Theory of Mind is the ability to attribute mental states to others. Investigations have distinguished implicit and explicit forms of ToM. It is known, that patients with schizoprenia have deficits in their explicit ToM, and they also show altered brain activations during examining explicit ToM.

In this study our aim was to investigate the underlying neural substrates of implicit ToM in patients with schizophrenia with fMRI.

Seven healthy subjects and two patients with first episode schizophrenia were involved. We used: false belief condition and control condition. All movies consisted of a belief formation phase and an outcome phase. The belief formation phase started with an agent placing a ball on a table in front of an occluder. Then the ball rolled behind the occluder. The movies could continue in different ways leading to a true or false belief. At the end of each movie, the agent reentered the scene and the occluder was lowered. In the outcome phase the ball was either present or absent behind the occluder. The control conditions started with a ball rolled behind the occluder on a table ended up with two different ways as the ball was either present or absent behind the occluder. There was no agent in the control movies.

We found that healthy subjects activated significantly stronger the left lingual gyrus as well as the right temporoparietal junction.

Our findings suggest deficits in implicit ToM in schizophrenia and our findings also might help to clarify the underlying neural substrates of implicit ToM.

This research project was supported by the KTIA-13-NAP-A-II/12 (2018–2022) and the Hungarian National Excellence Centrum Grant 2018–2019.

In some individuals, interest in healthy attitudes and behaviours towards food may show obsessive signs. Preoccupation with ‘healthful’ eating may contribute to orthorexia nervosa (ON) – a strong preoccupation with “healthy eating” manifested by the avoidance of all foods considered by the individual to be “unhealthy”.

The objective of the present study was to determine whether disordered eating behaviour, physical activity and self-esteem are predictors of ON in young adults.

Five hundred fifty-four Polish and Italian university students participated in the present study. Participants were asked to answer the Eating Habits Questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Our findings found that higher levels of concern about dieting and moderate-intensity physical activity were related to ON. Particularly, higher levels of concern about dieting, bulimic behaviour and thoughts about food and moderate-intensity physical activity predicted problems associated with healthy eating. Higher levels of concern about dieting, self-esteem as well as self-control of eating and perceived pressure from others to gain weight were associated with knowledge of healthy eating. Whereas, higher levels of concern about dieting with country factor (Poland) predicted feeling positively about healthy eating.

In ON treatment, reduction in symptoms and concerns characteristic of eating disorders and adequate levels of physical activity should be taken into consideration.

No significant relationships.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are the critical negative regulators of immune responses that exert their effects by inhibiting the Jak/Stat signaling pathway.

To investigate quantitative detection of methylated SOCS-1 in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder considering SOCS-1 -1478CA/del polymorphism and clinical parameters.

114 patients with SCZ, 86 patients with BD, and 80 healthy volunteers were included in the case-control study. The patients were consecutively admitted to the outpatient clinic for three months and were evaluated with some scales for clinical parameters. To measure the methylation level of the SOCS-1 gene, bisulfite-converted DNA samples were analyzed using the real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR method. SOCS-1 -1478CA/del gene polymorphism was evaluated by using the PCR-RFLP.

The SOCS-1 promoter methylation levels of SCZ (p = .001) and BD (p = .024) were found to be significantly different from the control group. SOCS-1 methylation was significantly different between SCZ groups due to the age of onset (p = .009). Again, SOCS-1 methylation was significantly different between BD groups due to YMRS scale scores (p = .027). While the SOCS-1 genotype distributions of SCZ patients were not found to be statistically different from the control group, a significant difference in genotype distribution between BD patients and healthy controls was found (p = .013).

The methylated SOCS-1 quantity in DNA samples of both SCZ and BD patients was significantly lower than in control samples. Whereas the SOCS-1 -1478CA/del polymorphism was not related to SCZ, it may be associated with the BD.

No significant relationships.

Despite the widespread use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics in schizophrenia and other disorders, there is a lack of longitudinal studies evaluating prescription trends and the usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to inform dosing. Indeed, LAI prescription varies greatly among different areas of the world and over the years.

Assess trends in LAI prescription in 2013-2020 at the Psychiatry Department of Bozen, Italy, and (2) analyze the correlation between dose of prescribed LAIs and blood levels measured via TDM.

Parametric statistics.

LAIs were administered to 471 patients (x̅ age±SD=47.2±16.3 years; 56.3% men). The pie chart shows LAI treatment duration, i.e., from 1 to 7 consecutive years. The most used LAIs were haloperidol in 2013-2104 (26.5-31.8%) and paliperidone in 2015-2020 (22.5-25.7%). Dose adjustments were rather frequent, whereas the switch between LAI, due to moderate-to-side effects or unsatisfactory improvement of clinical status, was infrequent (41 cases/8 years). LAI interruption for the same reasons or non-compliance was even more infrequent (10 cases), but in 8 cases it happened for opposite reasons, i.e., achievement of patients’ stabilization and good compliance. The Table shows doses and plasma levels of LAIs. Correlations between doses and plasma levels were: haloperidol: r=-0.037, p=0.620; paliperidone: r=0.290; p=0.000; risperidone: r=0.219, p=0.006; fluphenazine r=0.358, p=0.000; aripiprazole: r=-0.051, p=0.610; olanzapine: r=-0.090, p=0.634.

Haloperidol and paliperidone were the most used LAIs. Drug prescription trends and doses were stable over time. A significant positive correlation between dose and plasma level was found for paliperidone, fluphenazine, and aripiprazole.

No significant relationships.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mood disorder, which is characterized by a cycling between the mania and major depression. The relationship between coping strategies and temperament-character traits in BD is unclear at this time.

The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between strategies of coping stress and temperament-character traits in individuals with BD.

168 patients diagnosed with BD in full remission were included. All participants were diagnosed by an experienced consultant psychiatrist based on DSM-5 and were assessed with Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) for confirmation to remission. Sociodemographic datas of all participants was obtained and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego–Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) and Coping with Stress Scale (CSS) were applied.

75 patients (44.6%) were female and the mean age of the sample was 32.64±10.74 years, the mean duration of illness was 8.23±5.52 years and was found that the mean score of YMRS 5.35±4.19. It was presented Table 1 whether there was a statistically significant correlation between TEMPS-A and CSS subscales.

As coping strategies may be related to temperament-character traits and that could be important for psychological interventions in patients with BD.

No significant relationships.

We discuss the case of a 75-year-old man with no psychiatric history, presenting with complex auditory hallucinations, both commentary and imperative, delusions of persecution and prejudice, severe anxiety, modified behaviour, and altered sleep patterns.

The patient was started on oral risperidone, with favourable evolution of symptoms after reaching a daily dose of 3 mg/day. After three weeks of treatment, the laboratory results showed a low number of neutrophils. Interdisciplinary approach and examinations which included both clinical and paraclinical evaluation concluded that another cause of neutropenia was highly unlikely.

The patient was switched to olanzapine, with gradually increasing doses up to 10 mg/day. A significant improvement of the neutrophils’ level was noticed, with a return to normal parameters after a few days. Nevertheless, the clinical course was unfavourable, with reoccurrence of auditory hallucinations and delusions in two weeks’ time. Decision to rechallenge was made, with careful monitoring of the blood test results, particularly neutrophil levels. Risperidone was started at low doses of 0.5 mg/day and gradually increased up to 2 mg/day.

Seven days after risperidone reinitiation laboratory tests showed normal absolute neutrophil count. However, another week later, neutrophils fell again out of the normal range.

The patient was discharged with haloperidol, with adequate control of symptoms and no adverse reactions.

No significant relationships.

The comorbidity between psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders is more and more common in daily clinical practice. However, only few studies have adressed this subject in north african patients.

The main objective of our study was the estimation of the prevalence and patterns of psychiatric co-morbidities in substance users seeking care.

Our work consisted of a cross-sectional study of a sample of patients attending outpatient substance use treatment at the addiction center in Oujda, Morocco. A hetero-questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and patient history, DSM-IV criteria to assess substance abuse and dependence, and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview [MINI] to assess psychiatric comorbidities.

Our study involved 100 patients, with a male predominance (89% of users). The main substances used in the last 12 months were tobacco (78%), followed by cannabis (74%), alcohol (50%), and benzodiazepines (44%). Psychiatric comorbidity was identified in 71% of the users, 51% of whom had a depressive disorder, 35% an anxiety disorder and 10% a gambling disorder. The dependence on the substance that initially motivated the consultation was higher in patients with psychiatric comorbidity (p=0.033). The post-traumatic stress disorder was significantly associated with the presence of alcohol dependence (p=0.028). The presence of benzodiazepine dependence (p=0.025) and abuse of cocaine (p=0.028) and Ecstasy (p=0.000) were significantly associated with suicide risk.

Our study found a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among substance users seeking treatment, this should prompt clinicians to pay particular attention to this issue in order to adapt and improve their management.

No significant relationships.

We present the case of a 36-year-old male with chronic alcoholism who suffered Delirium Tremens and other complications during hospital admission and who recovered thanks to treatment with benzodiazepines and antiepileptics using a cross tapering strategy.

Presentation of a case and review of the available literature on the pharmacological treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

A 36-year-old man was hospitalised for extensive dermatological lesions suggestive of Pellagra. He acknowledged a daily consumption of six litres of beer, was homeless and had a poor and unvaried diet. After 48 hours, the patient began to present hyperreflexia, disorientation and delusions of harm and was diagnosed with Delirium Tremens.

The case was managed jointly by Internal Medicine and Psychiatry. High doses of Chlorazepate (up to 400 mg daily), Tiapride (up to 600 mg daily) and Thiamine (300 mg daily) were prescribed. After 5 days of treatment, the patient started to improve but severe pain appeared in the lower limbs suggestive of alcoholic neuropathy. Gradually the treatment was replaced by Pregabalin (up to a dose of 1200 mg daily) which was effective in calming the late withdrawal and partially controlling the lower limb pain.

Benzodiazepines remain the first-line agent for severe withdrawal, while some antiepileptic drugs have proven useful in mild-moderate withdrawal and relapse prevention. Switching to antiepileptic drugs during follow-up should be considered because of the lower risk of dependence and respiratory depression, as well as the positive effects on the “kindling” phenomenon.

No significant relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on societies, with hopes of a return to normalcy pinned on the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. The success of a vaccination programme will depend on the participation rate among the population which is influenced by perceptions and attitudes that are partly determined by contextual factors

to study the associations between vaccination intention and theoretical background, contextual and socio-demographic factors in a demographic representation

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted from 3 December 2020 to 10 March 2021, using a questionnaire exploring demographics, psychiatric impact of the pandemic, general opinion of the pandemic and the vaccine, main reasons for being for or against the vaccine, and people’s affinity for the different vaccine currently on the market worldwide.

182 responses were collected, of which 83.5% were female, 50.5% were between 18 and 30 years of age, gender, contextual factors on vaccination uptake and type of vaccine showed a statistically significant difference with a P<0.005, between the 2 groups who agreed or disagreed with the vaccine uptake Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR = 0.193; 95% CI: 0.0437 -0.851) was independently associated with vaccine acceptance.

The exploration of perceptions and beliefs concluded that there is an undeniable impact of contextual factors on the practice and acceptance of covid 19 vaccination among the general population in Morocco, and that awareness and psycho-education of the population is therefore desirable.

No significant relationships.

Depression is one of the leading causes of psychiatric disability across the globe because of its high prevalence and chronic, treatment resistant and recurrent nature. Erythropoietin (EPO), well known for its effects on blood cells, has also a key role in neuroprotection and cognitive function.

The authors aim to explore the potential of EPO to treat depressive disorders (DD) and related cognitive dysfunction.

A literature research was conducted on PubMed starting from the MeSH terms: “Erythropoietin” and “Depressive Disorders”. The results selected for our analysis corresponded to investigations using EPO based on an adult population with DD.

The research provided 14 results, of which 9 met the defined criteria. Different types of studies with variable samples were considered, including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and a systematic review. Overall, despite records of reduction in depression symptomatology and increased quality of life, evidence does not demonstrate statistically significant reductions in depression severity through the use of EPO in the treatment of DD. However, several RCTs examined its effect on cognitive performance, founding effective improvements in memory, verbal recall and recognition. The underlying potential mechanisms and the current limitations in the use of EPO, and of the available studies are analysed and discussed.

Although EPO does not appear to be effective treating depression, it may play a role in improvement of deficits in memory and executive function. Larger RCTs evaluating its potential use are needed, in order to move towards better clinical practice, quality of life and functional reintegration of these patients.

No significant relationships.

Brain lesions may induce psychiatric symptoms in some cases. Imaging tests are important to make a differential diagnosis, and therefore initiate an appropriate treatment.

Presentation of a clinical case about a patient with psychiatric symptoms who presented an organic lesion.

Bibliographic review including the latest articles in Pubmed about psychiatric symptoms induced by organic lesions.

We present a 51-year-old male patient, with adequate previous functionality, who attended psychiatric consultations due to changes in his character, with delusional mystical and megalomaniac ideation, verbiage, hypoprosexia, memory loss and insomnia (diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II, hypomanic episode). Eventually, a brain computed tomography scan was performed, in which meningioma was visualized. The patient underwent surgery, and he asked to keep a sample of his tumor to always carry it with him on a pendant. Psychiatric symptoms induced by organic lesions are highly variable, depending on the location and size of the lesion, and they may be the first and/or only symptom of a meningioma (up to 21% according to various studies), so it is important to perform imaging tests in some cases. At this time, the patient is under follow-up, he has remained euthymic and stable, and he refuses to take psychopharmacological medication.

Psychiatric symptoms may be the first and/or only manifestation of an organic lesion in some cases. Neuroimaging tests (CT and MR) may be useful in the differential diagnosis. It is important to carry out an indiviualized treatment based on the patient’s pathology, which may include surgery and/or drugs.

No significant relationships.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is intentional self-inflicted destruction of body tissue without suicidal intention, whereas deliberate self-harm (DSH) is self-inflicted destruction of body tissue regardless of intent. In clinical samples of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) the estimates of prevalence and severity of self-harm behavior vary considerably.

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of NSSI and DSH, respectively, in individuals with SSD.

In adherence with PRISMA guidelines, a search of electronic databases (Pubmed, PsycInfo, and EMBASE) was conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies were included if the participants were diagnosed with SSD and DSH/NSSI were quantified by questionnaire or interview. Studies solely including patients with schizoaffective disorder, a severe intellectual disability, or autistic spectrum disorder were excluded. Meta-analysis of prevalence will be undertaken for NSSI and DSH, respectively. Further, the review will examine psychopathological correlates to DSH/NSSI, self-harming methods utilized in DSH/NSSI, and severity of DSH/NSSI.

Following duplicate removal, 1891 abstracts were initially identified through the database searches. 148 abstracts were included in screening of full-text articles of which 33 met the eligibility criteria. Nine authors were contacted for the purpose of obtaining additional data. Preliminary results found that the observed lifetime prevalence of NSSI ranged from 14.1% to 57.1%, whereas the observed lifetime prevalence of DSH ranged from 12.9% to 68.0%.

Understanding how SSD and self-harming behavior are associated could identify subgroups of patients with SSD that are responsive to different pharmacological and psychosocial treatment approaches.

No significant relationships.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis commonly begins with a prodromal phase characterized by flu-like symptoms, subsequently the patients experience a rapid deterioration with psychiatric symptoms that may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, paranoia, aggression, auditory or visual hallucinations, sexual disinhibition, mania, cognitive disorder, and psychosis; seizures; motor and autonomic dysfunction. The triggers of the disorder comprise viral infections, tumors, and other unknown factors. Taking in count the prominence of psychiatric symptoms, it is relevant to rise the question whether patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are being misdiagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

Non-systematic literature review of the relationship between anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and psychiatric disorders.

From the review performed, 2 studies stand out: In one study, 459 serum samples for NMDA receptor antibodies were evaluated. The analysis compared samples from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and borderline personality disorder with nonpsychiatric controls. In another study, serum was obtained prospectively from a cohort (n = 46) of patients at first presentation of psychosis and NMDA receptor antibodies were measured.

In the first study, the authors found that 9.9%, 2.8%, and 0% of patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and borderline personality disorder, respectively, were antibody positive. In the second study, it was found that 7% of the patients were serum NMDA receptor antibody positive.

It is unclear yet if patients with primary psychotic disorders have higher rates of pathogenic NMDA receptor antibodies. More evidence is needed to study this relationship.

No significant relationships.

The development of obesity and metabolic abnormalities that seed future ill-health occur early with antipsychotic treatment. In 2013, the 12-week Keeping the Body in Mind (KBIM) pilot lifestyle intervention was delivered to a small sample of youth experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) with <4 weeks of antipsychotic exposure in a cluster-controlled design. The control group experienced significant increases in weight (mean 7.8kg) and waist circumference (mean 7.1cm) compared to non-significant increases (mean 1.8kg) in the KBIM group.

To evaluate the effect of KBIM as routine care on anthropometry and metabolic biochemistry in a larger sample of youth with FEP across three mental health services.

This retrospective chart audit was conducted on youth with FEP, prescribed a therapeutic dose of antipsychotic medication, and who engaged with KBIM between 2015 and 2019. Primary outcomes were weight and waist circumference. Secondary outcomes were blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids. Outcomes were collected in a pre-post design. Implementation elements were also obtained from the participant’s medical file.

One-hundred and eighty-two people met inclusion criteria. Follow-up data were available on up to 134 people for individual outcomes. Mean number of sessions attended was 11.1 (SD=7.3). Weight and waist changes were limited to 1.5kg (SD=5.3, t(133)=3.2, p=0.002) and 0.7cm (SD=5.8, t(109)=1.2, p=0.23). Nineteen percent experienced clinically significant weight gain. There were no changes to blood pressure or metabolic biochemistry.

The positive outcomes for weight and waist circumference found in the initial pilot study were maintained with implementation as routine care.

No significant relationships.

No significant relationships.

Hyperprolactinemia is a common unwanted antipsychotic-induced adverse effect, particularly in female patients, and can induce poor adherence to treatment. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic with partial agonist activity over the dopamine D2 receptors which can be effective in reducing hyperprolactinemia in patients treated with antipsychotics.

We investigate the efficacy of adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole for olanzapine-induced hyperprolactinemia and related hormonal side effects (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea) in female patients with schizophrenia.

Eight female patients (22 to 40 years old) participated in this study with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia-related hormonal side effects (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea). Patients were treated with aripiprazole 10 mg/day added to a fixed olanzapine dose of 20 mg/day. Serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Symptoms and side effects were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions Severity scale, Barnes Akathisia Scale.

Adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole resulted in significantly lower prolactin levels beginning at week 2. 87.5 % of patients at week 8 had prolactin levels normalize. Among 8 patients with menstrual disturbances, 75% of patients regained menstruation during the study. No significant changes were observed regarding psychopathology and adverse effect ratings.

Adjunctive aripiprazole treatment is effective for resolving olanzapine-induced hyperprolactinemia and reinstatement of menstruation in female patients, provides significant improvement and it appears to be safe with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, without increased risk of adverse effects.

No significant relationships.

COVID-19 pandemic leads to high levels of stress. Individuals who have previously sought psychiatric assistance are more sensitive.

Analysis of the perception of the pandemic by people who have previously sought psychiatric care.

An internet-survey (20.03.2020 - 13.01.2021) (N=659; 152 – previously sought psychiatric assistance); included SCL-90-R; questions about the levels of anxiety, depression, and fear (assessed on 0-10 scale); question about opinion on COVID-19 pandemic (coded further on the basis of meaning); question about epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in respondents’ places of residence and their social circles.

Individuals who had previously sought psychiatric assistance demonstrated higher levels of anxiety (5,533±2,489 versus 4,774±2,590), depression (4,945±2,926 versus 3,861±2,988), and fear (0,195±0,397 versus 0,278±0,448). They showed roughly equivalent reactions to both anticipated and real danger (z-score GSI of SCL-90-R 0,90 versus 0,90 for anticipated and real danger respectively), the same indicator of the control group (0,53 and 0,65). In statements about the pandemic, they are more often referred to the topic of “positive effects” of pandemic (3,30% versus 0,99%), expressed “curiosity” (5,92% versus 2,37%). They were less drawn to conspiracy (9,87% versus 16,17%), and exploited more readily the topic “about myself” (20,39% versus 13,21%), negative images of “the present” (3,64% versus с 1,58%) and “the future” (15,79% versus 9, 47%), vocabulary of “anger” (5,92% versus 2,17%).

Individuals who had previously sought psychiatric assistance were ambivalent in their attitudes towards pandemic, and tended to concentrate more on feelings and the negative vision of the future. They perceived anticipated danger roughly equivalent to real danger.

No significant relationships.

COVID 19 has led to dramatic changes in the lives of people leading to an increase in stress and anxiety. Music intervention is a non-medicated method for relieving anxiety. This current study aims to understand whether music can be effectively used to alleviate anxiety in admitted COVID-19 patients.

To study the effect of music on anxiety in patients admitted for COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi

34 patients (17 females &17 males) were randomly divided into two groups, a control (N=17) and a music group (N=17). Vitals of all the patients were noted. Patients of the music group were asked to listen to relaxing instrumental for 30 minutes, while patients of the control group were asked to relax for 30 minutes. Vitals of all the patients were noted again. Patients were asked to fill State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after intervention.

The post-intervention mean scores of STAI after the music session were lower in the music group than the control group [95.06 (SD 8.5)) versus 102.37 (SD 10.3)]. The differences in mean values of pre- to post-intervention changes between both groups after music session were statistically significant.

Our findings suggest that listening to music lowers anxiety. As music is non- invasive and free of side-effects we recommend that music intervention service should be used to improve health care quality.

No significant relationships.

Vaccine hesitancy has been an ongoing complex public issue in the Philippines posing threats to progress against preventable outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Patients with cancer were not included in the initial vaccine trials against COVID-19 hence the plausible explanation behind vaccine hesitancy in this population. This study attempts to determine the factors affecting a patient diagnosed with breast cancer to receive COVID-19 vaccine based on constructs from the Health Beliefs Model (HBM).

To determine the factors affecting a Filipino diagnosed with breast cancer to receive COVID-19 vaccine, namely; perceived susceptibility and severity to COVID-19 and perceived benefits and barriers to getting a vaccination against COVID-19.

A single- center, descriptive, cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with breast cancer was conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

A total of 85 eligible breast cancer patients were included in the analyses. Age, socio-economic factors, and presence of co-morbidities and metastasis were not significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Concerns on efficacy, safety, faulty or fake vaccine, as well as if the vaccine was taken by many in the public were significantly associated with hesitancy (p <0.05) when taken as individual factors. The perception of COVID-19 vaccine safety under the perceived barriers construct was found to be the only significant factor to predict vaccine hesitancy (OR= 4.737, CI 1.75, 12.82).

Interventions that focus on perceived barriers are most crucial in order to increase vaccination rate among breast cancer patients.

No significant relationships.

Gender disparities exist regarding prevalence, symptomatology and risk factors of mental disorders. In Tunisia, there is only one hospital dedicated entirely to mental health which is Razi hospital.

The aim of the present study was to assess gender based mental health disparities in a psychiatric department and its related factors.

A cross sectional and comparative survey was conducted between March and April 2021 in the department of psychiatry D of Razi Hospital including 70 patients with a sex ratio= 1.

The participants were aged between 17 and 68. Men had higher rate of celibacy: 80% of men against 48.57% of women (p=0.009). A total of 11.42% of women were illiterate against 2.85% of men, 48% of men were unemployed against 62.85% of women. There was a significant difference between gender and use of cigarettes, cannabis and alcohol (p<0.001). The diagnosis was mood disorders for 35.42% of women and 17.14% of men and schizophrenia for 57.14% of women and 77.14% of men. Gender and modality of hospitalization were significantly associated (p=0.046): 14% of women were involuntary hospitalized against 40% of men. Time between symptoms onset and consulting is 3.5 years (±5.67) for women and 1.77 (±4.75) for men. The mean number of admissions for women is 1.59 and for men 4.2 (p=0.009).

Onset of mental disorders for women is 3 to 4 years later than men. They have better premorbid functionning and better social networks.Gender disparities are not only determined biologically but also socially.

No significant relationships.