Recently, global-remote group studying has been made possible via digital video conferencing platforms. In preparation for the December 2020 MRCPsych part A exam, a study group was formed comprising 30 International Medical Gaduates (IMG) logging-in from different countries via 3 hour Zoom-study sessions hosted daily from 28th September until 12th December 2020 (1800-2100 GMT time). This study demonstrates the impact of online group study in preparation for the MRCPsych A exam for s via data collected through questionnaires.

The data of the study were collected through the questionnaires given to the group study members containing a total of 17 questions, 5 of which were open-ended.

The participants totalled 30 International Doctors who responded to an advertisement to form an online study group on Facebook. They logged-in for the sessions from seven different countries: Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Ireland, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The participants represented different working grades incuding experiences in psychiatry ranging from 0 to 5 years.

Data were analysed using percentage. The answers given to the open-ended questions were each examined using descriptive interpretation methods.

Thematic analysis demonstrated that online group study made learning faster and easier. 96.6% support using online study sessions for future exams citing that they fostered cooperation, respect for diverse opinions and motivation for regular studying. 93.1% and partly 6.9% found the experience enjoyable and enabled the cultivation of different ideas. Indeed, 89.7% relied on it as a big part of their preparation with 26 saying it contributed to their passing of the exam success.

Almost three quarter of participants in the group also forged friendships and a sense of trust. It also became a platform for expressing opinions comfortably and developing communication and interpersonal skills.

Different working hours and time zones represented a challenge with most linking in at odd hours. Cultural differences were ultimately accepted including aspects of delivery of information which made a few participants appear abrupt.

With the ease in which social media connects us on a global scale, online study groups connecting IMGs from various backgrounds and diverse cultures not only makes exam preparations stimulating and easier to pass but also fosters interpersonal skills and connections that would be an asset in the long run.

Physiological brain function depends on tight glucose regulation, including transport and phosphorylation, the first step in its metabolism. Impaired glucose regulation is increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Glucose hypometabolism in AD may be at least partly due to impaired glucose transport at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are an integral component of the BBB. There is evidence of a significant reduction in vascular and non-vascular forms of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in AD brains compared to age-matched controls. Glucose transport, as well as phosphorylation, appears to be a rate limiting step for glucose metabolism in the brain. We have reviewed the literature on glucose transport abnormalities in AD and the effect such abnormalities have on the brain.

Published literature between 1st January 1946 and 1st November 2019 was identified using EMBASE and MEDLINE databases and titles and abstracts were scanned. Human studies (autopsy and imaging) and data from animal models were included while reviews, letters and cellular or molecular studies were excluded from the search.

Autopsy studies in AD patients show significant reductions in GLUT3 in areas of the brain closely associated with AD pathology. Patients with AD and diabetes showed greater reductions of GLUT1 and GLUT3. A longitudinal study showed significant reductions in GLUT3 levels which correlated with greater amyloid-β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangle pathological burden in participants with AD pathology at post-mortem but without evidence of cognitive dysfunction in their lifetime. Some studies showed increased GLUT1, with others showing reduced GLUT1, levels in AD brain. A newly recognised GLUT12 appears to be increased in AD. Animal studies showed similar results with GLUT1 and GLUT3 knockout animal models exhibiting AD pathology, while overexpression of GLUT1 or treatment with metformin decreased Aβ toxicity in a Drosophila model of AD. GLUT2 levels were increased in both human AD brain and in an animal model of AD. Imaging studies using fluorodeoxyglucose [18F]FDG with positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in AD subjects show reductions in glucose transport and glucose metabolism in areas most affected in AD. A small randomised control trial showed anti-diabetic medications improved the glucose transport in AD subjects.

GLUTs play a significant role in AD pathology with evidence suggesting that GLUT3 reductions may precede the onset of clinical symptoms, while GLUT2 and GLUT12 may have a compensatory role. Repurposing anti-diabetic drugs shows promising results in both animal and human studies of AD.

The aim of the study was to identify any symptoms or features of Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that may be associated with, or explain, abused women killing their abuser; and the extent to which such identified symptoms or features have been deemed, or are potentially relevant, to past and now reformed partial defences to murder in English law. Hence two sub-studies were completed.

The first sub-study identified mental symptoms of BWS or PTSD apparent in battered women who kill their abuser; achieved by identifying relevant research papers, through applying a ‘rapid review’ approach to three databases: PubMed, PsychInfo and PsychArticles. The second sub-study identified by legal research reported Court of Appeal (CA) judgments on women appealing their conviction of the murder of their abusive partner. It then analysed the legal approach taken towards evidence of the effects of abuse upon these women before and after relevant statutory law reform (although no CA cases were identified post-reform).

The first sub-study identified and reviewed six symptoms or features, within three quantitative and three qualitative studies, that appeared to be associated with, or described by, abused women killing their abuser. These included helplessness, symptoms associated with PTSD, plus fear, isolation, experience of escalation of violence and cycle of violence. From the CA cases the perpetrators of killings that occurred prior to 04.10.2010 (the date of law reform) were usually successful in having their conviction overturned based upon diminished responsibility; but not provocation, because of the requirement of ‘sudden loss of self control’. ‘Loss of control’, which replaced provocation, appears highly likely to be capable of reducing murder to manslaughter based upon symptoms of BWS, or PTSD. However, the amended defence of diminished responsibility is likely to exclude evidence of BWS, but allow evidence of PTSD, because of its requirement of the defendant suffering from ‘a recognised medical condition’.

This study demonstrated particular symptoms or features of BWS or PTSD associated with abused women killing their abusers plus their very different relevance to two partial defences to murder, pre and post law reform.

This study aims to find out how alcohol use disorder (AUD) correlates to personal well-being and life satisfaction.

AUD is prevalent and leads to significant physical, physiological, and social-occupational impairment. Mental well-being involves the overall positive psychological state of a person – being well adjusted, socially engaged, and emotionally healthy. Despite the paradigm shift from purely treating mental illness to promoting positive mental health, there is limited literature describing the relationship between alcohol use disorder and mental well-being.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a general hospital in Singapore. Patients admitted across a span of two years were screened for possible alcohol use disorder. Patients were included if they were male, aged 21 years and above, and had the mental capacity to give consent. They were excluded if they had illicit drug use, acute mental illness, inability or refusal to give consent, or if they were already receiving intervention for addiction issues. Participants were administered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Those who scored 8 or above were classified as being at risk for AUD, while those who scored 7 or less were classified as at low risk. They were also administered the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and the “Satisfaction with Life as a Whole” question. The PWI measures individuals’ subjective well-being across seven domains. The “Satisfaction with Life as a Whole” question measures, on an eleven-point Likert scale, how satisfied the respondent feels with life in general. Demographic data were also collected and STATA v. 12.1 was used for statistical analysis.

Among a total of 134 participants, 25 of them scored ≥8 on the AUDIT and 109 scored 7 or less. On the PWI, the group at risk scored significantly lower at 71.3 (95% CI: 66.0–76.7) compared to the group not at risk at 77.9 (95% CI: 75.8–79.9), p < 0.01. The results were similar on the “Satisfaction with Life as a Whole” item. The group at risk had a mean of 6.72 (95% CI: 6.03–7.41) while the group not at risk had a mean of 7.67 (95% CI: 7.41–7.93), both p < 0.01. The differences between the high risk and low risk groups remained statistically significant even after adjusting for differences in age, race, education level, and employment status.

This study demonstrated a statistically significant association between AUD and personal well-being as well as satisfaction with life among males.

We present the case of a 25-year-old male who presented to A&E with isolated musical hallucinations, in the absence of audiological or neurological disease.

Musical hallucinations (MH) are a form of complex auditory hallucinations whereby an individual experiences an instrumental and/or vocal melody in the absence of auditory stimuli.

The patient had a history of recreational drug use and a family history of psychosis. Hallucinations, which were preceded by discontinuation of alcohol and re-initiation of citalopram for depression, resolved spontaneously after three days.

Aetiological factors are discussed alongside the existing literature. Whilst the underlying mechanisms underpinning musical hallucinations remains elusive, the case illustrates the potential role of alcohol withdrawal, serotonin toxicity, recreational drug use and genetic vulnerability.

The aims were to develop and validate a tool for monitoring and supporting the mental health of young people. Based on extensive experience of developing similar tools, the hypothesis was that a user-friendly tool could be produced with sound psychometric properties.

The Outcomes Star is a suite of collaboratively completed, strengths-based tools with the dual roles of both supporting and monitoring change. Service users are empowered through their active involvement in identifying their strengths and creating their care plan. Triangle, the creators of the Outcomes Star was approached by a number of organisations to develop a version of the Star for young people with mental health issues in early intervention services and also to support young people in managing a diagnosed mental illness.

Using a series of focus groups and an iterative process of refinement we gathered data from practitioners and service users on the domains in which they wish to create change, and the steps of the change process. A draft version of the new tool was piloted in two organisations by 67 workers and 177 young people over six months. The pilot data were analysed to assess the psychometric properties of My Mind Star (acceptability, skew, factor structure, internal consistency, item redundancy and responsiveness).

The resulting tool, My Mind Star consisted of seven domains: Feelings and emotions, Healthy lifestyle, Where you live, Friends and relationships, School, training and work, How you use your time and Self-esteem. Almost all young people and practitioners (94%) agreed that their completed Star was ‘a good summary of my life right now’ and that it gave a better idea of service users’ support needs. Psychometric analyses indicated a unidimensional structure with good internal consistency (α = .76) and no item redundancy. My Mind Star was responsive to change between the first and second readings, with medium and small-medium effect sizes.

Initial findings suggest that My Mind Star has good psychometric properties and is perceived as acceptable and useful by young people and practitioners, Further research is planned to conduct a full validation of the psychometric properties of this Star including inter-rater reliability and predictive validity.

Financial sponsorship of the study: Action for Children

Obesity and depression are increasing in prevalence and have become key issues in the public health of the modern day. We performed a meta-review to summarise the association between obesity and depression in adults.

A systematic literature search was undertaken on MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science for systematic reviews (SRs) with or without meta-analyses (MA) on the association between obesity and depression in adults (>18 years) published before 18 September 2018. Any approach to define depressive disorders (e.g. via structured interview or code in medical file) was accepted. Likewise, any method to assess obesity was accepted. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment was completed by two reviewers independently, with a third reviewer to arbitrate any disagreement. AMSTAR 2 tool was used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias of the pertinent SRs/MAs.

After duplicate removal, we identified 6007 potentially pertinent citations. Following, title, abstract and full-text screening, 10 studies were included in the review; nine SRs with MAs and one SR. A statistically significant association between obesity and depression was reported in all nine SRs with MAs, with odds ratios ranging from 1.18 (95% CI = 1.11-1.26) to 1.57 (95% CI = 1.53-2.01). Increased severity of obesity (body mass index over 40) was associated with a greater odds of becoming depressed. Odds of developing depression were greater for obese females, compared to obese males, but this difference was not statistically significant. Depression was shown to be a significant risk factor for future obesity in all four relevant MAs with odds ratios ranging from 1.18 (95% CI = 1.13-1.23) to 1.40 (95% CI = 1.14-1.71) . Depressed adolescent females had the highest odds of becoming obese, significantly more so than depressed adolescent males and depressed adults. The quality of the included studies were mixed with five scoring moderate quality, three low quality and two critically low quality.

The findings suggest a reciprocal association between depression and obesity, which may be modulated by age and gender. Future research should assess the potential effect of obesity and depression severity more carefully while also exploring the underlying mechanisms. These results warrant the investigation of the effect of obesity or depression intervention on the outcomes of the other.

FUNDING

This research received no financial sponsorship.

In the Philippines, there is a need for preventive, early intervention programs for perinatal and infant mental health. This is the first local study that investigated an attachment-based, therapeutic play programme (Baby Bonding) on infant temperament, parent-infant relationship and maternal reflecting functioning.

This study was an effort towards bridging the “10/90 gap in infant mental health research” wherein 90% of the world's infants are born in low- middle-income countries (Population Reference Bureau, 2013b) and “only 10% of the worldwide spending on health research is directed towards the problems that primarily affect the poorest 90% of the world's population (Tomlinson et al., 2014).

Phase I involved local validation of the Parent-Rated Outcome Measures (PROM)- Infant Characteristics Questionnaire (ICQ), Mother Object Relations Scale (MORS) and Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ).Healthy mother-baby dyads, from the low socio-economic stratum, were screened using Parent Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) and Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS).

Phase II carried out randomized controlled design wherein mother-baby dyads were enrolled either in the usual care group or the 6-weekly Baby Bonding intervention.

102 mothers answered the PROM. Their responses constituted the training set of the study tools. Baseline responses of the mothers from the usual care (N = 51) and intervention (N = 53) groups formed the evaluation set for the Filipino- translated instruments. In both the training and evaluation sets, if certain identified questions were to be removed from the PROM, better and acceptable Cronbach values were consistently generated.

There were no statistical differences on parent-infant relationship and reflective functioning between the usual care and intervention group. There was movement of the intervention group from high-challenging onto intermediate to low-levels of challenging temperament in the dull-dimension of the ICQ after 6 sessions. In comparison, infants in the control group remained in the high-challenging temperament after 6 weeks of usual care.

Linguistically validated study instruments (ICQ and MORS) provided accurate assessments of infant temperament and parent-child relationship. The Filipino-translated PRFQ has limited validity in evaluating parental reflective functioning (RF). “On-line” measures that video mother-baby interactions could have better captured changes in RF. As measured by the dull dimension of the ICQ, the Baby Bonding programme improved sociability of the infants (7 months or younger).

Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is recognized as an etiological risk factor for various psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and autism. Prenatal immune challenge may serve as a “disease primer” into an altered trajectory of fetal brain development that, in combination with other genetic and environmental factors, may ultimately result in the emergence of different psychiatric conditions. However, the association between MIA and the offspring's chances of developing anxiety disorders is less clear. To examine the effect of MIA on offspring anxiety, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the preclinical literature was conducted.

A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library electronic databases was performed using the PRISMA and WHO methodologies for systematic reviews. Studies that investigated if MIA during rodent's pregnancy could cause anxiety symptoms in offspring were included.

Overall, the meta-analysis showed that MIA induced anxiety behavior in offspring. The studies provide strong evidence that prenatal immune activation impacts specific molecular targets, synapse formation and function, and a disbalance in neurotransmission that could be related to the generation of offspring anxiety. Future research should further explore the role of MIA in anxiety endophenotypes.

According to this meta-analysis, MIA plays an important role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of anxiety disorders and provides a promising therapeutic target.

To explore the mental health of private flat owners in residential buildings with external combustible cladding, which require remediation following the 2017 Grenfell tower fire.

The speed at which the fire at Grenfell spread, killing 72 people, is largely attributed to external combustible cladding. It is increasingly suspected that there are ongoing profound effects on the mental health of people living in flats with external combustible cladding like Grenfell both in the UK and abroad. The issue has left flat owners facing severe financial hardship, the threat of bankruptcy and concerns about safety in their own homes.

An exploratory ‘Google Forms’ online mental health survey comprising multiple choice and free text questions over 47 sections was distributed to flat owners in affected buildings. The survey remained open for 6 weeks to allow response. 550 individual responses were studied.

550 individuals completed the survey, from 143 buildings across 45 UK councils.

As a direct result of external combustible cladding:

• 89.5% said their mental health had deteriorated,

• 22.5% reported having suicidal feelings or a desire to self-harm,

• 71.1% reported having difficulty sleeping,

• 93.8% said they were suffering from worry and anxiety,

• 59.6% used coping strategies to deal with their situation,

• 35.1% said that existing physical and mental health conditions had been exacerbated,

• 84.1% said they cannot move on with their lives and

• 57.9% of people had concerns about seeking help or treatment for mental/physical health problems caused by their situation during the pandemic.

Safe housing is a basic human right. The results show the current situation is having a detrimental impact on flat owners’ mental health and makes a strong case for the provision of specific services offering support - particularly given it is 3.5 years since Grenfell and a viable solution for all is yet to be found.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve a range of physical and mental health outcomes among people with severe mental illnesses (SMI). However, there is limited data on patients’ reported attitudes towards HIIT and its implementation within inpatient settings, and there remains an absence of data on attitudes towards HIIT from informal family carers of service users and healthcare professionals, who both have key roles to play in facilitating recovery outcomes in service users. This study sought to qualitatively investigate, in inpatients with SMI, carer and staff groups, perspectives on implementing HIIT interventions for patient groups in inpatient settings.

Seven focus groups and one individual interview were conducted. These included three focus groups held with inpatients with SMI (n = 12), two held with informal carers (n = 15), and two held with healthcare professionals working in inpatient settings (n = 11). An additional individual interview was conducted with one patient participant. The focus group schedule comprised open- ended questions designed to generate discussion and elicit opinions surrounding the introduction of HIIT on inpatient mental health wards. Data were subject to a thematic analysis.

Two key themes emerged from the data, across all participants, that reflected the ‘Positivity’ in the application of HIIT interventions in psychiatric inpatient settings with beliefs that it would help patients feel more relaxed, build their fitness, and provide a break from the monotony of ward environment. Moreover, the short length of HIIT sessions was deemed appealing to mitigate against difficulties that many inpatients can experience with motivation, interest and attention, and was considered to be more appealing than more lengthy forms of exercise, which may require greater physical exertion. The second theme related to ‘Implementation concerns’, that reflected subthemes about i) low patient motivation, particularly with older participants, those administered many medications, and for those with less positive memories of exercise ii) patient safety, including concerns surrounding the intensity of HIIT and inclusion of patients with physical health comorbidities and iii) practical logistical factors, including having access to the right sports clothing and staff availability to supervise HIIT.

HIIT for inpatients with SMI was actively endorsed by patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Patient safety and baseline motivation levels, and practical service considerations were all noted as potential barriers to successful implementation and are worth considering in preparation for trialing a new intervention.

Opioid dependence has high risks and opioid substitution treatment (OST) improves outcomes and reduces deaths. Attendance at addiction specialist prescribers may be limited, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine, such as videoconferencing, can reduce travel and improve access and attendance. Pre-COVID-19, we started a telemedicine service for patients with opioid dependence, prescribed opioid substitution treatment, requiring addiction specialist prescriber consultations. We present patient experience and assess whether patients recommend telemedicine.

Health Research Authority approval for Randomized Controlled Trial of Telemedicine versus Face-to-Face (control) appointments in large semi-rural community addictions service (2500km2) using a modified Hub-and-Spoke (outreach). Adult opioid dependent patients prescribed OST and attending outreach clinics recruited. Participants received two consultations in group. Telemedicine delivered using Skype-for-business videoconferencing. Patients attended outreach clinic, where an outreach worker undertook drug testing and telemedicine conducted via the outreach workers laptop. Specialist addiction prescribers located remotely, at the Hub. Patients self-completed NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) immediately after appointment, separate from the wider research study. Data collected Sept 2019– March 2020 (pre-COVID-19 lockdown), Microsoft Excel analysis, with qualitative thematic free-text analysis.

Thirty completed FFTs were received, of which all participants were ‘extremely likely’ (n = 19;67%) or ‘likely’ (n = 11;37%) to recommend the Telemedicine service to friends or family, if they needed similar care. Two themes for reasons for recommending the service were; 1. Convenience (reduced travel, reduced travel time and reduced travel costs) and 2. Supportive Staff (including listening, caring and good support). One patient mentioned ‘it is a convenient way to communicate with medical staff, saving time and effort’. Regarding Telemedicine appointments, most participants responded that the timing of telemedicine appointments was good (n = 26;87%), given enough information (n = 30;100%), enough privacy (n = 28;93%), enough time to talk (n = 30;100%), involved as much as they wanted (n = 25;83%), given advice on keeping well (n = 28;93%), and NHS staff were friendly and helpful (n = 29;97%). No participants thought they were treated unfairly. When asked what went well, patient themes were: 1. Everything and 2. Communication (including listening and explaining). One patient stated ‘Everything better, telemedicing good, heard it well, everything improved this year’. In terms of what the service could do better, there were no issues identified.

The Telemedicine in Addictions service was overwhelmingly highly recommended by patients. Patients recommended the service because of convenience and supportive staff. The use of telemedicine is acceptable to patients and could be considered more widely. Due to COVID-19, this technology may be beneficial access to addiction services.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder, which is the sixth largest contributor to non-fatal health loss globally. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, aside from its impact on physical health, has also had its effects on mental health. This study aimed to explore the frequency of new onset OCD symptomology in medical students amidst COVID-19 pandemic and its association with potential sociodemographic parameters.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students studying in Pakistani medical colleges. Data were collected after ethical approval from 1st January 2020 to 20th January 2020 during the second COVID-19 wave. Participants with a history of diagnosed psychiatric illness such as OCD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and those taking relevant medications were excluded from the study. The online questionnaire included Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Revised Padua Inventory-Contamination Subscale (PI-CS), which were used to assess OCD symptoms and aversion for contamination respectively. Participants filled Y-BOCS twice, once for pre-pandemic score (based on self-recall), and a second time during 2nd wave of COVID-19. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS v23.0 (Armonk, N.Y., USA).

The study included 711 participants (Males: 29.8%, Mean age: 21.59 ± 1.52 years) from over 46 medical colleges and over 44 cities of Pakistan. The mean pre-pandemic and mid-2nd wave Y-BOCS scores were 11.86 ± 6.02 and 15.61 ± 7.41 respectively. The mean PI-CS score was 17.27 ± 9.17. Twenty five percent (n = 176) of students developed new onset OCD symptomology during pandemic, while seventy percent (n = 497) suffered from worsened Y-BOCS score during pandemic. New onset OCD symptomology was associated with age less than 20 years (p = 0.02), higher PI-CS score (p = 0.001) and studying in preclinical years (p = 0.002). Worsening of YBOCS score had significant association with female gender (p = 0.02), attending pandemic related awareness seminar (p = 0.027), studying in preclinical years (p < 0.001) and age less than 20 years (p < 0.001). High Padua scorers (16 and above) showed significant association with increase in YBOCS score (p < 0.000), age less than 20 years (p = 0.005), preclinical years (p = 0.001), frequency of engagements in pandemic related discussions (p = 0.001) and change in YBOCS score (p < 0.001).

Our findings indicate that the prevalence of OCD symptomology increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as demonstrated by increased Y-BOCS scores.Femal medical students and students in preclinical years are more likely to suffer from psycological impact of COVID-19 pandemic and heightened concerns and fear for contamination.

The aim of this literature review was to determine what interventions are effective in reducing aggression and offending behaviour in under 18's with conduct disorder.

Null hypothesis: There is no difference in aggression or offending behaviour in under 18's with conduct problems in spite of interventions offered

Mental health services for children and adolescents who are aggressive or who have come into contact with the Youth Justice System are sparse and often under resourced. Conduct disorder (CD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in adolescents, particularly in young offenders (Kenny et al 2007). The most effective prevention programs for youth at risk of persistent delinquency has previously been found to be a multi model program focussing on the family context. However, this has not taken in to consideration the extent and prevalence of mental disorder, including conduct disorder, within the target population.

A systematic literature search was undertaken on medline and psychoinfo between January and December 2018. Identified papers were then screened by two independent researchers against pre-agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant papers were assessed for bias and results summarised.

From an initial data set of 526 papers, 9 were included for review. 4 focussed on psychopharmacology (1 aripiprazole, 1 risperidone, 1 risperidone vs clozapine, 1 clozapine), 1 family centred feedback, 1 Mode Deactivation Therapy and 3 were multi modal (combinations of Mode Deactivation Therapy, Stop Now and Act Programme, CBT, Didactic sessions, 1:1 counselling). None of the multi-modal interventions were standardised or comparable to each other. End points varied from 8 weeks (aripiprazole) to 15 months (multimodal SNAP programme). Settings varied from community programmes to secure inpatient settings. Whilst one risperidone study reported it to be effective in reducing aggression, it was not significant. One SNAP (multimodal) programme failed to show significant effect. All other 7 interventions, across various methods, demonstrated significant reductions in aggression, violence or other antisocial behaviour.

Few papers were identified that assessed interventions for youth with conduct disorder. The papers that were identified were significantly heterogeneous in their intervention, sample selection, methodology and outcome measures. Unfortunately, this leads to an inability to compare any interventions for this demographic. Despite the rise in Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, there is a weak and poorly understood evidence base for supporting and managing young people with conduct disorder.

To estimate the prevalence of DSM-V mental disorders in a population of Irish emerging adults

Mental disorders are the leading cause of years lived with disability in youth worldwide. Few studies use gold standard of face to face semi-structured standardized interview tools, and this is a limitation in the estimates of prevalence rates of mental disorder in the extant literature.

Briefly, we recruited a representative sample of 212 adolescents and followed them up over ten years. In this wave of the adolescent brain development study, 103 of the initial 212 participants took part, 50 males and 53 females, with a mean age of 20.87 years (SD = 1.3). Psychopathology was assessed in all participants by trained research psychologists and mental health professionals using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V (SCID).

52.4% of participants had one lifetime mental disorder, the prevalence rates were highest for Major Depressive Episode (25.3%), Social Anxiety (12.6%) and Generalized Anxiety (8.7%). 50.5% had a history of a mental disorder. 27.2% had 1 lifetime diagnosis, 15.5% had 2 and 7.8% had >2.

Rates of mental disorder rapidly increase during emerging adulthood. In a similar Irish study, 55% of young adults met the criteria for lifetime mental disorder. Whilst the rates of mental disorder are high in young people, previous longitudinal research has suggested that many common mental disorders remit by the late twenties. We suggest a need for further research investigating the comparative later functional and economic outcomes of these young people. Research to date is supportive of a need to expand capacity of youth friendly services for prevention and treatment.

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval for the study protocols, including interviews and assessments, along with informed consent documents, was granted by the Beaumont Hospital Medical Ethics Committee in 2016.

Acknowledgements:

1. European Research Council Consolidator Award and Health Research Board Ireland Award to Mary Cannon

2. Health Professionals Fellowship from the Health Research Board Ireland to Helen Coughlan.

Mental health literacy campaigns have received increasing attention as a useful method of reducing the burden of mental disorders, by promoting public awareness and improving attitudes surrounding mental disorders. However, despite the wealth of research into the effectiveness of mental health literacy interventions in high-income countries, there is an absence of evaluations of these interventions in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review aims to pool the evidence on effectiveness of these interventions in LMICs.

MEDLINE(OVID), PyschInfo, Scopus and reference lists of included studies were searched. Studies that quantitively measured the effectiveness of mental health literacy interventions amongst schools and communities in LMICs were included, regardless of study design. The included papers were not limited to a particular population demographic, ethnicity or educational level. Studies were included if conducted in LMICs according to the World Bank Classification. Each study was critically assessed according to CASP critical appraisal checklists.

Ten studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 6 case series, 3 controlled before and after studies and 1 cross sectional study. Most of the studies claimed significant improvement of knowledge, attitudes and coping skills following the intervention. However, the overall the methodological quality of the studies was rated as fair to poor.

The review found that mental health literacy interventions may have promising effects, however the pooled evidence of the effectiveness in LMICs was inconclusive. Further research into the effectiveness of these interventions would benefit from using a RCT design, or controlled-before and after studies, with careful control of confounding variables in order to further establish effect. This study provided insights into the barriers to effective implementation of these programs and examined the contextual appropriateness of such interventions. The review provides recommendations for policy makers for the development of future interventions.

To critically examine the development of L&D services in England and Wales and critically appraise their evidence base.

High levels of morbidity across the criminal justice pathway are well established. Although the strongest evidence has emerged from prison studies, the court literature also confirms these high levels. In acknowledgment of this, there have been a range of initiatives to improve access to services for mentally ill individuals involved with the criminal justice system. Once such initiative has been the development of court liaison and diversion services (L&D).

Relevant literature was identified through a search of the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Data were appraised and synthesised to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of L&D services and their evidence base.

The provision of L&D services has increased substantially since their first introduction in England and Wales in 1989. Early L&D services were largely small-scale, unfunded local schemes, and were dependent upon the energy and interest of clinicians who chose to lead in this area. This led to geographical variations in provision and variations in L&D model delivery. The Bradley Report (2009) recommended that a national L&D model be created. The roll-out of a national L&D model meant that half the population of England was covered by 2015, with funding assured for a final wave of L&D services to provide for total population coverage.

Where implemented, L&D services have been shown to lead to increased numbers of local team referrals. They may reduce court adjournments and the overall amount of time spent attending court. There is also some evidence of an association with improved mental health among both adults and young people, with reductions in re-conviction rates amongst the later. There remain deficiencies in the evidence base with regards to the economic impact of L&D services. The majority of economic assessments of L&D services have been performed in the United States with fewer studies in the UK.

Although there is evidence that liaison and diversion can produce benefits, there is a general recognition that a higher standard of evidence is required, including experimental work and assessment of economic impact. L&D services carry a financial burden, but this may be offset by incorporating the value of the health improvements that may be brought in those who might otherwise not have received treatment.

To critically examine the factors that drive an increased risk of violence in the schizophrenic population, with emphasis on the role played by reality distorted symptoms.

A multitude of studies have reported a positive association between schizophrenia and violence. Many of the risk factors for violence among the non-mentally disordered population, such as substance use, childhood conduct problems and victimisation, are the same as for persons with schizophrenia. There remains controversy however as to whether reality distorted symptoms themselves contribute to the increased risk of violence.

Relevant literature was identified through a search of the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Data were appraised and synthesised to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence base for the role of reality distorted symptoms in violence in schizophrenia.

Studies ascertaining the contribution of reality distorted symptoms in violent behaviour have produced contradictory results. At a population level, several epidemiological surveys have found little or no contribution for reality distorted symptoms. Such studies frequently show that violence can be accounted for almost entirely by other factors such as substance use and victimisation. However studies investigating relationships between clinical diagnoses and population-wide violence may be unable to detect association at the symptom level. A number of studies have found strong associations between schizophrenia and violence which was not explained by comorbid substance use and have shown strong associations between specific reality distorted symptoms (in particular persecutory delusions accompanied by anger) and violent behaviour.

There is heterogeneity in the relationship between schizophrenia and violence. Factors that are associated with increased risk of violence among the schizophrenic population are also pertinent to those without mental disorders. With regards to the pathways to violence in schizophrenia the following conclusions may be drawn: there is an well-established increased risk of violence associated with schizophrenia which has been replicated in many studies; this risk is driven largely by substance use but other factors such as victimisation are also important; there is evidence that reality distorted symptoms, particularly persecutory symptoms, play a role in violent behaviour in some patients, particularly when co-occurring with anger; finally, there may be shared aetiological links between schizophrenia and antisocial behaviour.

Mindfulness-based therapies have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing anxiety, stress and depressive symptoms in adults. Depression is a chronic relapsing condition. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common causes of ill health and functional impairment.

Our goal was to assess the real world clinical effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Recurrent Depressive Disorder in three domains:

-Depression, anxiety and stress levels

-Mindfulness level

-Self-compassion level

Patients with a diagnosis of Recurrent Depressive Disorder (primary or secondary diagnosis) were referred by their community mental health team to participate in an 8-week educational MBCT programme. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS), 5-Facet Mindfulness and Self Compassion self-rated scales prior to commencing and at the end of the course. They were also invited to give qualitative feedback at the end of the course.

Data were collected from four groups who completed the course over a period of twelve months. A paired samples test was used to compare pre and post intervention scores to determine effect size.

We had complete data for 19 participants out of a cohort of 34. Pre intervention scores were similar for both groups.

The mean age of the cohort was 47 years (SD of 10 years), 3 male, 16 female.

Patients showed a clinically significant reduction of symptoms in depression, anxiety and stress, with respective reductions of 48%, 26% and 43% post intervention. Results were statistically significant for depressaion and stress p <0.001 but not for anxiety p = 0.130.

Positive trends were seen in all domains of the 5-Fact Mindfulness and Self Compassions scales, with mean improvements of 28.2% and 35.3% respectively. All results were statistically significant.

We also collected anonymized qualitative feedback which highlighted themes of empowerment, skill acquisition and improved coping.

Numerous studies have demonstrated poor compliance with antidepressant treatments commonly prescribed in Recurrent Depressive Disorder. This small scale study demonstrates a statistical and clinical benefit of MBCT for these patients, supporting greater use of such novel non-pharmacological therapeutic options as treatment strategies..

This systematic review aims to discuss the extent to which the measures undertaken to control the COVID-19 pandemic in several countries have affected those with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The coronavirus pandemic is still raging on in many countries and its effects will still be felt years from now and previous studies have shown that it has impacted other mental illnesses. AN cases are on the rise and the nature of the illness has deadly consequences, therefore it is paramount to discuss the relationship between the COVID-19 measures and symptomatology of AN to ensure appropriate services are in place to deal with potential outcomes.

Systematic search of the PubMed database gave thirty-three total results with seven of these used in this review. These studies met the inclusion criteria; examples include primary studies and use of the English Language. The exclusion criteria involved literature reviews, studies with less than ten participants and studies not separating AN from other eating disorders.

Many studies were cross sectional in nature except two longitudinal studies. Anorexic symptomology increased in the majority of papers in this review. Specifically restricting intake has increased compared to before lockdown measures. Physical activity has varied on an individual level in most studies potentially due to compensatory behaviours. Co-morbid psychopathologies were also noted during these studies. There are many factors behind these changes such as food insecurity, the effect of media and social media, uncertainty and the lack of social interaction. A number of participants across the studies were dissatisfied with treatment services during lockdowns. Variability in study results may be due to the differences in measures between countries and the use of self-reported cases compared to those contacted through care services. Limitations of this review are largely due to the how current the topic is and recommendations for the future include reviewing new studies that are published and to review the situation once the full impact of COVID-19 is known.

Patients with AN have struggled more due to the COVID-19 measures and the true effect of the pandemic is yet to be felt. Further studies and reviews should be conducted. The appropriate services should be put into place to ensure patients are supported effectively.