Risk and Rescue: Psychometric Tools for Trauma-Related in Refugees in Europe (2014–2024)

Project Liberty provided services that were accessible to individuals of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Background: It is essential to address psychological health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The negative impacts on the psychological health of an individual have negative impacts on health-related quality of life. The authors aimed to assess PTSD in patients recovered from COVID-19, and COVID-19-related comorbidities. Methodology: The present study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were discharged from Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, both in Bhopal, India, and returning to follow-up at the medicine/psychiatry outpatient department within 6 months after discharge, during the study period of 20 months. Detailed history regarding sociodemographic variables, previous medical history, comorbidities associated with COVID-19 (e.g., mucormycosis, etc.) were noted. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS). Results: A total of 120 cases, who recovered from COVID-19 infection and sought care at the authors’ centre, were included in this study, with mean age of 37.520±12.756 years. Mean PTSD score was 3.350±1.528, and PTSD was noted in 85% cases. Of these, 83.3% cases had mild, and 1.7% cases had moderate PTSD. The authors observed no significant association of sociodemographic variables with PTSD on univariate as well as multivariate analysis (p>0.05). Conclusions: Though the wave of COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the long-term morbidities, particularly due to the impact on psychological health, are still persistent. PTSD is a common consequence following recovery from COVID-19 infection. Thus, mental health services must be provided to patients recovered from COVID-19 infection, mainly targeted at prevention of PTSD.

Is Sexual Dysfunction in Young Adult Survivors to the L‘Aquila Earthquake Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder? A Gender Perspective

Gene Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: Dead or Alive?

Individuals who have been exposed to violence are at high risk of developing mental health problems, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A prominent example is the experience of Colombia, which has suffered systemic violence for more than half a century. Subjects with trauma-related disorders have problems regulating their emotions and facial emotion recognition (FER), a phenomenon that can be explained from a biological perspective by interoception. We conducted an experimental study using the heartbeat-evoked cortical potential amplitude (HEP) to determine the differences in FER and interoceptive priming in victims of armed conflict in Colombia with PTSD, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), and a control group. The results of behavioral studies indicate that individuals with PTSD and CPTSD exhibit impairments in interoceptive accuracy and deficits in the FER task. Compared with those in both the control and PTSD groups, the group of CPTSD victims demonstrated a decline in FER performance following interoceptive priming relative to exteroceptive priming. At the brain level, compared with controls, individuals with CPTSD presented a reduced amplitude of the HEP in the frontocentral regions during interoceptive processing. Significant differences were observed between the CPTSD and PTSD groups in the right frontal-lateral region during interoceptive priming. Our findings suggest alterations in FER interoception and HEP attenuation in armed conflict victims with PTSD and CPTSD. These results highlight the importance of interoception tasks in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying emotional regulation and recognition in populations exposed to war trauma, and they may offer potential therapeutic strategies and targets for PTSD.

Record numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans survive their war injuries and yet continue to experience pain and mental health problems, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known about the association of mental health disorders and prescription opioid use. To investigate the effect of mental health disorders, particularly PTSD, on risks and adverse clinical outcomes associated with prescription opioid use. Retrospective cohort study involving 141,029 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who received at least 1 non-cancer-related pain diagnosis within 1 year of entering the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system from October 1, 2005, through December 31, 2010. Independent association of mental health disorders and the prescription of opioids, higher risk opioid use, and adverse clinical outcomes (eg, accidents and overdose) within 1 year of receiving a pain-related diagnosis. A total of 15,676 veterans were prescribed opioids within 1 year of their initial pain diagnosis. Compared with 6.5% of veterans without mental health disorders, 17.8% (adjusted relative risk [RR], 2.58; 95% CI, 2.49-2.67) of veterans with PTSD and 11.7% (adjusted RR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.67-1.82) with other mental health diagnoses but without PTSD were significantly more likely to receive opioids for pain diagnoses. Of those who were prescribed pain medication, veterans with PTSD were more likely than those without mental health disorders to receive higher-dose opioids (22.7% vs 15.9%, adjusted RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.31-1.54), receive 2 or more opioids concurrently (19.8% vs 10.7%, adjusted RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.70-2.06), receive sedative hypnotics concurrently (40.7% vs 7.6%, adjusted RR, 5.46; 95% CI, 4.91-6.07), or obtain early opioid refills (33.8% vs 20.4%; adjusted RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.53-1.75). Receiving prescription opioids (vs not) was associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes for all veterans (9.5% vs 4.1%; RR, 2.33; 95% CI, 2.20-2.46), which was most pronounced in veterans with PTSD. Among US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health diagnoses, especially PTSD, were associated with an increased risk of receiving opioids for pain, high-risk opioid use, and adverse clinical outcomes.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people may experience increased risk of adverse mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: A survey measured stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in Text4Hope subscribers using the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 Part 3, respectively. A Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were employed. Results: Most respondents were 41–60 years old (49.5%), Caucasian (83.3%), with post-secondary education (92.1%), employed (70.3%), married/cohabiting/partnered (64.9%), and homeowners (71.7%). Likely PTSD was reported in 46.8% of the respondents. Those who were afraid to contract the coronavirus had a history of depression before the pandemic, and those who received counselling during the pandemic exhibited a high prevalence of likely PTSD (OR (1.7 to 2.2)). Significant lower odds of likely PTSD were observed among subscribers who received absolute support from family/friends. Conclusions: This paper presents findings on the prevalence of likely PTSD and identified vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results support the proposal that public health advice should incorporate mental health wellness campaigns aiming to reduce the psychological impact of pandemics.

Background: Teachers’ knowledge towards childhood mental health disorders at schools located in regions which were exposed to armed conflict, traumatic events and wars should be given the highest priority, not only for pupils’ mental health, but also as an important perspective for education. Therefore, teachers' knowledge must be adequately assessed about common childhood mental health disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives: The study aimed to assess teachers' knowledge towards post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among pupils at primary schools in Mosul city. Materials and Method: A descriptive study was conducted for the period from 1st December 2018 to 30th May 2019. The study included (520) primary schools inside Mosul which is the second largest city in Iraq. A probability sampling (simple random technique) was used, the sample consisted of (60) teachers who were teaching in primary schools inside Mosul city. Data were collected through the utilization of constructed questionnaire after validity and reliability of it were estimated. Reliability of the questionnaire was estimated through a pilot study and the validity was determined through(15) experts related to the field of study. All data were collected by means of interview technique. Data were analyzed through use of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures using SPSS Version-23. Results: The findings of current study indicates that the level of teachers’ knowledge towards post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was low. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a considerable lack in teachers' knowledge in regard to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Background. War and its consequences not only dominate the collective and national consciousness of every citizen but also, as a stressor, lead to emotional tension and exhaustion. They are a major factor in stress-associated disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The diagnosis of PTSD is based on the presence of at least one symptom: intrusion, avoidance, negative mood and cognitive impairments, hyperreactivity. The purpose was to investigate the prevalence and severity of probable PTSD among patients visiting primary health care (PHC) facilities, military personnel, and forcibly displaced people (FDP) using various questionnaires. Materials and methods. A total of 90 individuals (46 men and 44 women, average age 39.65 ± 13.93 years) were examined. Participants were divided into three groups (30 individuals each): group I — military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine receiving treatment at the Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “Vinnytsia City Clinical Emergency Hospital”; group II — internally displaced persons who are forced to live in Vinnytsia (FDP); group III — controls (civilian residents of Vinnytsia visiting PHC facilities). All respondents were surveyed using the Spielberg-Hanin Anxiety Scale, assessed for the likelihood of PTSD using a PTSD screening questionnaire approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Order No. 1265 dated February 23, 2024), and with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Results. Probable PTSD was more frequently detected among FDP (83.33 % on the PTSD screening scale and 56.67 % on the PCL-5) compared to military personnel (53.33 and 40.0 %, respectively) and civilians (10.0 and 3.33 %, respectively). Among FDP, symptoms of avoidance (76.67 %), negative cognition (76.67 %), and hyperarousal (88.33 %) were predominant, emphasizing the significant role of emotional responses and their potential impact on other PTSD symptoms. Correlations (p < 0.05) were found between age, gender, and the score on the PCL-5. Conclusions. Probable PTSD can be successfully detected using any of the available tools (PTSD screening, PCL-5) with almost equal frequency, allowing for the identification of individuals who should undergo additional examination for PTSD confirmation and subsequent treatment of this condition.

A growing body of literature has demonstrated the association of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan with postdeployment mental health problems, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, studies have shown varying prevalence rates of these disorders based on different case definitions and have not assessed functional impairment, alcohol misuse, or aggressive behavior as comorbid factors occurring with PTSD and depression. To (1) examine the prevalence rates of depression and PTSD using several case definitions including functional impairment, (2) determine the comorbidity of alcohol misuse or aggressive behaviors with depression or PTSD, and (3) compare rates between Active Component and National Guard soldiers at the 3- and 12-month time points following their deployment to Iraq. Population-based, cross-sectional study. United States Army posts and National Guard armories. A total of 18 305 US Army soldiers from 4 Active Component and 2 National Guard infantry brigade combat teams. Between 2004 and 2007, anonymous mental health surveys were collected at 3 and 12 months following deployment. Current PTSD, depression, functional impairment, alcohol misuse, and aggressive behavior. Prevalence rates for PTSD or depression with serious functional impairment ranged between 8.5% and 14.0%, with some impairment between 23.2% and 31.1%. Alcohol misuse or aggressive behavior comorbidity was present in approximately half of the cases. Rates remained stable for the Active Component soldiers but increased across all case definitions from the 3- to 12-month time point for National Guard soldiers. The prevalence rates of PTSD and depression after returning from combat ranged from 9% to 31% depending on the level of functional impairment reported. The high comorbidity with alcohol misuse and aggression highlights the need for comprehensive postdeployment screening. Persistent or increased prevalence rates at 12 months compared with 3 months postdeployment illustrate the persistent effects of war zone service and provide important data to guide postdeployment care.

Background and Objectives: On 6 February 2023, two catastrophic earthquakes struck southeastern Türkiye, affecting over 13 million individuals and causing widespread destruction. While the physical damage was immediate, the psychological consequences—particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression—have proven long-lasting. This study aimed to evaluate the severity and course of PTSD symptoms among survivors and to examine the effectiveness of a telepsychiatry-based mental health intervention in a post-disaster setting. Materials and Methods: This naturalistic, observational study included 153 adult participants from the affected regions who underwent at least two telepsychiatry sessions between the first and sixth month post-disaster. Initial screening was conducted using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and individuals scoring ≥ 13 were further assessed with the PTSD Checklist—Civilian Version (PCL-C) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Follow-up evaluations and pharmacological or psychoeducational interventions were offered as clinically indicated. Results: At the one-month follow-up, 94.4% of participants met the threshold for PTSD symptoms (PCL-C > 22) and 77.6% had severe depressive symptoms (BDI > 30). By the sixth month, PTSD symptoms had significantly decreased (mean PCL-C score reduced from 42.47 ± 12.22 to 33.02 ± 12.23, p < 0.001). Greater symptom reduction was associated with higher educational attainment and perceived social support, while prior trauma predicted poorer outcomes. Depression severity emerged as the strongest predictor of chronic PTSD. Conclusions: This study highlights the psychological burden following the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and demonstrates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of telepsychiatry in disaster mental health care. Integrating digital mental health services into disaster response systems may help reach vulnerable populations and improve long-term psychological recovery.

P-432 - Investigating the mental health of refugees recently arrived in western australia

Objective Although once considered a defining feature of borderline personality disorder, research has found high rates of NSSI among individuals with other psychiatric disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders. A recent study from our research team found that lifetime PTSD and depressive disorders were associated with unique self-reported NSSI motives. Given well-established limitations of assessing motives via self-report measures, the present study sought to extend this line of research by using a novel laboratory measure of the implicit NSSI-relief association to examine NSSI emotional relief motives. Method A subset of participants from our previous study (N = 109) completed diagnostic interviews and the laboratory-based DSH-Relief Implicit Association Test (IAT). Results Findings indicated that individuals with lifetime PTSD evidenced stronger NSSI-relief associations than those without PTSD. Further, this main effect was qualified by a PTSD by depressive disorder interaction, such that stronger NSSI-relief associations were found among individuals with lifetime PTSD but no lifetime depressive disorder than among individuals without a history of either PTSD or a depressive disorder. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of investigating NSSI motives associated with different symptom profiles using a multi-method approach.

IntroductionHaving a family member admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can cause a severe psychological stress, and various psychological disorders gathered into the notion of Post intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F). In this way, Family-centered care in ICU represents the aim of international accepted recommendations focusing on a partnership approach to health care decision-making between the family and health care provider to prevent PICS-F. During the first SARS-CoV-2 linked lockdown, social restrictions impaired the right application of these recommendations, increasing risk of PICS-F, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).ObjectivesThe main objective was to compare the PTSD prevalence at 6 months in a group of relatives including during OLAF implementation with a control group in a cohort of ICU-patient relatives.MethodsConsidering this, the psychiatric team and the ICU team of the Toulouse University, France, proposed the creation of a temporary device called OLAF (Opération de Liaison et d’Aide aux Familles in French), aiming to bring a psychological phone support to ICU-patient relatives. Besides this operational approach we designed a research approach that aimed to investigate the impact of OLAF device on PICS-F.ResultsWe noted that 12 participants (11.5 %) presented a PTSD at 6 months without statistically significant differences between the groups (p=0.8). Considering that OLAF group presented higher PDI (Peritraumatric Distress Inventory) score at screening we also considered a mediation model suggesting that OLAF could have played a role to diminish the PCL-5 score as a covariable. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis, we found that the only factor associated with the PTSD diagnosis was the level of Anxiety and Depression Signs measured with HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at screening (OR= 1.2, p<0.001).ConclusionsWe found no difference in PTSD prevalence according to OLAF intervention. Nevertheless, our result suggested that the intervention could have play a role in reducing PTSD by acting on anxiety and peri traumatic distress in a mediated model. We found that anxiety score could serve as a risk marker to predict PTSD and should probably be precociously screened and treated in this population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

History of prior mental disorder, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), increases risk for PTSD following subsequent trauma exposure. However, limited research has examined differences associated with specific prior mental disorders among people with PTSD. The current study examined whether different prior mental disorders were associated with meaningful differences among individuals presenting to a specialist service for severe earthquake-related distress following the Canterbury earthquakes (N = 177). Two sets of comparisons were made: between participants with no history of prior disorder and participants with history of any prior disorder; and between participants with history of prior PTSD and those with history of other prior disorders. Comparisons were made in relation to sociodemographic factors, earthquake exposure, peri-traumatic distress, life events and current psychological functioning. Participants with any prior mental disorder had more current disorders than those with no prior disorder. Among participants with history of any prior disorder, those with prior PTSD reported more life events in the past 5 years than those with other prior disorders. Findings suggest a history of any prior mental disorder contributes to increased clinical complexity, but not increased PTSD severity, among people with PTSD seeking treatment. Although post-disaster screening efforts should include those with prior mental disorders, it should also be recognised that those with no prior disorders are also at risk of developing equally severe PTSD.