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As a result of crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, depressive symptoms are increasing in the European population (Arias-de la Torre et al. Lancet PH 2023; 8: e889-98), with depression being one of the most common illnesses anyway and are even at the highest level ever measured in some countries, like in Germany (Mauz et al. Front PH 2023; 11: 106). Various treatment options are available, depending on the severity and individual preference of patients, but treatment-resistant depression in particular can pose major challenges for patients and clinicians. Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS), an alternative NIBS method based on shock waves, has been available for several years and is CE-certified for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia (Chen et al. CNS Nsc 2023; 00:1-10). It enables, for the first time, a precise and non-invasive modulation of subcortical brain regions where previously surgical intervention was necessary (Legon et al. Hum. Brain Mapp 2018; 39:1995-2006).
Objectives
The aim of this case series is to examine safety and effectiveness of TPS in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Methods
In the present study, 5 patients (gender ratio female/male 3:2) who met the criteria for treatment-resistant depression underwent a total of 6 treatments within 14 days (each session with 6000 pulses, energy level 0.25 mJ/mm² and frequency 4 Hz). With the help of neuro-navigation using individual MRI scans, pulses were applied bilaterally in the frontal and parietal lobe as well as the precuneus area (Figure 1). Additionally the shell region of the nucleus accumbens was targeted with 300 pulses on both sides due to its involvement in the pathophysiology of depression. Written consent and the approval of an ethics committee were obtained for all patients. Before, during and immediately after the TPS intervention, the antidepressant medication of all patients remained unchanged. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms before the first and after the last treatment session.
Results
Apart from a temporary feeling of pressure in the area of the temples in one patient, none of the patients experienced any side effects during and after the treatment. All patients showed a reduction in the BDI-II total score in the pre-post comparison: the mean value decreased from 41 to 26 (Figure 2).
Image 1:
Image 2:
Conclusions
The results of this case series show that a significant improvement in depressive symptoms is possible using TPS as a potentially well-tolerated treatment option, even in cases of treatment-resistant depression. Sham-controlled studies with large numbers of patients are required to prove its long-term effectiveness and safety.
The war has affected every Ukrainian to some extent. With the mobilization comes the increased risk of people with dark triad traits (DT) (psychopathy, machiavellianism and narcissism) to be exposed to stress on the battlefield. Being vulnerable, these individuals are in need of protection for their mental health. One of such protections is the emotional intelligence (EI). This makes the relation between DT and EI highly valued as the basis for future development of effective measures against stress disorders for combatants.
Objectives
The aim of this research is to study the existing knowledge exploring the relation between the emotional intelligence and dark triad traits and to determine the limitations of these studies.
Methods
In order to analyse this relation the literature review of scientific studies on the topic of the relation between the EI and DT was conducted.
Results
The literature sources published in 1994-2023 years were reviewed for this study. 1,87% of studies showed that DT related negatively to general EI. 5,66% showed that some facets of DT related positively to some facets of EI, while 2,83% showed negative relation. 2,83% demonstrated that psychopathy (P) related positively to general EI, 13,21% reported negative relation, 0,94% showed no relation, 2,83% demonstrated mixed relation. 5,66% reported that some facets of P related positively to some facets of EI, while 38,68% discovered negative relation. 14,15% demonstrated that narcissism (N) related both positively and negatively to general EI, 4,72% observed no relation. 16,98% found that some facets of N related positively to some facets of EI, 21,7% showed negative relation. 5,66% demonstrated that M related positively to general EI, 7,55% reported negative relation. 10,38% found that some facets of M related negatively to some facets of EI.
Conclusions
Among reviewed papers most of them reported that some facets of DT related positively to some facets of EI, with P mostly relating negatively to general EI and some of its facets, N mostly relating positively to some facets of EI and M mostly relating negatively to general EI and some of its facets. Found and known limitations of mentioned studies included: sample population being too heterogenous, sample population including criminal offenders only, size of sample population being too small, use of self-report measures, lack of unified approach to measure EI, possibility of comorbidity influencing EI, possibility of individual’s secondary gain influencing EI measure, non-exclusion of individuals with mental disorders from general population. This highlights the need to take mentioned limitations into account in order to acquire accurate data in further research on the topic.
In addition to the typical risks associated with healthcare professions, being a midwife carries a significant psychological and emotional burden. This responsibility extends not only to the mother’s well-being but also to the newborn’s, making the role particularly vulnerable to psychosocial risks, often driven by high-stress situations.
Objectives
To assess the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by midwives.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to midwives in the Sfax region. The questionnaire consisted of a first part relating to socio-demographic and professional data and a second part relating to the evaluation of the PTSD in midwives using the Impact of Event Scale (IES).
Results
Our population comprised 74 midwives with an average age of 45.6 ± 10.3 years. Only 21.6% reported engaging in regular physical activity. The midwives worked in both public and private health facilities, with a mean of job tenure of 20.3 ± 10.6 years. A stressful event in their professional life was reported by 68.8% of midwives. The PTSD was detected in 30 midwives (40.5% of the midwifery population surveyed), 8 of whom had severe symptoms. The traumatic events reported by the midwives were related to injury to the newborn, injury to the parturient or working conditions.
We found that the factors related to the PTSD were the number of dependent parents, a history of anxiety, depression or hypothyroidism, and working fixed hours. Physical activity was a protective factor against post-traumatic stress. A statistically significant link was found between severe forms of PTSD and taking leave in the last three months. Binary logistic regression confirmed that while physical activity was protective, anxiety, depression, and hypothyroidism were independent risk factors for PTSD.
Conclusions
PTSD is a common issue among midwives. It should be studied and identified early in at-risk populations to prevent lasting consequences.
Schizophrenia is a disorder associated with significant morbidity, largely due to poor treatment outcomes with existing interventions. Emerging evidence demonstrates that stem cell therapy using either patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), may offer an effective alternative for treating schizophrenia by promoting the restoration of excitatory interneurons. However, given the variability in the therapeutic potential of iPSCs and MSCs, adopting a progressive computational approach to predict the clinical outcomes of these therapies might be an effective strategy.
Objectives
The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy in schizophrenia and to explore the role of computational models in predicting the outcomes of this therapy.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search of clinical trials and studies published (since 2015) in PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE. The review included all randomized controlled trials involving iPSC or MSCs-based interventions and studies that incorporated computational models to predict outcomes. A total of 22 studies including 1436 individuals were included in the review. Meta-analytic methods were used to calculate pooled effect sizes on cognitive outcomes and reduction or improvement in negative symptoms was recorded using standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratios (RR).
Results
This involved 979 patients with schizophrenia from four studies that met quality review criteria, revealing that MSC-based therapies using positive controls significantly improved negative symptoms with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.32–0.73; P < 0.001). Improvements in cognition, especially in the domains of memory and executive function, were significant in treated groups using iPSCs (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI, 0.40–0.82; P < 0.0001). The predictive models that classified interneuron (PV and SST) restoration in terms of sensitivity (83.4%) and specificity (78.2%) enhanced the ability to predict responder treatment effects. Ultimately, computational modeling reduced predictive variance in therapeutic efficacy by 18.7% (p = 0.006).
Conclusions
Our meta-analysis revealed that stem cell therapies, particularly MSCs and iPSCs, significantly improved both negative and cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, predictive models using computational methods were found to accurately predict the therapeutic outcomes for intervention treatments based on the resting patient subgroups that received interneuron restorations. We conclude that stem-cell-based therapies especially when used alongside computational models have tremendous potential to provide precise and personalized psychiatric care.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 3% of children and adolescents in the U.S. This condition is increasingly prevalent worldwide and presents significant treatment challenges. Preliminary evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extracts may help manage ASD symptoms, but their efficacy and potential harms have not yet been systematically investigated.
Objectives
To systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence from clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of CBD cannabis extracts in alleviating symptoms of ASD in children and adolescents.
Methods
We conducted a comprehensive search in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using MeSH terms including “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” “Cannabidiol,” “Cannabis,” “Child,” and “Adolescents.” No language or publication date restrictions were applied. The search was last updated on September 8, 2024. We included randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the efficacy or safety of CBD cannabis extracts in children and adolescents with ASD. For outcomes with limited study data, we used a fixed-effects model. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias 2 tool.
Results
Three studies met our criteria, comprising 276 participants (78.3% male; mean age 10.5 years, range 5 to 21). Interventions included orally administered CBD cannabis extracts, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in minimal amounts or in ratios of 9:1 to 20:1 CBD to THC. Dosages of CBD started at 1 mg/kg per day and were titrated up to 10 mg/kg per day. CBD cannabis extracts significantly enhanced social responsiveness (SMD = -0.75 [-1.08, -0.43], p < 0.01, I² = 17%), reduced disruptive behavior (SMD = -0.36 [-0.67, -0.06], p = 0.02, I² = 0%), and alleviated anxiety (SMD = -0.33 [-0.63, -0.03], p = 0.03, I² = 59%). CBD cannabis extracts also improved sleep quality, without reaching statistical significance (SMD = -0.19 [-0.49, 0.11], p = 0.21, I² = 0%). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between interventions and placebo (odds ratio = 2.11 [1.00, 4.46], p = 0.05, I² = 38%).
Conclusions
CBD cannabis extracts appear to provide meaningful benefits for children and adolescents with ASD, showing moderate improvements in social responsiveness and small yet notable reductions in disruptive behaviors and anxiety. They do not seem to significantly increase adverse effects compared to placebo, suggesting a favorable safety profile. These findings support the potential consideration of CBD cannabis extracts in ASD treatment plans. However, the review’s limitations include a small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity. Future research with larger, robust trials is needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of CBD cannabis extracts in managing ASD.
Sweden has a long history as a host country for refugees. In recent years there has been a shift from being one of the most generous host countries in Europe to one of the most restrictive. In Sweden, refugees with a residence permit have a full right to care, but asylum seekers and undocumented migrants only have a right to care that cannot be deferred. Despite relatively good formal access to mental health care, and so far, the availability of free language interpreters, refugees face barriers to and within mental health care.
Aims
To give a brief overview of the current challenges for mental health care in Sweden and the work on solutions for people on the move.
Research methods
Ongoing research and clinical development are summarised in parallel with the identification of challenges.
Findings
A complex picture of the development and challenges of mental health care for people on the move in a situation of increasing social pressure on refugees is described.
Conclusions
There is a need for equal treatment of people on the move without discrimination and exclusion.
This study aimed to identify the big five personality factors among cybercrime victims in Jordan and to investigate the differences in the level of the big five personality factors due to the type of crime, gender, age, and educational level. The descriptive analytical approach was used. The study sample consisted of (515) cybercrime victims in Jordan. To achieve the aims of the study, the five major factor scale was used, and its reliability and validity were checked.
Objectives
Study Objectives:
1. ersonality traits of cybercrime victims in Jordan.
2. The differences in the Big Five personality traits of cybercrime victims based on the type of cybercrime.
3. whether Big Five personality traits among cybercrime victims varied significantly with regard to gender, age, and educational status of respondents.
Methods
Study Tool: The Big Five Personality Traits Scale
This study used The Big Five Personality Traits Scale (Costa & McCrae, 1992) . In its original configuration, the scale consisted of 60 items or questions.
Item Characteristics of the Assessments Scale: 1.Internal Construct Validity. Internal consistency was checked using Cronbach’s alpha. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was 0.701to 0.818, which was above 0.70; therefore, it is acceptable. Scoring of the scale: A 5-point Likert scale was employed .The second question was approached with One-way ANOVA. The third question was addressed via MANOVA.
Results
The results show that the level of extraversion and openness factors came at a high level, while the conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism factors came at a moderate level. Also, the results found that there were no differences due to the type of crime in the neuroticism factor and there were differences in the factors (extraversion in favor of device hacking crime, openness in favor of unwanted sexual crime, conscientiousness, and agreeableness in favor of identity theft crime). Also, the results show that there are differences in the factors (neuroticism, extraversion, and openness) due to gender in favor of females, and due to age in the factors (neuroticism, acceptability, and conscientiousness) in favor of less than 30 years, and the level of education in the openness factor in favor of a secondary class or less, while in the acceptability factor in favor of a bachelor, while in the scientific factor in favor of postgraduate students.
Conclusions
Actions should be taken against cybercrimes, which include:
- More education about cybercrimes and how to use internet in a safe way.
- Supervision of people who are still not efficient in using technology and close supervision of the way that teenagers are using high technology devices.
- Trainings should be done to start protecting people from such crimes.
A migrant is any person who moves or has moved across an international border regardless of the legal status of the person, whether the movement is voluntary or not, the reasons for the movement or the length of stay. In recent decades, migratory flows have increased significantly also in Italy. The migration process has highlighted the need to explore the potential challenges within the local multicultural context, as well as the difficulties that migrant patients with mental health issues may face. The assistance, diagnosis, and treatment of patients of foreign origin have become essential aspects of the pursuit of overall well-being within the community.
According to the literature, migration can represent a stress factor that leads to an increased risk of developing psychiatric symptoms or disorders. It should be emphasized that, although the organization of mental health services in Italy is strongly based on territorial outpatient services, the first contact of migrants with psychiatry occurs through the emergency room and the psychiatric wards of hospitals that usually admit patients with disorders in the acute phase.
It becomes necessary to learn more about this topic, given the limited or insufficient national and international studies on these issues.
Objectives
This study aims to investigate and describe the characteristics of migrants admitted to three Emergency and Acceptance Departments (DEA) in Northern Italy: Novara, Alessandria, and Borgomanero in comparison with natives, to investigate any differences between the two populations regarding the variables described above.
Methods
Through an electronic data acquisition research software solution (REDCap), the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of migrants hospitalized at the three DEA will be collected. The data of migrants who received psychiatric consultation (PC) from January 2020 to December 2024 will be compared with those of natives. Data will include socio-demographic and clinical aspects, with a specific focus on mental health disorders (such as suicidal behaviours), type of intervention and outcome of the consultation. The only inclusion criterion used was the presence of PC after triage while no exclusion criteria were used except for age under 16.
Results
Ongoing analyzes will provide an in-depth description of the correlation between migrant status and the mental well-being of patients accessing the DEA who have received a PC. Particularly, the analyzes will allow us to outline the risk factors for psychiatric diagnosis and the choice of treatment strategies.
Conclusions
The data could suggest the need for prevention and intervention programs aimed at the migrant population, oriented towards cultural differences in the expression of discomfort, linguistic difficulties and/or mutual understanding between healthcare personnel and patients.
Psychoeducation is a well-supported intervention in psychiatry aimed at improving outcomes for patients with serious mental disorders and their families. It primarily focuses on enhancing family understanding of the illness, reducing stress, and fostering a supportive environment for the patient. However, traditional psychoeducation often emphasizes increasing caregivers’ capacity to manage the illness, rather than addressing the family as a unit coping with care needs and the stigma associated with mental illness. Family mental health cafés have been developed to address these broader issues.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of participants in family mental health cafés and evaluate its impact on feelings of stigma and isolation.
Methods
The Family Mental Health Cafés were implemented in five Ontario cities from 2018 to 2019, these cafés were organized in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association. They drew on the World Café and Death Café models, focusing on caregiving and care-receiving within the family unit and its interactions with the community. Discussions included managing illness and other stressors, successful strategies, and improvements needed for family well-being. Participants completed evaluations with both closed and open-ended questions
Results
A total of 67 individuals participated, identifying as diagnosed individuals, family members, service providers, or combinations thereof. Sixty-six completed evaluations, with 99% finding the cafés well-planned and engaging, and 88% recommending them to others. Qualitative feedback emphasized the value of shared experiences, resource exchange, and diverse perspectives from patients, family members, and service providers. Participants appreciated the integration of these perspectives as a positive aspect of the café experience.
Conclusions
The cafés offer a novel approach to psychoeducation by focusing on the well-being of the entire family, their mutual caregiving investments, and challenges in navigating social and institutional environments. Participants valued the process for addressing isolation, and engagement with others with similar experiences may have helped reduce stigma, though this was less clear. Future research could explore the long-term outcomes of single or repeated café experiences.
It is necessary to know how the pharmacokinetics of psychotropic drugs changes in the body of patients during their long-term use.
Objectives
To study the pharmacokinetic parameters of the anticonvulsant galodif in experimental rats at different times of drug administration.
Methods
Galodif (meta-chlorobenzhydryl urea, 100 mg/kg) was administered in rats (in suspension, intragastrically) for: 1, 5 and 15 days. Galodif was determined in the microsomal fraction of rat liver. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by a model-independent method of statistical moments. The statistical significance of differences was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov λ-test at p<0.05.
Results
A single administration of galodif to rats is accompanied by a slowdown in its elimination from the body: the values of T1/2 (18.82±6.25h), MRT (22.41±7.07h), MET (10.64±2.84h), AUC (15.01±4.86 mcg/ml) increase, indicating the retention of galodif in the body tissues. A 5-fold administration of galodif stimulates the elimination of the drug: T1/2 (2.22±0.52*h), AUC (3.68±0.79*mcg/ml), MRT (2.95±0.73*h), MET (3.00±0.65*h) decrease. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug indicate a pronounced tissue availability of galodif molecules. With a 15-fold administration of galodif, the elimination of the drug from the body slows down somewhat, remaining accelerated relative to a single administration: T1/2 (10.79±2.90*h), MRT (3.97±1.03*h), MET (12.05±4.10*h), AUC (19.28±7.13*mcg/ml). The revealed changes in kinetic parameters during long-term administration of galodif to rats stimulate the elimination of the drug by inducing the microsomal liver oxidative system.
Conclusions
The choice of a drug that combines anticonvulsant and detoxifying properties is of great importance in long-term therapy of paroxysmal disorders, epilepsy and alcoholism.
Recently, there has been an increase in media reports regarding crimes committed by individuals with mental disorders, leading to a deterioration in public opinion on this issue. Misconceptions about the dangerousness of individuals with mental disorders can negatively impact the prevention, treatment, and social reintegration of these patients.
Objectives
Public attitudes toward crimes committed by individuals with mental disorders are influenced by media and public opinion, and psychiatric hospital staff are not exempt from these influences. Since the prejudices of these staff members can directly affect psychiatric patients, it is crucial to assess their attitudes.
Methods
This study surveyed the attitudes of psychiatric hospital staff regarding the risk of criminal behavior in individuals with mental disorders and compared these attitudes with those of the general population.
Results
The findings revealed that psychiatric hospital staff exhibited less prejudice than the general population across six dimensions related to crimes by individuals with mental disorders: recent increase in crime, cruelty, impulsivity, violence, criminal tendency, and crime rate. Additionally, psychiatric hospital staff displayed less prejudice regarding specific disorders (schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, and developmental disorders) compared to the general population.
Conclusions
Psychiatric hospital staff demonstrated less prejudice toward the criminal behavior of individuals with mental disorders than the general public. This difference may be attributed to their direct contact with psychiatric patients. The findings suggest potential directions for policy development aimed at reducing public prejudice toward mental disorders and associated criminal behavior.
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a well-recognised condition often involving a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors. Although awareness of FND among the general population and clinical staff has increased and improved over recent years, challenges remain for the sufferers across multiple areas. This reflective piece explores these challenges using a relational understanding. The model of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is used to examine some of the dynamics and concepts at play in FND.
Lithium is a mood stabilizer, causing various dose related adverse effects. Cardiac adverse effects are seen more frequently in patients with previous cardiac diseases, overdoses, and chronic use.
Objectives
We report the case of a woman treated with lithium who developed bradycardia and syncope, which are rare adverse effects of lithium.
Methods
A 39-year-old woman was hospitalized due to suicidal ideation during a psychotic depressive episode. She had a previous supraventricular tachycardia episode requiring ablation but was asymptomatic for a long time. On admission, she was using sertraline 100 mg/day and olanzapine 10 mg/day. Lithium was initiated at 600 mg/day due to previous suicide attempts and being in the fourth depressive episode. On the second day of lithium therapy, the patient had a syncope lasting a minute. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus bradycardia at 46 bpm and 417 msec of QTc. She was normotensive. Her serum electrolytes, myocardial enzymes, thyroid hormones, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were within normal limits. Lithium was stopped. The following ECG showed sinus rhythm at 65 bpm. Cardiology consultation resulted in no contraindication to lithium therapy. Lithium was reinitiated with 300 mg, no syncope or bradycardia was observed, and the patient was discharged after 9 days. Lithium concentration was 0.66 mEq/L. The Naranjo Advers Drug Reaction Scale was scored as 5, indicating a probable relationship between syncope, bradycardia, and lithum. She is still using lithium 300 mg/day for four months with no adverse-effects.
Results
At both therapeutic and toxic lithium levels, ECG changes such as T-wave inversions, sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial blocks, PR prolongation, QTc prolongation, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias can be observed. Lithium cardiac adverse effects have been shown to increase with age and duration of treatment and can be seen in both therapeutic and toxic concentrations. Our case is unique, occurring in a relatively young patient in the early phase of lithium treatment.
Conclusions
Other causes of bradycardia should be eliminated by performing a workup that includes calcium level, thyroid function, and cardiac workup, and checking medication interactions. Lithium-induced bradycardia is reversible upon discontinuation of lithium, but irreversible sinus node may occur when long-term lithium therapy is required. As lithium is an indispensible option for such patients with severe recurrent depression, lithium may be rechallenged with a lower dose and close followup of the ECG despite previous episodes of bradycardia and syncope.
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide, and network analyses in psychopathology allow for an improved understanding of its development, maintenance, and treatment. Evidence suggests that sexual minority individuals are more vulnerable to depression.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to analyze the correlations between depressive symptoms in heterosexual and sexual minority students using network analysis.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,271 university students to assess depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Network analyses were performed to identify influential symptoms and their correlations.
Results
The results showed that sexual minority students had significantly higher scores for all symptoms of depression than heterosexual students did. Guilt and suicidal ideation had the strongest association with the symptom network of heterosexual students. Among sexual minority students, the strongest associations were between lack of energy and depressed moods. The most influential symptom in the heterosexual student network was suicidal ideation, whereas in the sexual minority student network, guilt was the most influential symptom.
Conclusions
These results demonstrate that in network analyses, different depressive symptoms play distinct central roles between heterosexual and sexual minority groups. These differences indicate the need for interventions that are adapted to the specificities of each group to promote mental health.
Gender identity issues in the elderly are often overlooked in psychiatric practice. Older transgender and gender-diverse adults face significant barriers, including social isolation, stigma, and limited access to gender-affirming care. These challenges, coupled with healthcare discrimination and gatekeeping, negatively impact mental health outcomes, often leaving this population underserved in healthcare systems.
Objectives
The aim is to identify the challenges transgender and gender-diverse elderly individuals face in accessing appropriate medical care and to explore how these barriers impact their overall health and well-being. Additionally, the objective is to propose strategies to improve both the mental health and general healthcare outcomes for this vulnerable group, ensuring that their specific needs are addressed within healthcare systems.
Methods
A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, ResearchGate, and Medline databases. Search included combinations of the terms “gender identity,” “geriatic psychiaty “ and “gender dysphoria. Studies were selected based on their relevance to understanding the mental health and healthcare needs of elderly transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Results
The review revealed that elderly individuals with gender identity concerns experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Historical discrimination and healthcare disparities significantly impact their well-being. Studies indicate that increased risks for dementia, linked to factors such as cardiovascular disease and sexually transmitted infections, further heighten their vulnerability.Moreover, there are significant gaps in gender-affirming care within geriatic services. Healthcare providers often lack the training necessary to address the specific needs of older transgender adults, leading to delays or denials in appropriate care.
Conclusions
This review highlights that transgender and gender-diverse older adults remain a population often overlooked in psychiatric and geriatric care. Recognizing the importance of tailored care for this population is essential, as well as training healthcare providers and implementing gender-affirming treatments to ensure inclusive, equitable care that meets their specific needs.
A case series of patients diagnosed with comorbid ASD and ADHD in adulthood is presented.
Objectives
To make a comparison between the situation and social difficulties before and after specific ADHD treatment, in order to reinforce that it is not only a treatment for academic functioning, but also helps social interaction and therefore general functioning.
Methods
Four clinical cases are presented, three females and one male, with a mean age of 45 years. All of them were diagnosed with ASD and comorbid ADHD, with a predominance of impulsive component, in 2023.
All of them, prior to the diagnosis of ASD, were diagnosed with GAD, social phobia or even avoidant personality disorder. For these diagnoses, from a very early age, they received different SSRIs and benzodiazepines with little response.
Results
In the consultation, after taking a complete clinical history, and fundamentally a biographical history, the examination was complemented with ADOS and CPT.
Due to the results obtained in CPT, it was decided to start treatment with lisafentamine between 50 and 70mg DMD.
CPT was performed again, obtaining better results in all cases, with a decrease in impulsivity and attention, mainly. At a subjective level, patients reported a substantial improvement, especially at a social level, which favoured their functioning in basic activities of daily living.
Conclusions
In adults, a correct diagnosis is important given that many of them present symptoms compatible with one or more neurodevelopmental disorders not diagnosed in childhood. Likewise, treatment in accordance with these disorders improves functionality and avoids polypharmacy and side effects of unnecessary treatments.
Selective reporting of outcome data (SOR) refers to trialists selecting results for publication based on the results of a subset of the initially measured outcomes. SOR for specific, potentially very profitable, treatments, particularly in key junctures such as in the period leading to or immediately preceding approval, has not been examined.
Objectives
We examined the prevalence and types of SOR for three of the most prominent psychedelic drugs, either approved by regulators or considered very close to approval: esketamine, psilocybin and MDMA.
Methods
We used a publicly available inception cohort (https://osf.io/yfv9n) of intervention trials of psychedelic drugs that were registered on clinicaltrials.gov by March 2023. We selected randomized trials in participants with symptoms, a diagnosis or risk of mental disorders. Trials had to assess the efficacy of esketamine, psilocybin or MDMA, alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to any control or active intervention, and include at least one efficacy outcome.
Results
We identified 98 randomized trials, 56 of which had a clinicaltrials.gov status of completed, terminated or unknown as of July 2024. Sixteen of 56 (28.5%) had no publication available as well as no results posted on clinicaltrials.gov. Of these sixteen, seven were described as completed in the registry (three had a completion date in 2022, two in 2023). Another 8 trials we described as unknown, with anticipated completion dates ranging from 2021 to 2023. For 29 trials (51%) we could identify peer-reviewed publications. Five other trials had only been published as conference posters or company press-releases. Of the 29 trials matched with publications, the primary outcome measure had been changed in 2 (7%), with an outcome initially registered as secondary upgraded to primary. There were changes regarding the timepoint of assessment for the primary outcome in 7 trials (24%): in 4 trials the timepoint had been changed, while in 3 trials, the publication only reported on a subset of the timepoints registered for the primary outcome.
Conclusions
Selective reporting and non-reporting of study results are present in trials of the most prominent psychedelic drugs, but given the scarce information contained in clinical trial registries, they are difficult to assess. Full access to all time-stamped versions of trial protocols and statistical analysis plans would be necessary to gauge the extent and types of SOR, including changes to the analysis method.
Burnout Syndrome (BOS) is a state of exhaustion due to chronic workplace stress, characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment (PA). BOS is significant among healthcare professionals worldwide, and a critical issue in medical residency, raising concerns about mental health, patient care and safety.
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of BOS among pediatric medical residents at a children’s hospital in Madrid, Spain. The association between demographic and occupational factors, such as gender, residency year, and night shifts per month, and the presence of BOS was also analyzed.
Methods
An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2024, using a survey distributed to pediatric residents. The survey included demographic and occupational data and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), which assesses burnout through EE, DP and PA. Perception of institutional burnout prevention and support programs was also evaluated.
Results
The response rate was 81.8% (45/55), the majority of respondents were female (77.8%), aged between 24-32 years (mean 26.8), from all levels of training. Burnout scores were abnormal in 55.6%, and 11.1% met criteria for high levels of burnout. Emotional exhaustion was the most affected dimension, over half (57.8%) scoring in the high-degree for EE, followed by 40% for high DP and 28.9% for low PA. No significant associations were found between gender, residency year, or night shifts and burnout levels. However, 66.7% of the respondents perceived insufficient institutional burnout prevention programs or support.
Conclusions
The study confirmed a high prevalence of BOS among pediatric residents. These results emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent and address burnout and improve health-care professionals well-being. Further research is needed to explore factors contributing to burnout and effective strategies for mitigating burnout among medical residents.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Military personnel are particularly affected by this psychiatric condition, which profoundly alters their personal, social and professional lives. Professional redeployment is most often the decision taken to keep these military personnel in the army.
Objectives
To identify the professional future of military personnel suffering from PTSD
Methods
Retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Military Centre for Occupational Medicine and Occupational Safety between 2017 and 2022 among active military personnel requesting occupational redeployment.
Results
We collected 22 cases of professional redeployment for PTSD, representing 24% of all requests for redeployment. Our study population was exclusively male, with a mean age of 30±9 years, mainly from the army (19 cases), divided into officers (3 cases), non-commissioned officers (12 cases) and enlisted men (7 cases). The traumatic event responsible for the PTSD was a mine explosion (8 cases), a road accident (6 cases), a gunshot wound (6 cases), a fall from a parachute (1 case) and an air accident (1 case). All patients had previously been exempted from certain military duties, mainly carrying weapons (22 cases), guards duty (5 cases) and driving vehicles (5 cases). When the decision to reclassify was taken, the military personnel was affected to a mainly administrative post (19 cases), a gardening post (1 case), a plumbing post (1 case) and a catering post (1 case).
Conclusions
This study highlights the fact that PTSD in the military represents a serious and complex challenge that requires special attention. It is imperative to put in place preventive measures and provide appropriate management of PTSD. That can support the military personnel affected and maintain the operational capability of the troops.