure Rating Scale).ResultsParticipants reported experiencing a mean of 2.87±2.27 traumatic events, with a relatively high percentage (˜86%) reporting at least one. The most commonly reported traumatic events were transportation accidents and physical assault. Although frequency of traumatic events did not directly predict ED symptoms, BMI, dissociation, emotional dysregulation and BD did. An SEM model showed that traumatic events predicted ED symptoms indirectly through dissociation, emotional dysregulation and BMI. Dissociation and emotional dysregulation predicted ED symptoms directly. BMI also moderated the association between traumatic events and both ED symptoms and BD.ConclusionsTherapists treating patients with high BMI or obesity should be aware of these relationships and investigate the possibility that trauma and/or PTSD may underlie the presenting disordered eating or eating disorder.DisclosureNo significant relationships.