The change in symptoms necessary to be clinically relevant in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is currently unknown. In this study, we aimed to create an empirically validated threshold for clinical significance or minimal important difference (MID).

We analyzed individual participant data from short-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled registration trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adult OCD patients. Data were collected from baseline to week 12. We used equipercentile linking to equate changes in the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale to changes in the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). We defined the MID as the YBOCS change linked to a CGI improvement of 3 (defined as “minimal improvement”).

We included 7 trials with a total of 1216 patients. The CGI-scores and YBOCS were moderately to highly correlated. The MID corresponded to 4.9 YBOCS points (95% CI 4.4–5.4) for the full sample, or a 24% YBOCS-decrease compared to baseline. The MID varied with baseline severity, being lower in the group with mild symptoms and higher in the group with severe symptoms.

By linking the YBOCS to the CGI-I, this is the first study to propose an MID in OCD trials. Having a clearly defined MID can guide future clinical research and help interpretation of efficacy of existing interventions. Our results are clinician-based; however, there is further need for patient-reported outcomes as anchor to the YBOCS.

Obesity-related cardiometabolic comorbidity is common in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, sex differences and MDD recurrence may modify the MDD-obesity-link.

Sex-specific associations of MDD recurrence (single [MDDS] or recurrent episodes [MDDR]) and obesity-related traits were analyzed in 4.100 adults (51.6% women) from a cross-sectional population-based cohort in Germany (SHIP-Trend-0). DSM-IV-based lifetime MDD diagnoses and MDD recurrence status were obtained through diagnostic interviews. Obesity-related outcomes included anthropometrics (weight, body mass index, waist- and hip-circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio), bioelectrical impedance analysis of body fat mass and fat-free mass, and subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from abdominal magnetic resonance imaging. Sex-stratified linear regression models predicting obesity-related traits from MDD recurrence status were adjusted for age, education, and current depressive symptoms.

790 participants (19.3%) fulfilled lifetime MDD criteria (23.8% women vs. 14.5% men, p<0.001). In women, MDDS was inversely associated with anthropometric indicators of general and central obesity, while MDDR was positively associated with all obesity-related traits, except waist-to-hip ratio and fat-free mass. In women, MDDR versus MDDS was associated with higher levels of obesity across all outcomes except fat-free mass. In men, MDD was positively associated with SAT regardless of MDD recurrence. Additionally, lifetime MDD was positively associated with VAT in men. Results remained significant in sensitivity analyses after exclusion of participants with current use of antidepressants.

The MDD-obesity association is modified by MDD recurrence and sex independent of current depressive symptoms. Accounting for sex and MDD recurrence may identify individuals with MDD at increased cardiometabolic risk.

Hungarians exhibit more negative attitudes toward help-seeking for mental health problems compared to other European countries. However, research on help-seeking in Hungary is limited, and it is unclear how stigma relates to help-seeking when considering demographic and clinical characteristics. We used a network analytic approach to simulate a stigma model using hypothesized constructs in a sizable sample of Hungarian adults.

Participants were 345 adults recruited from nine primary care offices across Hungary. Participants completed self-report measures assessing public stigma, self-stigma, experiential avoidance (EA), attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, anxiety, depression, demographics, prior use of mental health services, and whether they have a family member or friend with a mental health condition.

EA and anxiety were the most central nodes in the network. The network also revealed associations between greater EA with greater public stigma, anxiety, depression, and having a family member or friend with a mental health condition. More positive attitudes toward seeking help were associated with lower self-stigma, public stigma, and having received psychological treatment in their lifetime. Being female was associated with lower income, higher education, and having received psychological treatment in their lifetime. Finally, having a family member or friend with a mental health condition was associated with having received psychological treatment in their lifetime and greater public stigma.

The strength centrality and associations of EA with clinical covariates and public stigma implicate its importance in stigma models. Findings also suggest that while some aspects of existing stigma models are retained in countries like Hungary, other aspects may diverge.

This prospective study aimed to assess couples’ psychological status during the perinatal period to identify those at risk for postpartum depression.

Conducted at Lyon University Hospital from March to July 2022, the study enrolled pregnant women without progressive psychiatric disorders or obstetric risk factors, and their partners. Participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at three points: during the 9th month of pregnancy, immediate postpartum, and 6–8 weeks after delivery. A score ≥10 on the EPDS indicated depression risk. A score ≥10 on the EPDS indicate depression risk. The primary endpoint was EPDS scores throughout the perinatal period.

Ninety-five couples participated; 96% of patients and 68% of partners completed pre-delivery questionnaires, 81% and 71% during maternity stay, and 64% and 46% postpartum, respectively. Overall, 15% of patients and 1% of partners had EPDS scores >10 in the postpartum period. Psychiatric history and emergency cesarean sections were associated with higher immediate postpartum EPDS scores in patients [Beta 3.7 points, 95% CI 0.91; 6.4 and Beta 5.2 points, 2.2; 8.1, respectively]. Episiotomy was associated with higher EPDS scores in partners. No significant association between the different factors studied and the EPDS score was found at 6–8 weeks postpartum in patients nor their partners.

While specific risk factors for persistent perinatal depression in couples were not identified, a notable proportion of patients exhibited high EPDS scores. Screening all couples during prepartum and postpartum periods is crucial, regardless of identified risk factors.

It is known that the formation of aggressive behavior is accompanied by neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory changes. Immune cells have a regulatory effect on the central nervous system functions, including regulation of behavior.

We first demonstrated that ex vivo chlorpromazine - modulated immune cells have a positive aggressive behavior editing effect. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the indicated cells on some central mechanisms underlying the development of aggressive reactions.

(CBAxC57Bl/6) F1 aggressive male mice, developed in conditions of chronic social stress, were undergoing the transplantation of syngeneic spleen lymphocytes with ex vivo chlorpromazine-modulated functional activity. In recipients the immunohistochemical analysis was performed assessing the expression of the microglial marker Iba1. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and cytokines was assessed by ELISA. For histological examination Nissl staining was applied.

Aggressive behavior editing after the chlorpromazine-modulated immune cells transplantation registered against the background of some structural and functional changes in the brain. It was found an increase in the density of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions and augmented level of Bdnf. The decreased expression of microglial activation marker Iba1, accompanied with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, INF-γ) and increased  anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokine was found. Visualization of functionally active lymphocytes pre-treated with chlorpromazine in the brain parenchyma of aggressive recipients suggests a direct effect of injected lymphocytes on CNS.

The effect of chlorpromazine - modulated immune cells that edits aggressive behavior is realized by stimulating neurogenesis, neuroplasticity and reducing neuroinflammation.

None Declared

Nurses working in psychiatric departments regularly encounter intricate, stress-inducing, and emotionally challenging situations. The mental well-being of these nurses directly influences the quality of care they deliver.

To assess the prevalence of psychological distress among psychiatric nurses and to identify the socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with it.

Cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted over the course of one month from October 11th to November 8th 2023. Participants included were psychiatric nurses working in Razi Hospital, Tunisia. We collected data using pre-established questionnaire which included socio-demographic and clinical data of the participants. The assessment of psychological distress was conducted using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), validated in Arabic. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in its 25th version

We collected data from 55 nurses working in Razi psychiatry hospital during the time of the study. Among them, 80% (n=44) were female. Their median age was 35 (Min=25, Max=62). Most of participants were married (81.8%, n=45) and 70.9 (n=39) had kids. In our sample, 5.5% (n=3) and 23.6% (n=13) had respectively personal psychiatric and somatic history. Some addictive behaviors were identified among our participants, especially smoking (14.5%, n=379) and alcohol use (3.6%, n=2).

Regarding working conditions, 81.8% (n=45) were assigned shift work. They worked in the men’s ward (43.6%, n=24), the women’s ward (34.5%, n=19), or in both (21.8%, n=12). Furthermore, 45.5% (n=25) reported witnessing a suicide attempt during their work, and 74.5% (n=41) were victims of aggression, primarily by patients (82.5%, n=33). Sixty percent (n=33) said expressed a desire to transfer.

Moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress was observed in respectively 34.5% (n=19), 61.8% (n=34) and 36.4% (n=20) of cases.

A significant association was found between stress among psychiatry nurses and personal somatic history (p <10-3). No further links were found between depression, anxiety, stress and other clinical factors.

These results emphasize the difficult working environment within psychiatric settings, emphasizing the critical requirement for specific interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of psychiatric nurses.

None Declared

Eating disorders (ED) are one of the most pressing problems of modern society. Eating disorders, due to their heterogeneity, can be considered both an independent form of mental disorders and as part of the manifestations of other mental illnesses. In the vast majority of cases within these pathologies, eating disorder coexists with depressive symptoms, which significantly worsens the prognosis of the disease.

Identification of the association of depressive disorders with eating disorders to improve the criteria for nosological diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic approaches.

A total of 74 patients aged from 15 to 25 years old (all female, average age 16.2), who were on outpatient and inpatient observation of the clinic were studied.

The study made it possible to establish the characteristics of depressive disorders and the nature of the current course of depression associated with eating disorders. In eating disorders with a predominance of anorexia nervosa, the structure of depression was more dominated by the asthenia radical with symptoms of apathy, melancholia, anhedonia, irritability, episodes of anxiety after eating, and sleep disturbances. Patients noted a decrease in performance, mental activity, and a narrowing of their range of interests and communication. Depression became severe as exhaustion progressed. For eating disorders with bulimia nervosa. depressive states varied in the severity and polymorphism of their manifestations. Their structure was largely dominated by the apatho-adynamic radical of affect, along with asthenia and anxiety, which often reached the level of panic states. Often, along with this, there were pronounced a guilt feeling and low self-esteem ideas with self-deprecation and self-hatred, which led to the manifestation of auto-aggressive behavior (both non-suicidal and suicidal). Depression reached a severe degree as exhaustion progressed, as well as against the background of more frequent attacks of overeating and vomiting.

The identified associations between depressive disorders and eating disorders allow us to form a clearer picture of the expected course of psychiatric disease and optimize therapeutic intervention algorithms.

None Declared

Hector, 44 years, with mild Intellectual Disability and impulse control disorder, committed serious sexual offences against two children of his partner. Considered “socially dangerous”, he was put in prison, then with a deferment of the enforcement of the prison sentence in the forms of home detention he was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility due to his depressive condition. Upon entering the Community, he presented a deflected mood as a reaction to the discomfort from the custodial experience, which was not cognitively integrated. Both psychotropic and rehabilitation treatments started. He has been involved in a gardening activity, too. After a first period of high degree of denial of the facts and a defensive mode marked by stolidity and fatuity, revealing his poor cognitive resources, during the psychiatric sessions he became even more conscious of his crime and the suffering of the victims. Services/pathways available for offenders with ID and psychiatric disorders will be presented.

None Declared

Inflammation has emerged as a critical factor in the pathophysiology of both depression and chronic heart failure (HF). Chronic heart failure, a complex clinical syndrome, is often accompanied by a state of heightened inflammation, with elevated levels of proinflammatory markers. Likewise, depression, a prevalent comorbidity in HF patients, has been intricately linked to inflammation, with evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antidepressant treatment on plasma fibronectin levels in patients with comorbid depression and chronic heart failure.

We enrolled a total of 113 patients with HF, all of whom had comorbid depression. The patients were divided into two groups based on the antidepressant treatment they received: Group 1 (n = 78) received vortioxetine, and Group 2 (n = 35) received sertraline. Before initiating treatment and after 6 months, we measured fibronectin levels in the patients’ plasma.

The study revealed a significant difference in the effects of the two antidepressants on fibronectin levels. Patients treated with vortioxetine demonstrated a substantial reduction in fibronectin levels post-treatment, with an approximate threefold decrease compared to the pre-treatment levels (pre-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml to (post-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml, (p<0.05). Conversely, patients treated with sertraline experienced a comparatively lesser reduction in fibronectin levels, with a change from (pre-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml to (post-treatment value ± standard deviation) μg/ml (p<0.05).

This study highlights the considerable impact of vortioxetine on fibronectin levels in patients with comorbid depression and chronic heart failure, resulting in a significant reduction. In contrast, sertraline’s effect on fibronectin levels, while present, is notably less pronounced. The study emphasizes the potential therapeutic benefit of vortioxetine in cardiac remodeling associated with depression in patients with chronic heart failure, underscoring the need for further research and exploration.

None Declared

Telepsychiatry has emerged as a transformative force in the field of mental health care, addressing disparities in service delivery and increasing access to care. This exploration focuses on the role of telepsychiatry in achieving equitable mental health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Intellectual disabilities affect millions globally, posing significant public health challenges. This vulnerable population encounters numerous barriers in accessing quality mental health care, including geographical isolation, limited transportation options, and a shortage of specialized providers. Telepsychiatry offers a promising solution, leveraging technology to overcome these challenges. The presentation reviews the current landscape of mental health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the specific barriers they encounter. It highlights the potential benefits of telepsychiatry, including increased availability of specialized care, reduced geographical barriers, and enhanced caregiver support. Ethical considerations and best practices associated with implementing telepsychiatry in the context of intellectual disabilities are discussed. Case studies and success stories illustrate how telepsychiatry positively impacts individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. In conclusion, telepsychiatry plays a promising role in promoting equitable mental health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Embracing technology and adopting best practices pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system, leaving no one behind.

None Declared

Antipsychotics are associated with increased serum prolactin. It depends on the type of the antipsychotics and gender. There are previous studies, but it is necessary to compare them including new drugs.

Antipsychotic drugs are known as the major cause of non-neoplastic hyperprolactinemia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum prolactin elevation depending on the use of antipsychotic drugs in patients through the Clinical Data Warehouse

Our study included 118 subjects who were all diagnosed according to ICD-10 for schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, manic episodes, and bipolar affective disorders. All the subjects were taking one of risperidone, blonanserin, amisulpride, and olanzapine. They had prolactin blood tests collected retrospectively through CDW.

Among the 118 subjects included in the analysis, the mean serum prolactin level was 65.1± 54.7ng/ml. Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in subjects taking risperidone or amisulpride compared to blonanserin and olanzapine. The female subjects who took amisulpride or olanzapine had significantly higher prolactin levels, but there was no difference in prolactin levels between the sex in the subjects who took risperidone or blonanserin.

This study suggests the need for regular monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients who are taking antipsychotics, especially in female patients. Further studies on the subjects with controlled confounding variables and larger sample groups are needed.

None Declared

Hyperprolactinemia (HPL) is a condition associated with disturbing consequences. Antipsychotic medications are one of the main causes of nontumoral hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin release in the hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular tract is increased through dopaminergic inhibition, which occurs more frequently with high- potency typical antipsychotics (40%–90%). Less commonly than typical antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics can also result in hyperprolactinemia. In the presence of symptoms, clinicians frequently struggle with the decision of whether to stop using the suspected offending agent, lower the dosage, switch to another medication, or even add a full or partial dopamine agonist to the patient's current treatment. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that finding a suitable agent for each patient is sometimes a challenging task.

Due to the partial D2 receptor agonistic activity of aripiprazole, there is enough dopaminergic tone to continue the inhibition of prolactin release. Aripiprazole has been recommended in literature either as an adjunctive treatment in low doses or as a switch in therapy.

In the Psychiatric clinic of the General Hospital of Corfu, a low-dose (5mg/day) of aripiprazole is being used as adjunctive therapy in patients with antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. More specifically in total 42 subjects, 19 male and 22 female, with a mean prolactin level of 862ng/ml, were introduced to the prior therapy. We whereupon conducted prolactin measurements to evaluate the response at the first, the third, and the sixth month of treatment.

Of the 42 subjects, 38 responded with an average reduction of prolactin to the level of 530ng/ml (mean reduction 38,5%).

Having noticed the beneficial effect of low-dose Aripiprazole in patients with antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia, we consider it appropriate that the literature recommendations concerning this additional use of aripiprazole should not be overlooked in clinical practice.

None Declared

Perfectionism is often seen as a beneficial trait for trainee doctors since it means they have high standards and a drive for success. However, it demands a flawless level of performance regardless of one’s physical or mental health and well-being. Consequently, perfectionism is now viewed from a different perspective.

We aimed to study the impact of perfectionism among doctors in training on their self-esteem.

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among trainee doctors. The following psychometric instruments were used: The “Work Addiction Risk Test” and the “Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale”.

We included 99 doctors in training. Their mean age was 27.6± 2.2 years. The sex ratio (♂/♀) was 0.33. Most participants were single (63.6%) and of middle socioeconomic level (86%). Tobacco use was reported in 6.1% of cases, and alcohol use in 4.1% of cases. Among all participants, 58 % had low or very low self-esteem. The mean score of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was 30±5.13 and the mean score of the big three perfectionism scale short form was 41.11±13. Higher self-esteem scores was significantly associated with lower self-critical perfectionism scores.

Our results point to the negative impact of self-critical perfectionism on self-esteem. In fact, perfectionism can hold you back, both personally and professionally. Perfectionists see their own self-worth as tied to what they achieve, and they believe that others judge them on this as well. They can never live up to the standards they set for themselves, and this can lead to a downward spiral of self-criticism and blame.

None Declared

Orthorexia nervosa is defined as an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy food. Recent studies currently demonstrated that students in health-oriented academic programs, highly focused on nutrition and physical exercise, are more prone to develop orthorexia nervosa than students in other educational areas.

Determine the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in medical students and identify associated factors.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study in the faculty of medicine of Sfax in Tunisia, between February and April 2023. We used ORTO-15 for the assessment of orthorexia.

The research has enrolled 220 students. Their mean age was 21.40±1.68 years, with female predominance (70%). The mean Body mass index (BMI) was 22.46±4.15 kg/m2. The prevalence of overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) were respectively 19.5% and 3.6%. Over a third of students (34.1%) were using means of weight control, of which the diet represented 62.66% of cases. The participants had consulted a nutritionist in 11.4% of cases. The ORTO-15 mean total score was 36.88±6.76, with a mean score of 12.95±2.69 for cognitive dimension, 13.31±2.70 for clinical dimension, and 10.61±2.52 for emotional dimension. A total of 60% of participants had a score under the threshold.

Orthorexia was significantly associated with female gender (p<10-3), overweight or obesity (p=0.037), the use of weight control methods (p<10-3), following a diet (p<10-3), and consulting a nutritionist (p=0.009).

In our study, orthorexia seems to be quite widespread among medical students, particularly females, who are overweight or obese, and who use weight control methods.

None Declared

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) factsheet, currently more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases of dementia. WHO Global Status Report 2021 estimated growth of 139 million people with dementia by 2050. The estimated total global cost of dementia is likely to surpass US$ 2.8 trillion by 2030. As one grows older, the risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease, progressively increases. The Lancet Commission Reports 2017 and 2020 on dementia prevention, intervention, and care identified 12 modifiable risk factors, including physical inactivity, obesity, midlife hypertension, and diabetes. Addressing these lifestyle factors may significantly reduce the risk of dementia and its progression. While no curative or disease-modifying treatment is available for dementia at his stage, addressing modifiable risk factors may have a preventive role in reducing the risk of dementia.

The objective of the literature review is to explore current evidence on Physical Activity (PA) in reducing the risk of developing dementia and its progression. The focus is also to see the association of different forms and intensities of PA and their intensities, including aerobic, strength-based, and leisure, with the risk and progression of dementia.

Narrative review

Results from the reviewed studies showed that PA was found to be associated with a reduced risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies comparing different intensities of PA indicate though all levels of PA decrease the risk of dementia, there is a linear relationship between the higher intensity PA and the increased beneficial effect in terms of reduced risk of dementia. Leisure-time PA also has a protective role against dementia in longitudinal studies. There is more consistent evidence in favour of aerobic PA; however, it has a ceiling effect. The combination of aerobic and strength-based experience provides optimum beneficial effects. The elderly population who started physical activity in their 80s experienced the beneficial effects of PA in reducing the risk of dementia. There is mixed evidence of the protective effect of PA on the population who have already developed cognitive impairment or have genetic vulnerabilities. The author will also include the results of any relevant study published by 31 March 2024.

The details of the literature results and conclusions will be discussed at the conference.

I. Singh Consultant of: The author declare that the review was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., R. Chandra: None Declared

Transcendental cinema, distinguished from slow cinema by Paul Schreader, draws on the philosophy of existentialism and depicts the complexity of the human psyche using psychoanalytic tools. We claim that through the use of special procedures, the projection of transcendental cinema essentially becomes a meditation session in the spirit of mindfulness, which has been proven to alleviate and cure more than just neuropsychiatric ailments.

The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the similarity between mindfulness philosophy and transcendental cinema. We believe that the assumptions of both currents are so similar that we can treat the film screening in the category of a meditation session. Thus, we arrive at a situation in which we not only watch the protagonist developing his own consciousness in accordance with the mindfulness philosophy (also following the path of psychoanalysis), but also we, as viewers, develop self-awareness.

We analyze D. Lynch’s Twin Peaks series in accordance with Paul Schrader’s understanding of ‘transcendental cinema’. In addition, we use the scientific achievements of classical psychoanalysts, analyzing the metaphysical world of the characters in accordance with this trend. Using J. Kabat Zinn’s scientific publications, we analyze cinema in terms of a meditation session.

Participation is crucial; in meditation and in the transcendental cinema. Mindfulness means focusing on the emotions and feelings experienced at a given moment, on what comes to us, what we experience. Transcendental cinema using specific formal and narrative tools (e.g. extended scenes, no cuts, etc.) forces us to actively participate. Transcendental cinema fulfills the tenets of mindfulness, and during the screening we undergo a meditation session. What’s more, this style in cinema allows an in-depth exploration of the psyche, it brings us closer to the metaphysical, emotional dimension of humanity what develops in us the ability to understand the psyche of others, as well as our own.

We claim that the similarity between the philosophy of mindfulness and transcendental cinema allows us to treat a film screening as a meditation session. Cinema enriches us not only with knowledge about disorders and the therapeutic process, but is in itself a supportive tool - screening can allow viewers to deepen their awareness and improve their health. What is more, David Lynch’s work brings us closer to exploring the human psyche and the individualization of inner experiences, while also showing us what influence transcendental meditation has on characters and what happens when they undergo a kind of therapy; in the spirit of psychoanalysis or mindfulness philosophy.

None Declared

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is one of safest and most effective treatments for severe mental illnesses. The ECT Unit of Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António – Magalhães Lemos Hospital (CHUSA-HML) is a reference center for this treatment modality, providing support to the northern region of Portugal.

This study aims to characterize patients undergoing ECT treatment from April to June 2023, at the ECT Unit of CHUSA-HML.

Retrospective study from April to June/2023. Social, demographic, epidemiological and clinical data were evaluated.

Among the 55 patients who were treated there was a predominance in male sex (56%), the average age was 53 years old and only 9 completed higher education. Half of them were in a long-term relationship. Around 67% of patients are retired, predominantly (62%) due to psychiatric disability.

Most patients (78%) were referred through psychiatric consultation and the remainder came from psychiatric hospitalization (only 3 were never hospitalized). 41 patients were under maintenance treatment and 14 under acute treatment. Concerning the type of treatment 30 were submitted to bilateral ECT. For 33% it wasn’t the first ECT treatment. Almost all patients improved their symptoms, only one patient had complications related to the procedure (tooth loss).

According to the international classification of disease (ICD11) the most frequent primary diagnosis was Schizophrenia or Other Primary Psychotic Disorders (58%). Neurodevelopmental disorders and substance use disorders were the most frequently comorbid diagnoses.

The results presented are preliminary, and other data that may be relevant are being collected and processed.

Severe mental illnesses profoundly impact patients, often imposing substantial limitations and suffering. These findings support the safety and effectiveness of ECT as treatment for severe mental disorders. Founding more specialized centers represents an important step toward enhancing mental health treatments. Access to controlled studies is crucial, fostering a deeper understanding of the ECT technique and long-term benefits.

None Declared

The nature of psychiatry as a specialty dealing with mental health and emotional well-being may contribute to the perceived stigma. These misconceptions and biases can impact the way psychiatry residents perceive their profession, their own self-esteem, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

Our goal was to evaluate the experience of stigma among psychiatry residents.

A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted in January 2022 among psychiatry residents at Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia.

The Clinician Associative Stigma Scale (CASS) was used to assess stigmatization experiences.

A total of 34 residents participated in this survey. Their average age was 27.94 years ± 2.43, with 91.2% being female. Of the participants, 61.8% were adult psychiatry residents, and 39.2% were child psychiatry residents. Additionally, the choice of adult psychiatry or child psychiatry specialty was self-determined in 91.2% of cases. The participants had an average of 2 years of experience in psychiatry. They reported a personal medical or surgical history, a personal psychiatric history, and a family history of psychiatric disorders in 32.4%, 8.8%, and 50%, respectively. The average CASS score was 47.09 ± 8.32.

The mean scores for the “discomfort with disclosure” factor, the “stereotypes about mental health professionals” factor, the “negative stereotypes about individuals with serious mental illness” factor, and the “negative stereotypes about effectiveness” factor were respectively 8 ± 3, 9.44 ± 2.57, 15.62 ± 5.7, and 11.35 ± 3.33.

Our study highlighted that residents in psychiatry suffered stigma. Special attention should be given to reducing this phenomenon in this population.

None Declared