The diagnosis of simple schizophrenia remains an unusual and controversial diagnosis today. The presentation of nonspecific symptoms shared by other nosological entities make differential diagnosis a challenge.

The main objective of this case report is to review the diagnosis of simple schizophrenia and its differential diagnosis.

Case report and literature review. We present the case of a 52-year-old man who was admitted to a medium stay unit for psychosocial rehabilitation with the diagnosis of simple schizophrenia after his debut at 49 years of age with clinical manifestations of progressive self-care abandonment and personality change.

Given the psychosocial deterioration observed and lack of response to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, the possible diagnoses of dementia praecox and simple schizophrenia were considered. Several individual and family interviews, neuropsychological and projective tests (HTP test, figure 1-3) were performed in order to define the diagnosis. The results revealed age-appropriate cognitive functioning and the absence of data suggestive of an underlying psychotic disorder. On the other hand, it was observed that the patient was able to establish some social relationships and participate in group activities in the medium stay unit. These findings suggest the influence of factors related to the socio-familial environment and cast doubt on the initial diagnostic hypothesis.

The diagnosis of simple schizophrenia continues to present itself as a complex diagnosis that requires a careful review of the differential diagnosis.

No significant relationships.

Intensive home-treatment (IHT) for people experiencing a mental health crisis has been progressively established in many European countries as an alternative to in-ward treatment. However, the management of acute episodes at home can cause burden in the caregivers of these patients.

To create a brief group intervention (BGI) to reduce burden in the caregivers of the patients admitted to an IHT unit.

A preliminary version of the BGI (BGI 1.0) was designed based on literature’s review. It consisted of 4 sessions of 90 minutes (one per week), on-line (COVID-19), focused on caregivers burden, stress and self-care, communication skills, and self-compassion. All the caregivers of the patients admitted for IHT from 10/01/2020 to 06/01/2021 were offered the BGI 1.0. At the end of the intervention, participants (caregivers and therapists) were asked about their opinion on its contents and usefulness.

A total of 31 caregivers received the BGI 1.0. Most of them felt satisfied with the intervention. Opinions varied as to which contents should be expanded or included. The therapists thought that the number of sessions should be increased to take a closer look at some contents or to include new ones. They also believed that the on-line format hindered the adherence and the interaction between the participants.

The BGI 1.0 seems to be a good starting point to design the final version of the intervention. However, an exhaustive assessment of the construct of burden in a larger sample of caregivers should be performed prior to its design.

No significant relationships.

The upturn of neuroimaging techniques in the past 30 years has changed the study of the biology of psychiatric disorders with implications for psychiatric practice. Thrive in medical imaging technology has, in fact, truly reformed nearly every medical field.

These advances include both improvements in image resolution and the development of novel imaging techniques all of which provide an unprecedented view, in detail, of anatomical structures and/or functions in the human body.

Nowadays, we are familiar with the role of some brain structures such as the amygdala, the thalamus, the hippocampus, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the insula in neuropsychiatric function. For example, lesions to the frontal cortex can disrupt judgment, motivation and social behavior.

Currently, most imaging techniques have some sort of clinical application, but this is usually restricted to a limited number of cases. New techniques have provided invaluable information not only about the brain structure and function associated with psychiatric disorders but increasingly about the mechanisms underpinning these disorders.

Growing understanding of the specific pathophysiology of mental disorders prepares us for improvement in the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and prediction of treatment response of the disorders managed in everyday clinical practice. Of note, the identification of neural biomarkers could potentially identify people at risk of developing a particular illness.

No significant relationships.

While decreased alpha-band functional connectivity (FC) and changes in network topology have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease, it is not yet entirely known whether these differences mark cognitive decline in the early stages of the disease.

Our study aimed to analyze EEG FC and network differences in the alpha frequency band during visuospatial memory maintenance between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients and healthy elderly with subjective memory complaints.

FC and network structure of 17 MCI patients and 20 control participants were studied with 128-channel EEG during a visuospatial memory task. FC was measured by amplitude envelope correlation with leakage correction (AEC-c), while network analysis was performed by applying the Minimum Spanning Tree approach.

Increasing memory load enhanced the mean alpha-band FC in the control group. In contrast to that, after an initial increase, the MCI group showed significantly (p<0.05) diminished FC in the highest memory load condition. Mean alpha AEC-c correlated significantly with the size and mean diffusivity of medial temporal lobe structures in the entire sample. The network analysis revealed a rerouted network in the MCI group with a more centralized topology and a more unequal traffic load distribution compared to the control group.

Alpha-band FC correlates with cognitive load-related modulation, with medial temporal lobe atrophy, and with the disruption of hippocampal fiber integrity in the earliest stages of cognitive decline. The more integrated network topology of the MCI group is in line with the “hub overload and failure” framework and might be part of a compensatory mechanism.

No significant relationships.

Long-term neuropsychiatric consequences of critical illness are well known. Therefore, it is expected that critical COVID-19 patients might also present several psychiatric symptoms such as depression, with inevitable negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), commonly used as an indicator of illness and treatment impact.

To identify depressive symptoms in critical COVID-19 survivors and to examine its association with HRQoL domains.

This preliminary study involved critical COVID-19 patients admitted into the Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a University Hospital, between October and December of 2020. Patients with an ICMD length of stay (LoS)≤24h, terminal illness, major auditory loss, or inability to communicate at the follow-up time were excluded. From 1-2 months after discharge, all participants were evaluated by telephone at follow-up appointment, with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (depression) and EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level EQ-5D-5L (HRQoL). This study is part of the longitudinal MAPA project.

Eighty-three patients were included with a median age of 63 years (range: 31-86) and the majority were male (63%). The most reported problems on EQ-5D-5L domains were usual activities (82%) and mobility (76%). About 27% presented depressive symptoms, and with more problems of self-care (68%vs41%; p=0.029), pain/discomfort (86%vs49%; p=0.002), and anxiety/depression (96%vs54%; p<0.001).

These preliminary results are in line in previous studies in critical COVID-19 survivors, with depression being associated with worse HRQoL. Bearing this in mind, follow-up approaches with an early screening and treatment of these psychiatric symptoms will be fundamental to optimize the recovery of these patients.

No significant relationships.

The past years BDSM (an acronym for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism) has gained a significant amount of attention and popularity in the general population, portraying an inaccurate image of BDSM and the people who share these interests. Yet despite this increasing popularity, only little empirical research has focused on this subject and it’s possible driving mechanisms so far, sustaining the existing misconceptions and stigma towards BDSM in general and BDSM practitioners in specific.

We aimed to gain more insights on understanding the underlying psychological mechanisms, such as sensation seeking and coping, in people who participate in BDSM-related activities, as well as into the factors which contribute to the existing stigma and discrimination

In a national survey study 256 Dutch-speaking BDSM-practitioners were compared to a matched sample of people from the general Belgian population (N = 300) who lack any interest in BDSM in two separate studies.

About 86% of the general population maintained stigmatizing beliefs about these sexual interests and practices. In regard to sensation seeking and coping, compared to controls, BDSM practitioners reported signifcantly higher levels of sensation seeking for all dimensions, as well as the use of more active coping skills.

People who do not conform to the current social standards of our society often seem to remain the subject of stigmatization and discrimination. Further research is needed to explore the psychological processes that drive BDSM interests in order to destigmatize and normalize consensual BDSM-related activities.

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.

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.

Self-Generated Stress might be defined as stress that is created by oneself by engaging in behavior or making decisions that ultimately add strain to pre-existing personal stress. The Self-Generated Stress Scale (SGSS; Flett et al. 2020) is a seven-item self-report measure built to assess this tendency to make one’s own life more stressful.

To analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese Version of the SGSS.

Participants (127 medicine and dentistry students; 78.0% female) answered an online survey including the preliminary Portuguese version of the SGSS and other validated questionnaires: Maslach Burnout Inventory – Students Survey, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, HEXACO-60 and Big Three Perfectionism Scale.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the unidimensional model presented good fit indexes (χ2/df=1.546; RMSEA=.0666, p<.001; CFI=.982 TLI=.972, GFI=.960). The Cronbach’s alfa was .868. Pearson correlations between SGSS and the other measures were significant (p<.01) and moderate/high: Burnout, .412; Stress/Anxiety/Depression, >.550; Perfectionism, .600; Emotionality, .315; Extroversion, -.411. After controlling for the effect of Emotionality and Extroversion, SGSS explained significant additional increments of 19.9% and 14.0% of the DASS and MBI variance; controlling for Perfectionism, the increments were respectively of 27.9% and 2.0%. SGSS mean score (22.96±5.90 was not significantly different by gender.

As observed with the original English-language scale, the Portuguese version of SGSS showed good validity (construct and convergent-divergent) and internal consistency. As such, the SGSS might be useful in further investigation, particularly to explore the different pathways between personality traits, emotional regulation processes and psychological distress.

No significant relationships.

Pregnancy and the postpartum are generally characterized by positive feelings and expectations but they may also disguise maternal stress and difficulties. These are typical periods for the onset or relapse of psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Even though suicide during pregnancy and postpartum is rare, it is among the leading causes of maternal perinatal mortality.

To provide an overview on the risk of suicide during pregnancy and postpartum.

PubMed database was searched using combinations of the terms “suicide”, combined with “pregnancy” and “depression”.

The major risk factors for suicidal ideation are previous suicide attempts, self-harm, current or past history of psychiatric disorder, young maternal age, being unmarried, an unplanned pregnancy, substance use disorders, lack effective psychosocial support and discontinuation of psychotropic drugs. Pregnant women with suicidality behavior have also an increased risk for various adverse obstetric outcomes, including miscarriage, preterm delivery, maternal hemorrhage, and stillbirth. Furthermore, the postpartum period is often associated with the onset of mood and psychotic disorders with an increased risk of both suicide and infanticide. Women who have suffered from serious psychiatric conditions either after childbirth or in other phases of life should be informed about the possibility of relapse after subsequent pregnancies, thus presenting a higher risk of suicide.

During pregnancy and postpartum, it is fundamental to investigate suicide risk, including suicidal ideation, thoughts, and intent, especially (but not only) in women affected by mental pathology. Moreover, maternal suicide behaviour affects the child’s neuropsychological development and can also increase the infant´s suicide risk.

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.

Evidence suggest that critically ill COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms, which may be related to or exacerbated by patients concerns regarding their health status and recovery.

To assess anxiety symptoms in critically ill COVID-19 survivors, 1-2 months after hospital discharge and to analyze its association with concerns reported by patients regarding their own health status and recovery.

In the framework of MAPA prospective research, this preliminary study included COVID-19 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a University Hospital. Patients were excluded if they had an ICMD length of stay (LoS) ≤24h, terminal illness, major auditory impairment or inability to communicate at the evaluation time. Participants were assessed at a scheduled telephone follow-up appointment, with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Additional questions were asked to assess the survivors’ post-discharge concerns regarding discrimination against for COVID-19, infection of a family member, re-infection or sequelae related to COVID-19.

Eighty-three patients were included (median age=63 years; 63% male) and 24% had anxiety symptoms. Anxiety scores were higher in survivors who reported being afraid of being discriminated against for COVID-19 (30% vs 10%; p=0.034), being re-infected (100% vs 79%; p=0.032) and having sequelae (94% vs 44%; p<0.001).

These findings revealed that anxiety is common in COVID-19 survivors and is associated with post-discharge patients concerns that may limit patient daily living. This study emphasizes the importance of psychological assessment and follow-up of the COVID-19 survivors, in order to support these patients recovery.

No significant relationships.

There is growing evidence that sexual minority men (e.g., gay, bisexual) experience lower sleep quality when compared to their heterosexual peers. Minority stress (e.g., discrimination, victimization) may account for these differences, however little is known about these relationships and how generalized anxiety may play a role in sleep disturbance.

Therefore, the aims of this study are to (a) understand the relationship between minority stress and sleep disturbance in a sample of sexual minority men, and (b) test whether these relationships are mediated by generalized anxiety.

In 2020, 241 sexual minority men were recruited across a south-eastern state in the USA. Participants were asked to respond to scales assessing perceived social stress, minority stress constructs (i.e., internalized homophobia, experiences of harassment, microaggressions), generalized anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Linear regressions were used to test the relationship between minority stress and sleep disturbance controlling for perceived social stress and to test mediation by generalized anxiety.

Two minority stress constructs (experiences of harassment, and microaggressions) and perceived social stress were found to have a positive relationship with sleep disturbance. Generalized anxiety symptoms fully mediated the relationship between minority stress and sleep disturbance.

Because sleep quality has a profound impact on health, findings from this study suggest the need for psychological intervention to improve sleep for sexual minority men. Given that generalized anxiety fully mediates the relationship between minority stress and sleep, targeted anxiety-based interventions have the potential to reduce sleep disturbance disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority men.

No significant relationships.

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns have developed.

The aims of this study was to report the levels of depressive and anxiety within active population in Romania, and to identify possible risk and protective factors for mental health.

Data collection occurred between February-March 2021. The online survey included questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). 620 responses were validated (331 students and 289 workers).

Among active population, risk of anxiety symptoms is lower in those who already were infected with SARS-Cov2 (p=0.026, df=2, Phi=0.109), while positive screening for anxiety or depression in this study was statistically significant associated with younger age (p=0.026, df=4, Phi=0.134) and female gender (p=<0.001, df=2, Phi=0.166). Even though anxiety and depression scores are similar among students and employees, there are different aspects regarding symptomatology between these two groups. Students have experienced more frequently tendency to worry and sudden feelings of panic (p=0.004, df=3, Phi=0.146). Also, their ability to laugh and see the funny side of things is affected (p=0.019, df=3, Phi=0.127) and they feel less enthusiasm about future (p=0.001, df=3, Phi=0.159). Participants living with someone else scored lower on anxiety and depression subscales and those are not influenced by the person with whom they are cohabitating or residing (p=0.020, df=3, Phi=0.138).

Findings from the current study offer initial insights into the rates of anxiety and depression within active population in Romania, one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

No significant relationships.

Methamphetamine associated psychosis has increased globally because of the increased usage of the substance. The use of risperidone is noted to reduce the cravings of methamphetamine in patients who have methamphetamine use disorder. This becomes relevant because the number of patients who are being treated with MAP tends to have high relapse rates. MAP is being treated with different antipsychotics and the treatment protocol is made usually for alleviating the symptoms, a formal treatment regimen for patients with MAP is yet to be developed (Chiang et al 2018; Srisurapanont 2021; Edwards and Mooney 2014)

The purpose of this review is to highlight the use of risperidone in reducing the cravings of methamphetamine in patients who have methamphetamine use disorder

PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science literature databases were screened and filtered.With established Inclusion and exclusion criteria, obtained a total of 15578 hits which was refined to 133articles. A total of 10papers were reviewed in detail

Multiple clinical trials have shown that risperidone was effective in lowering drug cravings in methamphetamine use disorder. Along with the effects on craving, risperidone has also been studied for its effect on positive symptoms in patients with MAP (Samei 2016). Risperidone was noted to be effective in reducing positive symptoms.

Risperidone can be effectively used in the acute setting for psychosis and future cravings in the patients. Considering the limited clinical trials and research on risperidone and the cravings of methamphetamine use disorder, studies are needed with longer follow-ups and more samples in the future.

No significant relationships.

Withdrawal symptoms are common upon discontinuation of many psychotropic drugs. Catatonia, a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by a number of motor, behavioral, emotional, and autonomic abnormalities, has been described as a withdrawal syndrome in a growing number of case reports, but it is not well recognized. Treatment of catatonia usually includes benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy. Standard consensus states that the use of neuroleptics should be avoided, as they are thought to worsen catatonia.

With this case report, we attempt to contribute to the finding in literature that the withdrawal of clozapine may be associated with catatonia, and how reintroduction of clozapine could be indicated for its treatment.

A clinical case is presented of a 37-year-old female with a history of schizophrenia, presenting with altered mental status and new onset of catatonic signs and symptoms in the setting of a 7-day emetic syndrome. The possibility that vomiting prevented proper absorption of clozapine is postulated, causing the patient to present clinical features compatible with malignant catatonia.

The patient required treatment with benzodiazepines, electroconvulsive therapy and clozapine re-initiation, leading to improvement of catatonic symptoms within a few days.

This case serves as a reminder to consider alternative diagnostic hypotheses in cases of catatonic syndrome unresponsive to standard treatments. When the clinical suspicion of drug withdrawal is high, restarting the discontinued medication, even an antipsychotic agent, may be indicated.

No significant relationships.

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have an increased risk for cardiovascular morbimortality. Clinical risk factors, specifically for arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death remain understudied.

This study was conducted to assess differences in cardiac conduction among BD patients.

We included patients with BD in a cross-sectional design, confirmed by structured interview, age 18 through 80. Clinical characteristics were obtained using a structured questionnaire or medical records review. ECG intervals duration and morphology were manually assessed by cardiologists and compared among clinical subgroups using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskall-Wallis tests. Exploratory multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fitted to adjust for potential confounders.

We included 117 patients (60.7% women, 76.9% bipolar I, 50% history of psychosis, 22.6% suicide attempts). We found a significantly longer QTc interval in BD patients with hypertension (difference: 9.5 ms, p=0.006), obesity (difference: 25 ms, p=0.001), and metabolic syndrome (difference: 13 ms, p=0.007). Hypertension remained a significant predictor of longer QTc after adjusting for age, gender, and antipsychotic use (estimate 17.718, p=0.018). We observed a significantly shorter PR interval in women (difference: 6 ms, p=0.029), early age of onset (difference 6 ms, p=0.025), non-users of lithium (difference 4 ms, p=0.002), and early trauma (difference 4 ms, p=0.038). Finally, we identified significant correlations between symptom severity, blood glucose and PR interval (r=0.298, p=0.001; r=0.278, p=0.003; respectively).

Patients with BD and hypertension may have an increased risk for QTc prolongation. Careful cardiovascular monitoring may be warranted.

No significant relationships.

The development of emotional intelligence is an urgent issue of teaching people in our time. The use of a virtual reality (VR) systems for the development of emotional intelligence is a problem of modern pedagogy.

The research is aimed at studying interrelations of the level of development of emotional intelligence the manifestations of the ability to perceive and identify emotional expression demonstrated by a virtual avatar in VR CAVE system. The research is aimed at finding unusual ways to develop emotional intelligence.

The study involved 55 participants aged 18 to 25 years (average age-20.38 ± 0.28), 23 of whom were men and 22 were women. During the study we diagnosed the level of development of emotional intelligence (Sergienko, Vetrova, 2009) and spatial abilities (Rimfeld et al., 2017), type of attachment to the loved one (Sabelnikova, Kashirsky, 2015), and the negotiating style of personality (Soldatova, Gasimov, 2019). In the VR CAVE system, a situation was simulated in which the subject had to detect the avatar and determine the emotional-facial expression displayed by it.

It was shown that the level of respondent’s emotional intelligence development does not determine the success of identifying the avatar’s emotion in VR. The success of identifying emotions depends on the level spatial abilities development. Therefore, it is assumed that in the simulated situation, the avatar is perceived as a special spatial image, and not as a full-fledged partner for interpersonal communication.

Thus, the use of VR systems for training and development of emotional intelligence is not proven.

No significant relationships.

Evidence shows unemployment as a negative impact factor on a variety of health outcomes. Regarding mental health, unemployment is considered one of the most consolidated risk factors for morbidity. This relationship is considered bi-directional. Prevention and wellness promotion are essential guidelines for mental health providers.

To describe the work status in a sample of patients with anxiety disorders after two types of group mindfulness-based interventions in the MER-ACT project.

A descriptive analysis was conducted on work status before and 6 months after two types of mindfulness-based interventions. The group treatments were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a Mindfulness-based Emotional Regulation intervention, during 8 weeks, guided by two Clinical Psychology residents. The employment change was calculated (percentage of change from unemployed or temporary incapacity to employed).

The work status of participants of the sample (n = 40), before and 6 months after interventions, were employed: 55% vs. 60%; temporary incapacity: 12.5% vs. 12.5%; unemployed: 25% vs. 20% and others: 7.5% vs. 7.5%. In the same period, the unemployment rate in the Spanish general population was from 13.8% to 14.5%. After 6 months the percentage of change on work status was 25% (15% improved their employment situation).

Preliminary results show worse work status of participants compared to the Spanish general population. It is recommendable to include well-established risk factor measurements to establish the effectiveness of interventions in mental health. More research is required to determine the impact of interventions on the employment status.

No significant relationships.

The modified completion test (MCT) based on the stories by H. Ebbinghaus enables to assess cognitive functions in situation close to a real-life task with an affective load (Burlakova,2016,2020). MCT includes the following stages: 1) filling the gaps in the story; 2) reading and retelling; 3) making up a continuation and a title; 4) retelling the story and its continuation after 30–40 minutes.

The objective was to research diagnostical potential of the second stage of MCT for patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia with hallucinatory syndrome.

The study included 42 patients (28 female, 14 male) with schizophrenia (disease onset at least 5–7 years ago), aged from 19 to 51 (average age 35±8), receiving treatment. Control group consisted of 44 people (average age 37±6), never sought psychiatric help, never diagnosed with any mental disorders. Groups were organized to be equal in gender proportions, age, and educational level.

In comparison to the control group, the psychiatric patients demonstrated: 1) lower connectedness in narration, lower ability to reproduce main elements of the plot; 2) unusual logic in introduction of new details, extensiveness of such details; 3) lower integrity of mnestic functions, lower ability to maintain concentration. The clinical group: 1) imposed on the text principally different logic, subjectively significant, yet far from the original context; 2) suddenly introduced of new ideas; 3) had confabulations; 4) were altiloquent.

The stage of retelling enables to assess semantic memory, regulatory functions, connectedness of the narration, cogitation and to examine cognitive functions in the context of patient’s personality.

No significant relationships.