The comorbidity between depression and anxiety is a common occurrence. The DSM-5 introduced the “anxious distress” (AD) specifier that can be applied to any depressive episode – both in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) – when symptoms such as feelings of tension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and fear that something awful may happen or to lose control are present. Longitudinal data showed that the AD specifier may be an effective predictor of chronicity, time to remission, and functional disability in depressive disorders. In addition, evidence on AD proved its association with increased depressive symptom severity.

Available literature seems to suggest that AD occurs in a specific subgroup of patients, thus enabling a peculiar clinical profile to be outlined. To expand knowledge in this field, we performed a cross-sectional study aimed at identifying clinical correlates of AD in people with major depressive episodes.

Adult people admitted to two psychiatric inpatient units in the northern area of the Metropolitan City of Milan from May 2020 to December 2022 were screened for a major depressive episode and relevant specifiers using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Data on socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected. The severity of depressive and manic symptoms was assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), respectively. Univariate comparisons between participants with and without AD were conducted, and two multiple logistic regression models were arranged to investigate the association between AD and candidate explanatory variables.

We included 206 inpatients with a major depressive episode (mean age =48.4 ± 18.6 years; males = 38.8%), of whom 155 diagnosed with MDD and 51 with BD. AD was present in 137 participants (66.5%). Mixed features (p=0.049), higher YMRS scores (p=0.004), psychotic features (p<0.05), and a diagnosis of MDD (p<0.05) were found to be associated with AD in the multiple logistic regression analysis.

Notwithstanding some limitations, such as the cross-sectional design and the inclusion of inpatient only, our study highlights the association of AD with mixed and psychotic features, as well as with MDD. Clinical implications of these results include the possible contribution in delineating a specific symptom profile in people with AD during a major depressive episode.

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that is predominantly characterised by its motor symptoms. Nevertheless, it is important to note that non-motor symptoms, particularly depression often occur concurrently, exerting a substantial influence on the progression of the disease and the overall well-being of individuals affected by it.

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of depression on the advancement of Parkinson’s disease (PD) from a psychiatric perspective. This analysis will involve an assessment of the common neurobiological pathways involved and the potential implications for clinical treatment and care.

A comprehensive assessment of the literature was conducted, focusing on clinical observations, neurochemical interactions, and neuroimaging investigations that provide insight into the concurrent presence of depression and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of depression on the severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms, the course of the disease, and the responsiveness to treatment.

Depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not only a reactive occurrence, but rather it may be attributed to common pathophysiological mechanisms, such as changes in dopamine and serotonin pathways. The coexistence of depression among individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been linked to heightened severity of motor and cognitive symptoms, accelerated development of the disease, and diminished effectiveness of therapy interventions. Furthermore, the presence of depression in individuals with Parkinson’s disease intensifies the psychosocial difficulties experienced by both patients and their carers.

The recognition and management of depression in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is of utmost importance in order to enhance treatment approaches and enhance the overall well-being of patients. The establishment of interdisciplinary collaboration between neurologists and psychiatrists is necessary in order to guarantee a holistic approach to patient care.

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The use of cannabis is associated with developing psychotic disorders, especially for those with a pre-existing vulnerability and elevated familial risk for psychosis.

To assess cannabis use during first episode psychosis and its relationship with patients’ clinical symptoms and functioning.

We assessed 50 patients hospitalized for first episode psychosis using three scales: CAST test (Cannabis Abuse Screening Test), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

The sex ratio of our population was 4 men to 1 woman. The average age was 25.6±6.16 years. About 60% of the patients used cannabis. The average duration of untreated psychosis was 10 months, with extremes ranging from one week to 24 months. Forty-four patients were antipsychotic-naïve (88%). For patients who used cannabis, the mean score of CAST test was 11.3±4.16, with extremes between 4 and 18. The risk of dependence was high in 81% of cannabis users. The PANSS total scale showed a mean score of 58.29±12.90 with extremes between 35 and 91. The average score at GAF scale was 30 with extremes between 20 and 70. Duration of untreated psychosis was significantly correlated to negative scale of PANSS (p=0,012 ; r=0,420), PANSS total score (p=0,011 ; r=0,424) and GAF levels (p=0,012 ; r=-0,420).

There was no association between age of onset of psychosis and cannabis use (p=0,181) nor CAST scores (p=0,747). There was no correlation between CAST and GAF scores (p=0,641).

However, there was a significant and positive correlation between CAST scores and positive scale of PANSS (p=0,04 ; r=0,432).

Cannabis use is neither necessary nor sufficient to cause psychosis on its own. However, it has an influence on the prognosis. Early intervention programs should address cannabis and substance use problems early in the course of illness.

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Substance use disorder is a common comorbidity with bipolar disorder, having implications on its diagnosis, treatment adherence, and number of hospitalizations. Understanding the particular characteristics of this population is of the utmost importance to improve clinical outcomes.

Our aim is to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients in the inpatient unit of a tertiary hospital and to reflect on its impact on treatment. Our study looks over a 3-year period, and all patients analyzed have a dual diagnosis of both bipolar disorder and substance use disorder.

We collected, retrospectively, data from the hospital platform and analyzed it on SPSS Statistics 26, along with a literature review.

In the analyzed period of 3 years, there were 2384 hospitalizations in the Coimbra’s University Hospital psychiatric ward, and 88 hospitalizations were coded with a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and substance use disorder.

Regarding gender distribution, 41% of the patients were female and 49% of the patients were male, with a mean age of 47 years.

There were 12 patients who were re-hospitalized once (7 of them were men) and 6 who were re-hospitalized twice (4 of them were men) during the analyzed period.

At the time of hospitalization, 60.5% of male patients were single, 21.1% were divorced, and only 15.8% were married, while female patients were mainly married (35.7%) and only 28.6% were single.

Female patients had more frequent support from social and community institutions (17.9% vs 5.3% in men) while 2.6% of men had no support from family or institutions.

Regarding education, more men accomplished high school education (21.1% vs 17.9% in women) and university education (18.4% vs 14.3%). In our sample, there were 3.6% of women who were illiterate.

During their lifetime, female patients were hospitalized around 5 times and men around 3.7 times, despite the fact that the mean age of female patients on their first hospitalization was 36 years, and in male patients, it was 34 years.

Treatment adherence is more significant in female patients (70.3% vs 69.2% in men), even though women maintain active substance abuse more frequently (42.9 vs 39.5%).

Male and female patients have different backgrounds and different support either in spouses, family, or social institutions. These nuances may play an important role in the number of re-hospitalizations, treatment adherence, and maintenance of abstinence.

Taking these aspects into consideration may help improve clinical outcomes.

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Cerebrovascular insult (CVI) in patients with psychiatric diseases is to a large extent more prevalent and is accompanied by a worse prognosis after a incident. Despite the higher mortality, these patients are less frequently subjected to CT angiography and interventional intervention on the blood vessels of the brain.

To show the frequency of cerebrovascular insults in patients with schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar affective disorder (BP), and depression, depending on age, gender, socioeconomic characteristics, professional qualifications, and dietary habits.

A total of 1200 patients with SCH, BD and depression were treated over a period of five years.

11.1% SCH patients had CVI and 3,7% a cases of bipolar afective diseases. CVI was most often experienced by patients who were married, employed, or retired, and who lived in urban areas. Smoking, elevated blood pressure values, elevated BMI do not have a significant impact on the occurrence of CVI in all groups. Patients with elevated values of glucose, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and CRP had a higher incidence of cerebrovascular insult.

It is necessary to work on raising the awareness of people suffering from psychiatric diseases regarding lifestyle and eating habits, and to conduct periodic health examinations. It is important to recognize high-risk patients and educate them about preventive measures.

None Declared

Several studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of sleep-related complaints in subjects with an addiction to psychoactive substances (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, cocaine)

Sleep disorders negatively influence the quality of life of subjects suffering from addiction and increase the risk of relapse

To assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with problematic use of psychoactive substances as well as associated factors

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out among 100 patients followed at Ar-Razi hospital Salé in Morocco for problematic use of psychoactive substances from June 1 to August 30, 2023

A questionnaire was used assessing the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of our population

Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Scale (PSQI)

There were 100 patients, with ages ranging from 18 to 56 years old and the majority of whom were males.

History of somatic pathology was reported in 36% of patients

The majority of patients had an associated anxiety disorder (60%)

The most consumed psychoactive substances were tobacco (95%), followed by cannabis, benzodiazepines and alcohol.

75% of patients reported poor sleep quality

There was a statistically significant difference between the risk of relapse and the reduction in sleep quality

The prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with disorders linked to psychoactive substance use is high, hence the importance of early detection in order to improve treatment.

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As a result of the notable progress in HIV / AIDS prevention and treatment globally, the HIV epidemic is considered controlled to the extent that individuals living with HIV manage to have a similar life expectancy to HIV-negative individuals and a good level of health. However, the “epidemic” related to the stigma of HIV-positive individuals, particularly of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), still remains an issue, while it has been associated with a profound negative impact on individuals’ mental health.

The present study aimed to compare anxiety, depression, social support, loneliness, and psychological resilience between MSM with and without HIV. Furthermore, the study investigated the correlates of HIV related stigma in MSM with HIV.

The sample of the study comprised a total of 139 adult MSM. According to their self-report 84 individuals were HIV-negative (age in years: M = 24.58, SD = 5.55), while the remaining 55 individuals were HIV-positive (age in years: M = 38.99, SD = 10.95). Furthermore, the majority of individuals in both groups reported Greek nationality. Participants completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess anxiety and depression, the UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) to evaluate psychological resilience, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to assess social support. HIV-positive individuals additionally completed the HIV Stigma Scale-Brief Version, a brief scale measuring social stigma related to HIV.

According to the findings, MSM with and without HIV did not differ in anxiety (p = 0.908), depression (p = 0.904), social support (p = 0.657), loneliness (p = 0.086), and psychological resilience (p = 0.600). Furthermore, it emerged that among HIV-positive MSM, stigma was positively associated with anxiety (r = 0.479, p < 0.001), depression (r = 0.479, p < 0.001), and loneliness (r = 0.532, p = 0.001), while the correlation was negative with social support (r = -0.456, p < 0.001) and resilience (r = -0.400, p < 0.003). No significant association was found between stigma and age in HIV-positive individuals (r = 0.099, p = 0.474).

In conclusion, the findings of this study identified possible risk factors as well as protective factors for the mental health of HIV-positive MSM. As long as stigma associated with HIV continues to be a risk factor for the development of psychosocial problems in those living with HIV, it is advisable for both policymakers and the research community to take more proactive steps in order to offer the necessary support and attention to those who are living with HIV and experiencing multiple forms of stigma.

None Declared

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent, chronic metabolic disorder that exerts diverse effects on individuals’ physical and psychological well-being.

Our aim was to investigate the potential correlation between personality traits and self-care aspects among individuals living with T2DM.

We conducted a thorough search in PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed/Medline for peer-reviewed articles from inception to January 9, 2023. Following PRISMA guidelines, two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed bias. We used random-effects meta-analysis for pooling estimates

We identified 23 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were linked to better foot care compliance (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.49-4.28; OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.10-3.08; and OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.23-3.48, respectively). Openness was also associated with improved overall self-care behaviors (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.17-3.41), while conscientiousness reduced smoking likelihood (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99), and agreeableness enhanced medication adherence (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.34-2.31). However, extraversion and neuroticism were linked to lower medication adherence (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.96 and OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.40-0.65, respectively). Neuroticism also negatively affected overall self-care behaviors (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55-0.81).

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Personality traits should be considered when addressing self-care in T2DM patients.

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Liver transplantation (LT) is a crucial treatment for end-stage alcoholic liver disease, the most common liver disease in developed countries. Personality traits and cognition, a relatively stable characteristics, are known to be significantly associated with quality of life (QoL). However, how they impact QoL in long-term LT survivors is unclear.

The study aimed to assess the associations between personality traits and cognition and their impact on the QoL in long-term LT survivors.

First time LT recipients due to end-stage alcohol liver disease without long-term complications were consecutively included during standard outpatient care. Sociodemographic and clinical data was collected. Personality traits were assessed using 50-item International Personality Item Pool of the Five-factor model (IPIP), cognition using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and QoL using EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire.

Eighty-three participants were included (mean age 62.9±7.03y, 90.6% male). Median MMSE score was 27±2.00, and median years since LT 5±2.91. Significant positive associations were found between IPIP dimensions Extraversion (B=0.297, p<0.01), Agreeableness (B=0.384, p<0.01), Conscientiousness (B=0.511, p<0.01), and Emotional stability (B=0.432, p<0.01) with EQ-5D visual analogue scale (EQ VAS). IPIP dimension Conscientiousness (B=0.338, p<0.01) and Emotional Stability (B=0. 379, p<0.01) were significantly associated with descriptive dimension of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L). MMSE score was significantly associated with QoL (EQ-VAS B=0.291, p<0.01; EQ-5D-3L B=0.283, p<0.05, respectively). However, MMSE score was not shown to be a statistically significant predictor of QoL, whereas Consciousness was a significant predictor of EQ-VAS (β 1.404, t 3.125), and Emotional stability of EQ-5D-3L (β 0.011, t 2.132).

Some personality traits predicted QoL in long-term LT survivors. Therefore, assessment of personality traits should be considered as a part of pre-LT evaluation within a regular psychiatric clearance evaluation.

S. Medved: None Declared, B. Aukst Margetić: None Declared, A. Ražić Pavičić: None Declared, T. Filipec Kanižaj : None Declared, V. Medved Grant / Research support from: This work was done as a part of the “Genetic Background of End Stage Alcoholic Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation” study supported by the University of Zagreb, Croatia grant 2017 and 2018.

Adolescents and young adults have particularly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a rise in the incidence of mental health issues. Increased exposure to traumatic events may lead to decreased resilience and subsequently increased likely PTSD.

This study sets out to examine the predictors and prevalence of likely PTSD and determine the level of resilience among adolescents and young adults.

A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was adopted to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from the subscribers of MoreGoodDays. The PTSD Checklist Civilian (PCL-C) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS was respectively used to assess likely PTSD and resilience Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

343 of MoreGoodDays subscribers who participated in the survey were about 343. Most were female (79.0%), and 13.7% were male. Overall, 95 (45.7%) of respondents had likely PTSD and 109 (51.7%) had likely low resilience. Approximately 176 (51.3%) respondents had received mental health counselling, and 64 (35.4%) expressed the desire to receive mental health counselling. When all other variables are controlled in the regression model, respondents who have received mental health counselling in the past year were 13.7 times more likely to experience likely PTSD (OR = 13.70; 95% CI: 1.23- 142.86) and 15.15 times more likely to experience low resilience than those who did not (OR = 15.15; 95% CI: 1.46- 166.67). Again, those who would like to receive mental health counselling were 20.8 times more likely to experience PTSD than those who did not (OR = 20.76; 95% CI: 2.61- 165.401) and 29.4 times more likely to experience low resilience than those who did not (OR = 29.42; 95% CI: 3.31- 261.445). Finally, those with four or more ACE scores were 6.2 times more likely to experience likely PTSD than those who had zero scores (OR = 6.24; 95% CI: 1.46- 26.67).

MoreGoodDays subscribers were disproportionally affected by likely PTSD and low resilience, reflecting the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased ACE has been linked to low resilience, which may also lead to a rise in mental health issues. Strategies to promote resilience may reduce the incidence of likely PTSD. Educational institutions may adopt innovative mental health interventions, including psychological interventions such as mobile text technology, to support the mental health of this cohort. Policymakers and government agencies are encouraged to give the mental health of young adults and youth more prominence on their agenda.

None Declared

The mental health of the people who featured in Pornographic Productions (PP) is underexamined. However, PP frequently involve unsimulated violent acts mostly experienced by women. Furthermore, some women participating in PP also report being coerced into unwanted sexual acts. Therefore, featuring in a PP could be experienced as a traumatic event, and could be associated with negative mental health disorders.

Our study examines mental health indicators among Women who have participated in at least one PP (WPP), and who consulted clinical psychologists, after referral by WPP support groups.

Thirty-six women were recruited by two clinical psychologists during an individual consultation. Participants completed the French versions of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), as well as the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13). Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifetime experience of sexual violence prior to participating in a PP, as well as the perceived effect of participating in a PP were also measured.

The mean age of participants was 31.2 (std=7), and the average age at first participation in a PP was 23.4 (std=6). The majority (78%) of participants reported lifetime experience of sexual violence prior to participation in a PP. Thirty women (83%) had a PCL5 score over 33 indicative of probable PTSD, and 28 women (78%) had a DES score of 30 or more indicating high levels of dissociation. Further, 16 participants (44%) reported a BDI-13 score over 16 indicating severe depression.

This study highlights the high prevalence of PTSD, dissociative experiences, and depressive symptoms in a clinical population of women who featured in at least one PP. Further studies are needed to better understand the scale of the problem and optimize care interventions.

None Declared

In recent years, overweight and obesity have reached an alarmingly high incidence and prevalence worldwide; they have also been steadily increasing in military populations. Military personnel as an occupational group are often exposed to stressful and harmful environments that represent a risk factor for disordered eating with major repercussions on both physical and mental health.

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of weight loss interventions and to assess the significance of current obesity treatments for military populations.

Three online databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were screened to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to treat obesity in active-duty military personnel and veterans. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) values, both longitudinally comparing treatment group from pre-to-post intervention, and cross-sectionally comparing the treatment group to controls at the end of the intervention.

A total of 21 studies were included: 16 cross-sectional (BW: n=15; BMI: n=12) and 16 longitudinal (BW: n=15; BMI: n=12) were meta-analyzed, and 5 studies were narratively synthesized. A significant small overall BW and BMI reduction from baseline to post-intervention was observed (BW: g = -0.10; p = 0.015; BMI: g = -0.32; p < 0.001), together with a decreased BMI (g = -0.16; p = 0.001) and nominally lower BW (g = -0.08; p = 0.178) in the intervention group compared to controls at post-intervention time-point. When conducting additional meta-analyses dividing by sample type, a significant decrease in both BMI (g= -0.35; p< 0.001) and BW (g= -0.12; p= 0.041) from pre-to-post intervention was observed in active-duty military personnel but not for veterans.Recommendations for clinical practice have been outlined from the findings of this study and summarized in Figure 1.

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Despite limitations, such as the heterogeneity across the included interventions and the follow-up duration, our findings highlight how current weight loss interventions are effective in term of BW and BMI reductions in military populations, and how a comprehensive approach with multiple therapeutic goals should be taken during the intervention.

None Declared

The incidence of eating disorders is increasing in Hungary and Central-Eastern Europe. The number of complex/severe cases is also increasing. Accordingly, several new unmet needs of the users and their relatives appear in the clinical care.

As a possible response to these unmet needs, we have introduced a multifaceted care model for eating disorders. To facilitate easily accessible yet effective care close to home, a support programme with an online guided self-help tool and regular consultations with first responder psychiatrists or clinical psychologists has been introduced. For non (or partial) responders, a multi-faceted modular treatment programme has been developed with an individualised combination of different therapeutic approaches, including family therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) specific to binge eating disorder and bulimia, CBT and the use of virtual reality as an adjunct treatment. The most severe cases are referred for (also multifaceted) inpatient treatment. In terms of research, we want to focus on the key issues for rapid, cost-effective treatment. Firstly, we want to develop an individual profiling system at the start of therapy to assess which individual combination of modules can produce a rapid therapeutic response. Secondly, we want to identify the active gamechanger elements of therapy that are associated with the greatest change in symptoms.

Patients complete the following questionnaires:

-in the guided self-help group: Eating disoreder inventory, (EDI-I), McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD), Eastin Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), Eating Behavioral Severity Scale, Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale (EDSIS-S)

- in DBT groups: Eating Disorder Examination Questionnarie (EDE-Q), Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-R21, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-(PHQ-9), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ)

- in individual therapies: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM 5- Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (SCIP-5-AMPD), EDI-I., Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ), Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), (PHQ-9), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Young Parenting Inventory (YPI).

Patient recruitment and therapies are currently underway, the first preliminary results are expected in the spring period.

In order to provide individualized care more effectively, it is important to identify the factors that determine which therapeutic modalities work best for the patient.

None Declared

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with distinct clinical and biologi- cal characteristics in people with eating disorders (EDs). The measurement of local gyrification index (lGI) may help to better characterize the impact of CM on cortical structure.

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of CM with lGI in women with EDs.

Twenty-six women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and 24 with bulimia nervosa (BN) underwent a 3T MRI scan. All partici- pants filled in the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. All neuroimaging data were processed by FreeSurfer. LGI maps underwent a general linear model to evaluate differences between groups with or without CM. People with AN and BN were merged together.

Based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire cut- off scores, 24 participants were identified as maltreated and 26 as non- maltreated. Maltreated people with EDs showed a significantly lower lGI in the left middle temporal gyrus compared with non-maltreated people, whereas no differences emerged in the right hemisphere between groups.

The present study showed that in people with EDs, CM is associated with reduced cortical folding in the left middle temporal gyrus, an area that could be involved in ED psychopathology. This finding corroborates the hypothesis of a ‘maltreated ecophenotype’, which argues that CM may allow to biologically, other than clinically, distinguish individuals with the same psychiatric disorder.

None Declared

Despite the increased knowledge about the prevalence and consequences of eating disorders (ED), they continue to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Being more common in women of childbearing age, the perinatal period may play a decisive role in the incidence and course of these pathologies. The Screen for Disordered Eating (SDE) was developed for the screen of ED in primary care.

Our aim was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese Version of SDE in women during the perinatal period.

Participants were 346 women with a mean age of 31.68 of years old (± 4.061; range: 18-42). 160 were pregnant (second or third trimester) and 186 were in the post-partum (mean baby´s age=4.37 months (± 2.87; range: 1-12). They answered an online survey including the Portuguese version of the SDE and of the Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire (EDE-Q-7).

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the unidimensional model presented good fit indexes in pregnancy (), post-partum () and considering both – perinatal period (χ2/df=2.0335; RMSEA=.0547, p<.001; CFI=0.9976 TLI=0.9939, GFI=0.9906). The Cronbach’s alfa were ≥ 0.65. All the items contributed to the internal consistency and presented high internal validity. Pearson correlations between SDE and EDE-Q-7 total scores were significant (p<.001) positive and high in pregnancy (.639), postpartum (.583) and the perinatal period (.617).

The Portuguese version of SDE has shown good validity (construct and concurrent) and internal consistency. As such, SDE might be a useful tool to screen ED in women during the perinatal period.

None Declared

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a widespread chronic mental disorder with severe negative medical and social consequences. Treating patients with AN is a complex and time-consuming process, as persistent forms are often encountered. The studies’ results indicate a possible influence of psychoemotional state and/or existing psychopathological manifestations in parents on AN development.

To investigate the clinical and psychopathological characteristics of parents of patients with AN based on the study of emotional regulation, alexithymia, depression, and anxiety.

The study population (N=110) consisted of fathers (N=47 (42.7%)) and mothers (N=63 (57.3%) of patients with AN. The mean age was M=44.90 (SD=5.9; SE=0.567). All participants completed the emotional regulation scale (DERS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

According to DERS: “rejection” - 21.86 (SD=5.675; SE=0.541); “goals” - 19.13 (SD=2.028; SE=0.193); “impulse” - 24.17 (SD=4.908; SE=0.468); “awareness” - 21.93 (SD=1.999; SE=0.191); “strategies” - 30.75 (SD=2.173; SE=0.207); “clarity” - 18.58 (SD=1.486; SE=0.142). The sum was 136.42 (SD=8.119; SE=0.774). The TAS results of the study group were 80.45 (SD=13.699), which characterizes the average personality type as alexithymic. According to HADS, the average values were distributed: the anxiety scale M=7.96 (SD=1.347) the depression scale M=7.95 (SD=1.442). These indicators can be considered as the extreme limit of the norm or subclinically expressed anxiety and depression. The next step was to find statistically significant relationships between the DERS methodology and the HADS and TAS for the study group. According to Spearman’s correlation coefficient, there is a direct stable relationship between the variables “anxiety” and “impulse” (r=0.257), awareness (r=0.255), and the total score of emotional regulation according to “DERS” (r=0.246); A direct correlation was found between the indicators “depression” and “rejection” (r=0.151), “goals” (r=0.233), “awareness” (r=0.138); Alexithymia, in turn, has a direct correlation with the “goals” scale and an inverse correlation with the “strategies” scale (r=-0.141)

Parents of patients with AN have various manifestations of psychoemotional disturbances, namely subclinical levels of depression and anxiety, high levels of alexithymia, and emotional regulation problems. The correlation analysis showed that the anxiety score for parents of patients with AN is higher if difficulties with impulse control, emotional awareness, and general emotional regulation are problematic. Depressive tendencies are also associated with the subjects’ rejection of emotional reactions and problems with goal-directed behavior. The inverse correlation indicates that the higher the index of alexithymia, the less limited access to emotion regulation strategies, and vice versa.

None Declared

Involuntary admission rates differ between gender across various countries. In several European Union countries, men are more frequently involuntarily admitted, while an opposite trend, associating women with involuntary care, has been observed in countries like Switzerland, Brazil, and China.

Considering the contradictory evidence about gender and involuntary care in the literature, we aim to analyze the gender patterns of involuntary care in Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo’s Psychiatric Acute Unit, exploring the gender differences in diagnosis among involuntary patients.

We stored and analyzed the data using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics. We studied psychiatry admissions at Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo, Portugal over 2 years. The Acute Psychiatric Unit, located within a general hospital, has 24 beds, and offers acute mental healthcare services to adults aged 18 and above, serving a coverage area of approximately 251,000 residents. As part of our data collection process for all admissions to the Acute Psychiatry Unit, we recorded information such as gender, age, diagnosis at discharge, treatment type (voluntary or involuntary), and length of stay.

From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, there were 686 psychiatry admissions at Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo, of which 125 (18,2%) were involuntary. The admission rates were approximately 136.6 per 100,000 people annually, with 24.9 being involuntary admissions per 100,000 people annually. In our analysis of involuntary admissions, women had a lower rate of such admissions, making up 6.4%, while men had a higher rate at 11.8%. No other gender identity was mentioned. Schizophrenia-related disorders were the primary cause for involuntary admissions for both genders, with 67.9% for men and 50% for women. Mood disorders were the second most common reason for involuntary admission, accounting for around 40.9% of cases for women and a significantly lower 16% for men. Involuntarily hospitalized patients exhibited longer lengths of stay independently of the gender. Men hospitalized involuntarily tended to be younger, whereas for women, involuntary hospitalizations were associated with older ages.

In conclusion, our study reveals gender differences in psychiatric involuntary admissions, with more men being involuntarily admitted than women. Schizophrenia group disorders were the most common diagnoses among male and female involuntary patients. Furthermore, all hospitalized women exhibited a higher prevalence of mood disorders, a trend that was more pronounced among those admitted involuntarily. These gender trends match the overall patterns seen in the epidemiology of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Additionally, women with schizophrenia generally exhibit better social functioning than men, which may explain the lower needs of involuntary hospitalization.

None Declared

Social isolation and loneliness have been rising social determinants of cardiometabolic health.

To investigate the associations of social isolation and loneliness with diabetic microvascular complications (DMC) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and assess the extent to which intermediate risk factors explained the associations.

Data for individuals with T2DM (n=24,297, 62.2% male; mean age=60.0 years) were taken from the UK Biobank. Social isolation and loneliness were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. DMC, mainly including diabetic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy, were identified by linking hospital records and death registries.

In the multivariate-adjusted model, social isolation was associated with an increased risk for incidence of any DMC (most vs. least: HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05-1.22), especially diabetic kidney disease and neuropathy; loneliness was also associated with any DMC (yes vs. no: HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02-1.23) and diabetic kidney disease. Social isolation and loneliness ranked similarly in relative strength for predicting DMC as other conventional risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and physical activity. The association between social isolation and DMC was mainly attributed to health behaviors, while the association between loneliness and DMC was primarily explained by health behaviors, psychological factors, and diabetes-related factors.

Social isolation and loneliness were independently associated with a higher risk for incident DMC among individuals with T2DM, which were largely explained by subsequent unhealthy lifestyles, psychosocial stress, and diabetes-related factors. These findings underscore social isolation and loneliness as novel modifiable risk factors for predicting DMC.

This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource under Application Number 58082.

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 32100880), Guangzhou Municipal Key Discipline in Medicine (2021-2023), Guangzhou High-level Clinical Key Specialty, and Guangzhou Research-oriented Hospital. The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

None Declared

Mental health of pregnant and post-partum women is sensitive to environmental factors. However, access to mental healthcare remains difficult, while little is known about protective factors nor about interactions between different exposures.

To explore on a large sample of women from the general population (i) the environmental and pregnancy characteristics independently associated with prenatal psychological distress and access to mental health care during pregnancy (ii) pathways between maternal, infant and parenthood vulnerabilities or risk/protective factors and postnatal depressive symtoms (PNDS) at 2 months post-partum (PP)

The data from the French ELFE birth cohort were used. Available information about prenatal psychological status, access to mental health care and vulnerabilities-risk/protective factors for PNDS were collected during the maternity ward stay and at 2 months PP. PNDS were evaluated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 2 months. Maternal/pregnancy characteristics independently associated with prenatal psychological distress and access to mental health care were explored using multivariate analyses. Pathways between risk/protective factors and PNDS at 2 months were investigated through Structural Equation Modeling.

Of the 15,143 mothers explored in the prenatal part of the study, 12.6% reported psychological distress (PPD), 25% had a prenatal consultation with a mental health specialist, 11% used psychotropic drugs of which 4% had no specialist follow-up. Decreased likelihood to consult a mental health specialist was found in young women, with intermediate educational level and born abroad. PPD was more frequent in women with very low economic status, alcohol/tobacco use, unplanned pregnancy, late pregnancy declaration, multiple and complicated pregnancy. In the postnatal part of the study (n=11,583) partner’s perceived antenatal emotional support, consultation with a mental health specialist before pregnancy, financial difficulties, prenatal psychological distress and experience of pregnancy were directly associated with the severity of maternal PNDS at 2 months PP, as well as perceived postnatal support, infant’s self-regulation skills, maternal ability to understand infant crying and infant hospitalisation.

Perinatal professional support should begin antenatally and target the couple’s prenatal functioning, with particular attention to women presenting history of psychiatric disorders, especially when of low socioeconomic status. After delivery, addressing infant and parenthood characteristics is recommended.

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Breast milk is a dynamic type of nourishment that changes based on the needs of the child. An increasing amount of data suggests that mental health may be an important factor in such modulation. In addition, breast milk contains extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are currently considered an important dynamic system of communication between cells, even of different individuals.

Purpose of this article is to investigate whether changes in breast milk in terms of EVs concentrations are related to maternal mental health.

This is a case-control study for which we enrolled mothers of infants with bronchiolitis (N=33) and mothers of healthy infants (N=13). Breast milk samples were taken and EVs concentrations were quantified. Maternal mental health was assessed by administration of five different psychometric scales: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S, STAI-T), Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF), The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 items (CD-RISC). Subsequently, scale scores were related to evs concentrations by negative binomial regressions adjusted for case-control.

As maternal resilience increases, the EVs of neutrophilic origin (p=0.0447) and those of endothelial origin (p=0.0078) decrease¹. In contrast, an increased EPDS score is associated with higher levels of B-lymphocyte EVs (p=0.0376). Scores on the STAI-S scale impact many more populations of EVs²: we observed an increased Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) of neutrophil-derived EVs (p<0.0001), T-lymphocyte- derived EVs (p=0.0214), NK-cell-derived EVs (p=0.0202), T-reg CD4+ CD25+ (p=0.0141) and endothelial marked EVs (p=0.0180). An increase in STAI-T scale scores also was associated with a significant increase in CD177+ neutrophil-derived EVs (p=0.0028) and endothelial-derived EVs (p=0.0111)³.

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EVs concentrations in breast milk are associated with maternal mental health. Specifically, stress and related severity of anxiety is able to increase the concentrations of EVs derived from inflammatory cells, which suggests an increase in their number and activity. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

None Declared