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Relationship between sleep and bipolar disorder involves the following aspects: decreased need for sleep is a fundamental marker of the manic state, sleep deprivation is one cause of mania and may in fact be a fundamental etiological agent in mania, total sleep time is a predictor of future manic episodes, and total sleep time may be a marker of response as well as a target of treatment in mania.
Objectives
This e-poster aimed to summarize evidence regarding the sleep disturbance in Bipolar Disorder.
Methods
Bibliopgraphical review was performed using PubMed platform. All relevant articles were found using the keywords: sleep disturbance, bipolar disorder, mania.
Results
Sleep disturbances are frequent in BD patients in different phases of illness, including the euthymic state and remission. These sleep aberrations are represented not only by insomnia but also by sleep–wake rhythm disorders, especially delayed sleep–wake phase disorders. During the manic state, most patients experience a reduced need for sleep and longer sleep onset latency. Likewise, in the depressive state, insomnia and hypersomnia are commonly observed. Meta-analyses of trials conducted on remitted BD patients demonstrated prolonged total sleep time, increased awakenings after sleep onset, greater variability of sleep–wake variables, and reduced sleep efficiency.
Conclusions
Overall, all kinds of sleep disorders and parasomnias are very common especially in youth patients with BD. Thus, compared to the general population, youth with BD exhibit lower sleep efficiency, longer slow wave sleep, and reduced REM sleep, features that could affect the genesis and prognosis of the disorder. Sleep disturbances may also be used as predictors of the onset of BD in a subset of high-risk young subjects.
The Athens Multifamily Group Therapy Project (A- MFGT) aims to provide systemic multifamily therapy to youths who experienced a first psychotic episode and their families.
Objectives
Family interventions have been shown to reduce the likelihood of relapse for individuals across the spectrum of psychosis and are recommended in practice guidelines for psychosis internationally (Mc Farlane, 2016).
Methods
A group of 22 young adults who presented a first psychotic episode participated with their families to multi-family group systemic therapy, after discharged from in-patient treatment. Sessions were conducted by three therapists twice a month, for nine months and supervision meetings were provided once a month. Six groups of families have been conducted since 2017. Clinical outcome was assessed through PANSS at baseline, one month later after patient’s discharge from in-patient treatment, and one year after, at the end of the multifamily group treatment. Time intervals till relapse were also assessed. Participants’ clinical findings were compared with findings from a matched group of 42 patients who did not attend the multifamily therapy program and were treated as usual.
Results
Two-way mixed ANOVA was conducted to assess PANSS scores change over time (t1: at base line, t2: at one month and t3: one year), while differences were investigated between the two groups of patients and interactions were checked. Regarding PANSS-positive scale and PANSS-general scale, no differences were found between the two groups in neither of the three time points. Regarding PANSS-negative scale, patients attending MFGT presented statistically significantly lower scores in t3 than patients treated as usual, but not in t1 and in t2 (i.e., prior to therapy). Moreover, both patients’ group showed improvement from t1 to t2, but only patients attending MFGT further improved from t2 to t3. Among patients attending MFGT, two (9.1%) had a relapse compared to nine (22.5%) of the patients treated as usual, however this comparison did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.300).
Conclusions
In term to provide early intervention in psychosis, A-MFGT seems to be a viable way to support the patient as well as the whole system facing psychosis, with the aim of preventing relapse and improved quality of life for all the participants.
Sexuality is a natural component of human behavior. Sexual health is “a physical, emotional, mental and social state related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual dysfunction and poor quality of sex life are common in patients with schizophrenia. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is higher in people with mental disorders, and may be related to psychopathology and pharmacotherapy.
Objectives
Evaluate sexual activity, sexual dysfunction and its consequences in patients with schizophrenia followed and hospitalized in the various structures of the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé.
Methods
This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical criteria, data on sexual behavior and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual activity, sexual dysfunction and its consequences in patients with schizophrenia followed and hospitalized in the various structures of the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé. Inclusion criteria: patients of both sexes diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM 5 criteria, age greater than or equal to 20 years. Exclusion criteria: intellectual disability, general medical condition known to cause sexual dysfunction (diabetes mellitus, history of vascular accident, congestive heart failure, unstable heart condition, arrhythmia or myocardial infarction in the last six months).
Results
We collected 157 participants. 81% of the participants were men, 67% of whom had left school at college. The majority of patients were born in the city. 85% were unemployed. 89% were heterosexual and 77% were single. 92% smoked cigarettes. 66% had schizophrenia for more than 5 years with 55% having poor adherence to antipsychotics with around 65% on atypical antipsychotics. Around 42% reported currently having sexual relations. 56% of participants had sexual dysfunction, and 67% were dissatisfied with the quality of their sexual relations.
Conclusions
Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in schizophrenic patients, and these problems can be linked to both the illness and its treatment. Sexual dysfunction is also an important factor in therapeutic compliance, which is strongly influenced by the side effects of antipsychotics. It is therefore necessary to know more about the sexual side-effects of medication on patients, and doctors should also systematically ask patients about their sexual history before prescribing psychotropic drugs.
This essay critically engages with the concept of asset-manager society (AMS) proposed by Brett Christophers. We begin by drawing out its five key elements through a contrast with the related but distinct concept of asset-manager capitalism. We then ask to what extent AMS can be observed in the countries of the Global South, which are characterised by a subordinate position in international money and financial markets. We conclude by highlighting some potential implications of the rise of AMS in these economies and offering some broader thoughts on the future.
The use of smart technology in supporting older adults is a growing field of research. However, there is little qualitative research on the experiences of patients utilizing this technology, particularly those attending psychiatry services.
Objectives
To explore the experiences of staff and patients utilizing smart-hubs implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide remote audio/visual communication and smart AI personal assistant technology for the management of patients in a rural Psychiatry of Old Age service.
Methods
Smart hubs were installed in patient homes and in the Psychiatry of Old Age base during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions limited in-person service provision. Patients and staff utilized the smart hubs for its assistive technology and to engage with each other. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted of 10 staff and 15 patients at 6-12 months following the introduction of the smart hubs and thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes.
Results
Three themes were generated from the thematic analysis: 1) Openness to SMART hub technology, 2) Getting set-up and 3) Keeping SMART. The majority of participants did not have much experience using smart technology prior to the intervention. However, many participants reported that they would be comfortable using technology. The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the rapid adoption of this intervention within the service with mixed views regarding the smart hub prior to implementation. The role of key individuals such as staff and family was highlighted in supporting older persons with setting-up the smart hub. Technical needs included the need for a strong internet connection and technical limitations were driven by privacy, cost and regional considerations. Many patients were able to utilize the smart hub independently to access interests, therapeutic activities and as a memory aid. The smart hub offered a novel way to connect to services and families and was also seen as a companion by some patients and staff to help address loneliness and isolation. The majority of participants found the use of smart hubs acceptable and were willing to utilize the smart hub in the future as an adjunct to face to face psychiatric interventions. However, suggestions for future use included the need for additional training as users felt that there was more they could do with the smart hub, continued support to manage any challenges and improved information leaflets to better engage users.
Conclusions
Smart hub technology offers an alternate means of providing remote and inclusive psychiatric care to older patients unable to access services in person and at risk of deterioration without intervention in the community.
The digitalisation of the society has made inevitable the development and use of digital health. In mental health care, the use of digital tools has been questioned, although their capacity to improve accessibility to evidence-based information and tackle stigma has been recognised. The paradox of these virtual tools is that they need to rely on local resources to get used and disseminated.
Objectives
To identify the factors from the context that could help or hinder the set-up of an effective intervention in digital mental health.
Methods
Between 2018 and 2020, a digital mental health intervention, based on the promotion of StopBlues, a digital tool targeting psychic distress and suicide in in the adult general population, was conducted in 32 willing French localities. In each of the latter, a focal person was designated among the officials to organise the promotion locally and liaise with the research team. Employing interviews and observations, we identified the factors from the context that were favouring or hindering the intervention.
Results
The qualitative approach unveiled the existing dynamics between local stakeholders and difficulties faced by the focal persons. It appeared that the pollical context particularly influenced the outcome of the intervention. In parallel, the endorsement by local hospitals and psychiatrists was equally crucial confirming the key role they play when they champion a cause at the forefront.
Conclusions
Real-world evaluations using both qualitative and quantitative methods of digital mental health interventions have to be implemented in order to understand how they can help people. If these interventions are in line with the 1986 Ottawa Charter in terms of patient empowerment, they still need to be supported by local stakeholders, both at the pollical and medical levels.
The concept of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is inherently multidimensional. However, the interrelationships among its various dimensions remain insufficiently elucidated. In recent years, the textual analysis of social media posts has emerged as a promising methodological approach for longitudinal research in this domain.
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate whether temporal causal associations exist between recognition of mental illness (R), mental illness stigma (S), help-seeking efficacy (HE), maintenance of positive mental health (M), and help-seeking attitude (HA).
Methods
Tweets were collocted at three distinct time points: T1, T2, and T3, spanning the period from November 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. We employed a machine-learning approach to categorize the posts into five MHL facets. Using these facets, we trained a machine learning model, specifically Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), to determine the MHL scores. To be eligible, an account must have an R facet score at T1, and M, S, HE facet scores at T2, as well as an HA facet score at T3. In total, we retrieved 4,471,951 MHL-related tweets from 941 users. We further employed structural equation modeling to validate the causal relationships within the MHL framework.
Results
In the evaluation, BERT achieved average accuracy scores exceeding 89% across the five MHL facets in the validation set, along with F1-scores ranging between 0.75 and 0.89. Among the five MHL facets—maintenance of positive mental health, recognition of mental illness, help-seeking efficacy, and help-seeking attitudes—each demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with the others. Conversely, mental illness stigma exhibited a statistically significant negative correlation with the remaining four facets. In the analysis using single-mediation models, each of the individual mediator variables—namely, mental illness stigma, help-seeking efficacy, and maintenance of positive mental health—exhibited significant indirect effects. In the multiple-mediation model, two mediator variables—help-seeking efficacy and maintenance of positive mental health—demonstrated significant indirect effects. These findings suggested that the recognition of mental illness exerted an influence on help-seeking attitudes through one or more of these mediators.
Conclusions
By leveraging machine learning techniques for the textual analysis of social media and employing a longitudinal research design with panel data, this study elucidates the potential mechanisms through which the MHL framework influences attitudes toward seeking mental health services. These insights hold significant implications for the design of future interventions and the development of targeted policies aimed at promoting help-seeking behaviors.
Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) is a frequently encountered health issue in primary care settings, leading to global disability and imposing a considerable economic burden.
Objectives
This study aimed to: (1) compare socio-demographic, health, lifestyle (sleep, physical activity) and psychological factors (depression, anxiety) between people with and without CLBP; and (2) quantify the correlations between these psychological and lifestyle factors, and clinical outcomes (intensity of CLBP and CLBP-related disability) in people with CLBP after considering other confounders.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was undertaken at the neurosurgery and orthopedic outpatient department of Heraklion University Hospital between 2019-2021. Two hundred fifty three volunteers with CLBP and 116 without CLBP provided sociodemographic information, daily habits, medical history, subjective sleep/ sleep complaints, low back pain intensity and disability using a10-point numeric Visual Analogue Scale pain rating scale and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, as well as questions assessing impact of pain on mobility, self-care, routine activities and psychological status, respectively. Participants also completed the Zung Self-Rating Scale (SDS) for self-assessment of depression and Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). Associations among CLBP, demographics, psychosocial or sleep disorders parameters and clinical outcomes were analyzed using multivariate models.
Results
People with CLBP exhibited a substantially greater prevalence of depressive, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms than controls (p < 0.05). CLBP diagnosis was independently correlated with female gender, older age, as well as worse physical and mental health outcomes measured by (i) higher level of sleep symptoms such as sleepiness, OSA and insomnia symptoms and (ii) higher prevalence of physician-diagnosed depression, and moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The level of functional disability for CBLP patients (based on Quebec score) was independently associated with age, physician diagnosed depression, lower educational status, moderate to severe depressive symptoms and OSA symptoms. The combination of moderate to severe depressive symptoms with OSA or insomnia symptoms was the most important predictive factor for functional disability for CBLP patients (OR 13.686, 95% CI 4.581-40.885; p<0.001).
Conclusions
Depressive symptoms and subjective sleep disorders appear to relate to greater CLBP-intensity and/or CLBP-related disability in people with CLBP. To achieve the desired outcomes when treating patients with chronic CLBP, it is essential to employ a holistic approach, involving assessment and management of their psychological comorbidities, and sleep issues, that may improve quality of life in these patients.
Brain maturation is associated with adolescent socio-cognitive development. The lateral posterior region of the cerebellum plays a critical role in higher cognitive processes, and deviations of this region are associated with autism-related behaviors. Hence, it is plausible that developmental changes in this region of the cerebellum during adolescence are different along a variation in autistic traits. Additionally, its difference may be moderated by parental age at birth and weight growth during infancy, which have effects on brain development.
Objectives
The aim of this study was two folds: (1) to test whether cerebellar development during adolescence is different along a variation in autistic traits (2) to test whether parental age at birth and weight growth during infancy moderate the results of (1).
Methods
Longitudinal study was conducted over a 6-year period with 256, 230 and 187 participants ranging from 10.5 to 17.6 years, observing adolescent development respectively at 2-year time periods. We undertook a detailed investigation into differences in the lateral posterior region of the cerebellum volume. The 50-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was rated by primary parents. Weight growth and parental age were evaluated using maternal and child health handbook records. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether AQ subscales, sex, and their interactions affected cerebellar development. Moderation analysis assessed whether parental age and weight growth moderated associations between cerebellar development and autistic traits. All participants provided written informed consent, and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee (No.10069).
Results
Interactions between sex and attention switching and sex and attention to detail were significantly associated with cerebellar development in the bilateral gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of Crus I and Crus II (Fig1, 2). Simple slope analyses showed that the slopes of cerebellar development were significant for girls (pFDR < 0.001). Although no significant interaction was found between them, the main effect of attention to detail was significantly associated with cerebellar development in WM of VIIB (pFDR = 0.006). Further, moderation analysis found that the association between the cerebellar development and autistic traits were significantly moderated by maternal age; the magnitude of its effect was significant for high maternal age in boys (pFDR = 0.036, Fig3). Paternal age, early (0-9 months) and late weight growth (4-18 months) also moderated associations between them, however, no significance remained after FDR controlling.
Image:
Image 2:
Image 3:
Conclusions
There are significant associations between cerebellar development during adolescence and autistic traits, and its pattern of association can be moderated by parental ages at birth and weight growth during infancy in a cerebellar region- and sex-specific manner.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease affecting primarily the central nervous system, characterized by focal lesions of white-matter demyelination. It can present with a variety of neurological symptoms, including monocular vision loss, sensory loss, paresthesias, limb weakness, ataxia and bladder dysfunction, and has a typically chronic and progressive course. Neuropsychiatric manifestations including depressive or manic symptoms, anxiety disorders and psychosis, are also frequently observed, and are of particular importance to mental health practitioners.
Objectives
To describe a case of a 45-year-old female patient with a history of suspected MS presenting with manic symptoms, and to discuss the possible neuropsychiatric manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis.
Methods
Clinical case report and literature review.
Results
A 45-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department presenting with severe acute agitation, irritable mood, rapid speech and persecutory delusions. She had no prior history of neuropsychiatric symptoms, but her medical history was notable for a suspected diagnosis of MS, having suffered an episode of optic neuritis 16 years before the present episode. Magnetic Ressonance Imaging performed 3 months before emergency admission documented non-specific white-matter lesions presenting as hyper-intense in long TR sequences, as well as a cervical lesion of atypical characteristics, representing possible spondylotic myelopathy or demyelination. A head CT performed at emergency admission did not reveal relevant acute findings. The patient was hospitalized and initiated risperidone and valproic acid therapy. She responded favorably to medication, with progressive stabilization of mood and remission of delusional ideas over three weeks.
Conclusions
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are a common and concerning manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis. The present case illustrates that clinicians should be on alert for signs of mood and psychotic symptoms in patients with suspected or confirmed MS, as these can manifest at any point during the disease course.
Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine, which acts as a sedative- hypnotic that binds to GABA (A) receptors at the same location as benzodiazepines and increases GABA effects in the central nervous system (Kovacic et al. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2009, 2(1), 52–57). Literature shows that behavioral changes including amnesia, hallucinations, and other neurocognitive effects are some of the known side effects (Edinoff et al. Health psychology research 2021, 9(1), 24927). We present a case about Ms. A, a female in her sixties with a history of major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms who was brought into the hospital by the EMS under police custody after stabbing her granddaughter with a knife. During the evaluation she was dissociating with impaired memory of the circumstances of her presentation. Collateral information about Ms. A revealed that she had no history of being violent, or any history of psychoactive substance use. Ms. A’s home psychiatric medications consisted of Sertraline 100mg, Bupropion 150 mg, Zolpidem 5mg.
Objectives
To better understand the potential risks with prescribing zolpidem in patient with insomnia.
Methods
In depth literature review about zolpidem. In addition, observation of Ms. A in the emergency with a full medical workup including but not limited to urine drug screen, brain imaging, lumbar puncture, etc.
Results
Ms.A medical workup was positive for a urinalysis revealing asymptomatic bacteriuria and she was treated empirically with cefdinir. Her medication regimen consisted of Bupropion 150 mg and Sertraline 100m, both daily. Zolpidem was discontinued and changed to Clonazepam 0.5mg for insomnia. She was also started on Olanzapine 5mg in the AM and 10mg in the PM. Her mental status was noted to have improved after discontinuation of Zolpidem. Patient received one dose in the hospital but after two days since discontinuation her mental status improved. Upon literature review previous reports have been published citing cases of patients on Zolpidem physically acting out while sleeping in a parasomnia-like behavior, with no recollection of memories upon awakening. (Inagaki et al. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry 2010, 12(6)). There are case reports of Zolpidem associated homicide (Paradis et al.The primary care companion for CNS disorders 2012, 14(4).
Conclusions
One limitation of our study is the patient was noted to have a sudden change in behavior with altered mental status which may be attributed to an underlying asymptomatic bacteriuria. It should be noted that this may have been an incidental finding. This does not exclude the possibility of Zolpidem as the primary cause of the change of her altered mental status or further exacerbating the change in her mental status. Though Zolpidem can be therapeutic and safe, we as clinicians have to be aware of the potential side effects of Zolpidem when prescribing medications.
Somatic symptoms disorders are usually comorbid with depressive disorders despite that there is little evidence for effective treatment for it. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been approved by FDA for mildly resistance depression. From this point we hypothesized that rTMS delivered over the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may be useful in somatic symptoms disorder. Therefore, in our case report we want to shed light on the potential effectiveness of rTMS in somatic symptoms disorder.
Objectives
case report
Methods
case report
Results
Case Report:
A 65-year-old Omani female with multiple medical comorbidities on multiple medications. She presented complaining of multiple somatic complains in the last 2 years after visiting multiple clinics and underwent several specialists’ examinations, investigations and procedure for somatic treatments, all of them where normal.
Then patient was seen by different psychiatric clinic multiple anti-depressant and adjuvant anti-psychotic medication were try, patient still not improve.
Patient get admitted to hospital for observation and management. Initially she was preoccupying by her somatic complain kept on Fluoxetine and Olanzapine along with that topiramate was added, but still with minimal improvement. Then rTMS was added to her management plan following Intermittent theta burst (iTBS) rTMS protocol. After complete all sessions of rTMS patient was recovering from her all symptoms, no complain report from her.
Conclusions
Conclusion: our case highlights the important of investigated more thoroughly in rTMS as treatment option for Persistent Somatic symptoms Disorder.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychiatric illness affecting maternal health, which can lead to poor outcomes for the infant, mother and family. Since the usual pharmacological treatment has low efficacy and a delayed onset of action, new treatment options should be explored. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated positive effects of racemic ketamine on PPD, but limited evidence is available on its more potent derivative esketamine.
Objectives
To determine the effect of esketamine administered prophylactically during labor on the risk of incidence of PPD at 1 week and 6 weeks after delivery.
Methods
PubMed, Scopus and GoogleScholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that studied the efficacy of esketamine that screened for PPD using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Risk ratio was used to determine the effect of incidence on PPD. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used, as per moderate heterogeneity (I2=59%, p-value<0.05).
Results
We included 7 RCTs with 1287 patients, 635 having received esketamine (49.3%). Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) or single intravenous dose during the delivery or cesarian section were the main drug delivery methods. Follow-up ranged from 4 weeks to 6 months, and EPDS cut-off scores for depression risk differed between studies, from 9 to 13 points. Dosages varied from 0.2mg/kg to 0.5mg/kg for single-dose administration and 0.1mg/kg to 1.25mg/kg for PCIA. Incidence of PPD at one week (RR: 0.459 95%CI 0.217-0.970; p<0.05; figure 1A) and at 6 weeks (RR: 0.470 95%CI 0.273-0.810; p<0.01; figure 1B) was significantly less common in patients who received esketamine during or after labor. Risk of bias was low in 5 studies and moderate in 2 studies. Risk of publication bias is significant.
Image:
Conclusions
Prophylactic esketamine seems to improve EPDS scores in women at one and six weeks after birth. A more thorough analysis of the adverse effects on maternal and neonatal health are required, and long-term benefits are not fully understood. Larger multicenter studies would be a welcome addition to the issue at hand.
Impulsivity is a complex construct, having at least three factors: 1) impulsivity as a personality trait, 2) ismpulsive action – waiting and stopping impulsivity and 3) choice impulsivity. Impulsive symptoms are present in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as well, eventhough impulsvity profile significantly differs.
Objectives
Our aim is to describe the impulsivity profile in adult ADHD (aADHD) and BPD in comparison with the control group, and describe a characteristic pattern, which associates with these disorders.
Methods
aADHD (n=100) and BPD Patients (n=63) were included, based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Healthy control subjects (n=100) were screened using the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90). Comorbid psychiatric disorders were assessed by structured clinical interviews and those who have both aADHD and BPD were excluded from the study. Participants were further investigated with online questionnaires: e.g. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and neuropsychological tests, like CANTAB Rapid Visual Processing, Stop Signal Task, and the Rogers’ decision-making test.
Results
Based ont the BIS-11 results, significantly higher attentional impulsivity was present in adult ADHD compared to BPD (p<.001) and healthy controls (p<.001). Emotional regulation difficulties, measured by DERS were significantly higher in BPD (p<.001) than aADHD, but the impulse control problems were more pronounced in the aADHD group, compared to BPD (p<.001). Using CANTAB neuropsychological test battery, strategy formulation difficulties (p=0.16) and stopping impulsivity (p<.001) were only present in aADHD compared to HC. BPD patients did not differ significantly from the control group in strategy formulation and in Stop Signal Reaction Time, a measure of stopping impulsivity. The significantly higher level of total false alarms, reflecting on waiting impulsivity were present both in aADHD and BPD.
Conclusions
According to our results these two disorders have different impulsivity profile characteristics, which can be useful in differentiating these two disorders, and in buiding treatment plans. Stopping impulsivity, measured by SST was found in aADHD, but not in BPD. In BPD impulsive behavior is more likely attached to emotional dysregulation, a trait rooted in childhood traumatization.
This study was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office grant K 129195 and K 135437.
The scientific literature widely acknowledges the multitude of factors contributing to suicide, emphasizing the intricate and dynamic interplay among genetic, biological, psychological, and social dimensions (Van Heeringen, 2001). Despite this consensus, each suicide case is unique, shaped by an exclusive combination of these factors. One relatively underexplored risk factor in the realm of suicidal behavior is attachment style. As posited by attachment theorists, avoidant and anxious/insecure attachment styles may hold predictive value for suicide attempts (Sheftall et al., 2014).
Objectives
This study undertakes a comprehensive review of the relationships between attachment styles, life scripts, parental mandates, and suicidal behavior.
Methods
This study delves into the interconnections between attachment styles, life scripts, parental mandates, and suicide, drawing from an extensive body of research and theory. A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to elucidate the intricate relationships among these variables and their potential influence on suicidal behavior.
Results
The synthesis of existing research highlights a compelling link between attachment styles, life scripts, and parental mandates. Attachment styles, formed in early life, profoundly influence an individual’s interpersonal relationships, emotional regulation, and sense of self-worth. These attachment patterns lay the foundation for the development of life scripts—internalized narratives that dictate one’s beliefs, values, and expectations regarding their life course. Parental mandates, often transmitted explicitly or implicitly during childhood, further shape these life scripts by imposing conditions or constraints on the individual’s choices and aspirations.
Crucially, within this framework, suicidal behavior emerges as a possible outcome. Individuals with maladaptive attachment styles, burdened by parental mandates that discourage autonomous living or impose conditional acceptance, may perceive suicide as a way to escape perceived unmet expectations or alleviate emotional distress.
Conclusions
This study underscores the intricate interplay between attachment styles, life scripts, parental mandates, and suicidal behavior. Understanding these complex relationships is pivotal in both prevention and intervention efforts. Recognizing the significance of family history, parental approaches, maladaptive beliefs, attachment patterns, and early caregiver interactions can inform the development of targeted strategies aimed at mitigating suicide risk in diverse contexts, including schools, communities, and clinical settings. By identifying these factors and their influence on suicidal behavior, practitioners and researchers alike can contribute to more effective prevention and intervention initiatives tailored to individual needs.
UK healthcare is undergoing significant challenges in facing borderline personality disorder (BPD) and accommodating the increased demand to allocate sufficient care and carers to deal with BPD’s growing number and emotional and suicidal crises.
Objectives
To generate forecasting models and preventive policies to deal with BPD crises and improve the effectiveness of the UK National Healthcare Service in suicide prevention (NHS).
Methods
The underlying analysis framework is stochastic forecasting. We used current knowledge and data to complete systematic future predictions extracted from recent trends. A logical-mathematical model generated the required expressions. The software for logic prediction and annotation was Wolfram Alpha (Wolframalpha.com).
Results
Persons with BPD become suicidal because the team cannot comprehend and address the cycle of dysthymia, rumination and suicide. The BPD crises start from Stage 1 (α), assessing the comorbidity between BPD with dysthymia, cyclothymia, autism and ADHD. Teams shall avoid overmedication as ineffective. Stage 2 (β) is introspection and rumination, which do not respond to pharmacotherapy. The health carers establish if rumination is present and suggest distraction techniques. Stage 3 (γ) is when constant rumination with catastrophising leads to hopelessness. Stage 4 (δ) is when BPD starts feeling more anxious, depressed and unable to stop rumination. We suggest thought-stopping techniques and discourage social isolation, which triggers rumination. As BPDs use external locus of control and aim for higher dosages of antidepressants and anxiolytics with minimal effect, we explain that medication is not the only solution. Stage 5 (ε) is a crisis and panic attack because constant rumination brings back traumatic thoughts focused on the past, present and future. This is when BPDs self-refer to the hospital, attempt suicide, and feel that hospital admission is the only solution. The stages combined generated Model I. The Model II forecast Δ from this study is that we will observe a higher frequency (Δ) of hospital occupancy (Δbo = A), suicidal attempts (Δsa = B), and heavy service use (Δsu = C) by BPDs.
Conclusions
The predictive model algorithm has thus extracted (1) Model I (Analysis): [α → (β → (γ → (δ → ε)))] = Z; The truth density for Model I and its strength of prediction for stage progression is 96.87% in the dysthymia-rumination-suicide cycle; and (2) Model II (Prediction): Z implies (A And B And C), Z→A ∩ B ∩ C; the truth density for the Model II is 56.25% for predicting a national shortage of healthcare resources. The combined models predict a truth of 73.81% in the outcomes of BPD crises in the UK NHS due to the dysthymia-suicide cycle.
Euthanasia is the active deliberate ending of life by another person at the explicit request of a patient who is suffering from an incurable condition deemed unbearable by him or her.young doctors in tunisia might be exposed in their daily practice to a request of (E). In some countries the procedure is regulated by law while in others the issue has not been discussed. Before assessing the public opinion the medical core has to be implicated in the debate about the subject.Within the limits of our knowledge this is the first study on the subject in the countries of North Africa
Objectives
To describe the attitudes of tunisian medicine resident toward euthanasia
Methods
The validated questionnaire of physicians’ Attitudes and opinions on assisted suicide and euthanasia was distributed via mails addresses to 50 tunisian resident. The participation was entirely voluntary and anonymity was guaranteed.
Results
Thirty seven medicine resident participate to the study the response rate was 74%. The average age of participants was 28.2years old.The majority;23 were female and 29 had religious beliefs.The most represented speciality was family medicine with 6 participants.Only 2 of doctors were practicing in Europe.About 8 of young doctors were requested for (E).Tunisian medicine residents are generally supportive of the legalization of euthanasia (29), but many have concerns about their own participation in the procedure.
Conclusions
Ethical and legal complexities surround the topic of euthanasia.It is imperative to deepen our understanding of this practice within the context of the North Africa region,in order to formulate a comprehensive and well-informed policy.
In February 2023, a series of earthquakes with high magnitudes affected 11 cities in Türkiye, a region with a population of over 13 million. With more than 50000 recorded deaths and more than 3 million survivors replaced, rescue and recovery efforts were challenging. The Psychiatric Association of Türkiye (PAT) immediately launched a “Disaster and Crisis Management,” which urgently formed and installed a program for psychosocial support and psychiatric care. The program included immediate, medium, and long-term actions. Hundreds of recruitments followed a call for volunteers for on-site and online support. An online “Earthquake and Mental Health” library was launched immediately, and a series of webinars on psychological first aid and disaster psychiatry were organized in the first two weeks. Furthermore, in three major cities, separate interactive meetings where question and answer sessions with trauma experts have been possible were held weekly with smaller groups. Almost a hundred volunteer PAT members served in the region in the first few months after the earthquake. All colleagues in the field, including those who survived the earthquakes, benefited from the resources of the PAT for their needs in housing, food, and mobilization. Starting from the first days, the PAT organized regional centers for coordination, which required financial resources and staff. The demand was high and could only be met with close collaboration with the Turkish Medical Association and the financial support obtained from international agencies, WPA, and other national psychiatric associations. The PAT started an online support system with technical support from a professional company, targeting healthcare professionals and first responders in the earthquake area. Volunteering psychiatrists provided appointment slots, rendering the system available 12 hours a day, seven days a week. With time, as the national healthcare delivery recovered, the PAT activities transformed into coordination, education, and supervision. Furthermore, the psychiatry residency training, which was interrupted due to the disaster, has been supported through a nationwide mentorship program launched by the PAT. The experience of the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye with disasters paved the way for an organized response, which was made possible through national and international solidarity.
Rates of high expressed emotion (EE) towards patients with schizophrenia have only indirectly been compared between families and community residential facilities, since studies including patients in both settings are unfortunately lacking. High EE rates in staff-patient studies are typically lower than in families, with negligible rates of high emotional overinvolvement (EOI). However, indirect comparisons can suffer from many biases.
Objectives
This study directly compared patients with schizophrenia living in halfway houses or with their families on the EE of their caregivers, adjusting for patient- and caregiver-related confounders.
Methods
We included 40 inpatients with schizophrenia living in halfway houses and 40 outpatients living with their families and recorded the EE of the caring staff (N=22 nurses) or parents (N=56), respectively, through Five Minutes Speech Sample interviews. Each nurse rated 1-12 inpatients and each inpatient was rated by 2-5 nurses, totaling 155 nurse ratings. Each outpatient was rated by one or both parents. Due to the multilevel structure of EE ratings, generalized linear mixed models were fitted. We first adjusted only for differences in patient-related confounders between groups and then added basic caregiver-related demographics.
Results
Compared to outpatients, inpatients were older (p=0.001), less well educated (p=0.002), had a longer disease duration (p=0.047), more hospitalizations (p=0.012), lower severity of psychotic (p=0.027) and, specifically, negative symptoms (p=0.015), and lower perceived criticism (p=0.001). Nurses were younger (p<0.001) and better educated (p=0.001) than parents. After adjusting for patient-related confounders only, EOI was significantly higher in parents (p=0.027) while criticism did not significantly differ between groups. However, after also adjusting for caregiver demographics (age, gender and education), criticism was significantly higher in nurses (p=0.027) while differences in EOI became non-significant.
Conclusions
Differences in EE, when directly compared between parents and professional caregivers, may be explained by differences in patient-related characteristics, caregiver demographics as well as other caregiver characteristics to be investigated in future studies.
In England, a national Mental Health Act (MHA) review was carried out, providing recommendation for policy and practice changes. One of these recommendations was to provide support to family members (FMs) of patients who have been involuntarily hospitalised. In response to this review, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) provided funding for research to address policy questions, for example what support may be most relevant to FMs during their patients’ treatment. The study presented here was funded as part of this initiative and has explored what support FMs wish to receive.
Objectives
To explore FMs’ experiences and views around support they would have liked during their patients’ involuntary hospitalisation and wider stakeholder views on what a family support programme in England should involve. This information can be used to develop a support programme for FMs.
Methods
One-to-one interviews were conducted online as part of two work packages. The first work package explored FMs’ experiences and views of support. The second work package explored views on what should be included in a family support programme in England from FMs, patients and professionals. Interviews took place at three sites across England. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
22 FMs were recruited to the first work package, where four key themes were identified: (1) heterogeneity in the current support for families; (2) information about mental health and mental health services; (3) continuous support; and (4) peer support and guidance. FMs reported receiving support from professionals, peers and relatives, but the extent of this support varied. FMs consistently reported wanting a named contact to provide information and personal continuity of support. 5 FMs, 4 patients and 10 professionals took part in the second work package, where four main themes were also identified: (1) development of a support programme; (2) delivery of a support programme; (3) factors limiting accessibility or engagement; and (4) benefits of a support programme. Information about the MHA and strategies to promote effective communication between FMs and professionals were identified as important to include in the programme and its delivery should include a combination of face-to-face, written and online methods. Potential benefits of the programme include improved FM knowledge and wellbeing.
Conclusions
FMs of involuntarily hospitalised patients should receive information around the MHA and strategies to promote effective communication with professionals. FMs should also be allocated a named contact person to offer information and personal continuity of support through various methods, for example through online, face-to-face or written contact.