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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.
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
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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- Journal:
- 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
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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- 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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- 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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- 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
“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
“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
Solar Physics in the 2020s: DKIST, Parker Solar Probe, and Solar Orbiter as a Multi-Messenger Constellation
- V. Martinez Pillet, G. Cauzzi, A. Tritschler, L. Harra, V. Andretta, A. Vourlidas, N. Raouafi, B. L. Alterman, L. Bellot Rubio, S. R. Cranmer, S. Gibson, A. De Groof, Y.-K. Ko, S. T. Lepri, J. Linker, D. M. Malaspina, S. Matthews, D. Müller, S. Parenti, G. Petrie, D. Spadaro, I. Ugarte-Urra, H. Warren, I. Zouganelis
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- Journal:
- Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union / Volume 18 / Issue S372 / August 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 September 2023, pp. 3-16
- Print publication:
- August 2022
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The National Science Foundation (NSF) Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) has started operations at the summit of Haleakalā (Hawai’i). DKIST joins the nominal science phases of the NASA and ESA Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter encounter missions. By combining in-situ measurements of the near-Sun plasma environment and detailed remote observations of multiple layers of the Sun, the three observatories form an unprecedented multi-messenger constellation to study the magnetic connectivity in the solar system. This work outlines the synergistic science that this multi-messenger suite enables.
Mental impact of Covid-19 among Spanish healthcare workers. A large longitudinal survey
- J. Alonso, G. Vilagut, I. Alayo, M. Ferrer, F. Amigo, A. Aragón-Peña, E. Aragonès, M. Campos, I. del Cura-González, I. Urreta, M. Espuga, A. González Pinto, J. M. Haro, N. López Fresneña, A. Martínez de Salázar, J. D. Molina, R. M. Ortí Lucas, M. Parellada, J. M. Pelayo-Terán, A. Pérez Zapata, J. I. Pijoan, N. Plana, M. T. Puig, C. Rius, C. Rodriguez-Blazquez, F. Sanz, C. Serra, R. C. Kessler, R. Bruffaerts, E. Vieta, V. Pérez-Solá, P. Mortier, MINDCOVID Working group
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- Journal:
- Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences / Volume 31 / 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 29 April 2022, e28
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Aims
Longitudinal data on the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in healthcare workers is limited. We estimated prevalence, incidence and persistence of probable mental disorders in a cohort of Spanish healthcare workers (Covid-19 waves 1 and 2) -and identified associated risk factors.
Methods8996 healthcare workers evaluated on 5 May–7 September 2020 (baseline) were invited to a second web-based survey (October–December 2020). Major depressive disorder (PHQ-8 ≥ 10), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7 ≥ 10), panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-5 ≥ 7), and alcohol use disorder (CAGE-AID ≥ 2) were assessed. Distal (pre-pandemic) and proximal (pandemic) risk factors were included. We estimated the incidence of probable mental disorders (among those without disorders at baseline) and persistence (among those with disorders at baseline). Logistic regression of individual-level [odds ratios (OR)] and population-level (population attributable risk proportions) associations were estimated, adjusting by all distal risk factors, health care centre and time of baseline interview.
Results4809 healthcare workers participated at four months follow-up (cooperation rate = 65.7%; mean = 120 days s.d. = 22 days from baseline assessment). Follow-up prevalence of any disorder was 41.5%, (v. 45.4% at baseline, p < 0.001); incidence, 19.7% (s.e. = 1.6) and persistence, 67.7% (s.e. = 2.3). Proximal factors showing significant bivariate-adjusted associations with incidence included: work-related factors [prioritising Covid-19 patients (OR = 1.62)], stress factors [personal health-related stress (OR = 1.61)], interpersonal stress (OR = 1.53) and financial factors [significant income loss (OR = 1.37)]. Risk factors associated with persistence were largely similar.
ConclusionsOur study indicates that the prevalence of probable mental disorders among Spanish healthcare workers during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was similarly high to that after the first wave. This was in good part due to the persistence of mental disorders detected at the baseline, but with a relevant incidence of about 1 in 5 of HCWs without mental disorders during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Health-related factors, work-related factors and interpersonal stress are important risks of persistence of mental disorders and of incidence of mental disorders. Adequately addressing these factors might have prevented a considerable amount of mental health impact of the pandemic among this vulnerable population. Addressing health-related stress, work-related factors and interpersonal stress might reduce the prevalence of these disorders substantially. Study registration number: NCT04556565
PW01-216 - The Impulsivity Changes Associated To Alcohol And Cocaine Use
- M. Aragues, G. Rubio, I. Martínez-Gras, G. Ponce, R. Rodriguez-Jimenez, A. Bagney, M.A. Jimenez-Arriero, T. Palomo
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 25 / Issue S1 / 2010
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 17 April 2020, 25-E1623
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Impulsivity is associated with different types of disorders, included substance used disorders. The purposed of this study is get to know if alcohol and cocaine affect in the same way to the impulsivity paradigms or if they strength each other or if there are specific bias associated to each one of the substances.
Material and methodsThis is a 380 heavy drinker patient's sample recruited from twelve primary care centers. The patients were screened using The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT > 8). Neuropsicological tests done at the base line and after the 4 years of the study were the Continous Performance Test (CPT) and the Barrat Impulsivity scale. The alcohol and cocaine consume accumulated along the four years was also study.
ResultsThe two variables of the CPT (ommission and commission errors) had a significant correlation with the alcohol and cocaine use accumulated in these four years. The variable that was associated with a greater risk of making more commission and ommission errors was the cocaine risk consumption. The years of study were protective variable.
ConclusionsThe most important conclusion of this study is that alcohol and cocaine use produces a modification in the conductual paradigm of impulsivity characterized by the inhibition difficulties measured by the CPT. Also, the cocaine use effects are added respect to the alcohol ones and finally that cocaine plus alcohol effects over the number of ommission and commission errors are more potent that the ones made only with alcohol.
Correlation between cognitive functions and the PANSS cognitive factor in schizophrenic patients
- R. Rodriguez-Jimenez, I. Martinez, M.A. Jimenez-Arriero, G. Ponce, A. Bagney, M. Aragues, A. Koeneke, P. Carretero, G. Rubio, T. Palomo, P.A.R. Group
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 22 / Issue S1 / March 2007
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, pp. S135-S136
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Background and aims:
Different neuropsychological studies have consistently found an attention, memory and executive function deficit in schizophrenic patients. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) evaluates different clinical aspects of schizophrenia. Factor analyses of this scale suggest the existence of a “cognitive factor”, constituted by several items pertaining to the different subscales. In order to have an acceptable concurrent validity, this “cognitive factor” should correlate with the execution of neuropsychological tasks. Our objective was to study the correlation between the PANSS “cognitive factor” and the execution of neuropsychological tasks evaluating attention, memory and executive functions.
Methods:Thirty-five schizophrenic patients were evaluated using the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (Rey CFT) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Bivariate partial correlation between the neuropsychological variables and the PANSS “cognitive factor” was examined. In order to obtain this cognitive component, and based on previous studies, items P2, N5, PG10 and PG11 were used.
Results:The PANSS “cognitive factor” was significantly correlated to CPT omission errors (r=0.45; p=0.006), Rey CFT recall after 5 minutes (r=-0.34; p=0.049), Rey CFT recall after 30 minutes (r=-0.40; p=0.020), WCST perseverative responses (r=0.36; p=0.035), and WCST perseverative errors (r=0.35; p=0.041).
Conclusions:The existence of significant correlations between the PANSS “cognitive factor” and performance on neuropsychological tasks evaluating attention (CPT), memory (Rey CFT) and executive functions (WCST) supports the concurrent validity of this factor.
Clinical and neuropsychological differences in schizophrenia according to negative symptom PANSS scores
- M.A. Jimenez-Arriero, R. Rodriguez-Jimenez, G. Rubio, I. Martinez, M. Aragues, A. Koeneke, A. Bagney, P. Carretero, G. Ponce, T. Palomo, P.A.R. Group
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 22 / Issue S1 / March 2007
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, p. S136
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Background and aims:
The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) evaluates different psychopathological aspects of schizophrenic patients. Scores on the negative subscale of the PANSS have been associated with clinical and neuropsychological differences in these patients. Our aim was to study the relationship between PANSS negative scores and different clinical and neuropsychological variables in a sample of schizophrenic patients.
Methods:Our sample of 174 schizophrenic patients was split into two groups according to scores on the negative subscale of the PANSS: a group of 85 patients (55 male and 30 female; mean age 38.0 years, SD 9.3) with scores below the median (“low negative PANSS” group), and a group of 89 patients (58 male and 31 female; mean age 37.3, SD 8.4) with scores above the median (“high negative PANSS” group). The neuropsychological task used was the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.
Results:Significant clinical differences were found between both groups. In the “high negative PANSS” group a lower age of illness onset was found (p=0.030), as well as a lower age at first psychiatric admission (p=0.002) compared to the “low negative PANSS” group, without there being significant differences in current age (p=0.570). Regarding cognitive functions, “high negative PANSS” patients achieved fewer categories (p=0.005) and made more perseverative errors (p=0.031) than “low negative PANSS” patients.
Conclusions:Schizophrenic patients with higher scores on the negative subscale of the PANSS had an earlier age of onset of their illness and exhibited poorer cognitive functioning than patients with lower scores.
Early onset of alcohol use: a different personality profile?
- L. Diaz-Digon, G. Mateu-Codina, R. Martinez-Riera, L. Morro-Fernandez, M. Romero-Sanchez, M.-T. Nascimento-Osorio, M. Forns-Nadal, A. Bulbena-Vilarrasa, M. Torrens-Mèlich
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 26 / Issue S2 / March 2011
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, p. 28
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Introduction
Early onset of substances use disorders (SUD) has been related to some personality characteristics and a higher prevalence of social, psychiatric and organic problems.
ObjetivesTo describe personality differences in early onset of alcohol use (EO, age≤ 15) subjects and late onset of alcohol use (LO, age≥16), both affected of acute non-substance use psychiatric disorders (Non-SUD) and alcohol related substance use disorders (alcohol SUD).
MethodsData on sociodemographic and clinical factors were gathered among subjects meeting DSM-IV criteria of alcohol SUD. Psychometric characteristics were explored with TCI-R.
ResultsThe whole sample (N = 188; age 36,8 ± 9,2; 71,4% male) showed mainly hallucinations/delusions (37,7%) at admittance and personality disorders (50,3%) as a most prevalent non-SUD. Most common comorbid SUD were alcohol (59,5%).
EO subjects (N = 103) had more prevalence of legal problems (51,4% vs. 15,9%), sedatives misuse (73,8% vs. 54,1%), polydrug abuse (2 ± 1,1 vs. 1,6 ± 1,0) and higher score in ASI psychopathology (5,8 ± 1,3 vs. 4,8 ± 1,8). Most frequent dual diagnosis in EO subjects were psychosis+cannabis SUD (8,7%).
EO group was characterized by higher impulsiveness (102,9 ± 16,4 vs 97,0 ± 14,5), disorderliness (127,6 ± 19,2 vs. 117,4 ± 21,7), harm avoidance (30,7 ± 4,9 vs. 28 ± 7,6), eagerness of effort (34,7 ± 7,5 vs. 31,6 ± 8,0), ambitious (19,2 ± 4,6 vs. 17,9 ± 3,1), perfectionist (29,8 ± 5,9 vs. 27,8 ± 6,2), responsibility (30,5 ± 6,9 vs. 27,9 ± 7,7), resourcefulness (25,9 ± 6,3 vs. 23,2 ± 6,8), enlightened second nature (17,7 ± 3,9 vs. 13,9 ± 4,6), social acceptance (32,0 ± 5,8 vs. 29,4 ± 7,1) and lower anticipatory worry (71,7 ± 18,5 vs. 79,8 ± 17,9), dependence (54,5 ± 12,4 vs. 59,2 ± 14,9).
ConclusionsEO was characterized by higher scores in impulsiveness, disorderliness, and self-directedness and showed more severity on social, psychopathologic and substance problems.
Influence of childhood adhd history on personality traits of pathological gamblers
- R. Rodriguez-Jimenez, G. Ponce, M.A. Jimenez-Arriero, A. Bagney, I. Martinez, M. Aragues, G. Rubio, T. Palomo, P.A.R. Group
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 22 / Issue S1 / March 2007
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, pp. S197-S198
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Background and aims:
Different personality factors have been investigated in connection with addictive disorders such as pathological gambling. “Impulse control”, proposed as a dimension of personality in modern “Big Five” models, has been associated with pathological gambling. Pathological gamblers have a high prevalence of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is also associated with high impulsivity. Based on a five-factor personality model, our objective was to compare different personality dimensions in a group of pathological gamblers with childhood ADHD history, a group of pathological gamblers without such history and a control group. Special emphasis was placed on the factor “emotional stability”, which includes the subdimensions “emotion control” and “impulse control”.
Methods:A sample of 30 pathological gamblers with childhood ADHD history (ADHD+PG group), 33 pathological gamblers without ADHD history (ADHD-PG group) and 42 control subjects were assessed using the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ). The different BFQ dimensions and subdimensions were compared.
Results:For the “emotional stability” factor, the T-scores obtained indicated statistically significant differences between groups (ADHD+PG group: 44.1; ADHD-PG group: 51.9; control group: 57.9; ANOVA, p<0.001). Scheffe´s post hoc analysis showed the ADHD+PG group to be less emotionally stable than both the ADHD-PG (p=0.002) and the control groups (p<0.001); the ADHD-PG group also scored lower on this “emotional stability” factor than the control group (p=0.015).
Conclusions:Pathological gamblers with a history of childhood ADHD exhibit differential personality traits. ADHD history is associated with a lower score on the “emotional stability” factor, which includes the subdimensions “emotion control” and “impulse control”.
Tobacco Use and Clinical Symptoms in a Sample of Outpatients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia
- P.A. Sáiz Martinez, S. Fernández-Artamendi, S. Al-Halabí, E. Díaz-Mesa, L. García-Álvarez, E. Martínez, L. Nogueiras, M. Pouso, R. Ramos, T. Rodríguez, G. Díaz-Flórez, M. Arrojo, P. García-Portilla, J. Bobes
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 30 / Issue S1 / March 2015
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 15 April 2020, p. 1
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Introduction
The self-medication hypothesis suggests that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia might smoke as an attempt to self-medicate theirsymptoms. As a consequence, smoking cessation could worsen their clinical status.
ObjectivesTo assess the clinical changes associated with tobacco cessation in a sample of smoking outpatients with schizophrenia.
MethodsSample: 63 smoking outpatients with DSM-IV Schizophrenia from three Mental Health Centers located in Northern Spain [77.0% males; mean age (SD) = 43.90 (8.72); average daily cigarette use (SD) = 27.99 (12.55)]. Instruments: (1) Clinical symptoms: Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI). (2) Pattern of tobacco use: n° cigarettes/day; Expired carbon monoxide (CO ppm). Design: A quasi-experimental design with two groups was implemented: control group (GC − 18 patients not willing to stop smoking), and treatment group [TG − 45 patients in smoking cessation supported by nicotine patches or vareniclina (12 weeks)]. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at week 11 (end of program). Paired sample t-test was used to detect changes in clinical symptoms from baseline to follow-up.
Results23.1% stopped smoking (from TG). No significant differences were found between baseline and follow-up scores (p>.05) among smokers and abstinent in PANSS subscales, HDRS and CGI.
ConclusionsTobacco cessation did not have a significant effect on the clinical symptoms of this group of patients. Further studies should analyze the stability of these outcomes at longer follow-ups to confirm our results.
Influence of birth cohort on age of onset cluster analysis in bipolar I disorder
- M. Bauer, T. Glenn, M. Alda, O.A. Andreassen, E. Angelopoulos, R. Ardau, C. Baethge, R. Bauer, F. Bellivier, R.H. Belmaker, M. Berk, T.D. Bjella, L. Bossini, Y. Bersudsky, E.Y.W. Cheung, J. Conell, M. Del Zompo, S. Dodd, B. Etain, A. Fagiolini, M.A. Frye, K.N. Fountoulakis, J. Garneau-Fournier, A. Gonzalez-Pinto, H. Harima, S. Hassel, C. Henry, A. Iacovides, E.T. Isometsä, F. Kapczinski, S. Kliwicki, B. König, R. Krogh, M. Kunz, B. Lafer, E.R. Larsen, U. Lewitzka, C. Lopez-Jaramillo, G. MacQueen, M. Manchia, W. Marsh, M. Martinez-Cengotitabengoa, I. Melle, S. Monteith, G. Morken, R. Munoz, F.G. Nery, C. O’Donovan, Y. Osher, A. Pfennig, D. Quiroz, R. Ramesar, N. Rasgon, A. Reif, P. Ritter, J.K. Rybakowski, K. Sagduyu, A.M. Scippa, E. Severus, C. Simhandl, D.J. Stein, S. Strejilevich, A. Hatim Sulaiman, K. Suominen, H. Tagata, Y. Tatebayashi, C. Torrent, E. Vieta, B. Viswanath, M.J. Wanchoo, M. Zetin, P.C. Whybrow
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 30 / Issue 1 / January 2015
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 15 April 2020, pp. 99-105
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Purpose:
Two common approaches to identify subgroups of patients with bipolar disorder are clustering methodology (mixture analysis) based on the age of onset, and a birth cohort analysis. This study investigates if a birth cohort effect will influence the results of clustering on the age of onset, using a large, international database.
Methods:The database includes 4037 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, previously collected at 36 collection sites in 23 countries. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to adjust the data for country median age, and in some models, birth cohort. Model-based clustering (mixture analysis) was then performed on the age of onset data using the residuals. Clinical variables in subgroups were compared.
Results:There was a strong birth cohort effect. Without adjusting for the birth cohort, three subgroups were found by clustering. After adjusting for the birth cohort or when considering only those born after 1959, two subgroups were found. With results of either two or three subgroups, the youngest subgroup was more likely to have a family history of mood disorders and a first episode with depressed polarity. However, without adjusting for birth cohort (three subgroups), family history and polarity of the first episode could not be distinguished between the middle and oldest subgroups.
Conclusion:These results using international data confirm prior findings using single country data, that there are subgroups of bipolar I disorder based on the age of onset, and that there is a birth cohort effect. Including the birth cohort adjustment altered the number and characteristics of subgroups detected when clustering by age of onset. Further investigation is needed to determine if combining both approaches will identify subgroups that are more useful for research.