Mental Symptoms Research Articles

Efficacy evaluation of standardized Rheum rhaponticum root extract (ERr 731 ®) on symptoms of menopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Menopause is characterized by various physical, mental and emotional symptoms. ERr 731 ® is a standardized extract from Rheum rhaponticum root and has been clinically studied for its role in reducing menopausal symptoms. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ERr 731 ® supplementation in alleviating the severity of menopausal symptoms. In this review, we searched across three online databases up to March 2023, evaluated the quality of the included studies by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and assessed the risk of bias by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We then performed a meta-analysis using RevMan software to estimate the pooled mean difference (MD). The study protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023416808). After screening and evaluation, we included four high-quality studies (a total of 390 participants; the ERr 731 ® group: 193 participants; the control group: 197 participants) in the meta-analysis. The results showed that ERr 731 ® supplementation significantly reduced the Menopause Rating Scale score (MD: -15.12; P < 0.001), compared with control therapy. Sensitivity analysis revealed no effect of individual studies on the overall pooled estimate or overall observed heterogeneity. The current review provides evidence that ERr 731 ® supplementation is effective in reducing menopause symptoms. Potential bias and high heterogeneity in the results warrant further clinical studies.

Causal Effects of High Stress Assessed Via Interviews on Mental and Physical Health: Toward Computer Agent-Driven Stress Assessment.

This study investigated the causal effect of high stress assessment via an interview on the mental and physical health of workers 1 month later. Stress assessment interviews and feedback were conducted with 50 Japanese workers. In addition to the interviewer, two occupational health professionals assessed participants' stress based on recordings. The average treatment effect was estimated by propensity score matching. High stress, according to the interview-based assessment, had a significant negative causal effect on self-reported well-being 1 month later (95% confidence interval: -3.02, -1.10). In addition, no effect of high stress on stress load, mental and physical symptoms, or burnout was observed. This study provides important insights into the prognosis of individuals who were assessed through interviews to have high stress. The findings are expected to help automate stress assessments using computer agents.

Clinical approaches for poststroke seizure: a review.

Poststroke seizure is a potential complication of stroke, which is the most frequent acute symptomatic seizure in adults. Patients with stroke may present with an abnormal or aggressive behavior accompanied by altered mental status and symptoms, such as hemiparesis, dysarthria, and sensory deficits. Although stroke manifestations that mimic seizures are rare, diagnosing poststroke seizures can be challenging when accompanied with negative postictal symptoms. Differential diagnoses of poststroke seizures include movement disorders, syncope, and functional (nonepileptic) seizures, which may present with symptoms similar to seizures. Furthermore, it is important to determine whether poststroke seizures occur early or late. Seizures occurring within and after 7 d of stroke onset were classified as early and late seizures, respectively. Early seizures have the same clinical course as acute symptomatic seizures; they rarely recur or require long-term antiseizure medication. Conversely, late seizures are associated with a risk of recurrence similar to that of unprovoked seizures in a patient with a focal lesion, thereby requiring long-term administration of antiseizure medication. After diagnosis, concerns regarding treatment strategies, treatment duration, and administration of primary and secondary prophylaxis often arise. Antiseizure medication decisions for the initiation of short-term primary and long-term secondary seizure prophylaxis should be considered for patients with stroke. Antiseizure drugs such as lamotrigine, carbamazepine, lacosamide, levetiracetam, phenytoin, and valproate may be administered. Poststroke seizures should be diagnosed systematically through history with differential diagnosis; in addition, classifying them as early or late seizures can help to determine treatment strategies.

Long-Term Symptoms Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Blood Donors

Long-term symptoms, lasting more than 4 consecutive weeks after acute COVID-19 disease, are an important consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Many prior studies have lacked a non-SARS-CoV-2-infected control population to distinguish background prevalence of symptoms from the direct impact of COVID-19 disease. To examine the prevalence of long-term physical and mental health symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large population of blood donors based on self-report and serologic test results. This cross-sectional study included American Red Cross blood donors (aged ≥18 years) who were surveyed between February 22 and April 21, 2022, about new long-term symptoms arising after March 2020 and their SARS-CoV-2 infection status. All participants underwent at least 1 serologic test for antinucleocapsid antibodies between June 15, 2020, and December 31, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 infection as defined by a self-reported, confirmed acute infection or antinucleocapsid antibody positivity. New long-term symptoms since March 2020, including 5 symptom categories (neurologic, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiac, mental health, and other). Among 818 361 individuals who received the survey, 272 965 (33.4%) responded, with 238 828 meeting the inclusion criteria (138 576 [58.0%] female; median [IQR] age, 59.0 [47.0-67.0] years). Of the 83 015 individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 43.3% reported new long-term symptoms compared with 22.1% of those without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. After controlling for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and number of underlying conditions, those with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection had an increased odds of new long-term symptoms compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.55; 95% CI, 2.51-2.61). Female sex and a history of chronic conditions were associated with new long-term symptoms. Long-term symptoms in the other category (AOR, 4.14; 95% CI, 4.03-4.25), which included changes in taste or smell, and the respiratory and cardiac symptom categories (AOR, 3.21; 95% CI, 3.12-3.31) were most associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mental health long-term symptoms were also associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (AOR, 1.05; 95%, CI, 1.02-1.08). This study's findings suggest that long-term symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks are common in the adult population, but there is a significantly higher prevalence among those with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Continued efforts to define and track long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 using a control group without infection and serologic information to include those who had asymptomatic or unidentified infections are needed.

Mental health in times of pandemic from the perspective of professors and students

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic brought profound societal changes and disruptions, including in the education system, which underwent swift modifications. It presented unique challenges for both professors and students, contributing to an increase in the prevalence of mental health-related symptoms.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of mental health disorders symptoms, coping strategies, and concerns among students (≥18 years) and professors at different times during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional study (Student: N = 6,609; Phase 1 = 3,325; Phase 2 = 1,402; Phase 3 = 1,882; Professor: N = 9,096; Phase 1 = 3,924; Phase 2 = 2,223; Phase 3 = 2,949). Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Impact of Event Scale-revised (IES-R), and BriefCOPE inventory were used. The probability of presenting the symptoms was calculated by multiple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR).ResultsThe prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and distress symptoms among students and professors was high (≥59.5% and ≥ 33.5%, respectively). Students, women, and those diagnosed with a mental disorder were more likely to have symptoms or distress. In the face of the pandemic, professors used more adaptive coping strategies than students. Health was the focus of professors’ concerns, while for students, future and labor market uncertainty were concerns derived from the health core.ConclusionThe results point to the need to strengthen psychosocial support for both professors and students.

Influencing Factors on the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise Therapy in Depression: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study.

Aerobic exercise therapy can improve brain function and promote positive emotions in patients with depression. This study aims to improve the efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy in depression by investigating the influencing factors therein. This study conducted a single-centre cross-sectional analysis of clinical data from 211 depression patients who received aerobic exercise therapy at Heze Mudan People's Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023. After excluding 10 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria, the final cohort included 201 patients. The clinical data of patients with effective treatment and patients with ineffective treatment were collected, such as socio-demographic characteristics, disease status, depression degree, treatment compliance, and social support. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the clinical efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy in patients. Among the 201 patients, the effective and ineffective rates of aerobic exercise therapy were 80.10% (161/201) and 19.90% (40/201), respectively. When analysed as groups, no significant differences were observed between the effective group (EG) and ineffective group (IG) regarding gender, body mass index, course of depression, age of first onset, mental symptoms, years of education, personal income, or marital status (p > 0.05). However, the EG exhibited a reduced probability of family history of mental illness, smoking history, and severity of depression (p < 0.05), along with higher treatment compliance and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) scores compared to the IG (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking history, family history of mental illness, treatment compliance, depression, and SSRS score were the primary influencing factors on the efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy (p < 0.05). Smoking history, family history of mental illness, treatment compliance, severity of depression, and social support are the primary influencing factors on the efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy in patients with depression. These factors should be emphasized during follow-up treatment to optimize the clinical treatment effect.

Towards agreement amongst parents, teachers and children on perceived psychopathology in children in a Kenyan socio-cultural context: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOur objective was to determine levels of agreement between parents, teachers and children on mental symptoms in the children. Teachers, children and parents constitute the TRIAD in the perception of psychopathology in children. Analyzing the perceptions of psychopathology from the perspectives of parents, teachers, and children is essential for a comprehensive understanding of a child’s mental health.MethodsWe identified 195 participants across ten randomly sampled primary schools in South East Kenya. Potential participants were randomly selected and a sampling interval calculated to determine the study participants. The children (Class 5–8; aged 11–14) completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR) scale, the parents the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) on their children and the teachers completed the Teachers Rating Form (TRF) on the children. Only parents and teachers who gave consent as well as children who gave assent were included in the study. Analysis was conducted using Stata 14.1 and Pearson correlation coefficients used to calculate the correlations between CBCL, YSR and TRF.ResultsThe children agreed least with the parents and more with the teachers. There was a greater agreement between the children and their teachers in 5 (2 internalizing disorders and 3 externalizing disorders) out of the 8 conditions. Children and parents agreed only on somatic disorders and conduct disorders. YSR mean scores were significantly lower than those for CBCL for all problem scales. Mean scores of TRF and YSR were comparable in the majority of the problems measured.ConclusionWe suggest broad-based psychoeducation to include children, parents/guardians and teachers to enhance shared awareness of psychopathology and uptake of treatment and for the consideration of an integrated mental health system.

Psychometric analysis of the International Olympic Committee's Sport Mental Health Assessment Triage Tool among non-elite amateur adult athletes

ABSTRACT Background The International Olympic Committee developed the Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool-1, encompassing the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) – used for initial screening of mental ill-being symptoms and risk in elite athletes. Despite preliminary psychometric evidence, the APSQ has yet to be tested in non-elite amateur athletes, who represent the majority of sporting participants. Method Athletes (n = 605) aged 28.57 years (SD = 9.32) comprising 402 males (73.5%) completed the 10-item APSQ, alongside validated measures of anxiety, depression and well-being. Two Confirmatory Factor Analysis models were tested, in addition to a series of receiver operating characteristics curves benchmarked against clinically relevant anxiety and depression symptoms to examine pre-defined and alternative cut-point sensitivity values. Nomological validity was tested through Pearson's correlations, and intraclass correlation coefficients were examined for test–retest reliability. Results A higher-order APSQ model comprising a general “Psychological Strain” factor, and three subcomponents of “External coping”, “Self-Regulation” and “Performance” were selected. Convergent and divergent validity were shown, and a new revised cut-point was found to have good classification accuracy within the sample. Largely “fair-to-good” test–retest reliability values were found. Conclusion The APSQ could be considered for initial screening of athlete mental health symptoms by sports organisations and may enable effective triaging to follow-up mental health assessment and/or supporting guidance, potentially preventing, or mitigating, short and long-term effects of mental ill-being. Further research should be undertaken to establish if the psychometric properties found amongst the present sample are generalisable to the broader amateur sporting population.

Mental health competencies are stronger determinants of well-being than mental disorder symptoms even in psychiatric samples

IntroductionExploring the positive psychological and behavioural dimensions of people living with mental disorders can establish a firm ground in a therapeutic alliance for setting up positive life goals.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to explored whether the strength of the mental health capacities and the severity of mental disorder symptoms and the interaction of the two differ in the strength of their associations with several dimensions of well-being on Hungarian adult psychiatric and non-clinical community samples.MethodsThe psychiatric sample (129 patients (44 male, 85 female)) was collected in four Hungarian healthcare facilities using a cross-sectional design. The non-clinical community sample (253 adults (43 male, 210 female)) was collected online using a cross-sectional design. All the respondents completed the Mental Health Test, six well-being and mental health measures, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised.ResultsIncluding both the mental health competencies and mental disorder symptoms variables in one regression model in both samples can predict patients’ well-being even more accurately. Mental health competencies related positively; mental disorder symptoms connected negatively to subjective well-being. In all models and both samples, mental health competencies were found to be a stronger determinant of well-being than the mental disorder symptoms. The interaction of mental health functioning and mental disorders is no more predictive of well-being in either psychiatric or non-clinical samples than when the effects of each are considered separately.ConclusionsThe assessment of mental health competencies has an important predictive value for well-being in the presence of psychopathological symptoms and/or mental disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Emotionally charged events as a trigger for the acute development of psychotic symptomatology. A case report

IntroductionA 21-year-old male presented to the emergency room due to strange behaviorObjectivesShow how emotionally intense events can be a stress factor leading to dissociative or psychotic symptoms.MethodsCase report and literature reviewResultsThe patient is in Spain after having attended the meeting with the Pope at the World Youth Day in Portugal. He is an engineering student who, in the week prior to the trip, had high levels of stress related to exam time. He also explained that he had recently had conflicts with his partner. In the psychocopathological examination of the patient, a global insomnia of 3 days of duration stands out. In addition, a disorganized and disjointed speech focused on high concern that something bad could happen to his family and partner. In the interview he appears restless, nervous, with a perplexed contact. The patient’s companion says that he has been very worried and obsessed about his relationship with his partner, with constant doubts about asking her to marry him. It is decided to start olanzapine, receiving up to 15 mg per day. In the following interviews he shows better contact and a more organized speech.Conclusions It is known that emotionally intense situations can be a trigger for the development of psychotic symptoms. There are different manifestations of these stressful situations such as physical symptoms like fainting or but mental symptoms are also described such as dissociative amnesias, or less frequent as in this case psychotic symptoms. They are usually of sudden onset and early remission with good response to anxiolytics or antipsychotics.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Postgraduate students’ mental health, it is the time to be aware and act.

IntroductionEducation is markedly associated with well‐being, leading to the acquisition of healthy behaviors while at the same increasing hiring and salary. However, stress among academics is worrying, especially in younger researchers who experience significant levels of job insecurity, the imbalances between life and job, stressful relationships with supervisors and funding difficulties. Several studies have indicated that most graduate students spent over 40 hours per week on their postgraduate program, more than 70 % were not able to complete their programs within the set timeframe, and had uncertainty related to their jobObjectivesIn this review, we discuss the mental health of postgraduate students focusing on depression, anxiety, stress, and smartphone addiction.Methods a review presentation of the mental health of postgraduateResultsAccording to meta-analysis, depression prevalence among postgraduate participants ranges from 6.2% to 85.4% in 36 studies. The pooled prevalence was 34% (26,579 individuals; 95% CI: 28–40). A study using the GAD-7 scale to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety concluded that 41% of postgraduate students suffered moderate to severe GAD, which is about six times the prevalence of GAD among the general population. A Study demonstrated 51.0% of the participants had smartphone addiction. A significant association was also observed between extensive smartphone use and depression (P = 0.001). Of the smokers in this study, 41.5% were addicted to smartphones (P = 0.039). Smartphone addicts had approximately two times the chance of having insomnia (OR = 2.113) (P = 0.013). In addition, they showcased more ADHD symptoms (OR = 2.712) (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsStudies identified a higher prevalence of mental illnesses among postgraduate students than in the general population. Although students affected are highly educated, their awareness of mental health is not sufficient to know their mental symptoms and seek help. Therefore, we suggest launching wellness programs to enhance their mental health.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Mediating Role of Maladaptive Metacognitive Beliefs between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trait Anxiety

IntroductionAdverse childhood experiences (ACE) have a significant negative impact on health. ACEs lead to more pronounced trait anxiety, among others, which serves as a basis for various mental and somatic symptoms. Recent findings suggest that the fact that individuals with more ACEs also have more maladaptive metacognitive beliefs may contribute to the development of these symptoms.ObjectivesWe aim to study the possible mediating role of maladaptive metacognitive beliefs, resulting from adverse childhood experiences, on trait anxiety.MethodsData was collected online, anonymously, in a non-clinical population of adults over 18 years of age. The sample consisted of 304 subjects (84.21 % women, 15.79 % men). The applied questionnaires included a demographic questionnaire, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire 10 item version, the Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire, and the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Questionnaire. The system of correlations between the examined variables was explored using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study was carried out with ethical approval and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.ResultsOur results confirm that ACEs have a significant impact on all the measured dimensions of maladaptive metacognitive beliefs. The direct effect of ACEs on adult trait anxiety is also significant. The results of the study on indirect effects support the joint mediating role of the five metacognitive dimensions. The strongest significant mediating effect was found for the uncontrollability and dangerousness of negative beliefs about worry. Both the direct and indirect effects of cognitive self-consciousness on adult trait anxiety are negative, which means that the more the cognitive self-consiousness is characteristic of someone, the lower the degree of trait anxiety in adulthood is.ConclusionsOur results confirm the mediating effect of metacognitive beliefs on trait anxiety in the context of adverse childhood experiences, which points to the importance of further research on metacognition among the population that suffered early adversities. One of the limitations of the study roots in online data collection: the examined sample is not representative. Moreover, to extend the results, it is recommended to repeat the study on a clinical population. This would enable us to compare our results with those of the clinical population, which could provide further important results in the field of metacognition and adverse childhood experiences.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Implementing a group-based online mental well-being program for women living with and beyond breast cancer - A mixed methods study.

There is a gap in available mental well-being services in Australia for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This pilot mixed-methods uncontrolled study aimed to assess the feasibility of an online mental health and well-being intervention, the Be Well Plan (BWP), which enables participants to create a personalized, flexible well-being strategy. Women diagnosed with stages I-IV breast cancer were recruited into 4 asynchronous groups to participate in the BWP, a 5-week facilitator-led group-based mental health and well-being program. Psychological measures used at baseline and post-intervention included: the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, Self-compassion Scale, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, 7-item General Anxiety Disorder scale, and EORC QLQ-C30. Multivariate analysis of variance and effect sizes were calculated on pre- and post-psychological measures, followed by qualitative content analysis on post-completion interviews with participants. Nineteen women (mean age 45.7, standard deviation=7.74) were included in the study. Large effect sizes were reported for mental well-being, depressive symptoms, and anxiety (partial ω2=0.28, 0.21, and 0.20, respectively). Self-compassion, resilience, and quality of life results were not statistically significant. Qualitative content analysis provided insight into experiences with Program Delivery Experience, Application of the BWP, Mental Health Improvements, Supporter Involvement, Adopted Interventions, and Recruitment. Participants reported benefits in mindfulness, grounding techniques, and physical activities. The BWP has the potential to be an effective intervention to support the mental health and well-being of breast cancer survivors. This study highlights flexible interventions that accommodate the diverse needs of breast cancer survivors to improve mental well-being and alleviate psychological distress.

Mental health and environmental factors in adults: A population-based network analysis.

Few studies have assessed the multifactorial nature of environmental influences on population mental health. In this large-scale, population-based study of adults, we applied network analysis to study the relationship between environmental factors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and well-being. We estimated networks with overall mental health nodes and individual symptoms to assess both broad and fine-grained associations between environmental factors and mental health. Finally, we conducted an out-of-sample replication in an independent large-scale sample to assess the robustness of our results. Across 31,000 adults randomly sampled from the Norwegian population, we identified associations between numerous environmental characteristics and mental health. Recent discrimination and unsupportive social environments were strongly associated with lower population well-being and higher levels of mental illness symptoms, respectively. The most strongly connected variables in the networks were environmental factors, including perceived problems with crime, violence, or vandalism in the residential area, worrying about violence or threats when outside, and problems with noise or contamination at home. Substantial variation in population mental health was explained by environmental factors included in the networks. Replicability of the results was excellent and suggestive of strong robustness of the results across samples. Our findings are indicative of the importance of environmental factors, such as the social environment, housing satisfaction, and residential area characteristics, for multiple aspects of population mental health. We identify several environmental factors that represent potentially useful targets for future studies and public health efforts seeking to improve mental health in the general population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Emotional disorders in the structure of psychoorganic pathology in tumors of the diencephalon

IntroductionThe tumors of the diencephalon region (thalamic-hypothalamic-pituitary system) include a large group: pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, gliomas, and others. Tumors differ in the histological structure, and manifestations of the clinical symptoms; by hormonal data; by approaches and methods in treatment.Psychic symptoms are revealed in disease in addition to cerebral, neuroendocrine symptoms, neurological disorders. Psychoorganic syndrome is represented by emotional, motivational, personal, cognitive impairments, inversion of the sleep-wake cycle, seizures.Disorders of mental activity are detected in all tumors of this localization in varying degrees, according to the different authors from 20 to 100%; affective pathology varies from 2 to 80% by the literature.ObjectivesTo study the emotional disorders in the structure of psychoorganic pathology in tumors of diencephalon regionMethods290 patients (18-78 years old, mean age 38+2): pituitary adenomas (PA), as the most common – 170 (58,6%), craniopharyngiomas (CG), as with the most varied manifestation of mental symptoms – 120 (41,4%). Methods: psychopathological, data from endocrinological, neurological, neuroimaging methods.ResultsEmotional disorders were detected in patients from 30 to 68% of cases, depending on the histology of the tumours: PA with excessive secretion of growth hormone - emotional disorders are in 60%; PA with excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone - in 50%; PA with excessive secretion of prolactin - in 30%; with excessive secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone - in 40%; non-functioning PA - in 16%; CG - in 68%.Emotional disorders were more often represented by changeable mood, depression, apathy, sleep disturbance, and visceral symptoms. Symptoms differed depending on the histology of the tumor (type and level of hormones), the volume of the lesion and direction of growth, and concomitant hypertensive-hydrocephalic symptoms. Emotional disturbances often include memory impairment, personality and behavior changes.ConclusionsEmotional disorders are detected in patients in 30-68% of cases in the structure of psychoorganic pathology with damage to the diencephalon region (in particular, with pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas); are determined by the topography of the tumor and histology with the involvement of the corresponding structures and nuclei in the pathological process.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Barriers in cancer care for patients with mental illness – a qualitative study

Introduction Patients with mental illness experience a substantial inequity when facing cancer treatment compared to patients without mental illness. They have a higher cancer mortality and are less likely to be referred for treatment following clinical guidelines. The cancer treatment can exacerbate mental symptoms, which may lead to discontinuation of the treatment. Other relevant specialities such as psychiatry and general practice are rarely involved.ObjectivesIn this qualitative case study, the needs, barriers and facilitators of providing high quality, patient-centered care to patients with cancer and pre-existing mental illness were explored. Emphasis was on patients’ experiences of being in the field between oncology, psychiatry, general practice and the municipality.MethodsThe study was anchored at the Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle and data collection took place from January to June 2023. Through purposeful sampling five patients with cancer from adult psychiatric setting were included. Field studies were carried out inspired by the framework of Spradley, and involved following the patients during visits to the department of oncology and in the psychiatric setting. Formal interviews were performed using semi-structured interview guides inspired by Kvale and Brinkmann. Patient files were examined focusing on the awareness of the psychiatric diagnosis and treatment and communication between the departments and sectors.ResultsOur analysis showed one major theme: “Complexity on many levels”, and five subthemes: “The impact of the cancer trajectory on mental illness”, “The structure follows the disease, not the patient”, “Fragmentation of the health care system”, “Patient vulnerability” and “Importance of the patient-professional-relationship”. Barriers included lack of a systematic approach to the patient group in the health care system and sparse collaboration between departments and sectors. The cancer trajectory often led to severe worsening of the psychiatric illness, resulting in psychiatric hospitalisation. Facilitators were specialized coordinators at the hospital or municipality, relatives, patients’ resources and health professionals approaching the patient as a person rather than a disease. Final results will be ready for presentation at the conference.ConclusionsDespite intentions of reducing inequality, the Danish health care system is still not equipped to sufficiently help patients with cancer and pre-existing mental illness through their cancer treatment. This study will highlight relevant target points, paving the way for a new, feasible care model that improves continuity and patient-centered care for patients with cancer and mental illness.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Disability, childhood experiences of violence and associated health outcomes in refugee settlements in Uganda

BackgroundThere is limited evidence regarding the associations between disability, childhood experiences of violence, and associated health outcomes in humanitarian settings. ObjectiveWe examined the prevalence of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional violence by disability status, explored associations between childhood violence and type of disability (limitation), perpetrator types, and the negative health outcomes associated with experiencing childhood violence by disability status. Participant and SettingParticipants included 1338 females and 927 males aged 13–24 years living in refugee settings in Uganda. MethodsData were from a cross-sectional Humanitarian Violence against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS) conducted between March and April 2022 in Uganda. Analysis entailed cross-tabulation with a chi-square test and estimation of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsFor both females and males, the prevalence of sexual violence in childhood was higher among those with disabilities compared to those without disabilities (23.2% vs. 11.5% for females; and 15.7% vs. 7.6% for males). The odds of experiencing sexual violence were higher among females with physical limitations (self-care [AOR:2.1; 95%CI-1.0-4.3] and task performance [AOR:2.5; 95%CI = 1.3–5.2]) and males with both physical [AOR:4.4; 95%CI = 1.4–13.7] and communication [AOR:4.1; 95%CI = 1.3–12.9] limitations compared to those without such limitations. Experiencing violence and having disabilities increased the odds of reporting negative health outcomes including severe mental distress and symptoms or being diagnosed with STI among females by three times. ConclusionIn Uganda's refugee settings, the prevalence of childhood violence is higher among children and youth with disabilities compared to those without disabilities. Females with disabilities and who had experienced childhood violence were considerably more susceptible to negative health outcomes. These findings underscore the need for targeted child protection and response interventions to address the vulnerabilities of children and youth, and particularly for those with disabilities and female children.

Innovative approaches in the rehabilitation of military prisoners of war and residents of temporarily occupied territories

Background. As of January 4, 2024, 2828 military personnel and civilians have been released from Russian captivity [1, 2]. All of them require rehabilitation, both physical and psychological. Considering the large number of military and civilian individuals facing psychological difficulties due to war-related traumas and stressful situations, the development of innovative rehabilitation methods becomes a strategically important task. Taking into account the complexity of the causes of armed conflicts, it is evident that special programs and measures need to be developed for the psychological rehabilitation of servicemen who have experienced psychologically traumatic conditions during military-professional activities. Special attention should be given to the development of individualized approaches that consider the unique needs and experiences of each affected individual, providing them with the opportunity to recover not only physically but also psychologically. Among the main directions of psychological rehabilitation of the personality, a reevaluation of practices focused on self-identification and autonomy is considered. This includes the exploration of new communicative territories and the creation of meanings in accordance with the stage of the life path. It is noted that the construction of new meanings and their personal interpretation is facilitated during a productive, symmetrical dialogue between the traumatized individual and the psychotherapist. Such dialogue helps reconstruct life history, transform an extraordinary event into one of the elements of a series of events, and accept a new demarcation of boundaries between peaceful and war experiences, pre-war and present friends, former and current values, plans, and preferences. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the research on the development of integrated and effective support aimed at the physical, mental and social recovery of prisoners of war and civilians who were in the temporarily occupied territories. Materials and Methods. Meta-analysis; interviews, history taking; medical assessment of physical condition; assessment of mental condition, namely psychiatric examination; psychological assessment – questionnaire to determine the level of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental symptoms. Results. A significant number of prisoners of war and individuals who have been in temporarily occupied territories or captivity require targeted psychological rehabilitation measures. According to the results of numerous studies, 70% of individuals still experience maladaptation one to two years later. This is manifested in the inability to adapt to civilian life, including symptoms such as fear, high levels of anxiety, lack of optimism and activity in various situations, as well as problems with alcohol, drugs, and others [3–5]. Conclusions. The study of innovative approaches to the rehabilitation of prisoners of war and persons from the temporarily occupied territories confirms the need for individualized strategies that facilitate their return to normal functioning in society.

Association between antenatal common mental disorders symptoms, and adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes: A community-based prospective cohort study in Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundMaternal common mental disorders have broad implications for maternal and child mental and physical health that may have a long-lasting social and economic impact. This study aimed to assess the association between symptoms of antenatal common mental disorders and obstetric and perinatal outcomes in Eastern Ethiopia. MethodsA community-based prospective cohort study was conducted and a total of 1011 randomly selected pregnant women were followed up from February 1, 2021, to January 30, 2022. The modified Poisson regression model with a robust variance was fitted to examine the effect of the symptoms of antenatal common mental disorders on obstetric and perinatal outcomes. ResultsAntenatal common mental disorders (SRQ ≥ 6) were presented among 390 (38.58 %) pregnant women. In the final multivariate Poisson regression model, women with antenatal common mental disorders symptoms had an increased risk of some pregnancy complications (ARR = 1.65, 95 % CI: 1.59, 1.84). In the current study, symptoms of antenatal common mental disorders increased also the risk of preterm birth (ARR = 1.71; 95 % CI: 1.20, 2.42) and low birth weight (ARR = 1.93; 95 % CI: 1.36, 2.74). LimitationThe indirect effects of some potential mediators and moderators were not assessed in this study. ConclusionThe study found a high rate of symptoms of antenatal common mental disorders and adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Antenatal common mental disorders symptoms may have considerable effects on individual and combined pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Forecasting Epileptic Seizures Using XGBoost Methodology and EEG Signals

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy denotes a disorder of neurological origin marked by repetitive and spontaneous seizures without any apparent trigger. Seizures occur due to abrupt and heightened electricity flowing through the brain, which can lead to physical and mental symptoms. There are several types of epileptic seizures, and epilepsy itself can be caused by various underlying conditions. EEG (Electroencephalogram) is one of the most important and widely used tools for epileptic seizure prediction and diagnosis. EEG uses skull sensors to record electrical signals from the brain., and it can provide valuable insights into brain activity patterns associated with seizures.&#x0D; OBJECTIVES: Brain-computer interface technology pathway for analyzing the EEG signals for seizure prediction to eliminate the class imbalance issue from our dataset in this case, a SMOTE approach is applied. It is observable that there are more classes of one variable than there are of the others in the output variable. This will be problematic when employing different Artificial intelligence techniques since these algorithms are more likely to be biased towards a certain variable because of its high prevalence&#x0D; METHODS: SMOTE approaches will be used to address this bias and balance the number of variables in the response variable. To develop an XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) model using SMOTE techniques to increase classification accuracy.&#x0D; RESULTS: The results show that the XGBoost method achieves a 98.7% accuracy rate.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: EEG-based model for seizure type using the XGBoost model for predicting the disease early. The Suggested method could significantly reduce the amount of time needed to accomplish seizure prediction.