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Klippel-Feil abnormality (KFA) is an association of bone defects characterized by a triad: fusion of the cervical vertebrae and consequent short neck, low hairline and a limited motion in the neck. KFA may be a feature of another disorder, such as MURCS association. Familial mutations in the GDF6 (KFS1 8q22), MEOX1 (KFS2 17q21), GDF3 (KFS3 12p13) and MYO18B (KFS4 22q11) genes cause inherited KFA.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to report dysmorphic features and psychological burdens in two sisters with Klippel-Feil condition.
Methods
Two sisters with amenorrhea and dysmorphic clinical features were examined at our genetic counselling. Assessment of dysmorphic and behavioral features and karyotyping using RHG banding were performed.
Results
Familial history revealed consanguineous parents and seven other healthy sisters. Physical examination shown typical triad of KFA. Karyotyping showed 46,XX formula in both patients. The first 22-year-old sister had body asymmetry with size difference between the two sides at the level of bones, pectus excavatum of the sternum, an ascent of the left scapula, scoliosis, dental position abnormalities and facial dysmorphism. The second 28-year-old sister had size difference between the two legs and scoliosis, vitiligo and facial dysmorphism. Anxious and depressed, the two sisters had normal learning abilities but shared many personal psychological concerns regarding their physical appearance and their amenorrhea. They were also exposed to significant discrimination and stigma making them feel excluded and ignored because of their visible difference.
Conclusions
Physical appearance has a profound impact on a person’s life. To our knowledge, there is no reports that describe specific psychological burdens of KFA. Self-esteem, body image, and quality of life is negatively impacted in the case of dysmorphic physical appearance, always associated to social discrimination. Patients with KFA should be assessed not only for associated congenital defects but also for psychological distresses.
Sexual satisfaction is relevant to aging well, throughout the lifespan.
Objectives
This study aims to compare the perspectives of sexual satisfaction and adjustment to aging in three age cohorts, across the life span; and to analyze whether sexual satisfaction influences the perceptions of AtA.
Methods
This cross-sectional study comprised participants from three different age cohorts (18-44; 45-64; and 65+ years). Four measures were used to meet the defined objectives: (a) Adjustment to Aging Scale (ATAS); (b) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NISS-S); and (c) sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaire. Data were subject to One-way ANOVAs and hierarchical regression analyses.
Results
Social support emerged as the most relevant dimension in the multifactorial nature of AtA. Generational differences were found in sense of purpose and ambitions [F (2, 616) = 14.203, p = .000], social support [F (2, 616) = 10.65, p = .000] and body and health [F (2, 616) = 8.73, p = .000]. Participants aged 65 and older showed significantly lower levels of sense of purpose and ambition, body and health, and social support. Younger participants showed the highest score for body and health. Age-related decreases in sexual satisfaction were also found, as younger participants showed statistically higher levels of sexual satisfaction, followed by middle-aged and older participants. Sexual satisfaction predicts all the dimensions of AtA, exception made for aging in place and stability, where age is the main predictor. Ego-centered sexual satisfaction positively predicted sense of purpose and ambitions (β = .212, p < .05) and social support (β = .311, p < .001); while partner/sexual activity centered sexual satisfaction was a positive predictor of zest and spirituality (β = .255, p < .01), body and health (β = .239, p < .001), and social support (β = .168, p < .05).
Conclusions
Sexual satisfaction decreases with age and is positively related to all dimensions of AtA, hence gerontological interventions and program policies with older people would strongly benefit of including sexual satisfaction as a relevant variable for aging well.
Keywords: sexual well-being; sexual satisfaction; adjustment to aging; generational groups; lifespan.
The treatment of dual disorders, the co-occurrence of a major psychiatric disorder and a substance use disorder, represents a great challenge. Recent articles recommend antipsychotics with a dopamine partial agonism as first line treatment for these patients. Studies also postulate that drugs targeting the dopamine D3 receptors specifically might have an advantage, as these receptors are involved in drug-related reward, drug-seeking, and drug-intake behaviour. One compound that has both, partial agonist- and D3- activity is cariprazine.
Objectives
To evaluate the real-world evidence of the effectiveness of cariprazine in patients with dual disorders.
Methods
We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, looking for English language articles published between January 2017 - September 2023 with the following search terms: (cariprazine) AND (psychosis OR schizophrenia OR schizoaffective OR bipolar depression OR bipolar mania OR bipolar disorder OR major depressive disorder) AND (“substance use disorder” OR cocaine OR alcohol OR cannabis OR heroin OR “double diagnosis” OR “dual diagnosis”) NOT (animal OR rat OR mouse) NOT (review or meta-analysis). An additional targeted hand search of congress reports, posters, and case reports was also conducted.
Results
The search yielded 8 articles with 11 case reports. Mental health disorders included psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, and bipolar disorder while the abused substances were methamphetamine, cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine. All case reports described an improvement in both the symptoms of mental and substance use disorder with reduced craving and drug use and in some cases even ceasing drug use all together.
Conclusions
In summary, evidence suggests that cariprazine seem to be a potential candidate for dual disorders as it improves symptoms of both mental and substance use disorders.
Disclosure of Interest
Á. Barabássy Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc., Z. Dombi Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc., R. Csehi Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc., D. Djuric Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc., G. Németh Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc.
Psychiatric Day Hospital (DH) constitutes an area of semiresidential care for short- and medium-term diagnostic and therapeutic-rehabilitative services. Through a descriptive analysis, we analyzed the clinical rationale and expected goals leading to an admission to the psychiatric day hospital service at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Rome, over a two-year period (2021-2022).
Objectives
We aim, through the evaluation of the epidemiological data of patients, particularly the causes of admission and sending institutions, to be able to have at our disposal important comparison data to understand the characteristics of the patient population received in psychiatric day hospital services.
Methods
Medical records of 218 patients admitted from 01.01.2021 to 31.12.2022 at the Psychiatry Day Hospital of Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome were analyzed. The main sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and finally the type of psychiatric service from which the admission came were collected and analyzed, in addition to the reason for referral and therapeutic goal. Statistical analyses were conducted using Excel spreadsheets.
Results
64% of admissions aimed to modify or start new medication regimens with monitoring (e.g., Clozapine, Carbolithium, Esketamine). 19% were for medical evaluations, mainly neurological, cardiological, endocrinological, or internal medicine. 9% were for diagnostics. 2% were for infusion therapy, and an additional 2% for Esketamine treatment. The main findings highlight that Day Hospital use primarily focused on comprehensive patient assessments and therapy adjustments, often involving closely monitored drugs. Notably, 19% were for medical evaluations, with 28% of them being neurological assessments. This suggests challenges in conducting detailed medical assessments outside a context with prioritized access to such services.
Conclusions
Limited data in the literature make it challenging to conduct comparative analyses regarding patients in psychiatric day hospital services. However, our data can spark a discussion about admissions with objectives that could potentially be addressed through alternative services. We should also explore why this isn’t happening. It could be interesting to conduct a descriptive analysis comparing epidemiological data from the two years before and after the period under investigation. Conducting retrospective statistical analysis on the collected data can yield more comprehensive results.
Obssesive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by impaired neuropsychological functions that are also influenced by clinical variables and aging.
According to the literature, several of these neuropsychological deficits could be potential endophenotype markers.
Objectives
The present study aimed to study what kind of cognitive deficits OCD patients have and how aging and clinical course modify their cognitive profiles campared with general population.
Methods
This study examined a sample of 60 adult outpatients with OCD diagnosis, who were matched with 70 healthy controls (HC). Cognitive performance in both groups was assessed using a neuropsychological battery including Rey-Osterrieth complex Figure (ROCF) and Digit Span Test (DGS). Based on previous research on neuropsychology of OCD, it was specified that these neuropsychological measures could be divided in two composites. The first composite, Executive function, includes Total Digit Span and the domain of organization of ROCF. The second composite, Non-Verbal Memory, includes the copy of ROCF, immediate recall, delayed recall and recognition of ROCF.
Severity of OCD symptoms was assessed by YBOCS and HDRS was used for symptoms of depression.
Both cognitive performance and clinical data were documented before and after a follow-up of 11 years.
During analysis, group differences between patients with OCD and HC regarding demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline and follow-up were calculated with independent t-tests and Pearson tests.
The main analysis tested if the change in cognitive function over time differed between patients and controls. To this end, a linear mixed model was used, examining the interaction between age, gender and time in both groups.
Results
Older age, in patients with OCD and HC, was associated with poorer performance on executive function and nonverbal memory. Executive function was influenced by severity of OCD, and non-verbal memory by depressive symptoms at baseline. While, after the follow-up, as obsessive and affective symptoms improve along de follow-up, there is no significant change in the neuropsychological pattern.
At baseline, patients with OCD showed a poorer performance than HC in areas of nonverbal memory and executive function. After de follow-up, there is a poorer performance in the cognitive function in both groups, as they get older. However, there is no significant difference in this change between patients and HC.
Conclusions
Results suggest that OCD is characterized by the existence of dysfunction in several neuropsychological areas that are influenced by time and clinical variables.
Nevertheless, this alteration is no solely attributable to these factors, as they remain stable through time compared to the general population. Therefore, certain neuropsychological functions might be endophenotype traits of the disorder.
During a pandemic, the population is required to adapt effectively to drastically altered environmental conditions to avoid the development of psychiatric disorders or other maladaptive responses. This adaptation is closely linked to an individual’s ability to regulate their behaviour effectively and to develop traits such as pliability and autonomy.
Objectives
The research aims to investigate individual self-regulation among students studying humanities disciplines and individuals living with HIV during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia.
Methods
Data collection took place from January to July 2021 using a custom-designed Google form. The study involved 35 university students in Russia specializing in humanities and 59 individuals living with HIV. To assess the development of individual self-regulation and determine its specific profile, we utilized the “Behavioural Self-Regulation Style” questionnaire developed by V.I. Morosanova.
Results
We found that 43% of students have an average level of self-regulation, 37% - high and 20% - low. Among people living with HIV the distribution is similar: 53 % have an average level of self-regulation, 37 % - high and 10 % - low. The analysis of average results of the scales did not reveal statistically significant differences among the groups of respondents. The average profiles have no pronounced peaks and look as follows: planning (M = 5.77±2.16 - students, M = 6.24±1.90 - patients, p > 0.05), modelling (M = 5.26±1.80 vs M = 5.69±1.90, p > 0.05), programming (M = 6.00±1.50 vs M = 5.93±1.66, p > 0.05), performance evaluation (M = 6.26±1.42 vs M = 5.78±1.60, p > 0.05), pliability (M = 6.17±1.87 vs M = 6.58±1.90, p > 0.05) and autonomy (M = 5.00±2.33 vs M = 5.56±2.08, p > 0.05) were almost at the same level in both the student and patient groups.
Conclusions
During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, there were no significant distinctions observed in the self-regulation behaviour styles between students and individuals living with HIV. The majority of participants from these chosen groups demonstrated a similar average level of effectiveness in self-regulating their behaviour, as well as comparable degrees of pliability and autonomy development.
Recently, the new therapeutic approach based on genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been applied to treat cancer and other monogenetic disorders. CRISPR/Cas9 allows specific correction of the altered gene without affecting the rest of the genome.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to report the current CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing clinical trials in neurodevelopmental and mental disorders.
Methods
We conducted a search via the ClinicalTrials platform to describe clinical trials that have been conducted using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tool in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Results
Our research revealed three clinical trials that used the CRISPR/Cas9 tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The first study aimed to investigate the pathological role of KMT2D mutations in 40 Kabuki syndrome patients in order to facilitate the identification and characterization of therapeutic strategies to improve symptoms, to identify the consequences of KMT2D mutations on epigenetic marker changes and cellular structural changes and to finally attempt gene correction by CRISPR/Cas9. The therapeutic approach was an epigenome editing approach aimed at increasing the expression of the wild-type KMT2D allele to restore the functional activity of a histone H3-lysine 4 (H3K4)-methyltransferase (MLL4) in treated mesenchymal stem cells. The second clinical trial aimed to validate gene editing based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology combined with AAV delivery for the correction of the most common MECP2 mutations in Rett syndrome both in vitro and in vivo. The third GENEPI clinical trial aimed to identify acetylation profiles as epigenetic markers to assess the causality of CREBBP and EP300 variants in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, which is considered as a genetic model of neurodevelopmental abnormality with an epigenetic component.
Conclusions
CRISPR/Cas9 clinical trials in polygenic conditions, such as psychiatric disorders, could be envisaged at the level of the epigenetic component of these pathologies. This therapy could be applied ex vivo to perform tissue-specific gene editing.
Promoting mental health during adolescence is an essential health education objective and a crucial time for the formation of healthy mindset and behaviors. During this period, individuals are more likely to engage in health risk behaviors that can contribute to mental health problems that manifest in later adulthood. It has been demonstrated that optimal psychological health and the quality and application of students’ emotional and social skills may prevent and reduce the onset of risky health behaviors, such as subtance abuse. Students with specific learning difficulty (SpLD) are at higher risk to develop problem behaviors and they require special attention for promoting their mental health.
Objectives
The aim of the present study is to investigate mental health and well-being, and health behaviors as well as substance use in a sample of adolescents including those with SpLD, using the SDQ ‘Strenghts and Difficulties Questionnaire’, a widely utilized instrument for the multidimensional assessment of mental health in children and adolescents.
Methods
Our study included 276 school-aged children (mean age: 13.57 years; SD: 1.81; boys: 54.7%), 143 of whom had SpLD. We utilized a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire that included the Adolescent Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the WHO Well-Being Questionnaire. Peer support, individual internal psychological resources, and health risk behaviors were also assessed.
Results
The statistical analyses revealed a number of noteworthy differences. First, the SDQ scores of smoking and drinking adolescents were substantially different from those of their peers on the dimensions of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and hyperactivity in the case of smoking (p<.05), and on the dimensions of hyperactivity and prosocial behavior in the case of drinking (p<.05). On the other hand, significant differences were found between boys and girls, particularly in the domains of prosocial and affective symptoms (p<.05). Individuals with SpLD exhibited distinct patterns, particularly in the domains of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems (p<.05). Furthermore, all of the investigated components of mental well-being had significant negative correlations with the SDQ dimensions of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer relationship problems, whereas the dimension of prosocial behavior showed a significant positive correlation (p<.05).
Conclusions
Our findings support differences in mental health domains according to the adolescents’ substance using status or the presence of SpLD. The results of this study may contribute to the development of health promotion programs and intervention strategies as well as draw attention to the unique challenges faced by children with special education needs.
Schizophrenia has progressively been seen as a multifactorial disease, with its pathogenesis including immune dysfunction. Studies have leaned into the activation of brain inflammation, influencing the development of schizophrenia in certain subgroups of patients. Additionally, the role of the T helper (Th17) cells and neuromediators associated are implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated dermatological condition. A significantly elevated risk was found with 41% increased odds of schizophrenia compared with subjects without psoriasis. The concomitant diagnosis of both illnesses has motivated further investigation into their shared pathways.
Objectives
Characterize the prevalence of psoriasis in patients with schizophrenia and mutual involved mechanisms.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of inpatients of a Portuguese Psychiatry department with the established diagnosis of Schizophrenia, between 2018 and 2022. Additionally a literature review on the topic was conducted.
Results
A sample of 94 patients admitted was obtained. The majority of patients were male (80,1%). The prevalence of the diagnosis of Psoriasis was 6,4% (n=6). A previous epidemiological study conducted in the Portuguese general population concluded that the prevalence of psoriasis is on average 4,4%, which is inferior to the value obtained in our sample. Other studies that measured the relationship between both diagnoses corroborated our results, documenting higher prevalences of psoriasis in patients with schizophrenia than the general population.
Conclusions
The relationship between psoriasis and schizophrenia seems to be bidirectional, with schizophrenia patients having higher risk of psoriasis and psoriasis patients having higher risk of schizophrenia. This could be explained by multiple mechanisms, mainly the activation of Th17 cells but also the fact that there may be a genetic susceptibility due to proximal chromosome loci associated with both diseases (chromosome 6p21.3). This information is essential in providing care to patients because treatment must be carefully adapted. It has been demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics might worsen psoriatic manifestations and immunosuppressive agents are linked to psychotic episodes and worse mental health. Thus, there should be increased alertness for the detection of these conditions in patients with either one of them.
In Spain and other European countries, patients coming to the emergency room (ER) are usually classified as “organic” or “psychiatric” on arrival, but this may be complicated when psychiatric history is present as the focus can be misplaced (Leeman. IJPM 1975;6(4):544-40; Alam et al. Psychiatr. Clin. North Am. 2017;40(3):425–33).
Objectives
To describe three cases seen in the psychiatric emergency room (PER) in which triage errors occurred and to review whether it is widespread for psychiatric patients with organic pathology or in need of medical care to be wrongly triaged.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed three cases seen in the PER of Hospital Clínic in July 2023 in which triage errors happened. Triage error was considered when patients triaged directly to the PER presented symptoms that either needed medical treatment or required medical clearance before being considered purely psychiatric.
Results
Case 1: A 27-year-old woman with history of depressive syndrome was triaged for a speech disturbance that had occurred fifteen minutes after intercourse. After being evaluated, she was referred to neurology where she was diagnosed with an acute ischaemic stroke in left middle cerebral artery territory, requiring thrombectomy and posterior admission to neurology.
Case 2: A 50-year-old man with history of alcohol use disorder was brought to the PER after saying that “he was seeing people doing magic” at home. When evaluated, significant distal tremor, tachycardia and hypertension were observed, being compatible with withdrawal symptoms, so he was transferred to the ER. There he was monitored and treated, finally requiring admission to internal medicine due to persistent symptoms.
Case 3: A 26-year-old man with history of substance use disorder was triaged for loss of consciousness and “spasms”. After evaluation, he was transferred to the ER, where organic screening was carried out, being oriented as a probable tonic-clonic seizure and discharged with outpatient follow-up.
Conclusions
The cases presented are instances in which somatic diseases in patients pre-labelled with psychiatric histories were wrongly assumed to be recurrences of their psychiatric disorders. In all cases, they needed to be re-examined by the corresponding medical specialty and required diagnostic tests, in two cases hospital admission was needed. Emergency physicians and emergency psychiatrists often disagree on how to medically clear patients (Alam et al. Psychiatr. Clin. North Am. 2017;40(3):425–33; Janiak et al. JEM. 2012;43(5):866–70), some authors have even proposed protocols for doing this in a more systematic way (Shah et al. JEM. 2012;43(5):871–5). To avoid a delay in diagnosis and treatment and the consequences that may result from it, establishing guidelines for proper triage of patients with psychiatric history should be considered.
Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex genetic disorder characterised by distinctive physical features, developmental delay, cognitive impairment and a typical behavioural phenotype. SMS is caused by interstitial 17p11.2 deletions (90%) involving multiple genes, including the retinoic acid-induced 1 gene (RAI1), or by pathogenic variants in RAI1 itself (10%).
Objectives
In this case report, we present a case of Smith-Magenis syndrome with Autism Spectrum Disorder with karyotype 46,XX, 17p 11.2 gene deletion confirmed by Autism Spectrum Disorder, who was followed up in a paediatric neurology outpatient clinic with neuromotor developmental delay and whose diagnosis was delayed due to B12 deficiency. We also update scientific developments in Smith-Magenis syndrome.
Methods
We describe an 18-month-old male with Smith-Magenis syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder who was seen in our paediatric psychiatric outpatient clinic and who received B12 replacement with developmental delay.
Results
The patient was followed up in the paediatric neurology outpatient clinic with delay in neuromotor developmental milestones and this delay was thought to be due to B12 deficiency (B12<100 ng/L). The initial examination revealed delay in neuromotor and behavioural milestones, speech delay, wide and high nasal bridge and hypertelorism. Further physical examination revealed syndactyly of the second and third toes bilaterally and crossed lower teeth. Clinical and psychometric testing (Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory) by 2 consultants and 1 research assistant resulted in a diagnosis of intellectual disability and an additional diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder due to social deficits that could not be explained by intellectual disability.
Conclusions
Smith-Magenis syndrome is a well-known disorder involving the deletion of chromosome 17p11.2, which contains the RAI1 gene. This condition is associated with neuromotor and behavioural delay, as well as distinctive dysmorphic features. Clinicians should consider Smith-Magenis syndrome in the differential diagnosis for patients with delayed neuromotor and behavioural milestones, even in the presence of documented blood parameters (such as B12 deficiency) that may account for the delay.
Negative symptoms are a key aspect of schizophrenia, significantly impacting a patient’s functioning and quality of life. These symptoms are deemed predominant when they dominate the clinical picture and positive symptoms are only minimally present. As articulated in the most recent guidance by the European Psychiatric Association, including self-report measures is encouraged in negative symptom studies as they can further complement the observer-rated scales when assessing negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Objectives
The objective of the poster is to compare the views of patients vs. doctors regarding predominant negative symptoms during a 1-year observational study.
Methods
This was a 1-year-long, prospective, multicentric cohort study with three visits after baseline at 3, 6 and 12 months. Adult outpatients with a schizophrenia diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition who exhibited predominant negative symptoms according to clinical judgement were included. Patients received pharmacological and some non-pharmacological treatment as usual.
The primary outcome measure was the modified Short Assessment of Negative Domains (m-SAND), an anamnesis-based scale that is composed of 7 items: two positive items (delusions and hallucinations) which make the m-SAND Positive sub-scale (m-SAND-P) and five negative items (anhedonia, alogia, avolition, asociality and affective flattening) which make the m-SAND Negative sub-scale (m-SAND-N) Each item is rated from 0 to 5 (not observed; mild; moderate; moderately severe; severe; and extreme). Other measurements included the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS), a validated scale that provides meaningful information regarding the patients’ own perception of their negative symptoms.
Least squares (LS) means were calculated for the change from baseline to final visit using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM).
Results
188 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 39.8 years and 65% of patients were men. The mean duration of illness was 12 years. At baseline, patients rated alogia and apathy (mean SNS score: 5.7) to be the most severe and then asociality (5.5). In contrast, doctors found affective blunting (mean m-SAND total score: 4.3), apathy (4.2) and anhedonia (4.0) to be the most severe.
After the end of the observational period all negative symptom sub-domains improved significantly according to both the patients’ and doctors’ views. The latter group reported -1.9 LS mean change from baseline in apathy, -1.8 in anhedonia, and -1.7 in asociality (all p-value <0.0001). Patients felt most change in alogia and asociality (-2.7), and apathy and anhedonia (-2.4).
Conclusions
In summary, both patients and doctors reported significant improvement in predominant negative symptoms. Nonetheless, there were some differences how they perceived severity and change in the specific domains.
Disclosure of Interest
J. Dragasek: None Declared, Z. Dombi Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc., K. Acsai: None Declared, V. Dzurilla Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc., Á. Barabássy Employee of: Gedeon Richter Plc.
The sensitive delusion of reference represents a clinical entity described by Kretschmer in 1918, arising in people with sensitive personality. This personality type is mainly characterized by a tendency towards social isolation, introversion, low self-esteem and by a greater sensibility to interpersonal judgement. In this personality type, the presence of specific environmental triggers may provoke a reference delusion of persecutory content, feelings of guilty and injustice. Although eliminated from the current diagnostic classifications, the sensitive delusion of reference represents a key milestone in the history of psychopathology.
Objectives
The goal of this report is to report on a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with Kretschmer´s sensitive delusion of reference.
Methods
The present work consists on a descriptive report of a clinical case through consultation of the patient´s clinical file as well as a survey of relevant articles on Pubmed.
Results
This is a 38 year old, married man with no children. He describes himself as a private, introverted individual, who has little interaction with his peers, and has been very sensitive to criticism ever since his adolescence. His first psychiatry appointment took place in April 2021, following the medical referral of his general practitioner as, according to the patient´s mother and wife, he had been, for quite some time, implying that his mobile phone had been under wire and that someone had been monitoring him. As stated by these relatives, these ideas surfaced after a workplace conflict. At the time, the patient was medicated with olanzapine 10mg and lorazepam 2.5mg before bedtime, exhibiting significant improvements with full remission of psychotic symptomatology. Succeeding the antipsychotic tapering attempt, the patient had begun to suffer from insomnia and recrudescence of psycotic symptomatology, namely, the delusion ideation of persecutory content and auditory hallucinations, as a result, the previous treatment regimen was resumed, which resulted in significant improvements of the clinical picture. Following new observation, in 2023, the patient mentions weight gain and drowsiness during the day, leading to the switch of olanzapine 10mg for aripiprazole 15mg. The current treatment plan consists of aripiprazole 15mg once a day and lorazepam 1mg 1/2 before bedtime, resulting in an improvement of the previous complaints and maintenance of the psychosocial functioning, unaccompanied by psychotic symptomatology.
Conclusions
In conclusion, and relatively to the condition´s prognosis, Kretschmer observed that, although in some situations the episodes were brief and self-limiting, in others, the patients maintained psycothic symptomatology, during the following years. In the present clinical case we recognised the need to sustain the antipsycothic treatment regimen, as the respective dosage reduction lead to an aggravation in symptomatology.
Climate policies are often evaluated using criteria that are heterogeneous and misaligned with the stated aims of these policies. By combining legal research methods with insights from economic theory, we systematically map and analyze the legal objectives of the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading System (ETS), a key climate policy instrument. We find that the EU ETS is shaped by a nuanced internal normative framework, the principal goal of which is emissions reduction, combined with three secondary goals of cost-effectiveness, economic efficiency and equity, and a meta-goal of coherence. Based on the contents and interrelations of these legal objectives, we formulate evaluation criteria that can be used to critically analyze and evaluate the EU ETS performance in a more comprehensive, transparent, and comparable manner. The resulting methodology is applicable to other environmental policies and jurisdictions.
Mental state changes can affect one’s sexual life, while sexual dysfunction can lead to relationship challenges. Delusional jealousy, also called Othello syndrome, involves a paranoid belief in a partner’s infidelity, leading to controlling and violent behaviors. It can manifest as a paranoid disorder, as a delusional symptom of psychiatric, neurological or other medical conditions, or as side effect of dopaminergic medication. Although its exact prevalence remains uncertain, it has been identified in 0.5-1.4% of psychiatry inpatients.
Objectives
To describe sexual dysfunctions associated with delusional jealousy and to explore strategies for addressing these dysfunction.
Methods
A non-systematic review of the literature available at PubMed was conducted using the keywords “Sexual Dysfunction” AND “Delusional Jealousy OR Othello Syndrome”.
Results
A number of factors, including sexual dysfunction, can trigger or exacerbate delusional jealousy. This is especially true for middle-aged men who have a history of alcohol consumption, neurological or personality disorders. Individuals with sexual dysfunction experience feelings of insecurity, projecting these concerns onto their partners and suspecting extramarital relationships. On the other hand, sexual dysfunctions such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, Female Sexual Arousal and Orgasmic Disorders, Erectile Dysfunction and Ejaculation Disturbance may occur as consequence of Othello Syndrome. Multiple factors contribute to these dysfunctions, including increased testosterone and cortisol levels, chronic alcohol use, comorbid psychiatric conditions and antipsychotics. There are reports of increased sexual desire, especially in cases of dementia.
Conclusions
Although the evidence is limited and dated, it points to a bidirectional association between delusional jealousy and sexual dysfunction. Further studies are essential to determine the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunctions in Othello syndrome, and the causal relationship between them. Additionally, investigating gender differences is crucial, given the male-centric focus of existing studies. This research can contribute to clinical care by promoting the screening for sexual issues and their integration into delusional jealousy management.
In clinical practice, significant delays in requesting help are observed in patients with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with the time of untreated illness in a population with depressive disorder attending mental health for the first time in the area of Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid (HCUV).
Methods
Methods: This is an observational study including adult patients of both sexes, referred to their first mental health consultation from their Primary Care Physician, with a picture of depressive symptomatology associated with an identifiable stressor. Informed consent was obtained from the patients and authorized by the Ethics Committee of the HCUV. R Studio ® statistical analysis.
The degree of emotional confusion was quantified with item 1 (“I am often confused about the emotions I feel”) of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). This item is scored ( 1-5 )from most severe (1) to least (5). On the other hand, the time in weeks between symptom onset to referral, age and symptom severity according to the Montgomery Scale (MADRS) were recorded.
Results
Results: We present data collected in an initial sample of 278 treated patients, with a female predominance (68%), a MADRS severity score (18.05 ± 5.01) and a calculated time without treatment of 59.66 ± 62.26 weeks (Tables 1,2,3).
A subsample of 72 patients with death ideation was studied, with a female predominance (75%) compared to the overall sample (X2 =1.99, p = 0.1585) (Table 4).
It was also observed that death ideation was higher in younger patients (t = 3.18, p = 0.001907) and with a severe MADRS depression score (t = -7.92, p < 0.0001), however they took a similar length of time to receive mental health treatment (T student t = -1.6605, p = 0.099); (Table 5).
There is no previous published evidence that considers the timing of untreated symptoms. According to test statistics, there are differences in untreated symptom time considering gender and TAS score (Table 6).
Conclusions
Death ideation is a current health problem that deserves attention. In multivariate analysis models, an association with clinical and demographic factors has been found; however, there is up to 20% of the variation in prevalence that is not explained by the aforementioned factors. The factors that determine the time delay in seeking help (treatment delays) have not been studied so far.
In this study we observe how a single variable doesn’t explain the delay in the first visit. The interaction between age, gender, alexithymia and hypoprosexia explains the delay in seeking help, although symptom severity doesn’t seem to be related. These data suggest that unexplained causality in multivariate studies may be related to the interaction between clinical and neuropsychological factors.
Sexual health significantly influences individual well-being. It is thus crucial for primary care physicians to address these concerns effectively.
Objectives
To evaluate the perspectives and approaches of primary care practitioners towards sexual health.
Methods
A descriptive survey was disseminated to 350 primary care physicians via Google Forms in August 2022.
Results
Of the respondents, 53.1% were female. The majority (71.4%) were affiliated with the public health sector, and over 75% were based in urban areas. All acknowledged the importance of addressing sexuality in their patients’ health. In this context, 62% spontaneously initiated discussions on the subject with their patients. Also, 72% noted that patients anticipate a regular dialogue about sexual health with their primary care provider. Over 90% believed in the value of addressing sexual dysfunctions more proactively, with 56% comfortable in leading such discussions. Additionally, 64% were inclined to include targeted questions on sexual health in their consultations. Notably, 77.6% expressed interest in creating specialized sexual health consultations in their practice. However, 54% felt unease in discussing sexual health with opposite-gender patients, and 82% lacked referrals to sexologists.
Conclusions
Sexual health issues are not uncommon in general practice. Primary care providers play a vital role in counseling, screening, and educating patients on these concerns, necessitating specialized training to enhance patient management.
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery often present with impulsive behavior and symptoms of anxiety. In this context, brief psychotherapeutic interventions such as nutritional education, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation have been shown to enhance pre-surgery weight loss and improve the likelihood of successful surgical outcomes. Furthermore, anorexigenic pharmacological treatments involving fluoxetine, bupropion, naltrexone, eslicarbazepine, zonisamide, and topiramate have been associated with increased success rates of the bariatric intervention.
Objectives
To assess the impact of brief psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacological treatments on the success of bariatric surgery in anxious-impulsive patients, investigating the effectiveness of combined strategies in enhancing preoperative weight loss and surgical outcomes.
Methods
Within the framework of a third-level hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Protocol, a total of 63 obese patients were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) during the pre-surgical evaluation. Patients with Axis I pathologies were excluded, leaving a sample of 56 participants (38 females; BMI: 43.58±8.72 kg/m2; age: 48.5±9.7 years). Individuals displaying mild anxiety (6-14 points on HARS) and moderate/severe anxiety (>14 points on HARS) and/or those with a BIS-11 score exceeding 32.5 were selected for combined psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions.
Results
Categorized by anxiety and impulsiveness levels, the patient distribution was as follows:
Mild anxiety without impulsiveness: 19 patients
Mild anxiety with impulsiveness: 31 patients
Moderate/severe anxiety without impulsiveness: 2 patients
Moderate/severe anxiety with impulsiveness: 15 patients
This pilot study explores the potential synergy between brief psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacological approaches in enhancing the outcomes of bariatric surgery for patients within the anxious-impulsive spectrum.
Conclusions
The results shed light on the feasibility and potential benefits of a combined treatment strategy, contributing to the optimization of bariatric surgery success in this specific patient population. Further research is warranted to confirm and generalize these findings.
Psychiatric problems occur in people’s normal daily life, in a dynamic interaction with the context people are in. Yet, we have very few techniques to assess this dynamical nature of symptoms, nor do we have good insights in how people actually function in their ordinary life. Ambulatory assessment techniques such as Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) or Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) have been proposed as a potential clinical tool to bridge this gap. Yet, very few of these techniques have actually made it to the clinic. In my talk, I will discuss the strengths and limitations of using these digital diary techniques to open up someone’s real life in clinical practice. I will discuss qualitative research identifying barriers and facilitators, identified by patients and clinicians. I also will discuss what is needed in terms of technology and data security, by demonstrating the MoMent app and MoMent Dashboard, that has been developed within the H2020 IMMERSE project. Finally, I will discuss how these digital mental health tools could help in developing a much more fine-grained understanding of how psychopathology emerges in the realm of ordinary life, making patients active partners in the clinical process.
“Community Mental Health (CMH)” is defined as policies and practices aimed at improving mental health of communities and promoting healthy societies. Community mental health issues require a multidisciplinary approach because of their complex pattern, in which social determinants play a direct role in both their causes and solutions. However, training of healthcare professionals on CMH issues is still inadequate in many countries.
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to assess mental health and public health professionals’ awareness on CMH, as well as their opinion on the quality of their postgraduate education on CMH in Türkiye. The findings of this study are expected to provide guidance for the improvement of postgraduate education programs of psychiatry and public health.
Methods
The descriptive quantitative study was conducted with psychiatrists, public health physicians, and nurses with a postgraduate degree in Public Health or Psychiatric Nursing, who voluntarily participated by completing an online questionnaire. Data from a total of 131 physicians (43.5%) and nurses (56.5%) were analyzed by using the SPSS statistical package, where descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA were used.
Results
The majority (65.6%) of participating physicians and nurses were employed in tertiary healthcare institutions, with the remainder working in other healthcare settings. While half of the healthcare professionals had CMH topics embedded in their postgraduate education curriculum, only 40% had practical training in Community Mental Health Centers. Only one third (37.4%) expressed confidence in their knowledge of CMH, while only one participant reported feeling adequately informed about CMH services at the central and provincial level in Türkiye. One-third of the participants suggested CMH to become a subspecialty for health professionals, emphasizing the need for dedicated theoretical and practical courses in postgraduate curricula of public health and psychiatry education. The study also highlighted a significant difference between nurses and physicians regarding their postgraduate curriculum and perceived knowledge on CMH.
Conclusions
The study revealed that postgraduate education on CMH is still limited in Türkiye, with more emphasis of CMH in psychiatric nursing education. The findings indicate that education programs need to be revised to include more practical training, including practicum in Community Mental Health Centers and that CMH can potentially become a subspecialty for public health professionals and psychiatrists. Conducting more comprehensive quantitative and qualitative studies on this subject, and enriching existing postgraduate education programs in terms of Community Mental Health, are of great importance for protecting and promoting community mental health.