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The differential diagnosis between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) heavily relies on clinical observation. However, the two disorders often show similar symptomatologic profiles, leading to high misdiagnosis rates. Reliable biomarkers are therefore crucial to accurately discriminate between MDD and BD and provide better treatments. In this regard, Machine Learning (ML) could represent a turning point in the field precision psychiatry, given its capability of making single-subject level predictions.
Objectives
In the present work, we aimed at providing a biomarker-based differential diagnosis between MDD and BD. To that end, we implemented: i) a structural MRI-based ML model; ii) a combined ML model, trained on MRI data and Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) for different psychiatric disorders.
Methods
168 depressed patients (73 MDD, 95 BD) were recruited at the IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute. All patients underwent T1-weighted and Diffusion Tensor Imaging scans. Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) measures were extracted with Computational Anatomy Toolbox 12 (CAT12). Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Axial Diffusivity (AD), Mean Diffusivity (MD), and Radial Diffusivity (RD) were extracted with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS). PRS for MDD, BD, Schizophrenia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa and Autism were computed for a subsample of 155 patients (67 MDD; 88 BD) through Infinium PsychArray 24 BeadChip. We trained a Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) algorithm with voxel-wise VBM and DTI features, subsequently combining them with the extracted PRS.
Results
The neuroimaging model achieved a Balanced Accuracy (BA) of 71.65% and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.77 (85.44% sensitivity, 57.86% specificity). All the features contributed to the prediction, with AD (63%) and MD (26%) as the most predictive. Adding PRS to neuroimaging resulted in an improved performance, reaching 74.18% BA and 0.77 AUC (90.97% sensitivity, 57.38% specificity). The most predictive features of the neuroimaging-PRS model were MD (56%) and AD (27%).
Conclusions
Structural MRI discriminated between MDD and BD, and adding PRS to neuroimaging features improved the performance of the ML model. These results highlight the predictive power of structural neuroimaging for the differential diagnosis between MDD and BD, as well as prompting multimodal classifiers as a promising tool in the context of precision psychiatry.
As a complementary or stand-alone treatment, sport and exercise therapy (SET) can have a therapeutic effect on the symptoms of mental illness as well as having a therapeutic or preventive effect on physical comorbidities. Therefore, treatment guidelines recommend the integration of exercise therapy as a complementary approach in a multimodal treatment. In a clinical inpatient setting SET are supervised by specialised professionals and conducted in an individual or group setting. Low level of participation in SET during treatment points to the need for research into influencing factors. One study suggests, that SET during mental health treatment increases the likelihood of meeting the physical activity recommendations.
Objectives
The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which SET can increase patients’ levels of physical activity during inpatient treatment and, in particular, promote a physically active lifestyle after inpatient treatment, thereby supporting long-term stabilisation. In order to gain further insight into the factors that influence participation in SET during treatment, this study analyses both intrapersonal and interindividual factors.
Methods
Patients (age ≥ 18 years, all genders) in partial- or full-time inpatient treatment at a psychotherapeutic and psychosomatic specialist clinic in Lower Saxony, Germany are examined by online self-report questionnaire. It’s a longitudinal study design with 3 time points (start of treatment, end of treatment, 12 weeks after the end of treatment). Patients participate in SET as part of their treatment. Physical activity in minutes per week and the therapeutic alliance between exercise therapists and patients are measured. In addition, self-efficacy expectations, sport- and exercise-related self-concordance and the subjectively perceived effectiveness of SET are assessed as further factors influencing physical activity.
Results
The results of the inferential-static data analysis will be reported.
Conclusions
Based on the results, possible implications for the focus of SET and the role of exercise therapists are discussed. Conclusions based on motivational aspects of maintaining a physically active lifestyle after the end of treatment are considered.
A resilience-based approach should be more integrated in order to get a greater understanding of the psychopathological patterns and derive prevention or intervention implications from this (Kalisch et al. Nat Hum Behav 2019; 1(11) 784-790). In subthreshold psychopathology, so far there is a growing body of research focusing on potential risk and protective factors while most of these studies are following an isolated focus on either of those factors. Or are using statistical methods that are not often considered the dynamic interplay of those variables (Pereira-Morales et al. J Ment Health 2019; 28(2) 153-160; Schäfer et al. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13(1) 328). Scruitinizing the dynamic patterns enables the network approach. Mental disorders can be conceived as a complex network, involving a dynamic interplay between symptoms and protective factors (Boorsboom et al. Nat Rev Methods Primers 2021; 1:58).
Objectives
This study investigates the role of risk and protective factors in relation to subthreshold psychosis like-experience symptoms (schizotypy, mistrust and anomalous perceptual experience) in a network structure.
Methods
This cross-sectional analysis of the prospective longitudinal ZInEP Epidemiology Survey included n = 632 participants (general population), aged 20-41 years. Dynamic relationships between potential risk factors (child hood trauma, maladaptive coping, self-stigma, perceived stress, chronic stress), potntial protective factors (adaptive coping, self-efficacy, optimism, self-confidence, self-control, spirituality) and psychopathology (schizotypy, mistrust, anomalous perceptual experience) are investigated using network analysis at baseline.
Results
• negative association of schizotypy with optimism and self-control
• negative association between mistrust and self-control
• positive association of schizotypy with perceived and chronic stress, maladaptive coping and childhood trauma
• perceived stress highly negatively assiociated with optimism and self-efficacy
• maladaptive coping as a bridge from potential protective factors to perceived and chronic stress and schizotypy
Image 1:
Image 2:
Conclusions
• optimism and self-control as protective factors for schizotypy and mistrust
• perceived and chronic stress, maladaptive coping and childhood trauma as risk factors associated with all psychopathological symptoms
• protective factors might have more an indirect impact over risk factors on symptoms
• interventions for optimism and self-control might reduce stress
Pharmacogenomic testing is a cutting-edge precision medicine tool that analyzes genetic variations influencing drug metabolism. By assessing an individual’s unique genetic profile, this testing enables the personalization of treatment strategies, improving therapeutic outcomes, and enhancing patient care. Integrating pharmacogenomic testing into clinical practice holds great promise for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health care delivery. In this case, a 17-year-old patient presented with a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder showed no response to treatment with sertraline (250mg). Sertraline is metabolized into N-desmethylsertraline through multiple pathways, including CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and other CYP enzymes, with pharmacokinetic studies identifying CYP2C19 as the primary metabolic pathway.
Objectives
The patient had a poor response to pharmacological treatments previosly used, our aim was to determine the possible involvement of patient specific responses to treatments based on his pharmacogenetic proffile.
Methods
A blood sample was submitted for pharmacogenetic testing. This analysis includes genes involved in the metabolism of sertraline (CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and, to a lesser extent, CYP2B6 and CYP2D6) as well as other pharmacogenes associated with the metabolism and response to psychiatric medications, including HTR2A, OPRM1, COMT, and DRD2.
Results
Gene | Genotype | Inferred Phenotype
-CYP2C19 | *1/*1 | Normal Metabolizer
-CYP2B6 | *1/*1 | Normal Metabolizer
-CYP2D6 | *3/*4 | Poor Metabolizer
-CYP3A4 | *1/*1 | Normal Metabolizer
-OPRM1 | AA | Normal Genotype
-HTR2A (rs7997012 A>G) | GG | Normal Genotype
-HTR2A (rs6311 G>A) | GA | Heterozygous
-DRD2A (rs1799732 G>-) | GG | Normal Genotype
-DRD2A (rs1799978 A>G) | TT | Normal Genotype
Conclusions
The patient did not exhibit clinically significant alterations in the metabolism of sertraline (CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and CYP2B6). However, the lack of response to treatment should be further investigated, factors such as potential drug interactions, and other variables including age, renal function, and liver function should be considered. In contrast, the patient has notable alterations in CYP2D6 and HTR2A, which could be important for guiding future treatment decisions. Variants in HTR2A can significantly influence a patient’s response to antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), specific polymorphisms in HTR2A, such as rs7997012 and rs6311 have been associated with differences in treatment outcomes, side effects, and remission rates. Has a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer, this patient may be at risk for higher drug levels and increased side effects when taking medications such as venlafaxine, fluoxetine, paroxetine (SSRIs), haloperidol, and risperidone.
Earlier age at menarche has been associated with an increased risk of affective disorders, but also a later onset of schizophrenia in women, indicating a complex relationship between hormonal changes and mental health. This interplay highlights the importance of understanding how pubertal timing and estrogen exposure can influence both mood disorders and psychotic conditions throughout a person’s life.
Objectives
Our study aimed to explore the relationship between age at menarche and severity of clinical presentation of patients pertaining to mood-psychosis continuum.
Methods
The study group consisted of a total of 109 female patients, 71 diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 38 diagnosed with schizophrenia. The dimensional assessment of psychosis and affective symptoms was done using the Schizo-Bipolar Scale (SBS), together with the severity of the symptom domains measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).
Results
Age at menarche significantly correlated to score on SBS scale (r= 0.257,p=0.028), after controlling for confounders (age and body mass index). Other clinical characteristics or psychometric properties were not related to age at menarche in the group of BD and SCH patients perceived as a unified group, possibly pertaining to one continuum.
Conclusions
Pubertal timing may play a role in the severity of symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific pathways linking age at menarche to symptom severity and to explore the potential implications for early intervention and treatment strategies targeting the interplay between hormonal factors and mental health outcomes in individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming psychiatric training and education by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving therapeutic decision-making, and personalizing learning experiences for trainees. AI-driven simulations, virtual patients, and natural language processing (NLP)-based assessments allow for more effective skill development in psychiatric diagnosis and psychotherapy. Machine learning models provide evidence-based guidance, reinforcing clinical reasoning and treatment strategies. Ethical considerations, including patient confidentiality and bias mitigation, remain central to AI implementation in training. This session explores the latest advancements in AI-driven psychiatric education, discussing practical applications, challenges, and future directions for integrating AI into clinical training programs.
Keywords
AI, psychiatry, education, machine learning, clinical training
References
1. Ahmed, M., & Rush, A. J. (2023). Artificial intelligence in psychiatry: Current applications and future directions. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 157, 106-121.
2. Ryu, S., & Kim, H. (2022). AI-based learning tools for medical education: A systematic review. Medical Teacher, 44(5), 512-520.
3. Luxton, D. D. (2021). Ethical implications of AI in mental health care. Journal of Ethics in Mental Health, 12, 1-14.
The management of elderly patients receiving polypharmacy presents significant clinical challenges due to age-related physiological changes, the prevalence of chronic conditions, and the potential for drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Blood level assessments of medications provide a critical tool for optimizing pharmacotherapy in this population. Here we present the benefits of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and pharmacokinetic assessments in the personalized management of elderly patients with polypharmacy. Regular monitoring of blood drug concentrations can identify drug-drug interactions, related toxicity risks, and adherence issues, thereby informing dosage adjustments to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Disclosure of Interest
G. Schoretsanitis Consultant of: Dexcel, Saladax, HLS Therapeutics, Speakers bureau of: Saladax, HLS Therapeutics, Lundbeck, Thermo Fisher.
Migrant people may constitute a vulnerable population with an increased risk of suicide-related behaviour due to the accumulation of multiple risk factors, such as migration-related stress, the history of traumatic experiences and socioeconomic situation in the country of immigration.
Objectives
To study the prevalence of suicide attempts from migrant population in hospital emergency departments. Moreover, it aimed to study suicide-related outcomes, according to migration status.
Methods
Data from 754 patients (73.1% female; m= 40.23, sd= 15.72) with a recent suicide attempt from 10 Spanish hospitals were included. Assessment protocols were delivered within the 15 days after the index attempt. Suicide-related outcomes, clinical and sociodemographic factors were assessed by administering a wide range of clinical tools (C-SSRS, MINI, BIS-21, BSI, ACSS-FAD, CTQ).
Results
One in four patients was foreign-born, mostly being from Latin American countries (74% of foreign-born patients). Foreign-born patients were younger, higher psychopathology symptom severity, child trauma scores (Figure 1), than their counterparts (p < .01). Higher proportion of employed people and lower amount of people receiving pension benefits, were found in the foreign-born group. No between-group differences were observed regarding suicide-related outcomes. Finally index attempt in foreign-born group was featured by using more lethal methods (p < .05) (Figure 2).
Image 1:
Image 2:
Conclusions
Significant proportion of attempts attended in clinical settings may come from migrant people, mainly featured by child trauma history. Attempts from migrant populations may be featured by more lethal methods. Health care provision adjustment becomes mandatory to meet migrant people needs in current times.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as restrictive and repetitive stereotyped behaviors, with considerable variation in cognitive and adaptive functioning. Accordingly, behavioral symptoms observed in daily life are likely to vary across individuals.
Objectives
The present study aimed to explore the heterogeneity in intellectual abilities and behavioral issues among individuals with ASD using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). This study was conducted between 2020 and 2021, with approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of SNUH.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 66 children (ages 6-18) diagnosed with ASD. The following psychometric instruments were used: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), Child Behavior Checklist 6-18 (CBCL 6-18), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS).
Results
As the 3-profile solution returned a significant BLRT value and model entropy was estimated to be 0.93, the LPA of the WISC-IV indices and ADOS-2 comparison scores revealed three profiles that were clinically meaningful and balanced in group sizes: Profile 1 (“Higher ASD score with intellectual disability”; ADOS = 6.25, VCI = 55.16, PRI = 52.34, WMI = 53.47, PSI = 50.31), Profile 2 (“Higher ASD score with borderline intelligence”; ADOS = 5.76, VCI = 78.59, PRI = 80.65, WMI = 80.82, PSI = 67.12), and Profile 3 (“Lower ASD score with above-average intelligence”; ADOS = 4.41, VCI = 105.53, PRI = 108.41, WMI = 106.35, PSI = 89.41). On the SRS subscales, Profile 3 showed significantly lower scores in Social Cognition, Social Communication, and Social Motivation compared to Profile 1 (F(2, 63) = 10.45, p <.001; F(2, 63) = 5.24, p < .01; F(2, 63) = 8.75, p < .001). Additionally, on the CBCL syndrome subscales, Profile 3 showed significantly lower problem behaviors in Withdrawal/Depression, Social Immaturity, and Attention Problems (F(2, 63) = 4.57, p <.05; F(2, 63) = 5.07, p < .01; F(2, 63) = 4.19, p < .01).
Conclusions
In the present study, Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) using IQ and ADOS scores identified three distinct profiles within children with ASD. The findings suggest that while high-functioning ASD has traditionally been defined by an IQ threshold of 70–75, further distinction between borderline and above-average intelligence ASD groups may be warranted. Furthermore, targeted interventions addressing negative emotions, such as depression, may be indicated for the ASD group with intellectual disability.
Disclosure of Interest
Y. K. Lim Financial Support for Research from:, Financial Support for Research from: This research was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Korean Government (MSIT) (RS-2024-00397737), and co-funded by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency(NIPA), an agency under the MSIT and with the support of the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency (DIP), the organization under the Daegu Metropolitan Government., E. Chung: None Declared, B. N. Kim: None Declared
Schizophrenia is a severe mental condition marked by a progressive onset of symptoms. Early evaluation and proper management are necessary for improving long-term outcomes and reducing the disorder’s severity. Early detection of prodromal symptoms and the prompt initiation of treatment can substantially influence the evolution of the condition, resulting in improved prognoses and a better quality of life.
Objectives
The paper examines methods for recognizing early indicators of schizophrenia and evaluates the effects of early intervention. The emphasis encompasses comprehending the prevalent prodromal symptoms linked to schizophrenia, assessing diverse early detection techniques, and analysing the advantages of prompt intervention on long-term results.
Methods
A comprehensive examination of existing literature and clinical investigations was performed to identify and delineate prevalent prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia, including social disengagement, cognitive impairments, and atypical thought processes. The assessment examined various early detection instruments, encompassing structured clinician interviews, self-report questionnaires, and neuroimaging methodologies. Furthermore, data from longitudinal studies was examined to ascertain how early intervention may impact the disorder’s course and enhance patient outcomes.
Results
The review realized multiple significant prodromal signs, including social isolation and cognitive impairments. Multiple early detection instruments, including structured interviews and neuroimaging, proved helpful in identifying persons at elevated risk for developing schizophrenia. Timely intervention measures, integrating pharmacological therapies and psychosocial assistance, correlated with a substantial decrease in symptom severity and improved long-term results.
Conclusions
The management of schizophrenia necessitates early identification and intervention. The severity of the disorder and the prognosis can be significantly reduced by recognizing prodromal symptoms and administering effective treatment. In order to enhance recovery and mitigate the effects of schizophrenia on individuals and their families, clinicians should prioritize early detection and early treatment.
There is a growing evidence that a presence of mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in geriatric patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases the risk of Alzheimer disease. However, neurobiological patterns underling such additional risk remains unclear.
Objectives
We aimed to investigate structural cortical patterns in MCI patients that differentiate converters from non-converters to Alzheimer disease (AD) and to explore correlations of such patterns with mild behavioral impairment.
Methods
Thirty five right-handed geriatric patients with amnestic type of MCI (aMCI) were followed up during the period of 11.3±6.9 months and divided into converters to AD (n=11, mean age 74.6±7.5, 10 females) and non-converters (n=24, mean age 72.6±8.1, 18 females). Patients and matched healthy controls (n=17, mean age 72.3±7.2 years, 14 females) underwent structural 3T MRI at baseline. MRI images were processed via FreeSurfer 6.0 to quantify gray matter thickness for 68 cortical areas according to Desikan atlas. Cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, and the severity of mild behavioral impairment was assessed using the MBI-C (Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist) at baseline.
Results
Cortical thickness in the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL) and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were decreased in converters compared to both non-converters (IPL: F(1,30)=12.8, p=0.0012, Cohen’s d=−1.30; MTG: F(1,30)=12.8, p=0.0012; Cohen’s d=−1.30) and healthy controls (IPL: F(1,24)=11.4, p=0.0025, Cohen’s d=−1.33; MTG: F(1,24)=8.3, p=0.008; Cohen’s d=−1.15) (Image 1A,B).
Converters also showed larger baseline MBI-C scores compared to non-converters (13.8±12.0 vs 7.8±6.6; GML t=2.1, p=0.045) and no difference in baseline MoCA (21.8±4.0 vs 23.2±2.8; GML t=−1.4, p=0.19).
Baseline MBI-C scores in the whole aMCI group correlated negatively with cortical thickness both in the left IPL (R=−0.53, p=0.0011) and left MTG (R=−0.48, p=0.004) (Image 1C). No correlations between MoCA scores and cortical thickness were observed.
Image 1. A: Clusters of decreased cortical thickness according to atlas of Desikan et al. (2006) in converters compared to non-converters and healthy controls. B: Box-plots of cortical thickness in the left inferior parietal lobe and left middle temporal gyrus. C: Scatter plots of MBI-C scores and gray matter thickness in the left inferior parietal lobe and left middle temporal gyrus in the whole aMCI group (n = 35).
Image 1:
Conclusions
The findings suggest that the decreased baseline cortical thickness in the left inferior parietal lobe and middle temporal gyrus with associated greater severity of mild behavioral impairment could be potential marker of increased risk of conversion to AD in aMCI patients.
Screening children for the potential development of psychosis is challenging, resulting in a suboptimal healthcare transition from pediatrics to psychiatry.
Objectives
In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of the Child Psychosis-Risk Screening System (CPSS) for schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) by observing the outcomes of pediatric and psychiatric outpatients.
Methods
A total of 478 outpatients aged 6–18 years visiting the pediatric and psychiatric departments of university and community hospitals were enrolled in this study. Assessments included the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and clinical data (sex, age, birth month, chief complaint, diagnosis, abuse, bullying, and withdrawal). The CPSS calculated the risk of developing SSD using eight CBCL subscale scores. The presence of SSD was confirmed after one year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the accuracy of the CPSS in predicting SSD onset. Light-gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) learning algorithm was used to calculate the importance of each clinical data point for SSD onset prediction.
Results
ROC analysis demonstrated that CPSS showed adequate predictive power for determining SSD onset (area under the curve = 0.902, 95% confidence interval: 0.866–0.939). LightGBM revealed that the importance of the CPSS risk% in predicting SSD onset exceeded other variables, including the CBCL Thought Problems subscale.
Conclusions
The CPSS demonstrated adequate predictive power for SSD development and may serve as an objective adjunctive diagnostic method to screen children at risk for SSD who require early psychiatric referral. As a simple screening system utilizing common clinical practice CBCL data, we advocate CPSS implementation in pediatric-to-psychiatric healthcare.
Menopause causes physiological, cognitive, and psychological changes in women and negatively affects women’s quality of life.
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the effects of cognitive behavioral approach-based intervention on the cognitive situation, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and stress levels experienced by women after menopause with mixed-method research.
Methods
The research was carried out between March 2022 and August 2023 as a mixed-method research consisting of three phases (quantitative, qualitative, and intervention). Eighty women (experiment=27, control=53) attended in the quantitative phase. Quantitative data were collected before & after intervention by The Sociodemographic Data Form, The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test, The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale, and The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. In the intervention phase, a six-session, cognitive behavioral approach-based nursing intervention was conducted with five groups using online Zoom. Hermeneutic phenomenology design was used in the qualitative phase. Qualitative data were collected online, via Zoom platform, and through three focus group interviews. Qualitative data were evaluated by the Thematic Analysis method. In the analysis of quantitative data, descriptive statistics, Independent Samples Groups t-test, Mann-Whitney U Test, and Wilcoxon Test were used.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, age, age of onset of menstruation, and menopause. Post-intervention cognitive scores (Z=-3.936, p=0.001) and psychosocial quality of life scores (Z=-2.771, p=0.006) of women who were in the intervention were higher than their pretest scores. There was no statistically significant difference in the post-intervention mean scores between groups in terms of other variables (p>0.05). The themes were loss, stigma, loneliness, not being understood, aging, loss of health, sexuality, acceptance, self-awareness, and coping ability. Women’s perceptions of menopause changed mostly functionally after the intervention study.
Conclusions
The research findings showed that Cognitive Behavioral Intervention had some curative effects on women’s cognitive changes and psychosocial changes they experienced during menopause. Nurses working with menopausal women can use Cognitive Behavioral approaches to manage the changes brought about by menopause effectively.
Postnatal anxiety (PNA) in recent years, has become increasingly recognized as an important issue, as it affects a substantial number of women. Data from non-perinatal populations indicate that insomnia has a bidirectional association with anxiety.
Objectives
Here we aimed to explore the association between insomnia in third trimester and PNA.
Methods
We analyzed data from the hospital’s birth records and questionnaire responses from pregnancy week 32 and postnatal week 4 (n=225). Postnatal anxiety symptoms were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Anxiety disorder measurements were based on questions from the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Insomnia was measured using the Insomnia Severity Index.
Results
Among postnatal women, 8.7 % reported symptoms of at least one anxiety disorder. The observed prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder after delivery was 3.7%, and for social anxiety disorder 2%. Multiple regression analysis, with adjustment for several psychosocial and reproductive variables, indicated that insomnia in third trimester was significantly associated with postpartum anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that anxiety disorders are prevalent in postnatal period. Healthcare professionals should be aware that women with insomnia in third trimester may have an increased risk of postnatal anxiety disorders.
In 1760, Charles Bonnet, a Genoese naturalist and philosopher, described the case of his grandfather, who experienced vivid, elaborate, and recurrent visual hallucinations and who also suffered from visual impairment. Bonnet himself later developed visual impairment and experienced similar symptoms. Since then, there have been multiple reports and cases in the European literature regarding this syndrome.
Objectives
Auditory Charles-Bonnet syndrome describes a rare condition presenting with sensorineural hearing loss, which can result in auditory-musical hallucinations in the absence of an acoustic stimulus. It has been reported in patients with diseases such as psychiatric disorders and organic brain diseases. However, the most common are idiopathic musical hallucinations that occur along with deafness in elderly people. Musical hallucinations that accompany hearing loss may reflect impaired brain function.
Methods
We present the case of a 84-year-old woman with a long-standing history of depression, who also presents mild bilateral pantonal sensorineural hearing loss with associated subjective tinnitus, without other associated somatic and/or psychiatric symptoms. In addition, a CT study of the head was performed which revealed severe fronto-temporal cortical atrophy.
Results
The treatment remains the subject of extensive research. Some authors have reported that hearing aids, antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics can alleviate musical hallucination, which in the case of our patient was eradicated, so the contribution of this case could enrich the current bibliography.
Conclusions
This is unfrecuently presentation of Charles Bonnet symdrom.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using virtual reality technologies for social skills training in individuals with ASD. Virtual reality offers the opportunity to create immersive and interactive virtual environments where participants can practice and enhance their social skills in a safe and controlled setting.
Objectives
To analyze the quality of using virtual reality as a treatment method for patients with autism spectrum disorder to improve their social skills.
Methods
Through a descriptive systematic review, studies in Spanish and English from the years 2021 to 2024 were analyzed, selected from the databases PubMed, Scielo, and Lilacs, using the keywords: “Virtual reality”; “Autism spectrum disorder”; “Social skills”. Articles that did not address virtual reality as the main training method, were off-topic, or did not present results from this method were excluded.
Results
Children and Social Skills
Programs like FaceMe use gamified environments to teach facial expressions, while tools like GameBook use interactive scenarios and augmented reality to reinforce these skills. VR’s ability to track and analyze eye movement patterns offers insights into social behavior. Programs like “Virtual Farm” and VR games such as Zentastic have demonstrated positive effects, with children engaging in various virtual social scenarios. Programs like VRESS use immersive scenarios to teach social skills that provide real-time feedback on behavior can help individuals develop self-awareness and adjust their interactions.
Adults and Social Skills
Adults with autism face challenges in non-verbal communication, understanding social cues, and forming relationships, which can lead to social isolation. VR offers simulations for practicing social interactions, enhancing communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Programs like VRESS use immersive scenarios to teach social skills, and tools that provide real-time feedback on behavior can help individuals develop self-awareness and adjust their interactions.
Conclusions
The development of virtual reality systems for social skills training in individuals with autism spectrum disorders represents an innovative and promising approach to assisting in the development of these skills in both children and adults with autism. Virtual reality offers a more engaging and effective training experience, allowing users to practice social skills in a controlled environment tailored to their individual needs. Despite the promising results, there are still challenges to be faced, such as methodological issues and the need for awareness and training of health and education professionals.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCH) are distinct diagnoses. However, they share common features such as high heritability, neurodevelopmental origins, and difficulties in social communication. Despite this, the etiology and precise pathophysiology of both conditions remain unclear, and no biomarker can definitively distinguish between them. In addition to higher-level cognitive and social-communication skills, autonomic regulation capacity is crucial for emotional regulation in social situations, which has been shown to differ in ASD and SCH according to the literature.
Objectives
Our study, part of a larger research project, aimed to explore autonomic regulation in ASD and SCH by investigating heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as key markers of autonomic nervous system functioning. We measured these parameters during rest, relaxation (body scan), and cognitive tasks to assess changes in autonomic regulation capacity across different conditions.
Methods
Participants underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording during a longer EEG experiment. We analyzed heart rate and HRV data from 114 participants (NASD= 38, NSCH= 37, and NNTP= 39), with a particular focus on the RMSSD parameter as a key marker of parasympathetic regulation. We hypothesized that HRV would be lower in ASD and SCH groups compared to neurotypical controls (NTP), with the differences between groups diminishing during tasks. The experimental setup avoided additional stressors outside of the social context of the study.
Results
As hypothesized, we found significant differences in RMSSD between groups during the initial resting state (eyes open F(2,111)=6.314, p=0.003, ηp2=0.102, eyes closed (EC): F(2,98)=6.800, p=0.002, ηp2=0.122). Although HRV was nominally lower in the ASD group (EC: MASD= 26.10), only the SCH group (EC: MSCH= 19.77) showed a significant difference from the NTP group (EC: MNTP= 32.78) based on post hoc comparisons. Contrary to expectations, HRV did not significantly change in the SCH and NTP groups during tasks. However, in the ASD group, HRV increased after body scan relaxation and, notably, during cognitive tasks (group main effect in repeated measures ANOVA: F(2,105)=6.068, p=0.003). This suggests that the structured nature of the task may have a calming effect, observable in autonomic regulation.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate distinct autonomic regulation patterns in ASD and SCH, with structured situations potentially having a calming effect, particularly in individuals with ASD. In the next phase of our research, we will systematically examine the relationship between electrophysiological parameters and key symptoms such as attachment insecurity, mentalization deficits, disorganization, and the severity of clinical symptoms, all of which have significant implications for clinical conditions and everyday functioning.
The potential role of inflammatory and immune pathways in ADHD pathophysiology and pathogenesis has received considerable recent attention. Some of these pathways are long-studied in ADHD because of known or suspected mechanisms of high frequency comorbidities, such as obesity, sleep disorders, cardiovascular system disorders/migraine, atopic illnesses, and several autoimmune diseases. Aberrant cellular functioning, aberrant glial functioning, and/or aberrant mitochondrial dysfunction have all been implicated in mechanistic studies. While we separate these mechanisms conceptually, in reality they are intertwined and communicate with each other in a multi-directional complex of mechanisms.
Objectives
To introduce the relationships among inflammation, immune mechanisms and ADHD, and provide a high level overview of current and cutting edge research in this area. We will review data linking ADHD with inflammation and immunologic mechanisms, recent findings on the genetic underpinnings of medical comorbidity in ADHD, and the relationship between maternal inflammation and genetic risk for ADHD in offspring.
Methods
This is a focused, narrative review of recent literature in the field.
Results
Epidemiological, genetic, and biomarker data converge to illuminate the pleiotropic role of immune mechanisms in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Suspected mechanisms include both innate and adaptive pathways. Epigenetic vulnerabilities interact with environmental factors to confer greater risk for health problems among individuals with ADHD. Likewise, many of these same risk factors also carry increased risk for ADHD.
Conclusion
This information exemplifies the close relationship between psychiatric and medical conditions and/or their risk factors. The high heritability of the immune system and associated immunological dysfunctions provides a novel approach to understand the mechanisms through which gene-environment interactions may contribute to the occurrence and clinical presentation of ADHD.
Adolescence is a unique stage of cognitive, psychosocial and physical growth and development. This period is often associated with increased evening tendency, as well as increased risks for mental health and sleep problems. Insomnia is amongst the most common sleep problem in youths and is commonly associated with impulsivity and anxiety symptoms. Previous research suggested the comorbidity of insomnia and eveningness as a significant risk factor for anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Meanwhile, there has been some evidence suggesting that insomnia and eveningness are respectively associated with impulsivity. Nonetheless, the relationships among eveningness, impulsivity and anxiety in the context of insomnia remained unclear.
Objectives
To investigate how circadian preference moderates the association between impulsivity and anxiety symptoms in adolescents with insomnia.
Methods
Adolescents aged 12-20 years old diagnosed of DSM-V insomnia disorder were recruited. They completed self-reported questionnaires, including the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) for assessing circadian preferences, Insomnia severity indexes (ISI) for assessing insomnia symptoms, the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scale to measure anxiety symptoms, and the Barret Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) for assessing impulsivity. Participants completed an objective cognitive task (the Balloon Analog Risk Task, BART) to measure risk-taking behavior. Their sleep was objectively assessed by 7-day actigraphy.
Results
Eighty-eight participants were recruited into this study (age:18.20 ± 1.61 years). Among them, 44% of the participants were identified as eveningness type (MEQ < 42). There were no significant differences in anxiety symptoms and impulsivity based on both self-reported and behavioral task between circadian preferences (all p > .05). Circadian preferences was found to significantly moderate the association between self-reported impulsivity and anxiety symptoms after controlling age and sex factor (p = .009) but not the association between risk-taking behavior and anxiety symptoms (p > .05). Specifically, higher self-reported impulsivity was associated with more severe anxiety symptoms in adolescents with insomnia and eveningness (p = .006). No significant association was found between self-reported impulsivity and anxiety symptoms in non-eveningness group (p > .05).
Conclusions
The findings suggested the role of circadian preference in moderating the association between impulsivity and anxiety symptoms in adolescents with insomnia. Further research may explore different aspects of impulsivity and examine the causation between eveningness, insomnia, impulsivity and anxiety among adolescents in a longitudinal design.
Disclosure of Interest
Y. L. Wong: None Declared, H. F. Sit: None Declared, F. T. W. Cheung: None Declared, S. X. Li Grant / Research support from: This work was funded by General Research Fund (Ref. 17613820), Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Mental illness is a kind of change in mental health status which affected thought, feeling, emotion, behaviors, and so on. Labor work training is one of common rehabilitation programs in psychiatric medical institutes in Taiwan. This rehabilitation program has been implemented for many years, being an important indicator of psychiatric hospital accreditation. However, we couldn’t analysis and apply effectively.
Objectives
We aim to investigate different labor work training performances of the patients with mental illness in a public psychiatric center in Taipei City. Furthermore, we can apply in shared decision making and modifying the labor work training project according to the data results.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 89 participants with mental illness who were stably engaged in labor work training for at least 1 month were included in Taipei City Hospital Songde Branch. Descriptive statistics will be used in characteristic of population, incentive record and score of the comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation scale (COTES). We used one-way ANOVA to test the difference of work behavior scores in different labor work training.
Results
This study results showed that the percentage of participants in the cleaning labor group, manual group, and sales & delivery group were 15% (N=13), 49% (N=44), and 36% (N=32) respectively. The most people engaged in the manual group. The average total score of psychiatric patients’ work behavior was highest in the sales & delivery group (p<.05). There were significant differences at scores of work behavior items, including motivation (p=.006)、duration (p=.001), responsibility (p=.002), comprehension (p=.002), technique (p=.005), and fine motor coordination (p=.005).
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Conclusions
In comparison, the patients with mental illness in the sales & delivery group are better at work behavior. According to the analysis of the result data, when the therapist and the patient make shared decisions, they can discuss appropriate labor work training based on the patient’s work behavior.