bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring anxiety and depression in parents of hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic in a pediatric Italian hospital
Authors: Correale C. , Tondo I. , Falamesca C. , Amodeo G. , Boldrini F. , Capitello T. Grimaldi , Vigevano F. , Cappelletti S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionParents of hospitalized children with chronic illness (HCCI) during the COVID-19 epidemic may face huge pressure and worry, leading to mental health issues. Parent’s depression and anxiety disorders increase the risk of mental health problems in the child and affect his/her recovery.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of depressive and anxiety symptoms among a pilot sample of parents of HCCI (in- and out-patients) with diagnosis of epilepsy (9), cystic fibrosis (8) and congenital heart anomalies (6) during COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatric patients were under a regular Children Hospital medical and psychological follow-up program.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 23 Italian parents (15 F; 8 M) of HCCI during the COVID-19 epidemic period. We performed face-to face interviews and assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) questionnaire during scheduled follow up visits.ResultsThe anxiety score of parents of HCCI was 4.43 ± 3.17, of which 39.1% of parents were anxious (≥5 points), while the depression score was 4.04 ± 2.67, of which 30.4% of parents show depressive symptoms (≥5 points). The prevalence of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms was 26.1% among the entire sample.ConclusionsPreliminary data of our pilot study showed a high prevalence of anxious depressive symptoms and comorbidity among parents of HCCI. Timely provision of psychologic interventions are needed during and after COVID-19 pandemic in order to empower parenting and promote children recovery and quality of life.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The role of Mediterranean Diet in mental health in pandemic times
Authors: Fraga A. , Esteves-Sousa D. , Facucho-Oliveira J. , Albuquerque M. , Costa M. , Moura N. , Espada-Santos P. , Moutinho A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIn late 2019, an epidemic outbreak emerges in China caused by a new coronavirus with high transmission and human infection potential which in March 2020, was characterized by WHO as a pandemic. The lockdown has repercussions on the population’s well-being, reflected in their food choices. There is a tendency to increase the consumption of energy dense food, rich in fat and carbohydrates, which are related to an increased risk of depression.ObjectivesThe main goal of this non-systematic literature review was to understand the impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Mental Health promotion in SARSCoV-2 pandemic.MethodsLiterature from Pubmed database were searched, with the following keywords: COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health and Mediterranean Diet.ResultsStudies indicate that a diet based on the Mediterranean Diet is associated with a decreased risk of developing depressive symptoms, especially when there is moderate to high adherence to this dietary pattern. High consumption of plant and fish foods, reduced consumption of sugary products, processed and red meats and the use of olive oil as a fat source, are principles of the Mediterranean diet, associated with an improvement in endothelial function, increased levels of eicosanoids and serotonin synthesis and regulation of serotonin which seem to explain this protective effect.ConclusionsIn addition to decreasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, comorbidities associated with the most serious disease of COVID-19, the Mediterranean Diet seems to play an important role in promoting mental health, with a decreased risk of developing depressive symptoms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Locked in and stressed out: COVID-19 and video-telemedicine in community perinatal mental health services
Authors: Turki M. , Miele M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 viral pandemic has taken the world by surprise. The pandemic has caused a great impact on the mental health and wellbeing of pregnant women with mental health difficulties. Healthcare providers veered towards video-telemedicine to safely and swiftly provide services to its users.ObjectivesTo determine impact of Video-telemedicine on: 1. Access to Care 2. Ease of Use 3. Quality of Care 4. Difficulties of Use 5. Future Prospects of Video TelemedicineMethodsWe have decided to conduct a targeted survey to 100 pregnant women who are known to Perinatal Mental Health services to assess the new methods of contact that the viral pandemic has enforced upon healthcare providers.ResultsPre-pandemic: video-telemedicine was ranked as least preferred Post-pandemic it is ranked as second favourite. 70.4% of responders have confirmed that video-telemedicine significantly facilitated access to care. 23.3% of responders insisted video-telemedicine made the service better. 50% of responders thought it was much easier to use video options to access their care services needs 95.4% of responders felt that video-telemedicine alternatives should remain post-pandemicConclusionsVideo-telemedicine options have significantly improved the access and quality of services provided by Community Health Services to pregnant women during the pandemic. Video options can also make it easier to reach critical care without negatively affecting the quality of wholistic care provided, in fact, it can sometimes improve it. It is important that the psychiatric field learn from this pandemic and implement these services permanently. Bigger and wider studies need to be done in the future to support these conclusions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
COVID-19 pandemic and first episode of psychosis: Clinical characteristics
Authors: Brahmi L. , Ammar H. Ben , Hamdi G. , Khelifa E. , Felhi R. , Mnif L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe rapid spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic among the world poses challenges to the management of both physical and mental health. This unexpected situation could predict an exacerbation of anxiety, depressions, obsessions, and even multiple cases of psychosis.ObjectivesThe aim of this literature review is to identify and analyze studies conducted in 2020 that investigate the incidence of psychotic disorders, related to COVID-19 pandemic and describe its symptoms.MethodsA systematic search in the PubMed electronic database was performed using keywords “COVID-19”, “pandemics”, “psychotic symptoms”, and “ first episode of psychosis” Relevant literature was limited to articles describing studies conducted and published in 2020.Results9 papers met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies reported 20 cases of psychosis in patients with no psychiatric history, directly triggered by stress derived from the COVID-19 pandemic and by social distancing and quarantine. All cases were characterized by sudden behavioral changes out of character, increased concern about coronavirus risk infection, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, and insomnia. In multiple cases, psychotic symptoms were characterized by thoughts of reference, persecution, and structured delusional. 5 patients were convinced that COVID-19 Pandemic was part of a conspiracy and that someone was trying to infect them by diffusing the COVID-19 or other pollutants. Half of the patients had the delusional conviction that they got infected and they were contagious.ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic appears to be the trigger for precipitating psychosis which has a high risk of suicidal behavior. During pandemics, mental health professionals should carry out more focused diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Trait-anxiety among healthcare professionals in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bouaziz A. , Smaoui N. , Kraiem M. , Feki R. , Omri S. , Bouali M. Maalej , Charfi N. , Zouari L. , Thabet J. Ben , Maalej M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionFactors causing anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCP) are increasing, and psychosocial causes are the most common. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCP are exposed to additional stressful factors.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of trait-anxiety and its associated factors towards the COVID-19 outbreak among Tunisian HCP.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted among Tunisian HCP during November and December 2020. The data were collected by an online questionnaire including the sociodemographic information and the “General anxiety questionnaire of Spielberger” (STAI-Y-B) which was used to assess the trait-anxiety.ResultsA total of 135 HCP participated in this study (47.4% female and 52.6% male). The average age was 31.98 years (SD=6.59). Of the participants, 3% were nurses, 8.1% were interns, 48.1% were residents, 34.8% were specialist doctors and 5.9% were generalist doctors. Concerning marital status, 61.5% were single, 36.3% were married and 2.2% were divorced. Of HCP involved in the study, 13.3% of the participants had a history of chronic somatic-disorder and 11.9 % of them had a history of a psychiatric disorder. The prevalence of trait-anxiety in HCP was 53.3%. The analysis showed that anxious HCP were more younger (p=0.002) and had history of a psychiatric disorder (p=0.017) compared to non-anxious HCP. However, no significant difference was found by gender, marital status and professional degree according to trait-anxiety.ConclusionsIn our study, we found that more than the half of HCP were anxious and these one were more younger and had history of psychiatric disorders.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
To fast or not to fast
Authors: Marinho G. , Cotta C. , Vieira S. , Peta J. , Marguilho M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionRamadan happens in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. The cycle of the sun marks the beginning and the end of fasting. Its duration varies depending on the season: approximately 18 h in the summer to approximately 12 h during winter. The obligation to eat only during the night leads to an important change in the circadian rhythm There are certain psychiatric illnesses wherein people are very sensitive to this circadian disruption, bipolar disorder in particular. We know that a regulated circadian rhythm with adequate sleep are essential for symptom regulation and mood stability, with the risk of relapse or worsening symptoms. Additionally, some medications have to be maintained at a specific therapeutic index, namely lithium, a common mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.ObjectivesTo review the impact of Ramadan on patients with bipolar disorderMethodsPubmed and Google Scholar search using the keywords Bipolar disorder, Ramadan, circadian rhythm, fasting, sleep deprivationResultsAll physiologic parameters are influenced by the circadian rhythm, which is influenced in its turn by the food rhythm. Studies on the effects of Ramadan on mood and mental health in the general population provide contradicting evidence. The inability to take medications during the day, dehydration and other somatic changes that necessitate dosing modification may lead to psychiatric symptom exacerbation.ConclusionsPatients with bipolar disorder might be particularly sensitive to circadian rhythm disturbances and could require increased monitoring of their symptoms during this month.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Nuptial psychosis and Tunisian culture: A case report
Authors: Mhiri E. , Charfeddine F. , Messedi N. , Chamseddine A. , Bouattour W. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIn Tunisia, traditions of marriage are still preserved by certain regions of the country : the taboo of sexuality and the requirement of the preservation of virginity until marriage mark the Tunisian mentality till this day.ObjectivesTo discuss the impact of the Tunisian culture related to marriage on the precipitation of psychotic disorders in the bride.MethodsA case report and a review of litterature via PubMed using the terms : « nuptial, psychosis, bride».ResultsA 31-year-old woman With no personal desease, developped a mutism, refusal of food and heteroagressiveness since the day after the wedding. The wedding party went well and it was consumed on the first night without any real incidents, yet, Ms. H was very anxious about the loss of her virginity and especially because of the low bleeding she had. The day after the wedding day, the bride was especially worried because of the presence of her family waiting in front of the bedroom to see the the blood-stained sheet : proof of the virginity of their daughter and the virility of the husband. In fact, incertain of the reaction of the family, the patient left her house early without informing her husband and was found by the police. Later, she developped an incoherent speech, audio-visual hallucinations and delusions against those around her.ConclusionsIn Tunisia, despite the progress made in terms of equality betwen men and women, women’s sexuality still suffer from certain taboos. Sexual education needs to be improved among young people to avoid subsequent sexual problems.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Cross-cultural research of coping: Individualization and modernization in Post-Soviet societies
Authors: Lianguzova V. , Khoroshilov D. , Belinskaya E. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe article is devoted to the main methodological problems of qualitative research in the psychology of culture. Methods of ethnographic (field) observation were borrowed by psychology from social and cultural anthropologists in the first half of the twentieth century, and in modern research practices there is a special ethnographic direction that claims to analyze behavior and lifestyle in various subcultures and communities.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the key cross-cultural difference in coping behavior of respondents from Moscow and Tashkent.MethodsThe methodological basis of the research was the thematic analysis of narratives and free-form interviews. The sample was N = 60 (residents of Russia and Uzbekistan age 17-39).Results
The results of thematic analysis of narratives and free-form interviews of respondents from Moscow and Tashkent allow us to conclude that the key cross-cultural difference in coping behavior is the degree of its individualization: representatives of Uzbek culture are focused on receiving support and care from significant Others, and not on independent internal work (unlike Russian respondents). At the same time, they are not satisfied with the traditional prescriptions that come from the family environment, which forces them to coping practices that go beyond the boundaries of normative social (often religious) ideas.ConclusionsThis can be interpreted from the point of view of the process of modernization of Uzbek culture, which is gradually becoming individualistic, and the latter circumstance requires the construction of flexible coping strategies in the situation of social and cultural changes.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Different general strategies for deprescribing in real clinical settings: From lists to collaborative care
Authors: Stuhec M. 
Published: February 2022

Most elderly patients with mental disorders are treated with polypharmacy (e.g., five or more medications), and they are receiving medications that are potentially inappropriate for elderly patients (e.g., PIMs). These aspects are often excluded in the clinical guidelines, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials but are very important for prudent prescribing in daily practice. The most robust approach to reducing irrational polypharmacy, PIMs, and other medications-related problems in this population is a careful deprescribing process. It is the process of tapering, withdrawing, discontinuing, or stopping medications. There are some tools available to help in the deprescribing process in clinical practice, including different medication lists (e.g., Beers criteria, STOPP/START, and guidelines) and collaborative care, including clinical pharmacist or pharmacologist. Medication lists have been used in clinical trials and guidelines, where Beers criteria are used predominantly in the U.S. and Priscus list in Europe. A collaborative care approach, including a clinical pharmacist, has been established only in some countries (e.g., USA, UK & Slovenia). The results are positive with a decrease of PIMs, polypharmacy, and an increase in the patients’ quality of life. The participants will learn the general deprescribing processes supported by the evidence-based data and real clinical pharmacological tools useful for daily practice.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Electroconvulsive therapy in the medical comorbidities context: A case report
Authors: Giancola A. Sanz , Lietor M.D.C. Molina , Prieto M. Blanco , Llovera N. Freund , Navarro L. Nocete , Iñiguez I. Cuevas , García C. Álvarez 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is today one of the main treatments available and used in psychiatry for serious mental illnesses. Eighty years after its introduction, the ECT procedure has evolved to become a safe option based on scientific evidence. Nowadays there are no absolute contraindications for ECT, regardless of the type of population and clinical situation.ObjectivesTo illustrate the electroconvulsive therapy in medical comorbidities context with a case report.MethodsDescriptive case study.ResultsWe present a 66 years old patient who suffers from a psychiatric decompensation with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms. Due to her cardiological history (prolongation of the QT interval of possible psycopharmacological origin and a 2:1 AV block, that required the implantation of a definitive pacemaker) and partial response to psychotropic medication, the initiation of electroconvulsive therapy is proposed as the best alternative. The pacemaker was previously studied by cardiology for a very complete analysis before the procedure. It was recommended to convert it to fixed rate pacing by using a magnet. To do this, we placed it over the pacemaker during the technique. While waiting for a clinical improvement, no incidence has been produced during the sessions.ConclusionsECT should not be postponed as a last resort. Numerous studies conclude that ECT is globally the treatment of choice (70-85% response) in severe depressive conditions, over and above antidepressant drugs. The incidence of relevant cardiac complications on ECT is relatively rare (0.9%). Regarding the use of pacemakers, electroconvulsive therapy represents an effective and safe option for the patient.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Clinical aspects of deprescribing process in affective disorders
Authors: Bouckaert F. 
Published: February 2022

Although depression in the elderly is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, some data show that next to this potential underuse, antidepressant prescriptions may also be overused and prescribed inappropriately. These potentially overused and inappropriate prescriptions of antidepressants are often related to polypharmacy, comorbidity and increased mortality. Deprescribing is the planned and supervised process of reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be of benefit or may be causing harm. Clinically relevant aspects and considerations of this deprescribing process in elderly patients with affective disorders will be discussed. Woodford HJ, Fisher J. New horizons in deprescribing for older people. Age and Ageing 2019;48:768-775. Hiance-Delahaye A, et al. Potentially inappropriate prescription of antidepressants in old people: characteristics, associated factors, and impact on mortality. Int Psychogeriatr 2018 May;30(5):715-726. Bobo WV, et al. Frequency and predictors of the potential overprescribing of antidepressants in elderly residents of a geographically defined U.S. population. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019;e00461.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Comparative indicators of atherogenicity, body weight, gender differences in the group of depressive and non-depressive patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Kornetov N. , Molodykh O. , Arzhanik A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionMany studies show that obesity, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity are closely related to depressive spectrum of symptoms (DSS), depressive disorder (DD). DD significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life and vital activity.ObjectivesTo study laboratory and physical parameters with DSS, DD in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) to determine the number of patients requiring complex antidepressant therapy.MethodsThe cross-sectional study of 127 inpatients with CVD was conducted. Depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using HADS, anhedonia by Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and pain by visual analog scale (VAS). Acquired data was statistically processed.ResultsThe non-depressive patients was observed in 67 (53.0%) and 60 (47%) with DSS in CVD patients. When clinical assessing 29 (22.5%) met the criteria for major (DD), 39 (31%) for minor DD. When comparing body mass index (BMI) in patients with depression, the indicator was 31 (28.5; 33.5), in patients without depression 30 (26; 32) p <0.2828; atherogenic coefficient in patients with depression was 2.93 (2.41; 3.575), in non-depressive patients - 2.375 (2.07; 3.07) p<0.0083.ConclusionsMore than 1/5 of patients with CVD need antidepressant therapy. >90% of all patients had a high BMI regardless of gender and the presence of depression. Depressive patients in 95% of cases were obese or overweight. Severe dyslipidemia in women with depression increases the risk of CVD. Conflict of interest: No.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Postpartum depression: How it differs from the “baby blues”
Authors: Trigo M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionDespite many signs and symptoms of depression get dismissed as normal physiologic changes associated with childbirth, depressive disorders are a common complication of pregnancy and postpartum period. The so-called “baby blues” have a minor functional impact and respond well to social support, whilst postpartum depression causes significant functional compromise, requiring more aggressive therapy. There is an extreme type of postpartum depressive disorder, postpartum psychosis, when patients present psychosis, mania, or thoughts of infanticide. It is imperative to promptly recognize and differentiate these entities, in order to minimize its impact on both mother and child. Antidepressant treatment may be necessary for some women, but risks and benefits should always be considered prior to institute pharmacotherapy.ObjectivesTo identify current approaches and evidence-based treatment options for postpartum depression.MethodsReview of the most recent literature regarding postpartum depression. The research was carried out through the Cochrane, UptoDate, PubMed, MedLine, LILACS and SciELO databases, using the terms “postpartum depression”, “baby blues” and “postpartum psychosis”, until December 2020.ResultsSince both depression and antidepressant medications confer risk upon the infant, when postpartum depression develops, psychotherapy is usually the first-line treatment. Antidepressant treatment may be necessary, but its use during pregnancy and postpartum must be weighed carefully.ConclusionsIn order to better prevent postpartum depression, recommendations include the use of screening instruments as a routine clinical practice during pregnancy and referral when necessary. Maternal depression has a severe impact on both mother and child, so mental health professionals have a very important role in reducing postnatal emotional complications.DisclosureNo significant relationships.