Chronic diseases, often referred to as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), stand as the leading global cause of mortality. Individuals grappling with chronic ailments frequently experience a decline in their overall quality of life (QoL), encompassing psychological, social, and physical dimensions of well-being.

Recognizing that humor has demonstrated the potential to engender favorable effects on QoL, this systematic review seeks to explore the correlation between humor and QoL among adults contending with chronic health conditions.

A thorough examination of quantitative data was conducted in strict adherence to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were comprehensively searched from their inception until June 22, 2023. Furthermore, the reference lists of the included datasets and relevant review articles were exhaustively scrutinized (Figure 1). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to assess the quality of eligible studies.

A total of eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a diverse spectrum of chronic disease categories, including cardiovascular diseases and various types of cancer, among others. Collectively, these studies involved a participant cohort comprising 4,325 individuals. Noteworthy findings emerged, indicating a substantial association between distinct facets of humor—such as one’s sense of humor, coping humor, humor styles, and laughter—and psychological QoL. Nevertheless, the relationship between humor and physical QoL exhibited a more intricate pattern, characterized by mixed outcomes (Figure 2).

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Despite the limited and inconsistent evidence across studies, humor appears to exhibit a positive association with QoL.

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Visual hallucinations are a relatively common neurological complaint. Peduncular hallucinosis (PH) stands out as a distinct entity, characterized by complex visual hallucinations resulting from structural lesions in the brainstem or diencephalon.

We aim to provide an overview of the clinical features, etiological factors, and management strategies associated with PH, incorporating a unique case study.

Clinical case report and brief literature review.

Clinical Characteristics: PH is marked by detailed, colorful, vivid, and occasionally emotionally charged visual hallucinations. These hallucinations encompass people, animals, or objects and may be mistaken for reality. While primarily visual, they may occasionally involve other sensory modalities. Crucially, patients with PH maintain insight, distinguishing it from primary psychotic disorders.

Etiological Factors: PH is most commonly associated with structural brainstem lesions, particularly in the midbrain. Potential instigators encompass ischemic strokes, vascular anomalies, tumors and infections. Disruption of the reticular activating system in the brainstem is implicated in the pathogenesis. Advanced imaging techniques have unveiled cases with subtle presentations, broadening our comprehension of PH.

Pathogenesis: PH may involve the disturbance of serotonergic inhibitory pathways and the reticular activating system. A plausible link with hypnagogic hallucinations hints at a mechanism related to rapid REM sleep transitions.

Case Report: Mr. J., a 30-year-old patient, suffered recurrent mesencephalic strokes attributed to Sneddon’s syndrome, ADA-2 deficiency, and protein C deficiency, leading to malacic lesions in the hemimesencephalon and right hemipons. He experienced complex visual hallucinations, primarily geometric patterns and animals, mainly at night. Importantly, he maintained insight into their hallucinatory nature. Mr. J. also had diplopia, visual impairment, recurrent headaches, and left hemiparesis.

Reactive anxiety and depression due to functional loss followed his recurrent strokes. Initially, antipsychotics were used to manage sensory-perceptual disturbances, but were later discontinued due to reduced interference with daily functioning. Antidepressant and psychological therapy was continued throughout the follow-up to address mood symptoms.

Peduncular hallucinosis is an intriguing phenomenon characterized by complex visual hallucinations. Understanding its clinical features, etiology, and possible mechanisms is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. This case report emphasizes PH’s clinical aspects and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacological intervention and psychological support. Understanding its features, causes, and management is essential for accurate care. Further research is needed to improve our comprehension and optimize treatment strategies.

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The mental health consultation and liaison programme plays a crucial role in comprehensive medical care by addressing psychiatric co-morbidities in hospitalised patients.

The aim of this study is to analyse demand and assess referral patterns to the mental health consultation and liaison programme in order to identify areas for improvement and optimise the provision of care.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by analysing records of referrals to the mental health consultation and liaison programme over a one-year period. Demographic data, origin of demand, type of request, episodic diagnosis, psychiatric diagnoses, follow-up and discharge referral were collected.

A total of 1180 referrals to the mental health consultation and liaison programme were reviewed. Most of the episodic diagnoses were related to anxious-depressive symptomatology, acute stress reaction and acute confusional syndrome. The majority of patients followed up did not require further referral to mental health facilities.

Analysis of the demand for the mental health consultation and liaison programme helps us to optimise care on psychiatric co-morbidities. These results support the importance of integrated care that addresses both medical and psychiatric aspects of inpatient health. Strategies to improve collaboration between different services should be implemented to ensure optimal care and provide a holistic approach.

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Suicide has a complex relationship with several factors, and it is known that identifying high-risk groups of suicide and managing crisis in advance can help prevent suicide. Moreover in a previous study, it showed that people with chronic diseases often suffer from psychological difficulties such as depression and anxiety, which can influence one to commit suicide. Based on many studies about the relationship between diabetes and depression, 10% of diabetic patients experience major depression, and diabetic patients experience twice as much depression as the general population. But, there are few studies examining the relationship between diabetes and suicide risk, and most of them were targeted for type 1 diabetes only.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the suicide risk in diabetic patients, and evaluate the suicide risk varies by the duration of diabetes, using a large population sample in South Korea

Using the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 6,296 adults (aged 19 years or older) were included. Suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, and suicidal behavior of diabetic patients were compared with the general population. After classifying the patients into ≤ 1 year, 2 to 9 years, and 10 years ≤ for the duration of diabetes, we evaluated the relationship between the duration of diabetes and the risk of suicide.

Diabetic patients had higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (9.1%, P<0.001) and suicidal plan (3.6%, P<0.001) than general population. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, suicidal plan (aOR = 3.011, 95% CI = 1.392-6.512) was significantly associated with diabetes. In the 2 to 9 year group of diabetes, we found an increase in risk of suicidal ideation (aOR=2.068, 95% CI=1.219-3.510), suicidal plan (aOR=3.640, 95% CI=1.592-8.320), and suicidal behavior (aOR=6.222, 95% CI=1.759-22.008) after adjusting covariates. However, increase in suicide risk was not observed in the ≤1 year and 10 years ≤ groups after diagnosis of diabetes.

In adults, diabetes is associated with increase in suicide risk. Suicide risk in diabetic patients shows an ‘inverted U-shaped’ depending on the duration of diabetes.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on economic and social phenomena worldwide, particularly affecting mental health. However, these impacts have varied significantly across countries. Previous studies have shown that the groups more vulnerable to mental health problems also differ across countries and societies(Gunnel et al. Lancet Psy 2020; 7(6) 468-471, Pirkis et al. Lancet Psy 2021; 8(7) 579-588, Nomura et al. Psy Res 2021; 295 113622). Therefore, by examining changes in self-harm and suicide attempts, which constitute mental health emergencies, at the community level, we can explore the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the deterioration of mental health in various age groups within the region and identify the groups most vulnerable to mental health problems.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the number of emergency room visits due to suicide attempts or self-harm in teenagers and young adults in Incheon, a metropolitan city in the capital area of South Korea.

We conducted a retrospective data analysis on the medical records of patients who visited the regional emergency center of Incheon Medical Institution from January 2018 to December 2022 due to suicide attempts or self-harm. As our statistical method, we employed interrupted time series analysis to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic has a statistically significant correlation with the trend changes in the number of emergency room visits related to suicide attempts or self-harm. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Gil Medical Center, Gachon University of Korea(IRB approval number GFIRB2022-335).

The data of 4,030 subjects(35.8% male; n=1,443) who visited the regional emergency center during the study period were analyzed. A total of 556 (13.79%) of the study participants were minors under the age of 19, and a total of 1,789 (44.39%) were young adults aged 20-39. The analysis revealed an increasing trend in the number of emergency room visits due to elevated suicidality in teenagers and young adults (20-39 years old) following the COVID-19 pandemic(figure 1 & figure 2).

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While suicide attempts and visits to the emergency room due to self-harm increased both before and after COVID-19, it is noteworthy that past suicide attempts are the most significant risk factor for future suicide attempts. Therefore, the data on vulnerable groups presented in this study can be instrumental for effective prevention and follow-up management of suicide attempts within the field of community psychiatry.

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The healthcare workers of military hospitals are actively involved in the fight against covid-19, as part of the national healthcare systems. Therefore, these health professionals may experience symptoms of psychological distress.

The study of sociodemographic characteristics and pandemic-related psychosocial factors that affect the psychological distress of healthcare professionals in a military hospital.

134 health professionals participated (- 34.3% doctors, 53% nurses and 12.7% other staff). A cross-sectional study was conducted using the DASS-21, PVDS, and FCV-19S questionnaires. Demographic variables were also collected. The data was analyzed using student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, as well as multivariate linear regression.

21.64%, 17.91%, and 16.42% of the sample showed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively. A significant correlation emerged between all three dimensions with perceived infectibility and fear of covid-19. Contact with a possible covid-19 patient, female gender, marriage, underlying diseases, increased working hours were found as stressors. The mean values of perceived infectibility and germs aversion were 3.4 and 4.9, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the two subscales with fear of covid-19 (p=0.001 and <0.001 respectively). Participants who had undergone psychotherapy in the past had a higher score of perceived infectibility (p=0.024). Women and staff in the pathological sector showed greater aversion to germs (p=0.040 and 0.001 respectively). Educational level and working hours were negatively correlated with germs aversion (p=0.037 and 0.044 respectively). The mean of fear of covid-19 was 14.5, with 14.2% of the population being above the scale average. Fear of covid-19 showed a positive correlation with female gender, age, family, contact with a possible positive case. It was negatively correlated with the medical staff, the educational level, and the employees in a covid-19 clinic. According to the results of the multivariate linear regression analyses: (i) The increase in educational level was associated with a decrease in the fear for covid-19 score (p=0.026); (ii) The increase in perceived infectibility score was associated with an increase in the fear for covid-19 score (p<0.001); (iii) The increase in germs aversion score was associated with an increase in fear for covid-19 score (p=0.014).

The findings confirm the presence of psychological distress on the healthcare workers of the hospital and its dependence on perceived infectibility and fear of covid-19.

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Understanding coronophobia, or the heightened fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, involves assessing physiological, cognitive, and behavioral measures.

We aimed to develop a Greek version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), and the Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), to identify groups that appear vulnerable to this form of pandemic-related anxiety.

We conducted a cross-sectional online study from February to April 2021 in Greek-speaking people living in Cyprus. Participants completed sociodemographic questions and questions related to COVID-19, the CAS, OCS, and the CRBS. All three scales are rated on a 5-point scale, from 0 (not at all) to 4 (nearly every day). For CAS, a score ≥ 9 indicates probable dysfunctional coronavirus-related anxiety, for OCS a ≥ 7 score indicates probable dysfunctional thinking about COVID-19, and for CRBS score ≥ 12 suggests above-average reassurance-seeking activity.

A total of 405 adults (66.4% women) from Cyprus participated in this study. The results of this study demonstrate that these Greek adapted measures have adequate reliability (Cronbach’s alphas >0.70) and factor structure (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis support). However, only the CAS demonstrated both convergent and divergent validity. Education personnel, housekeepers, and older adults were also found to have higher coronavirus anxiety relative to their counterparts.

The findings of this research support the use of these coronaphobia scales in Cyprus and other Greek-speaking populations. Assessing the potential for fear-driven behaviors may be of great benefit to both clinicians and researchers, helping to identify individuals at risk, adapt interventions, and improve our understanding of the psychological consequences of surviving a public health emergency.

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Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, (Centiti et al. 2020). Presentations to the emergency department (ED) with suicidal ideation (SI) or deliberate self-harm (DSH), and admissions following same, are a major part of unscheduled adult mental health service activity.

To evaluate how suicidal presentations to the emergency department (ED), and admission following same have been affected by the COVID era thus far. To evaluate how key patient characteristics affect admission during the COVID era and pre-COVID, namely whether presentations were with suicidal ideation (SI) or deliberate self-harm (DSH), whether the patient was previously known to a community mental health team (CMHT), and whether the patient was intoxicated at the time of presentation.

Data is routinely collected on all adults presenting with SI/DSH to the ED. We looked at presentations, admissions and key patient characteristics over the 12 months of the COVID era thus far (March 2020-February 2021) and compared them to the preceding 12 months.

Presentations over the two 12 month periods were similar (pre-COVID n=819, COVID era n=823). However, admission increased by 27% (139 to 177) over the COVID era as a whole. For nine months of the COVID era monthly numbers of admissions were higher than their pre COVID comparison. Admission rates during the COVID era were found to be increased across all patient groups examined, but were particularly increased in those presenting sober or with SI. Admission rates rose equivalently for those known or unknown to a CMHT.

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The number of admissions following suicidal presentations to the ED has risen significantly in the COVID era. This may be due to more severe presentations in terms of risk of suicide without admission or increased psychiatric morbidity requiring admission. Limitations of service provision in the community due to COVID era restrictions may also partially explain these findings.

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Wide circulation of the COVID-19 has led to the high occurrence of a longcovid in which the complaints of violations of cognitive functions and affective disorders often occur.

The aim of this study was to assess the relation of anxiety and subjective appraisal of the states of cognitive functions.

The data of 1233 respondents of internet-research who were divided into the four groups according to their COVID-19 status and the level of anxiety. Group 1 (didn’t have COVID before, low level of anxiety) – 689 people (mean age 40,6), group 2 (didn’t have COVID before, High level of anxiety) – 364 people (mean age 39,8), group 3 (had been ill COVID-19, low level of anxiety) – 102 people (mean age 41,2), group 4 (had been ill COVID-19, High level of anxiety) -130 people (mean age 35,5). Methods include the questions about the states of their cognitive functions (attention, memory, working capacity), a question about COVID-19 status. There are the results of comparing the groups that was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A pairwise comparison was carried out using the Mann-Whitney test for two groups of people who were not ill; two groups who were ill; two groups with a low level of anxiety; two groups with a high level of anxiety. To correct multiple comparisons, the adjusted significance level calculated by the formula (p = 1 - 0,9511/n) was used, which was p=0,017 for 4 pairwise comparisons.

Results are shown in table.

An entry in parentheses such as (2*) means that this group for this parameter statistically significant differs from group 2.

As indicated in the table, respondents with the high level of anxiety have higher levels of the subjective assessment of cognitive functions regardless of their COVID-19 status.

A possible explanation may be the disorganizing effect of anxiety on the cognitive functions. When combined with possible organic disorders caused by the transferred COVID-19, the most marked indicators of cognitive decline are observed. An effective rehabilitation of cognitive functions after COVID-19 requires to diagnose the level of anxiety and to seek psychological and psychiatric assistance for people with a high level of anxiety.

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People with psychiatric disorders are particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated complications. However, current literature show that not all psychiatric disorders are equally vulnerable to COVID-19.

This study aimed to assess whether individuals with distinct psychiatric disorders exhibit different risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, and mortality.

We conducted a case-control study using data of electronic health records from Catalonia. Cases included adults with a hospital admission between 2017 and 2019 for non-affective psychosis, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, stress-related disorders, neurotic/somatoform disorders, and substance misuse. These were matched to patients without a diagnosis by sex, 5-year age band, and living area. Outcomes included SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and COVID-19-related death up to December 2021. Logistic regression analysis were employed to test the association between the six groups of psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 outcomes, controlling for age, sex, smoking, being in a nursing home, and physical comorbidities.

785,378 subjects were included. Preliminary findings showed that patients diagnosed with psychosis and bipolar disorder had lower risk of infection [OR: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.92), p<0.001; OR: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.76-0.92), p<0.001], whereas individuals with stress-related and neurotic/somatoform disorders had higher risk of infection [OR: 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04-1.14), p<0.001; OR: 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.10), p<0.001]. People with depressive, stress-related, and neurotic/somatoform disorders had lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization [OR: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.97), p = 0.01; OR: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.84), p<0.001; OR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.60-0.76), p<0.001]. In line with these results, individuals with stress-related disorders also experienced lower mortality [0.49 (95% CI: 0.33-0.70), p<0.001]. Conversely, people with psychosis, bipolar disorder, and substance misuse exhibited higher risk of COVID-19-related death [OR: 2.9 (95% CI: 1.68-3.1), p<0.001; OR: 1.95 (95% CI: 1.30-2.81), p<0.001; OR: 1.82 (95% CI: 1.49-2.20), p<0.001].

We found different risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, and COVID-19 mortality for psychiatric disorder groups. Differences in vulnerability to COVID-19 among people with psychiatric disorders might be explained by factors such as shared living facilities, physical comorbidities, psychotropic medications, and difficulties in accessing high-intensity medical care. Special attention should be directed towards individuals with psychosis, bipolar disorder, and substance misuse.

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Clozapine is the standard treatment for managing treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). However, concerns arise due to potential hematologic side effects, such as agranulocytosis, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aims to investigate the association between clozapine treatment and an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection in patients with TRS.

A retrospective study reviewed clinical records of forensic patients with TRS from 2020 to 2022 at Razi Hospital’s forensic psychiatry department in Tunisia. Twenty-five patients, including 18 on clozapine treatment, were included.

All patients were male, with an average age of 39.7 years. Twenty-three patients received at least one vaccine dose. Twenty-two patients contracted COVID-19. Among those treated with clozapine, two required intensive care unit admission and oxygen therapy without intubation. Clozapine treatment remained uninterrupted, with no dose escalation during infection episodes. Lymphopenia was the most commonly reported hematologic abnormality.

While there may be an association between clozapine use and an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, no clear correlation with infection severity and antipsychotic treatment was established in this study. Further research is needed to explore this potential association comprehensively.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a worsening of mental health among the Croatian general population. However, the overall prevalence of population depressive symptoms in Croatia over the COVID-19 pandemic is still unknown.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of depressive symptoms among Croatian adults.

This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from mid-February to mid-May 2022 period. A validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic data, as well as the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was self-administered to a convenient sample of adults from the city of Osijek in eastern Croatia.

The study sample included 500 subjects with a median age of 34 years (interquartile range 26-53), 42.4% males, and 57.6% females. According to the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, there were 16.2% of subjects with mild or moderate depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were more frequent among older subjects (61 years or older) (p=0.001), among subjects with a lower level of education (subjects with or without elementary school) (p<0.001), among subjects who were retired (p=0.005), among subjects who considered their socioeconomic status as under average (p<0.001), and among subjects who experienced death of close family member caused by COVID-19 infection (p=0.004).

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of depression in the Croatian general population where some sociodemographic characteristics of study subjects seem to put those subjects at greater risk considering the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Development of appropriate supportive programs that enhance the mental health of the Croatian general population during pandemics is needed to potentially prevent the occurrence of depressive symptoms and to help the general population successfully overcome this important mental health challenge.

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Negative countertransference in psychiatry refers to the therapist’s unfavorable emotional reactions to the patient, such as anger and frustration, which can hinder the therapeutic relationship and the client’s progress. This is why it is imperative to study the causes of this negative counter-transference, such as cultural causes, to ensure effective treatment, appropriate care and better comfort for psychiatry residents during their professional practice.

To study the cultural causes of negative countertransference among psychiatric residents in Tunisia and their coping behavior.

This cross-sectional study was carried out among Tunisian residents working in psychiatric departments, using a questionnaire deployed via Google Forms.

The study involved 26 residents with 23 females. The average age was 27.57 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 32. The participants were family doctors practicing in psychiatric wards (26.9%), first year psychiatry residents (15.4%), second year psychiatry residents (23.1%), third year psychiatry residents (19.2%), fourth year psychiatry residents (11.5%) and child psychiatry residents (3.8%). The majority of residents admitted having had a negative transference towards a patient (88.5%). The level of frustration felt by residents during this counter-transference on a scale of 100 varied from 1 to 100 with an average of 61.9. Substance abuse was the primary cause in 52.17% of cases. The second cause was the patient’s ideology, with a percentage equal to 43.47%. The same percentage of 17.39% was for traditions, socio-economic level and membership of a particular political group. In 82.6% of cases, residents tried to analyze this counter-transference and 65.2% of them managed to deal with their frustration. The feeling of guilt was experienced by 56.52% of practitioners and the same number of residents tried to avoid the patient. Among the participants, 43.47% discussed this difficulty with their supervising physician and only 4 residents asked to change patients.

In conclusion, our study identified the cultural causes of negative countertransference in Tunisian psychiatry residents, including substance abuse, ideology, traditions, socio-economic level and politics. Understanding these causes is essential to resident training but also to the delivery of quality care in psychiatry. By integrating this knowledge into training, we can help residents recognize and manage negative countertransference, in order to improve the quality of care they provide to their patients.

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Koro, also known in Cantonese as Shook Yang, which literally translates to “shrinking penis”, has its roots in a cultural belief that a mythological figure would steal the penis of his victims. Predominantly reported in Southeast Asia, it involves an acute fear of genital retraction, often accompanied by the belief that this retraction may lead to death. Over the last two centuries, Koro has undergone several attempts to establish its definition and classification, without a true consensus having been reached.

This study aims to explore the cultural nuances surrounding Koro and reflect on the various conceptualizations that modulated its definition and nosological classification, from Ancient China until the present.

A non-systematic literature review with the keywords “koro” and “culture” was conducted.

Koro was only introduced to the Western world during colonial expansion, drawing the attention of several psychiatrists who, in Asian territory, reported numerous cases in natives, making the very first attempts at a nosological classification, whether as an anxiety neurosis, or as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. The literature reveals significant cultural variations in the manifestation of Koro, challenging the traditional psychiatric understanding rooted in Western diagnostic categories. Cultural factors, including societal beliefs, religious practices, and regional variations, emerged as influential contributors to the prevalence and presentation of Koro. Additionally, the study identified instances of Koro evolving in response to cultural shifts and globalization, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this syndrome.

This review underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of Koro that acknowledges its diverse conceptualizations across cultures. Its occurrence, not only in multiple parts of the world, but also in close relation with various comorbidities, has contributed to the dissolution of its primary identity as a culture-bound syndrome, turning Koro into a moving target.

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Pregnancy,postpartum and breastfeeding is a very challenging period in the women’s life. Many shared false beliefs and perceptions about this period can influence a pregnant woman’s sexual life and couple.

to explore sexual satisfaction, misconceptions and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum in women.

It was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the June 1st, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This study focused on a population of pregnant postpartum and breastfeeding women recruited from outpatient consultations and inpatient of the obstetric gynecology department at the university hospital of Gabes, Tunisia. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history, informations concerning the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity and eight questions (yes or no / choosing an option) to explore the beliefs and perceptions about sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum. We administered the validated Arabic version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual functioning.

Fifty-eight women were included. The average age was 35.6±5.5 years, they had a university level in 40% and they were unemployed in 74.2%. They were from an urban origin in 75%. They were pregnant in the first, second and third trimester in (15.6%, 15.6% and 25% respectively). They were in postpartum in 43.8% of cases with a cesarean delivery in 73.3% and breastfeeding in 56%. All women reported being on good terms with their spouses and satisfied with their sexuality. The usual frequency of sexual relations (SR) was (1/day: 22.6%, 1/week: 74.2%, 1/month: 3.2%). Only 3.4% masturbated and 5.17% had sexual fantasies. Among women, 55.1% believed that RS is not allowed in the first trimester, and 67.8% believed that it can harm the baby. Only 25% of women believed that RS is permitted throughout pregnancy. 58.1% believed that RS in the third trimester could induce early delivery, and 30% believed that it could harm the baby. They all believed that post-partum SR is only authorized after 40 days. Among the sample 22.6% believed that SR is not allowed during breastfeeding, and that it can harm the baby in 13% of cases. The mean ASEX score was 13 ± 4.3 and 47% had sexual dysfunction. Regarding the frenquency of SR, 25% reported wanting to reduce the frequency, 3.4% wanting to increase the frequency and 71.6% were neutral.

A better understanding of the misconceptions and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy and the post-partum period is needed to reduce restriction imposed on sexual activity during a normal pregnancy and to enhance marital harmony and the sexual life of the couple.

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The high level of psycho-emotional stress today significantly increases the moral burden on the mental health of medical workers. One of the most vulnerable groups of medical specialists in Ukraine are foreign resident doctors. Since in Ukraine this contingent of doctors is faced with extraordinary problems of high psycho-emotional stress, such as COVID-19 around the world and the russian war against Ukraine. Raising the issue of resident doctors, the main issue becomes not only their professional identity, but also the formation of the necessary stress resistance in different conditions of professional activity.

To study the level of tolerance to stress and uncertainty among foreign resident doctors in unusual conditions of performing professional duties.

The examination included the use of clinical-psychological, psychodiagnostic and psychometric research methods.

As of the beginning of 2020, 395 foreigners were studying. During the first phase of the pandemic, 118 foreigners left Ukraine. By the beginning of 2022 (before the full-scale war), 302 medical residents were trained. As of the beginning of 2023, 167 doctors are studying, of which only 61 people are on the territory of Ukraine.

The primary analysis of the clinical-psychological study showed that the most common complaints among foreign resident doctors are: increased levels of feelings of tension (in 75,4%), decreased motivation for activity (73,2%), anxious (72,7%) and depressive symptoms (69,3%), frequent headaches (68.6%), constant feelings of irritation (65,4%), manifestations of aggression in relation to colleagues (63,9%) and patients(61,4%), a feeling of fear for the future (60,1%), conflicts in the family (59,5%).

The study of factors that influence the increase in the level of stress among foreign resident doctors were sorted according to the principle of ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary stress factors include: the nature of the specialty, the conditions of professional activity, a foreign country, relationships in the team. Extraordinary factors include new working conditions (professional challenges of COVID-19, war on the territory of Ukraine), increased risks of responsibility for the patient’s life (search for a treatment solution against the background of COVID-19), nature of assistance (providing assistance due to combat injuries).

At the end of the study, a comprehensive program will be created for the early detection of signs of adaptation disorder, which will be aimed at reducing emotional distress, tension in the learning process, support in the first years of training for medical residents.

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In England, a national Mental Health Act (MHA) review was carried out, providing recommendation for policy and practice changes. One of these recommendations was to provide support to family members (FMs) of patients who have been involuntarily hospitalised. In response to this review, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) provided funding for research to address policy questions, for example what support may be most relevant to FMs during their patients’ treatment. The study presented here was funded as part of this initiative and has explored what support FMs wish to receive.

To explore FMs’ experiences and views around support they would have liked during their patients’ involuntary hospitalisation and wider stakeholder views on what a family support programme in England should involve. This information can be used to develop a support programme for FMs.

One-to-one interviews were conducted online as part of two work packages. The first work package explored FMs’ experiences and views of support. The second work package explored views on what should be included in a family support programme in England from FMs, patients and professionals. Interviews took place at three sites across England. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

22 FMs were recruited to the first work package, where four key themes were identified: (1) heterogeneity in the current support for families; (2) information about mental health and mental health services; (3) continuous support; and (4) peer support and guidance. FMs reported receiving support from professionals, peers and relatives, but the extent of this support varied. FMs consistently reported wanting a named contact to provide information and personal continuity of support. 5 FMs, 4 patients and 10 professionals took part in the second work package, where four main themes were also identified: (1) development of a support programme; (2) delivery of a support programme; (3) factors limiting accessibility or engagement; and (4) benefits of a support programme. Information about the MHA and strategies to promote effective communication between FMs and professionals were identified as important to include in the programme and its delivery should include a combination of face-to-face, written and online methods. Potential benefits of the programme include improved FM knowledge and wellbeing.

FMs of involuntarily hospitalised patients should receive information around the MHA and strategies to promote effective communication with professionals. FMs should also be allocated a named contact person to offer information and personal continuity of support through various methods, for example through online, face-to-face or written contact.

None Declared

The war in Gaza is a stressful life event. Due to its significant human and financial losses, it affected the mental health of people around the world including the middle east citizens.

To study the coping strategies of Tunisian people toward Palestine-Israel war in its first month and the factors associated with them.

It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, conducted among Tunisians. Data were collected during October and November 2023, through an anonymous online questionnaire, spread throughout social media (Facebook/Instagram), using the Google Forms® platform. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the “Brief-COPE” to assess coping strategies.

A total of 1091 participants completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 32,7± 9.8 years, with a sex-ratio (F/M) of 3.5. Among participants, 46,1% are married, 42,5% have children and 19,5% have a psychiatric follow history. Sport’s practitioners represent 23,3% of the participants and 10,6% increased their use of sports after the war news.

In terms of coping strategies: problem focused coping was the most used strategy (mean= 2,02) followed by emotional focused coping (mean= 1,98) and avoidant coping (mean= 1,63). Tunisians rely the most on religion, accepting reality and planning as coping mechanisms (score= 2,85; 2,4 and 2,23 respectively). Substance use was the last resort option (score= 1,11).

Our survey revealed significant associations between coping mechanisms and several factors: Venting, humor and behavioral disengagement were significantly correlated with sex gender (p=0,000 ; 0,000 ; 0,000 respectively); Substance use coping mechanism was significantly correlated with participants having a psychiatric follow history (p=0,001); Avoidant coping subscale was significantly correlated with having children (p=0,000); Self distraction was significantly correlated with the increase use of sport among Tunisians (p=0,000).

These findings underscore the need for healthcare and productive coping strategies for Tunisians and middle east people during the Palestine-Israel war.

None Declared

The postpartum period poses a risk of both onset and relapse of mental health disorders in mothers, which can impact maternal-child relationships and development of children. Timely intervention is crucial, especially considering that majority of at-risk women do not seek professional help.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Mom Supports Mom, a remote peer support intervention, in improving the mental health of postpartum women.

A randomized controlled trial with 488 Czech postpartum women with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS score ≥ 10 shortly after giving birth) assessed the impact of Mom Supports Mom on depressive and anxiety symptoms (EPDS and Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, PASS) and health-related quality of life (Assessment of Quality of Life, AQoL-8D) at 6 weeks postpartum. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5 (MINI) was used to assess psychiatric diagnoses.

The intervention significantly reduced depressive (Cohen’s d = 0.30; p = 0.003) and anxiety symptoms (Cohen’s d = 0.29; p = 0.003) and improved health-related quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.27; p = 0.008) at 6 weeks postpartum. No significant difference was observed in psychiatric diagnoses between the intervention and the control group.

Mom Supports Mom intervention reduces postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms and enhances health-related quality of life. These findings support the integration of peer support into perinatal mental health care, addressing barriers that women face in seeking help.

None Declared

According to the World Health Organization, around 2 billion people worldwide are estimated to drink. Alcohol intake results in 25% of the 3.8% of worldwide fatalities and 4.6% of global disability-adjusted life years that may be attributed to alcohol

This review seeks to synthesize data on psychological and pharmacological treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) available in the inpatient setting.

A comprehensive and narrative review of studies and research on psychological and pharmacological interventions for patients with alcohol use disorders in inpatient treatment units was performed. Data was extracted from electronic bibliographic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, HealthSTAR, and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost. This review included both qualitative and quantitative studies

Overall, after an initial title, abstract screening, and subsequent full-text screening, seven out of 1245 extracted studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. This review suggests that a combination of pharmacological interventions such as naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosate and brief psychological interventions were effective in treating AUD.

This review suggests that pharmacological and psychological approaches, when used together, are efficacious in treating AUD. There is a need to adopt both pharmacological and psychological interventions in the treatment of AUD.

None Declared