Domestic violence is a critical global and social phenomenon.

- To describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics related to the abuser in the context of domestic violence. - To study risk factors for acting out in the abuser.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study related to male abusers of their wives who consulted the Forensic Medicine Department of Taher Sfar Hospital in Mahdia between January 2020 and October 2020 for a forensic examination.

We collected 67 cases of domestic violence out of a total of 688 female consultants. The age of the abuser exceeded 35 years in 84% of cases. The average age of the abusers was 33.8 years. Almost half of the abusers had a primary school education. In 43% of the cases, the abuser was unemployed or had a job with a salary below the minimum wage. We found an association between domestic violence and the unfavorable professional status of the spouse. Only in 6% of the cases did the abuser have a psychiatric disorder. He had a history of chronic alcoholism in 35% of the cases and the use of illicit substances (cannabis) in 9% of the cases. Approximately one out of every two abusers (48%) was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the violent act. Alcoholism was associated with all forms of domestic violence. He had a criminal history in 30% of cases.

Our results provide real areas for reflection regarding the adoption of specific therapeutic strategies with domestic violence abusers.

No significant relationships.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by adverse health effects due to exposure to common chemicals which may lead to disability. The pervasive nature of stigma associated with MCS and similar conditions, including that which exists among providers, creates unbearable barriers to healthcare access.

The main objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the symptoms associated with MCS, (2) determine whether environmental exposure has an impact on psychological well-being of patients with MCS.

The qualitative phenomenological study consisting of 42 individuals presenting with medically-unexplained symptoms was conducted using semi-structured interviews.

The symptoms experienced by participants with MCS are diverse, with common symptoms being migraine, paresthesias, seizure-like attacks, allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms (e.g., SOB, swollen throat), GI distress, muscle pain, chronic fatigue and persistent insomnia. These symptoms always develop in response to low level exposures to various toxicants, recur reproducibly and improve when toxic agents are removed. Finally, the adults with MCS are more likely to experience significant affective and PTSD-like reactions. The participants stated the stigmas and misconceptions against those with toxicant sensitivities affected their mental wellness.

Multiple clinically significant behavioral and psychological symptoms are associated with MCS. Our data suggested that diagnostic overshadowing is pervasive in the healthcare system. This study also highlights the importance of psychological interventions and doctor–patient relationship in the management of MCS in various settings. Public education to increase knowledge around environmental illness is paramount.

No significant relationships.

COVID-19 is associated with mental manifestations, Anxiety and depression appear to be common amongst people hospitalized for COVID-19.

evaluate the emotional stress resulting from infection and assess its impact on the mental health of patients who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia.

It is a cross-sectional study, The mental health assessment tool DASS2 (Arabic version) was applied in collecting the data for the study. Demographic characteristics, chronic disease status, COVID 19 pneumonia, oxygen saturation level were recorded at the follow-up visit, soon after the psychiatric evaluation. Psychological distress was assessed An Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess the mental health status. Statistical analysis by (SPSS, version 25).

466 patients were consented prior to enrollment in the study, out of the total respondents; (53.2%) were females, anxiety rate was found in (18%), stress in (17%), and depression in (14%) of the patients, significantly elevated blood levels of the inflammatory marker in patients with depression and anxiety, increase in the rates of depression with male gender, increasing age and longer duration of ICU stay respectively, with non-significant p-values. There was also a small increase in the period stayed in ICU among those who developed depression and anxiety. Reduced oxygen saturation in COVID-19 patients with depression was 4 times those with no depression.

prolonged ICU stays and reduced oxygen saturation was associated with a high rate of depression in patients with COVID-19, as well as elevated levels of the inflammatory marker D-dimer with depression and anxiety.

No significant relationships.

Postpartum and peripartum depression are debilitating disorders that impact the mother and their ability to care for their children’s emotional, social, and physical needs. Current treatments include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. These treatments are moderately effective or come with side effects that can negatively impact mother and child. As a result, many mothers view some treatments as unacceptable while pregnant or breastfeeding. Over the last decade, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise as an effective and safe treatment option for postpartum and peripartum depression. However, little is known regarding people’s knowledge and attitudes towards this emerging technology, with no research assessing this in Canada.

We aim to identify gaps in knowledge and to assess attitudes toward rTMS as a treatment for postpartum and peripartum depression in mental health professionals, patients, and the general public living in Canada.

A mixed methods study design will be employed. The qualitative portion will consist of individual semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis will be completed. The quantitative portion will consist of an anonymous, self-administered survey shared through REDCap. Focus groups with rTMS experts will be conducted to inform survey creation.

No resulst at this time.

Understanding gaps in knowledge and attitudes toward rTMS is the first step toward ensuring that everyone is well informed and able to access safe and effective treatments. With limited treatment options available to a postpartum and/or peripartum depression patients being well informed on all treatments is crucial towards accessing treatments that best suit their needs.

No significant relationships.

There is a known association between the core psychopathological features of anorexia nervosa (AN) and sexual dysfunctions, to the point that the recovery of healthy sexuality could be considered a marker of recovery. However, no studies have evaluated the role of insecure attachment in moderating this recovery during treatment.

To evaluate the role of insecure attachment as a possible moderator of the recovery of healthy sexuality in patients with AN treated with Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E).

A total of 65 patients with anorexia nervosa were treated with CBT-E in a multidisciplinary environment, after filling out self-administered questionnaires for the evaluation of general (SCL-90-R) and ED-specific psychopathology (EDE-Q), female sexuality (FSFI) and adult attachment style (ECR). The assessment was repeated after one (T1) and two years (T2).

At baseline, all domains of sexual dysfunction were significantly predicted by avoidant attachment. A significant amelioration of both general and eating disorder-specific psychopathology and sexual dysfunctions was observed at all follow-up evaluations with respect to baseline levels. However, only 45% of remitted patients also showed a complete recovery of healthy sexuality: this subgroup reported significantly lower avoidance scores when compared to patients who only recovered from AN. Moderation analysis indicated that sexual desire did not increase in participants with higher levels of avoidant attachment.

This study highlighted the crucial role of avoidant attachment in the relationship between AN and sexual dysfunctions, underlining the importance of assessing adult attachment for a better characterization and treatment. Attachment-focused interventions may be beneficial for a full recovery.

No significant relationships.

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that requires lifelong medical care and supervision. There is a high rate of relapse, mostly caused by poor adherence to oral antipsychotics. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have proved effective in schizophrenia and other severe psychotic disorders due to the stable blood levels, leading to a reduction of the risk of relapse. LAIs are associated with better functioning, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. In Treatment-resistant schizophrenia the combination of antipsychotics is a common practice. Nevertheless, the combination of two different long-acting injectable antipsychotics is not frequent.

A case of a 34-year-old man is presented, previously diagnosed of Schizophrenia, with highly disabling chronic positive symptoms. With no in-sight and no will in receiving treatment. Has been stable for a year while being in treatment with paliperidone 525mg LAI/ 10 weeks, and aripiprazole 400mg LAI/28 days.

The patient was closely observed and given oral paliperidone, after 5 days long-acting paliperidone was introduced. He was discharged with mild improvement of his psychiatric symptoms. While being in treatment with Paliperidone 525mg, he kept vivid delusions and hallucinations. The patient still refused to take any oral medications. Long-acting aripiprazole 300mg was added to the treatment.

He showed clinical improvement after a month. He has been stabilized for one year.

Treating resistant schizophrenia is among the most challenging clinical endeavors. A very helpful approach to improve adherence in schizophrenia is the use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics. A major effort on scientific research of combination of LAI is needed.

No significant relationships.

Younger schoolchildren with psychological development disorders have low cognitive activity, insufficient development of basic school skills, and a low level of educational motivation. In accordance with the requirements of the educational program for students with psychological development disorders, it is important to develop the ability to predict the results of their actions.

The study of predictive competence in primary schoolchildren with psychological development disorders.

The study involved 60 children aged 8-10 years with a psychological development disorder. To study predictive competence, the methodology “The ability to predict in situations of potential or real violation of social norms” was used.

The study revealed a low level of the cognitive and speech-communicative spheres of prognostic competence development in primary schoolchildren with psychological development disorders, as well as a deficit in prediction in the field of learning, which includes educational cooperation and educational communication of the child. Generalized statements, a passive position in future situations and pessimistic attitudes prevailed in the predictions of schoolchildren when constructing an image of the future. For schoolchildren with psychological development disorders, the prognosis is presented by monosyllabic answers, with the observable poverty of speech utterances.

The features of prognostic competence revealed in the study make it possible to develop individual programs for the development of the prognostic abilities of schoolchildren with psychological development disorders. This paper has been supported by the Kazan Federal University Strategic Academic Leadership Program.

No significant relationships.

Esketamine nasal spray has been developed to treat adults with treatment resistant depression. On Dec.2019, EMA granted a market access approval in this indication.

ESKALE is a descriptive study of treatment resistant depression patients treated with esketamine in France.

Observational retrospective study. 157 patients are included in 3 cohorts depending on their treatment initiation date. This abstract presents the second interim results of patients treated with esketamine and whom data collection ranges from Oct.2019 and Sept.2021.

66.7% of patients were females. Average age was 49 years old with 26 patients > 65 years old. Duration of the current depressive episode was 26.0 months (mean). 48.8% of patient have > 1 suicide attempt during whole life. At esketamine initiation, 78.2% patients were clinically perceived to have severe depression with a MADRS score of 32.4 (median) and a PHQ9 score of 19.5 (median). For the overall sample, esketamine was prescribed in median as a 3rd line and for 40.5% of patients after neurostimulation. The majority of the patient started esketamine at 28 mg or 56 mg and increased the dose to 84 mg. After 4 months of treatment, clinical benefits are the following: decrease of MADRS total score -16.5 points (median) corresponding to 58% of responders and a PHQ9 total score decrease of -8.6 points (median). No new safety signal detected.

This second interim analysis describes patients’ profiles and clinical evolution over a longer period and a broader population than the first interim analysis. The conditions of use are consistent with the ones approved by health authorities.

I (Marie-Alix Codet) works as a full employee at Janssen Cilag

There is a well-established body of investigations showing that the experience of shame is associated with eating disorders symptoms. Meta-analytical data indicate that body shame is one type of shame that seems to be especially relevant in case of eating disorders. While there are many studies which investigated the association between the predisposition to feel ashamed about one’s body and eating disturbance, there are virtually no inquires on how momentary body shame is related to disturbed eating behaviors.

In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between momentary body shame and disturbed eating behaviors using an intensive longitudinal design.

Females with high levels of eating disorders symptoms completed five, randomly-initiated surveys per day delivered via a smartphone application for a total of two weeks. The survey evaluated the level of body shame and disturbed eating behaviors (i.e., binge eating, purging, excessive exercises, body checking).

Preliminary results indicate that higher levels of body shame are associated with higher levels of disturbed eating behaviors. The level of body shame was higher in binge eating days compared with non-binge eating days.

Fluctuations in body shame seem to contribute to the maintenance of disturbed eating behaviors. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.

No significant relationships.

Cadmium is defined as one of the leading toxic industrial pollutants (Valko i sar., 2005). Although some products containing cadmium can be recycled, much of the pollution with this metal is the result of inadequate disposal and uncontrolled incineration of cadmium-containing waste (Jarup, 2003). Copper particles are released into the atmosphere from copper smelters and ore processing facilities, as well as from anthropogenic sources (use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides). Oxidative stress occurs due to increased production of reactive oxygen species (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease) or reduced ability of cells to neutralize it through their internal antioxidants (eg mutation of the superoxide dismutase gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

The aim of this research was to examine the protective role of supplement, GSH, S-donor ligand, and in conditions of acute and chronic intoxication with sublethal doses of cadmium-II-chloride and copper II sulfate.

After medial laparotomy albino rates Wistar soy, a 10% homogenate of brain tissue was made in an appropriate medium and an analysis of acid and alkaline DNase activity was performed (Kocić i sar., 2004; Kocić i sar., 1998).

This experiment demonstrated the beneficial role of GSH supplement that exhibit antioxidant character in preventing and reducing the adverse effects of acute and chronic cadmium and copper intoxication.

Antioxidants prevent the formation of oxidative stress in the cell by reducing and stopping DNA damage and degradation, and thus represent potential scavengers of free radicals.

No significant relationships.

Patients with bipolar disorder may adjust their behaviors and choose a coping strategy to face self-stigma and avoid unpleasant social and professional adversities. These coping orientations are either defensive, or active behavioral strategies.

The aim of this study was to assess self-stigma in remitted patients with bipolar disorder and to investigate coping strategies to struggle the internalized stigma.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of 61 patients with bipolar disorder. Euthymia was verified using the Hamilton scale for depression and the Young scale for mania. We used the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) to evaluate self-stigma, the Stigma coping orientation Scale (SCOS) to assess coping strategies.

The mean age of patients was 43.4 years. The sex ratio was 2.4. The mean score on the ISMI was 2.36. More than half of our patients (59%) were self-stigmatized. Secrecy (57%) and withdrawal (56%) were the most adopted coping strategies. The mean self-stigma score was significantly associated with higher scores on defensive coping strategies such as secrecy (p<10-3) and withdrawal (p<10-3). However, scores on challenging (p<10-3), education (p<10-3) and distancing (p=0.014) strategies were inversely correlated with self-stigma scores. The logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between defensive coping strategies (secrecy and withdrawal) and internalized stigma.

The relationship between defensive coping strategies and self-stigma appears to be bidirectional. Enhancing coping strategies oriented to education, challenging and engaging patients in social interaction and reducing the use of deleterious coping strategies focusing on secrecy and withdrawal may lead to restrict self-stigma.

No significant relationships.

The recent literature indicates that the gut microbiota may affect brain functions through endocrine and metabolic pathways, antibody production and the enteric network while supporting its possible role in the onset and maintenance of several neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders.

The aim of this work is to discuss the role of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics as a potential treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Pub Med database was searched using following key words: “probiotics”, “prebiotics”, “mental disorders”, “psychological disorders”.

Although the exact mechanism is unknown, there is a link between the gut and mood disorders. Psychosocial factors, such as quality of life or well-being, are greatly influenced by gut function and there is a strong correlation between psychosocial features and gastrointestinal disorders. Elevated stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to intestinal dysbiosis and mood disorders are disproportionately high in patients with functional gut disorders. So, psychobiotics may provide benefit when used in conjunction with current antidepressant medications. Probiotics may exert their therapeutic benefits by restoring microbial balance in the gut, and also by minimizing gastrointestinal complaints, allowing for the effects of antidepressant medication to not be reduced. Stress and immune responses were improved following psychobiotic intervention in stressed adults. Psychobiotics offer potential alternative treatment options in mood disorders and their accompanying symptoms.

Pro and prebiotics can improve mental health and psychological function and can be offered as new medicines for common mental disorders. However, more clinical studies are required to support the clinical use of probiotics.

No significant relationships.

-Anxious Distress Specifier is one of the newly added specifier in diagnosis and managment of bipolar disorder.This unique item may paly a role in not only the symptoms severity but also the degree of adherence to the psychotropics. -DSM5 Anxious distress specifier is not well studied in the 1st manic episode of bipolar disorder.

1-To study the role of DSM5 Anxious Distress Specifier in the symptoms severity of 1st diagnosed manic episode 2-To investigate its role in medication adherence in thses patients

1-DSM 5 Anxious distress specifier interview which includes 5 items : a- Keyed up or tense b-Restlessness c-Impaired concentration. d-Sense of foreboding e-Loss of control 2-The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) is one of the most frequently utilized rating scales to assess manic symptoms. The scale has 11 items and is based on the patient’s subjective report of his or her clinical condition 3-Drug Attitude Inventory:consists of a questionnaire that is completed by the patient, pertaining to various aspects of the patient’s perceptions and experiences of treatment.

1-There is a positive correlation between the mean score of Young mania Rating scale in 1st episode manic patients and the mean score of DSM5 Anxious Distress specifier Interview 2-The presence of high score of DSM5 Anxious Distress Specifier Interview is positively correlated to the mean score of Drug Attitude Inventory during the follow up visits after controlling the 1st episode mania

The presence of high levels of Anxious Distress in the 1st episde mania affected the symptoms severity and medication adherence

No significant relationships.

The role of sensitivity to punishment on aggression is controversial, both positive and negative relationships have been observed in previous literature.

The aim of this research was to clarify the role of sensitivity to punishment in different types of aggression and provide a better understanding of the influence of emotional regulation on this relationship.

Two hundred and twenty-nine participants took part in the study (130 women; average age = 21.52 years). All of them were assessed for levels of verbal aggression, physical aggression, anger, and hostility (by Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire), levels of sensitivity to punishment (by SPSRQ–20), and emotional regulation ability (by MSCEIT).

A higher reactivity to punishment had a direct negative effect on physical and verbal aggression. However, a higher reactivity to punishment also showed a positive indirect effect on verbal and physical aggression through an increase in anger and hostility. In addition, ability in regulating emotions moderated the indirect effects of sensitivity to punishment on physical aggression.

Our results suggest that sensitivity to punishment can act both as a protective factor and as a risk factor for aggression. This relationship depended on the type of aggression studied and the emotional regulation abilities. These findings can help to inform the design of programs aimed at reducing aggressive behaviour. This work was funded by Junta de Andalucía (projects: EMERGIA20_00056 and UMA18-FEDERJA-137) to Alberto Megías Robles.

No significant relationships.

Few is known regarding the intervening variables between pathological narcissism and sadism personality. Specifically, envy is a psychoanalytical construct that appears especially promising in illuminating such relationships.

To extend the knowledge regarding the nomological network of pathological narcissism.

We administered to a sample of Italian adults a battery of self-report questionnaires including the Italian version of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale, the Assessment of Narcissistic Personality, The Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire and the Pathological Narcissism Inventory.

First, the Italian version of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale showed good fit indexes confirming the original factorial structure as well as configural invariance. We found that only the grandiosity facet of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory, the Rivalry subscale of the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire and the Malicious subscale of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale positively and significantly predicted Assessment of Narcissistic Personality scores. Moreover, throughout a structural equation modeling approach, the hypothesis that rivalry and malicious envy both mediate the relationship between grandiosity and sadism was empirically supported.

The use of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale resulted to be promising in the investigation of the nomological network of pathological narcissism. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

No significant relationships.

We have recently validated the Portuguese shortest version of the Perinatal Depression Screening Scale-PDSS-7 (items selected from the PDSS-21; each one representing a dimension evaluated by the PDSS-35), for the assessment of depression severity in pregnancy, both in Portugal and Brazil.

To analyze the validity and reliability of the PDSS-7 Portuguese version to evaluate postpartum women both from Portugal and Brazil.

The Portuguese sample was composed of 304 women between the 2nd-6th postpartum months (Mean=20.09±7.21 weeks postpartum). These participants were not the same who participated in the psychometric study that led to the selection of the seven items. The Brazilian sample was composed of 121 women (Mean=10.51±4.53 weeks postpartum). All the participants completed the European/Brazilian Portuguese versions of PDSS-21, which was composed of the same items and included the seven items of PDSS-7. Participants also filled in the validated versions of Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale and Profile of Mood States.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed that the unidimensional model of PDSS-7 presented acceptable/good fit indexes in both samples (Portuguese/Brazilian: χ2/d.f.=2.6598/1.7897; RMSEA=.0740/.0807, CFI=.8289/.7934, TLI=.7901/.8434, GFI=.9298/.9496; p<.001). The PDSS-7 Cronbach’s alphas were of .841/.856 and all the items contributed to the internal consistency. Pearson correlations with postpartum anxiety (.646/.763) and negative affect (.666/.676) were significantly (p<.01) high. PDSS-7 mean scores were higher in the Brazilian sample (16.06±7.39 versus 11.37±4.37, p<.01).

PDSS-7 presented validity (construct and convergent), reliability and utility in clinical and research settings, including in transcultural studies, in Portugal and Brazil, namely in the postpartum.

No significant relationships.

Psychotic episodes characterized by sudden onset of polymorphous psychotic symptoms and fast resolution have been a subject of interest of many psychiatrists throughout the History. Controversies about the diagnostic criteria and nomenclature of cycloid psychoses persist nowadays, what has hampered its study. In last years, several reports associating this disease with autoimmune pathologies have been published, revealing a possible association between them.

To contribute to the knowledge of cycloid psychoses, reporting a case of motility psychoses and exploring its possible association with autoimmune diseases.

Case report and literature review.

A 48-years-old woman presents a history of eleven admissions at the Psychiatry nursery in the last nineteen years, due to psychotic episodes. Usually, these episodes follow a default in psychopharmacological therapeutic, and are characterized by rapid onset of psychomotor agitation, with prominent nonpurpuseful exuberant movements, incoherent speech, mood oscillations and polythematic delusion. Between these decompensations, she recover her normal functioning, being medicated with lithium and an antipsychotic. During one of her admissions, at 2015, she developed fever and a stuporous state. The magnetic resonance and lumbar puncture were normal, the electroencephalogram revealed generalized lentification. Autoimmunity investigation evidenced positive antithyroid antibodies (with normal thyroid function) and the echography validated the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

This case report reveals a possible relationship between cycloid psychoses and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. We need to share more knowledge to understand if it represents a comorbidity or a pathogenic process with the same etiology, what will influence the treatment of these patients.

No significant relationships.

Numerous studies point to a high effectiveness of psychosocial rehabilitation using psychopharmacological treatment, psychosocial methods and spiritually oriented care technologies.

Description of the experience of using a spiritually oriented approach in complex rehabilitation of patients with mental disorders.

Clinical, pathopsychological, statistic. The study involved two groups of patients with illness (ICD-10 F 20.04 – F 20.05, F25.х, F21.3-21.4, F 33.4, F31.7, F32.2 – 18 patients) and comorbid addictive disorders (ICD-10 F10.2х1- F10.2х2 - 17 patients). “The Social Adjustment Scale–Self-Report SAS-SR” (М. Weissman, S. Bothwell, 1976); “Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form health survey” (SF-36, John E.Ware, 1992); “Methodology of the severity of anti-drug potential” (Kopeyko G.I. et al, 2018); “The Scale of Religiosity” (Kaz’mina O.Y., 2000) were used to assess the effectiveness.

All patients received psychopharmacological treatment and participated in rehabilitation work in patient community organizations using psychosocial and spiritually oriented therapy. The rehabilitation program included psychoeducation, skills training, group and individual psychotherapy, social activity. Spiritually oriented assistance was realized in the tradition of dialogical approach (Florenskaya T.A., 1992) and included conversations on Evangelical topics, work in therapeutic groups on the principles of a religious community. Longer remission times, a social functioning improvement, a tendency to change lifestyle based on the values of religious worldview, anti-drug potential increase and a higher understanding of religious life with an orientation towards internal religiosity were revealed among the participants of complex rehabilitation program.

Perspective of using biopsychosociospiritual approach in psychiatry in work with patients with schizophrenia and patients with comorbid addictive disorders was shown.

No significant relationships.

The study of ideas about death and the mechanisms of their formation in adolescents with suicidal behavior is an important task for both diagnosis and psychotherapy. The parents’ notions of death, and the prohibition on discussing the topic of death in the family, can significantly distort the adolescent’s relationship with death.

Investigate differences in attitudes towards death in parents and adolescents who apply to the crisis care room of a child psychiatric clinic.

The study involved 90 adolescents with their parents who applied to the crisis outpatient care system. The following questionnaires were offered: Death Attitude Profile-Revised, Death Anxiety Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, GAD-7.

Significant differences were found for most of the scales in the samples of adults and adolescents, of particular interest to us were the scales “death avoidance” (W=317,500,z=3,089,p=0,002) and “perception of family support» (W=288,500,z=3,393,p=0,001). For the group of adolescents, there are higher indicators on the scales of anxiety (W=61,000,z=-2,546,p=0,011), anxiety in close relationships (W=83,000,z=-2,549,p=0,011), avoidance of close relationships (W=28,000,z=-3,870,p=0,000), and death as a means of escape (W=54,500,z=-3,076,p=0,002).

In families of adolescents with suicidal behavior, the severity of dysfunctional patterns of building close relationships and the presence of sharply opposite positions in relation to death in children and parents are observed without the possibility of discussing this topic.

No significant relationships.

Mothers of terminally ill children experience chronic stress that can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. A better understanding of their experiences, resources, and vulnerabilities can help plan psychological interventions.

The research is aimed to study mothers’ appraisals of their life situation related to the child’s terminal illness and their coping strategies.

Participants: 21 women (aged 26-49) whose children were patients at the hospice. Women answered a set of open-ended questions and completed questionnaires: “Appraisal Criteria of the Difficulty of a Life Situation”, “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situation”, “Ways of Coping Checklist”. Data were analyzed with Pearson’s r.

Planned coping was associated with evaluations of opportunity (r=0.78) and threat to the future (r=0.61). Despite the deteriorating health status of most of the children, women reported a high degree of subjective control. This might be related to outside help. Participants stated that helping by the family, doctors, and psychologists was essential. Unexpectedly, the “need for a quick and active response” score correlates with that for the coping strategy “fantasizing” (r=0.62). This can be explained by the depletion of resources; deprivation of sleep and active rest is often observed. An important feature is that half of the participants report high self-blame.

We suggest that self-blame, an analysis of opportunities, and probable future scenarios are important psychotherapy targets for mothers of terminally ill children. The consequences of threat appraisal are twofold: admitting the threat can be painful, but it also mobilizes one’s energy. Funding: The study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00838.

No significant relationships.