Mental health and addiction in young refugees-Research on prevalence of alcohol and substance use, PTSD and psychological difficulties experienced by young migrants and refugees placed in two refugee centers in Serbia in the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: Introduction As the global resettlement needs are further increasing, the questions on refugee youths’ wellbeing arise. The experience of migration during childhood might interfere with the developmental trajectories in different ways. Refugee youths might be at higher risk of violence, abuse and mental health problems. Objectives This study aimed to explore the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among young refugees, along with the indicators of experienced psychological difficulties. Methods Data collection was followed by numerous difficulties–C-19 pandemic, linguistic diversity and high respondents’ illiteracy rate. Results The sample consisted of 184 participants aged 11–18 years. More than a half of them displayed symptoms of PTSD - more frequently females, those who resided in a greater number of refugee centers and those who were exposed to abuse and domestic violence. Half of the respondents consumed energy drinks, slightly less than a third of them used tobacco, 13% consumed alcohol, 4.6% marijuana, whereby the frequency of other substance use was significantly lower. The significant indicators of individual propensity to use alcohol and substances were shown to be older age (14-18 years), male gender, lower education, being unaccompanied child and exposure to emotional abuse. Conclusions Our research confirmed that young refugees, especially unaccompanied, might be at higher risk for mental health difficulties. Research on this topic should aim to link scientific data to sustainable practices, applicable in everyday life. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Abstract: Introduction: Behavioral addictions (with related behaviors often conducted online) constitute new categories within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD). In both, gambling disorder is listed as a formal clinical diagnosis whereas disorders related to videogaming exist in the DSM (research criteria) and ICD (clinical criteria). However, a broader range of disorders related to other behaviors (e.g., shopping/buying, social media use, pornography use) have been proposed as possible behavioral addictions. Objectives: This presentation will provide insight in efforts by major organizations (e.g., the World Health Organization) to consider behavioral addictions and how best to screen for, assess and intervene to help people with these conditions. Empirical data influencing the classification of the behaviors and disorders will be presented. Changes in online behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic will be considered with respect to mental health concerns. Methods: Multiple methods ranging from results of neuroimaging studies, clinical trials, and longitudinal investigations will be presented. Results: Brain imaging results suggest similarities between specific internet-use behaviors (especially internet gaming disorder) and substance use disorders, supporting a classification as behavioral addictions. Multiple types of internet use increased during the pandemic, particularly during the onset. Different patterns of mental concerns in relation to internet use behaviors were seen during the pandemic. Consensus guidances regarding how best to avoid and address problematic use of the internet were developed and disseminated. Clinical trials support the efficacy of behavioral and neuromodulatory approaches, although no treatments have regulatory approval for behavioral addictions. Conclusions: Multiple internet-use behaviors may form the basis of behavioral addictions. While considerable data exist for internet gaming disorder, other behaviors commonly performed on the internet also warrant consideration. Additional research is needed to develop, test and implement more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Abstract: Some evidence converges to consider that suicidal behaviour could be a separate diagnosis and emphasizes the relevance to identify specific biomarkers. Identifying the neural substrates of suicide attempt is key to understanding the etiology of suicide and might be helpful in reducing suicide rates among psychiatric patients by promoting the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on behavioral neuroscience and brain stimulation. Neuroimaging studies have reported structural and functional brain abnormalities located in the prefrontal cortex, insula and striatal regions as well as in the connections between these brain areas. Based on task related and resting state functional MRI studies, we will discuss original data showing the role of the ventral prefrontal cortex in suicide vulnerability.

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Mental health and addiction in young refugees-Research on prevalence of alcohol and substance use, PTSD and psychological difficulties experienced by young migrants and refugees placed in two refugee centers in Serbia in the time of COVID-19 pandemic Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among young refugees, along with the indicators of experienced psychological difficulties. Methods: Data collection was followed by numerous difficulties-C-19 pandemic, linguistic diversity and high respondents' illiteracy rate. Results: The sample consisted of 184 participants aged 11-18 years. More than a half of them displayed symptoms of PTSD -more frequently females, those who resided in a greater number of refugee centers and those who were exposed to abuse and domestic violence. Half of the respondents consumed energy drinks, slightly less than a third of them used tobacco, 13% consumed alcohol, 4.6% marijuana, whereby the frequency of other substance use was significantly lower. The significant indicators of individual propensity to use alcohol and substances were shown to be older age (14-18 years), male gender, lower education, being unaccompanied child and exposure to emotional abuse. Conclusions: Our research confirmed that young refugees, especially unaccompanied, might be at higher risk for mental health difficulties. Research on this topic should aim to link scientific data to sustainable practices, applicable in everyday life. Abstract: The digital revolution is evolving at an unstoppable pace. The dissemination of interconnected networks, the growth and spread of new digital technology across all ages at different levels, has rapidly led to an increasing usage of the Internet, smartphones and digital social networking, particularly among young people. Smartphones, social networking and digital videogaming platforms are currently being used as primary means of online access, source of information and as preferred mode for social communication and peer interaction. However, despite digital world is progressively replacing the 'physical world' concerning socialization process and communication modalities, there is poor attention on the 'digital trauma load' experienced by individuals belonging to the Z and alpha generations in term of potential impact of digital instruments on mental health. Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense psychosocial strain worldwide. Excessive use of the internet during these psychologically trying times, fueled by physical isolation as a result of lockdowns, translated into dysfunctional behaviors. A growing body of evidence suggests an unprecedented increase in internet use and consumption of online pornography during the pandemic, and possibly even directly caused by it. This presentation will focus on the the statistics, variations in diagnostic criteria, clinical presentations and interventions for problematic online pornography use. Practical solutions will be offered to show how foresightedness with utilizing existing tools and therapies and exercising appropriate amounts of caution could go a long way in addressing the challenges that lie ahead in the post-pandemic era.

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Deep brain stimulation of the medial forebrain bundleeffects on suicidality in treatment-refractory MDD patients?

J. C. Soares
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, United States doi: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.145 Abstract: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of brain circuits involved in mood regulation is a novel tool that is being investigated as a potential treatment for some of the most severe patients with mood disorders. At UTHealth Houston, we have had an ongoing clinical trial with DBS of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Our preliminary results suggest effects in alleviating depressive symptoms in this very severe, refractory patient group. In this presentation, we will review our latest findings, and will also discuss the potential effects of the MFB stimulation on measures of suicidality in this patient population.

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The current shapes of cyberviolence in digital relationships Abstract: Social life has moved toward the digital world in many aspects. As the original inhabitants of virtual life, young people face several adversities while flirting and dating online. The anonymity of the online environment enables aggression without consequences. Cyberviolence has no boundaries as time or place. Thus it may cause psychological distress. Young people frequently use online dating and social networking sites, which makes them vulnerable to cyber dating violence, sextortion, and revenge porn. Cyberdating violence usually targets young women and girls. It is mainly related to stereotypical gender