Mental health literacy (MHL) plays a crucial role in promoting help-seeking behavior. However, negative attitudes toward mental illness still pose a substantial barrier. Social media platforms provide a valuable opportunity to explore the relationship between stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and behaviors through the application of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) techniques.

This study aims to investigate how attitudes toward reducing mental illness stigma and help-seeking influence actual help-seeking behavior among social media users.

We analyzed 1,506,333 posts from mental health-related Post Text Table (PTT) forums between January 2018 and January 2024. Posts were preprocessed and categorized into three categories: reducing mental illness stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors. Using Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) for scoring, the model achieved a precision of 0.81 and accuracy of 0.89. Logistic regression was then applied to assess the predictive value of stigma reduction and help-seeking attitudes on help-seeking behavior.

The study found that for each one-unit increase in score measuring attitudes toward reducing mental illness stigma, he likelihood of help-seeking behavior increased by 1.35 times (95% CI: 1.21–1.50, p < 0.001). Similarly, stronger help-seeking attitudes were associated with a 1.41 times higher likelihood of help-seeking behavior (95% CI: 1.16–1.71, p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that users with more pronounced stigma-reducing attitudes and positive help-seeking attitudes were 1.76 times (95% CI: 1.43–2.17, p < 0.001) and 2.62 times (95% CI: 1.48–4.65, p < 0.05) more likely to engage in help-seeking behavior, respectively.

This study highlights that stronger attitudes toward reducing mental illness stigma, along with more positive help-seeking attitudes, significantly predict help-seeking behavior. By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing, it offers novel insights into how social media discussions influence mental health behaviors, providing a valuable foundation for future interventions aimed at reducing stigma, fostering positive attitudes toward help-seeking, and encouraging actual help-seeking behaviors.

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Traumatic losses are prevalent during armed conflicts and known to be a risk factor for prolonged grief disorder (Shevlin et al., 2024). Social support and psychoeducation are protective factors for prolonged grief disorder (Al-Gamal et al., 2018). Ukrainians are known to avoid seeking help or support after exposure to traumatic events (Quirke et al., 2021). Not much is known about help-seeking and supporting behavior following the loss of a loved one amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the experiences, needs, and help-seeking behavior of those in bereavement and those supporting them during the war in Ukraine.

An online questionnaire was designed by co-authors; data was collected in November 2023 via phone calls among users of the Opinion Internet panel by Factum Group Ukraine. Inclusion criteria were: a) Ukrainians aged 18-55; b) Internet users residing in Ukrainian cities with more than 50,000 residents before the full-scale invasion; c) those who currently live in Ukraine or abroad. The survey evaluated respondents’ experiences of enduring the loss of a loved one and supporting persons in grief after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as the need for support and information about the grieving process.

Fifty-three percent of survey respondents (n=400) were female. A quarter of the respondents lost a loved one since February 24, 2022 (15% due to death, 14% due to violent death, 5% missing in action), while 9% refused to respond.

Among those in bereavement, the majority (63%) reported that it was vital for them to better understand their own grief process. One-third reported the need for additional support in coping with the loss. One-fifth (21%) of those experiencing loss sought support as the experience became unbearable. Among those seeking professional care, there was a difference in the frequency of approaching different specialists. Twenty percent of the respondents reported that they did not seek help but were willing to.

The majority of respondents (62%) reported supporting a person who experienced loss. However, only 49% of them felt confident enough to do so. The majority (82%) of respondents said that they considered it important to have information on ways to support loved ones in grief.

Despite the fact that a third of people required support and care while experiencing a loss, only 1 in 5 approached mental health professionals or other healthcare specialists. Half of those who wanted to support their loved ones did not feel confident enough. Raising awareness among the population about the process of coping with loss, normalizing seeking support, and providing possible options for supporting people in grief is of high importance for the people of Ukraine affected by the full-scale war.

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In 2022, studies were conducted, the results of which revealed that nursing staff are at greater risk of developing anxiety disorders, and the development of these symptoms is influenced by work schedule and workload level. Also, do not forget about the relationship between anxiety and affective disorders and emotional burnout syndrome (EBS), which is important in diagnosis

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of the phenomenon of burnout as a predictor of the development of anxiety and depression based on a comprehensive assessment of EBS and anxiety-affective symptoms among medical residents; identify risk factors for the development of EBS.

A questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, place of residence), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire; questionnaire scale: PHQ-9 (via Google platform); clinical interviewing was carried out among 98 residents

two profiles of respondents – surgical (57.1%) and therapeutic (42.9%), 73.5% - female, 26.5% - male. The majority were in the age range from 25-29 years (77.6%). The most closely related to burnout is the time spent working at the clinical base and the workload outside of residency. 21% have mild depression, 24% have moderate depression, and 10% have severe depression, which further requires the identification of a correlation between two indicators of EBS and affective symptoms; 31.6% have severe emotional burnout, which affects education and the quality of medical care provided.

The question of the relationship between EBS and depressive symptoms remains open. In our simultaneous study, the relationship between the burnout index and the results of PHQ-9 is traced, which may suggest that EBS is considered as a risk factor for the development of affective symptoms of depression and requires further investigation of the problem It should be noted the importance of introducing digital technologies for the examination of employees and the timely detection of signs of EBS

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Test anxiety is a widespread issue affecting students’ academic performance and mental health. Students taking a gap year after failing the university entrance exam are particularly vulnerable to traumatic stress and future exam anxiety. An effective group intervention, such as the EMDR Flash Technique, can provide timely support to this group. This technique, an extension of EMDR, involves rapid eye blinking with relaxing imagery during dual stimulation sets, efficiently processing up to five memories per session.

The project’s primary objective is to examine how the EMDR Flash Group Technique addresses traumatic stress and exam-related anxiety in gap year students, while promoting adaptive coping strategies. By tackling anticipatory and future-focused stress, the intervention aims to lower the risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders.

This randomized controlled study will be conducted with a total of 300 students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the EMDR Flash Group Technique, a single-session psychoeducation seminar, and a waitlist control group. Symptoms will be measured at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up. The assessment tools include the Socio-demographics Scale, Test Anxiety Inventory, Coping with Stress Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale. This study will address the following hypotheses: H1: EMDR Flash Group Technique will decrease the level of test anxiety. H2: It will decrease traumatic stress based on previous test experiences. H3: It will develop functional coping mechanisms.

A significant reduction in exam anxiety levels is expected in the EMDR Flash Group participants, supporting its effectiveness in managing stressors and preventing the development of anxiety disorders. Additionally, there will be a decrease in traumatic stress symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal), demonstrating its effectiveness as an early intervention for trauma-related disorders. Participants are expected to develop more functional stress management skills, emphasizing the technique’s role in reducing dysfunctional coping mechanisms and enhancing resilience. Overall, the EMDR Flash Group Technique will demonstrate its effectiveness as an early intervention model for managing anxiety and preventing the progression of related psychological issues.

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Unlike traditional EMDR protocols that focus primarily on past traumas, our approach uniquely integrates past, present, and future-focused elements, creating a holistic framework for managing both past traumatic experiences and anticipatory anxiety about future challenges. By employing a group-based format, this protocol not only offers the potential for a more scalable and efficient intervention, but also provides a deeper understanding of how EMDR can be adapted to address psychiatric disorders in youth.

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Perinatal loss is a painful process that we encounter on a regular basis in clinical practice but for which there is no adequate specific training. The treatment given to the mother will be decisive in mitigating the psychological consequences.

To raise awareness of the need to develop specific training plans in perinatal psychiatry. Such training should provide tools for an adequate psychotherapeutic approach, as well as updated protocols on the management of psychopharmacological medication.

Descriptive report of a case of a women who came for consultation after having suffered an intrapartum fetal loss, based on the follow-up of the patient, with emphasis on the interventions performed during her stay in the hospital.

We report the case of a 39-week pregnant woman who suffered an intrapartum fetal loss. The psychiatry team was notified and the resident doctor in psychiatry, without prior assessment of the patient, prescribed lorazepam every 8 hours. The mother at that moment, as a result of the shock, refused to see the baby, which was immediately accepted by the staff without a suitable intervention to inform about the benefits of adequate perinatal care (spending time with the baby, use of swaddling clothes to avoid heat loss, memory box, avoid rushing). After being discharged from hospital, she only attended a gynecological check-up, with no relevant findings. Five months later, the patient attended a psychiatry consultation with a major depressive episode, reporting significant feelings of guilt for not having been able to say goodbye to her baby. She did not remember clearly anything of what happened and presented panic attacks when she had to go to the hospital, as well as the presence of self-harming ideas. At the same time, she expressed anger at the treatment received from the staff, to whom she attributes the fact that she was not able to spend time with the baby.

A recent study (Cassidy, 2023) shows how the use of sedatives has become normalized in Spanish hospitals in order to compensate for the deficits in training and resources offered by the health system.

Sedatives produce an alteration of consciousness, influence decision making and the formation of memories, which will make it more difficult to go through a perinatal grief, which in itself has its difficulties because it is considered a silenced grief.

Quality health care in perinatal loss should focus on providing the mother with exquisite care, centred on respect for each mother’s time. This allows the establishment of a relationship that lowers fear and avoids impulses to flee, encouraging autonomy and the ability to decide, leaving the use of psychotropic drugs as a last resort for pain management.

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The nature-based therapeutic perspective includes: green therapy, blue therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and natural landscape therapy. Until now researchers haven’t clearly recognized underlying mechanisms of nature-related mental health well-being.

The study aimed to clarify the relationships between experienced nature connectedness (NC) and social connectedness (SC) before and after blue nature based intervention and mental health (WHO-5, PHQ-4)

Study group included 54 adults (Mean = 30.6; SD 13,2). Participants completed semi-structured questionnaires before and after blue interventions (one week high sea sailing under supervision of two psychologists). The questionaire measured following variables: nature connectedness, social connectedness, well-being, and mental health.

Results showed a significant increase in social and nature connectedness as well as in mental well-being after the blue interventions. Full results will be shown on the e-poster.

The mental health and wellbeing benefits of contact with nature are becoming increasingly recognized in psychology and medicine. The findings support hypothesis that nature connectedness and social connectedness increased after nature based interventions, and therefore they seem to be important factors conected with mental health.

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Work-related stress significantly impacts employees’ overall health and can lead to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and inadequate sleep.

This study aimed to explore the potential link between occupational stress and different lifestyle behaviors among workers in different companies in Sousse, Tunisia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-year period in Sousse, Tunisia, involving employees from various workplace settings. Data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors—including sleep quantity and quality, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity (measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), and eating habits—as well as occupational characteristics. Occupational stress was evaluated using a validated Arabic version of the Karasek scale. Binary logistic regression was employed to calculate adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

The study included 154 participants, predominantly female (56.5%), with a mean age of 39.99 ± 9.91 years. Approximately 34.6% had 11 to 20 years of seniority. Job strain and iso-strain were reported by 31.8% and 25.5% of workers, respectively. Job strain prevalence was observed in 32% of smokers, 41% of alcohol users, 40 % among those who do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. In terms of sleep quality, 29.9% indicated poor sleep. Notably, our study revealed a significant association between job strain and good sleep quality (aOR=6.14; CI95%:1.72-21.95, p=0.005).

These findings highlight a concerning prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among workers in Sousse, Tunisia, with significant associations between occupational stress and sleep quality. Addressing these issues through workplace wellness programs may enhance employee health and overall job satisfaction.

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Youth violence, particularly among men, is a significant global issue. The primary causes leading to detention orders are drug-related crimes, armed robberies, and terrorism. In addition to social and environmental factors, early attachment experiences and stressors can significantly affect lifelong development, especially during adolescence, impacting learning, behavior, emotions, and health. Thus, identifying underlying traits of chronic deviant behavior, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and drug, may help clarify the mechanisms driving different problem behavioral disorders throughout life and be crucial in structuring effective prevention programs for these people.

This study aimed to examine clinical and psychopathological features in imprisoned young adults with comorbid substance use disorder (SUD).

The study was conducted in Colombia at a detention center for young adults who committed serious crimes during adolescence. Forty participants with SUD were included and assessed using six questionnaires and clinical interviews, aiming to examine their clinical and psychopathological characteristics.

The mean age of initial drug contact was 12 years, and the most consumed drugs were cannabis, alcohol and cocaine/amphetamines. Significant positive correlations were found between emotional dysregulation and hyperactivity (p=0.010), inattention (p=0.003), executive dysfunction (domains of inhibition (p=0.001) and initiative (0.001), mood swings (p=0.027) and childhood trauma. Individuals with psychostimulant substances disorder showed a significant positive correlation with the “Authority” domain (p=0.043), and those using sedative substances also with the “Resentment/Self-Sufficiency” and “Violent Childhood” domains.

Our findings suggest that greater impulsivity during childhood exposure to violence represents a predictor of emotional dysregulation, with a large impact later. Impulsivity and difficulty accepting negative emotions are positively associated with executive dysfunctions, especially in inhibitory control, emotional regulation, and initiative. A permissive childhood, characterized by a lack of guidance and boundaries, can be a predictor of committing murder later in life. Taken together, these findings highlight the

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If untreated, mental health disorders are a leading cause of premature death due to physical illness and suicide. Typical onset is around the age of 15, and about 75% emerge by the age of 25. Thus early diagnostics and treatment to prevent chronic outcomes by early interventions is indispensable. We set up an intervention project in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, focusing on this vulnerable group aged 18 to 29.

The project aims to assess if a low-threshold, early-on psychosocial consultation model significantly reduces early symptoms of mental disorders among young adults and to evaluate whether community-based consultations reduce stigma and increase early service utilisation. We intend to measure changes in mental health literacy. Alongside consultations, we identify cooperation partners and give workshops to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

A team of university psychologists and psychiatrists developed the project with community organisations and local foundations. Consultations take place in a non-stigmatizing, informal setting: the space is not within a clinic, centrally located and easily accessible. Services may be utilised anonymously and without registration of health insurance. We offer qualified diagnostics, brief solution-focused counselling, psychoeducation, early pharmacological treatment, group therapy and referral pathways to specialised care when needed. Using questionnaires, we will refine the program for potential up-scaling. Since September 5th, 2024, 12 patients aged between 17 and 34 years have already made use of the offer. Pre-intervention symptoms at baseline were initially assessed while post-intervention symptom assessments will take place 3 months later. Qualitative data will be analysed via thematic coding. Quantitative data for symptom alteration will be collected via Likert scales and analysed using paired t-tests and regressions. Qualitative feedback will be collected via surveys. We hypothesise that psychological well-being will improve post-intervention. Additionally, we expect an increased mental health literacy, alongside increased utilisation and acceptance of mental health services.

Yet to follow.

Community-based mental health consultations represent a feasible early intervention strategy for young adults. Results are expected to support expanding such models to other community structures and refining protocols for scalability. We aim to optimise service delivery, assess long-term outcomes, and examine cost-effectiveness for potential implementation on a broader scale.

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The rising rate of suicides among physicians is a critical and concerning issue that has not garnered enough attention. Personal, social, economic factors and working conditions are complicating this problem and a holistic approach is required to work towards a solution.

The aim of this study was to investigate the views of psychiatry residents and young psychiatrists working in EPA member countries on the causes, consequences and solutions of physician suicides.

Under the umbrella of EPA Suicide Prevention and Suicidology Section, a 24-question survey regarding thoughts and beliefs on physicians’s suicide was developed by a group of young researchers participating in EPA Summer School 2023. The questionnaire was disseminated through EPA Early Career Psychiatrists (ECP), European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) email groups, communication platforms for sub-working units, and various national psychiatric associations via their email and social media channels. The goal is to collect data over at least six months. Preliminary results will be shared with participants at the EPA 2025 Congress.

When the initial data is analysed, it is seen that 160 people answered the questionnaire. 69% of the participants were female, 29.4% were male, 1.2% preferred not to say. The proportion of specialists was 64.4% and 35.6% of residents. Detailed responses to the questionnaire and the suggestions of the participants will be shared in detail with the congress participants in the presentation.

This study aims to explore the perspectives of residents and early-career specialists on an issue that is stigmatized within the medical community and often avoided in open discussions. Understanding how young physicians perceive and evaluate this issue amidst increasingly challenging living and working conditions will provide valuable insights, guiding future interventions aimed at addressing and mitigating this burden.

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Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting 50% of patients intermittently and 20% chronically, with high unemployment rates (80-90%) and reduced life expectancy. Although genetic and neurodevelopmental factors are established non-modifiable risk factors, knowledge gaps persist regarding prevention strategies, particularly the combined impact of modifiable risk factors.

The aim of this study is to identify the modifiable risk factors and to estimate their joint effect on Schizophrenia.

We conducted an exposure-wide association study (EWAS) using the UK Biobank cohort to systematically evaluate 206 potentially modifiable factors associated with schizophrenia risk. The study population comprised individuals without schizophrenia at baseline, with diagnoses determined using ICD-10 criteria. We employed Cox proportional hazard regression models with Bonferroni correction (significance threshold: P<1.91×10-4) to identify significant factors. The identified factors were categorized into six domains: lifestyle, local environment, medical history, physical measures, psychosocial factors, and socioeconomic status (SES). Domain-specific, weighed, and standardized scores were calculated based on coefficients from Cox models, adjusting for covariates. Scores were stratified into tertiles (favorable, intermediate, unfavorable) for risk assessment. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated to quantify prevention potential.

The study cohort included 498,351 participants (54.45% female; mean age: 56.55 years) followed for a mean duration of 14.37 years, during which 1,345 participants developed schizophrenia. We identified 86 significant modifiable factors, with disability (HR 6.23, 95% CI 5.48-7.07), depression (HR 5.06, 95% CI 4.93-5.20), and anxiety disorders (HR 3.69, 95% CI 3.12-4.36) showing the strongest associations. Our analyses suggested that transitioning unfavorable profiles to intermediate and favorable status (Estimation 1) could prevent 59.6% of schizophrenia cases, while shifting both intermediate and unfavorable profiles to favorable (Estimation 2) could prevent 90.4% of cases. In Estimation 2, the preventive potential was highest for SES (18.0%), followed by medical history (17.5%), lifestyle factors (17.0%), psychosocial factors (14.3%), physical measures (12.8%), and local environment (10.8%).

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This analysis identifies multiple modifiable risk factors for schizophrenia, demonstrating substantial prevention potential through multi-domain interventions. Socioeconomic, medical, and lifestyle factors emerge as key targets for prevention strategies. The consistency of associations across genetic risk strata suggests interventions could be beneficial regardless of genetic predisposition, informing targeted prevention strategies and public health policies.

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Poverty’s impact on mental health and quality of life is well documented. Studies have shown that the high stress levels associated with poverty increase the risk of mental illness. Moreover, cognitive abilities seem to be influenced by a low socioeconomic level. Conversely, individuals who benefit from a better socioeconomic situation since childhood and throughout adulthood are more likely to succeed academically and professionally.

This paper examines the relationship between socioeconomic status and executive functioning in healthy Tunisian adults. It aims to determine if socioeconomic differences influence executive processes.

We conducted an experimental study with 95 Tunisian adults (ages 20-55) from the city of Tunis, divided into 4 socioeconomic groups (low, lower middle, higher middle, and high). We used objective and subjective socioeconomic measures and assessed cognitive and behavioral executive functioning through various tests, including the Stroop and Hayling tests, verbal fluency tasks, and the BRIEF questionnaire.

ANOVA analyses didn’t show global differences between groups, but Fisher Post Hoc tests revealed that participants from the highest socioeconomic group (group 4) performed better on several tasks. Group 4 showed faster processing times on Stroop tasks, better scores on the Digit Span Task, verbal fluency tasks, and the Modified Card Sorting Test, indicating a better processing speed and stronger cognitive flexibility and working memory. Behavioral executive measures also favored group 4 in areas such as working memory and task control.

This study highlights the clear advantage of higher socioeconomic status in executive functioning. Further research could develop strategies to improve cognitive functioning and quality of life for individuals with a lower socioeconomic level.

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Bore-out affects three times as many employees as burn-out. It results from a lack of activity during work, and the healthcare sector, due to its monotony, promotes the emergence of these disorders

Study the predisposition of hospital nurses to boredom, and investigate a possible relationship between this predisposition and their anxiety-depression profile.

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in April 2022 involving all nurses at the Sahloul University Hospital in Sousse. We used a pre-established questionnaire that included two validated tools: the Boredom Proneness Scale (BP) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD).

A total of 65 nurses took part in this study. The mean age was 36.62 ± 4.82 years and the sex ratio was 0.38. According to the BP Scale, 13 nurses were inclined towards boredom (20%). A predisposition to boredom has been observed among staff with less than 8 years of seniority (p= 0.001), those with no extracurricular activities (p= 0.020), those with a moderate or severe workload (p= 0.008), and those whose profession had no impact on their relationships with others (p= 0.012).The depression score on the HAD scale was moderate (32%), average (20%), and severe (12%). The HAD scale revealed that 29% of people had mild anxiety, 23% had moderate anxiety, and 12% had severe anxiety. No statistically significant relationship was found between the boredom disposition scale and the HAD scale.

Bore-out can worsen anxiety and depressive disorders by causing boredom and frustration. It is crucial to promote an engaging and varied work environment to protect employees’ mental health.

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Theoretical analysis of the problem of anticipatory competence in adolescents with mental disorders highlights its insufficient study as an integral ability that contributes to their adaptation in society and the prevention of deviant behavior.

To identify and study the relationship between anticipatory consistency and deviations in adolescents with mental disorders.

The study involved 25 adolescents aged 12-14 (6A00.0, ICD-11) attending an educational institution for children with disabilities. The following methods were used: the “Test of Anticipatory Solvency” by V.D. Mendelevich, the “Test of Propensity for Deviant Behavior” by E.V. Leusa and A.G. Solovieva, and the “Study of Anticipatory Solvency in Adolescents” by A.I. Akhmetzyanova and T.V. Artemyeva.

Adolescents with mental disabilities exhibit varying degrees of motor clumsiness and difficulty judging distance in visual space. They struggle to predict the consequences of their actions and are not always able to foresee conflict situations in social settings, nor respond adequately in such interactions, which often leads to the development of antisocial behavior. The majority of adolescents with mental disorders (56% of the subjects) exhibit a situational predisposition to delinquent behavior, indicating a tendency to put their own norms and values in conflict with those of the group. Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between personal-situational anticipatory consistency and the scale of delinquent behavior (r=0.416).

The findings of this study can be useful to practitioners working with adolescents with mental disorders, helping them to plan and organize corrective interventions that consider the development of this essential skill. Anticipatory competence is one of the factors necessary for successful socialization and the prevention of deviant behavior in adolescents.

This paper has been supported by the Kazan Federal University Strategic Academic Leadership Program (PRIORITY-2030).

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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an established treatment for difficult-to-treat depression (DTD), demonstrating moderate efficacy. In comparison to other non-invasive treatments in psychiatry, TMS can be relatively accurately directed at specific cortical subregions. TMS is typically targeted at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) based on scalp measurements. However, the DLPFC is a large and functionally heterogeneous region, with inter-individual variability in the localisation of target functions. The functional connectivity of the stimulation target with other brain areas has been shown to correlate with treatment outcomes. Nonetheless, the clinical benefits of connectivity-based individualised targeting remain to be demonstrated in randomised clinical trials, and the connections to be considered in such targeting are still inadequately understood.

To test whether individualised network connectivity-based localisation improves outcomes, and to further investigate the relationship between clinical results and the stimulated connections

In this ongoing study, we acquire functional and structural MRIs from adult volunteers with DTD, referred to clinical TMS. We focus on brain regions associated with depression and emotion regulation to target the core affective symptoms of depression. We compute the individual connectivity distribution of these regions within the DLPFC. We then employ a realistic individual head conductor model to determine the coil position that aligns the distribution of TMS-induced electrical effects with the individual connectivity distribution. These coil positions, along with standard scalp-measure-based coil positions, are entered into the neuronavigation system, and patients are randomised 1:1 for the targeting used to receive intermittent theta burst stimulation over 20-25 sessions. Patients and outcome assessors remain blind to the targeting method, with the primary outcome being the change in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale from before to after treatment.

Interim analysis conducted by independent evaluators, based on results from the first 20 patients per group, suggested over 80% power to detect group differences at an alpha level of 0.048, with 40 patients in each group.

To our knowledge, these would be the first results from a randomised prospective trial indicating the superiority of functional targeting over standard scalp measure-based targeting. While these targeting methods require further refinement, clinical applications will depend on the balance between effectiveness and cost compared to standard targeting. Related studies exploring the relationship between targeted brain connections and clinical outcomes may illuminate the brain-level mechanisms underlying recovery from depression.

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Clozapine remains one of the most effective antipsychotic medications for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is limited by significant metabolic and rare neurological side effects. The variability in patients’ susceptibility to these adverse effects suggests an unidentified genetic predisposition, which is critical to personalizing treatment.

This review aims to systematically investigate the genetic variants involved in the development of metabolic and neurological side effects in patients treated with clozapine. Specifically, it seeks to elucidate the pathways participating in the occurrence of these adverse reactions and identify genetic markers for personalized therapeutic approaches.

A literature search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published in recent years. Data were extracted from cohort studies and case-control studies based on predefined criteria, using keywords such as “clozapine”, “metabolic side effects”, “neurological side effects”, “pharmacogenetics”.

Preliminary results identified that variants in the FTO gene, known for its role in adipogenesis and energy homeostasis, were linked to enhanced adiposity and altered leptin signaling, contributing to the metabolic syndrome. Similarly, APOE gene was strongly correlated with increased risk of severe weight gain, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance due to association with impaired lipid transport and metabolism.

In the context of neurological side effects, SNPs within the DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism, which affects dopamine receptor density and signaling, were associated with a higher incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia in patients on clozapine. The COMT Val158Met polymorphism, known to modulate prefrontal catecholamine degradation, was linked to cognitive impairments and clozapine-induced sedation.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enlightens rare SNPs, copy number variations (CNVs) and novel variants in genes related to drug metabolism, such as CYP1A2 and CYP2D6, allowing for the identification of complex genetic interactions. Furthermore, patients with high polygenic risk scores (PRS) exhibited a markedly increased likelihood of developing severe metabolic and neurological side effects, underscoring the utility of PRS in stratifying patient risk.

In summary, our findings demonstrate that genetic factors are key contributors to the development of clozapine-induced metabolic and neurological side effects. Variations in genes related to drug metabolism, neurotransmitter regulation, and metabolic pathways significantly influence individual susceptibility to these adverse effects. A deeper understanding of pharmacogenetic approaches could offer the potential for more personalized and precise treatment strategies, reducing adverse effects and improving drug tolerance.

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Digital phenotyping offers a valuable method for predicting and preventing nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in daily life by providing objective, ecologically valid measurements at multiple time points. This approach quantifies an individual’s phenotype by capturing self-injury-related markers such as mood, step counts, and heart rate.

The aim of this study is to identify real-time predictors and to elucidate the dynamic trajectory of NSSI in individuals.

This study targets individuals in their 20s residing in South Korea who engaged NSSI on five or more days during the past year, and a total of 56 participants were included in the current study. Once participants were enrolled, active (e.g., ecological momentary assessment) and passive (e.g., heart rate, step count) data were collected via a smartphone app and wrist-worn wearables for 14 days. Initially, a random forest algorithm was employed to assess the relative importance of passive and active data in predicting NSSI thoughts. Subsequently, a multilevel logistic regression model was used to capture variability at both the within-person and between-person levels.

After inputting passive data into the random forest algorithm, the model demonstrated an accuracy of 0.619. Among the variables, walking stride had the highest importance score at 0.28, followed by heart rate (0.18) and heart rate variability (0.17). Subsequently, when analyzing the random forest algorithm with active variables, the model’s accuracy was found to be 0.666. In this case, anger toward others had the highest importance score at 0.26, followed by depression (0.22) and anger toward oneself (0.19). In a separate analysis using multilevel logistic regression models for each passive variable, none of the variables produced significant results in either the fixed or random effects analyses. However, when active variables were entered into separate multilevel logistic regression models, all emotional variables yielded significant results in the fixed effects analysis: depression (0.746, p < .001), anxiety (0.521, p < .001), anger toward oneself (0.475, p < .001), anger toward others (0.403, p < .001), loneliness (0.329, p < .001), and shame (0.557, p < .05). In contrast, none of the variables showed significant results in the random effects analysis.

The findings from this study could offer insights into novel mechanisms underlying the occurrence of self-injurious thoughts and their prediction in daily life. Additionally, this advanced approach may help identify optimal strategies for NSSI prevention and enable the delivery of personalized, real-time interventions.

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There is consistent evidence that increased self-compassion (SC) is associated with less posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, knowledge about the contribution of SC to military-related posttraumatic sequelae among women combat veterans is sparse. Moreover, the underlying mechanism for the beneficial effect of SC remains to be determined.

The present study aims to examine the contribution of SC to PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms among female veterans as well as the mediating roles of coping strategies in these possible associations.

In a cross-sectional study, a volunteer community sample of Israeli women combat veterans (n = 885) and non-combat veterans (n = 728) responded to online self-report questionnaires.

Combat veterans reported higher levels of PTSD symptoms but not complex PTSD symptoms, SC, or coping strategies, as compared to non-combat veterans. Moreover, among combat and noncombat veterans, SC was associated with lower levels of PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms beyond adverse childhood experiences and combat exposure. Notably, SC was inversely and indirectly associated with higher levels of PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms through maladaptive coping strategies for both combat and noncombat veterans.

Reports of higher SC among female veterans are associated with less severe PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms. Moreover, maladaptive coping strategies might serve as mechanisms that link SC to military-related posttraumatic consequences.

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Firefighters face routine occupational risks and high-stress environments. Accordingly, 96.4% are exposed to a potentially traumatizing event throughout their career (Nazari et al. Work 2020; 67(1):215-222). This is accompanied by high rates of trauma-related mental illnesses (TRMI) such as PTSD. First-line treatments of TRMI remain limited. A novel treatment that has emerged, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) has shown meaningful improvements in PTSD treatment (Ragnhildstveit et al.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 6:13).

The primary objective was to synthesize prevalent themes among participants, shedding light on their journeys to accessing KAT as well as highlighting internal motivations and societal barriers that exist.

In this study, there are six working firefighters, diagnosed with TRMI. They have enrolled in but not begun the 12-week Roots to Thrive (RTT) KAT program. Interviews were conducted individually and transcribed for further analysis. Data from the interview responses was analyzed by two independent reviewers and coded to create main themes of focus. The inconsistencies were managed by the third senior reviewer.

The major themes prevalent among participants include social stigma, self-advocacy/education, logistical barriers and feeling stuck with previous treatments.Throughout the interviews, participants indicated that the use of ketamine and their mental illness diagnosis were stigmatized. Some kept their treatment a secret from family members while others reported telling very few colleagues about their PTSD. In response to traumatic events at work, one participant explained that the prevalent attitude was “Suck it up. Move on.” The lack of administrative support prompted several participants to teach themselves about psychedelics and mental health in order learn about treatment possibilities. Logistical barriers included barriers to physically commuting, paying for and having time away for the KAT sessions. They pointed out that aside from the price of the treatment itself, paying for cabs and ferries adds to the costs. Each of the participants detailed their journey with trauma and mental illness before KAT. A common sentiment expressed was that they couldn’t cope anymore with symptoms like night terrors and extreme anxiety. Participants discussed a gradual build-up and burnout, as one explained, “You continually are always going to other trauma calls, so it kind of builds up layer, layer, layer after layer.” A reoccuring theme in their experiences was trying different treatment modalities (EMT, EMDR and CBT) with little permanent success.

Greater funding, awareness and administrative support is needed for firefighters diagnosed with PTSD to successfully receive and undergo treatment.

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Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between work-related stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whilst it is possible that shared social characteristics explain the link between stigma and PTSD, this article hypothesizes that work-related stigma is itself associated with symptoms of PTSD.

This study examined whether work-related stigma was associated with PTSD symptoms one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of French healthcare workers (HCWs).

Data were based on an online survey that recruited HCWs working during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of PTSD symptoms was assessed using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) with a cut-off score of ≥33. Work-related stigma was defined as the perception of having been treated differently and unfairly because of one’s profession.The relationship between work-related stigma and PTSD symptoms was tested using propensity scores including all relevant confounding factors: financial and social support, and work-related,or pandemic-related factors.

Among the 655 respondents, 71.6% were physicians, 11.1% were nurses, and 17.3% had other occupations. A total of 53 participants (8.7%) presented symptoms of PTSD. We found an association between work-related stigma and PTSD symptoms (OR 2.13, 95% CI [1.04;4.35]) one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic adjusted for propensity scores including relevant confounding factors.

Our findings suggest that work-related stigma is associated with PTSD symptoms among HCWs. This association was independent of social characteristics known to influence both stigma and PTSD. Work-related stigma may be a propitious occupational risk factor to target in order to improve HCWs work conditions and mental health.

None Declared