Epidemiological evidence shows a concerning rise in youth mental health difficulties over the past three decades. Most evidence, however, comes from countries in Europe or North America, with far less known about changes in other global regions. This study aimed to compare adolescent mental health across two population-based cohorts in the UK, and two population-based cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil.

Four population-based cohorts with identical mental health measures were compared. In Brazil, these included the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort and the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort. In the UK, cohorts included the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, and the Millennium Cohort Study. Mental health was measured in all cohorts using identical, parent-rated scores from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). This was assessed in both countries over approximately the same time periods, when adolescents were aged 11 (2004 vs 2015 in Brazil, and 2003 vs 2012 in the UK), with follow-up analyses focused on outcomes in later adolescence.

Mental health problems were higher in the UK for adolescents born in the early 2000s compared to those born in the early 1990s. In Pelotas, the opposite was found, whereby problems were lower for adolescents born in the early 2000s compared to those born in the early 1990s. Despite these promising reductions in mental health problems in Pelotas over time, SDQ scores remained higher in Pelotas compared to the UK.

Our study represents the first to compare two population-based cohorts in the UK, and two population-based cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil, to understand how mental health problems have changed over time across the two settings. Our findings provide the most up-to-date insight into population-level rates of youth mental health problems in Pelotas, and shed novel insight into how these have changed over the last two decades in comparison to the UK. In doing so, our study provides a tentative first step towards understanding youth mental health over time at a more global scale, and presents a valuable opportunity to examine putative contributors to differences across time.

Sustained alcohol intake, when combined with incomplete treatment, can result in chronic structural changes in the Central Nervous System, including generalized cortical and cerebellar atrophy, amnesic syndromes like Korsakoff’s syndrome, and white matter disorders such as Central Pontine Myelinolysis and Marchiafava-Bignami syndrome. It is crucial to prevent these complications due to their potential for irreversible and debilitating consequences. For Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, early recognition and thiamine administration for prevention are paramount, as it arises from thiamine deficiency due to malnutrition caused by persistent alcohol use. In the case of Central Pontine Myelinolysis, which is caused by abrupt fluctuations in serum osmolality, controlled sodium correction is essential.

Through a clinical case and a review of published literature, this study aims to reflect on the importance of preventing neurological injuries associated with chronic alcohol consumption, specifically Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis.

A literature review was conducted by searching for articles on PubMed using the terms “Alcohol Use Disorder,” “Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome,” and “Central pontine myelinolysis.” A clinical case is presented, featuring a 50-year-old patient with alcohol use disorder who developed Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis. Considering this case, we reflect on the primary approaches that could have been beneficial in preventing these complications and propose a straightforward method for doing so.

A 50-year-old patient presented with poor general condition, characterized by low weight, significant loss of strength in the limbs and arms, and incoherent speech with anterograde amnesia and confabulation. This condition had progressed to a point where the patient could no longer walk, perform basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating independently, underscoring the severity of his condition. The diagnoses of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis were established based on clinical manifestations and the presence of hyperintense lesions observed in the central pons on T2/FLAIR axial MRI scans. This clinical case highlights the importance of proper and precocious prevention of complications in patients with alcohol use disorder. The foremost step in preventing these complications is to treat alcohol dependence effectively, even when faced with patient resistance. It’s vital to remain vigilant about potential complications and implement suitable prophylactic measures.

The devastating effects of complications arising from Alcohol Use Disorder, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis, underscore the importance of enhanced attention that clinicians should provide when approaching these patients at all clinical interactions.

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Addressing mental and physical health problems and promoting wellbeing in educational settings is a global priority. Teachers present a high risk of stress and burnout, which negatively impacts their professional performance as well as their mental and physical health. Compassion-based interventions have been found effective in promoting psychosocial and physiological wellbeing.

The current paper presents preliminary findings of the impact of a 6-module Compassionate Mind Training intervention for Teachers (CMT-T) on immunological markers and the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA; a gene expression signature that involves a group of 53 genes: pro-inflammatory genes, type I interferon response and genes related to antibody synthesis).

A pilot non-controlled study was conducted in a sample of public-school teachers in Portugal (n=36). Participants were assessed at 4 time-points: 1) Extended Baseline Control_M0, in order to establish a within-subjects psychological and biophysiological baseline (8 weeks before the start of the CMT-T); 2) Pre-intervention_M1 (8-weeks after M0); 3) Post-intervention_M2 (8-weeks after M1); and 4) Follow-up_M3 (3 months after the CMT-T end). In all assessment moments, participants completed a set of psychological self-report measures and were assessed in immunological and epigenetic biological markers through the collection of blood. After M1, teachers completed the 8-week group CMT-T intervention and given access to its resources and materials. They were instructed to practice daily and incorporate the teachings in their personal and professional lives. All assessments and the CMT-T intervention took place at the schools.

Preliminary data on the impact of CMT-T on Immune Response Profiling revealed that teachers’ Natural Killer (i.e., NK) cells were decreased after the CMT-T intervention. In regard to the CTRA gene expression, results showed that type one interferon response genes (e.g., IFI16, IFI27L2, IFITM2, IFITM3, IFITM4P) were decreased after the intervention. In addition, we observed that the gene c-Jun, a pro-inflammatory gene, had a decreased expression after the CMT-T intervention.

These preliminary findings seem to corroborate previous studies involving the type one interferon response, the pro-inflammatory genes and antibody synthesis genes in a signature involving 53 genes previously described as the CTRA gene signature. Furthermore, our results suggest that cultivating compassion using a compassion focused intervention may have a positive impact on markers of the immune system response, associated with how our bodies respond to stress, infection and cancer, as well as, on reducing the expression of genes related to our bodies’ response to stress and inflammation.

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Involuntary admission rates differ between gender across various countries. In several European Union countries, men are more frequently involuntarily admitted, while an opposite trend, associating women with involuntary care, has been observed in countries like Switzerland, Brazil, and China.

Considering the contradictory evidence about gender and involuntary care in the literature, we aim to analyze the gender patterns of involuntary care in Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo’s Psychiatric Acute Unit, exploring the gender differences in diagnosis among involuntary patients.

We stored and analyzed the data using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics. We studied psychiatry admissions at Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo, Portugal over 2 years. The Acute Psychiatric Unit, located within a general hospital, has 24 beds, and offers acute mental healthcare services to adults aged 18 and above, serving a coverage area of approximately 251,000 residents. As part of our data collection process for all admissions to the Acute Psychiatry Unit, we recorded information such as gender, age, diagnosis at discharge, treatment type (voluntary or involuntary), and length of stay.

From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, there were 686 psychiatry admissions at Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo, of which 125 (18,2%) were involuntary. The admission rates were approximately 136.6 per 100,000 people annually, with 24.9 being involuntary admissions per 100,000 people annually. In our analysis of involuntary admissions, women had a lower rate of such admissions, making up 6.4%, while men had a higher rate at 11.8%. No other gender identity was mentioned. Schizophrenia-related disorders were the primary cause for involuntary admissions for both genders, with 67.9% for men and 50% for women. Mood disorders were the second most common reason for involuntary admission, accounting for around 40.9% of cases for women and a significantly lower 16% for men. Involuntarily hospitalized patients exhibited longer lengths of stay independently of the gender. Men hospitalized involuntarily tended to be younger, whereas for women, involuntary hospitalizations were associated with older ages.

In conclusion, our study reveals gender differences in psychiatric involuntary admissions, with more men being involuntarily admitted than women. Schizophrenia group disorders were the most common diagnoses among male and female involuntary patients. Furthermore, all hospitalized women exhibited a higher prevalence of mood disorders, a trend that was more pronounced among those admitted involuntarily. These gender trends match the overall patterns seen in the epidemiology of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Additionally, women with schizophrenia generally exhibit better social functioning than men, which may explain the lower needs of involuntary hospitalization.

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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.

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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.

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Attachment theory, first proposed by John Bowlby and later extended by Mary Ainsworth and others, outlines how experiences of early childhood attachment with caregivers can affect one’s emotional and interpersonal relationships throughout adulthood. Typically, attachment styles are categorised into four main types: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant and disorganised. Conversely, it is recognised that various biological, psychological, relational, social and iatrogenic factors elements can impact an individual’s sexual function.

Our aim with this research was to present the most current literature on whether there is a correlation between attachment styles and sexual function.

We conducted a non-systematic review on the topic using PubMed and PsycInfo.

There is evidence indicating a link between attachment styles and sexual function.

People with secure attachment styles tend to experience more positive and fulfilling sexual relationships. Such individuals typically have a more positive self-image, they feel at ease with emotional intimacy, and are therefore able to openly communicate their needs and desires. They exhibit a healthy balance between seeking closeness and maintaining independence.

Individuals with anxious attachment styles may experience heightened levels of sexual anxiety and insecurity. Concerns regarding rejection or abandonment within sexual relationships may impact their sexual function and satisfaction. These individuals usually have a negative self-image and may be more prone to seek reassurance and validation through sexual activities.

People with avoidant attachment styles may encounter obstacles in developing emotional intimacy and closeness, which can negatively affect their sexual relationships. Such individuals might experience commitment anxiety and prioritise physical aspects of sexual activity over emotional bonding, ultimately decreasing sexual satisfaction for both them and their partners.

Disorganised attachment styles are linked with challenges in regulating their emotions and behaviours in intimate situations, which can have a negative impact on sexual function and satisfaction.

While the literature proposes attachment styles may impact sexual function, it is important to acknowledge other factors that contribute to sexual function. In addition to biological and iatrogenic factors, individual personality, relationship dynamics, past experiences, and cultural influences all have a significant role in shaping one’s sexual behaviour and satisfaction. All of these should be addressed in order to alleviate sexual difficulties.

Moreover, attachment styles may develop and change over time through positive relationships and therapeutic interventions, potentially leading to changes in one’s sexual functioning and relationship dynamics.

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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.

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Humanistic studies applied to the health-illness clinic go beyond explaining cause-effect relationships among disease phenomena, treatments, and preventions. Qualitative research aims to understand symbolic relationships built in life experiences among the manifestations and the people. How to act in front of a person whose physical appearance and odour can be unpleasant, such as in the HNC - Head Neck Cancer? Or whose life history may have been marked by deviant behaviours and negligence in self-care?

To interpret emotional meanings attributed through open interviews conducted with relatives about the domestic care of patients with HNC under clinical treatment.

Sample composed of family caregivers of patients with HNC, sent sequentially by colleagues from the clinical service who were informed of the research. The study used the Clinical-Qualitative Method (Turato. Portuguese Psychos. J, 2000 2(1): 93-108). Semi-Directed Interview with Open-ended Questions In-Depth and Field Notes was used for data collection. The employ of the Seven Steps of the Clinical-Qualitative Content Analysis (Faria-Schützer et al. Cien Saude Colet. 2021; 26(1): 265-274) has permitted the understanding of the topics. Sample closed with 12 persons according to the information saturation strategy (Fontanella et al. Cad Saude Publica. 2008; 24(1): 17-27), conducted by the first author, a female psychologist. To interpret the empirical material, we use Medical/Health Psychology, the psychodynamics of relationships of the Balintian framework, disease and illness while modes of un-health, psychic defence mechanisms against anguish. Validation by peers from the Lab of Clinical-Qualitative Research Laboratory, at the State University of Campinas.

For this presentation, we listed three categories from the free-floating re-readings: (1) Certain need to recognize the care provided as a handling strategy with effort, putting in this ‘validation’ their relief regarding natural suffering of the care process; (2) Caregiver’s psychological fantasies of omnipotence in the care process, frequently perceiving the reality a phenomenologically and necessarily distorted by the caregiver. (3) Moments of impotence feeling in front of the finitude reality that it knows will arrive.

The family caregivers can present certain emotional defences, such as subtle magical thinking, in which they distort the reality experienced as a management strategy and validation of their care. They act so to alleviate their psychological and existential suffering. Group meetings with family members to talk openly about the difficulties on the psychological management of patients with HNC, coordinated by a psychotherapist, are effective as a space for creativity in daily management at home and a space for catharsis.

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Over the past few years, Psychiatry has undergone a significant transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This shift has been driven by the increasing demand for mental health services, as well as advances in AI technology. AI analyzes extensive datasets, including text, voice, and behavioral data, aiding in mental health diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, a range of AI-based interventions has been developed, including chatbots, virtual therapists and apps featuring cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modules. Notably, chatbots, as conversational agents, have emerged as valuable tools, assisting users in monitoring emotions and providing evidence-based resources, well-being support, psychoeducation and adaptive coping strategies.

This study aims to investigate the impact of AI chatbots on improving mental health, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and explore their potential for early detection and intervention in mental health issues.

A literature review was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using keywords ‘artificial intelligence’, ‘chatbot’ and ‘mental health’. The selection focused on the most relevant articles published between January 2021 and September 2023.

Mental health chatbots are highly personalized, with a primary focus on addressing issues such as depression or anxiety within specific clinical population groups. Through the integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and rule-based AI algorithms, these chatbots closely simulate human interactions and effectively instruct users in therapeutic techniques. While chatbots integrating CBT principles have gained widespread use and extensive research attention, some also incorporate alternative therapeutic approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, positive psychology or mindfulness-based stress reduction. AI chatbots provide substantial advantages in terms of accessibility, cost-effectiveness and improved access to mental health support services. Nonetheless, they also exhibit limitations, including the absence of human connection, limited expertise, potential for misdiagnosis, privacy concerns, risk of bias and limitations in risk assessment accuracy.

AI-based chatbots hold the potential to enhance patient outcomes by enabling early detection and intervention in mental health issues. However, their implementation in mental health should be approached with caution. Further studies are essential to thoroughly evaluate their effectiveness and safety.

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