One of the little-studied nosologies with severe delay in psychomotor development in the first year of life is children with risks of damage to the auditory analyzer, which requires the development of an adapted method for diagnosing impaired auditory function and taking into account some external factors that do not depend on the state of the child’s auditory function.

to study the characteristics of the auditory function in infants at risk for hearing impairment with delayed psychomotor development.

60 children (4-11 months) with suspected hearing loss were examined (Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Institute of Correctional Pedagogics”); interview with parents; psychiatric and pedagogical examination.

Three groups of children were identified depending on the level of psychomotor development (a level close to the norm, with a slight delay of 1-3 months, with a significant delay - from 4 months):

The first group (34%) included children admitted with suspected hearing loss, with a level of psychomotor development close to the norm, without concomitant developmental disorders. All children in this group were found to have significant and minor hearing loss. In two children, the hearing condition (according to the better hearing ear) was assessed as normal with atresia of the auditory canal on one side.

The second group (50%) consisted of children with suspected hearing loss, whose psychomotor development was delayed by 1-3 months. Most of them had significant hearing loss. In two children, the suspicion of hearing loss was not confirmed.

The third group (16%) included children with suspected hearing loss with a significant delay in psychomotor development for more than 4 months. Half of them (8%) had disharmonious development. Most had significant hearing loss.

given that each group included children with significant hearing loss and deafness, it became obvious that their psychomotor development level is independent of their hearing status.

The identified risks of sensory impairments combined with a pronounced delay in psychomotor development in the first year of life necessitate a search for markers of these disorders, and above all, factors and conditions that affect their manifestation and the dynamics of psychomotor development in children in the first year of life; presumably, this may be the child’s social environment.

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In 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Brexpiprazole as an adjuvant treatment for adults with major depressive disorder and as a treatment for adults with schizophrenia. Although studies suggest that Brexpiprazole is an effective adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder in Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Brexpiprazole only for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients.

To observe the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of brexpiprazole in patients with bipolar depression.

We followed, during 2 months, six patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder who met DSM-5 criteria for a major depressive episode. Four of them were women, two men. All were being treated with mood stabilizing drugs (2 with valproic acid and 4 with lithium). The average age was 43 years.

Visits were conducted every 15 days. At each visit, we evaluated depressive symptom improvement, any adverse effects, and the emergence of manic or hypomanic symptoms.

All patients were informed of the off-label use of this drug and gave their consent.

Five out of six patients continued treatment throughout the study; only one patient discontinued due to adverse effects (amenorrhea). All patients who maintained treatment demonstrated a subjective improvement in depressive symptoms, as observed by both, clinicians and the patients themselves. No patients presented with manic or hypomanic symptoms suggestive of a shift to a manic pole.

Although off-label, brexpiprazole may be beneficial for certain patients with depressive symptoms and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It displayed a good tolerability profile, with no observed shifts to mania in our small sample.

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AMD is currently the main cause of deterioration in the quality of life, disability and blindness in people over the age of 50 in economically developed countries,the presence of symptoms of anxiety and/or depression may be a risk factor for the development and exacerbation of ophthalmological diseases, a risk factor for an unfavorable prognosis of the disease and one of the factors contributing to a decrease in the patient’s compliance and motivation for ophthalmological treatment

The aim was to study the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with age–related macular degeneration and determine its impact on quality of life.

A continuous sampling method was used to examine 24 patients (9 men and 15 women, aged from 41 to 87 years, the average age in the group was 69.7 ± 10.8 years) with an established diagnosis of AMD, who were undergoing inpatient treatment at the Cheboksary branch of the FSAU NMIC MNTC Eye Microsurgery. Academician S.N. Fedorova” Ministry of Health of Russia, HADS, The Spielberger anxiety Questionnaire, SF-36,The results of the examination of the mental state were compared with the indicators of visual acuity

Clinically significant severity of depression symptoms was found in 4.2% of patients, mild manifestations of depression were found in 8.3%, 79.2% demonstrated moderate reactive anxiety; 12.5% of the subjects had a low level of reactive anxiety. 81.7 % of the respondents were subject to moderate and high personal anxiety. men were more prone to manifestations of both reactive (88.9% of men and 73.3% of women, respectively) and personal anxiety (100% of men and 86.7% of women, respectively), higher incidence of depression among women than among men. Patients with lower visual acuity tended to give a lower assessment of their physical health.

The results demonstrated a high prevalence of personality and reactive anxiety among patients with age-related macular degeneration. At the same time, persons with higher acuity vision was more prone to anxiety, which may probably be due to incomplete adaptation to pathology in the early stages of AMD development. A tendency was found to have a worse assessment of their physical well-being among older patients with lower visual acuity.

This study has a limitation due to the small sample of patients at the time of analysis, which dictates the need for further study of this issue.

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Youth suicide is a significant public health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of death among youth worldwide. Pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) play a critical role as the first line of care for suicidal patients. However, PED personnel, who often lack psychiatric training, need to be equipped with the skills necessary to assess suicidality and provide immediate intervention. This study explores the readiness of non-psychiatric medical personnel in Israeli PEDs to identify and care for suicidal children and adolescents.

The primary objective is to evaluate the readiness of non-psychiatric PED personnel to detect and intervene with suicidal youth. Specific objectives include assessing:

1. Frequency of suicidal patient encounters in PEDs.

2. Training and confidence in managing suicidal cases.

3. Experience and self-assessed ability to provide immediate care to suicidal patients.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 87 non-psychiatric PED medical staff across Israel using a questionnaire distributed through REDCap. The survey included both quantitative questions on a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended qualitative questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative responses and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

A majority (76%) reported treating suicidal patients within the past year, though only 35% felt confident in providing care. Training levels were insufficient, with participants scoring an average of 2.25/5 on whether they had received adequate training. Most respondents (45%) expressed a need for further education in pediatric psychiatry, and 60% disagreed with the adequacy of current tools for identifying and managing suicidality. The qualitative analysis revealed a perceived gap in training and preparedness, emphasizing the importance of specialized education.

Israeli PED personnel frequently encounter suicidal youth but often feel underprepared to provide appropriate care. There is a clear need for enhanced training programs, particularly in suicide prevention, to equip medical staff with the tools necessary to effectively identify and treat at-risk patients. Recommendations include curricular updates and specialized workshops for PED personnel to improve suicide intervention outcomes.

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Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Adherence to treatment is considered to be a key determinant of the effectiveness of therapy. Patient’s personality and other psychological characteristics play a regulating role in health behaviour but there is still no consistent evidence on their connection to the adherence to treatment.

The study aimed to determine the role of psychological factors regarding the adherence to treatment in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Adherence was measured using the Questionnaire for Comprehensive Assessment of Treatment Adherence (Nikolayev et al. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapy 2018, 1 74-78). To provide a complex assessment of psychological factors we used the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (Salkovskis et al. Psychological Medicine 2002, 32 843-853; Pervichko, Shishkova. National Psychological Journal 2022, 2), the HEXACO Personality Inventory (Ashton, Lee. Personality and Social Psychology Review 2007, 11 150-166; Egorova et al. Issues of Psychology 2019, 5 33-49), the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales (DMRS-SR-30; Di Giuseppe et al. Front. Psychiatry 2020, 11:870), and the Picture Frustration Test (Rosenzweig. Journal of Personality 1945, 14 3-23). The study was conducted from January 2024 to April 2024. The sample consisted of 42 male patients hospitalised with multiple cardiac pathology, whose average age was 49.40±7.71.

Patients with cardiovascular diseases mostly demonstrated middle level of the adherence to treatment (61.17±18.53%), twelve (30%) participants were defined as low-adherent, nine (22.5%) were high-adherent. The component of health anxiety known as vigilance to bodily sensations was found to be positively associated with the adherence to treatment (r=0.316, p=0.047). Conscientiousness was the only personality trait to demonstrate significant positive associations with the adherence (r=0.378, p=0.023). More interestingly, adherence to treatment appears to be positively associated with need-persistent and intropunitive frustration reactions (r=0.428, p=0.013; r=0.459, p=0.007) and negatively associated with extrapunitive frustration reactions (r=-0.409, p=0.004). Assessment of defense mechanisms reveals positive associations between overall defense maturity and adherence to treatment (r=0.388, p=0.021), indicating that low-adherent patients are more inclined to use less mature defenses.

Thus, adherence to treatment in patients with cardiovascular diseases is associated with greater vigilance to bodily sensations, conscientiousness, defense maturity, use of need-persistent and intropunitive frustration reactions and lesser use of extrapunitive frustration reactions.

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Response to treatment in pediatric social anxiety disorder (SAD) is highly variable. Atypical face processing has been suggested as a maintaining factor. A previous study reported that youth with SAD scan a more restricted area of faces than healthy controls during emotion recognition, potentially interfering with social cognition.

The current study examined whether visual scanning and arousal (pupil dilation) also predicts treatment response and changes as a function of successful treatment.

Youth with SAD (n = 55) were assessed prior to treatment with internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) or supportive therapy (ISUPPORT) and three and twelve months after treatment.

Restricted scanning of faces predicted worse treatment outcome, most consistently for youth receiving ICBT. No evidence for a change in social attention after treatment was found. Instead, visual social attention measures showed moderate to high stability. Children whose arousal decreased from baseline to three months follow up were most likely to benefit from ICBT rather than ISUPPORT, pointing to a role of arousal in treatment response.

Restricted scanning of faces may interfere with social interaction, thereby interfering with treatment. These results have implications for our understanding of social information processing in SAD.

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According to certain researches, it is known that depressed patients are represented by a high percentage of psychiatric diseases. In these patients, there is a reduction of volitional dynamism, especially the drive to live as well as the social drive.

Failure to treat these patients can lead to serious consequences, suicides and social dysfunction (reluctance for any activity and social isolation).

That is why it is of great importance to apply adequate antidepressant therapy. On the other hand, according to data from the literature, it is known that depression abounds with a multitude of symptoms that cannot be overcome with the use of only one type of antidepressant, so a combination of them is needed.

The Aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of combined antidepressant therapy in the treatment of depressed patients

This prospective present study included groups of 30 patients of either sex between 26-55 years with diagnosis F32, F33 evaluated in Private Psychiatric Institution Zora Mitic, Skopje. The study was conducted for 6 month. All the patients was written informed consent. Exclusion criteria was exist depressive disorders, patients with another psychiatric disorders and another organic disorders were not included in the study. The patients were examination before treatment and after treatment with Mirtazepine 15-30mg/day and Sertraline 50-100mg/day doses. The patients were assess using sociodemographic information by semi-structured questionnaire specially designed for the study. The sociodemographic data was:, marital status, education status and employment. Depression in patients was assessed by HAMD scale: 21 items graded ranging 0-4. The results obtained were compared using the t-test and Chi-square test. The quantitative data was expressed in number and percentage. The p value of statistical significance was set at p<0.05

Results The obtained results indicated that there is a statistical difference in depressive patients before treatment and after six months of treatment with antidepressant therapy the level of education (p=0,07), marital status (p=0,12); employment (p=0, 09) were without statistical significantly. But we got that the HAMD scale score were statistically significant when compare before treatment and after treatment with antidepressant therapy (p=0,03).

ConclusionThe results obtained in the study confirmed that the combined antidepressant therapy in patients with rich symptomatology reduced the depressive symptomatology and enabled an improvement in the functioning of the individuals.

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Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) plays a crucial role in optimizing treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders and comorbid medical conditions, particularly in the elderly. This talk will focus on the practical application of TDM in managing polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions in a geriatric patient with mood disorders. Using a case-based approach, the discussion will highlight how TDM can guide dose adjustments, improve treatment efficacy, and minimize adverse effects in patients with multiple comorbidities.

Emphasizing real-world clinical challenges, this session will provide practical insights into integrating TDM into psychiatric practice, ensuring safer and more effective pharmacotherapy. Audience interaction will be encouraged through live voting and discussion to enhance learning and application in daily clinical settings.

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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked genetic enzymopathy that impacts 4.9% of the population, with greater prevalence among Mediterranean, East Asian, and African populations. G6PD deficiency results in levels of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and glutathione (GSH) that are insufficient for maintaining the balance of oxidation-reduction in the body. This results in elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress on proteins and lipids, damage to DNA, and potential activation of chemokine and cytokine pathways by astrocytes and microglia. We propose that these direct and indirect effects of G6PD deficiency are associated with development of ADHD.

This study investigated the association between G6PD deficiency and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The study involved 7,473 G6PD-deficient patients and 29,892 matched case-controls (selected at a 1:4 ratio) from a cohort of 1,031,354 within the Leumit Health Services database. Clinical characteristics were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Tests for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables.

The average age of patients was 29.2 ± 22.3 years, with 68.7% being male. The mean follow-up duration was 14.3 ± 6.2 years. Individuals with G6PD deficiency showed a significant 16% higher risk of being diagnosed with ADHD (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.16 [95% CI, 1.08-1.25], p < 0.001) on follow up. Furthermore, G6PD deficiency was associated with a 30% greater likelihood of seeking care from adult neurologists (OR = 1.30 [95% CI, 1.22-1.38], p < 0.001) and a 12% higher probability of consulting adult psychiatrists (OR = 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24], p = 0.048). The use of stimulant medications among G6PD deficient individuals was 17% higher for methylphenidate class drugs (OR = 1.17 [95% CI, 1.08, 1.27], p < 0.001), and use of amphetamines elevated by 16% (OR = 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03, 1.37], p = 0.047).

This study establishes a significant association between G6PD deficiency and an increased risk of ADHD diagnoses. These findings suggest potential opportunities for the development of culturally sensitive interventions.

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Empathy is essential in psychiatry, and emotion regulation significantly influences it. This study investigates the link between emotion regulation difficulties and empathic abilities in Tunisian psychiatry trainees.

This study aimed to explore the connection between empathic abilities and challenges in emotion regulation among Tunisian psychiatry trainees.

A cross-sectional study was carried out involving an online survey proposed to 120 Tunisian psychiatry trainees. The survey included the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, which features four subscales: Perspective Taking (PT), Empathic Concern (EC), Personal Distress (PD), and Fantasy Scale (FS). A cut-off score of 14 was set to differentiate between low and high empathy levels for each subscale. Additionally, the survey included the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), which evaluates six types of emotion regulation challenges.

The proportion of responses was 71% and the mean empathy subscores were: (19.04 ± 3.95) for PT, (20.41 ± 3.71) for EC, (12.67 ± 4.41) for PD and (16.40 ± 4.91) for FS. Eleven participants showed low levels of PT and 30 showed high scores of PD. Empathy dimensions’ scores, mainly those of PT and PD, were correlated with ER difficulties. PT scores were negatively correlated with five ER difficulties and PD scores were positively correlated with six ER difficulties of the DERS.

Lower levels of PT were associated to difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors (p=0.038) and impulse control difficulties (p=0.004) furthermore higher scores of PD were associated to difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors (p=10-3), impulse control difficulties (p=10-3), strategy (p=0.003), non-acceptance (p=0.001) and clarity (p=0.001).

Difficulties with emotion regulation were positively associated with personal distress and negatively associated with perspective-taking abilities. Our findings highlight the significance of emotion regulation processes in improving empathic skills.

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Schizophrenia is a multifaceted psychiatric disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotions, and behavior. It exhibits a diverse spectrum of clinical presentations influenced by various factors, among which gender plays a significant role.

To determine the differences in clinical profile and therapeutic response among schizophrenia patients according to gender.

We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study over a three-month period from January to March 2024, among patients in the post-care service of Psychiatry Department D at Razi Hospital diagnosed with schizophrenia based on DSM-5 criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical data were initially collected from patients’ medical records and then verified and supplemented during direct interviews using a pre-established information sheet. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess symptom severity in participants.

We enrolled 80 participants, of whom 50 were male (62.5%) and 30 were female (37.5%). The mean age of participants was 42.5 years. Men had higher mean scores on the positive symptoms subscale (75.6±12.05) and negative symptoms subscale (64.8±8.69), while women had higher mean scores on the general symptoms subscale (69.3±15.86). Male patients exhibited a higher prevalence of auditory hallucinations (80%) compared to women (55%), with a statistically significant difference (χ² = 4.32, p < 10-3). Similarly, a higher prevalence of delusional ideas (72%) was observed in men compared to women (45%), also statistically significant (χ² = 5.87, p = 0.02). Regarding therapeutic response, men showed a statistically more significant improvement in positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusional ideas, with an average reduction of 15 points on the PANSS scale compared to 10 points in women (p = 0.02). Conversely, women demonstrated a more favorable response to negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and apathy, with an average reduction of 12 points on the PANSS negative symptoms subscale compared to 8 points in men (p = 0.04).

The observed differences in clinical profiles and therapeutic responses between male and female patients underscore the necessity for tailored treatment approaches aimed at optimizing outcomes and enhancing patient care.

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Psychotic disorders have a negative impact on people’s lives, including their financial situation. Limited studies indicate that people with psychosis also have lower subjective evaluations of their financial situation, such as perceived financial needs.

This study aimed 1) to examine differences in unmet financial needs between people with psychosis, parents, siblings, and controls, 2) to examine whether family clustering contributes to unmet financial needs, and 3) to examine to what extent substance use, demographic, economic, psychiatric, functional, and cognitive characteristics predict unmet financial needs in people with psychosis.

Data of the first assessment of people with psychosis (n=956), siblings (n=889), parents (n=858), and controls (n=496) of the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis study were used. Group differences were assessed with Kruskal-Wallis tests (aim 1). We performed mixed-effect logistic regression analysis and explorative and confirmative ordinal logistic regression analyses for aim 2 and 3, respectively.

People with psychosis reported significantly higher levels of unmet financial need (24%) compared to siblings, parents, and controls (all <10%; table 1). We found no evidence of familial clustering in unmet financial needs. Cannabis and tobacco use significantly and consistently predicted higher levels of unmet financial needs in people with psychosis. Demographic, economic, psychiatric, functional, and cognitive characteristics were no significant predictors.Table 1.

Levels of meeting financial needs of people with psychosis, siblings, parents, and controls.

Relatively high levels of unmet financial needs occur in a heterogeneous group of people with psychosis, especially when they use cannabis or tobacco. Unmet financial needs can have serious consequences for mental health, leisure time, and social activities. Thus, it is pivotal to recognize unmet financial needs, especially combined with substance use, as a stressor for people with psychosis.

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Many definitions have been proposed for polypharmacy, but the most common is the concurrent use of five or more medications. It is a growing concern among older adults and is associated with numerous adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. Beyond its impact on physical health, research suggests that polypharmacy may also affect mental health, which could potentially be linked to poor sleep quality.

The current study objective is to investigate the sleep quality of polypharmacy older adults and its association with depression and anxiety in this population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iraq from June to August 2024. A total of 245 participants were selected from internal medicine wards in hospitals and private clinics. All participants were aged 50 years or older and had been taking five or more medications for at least 90 days. The study questionnaire comprised three main sections: demographic data, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A PSQI score greater than 5 was used to identify poor sleepers. The association between poor sleep and other factors was assessed by using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression.

The sample consisted of 245 polypharmacy patients, with a mean age of 61.5 ± 12.4 years. Of the participants, 150 (61%) were female and 95 (39%) were male. Anxiety was observed in 95 (38.8%) participants, depression in 96 (39.2%), and poor sleep quality in 189 (77.1%). The study found significant associations between both anxiety (OR = 3.4 [95% CI: 1.55-7.57], p = 0.002)and depressive symptoms (OR = 2.43 [95% CI: 1.15-5.15], p = 0.020) with poor sleep quality.

Our study suggests that Iraqi polypharmacy older adults suffer from poor sleep quality, with depression and anxiety potentially exacerbating this issue. The findings suggest that mental health support is necessary for older adults with polypharmacy.

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Gender dysphoria (GD) is a rare entity which involves significant distress experienced by an individual due to a perceived discrepancy between his gender identity and his sex assigned at birth. In the current literature, there is little research on medical students’ knowledge and attitudes towards this entity.

The objectives of our study were to estimate the prevalence of gender dysphoria within young medical trainees and to explore their knowledge and beliefs about this entity.

It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out on GOOGLE FORMS in the period of time from October 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, and relating to a population of Tunisian young medical trainees. We used a questionnaire including an information sheet and the gender identity/gender dysphoria questionnaire for adolescents and adults (GIDYQ-AA).

Our study involved 111 participants with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.56. Their median age was 28 years.

The overall prevalence of gender dysphoria was 0.9%. It was 2.5% among participants assigned male at birth (95% CI=[0.06%–13.2%]) and 0% among those assigned female at birth.

Among the participants, 21.6% had received training on GD or sexual identity disorders during their medical education while 3.6% of reported being aware of specialized services for the management and support of GD.

Four-fifths of the participants (80.2%) believed that the development of GD would be due to organic factors, while 70.3% described the contribution of socio-cultural factors and 58.6% attributed it to early family interactions.

More than a third of the participants (40.6%) considered GD as an entity related to sexual development disorders, 28.8% equated it with a symptom of a more general mental pathology, while 30.6% regarded it as a distinct entity.

Regarding the suffering associated with GD, it was attributed to the internal experience of gender incongruence by 42.3% of the participants, social stigma in 29.8% of cases, and to psychiatric pathology by 27.9% of the participants. GD was mentioned as a risk factor for suicide by 84.7% of the participants.

Our study revealed a low prevalence of GD among young medical trainees, similar to that observed in the general population, which could be explained by reluctance and fear of stigma in our society where sexuality remains a taboo subject. The knowledge of young doctors about this issue, still insufficient, could be improved through sexuality training dedicated to specialists, as well as through the teaching of sexology during the medical education.

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Background: Substance-induced psychosis is an acute psychotic condition occurring after substance use, where the psychotic symptoms are alleviated with abstinence. Some of those diagnosed with substance-induced psychosis later develop schizophrenia, and this transition occurs most often for psychosis induced by cannabis. This talk will present results from a register-based study investigating transition rates. The results will be discussed together with other factors that together question the validity of the diagnostic entity of “cannabis-induced psychosis” Method: In our study, we used data from National Patient Register in Norway from 2010 to 2015 to estimate the cumulative hazard for transition from any substance-induced psychosis (F1x.5) and cannabis-induced psychosis (F12.5) to schizophrenia spectrum disorder (F20, F22 and F23). Results: The six-year cumulative hazard for transition from substance-induced psychosis to schizophrenia was 27.6% (25.6-29.7) for any SIP, and highest for those with cannabis-induced psychosis, 36% (95% CI 31.4-41.0). Conclusion: Cannabis-induced psychosis constitutes a significant risk for later schizophrenia. This raises a question of whether the initial diagnosis of CIP was correct, or whether these may have been cases of a development of primary psychosis concealed by cannabis use. Further, the term “cannabis-induced psychosis” places a major explanatory emphasis on the substance use, ignoring other potential contributing factors such as vulnerability including genetic disposition for psychosis.

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To investigate whether anxiety reductions attributed to healing crystals reflect placebo responses driven by conditioning and belief-related biases rather than specific therapeutic effects.

In a randomized, controlled study, 138 adults were classified as believers or nonbelievers in crystal efficacy and assigned to rose quartz (experimental) or a visually matched placebo. Participants followed a standardized 14-day protocol. Anxiety was assessed pre- and post-intervention with the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Spanish Kuwait University Anxiety Scale. Multilevel analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Bayesian models were used to evaluate main effects, interactions, and evidence for treatment specificity.

Anxiety reductions occurred only among believers, regardless of crystal assignment. No differences were detected between groups in primary outcomes, and improvements did not exceed the magnitudes typically associated with placebo responses. Bayesian estimates favored the null hypothesis for specific treatment effects. Preexisting belief strongly predicted perceived efficacy and symptom change, consistent with causal illusions plausibly shaped by conditioning mechanisms. Nonbelievers showed no reliable improvement.

Healing crystals did not demonstrate anxiolytic effects beyond those of the placebo. Symptom change was mediated by expectancy and conditioning, particularly in individuals inclined toward intuitive or magical thinking. Although nonspecific, context-dependent factors—such as elements of the therapeutic alliance—may amplify placebo responsiveness in clinical settings, these findings do not support attributing inherent therapeutic value to crystals. Future work should delineate how expectations, clinician-patient rapport, and related variables interact to shape placebo response and how such mechanisms might be ethically leveraged to enhance evidence-based care without promoting pseudoscientific practices.

The prevalence of stress and emotional disorders among medical students has risen dramatically in recent years. In response, it is essential to develop prevention strategies, such as emotional intelligence (EI), to better manage stress and preserve mental well-being.

To evaluate the level of EI among medical students and study its relationship with perceived stress.

This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, from March 2023 to February 2024. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10), emotional intelligence using the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Test, and lifestyle habits including sports participation and psychoactive substance use.

The study included 207 students, with a majority being female (87.7%). Among them, 88.4% had no psychiatric history. Alcohol consumption was noted in 36 students, while 10 participants reported cannabis use. Regular physical activity was observed in 64.3% of cases. Students with lower EI scores generally exhibited higher stress levels, especially in the absence of sports or extracurricular activities. While correlations between EI and stress were evident, univariate analysis did not reveal a statistically significant direct association (p=0.416). Psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties, emerged as significant factors in stress modulation, independent of EI levels.emotion regulation appeared to play a major role in stress modulation, independent of EI.

EI emerges as a critical factor in enhancing resilience against stress among medical students. By developing a more profound understanding and effective regulation of emotions, students can significantly elevate their mental and emotional well-being.

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Physical activity has been associated with improved sleep health, yet the specific impact on individuals with depressive disorders remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between regular physical exercise and sleep duration in individuals diagnosed with a depressive disorder, utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Understanding this relationship could inform integrative approaches to managing depressive symptoms and improving overall sleep health in this population.

• - To analyze the impact of regular physical exercise on sleep duration among individuals with a depressive disorder.

• - To assess the potential role of physical exercise in mitigating inadequate and prolonged sleep patterns within this population.

Data from the BRFSS for the years 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 were analyzed to explore the relationship between physical exercise and sleep duration in individuals with depressive disorders. The study included 518,214 participants who reported having a depressive disorder. Of these, 342,276 (weighted 68.5%) reported engaging in physical exercise within the past 30 days. Sleep duration was categorized, and regression analysis was used to assess the association between recent physical exercise and sleep duration.

The analysis indicated that individuals with a depressive disorder who engaged in physical exercise in the past 30 days were less likely to experience inadequate sleep (6-7 hours, Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.83, p < 0.05) and more likely to achieve adequate sleep (7-9 hours, OR = 1.18, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not exercise. They were slightly less likely to have prolonged sleep (9-12 hours, OR = 0.9, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found for very inadequate sleep (<6 hours, OR = 1.34) and very prolonged sleep (>12 hours, OR = 0.6) with physical exercise (p > 0.05).

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Regular physical exercise appears to be associated with better sleep outcomes in individuals with depressive disorders, particularly in promoting adequate sleep duration (7-9 hours). Exercise was linked to a reduced likelihood of inadequate sleep (6-7 hours) and a slight decrease in prolonged sleep (9-12 hours). However, no significant associations were found for very short (<6 hours) or very prolonged (>12 hours) sleep durations. These findings highlight the potential role of physical exercise in managing sleep health within this population. Incorporating regular physical activity into treatment plans for depression may improve sleep quality and contribute to better overall health outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of exercise on sleep patterns in those with depressive disorders.

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The management of dementia presents significant challenges due to the multifaceted nature of major neurocognitive disorders, encompassing cognitive impairments, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and loss of autonomy. Current strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, have shown limited success, often hindered by adverse effects, lack of efficacy, and insufficient human resources. In this context, emerging technologies offer promising solutions for improving dementia care. Their potential benefits and limitations will be presented: Digital Solutions • Serious Games and Smart Apps: Digital tools can enhance cognitive function and support social engagement for individuals with dementia. Studies show that structured use of these technologies in home settings improves well-being and reduces isolation. Internet of Things (IoT) • Applications: IoT devices such as sensors, GPS trackers, cameras, and wearable technologies are increasingly used to monitor aspects of dementia care. These include activities of daily living (ADLs), sleep patterns, medication adherence, vital signs, and safety concerns like fall detection and wandering.

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The pandemic exacerbated existing mental health support disparities faced by ethnic minorities in the UK. Many ethnic minorities entered care through crisis pathways, receiving more severe diagnoses than their white British counterparts. Additionally, they were 40% more likely to access mental health services via the criminal justice system. Despite these challenges, research on their evolving experiences with mental health services remains limited.

To explore the interactions between ethnic minorities and mental health services. By understanding their engagement and coping strategies, we aimed to capture how these experiences have impacted their mental health and well-being.

This study was conducted in Northern England, a region with high mental health needs but limited research activity. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were held with a purposive sample of ethnic minority adults with diverse mental health conditions (ethical approval 22/WS/0164).

Two independent researchers conducted interviews remotely or in person between March and September 2023, with consent confirmed before each interview. The topic guide, co-produced and piloted with an advisory group of ethnic minority individuals, carers, and clinicians, focused on service engagement, support experiences, coping strategies during the pandemic, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analysed using a framework approach, with themes and subthemes categorized in a matrix for each transcript. Two researchers independently double-coded a sample of interviews to ensure validity, with the team and advisory group reviewing and finalizing the analytical framework.

Thirty-two ethnic minority individuals were interviewed, revealing five key themes: barriers to managing mental health; limited engagement with health services; preference for community support; reliance on community support during service interruptions in the pandemic; and the need for service-community collaboration. Cultural stigma often led to fear and reluctance to seek support, and participants struggled with non-culturally sensitive health services. Instead, they preferred community-based support, which persisted during the pandemic despite service disruptions. Participants advocated for collaboration between mental health services and ethnic minority communities to enhance cultural understanding and patient-centred care.

Ethnic minorities with mental health conditions face significant challenges in accessing and engaging with services. Addressing these issues requires integrating culturally sensitive approaches into existing frameworks, achieved through collaborations with ethnic minority communities to better understand their unique contexts. Incorporating cultural considerations into service delivery can enhance engagement and improve outcomes for diverse populations.

None Declared