The use of recreational drugs for sexual intercourse (chemsex) is a widespread practice in certain subgroups of the population in recent years. There is documentation of chemsex in men who have sex with men (MSM) but less data on its use in other populations (men who have sex with women, women, transgender women, transgender men) and its effects on mental health.

Evaluate the use of chemsex in the population attended in a sexually transmitted infection (STI) consultation.

To evaluate the use of chemsex in the population attended in a sexually transmitted infection (STI) consultation, a survey was carried out on all patients who attended the STI consultation of the U. Ramón y Cajal Hospital between January and April 2022. The degree of anxiety and depression was assessed using the HADS scale.

A total of 148 surveys were distributed, with 82 being completed. Among those surveyed, 56% had used drugs at some time in their lives, the vast majority of times associated with sexual relations. The most consumed drugs were alcohol, cannabis and poppers. There were no differences between MSM and non-MSM in this consumption (p= 0.073), but there were in the substances consumed: MSM consumed more gamma hydroxy-butyrate acid (GHB/GBL) (p= 0.031), mephedrone (p= 0.031) and poppers (p= 0.019). Using the HADS Scale, 34 patients suffered from anxious (41%) and 11 depressive symptoms (13%), with no significant differences between MSM and non-MSM.

Chemsex is a frequent phenomenon among patients attending in an STI consultation, both in the MSM and non-MSM population. It negatively impacts mental health, being associated with anxiety and depression. It is necessary to improve information to reduce drug use in this context.

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Individuals with autism and intellectual disability encounter numerous challenges as they transition into adulthood. By analyzing case studies of students in both specialized and mainstream educational settings, I aim to highlight their perspectives and experiences.

These individuals grapple with a myriad of hurdles, from difficulties in communication and social interaction to challenges in academic and vocational pursuits. Through case studies, we witness the personal and societal barriers they encounter, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and support systems.

Early intervention and specialized education play crucial roles in empowering these individuals to thrive. By providing nurturing environments and equipping them with essential skills, we can foster independence and enhance their overall well-being. Additionally, community resources offer ongoing support beyond the school setting, further facilitating their transition into adulthood.

Central to our discussion is the importance of fostering an inclusive society that embraces neurodiversity. When individuals with autism and intellectual disability are valued for their unique perspectives and talents, they can contribute meaningfully to society. Through acceptance and understanding, we can pave the way for a more equitable future for all.

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As global internet usage continues to expand, concerns regarding its effects on adolescent mental health have gained prominence. Cyberaddiction and anxiety-depressive disorders are increasingly recognized as interconnected among adolescents. Excessive use of digital platforms, social media, and online gaming can contribute to heightened stress, social isolation, and emotional instability. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective mental health strategies and encouraging healthier online behaviors among adolescents.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cyberaddiction and anxiety-depressive disorders among adolescents in Tunisia.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study, that was conducted on adolescents aged 12 to 18, enrolled in three educational institutions in Sousse, Tunisia. Data were collected using the Young Internet Addiction Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A pre-established data collection form was used to gather additional demographic and behavioral information.

Our study included a population of 416 adolescents, with a mean age of 15.05 ± 1.724 years. The majority of the participants were female (56.7%). Among the participants, 41.6% were high school students, and 58.4% were middle school students. Our results showed that 83.2% of participants exhibited problematic internet use, with potentially adverse effects on their daily lives. Additionally, 11.3% managed to maintain control over their internet usage despite occasionally exceeding planned time, while 5.5% experienced severe internet addiction, significantly impacting their personal and social lives Regarding internet usage patterns, the majority (64.9%) reported that social media was their primary online activity, while 35.1% preferred online gaming. The HADS revealed that 43% of the participants experienced varying degrees of anxiety disorders, and more than half (50.7%) showed symptoms of depressive disorders. Notably, 88.5% of the participants displayed symptoms of both anxiety and depression. A statistically significant correlation was observed between anxiety-depressive disorders and cyberaddiction (p = 0.008).

Our study highlights a concerning prevalence of both cyberaddiction and anxiety-depressive disorders among adolescents. These findings emphasize the urgent need for preventive measures and targeted interventions. Addressing these issues through education, mental health support, and regulated internet use could mitigate the negative impacts on adolescents’ well-being.

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure in which thin electrodes connected to a neuro-pacemaker are implanted into deep brain structures to modulate pathological neuronal activity with electrical current. DBS is used for symptom relief in Parkinson´s disease (Groiss et al. TAN Disord 2009; 2 79–91) and is under investigation for several psychiatric conditions (Naesström et al. NJP 2016; 70 483–91). Severe and treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be treated with DBS to achieve reduced OCD symptoms, ultimately aiming for an improved quality of life.

Our objective is to present preliminary data on OCD patients’ self-reported quality of life related to the development of OCD symptoms, before DBS surgery, and up to two years after surgery.

Patients with severe OCD (n=12) were enrolled in an open-label clinical trial on DBS delivered into the brain area of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), as previously described (Naesström et al. W Neurosurg 2021; 149 e794-e802). The patients completed the EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and were assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) before DBS surgery and after six, 12, and 24 months. The paired t-test was used to analyze for group differences.

The mean age at DBS surgery was 39.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 15.5) and the baseline YBOCS score corresponded to severe to extreme OCD (mean 33, SD 3.0). The mean EQ-5D index score was 0.62 (SD 0.11) at baseline and had improved to 0.74 (SD 0.13) at the two-year follow-up and the difference was statistically significant (t = 2.8, df = 7, p-value = 0.025). The EQ-5D VAS scores measured pre-surgery were low (mean 35.9, SD 22.2) and had increased two years post-surgery (mean 54.4, SD 21.0), but with no statistically significant difference (t = 1.9, df = 8, p-value = 0.093).

Quality of life in OCD patients two years after DBS surgery measured with the EQ-5D-3L showed an improvement two years following surgery for the EQ-5D index but not for the VAS scale. These preliminary data show that self-assessment with the EQ-5D-3L scale may be used to follow up on patients’ quality of life after DBS and longer follow-up periods are warranted.

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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β and tau proteins. Previous studies have demonstrated that early-onset AD (EOAD) has more rapid and significant tau accumulation compared to late-onset AD (LOAD). Particularly, postmortem analyses have shown greater tau accumulation in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) in EOAD. However, there is a lack of clinical studies that directly compare tau pathologies in EOAD and LOAD or explore their associations with clinical symptoms.

To evaluate the tau accumulation patterns in the nbM and other brain regions defined by Braak stages (I/II, III/IV, V/VI) in EOAD and LOAD using 18F-florzolotau PET imaging. Additionally, to analyze the relationship between tau accumulation in the nbM and cognitive function.

The study included 38 amyloid-positive AD patients (15 EOAD, 23 LOAD) and 46 healthy controls (HCs). PET scans with 18F-florzolotau were performed, and the standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) of tau accumulation in the nbM and Braak stage regions were calculated using the cerebellum as the reference. Cognitive assessments were conducted using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and other neuropsychological tests. Postmortem brain tissue from six AD patients and two HCs was histologically analyzed to validate PET findings.

EOAD patients showed significantly higher tau accumulation in the nbM than LOAD patients (p = 0.004). The SUVRs in Braak stage regions also tended to be higher in EOAD (I/II: p = 0.244, III/IV: p = 0.120, V/VI: p = 0.079). Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between nbM SUVR and Braak stage SUVRs in EOAD, whereas LOAD patients exhibited positive correlations in Braak stages I/II (r = 0.50, p = 0.014) and III/IV (r = 0.43, p = 0.043). In LOAD, nbM tau accumulation correlated negatively with MMSE scores (r = -0.55, p = 0.006). In EOAD, higher Braak stage tau was associated with a stronger negative trend in MMSE (III/IV: r = -0.37, p = 0.178; V/VI: r = -0.41, p = 0.126). Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of ghost tangles in advanced AD and intracellular tau in early-stage AD, supporting the PET imaging results.

The study highlights distinct tau pathology differences in the nbM and their impact on cognitive function between EOAD and LOAD. The findings suggest that while nbM tau pathology in LOAD is linked to disease severity, EOAD is influenced more by cortical tau pathology. PET imaging of tau provides a promising approach for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.

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Adolescent suicidal behaviors have seen a marked increase in incidence, particularly following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic (Revet et al. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32 249–256). This surge has presented challenges for emergency and psychiatric services. It highlighted the need for improved understanding of predictive and protective factors linked to recurrent suicide attempts.

This study aims to analyze the clinical trajectories of adolescents admitted to emergency departments for suicide attempts between 2019 and 2021 and to identify predictors of recurrence, with a particular focus on conditions that may elevate the risk of repeat attempts (Tomaszek et al. Front Psychiatry 2024).

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Montpellier University Hospital, examining pediatric emergency visits related to suicide attempts over three consecutive years (2019–2021). The dataset included patient demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, treatments prescribed, and hospitalization metrics such as duration and readmission frequency. Statistical analyses employed a multivariate linear regression to identify significant predictors of recurrence.

The incidence of emergency visits for adolescent suicide attempts rose elevenfold from 2019 to 2021, reflecting the global trends in mental health deterioration post-Covid-19 (Lespes-Hislen et al. 2023). Recurrence rates were notably higher among patients initially admitted in 2021, with 54% of these adolescents re-presenting for subsequent suicide attempts, indicating a persistent crisis in mental health among this demographic. The selected model identified ADHD diagnosis, the use of mood stabilizers, and prolonged hospitalization as significant predictors of recurrence. In the regression model, each additional day of hospitalization was associated with an estimated increase in recurrence risk of 0.16 additional attempts per 1-day of hospital stay.

This study confirms an increase in suicidal behaviors after the pandemic and highlights the importance of personalized care, especially for adolescents with ADHD. The association between hospitalization duration and recurrence raises questions about the effectiveness of prolonged hospital stays in this population.

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Mental illness stigma continues to be a significant challenge in healthcare. Trainees in different medical fields may have varying levels of exposure and understanding, which can shape their attitudes towards patients with mental health conditions.

To examine differences in stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental illness between Family Medicine trainees and psychiatry trainees.

A comparative study was conducted. Psychiatry trainees affiliated with the faculties of medicine in Tunisia (n=120) and Family Medicine trainees affiliated with the faculty of medicine of Sousse (n=206) were invited to respond to a survey comprising the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27), a measure that evaluates nine stigma factors, blame, pity, anger, help, dangerousness, fear, segregation, avoidance, and coercion. Higher scores indicated more endorsed stigma. Self-report measures of affirming attitudes were also used, including the Self-Determination Scale (SDS), the Empowerment Scale (ES), and the Recovery Scale (RS). Higher scores represent enhanced views of these concepts.

In total, 94 psychiatry trainees and 66 Family Medicine trainees responded to the survey, with respective response rates of 78% and 32%. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, family and personal psychiatric histories.

Family Medicine trainees reported significantly higher AQ-27 total scores (p=.042). Additionally, they reported significantly higher scores for blame (p=.025), dangerousness (p=.006), fear (p=.048), and segregation (p=.005) stigma factors.

No significant differences between the two samples were found in avoidance (p=.525), coercion (p=.379), pity (p=.741) and help (p=.092).

Concerning affirming attitudes, there were no significant differences between the two groups in SDS (p=.148), RS (p=.552), and ES (p=.727) scores.

Results revealed that psychiatry trainees endorse less stigmatizing attitudes towards patients with mental illness, particularly regarding the dangerousness of these patients. Nevertheless, they still endorse negative attitudes regarding the concept of recovery and affirming attitudes towards patients with mental illness. Anti-stigma interventions should promote not only increased contact but also other strategies that will promote believing in recovery and social inclusion.

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Mental health of higher education students is a relevant topic, especially for students in the health field. The development of relaxation techniques in this population is increasingly recognized as crucial to promote psychological well-being and reduce distress.

1. 1) Study the associations between mental health and lifestyle in Portuguese college students in the health field; 2) Evaluate the effectiveness of a Yoga-based relaxation techniques on mental health and physiologic variables.

Study 1 had a cross-sectional design, with 107 participants, 76,6% females, average age of 21,33 years (SD=4,88).Study 2 employed a pretest-posttest design, with 3 timepoints: T0, T1, T2, with T2 being a follow-up after 3 months. Participants: 11 students, 81,8% females, average age of 26,82 years (SD=11,59).

Measures: 1) Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38); 2) Lifestyle questionnaire. In study 2, the intervention consisted of six face-to-face sessions, lasting 60 minutes each, with practical training of Yoga-based relaxation techniques and evaluation of heart and respiratory rate, and blood pressure before and after each session.

Study 1 – 32,7% presented Distress, and we found significative correlations between sleep quality perception, global health perception and Mental Health (p<.001); male students who practice physical activity have more Positive Affect. Study 2 – In all sessions, the physiologic variables decrease in T1, and Distress and Anxiety decrease significantly in T1 (p=0,037; p=0,031, respectively). After the follow-up, the improvement in mental health remains significative (p<0,001).

The results suggest a relevant percentage of students with distress, and that the intervention program with Yoga-based relaxation techniques contribute to decrease heart, respiratory and the blood pressure rate. After the intervention and the follow-up, there is a decrease in distress in Portuguese college students. Suggestions for future studies would be to replicate the intervention with a control group and a larger sample.

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Open-door policy is a WHO-recommended framework to maximise safety, prevent coercion, and enhance recovery-based practices during admission to mental health wards. This talk will describe the open-door policy intervention, present results from our 1-year RCT and preliminary 5-year results from the Lovisenberg Open Acute Door Study (LOADS). LOADS is a 5-year in-clinic dual RCT study of open-door policy co-created with user representative and staff in our inner-city acute mental health wards in Oslo, Norway. By combining random allocation, effectiveness outcomes and implementation research, LOADS aims to address the need for faster development of clinically relevant knowledge in mental health.

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The capacity of self-compassion may contribute to the development or protection of psychiatric disorders.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-compassion and psychopathologies in anxiety disorders and to identify the impact of comorbid depression on self-compassion.

Patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Catholic University of Korea. Psychiatric diagnoses were established through interviews based on DSM-5 criteria, conducted by an experienced psychiatrist. Demographic data were collected, and clinical status was evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. The severity of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, hypochondriasis, and self-compassion were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Illness Attitude Scale (IAS), Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), respectively.

The study included 121 participants with a mean age of 48.65 years (SD = 10.10), ranging from 20 to 70 years. The majority of the participants were female, comprising 91 (75.2%) of the sample, while 30 (24.8%) were male. A significant inverse relationship was observed between self-compassion (SCS total) and measures of general psychopathologies and hypochondriasis: PHQ-9 (r = -0.366, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (r = -0.348, p < 0.001), PHQ-15 (r = -0.349, p < 0.001), IAS (r = -0.293, p < 0.005), and CSS-12 (r = -0.208, p < 0.05). Also, strong negative correlations were found with all psychopathology measures, showing that higher negative self-compassion is significantly related to greater psychopathology: PHQ-9 (r = -0.479, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (r = -0.423, p < 0.001), PHQ-15 (r = -0.364, p < 0.001), IAS (r = -0.374, p < 0.001) and CSS-12 (r = -0.362, p < 0.001). An ANCOVA was conducted to assess group differences in self-compassion subscales among patients with anxiety disorders (N = 71), comorbid depressive and adjustment disorders (N = 22), and comorbid somatic symptom and related disorders (N = 25). The results showed a significant difference in the isolation subscale across the groups (F = 4.636, p = .012).

The findings underscore the role of self-compassion in moderating psychopathology severity in anxiety disorders, suggesting that interventions targeting negative self-compassion may help mitigate emotional and physical symptoms in these patients

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Psychological factors, including personality and temperament show an association with various somatic conditions and may also influence perioperative analgesic requirements. Understanding the role of psychological factors could help personalise pain management, improving well-being of patients and reducing postoperative complications. Affective temperaments (AT) have previously been associated with course and characteristics of several somatic conditions, but have not been studied in this context.

We aim to investigate the association between ATs and postoperative analgesic needs in a prospective study.

In our ongoing study we plan to enroll 350 women awaiting non-obsetrical, non-oncological gynecological surgery. Type of surgery and anesthesia are standardized. Psychological evaluation is carried out at three timepoints: 5 days preoperatively (ATs, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing)? 24 hours postop (amount and quality of pain experienced, anxiety, depression, current pain catastrophizing); 7 days postop (same as before, plus length of stay and quality of life). Tools include TEMPS-A (ATs), STAI-S and T (anxiety), PHQ9 (depression), PCS (pain catastrophizing) and BPI (pain experience and QoL). Intraoperative vital parameters and opioid use are also observed, as well as the use of postoperative analgesic medications. Statistical associations between pain and psychological factors are analysed using MANOVA, regression, correlation and path analysis.

Currently we are at 50% of our data collection (N=175). At this stage of our research we already have significant preliminary results. Apart from psychological factors, age has a negative predictive effect on pain experienced on day 1 (p<0.001, stβ=-0.327, R2=0.14) and also predicts the effectiveness of painkillers on day 1 (p=0.006, stβ=0.036). When controlled for age ATs also predict pain experienced on day 1: anxious scores predict amount of pain experienced (p=0.049, stβ=0.283), whereas higher dysthymic scores predict smaller amount of pain experienced (p=0.006, stβ=-0.382). Preoperative anxiety and pain expectations do not seem to predict pain, but pain expectations predict how pain effects overall mood (postop day 1 p=0.002, stβ=0.227 and day 7 p=0.035, stβ=0.226). Postop day 7 pain is less influenced by the investigated factors, but state anxiety on postop day 1 predicts postop pain on day 7 (p=0.028, stβ=0.251).

Our study may help in clinical practice to identify patients who are likely to experience more postoperative pain. While age is a significant negative predictor of early and late postoperative pain, when controlling for age, ATs seem to be sensitive predictors of early postoperative pain experience, whereas other investigated factors have a less direct effect on pain experience. Further data analysis with more complex models is needed after data collection is finished.

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Contemporary global crises, including Climate Change/CC, has increased the interest in Future Anxiety/FA. As an emotional response to the anticipation of threats in the distant rather than proximal future, FA is broader than worry, which generally focuses on particular issues and fluctuates depending on specific circumstances.

To analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese versions of Dark Future Scale (DFS; Zaleski et al. 2019), composed of 5 items to evaluate FA; and Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS; Stewart 2021), a 10-items measure of proximal worry about CC; to explore whether they evaluate distinct or overlapping constructs.

590 adults (64.6% women; mean age=34.40±16.18) answered DFS, CCWS (preliminary), Climate Change Distress and Impairment Scale/CC-DIS and Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale/PEBS. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA; with a subsample of n=290) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA; n=300) were performed. DFS and CCWS structures tested with CFA were based on previous EFA results, including a model combining items from both scales.

DFS: CFA evidenced the good fit of the unidimensional model, χ2/df=3.314, CFI=.995, TLI=.990, GFI=.989, RMSEA=.060, p<.001; alfa=.91.

the unidimensional model (similar to the one found in the original version) (χ2/df=2.076; CFI=.982; TLI=.970; GFI=.965; RMSEA=.0590; p<.001; a=.90) and the two-factors model, with F1 composed of 6 items related to CC concerns and F2 of 4 items related to perceived interference (χ2/df=2.561; CFI=.973; TLI=.956; GFI=.956; RMSEA=.0611; p<.001; aF1=.75, aF2= .89) presented good fit.

the 2-factor model, with each scale being one factor (χ2/df=2.312; CFI=.962; TLI=.951; GFI=.928; RMSEA=.065; p<.001) and the 3-factor model, where CCWS divides into 2 factors (χ2/df=2.248; CFI=.964; TLI=.954; GFI=.926; RMSEA=.063; p<.001) resulted in good fit. FA correlated with CCWSTotal/F1/ F2 (r>.25). Correlations with CCDIS were r=.36 for FA and r<.55 for CCWSTotal/F1/F2; only CCWS total and dimensional scores correlated with PEB (r>.45) (all p<.001). When predicting CCDIS, FA adds 4% (R change, p<.001) to the variance explained by CCWS dimensions (R2=49.7%). Only CCWSConcerns (b=.345) but not CCWSInterference predicted PEB.

DFS and CCWS Portuguese versions have adequate validity and reliability. Their moderate correlation and the validity of the measurement models tested suggest that they evaluate distinct constructs. FA seems more maladaptive than CCW: although it increments CC-DIS prediction, it does not correlate with PEBS. The same applies to CCWSInterference, which emphasizes that the CCWS two-factor structure may be useful to delimit CCW’s normal/pathological nature. We intend to use these scales in an ongoing research project on psychological factors associated with CC mitigation and adaptation.

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Although childbirth represents a positive experience for most mothers and fathers, it can also be potentially traumatic when it endangers the life of the mother or the baby. In more severe cases, it can even develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) postpartum. Studies indicate birth-related PTSD impacts around 17% of postpartum parents. This condition includes intrusive symptoms, hyperactivation, avoidance behaviors, and negative changes in mood and cognition, significantly impacting the mother-baby bond and the family’s well-being.

The authors pretend to raise awareness of postpartum PTSD.

The authors did a non-systematic review of the current literature.

The etiology of postpartum PTSD is multifactorial and results from the combination of pre-birth risk factors (depression during pregnancy, fear of childbirth, medical complications during pregnancy, history of trauma or sexual abuse, history of mental disorders), factors during childbirth (subjectively experienced negative childbirth, obstetric complications, and severe maternal morbidity), and postpartum factors (postpartum depression, maternal complications after childbirth, or maladaptive coping mechanisms). The risk factors related to childbirth appear to be independent of neonatal complications, with the latter constituting an additional stressor factor. Psychological trauma during childbirth and postpartum PTSD, despite having a significant impact on families, are often not recognized in maternity services, hindering timely intervention. Currently, there are no recommended treatments to prevent or mitigate postpartum PTSD. However, there is some evidence of the benefits of prenatal and postnatal interventions, such as early identification of risk factors for postpartum PTSD and postnatal counseling.

The studies suggests that women should be assessed for negative traumatic birth experiences and PTSD, to allow targeted observation for psychopathologies and therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed with larger sample sizes, validated and reliable clinical interviews to assess PTSD.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is marked by physical and cognitive fatigue, as well as increased susceptibility to fatigue. While the precise causes of CFS remain unclear, there is growing interest in the role of the stress response system in its development.

Given that early adverse experiences might affect one’s ability to handle stress effectively, the aim of this study was to examine whether such early life events could predispose patients with CFS to higher self-reported stress levels when confronted with psychosocial stressor.

76 patients with CFS and 45 healthy controls (HC) underwent the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) to induce stress. Subjective stress levels were assessed before, during and after the task. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to retrospectively evaluate abusive and neglectful experiences in childhood

Patients with CFS reported significantly higher levels of subjective stress at all stages of the MAST compared to HC (main effect of group; p<0.0001). Additionally, CFS patients had higher CTQ scores than HC (p=0.04). Within patients, higher levels of childhood trauma was associated with higher levels of self-reported stress (p = 0.0047) throughout the MAST. The results of the link are visualized in the attached figure.

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Patients with CFS experience heightened stress levels during a validated stress-inducing task compared to HC. Furthermore, a history of greater childhood abuse and neglect is associated with increased stress levels later in life, potentially contributing to the development of CFS.

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Infertility is a significant source of emotional stress for couples worldwide. In Tunisia, it affects approximately 15 to 20% of couples of reproductive age. Studies indicate that women experience higher rates of depression (35% vs. 15%) and anxiety (52% vs. 28%) compared to men, largely due to cultural pressures. For these reasons, understanding these gender differences in coping mechanisms is essential.

To analyze the coping styles of infertile couples and identify gender differences in coping mechanisms to inform tailored psychological support.

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving couples undergoing infertility treatment at a specialized Assisted Reproductive Technology center inTunis. The participants provided information related to socio-demographic data. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Cope scale administred in the Tunisian dialect. These strategies were classified into three categories: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping.

A total of 60 infertile couples participated in the study. The average age of men was 41.1±6 years, while the average age of women was 35.07±4 years. Among them, 68% resided in urban areas, and 73% were from a middle socioeconomic background. Educationally, 47% of women held a university degree, compared to 17% of men. Approximately half of the women were unemployed, while 52% of men were employed.

Problem-focused coping emerged as the most frequently utilized strategy (5.93±1.02), followed by emotion-focused coping (5.32±0.82) and avoidant coping (3.95±0.70).

Women significantly employed problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies more than men (p=0.017; p<0.01). They also scored higher in emotional support, expression of feelings, active coping, planning, and religious coping (p<0.05; p=0.01). Conversely, men displayed a greater inclination towards acceptance, distraction, and substance use.

In conclusion, addressing gender-specific coping strategies is essential for providing effective psychological support to infertile couples. Healthcare professionals should promote problem-focused coping to help couples actively manage their challenges.

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The differentiation between somatic and psychiatric disorders presents a significant challenge in clinical practice due to overlapping symptomatology and complex etiologies. This abstract proposes an integrated approach utilizing laboratory tests and neuroimaging techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Somatic disorders, characterized by physical symptoms with identifiable organic causes, often mimic psychiatric conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Laboratory evaluations play a crucial role in ruling out medical conditions that may present with psychiatric-like symptoms. Thyroid function tests, vitamin B12 level assessments, and screening for infections are vital in this process. Routine blood tests further aid in detecting systemic conditions contributing to psychiatric presentations. Neuroimaging techniques offer visual insights into brain structure and function, facilitating the differentiation between psychiatric and neurological conditions. Structural imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans can reveal abnormalities such as tumors or lesions. Functional imaging, including PET and SPECT scans, assesses cerebral metabolism and blood flow, identifying anomalies associated with specific psychiatric disorders. Integrating laboratory tests with neuroimaging significantly enhances diagnostic precision. In suspected dementia cases, for instance, laboratory tests can exclude metabolic or infectious causes, while neuroimaging can identify characteristic patterns of Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. This combined approach ensures a thorough evaluation, reducing misdiagnosis and facilitating targeted treatment strategies. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of this integrated approach in improving diagnostic accuracy for conditions like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Functional neuroimaging has also proven instrumental in distinguishing between psychiatric disorders and neurological conditions such as epilepsy. Despite its advantages, this approach faces challenges, including cost, availability, and the need for standardized interpretation protocols. Future directions include advancements in neuroimaging accessibility, research into novel biomarkers, and the integration of artificial intelligence for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment planning. In conclusion, integrating laboratory tests with neuroimaging represents a significant advancement in the differential diagnosis of somatic and psychiatric disorders. This comprehensive approach facilitates accurate diagnosis, ensuring patients receive appropriate and effective treatment, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly affects children’s behaviour, attention, and academic performance. While the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy on ADHD risk is well-established, emerging research suggests that paternal smoking may also contribute to this risk. However, the relationship between paternal tobacco use and ADHD remains underexplored, with existing studies presenting mixed results.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to clarify the extent of this association and provide a comprehensive assessment of the evidence available.

All relevant studies in CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until 15 March 2024. Both conventional and cumulative meta-analyses were conducted. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I2 test, and the presence of small study effects was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed.

Twenty observational studies involving over 294, 236 study participants from 16 different countries were included. We found that paternal smoking was associated with a 22% increased risk of ADHD in children (RR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.33). The observed association has remained stable since 2014, with minimal fluctuations in effect sizes and their corresponding 95% CIs. Our subgroup analysis revealed that this association is only evident among studies that did not account for maternal smoking (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.38, n=8), while no increased risk of ADHD was found in studies that adjusted for maternal smoking (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.33), suggesting that maternal smoking may confound the observed association.

Image 1:

Paternal smoking may increase the risk of ADHD in children. Future studies should focus on maternal and paternal comparisons to disentangle the independent and combined effects of parental smoking on ADHD risk in children.

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Gender dysphoria is the feeling of discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics. Individuals with gender dysphoria frequently face social as well as psychoaffective difficulties that can impede their well-being and quality of life.

The aim of this study were to assess the impact of gender dysphoria among young medical trainees on their psychological health in terms of stress, anxiety and depression.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted with a Tunisian population of young medical trainees, during the period of time from October 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire created with GOOGLE FORMS including an information sheet and two psychometric assessment tools : the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the gender identity/gender dysphoria questionnaire for adolescents and adults (GIDYQ-AA) asssessing subjective, somatic, social, and sociolegal aspects.

A total of 111 participants took part in this study. Their median age was 28 years. They were single in 56.6% of cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.56.

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 53.2%, 59.5%, and 34.2%, respectively.

Median scores of depresssion, anxiety and stress were 10 (IQR =[2–18]), 8 (IQR =[4–14]) and 10 (IQR =[6–20]), respectively.

The overall median score on the GIDYQ-AA scale was 4.85 (IQR =[4.77–5.0]). The social dimension had the lowest median score at 4.88 (IQR=[4.55–5.0]) while the median score of the subjective dimension was 4.92 (IQR=[4.69-5.0]). Somatic and socio-legal median scores were 5.0 (IQR=[5.0–5.0]).

The score for the subjective dimension of the GIDYQ-AA was negatively correlated with anxiety (p=0.04) and stress (p=0.04) scores.

The psychological vulnerability of young medical trainees may be exacerbated by intrapsychic conflicts which may be related to their gender identity. It is essential to identify and consider the psychological factors associated with gender dysphoria in the care pathway of these individuals, through appropriate psychiatric evaluation and support in order to better guide therapeutic decisions regarding sex reassignment.

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The cognitive model of psychosis suggests that psychotic symptoms may arise due to biases in information processing. Cognitive biases such as jumping to conclusions (JTC), belief inflexibility (BI), selective attention to threat (AT), and external attribution (EA) are dysfunctional ways of thinking in which distortions are observed in data collection, processing and interpretation. Cognitive biases are known to be associated with the occurrence of positive psychotic symptoms, but evidence for the influence of other cognitive processes on this relationship remains lacking.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive biases and psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and the cognitive factors hypothesized to influence this relationship, such as intolerance of uncertainty and insight.

65 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder were included. Sociodemographic data form, Davos Assessment of Cognitive Biases Scale (DACOBS), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), and Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied. Ethics committee approval was obtained (no: 2023-40). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 25.

The mean age of the participants was 39.27 ± 12.21 years. 63.1% were male (n: 41) and 36.9% (n: 24) were female. Disease duration was 16.95 ± 12.80 years. Hierarchical regression analysis determined that PANNS positive scores were predicted by DACOBS external attribution subscale and IUS, ASI-3 and BCIS scores had a moderator effect (F: 3.51 p<0.001).

Our results showed that external attribution bias is the only cognitive bias associated with positive psychotic symptoms. Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity also play a role in the prediction of positive psychotic symptoms. Targeting intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity with cognitive interventions may be useful in the treatment of positive psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

None Declared