Psychotropic drugs are the first-line medications in the treatment of psychosis, bipolar, anxiety and depressive disorders. Some of these psychoactive agents are suspected to be linked to rare, but lethal, ventricular arrhythmias, known as Torsade de Pointes (TdP). Most of the studies found an association between these classes of psychiatric agents and a prolongation of the corrected QT interval. However, QTc prolongation remains an imperfect, though well-established marker of risk for TdP and little is known about the relation between psychotropic drugs and TdP. Some physicians hence refrain from prescribing psychotropic medications to their patients for fear of cardiac adverse events, which can severely undermine the management of underlying psychiatric conditions. It is thus crucial to evaluate the relation between psychotropic medication use and the occurrence of TdP.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the relative contribution of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics) among all TdP risk factors (e.g. sex, hypokalemia, antiarrhythmic drug use). We hypothesize that psychotropic drug use will indeed be associated to TdP, but that this association is negligeable compared to other TdP risk factors.

A retrospective case-control study (1 :3 ratio) of patients hospitalized at the Montreal Heart Institute was carried out (n=444).

Antidepressant and antipsychotic medication use proportions among the cases are 27% and 12% respectively, compared to 17% and 5% in controls (p= .018407 and p= .016326). In our study, patients who take antidepressants [OR=1.83; 95% CI 1.10-3.04] or antipsychotics [OR=2.47; 95% CI 1.16-5.26] are more likely to experience TdP. Patients with a psychotropic polypharmacy are also more prone to TdP [OR=5.67; 95% CI 2.58-12.42]. However, cases are also significantly more likely (p=.000281) to take concomitant medications associated with QTc prolongation (based on CredibleMeds, July 2022 list). Female sex [OR=2.40; 95% CI 1.55-3.71], hypokalemia [OR=3.46; 95% CI 1.65-7.26], kidney failure [OR=1.61; 95% CI 1.05-2.48], a QTc interval greater or equal to 500 ms [OR=5.89; 95% CI 3.59-9.65] are also associated with TdP.

In this study, psychotropic drug use is indeed associated to TdP. Further analyses, i.e. multivariate logistic regressions, will determine psychotropic drugs’ relative contribution among the identified risk factors for TdP.

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Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and recurrent mental condition characterized by mood fluctuations between hypomania or mania and depression, with high level of burden and mortality rates (Hayes et al., 2015). Subsyndromal mood symptoms, including residual depression, mania and/or anxiety, are major risk factors for episodic relapses after mood stabilisation (Samalin et al., 2016). A psychological protective mechanism against the occurrence of these maladaptative mood symptoms is dispositional mindfulness (DM). DM refers to paying purposeful attention to present moment experiences with a curious, non-judgmental and accepting attitude (Radford et al., 2014). DM has been barely assessed in BD and there is very little evidence on the relationship between DM, residual mood symptoms and quality of life

To explore associations between DM, residual mood symptoms and quality of life in individuals with BD

After informed consent, a total of 94 adults (Mean age= 45.57 years, 41.50% Male) with diagnosis of BD according to DSM-5 criteria, in full or partial remission,were recruited from the Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. The ethical committee approved this study. Dispositional mindfulness was assessed using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).The presence of residual depressive symptoms was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), residual mania symptoms were assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale(YMRS), and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). The subjective quality of life was assessed with the Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder Questionnaire (QoL-BD). Pearson correlations were carried out and the level of significance was set at p<0.05

DM was negatively related to residual depressive symptoms (r= -0.283; p=0.009) and to anxiety symptoms (r=-0.345; p<0.001), and positively related to quality of life (r=0.433; p<0.001), but not related to residual manic symptoms in BD

Our preliminary data suggest that BD patients with higher levels of DM may experience less depressive and anxiety subsyndromal symptoms and perceived higher quality of life. No associations were detected regarding mania symptoms. These findings support the use of mindfulness training as an adjunct therapy to pharmacotherapy to reduce residual mood symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with BD

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The current SARS cov 2 virus disease pandemic presents a threatening physical danger as well as its impact on mental health. It seems important to screen any patient who has experienced covid 19 for its psychological impact.

Therefore the aim of our study was to highlight the impact of COVID-19 infection on mental health by screening them for depression

This is a cross-sectional, single-center study, conducted at the Sahloul Emergency Department, over a period of 5 months (January to May 2021). Patients are collected from a database of ouremergencydepartment COVID-19 unit.We included patients whose age is greater than or equal to 18 years old; who has been infected with SARS-COV-2 according to the results of the PCR test. All patients lost to follow-up, refusing to participate in this study, having a psychiatric illness or having taken a psychotropic medication before randomization or non-cooperating (unable to respond to the evaluation test) were excluded.A telephone follow-up was done after 30 days from admission to calculate the HAMILTON score after a positif HAD D scale.

200 patients were included. For the 20 patients (10%) with depressive symptomatology (doubtful and certain) according to the HAD D scale, their responses to the Hamilton scale were analysed in order to determine the severity of the depressive symptomatology. Note that 30% of patients had mild to moderate signs of depression and 70% had severe depression.The majority of patients in whom the presence of depressive symptoms was noted had an average age of 40 years; those who presented with severe depression had an average age of 51.3 years with a female majority of 72%. No difference was noted in relation to pathological history, half had been hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19(57%). Patients with severe depression symptom resolution lasted an average of 14 days.

According to the results of this study, interventions may be carried out to minimize the pandemic’s negative psychological consequences.

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Perry syndrome is a rare neurological disorder, characterized by atypical parkinsonian symptoms, sleep disturbances, central hypoventilation, weight loss, and psychiatric symptoms, especially apathy or depression. This syndrome is due to a TDP-43 proteinopathy as a result of a mutation in the DCTN-1 gene.

To present the case of a patient with a mutation in the DCTN1 gene, related to Perry syndrome, who debuted with several depressive episodes, with apathy and weight loss.

A non-systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed database on depressive episodes related to Perry´s syndrome. The clinical case report was prepared through the review of the clinical record of the patient.

The authors present the case of a 49-year-old man, who contacted psychiatry for the first time 10 years earlier due to depressive symptoms, suffering multiple episodes. These episodes consisted of hypothymic mood, apathy, anhedonia and marked irritability, together with suicidal ideation, leading to several drug overdoses. He also presented disruptive behaviors, such as abusive drinking and aggressiveness. These episodes responded to antidepressants at medium doses, although maintaining several relapses. Given this, it was decided to introduce valproic acid as a mood stabilizer, with good tolerance.

In parallel, the patient’s mother, who had also suffered from depressive episodes, began with dementia symptoms, after which it was decided to request a genetic study. In this context, a mutation, similar in both patients, was observed in the DCTN1 gene, related to Perry syndrome.

In the case of the patient presented, no other associated alterations were found, neither in the neurological examination or in the rest of the tests performed (polysomnography without notable alterations, functional imaging tests without pathological findings).

Neurological diseases as Perry syndrome can show depressive symptoms and other behavioral changes at the beginning, developing the rest of the symptoms (parkinsonism, weight loss or central hypoventilation) several years after the onset of the symptoms. It must be taken into account in patients with a family history of mutations or atypical depressive symptoms. It should also be assessed in terms of genetic counseling.

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In recent years the increasing presence of refugees and asylum seekers displaced from their country of origin, determined significant social, economic, humanitarian and public health implications in host nations. Advancing the knowledge on factors contributing to these implications, could foster the implementation of new public-health plans for these population. As a matter of fact, to date, the rates of mental disorders in these population are uncertain due to the high variability of methods used in the studies on topic, and of risk and protective factors analyzed. The most replicated finding is the high prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression in refugees and asylum seekers as compared to the population of host countries.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the needs for mental health prevention, care and rehabilitation of adult refugees and asylum seekers in Italy, performing a multidisciplinary evaluation of migrants who were guests in two refugees’ centers in Campania (Salerno and Avellino).

The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was assessed in 303 migrants, in order to evaluate the presence or not of a psychiatric diagnosis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate differences between migrants with a mental disorder vs migrants without a mental disorder in terms of cognitive functions, depressive and anxiety symptoms, traumatic events and pre-migration risk factors. Person’s correlation was performed to investigate relationships between the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-t25) psychopathological index with all the other above-mentioned variables. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated to the presence of a current mental disorder.

At least one mental disorder was found in 90 subjects (29.7% of the sample). Most prevalent diagnoses were major depressive disorder, lifetime panic disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. People with at least one psychiatric illness showed impaired global (F=6.62; p=.011) and social (F=8.22; p=.004) cognition, higher trauma levels (F=70.59; p<.0001) and more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms (F=61.84; p<.0001) compared to healthy migrants. Only trauma levels significantly correlated with HSCL-t25 psychopathological index. Trauma levels, global cognition, occupation, and migration status were associated to the presence of a current mental disorder.

The results of the present study demonstrated that almost 1/3 of the guests of refugee centers in Campania have a mental disorder. The identification of risk factors associated to the onset of mental disorder and to severity of psychopathology in refugees and asylum seekers, may contribute to plan preventive and early psychiatric care in this population.

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Psychotic disorders have a huge impact on social functioning, which is the ability to stablish and maintain social activities such as interpersonal relationships and self-care activities of daily living. Research data support that the early intervention in people who have experienced a first episode of psychosis (FEP) -based on a multidisciplinary treatment including both psychopharmacological and psychosocial treatments-, has a relevant role in a favorable evolution. AGES-Mind study is based on manualized psychotherapeutic interventions for people with first-psychosis episodes.

To describe the use of rehabilitation resources and social functioning in a group of people with FEP who were included in a psychotherapeutic group program versus a control group, at 12 and 24 months since the beginning of the intervention.

Longitudinal, analytical, observational, retrospective study on a cohort of 46 patients with first-episode psychosis within the last 5 years. 23 patients received group psychotherapy in the context of the AGES-Mind study and they were compared with 23 control patients who did not receive a group intervention (treatment as usual). Controls were matched by age, gender and time elapsed since the first episode of psychosis with those exposed to the intervention. Sociodemographic data, social functioning (self-care, social activities, social relationships, and behavior) and use of rehabilitation resources outcome variables were assessed.

Significant differences were found regarding participation in social activities in the intervention group versus control group at 24 months. No significant differences were found in other dimensions of social functioning or in the use of rehabilitation resources.

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Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed in order to determine if the participation in group therapy leads to an improvement in social functioning and use of rehabilitation resources for people who have experienced a first episode of psychosis.

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Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by negative (e.g., social withdrawal, apathy, anhedonia) and positive (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behaviour) symptoms. Schizophrenia prodromal symptoms typically emerge during the adolescence. These symptoms consist of attenuated and/or intermittent psychotic symptoms and define the ultra-high risk (UHR) states of schizophrenia. Approximately, 30% of UHR individuals develop schizophrenia. It is important to find biomarkers associated with the conversion of schizophrenia in UHR individuals in order to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies, as well as to gain knowledge in the ethiopathology of the disorder. In this regard, epigenetic variations have been identified as potential biomarkers associated with the conversion to schizophrenia, but the lack of research prevent to draw final conclusions.

The objective of this communication is to report the study protocol of the research project named “Epigenetic variations associated with the conversion of schizophrenia in ultra-high risk adolescents”. Its aim is to analyze the epigenetic marks that predict the development of schizophrenia in UHR youths.

A 4-year observational follow-up study will be conducted, assessing three groups of adolescents who have sought clinical hep: 1) UHR group composed of individuals who have developed schizophrenia at the end of the follow-up; 2) UHR group composed of individuals who did not develop schizophrenia at the end of the follow-up; 3) a group composed of non-UHR individuals. Epigenetic marks will be analyzed in the peripheral blood of all the participants each 6 months. Clinical (i.e., positive and negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, global functioning, traumatic events, alcohol and other toxics consumption) and sociodemographic data (i.e., age, sex, migration status, ethnicity, socio-cultural status, academic achievements) will be also assessed through standardized questionnaires.

We hypothesize that specific epigenetic marks will predict the conversion of schizophrenia in the UHR group. Moreover, interactions between epigenetic variations and sociodemographic data will differentiate the three groups after the follow-up.

The findings of this project will help to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies, as well as to gain knowledge in the etiopathological pathways of schizophrenia.

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The cerebellum has been implicated in cognitive, affective and motor functions, including emotion regulation, executive control and sensorimotor processing. In schizophrenia, cerebellar dysfunction has been associated with treatment resistance and clinical features. However, few studies have been focused on delusional disorder (DD).

Our main purpose was to review the evidence available on cerebellum abnormalities and dysfunctions in patients with DD.

A systematic review was conducted through PubMed, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov (inception-June 2022) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) directives. The following search terms were used: cerebellum OR cerebellar AND (“delusional disorder” AND paranoia). Reference lists from included studies were hand-checked to find other potential relevant papers.

Six studies were included from a total of 119 retrieved records (PubMed: 52, Scopus: 66, ClinicalTrials.gov: 1). Study 1:Patients with DD somatic type (n=14) presented a decreased gray matter volume in cerebellar lobules compared to healthy controls (HC) (n=32, left lobule VIIIa) and non-somatic DD (n=18, lobule V). Cerebellar volumes did not seem to differ between HC and non-somatic DD. Study 2:Abnormalities of voluntary saccadic eye movements, linking frontal and cerebellar functions, were found in DD patients (n=34) compared to HC (n=40). Study 3: Abnormal smooth pursuit eye movements in DD (n=15) compared with HC (n=40) and similar to schizophrenia (n=40). Case reports (n=3): DD associated with Dandy-Walker variant (partial vermian hypoplasia), unruptured intracerebral aneurysm of basilar artery, and megacisterna magna.

Cerebellar deficits in patients with DD has been reported, particularly in those presenting somatic delusional contents.

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With the projected increase in the number of older persons in both low and middle-income countries, the burden of Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases (AD/ARDs) is projected to increase as well. However, the health systems are inadequately prepared to offer optimal care for patients with AD/ARDs, despite the growing disease burden.

The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of the health facilities to optimally manage Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases in the Mukono district

We conducted a cross-sectional between August and December 2018. A survey of 32 facilities (3 hospitals, 2 health center IV (HCIV), 15 health center III (HCIII) and 6 health center II (HCII), and 6 Private health facilities) in Mukono district. We conducted a thorough assessment of medical records, interviewed heads of the facilities, and a questionnaire was administered to 46 health workers. The study assessed the service provision for AD/ARDs, Knowledge of AD/ARDs management, challenges, and opportunities.

Out of 32 health facilities assessed, 4 in 10 (42%) facilities reported managing (diagnosing/treating) clients with AD/ARDs, and the majority (90.2%) were run by Non-Physician Health Workers (NPHW). Only 2 in 10 had guidelines for managing AD/ARDs. Less than half (46.4%) had AD/ARDs medicines in stock (mainly Haloperidol) and all of the private facilities lacked essential medicine to treat AD/ARDs. All health center IIs lacked drugs for AD/ARDs. A significant knowledge gap in assessing and diagnosing AD/ARDs was observed among all the health workers. All health workers highlighted the need for additional training in AD/ARDs. A multitude of client and health provider challenges were observed in this study

Health facilities in Mukono district are inadequately prepared to offer optimal services for the management of AD/ARDs. AD/ARDs drugs, knowledge gap, and human resources for health presented a great challenge. In order to address the inadequately capacity to manage AD/ARDs, emphasis should be dwelt on strengthening the health facilities.

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Psychoneuroimmunology is a discipline that has emerged over the past decades as a broad interdisciplinary field that closely observes the relationship between the psychological state, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. The natural aging process leads to alterations in the immune functions, involving lymphocyte dysregulation, and therefore leading to a higher risk of developing coronary artery diseases, infectious diseases or even cancer.

The aim of our inquiry is to evaluate the existing body of work with a focus on studies that observed the intricate connections between psychosocial factors and immunity.

We performed a systematic review on PubMed and a targeted literature search concentrating on all the factors involved in immunosenescence and their consequences.

The causality between emotional stressors (acute or chronic), lack of social support, adverse life events, coping mechanisms, personality traits, as well as endocrine changes and multiple age-related pathologies is often undeniable. Other relevant factors include nutrition, sleep, physical activity and substance use. As people grow older, they face a number of psychosocial stressors, such as retirement, social isolation, loss of independence, low income, a decrease in productivity and also somatic comorbidities. These factors, together with an age-related decline in immune function, can constitute not only a psychosocial disadvantage of the elderly, but also a risk factor able to trigger further deterioration of the immune system.

Age-associated alterations of the immune response represent a complex concept. Given that we are dealing with the phenomenon of aging in the general population, the field of psychoneuroimmunology can make a significant contribution in establishing the different mechanisms through which seniors can cushion the impact of stressors in regards to health and illness. Therefore, we can pave the way for an individualized approach and support for patients, as well as provide better therapeutic outcomes.

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Epilepsy is a neurologic condition characterized by spontaneous jerky body movements. It is a chronic morbid condition mostly diagnosed during childhood. Patients are maintained on long-term medications to prevent recurrent seizures that can damage the brain. Medications used for the management of epilepsy have several side effects and require proper monitoring. Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of psychiatric comorbidities.

Our aim is to find factors responsible for causing suicidality in patients with epilepsy.

A review was conducted using Pubmed database with the search terms [epilepsy] OR [neurological conditions] OR [suicide] OR [suidical attempt] OR [suicidal ideation] OR [depression] OR [psychiatric diseases] OR [mood disorders] OR [anxiety] OR [sleeplessness] which yielded around 800 articles. The number was later reduced to be centered around the main area of interest and produced around 40 articles.

Results show that many contributing factors play an unavoidable role in promoting suicidal ideation that can lead to suicidal attempts in epilepsy. The stigma associated with epilepsy leads to social isolation, lack of opportunities, financial constraints, and impact on close relationships which can be the reasons for depression. According to the review, the foremost contributing factor is the underlying social, emotional, and economic condition of epilepsy patients. Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities in epileptic patients. Epileptic patients who develop psychiatric ailments show decreased adherence to medications that further worsen the problem.

Though, this area in neurology has started getting attention for further research and guidelines. But efforts are still inadequate for this to be put into clinical practice. More desperate actions needed to be taken for proper diagnosis and management of suicidal ideations by proper use of assessment tools so that timely actions are planned. This is a highly demanding area due to the impact of depressive symptoms on the prognosis of the chronic neurologic condition.

Keywords: Suicidality; Epilepsy; neurology.

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Resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities in schizophrenia (SCZ) suggest alterations in neural oscillatory activity. However, few studies have examined EEG coherence in this population.

Therefore, this study investigated whether these electrophysiological characteristics differentiate schizophrenic patients from healthy controls.

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical case-control study. The selected patients were followed for SCZ at the psychiatry "C" department at the Hedi Chaker hospital of Sfax. Patients were assessed by the Positive and Negative Schizophrenia scale (PANSS) and the Treatment Adherence Scale (MARS). They all benefited from an EEG at the service of functional explorations in Sfax. Student’s test was performed to compare the coherence values between groups.

Thirty men including 15 schizophrenic patients and 15 age- and sex-matched controls were included. The average age was 40 years ±12.72 years for schizophrenics and 47.93 ± 15.61 years for healthy controls. Schizophrenics had an average PANSS of 64.6±22.7, and an average MARS score of 5.8 ± 3.09.

In terms of intra-hemispheric coherence, Schizophrenic patients generally exhibited higher coherence at the Delta band compared to healthy controls. In contrast, schizophrenic patients appeared to have decreased intra-hemispheric connectivity for other frequency bands, particularly between the frontal and other brain lobes bilaterally.

In this study, we found that the schizophrenic patients had significantly higher coherence in the delta frequency band compared to the normal controls. These findings suggest that EEG can be a sensitive measure for diagnosing SCZ.

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Insomnia in depression is common and difficult to resolve. Music is commonly used as a sleep aid, and clinical trials pointing to positive effects of music as a sleep aid are increasing adding to the evidence base. There is little knowledge on the effectiveness of music for depression related insomnia.

A recent RCT study conducted in psychiatry at Aalborg University Hospital examined effects of a music intervention for insomnia in depression. The intervention group listened to music at bedtime for four weeks, controls were offered music intervention post-test. Primary outcome measure was Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcomes included Actigraphy, The Hamilton depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and World Health Organisation well-being questionnaires (WHO-5, WHOQOL-BREF).

A two-armed randomized controlled trial (n=112) and a qualitative interview study (n=4)

The RCT study showed signficant improvements for the music intervention group in sleep quality and quality of life at four weeks according to global PSQI scores (effect size= -2.1, 95%CI -3.3; -0.9) and WHO-5 scores (effect size 8.4, 95%CI 2.7; 14.0). Actigraphy measures showed no changes and changes in depression symptoms (HAMD-17) were not detected.

The interview study unfolded examples of the influences of music on sleep and relaxation. Music distracted, affected mood and arousal positively and supported formation of sleep habits.

Results from the trial are discussed and merged with findings from the interview study. The results from the trial suggested moderate effects of music listening for the population while findings from the interview study showed examples of individual and highly varying outcomes.

Music is suggested as a low-cost, side-effect free and safe intervention in supplement to existing treatments improving sleep in depression.

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With the increasing push to legalize cannabis in Western nations, there is a need to gauge the potential impact of this policy change on vulnerable populations, such as those with mental illness, including schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders.

Understand the effects of cannabis in people with mental illness and the impact of policies legalizing cannabis in societies.

Literature review performed on PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords “cannabis”, “mental health”, “psychiatry”.

Cannabis use is a modifiable risk factor for the development and exacerbation of mental illness. The strongest evidence of risk is for the development of a psychotic disorder, associated with early and consistent use in youth and young adults. Cannabis-related mental health adverse events precipitating Emergency Department (ED) or Emergency Medical Services presentations can include anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychotic or attenuated psychotic symptoms, and can account for 25–30% of cannabis-related ED visits. Up to 50% of patients with cannabis-related psychotic symptoms presenting to the ED requiring hospitalization will go on to develop schizophrenia. With the legalization of cannabis in various jurisdiction and the subsequent emerging focus of research in this area, our understanding of who (e.g., age groups and risk factors) are presenting with cannabis-related adverse mental health events in an emergency situation is starting to become clearer.

There’s a need to provide a reconciliation of the addiction vulnerability and allostatic hypotheses to explain addiction comorbidity in mentally ill cannabis users, as well as to further aid in developing a rational framework for assessment and treatment of problematic cannabis use in these patients.

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Depression is a severe mental disorder with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, representing a leading cause of disability worldwide. Being linked to reduced quality of life and individual functioning, medical morbidity and mortality, depression has a huge social and economic impact. A wide range of potentially modifiable factors for depression has been identified. Among these, social factors (e.g. support/engagement) appear to play a major role in the emergence and severity of depression.

We aimed at providing a quantitative synthesis of the consistency and magnitude of the association between measures of social connection and depression. Social connection included both quantitative (i.e. existence/absence of social relationships) and functional (i.e. support provided) measures of social relationships, as well as measures focusing on social inequalities related to participation in community spaces/activities (i.e. social discrimination).

We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. The strength of the association between exposure factors (social measures) and depression was extracted and equivalent odds ratios were computed to compare the strength of the effect sizes among meta-analyses. The quality of each review was assessed using AMSTAR-2.

As a result of the selection process 47 studies were included in the umbrella review. Social support was found to have a protective role on depression, with an observed moderate/strong effect in peripartum population and a weaker effect in clinical populations (e.g. AIDS/HIV patients). A moderate association between stigma/discrimination and depression emerged in clinical populations (e.g. epilepsy, mental illness, post-stroke), while a weaker effect was found in (ethnic) minorities. There are still few studies quantitatively investigating the link between depression and other social measures (e.g. community connectedness).

Our findings align with the literature on social connection and mental health, confirming the role of social determinants in the emergence and severity of depression, particularly in the case of vulnerable populations. Social factors emerge as important modifiable targets in the context of depression prevention. Efforts to counteract disconnection at the societal and individual levels and to reduce stigma should be central to an effective depression prevention agenda.

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Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficit in communication and social interaction associated with repetitive, restricted interests, behaviors or activities. Regardless long-term care, sequelae may remain present particularly in cognitive patterns, social interactions and adaptive reactions, leading to personality disorder in adulthood.

In this study we aimed to explore personnality disorder comorbid with autism spectrum disorder .

Our study was based on the PubMed interface and adapted for 2 databases: Science Direct and Google Scholar using the following combination ( autism spectrum disorder [MeSH terms]) AND (personality disorder [MeSH terms]) covering the period from 2013 to 2022.

We initially reviewed 13 articles. At the end of the literature selection process, two articles were included.

The prevalence of personality disorders with ASD was estimated around 35%.

The personality disorders evoked mainly responded to cluster C associating an obsessive-compulsive and avoidant personality in respectively 32% and 25%.

Cluster A personality disorders, in particular schizoid personality, were found in 21% with a female.

Concerning cluster B, borderline personality disorder was the most frequent because of different symptoms overlapping . In fact, the prevalence of borderline personality disorder in ASD was 4% . Meanwhile the prevalence of ASD in borderline personality disorder was 3%.

Apart from other neurodevelopmental pathologies, ASD can be comorbid with personality disorder. However, the neurocognitive particularities of ASD reveal clinical manifestations similar to those found in personality disorders. Therefore, additional research using large sample sizes and validated diagnostic tools taking into account the specificities of this population remain necessary.

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Corticosteroids are certainly an efficacious treatment for several inflammatory and immunologic disorders. However, their abuse can lead to dangerous consequences such as psychiatric complications. Physicians and Psychiatrists should cooperate to treat and prevent, if possible, the deleterious adverse psychiatric effects of corticosteroids.

to describe a patient whose psychotic symptoms occured within 2 weeks of starting corticosteroid abuse, to review the literature and to suggest treatment.

To present a case of a female young patient suffering from corticosteroid-induced psychosis due to corticosteroid abuse and review case report data published during the past quarter-century on adverse corticosteroid-induced psychiatric effects.

The patient was investigated to exclude other causes of her psychosis and she was treated with chlorpromazine and Risperidone. Numerous cases investigating these psychiatric corticosteroid-induced symptoms were identified. Data on incidence, drug dose, onset of symptoms, course of illness and treatment were arranged.

Corticosteroid abuse should be put in the spotlight especially for young Tunisian females desiring to look plump. This misjudged abuse may have sever psychiatric complications. Thus we should establish strategies of prevention and cure to these psychiatric complications

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The relationship between a series of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and heart rate variability (HRV) is not clearly established. HRV reflects changes in heart rate (HR) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) tonus as 2 main components: low-frequency HRV (HRV LF) and high-frequency HRV (HRV HF). An accumulating body of evidence suggests that a single PLMS alters HRV parameters. However, less is known about the impact of HRV changes when a series of PLMS occurs. Both PLMS and HRV have been reported to show associations with cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases.

PLMS have been associated with diverse psychiatric diseases in numerous studies. Longitudinal data demonstrate that patients with PLMS have an increased risk of depression and anxiety, and dementia. It should be noted, however, that it remains unclear how a series of PLMS affects the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system, and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that a series of PLMS is connected with a higher range of abnormalities in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), with particular interest in HRV HF and HRV LF scores before the series of PLMS and after the end of the series.

We undertook a retrospective analysis of polysomnography (PSG) and demographic and medical data of 5 patients with a total number of 1348 PLMS. We analyzed HR, HRV LF, HRV HF, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for 10 heartbeats before the series of PLMS and 10 consecutive heartbeats as beat-to-beat measurements. The stage of sleep and duration of limb movement in each PLMS were also assessed. Statistics analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (v28.0.0.0). The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to find statistically significant changes from the baseline.

No statistically significant changes in HR, SBP, or DBP were found in our group. HRV changed after the series of 8 PLMS, with both HRV HF and HRV LF increasing.

Our study presents for the first time the co-activation of both HRV HF and HRV LF, pointing toward the possible autonomic dysregulation in patients with a series of PLMS.

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Although mania is commonly associated with bipolar disorder, it can have many etiologies. Thus, “primary mania” results from bipolar disorder, whereas “secondary mania” results from pharmacological, metabolic, or neurologic causes. Older adults are at risk for secondary mania because of increased medical comorbidities and neurological changes. In one retrospective study of 50 patients with mania who were older than 65 years, it was the first manic episode for 28% of the patients and 71% had a comorbid neurological disorder.

The etiology of mania is important because although acute symptomatic treatment of both primary and secondary mania may be similar, appropriate treatment of secondary mania includes addressing the cause. We present here two case histories of secondary mania in older adults, discuss their presentations and differential diagnosis in turn, and discuss treatment.

We will present a clinical case of a patient. Ms. A, a 63-year-old divorced woman with no prior medical or psychiatric history, was seen for an acute manic episode with mixed features. She was in her usual state of health until 2 weeks before admission, when she presented with a status epilepticus requiring a one-week hospitalization in the neurology département and treated by Carbamazepine. She then developed an abnormally excited and labile mood, motor excitability accompanied by rapid thoughts, with a total loss of desire and pleasure and thoughts of death.

In our study, the patient presented a manic episode with mixed characteristics secondary to a status epilepticus.

The patient was treated both somatically and psychologically, and the evolution was positive. The patient was stabilised after being put on an antiepileptic drug associated with an antipsychotic drug.

In our study, the patient presented with a manic attack with mixed characteristics secondary to a status epilepticus.The patient was treated both somatically and psychologically, and the evolution was favourable. The patient was stabilised after being put on an antiepileptic drug associated with an antipsychotic drug.

Late onset psychiatric disorders often represent a challenge for the psychiatrists as far as the diagnosis and management issues are concerned. The elderly patients have generally been reported to have associated medical, especially neurological illnesses and are also prone to side effects of various psychotropic medications.

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One of the most significant changes to society came with the advent of social media, and with it a cultural shift in whom people consider their actual friends. The cultural influence of entertainment figures is not a new phenomenon; however, there has a revolution in the way celebrities interact with their fans, specifically in the Korean Pop (Kpop) industry. In contrast with musicians who release an album and then disappear into mysterious obscurity, Kpop stars constantly interact with fans through meet and greets, live streams, variety tv shows, and most importantly, through social media. With a concomitant rise in parasocial interactions and relationships, Kpop blurs the line between what constitutes pathological delusions and healthy fan activity.

• • To learn the assessment and management of patients with anorexia nervosa

• • To understand changes in management to address suicidality in patients with anorexia nervosa

• • To understand influences by media in perpetrating certain body types in impressionable adolescents

Patient is a 19 year-old Hispanic female with a Past Psychiatric History of Bipolar Disorder, who was brought in by EMS due for agitation and disorganized behavior. Patient presented manic, labile, and her delusions extended to beliefs that the Kpop group EXO has been communicating with her through morse code in their videos, and that certain members would wink at her through the computer screen in real time. The patient’s BMI at the time of admission was 15.4, and she continued to compare her own body to Kpop idols.

Patient shared a lifetime mix of both shame and trauma concerning her eating habits, with multiple incidents that may have contributed to her fear of eating, and simultaneously into her becoming obsessed with the Kpop group (“2018 and COVID were a miracle for me. I got closer to EXO”). Patient denies looking ugly or fat and seems mostly satisfied with her current appearance.

With social isolation growing due to the pandemic, online parasocial relationships are becoming an increasingly normal part of people’s lives. We discuss a case where an unhealthy obsession with Kpop contributed to body dissatisfaction, and the precipitating factors that lead to these circumstances, as well as the challenges that are present in helping these adolescents and young adults in coping with social media use. As such, it is important to discuss the challenges faced by psychiatrists who must be sufficiently aware of the ever-changing face of contemporary cultural landscape when forming an accurate diagnosis.

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