Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that violates everyday functioning, and it is a result of a traumatic event or life-threatening event. Symptoms of PTSD are nightmares, flashbacks, symptoms of negative emotions and perception, avoidance behavior, and social avoidance and it can affect children. Dissociative symptoms are a part of dissociative disorder in the form of anxiety disorder, but these symptoms can occur in dissociative form of PTSD.

The goal of this paper is to present a patient who is under neurological treatment, diagnosed with spastic paraplegia, and under psychiatric treatment diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and possible dissociative disorder.

This is a case report paper. A male patient, 57 years old, participated in Homeland War in Croatia for a duration of 18 months. He experienced many traumatic events and life-threatening events, such as the death of his friends. The first psychiatric symptoms occurred after war experiences, and the symptoms manifested as headache, insomnia, grumpiness, and paralyzing fear which led to the feeling that his legs were “taken away”. Similar symptoms persisted even after the war ended and in other stressful situations along with difficulty walking. He went under neurological testing and it turns out that it might be spastic paraplegia. He was diagnosed with prolactinoma, and since 2019 he has been in psychiatric ambulance treatment in the Daily Hospital of Clinical Hospital Split, diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and dissociative disorder.

We used psychotherapy methods such as socio-therapeutic and group psychotherapy, along with pharmacology therapy (sertraline, diazepam, olanzapine).

Pharmacology interventions might affect PTSD patients in a positive way and help them to function in everyday activities.

None Declared

Intrusion, hyperarousal, avoiding triggers and alterations in cognition and mood are the symptoms defining a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While PTSD can occur in individuals from all walks of life, its prevalence and severity are higher among military veterans, exacerbating the impact of other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression and impairing quality of life.

The current study sought to determine the prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression with PTSD among Tunisian military veterans.

A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical survey was conducted between September and November 2024, focusing on Tunisian veterans seeking consult, using a data file and 2 self-report scales :

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to assess current PTSD symptoms with a cut-off score of 33 or higher to detect PTSD cases.

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, which consists of two subscales: the Anxiety (A) subscale and the Depression (D) subscale. For both subscales, scores are ranging from 0 to 21: [0-7]: normal, [8-10]: borderline case, [11-21]: an abnormal level of anxiety or depression.

To analyze the obtained data, IBM SPSS was used.

The study enrolled 24 veterans diagnosed with PTSD, with the majority being male (87.5%). Mean age of the participants was 34 [23-50] years. Most (58.3%) were married, 33.3% were single, 4.2% were divorced, and 4.2% were in a relationship.

A significant proportion of the surveyed (79.2%) were smokers, while 29.2% reported occasional alcohol consumption. None reported using illicit drugs, such as cannabis.

Regarding medical history, 29.2% had medical health conditions including asthma, diabetes, hypertension, herniated disc, and kidney stones.

In terms of psychiatric care, 95.8% were under regular psychiatric follow-up and 54.2% reported having a support system.

Regarding psychiatric comorbidities, 95.8% (N=23) of participants presented with anxiety symptoms with 4.2% falling into the borderline category. For depression, 66.7% reported depressive symptoms, 25% were classified as borderline cases and 8.3% showed no depressive symptoms.

Median PCL-5 score was 55.5±12.15. Half of the population (N=12) had a score higher than 55. All of them exhibited depressive symptoms. In contrast, among those with lower scores, only 33.3% had depressive symptoms, 50% had borderline cases and 16.7% had no depressive symptoms.

A significant correlation was found between PCL-5 scores above 55 and the presence of depressive symptoms (p=0.02), suggesting a strong association between higher PTSD severity and depression in this sample.

This study reveals a high prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression among Tunisian Military veterans suffering from PTSD with a significant association between higher PTSD severity and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for integrated mental health care that addresses both PTSD and its comorbidities.

None Declared

The mental health burden of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is significant for all those affected, with a higher incidence among veterans due to military trauma and the particular strains of military duty. It results in detrimental effects on life quality and functional impairment in various domains, including sexual dysfunction (SD).

One of the most prevalent yet underreported sexual dysfunction in Tunisian veterans is erectile dysfunction (ED).

The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of ED and its severity among Tunisian veterans with PTSD versus those without it.

A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical survey was conducted between September and November 2024 on Tunisian veterans seeking consult, using a data file and 2 self-report questionnaires :

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to assess current PTSD symptoms with a cut-off score of 33 or higher to detect PTSD cases.

The IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function 5) to evaluate ED with six categories: [1-4]: uninterpretable, [5-7]: severe, [8-11]: moderate, [12-16]: mild to moderate, [17-21]: mild and [22-25]: no ED.

To analyze the obtained data, IBM SPSS was used.

Fourty veterans were enrolled in this study with an average age of 38.5 [24-61] years. The majority (67.5%) were married, followed by 25% single individuals, 5% divorced and 2.5% in a relationship. Most of the participants (77.5%) were smokers and 25% reported alcohol consumption, with 20% of them being regular drinkers and 80% consuming alcohol occasionally. None reported using cannabis or other illicit drugs. Regarding medical history, 32.5% had health issues with the most common being varicocele, diabetes, arterial hypertension and myocardial infarction.

Among the veterans, 50% had PTSD. Ninety-five percent had received psychiatric follow-up, and 78.9% were on antidepressants. In the control group with no PTSD (50%), 85% had a psychiatric follow-up, with 76.5% taking antidepressants.

In patients with PTSD, 75% reported ED, while 15% had no SD and 10% had an uninterpretable score. ED was mild to moderate in 46.7%, mild in 33.3% and moderate in 20%. No severe cases of ED were observed in this group.

In contrast, in patients with no PTSD, ED was only reported in 60% of cases and was even severe in 33.3% of patients.

No significant correlation was found between ED and PTSD (p= 0.3).

The prevalence of ED in the overall sample was 67.5% with only 11.1% of them using sexual enhancers.

This study suggests that while PTSD may exacerbate ED in some individuals, other factors such as comorbid psychiatric or medical condition and the use of a variety of medications may play a more significant role in the underlying cause. Given its significant impact on quality of life, early screening and treatment are essential.

Additionally, further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of ED and to develop more targeted interventions.

None Declared

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops when a person is exposed to death, perceives a threat to their safety, or witnesses a traumatic event, either personally or vicariously. It is a condition that affects over 70% of adults who have experienced trauma at least once in their lives. What happens in the case of individuals who have attempted suicide? Do they also frequently develop PTSD?

To determine if individuals who have attempted suicide are at risk of developing PTSD as a result of their suicide attempt. If such a connection is proven, what therapeutic measures could be proposed to prevent the onset of this disorder?

This is a descriptive study using a survey of patients at the Department of Psychiatry D at RAZI Hospital, who have made one or more suicide attempts during the year 2023.

20 patients (80%) exhibited a moderate to severe depressive episode at the time of their suicide attempt. The average number of suicide attempts was 1.53. The methods used for the suicide attempts included medication ingestion, observed in 15 patients (60%), phlebotomy in 4 (16%), jumping from a height in 2 (8%), hanging in 2 (8%), and ingestion of toxins in 2 (8%). 14 patients (56%) required hospitalization in a medical unit following the suicide attempt. 9 out of 25 patients (36%) developed PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria.

A significant proportion of suicide attempt survivors may develop PTSD related to the suicide attempt. PTSD related to a suicide attempt could serve as a viable target for assessment and intervention to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of future suicide among individuals who have attempted suicide. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the risk of PTSD in this population.

None Declared

Resilience was first introduced into psychology and psychiatry from technical sciences and afterwards thorough medicine and healthcare. It represents a complex set of various protective and salutogenic factors and process important for understanding health and illness, and treatment and healing processes. It is defined as a protective factor that makes an individual more resilient to adverse events that lead to positive developmental outcomes. Resilience is a positive adaptation after stressful situations and it represents mechanisms of coping and rising above difficult experiences, i.e., the capacity of a person to successfully adapt to change, resist the negative impact of stressors and avoid occurrence of significant dysfunctions. It represents the ability to return to the previous, so-called “normal” or healthy condition after trauma, accident, tragedy, or illness. In other words, resilience refers to the ability to cope with difficult, stressful and traumatic situations while maintaining or restoring normal functioning. The higher the resilience, the lower the vulnerability and risk of illness (Babic R, et al. Psychiatria Danubina 2020; Vol. 32, Suppl. 2, 226-232). In the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is a positive association with negative emotions, on the other hand, PTSD symptoms are negatively correlated with positive emotions (Deborah JC. TD collection for University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2001), which often depends on resilience which is inversely proportional to the onset of PTSD and as such plays an important role in treatment of anxiety disorders, depression and stress reaction (Green et al. Assessment 2014; 21:443-5, Connell et al. Fr J Psychiatry (Johannesburg) 2013; 19:16, Zerach et al. sr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2013; 50:91-98).

The aim of this research was to investigate the connection between resilience and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Socio-demographic questionnaire (personal creation).

Resilience questionnaire – Croatian version (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25).

Clinical questionnaire for ptsd, diagnostic version for current and lifetime PTSD - Croatian version (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, CAPS-DX).

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The level of resilience had an impact on the onset, development and outcome of PTSD.

People without PTSD show a statistically higher level of resilience compared to respondents with PTSD.

Respondents without PTSD are statistically significantly more represented in the groups with moderately high resilience, while those with PTSD are the most in the group with the least resilience.

None Declared

Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with multimodal action that exerts its numerous effects by modulating neurotransmission in multiple systems, achieving not only antidepressant effects but also procognitive ones, along with an appropriate tolerability profile. Currently, vortioxetine is only approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. There is currently no unified consensus on the most appropriate pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so this clinical case raises the possibility of using drugs with multimodal action, such as vortioxetine, in patients with comorbid PTSD and MDD.

To describe a clinical case of comorbid PTSD with MDD, highlighting the use of drugs with multimodal action.

A 26-year-old woman began follow-up for an 8-month history of depressive mood, with apathy, anhedonia, and constant rumination about a significant life event, impacting her basic activities of daily living, along with death-related thoughts and fear of acting on them. She also presented with highly limiting tics, difficulty concentrating, mental blocks, slowed thinking, and mixed insomnia. The patient directly relates these symptoms to a traumatic event during her adolescence, which involved sexual abuse and threats during a conflicted romantic relationship. Over the years, she has experienced sequelae related to the traumatic event, such as avoidance behaviors regarding sexual matters, flashbacks with dissociative episodes during periods of heightened anxiety, difficulties in social relationships, and feelings of guilt, fear, and disgust. Treatment with Vortioxetine was prescribed, with progressively increasing doses over the following consultations until reaching 20 mg/day. After several visits to the emergency department during this time, the patient was referred to a psychiatric day hospital.

Thanks to this combined therapeutic plan, the patient has shown significant functional recovery, with marked improvement in the affective domain, regaining interest and enjoyment; and in the cognitive domain, demonstrating an increase in her ability to concentrate and in processing speed. Additionally, she has been able to maintain adequate sexual activity during this time.

Antidepressants with serotonergic action present sexual side effects, so treatment must be individualized in patients for whom this area is particularly relevant, considering drugs with a lower rate of side effects in this regard. The complete functional recovery of MDD includes cognitive symptoms as one of the primary therapeutic objectives, so it is important to consider using drugs that are effective in improving the affected cognitive domains. Post-traumatic stress disorder could benefit from the use of drugs with multimodal action, although more studies are needed in the future.

None Declared

In the past, traumas have always occurred and continue on a social and individual level in humanity’s journey to this day. While there were world wars, atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Nazi concentration camps, the events of September 11, the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Iraq wars, today the Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and many more continue on a national and regional level, and are increasing day by day on an individual level.

The aim of this study is to offer a different perspective on mood changes in individual and social life after trauma.

In this study, qualitative and quantitative research methods were used.

From the perspective of quantum thought, matter is energy and this is expressed with Einstein’s famous formula e=mc2. From the perspective of quantum thought, an external effect on a system in equilibrium causes a temporal displacement, a new form of existence in that system. For example, when an external effect is applied to a system A, the new energetic position of the system A will be A’, and its temporal dimension will be t at the beginning, but will become t’ as a result of the interaction. This t’ can be called temporal displacement. Just as the disruption of the voodoo biological clock on an individual level causes psychological and emotional changes, it is possible that post-traumatic temporal displacement - this can be any kind of trauma - will cause mood changes and disorders in mood states on a social and individual level.

The aim of this discussion is to perceive how the breaks in the temporal and energy processes of societies and individuals can create changes in their emotional states in the context of quantum philosophy. In terms of quantum thought, every intervention made to the system from outside or inside causes a temporal shift and energetic changes in the system. This temporal shift should not be understood as a disruption of the biological clock, but should also be perceived as a new energy and a new form of existence in the time cycle of the system after the trauma.

None Declared

The role of causality in reality has sparked a long and ongoing debate that began with Aristotle, but in its modern form, having reverberated to this day, found its origin in Hume. In psychiatry, causality gains additional layers since the domain of intelligibility does not extend as broadly as it does to the natural sciences, due to the nature of both its object and its method.

To explore proposals for understanding causality in psychiatry and mental illnesses.

A non-systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE and PhilPapers databases with the search terms “causality,” “psychiatry,” “interventionism,” and “causal grammar.” Reference bibliography was also consulted.

Causal interventionism is a way of understanding causality, where performing an intervention in groups allows the distinction between causality and mere correlation, utilizing counterfactuals that are verified in light of that intervention. The idea of causal grammar allows causal explanation to be thought of as a matter of finding a family of interventions in variables that make a difference to the outcome variable, governed by the causal grammar of that domain.

While each of the positions addresses certain issues—interventionism tackling various levels of explanation of causality in psychiatry, whether biological or psychodynamic, and causal grammar seemingly overcoming mechanismism—neither is fully satisfactory: in interventionism, the unfolding of causes, and in causal grammar, the pre-theoretical intuition seems challenged.

None Declared

The modern urban landscape is increasingly characterized by the paradox of social isolation in physical proximity. Research consistently reveals a troubling link between social alienation and mental health issues, including a heightened risk for psychosis among vulnerable groups. As cities expand and diversify, understanding and mitigating the detrimental effects of urban alienation becomes crucial. This presentation explores the complex relationship between urban living, social alienation, and mental health, emphasizing the need for psychiatrists to have a more holistic understanding of socio-urban phenomena.

1. 1. To assess the clinical impact of urban alienation on mental health based on multi-disciplinary literature.

2. 2. To particularly examine urban mental health concepts from outside psychiatry that may be relevant to clinical practice.

3. 3. To identify possible strategies for integrating these interdisciplinary insights into daily practice and public mental health policy.

We performed a multi-disciplinary literature review, analyzing studies from psychiatry, sociology urban studies, critical theory, and public health to evaluate the impact of social alienation on mental health. Special attention was paid to identifying both gaps and overlaps between disciplines.

We grouped findings into three major disciplinary areas: psychiatry, sociology, and urbanist theory. While each of these fields has unique histories and contributions, the literature lacks consistent integration among them. For clinicians in particular, there is significant conceptual language that has not yet entered the psychiatric lexicon. Across fields, it is noted that city-dwellers face alienation due to resource limitations, systemic issues, ideological pressures, and cultural barriers. Proposed solutions vary significantly based on discipline, including community-building activities, mental health support services, and inclusive urban planning.

There is a breadth of research on cities, alienation, and mental health, and yet little integration of the disciplines. Addressing social alienation in urban environments requires psychiatric thought to move beyond isolated clinical interventions and toward collaborations with community organizations, policymakers, and urban planners. By aligning mental health expertise with the broader social and physical context, psychiatry can contribute to more meaningful, holistic interventions. Consequently, there is a pressing need for academic research bridging these fields, enabling more effective solutions that enhance community well-being in urban settings.

None Declared

The field of psychiatry encompasses a range of approaches that guide both clinical practice and training.

This study aims to explore residents’ views on these diverse approaches, identifying trends and preferences that could inform the development of psychiatric education and clinical practice in the region.

The objective of this study is to assess the perspectives of psychiatry and child psychiatry residents in Tunisia on different approaches to mental health care and to identify their preferences and attitudes towards evidence-based psychiatry.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 31 psychiatry and child psychiatry residents in Tunisia through an online survey.

The survey utilized a combination of yes/no questions and gradual questions to gather data on residents’ perspectives regarding various psychiatric approaches.

Data collection was carried out throughout the month of july 2024.

This study included 31 participants with an average age of 28.1 years.

Less than half of the participants (45.2%) reported that they believe the brain is the sole source of mental disorders, with a notable proportion identifying as non-theist.

A majority of residents (80.5%) agreed that medicine should be grounded in the scientific method. However, only 14 participants agreed that “Evidence-based approaches should be the only approaches in psychiatry,” and 15 participants agreed that “The biological approach should be the primary focus in psychiatry.”

Most residents considered most approaches to be evidence-based. In contrast, the psychodynamic approach was less frequently viewed as evidence-based.

Nearly all residents (n=27) believed that an integrative approach is beneficial in psychiatric practice.

More than half of the participants (54.8%) rated their training in Evidence-Based Psychiatry as limited. Despite this, 24 participants reported that they often try to adhere to evidence-based guidelines when treating patients.

The main barriers to implementing Evidence-Based Psychiatry were identified as a lack of resources in psychiatric departments or hospitals (41.9%) and insufficient training (38.7%).

The results indicate that while there is strong support for evidence-based medicine and the integration of multiple theoretical models, there are differing views on the predominance of specific approaches in clinical practice.

The majority of residents acknowledge the importance of grounding psychiatric practice in empirical evidence, yet there is less consensus on making evidence-based approaches the exclusive or primary focus.

Despite recognizing the benefits of integrating diverse approaches, many residents perceive limitations in their training and resources, which affect their ability to adhere fully to evidence-based practices.

The findings underscore the need for enhanced training in Evidence-Based Psychiatry and improved resources within psychiatric departments and hospitals.

None Declared

Two seemingly different paradigms for psychotherapy appear to have converged in narrative psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

We wanted to explore the philosophical perspectives of some of their practitioners to understand this seemingly emergent paradigm.

We interviewed narrative psychotherapists and practitioners identifying as narrative psychoanalysts about their philosophical foundations in order to explore this apparent convergence. We used constructivist grounded theory to produce common themes. We also put the interviews through an AI program -- Perplexity to explore how well it correlated with our non-AI analysis.

Both groups of practitioners believed that that we construct stories to give us identity and meaning in our lives. The practitioners who came from a psychoanalytic perspective described their coming to understand that psychoanalysis is embedded in stories that ciients and therapists tell. Patients and analysts bring, create, and modify stories in analytic work. Both types of practitioners described the importance of cultivating an active listening attitude on the part of the clinician. Jacques Lacan was often quoted as saying that the greatest gift we can give our clients is to listen without judgment or interpretation. Narrative therapists were more inclined to mention Hermans’ dialogical self-theory while psychoanalytically trained therapists spoke of object relations theory with both supporting a philosophy of making meaning together. Both groups of practioners mentioned the importance of meaning being constructed within a particular context. Both groups mentioned the importance of reflective practices, Buddhism, and Indigenous philosophies to support the introspective elements of this technique along with therapy being grounded in our relationships with others. Both groups emphasized the importance of showing how creating new life narratives over time transforms our sense of self, relationship, and meaning.

Qualitative analysis of these two groups of practitioners’ philosophies of psychotherapy supports the idea of a convergence between narrative psychotherapy and psychoanalysis which may promise to enrich both groups.

None Declared

Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy, particularly his exploration of anxiety, serves as a cornerstone in existential thought. His concepts of “authenticity,” “choice,” and the confrontation with the self underlie much of the contemporary understanding of anxiety as both a psychological and philosophical experience. Kierkegaard’s works, especially Either/Or, offer a profound analysis of human freedom, responsibility, and the resulting anxiety. The objective of this analysis is to bridge the philosophical with the practical and artistic, providing a multidimensional understanding of anxiety.

This study seeks to explore Kierkegaard’s conceptualization of anxiety, its application in psychotherapy, and its resonance in contemporary culture. Specifically, it investigates how these ideas can aid individuals in confronting existential anxiety in therapeutic settings.

A philosophical and qualitative approach is used, analyzing Kierkegaard’s Either/Or. The study incorporates interpretations from existential thinkers, psychotherapists and artists. Theoretical analysis is coupled with psychological insights, exploring anxiety as a pathway to self-awareness.

Kierkegaard presents anxiety as inherent to human freedom and choice. His stages of life—the aesthetic, ethical, and religious—represent different ways of engaging with anxiety. In the aesthetic stage, individuals pursue pleasure but encounter despair when they confront their limitations. The ethical stage offers structure but introduces existential guilt. The religious stage, requiring a leap of faith, is seen as the highest form of existence, where anxiety leads to transcendence. Kierkegaard’s ideas are reflected in existential psychotherapy, where anxiety is viewed not only as a symptom but as a catalyst for personal growth. Elliott Smith’s Either/Or album mirrors these themes, portraying modern struggles with freedom, despair, and self-doubt. Songs like “Between the Bars” and “Ballad of Big Nothing” articulate the tension between aesthetic escape and ethical responsibility, offering a visceral interpretation of Kierkegaard’s philosophical concerns.

Kierkegaard’s exploration of anxiety offers profound insights into human existence, emphasizing the need to confront, rather than avoid, existential dilemmas. His framework of life stages provides a guide for understanding the progression toward authenticity, where anxiety is a key driver. The study shows that Kierkegaard’s ideas remain relevant in psychotherapy, helping individuals navigate anxiety to achieve self-realization. Ultimately, this research affirms that embracing anxiety is crucial for personal freedom, growth, and authenticity, aligning with Kierkegaard’s vision of a life well-lived.

None Declared

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder often understood through a Western lens. This study explores AN in the Cambodian context, where the condition is not traditionally recognized, to uncover cultural and transcultural aspects of the illness.

This research aims to conduct an in-depth phenomenological exploration of AN cases in Cambodia, documenting the lived experiences of individuals and identifying cultural or transcultural elements within the universal description of AN.

Employing a qualitative research approach grounded in phenomenology, this study will involve in-depth interviews with Cambodian individuals experiencing AN. The data will be analyzed using both descriptive and interpretive phenomenological methods, ensuring the bracketing of researcher bias and fostering co-creation of interpretations.

Expected outcomes include a comprehensive phenomenological account of AN in Cambodia, shedding light on the lived experiences of individuals and potentially revealing unique cultural dimensions of the disorder. The study will contribute to the understanding of AN from a transcultural perspective, highlighting both universal and culturally specific aspects.

This research is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the phenomenology of AN in a non-Western context. The findings may have implications for clinical practice, research, and cross-cultural understanding of AN, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered approaches and the exploration of lived experiences in psychopathology.

S. Bora Grant / Research support from: International Exchange Award from the Renewing Phenomenological Psychopathology funded by the Wellcome Trust, R. Ngin: None Declared, S. Vilhem: None Declared

The war has affected every Ukrainian to some extent. With the mobilization comes the increased risk of people with dark triad traits (DT) (psychopathy, machiavellianism and narcissism) to be exposed to stress on the battlefield. Being vulnerable, these individuals are in need of protection for their mental health. One of such protections is the emotional intelligence (EI). This makes the relation between DT and EI highly valued as the basis for future development of effective measures against stress disorders for combatants.

The aim of this research is to study the existing knowledge exploring the relation between the emotional intelligence and dark triad traits and to determine the limitations of these studies.

In order to analyse this relation the literature review of scientific studies on the topic of the relation between the EI and DT was conducted.

The literature sources published in 1994-2023 years were reviewed for this study. 1,87% of studies showed that DT related negatively to general EI. 5,66% showed that some facets of DT related positively to some facets of EI, while 2,83% showed negative relation. 2,83% demonstrated that psychopathy (P) related positively to general EI, 13,21% reported negative relation, 0,94% showed no relation, 2,83% demonstrated mixed relation. 5,66% reported that some facets of P related positively to some facets of EI, while 38,68% discovered negative relation. 14,15% demonstrated that narcissism (N) related both positively and negatively to general EI, 4,72% observed no relation. 16,98% found that some facets of N related positively to some facets of EI, 21,7% showed negative relation. 5,66% demonstrated that M related positively to general EI, 7,55% reported negative relation. 10,38% found that some facets of M related negatively to some facets of EI.

Among reviewed papers most of them reported that some facets of DT related positively to some facets of EI, with P mostly relating negatively to general EI and some of its facets, N mostly relating positively to some facets of EI and M mostly relating negatively to general EI and some of its facets. Found and known limitations of mentioned studies included: sample population being too heterogenous, sample population including criminal offenders only, size of sample population being too small, use of self-report measures, lack of unified approach to measure EI, possibility of comorbidity influencing EI, possibility of individual’s secondary gain influencing EI measure, non-exclusion of individuals with mental disorders from general population. This highlights the need to take mentioned limitations into account in order to acquire accurate data in further research on the topic.

None Declared

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by important attachment issues and emotion dysregulation, particularly in response to psychosocial stressors. Emotions (mainly anger and sadness) may therefore be felt and expressed more intensively. Even though stress response is mainly regulated by cortisol, oxytocin is also involved in this response, and both hormones interact in a temporal dynamic. A previous pilot study carried-out by our group has shown that oxytocin displays less variation in naturalistic setting and lower reactivity during a stress task in patients with BPD when compared to healthy subjects.

We are now carrying out a larger-scale study to better understand the interplay between cortisol and oxytocin in every-day life and during stressful situations, but also which other factors may influence these hormonal changes like medication, hormonal contraceptives, childhood adverse events and other psychiatric comorbidities.

We aim to recruit 120 participants (60 per group). Each participant undergoes three visits. First visit: explanation of the global procedure and risks, signature of informed consent, as well as psychological screening and distribution of questionnaires and salivettes (to be returned during the second visit). Second visit: return of questionnaires and return of part of the salivettes collected during the morning + additional saliva sample and assessment of emotional state. Third visit: experimental procedures and return of remaining samples of salivettes collected in the previous days for circadian assessment (the afternoon of the second visit). Thus, the day of the third visit participants perform an experimental task, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), involving stress reactivity.

Currently, 28 BPD patients and 39 healthy controls completed protocol. We analyzed hormonal preliminary data of the first 20 participants of each group. Our initial analyses showed a hyporeactivity of cortisol during stress in BPD patients compared with healthy subjects (F= 5.27, p = .005).

Recruitment is still ongoing and further analyses will be conducted. Our study may offer a better understanding of the neurobiological underlying stress dysregulation in BPD, which may help to contribute to the development of new psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches.

None Declared

Severe personality disorders are characterized by deeply ingrained patterns of thought, behavior, and emotional functioning, along with impaired mental functioning in the areas of self-stability and identity formation. The challenges in interpersonal relationships and overall functioning result in a significant reduction in the capacity to adapt to social roles.

In this context, the present study aims to explore the severity of symptoms (SPrDP) in correlation with alexithymia (TAS-20) and dissociation (DES II) in individuals under the care of the Department of Mental Health of Forlì-Cesena.

The sample was selected using the SCID PD (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5), followed by the administration of the following scales: SPrDP (Parma’s Scale), TAS-20 (Toronto Alexithymia Scale), and DES II (Dissociative Experiences Scale). Multivariate analyses were applied, including non-parametric correlations (Spearman’s Rho) between variables using SPSS software.

The sample consists of 55 individuals (F=38; M=17), of whom 42 have borderline personality disorder (BPD), 3 have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), 6 have histrionic personality disorder (HPD), 3 have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and 1 has dependent personality disorder (DPD). The analysis did not reveal a significant correlation between SPrDP and the TAS-20 and DES II scales, although a trend was observed that could correspond to more compromised personality functioning in the presence of high scores on these scales. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was found between TAS-20 and DES II. Higher marginal means for TAS-20 were observed in individuals with OCPD. For DES II, the highest estimated marginal means were found in individuals with OCPD and BPD.

The symptom severity measured by SPrDP was not statistically significant in relation to TAS-20 and DES II. However, the presence of a trend between the scales suggests the possibility of further investigation with a larger sample. Additionally, the statistically significant correlation between alexithymia and dissociation may indicate that difficulties in identifying and managing intense emotions lead to the use of dissociative defense mechanisms. The higher average alexithymia scores in individuals with OCPD suggest a possible emotional rigidity with a tendency to control or suppress emotions. The frequency of dissociative symptoms observed in individuals with BPD and OCPD may indicate the centrality of alexithymia and dissociation in the impairment of emotional and relational functioning in severe personality disorders. Further studies are necessary.

None Declared

Personality traits are enduring and stable characteristics that reflect an individual’s behaviour, thoughts and feelings. Research indicates that specific traits can affect not only the well-being of healthcare professionals but also their interactions with colleagues and patients.

This study aims to assess the personality traits of healthcare professionals using the Big Five Inventory (BFI).

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare personnel who consulted the department of occupational medicine of Hedi Chaker Hospital of Sfax to September 2024. The survey was conducted through a self-questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, lifestyles. We also used BFI which measures the Big Five personality traits through five key dimensions: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness.

The study involved 41 consultants (12 men and 29 women) with an average age of 31.2 ± 7.4 years. An urban origin was identified in 87.8% of the cases. Medical staff scored 3.36 ± 0.52 for extraversion, 3.21 ± 0.56 for agreeableness, 3.22 ± 0.61 for conscientiousness, 3.01 ± 0.78 for neuroticism and 3.2 ± 0.65 for openness. A significant association was found between neuroticism and urban versus rural origin (p=0.001). Moreover, associations were found between BFI dimensions: agreeableness with extraversion (p=0.007, r=0.41) and openness (p=0.002, r=0.46).

This study highlights the importance of assessing personality traits among healthcare professionals. Understanding these personality dimensions can provide valuable insights for improving workplace dynamics, enhancing team collaboration, and ultimately fostering better patient care outcomes.

None Declared

Alexithymia is a relatively stable personality construct that reflects the difficulty in distinguishing and describing one’s own emotions along with a concrete and externally directed style of thinking. Alexithymia increases the risk of development and worsens the course of several psychiatric illnesses, such as depression or addiction. It is also associated with the development of eating disorders and psychosomatic illnesses. Additionally, it has a negative impact on the ability to regulate emotions and is also associated with a reduced empathic capacity, interpersonal problems and even violent behaviors. Interestingly, in intimate partner violence, it has been observed that alexithymia is associated with both exercising and receiving abuse. However, social behavior, in dynamics of cooperation within pairs and groups of several individuals, has not been studied much in relation to alexithymia.

We evaluated the impact of alexithymia in social behavior in three aspects: generosity, trust and submission.

After completing an online survey that evaluated their levels of alexithymia using the TAS-20, as well as depression and loneliness, 67 participants (27 men), aged 19 to 46, attended our laboratory. There, after answering the PANAS survey, they played three economic games using tiles: the Dictator game, the Trust game, and the Public Goods game. Each participant played in a group of four, with three of the group members being confederates whose contributions were pre-established and consistent across all sessions and participants. In the Public Goods game, confederates initially contributed a significant percentage (80-95%) of their endowment in the first round, but in subsequent rounds, they drastically reduced their contributions to nearly nonexistent levels. After playing all three games, the PANAS was reassessed. Finally, on the same day as the face-to-face session, participants completed a second online survey that assessed cognitive and emotional empathy, early life adversity, resilience and perceived stress.

In the Public Goods game, the number of rounds in which participants contributed more than their initial contribution in the first round was used as a measure of submissive behavior. This variable correlated with the participants’ level of alexithymia (β=0.544). Additionally, this same index was also negatively associated with empathy and positively related to reported loneliness. A similar pattern was observed between alexithymia and empathy (β=-0.323) and loneliness (β=0.473). In contrast, total contributions made in the Public Goods game, the Dictator game (generosity), and the Trust game did not correlate with alexithymia.

Our results suggest that alexithymia is connected to greater submissive behavior in group interactions. It is possible that its link to reduced empathy and increased loneliness contributes to this behavior.

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Affective instability (AI) is a psychophysiological symptom reported in many neurological and psychiatric conditions. It has assumed more relevance in the psychiatric literature as a criterion for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Although extensively clinically used, its definition remains vaguely defined, and it ends up being used interchangeably with affective lability or emotional dysregulation, and it is often mistaken for mood lability, as described in bipolar disorders. To accurately diagnose this symptom and document variations in emotional experiences, it is essential to identify the factors associated with AI.

We aim to review the current definitions and conceptualizations of AI to provide more accurate use of the term.

Narrative literature review.

Current definitions of AI highlight the oscillation of emotions, often described as a series of intense emotional highs and lows that can shift within hours or even minutes, making it challenging for individuals to maintain a stable emotional baseline, significantly affecting an individual’s relationships, self-identity, and coping mechanisms. It is a complex construct, encompassing affective valence, affect amplitude, affective shifting with random patterning, reactivity thresholds to environmental triggers, and affective dyscontrolled modulation. Neurobiological research suggests that dysregulation in emotional processing areas of the brain, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, may contribute to these rapid emotional shifts.

AI is a multifaceted construct with significant implications for mental health. The current definitions and conceptualizations underscore the complexity of emotional regulation and the need for a holistic approach to understanding and treating individuals experiencing these emotional fluctuations. Continued research into the neurobiological, psychological, and environmental underpinnings of affective instability will enhance the understanding of this phenomenon and improve treatment strategies for affected individuals.

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating personality disorders in mental health. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity.

Available epidemiological data suggest that BPD affects approximately 1-2% of the general population. However, variability in diagnostic criteria and assessment methodologies has made it difficult to obtain comparable results across different studies and geographic contexts.

This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology of BPD, exploring its prevalence and its sociodemographic correlates.

This systematic review focused on studies examining the prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in the general population, as well as the associated sociodemographic factors.

Articles that assessed the prevalence of BPD in adult community populations were included. BPD had to be diagnosed according to the DSM-IV, DSM-5, or ICD-10 criteria, and studies needed to use structured interviews or validated questionnaires. The minimum sample size for included studies was 300 participants to ensure the robustness of the data.

Studies focusing on specific populations (such as hospitalized patient groups) and those that did not differentiate between BPD and other personality disorders were excluded.

An extensive search was conducted in the PubMed and MEDLINE databases.

The initial search yielded a total of 325 results: 139 articles from PubMed and 186 from MEDLINE. Finally, 11 articles were included in the final review. The search and selection process is detailed in the provided image.

The prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in the general population varied considerably among the included studies. Notably, no studies from Africa or Asia met the inclusion criteria for this review, limiting the generalizability of the results on a global scale. Most of the included studies were conducted in European countries and the United States. Overall, the results suggest variability in BPD prevalence rates depending on geographic region and diagnostic methods employed.

Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, ethnicity, education level, marital status, income level, location of residence, and employment status showed varying degrees of association with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

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The final conclusions will be included in the full version of the systematic review, once all sociodemographic variables have been thoroughly evaluated. This detailed analysis will also assess the extent of these variables’ involvement, along with how the different diagnostic criteria used may influence the prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) observed in the samples from the various countries included in the study.

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