Despite increasing social acceptance over the past two decades, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals continue to face unequal treatment in society (Institute of Medicine, 2011; Caceres et al., 2020). Elderly LGBT adults include the population of sexual and gender minorities over the age of 50 (Choi et al., 2016).They continue their lives under the shadow of negative societal stereotypes and assumptions about their physical and mental health, sexuality, sexual lives, and ability to contribute to society, as well as their family and societal values. When individuals find themselves at the intersection of being elderly and LGBT, they encounter a combined situation that leads to an increased risk of discrimination, social exclusion, and violence.Over time, this can lead to high levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health issues. When they are not accepted by social circles, it often results in social isolation and loneliness. (Geneva, 2023)

The aim of this study is to examine the challenges faced by elderly LGBT individuals by addressing issues of discrimination and elder abuse. By evaluating the extent to which current services meet the needs of these individuals, it aims to propose solutions from the perspective of social equality and human rights.

The study was conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 using the keywords “elderly,” “elderly LGBT individuals,” and “LGBT discrimination” “elder abuse” in databases (PubMed, Scopus, Springer, etc.). These databases have been preferred because they contain a significant amount of evidence-based literature in the field of psychology. Studies conducted between 2000 and 2024, with full texts accessible and written in Turkish and English, have been included in the study

As of November 2024, 28 national and international research articles related to the subject have been reached. The literature review is ongoing. When the literature review is completed, all the study results will be presented together.

The human rights violations, discrimination, social exclusion, and risk of violence faced by elderly LGBT individuals are not only individual but also societal issues.Developing policies that are sensitive to the needs of elderly LGBT individuals in social services, healthcare services, and the legal system is an important step toward improving their physical, mental, and social health.Awareness-raising activities need to be expanded to reduce stigma and discrimination against elderly LGBT individuals in society. Additionally, establishing LGBT-friendly elderly care centers and strengthening social support networks are crucial to preventing social isolation.In conclusion, achieving a more inclusive, equal, and fair society is only possible by respecting the rights of every individual.

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The role of causality in reality has sparked a long and ongoing debate that began with Aristotle, but in its modern form, having reverberated to this day, found its origin in Hume. In psychiatry, causality gains additional layers since the domain of intelligibility does not extend as broadly as it does to the natural sciences, due to the nature of both its object and its method.

To explore proposals for understanding causality in psychiatry and mental illnesses.

A non-systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE and PhilPapers databases with the search terms “causality,” “psychiatry,” “interventionism,” and “causal grammar.” Reference bibliography was also consulted.

Causal interventionism is a way of understanding causality, where performing an intervention in groups allows the distinction between causality and mere correlation, utilizing counterfactuals that are verified in light of that intervention. The idea of causal grammar allows causal explanation to be thought of as a matter of finding a family of interventions in variables that make a difference to the outcome variable, governed by the causal grammar of that domain.

While each of the positions addresses certain issues—interventionism tackling various levels of explanation of causality in psychiatry, whether biological or psychodynamic, and causal grammar seemingly overcoming mechanismism—neither is fully satisfactory: in interventionism, the unfolding of causes, and in causal grammar, the pre-theoretical intuition seems challenged.

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Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms, for which many interventions have been proposed. Although the literature contains numerous meta-analyses (MAs) and network meta-analyses (NMAs) summarizing this evidence, the large volume and variability of information can make it difficult to apply in daily clinical practice, guide researchers, or inform the development of clinical guidelines.

To offer a freely accessible platform, developed within the U-REACH framework, providing updates on the latest therapeutic strategies for BD in terms of efficacy and safety, aligned with patient preferences. Informed by a living umbrella review, the platform aims to grade the current evidence to support informed decision-making.

We conducted an umbrella review by searching PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane database up to December 31, 2023, for (N)MAs of randomized controlled trials investigating interventions for BD. Each association was assessed using the GRADE. Effect sizes were standardized into equivalent standardized mean differences (eSMD), with eSMD>0 indicating clinically positive effects and eSMD<0 indicating clinically negative effects. The results are made available on an open-access online platform. Users can filter data by age group, BD stage, intervention, effect size, outcome, comparison, type of meta-analysis, GRADE evidence level, and (N)MA quality. For any filter combination, users can visualize key interventions, outcomes, and a forest plot with eSMD. The database will be regularly updated. Additionally, a preference-based tool allows users to rank safety outcomes by importance (0-10) and the system will recommend medications based on these preferences.

From the 4,352 records retrieved, we included 71 (N)MAs evaluating the effects of pharmacological (n=87), brain stimulation (n=13), psychosocial (n=8), and circadian rhythm-based therapies (n=3), on 132 efficacy (n=85) and safety (n=47) outcomes. For the preference-based tool, we included 10 first-line interventions for at least one mood state of BD (aripiprazole, asenapine, cariprazine, lamotrigine, lithium, lurasidone, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, valproate) and 15 safety outcomes based on clinical judgment (e.g., akathisia, weight increase, QTc prolongation, insomnia), resulting in 150 potential combinations.

This platform represents a pioneering approach to delivering the most complete evidence on interventions for BD. With its regular updates, it provides clinicians and researchers with a freely accessible resource to guide treatment decisions based on efficacy, safety, and patient preferences. This tool aims to support the development of future guidelines, facilitate ongoing professional education, and ultimately improve the quality of care for individuals with BD.

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Female sexual dysfunction (SD)has gained attention in recent years. Multiple factors contribute to women’s sexual vulnerability, including neurobiological, sociocultural, psychological, and interpersonal factors.

To assess the prevalence of SD and to determine sociodemographic and clinical factors related to this dysfunction.

We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive study including married and sexually active female medical residents from different specialties.Data were collected using a self-questionnaire published by GOOGLE FORMS. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, marital life information, professional data, and information related to sexual life. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess female sexual dysfunction.

A total of 65 medical residents completed the online questionnaire. Four residents (6.20%) considered the work environment to be unfavorable, 3.1% were smokers and 55.4% had children. The average frequency of sexual intercourse was 6.61 ± 4.18 times per month. Nine participants (13.8%) reported having sexual intercourse under partner pressure. Sexual dysfunction was observed in 49.2% of the cases. The factors correlated with the total FSFI score were an unfavorable work environment (p=0.02), smoking (p=0.007) and high frequency of sexual activities (p=0.02; r=0.28).The factors correlated with the “Desire” dimension were: sexual intercourse under partner pressure (p=0.002) and high frequency of sexual activities (p=0.001; r=0.41).The factors correlated with the “Arousal” dimension were: an unfavorable work environment (p=0.01) and psychiatric history (p=0.05).The “Lubrication” domain was associated with an unfavorable work environment (p=0.006) and smoking (p=0.02). The “Satisfaction” domain was associated smoking (p=0.004), sexual intercourse under partner pressure (p=0.03) and high frequency of sexual activities (p=0.003; r=0.36). The “Orgasm” domain was inversely correlated with age (p=0.04; r=-2.47), and it was associated with a high frequency of sexual activities (p=0.04; r=0.24). The “Pain” domain was correlated with the presence of children (p=0.02).

The findings underscore the impact of various sociodemographic and clinical factors on sexual health and well-being. Addressing these underlying factors is essential for improving their sexual health and overall quality of life.

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Healthcare workers are exposed to many psychological constraints, making them vulnerable to mental health issues, like depression. However, these constraints, in addition to other organizational and environmental exposures, vary between specialties and wards.

The aim of this study is to compare depression score in anesthesia technicians (AT) and radiology technicians (RT).

We conducted a cross-sectional study among AT and RT in both University Hospitals in Sfax, Tunisia, between January and July 2024 during periodic health assessment visits. Sociodemographic and professional data were collected. The Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess signs of depression.

A total of 79 technicians participated in the study, with 60 AT and 19 RT. Their mean age was 46.4±7.6 years and six of them were males. Ten participants (12.7%) had a known psychiatric history. The mean seniority was 22.2±7.7 years. Sixty-two percent of the population had night shift work. The median PHQ-9 score was 7 interquartile range IQR [4;12]. Moderate to severe signs of depression were found in 32.9% of the population. Depression scores were significantly higher among RT with a median of 10 IQR [6;15] compared to a median of 7 IQR [2;11] among AT (p=0.04). PHQ-9 was not associated with age (p=0.15), sex (p=0.9) or seniority (p=0.06).

Both AT and RT presented signs of depression. The difference of scores between the two groups stirs interests about the explaining factors. Further studies detailing different occupational constraints and exposure are needed.

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Depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions in the world, significantly affecting both individuals and society. Despite numerous therapeutic options, many patients do not respond adequately to treatment, highlighting the need for novel approaches, in the case of this study repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

The main objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of high-frequency rTMS (HF-rTMS) and intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorder.

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the psychiatric ward of Most Hospital. Patients (N=97) diagnosed with depressive disorder were randomly assigned to receive either HF-rTMS or iTBS both aimed at left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Data were collected using both self-assessment and clinician-rated questionnaires, such as the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), before and after 10 stimulation sessions.

The analysis showed a significant reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms after ten stimulation sessions using both HF-rTMS and iTBS across all applied questionnaires. Specifically, the ANOVA results for the ZSDS demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms over time (F=414, p<.001), with a mean reduction of 6.54 points (95% CI=4.64–8.43). Similarly, the HAMD scores showed a significant reduction (F=299.72, p<.001), with a mean reduction of 7.83 points (95% CI=5.79–9.87). For anxiety symptoms, the BAI revealed a significant decrease (F=389.26, p<.001), with a mean reduction of 5.72 points (95% CI=4.45–6.99) and the HAMA showed a similar trend (F=656.15, p<.001), with a mean reduction of 7.39 points (95% CI=5.58–9.20).

No significant difference in efficacy was found between the two stimulation protocols across all measures: ZSDS (F=0.142, p=0.237), HAMD (F=0.431, p=0.376), BAI (F=0.269, p=0.365), and HAMA (F=0.813, p=0.370).

This study confirms that both HF-rTMS and iTBS are effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms, with no significant difference in their efficacy across all measured outcomes after ten stimulations. However, iTBS offers distinct advantages over HF-rTMS, including a shorter stimulation duration and a lower incidence of side effects.

This study was supported by an Internal grant agency: IGA-KZ-2022-1-4 (417119001).

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Despite healthcare workers (HCWs) facing mental health challenges during COVID-19, their use of psychological support is limited. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for identifying mental health needs and vulnerable groups within Spanish healthcare services.

This study analyzes psychological support use among Spanish HCWs post-pandemic onset over 2 years, and its link to workplace and COVID-19 factors from 2020 data.

Longitudinal research involved Spanish HCWs. Data from online surveys covered demographics (age and gender), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), workplace-and COVID-19-related factors (type of job, direct exposure to COVID-19 patients, adequate access to personal protective equipment, social stigma for working with COVID-19 patients, decision making on patient prioritization, and perceived social network support at work), and psychological support use across 2020, 2021, and 2022. We received responses from 296, 294, and 251 participants at time points 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Predominantly female participants (n=242, 82%) and with a median age of 43 years. Psychological support seeking increased from 15% in 2020 to 23% in 2022. Notably, one in four HCWs not seeking help showed major depressive disorder symptoms. Predictors for seeking support included patient prioritization decision-making (OR 5.59, 95% CI 2.47-12.63) and probable depression (wave 2: OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19; wave 3: OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16). Table 1 shows the association between workplace- and COVID-19-related variables at baseline and use of psychological support at follow-up.

A significant portion of HCWs may seek psychological support post-pandemic, regardless of prior workplace or COVID-19 stressors. Targeted mental health initiatives are crucial, emphasizing health promotion, primary prevention, and support for individuals, including those with depressive symptoms.

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Suicide is a global health issue. Clinicians still have difficulties to differentiate patients who will or not commit suicide. This process is influenced by emotional and rational factors. Emotional responses (also known as countertransference) refers to what emotions clinicians experience. When working with suicidal patients, clinicians frequently experience negative emotions, such as fear, guilt and hopelessness. Clinicians’ negative emotions responses contribute to their assessment of risk. Possible factors that influence emotional responses are myths and beliefs around suicide, contributing to stigma.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between emotional responses, knowledge and stigma about suicide when providing care to suicidal patients.

An anonymous web-based survey was implemented through the software REDCap. Data were collected by snowball sampling. Participation was voluntary and participants had the ability to opt out at any time. The study was approved by the University Ethics Committee. The survey consisted of the Informed Consent Form (ICF), Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Scale of Myths, Beliefs and Attitudes About Suicide (SMBAS) - which evaluates stigma about suicide trough true or false questions. We also included the Rating Scale for Countertransference (RSCT) which evaluates the main emotional responses towards suicidal patients, divided in approach, indifference or rejection. Other questionnaires were included for future research, beyond the scope of this study.

From 210 respondents, 179 (85.2%) completed the questionnaire. Sociodemographics: 108 (60.3%) were female; 166 (92.7%) were self-declared white-colored skin; The mean age was 37.22 (SD = 12.33), with 6 (0 to 48) median years of professional life [65(36.3%) were medical residents; 112(62.6%) were already specialists, 54(48.2%) of those declared to be psychiatrists]. Psychiatrists had highest rate of correct answers (M = 28,96, SD = 1,84) in SMBAS when compared with non-psychiatrists (M = 27,86, SD = 2,39 , p = 0,008); Psychiatrists presented more emotional responses of interest (M = 2,58, SD 0,68, p < 0,001), solidarity (M = 2,81, SD 0,45, p < 0,001) and desire to help (M = 2,83, SD 0,38, p = 0,010). Non-psychiatrists presented more emotional responses of hostility (M = 0,06, SD 0,25, p = 0,040) and distance (M = 0,32, SD 0,56, p = 0,002). Psychiatrists presented more approach (p=0,03) and non-psychiatrist indifference (p=0,03).

We find preliminary evidence that psychiatrist present higher knowledge around suicide theme, having lower stigma around suicide. Psychiatrists also present more countertransference of approach and less of indifference.

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Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania, affecting millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the use of antidepressants, widely prescribed for unipolar depression, remains debated in the context of bipolar depression due to concerns about mood destabilization, mania induction, rapid cycling, and long-term efficacy and safety. This ambiguity underscores the critical need for a comprehensive analysis to guide clinical practice. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of antidepressant use in bipolar disorder.

Assess the safety and efficacy of antidepressants in bipolar disorder. Optimize treatment options to help reduce the global burden of bipolar disorder and address a major gap in understanding regarding the role of antidepressants in treating bipolar disorder.

A systematic review of 35 studies, including 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 14 cohort studies, and 3 meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2023, was conducted. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on antidepressant efficacy, safety, and long-term effects in BD patients. Data extraction and synthesis followed rigorous methodological protocols. The extracted data were then analyzed to identify trends, themes, and contradictions in the literature.

The use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder should be highly individualized, balancing potential benefits against risks. Clinicians must exercise caution, particularly regarding the risk of mania induction. This review found that antidepressants, especially when combined with mood stabilizers, demonstrated moderate efficacy in treating bipolar depression. Outcomes varied significantly across studies; while some patients benefited from antidepressant use, others experienced increased risks, such as rapid cycling and mania induction. There is a lack of conclusive long-term safety data, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches to mitigate risks.

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The role of antidepressants in bipolar disorder treatment remains contentious due to variability in outcomes and safety concerns. A personalized treatment approach, incorporating mood stabilizers, is recommended. This literature review concluded it is essential to balance the benefits and risks. Therefore, a combined treatment regimen with mood stabilizers is recommended. Further research, particularly longitudinal studies, is necessary to establish more definitive, evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar depression with antidepressants.

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The early postnatal period is at high risk for new and recurrent episodes of severe mental illness, with around one to two women in 1,000 requiring admission in the first few months after birth.

Home visits by midwives/obstetricians/paediatricians have been tested on preventing mental health problems on the postpartum with no home specific treatment when mental ill relapse appears. Indeed, scarce literature is found on acute relapses on mental health on the postpartum in terms of home visiting programs.

Authors aim to explore the role of a Mental Health Hospitalization at Home (MH-HaH) program on acute mental health status on the postpartum period.

A descriptive study on women attended in a HaH-MH program due to an acute mental health crisis on the postpartum period has been conducted.

Ten mother-baby dyad were attended: 7 were on an avoidance admission regimen (two directly referred from the obstetric ward) and 3 were early discharged from a psychiatric inpatient unit. Three patients were admitted due to psychotic symptoms, 6 due a depression features and one due to manic symptoms. All of them were discharged to a minor intensity setting and none required of hospital admission after a month of the MH-HaH. At a year of follow-up, only one patient required a new hospital admission due to a relapse.

MH-HaH programs could be a safe and respectful alternative to psychiatric admissions with a low relapse rate. However, the need of personalized approach of the dyad and the family as well as collaboration with the Perinatal Mental Health Units is required.

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In recent years, scientific literature has focused on the study of neurophysiological indices, including parameters derived from electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and electrodermal activity (EDA), in order to identify potential biomarkers that could be useful in the assessment, monitoring, and prevention of psychiatric disorders.

The aim of this work is to investigate whether some neurophysiological indices are able to predict the symptomatic improvement and the socio-relational functioning of people hospitalized in acute psychopathological conditions at the Psychiatric Unit of the Bufalini hospital in Cesena, in a transversal manner in regard to the diagnostic category and the symptomatic severity of the psychiatric disorder.

To assess treatment outcomes from both a psychopathological and functional perspective, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were administered at the start and end of hospitalization. Neurophysiological parameters were measured using the Rehacor-T device, which recorded frontocentral cerebral oscillations in Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta frequency bands, as well as heart rate and skin conductance. Data collection involved two phases: initially, participants viewed a calming landscape with eyes open, followed by a phase with eyes closed where they aimed to maintain tranquility. The Stroop test was then conducted. Statistical analyses were performed using JASP software.

The sample includes 112 patients (M = 57; F = 55), the average age of the participants is 44 years (SD = 16), while the average level of education is 11 years (SD =3).

The Beta frequency band in the eyes closed condition and the Delta frequency band in the eyes open condition show a positive regression with the changes in the HoNOS scale scores, indicating that an increase in Beta and Delta oscillations corresponds to an improvement in socio-relational functioning.

A positive regression was found between Delta oscillations in the Stroop test phase and changes in BPRS scores, suggesting that an increase in oscillations corresponds to an improvement in clinical symptoms.

Although several autonomic abnormalities are known in psychiatric disorders, our results did not show any prognostic ability from the ECG and EDA indices recorded in the sample.

In conclusion, in line with what has already been demonstrated in the literature, it is possible to confirm that EEG indices can reflect the adaptive resources of the person affected by psychiatric disorders in terms of the possibility of responding to treatment.

Deepen the research in this field could lead to the identification of new and more specific biomarkers for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share overlapping neurobiological and neurocognitive profiles, particularly in domains such as impulsivity, compulsivity and inhibitory control. Recent research has explored these commonalities, as well as the differences in brain structure, neural circuits, and cognitive impairments.

The aim of this review is to synthesize findings about the neurocognitive and neurobiological profiles of OCD and ADHD.

A literature search was conducted on PubMed in September 2024 using the following terms: “OCD” AND “ADHD,” “OCD” AND “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,” “obsessive-compulsive disorder” AND “ADHD,” and “obsessive-compulsive disorder” AND “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Only systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, with no year or language restrictions. Seven articles met the scope of this review.

On one hand, the selected studies indicate that both OCD and ADHD exhibit significant deficits in inhibitory control, as measured in the Stop Signal Task and antisaccade task. These findings are corroborated by neuroimaging abnormalities in brain regions implicated in inhibition, that includes the frontostriatal circuits. Studies also suggest that compulsivity may stem from dysfunctional glutamatergic transmission in frontostriatal circuits. On the other hand, though structural analyses reveal a shared pattern of brain alterations in OCD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, ADHD appears to have different morphometric properties. Furthermore, electrophysiological studies also demonstrate contrasting patterns of error detection between the disorders: increased error-related negativity (ERN) in OCD and reduced ERN in ADHD.

OCD and ADHD share common neurobiological and neurocognitive traits, yet distinct differences in brain structure and neurocognitive processing also emerge. This review highlights the importance of transdiagnostic approaches, which may facilitate the development of more targeted treatments for patients with overlapping neuropsychiatric conditions. Further research is necessary to understand the full extent of these shared and unique characteristics, in order to inform more refined diagnostic criteria and therapies.

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Loneliness is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for psychosomatic issues in older adults, potentially impacting various aspects of health, including oral health.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between loneliness and oral health in older adults.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 84 older adults (41 females and 42 males), aged between 65 and 94 years (mean age: 74.1 years, SD = 8.1). Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the 12-item Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and the Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the impact of loneliness on oral health outcomes.

The analysis revealed that emotional and social loneliness had a significant negative impact on oral health. Furthermore, the overall loneliness score was strongly associated with poorer oral health quality, independent of marital status or the presence of children. In other words, the relationship between loneliness and oral health was not moderated by these demographic factors.

As loneliness increases in older adults, their susceptibility to poor oral health rises, which can have significant implications for their psychological well-being. This study underscores the need to consider oral health as an integral component of overall well-being, particularly in the context of mental health in older populations.

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Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a range of motor, cognitive, affective, and autonomic disturbances. It is often associated with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and pervasive developmental disorders in children. Despite its potential severity, catatonia can be effectively treated with timely intervention, including the use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, treating catatonia in the context of schizo-obsessive disorder presents significant challenges.

The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing catatonia, as well as the need for more ECT sessions in schizo-obsessive catatonia.

Clinical case report and brief literature review on schizo-obsessive catatonia was done. Informed consent from the patient’s legal guardians was obtained.

We present a case report of a 16-year-old male from Ankara, living with his family, who is a middle school graduate but could not start high school due to his disorder. He had been followed in our outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for 4 years. The patient presented to the emergency department with agitation, disrobing, attempting to climb out of a window, and experiencing delusions. He was initially diagnosed with psychosis and started on risperidone 1 mg and lorazepam 1 mg.

Five days later, during a follow-up, he exhibited non-compliance with commands, mutism, refusal to eat, and urinating in the living room for the past three days. Examination revealed no eye contact, no verbal communication, and a flexed arm posture, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of catatonia and hospital admission. Physical examination, blood tests, brain imaging, and EEG showed no pathological findings. No substances were detected in urine. Despite increasing lorazepam to 6 mg, catatonia symptoms persisted, leading to the initiation of ECT on the fifth day.

After 20 ECT sessions, catatonia symptoms and psychotic content improved, though obsessions persisted. He was diagnosed with schizo-obsessive disorder and treated with fluvoxamine 200 mg/day, olanzapine 10 mg/day, and clonazepam 4 mg/day, with maintenance ECT ongoing.

This case report highlights the complexity of schizo-obsessive catatonia and the necessity for a multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The patient’s journey from an initial diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to the emergence of psychotic and catatonic symptoms underscores the fluidity of psychiatric diagnoses. The significant improvement following multiple, longer ECT sessions underscores the therapy’s potency, particularly in schizo-obsesive catatonia. This case underscores the importance of flexibility in psychiatric treatment, advocating for a tailored approach that evolves with the patient’s symptoms.

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Esketamine has been shown to produce a major antidepressant response in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We evaluated the factors associated with achieving remission in these individuals.

The study was carried out across four psychiatry departments in Madrid, Spain. Patients aged over 18 years were included if they received esketamine as an augmentation treatment for TRD. Standard esketamine protocol included an induction phase (4 weeks) and a maintenance phase (5 to 8 weeks). Subsequent treatment continuation was proposed. Clinical data and scores at the Clinical Global Impression scales were measured following each esketamine administration.

Sixty-five patients initiated the treatment, and 45 patients (69.2%) completed the standard protocol. The median number of esketamine administrations was 19. The mean age was 53.09 and 52.3% of the patients were females. Out of the whole sample, 36 (55%) of the patients achieved remission over the follow-up. Remission rates elevated to 67% in those who completed the standard protocol, and to 70% in those having received more than 19 esketamine administrations. Achieving remission over the follow-up was associated with the absence of dissociative symptoms, and with completing the standard esketamine protocol (OR = 0.229, p = 0.045; and OR = 4.538, p = 0.025, respectively). Receiving more than 19 esketamine administrations was associated with remission over the follow-up (OR = 6.513, p = 0.006).

Our results suggest that extending the numbers of esketamine administration may increase the chances to obtain remission. Adverse effects did not impact the treatment course.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered daily life and affected the sexual dynamics of couples across various contexts. Enforced lockdowns and pervasive social isolation, coupled with heightened anxiety associated with the pandemic, have profoundly affected mental health and intimate relationships, affecting sexual satisfaction among couples. This narrative review examines the psychosocial effects of these changes on couples’ sexuality, focusing on the challenges and coping strategies adopted by couples to mitigate the adverse effects and enhance intimate relationship quality.

This review systematically analyzes the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic on couples’ sexuality, using post-2020 literature to better understand these dynamics and enhance psychosexual support.

An extensive literature review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on keywords such as “COVID-19,” “sexual health,” “intimacy,” “divorce,” and “coping strategies.” Ten high-quality studies published after 2020 were selected based on their methodological rigor and relevance to couples’ dynamics. These studies include a mix of quantitative and qualitative research and systematic reviews, providing a broad yet detailed perspective on the topic.

The findings reveal that the pandemic has significantly diminished couples’ sexual desire and relationship satisfaction. Notable psychosocial effects include increased anxiety, stress, depression, and relational conflicts. Modifications in sexual frequency and quality were noted, yet many couples have adopted effective coping strategies such as enhanced communication, couples therapy, shared stress management activities, and the utilization of online psychological support resources, which have helped strengthen relationships during the pandemic.

The pandemic has profoundly influenced couples’ sexual and relational health, introducing psychosocial stressors. Despite these challenges, the resilience displayed by couples through diverse coping strategies highlights their adaptive capacity. This review emphasizes the need for mental health professionals to integrate targeted interventions to support couples’ well-being and prepare them for potential future crises.

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Eating disorders, such as anorexa nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, are complex conditions that affect both a person’s physical and mental health. Although biological and psychological factors have been extensively studied, sociocultural factors play a fundamental role in the developmental and maintenance of these disorders.

This poster explores how peer pressure, beauty standards, the influence of the media and social media, along with aspects such as gender, social class and culture, contribute to the emergence of eating disorders, especially among teenagers and young women.

Literature review

Patterns are identified that show a significant correlation between the idealization of thinness and increased body dissatisfaction. The impact of patriarchy, diet culture and social media consumption are discussed, and how these influences are amplified in different sociocultural contexts. Additionally, differences in the prevalence of eating disorders by gender and ethnicity are discussed, as well as implications for treatment prevention.

Intervention strategies that address sociocultural factors and promote a more inclusive and healthy view of the body are needed, with the aim of reducing the impact of these factors on the appearance of eating disorders. The research highlights the need for public policies that regulate media content and promote educational programs on physical and mental health.

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The use of restrictive practices such as restraint, seclusion and long-term segregation on people with mental health problems remains common in European psychiatric care to manage patients’ violent and other challenging behaviour. These practices violate human rights and thus there is a growing international policy move to reduce or even ultimately stop using them. To achieve this, clinicians, researchers, teachers, trainers, policy-makers and user representatives need to collaborate to transform psychiatric services towards non-coercive services. An international network provides one way towards this vision.

Here we present an international network focusing on developing knowledge and practices aiming at reducing violence and coercion in mental health settings. We will illustrate how networking in an interdisciplinary group can be beneficial to both European psychiatrists as well as other professionals in mental health services.

The EViPRG is a non-governmental research-focused network founded in 1997. Our vision is to work together to improve competency and quality of practice with the aim to reduce coercion and violence in mental health services, and address ongoing human rights issues. Clinicians in the psychiatric field as well as researchers can join the network through an electronic application (https://www.eviprg.eu/). Participation of early career researchers is encouraged.

The EViPRG offers a unique network to connect with like-minded colleagues, collaborate on research projects, learn from various national initiatives to reduce coercion, exchange best practice models and take part in discussions via our various platforms. The network meets 3-4 times per year both in-person and online. Meetings provide an arena to present the latest research findings, generate new research projects and get feedback from colleagues. The EViPRG also organises the bi-annual “European Conference on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry” and members get a reduced fee to attend.

The network has more than 130 members in Europe and beyond. Numerous multi-country studies have been initiated through the network. As an example, in the years 2021-2024, a European Commission-funded project COST Action FOSTREN widened the network to new countries. As a result, we expect a rise in our membership, especially from Eastern Europe. If you want to find like-minded research partners and innovators, link in with a strong community aspiring to influence policy and practice in this area, progress your career and international profile, or just meet new colleagues, membership in the EViPRG can be your choice.

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