Gender identity issues in the elderly are often overlooked in psychiatric practice. Older transgender and gender-diverse adults face significant barriers, including social isolation, stigma, and limited access to gender-affirming care. These challenges, coupled with healthcare discrimination and gatekeeping, negatively impact mental health outcomes, often leaving this population underserved in healthcare systems.

The aim is to identify the challenges transgender and gender-diverse elderly individuals face in accessing appropriate medical care and to explore how these barriers impact their overall health and well-being. Additionally, the objective is to propose strategies to improve both the mental health and general healthcare outcomes for this vulnerable group, ensuring that their specific needs are addressed within healthcare systems.

A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, ResearchGate, and Medline databases. Search included combinations of the terms “gender identity,” “geriatic psychiaty “ and “gender dysphoria. Studies were selected based on their relevance to understanding the mental health and healthcare needs of elderly transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

The review revealed that elderly individuals with gender identity concerns experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Historical discrimination and healthcare disparities significantly impact their well-being. Studies indicate that increased risks for dementia, linked to factors such as cardiovascular disease and sexually transmitted infections, further heighten their vulnerability.Moreover, there are significant gaps in gender-affirming care within geriatic services. Healthcare providers often lack the training necessary to address the specific needs of older transgender adults, leading to delays or denials in appropriate care.

This review highlights that transgender and gender-diverse older adults remain a population often overlooked in psychiatric and geriatric care. Recognizing the importance of tailored care for this population is essential, as well as training healthcare providers and implementing gender-affirming treatments to ensure inclusive, equitable care that meets their specific needs.

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A case series of patients diagnosed with comorbid ASD and ADHD in adulthood is presented.

To make a comparison between the situation and social difficulties before and after specific ADHD treatment, in order to reinforce that it is not only a treatment for academic functioning, but also helps social interaction and therefore general functioning.

Four clinical cases are presented, three females and one male, with a mean age of 45 years. All of them were diagnosed with ASD and comorbid ADHD, with a predominance of impulsive component, in 2023.

All of them, prior to the diagnosis of ASD, were diagnosed with GAD, social phobia or even avoidant personality disorder. For these diagnoses, from a very early age, they received different SSRIs and benzodiazepines with little response.

In the consultation, after taking a complete clinical history, and fundamentally a biographical history, the examination was complemented with ADOS and CPT.

Due to the results obtained in CPT, it was decided to start treatment with lisafentamine between 50 and 70mg DMD.

CPT was performed again, obtaining better results in all cases, with a decrease in impulsivity and attention, mainly. At a subjective level, patients reported a substantial improvement, especially at a social level, which favoured their functioning in basic activities of daily living.

In adults, a correct diagnosis is important given that many of them present symptoms compatible with one or more neurodevelopmental disorders not diagnosed in childhood. Likewise, treatment in accordance with these disorders improves functionality and avoids polypharmacy and side effects of unnecessary treatments.

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Selective reporting of outcome data (SOR) refers to trialists selecting results for publication based on the results of a subset of the initially measured outcomes. SOR for specific, potentially very profitable, treatments, particularly in key junctures such as in the period leading to or immediately preceding approval, has not been examined.

We examined the prevalence and types of SOR for three of the most prominent psychedelic drugs, either approved by regulators or considered very close to approval: esketamine, psilocybin and MDMA.

We used a publicly available inception cohort (https://osf.io/yfv9n) of intervention trials of psychedelic drugs that were registered on clinicaltrials.gov by March 2023. We selected randomized trials in participants with symptoms, a diagnosis or risk of mental disorders. Trials had to assess the efficacy of esketamine, psilocybin or MDMA, alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to any control or active intervention, and include at least one efficacy outcome.

We identified 98 randomized trials, 56 of which had a clinicaltrials.gov status of completed, terminated or unknown as of July 2024. Sixteen of 56 (28.5%) had no publication available as well as no results posted on clinicaltrials.gov. Of these sixteen, seven were described as completed in the registry (three had a completion date in 2022, two in 2023). Another 8 trials we described as unknown, with anticipated completion dates ranging from 2021 to 2023. For 29 trials (51%) we could identify peer-reviewed publications. Five other trials had only been published as conference posters or company press-releases. Of the 29 trials matched with publications, the primary outcome measure had been changed in 2 (7%), with an outcome initially registered as secondary upgraded to primary. There were changes regarding the timepoint of assessment for the primary outcome in 7 trials (24%): in 4 trials the timepoint had been changed, while in 3 trials, the publication only reported on a subset of the timepoints registered for the primary outcome.

Selective reporting and non-reporting of study results are present in trials of the most prominent psychedelic drugs, but given the scarce information contained in clinical trial registries, they are difficult to assess. Full access to all time-stamped versions of trial protocols and statistical analysis plans would be necessary to gauge the extent and types of SOR, including changes to the analysis method.

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Burnout Syndrome (BOS) is a state of exhaustion due to chronic workplace stress, characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment (PA). BOS is significant among healthcare professionals worldwide, and a critical issue in medical residency, raising concerns about mental health, patient care and safety.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of BOS among pediatric medical residents at a children’s hospital in Madrid, Spain. The association between demographic and occupational factors, such as gender, residency year, and night shifts per month, and the presence of BOS was also analyzed.

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2024, using a survey distributed to pediatric residents. The survey included demographic and occupational data and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), which assesses burnout through EE, DP and PA. Perception of institutional burnout prevention and support programs was also evaluated.

The response rate was 81.8% (45/55), the majority of respondents were female (77.8%), aged between 24-32 years (mean 26.8), from all levels of training. Burnout scores were abnormal in 55.6%, and 11.1% met criteria for high levels of burnout. Emotional exhaustion was the most affected dimension, over half (57.8%) scoring in the high-degree for EE, followed by 40% for high DP and 28.9% for low PA. No significant associations were found between gender, residency year, or night shifts and burnout levels. However, 66.7% of the respondents perceived insufficient institutional burnout prevention programs or support.

The study confirmed a high prevalence of BOS among pediatric residents. These results emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent and address burnout and improve health-care professionals well-being. Further research is needed to explore factors contributing to burnout and effective strategies for mitigating burnout among medical residents.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Military personnel are particularly affected by this psychiatric condition, which profoundly alters their personal, social and professional lives. Professional redeployment is most often the decision taken to keep these military personnel in the army.

To identify the professional future of military personnel suffering from PTSD

Retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Military Centre for Occupational Medicine and Occupational Safety between 2017 and 2022 among active military personnel requesting occupational redeployment.

We collected 22 cases of professional redeployment for PTSD, representing 24% of all requests for redeployment. Our study population was exclusively male, with a mean age of 30±9 years, mainly from the army (19 cases), divided into officers (3 cases), non-commissioned officers (12 cases) and enlisted men (7 cases). The traumatic event responsible for the PTSD was a mine explosion (8 cases), a road accident (6 cases), a gunshot wound (6 cases), a fall from a parachute (1 case) and an air accident (1 case). All patients had previously been exempted from certain military duties, mainly carrying weapons (22 cases), guards duty (5 cases) and driving vehicles (5 cases). When the decision to reclassify was taken, the military personnel was affected to a mainly administrative post (19 cases), a gardening post (1 case), a plumbing post (1 case) and a catering post (1 case).

This study highlights the fact that PTSD in the military represents a serious and complex challenge that requires special attention. It is imperative to put in place preventive measures and provide appropriate management of PTSD. That can support the military personnel affected and maintain the operational capability of the troops.

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The catatonic syndrome is a heterogeneous syndrome that manifests with a variety of symptoms, whose management is not clearly predefined despite being a clinically diagnosable entity. It is a frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated condition that can lead to the death of the patient, and which originates from a large number of psychiatric and organic pathologies.

To present a case highlighting the most significant and representative findings typically observed in catatonic syndrome, as well as to highlight the most relevant data regarding the origin, diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

This case report describes a single patient. The methodology includes a detailed study of the symptoms manifested by the patient and the main guidelines for therapeutic management.

In this poster, the case of a 24-year-old man who comes to the emergency room with what appears to be catatonic syndrome is presented. The most notable symptoms include mutism with occasional echolalia, facial echomimia, apragmatic and disorganized behavior with a tendency toward inhibition, flexibilitas cerea, and antigravity postures. It was decided to administer high doses of benzodiazepines and subsequently electroconvulsive therapy since one of the most frequently seen evidence in catatonic syndrome is dysfunction in the dopaminergic pathway. The patient presented complications of this treatment such as bronchoaspiration. At the same time, multiple complementary diagnostic tests were performed such as blood tests, brain CT, brain MRI, electroencephalogram, and lumbar puncture, all of them without significant findings. Later, the episode reversed and a psychotic picture with predominance of auditory hallucinations was seen, which progressively improved over weeks with a regimen of antipsychotics (injectable aripiprazole and oral olanzapine).

It is therefore concluded that it would be beneficial for it to be more widely represented in treatment guidelines and clinical trials, which would lead to easier and faster clinical decision-making. In other words, it is concluded that early and effective detection and intervention are of vital importance in the management of the catatonic syndrome under study.

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Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is an underdiagnosed and poorly treated condition that is highly prevalent among women. Characterised by a persistent or recurrent deficiency of sexual desire, HSDD leads to significant personal distress and interpersonal difficulties, and can adversely affect emotional well-being and intimate relationships.

The aim of this review is to discuss the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HSDD.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the electronic database PubMed. The keywords used for the search included “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder”, “treatment”, and “aetiology and diagnosis”.

The search yielded a total of five systematic reviews. These studies concluded that the aetiology of HSDD involves a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. The diagnosis of this disorder should include a comprehensive sexual and medical history to rule out other causes. Treatment options for HSDD are multifaceted, incorporating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

HSDD may be caused by biological factors such as a reduction in sexual excitation signals, an increase in sexual inhibition signals, or a combination of both. Testosterone plays a crucial role in initiating sexual activity, desire, and behaviour, through its influence on vaginal lubrication, sensation, and clitoral engorgement. Low oestrogen levels are associated with dyspareunia and changes in the vulvovaginal mucosa. Progesterone, serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline also play a role in the physiology of sexual desire. Psychological factors, particularly a lack of emotional intimacy, communication difficulties, negative body image perceptions and low self-esteem, can also reduce sexual desire. Depressive and anxiety disorders can significantly affect sexual desire. Sociocultural factors, such as religious beliefs and traditional values, can have a negative impact on sexuality. The diagnosis is made through a detailed clinical history, which may be supported by a screening tool, the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS), as well as laboratory and imaging investigations. Identified modifiable factors, such as illicit substance abuse, sleep problems, medication use, and various medical and psychological factors, should be addressed first. For women without remaining modifiable factors who need psychological support, sex therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and couples therapy are recommended. In premenopausal women, pharmacological treatment with flibanserin or bremelanotide may be considered. In postmenopausal women, hormonal therapy with testosterone may be considered off-label. The combination of psychological and pharmacological interventions is the most effective approach for HSDD. However, further studies are needed to better understand the pathological mechanisms of HSDD and to develop new therapeutic options.

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Fahr’s syndrome/disease is a rare neurological disorder characterized by calcification in brain areas such as the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and subcortical white matter. The disorder may manifest with both neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Fahr’s syndrome has a genetic basis and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It may also develop as a result of injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, or hormonal disturbances. If the calcification is idiopathic, the term Fahr’s disease is used.

The neurological symptoms of the condition include motor disorders, delirium, and dementia. However, it may also manifest in psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, cognitive decline, psychotic symptoms, and mood disorders. Available data indicate that the early onset of Fahr’s syndrome symptoms is associated with a worse prognosis compared to the later onset.

Our work aims to emphasize the necessity to look for/exclude the neurological basis of early forms of psychosis.

Herein, we present a case report of a thirteen-year-old patient hospitalized in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Poznań because of persistent psychotic symptoms. Due to severe headaches, episodes of vomiting, balance disorders, and hallucinations experienced before psychiatric hospitalization, the patient was referred to a neurological ward where imaging tests were performed revealing calcifications in both globi pallidi. Consequently, Fahr’s syndrome was diagnosed.

During the patient’s hospitalization in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, her mother reported that the patient had exhibited aggressive and self-aggressive behavior. Moreover, the patient’s school performance had been deteriorating for approximately two years before being admitted to the hospital. The girl described visual hallucinations (seeing figures) and auditory hallucinations (thought echo and hearing voices telling her to harm herself) that had been occurring for over a year. She expressed delusions of reference and delusions of thought insertion.

Interestingly, during the further diagnostic process, similar neurological changes as in the patient were found in her mother’s brain. This was unexpected because it was the patient’s father who was treated for schizophrenia (for formal reasons, it was not possible to check whether he also had neurological changes).

The patient was diagnosed with both schizophrenia and Fahr’s syndrome. Pharmacotherapy was implemented (olanzapine and then additional aripiprazole), and she was also provided with psychotherapeutic care. The implemented treatment has led to only partial improvement.

Further studies on Fahr’s syndrome are needed to better understand the disease course across the lifespan. Neuroimaging seems essential in early-life psychosis to exclude possible neurological basis of the condition.

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Psychiatry trainees in Ireland are categorised as Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHD). Research into the wellbeing of NCHD’s has consistently highlighted difficult working conditions with the majority reporting they have been told by others they neglect their own health. The learning outcomes of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland are majority clinical, professional and academic based with only a small focus on outcomes related to trainee wellbeing. Therefore, local and creative initiatives to support psychiatry trainee health and wellbeing are warranted.

To conduct a needs analysis amongst psychiatry trainees in the Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Service to inform the development of a NCHD Wellness at Work Committee and assess its impact over over a six month period from January 2024 – July 2024.

Following Clinical Director ethical approval, an anonymous online survey was shared with NCHD’s through email to assess their workplace wellbeing needs. Results were collected and analysed using Microsoft Excel leading to the creation and implementation of an action plan. At the end of the period, another anonymous online survey was shared through email to assess the usefulness of the project.

16 out of 23 local NCHD’s responded to the needs analysis.

88% identified ‘Physical Health’ as the top priority for the committee, while 75% endorsed the ‘Psychosocial work Environment’ and ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’. The ‘Physical Work Environment’ and ‘Healthy Eating’ were chosen by 44%.

In terms of a wellness at work development program, the most frequently requested item was ‘Activities to support mental health’ (69%), followed by ‘Corporate Leisure Centre discounts’ at 63%, ‘Stress Management’ and ‘Exercise/physical activity classes’ both at 56% and ‘Access to healthy food’ and ‘Sports participation’ options both at 50%.

‘Not enough time’ was identified as the greatest barrier to participation by 69% with equal variations across preferred timing of activities.

The action plan included the improvement of the physical work environment along with the arrangement of a financial planning webinar, Human Resources Coaching, Occupational Health and Health Promotion sessions. Information was shared by email on the Cycle to Work scheme and the Living Well stress reduction program along with social events including a breakfast club, provision of time and facilitites pre-trainee teaching for social interaction and a regular social dinner.

An impact assessment survey provided 12 responses from a total requested of 16 with all 12 responding indicating a positive impact. The missing 4 responses were due to trainees moving location.

This is, to our knowledge, the first quality improvement project to date involving the creation of an NCHD Wellness at Work Committee in Ireland.

The results will be used to inform and encourage the development of similar initiatives Deanery wide.

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Antipsychotic medications, initially designed for severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have witnessed a significant rise in off-label prescribing for a diverse range of conditions and at times these medications remain unchanged over long periods of time and poses a potential risk due to their side effect profile. There are different types of risks associated and depends on the dose of medication, age and comorbid physical health conditions of the patient.

To evaluate the outcomes of tapering and discontinuing off-label low-dose antipsychotic medications in patients without psychiatric disorders, focusing on the effectiveness of the deprescribing process and any associated withdrawal symptoms or adverse effects.

The authors decided to review their caseload and identify patients who are prescribed off label use of antipsychotic medication for example for sleep issues, Axis 2 mental illness as per DSM-4 classification and on doses where there was no indication of antipsychotic medication. It was planned to have detailed discussion with patients about the impact of having off label antipsychotic prescription and agreed to slowly tapper off and discontinue this medication. There were 18 patients identified with off label use of antipsychotic medication. In this quasi-experimental study design, we selected eighteen patients by convenience sampling method from the caseload who were identified to be on off label prescription of antipsychotic medications. These patients were explained to the purpose of the study and the course of intervention, and all agreed to participate in the intervention.

Out of 40 patients prescribed off-label antipsychotic medications, 18 were identified for review, all had been receiving mental health services for over six months and had been on antipsychotics for more than eight weeks. The most prescribed medication was quetiapine (n=11), followed by olanzapine (n=4), risperidone (n=2), and haloperidol (n=1). These medications were prescribed for issues like sleep disturbance, anxiety, and agitation, not for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder or augmentation in depression or OCD. Patients were gradually tapered off antipsychotic medications, with quetiapine doses typically reduced by 50% over two months and halved again over the next two months. Olanzapine and risperidone were discontinued over 3-6 months. Those successfully deprescribed reported improved energy, reduced fatigue, and no long-term adverse effects like tremors or extrapyramidal symptoms.

Antispcyhtic deprescribing is an important part of clinical care that reduce the risk to patients and gradual tapering of low-dose off-label antipsychotic medications, including quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, was largely successful in this study, with most patients experiencing improved energy and reduced sedation.

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Socio-emotional problems are widely present in school aged children thus interfering with classroom climate and possibly leading to psychopathology. Several universal interventions exist but evidence-based and motivating interventions are still warranted.

Let’s learn about emotions was originally developed in Kyoto, Japan. It is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology and socio-emotional learning. It is a highly structured program including 12 lessons to be taught in the classroom by teachers. It has been aimed for primary school aged children. This program was translated in Finnish and culturally adapted to be suitable for the Finnish school environment.

This study aims to produce an evidence based universal intervention that is feasible for teachers and motivating and inspirational for pupils. The aim is to increase the socio-emotional skills among pupils and teachers. Thus improvenment could be noticed within the individuals as well as in the classroom and school environment.

In spring 2023 (study 1) the Finnish version of the intervention was taught to each 4th grader in the city of Hyvinkää, Finland. Data was collected from pupils, parents and teachers before and twice after the intervention with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and questionnaires of classroom environment, school safety, bullying, feasibility and satisfaction. A single group pre-post test design was used. Qualitative interviews were carried out for parents, teachers and principals after the intervention. Effectiveness on the intervention will be studied in 2025-2026 in a larger quasi-experimental study.

Altogether 208 pupils and parents participated in the study 1 in Hyvinkää before and after the intervention. The results showed significant improvement in the parent-reported SDQ scores in conduct problems (0.31 points; SD 1.64, p=0-022), hyperactivity (0.37 points; SD 1.36, p=0.001), peer problems (0.19 points; SD 1.09, p=0.036) and impact of difficulties (0.98 points, SD 3.08, p<0.001). No improvement was observed in the pupil report when all pupils were icluded in the analysis. A Pearson correlation test between self-reports and parent-reports for the SDQ total score revealed significant results for both T0 (r = 0.439, p < 0.001) and T1 (r = 0.377, p < 0.001). Among the pupils with the top 20% of difficulty scores by SDQ at baseline, significant improvements were observed in the SDQ total score (1.66 points; SD = 4.94, p = 0.046), emotional problems (0.90 points; SD = 2.71, p = 0.049) and impact of difficulties (0.85 points; SD = 1.43, p = 0.005).

Let’s learn about emotions is showing promising results and it is distinguishible from other universal interventions by its manga figures and story-like approach. Future studies are warranted in order to investigate the effectiveness.

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Psychosocial treatment is a crucial component of the rehabilitation process for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). However, adherence to these interventions is often low, with high dropout rates posing challenges to successful outcomes. Understanding the factors that influence patient adherence, and dropout is essential for improving program efficacy and patient well-being.

This study aims to analyze the demographic, clinical, and motivational factors that contribute to adherence or dropout from the “Programa Mais de Perto” (PMDP), a psychosocial rehabilitation initiative for individuals with SMI, in order to enhance patient retention and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

The study included all patients with SMI enrolled in the PMDP activities until December 2023. Data were collected through clinical file reviews and telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire, including the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). Demographic and clinical variables, as well as patient-reported experiences, were analyzed to identify factors associated with continued participation or dropout.

The study initially included 87 patients, of whom 41 adhered to the program and 46 dropped out. However, after further filtering and questionnaire analysis, a subset of 36 patients was evaluated in detail (22 in the adherence group and 14 in the dropout group). The adherence group had lower disability scores on WHODAS 2.0 and reported higher intrinsic motivation, such as improving physical and mental well-being. In contrast, the dropout group highlighted external pressures from mental health professionals as reasons for initial participation and cited fatigue, lack of integration, and distance from the program as reasons for discontinuation. Tai Chi Chuan was the most popular activity (39% participation), while the Book Club had the lowest engagement (3%).

Intrinsic motivation is a key predictor of adherence to psychosocial rehabilitation programs, while external pressures may increase dropout risk. Enhancing flexibility, offering a wider range of activities, and fostering peer support systems could improve retention rates. These findings reinforce the importance of adapting psychosocial interventions to the needs and motivations of individuals with SMI for better long-term outcomes.

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Cervical spine injuries are serious traumatic situations with negative effects in the overall health and also in sports performace and health

Aim of this study is to present cases of deppresive disorders after cervical spine injurie in amateur athletes

12 cases are presented. Range of age between 30 and 40 years old. All of them reported depressive disorders during the post traumatic period after cervical spine injuries mainly during amateur athletic activities

All of them they receive appropriate neurological, psychiatric, psycological and rehabilitation support and treatment. They managed to have a good outcome after 24 months follow up.

The development of depressive disorders after such traumatic events remains a strong predictor of a variety of difunctions (social, personal, work etc). The emergence of depressive disorders in many cases remains unexplored and poorly understood. The effect into the the overall health remains a very important factor to investigate. The combination and collaboration of the various medical disciplines is essential in order to help young people.

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Evidence shows that attachment insecurity and disorganization increase the risk of developing psychopathology. The Circle of Security-Parenting Intervention (COSP; Cooper, Hoffman & Powell 2009) is designed to enhance secure attachment between caregivers and children under six years old, based on decades of attachment research. This evidence-based program has been translated into 14 languages and is present in almost 30 countries. However, in Spain, it is not currently offered in the public system, despite having a public health, education, and social services system intended to provide universal coverage.

Our team works in a Child Psychiatry Consultation, where we evaluate toddlers when Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is suspected by general pediatricians or schools. Over the years, we’ve found that many children do not have ASD but instead present attachment difficulties that the system does not currently support.

• - To provide parents whose children present difficulties that don’t meet the criteria for disorders receiving resources from the educational or social system with tools to help their children.

• - To implement an intervention in a public clinical setting in Spain, specifically in a Child Psychiatry Consultation, that could help caregivers with attachment difficulties.

From the patients referred to our hospital for ASD evaluations, we identified seven parents whose children didn’t meet the criteria for a neurodevelopmental disorder but presented attachment difficulties and could benefit from COSP.

We conducted a group with these parents, consisting of 90-minute sessions over eight weeks. The program provides caregivers with relationship tools, with each chapter building on the previous one. COSP uses visual support and offers participants opportunities to reflect and learn how to better understand and respond to both children’s and caregivers’ needs.

Six of the seven caregivers who began the group completed it. The caregiver who didn’t finish had to leave due to medical issues but requested to rejoin future sessions to complete all eight chapters.

In the satisfaction survey, participants gave the highest possible ratings. Some statements from participants included: “The group has been essential to understanding how I relate to my daughter,” “I can now see relationships from a new perspective,” and “COSP offers very useful tools.”

All participants said they would recommend the program to other parents, stating COSP is something every caregiver should become familiar with.

This pilot group established an initial framework for providing parents who attend our medical consultation and present attachment problems with an intervention that meets their needs.

Given the evidence that secure attachment is key to preventing psychopathology, interventions such as COSP should be more frequently offered.

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Methamphetamine use disorder poses a significant public health challenge, with few effective pharmacological treatments. Topiramate, an anticonvulsant, shows potential for treating various substance use disorders. This meta-analysis evaluates topiramate’s efficacy in treating methamphetamine use disorder, focusing on abstinence rates and depressive symptoms.

This review aims to assess the efficacy of topiramate in treating methamphetamine use disorder, specifically its impact on abstinence rates measured by negative urine tests for methamphetamine. Additionally, it evaluates topiramate’s effects on depressive symptoms, quantified by Beck Depression Inventory scores.

A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO in September 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing topiramate’s effects on individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. The analysis utilized a random-effects model, with the primary outcome being abstinence assessed through negative urine tests and the secondary outcome being depression scores from the Beck Depression Inventory.

Three studies (n = 249) were included, comparing topiramate to placebo. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for the common effect model was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94-1.07), indicating no significant difference between topiramate and placebo. Heterogeneity was low (I² = 2%, p = 0.36). Individual study risk ratios ranged from 0.43 to 1.09, with the largest study (n = 140) showing no effect (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.93-1.07). Two studies (n = 109) reported that topiramate tended to improve depressive symptoms relative to placebo, though not reaching statistical significance (mean difference = -2.52 (95% CI: -5.31 to 0.26).

For patients with methamphetamine use disorder, topiramate did not increase abstinence rates when compared to placebo, but showed a trend towards improving depressive symptoms. Although no statistically significant effects were observed, the trends provide a foundation for future research. Larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and standardized outcome measures are needed to better evaluate topiramate’s efficacy. Future studies should also explore dose-response relationships, combination therapies, and identify patient subgroups likely to benefit from topiramate, which may reveal clinically meaningful effects and enhance treatment options for methamphetamine use disorder.

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Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 9% of new mothers and can have profound consequences on both maternal well-being and infant development. Additionally, around 50% of women experience depressive symptoms or mood disturbances during pregnancy and lactation. A growing body of research suggests a potential link between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and mood regulation, particularly in the prevention of PPD. Omega-3 PUFAs, primarily docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are found in high concentrations in oily fish and seafood. Over the past century, dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids has significantly declined in industrialized societies, coinciding with increased rates of mood disorders. Notably, populations with higher fish consumption, such as those in Hong Kong, China, and Japan, report lower incidences of depression compared to Western countries, where lower fish consumption has been linked to higher rates of PPD. During pregnancy and lactation, women become particularly depleted in omega-3 PUFAs, as these essential fats are preferentially diverted to support fetal development, potentially increasing the risk of depression in mothers.

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of omega-3 PUFAs in preventing PPD.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Omega-3 in preventing PPD. The search was performed on PubMed using key terms such as “Omega-3,” “Postpartum Depression,” and “Prevention.”

In one study, women with low LCP intake were supplemented with 220 mg of DHA, which had no effect on depression, like in another study that reported no effect of 1,8 g of Omega-3 PUFAs on maternal depressive symptoms. Another trial involving 2,399 women found no significant difference in depressive symptoms between those receiving 800 mg of DHA and a control group during the first six months postpartum. A randomized controlled trial of 126 women at risk PPD also showed no benefit from EPA or DHA supplementation in reducing Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores compared to placebo. A meta-analysis of 11 trials (N = 3,181) similarly found no significant difference in depression scores between Omega-3 and placebo groups, and no association between the daily doses of DHA or EPA and PPD prevention

Based on the reviewed trials, there is insufficient evidence to recommend Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (DHA and EPA) at any dosage for the prevention of postpartum depression.

None Declared

Pet companionship plays a pivotal role in the lives of older couples, significantly influencing their intimate relationships, by fostering deeper connections and enhancing mental well-being.

This study has two aims: (1) to explore the impact of pet companionship on the intimacy of older couples; and (2) to examine its influence on their mental health.

This study included 223 older couples aged between 65 and 94 years. To explore the multifaceted role of pets in their relationship, content analysis was conducted on all interviews.

Their experiences shed light on the significance of this bond for promoting healthy and fulfilling intimate relationships, with the following themes: (1) contributing to emotional well-being (87.3%), (2) improving mental health in later life (83.1%), (3) fostering a deep relationship between couples (78.7%), (4) facilitating the formation of new emotional connections with others (72.1%), and (5) boosting physical and sensory functions (67.2%).

The findings emphasize the diverse advantages of pet companionship among older adults. These include enhancing emotional well-being, bolstering mental health, fostering interpersonal bonds, and improving physical capacities. These insights underscore the potential for integrating pet interventions into comprehensive strategies aimed at promoting the overall quality of life for older individuals.

Keywords: Pet companionship; intimate relationships; mental health; older couples; well-being.

None Declared

Limited research has been done regarding antidepressant use during pregnancy. Current insights show that a higher daily-dose equivalent of maternal SRI during pregnancy is associated with lower birthweight. Additionally, also large-scale registry studies show that prenatal antidepressant exposure is associated with small decreases of pregnancy duration and birthweight, and a higher risk for preterm birth, decreased birthweight, neonatal hospitalization and postnatal neonatal withdrawal symptoms. In these studies, no differences were found regarding PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn) and congenital abnormalities. Thus far, research has been done on a general population level. This study is aimed at a specific high risk population group, which makes this study much more relevant for clinical practice.

Gain insight into the effects of antidepressants during pregnancy and how they are prescribed. Specifically, the effects on birthweight and pregnancy duration, and whether the antidepressants are prescribed according to the daily-dose equivalent and are prescribed on-label.

This is a retrospective clinical cohort consisting of women who between 2006 and 2018 gave birth in the Erasmus MC University Hospital, because of a medical or psychiatric referral. All women were treated by the multidisciplinary pregnancy and psychiatry outpatient clinic in the Erasmus MC, were diagnosed with a DMS diagnosis, and for this specific study were selected for antidepressant use. Birth weights were categorized against the Dutch Perined birth registry. We estimated the association of pregnancy duration with the daily-dose equivalent.

Of the 1372 births from mothers with a DSM diagnosis, 323 unique births were selected for antidepressant use during pregnancy. No effects were found regarding birthweight and pregnancy duration. There was a non-significant effect on birthweight: Kruskall-Wallis test statistic (3): 0,962, with a p-value of 0,810. And a non-significant effect on pregnancy duration using linear regression: standardized beta: -0,028, with a p-value of 0,654. The antidepressants, which included SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs, were described off-label in 26% of the cases. As a whole, the antidepressants were prescribed lower than the daily-dose equivalent, with a total average of 0.69.

The fact that no effects were found on the use of antidepressants in women with a DSM-diagnosis on birthweight and pregnancy duration, is a reassuring finding. Certainly when taking into account the previous studies, that showed lower birthweights and higher risk for pre-term birth when using antidepressants during pregnancy. This might affect how antidepressants will be prescribed for pregnant women in the future. It is however remarkable, that antidepressants aren’t always prescribed on-label, and not always according to the recommended daily-dose.

None Declared

Mental exhaustion and social exclusion are significant challenges in the workplace that can negatively affect well-being and job performance. Various demographic and socioeconomic factors may differently impact these phenomena. This study examines how age, gender, marital status, educational level, number of children, employment status, origin, and generation influence mental exhaustion and social exclusion in the workplace.

The primary objective of this investigation is to explore and analyze the relationships between demographic and socioeconomic factors and the dimensions of mental exhaustion and social exclusion. The study aims to identify differences and interactions among various factors, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of their impact on workplace well-being.

The research was conducted by Dr. Elif Cindik, psychologist Merve Gediz, and psychology student Dicle Mutlu. A total of 73 participants were surveyed. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure mental exhaustion and social exclusion, and demographic as well as socioeconomic data were also collected. The analysis employed statistical methods such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Post-Hoc Tests, Regression, and Pearson Correlation Tests to examine the relationships between the variables.

The tests revealed significant results in the various research areas mentioned above.

The study highlights the complex relationships between the examined demographic and socioeconomic factors and the dimensions of mental exhaustion and social exclusion. Significantly important differences were found among older age groups, single participants, individuals with lower educational levels, and various income levels. Further research is needed to explore the causes of these differences in more detail and to develop potential intervention strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for measures aimed at improving workplace well-being.

None Declared

Recently, there have been wide-ranging debates about gender affirming treatment for young people with gender incongruence. The ethical principle of self-determination of young people must be reconciled with a careful assessment and weighing up of the risks and benefits of medical treatment steps. The focus is on psychosocial support for young people struggling with gender incongruence in adolescence. The evidence for the effectiveness of medical interventions in adolescence is still limited. Nevertheless, there is a great need among affected adolescents. In a literature review and based on international debates, guidelines and treatment recommendations, a cautious and balanced approach to the question of the right support for adolescents with gender dysphoria is recommended.

None Declared