Emotional Disorders Research Articles

Efficacy of the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of comorbid emotional disorders in patients with ultra high risk for psychosis: Results of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe most common reason for help-seeking in ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis patients is comorbid symptoms, mainly anxiety and depression. However, psychological interventions are mainly focused on subthreshold psychotic symptoms. There is a growing push to include transdiagnostic therapies in specialized intervention teams for psychosis in young people. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) has demonstrated efficacy in emotional disorders, and its application has recently expanded to other pathologies such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD). MethodsThis pilot study was conducted with 36 patients with UHR for psychosis and symptoms of comorbid emotional disorders who were receiving treatment in an early intervention programme for psychosis. This is a randomised control trial (RCT) with two conditions: treatment as usual (TAU) with the group and online application of the UP (UP+TAU) (n = 18) and TAU (n = 18). Evaluations were conducted at baseline, after treatment, and at the three-month follow-up. ResultsComorbid anxiety and depression symptoms improved significantly in patients in the UP+TAU group compared to those in the TAU. Significant improvements in negative affect, emotional dysregulation, neuroticism, extraversion, functioning, and quality of life were also observed, and satisfaction with the intervention was high. ConclusionsUP may be an acceptable and effective intervention for the treatment of symptoms of comorbid emotional disorders in patients with UHR for psychosis. LimitationsThe sample size was small, and further studies are needed to test this intervention with larger samples of patients with UHR for psychosis with emotional comorbidities.

The Effects of Self Monitoring With I-Connect to Increase On Task Behavior of Students With or at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

The use of technology-based self monitoring (SM) interventions is becoming more popular, increasing the likelihood that SM interventions will have greater contextual fit within classrooms. SM has resulted in increases in desired school behaviors, such as increases in on task behavior, academic performance, and task completion for students diagnosed with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to extend the findings from Clemons et al. and examine student and teacher use of a web based SM application, I-Connect, and reinforcement to increase on task behavior for elementary school students with or at risk for an emotional behavioral disorder using extended SM intervals. All three participants demonstrated significant increases in on task behavior with the use of the I-Connect application plus reinforcement intervention in the classroom.

Hubungan Antara Kelelahan Dengan Tingkat Kecemasan Perawat Rumah Sakit: Sebuah Tinjauan Pustaka

Fatigue can be caused by overwork, prolonged physical and mental activity, lack of rest, high stress or a combination of these factors. Work fatigue is caused by tiring and energy-draining activities, thereby reducing human alertness and response to stress. Anxiety is a common emotional disorder characterized by deep and persistent fear or worry, but without any disturbance in the assessment of reality. A nurse is someone who has graduated from a nursing school, both inside and outside of school, in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and regulations. This article provides an explanation of work fatigue, anxiety and determines the relationship between anxiety and work fatigue specifically for nurses who work in hospitals. This research uses a qualitative approach research methodology by collecting data using structured interviews with 2 research subjects, namely nurses in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Installation who work in private hospitals in Wonogiri Regency accompanied by a literature review based on the literature. Based on literature sources, it was found that high work fatigue can cause an increased risk of anxiety disorders up to 2.7 times higher compared to subjects with lower work fatigue. From the results of interviews with the 2 research subjects, it was found that the level of work fatigue was positively related to anxiety, meaning that the higher the level of work fatigue based on the scoring of the Job Fatigue Measuring Tool Questionnaire (KAUPK2), the higher the anxiety level score based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

Risk of psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders after meningitis in childhood: a nationwide, population-based cohort study.

Few studies have investigated the risk of psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders (PNDD) after childhood meningitis. Nationwide population-based cohort study (Denmark, 1995-2021) of children with positive cerebrospinal fluid for bacteria or enterovirus, stratified on age as young infants (0 to <90 days, n = 637) or older children (≥90 days to <17 years, n = 1,218). We constructed a comparison cohort from the general population (n = 18,550), and cohorts of siblings of participants. As risk estimates of PNDD we calculated age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Children with bacterial meningitis had increased risks of PNDD, especially learning and intellectual developmental disorders (young infants: aHR 4.2, 95%CI: 2.4-7.1; older children: aHR 1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.3), attention deficit disorder (ADHD) (young infants: aHR 2.8, 95%CI: 1.5-5.2; older children: 1.4, 95%CI: 0.9-2.2) and redemption of ADHD medication (young infants: aHR 2.2, 95%CI: 1.0-4.7; older children: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.3). Young infants with bacterial meningitis additionally had increased risks of autism spectrum disorders (aHR 1.9, 95%CI: 0.9-4.1) and behavioural and emotional disorders (aHR 2.0, 95%CI: 1.0-3.9). In young infants, the excess risk of PNDD was especially observed in premature children. Siblings of older children with bacterial meningitis also had increased risks of PNDD. Children with enteroviral meningitis at any age did not have increased risks of PNDD or redemption of ADHD medication. Bacterial meningitis in childhood is associated with subsequent diagnosis of PNDD, while enteroviral meningitis is not. The association appears to be partly explained by prematurity and familial and socioeconomic factors.

Differences in subcortical functional connectivity in patients with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by abnormal paroxysmal bioelectrical activity in the brain cortex and subcortical structures. Seizures per se change brain metabolism in epileptic focus and in distal parts of the brain. However, interictal phenomena can also affect functional connectivity (FC) and brain metabolism in other parts of the brain. We hypothesised that epilepsy affects functional connectivity not only among cortical, but also between subcortical, structures of the brain in a resting state condition. Investigating functional connectivity in patients with epilepsy could provide insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Better understanding may lead to more effective treatment strategies. Functional connectivity was analysed in 35 patients with epilepsy and in 28 healthy volunteers. The group of patients was divided into generalised and focal epilepsy (temporal and extratemporal subgroups). Each patient and healthy volunteer underwent an fMRI resting-state session. During the study, EEG signals were simultaneously recorded with fMRI to facilitate the subsequent detection of potential interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). Their potential impact on BOLD signals was mitigated through linear regression. The data was processed and correlation coefficients (FC values) between the BOLD signal from selected structures of the central nervous system were determined and compared between study groups. The results were presented as significant differences in correlation coefficients between brain/subcortical structures in the epilepsy and control groups. Lower FC values for the epilepsy group compared to the control group were shown for connections related to the MPFC, hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and the parahippocampal gyrus. Epilepsy alters the functional connectivity of resting state subcortical networks. Patterns of pathological changes of FC differ between epilepsy subtypes, with predominant lower FC between the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala and thalamus in patients with epilepsy. This study suggests that epilepsy affects subcortical structures. Identifying distinct patterns of altered FC in epilepsy subtypes may help to tailor treatment strategies. Changes in FC detected by fMRI may precede clinical symptoms, aiding in the early diagnosis of cognitive and emotional disorders in focal epilepsy.

Can electroencephalography (EEG) identify the different dimensions of pain in fibromyalgia? A pilot study

BackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) is a promising tool for identifying the physiological biomarkers of fibromyalgia (FM). Evidence suggests differences in power band and density between individuals with FM and healthy controls. EEG changes appear to be associated with pain intensity; however, their relationship with the quality of pain has not been examined. We aimed to investigate whether abnormal EEG in the frontal and central points of the 10–20 EEG system in individuals with FM is associated with pain’s sensory-discriminative and affective-motivational dimensions. The association between EEG and the two dimensions of emotional disorders (depression and anxiety) was also investigated.MethodsIn this cross-sectional pilot study, pain experience (pain rating index [PRI]) and two dimensions of emotional disorders (depression and anxiety) were assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (PRI-sensory and PRI-affective) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. In quantitative EEG analysis, the relative spectral power of each frequency band (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) was identified in the frontal and central points during rest.ResultsA negative correlation was found between the relative spectral power for the delta bands in the frontal (r= -0.656; p = 0.028) and central points (r= -0.624; p = 0.040) and the PRI-affective scores. A positive correlation was found between the alpha bands in the frontal (r = 0.642; p = 0.033) and central points (r = 0.642; p = 0.033) and the PRI-affective scores. A negative correlation between the delta bands in the central points and the anxiety subscale of the HADS (r = -0.648; p = 0.031) was detected.ConclusionThe affective-motivational dimension of pain and mood disorders may be related to abnormal patterns of electrical activity in patients with FM.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05962658).

Gastrodin, a Promising Natural Small Molecule for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders, and Its Recent Progress in Synthesis, Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics.

Gastrodia elata Blume is a traditional medicinal and food homology substance that has been used for thousands of years, is mainly distributed in China and other Asian countries, and has always been distinguished as a superior class of herbs. Gastrodin is the main active ingredient of G. elata Blume and has attracted increasing attention because of its extensive pharmacological activities. In addition to extraction and isolation from the original plant, gastrodin can also be obtained via chemical synthesis and biosynthesis. Gastrodin has significant pharmacological effects on the central nervous system, such as sedation and improvement of sleep. It can also improve epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, emotional disorders and cognitive impairment to a certain extent. Gastrodin is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed in the body and can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In brief, gastrodin is a promising natural small molecule with significant potential in the treatment of brain diseases. In this review, we summarised studies on the synthesis, pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic characteristics of gastrodin, with emphasis on its effects on central nervous system disorders and the possible mechanisms, in order to find potential therapeutic applications and provide favourable information for the research and development of gastodin.

The relationship between changes in functional connectivity gradients and cognitive-emotional disorders in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a prevalent emergency in otolaryngology, is known to potentially precipitate cognitive and emotional disorders in affected individuals. Extensive research has documented the phenomenon of cortical functional reorganization in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. However, the potential link between this neural functional remodelling and cognitive-emotional disorders remains unclear. To investigate this issue, 30 bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients and 30 healthy adults were recruited for this study. We collected clinical data and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the participants. Gradient mapping analysis was employed to calculate the first three gradients for each subject. Subsequently, gradient changes in sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients were compared with healthy controls at global, regional and network levels. Finally, we explored the relationship between gradient values and clinical variables. The results revealed that at the global level, sudden sensorineural hearing loss did not exhibit significant differences in the primary gradient but showed a state of compression in the second and third gradients. At the regional level, sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients exhibited a significant reduction in the primary gradient values in the temporal pole and ventral prefrontal cortex, which were closely related to neuro-scale scores. Regarding the network level, sudden sensorineural hearing loss did not show significant differences in the primary gradient but instead displayed significant changes in the control network and default mode network in the second and third gradients. This study revealed disruptions in the functional hierarchy of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and the alterations in functional connectivity gradients were closely associated with cognitive and emotional disturbances in patients. These findings provide new evidence for understanding the functional remodelling that occurs in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Is the Unified Protocol for Children Effective for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Children’s Emotional Disorders? A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children (UP-C) aims to reduce internalizing symptoms in children by addressing fundamental mechanisms that underlie emotional disorders through a combination of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies. This study, the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) to date of UP-C efficacy and the first one conducted outside the U.S., assesses the efficacy of UP-C compared to an active control group. A total of 153 children (6–13 years old; 58.8% girls) with at least one emotional disorder as a primary diagnosis and their parents (88.2% mothers) were randomly assigned to either the UP-C condition (n = 77) or an active control condition (n = 76; receiving a psychoeducational intervention, the ABC of Emotions). Participants completed self-report questionnaires at pretreatment, midtreatment, posttreatment, and at the 3-month follow-up, assessing children’s internalizing symptoms and their interference with the child and family functioning. Clinicians assessed the severity of the child’s symptoms and monitored clinical improvement throughout the study. Descriptive statistics, comparative tests and Linear Mixed Models were used. Results showed greater satisfaction, lower dropout rates, and better adherence in the UP-C condition, with a reduced need for additional interventions posttreatment compared to the control group. The UP-C demonstrated significantly greater efficacy in reducing internalizing symptoms, with a large effect size, including anxiety and depression, as well as in reducing the interference and severity of child symptoms and in improving clinical gains compared to the control group. These findings provide strong support for UP-C as a feasible, acceptable, and effective treatment for childhood emotional disorders, reinforcing its status as an evidence-based treatment.

The Interweaving of Pain and Perfection: A Qualitative Inquiry about the Experiences of Pregnant Women during Pregnancy and Childbirth in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran

Background: The prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made the pleasant experiences of pregnancy and childbirth for women a source of fear and anxiety. Objective: To explore the experiences of pregnant women during pregnancy and childbirth in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative conventional content analysis was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in May and June 2020. The 15 participants were selected via purposeful sampling including: 12 pregnant women, 2 relatives, and one nurse. Data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews and the analysis adopted by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). MAXQDA version 12 was used for data organization. Results: According to the findings, 12 sub-categories, 6 categories, and one theme were extracted. The main theme that was derived from the analysis of the data was " the interweaving of pain and perfection". The categories include "emotional disorders", "obsessive disorders", "psychological disorders", "strengthening the dimension of spirituality" "the need for more support resources", and "inadequacy in presenting the role of motherhood. Conclusion: According to the experiences of pregnant women during pregnancy and childbirth during the outbreak of COVID-19, social, psychological, and emotional support through family and healthcare providers is recommended, as is the formation of virtual counseling groups to answer the questions of pregnant women. Health policymakers and decision-makers can use the results of this research to plan for providing services for pregnant women during future pandemics.

P136 EMOTIONAL DISORDERS AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PROFILE IN YOUNG ADULTS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE – MULTICENTRIC LAPARC STUDY

Introduction: Several factors are associated with the diseases genesis that affect heart and blood vessels, and emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are progressively related to an increase in cardiovascular risk. Objective: to evaluate the cardiovascular risk profile and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in young adults receiving primary care in the Brazilian Unified Health System. Methods: This is a multicenter cross-sectional population study (arm of the LapARC study–Rio de Janeiro) developed in a center in Santarém, Pará, located in the Brazilian Amazon. Young adults (20 to 50 years old) were evaluated in relation to their cardiovascular risk profile, sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, electrical bioimpedance and laboratory tests. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in the office and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM) was performed with a 7-day protocol. In screening for depression and anxiety, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires were applied, respectively. Results: 161 individuals were included (81.4% female; mean age 39.6 ± 7.9 years). More than half of the population has 3 or more risk factors (55.9%), with dyslipidemia being the most prevalent (60.2%), followed by hypertension (55.9%) and obesity (41.0%). Women had significantly more abdominal obesity (67.2% vs 30.0%, p&lt;0.001), with a higher percentage of body fat (42.2 ± 7.5 vs 28.7 ± 7.8%, p&lt;0.001). Men have a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (80.0% vs 55.7%, p&lt;0.05). Regarding emotional disorders, we observed high prevalence in the moderate/severe category of depression (51.6%) and anxiety (57.8%), both conditions being significantly higher among women (55.7% vs 33.3%, p&lt;0.05|63.4% vs 33.3%, p&lt;0.05), respectively. Conclusion: the population, although apparently young and healthy, presented moderate and high risk, which associated with the high prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, can increase the risk for the emergence of cardiovascular diseases, which supports the importance of continuing the study, in order to understand the behavior of these variables in this age group and draw attention to psychological screening and monitoring in primary health care.

Narration of the Experience of Emotional Deprivation Disorder and Affirmation Therapy

Psychiatrists Anna Terruwe and Conrad Baars wrote of emotional deprivation disorder (EDD) and identified the challenges of the disorder. This article presents the specifics of what one individual with EDD experienced and how affirmation therapy (AT) was helpful. The patient is an educated, professional, middle-aged woman who shares her experiences of woundedness and healing, which helps her to make sense of her life experiences. A discussion of some events that led to the manifestation of EDD in her life, how it affected the fullness and quality of her life, especially without appropriate therapy, and a brief overview of affirmation therapy as perceived by the patient are presented. Following the major narratives of her life experiences and her therapy, a brief exploratory analysis of the content and context of her narration is provided. Her story provides excellent insight to those of us in the mental health field about what caused EDD in this patient's life and how affirmation therapy helped her to heal the wounds that caused her to develop EDD and to develop the fuller quality of life that she now enjoys.

Технологии виртуальной реальности в терапии постинсультных эмоциональных расстройств

AIM. To evaluate psychoemotional status and the influence of affective, motivational and asthenic disorders on the efficiency of rehabilitation using virtual reality technologies in patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 160 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke were examined. Depending on the volume of therapy, the patients were divided into two groups: the 1-st group – 80 patients who received therapy using virtual reality (VR) technologies in addition to basic therapy and standard methods of early rehabilitation; the 2-nd group – 80 patients who received only basic therapy and standard methods of early rehabilitation. Neuropsychological testing was performed on the 4-th day of hospitalisation using scales to assess cognitive function, apathy, aggression, asthenia, depression, and anxiety. From the 5-th day of hospitalisation, patients in the 1-st group underwent VR-therapy for 10 days with evaluation of the dynamics of the main psychoemotional parameters and their impact on the effectiveness of rehabilitation (Δ RE). RESULTS AND DICUSSION. All patients had subclinical depression, clinically expressed anxiety, moderate levels of physical, mental, general asthenia, apathy and physical aggression with prevalence of physical asthenia and the combination of depression/physical aggression in the 1-st group of patients. The greatest comorbidity was found with respect to depression, physical asthenia, anxiety and physical aggression scores. Significant improvement was demonstrated with respect to all indicators except the level of apathy and mental asthenia in both groups and general asthenia in the 2-nd group after therapy. A more significant regression was found with regard to anxiety, general aggression, mental and physical asthenia in the 1-st group of patients. The negative correlation of Δ RE with the level of apathy and the combination of apathy/depression indicated a negative impact of these disorders on the effectiveness of VR - rehabilitation. Positive correlations of Δ RE with the parameters of physical aggression and the combination of anxiety/physical aggression show the expediency of VR-therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with a high level of these emotional disorders. CONCLUSION. The positive effect of VR-intervention on the regression of anxiety, asthenic and aggressive post-stroke disorders determines the prospect of introducing this method into the program of early rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke. KEYWORDS: ischemic stroke, emotional disorders, virtual reality, rehabilitation

Values Work With Adolescents: A Qualitative Component Analysis Using an Integrative Model of Values and Behavior

Adolescence is a time of vulnerability to psychological distress and emotional disorders, necessitating effective and developmentally appropriate treatment. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based intervention with values work at the heart of the method. Values work involves clinical interventions that shore up a client’s ability to act in alignment with their personal values, a practice evidenced to improve psychological well-being. However, there is a dearth of research into the process of values work within ACT and values work research with adolescents is even more sparse. The current study aims to clarify values work with adolescents. We used a qualitative online survey of 28 ACT clinicians. Responses were analyzed using defined content analysis with a research-based integrative model of values and behavior (IMVB). Analysis indicated the IMVB’s mechanisms were prevalent across and within surveys, suggesting applicability to clinical values work interventions. The IMVB functioned to clarify components and adaptations of values work with adolescents. Several themes were generated outside of the IMVB, suggesting adolescents have further developmental needs during values work. Results indicate distinct alterations may be warranted for effective values work with adolescents. The IMVB may have further utility for exploring research and clinical inquiry into ACT values work.

Оценка уменьшения прогрессирования осложнений у пациентов с болезнью Паркинсона с помощью новых методов реабилитации

AIM. To analyze and evaluate the reduction of the progression of complications in patients with Parkinson's disease using new rehabilitation methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 115 patients with Parkinson's disease, corresponding to stage II-III on the Hyun-Yar scale, were examined. The study used clinical neurological, laboratory, neuroimaging, neurological special scales (Hyun-Yar, UPDRS), visual-auditory test, SAN questionnaire, (electrophysiological), EMG and methods of multifactorial statistical analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Among the patients enrolled in dansotherapy for Parkinson's disease, the effect of dance rehabilitation, in particular on reducing tremor, motor, emotional disorders, and depression, allowed for more significant results. The effect remained even after the end of treatment. The emotional state showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION. Dance rehabilitation is a rehabilitation method that has a significant positive effect on emerging motor disorders in Parkinson's disease, improves the quality of life of the patient, and provides comfort to the patient and his relatives. KEYWORDS: Parkinson's disease, dance therapy, electromyography, serotonin, Hyun-Yar, UPDRS scale

Assessment of demographic factors and mental health status: initiating a healthy campus program

Mental health issues have been essential in formulating global health policies for 30 years. The campus community is inseparable from the problem of mental health disorders, which can affect the work either students, lecturers, or staff. This research aimed to describe mental health conditions among the campus community based on demographic factors as an opportunity to initiate a healthy campus program. This study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The population was an academic community at a private campus in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. There are 347 samples taken by accidental sampling. The mental health instrument used the self-reporting questionnaire. There, 60.81% of respondents experienced psychological disorders, and 73.49% of respondents needed to be referred to a mental health professional regarding addiction, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There was a significant relationship between demographic factors consisting of gender, age, type of work, employment status, education level, faculty, and emotional disorders with a p-value of &amp;lt;0.005. Moreover, age, gender, education level, type of work, and employment status related to mental disorders due to addiction, psychosis, and PTSD with a p-value&amp;lt;0.005. It is concluded that a large proportion of responders need a referral to a mental health expert. To promote a healthy campus, university officials should follow up with health promotion initiatives such as partnering with the local health office and public health center for additional treatment and improving policy support.

PICU and Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD): how well are we doing?

PICU and Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD): how well are we doing?

Assessment of emotion knowledge in a bilingual context and its relationship with adaptive behavior in early childhood education

Multiple education organizations and experts, including the recent education law in Spain, emphasize the significance of nurturing emotional skills from childhood to prevent the development of emotional and behavioral disorders. One of these skills is emotion knowledge (EK), which is closely linked to personal and social adjustment from early years, and later psychosocial adaptation. The present study aims to provide an assessment tool for EK in the bilingual context of the Basque Country and to provide evidence about the relationship between EK and various behavioral outcomes in early childhood education. The research involved 455 children between 3 and 6 years of old. The Emotion Matching Task, which measures the EK, was adapted to the bilingual context of the Basque Country has shown good psychometric properties and appropriate factor fit. The study also revealed the factor invariance of the Spanish and Basque versions, as well as invariance by sex. The results demonstrated that girls have higher EK than boys. Additionally, EK was associated with fewer externalizing, internalizing, and attention problems, as well as with lower atypicality and withdrawal, while higher EK was linked to greater adaptive skills. These findings support the need for interventions focused on the development of emotional skills and the suitable tools to assess their effectiveness.

Chatbot with ChatGPT technology for mental wellbeing and emotional management

&lt;p&gt;There is a growing concern among the world's population about mental health in work, academics, and other contexts where stress, anxiety, and depression are common problems that negatively impact mental health. This study evaluates a chatbot powered by ChatGPT, offering a novel perspective on emotional intervention and mental well-being. It highlights the urgency of this approach in a context where mental health is critical, providing value by combining advanced technologies with emotional management. A multi-faceted approach was implemented to evaluate both usability and technical performance. The usability of the chatbot was evaluated by users using the System Usability Scale (SUS), while the technical performance was evaluated by experts. The active participation of 15 users provided a detailed perspective, resulting in an average usability of 83, reflecting a positive experience in interacting with the system. At the same time, five experts, through technical metrics, assigned an average technical performance of 4.28, indicating solid operational effectiveness. In conclusion, although more research is needed to customize and optimize chatbots over the long term, this approach holds promise for addressing mental health issues in a variety of settings and represents the integration of artificial intelligence to the benefit of those seeking help managing emotional disorders.&lt;/p&gt;

Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome and vertebrobasilar ischemia. From cerebello-cerebral diaschisis to "dysmetria of thought"

Cerebellum, along with it' s role in coordinating motor functions, exercises a significant regulatory influence in fields of cognitive and affective functions. Therefore, studying the effect of cerebrovascular atherosclerotic pathology on mood and cognition should not be limited to stenotic dysfunctions of carotid arteries, but also extend its methodological framework to the consideration of the integrity of vertebrobasilar system (VBS), cerebellar perfusion and posterior cerebral circulation in general, as it has not been yet sufficiently addressed whether VBS insufficiency is associated with deterioration of patients' mental and emotional status and quality of life (QoL). Vertebrobasilar circulatory dysfunction has been pointed out, since decades, as a cause of progressive memory impairment and dementia, due to multiple infarcts in cerebral areas which are topographically critical for mental and emotional functions. Indicative of the pathophysiological and anatomic-functional association of VBS with these neuro-psychiatric domains are cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome (CCAS) and crossed cerebello-cerebral diaschisis (CCCD). Mental and psychiatric components of CCAS, along with ataxic motor disability, constitute the conceptual hypothesis of "dysmetry of thought", while diagnostic significance of mental dysfunctions and psychopathological manifestations, in terms of symptoms preceding motor impairments that ascribe cerebellar malfunction in the epicenter of their pathophysiology, such as cerebellar ataxias, in which, early recognition of CCAS may facilitate therapeutic interventions aimed at improving QoL, reveal that cerebellar pathology, either of degenerative etiology or vascular substrate on the ground of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) or other surgical conditions of the posterior fossa, is associated with deterioration of patients' QoL which is related to significant impairments in their cognitive functions with (co)manifested emotional disorders. Studies in animal models also support these conclusions. Since VBI is responsible for a wide range of psychiatric and neurological symptoms, new findings concurred with current indications advocating that, without consideration of VBS disorders, it is impossible to clarify the connection of cerebral perfusion dysfunctions to neurocognitive deficits. The inclusion of cerebellar perfusion disorders in scientific research and clinical approaches to cognitive and affective disorders that may occur in patients with cerebrovascular lesions constitutes a paradigm of best clinical practices implementation and interdisciplinary convergence of neurosciences and vascular medicine.