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Inequality on the frontline: A multi-country study on gender differences in mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Diana Czepiel, Clare McCormack, Andréa T.C. da Silva, Dominika Seblova, Maria F. Moro, Alexandra Restrepo-Henao, Adriana M. Martínez, Oyeyemi Afolabi, Lubna Alnasser, Rubén Alvarado, Hiroki Asaoka, Olatunde Ayinde, Arin Balalian, Dinarte Ballester, Josleen A.l. Barathie, Armando Basagoitia, Djordje Basic, María S. Burrone, Mauro G. Carta, Sol Durand-Arias, Mehmet Eskin, Eduardo Fernández-Jiménez, Marcela I. F. Frey, Oye Gureje, Anna Isahakyan, Rodrigo Jaldo, Elie G. Karam, Dorra Khattech, Jutta Lindert, Gonzalo Martínez-Alés, Franco Mascayano, Roberto Mediavilla, Javier A. Narvaez Gonzalez, Aimee Nasser-Karam, Daisuke Nishi, Olusegun Olaopa, Uta Ouali, Victor Puac-Polanco, Dorian E. Ramírez, Jorge Ramírez, Eliut Rivera-Segarra, Bart P.F. Rutten, Julian Santaella-Tenorio, Jaime C. Sapag, Jana Šeblová, María T. S. Soto, Maria Tavares-Cavalcanti, Linda Valeri, Marit Sijbrandij, Ezra S. Susser, Hans W. Hoek, Els van der Ven
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- Journal:
- Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health / Volume 11 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 04 March 2024, e34
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Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior data suggesting women may be particularly vulnerable. Our global mental health study aimed to examine factors associated with gender differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among HCWs during COVID-19. Across 22 countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, 32,410 HCWs participated in the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study between March 2020 and February 2021. They completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and questions about pandemic-relevant exposures. Consistently across countries, women reported elevated mental health problems compared to men. Women also reported increased COVID-19-relevant stressors, including insufficient personal protective equipment and less support from colleagues, while men reported increased contact with COVID-19 patients. At the country level, HCWs in countries with higher gender inequality reported less mental health problems. Higher COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with increased psychological distress merely among women. Our findings suggest that among HCWs, women may have been disproportionately exposed to COVID-19-relevant stressors at the individual and country level. This highlights the importance of considering gender in emergency response efforts to safeguard women’s well-being and ensure healthcare system preparedness during future public health crises.
12 Purpose in Life, Loneliness, and Subjective Cognitive Decline in an Ethnically Diverse US Sample
- Celina F. Pluim, Juliana A. U. Anzai, Jairo E. Martinez, Diana Munera, A. Paola Garza-Naveda, Clara Vila-Castelar, Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez, Liliana Ramirez-Gomez, Julian Bustin, Cecilia M. Serrano, Ganesh M. Babulal, Maira Okada de Oliveira, Yakeel T. Quiroz
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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. 326-327
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Objective:
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported experience of worsening cognitive abilities (Jessen et al., 2014), is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Modifiable factors such as purpose in life (PiL), the experience of living a meaningful life where one’s life goals are attainable or being achieved (Boyle et al., 2009), and loneliness, an individual’s perceived social isolation (Luhmann & Hawkley, 2016), are known to be associated with SCD. These relationships are understudied among ethnically diverse groups. Using an online survey, we examined associations between PiL, loneliness and SCD in older ethnically diverse individuals living in the US.
Participants and Methods:870 older adults (126 Latino, 74 Black, 33 Asian, and 637 White; average age=67.0 [7.6]) completed an online survey including the Life Purpose Questionnaire, the Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and the Everyday Cognition scale (ECog), which measures subjective cognitive concerns in memory, language, executive function, and divided attention. Chi-square tests and analyses of variance were conducted to assess group differences in SCD and demographic/lifestyle predictors. Multiple regressions and correlations were conducted to assess the relationships between ethnicity and PiL with SCD, and the moderating effect of race/ethnicity. Multiple regressions and correlations were conducted to identify sociodemographic and lifestyle predictors of SCD in each study group.
Results:White participants were older (p<.001), and White and Asian groups had higher levels of education (p=.009) compared to Latinos. The White group had a higher proportion of female (p=.016) and middle-income (p=.019) respondents. Black participants had higher PiL (p=.035) and lower loneliness (p=.047) compared to White participants; there were no group differences in ECog ratings (p=.143). Regression results indicated that higher PiL associated with lower SCD in the whole sample (β=-.435, p<.001). The interaction between PiL and ethnic group was significant (β=.078, p=.025), suggesting the relationship between PiL and SCD was strongest in White participants, followed by Asian, then Latino, and finally Black participants. In Latinos, female sex (β=-.281, p=.004) and higher PiL (β=-.240, p=.034) predicted lower SCD ratings. In White participants, higher PiL (β = -.394, p < .001), and lower loneliness (β = .128, p = .003) predicted lower SCD ratings. Correlation analyses revealed no significant associations with SCD in the Black group, although the correlation between loneliness and SCD was trending (r=.222, p=.063). In the Asian group, greater PiL was associated with lower SCD ratings (r=-.439, p=.011).
Conclusions:Our findings suggest that PiL may be protective against SCD, particularly in Latino, Asian, and White adults. Differential predictive factors of SCD were also identified for our study groups, suggesting certain groups may benefit from specific targeted interventions. Overall, findings suggest that interventions geared toward increasing PiL and/or mitigating loneliness may help reduce SCD and the risk of cognitive decline in older adults in the US. As the current study was cross-sectional and faced sample size limitations in Asian and Black groups, future studies should include longitudinal assessment of these associations with larger and more representative samples to confirm our findings.
37 The MAPP Room Memory Task: Examining Contextual Memory Using a Novel Computerized Task in Cognitively-Unimpaired Individuals with Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease from the Colombia-Boston Biomarker Study
- Lyda M Arevalo Gonzalez, Jairo E Martinez, Paula Aduen, Joshua Fox-Fuller, Ana Baena, Clara Vila-Castelar, Francisco Lopera, Yakeel T Quiroz
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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. 245-246
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Objective:
Contextual memory, which refers to the ability to remember spatial or temporal circumstances related to an event, is affected early in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Computerized cognitive tasks have been suggested to be an ecological way to assess memory, but there are few studies that utilize these tools. Studying contextual memory via a computerized task in a Colombian kindred with autosomal dominant AD due to the Presenilin-1 (PSEN1) E280A mutation and a well-characterized disease progression may help us understand contextual memory changes in the preclinical AD stage. In this study we investigated whether a novel computerized task examining contextual memory can help identify those at increased risk for dementia.
Participants and Methods:A group of 31 non-carriers (mean age=38.97±6.11; mean education=11.45±4.34) and 15 cognitively unimpaired PSEN1E280A mutation carriers from the Colombia-Boston (COLBOS) Biomarker Study (mean age=35.67±5.50), mean education=10.60±3.83) performed the “MAPP Room Memory Task” on a computer. As part of this task, participants are asked to remember ten rooms and the specific location of a few objects for later recall. During the immediate recall phase, participants are asked to recognize the objects presented in each room (Immediate Object Recognition) and their location (Immediate Object Placement). During the subsequent delay phase of the task, participants are asked to select the correct room in which an object was first presented (Delayed Room Recognition) and place the objects previously seen in each room (Delayed Object Placement). We conducted Mann Whitney U tests to analyze differences between groups and Spearman Rho correlations to examine associations among the Room Memory Task performance, age, education, and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Results:There were no differences in age or education between carriers and non-carriers (p>0.05, for both). Carriers had worse Delayed Room Recognition than non-carriers (Carriers mean score=0.893±0.18, non-carriers mean score=0.987±0.05; U=168.0, p=0.02), while there were no differences in the other task conditions (all p>0.05). In carriers, education was positively associated with Immediate Object Placement (rs=0.61, p=0.02), Delayed Object Placement (rs=0.76, p=0.001), and Delayed Room Recognition (rs=0.68, p=0.006). There were no significant associations between Room Memory Task conditions and age or MMSE scores in carriers. Further, no significant associations were observed between Room Memory Task performance, and age, education or MMSE scores in non-carriers.
Conclusions:Our preliminary findings show that the MAPP Room Memory Task, in particular the Delayed Room Recognition condition, may be helpful to discriminate those at increased risk of dementia. Future studies with larger samples using the Room Memory Task and AD-related biomarkers are needed to examine whether this task can be sensitive to early preclinical changes associated with AD and can potentially help track disease progression in those at risk.
Adherence to psychiatric medications and diagnosis
- C. González Navarro, A. Bilbao Idarraga, I. Alonso Salas, L. Morado San segundo, A. López Fariña, U. López Puentes, B. Samsó Martínez, R. F. Lopez Brokate, T. Ruiz de Azua Aspizua, E. M. Garnica de Cos, U. Ortega Pozas
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S240-S241
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Introduction
Patients with mental disorders frequently become non-adherent during their long term prescribed treatment. This situation frequently triggers clinical worsening and hospital admission. Therefore, non-adherence may result in poorer long term clinical outcomes and has economic implications for health-care providers (Carlos De las Cuevas et al. Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2021; 23(4):347-362).
Objectives- To describe the adherence to oral and long acting injectable treatment in the sample of patients that were admitted to the short stay hospital unit during the period of study.
- To describe the adherence to treatment amongst psychiatric diagnosis in the sample of study.
MethodsIt was a retrospective observational study with a duration of three months. Data was collected from all patients admitted to the short stay hospital unit during the period of study and there were no specific exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics were performed. To assess the adherence to pharmachological treatment the patient report, the family report and the pharmacy dispensation according to the existent informatic prescription platform was considered. Regarding the long acting injectable treatment the formulary of administration in the clinical history was checked.
ResultsDuring the period of study 172 patients were admitted to the short stay hospital unit. Of those, 146 patients had a previous pharmacologic prescription. Data of treatment was not possible to obtain in 7 patients. In the sample of study, 83.5% were on oral and 16.5% on long acting injectable treatment. The general adherence to treatment in the sample was 61.87%. In the oral treatment group the adherence was 58.4% and in the long acting injectable treatment group was 65.2%.
Amongst the different psychiatric diagnoses the outcomes of adherence to treatment were: 60.4% in schizophrenia and related psychosis, 62.5% in bipolar disorder, 78.6% in depression, 58.3% in personality disorders and 62% in addictive disorders.
ConclusionsIn our descriptive study adherence to treatment was higher in the long acting injectable treatment group, agreeing with the existent scientific literature.
The results of adherence for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are similar to the ones found in scientific literature but differ from the ones for depression, being higher in our sample (Judit Lazary et al. Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2021;23(4): 347-362). Moreover, in scientific literature it is found a similar prevalence of adherence across diagnosis (for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression) whereas in our sample patients with depression showed a different and higher adherence to treatment (Judit Lazary et al. Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2021;23(4): 347-362). In our sample, patients with personality disorders had the lowest adherence to treatment.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Efficacy of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in recurrent depression: a case series
- G. Guerra Valera, Ó. Martín Santiago, M. Esperesate Pajares, Q. D. L. de la Viuda, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, C. Vallecillo Adame, C. de Andrés Lobo, T. Jiménez Aparicio, N. Navarro Barriga, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, A. Aparicio Parras, M. Calvo Valcárcel, M. A. Andreo Vidal, P. Martínez Gimeno, M. P. Pando Fernández, M. D. L. Á. Guillén Soto
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S832
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Introduction
Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (mECT) is an option in the treatment of affective disorders which progress is not satisfactory. It is certainly neglected and underused during the clinical practice.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of mECT in reducing recurrence and relapse in recurrent depression within a sample of three patients.
MethodsWe followed up these patients among two years since they received the first set of electroconvulsive sessions. We applied the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in the succesives consultations for evaluating the progress.
ResultsThe three patients were diagnosed with Recurrent Depressive Disorder (RDD). One of them is a 60 year old man that received initially a cycle of 12 sessions; since then he received 10 maintenance sessions. Other one is a 70 year old woman that received initially a cycle of 10 sessions; since then she received 6 maintenance sessions. The last one is a 55 year old woman that received initially a cycle of 14 sessions; since then she received 20 maintenance sessions.
All of them showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms evaluated through BDI and clinical examination. In the first case, we found a reduction in the BDI from the first consultation to the last that goes from 60 to 12 points; in the second case, from 58 to 8 points; and in the last case, from 55 to 10 points. The main sections that improved were emotional, physical and delusional.
As side-effects of the treatment, we found anterograde amnesia, lack of concentration and loss of focus at all of them.
ConclusionsWe find mECT as a very useful treatment for resistant cases of affective disorders like RDD.
It should be considered as a real therapeutic option when the first option drugs have been proved without success.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Alcohol consumption and cardiovascular risk: a descriptive study in a psychiatric short stay unit
- C. González Navarro, I. Alonso Salas, L. Morado San segundo, A. López Fariña, A. Bilbao Idarraga, U. López Puentes, B. Samsó Martínez, R. F. Lopez Brokate, T. Ruiz de Azua Aspizua, E. M. Garnica de Cos, U. Ortega Pozas
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S754
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Introduction
Patients with mental disorders have a decreased life expectancy, being the main reason the cardiovascular disease. An important proportion of patients present a comorbid drug consumption. Amongst drugs, alcohol is the most frequent, and it is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk. The metabolic syndrome is one of the most employed tools to assess cardiovascular risk.
Objectives- To describe the demographic characteristics of the patients with an active alcohol consumption that were admitted to the hospital during the period of study.
- To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the sample, according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) criteria.
MethodsRetrospective observational study of three months duration. Data was collected from all patients admitted to the hospital during the period of study, with no specific exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics were performed.
ResultsDuring the period of study 172 patients were admitted to the hospital (56.4% women and 43.6% men). A 44.8% presented alcohol consumption (25% sporadically, 6.4% weekly and 13.4% daily). Amongst women, 1% presented daily and 1% weekly consumption. Amongst men, 21.3% presented daily and 5.3% weekly consumption.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the study sample was 29.11%. In the alcohol consumption group, the prevalence was 24.7% and differed according to the pattern of consumption: 43.5% in the daily consumption group, 27.3% in the weekly and 14% in the sporadically consumption group.
ConclusionsOn the one hand, in the sample of study a higher percentage of men present an active alcohol consumption, compared to women. It is remarkable the high percentage of daily alcohol consumption amongst men in our sample.
On the other hand, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our sample is similar to the one found in scientific literature regarding patients with mental disorders. It is noteworthy in our sample the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome found in patients with a daily alcohol consumption, and a decreased prevalence in those with a sporadic pattern.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
UNTIL IT BURSTS OR ALL OF US BURST. A SCHIZOTYPICAL CASE.
- B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, M. A. Andreo Vidal, M. Calvo Valcárcel, P. Martínez Gimeno, M. P. Pando Fernández, A. Aparicio Parras, M. D. L. Á. Guillén Soto, T. Jiménez Aparicio, M. D. C. Vallecillo Adame, C. de Andrés Lobo, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, G. Guerra Valera, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, M. Esperesate Pajares
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S967
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Introduction
Schizotypal disorder is conceptualized as a stable personality pathology (Cluster A) and as a latent manifestation of schizophrenia. It can be understood as an attenuated form of psychosis or high-risk mental state, which may precede the onset of schizophrenia or represent a more stable form of psychopathology that doesn’t necessarily progress to psychosis.
ObjectivesTo exemplify the continuum of psychosis
MethodsReview of scientific literature based on a relevant clinical case.
Results39-year-old male living with his parents. He started studying philosophy. He is a regular cannabis user and has an aunt with schizophrenia. He’s admitted to psychiatry for behavioral disturbance in public. He refers to having been hearing a beeping noise in his street for months, what he interprets as a possible way of being watched due to his past ideology. Without specifying who and why, he sometimes shouts “until it bursts” to stop the noise and he thinks that his neighbours alerted the police about his behavior. During the interview he alludes to Milgram’s experiment, saying that throughout history there have been crimes against humanity and those who pointed them out were labeled “crazy”. His father refers that he has always been “strange” and with certain extravagant revolutionary ideas and thoughts. He doesn’t maintain social relationships and dedicates himself to reading and writing.
ConclusionsIt’s important to understand psychosis as a continuum to advance the understanding of etiology, pathophysiology and resilience of psychotic disorders and to develop strategies for prevention and early intervention
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Delirious episode secondary to rotigotine: the psychotic patch
- M. A. Andreo Vidal, M. Calvo Valcárcel, P. Martínez Gimeno, P. Pando Fernández, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, T. Jiménez Aparicio, M. D. C. Valdecillo Adame, C. de Andrés Lobo, G. Guerra Valera, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, A. A. Gonzaga Ramirez, M. D. L. Á. Guillén Soto, A. Aparicio Parras, M. Esperesate Pajares
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S626
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Introduction
There is a fine line separating psychiatry and neurology. Most movement disorders can have psychiatric symptoms, not only those caused by the disease itself, but also those induced by the drugs used to treat them.
ObjectivesPresentation of a clinical case about a patient diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease presenting a several-month-long delirious episode due to dopaminergic drugs.
MethodsLiterature review on drug-induced psychosis episodes in Parkinson’s disease.
ResultsA 57-year-old patient with diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease for six years, who went to the emergency room accompanied by his wife due to delirious ideation. He was being treated with levodopa, carbidopa and rasagiline for years, and rotigotine patches whose dosage was being increased over the last few months.
His wife reported celotypical clinical manifestations and multiple interpretations of different circumstances occurring around her. He chased her on the street, had downloaded an app to look for a second cell phone because he believed she was cheating on him, and was obsessed with sex. He had no psychiatric background. It was decided to prescribe quetiapine.
The following day, he returned because he refused to take the medication since he thought he was going to be put to sleep or poisoned. It was decided to admit him to Psychiatry.
During the stay, rasagiline and rotigotine were suspended. Olanzapine and clozapine were introduced, with behavioral improvement and distancing from the psychotic symptoms which motivated the admission. The patient was also motorically stable. Although levodopa is best known for causing psychotic episodes, the symptons were attributed to rotigotine patches for temporally overlapping the dose increase.
ConclusionsPsychiatric symptoms are the third most frequent group of complications in Parkinson’s disease after gastrointestinal complications and abnormal movements. All medication used to control motor disorders can lead to psychosis, not only dopaminergics, but also selegiline, amantadine and anticholinergics.
Excessive stimulation of mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways can lead to psychosis, which is the most common psychiatric problem related to dopaminergic treatment.
In the face of a psychotic episode, antiparkinsonian drugs which are not strictly necessary for motor control should be withdrawn. If this is not sufficient, levodopa dose should be reduced, considering the side effects that may occur. When the adjustment of antiparkinsonian treatment is not effective, neuroleptics, especially quetiapine or clozapine, should be administered. In a recent study, pimavanserin, a serotonin 5-HT2 antagonist, was associated with approximately 35% lower mortality than atypical antipsychotic use during the first 180 days of treatment in community-dwelling patients.
Medication should always be tailor-made to suit each patient and we usually have to resort to lowering or withdrawing the dopaminergic medication.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Bipolar disorder and substance use: Risk factors and prognosis
- M. Fernández Lozano, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, N. Navarro Barriga, C. Vallecillo Adame, C. de Andrés Lobo, T. Jimenez Aparicio, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, M. P. Pando Fernández, M. Calvo Valcárcel, M. A. Andreo Vidal, P. Martínez Gimeno
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S704
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Introduction
Bipolar disorder comorbidity rates are the highest among the major mental disorders. In addition to other intoxicants, alcohol is the most abused substance because it is socially accepted and can be legally bought and consumed. Estimates are between 40-70% with male predominance, which further influences the severity with a more complicated course of both disorders.
ObjectivesThe objective of this article is to highlight the impact of substance use on the course and prognosis of bipolar disorder, as well as to make a differential diagnosis of a manic episode in this context.
MethodsBibliographic review of scientific literature based on a relevant clinical case.
ResultsWe present the case of a 45-year-old male patient. Single with no children. Unemployed. History of drug use since he was young: alcohol, cannabis and amphetamines. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2012 after a manic episode that required hospital admission. During his evolution he presented two depressive episodes that required psychopharmacological treatment and follow-up by his psychiatrist of reference. Since then, he has been consuming alcohol and amphetamines occasionally, with a gradual increase until it became daily in the last month. He went to the emergency department for psychomotor agitation after being found in the street. He reported feeling threatened by a racial group presenting accelerated speech, insomnia and increased activity.
ConclusionsThe presence of substance abuse complicates the clinical presentation, treatment and development of bipolar disorder. It is associated with a worse prognosis with multiple negative consequences including worsening symptom severity, increased risk of suicide and hospitalization, increased medical morbidity and complication of social problems. In addition, this comorbidity delays both the diagnosis and treatment, by masking the symptoms, and making more difficult an adequate differential diagnosis.
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
Tobacco and hypertension: a descriptive study in a psychiatric short care unit
- I. Alonso Salas, A. Lopez Fariña, C. Gonzalez Navarro, A. Bilbao Idarraga, L. Morado San Segundo, U. Lopez Puentes, R. Lopez Brokate, T. Ruiz de Azua Aspizua, E. M. Garnica de Cos, U. Ortega Pozas, B. Samsó Martinez
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S954-S955
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Introduction
Patients affected by mental disorders are known to have a decreased life expectancy.
One of the main reasons are cardiovascular diseases. It is known that tobacco and hypertension are risk factors to develop them. WHO estimates that hypertension is diagnosed and treated in less than half of adults with hypertension, and even less in patients with severe mental illness.
ObjectivesTo describe the demographic characteristics of patients with tobacco comsumption and hypertension admitted to a short-term hospitalization unit.
MethodsA three-month retrospective observational study. Data were collected by interviewing incoming patients and performing a blood pressure measurement, with no exclusion criteria.
ResultsOf 172 patients admitted, 100 were smokers of whom 49 were men and 51 were women. Among the smokers, a total of 18 patients were diagnosed with hypertension and 79 were not diagnosed. Within the group of patients not diagnosed with hypertension, elevated blood pressure was recorded in 5 of them. A total of 67 patients were non-smokers, 23 of whom were male and 44 female. Among the non-smokers, 19 were diagnosed with hypertension and 48 were not, despite which elevated blood pressure levels were recorded in 4 of them. No data were collected from 5 patients.
ConclusionsThe prevalence of smokers in our sample was 58%. The prevalence of patients diagnosed with hypertension was 21,51% which is coherent with the existent literature. We did not find a higher percentage of hypertensive patients among the smokers admitted. There were patients who suffered from hypertension and were not diagnosed or treated previously.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
PEAKS AND VALLEYS: BIPOLAR DISORDER, RAPID CYCLERS AND ENERGY DRINKS CONSUMPTION
- M. Calvo Valcárcel, M. A. Andreo Vidal, P. Martinez Gimeno, P. Pando Fernández, B. Rodriguez Rodriguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, M. D. C. Vallecillo Adame, T. Jimenez Aparicio, C. de Andres Lobo, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, A. A. Gonzaga Ramirez, G. Guerra Valera
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S702-S703
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Introduction
Bipolar Disorder (BD) is considered a serious mental disorder characterized by a changing mood that fluctuates between two completely opposite poles. It causes pathological and recurrent mood swings, alternating periods of exaltation and grandiosity with periods of depression. We talk about rapid cyclers when four or more manic, hypomanic or depressive episodes have occurred within a twelve-month period. Mood swings can appear rapidly. Approximately half of the people with bipolar disorder may develop rapid cycling at some point.
ObjectivesPresentation of a clinical case about a patient with Bipolar Disorder with rapid cycling and poor response to treatment.
MethodsReview of the scientific literature based on a clinical case.
Results33-year-old male, single, living with his mother, under follow-up by mental health team since 2012. First debut of manic episode in 2010. The patient has filed multiple decompensations related to consumption of toxics (alcohol and cannabis). Currently unemployed. He attended to the emergency service in June 2022 accompanied by his mother, who reported that he was restless. The patient refers that he has interrupted the treatment during the vacations, having sleep rhythm disorder with abuse of caffeine drinks. Currently the patient does not recognize any consumption.The patient reports that during the village festivals he felt very energetic, occasionally consuming drinks rich in taurine and sugars, even having conflicts with people of the village. Finally, the patient was stabilized with Lithium 400 mg and Olanzapine. In September, the patient returned to the emergency service on the recommendation of his referral psychiatrist due to therapeutic failure. The only relevant finding we observed in the analytical determinations were low lithium levels (0.4 mEq/L). The transgression of sleep rhythms and the abuse of psychoactive substances required the admission of the patient to optimize the treatment (Clozapine, Lithium, Valproic Acid). At discharge, he is euthymic, has not presented behavioral alterations and is resting well. Finally, it was decided that the patient should go to the Convalescent Center to continue treatment and achieve psychopathological stability.
ConclusionsBipolar disorder is an important mental illness, having an incidence of 1.2%, being responsible for 20% of all mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to perform an adequate and individualized follow-up of each patient. Treatment with mood stabilizers tries to improve and prevent manic and depressive episodes, improving chronicity and trying to make the long-term evolution as good as possible, being important psychoeducation and psychotherapy.
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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- Journal:
- 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
Memory complaints and quality of life in a patient with mild cognitive impairment
- M. P. Pando Fernández, M. A. Andro Vidal, M. Calvo Valcarcel, P. Martinez Gimeno, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, C. De Andrés Lobo, T. Jimenez Aparicio, C. Vilella Martin, M. Fernández Lozano, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, N. Navarro Barriga
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S937-S938
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Introduction
Subjective memory complaints remain a relevant aspect to be considered in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Likewise, their association with depressive symptoms, quality of life and cognitive performance is also an objective to be studied in such patients.
ObjectivesOur clinical case represents just one opportunity to study how memory complaints are related to depressive states and how they affect the quality of life of patients with mild cognitive impairment.
MethodsWe conducted a bibliographical review by searching for articles in Pubmed.
ResultsPERSONAL HISTORY: Male, 73 years old, separated, residing alone in Valladolid. He has home help, a person comes to help him with the household chores. Little social and family circle.
History in Mental HealthHe has a history of an admission in 2013 to this Short Hospitalization Unit for ethanol detoxification. Since then, he has been followed up in the Mental Health Unit. According to the reports, he has been diagnosed with depressive disorder and cluster B personality disorder.
Current psychopharmacological treatment: diazepam, olanzapine, duloxetine 60 mg, quetiapine.
Toxic habits: history of chronic ethanol consumption. Smoker. He denies other toxic habits.
Current EpisodeThe patient presents a worsening of his mood of 15 days of evolution, coinciding with a voluntary decrease of his psychopharmacological treatment that the patient has carried out on his own. He walks with the aid of a crutch. Hypomimic facies. Slowed language, circumstantial, with speech focused on current discomfort.
On assessment, he reports initial improvement after reducing his medication, but in recent days he has experienced a decrease in initiative accompanied by feelings of emptiness, sadness and loneliness. He refers to memory complaints for which he is awaiting evaluation by Neurology. The patient explains that at other times in his life he has presented self-harming ideas that he has been controlling. At this time he expresses desire for improvement and adequate future plans, and accepts plans to attend a memory workshop. He also reports visual hallucinations with no affective repercussions and preserved judgment of reality.
Therapeutic PlanTreatment adjustment: Duloxetine 60 mg, 2cp/day. The patient is recommended to lead an active lifestyle and attend a day center or memory workshop.
ConclusionsIn numerous patients with mild cognitive impairment, we have observed that memory complaints are closely related to depressive symptoms and to the patient’s functioning in daily life.
In one study memory complaints were a negative predictor of quality of life in these patients.
Therefore, in addition to considering the importance of treating depressive symptoms, it is also important to address quality of life in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Thyroid disorders in psychiatric patients: a descriptive study in a psychiatric hospital
- U. López, L. Morado San Segundo, C. González Navarro, I. Alonso Salas, A. López Fariña, A. Bilbao Idarraga, B. Samsó Martínez, R. F. López Brokate, E. M. Garnica de Cos, T. Ruiz de Azua Aspizua, U. Ortega Pozas
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S471
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Introduction
Thyroid disorders can present with psychiatric symptons similar to depression, and, at the same time, certain treatments, like litio, can cause changes in thyroid function. Given, therefore, the importance for the treatment and care of patients, the study of thyroid function is one of the parametres that should be requested in patients with psychiatric pathology.
ObjectivesTo study the frequency of thyroid disorders in patients who where admitted to a psychiatric short stay unit.
MethodsRetrospective descriptive observational study is carried out in the acute stay unit of a psychiatric hospital. As a sample, all patients admitted to the unit over a period of three months. During admission, their sociodemographic data, the treatment they receive and their diagnosis are recorded. Secondly, blood test are performed whith differents parameters, including TSH values.
ResultsIn the total sample of 172 patients, 8 of them have TSH abnormalities. 7 of them, all women, present hypothyroidism values.
A single male patient presented values of hyperthryroidism.
ConclusionsAccording to the present study, 4,6% of the patients present alterations at the TSH at admission, although except in one case, the values were not markedly altered.
The thyroid study at admission allows detecting cases of altered TSH that are amenable to treatment and monitoring.
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
Under-diagnosis of alcohol abuse: a descriptive study in a psychiatric hospital
- A. Lopez Fariña, U. López Puentes, I. Alonso Salas, C. Gonzalez Navarro, A. Bilbao Idarraga, L. Morado Sansegundo, U. Ortega Pozas, C. Aran Cisneros, B. Samso Martinez, R. F. Lopez Brokate, T. Ruiz de Azua Aspizua, E. M. Garnica De Cos
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S333
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Introduction
Incidence of alcohol abuse in our country is high, although it is still under-diagnosed and under-treated. The WHO estimates that a total of 3.3 million deaths worldwide per year are related to alcohol consumption.
ObjectivesThe main objective is to describe the pattern of alcohol consumption in a sample of patients who are admitted to our psychiatric hospital for different reasons, relating with previous diagnoses.
MethodsA retrospective observational descriptive study was carried out in the acute care unit of the psychiatric hospital, after approval of the corresponding protocol by the ethics committee. All patients admitted to this unit during a three-month period were taken as a sample. During admission, sociodemographic data, drug use, treatment type and time and previous diagnoses were collected.
ResultsOut of 172 patients, 81 reported being abstemious, 45 declared occasional consumption, 11 weekly and 22 daily consumption. There is no data about 13 patients. Among those who reported daily alcohol consumption, 59% had a previous diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), 23% a previous diagnosis of Schizophrenia, 13.5% of Bipolar Disorder and finally 4.5% of Depressive Disorder. All the patients with a previous diagnosis of SUD reported consumption of more than 10 SDUs/day, the group with Schizophrenia stated less than 5 SDUs/day, of the group with T. Bipolar between 7-10 SDUs/day and with T. Depressive 5 SDUs/day.
ConclusionsThe results obtained are consistent with the literature in relation to the under-diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, taking into account that 40% of patients in the sample with daily alcohol consumption previously had not such a diagnosis and it was not recorded in their medical history. For this reason, and for the sake of being able to treat them, it is essential to question all patients about alcohol consumption, whatever the reason for their admission.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
“Keeping an eye on amylase”. Side effects of antidepressants
- T. Jiménez Aparicio, G. Medina Ojeda, A. Rodríguez Campos, L. Rodríguez Andrés, C. Vallecillo Adame, C. De Andrés Lobo, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, A. A. Gonzaga Ramírez, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, M. Fernández Lozano, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, N. Navarro Barriga, M. P. Pando Fernández, P. Martínez Gimeno, M. Calvo Valcárcel, M. A. Andreo Vidal
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S831
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Introduction
Both in consultations with the general practitioner and with the psychiatrist, antidepressants are one of the most used drugs (1). These have multiple indications, and there are different groups according to their mechanism of action. In relation to this case, we are going to talk about Venlafaxine, a dual-type antidepressant, that is, it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. One of the most common side effects is digestive discomfort, which usually resolves after a few weeks (2). However, we should not ignore these symptoms, since they can hide something more serious.
ObjectivesPresentation of a clinical case on a patient who presented an increase in pancreatic amylase after starting treatment with Venlafaxine.
MethodsBibliographic review including the latest articles in Pubmed on side effects of antidepressant treatment, and more specifically at the gastrointestinal level (in this case we will talk about pancreatitis).
ResultsWe present the case of a 49-year-old woman, who was hospitalized 2 years ago, due to a first depressive episode. During this admission, psychopharmacological treatment was started for the first time, on that occasion with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), treatment of first choice (3). The patient had no side effects at that time, but the response was very modest, so it was decided to replace that antidepressant with Venlafaxine (with dual action), up to 150mg. The depressive symptoms improved markedly, however the patient began to feel digestive discomfort (which at first did not seem to be of great importance). A general analysis was performed, in which an increase in lipase (978 U/L) and amylase (528 U/L) was detected. An echoendoscopy, an abdominal scan, and a magnetic resonance cholangiography were performed; Pancreatitis secondary to drugs was suspected (a severe condition). Luckily, no significant lesions were found in the tests, and the levels of amylase and lipase decreased when Venlafaxine treatment was withdrawn (without reaching the normal range). The patient was discharged and continued to attend consultations. In the last control, amylase had dropped to 225 U/L. His abdominal pain disappeared. Treatment with Vortioxetine (a multimodal antidepressant) was started, however the amylase levels continue to be monitored, and the patient continues to see the gastroenterologist.
ConclusionsGastrointestinal side effects are very common when taking antidepressant treatment, and in most cases they do not usually represent a serious problem.
However, it is described in the scientific literature that in some cases, acute pancreatitis secondary to some drugs, including Venlafaxine, can occur (4). In order to detect it, it is necessary to perform a blood test and sometimes also other complementary tests.
For its treatment, the fundamental thing is to withdraw the causing drug, trying to find other alternatives, and carry out a control to monitor possible complications
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Ekbom’s syndrome in an HIV man: a case report
- D. Paiva Pajares, C. Hernández Peláez, A. Martínez Muelas, M. López Isern, T. Castelló Pons
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S589
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Introduction
Ekbom’s syndrome, also known as delusional parasitosis, is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the delusional belief that the body is infested by parasites, small organisms or materials. Multiple etiologies have been described such as psychiatric and neurological disorders, substance intoxication or other medical conditions. We present a case of Ekbom’s syndrome in an individual infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
ObjectivesTo report a case of a patient with Ekbom’s syndrome and HIV.
MethodsA 33-years-old man assists to the emergency unit in order to excessive drowsiness. During the evaluation an antihistamin overdose is confirmed. The patient justifies taking it by claiming to have parasites all over the skin, a fact that is ruled out. Medical history is reviewed presenting multiple visits to GP for thinking that he has parasites, performing medical examinations without alterations. Toxicological, hemogram, biochemistry, hormonal and vitamin study did not show alterations.
ResultsDue to the symptoms presented, it was decided to start antipsychotic therapy. At the beginning, the patient is not aware of needing treatment other than antiparasitic. After optimizing the olanzapine dose to reach 20 mg / day, the patient denied experiencing tactile and visual hallucinations.
ConclusionsEkbom’s syndrome is a multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder, individuals infected with HIV are at increased risk of psychotic disorders. The patient was diagnosed of psychotic disorder due to another medical condition because the history of HIV preceded the history of delusional content.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
The psychological well-being of family caregivers of autistic people during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy
- M. Martinez, L. Fusar-Poli, V. Meo, F. Patania, T. Surace, C. Avanzato, E. Aguglia, M.S. Signorelli
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, pp. S200-S201
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Introduction
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently need support due to the elevated prevalence of psychiatric and medical comorbidities. The Covid-19 outbreak has severely affected the routinary functioning of healthcare services, thus causing severe consequences for autistic people and their caregivers, an already fragile population prone to mental health diseases.
Objectives1. To compare the levels of psychological well-being, insomnia, and family distress perceived by caregivers of autistic people to those perceived by caregivers of people with other types of disability. 2. To evaluate predictors of individual and family distress reported by caregivers of autistic individuals.
MethodsWe collected data through a cross-sectional web-based observational study from April 19 to May 3, 2020. Socio-demographic information were collected, and psychopathological variables were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Brief Resilient Coping Scale, and the Family Distress Index.
ResultsNo significant differences emerged between the two groups of caregivers in terms of well-being, sleep quality, family distress, and level of resilience. The risk of individual distress during the pandemic was higher in people caring for younger autistic people. Lower levels of resilience predicted higher levels of individual distress among caregivers of autistic people.
ConclusionsOur study confirmed that caregivers’ mental health is worthy of attention and that people with disabilities may benefit for well-organized healthcare support networks (e.g. in-home services). The non-significant differences found between caregivers of ASD and non-ASD individuals may be related to the severe distress that Covid pandemic caused on the entire population.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.