Borderline personality manifests in female adolescence and youth by higher frequency of deviant behaviors and suicidal ideations. Psychological models suggests that both perception and relationship to physical pain (Joiner, 2005, O’Connor, Kirtley, 2018, Galynker, 2017) as well as psychological pain (Eisenberger et al., 2003) could increase the risk.

This study concentrates on the relationship between relationship to physical and psychological pain and reported deviant behavior in female adolescents.

204 female adolescents (13-21 years old) filled checklist appraising alcohol use, drug use, aggressive behavior, suicidal ideations and emotional difficulties (Cronbach’s alphas .67-.89), Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (Van Orden et al., 2012), Discomfort Intolerance Scale (Schmidt et al., 2006), The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Sullivan et al., 1995).

Elder females more frequently reported substance use (r=.23-.28) and less frequently aggressive behavior (r=-.19) while suicidal ideations were unrelated to age. Females reporting higher perceived burdensomeness and emotional difficulties also reported higher alcohol use (r=.25-.29), aggressive behavior (r=.37-.42) and suicidal ideations (r=.64-.84). Thwarted belongingness correlated with suicidal ideations (r=.50) and aggressive behavior (r=.26). Higher alcohol use was associated with catastrophizing of pain in the form of magnification and helplessness (r=.17) while suicidal ideations and aggressive behavior were related to ruminations, magnification and helplessness (r=.23-.33). Only correlations between aggression and pain catastrophizing remained significant after statistical control of psychological pain (r=.15-.22).

After control for psychological pain, only aggressive behavior is related to catastrophizing of physical pain. Study is supported by Russian science Foundation, project 22-28-01524.

Study is supported by Russian Science Foundation, project 22-28-01524.

The prevalence of allergies in children has grown in last few decades. Allergies are very often associated with physical, mental, and emotional problems that could be detected through child’s behaviour and feelings.

to describe and compare children’s behaviour (internalizing and externalizing) across a sample of children aged 6–11 years with and without allergic diseases.

This was a cross-sectional observational case-control study. A survey to 366 families (194 allergic cases and 172 controls), including a child behaviour checklist (CBCL) and a socio-demographic questionnaire with questions related to family, school education, health conditions and allergy symptoms, was administered.

Children with a diagnosis of allergy showed higher scores in the overall CBCL score (standardised mean differences [SMD]= 0.47; confidence intervals [CI]: 0.26–0.68) and in the internalizing and externalizing factors (SMD=0.52 and SMD=0.36, respectively) than non-allergic children. Odds ratio (OR) analyses showed a higher risk (OR=2.76; 95% CI [1.61 to 4.72]) of developing a behavioural difficulty in children diagnosed with allergies. Age and level of asthma appear as modulatory variables.

Children aged 6–11 years diagnosed with allergies showed larger behavioural problems than non-allergic children. This relationship is stronger in internalizing behaviours. These findings suggest the importance of attending to them and treating them in the early stages of diagnosis to avoid future psychological disorders.

No significant relationships.

Asperger Syndrome (AS) exhibits a particular set of difficulties, the foremost of them being the impairment in social interaction. Furthermore, adolescence by itself is a period burdened with many social challenges and distress. The attempt to adjust to them while having AS is much harder, thus it may constitute the premise for the onset of internalizing symptomatology, in particular depression.

This study aimed to observe what factors either improved or hindered the long-term outcome. It was analyzed how the different types of interventions influenced the outcome of these individuals in terms of academic performance, social functioning, psychiatric relapses and quality of life.

Our lot was represented by 16 patients diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), followed up on a period between 1 to 10 years. The lot was divided into two groups, each with a different therapeutic plan. The main instruments used were clinical observation and parents’ assessments.

In the first group, the adolescents, treated with a complex intervention which included also a psychotherapeutic component, were found to have a positive outcome, 71,42% of them having no other psychiatric comorbidity than Major Depressive Disorder. The adolescents in the second group, who were treated only with pharmacological treatment, were found to have a negative outcome.

The factors that were found to have the most important impact on the long-term outcome were: the integration in a psychotherapy programme, having family support, compliance with the pharmacological treatment and having MDD as the only psychiatric comorbidity.

No significant relationships.

Research on cyberbullying has focused on the psychological characteristics of victims and aggressors, but the important roles of bystanders and defenders have not been sufficiently explored (Escortell et al., 2020; Polanco-Levican, Salvo-Garrido, 2021; Schultze-Krumbholz et al., 2018).

The aim is to compare neuroticism, empathy, and Internet addiction in adolescents in different roles in cyberbullying.

1505 adolescents aged 12-17 years old from 8 Federal regions in Russia appraised their experience of cyberbullying (as aggressors, victims, passive bystanders and defenders) using vignettes and filled Aggression Questionnaire (Buss, Perry, 1992), Ten-Item Personality Inventory (Gosling et al., 2003; Egorova, Parshikova,2016); Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1983; Karyagina, Kukhtova, 2016) and Chen Internet Addiction Scale (in adaptation Malygin, Feklisov, 2011).

More than one-third of adolescents (37%) reported experience of cyberbullying in different roles, mostly as passive bystanders (52%). Among the active roles were 30% defenders, 10% victims and 7% aggressors. Aggressors have the lowest empathy scores on the scales of Fantasy (F= 5.424, p=0.001) and Empathic Concern (F= 2.914, p=0.034) and Neuroticism (F= 3.060, p=0.028), while defenders, on the contrary, have the highest levels. The level of these psychological characteristics in victims is lower than in defenders and bystanders. These results are coherent with a number of studies (Escortell et al., 2020; Schultze-Krumbholz et al., 2018). There are no significant differences in Internet addiction between adolescents in different cyberbullying roles.

Results can be used to effective intervention and prevention of cyberbullying based on specific personality role profiles. The research was supported by RSF (project No. 18-18-00365)

This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project # 18-18-00365.

The spread of media multitasking in the modern world determines researcher’s interest in studying the neurocognitive development features of children who strive to act in this mode since childhood (Minear et al., 2013; Uncapher et al., 2016).

The aim is to study neuropsychological profiles of children and adolescents with single-tasking and multitasking.

Quasi-experiment was conducted among 154 children of three age groups (7-10; 11-13; 14-16) and included simultaneous tasks performance on a computer and a smartphone. Neuropsychological indicators were studied (Akhutina, 2016): programming and control, serial organization, visual and auditory-speech memory, neurodynamics. The behavior social modeling and executive functions were studied with WISC (Information and Comprehension subtests) and Dots-test (Akhutina et al., 2017). The multitaskers groups were identified according to the number of returns to tasks: single-taskers (42.9%), single-taskers with multitasking elements (1-2 returns) (40.9%), multitaskers (3 and more returns) (16.2%).

The number of multitaskers increased by adolescence. In children aged 7-10 single-taskers were more productive than multitaskers in programming, switchability, the volume of auditory-speech and visual memory, neurodynamics. They performed Dots-test faster. At the age of 11-13, multitaskers had higher scores on the Comprehension subtest and higher verbal activity when composing a story. Regulation and switchability errors in multitaskers aged 11-13 were episodic. At the age of 14-16 multitaskers were more productive in some parameters of switchability.

In primary school single-taskers have a neurocognitive advantage, but by adolescence differences are leveled, and in some parameters multitaskers are ahead of single-taskers. The study was funded by RFBR, project No. 19-29-14181.

The reported study was funded by RFBR, project No. 19-29-14181.

Suicidal behavior remains an important clinical problem and a major cause of death in youth.

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of adolescents with suicide attempts.

This is a retrospective descriptive study that focused on a population of Tunisian adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years old and who were hospitalized after a suicide attempt between between January, 1st 2010 and November,15th 2018, in Razi Hospital.

We used a pre-established questionnaire that explored the sociodemographic and clinical data of patients.

Sixty adolescents were included in this study. The average age of the respondents was 14.3±2 years. The sex-ratio (m/f) was 0, 36. The suicidal adolescent was a female (73%), single (98%), enrolled in school (66%) with school failure history (52%). Family history of suicide was reported in 8%. Fifty adolescents (83%) lived with their parents and the relationship with them was described as disturbed in 60% of them. A history of physical and sexual abuse was reported in 25% during first adolescence and 15% during second adolescence. The most frequent diagnoses were adjustment disorder with depressed mood (45%) and depression (28%). Drug ingestion was the most common mean of suicide (63%), in an impulsive way in 82% of cases.

Development of repeated epidemiological surveys makes it possible to better understand the prevalence of suicide attempts in adolescents and to implement suicide prevention programs.

No significant relationships.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that frequently persists throughout adulthood. Binaural Beats (BB) are auditory perceptions occurring when two soundwaves of slightly different frequency are carried separately to the ears; they might modulate brain activity and performance.

To evaluate BB efficacy on studing performance, mind-wandering, and core symptoms of a sample of adult ADHD outpatients

In this randomized-controlled trial we recruited a sample of University students in pharmacological treatment for adult ADHD. A track with 15 Hz BB (415 Hz to right and 400 Hz to the left ear) was delivered to the intervention group; whereas, a placebo track consisting of two identical frequencies (400 Hz) was administered to control group. The RCT consisted of a baseline assessment (T0) and two fortnightly follow-ups (T1-T2). Each time, the patient filled the ADHD-RS-5 (ADHD Rating Scale-5) and the MEWS (Mind Excessively Wandering Scale) and executed an online version of SART (Sustained Attention to Response Task). The effect of self-administered acoustic stimulation during individual studying sessions was estimated by a subjective studying performance (SSP) evaluation questionnaire.

A significant improvement of SSP from baseline assessment (T1) to the last observation (T3) was detected in BB group only (mean differences= 2.7, p<.001). A significant between-group contrast for SSP was also found at T3. No other significant changes were detected for ADHD-RS, MEWS and SART at p<.05 level.

BB seem to improve subjective studying performance and ADHD symptoms severity. These preliminary findings must be confirmed in larger sample.

No significant relationships.

Social Media (SM) have recently gained substantial popularity among youth. However, the relationship between problematic use of social media (PUSM) and psychopathology in children and adolescents remains unclear.

To study in a population of children and adolescents followed in outpatient psychiatry unit, the prevalence, and psychopathological factors linked to PUSM.

A descriptive study was led among child and adolescent’s psychiatry patients. Parents were asked to provide answers for the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). PUSM was assessed using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Mental disorders’ related data were extracted from patients’ medical records.

Our study included 76 patients with a mean age of 14.2 ± 2.6 [11,18] years and a sex-ratio of 1. The prevalence of PUSM was estimated at 9.2% in our population according to the conservative approach, rising to 48.7% according to the liberal approach. Anxiety (32.4%) and depressive disorders (24.3%) were most prevalent among patients with PUSM. BSMAS scores were significantly higher among patients with smoking habits (p=0.03). CBCL T-scores interpretation showed internalizing and externalizing disorders among 80.3% and 64.5% patients respectively. BSMAS scores were significantly higher among patients belonging to the clinical range of all the CBCL syndrome scales, except for social problems, and among patients suffering from both internalizing and externalizing disorders (p=0.005).

PUSM was shown to be more prevalent among clinical populations compared to healthy controls. Research has indicated a potential link between PIUSM and psychopathology; however, the significance of the correlation remains unclear.

No significant relationships.

The municipality of Leganés has been very vulnerable to the effects of the crisis derived from the COVID-19 pandemic (both due to the incidence of the infection and the socioeconomic situation). Multiple studies show that children and adolescents, especially those with a psychiatric background, have been one of the most affected groups during the confinement.

Firstly, to describe the characteristics of clinical care at the Child/Youth Mental Health Centre of Leganés (Madrid) during the first lockdown (March-June 2020). Secondly, to present data on the clinical evolution of the patients along this period (n = 720).

Descriptive study and literature review.

Clinical care during the period of strict confinement was mainly by telephone, although the most serious cases were attended in person. In addition, referral to Intensive outpatient programs was interrupted. The results show 56% of patients remained stable. Anxious symptoms (35%) and behavioural disturbances (24%) were most frequently referred (Figure 1), It is noteworthy that the most critical cases (such as suicide attempts or domestic violence) were observed in adolescents and that at least 11% of patients increased their use of electronic devices.

The first confinement stage was particularly stressful for families and especially for children and adolescents, although most patients remained psychopathologically stable. However, other studies have found a significant increase in child and adolescent mental health problems during the following months (de-escalation stage).

No significant relationships.

Suicide attempts in late adolescence deserves special attention.

Identifying particularities of suicidal behavior in this age group seems important in order to detect suicidal ideations.

Describe the characteristics of suicide attempts in late adolescence among hospitalized patients.

This is a retrospective descriptive study that was conducted in our psychiatry department in Razi Hospital, Tunisia. It focused on a population of Tunisian adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years old and who were hospitalized after a suicide attempt between January, 1st 2010 and November,15th 2018.We used a pre-established questionnaire that explored the sociodemographic and clinical data of patients.

Thirty adolescents were included. Twenty-three of them (77%) were female. Mean age of suicidal adolescents was 16.5 years. They were mostly living with their families (80%). Intentional drug ingestion was reported in 56% of cases. Half of the adolescents were indifferent regard the suicide attempt. Conflictual family environment was reported to be a triggering factor of the suicidal thoughts in 60% of cases, and romantic breakup in 20% of cases. In fact, these adolescents were diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood in 47% of them and depression (28%).Adolescent suicide attempts were correlated with a conflictual family environment (p=0.04) and the presence of academic difficulties (p<10-3).

Family dysfunction and conflictual environment are predictors of suicide risk in the late adolescence. Prevention strategies should be reviewed and focus more on these factors.

No significant relationships.

In response to COVID-19, paediatric providers have shifted to providing outpatient health care appointments through telehealth.

While research has been published previously on this topic, we felt it important to add current Canadian youth perspectives to the mix, specifically on changes due to COVID-19.

Semi-structured discussions were held on virtual care in June and October 2020 with our youth members, who are patients with various health conditions, aged 13 to 19 years which allowed us to glean their unique opinions regarding virtual care in the midst of a pandemic.

Youth who contributed to this commentary reported that major benefits of virtual care included time savings, ease of access, continuity of care, and ability to participate in health appointments from the comfort of one’s own home without a risk of COVID-19 exposure. These youth also recognized limitations to virtual care, including the inability to complete laboratory or imaging tests, and the lack of physical examination capabilities.

Additionally, they stressed the importance of visual components of virtual appointments and health care providers needing to consider privacy restrictions youth may have. Overall, our cohort of youth feel positive about virtual care and hope care providers can work with youth individually to determine the best solution for them.

No significant relationships.

Preterm infants are at high-risk of developing autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The underlying mechanisms that explain the link between prematurity and ASD are unclear. Perinatal environmental factors may disrupt the gut-brain communication, when the gut microbiome composition is established and brain programming occurs. Therefore, the disruption of the gut-brain axis communication in response to perinatal environmental events may shed light on the association between prematurity and ASD.

To describe a new research project protocol which aim is to develop a dynamic model of gut microbiota variation in response to environmental factors that modulate the ASD risk in preterm infants.

A two-year prospective observational study will be carried out, in which preterm infants will be assessed at birth, 40th postmenstrual week, at 6, 12, and 24 months of corrected age. Two-hundred preterm infants will be recruited. A comprehensive assessment will be conducted by collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, family functioning, neurodevelopment, ASD screening, and diagnosis. Microbiome composition and microbial activity will be determined from feces.

The expected results are: i) to characterize ASD since its early manifestations in an at-risk population, allowing an early diagnosis and intervention to improve clinical outcomes; ii) to identify early microbiota biomarkers in order to find potential pathophysiological pathways; iii) to understand the protective and risk factors associated to ASD since perinatal period.

A two-year predictive model will be generated based on environmental and gut microbiota variables. This predictive model of ASD would allow prevention, early diagnosis, improvement of prognosis, and personalized treatments in preterm infants.

No significant relationships.

Frequent users of Emergency Departments (EDs) are a diverse group accounting for disproportionate EDs visits. Psychiatric patients are more likely to visit EDs (Slankamenac, 2020). EDs utilisation by psychiatric patients increased by 4.4% during COVID-19 pandemic.

to determine frequent users characteristics within an Ottawa University Hospital, and assess Covid19 impact on overutilization of EDs compared to other hospitals.

Retrospective study of repeat visits characteristics, data extracted from EMR database. Repeat visits defined as no less than 30 days first visit to any EDs. Period of observation: March 1st, 2018 - February 28th, 2021 Results.

64% EDS visits for MH, 35% for addictions. More men (57%), age groups: 16-34 y.o. (41%), 34-64 y.o. (51%), 65 +y.o. (8%).

Top presenting reasons: suicidality, self-harm, depression (40.5%). Anxiety, situational crisis (16%), bizarre behavior (12%).

Most prevalent diagnoses: schizophrenia (28.7%), stress and anxiety (25.2%), personality disorders (13.5%) and depressive episode (10.6%). Only 35.1% admitted after repeat ED visits, 35.1% came by ambulance. Increase during peak pandemic exceeding 20%. Clearly pandemic created more pressures for MH services needs.

Schizophrenia and personality disorders made most prevalent diagnostic groups. Even when patients are in acute needs, they do not always require hospitalization. Investigating what MH conditions that got more stressed by the Covid19 pandemic will be of interest.

No significant relationships.

Seclusion is part of the clinical practice in European psychiatric hospital care with the aim to maintain the safety of patients and staff. Adverse events and harm have been reported for patients and staff resulting from seclusion. Safety hazards, which are the prerequisite of adverse events, can be identified using video observation methods. Identifying safety hazards can be used to prevent adverse events and improve the quality of psychiatric care.

To identify safety hazards during seclusion in psychiatric hospital care.

Descriptive design with non-participant video-observation of seclusion care practice. Data consisted of video recordings (n = 36) from six wards of one psychiatric hospital in Finland. The data were analysed with inductive thematic analysis.

Clinical practice of seclusion included safety hazards stemming from the actions of patients and staff. Patients’ actions were as follows: aggressive behaviour, attempting to escape, precarious movements, preventing the visibility of staff, exposing themselves to contamination, and falls during seclusion. Staff actions included: leaving dangerous items to seclusion, issues in the administration of medication, performing physical and mechanical restraints in unsecure way, and precarious movements and postures.

According to our results, the use of seclusion has safety hazards that can result in harm for patients and staff. To improve the quality and safety of seclusion in clinical practice, the guidelines, practices, and staff training need to consider the various safety hazards. While the work in Europe to abolish the use of seclusion is still in progress, this topic requires attention in clinical practice, education, and policymaking.

No significant relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact worldwide. Consultations in the Emergency Service of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona varied in terms of reasons for consultations, psychopathology, and other aspects, before and after the pandemic.

To examine changes in the profile of patients admitted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to our Psychiatric Emergency Service.

All children, adolescent and adult psychiatric inpatients admitted from December 4th 2019 to March 31st 2021 to the Psychiatric Emergency Service of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Spain, were retrospectively included for analysis and divided into two groups –groups 1 or 2- including the first one all patients who attended before lockdown and the second group those who attended during the pandemic.

A total of 1991 patients were included -1224 in the first group and 767 in the second group. The majority of patients were male (52.08%), with a mean age of 41.21 years (SD 16.53). A proportion significantly higher of men was found in the second group (p<0.05). The proportion of patients consulting with substance use disorders was significantly higher in the second group (p<0.05). Patients from the second group presented a significantly higher proportion of admissions in an acute psychiatric ward (p<0.05), and also a significantly higher proportion of consultations of patients with dementia (p<0.05).

The COVID-19 pandemic lead to a significant reduction in the overall consultations, with a higher proportion of severe cases. The lack of availability of caregivers and telework might have influenced the increase in consultations of patients with dementia.

AG has received travel and financial support from Janssen, Otsuka-Lundbeck and Angelini, and research support from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and declares no support related with the subject of this presentation.

In current clinical practices, there exist very few methods that allow patients to be truly engaged in violence risk assessment and management. This may hinder an individual’s experience of basic psychological needs; autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

To describe patients’ ideas on how they would develop current violence risk assessment and management practices.

The data collection took place as part of a larger project in one PICU unit specialized in the treatment of patients with psychosis and violent behavior in Finland. Individual interviews were conducted with patients (n=13) and were guided to focus on the development of violence risk assessment and management. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Patients’ ideas focused on themes related to developing patient engagement and violence risk management methods. Developing patient engagement involved noticing patient’s individuality and collaboration between a patient and staff: for instance, by shared risk assessment and individualized risk management. Developing violence risk management methods included themes about providing alternative risk management methods and developing nursing staff’s work. Suggestions were, for example, related to providing ways how to calm down, having meaningful activities during treatment days, and ensuring the realization of patient’s rights.

Patients having treatment in the PICU unit have clear and concrete ideas on how violence risk assessment and management methods could be developed further. These findings indicate, that patients need to be given a more active role in their care and thus ensure that basic psychological needs are promoted. Funding by Academy of Finland (316206 ) and TYKS foundation.

No significant relationships.

In Camden and Islington (North Central London) we have restructured our emergency mental health services significantly. Prior to January 2020 all emergency mental health presentations, including those detained in public by the police (S136) were supported through our three emergency departments and their respective liaison mental health teams. In January 2020 a new ‘Health Based Place of Safety’ (for those detained by police) was opened to avoid people spending time in emergency departments unnecessarily. When the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold in the UK in March 2020 a second unit, a ‘Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service’ (MHCAS) was set up again away from the acute sites, encouraging people in MH crisis to attend a designated MH ED away from the acute sites. This study aims to review the system and patient outcomes since the development of the pathway.

Relieving pressures on ED by reduction in patient numbers that could be better supported elsewhere and free up resource for alternative assessments and patient needs.

A retrospective cohort study to review the outcomes of the new system in relation to emergency mental health crisis presentations. Comparison to be made with ED data for 2 years prior to new system.

Pending final results but initial data suggests 25% reduction in ED presentation for MH cause with new system. Reduction in psychiatric inpatient admissions of between 3-5%.

Creative system wide initiatives to provide alternatives to emergency departments for people in emergency mental health crisis can lead to significantly improved patient outcomes and experience.

No significant relationships.

An infectious disease such as COVID-19 can have a great impact on mental health due to the fear of contracting it as well as the social isolation itself due to the containment measures. Such events are considered stressors, as they can be perceived as threatening or challenging, and can have cumulative effects that are harmful to mental health. Along with this scenario, anxiety can occur in association with stress, and it is defined as extreme concern and somatic symptoms that generate tension, hindering the proper functioning and development of basic life functions. In people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families, such events can occur more intensely, as changing routine and adapting to different activities are usually challenging. The study examined stress, anxiety and coping strategies during the pandemic.

To analyze stressful events, anxiety and coping strategies in caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD and typical development.

Forty caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD and 40 of typically developing participated in the study. The assessment instruments used were: 1. RSQ COVID-19; 2. Semi-structured interview; 3. State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) or chi-square were used.

Caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD showed greater stress and anxiety, in addition to using less adaptive coping strategies.

There is a great need to welcome families of children and adolescents with ASD, helping to develop coping or coping strategies.

No significant relationships.

Vitamin D modulates the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors and it is involved in the modulation of inflammatory responses, with a potential impact on clinical status of patients with severe mental disorders. Moreover, available evidences report that decreased blood levels of Vitamin D are associated to a worse course of psychotic and affective disorders.

We assessed calcium homeostasis imbalance in a sample of inpatients and outpatients, referring to the Department of Psychiatry of University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” in order to explore levels of Calcium, PTH and Vitamin D and their influence in clinical severity among this different subgroups.

All patients were administered The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) to assess different domains of psychopathology. Vitamin D, Calcium and PTH levels were assessed in all patients. An-ad hoc schedule was administered for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.

The total sample consisted of 152 patients (75 males and 77 females with 47.3 ± 14.4 age at admission, 74 inpatients and 78 outpatients). Patients with lower level of Vitamin D are more likely to present higher number of relapses (p<0.05) and to be inpatients (<0.01). Finally, serum levels of Vitamin D were negatively correlated with all the BPRS subscales (p < 0.01).

Lower levels of Vitamin D correlate with a worse clinical outcome of patients with different psychiatric diagnosis. Our results highlight the importance to routinely assess PTH, Vit D and calcium levels, especially in inpatients. Moreover, Vitamin D may represent a valid add-on treatment for these patients.

No significant relationships.

Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide (WHO, 2020). Smoking cessation campaigns have been effective at reducing smoking in the general population, but not in individuals with mental illness (Lê Cook et al., 2014). A downward trend in smoking has been noted in EU countries but smoking rates have remained stable in Malta (Country Health Profile, 2019).

This audit aims to assess smoking status, provision of smoking cessation advice and psychotropic dose adjustment depending on smoking status by the Bormla Mental Health Team.

Patient health records were reviewed for patient demographics, psychiatric diagnosis, medical co-morbidities, smoking status and cessation advice and changes in psychiatric medication according to smoking status.

Of the 171 patients studied, 35% (n=61) were smokers, 33% (n=58) were non-smokers while in 30% (n=52) the smoking status was undocumented. Smokers had a mean age of 50 years with an almost equal gender distribution (49% (n=30) male and 51% (n=31) female). The most common documented psychiatric diagnoses were depression (52.5% (n=32)) and anxiety (34.5% (n=21)), while 59% (n=36) had documented medical co-morbidities. Only 14% (n=9) where given smoking cessation advice and one patient was referred to the smoking cessation clinic. One third of smokers (n=20) were prescribed psychotropic medications which are affected by smoking status but only two patients had their doses adjusted.

Improved smoking cessation advice, referral to services, consideration of smoking cessation while prescribing and documentation are need to better patient care.

No significant relationships.