The aim of the article is to analyse the possibilities available to Polish specialists in the process of assessing the risk of violence and accompanying difficulties. In the study, three categories of problems related to the assessment of the violence risk are taken into account: systemic, personal and methodological. In accordance with the conclusions formulated based on the results of the authors’ research, an analysis of the literature and on the recommendations of the creators of internationally recognised tools for assessing the risk of violence, a model procedure for diagnosing and monitoring risk was proposed, aimed at improving the accuracy and effectiveness of assessment in Polish conditions. The authors also formulate recommendations for improving activities at systemic, personal and methodological levels, facilitating the effective and efficient implementation of the model procedure in psychiatric and penitentiary areas.

Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of integrated psychiatric-psychotherapeutic treatment on coping methods and life satisfaction, and to compare the effect of integrated approaches and standard psychotherapeutic methods on the aforementioned psychological measures.Subject or material and methodsPatients diagnosed with depressive disorders (F32 and F33 according to ICD-10) and anxiety and neurotic disorders (F40 – F48 according to ICD-10) between the ages of 18 and 60 were eligible to participate in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: study group, which underwent a process of standardized integrated psychiatric-psychotherapeutic treatment (for the period of 12 weeks) (n = 32), and control group, whose course of treatment lacked a standardized integrated treatment involving direct cooperation between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist (regular/standard psychotherapy for 12 weeks). All study participants (both the study and control group) had the following psychological questionnaires administered at three points in time (at inclusion in the study, after 6 weeks of psychotherapy, and after 12 weeks): CECS – Courtauld Emotional Control Scale, GSES – General Self-Efficacy Scale, BHI – Basic Hope Inventory, and SWLS – Satisfaction with Life Scale.ResultsStatistical analysis of the collected data demonstrated a positive impact of integrated psychiatric-psychotherapeutic treatment on life satisfaction and the level of basic hope measured by the BHI scale.Discussion.ConclusionsThe use of an integrated psychotherapeutic model can be beneficial in patients with anxiety and depressive symptoms, however further studies on larger cohorts are needed.

Memory disturbances are observed across various psychiatric disorders and can occasionally occur in healthy individuals. These disturbances can affect different memory components and can manifest with varying degrees of severity. In some cases, memory gaps are filled with untrue memories. Differential diagnosis of memory impairments requires consideration of both psychiatric conditions (e.g., dementia, ADHD) and neurological disorders (e.g. brain damage in the hippocampal regions). This paper presents the case of a 33-year-old man who sought treatment at a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic due to low mood, anxiety attacks, and memory problems. Initially, he was diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. However, during the diagnostic process, the patient revealed other atypical symptoms, including episodic memory gaps, false memories of brain surgery, and thought content disturbances. The differential diagnosis included, among others, Fahr's disease. Numerous examinations and neuropsychological testing finally led to the appropriate diagnosis—personality disorder and panic disorder. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in the diagnostic process. Additionally, it draws attention to the possibility of atypical clinical presentations of disorders.

The aim of this case report is to summarize the clinical picture of a patient with T1DM and other autoimmune diseases, highlighting the individualization of treatment. A 28-year-old patient was diagnosed with T1DM, followed by autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease. In the following years, Crohn's disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis were diagnosed. At the same time, primary adrenocortical insufficiency was excluded based on a Synacthen test. The patient has been treated with a personal insulin pump (initially insulin aspart, later insulin lispro) for 15 years. Azathioprine and methylprednisolone were prescribed for Crohn's disease. HbA1c was 8.4% in January 2017. Treatment with a single morning dose of methylprednisolone (8 mg) required a non-physiological basal insulin infusion pattern, peaking at 1.45 units/h between 12:00 and 20:00. Empagliflozin 10 mg once daily was initiated, followed by dapagliflozin 5 mg from 2019. After four weeks, the average glycemia over 14 days was 185 (± 78.3) mg/dl. From January 2023, following reimbursement for glucose monitoring in patients aged 26 and above, the patient began using FreeStyle Libre 2, leading to improved metabolic control. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a patient with T1DM and a wide range of autoimmune disorders in whom metabolic control was improved using a non-standard insulin pump regimen, a continuous glucose monitoring system, and an SGLT-2 inhibitor.

Lipedema is a chronic and under-diagnosed condition affecting mainly women, characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue in the abdomen, hips and lower limbs, often accompanied by neuropathic pain. The complexity of the condition extends beyond the physical symptoms to include significant psychosocial impact, exacerbated by frequent misdiagnosis and lack of awareness among patients and healthcare professionals. People with lipedema often experience psychological distress and social stigma, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physical therapy with robust psychological and sometimes psychiatric support systems. Increasing clinicians' awareness and understanding of lipedema is essential to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of associated psychiatric disorders. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis and comprehensive management strategies for lipedema with the aim of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

This issue of Archives of Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology gathers nine original articles exploring the intersections between emotional processes, psychopathology, and therapeutic practice. Zygfryd Juczynski and Nina Ogińska-Bulik examine secondary posttraumatic growth among therapists working with addicted individuals, emphasizing the role of empathy and self-efficacy in fostering professional resilience. Patryk Roczon et al. explore the reciprocal roles of mindfulness and self-compassion in depression and anxiety, offering insights into transdiagnostic therapeutic mechanisms. Sylwia Michałowska provides a valuable comparison of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, discussing their respective strengths in different trauma contexts. Karina Marciniec et al. review the impact of emotional dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder, highlighting its relevance for personalized treatment planning. Samuel Dreeben introduces a compelling conceptualization of “emotional injury OCD”, expanding current diagnostic frameworks and inviting further clinical attention. Tahereh Kouroshinezhad et al. demonstrate that affect regulation training improves emotional well-being in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, underscoring the link between affective health and chronic illness.

Aim of the studyProfessionals working with people after traumatic events may experience positive posttraumatic changes, occurring in the form of secondary posttraumatic growth (SPTG). The occurrence of SPTG may be determined by empathy and secondary self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to establish the associations between empathy, secondary self-efficacy and SPTG, including the mediating role of secondary self-efficacy in the relationship between empathy and SPTG.Subject or material and methodsThe study group comprised 130 therapists working with clients with addiction: substance abusers and behavioral addicts. In total, the results of 115 respondents were analyzed: age 22 to 69 years (M=40.79, SD=10.57), 61.7% were women. The Secondary Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (SPTGI), the Empathic Sensitivity Scale (EES) and the Secondary Trauma Self-efficacy (STSE) Scale were used.ResultsA high level of SPTG was presented by 34% of respondents; 45% reported an average level and 21% a low level. SPTG was associated with two of three aspects of empathy (empathic concern and perspective taking) and secondary self-efficacy. Secondary self-efficacy increases the positive effect of empathy on SPTG.DiscussionAmong therapists working with addicted clients who have experienced traumatic events, higher empathic engagement and secondary self-efficacy beliefs seem to favor the occurrence of secondary positive posttraumatic changesConclusionsA greater ability to notice positive post-traumatic changes may increase the effectiveness of the therapist’s work.

Aim of the studyPrevious studies have found that self-compassion and mindfulness are negatively related to depressive and anxiety symptoms. Still, the mechanisms underlying these relationships in major depression and whether such mechanisms differ in healthy people are poorly understood. In the present study, it was examined whether mindfulness and worrying mediated relationships between self-compassion, depression, and anxiety. An alternate model with mindfulness as the predictor and self-compassion as a mediator was also examined.Subject or material and methods146 individuals who had been diagnosed as depressed (Mage = 34.49, SD = 10.14) and 198 healthy controls (Mage = 34.44, SD = 12.93) completed an online battery of questionnaires assessing self-compassion, mindfulness, worrying, trait anxiety, and depression.ResultsIt was found that self-compassion and mindfulness may both function as mediators in predicting emotional distress. Diagnosis of clinical depression did not moderate the effects of mediational relationships in both the main and alternative models.DiscussionThese findings suggest that relationships between mindfulness and self-compassion are reciprocal in the explanation of depression and anxiety symptoms and suggest both mechanisms may contribute to the reduction of anxiety and depression, a claim that needs further experimental validation.ConclusionsFuture research may benefit from longitudinal and experimental designs to understand causal precedence and the dynamic nature of the relationship between mindfulness and self-compassion.

Aim of the studyDiabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by insulin production defects, insulin resistance, or both. This condition can lead to psychological and physiological impairments. The present study aims to investigate the effect of emotion regulation training on regulating positive and negative emotions in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Subject or material and methodsThis study was conducted in 2020 on 40 teenagers with type 1 diabetes, comprising 72.5% girls and 27.5% boys, randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Only the experimental group received emotion regulation training. Both groups completed the questionnaires before the start of the emotion regulation training sessions (pre-test) and at the end of the training sessions (post-test). For data analysis, paired and independent sample T-tests were utilized. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 23.ResultsThe ANCOVA analyses revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups. The ART group showed a significant reduction in negative emotions and a significant increase in positive emotions in the post-test compared to the pre-test (p < 0.05).DiscussionRegulating emotions by weakening or strengthening negative and positive feelings influences various brain areas. These areas, through hormonal regulation, are associated with controlling diabetes and emotions and their accompanying symptoms.ConclusionsThe results suggest that ART can be considered an effective treatment for stimulating positive emotions and reducing negative emotions in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Background and objective: A number of studies have shown that patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with emotional regulation disorders (ER) throughout their lives. The aim of the study was to discuss the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and emotional regulation disorders, the difficulties they cause for patients, and to answer the question of whether emotion dysregulation should influence clinicians' treatment planning for patients with ASD. Methods: A review of the literature on the connotations between emotional dysregulation and ASD, comorbid disorders, and therapeutic work techniques was conducted. Electronic databases were used: PubMed, Medline Ultimate, Scopus. Google Scholar, EBSCO. Priority was given to publications and studies in English. Results and conclusion: It is confirmed that it is important to include emotion dysregulation in the treatment plan of a patient with ASD. Existing data confirm the relationship between emotion dysregulation and a number of mental disorders and social problems of these patients. However, existing sources and research confirm the effectiveness of some targeted therapies. It seems important to further develop research in this area to enable patients to improve ER and, consequently, improve their functioning in general.