bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fear of infection and optimism predict following stay-at-home recommendations during COVID-19 pandemic in russian young people
Authors: Gordeeva T. , Sychev O. , Vindeker O. 
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Self-isolation regime is an effective measure to contain the pandemic (Alfano, Ercolano, 2020), but the psychological factors predicting compliance with stay-at-home recommendations (CSHR) are understudied. We hypothesized that 1) defensive optimism and constructive optimism will have opposite effects on CSHR, 2) the effect of defensive optimism will be mediated through a decrease of anxiety (fear of infection).Objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess the direct and indirect (through the fear of infection) effects of defensive optimism (belief that coronavirus problem is exaggerated) and constructive optimism (belief that people’s efforts help to prevent infection and spread of the virus) on CSHR, controlling for dispositional optimism.Methods. A longitudinal study (from 10/4/2020 till 2/6/2020) was conducted on a sample of 306 university students (89% women, MA=21.20, SD=4.54) using a single-item measure of CSHR, LOT-R (Scheier et al., 1994), the scales of defensive and constructive optimism (Gordeeva, Sychev, 2020), and anxiety in a pandemic situation questionnaire (Tkhostov, Rasskazova, 2020).Results. During seven-week interval CSHR has decreased dramatically (Cohen’s d=0.66, p<0.001) while the other variables remained stable. Using SEM we have showed that CSHR at the end of study (T2) is predicted by the CSHR (T1) and through it by the defensive optimism (negative effect, p<0.05) and constructive optimism (positive effect, p<0.001). Negative effect of defensive optimism on CSHR is also mediated by the fear of infection (T2), reducing it. Dispositional optimism is associated only with constructive optimism.Conclusions. Defensive and constructive optimism/ pessimism are essential in explaining health-related behavior.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis on young swiss men participating in a cohort study: Differences due to socioeconomic status and work situation
Authors: Marmet S. , Wicki M. , Gmel G. , Gachoud C. , Bertholet N. , Studer J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted daily life worldwide. It may also have had a psychological impact, especially on those with less resources already before the crisis and those who reported substantial changes to their work situation.ObjectivesTo investigate whether socioeconomic status before the crisis and changes in work situation during the crisis (unemployment, home-office) are associated with psychological impact in a cohort of young Swiss men.MethodsA total of 2345 young Swiss men (mean age = 29) completed assessments shortly before (April 2019 to February 2020) and early during the COVID-19 crisis (May to June 2020). Assessments covered psychological outcomes assessed before and during COVID-19 crisis (depression, perceived stress and sleep quality), and assessed during the crisis (fear, isolation and COVID-19 psychological trauma), socioeconomic status (relative financial status and difficulty to pay bills) before the crisis and changes in work situation (unemployment, home-office).ResultsAbout a fifth of the sample were in partial unemployment or lost their job during COVID-19 crisis. Those in partial or full unemployment, those mostly working from home and those with a lower socioeconomic status already prior to the crisis showed overall higher levels of depression, stress, psychological trauma, fear and isolation.ConclusionsEven in a country with high social security such as Switzerland, the COVID-19 crisis had a higher psychological impact on those who were already disadvantaged before the crisis or experienced deteriorations in their work situation. Supporting disadvantaged subpopulations during the crisis may help to prevent an amplification of pre-existing inequalities.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Nogueira V. , Marguilho M. , Pereira I. , Teixeira J. , Mendes M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionStarting in December 2019, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 emerged and soon acquired a pandemic dimension. The evidence that 1 in 3 patients presented neuropsychiatric symptoms highlighted SARS-CoV-2 neurotropic properties. The involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS) seems to be associated with poor prognosis, and it can occur independently of the respiratory system.ObjectivesTo assess neuropsychiatric symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 patients and possible mechanisms of CNS invasion; to reflect on what changes should be made in order to avoid short and long-term complications.MethodsA non-systematic literature review was performed, including publications between January and August 2020.ResultsThe most frequent CNS presentations included fatigue (38-75%), headache (6,5-34%), nausea or vomiting (1-13,7%). Regarding PNS involvement, three kinds of hypoesthesia (hyposmia, hypogeusia, and hypopsia) were commonly present. Additionally, cases of neurological syndromes associated with SARS-CoV2 were reported, being related to a poor prognosis in cases such as brainstem infiltration. Another major concern regarding CNS involvement is the possibility of permanent neurological disabilities. Importantly there are reports of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in CFS, without samples from nasopharyngeal swabs. Different hypothesis are postulated to explain possible mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 affects CNS, including: direct invasion through the olfactory nerve, hematogenous route through ACE-2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme) receptor expressed in blood-brain-barrier; or indirect mechanisms.ConclusionsHere we discuss the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential mechanisms by which they occur at an early stage. Awareness, prevention and early treatment of potential neuropsychiatric symptoms of COVID-19 should not be overlooked, especially because they seem to predict a worse prognosis.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Alcohol consumption during COVID-19 pandemic: What have we learnt so far?
Authors: Nogueira V. , Mendes M. , Pereira I. , Teixeira J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has many implications, one of them being alcohol consumption. The impact of long-term distancing measures in terms of alcohol use and misuse is yet unknown. Any increase, would not only add to the usual disease burden associated with alcohol, but also add to the COVID-19 load, given that alcohol use may weaken the immune response.ObjectivesTo characterize and compare the pattern of alcohol consumption throughout the pandemic in patients with the diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder; to identify factors considered as most relevant in the increase of alcohol consumption.MethodsWe conducted a observational study in an outpatient population in Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa (Portugal) with diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder, 6 months after the pandemic lockdown. We characterized our sample regarding social, demographic and clinical categories. We applied auto-filled questionnaires, particularly: Mental Health Inventory (MHI), Positive Mental Health Scale (PMHS) and Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ-C).ResultsA total of 65 patients were included. More than 30% changed their drinking habits because of the pandemic. Nearly half of these increased consumption, and half decreased (16% vs 14%). The increase affected particularly men, and was related with the severity of alcohol dependence, stress-related coping strategies and psycopathology; on the other hand, a lowered level of consumption based on the decrease of alcohol accessability and affordability.ConclusionsThe current situation is unique in terms of mass physical distancing and may trigger different behaviours that should be monitored. Governments should give public health warning about excessive alcohol consumption to protect vulnerable individuals.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The coronavirus pandemic impact on involuntary hospitalization
Authors: Oliveira C. , Caldas F. , Gonçalves M. , Freitas J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionCompulsory admission is the last line of intervention in individuals who suffer from severe mental disorders, based on the principles of therapeutic need and social protection. In Portugal, the law configures this measure as a hospitalization by court order. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a global public health emergency, with multifaceted consequences for people’s lives and health. Several studies are showing a great impact of the pandemic on the overall mental health.ObjectivesThe aim is to assess the impact of the pandemic on the number of involuntary hospitalizations, their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and study the differences between 2019 and 2020.MethodsConsultation of all patient’s clinical files that were involuntarily admitted in Hospital Magalhães Lemos during 2019 and 2020. Statistical analysis of data.ResultsThe authors claim to investigate the impact of the pandemic on involuntary hospitalizations, the factors of admission and decompensation and other clinical characteristics, by comparing the involuntary hospitalizations during 2019 and 2020. The authors believe that the number of compulsory admissions increased significantly with the pandemic. They also believe that factors such as increased or relapsed consumption of alcohol and drugs, suicide attempts, missed appointments and long-term injectable medication are at the root of this increase in 2020.ConclusionsThis study helps to analyze the impact of the new coronavirus on compulsory hospitalizations and allows to understand the main factors that aggravate the underlying pathologies. Thus, understanding the targets of greater attention from psychiatrists to avoid the decompensation of patients in times of pandemic in which we currently live.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Impact of COVID-19 on autism spectrum disorder management - a therapist perspective
Authors: Atturu H. , Lakhani S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionTherapist led interventions form a core element in the management of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in India. COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted several aspects of ASD management.ObjectivesThis study aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ASD therapies from a therapist perspective.MethodsAn online survey was conducted using a google form questionnaire disseminated among ASD therapists. The form was open for response between 23rd of June and 23rd of July 2020. The responses were extracted into an excel sheet and analysed using descriptive statistics.Results41 out of 75 therapists with mean age of 44 years (21 – 58 years) responded to the survey. 48% were women. Majority of them were either special educators (49%) or ASD therapists (32%) with professional experience of >5 years (63%). Majority of the therapists felt that there is significant disruption during the pandemic with reduction in conventional therapies (63% to 17%) and increase in online therapies (15% to 61%). They also felt that this disruption had moderate to severe impact on child’s learning (73%) and parents emotional and psychological well being (85%). Only 22% of therapists were using digital based therapy (DBT) before the pandemic. Although 51% of the therapists were not entirely sure whether DBT augments parents and therapists’ efforts, majority (65%) were willing to use them.ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted ASD therapy in India. Willingness to use online and digital based therapies could open up a new dimension. Reliable and effective Artificial-Intelligence based therapies are the need of the day.DisclosureMedical advisor for CognitiveBotics
Vr exposure in cbt is effective and efficacious treatment for simple phobia (flight phobia)
Authors: D’Ambrosio A. , Tonelli C. , Martini V. , Ambrosio C. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe virtual environment with realistically rendered fear-inducing stimuli is enough to conduct VR exposure therapy (VRE), although the total control over the virtual environment also enables presentation of stimuli, contexts, and tasks not possible in in vivo exposure therapy (i.e. flight etc.)30 randomized controlled trials revealing high efficacy and effect sizes comparable of VRE-CBT to in vivo exposure therapy. Aerophobia is a very frequent limitation and affect 25% of the population and 30% of the subjects who fly make habitual use of anxiolytics.ObjectivesThe aims of this study is to show that conducting VR exposure in CBT for simple phobia (flight phobia) is effective and is an efficacious treatment for fear and anxiety,Vs other treatments.MethodsParticipants (n = 39; age between 19 and 60 years) in the active arms received individual CBT VR exposure for six sessions and outcome was assessed with questionnaires: MSPS;Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS); HAM-A; QMAV; QSAV – (Flying fear); QoL INDEX and a behaviour avoidance test (really take the plane). Wilcoxon tests was using for the statistical analysis.Results36 subjects managed to take the plane at the end of treatment and the results obtained showed a significant difference between “before treatment (T0) and after (T1)” with the exception of the Rathus test. All the SF-36 scales show a significant difference between “before-after”. 3 subjects was dropped outConclusionsUsing VR can be advantageous over standard CBT as a potential solution for treatment avoidance and as an efficient, cost-effective and practical medium of exposure.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
“Telepsychiatry: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic”
Authors: Mucic D. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionUnder the umbrella of e-Mental Health (eMH), Telepsychiatry (TP) keeps its place as the oldest and best-documented application. Legislative issues, and the concerns related to the quality of care and patient safety, have kept TP from broader adoption. COVID19 pandemic seems to be a turning point for TP as well as for the eMH in general. The use of TP has exploded as many regulatory barriers to its use have been temporarily lowered during the COVID-19 pandemic. What has to be done to sustain this momentum?Objectives-outline temporary changes in TP regulations made due to COVID19; -discuss which of these should be maintained, modified, or reversed; -suggest additional initiatives needed to facilitate patient and professional use of digital technology.MethodsExamination of the use of digital technology in the light of regulatory, legislative, and other changes and initiatives made due to COVID 19.ResultsAmong several policy changes, the most important is e.g. removal of the “originating site” rule so professionals can be paid for a remote appointment wherever the patient is, including in the patient’s home. Further, professionals were allowed to serve patients through everyday communication technologies such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype, all compromising patient/data safety.ConclusionsEPA is perfectly positioned to be the frontrunner for the required initiatives i.e. mandatory lectures related to eMH at medical educational institutions, launching of TP-competency training of mental health professionals, regulatory and statutory changes e.g. unified licensure regulations, etc that are crucial for modernizing mental health care delivery and preparation for future unprecedented events.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Alexithymia and cortisol awakening response in people with eating disorders
Authors: Cascino G. , Monteleone A.M. , Marciello F. , Ruzzi V. , Pellegrino F. , Monteleone P. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAlexithymia, that is the inability to recognize and describe one’s own emotions, is a transdiagnostic feature across eating disorders (EDs) and it has been associated to a prolonged stress exposure.ObjectivesTherefore, we evaluated whether alexithymia affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN).MethodsTwenty-six women with AN and 26 with BN participated in the study. Alexithymia was evaluated by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale–20 and eating-related psychopathology was measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory-2. The activity of the HPA axis was assessed by the salivary cortisol awakening response (CAR). Group differences in saliva CAR were tested by repeated measures 3-way ANOVA with diagnosis and alexithymia as between-subject factors.ResultsThe prevalence of alexithymia did not differ significantly between the two diagnostic groups (c2=1.24, p=0.26). Alexithymia was associated with more severe eating-related psychopathology in AN women but not in BN women. A significant reduction in the magnitude of CAR occurred in alexithymic patients with BN compared to non-alexithymic patients with BN (t = 3.39, p = 0.008), but not in alexithymic women with AN (t = 0.67, p = 0.54).ConclusionsThese results confirm the presence of a more severe eating-related psychopathology in alexithymic individuals with AN and show, for the first time, an association between alexithymia and a dampened basal activity of the HPA axis in BN.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Longitudinal course of affective disorders in patients presenting with catatonia in a psychiatric emergency setting
Authors: Varghese S. , Reddi S. , Muliyala K.P. , S B. , Guna D. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionCatatonia, a complex psychomotor syndrome and psychiatric emergency, is encountered across various psychiatric disorders. Most findings have been derived in the context of schizohrenia, warranting more comprehensive understanding in affective disorders.ObjectivesTo evaluate the longitudinal course of affective disorders presenting with catatonia and factors influencing the same.MethodsMedical records of 439 patients presenting with catatonia to the psychiatry emergency from 2014 to 2017 were reviewed till June 2020. 135 patients with a final diagnosis of affective disorder (67 bipolar and 68 unipolar) were identified. Poisson regression and survival analysis were used for longitudinal data.Results77.6% of bipolar patients were initially diagnosed under psychotic spectrum disorders compared to 3% in unipolar. Bipolar patients had a significantly younger age of first catatonic episode, earlier illness onset, and longer duration of illness. Survival analysis showed no significant difference between groups in time to recurrence of mood episode, readmission or catatonia relapse, with both groups demonstrating a greater likelihood of catatonia relapse in first 20 months. Poisson regression showed that bipolar patients had fewer catatonic relapses longitudinally over 2.5-6.5 years (RR: 0.64, CI: 0.43-0.96), but warranted more electroconvulsive therapy sessions for catatonic relapses (RR: 2.33, CI: 1.49-3.50), with fewer episodes resolving with lorazepam (RR: 0.62, CI: 0.40-0.95) compared to unipolar patients over same time period.ConclusionsBipolar disorders appear to have an earlier onset but fewer episodes of catatonia over illness course. Poorer lorazepam response and higher number of ECT sessions for catatonia resolution longitudinally suggest a differential treatment response of catatonia in bipolar disorder.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Which psychotherapy is effective in panic disorder? Findings and reflections from a systematic network meta-analysis
Authors: Papola D. , Ostuzzi G. , Gastaldon C. , Purgato M. , Giovane C. Del , Pompoli A. , Karyotaki E. , Sijbrandij M. , Furukawa T. , Cuijpers P. , Barbui C. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPanic disorder is among the most prevalent anxiety diseases. Although psychotherapy is recommended as first-line treatment for panic disorder, little is known about the relative efficacy of different types of psychotherapies.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of different types of psychotherapies for adults suffering from panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.MethodsWe are conducting a systematic network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining panic disorder. A comprehensive search was performed to identify relevant studies. The primary efficacy outcome is anxiety symptoms at study endpoint. The primary acceptability outcome is all-cause trial discontinuation at endpoint. Pairwise and network meta-analysis will be conducted. We are considering any kind of psychotherapy delivered by any therapist, as long as they were trained to deliver the therapy, or as self-help.ResultsTo date we have identified 126 panic disorder and agoraphobia trials. The publication time span ranges from 1968 to 2020. We are now extracting data to provide an overview of the included study characteristics. The statistical analysis will be conducted between December 2020 and January 2021, and its results presented for the first time at the forthcoming 2021 EPA congress.Conclusions126 trials on psychotherapy for panic disorders in adults are available. Because of this huge body of knowledge, it is important that the results of these studies are summarized using network meta-analytic techniques. The findings of this study will guide future research as knowledge gaps will be easily identified. Moreover, policymakers will have the opportunity to use this summarized knowledge to inform evidence-based decision making.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Death associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in individuals with severe mental disorders in sweden during the early months of the outbreak
Authors: Werneke U. , Maripuu M. , Bendix M. , Öhlund L. , Widerstrom M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIndividuals with severe mental disorder (SMD) have a higher risk of somatic comorbidity and mortality than the rest of the population.ObjectivesTo assess whether individuals with SMD had a higher risk of death associated with a COVID-19 infection (COVID-19 associated death) than individuals without SMD.MethodsExploratory analysis with a cross-sectional design in the framework of a population-based register study covering the entire Swedish population. The Swedish Board for Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) provided anonymised tabulated summary data for further analysis. We compared numbers of COVID-19 associated death in individuals with SMD (cases) and without SMD (controls). We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the whole sample and by age group and four potential risk factors, namely diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic lung disease.ResultsThe sample comprised of 7,923,859 individuals, 103,999 with SMD and 7,819,860 controls. There were 130 (0.1%) COVID-19 associated deaths in the SMD group and 4945 (0.06%) in the control group, corresponding to an OR of 1.98 (CI 1.66-2.35; p < 0.001). The odds were fourfold in the age group between 60 and 79 years. Cardiovascular diseases increased the odds by 50%. Individuals with SMD without any of the risk factors under study had three-folds odds of COVID-19 associated death.ConclusionsOur preliminary results suggest that individuals with SMD are a further group at increased risk of COVID-19 associated death. The factors contributing to this increased mortality risk require clarification.DisclosureUrsula Werneke has received funding for educational activities on behalf of Norrbotten Region (Masterclass Psychiatry Programme 2014-2018 and EAPM 2016, Luleå, Sweden): Astra Zeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Otsuka/Lundbeck, Servier, Shire and Sunovi