Our psychiatric unit, like many others across Europe, is on a site away from the main hospital in town. We also receive patients from across the county. Therefore, when a patient is admitted to our ward, the doctors and nurses are responsible for their physical as well as psychiatric healthcare needs. Managing physical health care needs and medical emergencies on an inpatient psychiatric ward can pose significant challenges. We want to ensure that all ward staff feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to acute physical healthcare conditions that may arise on an old-age inpatient psychiatric ward.

To design a programme to improve the physical healthcare of patients on an inpatient psychiatric ward through staff education, focussing on a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. To incorporate simulation sessions in the teaching programme, allowing for learning to be put into practice and to further team cohesion. To use MDT feedback to tailor the programme’s content and delivery.

Through discussion with key stakeholders, we developed a curriculum of training focused on the most common medical emergencies and presentations seen on the ward. Topics include hypo/hyperglycaemia, chest pain, falls, seizures, pain control and the deteriorating patient in the community setting. Teaching sessions were carefully tailored to benefit all roles that may be involved in these scenarios. We also worked with our simulation fellow to employ in situ simulation of taught topics. For example, the assessment and management of a patient having a seizure or who has fallen.

Following liaison with the nursing team, we developed a series of didactic lecture and simulation sessions. These covered physical health care and management of medical emergencies and acute situations in the mental health setting. The programme was designed for weekly sessions on the ward, delivered by different members of the MDT. Qualitative feedback forms were developed for distribution following sessions to ensure the content is clear and relevant for all MDT members.

We believe that the teaching sessions will equip the multidisciplinary team to better manage our patient’s health and wellbeing. We believe they will also increase confidence within the multidisciplinary team to recognise the unwell patient, in turn enabling timely and appropriate medical management. Once successfully implemented on our wards, we aim to roll this teaching programme throughout other inpatient psychiatry wards to help improve the physical healthcare management of more patients.

None Declared

Most children recover from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but some experience persistent neurocognitive effects. Understanding is limited due to methodological differences and a lack of pre-injury data. The study aimed to assess changes in neurocognitive outcomes in children following mTBI compared to orthopedic injury (OI) and non-injured (NI) controls, while accounting for pre-injury functioning.

Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a prospective longitudinal cohort. The sample included children with mTBI between the 1-year and 2-year follow-ups (n = 83), identified by parent report of head injury with memory loss or loss of consciousness, compared to children who experienced OI within the same period (n = 231) and an NI control group (n = 218). Changes in neurocognitive outcomes from baseline to the 2-year follow-up between groups (mTBI vs. OI; mTBI vs. NI) were estimated using linear mixed-effects models, accounting for demographic, behavioral, genetic, and white matter microstructural covariates.

At baseline prior to injury, the mTBI group demonstrated better performance on picture vocabulary and crystallized composite scores than the OI group. At post-injury, after adjusting for pre-injury baseline differences, children who sustained an mTBI were no different in any measure of neurocognitive outcomes compared to OI and NI controls.

The findings highlight the importance of accounting for pre-injury differences when evaluating neurocognitive outcomes following pediatric mTBI. Neurocognitive differences within a year post-injury may be more related to pre-existing individual factors rather than the injury itself, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach in studying pediatric mTBI.

Although global knowledge on paediatric cardiomyopathies has advanced, prospective cohort studies from Brazil, particularly those integrating clinical and genetic data, remain limited.

To describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of paediatric cardiomyopathy patients and identify mortality predictors in a metropolitan region of Brazil.

Prospective observational study of paediatric patients with cardiomyopathies. Clinical data, genetic findings, and survival were analysed using Kaplan–Meier curves.

A total of 45 cases, male predominance (55.6%), and mean age at diagnosis of 6.5 years. Dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were the most common (33.3%). The main reason for diagnosis was the investigation of cardiovascular symptoms (60.9%). Genetic investigation occurred in 66.6%, a positivity rate of 60%. Multi-organ/system involvement was significantly associated with a positive genetic result (77.7%, p = 0.017). Mortality was 11.1%; survival was significantly lower in the following conditions: ejection fraction < 30% (p < 0.0001), functional class III/IV (p < 0.0001), heart failure (p = 0.0091), use of three or more cardiovascular medications (p < 0.001), N-Terminal Pro-B-Type natriuretic peptide >1000pg/mL (p = 0.004), and heart transplant indication (p < 0.001).

These findings provide novel data in Brazil, highlight a high rate of positive genetic test, particularly among patients with systemic involvement and identify key clinical predictors of mortality to guide risk stratification and care.

Anxious depression (AxD) as an independent diagnostic has been controversial, with many suggesting it as a transient state and others highlighting evidence of a worse outcome, severity, and increased suicide risk. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) lists a related concept under 6A73, Mixed depressive and anxiety disorder. Previous literature on ketamine’s efficacy has mainly focused on either anxiety or depression, with limited comparison of both groups. Given their high comorbidity and shared pathophysiology, we aimed to assess ketamine’s efficacy in these populations.

This meta-analysis aimed to consolidate evidence from clinical trials evaluating ketamine therapy in AxD and Non-Anxious Depression (NAxD).

A search for published clinical trials in indexed journals and databases was conducted on August 11, 2024. Keywords included ketamine, anxiety, comorbidity, and depression, with no restrictions on language or publication date. Studies on bipolar or psychotic depression were excluded. A random-effects model accounted for variability, and subgroup analyses were performed.

Eight studies involving 536 participants (mean age = 39.0 years) were preselected. Seven studies defined “anxious depression” as a score of 7 or higher on the HAMD-AS, with AxD mean of 8.74 (±0.56) and NAxD mean of 5.83 (±1.9). MADRS scores were 35.18 (±2.22) for AxD and 31.97 (±2.29) for NAxD. The effect size of improvement in depressive symptom severity (as assessed by the MADRS) was not significantly different between the groups either 13 days after treatment (SMD = -0.07[-0.69, 0.55], p = 0.82, I2 = 73%) or 26-28 days after treatment (SMD = -0.30[-0.64, 0.04], p = 0.09, I2 = 21%). The overall depression response also did not significantly differ between the groups (odds ratio = 0.84 [0.50, 1.41], p = 0.52, I² = 13%). Insufficient data were available for remission rates.

Ketamine shows comparable efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and achieving response in both groups. The group classified as AxD parallels previous reports of increased severity when reviewing baseline scores MADRS and other available scores. Thus, ketamine should be considered a viable treatment for patients with AxD, as they may have lower response rates to traditional antidepressants. This analysis was limited by the small number of studies, small sample sizes, and moderate heterogeneity. Differences in baseline depressive symptom severity and varying definitions of MDD with anxiety also constrained our analysis. Given the severity of symptoms in this population, we recommend developing better classification instruments for AxD. Further research is needed to explore remission differences in AxD and refine treatment strategies.

I. Borja De Oliveira: None Declared, A. Stephany: None Declared, M. Geremias: None Declared, D. Xavier: None Declared, F. Wagner: None Declared, A. Balduino de Souza: None Declared, M. O. Pozzolo Pedro: None Declared, D. Soler Lopes: None Declared, M. Carbajal Tamez: None Declared, J. Quevedo Shareolder of: Instituto de Neurociencias Dr. Joao Quevedo, Grant / Research support from: LivaNova; and receives copyrights from Artmed Editora, Artmed Panamericana, and Elsevier/Academic Press, Consultant of: EMS, Libbs, and Eurofarma, Speakers bureau of: Myriad Neuroscience and AbbVie., M. Teranishi: None Declared

The growing need for effective solutions to bridge the mental health treatment gap is particularly critical in countries where economic and political crises have exacerbated existing mental health challenges. In this context, the urgency for scalable and accessible interventions is evident. Step-by-Step (SbS), a guided digital self-help program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been implemented as a promising approach to alleviate depressive symptoms and improve functionality in vulnerable populations.

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the findings of studies that examined the efficacy of SbS, compared with enhanced care as usual (ECAU), in reducing depressive symptoms and functional impairment.

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SbS with ECAU. The pooled outcomes were the overall improvement in depressive symptoms, measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), as well as functional impairment measured by the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule-12 (WHODAS). We calculated the mean difference (MD) for the outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) 8.1.1 with a fixed-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

Three RCTs were included, encompassing 604 patients, of whom 263 (43.5%) participated in SbS. The population consisted of 35.1% males and 64.9% females. The mean age was 28.8 years, with a standard deviation of 8.7. SbS reduced PHQ-9 scores (MD = -3.48; 95% CI [-4.44, -2.52]; P < 0.00001; I² = 3%; Figure 1) and WHODAS scores (MD = -3.37; 95% CI [-4.84, -1.90]; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%; Figure 2) compared with ECAU.

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This meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that SbS has a positive effect in reducing depressive symptoms and functional impairment compared with ECAU.

None Declared

Methamphetamine use disorder poses a significant public health challenge, with few effective pharmacological treatments. Topiramate, an anticonvulsant, shows potential for treating various substance use disorders. This meta-analysis evaluates topiramate’s efficacy in treating methamphetamine use disorder, focusing on abstinence rates and depressive symptoms.

This review aims to assess the efficacy of topiramate in treating methamphetamine use disorder, specifically its impact on abstinence rates measured by negative urine tests for methamphetamine. Additionally, it evaluates topiramate’s effects on depressive symptoms, quantified by Beck Depression Inventory scores.

A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO in September 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing topiramate’s effects on individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. The analysis utilized a random-effects model, with the primary outcome being abstinence assessed through negative urine tests and the secondary outcome being depression scores from the Beck Depression Inventory.

Three studies (n = 249) were included, comparing topiramate to placebo. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for the common effect model was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94-1.07), indicating no significant difference between topiramate and placebo. Heterogeneity was low (I² = 2%, p = 0.36). Individual study risk ratios ranged from 0.43 to 1.09, with the largest study (n = 140) showing no effect (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.93-1.07). Two studies (n = 109) reported that topiramate tended to improve depressive symptoms relative to placebo, though not reaching statistical significance (mean difference = -2.52 (95% CI: -5.31 to 0.26).

For patients with methamphetamine use disorder, topiramate did not increase abstinence rates when compared to placebo, but showed a trend towards improving depressive symptoms. Although no statistically significant effects were observed, the trends provide a foundation for future research. Larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and standardized outcome measures are needed to better evaluate topiramate’s efficacy. Future studies should also explore dose-response relationships, combination therapies, and identify patient subgroups likely to benefit from topiramate, which may reveal clinically meaningful effects and enhance treatment options for methamphetamine use disorder.

None Declared

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on teaching skills regarding the acceptance of circumstances and coping with emotional responses.

The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of DBT in patients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BD) in order to ascertain whether it improves the recurrence of manic and depressive symptoms.

A systematic search of the PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify studies that had applied DBT to patients with a diagnosis of BD.

A total of 343 patients were included in the study, comprising participants from eight randomized and non-randomized trials. Of whom, 196 patients (57.1%) underwent DBT and pharmacological treatment, while 147 patients (42.9%) were treated with alternative interventions. A total of 12 to 36 sessions of DBT were conducted across all trials, with a follow-up period ranging from three to 15 months. The age range of the participants was 15.8 to 49.3 years. All studies included patients diagnosed with BD type I (n=175), five articles included patients with BD type II (n=100), and two included patients with BD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) (n=68). The primary endpoint analyzed was the mean change in the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), as reported by three of the included studies. The meta-analysis yielded no statistically significant results, with a mean difference of -4.49 (95% CI: -11.75, 2.76; I² = 6%; p = 0.22) (Figure 2). The analysis of the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) revealed a mean of 5.96 in a total of 72 patients (95% CI: 0.29-11.64; I² = 97.39%; p < 0.001) (Figure 3).

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The DBT was observed to have a beneficial impact on mood episodes and symptomatic manifestations among adolescents and adults diagnosed with BD. Therefore, it may be postulated that the DBT could be employed in conjunction with pharmacological agents to mitigate the severity of symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life in patients with such a diagnosis.

None Declared

Treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) predominantly focuses on psychopharmacology, including lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective for managing manic or depressive episodes, yet studies on the effects of anticonvulsant therapy as a modifying factor of clinical outcome during ECT are scarce.

To evaluate how concurrent anticonvulsant use affects seizure parameters and clinical outcomes of ECT in BD patients.

A comprehensive search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov) was conducted on October 2, 2024, without language or publication date restrictions. Eligible studies included clinical trials and retrospective analyses comparing BD patients undergoing ECT with and without anticonvulsant use. Random-effects models were applied for a sufficient number of studies, while fixed-effects models were used for fewer studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Six studies met the criteria, involving 359 participants (mean age: 29.7 years; 31.2% female). Five studies focused on the effect of concomitant treatment with valproate during a manic episode, and only one study included subjects in treatment with other anticonvulsants during different mood episodes of BD. Anticonvulsant users required significantly higher minimal electrical dosages to achieve adequate seizures (SMD = 0.71, 95% CI [0.46 to 0.95], p < 0.0001), as indicated by higher seizure thresholds and stimulus doses. Additionally, anticonvulsant use was associated with a significantly shorter seizure duration (SMD = -0.75, 95% CI [-1.10 to -0.41], p < 0.0001). However, no significant differences in symptomatic improvement were found between those using and not using anticonvulsants (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI [-0.19 to 0.25], p = 0.78).

Concurrent anticonvulsant use in BD patients undergoing ECT is associated with higher seizure thresholds and shorter seizure durations, but this does not affect clinical outcomes regarding disease severity. Based on these findings, discontinuation of anticonvulsants during ECT may not be necessary. This review was limited by the small number of studies, small sample sizes, and considerable heterogeneity. Additionally, the majority of the studies analyzed only included patients in the manic state of the illness. Further research is needed to explore whether variations in seizure parameters are linked to individual clinical outcomes in BD patients, the impact of different anticonvulsants on these parameters and the outcome for depressive and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder.

I. Borja De Oliveira: None Declared, E. Tolotti Leite: None Declared, I. Santos Raposo Andrade: None Declared, M. Geremias: None Declared, A. Stephany: None Declared, A. de Vasconcelos: None Declared, D. Xavier: None Declared, F. Wagner: None Declared, G. A. M. Alves: None Declared, M. O. Pozzolo Pedro: None Declared, D. Soler Lopes: None Declared, A. Balduino de Souza: None Declared, M. Carbajal Tamez: None Declared, J. Quevedo Shareolder of: Instituto de Neurociencias Dr. Joao Quevedo, Grant / Research support from: LivaNova; and receives copyrights from Artmed Editora, Artmed Panamericana, and Elsevier/Academic Press, Consultant of: EMS, Libbs, and Eurofarma, Speakers bureau of: Myriad Neuroscience and AbbVie.

The association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains a subject of considerable debate. Despite extensive research, the evidence regarding this relationship is conflicting.

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the incidence of ADHD and ASD in patients that were either exposed or not exposed to acetaminophen prenatally.

We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Central for eligible studies up until August 2024. Only studies which included participants with a medical diagnosis of ADHD/ASD and reported acetaminophen exposure as a binary measure were included. Available summary data was extracted from published reports and pooled with a random-effects model using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for potential confounding factors were used for sensitivity analyses. All statistical analyses were conducted utilizing Review Manager 5.4.1. PROSPERO iD:CRD42024587662.

We included five studies with a total of 2,647,536 patients with ADHD (150,741) / ASD (63,726), of whom 271,126 were exposed to acetaminophen prenatally and 2,376,410 were not exposed. Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.45; p<0.01; I2 = 73%; Figure 1) and ASD (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.14 - 1.20; p<0.01; I2 = 0%; Figure 2). Sensitivity analyses revealed that acetaminophen exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of ADHD (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.47; p<0.01; I2 = 0%; Figure 3), but not during first (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.26; p=0.13; I2 = 0%; Figure 3) and second (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.19; p=0.26; I2 = 0%; Figure 3) trimesters.

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In this systematic review and meta-analysis, prenatal acetaminophen exposure was significantly associated with risk of developing ADHD and ASD, especially if exposure occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy.

None Declared

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder marked by positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, and negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and apathy. While traditional pharmacological treatments effectively manage positive symptoms, they often fall short in addressing negative symptoms and social functioning. Yoga has emerged as a complementary therapy that may help improve both. However, its overall impact remains uncertain.

This review aims to synthesize evidence on yoga’s effectiveness in reducing positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and enhancing social functioning.

A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO in September 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing yoga’s effects on symptom severity and social functioning in schizophrenia. A fixed-effects or random-effects model was applied, with subgroup analyses performed. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) were used for effect size estimation.

Sixteen RCTs were included, involving 862 participants. Yoga (n = 393) was compared to three control groups: treatment-as-usual (n = 152), other physical activities (n = 124), and waitlist (n = 193). Yoga significantly reduced overall symptom severity relative to control, as shown by a decrease in PANSS scores (MD = -6.61, 95% CI -13.21 to -0.0, p = 0.05, I² = 82%). It significantly improved positive symptoms relative to waitlist (SMD = -0.87 [-1.70, -0.03]) and treatment-as-usual (SMD = -0.65 [-1.21, -0.09]), with effects comparable to those observed with physical activity (MD = -1.30 [-3.09, 0.49]). There were no significant effects on negative symptoms, with SMDs of -1.59 [-4.18, 1.01] for the waitlist and -1.16 [-2.41, 0.09] for treatment-as-usual, and a MD of -1.32 [-3.60, 0.97] when compared to physical activity outcomes. Additionally, yoga did not significantly impact social functioning, showing SMDs of -0.44 [-1.56, 0.68] for the waitlist and -0.44 [-2.29, 1.41] for treatment-as-usual, and a MD of 2.30 [-0.74, 5.34] for physical activity.

This review shows that yoga is effective in reducing overall symptom severity compared to controls and improves positive symptoms relative to treatment-as-usual or waitlist, but not compared to physical activity. There were no significant differences in alleviating negative symptoms or enhancing social functioning. These findings suggest yoga may be a promising adjunctive treatment for positive symptoms of schizophrenia, especially when traditional treatments are insufficient. Further high-quality RCTs with standardized protocols are needed to confirm these results and establish optimal treatment parameters.

None Declared

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious brain illness, with symptoms influenced by multiple risk factors and a strong genetic predisposition, rather than having a single expression and cause¹. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in epilepsy can encompass manifestations such as mood alterations, anxiety, sleep disturbances, psychosis, and behavioral disorders. While the motor and sensory manifestations of epileptic seizures are widely recognized, neuropsychiatric symptoms accompanying epilepsy are often underestimated. Therefore, it is essential to understand the most prevalent epidemiological profile of these patients to improve the diagnosis and management of these symptoms.

Our goal was to evaluate the neuropsychiatric behavior of epilepsy patients in Brazilian over the past 3 years through hospitalization data in order to outline an epidemiological and behavioral profile.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted on hospitalizations of individuals simultaneously diagnosed with epilepsy, schizotypal and delusional disorders, and mood disorders in all five regions of Brazil (South, Southeast, Midwest, North, and Northeast) between February 2020 and December 2022. Data from January 2020 were not available. The data used were collected through the Department of Health Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, gathering information regarding the nature of care, age range, gender, and ethnicity of the patients.

The analysis covers the years 2020 to 2022, totaling 503,045 hospitalizations. In 2022, the highest number of cases occurred (≈ 37.55%), followed by 2021 (≈ 33.62%) and 2020 (≈ 28.81%). Urgent hospitalizations represented ≈ 90.85% of the total. The most affected age group was 30 to 39 years old (≈ 18.30%). Men were more affected than women (≈ 52.03% and ≈ 47.96%, respectively), and Caucasians accounted for ≈ 36.07% of the hospitalizations. The average length of stay was 19.1 days, and the mortality rate was 1.4%.

Thus, there is a gradual and annual increase in the number of hospitalizations during the observed period. While there is a minimal disparity between the affected genders, it is evident that the profile of male, caucasian, and adult patients is the most prevalent. Moreover, the predominantly urgent nature of hospitalizations points to an alarming scenario regarding this issue. From the analysis of the data obtained in the study, there is a clear need for interventions capable of reducing the prevalence of hospitalizations for neuropsychiatric symptoms in epilepsy patients in Brazil.

None Declared

Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, as seen in cases such as depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder and schizophrenia, which can be developed or exacerbated by the use of psychoactive substances. Most mental disorders have an early onset, often leading to early and/or permanent disability, increasing the need and cost of healthcare. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the identification of the epidemiological profile of these cases in the South of Brazil in order to enhance the diagnosis and reduce the costs associated with managing these disorders.

The present study aimed to analyze statistical data regarding hospitalizations related to mental disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances and alcohol in the southern region of Brazil, highlighting the pathological scenario and identifying the most prevalent profiles of these disorders in this region.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted on hospitalizations of individuals diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of psychoactive substances and alcohol in the states of the Southern region of Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul) between February 2020 and December 2022. Data of January 2020 were not available. The data used were collected through the Department of Health Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, gathering information regarding the nature of the care, age range, gender, and ethnicity of the patients.

The study covers the years 2020 to 2022, indicating a total of 81,608 hospitalizations, with the year 2022 having the highest number of cases (≈ 37.13%), followed by 2021 (≈ 33.30%) and 2020 (≈ 29.55%). The states with the highest number of hospitalizations were Rio Grande do Sul (≈ 54.90%), Paraná (≈ 29.29%), and Santa Catarina (≈ 15.79%). Urgent hospitalizations accounted for ≈ 87.29% of the total. The most affected age group was 30 to 39 years old (≈ 25.61%). Men were more affected than women (≈ 81.70% and ≈ 18.28%, respectively). Caucasians accounted for ≈ 64.29% of the hospitalizations. The average length of stay was 20.8 days, and the mortality rate was 0.32%.

There is a clear increase in the number of hospitalizations related to mental disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances in the period from 2020 to 2022 in the southern region of Brazil, with the highest number of cases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The most affected population consisted of Caucasian men aged 30 to 39 years old. Furthermore, these results may be related to the increasing trend of psychoactive substance use among the Brazilian population and also the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a period of underreporting due to social isolation.

None Declared

In recent years, mental health has gained prominence in public health, prompting thorough investigations into psychiatric condition trends. This study conducts a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal, and Delirium Disorders in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) over the past five years. By revealing these patterns, it enhances our understanding of regional mental health dynamics and offers insights for intervention strategies, resource planning, and improved mental healthcare. The ultimate goal is to advance more effective and accessible mental healthcare in RS and beyond.

This study aims to analyze the prevalence and epidemiological profile of hospitalizations due to psychiatric disorders to assist in the diagnosis and outcome of affected patients.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted regarding hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal Disorders, and Delirium in the state of RS between January 2018 and November 2022. Data were collected from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, focusing on the nature of care, age group, gender, and ethnicity of the patients. The information was aggregated over the five-year period based on the four mentioned descriptors and subsequently analyzed to establish a profile of hospitalizations during that period.

The analysis spans from 2018 to 2022, encompassing a total of 28,345 hospitalizations. In 2019, there was the highest number of cases (22.21%), followed by 2018 (21.08%). Urgent care admissions constituted 85.34% of the total. The age group most affected was 35 to 39 years (11.8%). Men were more affected than women (60.18%), and the majority of hospitalizations were among the Caucasian ethnicity (75.12%). The average length of stay was 23.7 days, and the mortality rate stood at 0.26%.

The increasing trend in hospitalizations, peaking in 2019, highlights the need for preventive measures. Urgent admissions (85.34%) underscore the demand for accessible mental health resources. Men in the 35 to 39 age group are disproportionately affected, suggesting specific risk factors. The predominance of Caucasian ethnicity emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive care. A longer average length of stay (23.7 days) underscores treatment complexity, while a low mortality rate (0.26%) signals effective medical care. In essence, these findings inform tailored mental health policies to enhance service quality and prioritize patient-centered approaches.

None Declared