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56 Cognitive Intra-Individual Variability Profiles of a Spanish Speaking Population Living with HIV and Injection Drug Use
- Jeremy A Feiger, Rachael L. Snyder, Alec J Miller, Carmen A Davila, Kim G Carrasco, Kirk Dombrowski, Roberto Abadie, Anibal Valentin, Samodha Fernando, John T West, Charles Wood, Sydney J Bennett, Kathy S Chiou
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 52-53
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Objective:
Individuals living with HIV may experience cognitive difficulties or marked declines known as HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). Cognitive difficulties have been associated with worse outcomes for people living with HIV, therefore, accurate cognitive screening and identification is critical. One potentially sensitive marker of cognitive impairment which has been underutilized, is intra-individual variability (IIV). Cognitive IIV is the dispersion of scores across tasks in neuropsychological assessment. In individuals living with HIV, greater cognitive IIV has been associated with cortical atrophy, poorer cognitive functioning, with more rapid declines, and greater difficulties in daily functioning. Studies examining the use of IIV in clinical neuropsychological testing are limited, and few have examined IIV in the context of a single neuropsychological battery designed for culturally diverse or at-risk populations. To address these gaps, this study aimed to examine IIV profiles of individuals living with HIV and who inject drugs, utilizing the Neuropsi, a standardized neuropsychological instrument for Spanish speaking populations.
Participants and Methods:Spanish speaking adults residing in Puerto Rico (n=90) who are HIV positive and who inject drugs (HIV+I), HIV negative and who inject drugs (HIV-I), HIV positive who do not inject drugs (HIV+), or healthy controls (HC) completed the Neuropsi battery as part of a larger research protocol. The Neuropsi produces 3 index scores representing cognitive domains of memory, attention/memory, and attention/executive functioning. Total battery and within index IIV were calculated by dividing the standard deviation of T-scores by mean performance, resulting in a coefficient of variance (CoV). Group differences on overall test battery mean CoV (OTBMCoV) were investigated. To examine unique profiles of index specific IIV, a cluster analysis was performed for each group.
Results:Results of a one-way ANOVA indicated significant between group differences on OTBMCoV (F[3,86]=6.54, p<.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed that HIV+I (M=.55, SE=.07, p=.003), HIV-I (M=.50, SE=.03, p=.001), and HIV+ (M=.48, SE=.02, p=.002) had greater OTBMCoV than the HC group (M=.30, SE=.02). To better understand sources of IIV within each group, cluster analysis of index specific IIV was conducted. For the HIV+ group, 3 distinct clusters were extracted: 1. High IIV in attention/memory and attention/executive functioning (n=3, 8%); 2. Elevated memory IIV (n=21, 52%); 3. Low IIV across all indices (n=16, 40%). For the HIV-I group, 2 distinct clusters were extracted: 1. High IIV across all 3 indices (n=7, 24%) and 2. Low IIV across all 3 indices (n=22, 76%). For the HC group, 3 distinct clusters were extracted: 1. Very low IIV across all 3 indices (n=5, 36%); 2. Elevated memory IIV (n=6, 43%); 3. Elevated attention/executive functioning IIV with very low attention/memory and memory IIV (n=3, 21%). Sample size of the HIV+I group was insufficient to extract clusters.
Conclusions:Current findings support IIV in the Neuropsi test battery as clinically sensitive marker for cognitive impairment in Spanish speaking individuals living with HIV or who inject drugs. Furthermore, the distinct IIV cluster types identified between groups can help to better understand specific sources of variability. Implications for clinical assessment in prognosis and etiological considerations are discussed.
29 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Status, Injection Drug Use, and Cognitive Effects in a Spanish-Speaking Population
- Rachael L. Snyder, Alec J. Miller, Jeremy A. Feiger, Carmen A. Davila, Kim G. Carrasco, Kirk Dombrowski, Roberto Abadie, Anibal Valentin, Samodha Fernando, John T. West, Charles Wood, Sydney J. Bennett, Kathy S. Chiou
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 442-443
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Objective:
Injection drug use is a significant public health crisis with adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Comorbidity of HIV and injection drug use is highly prevalent in the United States and disproportionately elevated in surrounding territories such as Puerto Rico. While both HIV status and injection drug use are independently known to be associated with cognitive deficits, the interaction of these effects remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine how HIV status and injection drug use are related to cognitive functioning in a group of Puerto Rican participants. Additionally, we investigated the degree to which type and frequency of substance use predict cognitive abilities.
Participants and Methods:96 Puerto Rican adults completed the Neuropsi Attention and Memory-3rd Edition battery for Spanish-speaking participants. Injection substance use over the previous 12 months was also obtained via clinical interview. Participants were categorized into four groups based on HIV status and injection substance use in the last 30 days (HIV+/injector, HIV+/non-injector, HIV/injector, HIV-/non-injector). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine differences between groups on each index of the Neuropsi battery (Attention and Executive Function; Memory; Attention and Memory). Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether type and frequency of substance use predicted performance on these indices while considering HIV status.
Results:The one-way ANOVAs revealed significant differences (p’s < 0.01) between the healthy control group and all other groups across all indices. No significant differences were observed between the other groups. Injection drug use, regardless of the substance, was associated with lower combined attention and memory performance compared to those who inject less than monthly (Monthly: p = 0.04; 2-3x daily: p < 0.01; 4-7x daily: p = 0.02; 8+ times daily: p < 0.01). Both minimal and heavy daily use predicted poorer memory performance (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Heavy heroin use predicted poorer attention and executive functioning (p = 0.04). Heroin use also predicted lower performance on tests of memory when used monthly (p = 0.049), and daily or almost daily (2-6x weekly: p = 0.04; 4-7x daily: p = 0.04). Finally, moderate injection of heroin predicted lower scores on attention and memory (Weekly: p = 0.04; 2-6x weekly: p = 0.048). Heavy combined heroin and cocaine use predicted worse memory performance (p = 0.03) and combined attention and memory (p = 0.046). HIV status was not a moderating factor in any circumstance.
Conclusions:As predicted, residents of Puerto Rico who do not inject substances and are HIVnegative performed better in domains of memory, attention, and executive function than those living with HIV and/or inject substances. There was no significant difference among the affected groups in cognitive ability. As expected, daily injection of substances predicted worse performance on tasks of memory. Heavy heroin use predicted worse performance on executive function and memory tasks, while heroin-only and combined heroin and cocaine use predicted worse memory performance. Overall, the type and frequency of substance is more predictive of cognitive functioning than HIV status.
DOCTOR, I’M PREGNANT. Psychopharmacological treatment of depression in pregnant women. A clinical case of a pregnant woman and major depressive disorder
- M. Queipo De Llano De La Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, C. Vallecillo Adame, C. De Andrés Lobo, T. Jiménez Aparicio, M. Fernández Lozano, I. D. L. M. Santos Carrasco, N. De Uribe Viloria
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1011
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Introduction
Depression during pregnancy can appear with a prevalence of up to 11% of pregnant women. Psychotherapeutic treatment in these cases is considered the first option, but treatment with antidepressants is sometimes required in these cases.
ObjectivesTo present a clinical case of a pregnant patient diagnosed with depression.
MethodsLiterature review of the psychopharmacological treatment of depression during pregnancy and possible complications.
ResultsA 25y Year old woman, 22 weeks pregnant, who lives with her partner. She has no background in mental health. Paternal aunt diagnosed with type I Bipolar Disorder. She goes to the Mental Health Center for evaluation, due to anxiety and depressive symptoms of 4 weeks of evolution, she refers sadness and apathy, continuous crying, somatic anxiety and obsessive ruminations in relation to childbirth and inability to care for your child. Suicidal ideation as a resolution of her discomfort. She presents with global insomnia and a significant loss of appetite, with a weight loss of 3 kg. Treatment with sertraline 50 mg/day was started, with good tolerance and clinical response
ConclusionsThe psychopharmacological treatment of antenatal depression is a challenge for the psychiatric professional. In all cases, an adequate balance must be made between the risks and complications for the fetus and the psychopathological stability of the pregnant woman. Among the main risks of untreated depression are: preterm delivery and low birth weight, an increased risk of suicide and alterations in the development during the baby’s infancy. The most used antidepressants are the SSRIs, with sertraline being a good option. Paroxetine has been associated with cardiac defects in the newborn. There are studies with tricyclics and duals but no specific teratogenic pattern has been seen. They are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Exposure during the third trimester may be associated with obstetric complications.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
I don’t know where I’m going or where I come from. Self-disorders in schizophrenia.
- M. D. C. Vallecillo Adame, L. Rodríguez Andrés, C. de Andrés Lobo, T. Jimenez Aparicio, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, A. A. Gonzaga Ramirez, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, N. Navarro Barriga, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. P. Pando Fernández, M. Calvo Valcárcel, P. Martínez Gimeno, M. A. Andreo Vidal, I. D. L. M. Santos Carrasco
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1069-S1070
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Introduction
In the early stages of schizophrenia the person experiences feelings of strangeness about themselves, difficulty in making sense of things and difficulty in interacting with their environment. Based on this, self-disorder assessment instruments have been developed and empirical studies have been conducted to assess people at risk of developing a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. These studies show that self-disorders are found in pre-psychotic stages and that their manifestation can predict the transition to schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
ObjectivesWe present the case of a patient with multiple diagnoses and mainly dissociative symptoms who, after years of evolution, was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
MethodsBibliographic review including the latest articles in Pubmed about self-disorders and schizophrenia.
ResultsWe present the clinical case of a 51-year-old woman with a long history of follow-up in mental health consultations and with multiple hospital admissions to the psychiatric unit, with several diagnoses including: dissociative disorder, histrionic personality disorder, adaptive disorder unspecified psychotic disorder and, finally, schizophrenia. The patient during the first hospital admissions showed a clinical picture of intense anxiety, disorientation and claiming to be a different person. The patient related these episodes to stressors she had experienced, and they improved markedly after a short period of hospital admission. Later, psychotic symptoms appeared in the form of auditory and visual hallucinations and delusional ideation, mainly of harm, so that after several years of follow-up and study in mental health consultations and in the psychiatric day hospital, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotics was introduced, with a marked clinical improvement being observed.
ConclusionsIt is important to take into account this type of symptoms (self-disorders), as they allow the identification of individuals in the early stages of the disorder and create the opportunity for early therapeutic interventions.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Study of mentalizing ability in borderline personality disorder: relationship with impulsivity
- A. Galvez-Merlin, P. de la Higuera-Gonzalez, J. M. Lopez-Villatoro, A. de la Torre-Luque, M. Diaz-Marsa, J. L. Carrasco
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S114
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Introduction
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by affective, behavioral and relational instability, along with interpersonal hypersensitivity and unstable affective relationships (APA 2013). Poor interpersonal functioning could be associated with critical deficits in the ability to mentalize in these patients, together with high levels of impulsivity. Although most studies have described hypermentalization deficits among BPD patients (Bora Psychol Med 2021;51 2541-2551), existing literature is still scarce on this aspect, as well as its relationship with the impulsive behavior.
Objectives1) to assess specific mentalizing deficits in BPD compared to healthy controls in a complex ecological mentalization task; 2) evaluate the relationship between mentalization and impulsivity in BPD.
Methods63 patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and 31 control subjects were studied using the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition -MASC- (Dziobeck et al. J Autism Dev Disord 2006; 36 623-636) and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale -BIS-11- (Patton et al. J Clin Psychol 1995; 51 768-774), as well as other sociodemographic and clinical factors. The clinical research study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain).
ResultsThe results showed significant differences in the scores related to correct mentalization, hypomentalization, and non-mentalizing responses between patients and controls, with BPD patients showing worse performance. A significant negative relationship was also observed between impulsivity scores and correct mentalizing responses in BPD patients.
ConclusionsThe results showed a deficit in the ability to mentalize in BPD patients, compared to control subjects, characterized by a hypomentalization and an absence of mentalization. Likewise, this deficit in mentalization ability was related to greater impulsive behavior in patients. These results would be consistent with the hyperarousal hypothesis in BPD, which would reduce inhibitory control, causing mentalization deficits (Euler et al. J Pers Disord. 2021; 35 177-193). Future studies will try to associate specific impulsive behaviors associated with the characteristics of hypomentalization and absence of mentalization observed in our results.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Late diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and cocaine abuse
- C. De Andrés Lobo, C. Vallecillo Adame, T. Jiménez Aparicio, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, M. Fernández Lozano, N. Navarro Barriga, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. Calvo Valcárcel, M. Andreo Vidal, M. P. Pando Fernández, P. Martínez Gimeno, I. D. L. M. Santos Carrasco, J. I. Gonçalves Cerejeira, A. Rodríguez Campos
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S335-S336
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Introduction
Adult ADHD diagnosis sometimes represents a challenge for the clinician, due to the comorbid psychiatric diseases that are often associated and which complicate de recognition of the primary symptoms of ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD in adult populations is 2’5% and it is a relevant cause of functional impairment.
ObjectivesPresentation of a clinical case of a male cocaine user diagnosed with adult ADHD.
MethodsLiterature review on adult ADHD and comorbid substance abuse.
ResultsA 43-year-old male who consulted in the Emergency Department due to auditory hallucinosis in the context of an increase in his daily cocaine use. There were not delusional symptoms associated and judgment of reality was preserved. Treatment with olanzapine was started and the patient was referred for consultation. In psychiatry consultations, he did not refer sensory-perceptual alterations anymore, nor appeared any signals to suspect so, and he was willing to abandon cocaine use after a few appointments. He expressed some work concerns, highlighting that in recent months, in the context of a greater workload, he had been given several traffic tickets for “distractions.” His wife explained that he had always been a inattentive person (he forgets important dates or appointments) and impulsive, sometimes interrupting conversations. In the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale he scored 32 points.
He was diagnosed with adult ADHD and treatment with extended-release methylphenidate was started with good tolerance and evolution, with improvement in adaptation to his job and social environment. Since then, the patient has moderately reduced the consumption of drugs, although he continues to use cocaine very sporadically.
ConclusionsEarly detection of ADHD and its comorbidities has the potential to change the course of the disorder and the morbidity that will occur later in adults. Comorbidity in adult ADHD is rather the norm than the exception, and it renders diagnosis more difficult. The most frequent comorbidities are usually mood disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. Treatment of adult ADHD consists mainly of pharmacotherapy supported by behavioral interventions. When ADHD coexists with another disorder, the one that most compromises functionality will be treated first and they can be treated simultaneously. The individual characteristics of each patient must be taken into account to choose the optimal treatment.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychosomatic symptoms according to psychiatric diagnosis
- R. Fernández Fernández, L. Fontecha Banegas, C. Suárez Pérez, D. Gómez Olmeda, I. D. L. M. Santos Carrasco
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S299
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Introduction
Psychosomatic symptoms are an important problem that is frequently presented in medical consultations. These symptoms are often associated with psychiatric disorders, especially depressive and anxiety disorders.
ObjectivesTo study the association between anxiety disorders and psychosomatic symptoms in a sample of patients referred for pathology of functional origin.
MethodsWe made a descriptive retrospective study through the use of electronic medical records. The symptom onset and diagnosis were obtained for all patients referred to outpatients for psychosomatic symptoms during a 1-year period. We performed χ² Tests to assess the association of the diagnosis with the occurrence of psychosomatic symptoms.
ResultsThe only diagnosis that presented statistically significant association was anxiety disorder (χ² = 11.1; p<0.001).
Anxiety disorder Psychosomatic symptoms No Si Total No Observed 312 7 319 Expected 306 13.47 319 Yes Observed 119 12 131 Expected 125 5.53 131 Total Observed 431 19 450 Expected 431 19 450 ConclusionsOur study finds results that follow the line of other studies that show this association, such as Campo’s study which finds that functional somatic symptoms are consistently associated cross-sectionally with anxiety and depressive symptoms (Campo, 2012) or Imran’s study which finds that higher levels of somatization independently and significantly predicted higher anxiety (β=.37, p=.0001) (Imran et al., 2013). However, our results show no association with depressive disorders whereas frequent associations are found in the literature; for example, a recent meta-analysis found that neuroticism and depression had the strongest influence on the association of medically unexplained physical symptoms and frequent healthcare use (den Boeft et al., 2016). This lack of association is probably due to greater ease in identifying depressive disorders as the main pathology versus anxiety disorders.
ReferencesCampo J. V. (2012). Annual research review: functional somatic symptoms and associated anxiety and depression--developmental psychopathology in pediatric practice. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 53(5), 575–592. den Boeft, M., Twisk, J. W., Terluin, B., Penninx, B. W., van Marwijk, H. W., Numans, M. E., van der Wouden, J. C., & van der Horst, H. E. (2016). The association between medically unexplained physical symptoms and health care use over two years and the influence of depressive and anxiety disorders and personality traits: a longitudinal study. BMC health services research, 16, 100
Imran, N., Ani, C., Mahmood, Z., Hassan, K. A., & Bhatti, M. R. (2014). Anxiety and depression predicted by medically unexplained symptoms in Pakistani children: a case-control study. Journal of psychosomatic research, 76(2), 105–112.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
“The cat and the calcium”. A case of delirium secondary to hypercalcaemia.
- T. Jiménez Aparicio, C. Vallecillo Adame, C. de Andrés Lobo, G. Medina Ojeda, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, G. Guerra Valera, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M. A. Andreo Vidal, M. Calvo Valcárcel, P. Martínez Gimeno, M. P. Pando Fernández, I. D. L. M. Santos Carrasco, J. I. Gonçalves Cerejeira
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S946-S947
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Introduction
Interconsultation with the psychiatry service is frequently requested from other specialties for the assessment and treatment of patients who present neuropsychiatric symptoms secondary to organic alterations. On the other hand (and in relation to this case), within the possible causes for the elevation of calcaemia figures, the most frequent are hyperparathyroidism and neoplasms, representing between these two entities 90% of cases (1).
Among the organic mental disorders, Delirium stands out, with an approximate prevalence between 1 and 2% (general population), which increases in hospitalized and elderly patients (2).
ObjectivesPresentation of a clinical case about a patient with delirium secondary to hypercalcemia, with hallucinations and behavioral disturbance.
MethodsBibliographic review including the latest articles in Pubmed about delirium (causes and treatment) and hypercalcaemia secondary to neoplasms.
ResultsWe present a 52-year-old male patient, who went to the emergency room accompanied by his wife, due to behavioral alteration. Two days before, he had been evaluated by Neurology, after a first epileptic crisis (with no previous history) that resolved spontaneously. At that time, it was decided not to start antiepileptic treatment.
The patient reported that he had left his house at midnight, looking for a cat. As he explained, this cat had appeared in his house and had left his entire bed full of insects. His wife denied that this had really happened, and when she told the patient to go to the emergency room, he had become very upset.
As background, the patient used to consume alcohol regularly, so the first hypothesis was that this was a withdrawal syndrome. However, although the consumption was daily, in recent months it was not very high, and at that time no other symptoms compatible with alcohol withdrawal were observed (tremor, tachycardia, sweating, hypertension…).
We requested a general blood test and a brain scan. The only relevant finding was hypercalcaemia 12.9mg/dL (which could also be the origin of the previous seizure). It was decided to start treatment with Diazepam and Tiapride in the emergency room, with serum perfusion, and keep under observation. After several hours, the patient felt better, the hallucinations disappeared, and calcium had dropped to 10.2mg/dL. A preferential consultation was scheduled, due to suspicion that the hypercalcaemia could be secondary to a tumor process.
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ConclusionsIt is important to rule out an organic alteration in those patients who present acute psychiatric symptoms. Hypercalcaemia is frequently associated with tumor processes (1) due to secretion of PTH-like peptide (4), so a complete study should be carried out in these cases.
Delirium has a prevalence between 1 and 2% in the general population (2).
Psychopharmacological treatment is used symptomatically, with antipsychotics (3). For the episode to fully resolve, the underlying cause must be treated.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Benefits of training/playing therapy in a group of captive lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
- L Carrasco, M Colell, M Calvo, MT Abelló, M Velasco, S Posada
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- Animal Welfare / Volume 18 / Issue 1 / February 2009
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 January 2023, pp. 9-19
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Animal well-being and enrichment continue to gain importance in the maintenance of primates living in captivity. Positive reinforcement training (PRT) and/or playing interaction have been shown to be effective in improving the well-being of several species of primates. This research study evaluated the effects of applying a combination of these two techniques (training/playing therapy) on a group of lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). The effects of this combination on the behaviour of captive primates have been given very little attention to date. The behaviour of a group of seven females was recorded in two different phases at Barcelona Zoo: before (periods 1 and 2) and after (periods 3 and 4) a series of changes were made to the composition of this social group. In each period, two phases were distinguished: i) baseline condition, after the subjects became used to the researcher, focal recordings were made of the group's regular behaviour and, ii) experimental condition, the training and playing sessions (‘gorilla play’) with two specific subjects began one hour before the group went to the outdoor facility. The frequency and duration of the behaviour observed in each of the recording conditions were compared. The results showed positive changes in the gorillas’ behaviour: stereotypies, interactions with the public, aggression between subjects and inactivity were all reduced, while affiliative behaviour and individual and social play-related behaviour increased. Moreover, the benefits of this therapy were observed in trained individuals and the rest of the gorillas in the group, which would seem to indicate that training/playing can be used to create a more relaxed atmosphere, reducing social tension and improving the well-being of all the subjects involved.
Mutism. What to expect?
- I. Santos Carrasco, J. Gonçalves Cerejeira, M. Fernández Lozano, A. Gonzaga Ramírez, M. Queipo De Llano De La Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, C. Vallecillo Adame, C. De Andrés Lobo, T. Jiménez Aparicio, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M.J. Mateos Sexmero, E. Pérez, L. Gallardo Borge
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S588
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Introduction
Mutism is the inability or unwillingness to speak, resulting in an absence or marked paucity of verbal output. Mutism is a common manifestation of psychiatric, neurological, and drug-related illnesses. Psychiatric disorders associated with mutism include schizophrenia, affective disorders, conversion reactions, dissociative states, and dementias. Neurological disorders causing mutism affect the basal ganglia, frontal lobes, or the limbic system.
ObjectivesOutline the importance of setting a differential diagnosis of mutism in the Emergency Room.
MethodsReview of scientific literature based on a relevant clinical case.
ResultsMale, 58 years old. He has lived in a residence for 3 months due to voluntary refusal to ingest. Diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder. He is refered to the Emergency Service due to sudden mutism. During this day, he has been stable and suitable with a good functionality. For 3 hours he is mutist, oppositional attitude and stiff limbs, refusing to obey simple orders. Hyperalert and hyperproxia. Not staring. After ruling out organic pathology: normal blood tests, negative urine toxins and cranial CT without alterations, he was admitted to Psychiatry for observation and, finally, he was diagnosed with Psychotic Disorder NOS.
ConclusionsMutism most often occurs in association with other disturbances in behavior, thought processes, affect, or level of consciousness. The most common disorder of behavior occurring with mutism is catatonia. The differential diagnosis of mutism is complex. In some cases the diagnosis will be clarified only by careful observation and after a neurological evaluation. Published studies show neurological disorders presenting with mutism can be misdiagnosed as psychiatric.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Personality disorders and Juvenil Myoclonic Epilepsy
- I. Santos Carrasco, J. Gonçalves Cerejeira, M. Queipo De Llano De La Viuda, A. Gonzaga Ramírez, G. Guerra Valera, T. Jiménez Aparicio, C. De Andrés Lobo, C. Vallecillo Adame, M. Fernández Lozano, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M.J. Mateos Sexmero, L. Gallardo Borge
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S668
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Introduction
There is a high comorbidity between psychiatric disorders and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), observed in up to 58% of these patients; specifically, mood disorders, anxiety and personality disorders (PD). In some patients with PD there are nonspecific alterations in the EEG, which nevertheless sometimes involve pathology. The presence of personality disorders along with JME has been repeatedly described. Previous studies have emphasized the difficulties in treating patients with JME, which have been attributed to some specific psychiatric, psychological and psychosocial characteristics.
ObjectivesDescribing distinctive personality traits in JME
MethodsReview of scientific literature based on a relevant clinical case.
Results19-year-old woman, single. Psychiatric history since she was 12 due to anxiety-depressive symptoms, after being diagnosed with JME. 4 admissions in Psychiatry, with a variety of diagnoses: eating disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder. The evolution of both disorders has been parallel, presenting epileptic seizures due to irregular therapeutic adherence together with pseudo-seizures, which made difficult their differential diagnosis. In addition, he has had frequent visits to the emergency room for suicide attempts and impulsive behaviors.
ConclusionsIn 1957, for the first time, distinctive personality traits were described in patients with JME: lack of control and perseverance, emotional instability, variable self-concept and reactive mood, which have been confirmed in subsequent studies. It is believed as epilepsy progresses, patients tend to develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, social problems, and attention deficit. Therefore, these patients have difficulty in following medical recommendations, especially precautions regarding precipitating factors for seizures.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in Spanish Medical Students
- J.A. Blanco, M. Rodriguez, I. Santos Carrasco, M. Queipo De Llano De La Viuda, L. Gallardo Borge, P. Marqués Cabezas, M.J. Mateos Sexmero, J. Blanco Vilches
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S183
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Introduction
Medical students have higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation over the general population. The onset of these disorders can be a risk factor with unfavorable impact in both medical care and their lives during the years of clinical specialization
ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and factors involved in depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior in medical students of the University of Valladolid (Spain). The results are compared with a previous study conducted 5 years earlier
MethodsWe used an online self-administered questionnaire that included demographic variables, academic information, sanitary data, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7), and MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview for suicide. Chi-Square Test was used for categorical variables, Student`s t-test for quantitative variables and Spearman’s Coefficient to evaluate correlations between variables
Results362 students of all courses enrolled in Medicine at the University of Valladolid completed the survey. There were no differences between male and female students, both with high rates of moderate-severe depression (27% vs 30,4%), anxiety (42,9% vs 54,5%), and moderate-severe suicide risk (14,2% vs 10,7%). Previous study (n=584) also showed no differences between sexes but with lower rates of moderate-severe depression (14,3% vs 16,3%). 11% reported suicidal thoughts in the past month (11,6% previous study). There was a significant inverse correlation between medical career satisfaction and BDI scores
ConclusionsFive years later, rates of depression and suicide risk could have increased in medical students at the University of Valladolid. We urgently recommend the implementation of mental health prevention programs in this population
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Idiopathic serontonin syndrome. Can we prevent it?
- L. Gallardo Borge, I.D.L.M. Santos Carrasco, P. Marqués Cabezas, L. Rodriguez Andrés, A. Rodriguez Campos
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S724
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Introduction
Serotonin syndrome is a mild to potentially life-threatening syndrome associated with excessive serotonergic activity within the central nervous system. Serotonin syndrome is associated with medication use, drug interactions and overdose. All drugs that increase central serotonin neurotransmission at postsynaptic 5-HT1A and 5-HT 2A receptors can produce SS.
ObjectivesClinical case and literature review.
MethodsA 74-year-old female, married, diagnosed of major depressive disorder. Treated with: lithium 600 mg, quetiapine 50 mg, venlafaxine 300 mg. The doses had been maintained for the last months. Lithium levels in the normal range.
ResultsIn an emergency room, she received a tramadol injection because of strong backpain. After a few hours, she felt an overall worsening, sleepiness and lack of response to external stimuli. Given the persistence of the symptoms and decreased appetite along with decreased water intake, she attended to Hospital. She had a high fever, rigidity and myoclonus. Her language was incoherent. Blood tests showed high CK, and high AST and ALT.
ConclusionsSS is a potentially fatal iatrogenic complication of serotonergic polypharmacy. Considered idiopathic in presentation, it appears tipically after initiation or dose escalation of the offending agent to a regimen including other serotonergic agents. While serotonin syndrome is often associated with the use of selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRI), an increasing number of reports are being presented involving the use of tramadol. It is vital that clinicians are aware of the potential for SS when psychotropic and non-psychotropic agents are co-administered to certain patients, such as those with both depression and pain.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Monitoring sertraline and clozapine levels
- A. Rodriguez Campos, L. Rodriguez Andrés, G. Medina Ojeda, I. Santos Carrasco, J. Gonçalves Cerejeira, A. Gonzaga
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S718
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Introduction
One of the most frequent side effects seen when prescribing sertraline and clozapine together is the appearance of a seizure crisis. This event is usually related to an increase of plasmatic concentration due to interactions of these drugs with blood components.
ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of clozapine when combined with other drugs, especially its effects increasing plasmatic concentration.
MethodsA patient was treated sith 300 mg/day of clozapine followed by a treatment with sertraline 50 mg/day, which increases plasmatic concentration. The combination of these treatments produced seizures. Other works published about interactions are reviewed.
ResultsIt is important to monitor clozapine dosages to avoid increasing plasmatic concentration, especially if other drugs that have this effect are also administered.
ConclusionsIt is important to monitor clozapine dosages to avoid increasing plasmatic concentration, especially if other drugs that have this effect are also administered.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Testosterona and suicide
- L. Gallardo Borge, I.D.L.M. Santos Carrasco, P. Marqués Cabezas, A.I. Segura Rodríguez, G. Medina Ojeda
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S842
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Introduction
Testosterone is an anabolic androgenic steroid hormone involved in brain development, reproduction, and social behavior. Several studies have shown that testosterone can cause impulsivity in humans. This impulsivity could modify the mood and increase the risk of suicidal behaviour.
ObjectivesTestosterone is an anabolic androgenic steroid hormone involved in brain development, reproduction, and social behavior. Several studies have shown that testosterone can cause impulsivity in humans. This impulsivity could modify the mood and increase the risk of suicidal behaviour.
MethodsClinical case and literature review.
ResultsA 33-years male (biological female), single, gypsy ethnicity, with an 11-years daughter. Psychiatric history of one admission in a hospitalization unit. Diagnosed of depressive disorder and personality disorder NOS. Intermittent follow-up in Mental Health consultations. 8 years later, he consulted due to gender dysphoria. He refered not to be feeling identified with his body for a long time. He rejected his sexual characteristics. After his mental evaluation, he was refered to Endocrinology Service. He had been prescribed with testosterone. Three days after starting the treatment, he maked anattempt of suicide with medication. The patient had not presented previous suicide attempts or ideation. With the withdrawal of the testosterone, the suicidal behaviour dissapeared.
ConclusionsDue to the association of testosterone and suicidal behavoiur, we consider that is important to pay attention to people who have just started the androgenic treatment in order to avoid a high risk of suicide. In the same way, we should focus on evaluating the hostility, impulsivity and irritability in patients strongly related to suicidal behaviour.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Voices change my name
- C. Vallecillo Adame, T. Jiménez Aparicio, C. De Andrés Lobo, A. Gonzaga Ramírez, M. Queipo De Llano De La Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, I. Santos Carrasco, J. Gonçalves Cerejeira, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. Fernández Lozano, M.J. Mateos Sexmero, N. Navarro Barriga, N. De Uribe Viloria, G. Medina Ojeda, L. Rodriguez Andrés
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S801
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Introduction
We present the clinical case of a patient where the psychotic clinic coexists with gender dysphoria. This scenario can be the result of a change in gender identity derived from the psychotic process or appear independently of it.
ObjectivesWe want to explain the importance of knowing how to act with a patient in whom these two processes coexist.
Methods20-year-old woman, with no history of mental health. She comes to the emergency department for behavioral alteration. The family observes strange behaviors, unmotivated laughter, soliloquies and aggressive episodes. Abandonment of studies, hobbies and radical physical change. Delusions of prejudice and self-referential delusions. Possible phenomena of echo and diffusion of the thought. Auditory hallucinations talking to her in male gender, since then she presents doubts about her sexual identity and manifests her desire to change sex. Altered judgment of reality.
ResultsDuring admission, we started treatment with an antipsychotic with good tolerance and she was referred to mental health team, where psychopharmacological treatment was adjusted with good response. In the following medical appointments the psychotic clinic disappeared at the same time that sexual identification was completely restored and made a critique of the behavior and experiences.
ConclusionsThis case highlights the importance of assessing the chronology of symptoms, the patient’s criticality, the response to antipsychotic treatment and the need to exclude the psychotic background of the desire for gender reassignment before making a therapeutic decision.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Determination of protein–protein interactions at the single-molecule level using optical tweezers
- Wendy N. Sánchez, Luka Robeson, Valentina Carrasco, Nataniel L. Figueroa, Francesca Burgos-Bravo, Christian A. M. Wilson, Nathalie Casanova-Morales
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- Journal:
- Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics / Volume 55 / 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 10 August 2022, e8
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Biomolecular interactions are at the base of all physical processes within living organisms; the study of these interactions has led to the development of a plethora of different methods. Among these, single-molecule (in singulo) experiments have become relevant in recent years because these studies can give insight into mechanisms and interactions that are hidden for ensemble-based (in multiplo) methods. The focus of this review is on optical tweezer (OT) experiments, which can be used to apply and measure mechanical forces in molecular systems. OTs are based on optical trapping, where a laser is used to exert a force on a dielectric bead; and optically trap the bead at a controllable position in all three dimensions. Different experimental approaches have been developed to study protein–protein interactions using OTs, such as: (1) refolding and unfolding in trans interaction where one protein is tethered between the beads and the other protein is in the solution; (2) constant force in cis interaction where each protein is bound to a bead, and the tension is suddenly increased. The interaction may break after some time, giving information about the lifetime of the binding at that tension. And (3) force ramp in cis interaction where each protein is attached to a bead and a ramp force is applied until the interaction breaks. With these experiments, parameters such as kinetic constants (koff, kon), affinity values (KD), energy to the transition state ΔG≠, distance to the transition state Δx≠ can be obtained. These parameters characterize the energy landscape of the interaction. Some parameters such as distance to the transition state can only be obtained from force spectroscopy experiments such as those described here.
“Covid madness”
- C. Capella Meseguer, E. Rodríguez Vázquez, J. Gonçalves Cerejeira, I. Santos Carrasco, L. García García
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 64 / Issue S1 / April 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 13 August 2021, p. S297
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Introduction
We present the case of a man who, after receiving treatment for Covid-19 pneumonia, suffers a manic episode induced by medication.
ObjectivesThis case is chosen to present as an example of a psychiatric illness derived from Covid-19, in this case secondary to its treatment.
MethodsWe present a manic episode induced by covid medication.
ResultsComplementary examinations are carried out in which organic pathology is ruled out, being diagnosed of a manifest episode in probable relation to the treatments used and hospital admission is decided due to the impossibility of home management. Neuroleptic and anxiolytic treatment was started at low doses with a good response, and he was discharged with complete recovery and critiqued of the episode.
ConclusionsIt is estimated that between 20-40% of patients with COVID infection have presented neuropsychiatric symptoms. Mania secondary to treatment was reported in 13 (0 · 7%) of 1744 patients with coranavirus included in a study (1). The Spanish Pharmacivigilance System of Medicines for Human Use (SEFV-H) closely monitors the suspected adverse reactions reported with drugs considered potential therapeutic strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection. 327 cases of adverse reactions have been reported, of which 18 cases include 28 thermal cases of suspected psychiatric adverse reactions. The interest of this case lies in the fact that it illustrates a psychiatric disorder derived from Covid-19, in this case secondary to the treatment used, which causes a manifest episode with a typical evolution in this type of case with rapid improvement at low doses of antipsychotics.
Real-time virtual infection prevention and control assessments in skilled nursing homes, New York, March 2020—A pilot project
- Part of
- Belinda E. Ostrowsky, Lauren M. Weil, R. Henry Olaisen, Rachel L. Stricof, Eleanor H. Adams, Marie I. Tsivitis, Antonella Eramo, Rosalie Giardina, Richard Erazo, Karen L. Southwick, Jane A. Greenko, Emily C. Lutterloh, Debra S. Blog, for the New York COVID-19 Response Team:, Crystal Green, Kimberly Carrasco, Rafael Fernandez, Snigdha Vallabhaneni, Monica Quinn, Sarah J. Kogut, Joy Bennett, David M. Chico, Martha Luzinas
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- Journal:
- Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology / Volume 43 / Issue 3 / March 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 March 2021, pp. 351-357
- Print publication:
- March 2022
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Objective:
To describe a pilot project infection prevention and control (IPC) assessment conducted in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in New York State (NYS) during a pivotal 2-week period when the region became the nation’s epicenter for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Design:A telephone and video assessment of IPC measures in SNFs at high risk or experiencing COVID-19 activity.
Participants:SNFs in 14 New York counties, including New York City.
Intervention:A 3-component remote IPC assessment: (1) screening tool; (2) telephone IPC checklist; and (3) COVID-19 video IPC assessment (ie, “COVIDeo”).
Results:In total, 92 SNFs completed the IPC screening tool and checklist: 52 (57%) were conducted as part COVID-19 investigations, and 40 (43%) were proactive prevention-based assessments. Among the 40 proactive assessments, 14 (35%) identified suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. COVIDeo was performed in 26 (28%) of 92 assessments and provided observations that other tools would have missed: personal protective equipment (PPE) that was not easily accessible, redundant, or improperly donned, doffed, or stored and specific challenges implementing IPC in specialty populations. The IPC assessments took ∼1 hour each and reached an estimated 4 times as many SNFs as on-site visits in a similar time frame.
Conclusions:Remote IPC assessments by telephone and video were timely and feasible methods of assessing the extent to which IPC interventions had been implemented in a vulnerable setting and to disseminate real-time recommendations. Remote assessments are now being implemented across New York State and in various healthcare facility types. Similar methods have been adapted nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A flagship for Austral temperate forest conservation: an action plan for Darwin's frogs brings key stakeholders together
- Claudio Azat, Andrés Valenzuela-Sánchez, Soledad Delgado, Andrew A. Cunningham, Mario Alvarado-Rybak, Johara Bourke, Raúl Briones, Osvaldo Cabeza, Camila Castro-Carrasco, Andres Charrier, Claudio Correa, Martha L. Crump, César C. Cuevas, Mariano de la Maza, Sandra Díaz-Vidal, Edgardo Flores, Gemma Harding, Esteban O. Lavilla, Marco A. Mendez, Frank Oberwemmer, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Hernán Pastore, Alexandra Peñafiel-Ricaurte, Leonora Rojas-Salinas, José Manuel Serrano, Maximiliano A. Sepúlveda, Verónica Toledo, Carmen Úbeda, David E. Uribe-Rivera, Catalina Valdivia, Sally Wren, Ariadne Angulo
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Darwin's frogs Rhinoderma darwinii and Rhinoderma rufum are the only known species of amphibians in which males brood their offspring in their vocal sacs. We propose these frogs as flagship species for the conservation of the Austral temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. This recommendation forms part of the vision of the Binational Conservation Strategy for Darwin's Frogs, which was launched in 2018. The strategy is a conservation initiative led by the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, which in 2017 convened 30 governmental, non-profit and private organizations from Chile, Argentina and elsewhere. Darwin's frogs are iconic examples of the global amphibian conservation crisis: R. rufum is categorized as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) on the IUCN Red List, and R. darwinii as Endangered. Here we articulate the conservation planning process that led to the development of the conservation strategy for these species and present its main findings and recommendations. Using an evidence-based approach, the Binational Conservation Strategy for Darwin's Frogs contains a comprehensive status review of Rhinoderma spp., including critical threat analyses, and proposes 39 prioritized conservation actions. Its goal is that by 2028, key information gaps on Rhinoderma spp. will be filled, the main threats to these species will be reduced, and financial, legal and societal support will have been achieved. The strategy is a multi-disciplinary, transnational endeavour aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of these unique frogs and their particular habitat.