Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA) strokes cause the restriction of blood flow to multiple areas of the brain including the occipital lobe, the thalamus, the inferomedial temporal lobe, the upper part of the brainstem and the midbrain. This results in a panoply of possible symptomatology (including psychiatric manifestations) that increases the difficulty in diagnosis.

We aimed to present and discuss atypical presentations of cerebrovascular disease that often results in misdiagnosis in an emergency context.

A non-systematic review of the topic was conducted, and a case report is presented.

An 86-year-old male patient, previously autonomous and cognitively intact, presents with periods of confusion and incoherent speech, visual hallucinations, incongruity of affect with pathological laughter, insomnia and increased aggressive behaviour, which began suddenly and worsened in the period of a week. The symptoms motivated several recurrences to the emergency department and numerous diagnostic exams performed, including CT scans and an EEG. Neurological examination showed no focal neurological deficits. The patient was admitted to a psychiatric ward for further diagnostics work-up. Due to increasingly altered status of consciousness, an MRI was performed, which found ischemic left occipital lesions compatible with PCA stroke. The patient was afterwards transferred to a neurology ward for continuing medical care.

This case exemplifies how atypical symptoms such as visual hallucinations and changes in behaviour can be the only clues to diagnosing a PCA infarction, particularly in the absence of other focal neurological deficits. PCA strokes most commonly present with homonymous hemianopia, unilateral limb weakness, gait ataxia and vertigo. However, several other studies and case reports have found that this is not always the case and a minutious approach should be preferred in patients with a sudden onset of sensory and perceptual alterations and oscillating state of consciousness and disorientation, especially when discussing elderly people. Often these patients are admitted in psychiatric wards which may hinder the appropriate care they must receive.

None Declared

Capgras and Fregoli syndromes are delusional misidentification syndromes, characterized by a belief in duplicates and replacements. Capgras delusion was first described by Capgras in 1923, reporting a belief that a person (usually a close relative) has been replaced by an exact double (imposter). On the other hand, Fregoli Syndrome was first described by Courbon and Fail in 1927, and holds a delusion that a familiar person is disguised as a strange person. Several explanatory models have been hypothesized, through myths, psychoanalytical and psychological interpretations, as well as neurobiological explanations.

Through six different clinical cases and a narrative review, we aim to revisit the concepts of Capgras and Fregoli syndromes, emphasizing their complexity and heterogenicity.

We conducted a non-systematic review of recent evidence on Capgras and Fregoli syndromes and expose exemplary clinical cases.

Capgras and Fregoli syndromes are complex psychotic experiences involving a great number of brain areas, with many heterogeneous clinical manifestations and comorbidities. Even though they were initially encompassed in pure psychotic disorders, today they are mainly understood as neurological disorders, in which the delusion primarily results from organic brain lesions or degeneration. Nevertheless, we present several distinct clinical cases with psychiatric diagnoses that include these curious phenomena: a 39-year-old man with schizophrenia; a 67-year-old woman with late-onset schizophrenia; a 24-year-old woman with schizoaffective disorder; a 48-year-old woman with first episode of acute and transient psychotic disorder; a 76-year-old woman with psychotic depression; and a 25-year-old woman with psychosis and intellectual development disorder.

Our review highlights the complexity of the delusional misidentification syndromes. We expose different patients with different psychiatric diagnosis, showing the diversity of pathologies in which these syndromes can fit. Although they seem to be very common in non-psychiatric disorders, little is known about the prognosis and response to treatment or whether there are systematic differences between delusional misidentification syndromes associated with “functional” and “organic” disorders, which should encourage further studies in order to address this gap and provide appropriate care.

None Declared

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common and disabling mental disorders. More than 30% of individuals do not achieve remission after several trials of antidepressants and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is associated with premature mortality. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered the gold-standard for TRD treatment,unfortunately it´s underused due to health care barriers and association with adverse cognitive impairment. So, scientists have sought to identify alternative treatments that approach ECT-equivalent efficacy. Trials with Ketamine and more recently with its S-enantiomer (Esketamine) has been made, revealing a rapid and robust antidepressant effect, emerging as an option for TRD treatment.

We we aim to conduct a qualitative review, comparing clinical efficacy, tolerability and acceptability between the use of Esketamine and ECT as a TRD treatment.

We conduct a non-systematic review of recent evidence between the use of Esketamine and ECT as a TRD treatment, using PubMed/Medline database.

To compare clinical efficacy, tolerability and acceptability between the use of Esketamine and ECT as a TRD treatment we analyzed outcomes of interest. First,ECT was superior to Esketamine improving depressive symptoms. Comparing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, most results were not statistically different. About cognition impairment, Esketamine performed better than ECT, particularizing attention, verbal memory, and executive functions; no differences were found for immediate memory or visual memory.About adverse effects Esketamine has less risk of headache and muscle pain, but higher reports of transient, dissociative or depersonalization symptoms, blurred vision, diplopia and nystagmus. An important consideration for clinicians is the comparative tolerability and safety of Esketamine vs ECT; as ECT involves a full dose of anesthesia,it is expected that Esketamine would be better tolerated and safer than ECT. But no study assessed the relative tolerability or acceptability of these different adverse effect profiles.The best strategy for relapse prevention appears to be continuing ECT, continuing pharmacotherapy, or using some combination of both; but Esketamine continuing treatment is effective too.

ECT may be superior to Esketamine for improving depression severity in the acute phase, but long-term outcomes of these treatments are important to be considered. There are just two studies with long-term follow-up after the trial completed:one found no difference in depression severity during the 3-month follow-up, and the other reported that the remission rates were not different between groups by the 12-month follow-up period.Therefore,future research is needed to further optimize long-term treatment outcomes for both Esketamine and ECT to prevent relapse. Until then,treatment options should be individualized and patient-centered.

None Declared

Culture is defined by the shared beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices of a particular group of people which can influence their behaviour and social interactions, including the use of substances.

The aim of this review is to identify the evidence of cultural competence in the treatment of people with substance use disorder (SUD) and encourage the professionals and organizations to take cultural context into account.

Narrative review about the topic, using PubMed/Medline database. MeSH terms: “culture”, “cultural competence”, “addictions”, “substance use disorder”.

Studies show that culture can either be a catalyst for SUD or play a protective role. However, other factors may also play a large role in client’s response substance use and the development of SUD. Acculturation and generational differences can also impact SUD treatment, especially when intergenerational conflict causes stress that leads individuals to engage in risky behaviours. Thus, treatment for SUD has to be sensitive to cultural differences and professionals should provide culturally based approaches. Culturally targeted practices have been linked to greater outcomes, better therapeutic alliance, less dropouts and consequent increased retention in the treatment. These practices include matching clinicians and clients on linguistic and cultural backgrounds as well as being mindful of the impact of culture on client’s experience of SUD. Providing therapy and materials in the client’s language, knowledge, understanding and appreciation for cultural perspectives, involving the family and community and training therapists, are some of culturally competent practices used. These strategies involve knowledge, creativity, and experience.

Cultural competence seems to be a valuable tool for healthcare professionals working in a multicultural context, particularly with people with SUD. Unfortunately, the lack of supporting evidence limits the validity of any particular model of cultural competence. Future methodologically research is necessary in order to provide quality cultural competence models for people with SUD.

None Declared

The cultural meaning of suicide has been gaining attention in mainstream psychiatry literature, as an attempt to comprehend the dynamic relationship between culture and suicidality. Moreover, an understanding of the sociocultural and contextual factors in the aetiology of suicidal behaviour is important to develop culturally appropriate suicide prevention and intervention strategies.

Through the lenses of critical cultural suicidology, we aim to reflect on the relationship between suicide and sociocultural aspects, emphasizing the importance of context, cultural meanings, and the role of culture in suicide research and prevention strategies.

We conducted a qualitative review on the topic using PubMed database. Search terms used: “suicidal behaviour”; “suicidal ideation”; “suicide”; “culture”; “cultural”.

Studies revealed that culture might be significant to understand suicidal behaviour. Therefore, suicidologists have often referred to a cultural meaning of suicide. Several studies argue that qualitative studies that focus on the meanings of suicidal behaviour in different cultural contexts are more relevant for suicide prevention than much of the quantitative risk factor research that is currently being conducted. Scholars conceptualize culture as either a protective factor or a risk factor that shapes an individual’s likelihood of engaging in a suicidal act. To locate culture’s influence on suicidal behaviour is essential to begin with an examination of social interaction. The meanings of suicide from a group of people living in a cultural community might vary along subcultural groups and time. Thus, the meaning of suicide is dynamic rather than static. Such a view acknowledges culture as both occurring outside the person, as well as within the person and between persons. It provides a view of a dynamic relationship between the individual and his or her contextual circumstances in which the individual is not just a passive recipient of cultural influences but also an active meaning-making agent who interacts meaningfully with the environment.

Although the medical view of suicidality is a dominant perspective in suicidology, understanding cultural dynamics in suicidality and the conceptualization of suicide as a culturally guided act, is crucial to better understand suicidal behaviours. Further studies are needed in order to understand this complex and dynamic relationship.

None Declared

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), the most common conversion disorder, are episodic alterations in behaviour that resemble epileptic seizures without its characteristic EEG changes. PNES presumably reflect a physical manifestation of underlying psychological distress and can be as disabling as epilepsy. Standardized treatment approaches for PNES care are lacking.

Our aim is to review the literature for therapeutic interventions in PNES.

A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect(s) of specific intervention(s) in patients with PNES. Search terms were “psychogenic-nonepileptic-seizures” and selection was based on the abstracts of all the studies retrieved. Priority outcome was frequency of PNES.

We identified 8 eligible RCTs. Samples ranged from 19 to 82 patients. Follow-up periods varied from 6 weeks to 18 months. Regarding reduction of PNES frequency, several interventions were effective: motivational interviewing combined with psychotherapy; cognitive behavioural therapy informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip); combination of CBT-ip and sertraline; immediate withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs after PNES diagnosis; a standardized diagnostic approach associated with psychiatric inpatient consultation. Treatment with sertraline alone and brief educational interventions didn’t reduce PNES frequency significantly. Beside PNES rate reduction, most interventions conveyed some type of benefit such as improvement in quality of life, mood or functionality.

The majority of the beneficial interventions included a structured communicational approach and/or psychotherapeutic treatment. Our analysis highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary strategy that includes psychotherapy. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed to robustly inform evidence-based treatment for PNES.

No significant relationships.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder associated with suffering and disability. The serotoninergic system is implicated in the neurobiological processes of OCD and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line treatment. However, clinical improvement after starting SRIs can take long and patients may not fully recover. Meanwhile, recent data suggests that activation of 5-HT receptors may exert a therapeutic action in obsessional symptoms. Some psychedelics are strong 5-HT2 receptor agonists and there is a growing research interest as they can be a promising therapeutic approach to OCD.

We aim to provide an overview on the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of serotoninergic psychoactive substances in the treatment of OCD.

Non-systematic review. Literature search in the PubMed database using the terms psychedelics and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Although research is currently limited to a few small studies, the ones conducted so far showed clinically meaningful acute reduction of OCD symptoms after treatment with serotoninergic psychoactive drugs, as well as possible longer-lasting benefits, particularly with psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Furthermore, substance-assisted psychotherapy with psychedelics has been showing promising results, being suitable for OCD treatment. It is important to add that, to date, studies have indicated relatively good tolerability to these drugs.

These promising early findings highlight the role of psychedelics in OCD treatment and the need for further research into efficacy, therapeutic mechanisms and safety, in order to determine whether these drugs may be worthy options for OCD treatment in the future.

No significant relationships.

Agitated behaviors is a common neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) in dementia, defined as inappropriate verbal, vocal, or motor activity that is not thought to be caused by an unmet need. It is frequently reported as a major problem, that impairs the quality of life for the elderly themselves and for caregivers. There has been increasing interest in the use of sedative antidepressants to treat NPS due to concerns over the safety and efficacy of antipsychotics in this setting.

We aim to review clinical evidence of alternatives to antipsychoticst to manage agitation in dementia.

We conduct a non-systematic review of recent evidence on dementia and agitation, using PubMed/Medline database.

Although non-pharmacological interventions are the first-line treatment for agitation, it is a legitimate target for therapeutic intervention and according to previous guidelines, antipsychotic are among the most used drugs, albeit restricted because of side-effects. A substitution strategy to avoid antipsychotic prescription was highly considered, however there is limited evidence to support the use of antidepressants as a safe and effective alternative for agitation in dementia. Studies compare Mirtazapine, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Trazodone and a reduced benefit in mortality is observed. However, citalopram was more effective were more likely outpatients for moderately agitation and Mirtazapine reveals being potentially harmful, in different studies.

Moving forward, a greater understanding of NPS neurobiology, will help to clarify the efficacy of Antedepressants for the treatment of agitation in dementia. Benefits an also the patient and caregiver preference should be kept in mind.

No significant relationships.

Delusional disorder (DD) is a psychotic disorder with an estimated prevalence of less than one percent,traditionally characterized by systematized delusional ideas with no cognitive deterioration.However, some studies have been reporting impairment of neurocognitive system (social cognition,learning and memory, expressive language,complex attention, executive function) that might have an impact functionality both in social and work domains..

This work aims to review clinical evidence on self-perceived functional impairment or disability in DD and to present two clinical cases evaluated at a psychiatric unit.

We report two clinical cases based on patients’ history and clinical data, and reviewed clinical records using PubMed® database with search terms of “Delusional Disorder”,“Cognition Impairment in Persistent DD”.

We present two clinical cases of patients who were admitted to psychiatric unit after developing psychotic symptoms namely persecutory delusions about neighbors.A persistent delusional disorder was established and antipsychotic treatment was initiated.The 74-years-old men presented deficits in executive and memory processes; ended up institutionalized after two months of being discharged.The 47-years-old woman, despite remaining as a lawyer, noticed a decrease in work capacity and so she ended up being responsible for less demanding cases.Cases of delusional disorder showed a poor performance in most cognitive tests and some of the cognitive deficits seem to affect functionality namely memory, expressive language and attention.

Although classical literature has not systematized an association between DD and personality deterioration,there are some evidences of loss of functionality and cognitive commitment in this disorder.This suggests the importance of cognitive interventions to improve functional prognosis in this clinical population.

No significant relationships.

Sexuality is one of the basic needs in human life and its positive effects for the wellbeing are undeniable. People with dementia, despite cognition and functioning impairments, still pursue intimacy as part of their expression of basic human instincts.

We aim to address the subject of sexuality among patients with dementia, emphasizing the physiological, environmental and legal barriers.

We conduct a non-systematic review of recent evidence on dementia and sexuality, using PubMed/Medline database.

People with dementia face several difficulties expressing their sexuality. First, they struggle with physiological barriers to enjoyment of sexuality, such as ageism, apathy and limited free mobility. Secondly, either at home or in long-term care facilities, privacy is usually abolished. For care facilities, the Sexuality Assessment Tool supports the normalization of sexuality and self-audit policies that promote resident rights for privacy and assistance. Moreover, expression of sexuality in elderly can be misinterpreted as disinhibition, leading to unnecessary use of psychotropics to cease these behaviors. Additionally, legal barriers regarding consent arise when a partner loses the ability to consent sexual activity, questioning agreement and mutual desire. The Lichtenberg and Strzepek Decision Tree for Capacity to Participate in Intimate Relationships can be helpful to address this issue.

Sexuality in older people remains neglected in clinical intervention. Besides the urgent need to deconstruct stereotypes, families and staff must be sensitized to understand the changes in expression and perception of sexuality among people with dementia, rather than being indifferent or medicate what can be perceived as disinhibited/distorted expressions of normal needs.

No significant relationships.

Mental health problems (MHP) are common among elite athletes (EA) and have received increased attention recently, revealing the need to assess them properly. Although EA are increasingly speaking out on their own MHP in public, research-informed approaches for practitioners are still lacking.

We aim to perform an overview of the MPH among EA, emphasizing the potential risk factors and interventions.

We conduct a non-systematic review of the recent evidence on the topic using PubMed/Medline database.

Although EA have comparable prevalence rates of MHP to the general population, they are exposed to various sports-related stressors. Studies reveal that 50% of EA face MHP during their career, with onset peak around 19 years. Therefore, there is a need for early detection and intervention. Burnout, alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression, insomnia and eating disorders are some MHP reported. Their management should address psychosocial and environmental aspects. Psychoeducation and psychotherapy are considered the first line treatment. Moreover, EA may encounter barriers to seeking mental healthcare. Therefore, it is important to promote positive attitudes about MHP, create an environment that supports mental well-being, resilience, psychological flexibility, self-compassion and coping skills. Screening tools may facilitate the process, so there is a need for validated athlete-specific questionnaires for MHP screening and measuring.

Mental health is an integral dimension of EA wellbeing and performance and should be assessed. Specific programs to support EA mental health are recommended and research targeting common MHP for athletes are needed to better understand how to minimize their distress.

No significant relationships.

Since the first outbreak, the Covid-19 pandemic has had and still has several implications worldwide, particularly in severe mentally ill patients, leading to multiple challenges in their management.

We aim to assess the impact and implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) and the treatment recommendations available.

We conduct an integrative review using PubMed database. Search terms included: “psychosis” AND “COVID-19 pandemic”, “schizophrenia and COVID-19”, “severe mental illness” AND “COVID-19”. The search period was between 1st January 2020 and 31th July 2021.

Studies postulated that people with SSD are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection with a poorer medical and social outcome which is attributed to factors such as higher rates of disadvantageous lifestyle behaviours, medical comorbidities, antipsychotic medication metabolic effects, psychosocial adversities, smaller social networks and poor engagement with general health services. The Covid-19 pandemic also demanded adjustments in treatment guidelines and monitoring, particularly in patients with SSD on Clozapine. Many studies address the importance of psychiatric care and treatment during the pandemic. They emphasize rapid implementation of measures to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission and maintain continuity care and research. An individualized and flexible approach is needed to promote safety of SSD patients.

Particular attention is required by clinicians to help SSD patients face the current pandemic situation. Future epidemiological studies are needed in order to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this population and provide proper care.

No significant relationships.

Dissociative seizures (DS) are classified as dissociative convulsions within the group of dissociative disorders. Although they share many features with epileptic seizures (ES), they are not a consequence of abnormal brain discharges and may be related to psychogenic causes. DS represent a common diagnostic and are often confounded with ES.

The aim of this study is to review the current evidence about the differential diagnosis between DS and ES.

We conducted a non-sytematic review on the topic, using Pubmed/Medline database.

Studies emphasize a correct diagnosis before treatment of seizures. DS and ES respond differently to anticonvulsant medication and early or incorrect prescription of can even exacerbate DS. Clinical features and a neuropsychiatric history can also help. The presence of a dissociative “stigmata”, such as unexplained sensory loss, may support a non-epileptic diagnosis. EEG videorecording method is the gold standard diagnosis for DS, however often displays rhythmic movement artifacts that may resemble seizure activity and confound the interpretation. The absence of ictal EEG discharges characteristic of epilepsy is a sign of DS. However, this may not be true for some partial ES, particularly those from temporal lobes, whom also tend to report shorter duration of seizures, whereas patients with DPD often describe experiences lasting for hours or longer.

Distinguish DS from ES can be challenging. However, there are features that can help in the differential diagnosis. A correct diagnosis is essential for an adequate therapeutic approach, better prognosis, reduction of medical costs and also a referral to the right medical specialty.

No significant relationships.

Valproic Acid (VPA) is one of the most commonly used mood stabilizer drugs. Although uncommon, serious adverse effects have been reported. One particularly relevant side effect is the induced encephalopathy, usually secondary to Hyperammonemia. However, some descriptions have shown an altered mental state with normal serum levels of ammonia.

We aim to present a case of VPA induced-encephalopathy without hyperammonemia and emphasize its suspicion when patients taking VPA present altered mental states.

We present a clinical case of VPA induced-encephalopathy without Hyperammonemia and a qualitative review of this topic using the Pubmed database.

A 66-year-old woman, with an history of Major Depressive Disorder, previously medicated with Venlafaxine 75mg/day and Mirtazapine 30mg/day, was admitted in our acute psychiatric inpatient unit due to a first manic episode. During the stay, her antidepressants were interrupted, and she was started on VPA, then optimized to 750mg/day. After that, she presented an altered mental state with confusion and prostration. Analytical results were normal including normal ammonia levels and no imagiological abnormalities. Despite these results, we decided to stop VPA empirically. The patient clinical status resolved the day after.

Studies have shown that only a few patients have developed encephalopathy with normal serum levels of ammonia. Although the pathogenesis behind this remains unknown, a few mechanisms have been proposed. Therefore, it is important to remind that even without abnormal analytical status, VPA is a possible cause of encephalopathy. We also emphasize the need for further studies on the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.

No significant relationships.

Mood destabilization and induced manic episodes are well-known phenomenon under antidepressant medications. However, even with a cautious introduction of antidepressants, it’s important to be aware of possible pharmacological interactions. Terbinafine is a known inhibitor of CYP2D6, a major hepatic metabolizer of a full list of antidepressant medications, and so capable of raising their serum levels and potentiating their side effects.

With this case report we aim to emphasize the importance of cautious usage of Terbinafine when combined with antidepressant medications.

We present a clinical case of an induced first manic episode after the introduction of Terbinafine in a patient under antidepressant medication and a qualitative review on the topic, using PubMed database.

A 66-year-old woman, with an history of Major Depressive Disorder, previously medicated with Venlafaxine 75mg/day and Mirtazapine 30mg/day, was brought to the emergency department because of psychomotor agitation. She also had an history of seasonal fluctuating mood, although never fulfilling the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. At admission, her clinical status was compatible with a manic episode. This episode followed two months after the initiation of Terbinafine for onychomycosis.

There are few studies that have shown antidepressant toxicity mediated by an interaction with Terbinafine. As far as we know this is the first case of induced mania after the introduction of Terbinafine. Therefore, it is important to remind that Terbinafine is a potential interacting agent when combined with psychotropic medications.

Intellectually disabled people are vulnerable to somatic and mental illnesses, often presenting behaviour changes. Moreover, difficulties in describing symptoms can limit their access to healthcare system and adequate treatment.

Through a case report, we aim to provide an overview on behaviour changes in people with intellectual disability (ID), emphasizing the screening for organic conditions.

Description of a clinical case and a qualitative review about the assessment of behaviour changes in persons with ID, using PubMed database.

We present a clinical case of a 57-year-old man with history of ID, alcohol and tobacco abuse and Epilepsy. He had previous acute psychiatric admissions due to behaviour disorganization and irritability. In January he was admitted with disorganized behaviour and caregiver exhaustion, and stabilized with Olanzapine 20mg/day. On the 28th day of hospitalization, he fell of his of bed and suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. Cerebral CT scan revealed two metastatic lesions in the brain. Further investigations found out primary neoplastic lung lesion and multiple metastasis. Afterwards, his relatives mentioned a heavy familiar history of cancer and that he had postural instability signs that they did not value.

Although psychiatric disorders are common in patients with ID, we must always remind that behaviour changes can mask the presentation of an organic disease. Despite a long follow-up in Psychiatry, organic conditions should be considered when patients with ID present behaviour changes. Further studies are needed in the assessment of this particular population to provide proper medical, psychological and social care.