Self-injury, defined as inflicting damage or pain to one’s own body, is a way to deal with unbearable emotions. Unfortunately, it can become addictive through the rewarding effect, and this makes it also really hard to stop with this destructive behavior. Currently, there is a lack of specific treatments.

The aim of the research is to investigate whether the “Protocol imaginary execution of self-damaging behavior” leads to a reduction of self-damaging behavior and the urge to self-damaging behavior.

We have investigated the “Protocol Imaginary execuTion of self-injury” as a potential treatment for self-injury. In this protocol the patient is asked to imagine he/she is performing the self-injury and at the same time a distracting task is offered. This ensures the working memory is double burdened as is with EMDR. We expected a reduction of patient’s self-injurious behavior. For this study, a single-case experimental design with 11 clinical patients is used, aimed to investigate whether there is a functional relationship between the treatment, the urge to self-injure and the frequency and seriousness of the self-injury. Data are analyzed with a multivariate analysis. The results of this study will contribute to expanding and improving treatment options for self-injury.

At the moment the results are not yet available, but they will be known in April 2022.

Respondents indicate that they experience more control over self-injurious behaviour. We hope to have confirmed this in April 2022 with the analyzed data.

No significant relationships.

Affective symptoms are a common feature of schizophrenia and define bipolar disorder. Alterations in dopamine neurotransmission and activity at D3-D2 receptors is associated with depressive symptoms providing the rationale for targeting D3-D2 receptors with partial agonists.

The aim of the analysis herein is to examine and compare the efficacy of cariprazine in treating affective symptoms in both schizophrenia and bipolar depression.

Data from 3 schizophrenia [NCT00694707, NCT01104766, NCT01104779] and 3 bipolar I depression studies [NCT013896447, NCT02670538, NCT0267055] were pooled for the analyses. To investigate efficacy across individual affective symptoms, the Marder anxiety/depression and negative symptom items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and single items of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were analysed. Improvement across affective symptoms was examined primarily evaluating least square mean differences (LSMDs) in comparison to placebo in mean change from baseline.

The pooled ITT population was comprised of persons with schizophrenia (placebo=442, cariprazine=1024) and bipolar disorder (placebo=460, cariprazine=923). Cariprazine resulted in a significantly greater reduction when compared to placebo in three out of the four Marder anxiety/depression items; anxiety (p<0.01), tension (p<0.001) and depression (p<0.05). Similarly, cariprazine was significantly better than placebo in 9 out of the 10 MADRS individual items; apparent sadness (p<0.001), reported sadness (p<0.001), reduced sleep (p<0.05), reduced appetite (p<0.001), concentration difficulties (p<0.001), lassitude (p<0.001), inability to feel (p<0.001), pessimistic thoughts (p<0.01) and suicidal thoughts (p<0.05).

The results herein indicate that cariprazine treatment is significantly effective at treating affective symptoms in persons with both schizophrenia and bipolar I depression.

I am an employee of Gedeon Richter Plc.

Since fall 2020, electronic mental health services (eMHSs) like apps can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists in Germany. However, future healthcare providers such as medical and psychology students remain reluctant to adopt eMHSs, even though they represent a vulnerable group with respect to developing mental health problems themselves. Reasons include scepticism and lacking awareness, which can be addressed by tailored multi-component information material. However, to date little is known about the most important information attributes to educate prospect healthcare providers on eMHSs.

The objective of this study is to explore information preferences on eMHSs among medical and psychology students.

A total of 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=16 medical and n=5 psychology students) across Germany based on a topic guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and content-analyzed using MAXQDA.

Most students reported having little knowledge about eMHSs and that the issue of digital health has never been raised in their study, even though it is perceived as important. Concerning information design preferences, students favored light, neutral colors and a combination of short, compressible texts with matching images. Regarding the content, information about data protection, the underlying evidence base and the match with personal needs were perceived as important for utilization intentions, while there was little interest in tailored information focusing exclusively on psychology or medical students.

This study provides first insights into eMHS information preferences among prospect healthcare providers. In a next step, a discrete-choice conjoint experiment will be conducted to test the relevant information features on eMHSs.

No significant relationships.

There are relatively fewer pharmacogenetic studies of antipsychotics in adolescents than in adult patients. The development of personalized pharmacotherapy is promising.

Identify the most significant pharmacogenetic predictors of antipsychotic safety in adolescents experiencing acute psychotic episodes

The study included 101 adolescents diagnosed with acute polymorphic psychotic disorder at the time of admission (F23.0-9 according to ICD-10). All patients were taking an antipsychotic as their main treatment for 14 days. Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I), UKU Side Effects Rating Scale (UKU SERS), Sympson-Angus Scale (SAS), Barnes Akathisia rating scale (BARS) were used. All study participants underwent pharmacogenetic testing of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors.

CYP2D6 “intermediate” metabolism increased the risk of developing an adverse reaction by a trend of significance (OR=2.616 (95% CI 0.950-7.203); p=0.063). Carriage of HTR2A rs6313 was associated with a lower score on the UKU SERS “Other Symptoms” subscale (Beta=(-0.289); p=0.003) and an objective score on the BARS akathisia severity scale (Beta=(-0.217); p=0.029). DRD3 rs324026 carriers had a lower BARS akathisia scale score (Beta=(-0.349); p=0.004); DRD3 rs6280 carriers had a lower SAS extrapyramidal symptom severity scale score (Beta=(-0.351); p=0.003). Carriers of ANKS1B rs7968606 were associated with a higher SAS scale score (Beta=0.237; p=0.017).

We proposed that genotyping of CYP2D6*4, *10, DRD3 rs324026 (C allele), DRD3 rs6280 (C allele), HTR2A rs6313 (TT genotype) and ANKS1B rs7968606 (T allele) will predict the high risk of intolerance to antipsychotics in adolescents with acute psychotic episodes.

No significant relationships.

Therapists’ forced transition to provide psychotherapy remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity to examine therapists’ views and challenges with teletherapy.

We aimed to develop predictive models of three aspects of psychotherapists’ acceptance of teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic; attitudes towards teletherapy, concerns about using teletherapy, and intention to use it in the future.

In an international survey, therapists (N = 795) completed a survey about their experiences during the pandemic, including quality of therapeutic relationship, professional self-doubt, vicarious trauma, and telepsychotherapy acceptance. Regression decision trees machine learning analyses were used to build prediction models for each aspects of telepsychotherapy acceptance.

Attitudes toward telepsychotherapy were most positive for therapists who reported neutral or strong online working alliance, especially if they experienced little professional self-doubt and were younger than 40 years old. Therapists who were most concerned about telepsychotherapy, were those who reported higher levels of professional self-doubt, particularly if they also reported vicarious trauma experiences. Therapists who reported low working alliance were the least likely to use telepsychotherapy in the future.

Therapists’ professional self-doubt and the quality of their working alliance with their telepsychotherapy patients appear to be the most pertinent factors associated with therapists’ acceptance of telepsychotherapy during COVID-19, and should be addressed in future training and research.

No significant relationships.

Caffeine acts as a competing antagonist of adenosine receptors, increasing the release of norepinephrine and the activation of noradrenergic neurons. Long-standing schizophrenia patients frequently develop a comorbidly high daily caffeine intake. This could be explained by its relationship with smoking [1,2].

To determine caffeine consumption in schizophrenia and predisposing factors.

Cross-sectional study designed on a sample of 68 outpatients with a follow-up of at least 5 years at the Mental Health Unit, aged between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10). Average daily caffeine intake was quantified by reference values for each beverage: coffee (66.7mg/100ml), tea (30mg/100ml), soft or energy drinks (11.5mg/100ml). High intake was defined as a consumption of ≥200mg of caffeine per day. Retrospective review of medical records revealed tobacco use and negative symptoms observed on the PANSS scale. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS v21.0 (significance p<0.05).

88.2% of the subjects were daily caffeine consumers with a mean intake of 146.7mg/day (SD=5.8), and a mean consumption time of 6.2 years. Coffee was the predominant beverage in 66.7% of the cases, followed by soft or energy drinks (25%) and tea (0.1%). 45% of participants also had a high caffeine intake of ≥200 mg/day. Comorbid smoking was found in 93% of these patients. Negative symptomatology prevailed among caffeine consumers (PANSS-N= 41.3).

Xanthine abuse seems to be highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia, and there may be a relationship with smoking and negative psychotic symptoms.

No significant relationships.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative pathology that develops mainly in elderly and senile people. Disruption of BDNF transport or suppression of its production appears to be typical for people of old age. Objective: To investigate the influence of Alzheimer’s disease on the secretion of brain factors and correlate with neuropsychological profiles.

12 men (2) and women (10) with Alzheimer’s disease were examined. The average age of the subjects was 76.25 + 4.89. Methods: MMSE, ADAS-COG, laboratory - BDNF was performed using the G7611 BDNF Emax (R) ImmunoAssaySystem 5 x 96 wells, BDNF Emax® Immunological test.

2 patients have mild dementia, 8 patients have moderate dementia, 2 patients have severe dementia. The average age of patients with mild dementia was 72.0 + 1.0. The average MMSE score is 16.7 + 3.4.

Correlation analysis showed a close relationship between a pronounced decrease in memory in memory tests (ADAS-COG) and a pronounced decrease in blood BDNF content (r = 0.676). A close statistically significant relationship was found between a low result of the recognition test and a low blood BDNF content (r = 0.598).

We assume that blood BDNF is a marker of pathologically accelerated aging of the central nervous system, since low test results for mnestic function are an indicator of severe degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.

No significant relationships.

Early detection of psychosis is a promising area in preventive psychiatry. The use of early intervention can prevent the first episode psychosis and improve outcomes.

Identification of premorbid features of depressive patients at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) comparing with depressive patients without CHR in order to improve early recognition of the psychotic process.

219 young depressive in-patients with CHR criteria for SOPS with attenuated positive and attenuated negative symptoms and 52 young depressive in-patients without CHR were examined. Presence of obstetric complications, neurodevelopmental deviance, neurological and psychiatric signs at the premorbid stage, and the level of premorbid functioning on the PAS were examined.

It has been established that depressive patients at CHR and without CHR had some obstetric complications (57.5% and 40.4%, respectively). Neurodevelopmental deviance in the first year of live was in 57.5% patients with CHR. At the age of 3-5 sleep disorders, ADHD and phobias were more common in patients at CHR than without it (58.8% and 32.7%, p=0.014). In pubertal, patients at CHR were more likely to show depression symptoms, obsessions, and aggression - 90.4% versus 76.9% (p=0.029). On the PAS scale, a decrease of the level of premorbid functioning has been observed in two groups of patients with and without CHR from the age of 12: from 12 to 15 years, 0.4 and 0.3 (p=0.004), from 16 to 18 years, 0.47 and 0.37 (p 0.001).

Premorbid functioning were worst in patients with CHR, which indicates the possibility of early clinical detection of psychosis.

No significant relationships.

Social contact-based video interventions effectively reduce stigma toward individuals with psychosis.

We recently demonstrated the efficacy of a 90-second social contact–based video intervention in reducing stigma. The current randomized controlled study presents four briefer videos differing in presenter’s gender and race, with baseline, postintervention, and 30-day follow-up assessments. The study aimed to examine whether people changing their attitudes following the intervention.

Using a crowdsourcing platform (CloudResearch), we recruited and assigned 1,993 race and gender-balanced participants ages 18–35 years to one of four brief video-based interventions (Black female, White female, Black male, and White male presenters) or a nonintervention control condition. In the videos, a young presenter with psychosis humanized their illness through an evocative description of living a meaningful and productive life.

Five-by-three ANOVA showed a significant group-by-time interaction for the total score of all five stigma domains: social distance, stereotyping, separateness, social restriction, and perceived recovery. A one-way ANOVA showed greater reductions in video intervention groups than control at post-intervention and 30-day follow-up, but no differences between video groups.

This randomized controlled study replicated and extended previous research findings by showing stigma reduction across videos that differ in the presenter’s gender and race, thus enhancing generalizability. The videos described the experience of psychosis and reduced stigma, suggesting their potential utility on social media platforms to increase the likelihood of seeking services and ultimately may improve access to care among young individuals with psychosis. Future research should address intersectional stigma experienced by culturally tailoring the narrative.

No significant relationships.

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that includes distressing obsessions and repetitive compulsions. Usually presents with a wide range of symptons normally grouped into different clusters or dimensions. clinical impression and some empirical data suggest that certain groups of symptoms or clusters are more responsive to treatment than others, thus it can help clinicians to better guide initial treatment choices and management of individual patients

Objetictive: to describe the symptom dimensions in a clinical database that includes patients accompannied in an obssessive conpulsive disorder consultation in a tertiary hospital in Portugal and to point out some differences in treatment outcomes.

We searched Pubmed and Cochrane Library database for english language articles.

To date it appears that pharmacotherapy and CBT are an effective treatment for the various OCD dimensions, although not all dimensions have been adequately studied or respond well to treatment. Knowing a specific symptom profile may have implications in treatment components that clinicians should be aware of.

More research will be needed to determine the best tailor treatments to each patient’s profile and Modifications to treatment may be needed. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

No significant relationships.

No significant relationships.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is prevalent, often chronic, and requires ongoing monitoring of symptoms to track response to treatment and identify early indicators of relapse. Remote Measurement Technologies (RMT) provide an exciting opportunity to transform the measurement and management of MDD, via data collected from inbuilt smartphone sensors and wearable devices alongside app-based questionnaires and tasks.

To describe the amount of data collected during a multimodal longitudinal RMT study, in an MDD population.

RADAR-MDD is a multi-centre, prospective observational cohort study. People with a history of MDD were provided with a wrist-worn wearable, and several apps designed to: a) collect data from smartphone sensors; and b) deliver questionnaires, speech tasks and cognitive assessments and followed-up for a maximum of 2 years.

A total of 623 individuals with a history of MDD were enrolled in the study with 80% completion rates for primary outcome assessments across all timepoints. 79.8% of people participated for the maximum amount of time available and 20.2% withdrew prematurely. Data availability across all RMT data types varied depending on the source of data and the participant-burden for each data type. We found no evidence of an association between the severity of depression symptoms at baseline and the availability of data. 110 participants had > 50% data available across all data types, and thus able to contribute to multiparametric analyses.

RADAR-MDD is the largest multimodal RMT study in the field of mental health. Here, we have shown that collecting RMT data from a clinical population is feasible.

No significant relationships.

Tunisia is viewed as an advanced country in terms of women’s rights in the Arab world. However, women are more exposed than men to many specific risk factors which greatly contribute to threaten their mental health.

The main objective of this study was to find out the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of women admitted in Razi psychiatric hospital and their access to mental health services.

A cross sectional and descriptive survey was conducted between March and April 2021 in the department of psychiatry D of Razi Hospital including 40 female inpatients.

The majority of patients had low (37.1%) to moderate (61.9%) socio economic status, with primary education (40%), secondary education (20%) and higher education (28.6%). The majority was unemployed (68.8%). A significant difference was observed between adherence to treatment and family support (p=0.04). It was mainly the father or the husband who was taking care of the patient in 50% of cases. The first psychiatric consultation was 2.68 years after having symptoms. Hospitalization was about 4.94 years later. Twenty five percent of them have seen a tradipractioner before consulting. About 46.87% of patients had conflicts with a member of her family and 15.62% of them were victims of either domestic or family violence. The main diagnoses were mood disorders (31.4%) and schizophrenia (42.9%) Time between symptoms onset and hospitalisation was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (p=0.047) and cultural beliefs (p=0.026).

The protection of women’s mental health is not only a medical challenge but also a cultural and political one.

No significant relationships.

Introduction: Residual depressive symptoms are common after a successful acute treatment of late-life depression (LLD), and their presence predicts increased risk of relapse. While electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for LLD, little is known about which particular symptoms remain and impact long-term outcome after a successful acute ECT course.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the association between specific residual depressive symptoms after an effective acute ECT course for LLD and relapse at six-month follow-up.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, including 110 patients aged 55 years and older with LLD, information about relapse was collected six months after the acute ECT course. Relapse was defined as a Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score >15, hospital admission or restart of ECT. We used multivariable stepwise logistic regression models including the scores on the 10 individual MADRS items at the end of the acute ECT course to predict relapse.

Results: Of the 80 responders with available six-month follow-up data, 29 patients (36.25%) had suffered relapse. Higher scores on the MADRS items ‘reduced sleep’ (odds ratio (OR)=2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.11-3.69, p=0.0214) and ‘lassitude’ (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.00-2.62, p=0.0497) at the end of the acute ECT course were significantly associated with increased risk of relapse at six-month follow-up.

Conclusions: Some residual depressive symptoms, including sleep disturbance and fatigue, may help better identify patients vulnerable to relapse following a successful acute ECT course for LLD. Future studies assessing interventions that target specific residual symptoms may further reduce post-ECT depressive relapse.

No significant relationships.

Mental health professionals are one of the major sources of stigma for persons with schizophrenia and their families. The stereotype of incompetence is central in this stigmatization, whereas valuing skills is a fundamental aspect of mental health care and recovery.

The aim of this study is to identify the domains of competence stigmatized in schizophrenia by mental health professionals and the factors associated with this stigmatization.

An online survey was conducted with a specific measure of the stereotype of incompetence and these associated factors. Participants were to be mental health professionals who work or have worked with persons with schizophrenia. These participants were recruited through professional social networks.

Responses of 164 participants were analyzed. The results reported four highly stigmatized skill domains: ability to relate well socially, ability to be effective in their work, ability to make decisions about their health, and ability to control their emotions. Intelligence was found to be less stigmatized than the other dimensions. Recovery beliefs, categorical beliefs, and perceived similarities were factors associated with the stereotype of incompetence.

Responses of 164 participants were analyzed. The results reported four highly stigmatized skill domains: ability to relate well socially, ability to be effective in their work, ability to make decisions about their health, and ability to control their emotions. Intelligence was found to be less stigmatized than the other dimensions. Recovery beliefs, categorical beliefs, and perceived similarities were factors associated with the stereotype of incompetence.

No significant relationships.

Kandinsky–Clérambault syndrome with religious delusion of possession (KSRDP) in schizophrenia is insufficiently explored phenomenon. The syndrome characterized by significant severity of clinical state, high social risks and resistance to psychopharmacotherapy and requires the close attention.

To analyze psychopathological specifics of KSRDP and to identify the prognosis, dynamics of schizophrenia with KSRDP.

Thirty four patients (18 women; 16 men; the average age 28 ± 9,5 years) with schizophrenia (F20.0, F20.01, F20.02 according to ICD-10) were examined by psychopathological, psychometrical and statistical methods

The specifics of the syndrome is delusional belief in possession by demonic or divine ‘spiritual being’, invaded within the body. This possession is interpreted by patients as the totality of mind, body and soul control; and in several cases – as the appearance of a new identity. According to the “classical” Kandinsky–Clérambault syndrome, KSRDP accompanied by extensive psychic automatisms (ideational, cenestopathic, kinaesthetic), haptic and olfactory pseudo-hallucinations. Furthermore the specific hallucinations for KSRDP (Hallucinationen der Gemeingefühlsempfindun by von Krafft-Ebing, R.) are observed, which based on sensory-spatial imaginary sensations, with a clear localization in the field of a visceral sensitivity (as a material object with a certain shape, consistency, size, and weight).

In contrast with “classical” paranoid syndrome of Kandinsky–Clérambault when negative effect is usually perceived by patients as external influence, KSRDP is characterized by delusional idea of ‘spiritual being’s invasion inside the body, mind and soul to control the whole human’s existence. Patients with KSRDP require specific treatment and management due to the religious content of delusion.

No significant relationships.

Seizures occur in about 3% cases of alcohol withdrawal. They usually appear within 48 hours after abrupt cessation, and are characterized by a reduction in seizure threshold secondary to adaptation to alcohol. More than 50% of individuals will experience a new seizure and in 5% of these cases, progression to a sustained epilepticus status can occur.

The aim is to do a review of the literature on alcohol withdrawal and the onset of seizures in individuals with alcohol addiction.

A literature review was conducted using the PubMed search database.

Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and chronic consumption causes neuroadaptation in order to maintain homeostasis. This adaptation involves the upregulation of excitatory neurotransmitters systems and the downregulation of inhibitory ones. When consumption is abruptly discontinued, the depressive contribution of alcohol to a previously established balance is disrupted, resulting in withdrawal symptoms associated to a generalized CNS’ hyperexcitability state.Critical episodes increase the risk of delirium tremens, a fatal condition in 20% of untreated cases. Thus, the treatment and prevention of seizure recurrences is essential: the clinical guidelines of the American Society of Addiction Medicine 2020, offer an action proposal. Pharmacological therapy after seizures is the preferential treatment: intravenous administration of fast-acting benzodiazepines (lorazepam and diazepam) is the first line treatment.

It is essential to monitor signs and symptoms that alert us to the appearance of seizures associated to alcohol withdrawal, effectively treat these cases, prevent recurrences, and provide a quality follow-up for these patients.

No significant relationships.

Fondamental Foundation supported the developement of the application EMMA

Study of clinical risk factors of violent behavior in persons with schizophrenia still remains actual in research literature. This is especially important for Georgia as ongoing mental health reform aims to shift from institutional care to community based services, which in turn requires better understanmding and management of risk of aggressive behavior in the community.

To study clinical risk factors for violence in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) who have committed a violent act in the past and in persons with SSD who have not committed a violent act.

The survey design was retrospective case-control study. Case-control groups were defined according to the outcome (violent act in the past). We studied the impact of clinical symptoms on each person using standardized scales for assessment of the positive and negative symptoms and global level of functioning. Data were collected through patient interviews and medical records.

Study results showed that diagnosis of delusional disorder and ideas of persecution were associated with increased risk of violence (28.7% cases versus 7.5% controls); Hallucinations if presented were less severe compared with controls (2.1% vs. 7.5%). Negative symptoms were marked in cases but more severe in controls. Of cases 43,6% showed serious impairment of global functioning (vs 25,5% controls).

Study findings confirmed that a focus on improving controllable clinical factors, including global level of functioning, might help to prevent aggressive behavior. It is discussed that developments and implementation needs-specific services to reduce risk of violence behavior should be prioritized by mental health national strategy plan.

No significant relationships.

Studies show that coping skills are factors in successful rehabilitation.

The research is aimed to study the drug users` perception of the current life situation and their coping strategies.

Patients at the Free Narcological Clinic in Azerbaijan (n=46; 37 men, 9 women, aged 18 to 59) participated in our study after 10-12 days (stage 1) of a rehabilitation program. We used a structured interview, projective drawings (“The image of change”, “My difficult life situation”), and a questionnaire, “Appraisal Criteria of the Difficulty of a Life Situation”. The control group consisted of 35 non-drug users. Content analysis and t-test were used.

While the majority of patients (77%) failed to describe any coping strategy they use in difficult life situations, all of them assessed their difficult life situation as under control—an outlook that was significantly more optimistic than the evaluation of the control group (р=0.009). The most frequently mentioned life goals were avoiding the problem (39%) and regaining health (37%). However, analysis of obstacles to achieving life goals shows that 49% of drug users mentioned no obstacles or indicated that “there are no obstacles”. Drug addiction as an obstacle is mentioned in only 4% of the responses; “environment of drug addicts” occurs as the main obstacle in 20%.

Drug users in stage 1 of the rehabilitation program have an unrealistic sense of control, few coping strategies, and do not perceive drug addiction as posing а serious obstacle to achieving their life goals. Funding: The study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00838.

No significant relationships.