In the past few years, social media has gained a high popularity as a dynamic and interactive computer-mediated communication tools. Although it has become a part of everyday life for most of our clients, yet we did not have the opportunity to study its impact on compliance to therapy.

Assessment of impact of parallel social media group to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training group in a sample of Egyptian patients suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD).

The aim of the current study was to estimate impact of parallel social media group on compliance to DBT skills training group and its adverse events.

Patients with BPD enrolled to an outpatient comprehensive DBT program in Alexandria were assigned either to group (A) skills training, where a parallel Facebook group was crated aiming at increasing to compliance to the original group, or group (B) skills training alone and dropout rates were calculated based on completion of 6 months full skills training. We considered patients out of the group if they missed 4 sessions in a raw.

Two patients of 15 patients who joined group (A) missed four consecutive sessions with a dropout rate of 13%, whereas group (B) showed 43% drop out rate as 10 out of 23 patients did not complete the group. The difference was statistically significant. We reported only one privacy issue dealt with it immediately.

Utilization of social media group could lead to increase patient compliance to DBT skills training group.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic disease with a major impact on patient's functioning and quality of life, not only during episodes of mania/hypomania or depression, but also during euthymic periods. In recent years, it has been noticed that pharmacotherapy, albeit its great value, is not enough to prevent recurrences of the disease. Therefore, it has been a greater investment in psychosocial interventions as adjuvant treatment. The utmost studied of these interventions is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Gather information about the efficacy of CBT in bipolar disorder.

Literature review.

Several studies have compared groups of bipolar patients submitted to CBT to controls submitted to treatment as usual. The methods and size of samples differ, but the results are in general concordant. Individual or group CBT has had positive results in reducing symptoms, increasing the euthymic periods, decreasing duration of episodes and improving global functioning and quality of life.

There are limitations on the application of CBT in bipolar patients, mainly the decrease of its effects over time; less efficiency in patients with more severe disease; major impact on depressive symptoms than manic; and lack of human resources trained to apply these techniques. Notwithstanding these limitations, the demonstrated gain in the use of CBT on bipolar disorder is evident; hence, investment in this area is undoubtedly important.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Over the last years, literature has dedicated increased interest to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental disorder that was initially included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders in 1980. Trauma is any event that overwhelms the individual coping strategies. Patients with PTSD experience symptoms of hyper-vigilance, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, re-experiencing the trauma event, avoidance of stimuli related with trauma or exaggerated startle response. Mindfulness is the process of being aware, paying attention in the present moment, in a non-judgmental way. Research has been showing that mindfulness has positive effects on mental health.

Assessment of eventual benefits of mindfulness in patients with PTSD.

Literature research.

Many studies have reported on correlations between self-reported mindfulness and mental health. Literature suggests that mindfulness training can enhance life skills and its effectiveness is being studied in several mental disorders. Its positive effects on enhancing emotion regulation and decreasing anxiety, hyperarousal and depressive symptoms, led to investigation in the context of PTSD's treatment. Some studies show decreased perceived stress and post-traumatic avoidance symptoms and increased positive states of mind. Most studies reviewed were related with war veterans with PTSD and showed that mindfulness-based treatments could enhance their quality of life. Other results imply that mindful awareness alone may not be sufficient to help reduce symptoms.

Mindfulness based therapies could be useful on improving PTSD symptoms but, to assess its efficacy, further research is needed, in different samples of patients.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The suppression of negative feelings and traumatic events has detrimental effect on mental and physical health. One of the promising techniques to reduce stress related to trauma is expressive writing. Expressive writing has been found successful with different types of maladaptive behaviors e.g., pain, depression, anxiety and cognitive dysfunctioning.

This study investigates the impact of different categories of expressive writing on improving every day memory performance and cognitive functioning.

Examining the impact of cognitive functioning and everyday memory.

A sample of 90 participants took part in this study. The participants aged (21 and 65 yrs.) 47 of them are females aged between average of (21.64 yrs.), and 43 males aged between average of (21, 49 yrs.). The participants were classified randomly into three groups (a control group, and two experimental groups [pen and oral writing]). The three groups were administered the Every Memory Questionnaire and Taranto Alexithymia Scale.

The results showed that there were no significant differences among the three groups in each of the Alexithymia and Everyday memory, which indicates random distribution of the three groups. The results showed that both of the experimental groups were improved on everyday memory functioning. More importantly, the results indicated that there were no significant differences between using pen or figures in expressive writing to improve Everyday memory.

Study results showed the significant impact of expressive writing on every day memory functioning, furthermore, the study results are used to empathize on the cognitive rehabilitation of the individuals as well as to improve self-esteem on general psychological individual cases.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Patient's outgroup socialization may be a problem in the psychotherapeutic group functioning. Disadvantages – and even benefits – of this common issue in psychotherapy have been described (Vinogradov S., Yalom I.). However, the impact of new social networks – that facilitate other ways of immediate and easy communication – on this phenomenon is still unknown.

To explore the risks of spontaneous “self-help groups” supported by new technologies for the psychotherapeutic group functioning.

Course description of a psychotherapeutic group, composed by patients with eating disorders (bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder) in the context of a specialized hospital day.

A patient – who has recently had a breakup – asked help to the group through a non-reported whatsapp chat. Gradually, patients used this new channel to express distress and daily interpersonal difficulties, showing less implication in the supervised group sessions. The patient presented a symptomatic relapse with self-harm injuries and severe eating symptoms. Finally, she left the therapy and, in the next weeks, other patients also left the group, due to different reasons, in a “drag phenomenon”. The analysis showed that the formation of this outgroup socialization changed the relationships between members and new roles were taken.

It is necessary to early address the formation of outgroup socialization in the pre-group interview, emphasizing its high risk for the future group functioning. Therapists should consider that out-group communication is common and easy due to new technologies, so the use of specific questionnaires about this issue may prevent or detect pathological events.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Most experienced psychotherapists use an eclectic approach in their practice, combining techniques of different schools of psychotherapy to treat their patients. However, there are no good teaching models to train the new generation of psychotherapists in the technique of psychotherapy integration. FEP is a form of psychotherapy that combines techniques from four different psychotherapies: psychodynamics, CBT, IPT and supportive therapy. It also incorporates mindfulness, motivational interviewing, exercise and nutrition. A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial to the success of FEP. Techniques are tailored to the patient's current clinical state. Several techniques from different psychotherapies may be used in the same session. The therapist is empathic, flexible adaptive to the patient's needs and assumes an active role in the therapeutic process.

To present a model of psychotherapy integration that can be used by psychotherapists in their clinical practice.

We aim to present a model of psychotherapy integration that can be taught and implemented by psychotherapists in their clinical practice.

We present ten case examples were FEP was effective clinically and we compare it to the standard of care received by these patients and show the savings to the healthcare system.

The results of our study suggest that FEP could be a cost effective treatment that could be added to the psychotherapists toolbox. Teaching and training methods, like manuals and workshops can be developed to train the new generation of psychotherapists.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

According to studies done in recent years regarding the treatment of patients with recurrent depressive disorder, a shift of interest from studies evaluating the effectiveness of therapy to the study of remission is seen. According to the literature, complete remission occurs in only 40–50% of patients, in other cases there is residual symptoms.

Evaluating the effectiveness of art therapy in treatment in patients with recurrent depressive disorder on the quality of remission.

The study involved 135 patients: 60 male and 75 female patients aged from 18 to 30 years old. The main group of patients apart the combined treatment also participated in group art therapy with the use of drawing techniques, while the control group – statutory standard therapy. We used clinical, psychopathological, psychodiagnostic and statistical methods.

The results of the effectiveness of art therapy in complex treatment in patients with recurrent depressive disorder is detected primarily in reducing of the level of anxiety at the early stages of treatment, as well as in reducing of the severity of anhedonia and improving the quality of life in remission period.

These results support the use of art therapy in treatment in patients with recurrent depressive disorder during period of active treatment, and after achieving clinical remission contributes to achieving and maintaining high-quality and stable remission with full restoration of quality of life and social functioning.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

ICD-10 classifies trichotillomania (TTM) as one of the habit and impulse disorders. It is characterized by noticeable hair-loss due to a recurrent failure to resist impulses to pull out hairs. The hair pulling is usually preceded by mounting tension and is followed by a sense of relief or gratification. Persons suffering from TTM often hide it. TTM is often unrecognised by doctors, treated by dermatologists or untreated, causing a lot of suffering.

To present treatment of trichotillomania.

To present one case report of trichotillomania treated online.

This is case report of female patient with TTM untreated 13 years. She had earlier been treated for depression and had multiple traumatic experiences. Patient both self-diagnosed TTM and asked for treatment online. During two months, there were 7 sessions and 2 follow-ups. Sessions were online and based on Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Rational Emotional Behavioural Therapy (REBT). The following issues were addressed: hair pulling, shame, guilt, low self-confidence, assertiveness, low frustration tolerance, panic attacks, sadness. No medications were used.

Hair pulling has almost completely stopped. Social functioning and self-acceptance were improved. Guilt and shame have reduced, self-confidence and frustration tolerance have increased.

HRT and REBT online treatments have reduced hair pulling and the associated emotional problems.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

In the past six decades, extensive research has been done on family therapy from different areas of knowledge such as psychology, psychiatry and social work. Leading to development of different intervention techniques and optimal clinical evaluation with families.

The systemic perspective focus on the study of the dimensions that contribute to the stability and consistency of the members of the family system. The family is an interrelated system, dependent on each other, where there is an influence of the group over the individual, which is why each of its members plays a pivotal role in family therapy. Throughout all these years of evolution of systemic family therapy, many different concepts and techniques have been used, including the ones currently used today.

Knowing the evolution of the different techniques allows us to understand the functioning of families, for example, their links and the elements that constitute it: their roles, the functions performed by each member in the family, communication, standards and power relations.

The descriptive diagnosis of family ties, help us implement intervention strategies that could improve clinical care and diagnostic approach.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Low level of ability to endure discomfort, hardship and distress, which are integral parts of adverse life events, may lead to loss of mental stability and maintenance of psychological disorder.

Review of literature and case descriptions.

The patient often tries to cope with their suffering through avoidance and compensatory behavior which may relieve his suffering immediately; however, in the long term, it leads to the deterioration in the quality of his life and the persistence of suffering. Cognitive behavioral approaches focused on increasing the ability to endure unpleasant and distressful life experiences, allow the patient to better bear the inevitable losses in life, which he is exposed to, endure his anxiety, sadness, and the urge to impulsive action or escape; so the patient have more possibilities to act more freely, functionally and purposefully. Modern cognitive behavioral approaches, such as Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy developed and applied therapeutic methods designed to increase the patient's resistance to suffering and his ability to cope it better. These approaches are applied not only in patients with chronic psychiatric disorders, but also in patients with chronic physical illnesses and permanent disability.

The modern CBT strategies can help patients to increase his/her resistance to the distress, discomfort and suffering.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Tinnitus is defined as the subjective or objective perception of a hearing sensation in the absence of a corresponding external stimulus. It is a very common medical symptom, and some studies show that 5 to 15% of adults had tinnitus in life. It is a condition that could be chronic and for some patients could be very debilitating. Anxiety and depression are common findings in patients with tinnitus. Tinnitus can also interfere with sleep and concentration and affect the quality of life of patients. The heterogeneity of the etiology, pathophysiology and clinical features of tinnitus probably exacerbate the variability of response to treatment of the population and the decision on the best treatment option could be complex.

The purpose of this study is try to understand how the psychotherapeutic interventions may be useful in the treatment of tinnitus.

Bibliographic research in Pubmed.

Currently there are no available effective pharmacological treatments. In some cases, surgical interventions may be effective with respect to ear pathology, but not to tinnitus. Most studies show that psychological interventions are needed to reduce the distress and the impact caused by tinnitus in patients’ lives and the cognitive-behavioral therapy is the primary therapeutic intervention in chronic tinnitus.

Although cognitive-behavioral techniques demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of the distress and impact caused by tinnitus, little is known about the mechanisms by which this technique achieves this effect, therefore most authors suggest that further studies should be conducted in this area.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Little is known about trauma or treatment of trauma with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), in adults with ASD. Neither is it clear on how ASD influences the expression of posttraumatic stress.

(1) To increase knowledge about treatment of trauma, and trauma related symptoms in adults with ASD. (2) To provide directionsfor research into the effects of EMDR on the expression of autistic and trauma related symptoms in adults with ASD.

Review of the literature using Cochrane Collaboration Centre, Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, PubMed and Web of Science.

Clinicians often overlook trauma related symptoms in people with a severe mental illness like ASD, due to diagnostic overshadowing (Grubaugh, Cusack and Zinzow, 2008), caused by the overlap between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and ASD. In the case of diagnostic overshadowing, symptoms like avoidance, hyperarousal and reduced ability to mentalize (Plana, Lavoie, Battaglia and Achim, 2014) are attributed to ASD, while in actual fact they are manifestations of stress reactions related to perceived traumatic events. However, when symptoms are correctly attributed to negative experiences, clinicians tend to withhold treatment because of fear of aggravating symptoms (Frueh, Cusack, Grubaugh, Sauvageot and Wells, 2006). The literature suggests that trauma in adults with ASD is undertreated.

To our knowledge, the effects of EMDR in adults with ASD have not yet been studied, except at case level. A study protocol will be presented to assess the efficacy of EMDR treatment for trauma related symptoms in adults with ASD.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Athena possesses a special place among the Greek Gods, as she was born from her father, according to an extreme patriarchal model with a marked depreciation of the maternal role. Zeus had swallowed and absorbed the mother of Athena, Mites, because of an oracle that if Mites gave birth to a boy, the boy would take his throne. When the time comes, Zeus commands Hephaestus to cleave his forehead with an axe, and then Athena leaps fully armed and shouting her cry of war, in front of the astonished Gods. The next moment she puts her weapons down, as a token of obedience and devotion. The exceptionally close bond between father and daughter is evident through their uniquely confidential relationship. The ancient myth is paralleled, from a psychodynamic aspect, with the case of a narcissistic patient receiving psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Case report.

A case of a woman with narcissistic personality features and depressive symptoms is described, presenting with the complaints of withdrawal, self-depreciation, passivity, and agoraphobia. Psychodynamic factors defining her pathology are her narcissistic and sexualized relationship with her father, whereas the relationship with her mother has been depreciated. The patient experiences an intrapsychic conflict of reciprocal idealization, against her anger and fear for her father, resulting in the symptoms of agoraphobia and passivity.

Like Athena, who puts her weapons down, the patient resigns from her will for autonomy and moves to a passive position, as a result of her entrapment in her idealized relationship with the father.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.