Several authors have demonstrated that COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by feelings of fear, anxiety and insecurity (Wang et al., Int JERPH 2020; 17, 1729) Emotions and affective states as nervous, apprehension, despair, preoccupation was also studied (de Sousa et al., PSYCH 2024; 6(1), 163-176). Therefore, affective but also cognitive factors were important to the perception of the pandemic threat and its impact. In accordance, it seems important to understand if the perception of each one vulnerability to COVID-19 is related with the development of high levels of stress, depression and anxiety symptoms.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the relation between the perception of vulnerability, stress, depression and anxiety in public health threats, as COVID 19.

This study followed a cross-sectional design and its sample consisted of 600 participants, distributed between two countries (N Brasil=300; N Portugal=300). The instrument used to assess the three dimensions: stress, anxiety, and depression, with seven items each were the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21-item version (DASS-21) (Lovibond & Lovibond; BHV, 1995; 33, 335-43 ) presented in a four-point response scale (0-Not applied to me; 3- Applied to me most of the time). To assess the perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 a 5 item Likert Scale were used (1-Not vulnerable; 5-Extremely vulnerable). The protocol was developed online, presenting the objectives of the study, and ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of data. A non-probabilistic sampling technique of convenience and snowball were used. The data was collected in 2023 and referred to COVID-19.

The results suggest that perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 are very similar in both countries (M Brazil= 3.20, DP Brazil= .98; M Portugal= 3.13, DP Portugal=.91). The values in Brazil of stress (M=7.40), depression (M=5.73) and anxiety (M=4.01) are higher compared to Portugal, with the following values of stress (M=4.07), depression (M=2.62) and anxiety (M=1.6). The perception of vulnerability is related with the three dimensions studied (stress, anxiety and depression) in both countries, with the following values in Brasil: Stress (r=.341; p< .01); depression (r=.270; p<.01) and anxiety (r=.316; p<.01). In Portugal the values of correlation were: Stress (r=.284; p< .01); depression (r=.252; p<.01) and anxiety (r=.350; p<.01). These results emphasized that relation between the perception of vulnerability and anxiety presented higher levels in both countries.

In conclusion, our study have shown significative relations between the perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 with levels of stress, depression and anxiety in the countries studied. Therefore, our data emphasized the relevance to study the perception of vulnerability in public health events to better manage and prevent psychopathological symptoms.

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Older people’s complex healthcare needs require the development of integrated mental and physical health services. The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland’s Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age (POA) is in the process of drafting a position statement on the integration of POA with other services for older people such as the Integrated Care Program for Older People (ICPOP). ICPOP provides geriatric multi-disciplinary treatment in the community. In January 2024, the Clare Psychiatry of Later Life (POLL) team set up a novel consult liaison (CL) service with our local colleagues ICPOP colleagues.

The authors aim to describe a novel model of care for our newly developed ICPOP CL service. It may be of interest to other POLL teams who wish to expand their CL service to include their local ICPOP services or other community services. We also evaluated: referral patterns to the Clare POLL CL service, the number of referrals from the ICPOP CL service in its first six months, and key patient characteristics of ICPOP CL referrals compared to inpatient CL referrals.

The model of care for our novel ICPOP CL clinic is described in detail. Patients were discussed at integrated multidisciplinary meetings. Cases brought by ICPOP for discussion with POLL could result in advice, a consult in a designated ICPOP CL clinic, or a referral for joint care. Joint teaching sessions were also arranged.

71.25 % (n=57, n=80) of referrals from Ennis General were for POLL CL. Conversely, CL referrals made up 21.43 % (n=81, n=378) of referrals to the Clare POLL service overall. ICPOP CL referrals made up 31.58% (n=18, n=57) of the POLL CL referrals over six months and made up 10% (n=18, n=180) of overall referrals to the Clare POLL service for the same period. Of these 18 ICPOP CL referrals, only four (22.22%) required joint care. Seven patients were referred by POLL to ICPOP for joint care over the same period. Patient characteristics were summarized by table 1.

Image 1:

The authors present a service integration initiative between a local POLL and ICPOP service, which they believe was mutually beneficial to both services and the patients they serve. The characteristics of patients referred to POLL from the new integration with ICPOP resemble other community referrals, as opposed to inpatient CL referrals.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share overlapping neurobiological and neurocognitive profiles, particularly in domains such as impulsivity, compulsivity and inhibitory control. Recent research has explored these commonalities, as well as the differences in brain structure, neural circuits, and cognitive impairments.

The aim of this review is to synthesize findings about the neurocognitive and neurobiological profiles of OCD and ADHD.

A literature search was conducted on PubMed in September 2024 using the following terms: “OCD” AND “ADHD,” “OCD” AND “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,” “obsessive-compulsive disorder” AND “ADHD,” and “obsessive-compulsive disorder” AND “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Only systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, with no year or language restrictions. Seven articles met the scope of this review.

On one hand, the selected studies indicate that both OCD and ADHD exhibit significant deficits in inhibitory control, as measured in the Stop Signal Task and antisaccade task. These findings are corroborated by neuroimaging abnormalities in brain regions implicated in inhibition, that includes the frontostriatal circuits. Studies also suggest that compulsivity may stem from dysfunctional glutamatergic transmission in frontostriatal circuits. On the other hand, though structural analyses reveal a shared pattern of brain alterations in OCD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, ADHD appears to have different morphometric properties. Furthermore, electrophysiological studies also demonstrate contrasting patterns of error detection between the disorders: increased error-related negativity (ERN) in OCD and reduced ERN in ADHD.

OCD and ADHD share common neurobiological and neurocognitive traits, yet distinct differences in brain structure and neurocognitive processing also emerge. This review highlights the importance of transdiagnostic approaches, which may facilitate the development of more targeted treatments for patients with overlapping neuropsychiatric conditions. Further research is necessary to understand the full extent of these shared and unique characteristics, in order to inform more refined diagnostic criteria and therapies.

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While the literature is inconsistent about the link between anxiety and oral contraceptives (OC) (Beltz FIN 2022; 67) the link between depression and OC is recognized in women who started taking OC during adolescence (Skovlund et al. JAMA Psychiatry 2016; 73). The review by Beltz gives many indications on how to conduct studies on these topics in a more reliable manner as there are a lot of variables to consider, such as assessing the exact phases of the menstrual cycle, comparing the active and inactive phases of OC or considering the types of OC. Other limitations described in the review are a lack of longitudinal studies and small sample sizes. The present study tried to take into account as many of these variables as possible.

Our study aimed to understand the differences between women taking OC and naturally cycling (NC) women regarding their daily levels of anxiety, depression, protective factors (self-esteem and daily satisfaction with life), perseverative cognition (worry and perseverative thinking) and stress.

89 women (48 – OC; 41 – NC) participated in a daily diary study in which they completed an online diary for 15 days divided into 3 phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation, follicular and luteal. The women using OC were further classified according to the androgenicity of their OC: androgenic progestins are derived from testosterone while anti-androgenic progestins block androgen receptors (Raudrant & Rabe Drugs 2003; 63).

There were no differences between groups in daily levels of anxiety, perseverative cognition, and stress. However, anti-androgenic OC users had higher levels of daily depression than NC women in all the phases of the menstrual cycle while androgenic OC users had higher levels of depression than NC women in the menses and follicular phases. Both groups of women taking OC had lower levels of daily self-esteem than NC women in all phases of the menstrual cycle. Androgenic OC users had higher daily satisfaction with life than anti-androgenic OC users in two phases.

Our study found differences between groups in daily levels of depression and protective factors linked with it, namely self-esteem and satisfaction with life. Overall, OC users had higher levels of depression and lower levels of self-esteem than NC women. However androgenic OC users had higher daily satisfaction with life than anti-androgenic OC users. We believe that our study has contributed to the literature by conducting a longitudinal assessment of anxiety and depression on a daily level by comparing NC women and OC users during multiple phases of the menstrual cycle and taking into account the differences between androgenic and anti-androgenic OC. Future studies could explore the link between depression and its protective factors in women taking OC.

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Women, Gender and Mental Health: What factors help mentally ill birth mothers navigate Child Welfare Services during the perinatal period?

Chamali Wanigasekera1 MBBS, AMC, MPsych, FRANZCP

Anne Buist1,2 MBBS, MMed, MD, FRANZCP

1. 1. Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

2. 2. University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Email: Chamali.WANIGASEKERA@austin.org.au; a.buist@unimelb.edu.au

Mental Illness is common in the perinatal period. Given the dependency of infants, additional factors such as lack of support, family violence and comorbid drug use may place the infant at significant physical and psychological harm. Anecdotal information suggests that many of these women do not receive adequate support during the perinatal period. However, the factors that predict and protect families, enabling them to stay together and function in a “good enough “manner, remain unclear.

Aims: To review the current literature examining protective service involvement in the women who present with mental illness in the perinatal period.

A systematized review of the literature was conducted through a comprehensive search of databases for psychosocial and medical research (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Emcare, Cochrane Library) and a targeted search of the grey literature to select the relevant studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Original papers were included if they were written in English and published before September 1, 2022. Sixteen studies were selected for inclusion.

Protective and predictive factors that help mentally ill mothers to continue as primary caregivers will be presented. The factors that determine risks for child protective involvement and child removal in mothers with mental illness are also discussed.

The results of this research will provide recommendations on how to deliver sensitive perinatal mental health care for mothers already involved with the Child Welfare Services, aiming to minimize child removal.

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Traumatic brain injuries are serious traumatic situations

Aim of this study was to evaluate the attentional skills in cases with traumatic brain injuries, in elite female athlete

3 female elite athletes (1 basket ball player, 1 runner and 1 ping pong player ) were participated in this study, 60 days more or little less after cervical spine injuries. Range of age 25-35 years and mean age 29.

We used specific performance tests, letter cancellation exam, naming trials and iq tests.

All of them(3,100%) reported deficits in all areas of attention function and also cognitive and emotional status.2 of them(66%) reported also difficulty in complex task activities, especially when time limits were imposed.

All these exams are good and efficient tools in order to evaluate this kind of patients.

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Infertile patients are more likely to experience psychiatric illnesses than fertile patients, therefore it is important to have early intervention for psychiatric illnesses in infertile patients.

This study aimed to determine the clinical factors affecting psychological distress and quality of life (QoL), and investigate the association between psychological distress and QoL in infertile women.

This was a prospective cohort study of 100 infertile women who voluntarily agreed to participate at their first visit from November 2018 to May 2019. Psychological distress and QoL were evaluated using the 2 questionnaires (SCREENIVF and FertiQoL) specifically designed for infertility.

The prevalence screening positive for anxiety and depression risk were 42% and 29%, respectively. The number of miscarriage and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments were significantly associated with helplessness risk factor. Furthermore, women with 2 or more IVF treatments had lower emotional, and mind/body QoL domain scores than women with less than 2 IVF treatments. Regarding the association between the levels of psychological distress and QoL in infertile women, the largest association was observed between helplessness risk factor and mind/body QoL domain (r=-0.795, p < 0.001). Patients with more risk factors for psychological distress had the worse emotional, and mind/body QoL domain scores.

The levels of psychological distress were significantly associated with QoL in infertile women. These psychologically vulnerable infertile women may receive psychological evaluations and interventions from various angles with conventional treatments for infertility.

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Tattooing is a mode of bodily expression that belongs to both tradition and modernity. This form of expression is rich in variant and variable meanings for women in general, and women with psychiatric disorders in particular. Their popularity and prevalence are increasing rapidly, particularly among young people. However, despite this expansion, the social perception of tattoos, particularly among women, remains a complex and often stigmatized subject. Hence the interest in knowing the characteristics of tattoos among women in Morocco, the different perceptions of the latter as well as the correlation of tattooing with psychiatric disorders.

To study the characteristics, meaning and perception of tattoos among Moroccan women, past and present. In an attempt to better understand the potential health implications of this mode of expression and its correlation with mental health.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among women of different profiles. Data were collected using a form sent online and distributed in paper form. The form collected socio-demographic data, descriptive characteristics of the tattoos and the women’s mental health status. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi 2.3.

Our results focused on the socio-demographic characteristics of our population, it was carried out on 52 women, 57.7% of whom were aged between 25 and 40, 62% of our sample were single and the majority(92%) had a level of education higher than the baccalaureate. Also, almost 30% were unemployed. ours study results focused essentially on the tattoo characteristics, summarized in Image 1. Image 2 shows the results concerning the psychiatric history of our population.

Image 1:

Image 2:

Tattooing is a means of expression and a form of body modification, rich in cultural and personal significance, with a dual affiliation to tradition and modernity. It is highly prevalent among women, and has implications for both mental and physical health.

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Domestic violence against women has increasingly been recognized nationally and internationally as a serious problem. Violence against women is a troubling phenomenon in Russia. Meanwhile, domestic abuse against women often results in severe psychological and mental health problems, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The main aim of the study was to find out the psychological and psychiatric consequences of intrafamily violence against women.

A cohort of 18 females turned to psychologists and psychiatrists and was examined. Details of background, as well as psychological and mental problems, were extracted. Each item was assessed with the help of descriptive statistics.

Research has been carried out on the basis of psychological and psychiatric assessment of women who had a long history of violence by their husbands or partners, including sexual violence and maltreatment. Clinical assessment has revealed depression, anxiety, and adaptation disorders, accompanied by acute and chronic somatic diseases, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug abuse.

The research shows the high social and clinical significance of the consequences of abuse against women and also the necessity of domestic violence prevention by legal provisions and multidisciplinary research with the participation of psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialists in the fields of primary healthcare, education, and social protection.

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Medical residents encounter high work demands, significant responsibilities, and a strong commitment to their roles. Female residents, in particular, face unique challenges that can affect their emotional and mental well-being. Emotional intelligence (EI), resilience, and mental health disorders are critical factors influencing their performance and job satisfaction.

This study aims to assess and evaluate these factors among female medical residents in Tunisian hospitals.

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving female medical residents undergoing training in Tunisian hospitals. Data were collected anonymously through a questionnaire-based survey using Google Forms between October 2023 and January 2024. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, followed by four scales : the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), which assesses global trait EI, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) to measure stress levels, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to assess levels of depression and anxiety. An additional question was included to evaluate job satisfaction on a scale ranging from 0 to 10.

ur study included 95 female participants. The mean age was 27.14 ±1.29 years, with the majority (95.8%) being under 30. Most participants were single (78.9%), and only 6.3% were smokers. The mean resilience score was 3±0.75, while the total EI score averaged 4.52±0.67. The mean scores for the PSS-4 and the PHQ-4 were 7.54±2.47 and 4.19±2.89, respectively. The mean work satisfaction level was 6.19±1.75.

Univariate analysis showed that higher resilience and EI levels were more common among non-smokers (p = 0.045 and p = 0.02). Furthermore, greater work satisfaction was significantly associated with lower stress (p = 0.000, r = -0.482), anxiety and depression (p = 0.000, r = -0.42), and higher resilience (p = 0.000, r = 0.359) and EI (p = 0.000, r = 0.444).

Our study highlights the importance of addressing emotional intelligence, resilience, and mental health disordes among female medical residents to enhance their overall well-being and job satisfaction. Targeted interventions are essential to support their mental health and optimize their performance in demanding roles.

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The postpartum period is critical for the onset of mood disorders. Three primary postpartum affective disorders are recognized: baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis, each differing in prevalence, presentation, and treatment. Obstetric factors like primiparity, complications during pregnancy and birth, Cesarean sections, and preterm births are associated with increased neuropsychiatric risks during the puerperium.

This study analyzes the demographic, clinical, and obstetric factors linked to postpartum psychiatric disorders and case management in women hospitalized at the Hospital of Psychiatry in Chisinau, Moldova, over a five-year period.

A longitudinal, retrospective study was conducted, reviewing medical records of 35 women hospitalized between 2019 and 2024. A literature review was also performed to identify relevant obstetric and clinical risk factors.

Patients ranged from 20 to 41 years old, with an average age of 29.8 years ±1,5 years. Out of reviewed cases, 42.9% were from urban areas, 25.7% had a family history of psychiatric illness, and 54.3% developed postpartum psychosis after their first birth, suggesting primiparity as a key risk factor. Psychosis onset ranged from three days to two months postpartum in 45.7% of cases, with 37.1% showing symptoms within the first two weeks. Comorbidities included cardiovascular diseases (20.0%), digestive disorders (14.3%), renal issues (8.6%), and autoimmune conditions (2.9%). Severe mental and behavioral disorders (F53.1) were diagnosed in 74.3% of cases, while 25.7% had milder forms (F53.0). First-time hospitalizations accounted for 88.6%, but 48.6% had prior hospitalizations, with later diagnoses evolving into paranoid schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, and recurrent depression. Psychological consultation was provided in 48.6% of cases, using tools like PHQ-9, TAG, MMPI, BDI. Treatment varied significantly, with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines prescribed, yet no standardized protocol was followed.

Primiparity is a significant risk factor for postpartum psychiatric disorders, with early onset often occurring within the first two weeks. This underscores the critical need for prompt recognition and intervention. Comorbid disorders add complexity to patient management. The variability in pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment highlights a gap in evaluation and case management, potentially delaying timely diagnosis and treatment and it emphasizes the need for consistent and standardized guidelines. The evolving nature of diagnoses, reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring, psychoeducation, and psychological support throughout the postpartum period.

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Research underlay various results concerning the differences focusing on gender in smartphone use and mental issues. Some find no difference, but assessing mental factors reveals the influence of social interactivity, low emotional understanding, and perceived social support variations according to problematic smartphone use.

Our research aims to investigate problematic smartphone use, mental well-being, emotional regulation, and social anxiety as a function of gender to explore specific ways of functioning in the addiction process.

The study participants were 400 young adults, of whom 104 were men (26%), 293 were women (73.2%), and three individuals (0.8%) were of another gender. The mean age of the participants was 25.9 years (SD 10.9). Registered answers refer to demographic data (gender, age, smartphone usage habits) as well as psychological measures: a Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), a Mental Health Continuum Scale (MHC), an Assessing Emotions Scale (AES), and Fear of Negative Perception Questionnaire (FNPQ).

The results showed that gender showed significant differences in the mediating factors that affect problematic smartphone use. In the mediation model, gender relates significantly related to time spent with smartphones (p=.001) and fear of negative perception (p=.001). The statistical mediation model highlighted the gender-depending significant role of the mediating factors (time of use per day, MHC, AES, FNPQ) in problematic smartphone use.

Our research highlights gender differences in excessive smartphone use, such as higher social anxiety, which is a higher predisposing factor in women than in men. Gender is a significant indirect determinant of problematic smartphone use.

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Gender significantly impacts the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This case shows how being a woman, alongside trauma and violence exposure, shaped a patient’s diagnoses over time, affecting recovery, and culminating in a late-stage lung cancer diagnosis.

Analyze how experiences of violence, trauma, and social stigmatization shaped the diagnostic path of a female patient with schizophrenia, multiple hospitalizations, and a fatal outcome, with delayed lung cancer diagnosis despite recurrent emergency visits for respiratory issues.

We reviewed the clinical course of a 55-year-old woman with schizophrenia. She was admitted to a psychiatric care unit from November 2000 until 2017. In her final years, she was treated for respiratory issues that eventually led to a diagnosis of lung cancer with vertebral metastasis. The late diagnosis underscores the impact of her psychiatric history on care quality.

Violence and Trauma:

• - The patient experienced early-life violence: parental abandonment, her mother’s suicide, and her own suicide attempts.

• - In later years, she faced recurrent respiratory issues overlooked due to her psychiatric background.

Gender Conditioning:

• - Perceived as “emotional” and “exaggerating,” physical symptoms were minimized, delaying the advanced lung cancer diagnosis.

• - Respiratory difficulties were dismissed as secondary to mental health, resulting in a delayed cancer diagnosis.

• - Lack of social support and healthcare barriers led to the progressive decline in her physical and mental health.

• - Lung cancer with vertebral metastasis was diagnosed after multiple admissions, highlighting how her psychiatric condition delayed the oncological diagnosis.

• - After 17 years in a psychiatric facility for schizophrenia, she developed respiratory symptoms that were inadequately explored, leading to a delayed lung cancer diagnosis, followed by her passing after palliative care.

This case highlights the need to consider gender-based biases in diagnosing women with mental health conditions. Her psychiatric history and gender contributed to the downplaying of her symptoms, delaying the crucial lung cancer diagnosis. Gender and mental health stigma can cause serious healthcare delays. A gender-sensitive approach is essential to ensure timely, thorough medical evaluations for women. Integrated mental and physical health care can prevent delays in diagnosis and improve outcomes for women with psychiatric disorders.

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Breastfeeding is an important determinant of both mother and child healths regarding its physical and psychological benefits. Working mothers usually consider the work as a barrier to breastfeeding, thus this population needs a particular attention to enhance their breastfeeeding rate.

Determining the prevalence of breastfeeding among active women in Tunisia and evaluating their perceptions and their practices towards this process.

We have conducted a descriptive and cross sectional study. Data were collected during one week through an online questionnaire designed by Google Forms and distributed via Social media. It had included active women who had a child aged between 6 months and 5 years. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is feeding the baby only breast milk (not any other foods or liquids).

A total of 51 active mothers had participated with a mea age of 32.4±3.8 years. A proportion of 47.1% worked in healthcare facilities. Nineteen participants were doctors. All the participants had experienced breastfeeding with a mean duration of 12.7 ±7.5 months [ranging from 2 to 25 months]. The mean duration of EBF was 3.1±2.0 months [ranging from 0 to 6 months]. A percentage of 64.7% had experienced mixed feeding. Regarding breastfeeding perceptions, 92.2% of women always believe that breastmilk was the right option to feed their babies. Tweenty two (43.1%) always believe that they could successfuly breastfeed their child and sixteen (31.4%) consider that they was usually sure that they were able to balance between work and breastfeeding. Participants mothers had returned to their job within a mean of 12.7 ±7.5 months [ranging from 2 to 25 months]. After returning to work, 56.9% of participants consider that breastfeeding represented a big challenge. EBF was negatively associated to the number of working hours /week (p=0.026).

The participation of women in the labor force makes the continuation of breastfeeding a challenging option. Thus, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the workplace are essential and have the potential to ameliorate babies and mothers lives, and to positively affect the employees productivity and well-being.

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On October 7, 2023, a Hamas terror attack targeted both Jewish and Arab Israelis. The unprecedented scale of the event resulted in over 1,400 deaths and numerous kidnappings, leading to the ongoing Hamas-Israel war. The attacks also exposed a wide range of sexual violence, which was broadcasted or witnessed by family members (Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, 2024; UN SRSG-SVC, 2024). This event has exacerbated collective trauma and anxiety, influencing various societal issues, including public attitudes toward justice, particularly sexual offenses (Feingold et al., 2024).

This study aims to explore how exposure to a war characterized by violent crimes affects public support for restorative justice (RJ) processes, particularly in sexual offenses, and whether the collective trauma has led to a decline in the belief that sexual offenders can be rehabilitated.

The research surveyed 339 Israeli participants at two points: before the war and during its early weeks. The study employed quantitative analyses to measure attitudes toward offender rehabilitation and support for RJ. A paired t-test was conducted to assess changes over time, and correlation analyses examined the relationship between the perceived malleability of offenders and support for RJ.

The findings revealed a significant decline during the war in the belief that sexual offenders can be rehabilitated (t(51) = 2.67, p < .01). This belief was correlated to reduced support for RJ (rp = .45, p < .001). The exposure to sexual violence during the war, combined with widespread testimonies highlighting its brutality, likely contributed to a shift in public attitudes. The attacks served to instill terror and dehumanize the victims, reinforcing the public’s resistance to perceived “lenient” justice alternatives such as RJ.

In addition to the well-known effects of trauma, the study highlights the profound influence of collective trauma on public attitudes toward justice, particularly in sexual offenses. Exposure to extreme violence, during a war characterized by violent crimes creates significant barriers to the acceptance of RJ. While RJ can potentially provide healing avenues for survivors of sexual offenses (Klar-Chalamish & Peleg-Koriat, 2021) the widespread trauma and public anxiety pose significant barriers to its acceptance.

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Although childbirth represents a positive experience for most mothers and fathers, it can also be potentially traumatic when it endangers the life of the mother or the baby. In more severe cases, it can even develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) postpartum. Studies indicate birth-related PTSD impacts around 17% of postpartum parents. This condition includes intrusive symptoms, hyperactivation, avoidance behaviors, and negative changes in mood and cognition, significantly impacting the mother-baby bond and the family’s well-being.

The authors pretend to raise awareness of postpartum PTSD.

The authors did a non-systematic review of the current literature.

The etiology of postpartum PTSD is multifactorial and results from the combination of pre-birth risk factors (depression during pregnancy, fear of childbirth, medical complications during pregnancy, history of trauma or sexual abuse, history of mental disorders), factors during childbirth (subjectively experienced negative childbirth, obstetric complications, and severe maternal morbidity), and postpartum factors (postpartum depression, maternal complications after childbirth, or maladaptive coping mechanisms). The risk factors related to childbirth appear to be independent of neonatal complications, with the latter constituting an additional stressor factor. Psychological trauma during childbirth and postpartum PTSD, despite having a significant impact on families, are often not recognized in maternity services, hindering timely intervention. Currently, there are no recommended treatments to prevent or mitigate postpartum PTSD. However, there is some evidence of the benefits of prenatal and postnatal interventions, such as early identification of risk factors for postpartum PTSD and postnatal counseling.

The studies suggests that women should be assessed for negative traumatic birth experiences and PTSD, to allow targeted observation for psychopathologies and therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed with larger sample sizes, validated and reliable clinical interviews to assess PTSD.

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Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals with high psychological resilience are less likely to experience minority stress and mental health issues. This study will investigate the role of psychological resilience in the relationship between internalized homophobia and social anxiety among LGB individuals.

LGB individuals experience higher levels of social anxiety compared to heterosexual individuals. This is due to internalized homophobia, a result of minority stress. Psychological resilience is a significant factor that determines LGB individuals’ ability to cope with these challenges. This study aims to determine the levels of internalized homophobia, social anxiety, and psychological resilience in LGB individuals and to examine the relationships between these concepts. Additionally, the study will investigate the mediating role of psychological resilience in the impact of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of LGB individuals on internalized homophobia and social anxiety.

The study used a cross-sectional design to survey 131 LGB individuals. Participants were recruited through snowball and purposive sampling. Data was collected using sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, the Internalized Homophobia Scale, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and Adult Resilience Scale.

Gay individuals exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological resilience and lower levels of social anxiety compared to lesbian and bisexual individuals. Factors such as younger age, lower socioeconomic status, unemployment, female gender, suicide attempts, seeking psychological support and partial disclosure of sexual orientation were associated with higher levels of social anxiety. A negative correlation was found between levels of social anxiety and psychological resilience. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the social resources subscale of psychological resilience and levels of internalized homophobia. Structural style, social resources, and social competence subscales of social anxiety and psychological resilience were found to be significant predictors of internalized homophobia.

This study provides a deeper understanding of the psychological challenges faced by LGB individuals and the underlying factors contributing to these challenges. It particularly focuses on the complex relationships between internalized homophobia, social anxiety, and psychological resilience. Attending to internalized homophobia and social anxiety in the assessment of LGB individuals is crucial for preventing mental health issues and enhancing psychological resilience. These findings may contribute to the development of more effective psychological support programs for LGB individuals.

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As a result of dissatisfaction with genital appearance, even the most intimate genital organs have become open to change, leading to the emergence of female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS). Although there is known to be a significant increase in the number of women seeking these procedures, the psychosocial aspects and motivations of women undergoing these procedures are not fully understood. It is believed that satisfaction with genital appearance is related to body satisfaction, self-esteem and the importance placed on appearance. Many women are known to have negative perceptions regarding their genital organs.

Given the lack of research on the subject in our country and the need to better understand women’s perceptions of their own genital appearance, the primary aim of this study is to examine the validity and reliability of the Genital Appearance Satisfaction Scale in Turkish women. In this context, it is planned to conduct the Turkish adaptation of the “Genital Appearance Satisfaction Scale” in order to identify the factors contributing to the development of genital appearance dissatisfaction in women and to determine the current state of the issue.

The research is a descriptive, methodological and cross-sectional study. The population consists of women aged 18-65 and data were collected through a web-based survey. First, the scale was translated from English to Turkish and after evaluation by experts, it was back-translated. The translations were compared and presented for expert opinion. The scale was created by applying content validity. To test the clarity of the items, a pilot study was conducted and the final version of the scale was formed. The data obtained from the research were analyzed using SPSS 24 with descriptive statistics, analyses required for psychometric standardization (item correlations, factor analysis, internal consistency coefficient, etc.), comparison and correlation statistics. The construct validity of the scale was tested using confirmatory factor analysis with the AMOS program. The test-retest measurements of the scale were tested with a paired t-test and correlation analysis.

A reliability analysis was applied to the scale, and the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was found to be 0.83. The Cronbach’s Alpha values for the subscales were calculated as follows: 0.88 for the “Genital Appearance” subscale, 0.85 for the “Impact of Genital Satisfaction on Daily Life” subscale, and 0.85 for the “Impact of Genital Satisfaction on Sexual Life” subscale.

The fit indices calculated via confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale is acceptably compatible with the previously identified factor structure. When the standardized coefficients were examined, it was found that the factor loadings were high, standard error values were low and t-values were significant. These results confirmed the construct validity of the previously identified factor structure.

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Perinatal mental illness refers to all psychiatric disorders that occur during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth. For a long time, pregnancy was believed to be a protective factor for women, representing a period of emotional well-being. However, research has shown that pregnancy does not shield women from the onset or persistence of psychiatric disorders. Instead, it poses a risk factor. The mother’s mental state directly influences the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical development of the child. Mothers experiencing mental health issues during this critical period may struggle with bonding with the baby, and these difficulties might persist even after the resolution of the triggering mental disorder. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

The objective of this study is to review the available evidence on mental disorders in the peripartum period, focusing on the most common ones (postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis). Additionally, we will discuss data regarding the most severe consequences, such as maternal suicide and filicide.

A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing documents published in various scientific journals with online publications.

The prevalence is high; depending on the studies, between 15-20% of women experience some form of treatable pathology during pregnancy and postpartum. We will discuss postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. Postpartum blues are characterized by transient mood disturbances (spontaneous relief within 2-3 weeks) occurring between the first day and the third week postpartum. Symptoms include emotional lability, episodes of crying, sadness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and mild depressive mood. Postpartum depression is a clinical syndrome characterized by moderate to severe depressive symptoms lasting longer than postpartum blues and significantly impacting family life. It begins within the first 4 weeks after childbirth, although some studies date it between 6-7 weeks postpartum. Prevalence ranges from 5-15%. The term postpartum psychosis refers to an acute psychotic episode starting between 4-6 weeks after childbirth. Its prevalence in the general population is 0.1-0.2%, rising to 20-25% in individuals with personal or family history of affective disorders.

Perinatal mental disorders are a public health problem with high prevalence, associated with complications in maternal health, pregnancy, neonatal outcomes, mother-infant bonding, and neonatal neurodevelopment. The perinatal period increases the risk of relapses in women with severe mental disorders and the onset of mental disorders.

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