Climate change is one of the main global challenges of the 21st century due to its consequences for the environment, the economy and health. Given that human behaviour exists at the forefront of many of the environmental issues we face, it is crucial to effectively measure pro-environmental behaviours (PEB). Stanley et al. (2021) proposed the PEB Scale (PEBS), a bifactorial measure including eight items asking about personal behaviours and eight collective actions that revealed good psychometric properties. To the best of our knowledge, there is no instrument that validly assesses these parameters in the general Portuguese population.

To analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of PEBS and to explore its relationship with individual factors.

A community sample of 599 Portuguese adults (64.6% women; mean age=34.40±16.18) answered to the Portuguese preliminary version of PEBS and to the validated instruments: Climate Change Distress and Impairment Scale/CC-DIS, Big3 Perfectionism Scale–Short version/BTPS-SF, HEXACO-60 and Toronto and Coimbra Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire/ProBeQ. SPSS 29 and AMOS-29 were used for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA; with a subsample of n=291) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA; n=308), respectively.

EFA revealed a 3-factor solution with an explained variance of 60.52% confirmed by parallel analysis. With CFA, fit indices were found to be acceptable for first and second-order models (X²/df=4,0741; CFI =.8638; TLI=.8382; GFI=.8515; RMSEA= .0887, p<.001). Cronbach’s alphas were of .871 for the total scale (16 items), .857 for F1 (Collective actions/CA; 5 items), .832 for F2 (Personal behaviours/PB; 8 items) and .736 for F3 (Political actions/PA; 3 items). PEBS correlated with CC-DIS (r=.48 with total PEBS, r=.42 with CA and PB and r=.21 with PA, p<.01), ProBeQ (r=.24 with total PEBS, r=.12 with CA, r=.37 with PB and r=-.14 with PA, p<.01), Narcissistic Perfectionism (r=.08, p<.05 with CA and r=.20, p<.01 with PA), Honesty-Humility (r=-.15, p<.01 with PA), Emotionality (r=-.12, p<.01 with PB and r=.09, p<.05 with PA), Extraversion (r=.09, p<.05 with CA and r=.12, p<.01 with PA), Agreeableness (r=.11 with total PEBS, r=.12 with CA and r=.14 with PA, p<.01) and Conscientiousness (r=.09, p<.05 with total PEBS). When the correlated variables were inserted as predictors in linear multiple regression models where CA, PB and PA were dependent variables, they explained 19.8% (R2=.198), 24.6% (R2=.246) and 14.9% (R2=.149) of their variance, respectively (all p<.001).

PEBS shows adequate psychometric properties, therefore, it can be used to measure PEB in the Portuguese population, namely, to analyze the efficacy of pro-climate interventions and campaigns. These initiatives should take into consideration the role of individual factors (such as personality traits) in PEB.

None Declared

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome is an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by proximal weakness, autonomic dysfunction, and areflexia associated with antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels. Psychotic symptoms can take place in many auto-immune neurological disorders, but their occurrence in myasthenic syndromes has rarely been observed.

We report a case of a 21-year-old female with primary autoimmune Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome due to anti-voltage-gated calcium channels antibodies subtype P/Q, who developed psychotic symptoms three years after motor symptom onset.

The patient attended regular psychiatric follow-ups over three years.

With monthly administration, these psychotic symptoms improved after every cycle of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The patient displayed partial insight into the mental symptoms. Different causes of reversible psychosis were excluded, such as autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome, though the patient tested positive for the anti-voltage-gated calcium channels antibodies subtype P/Q. Owing to muscle strength worsening and psychotic episodes, the patient was put on several treatments, including one admission to a Neurology unit. The patient then experienced psychotic exacerbation, leading to treatment with olanzapine at 20 mg/day. Psychotic symptoms persisted but were less severe, with greater intensity at night. After two years, the patient’s condition showed significant improvement, with olanzapine increased to 25 mg/day.

This is, to our knowledge, the first described case of psychotic symptoms associated with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome. We speculate that voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies could have a role in developing mental symptoms. However, further hypotheses are discussed. Although the patient had received corticosteroid therapy before symptom onset, the timing and dosage make corticosteroid-induced psychosis unlikely. A primary psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia, is considered improbable due to the atypical nature of the psychotic symptoms. This case underscores the need for further research on the neurobiological mechanisms linking VGCC antibodies to psychiatric symptoms.

None Declared

Infertility represents a serious biopsychosocial crisis. Faced with infertility in a society that emphasizes parenthood as a desirable role, and driven by their own desire to become a parent, a person is forced to (re)define themselves as an adult and find their place in society. Research shows that women are more affected by this issue. Firstly, medical treatment for infertility is more uncomfortable for women than for men. Moreover, in most societies, women are considered the responsible partner for reproduction. The experience with this problem can be traumatic enough to become a reference point for identity and for attributing meaning to other experiences in one’s life.

This research aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological problems caused by infertility in the relationship between self-stigma and the degree of integrating trauma (i.e. infertility) into one’s identity, on the one hand, and the level of depression, on the other.

The study involved 197 women with difficulties conceiving who had not yet become mothers, aged between 27 and 47 years (M=37.7; SD=5.1). The following questionnaires were used: the Female Infertility Stigma Instrument (ISI-F), designed to assess self-stigma in women facing infertility. The Centrality of Event Scale (CES) measures integrating trauma into one’s identity (adapted here to measure the integration of infertility into one’s identity). The Psychological Evaluation Test for Infertile Couples (PET), is aimed at assessing psychological problems in various aspects of life caused by infertility, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), is used to assess the degree of depression.

The results show that the zero-order correlations between the predictors, mediators, and criterion are positive and significant. Mediation analysis shows that problems caused by infertility mediate the relationship between self-stigma and the level of depression (indirect effect: ß=.292, p< .001, 95%CI = .199 - .411), and between the integration of trauma (i.e., infertility) into one’s identity and the level of depression (indirect effect: ß=.147, p<.001, 95%CI = .083 - .226). In both cases, full mediation is observed. Tables and figures will be added to the poster if accepted.

The results indicate that the degree of internalized stigma and the integration of infertility into one’s identity are significant for a person’s adjustment to this problem and that, together with the level of psychological problems caused by infertility, have an effect on mental health. The study underscores the “traumatic” potential of infertility and the effect of this issue on identity and mental health. The findings could also serve as guidelines for designing psychological interventions, which should focus on the problem of self-labeling, self-blame, and the redefinition of oneself as an adult.

M. Mitrović Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe, N. Ćirović Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe, J. Opsenica Kostić Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe, I. Janković Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe, M. Guberinić Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe, M. Spasić Šnele Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe, M. Trenkić Grant / Research support from: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, #GRANT No 1568, Identity Crisis in Women Facing Infertility: Mixed Methods Approach – InsideMe.

Suicidal tendencies are among the most common problems faced by adolescents who encounter difficulties, issues, or challenges affecting various aspects of their psychological and social lives, often leading to high suicide rates. Bipolar disorder, various depressive disorders, substance abuse disorders, psychosis, and eating disorders are among the most common leading causes of suicide and suicidal tendencies among adolescents. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an integrative therapy employing a combination of techniques. DBT aims to assess the individual’s ability to regulate emotions, manage relationships effectively, tolerate distress, reduce maladaptive responses, and decrease impulsive and self-destructive behaviors.

The current study aims to investigate the effect of using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques in reducing suicidal tendencies (ST) among adolescents of both genders who suffer from bipolar disorder. Additionally, to verify the sustained effectiveness of these techniques in reducing suicide risk among adolescents.

A one-group experimental design was used. The study sample consisted of a (31) adolescents with high or moderate levels of suicidal tendencies who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Initially, the Bipolar Disorder Scale was used to identify adolescents exhibiting symptoms of the disorder for more than 6 months. This was followed by administering the Suicidal Tendencies Scale. Individuals with high or moderate suicidal tendencies scores on this scale were selected to participate in the study. They then underwent 23 sessions of psychotherapy based on DBT. After the completion of the therapy program, the Suicidal Tendencies Scale was administered again, and a third administration took place two months after the completion of the program. The research tools included a DBT-based therapy program consisting of 23 sessions, with an average of 3 sessions per week, each lasting 45-60 minutes.

The results indicated a significant improvement among adolescents after the completion of the program. Participants reported benefiting from the program, expressing reduced feelings of despair and increased hope and optimism about life. The adolescents’ scores on the Suicidal Tendencies Scale decreased after the program ended compared to their scores before the program. Additionally, their scores remained lower two months after the program ended compared to their pre-program scores. This indicates a positive impact of the counseling program in reducing suicidal tendencies among adolescents, as well as the sustained effectiveness of the program.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective in reducing suicidal tendencies and can be applied effectively to a range of other psychological disorders. It is essential to manage suicidal tendencies among adolescents to help decrease suicide rates.

None Declared

Climate change and pollution are deeply interconnected phenomena that pose significant risks to overall health, given their proven impact on the functionality of various human organs and systems. With increasing urbanization, global toxicity is expected to rise in the near future. It is therefore crucial to understand how environmental pollution affects mental health, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas.

This systematic literature review aims to explore the biological mechanisms linking exposure to environmental pollutants, climate change, and the onset and/or exacerbation of severe mental disorders.

A search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and APA PsycInfo databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies on humans and animal models examining the association between environmental pollutants, climate change, and mental disorders were included. A total of 48 articles were considered, comprising studies on humans (16 studies) and animal models (31 studies), along with one article that included both models.

Human studies revealed that exposure to particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM10) increases the risk of depression and psychotic relapses through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In animal models, pollution was shown to impact brain function by activating inflammatory responses, causing oxidative stress, damaging the hippocampus, and dysregulating neurotransmitters. Additionally, one study highlighted that climate change is associated with mood disorders by inducing changes in gene expression and psychophysical adaptation responses.

The findings indicate that environmental pollutants and climate change can affect human mental health through complex biological pathways. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing prevention and intervention strategies. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and pollution.

None Declared

Digital studies based on the continuous monitoring of patients in their natural environment help to refine the suicidal phenotypes. Studies using ecological momentary assessment revealed the existence of different patterns of suicidal ideation (SI) based on both their severity and variability. Specifically, variable SI may be a frequent pattern of suicidal ideation that appears to be related to some clinical features (social withdrawal, impulsive aggression, suicide attempts), rooted in childhood trauma and serotonergic dysfunction and associated with the reactivity to stressful life events. Some individuals, in response to stress could experience both psychological pain and decision-making impairment in social contexts, leading to suicide risk. Then, the description of the suicidal pattern may help to define clinically and biologically homogeneous groups of at-risk patients.

In this sense, experimental studies where patients are submitted to a social stress task reported that patients who were more sensitive to a social stress, as measured with a higher salivary cortisol response, were less depressed, more impulsive, and made suicide attempts with a higher intent. Investigating the regulation of the immune inflammatory response to the social stress task, we recently reported that suicide attempters and ideators showed less dynamic inflammatory stress responses in comparison to psychiatric controls, and that platelet activation responses to stress were blunted in individuals with suicidal ideation. Last, we will present new data of cardiovascular and emotional responses to the virtual Trier Social Stress Test in women with a history of depression and with or without a history of suicide attempt. Combining digital and experimental studies could help to refine the suicidal phenotypes and reduce the heterogeneity of suicidal behaviors that are led by different processes, in order to develop specific therapeutic approaches for a better suicide prevention.

None Declared

Anesthesia technicians play a crucial role in operating room ensuring the conduct of anesthesia procedures and monitoring patients. However, the demanding nature of their work involving irregular hours, alertness, extended hours in addition to the exposure to anesthetic agents may influence their performance and vigilance.

The aim of this study was to assess signs of sleepiness among anesthesia technicians (AT) and evaluate its associated factors.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among AT in two University Hospitals in Sfax, Tunisia, between January and July 2024 during periodic health assessment visits. Sociodemographic and professional data were collected. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to assess signs of sleepiness.

Our population consisted of 60 AT with a mean age of 47.9±7.1 years. Two participants (3.3%) were males. The mean seniority was 24±7.5 years in healthcare and 10.4±8.1 years in the current ward. Forty-five AT (75%) reported using Halogenated Anesthetics. Ninety-five percent of the population had shift work. Fatigue and daytime somnolence were reported by 73.3% and 45% of the population respectively. The median ESS score was 6 Interquartile range IQR [2.25;6]. Excessive sleepiness was found in 21.7% of the population. The ESS score was higher among AT who used halogenated anesthetic, but no significant association was found (p=0.2) in the bivariate analysis.

Assessing vigilance among AT is necessary to maintain patient safety. Organizational factors such as long hours and environmental factors such as effective evacuation system for halogenated agents could cause fatigue and sleepiness in operating room.

None Declared

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being used in patients with advanced malignancies. Although it can effectively treat tumors, 30–60% of patients could experience immune-related adverse events such as encephalitis with antibodies against the NMDA receptor.

We present a case of a 57-years-old man with no prior mental health history who was diagnosed of kidney cancer and received treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. He developed incoherent speech, visual hallucinations, delusional megalomania, disorientation, sleepiness and a low-grade fever of 37.7ºC. He was admitted in Neurology unit and diagnosed of autoimmune limbic encephalitis in a patient treated with checkpoint inhibitors.

To describe a case of a psychotic episode associated with autoimmune limbic encephalitis in a patient treated with checkpoint inhibitors.

Clinical assesment and bibliographic review of pertinent literature.

During his admission in Neurology ward, the patient was suspicious, inattentive, aggressive with healthcare staff and he developed incoherent speech with visual hallucinations.

MRI suggested bilateral limbic encephalitis and the antibody test in cerebrospinal fluid were positive for NMDA receptor.

The psychotic episode was treated with olanzapine up to 20 milligrams and the limbic encephalitis with rituximab with a good response.

The case presented is consistent with other reports of psychotic symptoms and development of encephalitis associated with antibodies against the NMDA receptor.

The diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is usually delayed.

The differential diagnosis should be established with primary psychiatric disorders.

None Declared

Background: Lifestyle factors are linked to differences in brain aging and risk for Alzheimer’s disease, underscored by concepts like ‘cognitive reserve’ and ‘brain maintenance’. The Resilience Index (RI), a composite of 6 factors (cognitive reserve, physical and cognitive activities, social engagement, diet, and mindfulness) provides such a holistic measure.

This study aims to examine the association of RI scores with cognitive function and assess the mediating role of cortical atrophy.

Baseline data from 113 participants (aged 45+, 68% female) from the Healthy Brain Initiative were included. Life course resilience was estimated with the RI, cognitive performance with Cognivue®, and brain health using a machine learning derived Cortical Atrophy Score (CAS). Mediation analysis probed the relationship between RI, cognitive outcomes, and cortical atrophy.

In age and sex adjusted models, the RI was significantly associated with CAS (β= -0.25, p = 0.006) and Cognivue® scores (β= 0.32, p < 0.001). The RI-Cognivue® association was partially mediated by CAS (β= 0.07; 95% CI [0.02, 0.14]).

Findings revealed that the collective effect of early and late-life lifestyle resilience factors on cognition are partially explained by their association with less brain atrophy. These findings underscore the value of comprehensive lifestyle assessments in understanding the risk and progression of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in an aging population.

R. Ezzeddine: None Declared, D. Oshea: None Declared, S. Camacho: None Declared, L. Besser: None Declared, M. Tolea: None Declared, J. Galvin Employee of: Cognivue (Chief Scientific Officer of Cognivue). Cognivue devices are used for research conducted at the center., C. Galvin: None Declared, L. Wang: None Declared, G. Gibbs: None Declared

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe trauma that leads to disability and decreased social activity. Recently, the number of patients among children has been growing. In Russia, the share of spinal cord injury in the structure of all injuries is 18.3%.

Post-traumatic consequences include neurological, motor and somatic disorders, as well as psychological ones. Psychological support for children with severe SCI is an important link in comprehensive rehabilitation at all its stages. There are data in the literature on the psychological state after spinal cord injuries, but this is in adults.

to study psychological problems in adolescents after severe spinal cord injury in the early stages of rehabilitation.

50 patients (12-18 years old) admitted for treatment and rehabilitation on the 1st-3rd day after spinal cord injury. Psychological diagnostics included: clinical interview; Anxiety and Personality Disorders Inventory (Spielberger 1983, adapted by Khanin); Beck Depression Inventory (Beck 1961, version for adolescents); Recovery Locus of Control (Partridge, Johnston 1989).

All patients (100%) had psychological problems of varying severity: 80% of adolescents - high level of reactive anxiety; 28.3% - low motivation for rehabilitation; 33.3% - depression (of which 30% - reactive depression; 3.3% - masked depression). Symptoms could be combined and observed in the same patient.

Children with high levels of personal anxiety in combination with reduced levels of motivation had difficulties in adaptation to rehabilitation.

All patients (100%) require psychological support in order to correct emotional background and motivation. Differentiated specialized assistance, including psychological, will increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation. This will help to adapt adolescents with post-traumatic deficiency to the changed conditions of life, improve its quality and return them to their previous social environment.

None Declared

The proposed research work aims to carry out a review of the data of the Assertive Community Treatment Program of Segovia, analyzing its importance in certain profiles of psychiatric patients.

Review of data from the Segovia Assertive Community Treatment Program from 2020-2024: age, sex, nationality, marital status, level of education, diagnosis, family history, substance use, population, socio-family situation, economic situation, follow-up and admissions in Mental health, social health coordination and disability.

Data from the Segovia Assertive Community Treatment Program from 2020-2024.

The majority of patients participating in the Segovia Assertive Community Treatment Program between 2020-2024 were Spanish men between 20 and 60 years old. All patients were single, except three separated and one married. Approximately half of them lived alone and the other half with their family of origin. Most had basic education and half were employed. Regarding the consumption of toxic substances, most of them smoked tobacco and some also consumed alcohol or cannabis, and a small number cocaine. Many of them received a financial benefit and had social-health coordination.

The most common diagnosis is schizophrenia, followed by schizoaffective disorder and delusional disorder, most with psychiatric family history. Other diagnoses that the patients presented were: bipolar disorder, personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some of them also had disabilities.

It is important to highlight that 94.12% of patients live in rural areas, many of them more than 30 minutes away by car and with faced great difficulties with public transportation. Many of them were more previous admissions to Psychiatry and an irregular follow-up in Mental Health, but very few had readmissions during the Program. The majority of patients had psychopharmacological treatment, and 7.14% of them had injectable antipsychotic treatment.

A large percentage of patients in the Assertive Community Mental Health Treatment Program are people who live in a rural environment, with a long distance from the nearest mental health center and with difficulties using public transportation, which is why this program is very useful. In these patients to achieve clinical stability, since these patients had irregular follow-up in Mental Health consultations and had numerous admissions to Psychiatry.

None Declared

To ensure rational drug use, there is a need to continously monitor the use of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents.

The aim was to describe the use of ADHD medication among Danish children and adolescents.

We used data on filled prescriptions of ADHD medication to Danes aged 5-17 years between 2010 and 2020. We calculated the incidence rate, and prevalence proportion, and described treatment duration, age at initiation, prescriber type, and concurrent use of psychotropic medication. Analyses were stratified by age and sex.

The incidence rate of ADHD medication use followed a u-shaped pattern among boys from 2010-2020. This was most pronounced for boys 10-13-years old, with an incidence rate of 0.62 per 100 person-years in 2010, decreasing to 0.35 in 2013, and rising to 0.59 in 2020. The incidence rate among girls increased continuously from 2010 to 2020. The prevalence proportion increased in girls from 0.65% in 2010 to 1.04% in 2020 and in boys from 2.22% in 2013 to 2.65% in 2020. Girls started ADHD medication later than boys (median age 13 vs 11). Child- and adolescent psychiatrists issued 90% of initial prescriptions in 2010 with an increasing proportion over time. Sixty-four percent of 5-9-year-olds and 43% of 10-13-year-olds were covered by an ADHD prescription after five years compared to 27% of 14-17-year-olds. Approximately 20% users in 2020 had concurrent use of other psychotropic medication.

Use of ADHD medication increased in Denmark from 2010-2020. The steady increase in use among girls likely reflect an increased awareness of ADHD in girls. However, the delayed treatment onset in girls should be a focus of attention.

None Declared

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in children and adolescents. In India, many parents resist psychotropic medication for children due to potential side effects, highlighting the need for non-pharmacological interventions like yoga.

The current study investigates the impact of additional yoga therapy on depressive symptoms, global functioning, and parental stress among children and adolescents diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) on children seeking treatment at the Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care medical institute in India.

This study included 80 participants aged 6 to 17 years. After taking written informed consent from the parents and assents from the adolescents, they were randomized into two groups: one receiving yoga Therapy alongside treatment as usual (TAU) and the other a waitlist control group receiving only TAU. Assessments were done on both children and their parents, and the instruments included were Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) for parents. Follow-up assessments occurred at 6 and 12 weeks.

In the experimental group, CES-DC scores showed significant improvements, with p value < 0.01 at 6 weeks and < 0.01 at 12 weeks. Global functioning scores also improved, recording p values of < 0.01 at 6 weeks and < 0.01 at 12 weeks. The control group also exhibited results, with CES-DC p values of < 0.01 at 6 weeks and < 0.01 at 12 weeks. Global functioning scores revealed p values of < 0.01 at 6 weeks and < 0.01 at 12 weeks. However, there were no significant differences in the improvement in CES-DC score and functioning in the experimental and control group at the end of 6 weeks and 12 weeks. At the baseline, at end of 6 weeks and at the end of 12 weeks, there were no significant differences in parental depression, anxiety, and stress score.

Yoga therapy was beneficial for the children and adolescents with major depressive disorder. However, there were no significant differences in the improvement in depression and functioning in the experimental and control group.

B. Patra Grant / Research support from: The Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India under its scheme “SATYAM”, R. Sagar: None Declared, G. Sharma: None Declared

In the health field, healthcare workers (HCWs) need to be fulfilled to improve the quality of care. The mental health of these workers can affect the practice of their lifestyle habits.

Our study aims to assess the relationship between mental health and lifestyle habits among HCWs.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional survey among HCWs using a self-administrated questionnaire. We collected socio-professional data. We assessed mental health using the depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS 21).

Our study included 200 healthcare workers, 71% of whom were female. The average age of participants was 42.9 years, with an average job tenure of 14.2 ± 10.1 years. We found that 12.5% of participants were smokers, 5% were former smokers, and 20.5% were passive smokers. Three participants were alcoholics, and none used drugs or chewed Neffa. Additionally, 32% of the population engaged in sports, with an average duration of 4.5 ± 2.9 hours per week.

According to the DASS21, 63% of participants exhibited symptoms suggestive of anxiety, 65.5% showed signs of stress, and 39.5% had depressive symptoms. We found that participation in sporting activities was associated with reduced anxiety (p = 0.04).

Our findings highlight a correlation between reduced anxiety and practicing sporting activities. It is crucial to encourage HCWs to maintain regular physical activity to promote an active lifestyle, reduce stress and improve mood in order to enhance the quality of care.

None Declared

Public perceptions regarding marriage in individuals with bipolar disorder are often influenced by societal stigma and misconceptions. These views can shape attitudes towards their suitability for long-term relationships. Misunderstandings about mental illness often create barriers to social acceptance.

This study aims to explore the general population’s perceptions of marriage involving individuals with bipolar disorder and assess how these views relate to broader affirming attitudes towards mental health.

Across sectional study was conducted via an online formulary shared on social media. It included a detailed description of clinical symptoms and outcomes of bipolar disorder along with 13 questions assessing the perception of the participants about marrying an individual with bipolar disorder. A battery for measurement of affirming attitudes was used, it comprised 3 self-report measures: The Empowerment scale(ES), the Recovery scale(RS) and the self-discrimination scale(SDS).

A total of 304 participants were included, with the majority aged between 20 and 30 years, 71 participant indicated that they were living with someone diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Results show that opinions on marriage for individuals with bipolar disorder are mixed. While 50.3% believe such individuals can marry, there is significant doubt about marriage improving symptoms with 63.5% disagreeing that it helps, and 61.8% rejecting the idea of marriage as a cure. Moreover, 53.0% believe that marriage could worsen symptoms. 55.9% would not personally agree to marry someone with this condition. Similarly, 58.6% would not approve of a relative marrying someone with bipolar disorder. However, despite these concerns, 80.6% agree that people with bipolar disorder have the right to make their own decisions concerning marriage.

Additionally, participants who expressed a refusal to marry someone with bipolar disorder (p<10^-3) had significantly higher RS scores. Moreover, participants who believed that individuals with bipolar disorder are dangerous to their partners exhibited significantly higher ES scores (p=0.036). Furthermore, a significant result was observed among participants who disagreed that individuals with bipolar disorder are capable of making decisions regarding marriage, these individuals demonstrated elevated scores on all three scales: RS (p<10^-3), ES (p=0.02), and SDS (p=0.01).

This study highlights the ongoing challenge of societal stigma towards individuals with bipolar disorder, particularly regarding marriage. While there are encouraging signs of changing attitudes among certain demographic groups, broader efforts are needed to foster a more inclusive and supportive societal perspective on this topic.

None Declared

Alterations in cognition and social cognition in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have been largely documented. However, to which extent these alterations overlap between the disorders and how they are relevant to early stages as well as to risk conditions remains unclear. To shed light on this topic, 59 patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD), 118 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), two independent cohorts of Healthy Controls (HC1=95, HC2=195), as well as individuals at Clinical High Risk (CHR=35) and at First Episode of Psychosis (FEP=29) were characterized for a series of cognitive and socio-cognitive features, which were entered in a machine learning analysis as a cognitive, a socio-cognitive, and a combined cognitive and socio-cognitive (stacking) classifier. Such classifiers were probed to discriminate at the single subject level BD vs. HC1 and SCZ vs. HC2. Then, those with the greatest diagnostic power in categorizing BD vs. HC1 were challenged to predict discrimination between SCZ vs. HC2, and vice-versa. Thus, decision scores for such models were compared with those obtained when they were applied to FEP and CHR. Results indicated that stacking classifiers were the best in discriminating HC1 vs. BD (Balanced Accuracy - BAC = 80%) and HC2-SCZ (BAC = 84%). Furthermore, the HC1-BD staking classifier successfully discriminated HC2 from SCZ (BAC=77.4%), and vice-versa (BAC=83.1%). Decision scores for SCZ and BD overlapped with those obtained when stacking models were applied to FEP, identifying a “patient-like” pattern. Differently, when such combined signatures were applied to CHR individuals, they were classified neither as patients nor as HC. Findings suggest an overall overlap of cognitive and socio-cognitive anomalies classifying schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which is also relevant to early stages of disease. In this general context, disease-specific core abnormalities characterize SCZ and BD. Personalized rehabilitative programs may be oriented to primarily manage disease-related cognitive and socio-cognitive “hub” alterations, but always within a broader assessment.

None Declared

Nursing staff occupy a profession that requires significant mental, emotional, and affective demands. These caregivers are particularly vulnerable to psychosocial risks that can have significant impacts on their mental and physical health, as well as on the quality of care they provide.

To describe the psychosocial risk factors at work among nurses at SAHLOUL university hospital.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among the nursing staff of SAHLOUL university hospital. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 program.

A total of 95 nurses participated in the study. Almost all the nurses surveyed (95.8%) reported that their work constitutes a significant mental load. More than one-third of respondents (34.7%) frequently faced cases of death during their work. Most of the nurses surveyed (93.7%) felt demotivated regarding their work. Just over half of the nurses surveyed (51.6%) reported having been victims of a violent situation from a patient during their professional career. Regarding the results relative to the Karasek scale, we note that our population tends to utilize skills more than to be autonomous (35.56 vs. 34.36). Social support is generally low among our study population with an average score of 25.37±2.57.

There is psychosocial, and particularly professional, repercussions on the psychological state of healthcare personnel, which means that care workers’ mental health needs to be addressed. Occupational health services must detect the suffering of care workers and improve the psychosocial environment.

None Declared

Schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar (BD) and major depression disorder (MDD) are severe psychiatric disorders that are challenging to treat, often leading to treatment resistance (TR). It is crucial to develop effective methods to identify and treat patients at risk of TR at an early stage in a personalized manner, considering their biological basis, their clinical and psychosocial characteristics. Effective translation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice is essential for achieving this goal. We describe the methodology of the PROMPT project that aims at the development of a precision medicine algorithm that would help early detection of non-responder patients, who might be more prone to later develop TRD. In addition, we demonstrate other ongoing comprehensive protocols in Precision Psychiatry, such as the Horizon Europe funded PsychSTRATA consortium. To address these objectives, the PROMPT project which is organized in 2 phases will involve 300 patients with MDD already recruited in phase 1, comprising 150 TRD and 150 responders. In phase 2, a new naturalistic cohort of 300 MDD patients will be recruited to assess, under real-world conditions, the capability of the algorithm to correctly predict the treatment outcomes. Moreover, in this phase a shared decision making (SDM) process in the context of pharmacogenetic testing is explored and various needs and perspectives of different stakeholders toward the use of predictive tools for MDD treatment to foster active participation and patients’ empowerment are evaluated. In addition to this effort, the Psych-STRATA consortium addresses a major research gap in Precision Psychiatry through a seven-step approach. First, transdiagnostic biosignatures of SCZ, BD and MDD are identified by GWAS and multi-modal omics signatures associated with treatment outcome and TR (steps 1 and 2). In a next step (step 3), a randomized controlled intervention study is conducted to test the efficacy and safety of an early intensified pharmacological treatment. Following this RCT, a combined clinical and omics-based algorithm will be developed to estimate the risk for TR. This algorithm-based tool will be designed for early detection and management of TR (step 4). This algorithm will then be implemented into a framework of shared treatment decision-making with a novel mental health board (step 5). The final focus of the project is based on patient empowerment, dissemination and education (step 6) as well as the development of a software for fast, effective and individualized treatment decisions (step 7). Both the PROMPT study and the PsychSTRATA project have the potential to change the current trial and error treatment approach towards an evidence-based individualized treatment setting that takes TR risk into account at an early stage.

None Declared

Although workplace mental health screening is often implemented to aid early identification of mental health symptoms and facilitate access to treatment, supporting evidence is limited.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of independently conducted, confidential, online mental health screening, paired with automated tailored feedback recommending referral services, on help-seeking and psychological distress.

We conducted a cluster-randomised controlled trial with firefighters from an Australian fire and rescue service. Randomisation occurred by station (N = 264). Firefighters at stations allocated to the intervention group received tailored information detailing suitable mental health services based on their Kessler-6 psychological distress score (K6). The control group received generic feedback on services irrespective of K6 score. The primary outcome was help-seeking at 3-months post-intervention for those with at least moderate levels of psychological distress at baseline (K6 ≥14). The study was registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no. ANZCTR 12621001457831).

Of the 459 firefighters screened, 141 (30.72%) scored ≥14 on K6. Among this subgroup at 3 months, no differences were observed in rates of overall help-seeking between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.31). In contrast, levels of psychological distress remained high in the intervention group but declined in the control group (t[111] = 2.29, 95% CI: 0.24, 3.23, P = 0.024). The difference in psychological distress associated with workplace mental health screening equated to an effect size of −0.42 (95% CI: −0.04, −0.79).

Our findings suggest that independent, confidential online mental health screening, paired with tailored online feedback and information on available treatment, does not significantly increase help-seeking and may sustain psychological distress over time compared with receiving generic information. As such, it should not be implemented to promote help-seeking and reduce levels of psychological distress. These findings are relevant for workplaces, mental health researchers and practitioners alike, highlighting the potential risk and potential harm of mental health screening conducted in this way on individuals.