The presence of psychiatric comorbidity significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and often goes unnoticed within the realm of neurology.

This study’s objective was to elucidate and characterize psychiatric comorbidity among patients hospitalized for neurological disorders in mainland Portugal.

This retrospective observational study analyzed hospitalizations categorized with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders, defined by Clinical Classification Software (CSS) for ICD-9-CM codes 76, 77, 79-85, 95, and 109, occurring in adult patients (≥18 years) between 2008 and 2015. Psychiatric comorbidity was determined by the presence of secondary diagnoses falling under CCS categories 650-670.

A total of 294,806 hospitalization episodes were documented with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders in adult patients between 2008 and 2015 in Portuguese public hospitals. Approximately 26.9% (n=79,442) of these episodes were associated with documented psychiatric comorbidity (22.1% for female hospitalizations and 32.2% for male hospitalizations). Patients with recorded psychiatric comorbidity were younger (66.2±16.2 vs. 68.6±17.2 for those without psychiatric comorbidity, p<0.001), exhibited a lower overall in-hospital mortality rate, and experienced significantly longer mean hospital stays. Among these comorbidities, ‘Delirium, dementia, amnestic, and other cognitive disorders’ were documented in 7.4% (n=21,965) of hospitalizations, followed by alcohol-related disorders in 6.5% (n=19,302) and mood disorders in 6.1% (n=18,079). Epilepsy/seizures had the highest recorded psychiatric comorbidity rate among neurological disorders (39.9%).

Psychiatric comorbidity is present in more than a quarter of hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity varies across different neurological disorders and is associated with distinct demographic and clinical characteristics.

None Declared

Craniofacial malformations have long been associated with a heightened risk of psychiatric disorders. Understanding this link is crucial, as it can inform early intervention and support for affected individuals, enhancing their overall well-being. Research in this area aims to shed light on the prevalence and nature of these disorders within the craniofacial population, ultimately improving healthcare and quality of life for affected individuals.

This study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between craniofacial malformations and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, our objectives include: assessing prevalence, identifying risk factors, evaluating impact and informing clinical practice. This research aims to improve the holistic care and mental well-being of individuals with craniofacial malformations, contributing to a more comprehensive approach in the field of psychiatry.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a prominent referral hospital named Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre during the month of August 2023.

Participant Selection: Patients with craniofacial malformations of all ages and both genders.

Data Collection: We conducted structured interviews with participants to gather demographic information, medical history, and details of their craniofacial conditions.

Medical Records Review: Medical records were reviewed to corroborate craniofacial diagnoses and identify any comorbid conditions.

Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques to assess the association between craniofacial malformations and psychiatric disorders.

Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to all ethical guidelines, with informed consent obtained from participants or their legal guardians. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital’s Institutional Review Board.

Data Handling: Confidentiality and data security were ensured throughout the study, with all data anonymized to protect participant privacy.

In our study, we assessed 132 different patients, comprising 62 females and 70 males. The youngest patient was 2 months old, while the oldest was 56 years old. The mean age of the patients was 16.22 years, with a median of 9 years, a harmonic mean of 18 years, and a standard deviation of 15.23 years.

Among the patients, 24 exhibited psychiatric disorders, evenly split between 12 males and 12 females. Their average age was 16.21 years, with a median of 10 years, a harmonic mean of 6.13, and a standard deviation of 14.57. The youngest patient with evidence of a psychiatric disorder was 2 years old.

Image:

Image 2:

Our study underscores the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among craniofacial patients, which seems to be greater than the general population, emphasizing the need for integrated care that considers both medical and psychological aspects, thus enhancing the overall well-being of these individuals.

None Declared

In Poland, the therapeutic modality of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) boasts a history spanning over seven decades. Despite its documented therapeutic efficacy and safety profile, its integration into clinical practice remains suboptimal. Recent data elucidates a marked paucity in the utilization rate of ECT in Poland. Therefore, it is imperative to discern the barriers impeding its broader adoption of this potentially life-saving treatment.

The aim of this study is to investigate the attitude of early career psychiatrists towards ECT and its place in clinical practice in Poland.

A web-based, anonymous survey was conducted, targeting early career psychiatrists in Poland. The questionnaire, part of an international study, consisted of 36 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions.

The majority of respondents emphasised the importance of further educational opportunities related to ECT, seeing it as a safe, effective, and possibly lifesaving procedure. Most of them benefited from ECT training during their residency, however less than a half had the opportunity to administer ECT themselves. They exhibited an interest to introduce ECT into their therapeutic repertoire, depending on the provision of requisite financial and infrastructural support.

There is a palpable eagerness among early career psychiatrists in Poland to enhance their proficiency in ECT. A robust curriculum, encompassing both theoretical discourse and hands-on ECT training, is paramount for all psychiatry trainees. Concurrently, there is a pressing need to formulate national ECT guidelines within Poland, which could potentially ameliorate apprehensions surrounding this procedure.

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

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating severe major depressive disorder, manic episodes, and catatonia. Despite this, it is a controversial treatment amongst patients, carers, and even some psychiatrists in the UK.

To determine the experiences and perceptions of UK psychiatric trainees and early-career psychiatrists regarding the use of ECT in clinical practice.

An anonymous survey was distributed online to UK psychiatric trainees and early-career psychiatrists across the country. The questionnaire consisted of 36 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions.

So far, 44 trainees and early-career psychiatrists have responded. The vast majority had witnessed ECT administration during training and had administered ECT under supervision. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that ECT was a safe and effective treatment, and most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that ECT is cruel or outdated. There were more varied views regarding perceptions of side effects and contraindications: a minority of respondents were unsure about whether ECT had long-term side effects, and whilst most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that ECT has many risks and contraindications, just under half were unsure or agreed.

Most UK psychiatric trainees and early-career psychiatrists have experience of ECT during training and believe ECT is a safe and effective treatment. Respondents had a mixed view regarding the side-effect profile and risks/contraindications of ECT, which may be an important area for further education and training.

None Declared

Craniofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses congenital and acquired deformities of the head and face. While the physical outcomes of craniofacial surgery are well-documented, less attention has been given to the psychological well-being of adult patients. This abstract aims to explore self-esteem issues among adult patients treated at the Craniofacial Surgery Sector of HCPA (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre), where a substantial proportion of adult patients have reported self-esteem problems.

1. 1. To assess the prevalence of self-esteem issues among adult patients (≥18 years old) attending the HCPA Craniofacial Surgery Sector.

2. 2. To examine potential contributing factors to self-esteem problems in this specific patient population.

3. 3. To evaluate the impact of self-esteem on the mental health and psychosocial functioning of adult craniofacial surgery patients.

4. 4. To propose recommendations for psychosocial support and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of adult patients in this context.

This cross-sectional study involved 132 adult patients who had undergone or were scheduled for craniofacial surgery at HCPA. Participants reported self-esteem issues in their talk with the hospital’s physicians, and their medical records were reviewed to collect demographic and clinical data. Additionally, participants provided information about their mental health status and psychosocial functioning.

Among the 39 adult patients included in the study, 37 (94.9%) reported experiencing self-esteem issues, such as lack of confidence or feeling unattractive. The most commonly reported contributing factors were visible facial differences, social interactions, and prior surgical experiences. Patients with lower self-esteem had a higher likelihood of reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety and reported lower overall psychosocial functioning compared to those with higher self-esteem.

This reveals a strikingly high prevalence of self-esteem issues among adult patients attending the Craniofacial Surgery Sector at HCPA. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing the psychological well-being of adult craniofacial surgery patients. Comprehensive psychosocial support, including counseling, peer support, and interventions to enhance self-esteem, should be integrated into the care of these patients. By addressing self-esteem concerns, healthcare providers can improve the mental health and overall quality of life of adult craniofacial surgery patients.

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

The Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS), characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and cleft palate, has long been a subject of clinical interest. Recent research suggests a potential association between PRS and cognitive or psychiatric disorders. This study explores this intriguing connection, shedding light on the complex interplay between craniofacial anomalies and mental health.

This study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Pierre-Robin Sequence and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, our objectives include: assessing prevalence, evaluating impact and informing clinical practice. This research aims to improve the holistic care and mental well-being of individuals with craniofacial malformations, contributing to a more comprehensive approach in the field of psychiatry.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a prominent referral hospital named Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, an international reference in Pierre-Robin Sequence, during the month of August 2023.

Participant Selection: Patients with PRS. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals of all ages and both genders.

Data Collection: Trained medical personnel conducted structured interviews with participants to gather demographic information, medical history, and details of their craniofacial conditions.

Medical Records Review: Medical records were reviewed to corroborate craniofacial diagnoses and identify any comorbid conditions.

Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques to assess the association between PRS and psychiatric disorders.

Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to all ethical guidelines, with informed consent obtained from participants or their legal guardians. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital’s Institutional Review Board.

Data Handling: Confidentiality and data security were ensured throughout the study, with all data anonymized to protect participant privacy.

In our study, we assessed 28 different patients with Pierre-Robin Sequence, comprising 13 females and 15 males. The youngest patient was 2 months old, while the oldest was 22 years old. The mean age of the patients was 4.75 years, with a median of 3 years and a standard deviation of 5.36 years.

Among the patients, 6 exhibited psychiatric disorders, split between 4 males and 2 females. Their average age was 10 years, with a median of 9 years and a standard deviation of 4.2. The youngest patient with evidence of a psychiatric disorder was 5 years old.

This study underscores a concerning reality within the Pierre-Robin population, pointing to a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated care, emphasizing the importance of early psychiatric assessment and tailored interventions to enhance the overall well-being of individuals facing the challenges of PRS.

None Declared

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a psychiatric intervention that has proven effectiveness and safety in various psychiatric conditions, such as major depressive disorder, prolonged or severe manic episodes and catatonia. Despite positive scientific evidence, ECT was always seen as controversial by patients, caregivers, and even some psychiatrists, which lead to a decrease in its use over the years.

To investigate the way young psychiatrists view the place of ECT in modern psychiatry by assessing their knowledge, attitude and access to training opportunities in ECT.

An anonymous survey was disseminated online among early career psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees. The questionnaire consisted of 36 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions.

Most of our respondents consider ECT both an effective and a safe treatment option and would recommend ECT to their patients when indicated. Early career psychiatrists who had access to ECT training are more knowledgeable about the indications, precautions and side effects of this method, but more than half of the participants mentioned ECT training was unavailable during their residency programme. Almost all respondents stated that they are interested in enhancing their theoretical and practical competencies in ECT.

Early career psychiatrists have a positive attitude towards ECT but express the need of targeted education aimed at improving levels of knowledge about ECT.

None Declared