Coercive methods in psychiatry have been a matter of intense public debate for many years. Involuntary hospitalization (IH) for purpose of treatment is a major intervention with the purpose of providing care for individuals, who, during psychotic episodes, are not immanently dangerous to self or others but unable to take care of themselves and at risk of significant deterioration. The intervention is, however, not yet fully examined from patients’ perspectives.

To examine views and experiences of patients with schizophrenia, involuntary hospitalized in a psychotic state for purpose of treatment.

Nine patients were interviewed at discharge with a semi-structured instrument on the following: If IH can be justified in general and in the context of their own admission, how IH can be prevented, and finally, how they would react if confronted with a person in a similar condition as their own as described in their chart at the time of IH. The patients were reinterviewed after the interviewer had read their chart to obtain their reactions on others’ descriptions of their condition.

None of the patients considered their involuntary hospitalization necessary in its entirety or as an act of caregiving, and they believed that community support could have prevented it. Some described improvement in their condition attributed not to the hospitalization itself but to positive interactions with staff and other patients. They did not view their condition as psychotic but rather as angry, stressed, or even entirely well. They stressed that psychiatric patients should be able to refuse treatment in the same way as patients with somatic illnesses can.

We discussed the patients’ experiences and negative view of IH, how their opinions can be related to the concept of psychosis and insight, possibilities of increased community support, and ethical issues concerning caregiving when the person being cared for does not feel a need. A better understanding of the role of psychopathology and patients’ subjective experiences may provide a foundation for a patient-doctor dialogue on joint interventions in the future. More options for community support and acute outpatient interventions could be a possible way to reduce IH of patients, who are not dangerous to self or others.

None Declared

Erotic and sexual feelings within therapy are complex phenomena which provide important information on aspects of both the client’s and the therapist’s relational self and hence bear great significance for the outcome of the therapy. The present correlational study examined Greek therapists’ responses to sexual and erotic feelings during psychotherapy.

The following hypotheses arising from the relevant literature were formulated so as to explore the above aims of the study empirically.

Hypothesis 1: Women therapists experience more negative feelings than males.

Hypothesis 2: There will be a statistically significant difference between males and females in experiencing gratification feelings.

Hypothesis 3: Therapists with psychodynamic training will experience lower levels of dysphoric feelings compared to therapists of other orientations.

Hypothesis 4: The proportion of psychodynamic therapists that disclose sexual and erotic feelings towards a client in supervision will be significantly higher than that of therapists of other orientations.

Since the present is the first conducted in the cultural environment of Greece and the first one correlating quantitative data from a psychometric test with handling of erotic and sexual feelings questions, the study will investigate in addition further questions correlating years of experience, sexual orientation, therapist age, with measures of emotional reactions.

Over two months, 139 adult psychotherapists completed an anonymous online survey. The demographics and attitudes of psychotherapy participants toward sexual and erotic feelings were collected. The Therapists’ Attitude toward Sexual and Erotic Feelings Scale measured emotions.

Results showed that male therapists felt more enjoyment than females, who were more afraid of the erotic or sexual. When controlling for therapist age, gendered difference in terror disappears. CBT and integrative therapists, who scored high on Aversion, also experienced higher threat levels. The present investigation showed no correlation between psychotherapeutic orientation and therapist erotic or sexual disclosure to supervised clients. Additional secondary analysis was done.

The findings of the study imply that therapists’ emotional reactions to sexual and erotic sensations in psychotherapy are multifaceted and relate to their professional and personal identities. Psychotherapeutic training, licensure, supervision, and therapist implications are examined.

None Declared

Artificial intelligence (AI) has enriched the everyday lives of many people and is used in a variety of ways, i.e. as a resource of medical information. One of the most popular AI functions is the generation of images of real-world settings. Recent research (Mei et al. ACM FAcct 2023; 1699-1710) has shown, that AI could reinforce prejudice and can be biased in its answers leading to stigmatization in the online world as well. This has dramatic consequences as stigma is known to affect mental health negatively (Pérez-Garín et al. Psychiatry Res. 2015; 228 325-331). Little is known, however, if and to what extend AI generated images reveal bias towards people with mental illness or corresponding institutions such as psychiatric clinics.

The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate whether AI-generated images of psychiatric institutions, scenes, and severe mental illnesses are perceived as stigmatizing compared to other hospital scenes and severe illnesses from patients, mental health experts, and the general population in Germany.

Two researchers prompted three different AIs to generate various realistic medical scenes (prompts: person suffering from a severe mental illness, person suffering from a severe illness, mental health institution, hospital, psychiatric ward, hospital ward, incident in a mental health institution, incident in a hospital, electroconvulsive therapy session, cardiopulmonary resuscitation session). For each chatbot, one image per prompt was selected randomly for the following online survey. In a mixed subject design, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups displaying the generated images of one AI. Then, they were asked to rate the images on SAM rating scales, adjective scales, to provide a title for the image, and to decide whether the image stigmatizes specific groups. The survey starts on November 2024 and a total sample size of 100 subjects is aimed for.

Preliminary results will be presented at the congress.

This study examines the effects of AI-generated images on patients, experts and the general population. It attempts to find out whether and to what extent AI-generated images stigmatize people with severe mental illnesses and to what extent psychiatric institutions are portrayed realistically compared to general medical institutions and severe illnesses.

J. Grimmer: None Declared, N. Khorikian-Ghazari: None Declared, L. Schoch: None Declared, N. Hartmann: None Declared, A. Hasan Consultant of: Rovi, Recordati, Otsuka, Lundbeck, AbbVie, Teva and Janssen-Cilag, Speakers bureau of: Janssen-Cilag, Otsuka, Recordati, Rovi, Boerhinger-Ingelheim and Lundbeck, I. Papazova: None Declared

Ongoing global conflicts have led to increasing forced migration and displacement. This rising numbers’ trend has fueled discriminatory policies in the EU and UK, resulting in detrimental mental health consequences for refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) caused by post-migration stressors. These policies sharply contrast ratified treaties and conventions based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The review examines the infringement of RAS’ right to health, focusing on the mental health consequences of post-migration stressors faced upon arrival in the EU and the UK. It analyses how these post-migration stressors reflect a violation of human rights (HR), tracing the evolution of human rights theory from natural law to contemporary universal principles. It investigates how post-migration stressors exacerbate psychiatric symptoms in an already vulnerable population present in the EU and UK. It seeks to understand whether the EU faces a moral cosmopolitan duty of humanitarianism towards RAS, exploring the ethical and legal obligations of the EU and UK under key international HR frameworks.

A systematic search was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and GoogleScholar. The search comprised keywords such as human rights, cosmopolitanism, health justice, post-migration stressors, refugees and asylum seekers, common european asylum system and mental health. Boolean Operators AND and OR were applied. Exclusion criteria included non-English/German/Italian publications, papers focused on non-european asylum policies or refugee populations outside the EU and UK, and study protocols. Studies were synthesised to provide a comprehensive overview of post-migration stressors in the EU and UK and a philosophical deduction of human rights.

Both the EU and UK violate international HR law by failing to ensure the right to health for RAS. Empirical studies from Greece, Italy, and Germany document that post-migration stressors—such as inadequate housing, poor living conditions, and delays in asylum procedures—exacerbate mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic-stress disorder, and anxiety. The recent reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) demonstrates the gap between legal commitments in international law and current migration policies. This further restricts access to asylum and (mental) healthcare, subjecting RAS to violence and inadequate care.

The EU’s and UK’s political and legal responses violate basic human rights of RAS, particularly their right to health, despite legal commitments to international HR treaties. This further exacerbates mental health conditions in RAS. A human rights-based approach, integrating mental health into migration policies, is crucial to protecting RAS’ dignity and mental health. Until then, the EU and UK will continue to fall short of their moral and legal obligations.

None Declared

The assessment of competence for medical decision-making is a critical aspect in the care of patients with mental health disorders. Since patient autonomy is a fundamental pillar of medical ethics, evaluating their capacity to make informed decisions ensures respect for their rights while safeguarding their well-being. An accurate assessment of competence not only facilitates safer and more appropriate decisions for the patient, but also allows physicians to act ethically and legally. Understanding the tools and criteria for such assessments is essential to balance patient autonomy with the protection of their health.

Identify factors that may influence a patient’s competence for specific decisions.

Familiarize with validated scales for assessing patient competence.

Identify strategies to improve competence in cases where necessary.

We present the case of a 65-year-old female patient without significant medical or psychiatric history, who was evaluated in the emergency department for cardiac tamponade, requiring urgent intervention via pericardiocentesis. At the time of the procedure, the patient refused the intervention due to severe pain, requesting voluntary discharge without undergoing further tests. Psychiatry was consulted to assess the patient’s decision-making capacity. An interview was conducted using the MacCAT-T (MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment) scale.

A joint interview was conducted between the emergency medicine, intensive care, and psychiatry departments. The results indicated partial competence of the patient for this medical decision (understanding of the procedure and its impact on daily life, but high risk associated with the decision). The patient’s family was involved in the decision-making process, and it was decided to extend the emergency department stay for two additional days to promote better patient competence. No psychopathology was found that impaired the patient’s competence. Ultimately, it was determined that the patient had the necessary competence for this specific decision, and she was discharged home.

Interviews assisted by validated competence assessment scales, such as the MacCAT-T, can be a useful tool in challenging decision-making contexts in emergency situations, providing a more objective and ethical evaluation of patient competence.

None Declared

In countries where euthanasia is allowed it seems natural that it can also be applied to persons with psychiatric pathologies, euphemistically called ‘psychic suffering’. Is it that self-evident? In society it still raises ambivalence. In court proceedings it’s almost about psychopathological cases which can’t be solved rightly in a judicial context. These examples are like seismographs detecting special vibrations. Metaphorically speaking several causes are at stake to explain those oscillations. One of them is discussed below. Psychopathology.

Psychopathology as such is dynamic – not static. It is a self-organization of complex dynamic systems. The clinical reality and the theoretical grounds corroborate this assumption. This has consequences for the application of euthanasia in case of psychic suffering. Can it still be argued that a psychiatric disease is untreatable? That in the future no change is possible anymore? The objective is to explain that these questions are rhetorical.

The exploration of two theories leads to the understanding of the proposition, namely that psychopathology is a complex dynamic self-organization.

First, anthropopsychiatry – an integrative theory and praxis of modern psychiatry, philosophy and psychoanalysis with the human(e) as the heart of the matter - states that the human being is intrinsically dynamic and unpredictable. So is the broken man lost in psychopathology. Second, complex living systems are dynamic, with coincidence and uncertainty – in present and future – as core of the systems themselves.

These findings are essential for the theory and practice of euthanasia for psychic suffering. The law only allows it when the psychiatric disease of a person is said to be incurable and not likely to change in the future. From the previous it is clear that this isn’t the case. It’s the flaw of the law in case of euthanasia for psychic suffering.

The importance is to realize these findings and acting accordingly. After all it is a matter of life or death, isn’t it?

None Declared

Ethical practices are fundamental to the training and professional development of psychiatry and child psychiatry residents. However, challenges such as stigmatization, discrimination, and ethical dilemmas in clinical and research settings can impact the quality of their training experience.

1. 1. To assess the degree of exposure of residents to stigmatization during their residency training.

2. 2. To explore the level of awareness among residents regarding the practice of ethics in their clinical and research activities.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted by the National College of Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry from January 13 to January 16, 2024. An anonymous Google Forms questionnaire about ethic aspects during during residency training was sent to psychiatry and child psychiatry residents via the college email and private groups.

We received 71 responses. The participants had an average age of 29.9 years, with a sex ratio of 0.1. Among them, 50.7% were child psychiatry residents, and 49.3% were psychiatry residents. Residents reported experiencing discrimination in 49% of cases, with the following breakdown: from senior staff (61.1%), paramedical staff (47.2%), and doctors from other specialties (33.3%). The primary cause of discrimination was the residency level (56.3%). Residents reported experiencing discrimination in role distribution within the department (35.2%) and in scientific work (31%).

Regarding their thesis work, 8.5% of residents felt obliged in choosing their thesis supervisor, and 16.9% felt pressured in selecting their thesis topic. Residents submitted their thesis work to the local committee in 58.5% of cases, informed participants about the study in a satisfactory manner in 75.4% of cases, and obtained oral informed consent from participants (or their parents) in 46.2% of cases. The residents felt that training in psychiatric ethics was necessary in 94.5% of cases and that specific training in research ethics in psychiatry was necessary in 91.8% of cases.

Taking into account the various findings of our survey and raising awareness among different stakeholders, including doctors and paramedical team members, are essential measures to ensure that psychiatry and child psychiatry residents can complete their specialty training while adhering to fundamental ethical principles.

None Declared

Suicides remain one of the most important problems of public health and society, being the most common reason for seeking emergency psychiatric care. The suicide rate is one of the most important indicators of the mental health of the population. Epidemiological models allow you to demonstrate the scale of problems and assess the resources to solve them.

The construction of epidemiological models for the suicide rate of the Russian population in order to analyze the relationship of this indicator with demographic and socio-economic factors in the period 1992-2022.

The work uses data from Russian socio-economic statistics, materials from medical and research institutions and results published in scientific periodicals (see, [1] and references). In the formation of epidemiological models, the methods of systematic data analysis presented in the work [1] and statistical analysis in the framework of MS Excel were used.

During the period under review, for the Russian population, there is an almost linear dependence (negative) of the suicide rate on the main integral factor - life expectancy (years) (for the Russian population). The correlation coefficient of this factor with the suicide rate is 0.959. The next most important influence on the suicide rate is the unemployment rate (correlation coefficient 0.764). Using regression analysis, one-factor and two-factor epidemiological models for the suicide rate from these factors were obtained. The obtained regression models are characterized by very high reliability with a coefficient of determination R2 equal to 0.919 for the one-factor model and, accordingly, 0.943 for the two-factor model.

These results, obtained on the basis of data for the period of large-scale socio-economic and political reforms, allow us to offer a rational explanation for the observed rapid (in the period under review) deterioration of the mental health of the population. Conservative genetic mechanisms cannot fully explain such rapid variations in the mental health of the population. Consequently, the main weight in the study of mental disorders of the Russian population is given to demographic, socio-economic and cultural living conditions of the population, psychosocial stress, environmental factors and, possibly, epigenetic changes caused by them.

The obtained models make it possible to quickly monitor and predict the impact of demographic, socio-economic factors and changes in the staffing of psychiatric care on the suicide rate of the Russian population. 1. Mitikhin V., Yastrebov V. et al. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology. 2019; 49(2): 233-239. doi: 10.1007/s11055-019-00720-4

None Declared

Attachment styles, which describe the patterns of interpersonal relationships formed during early childhood, play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ emotional and social functioning throughout life. Among students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, understanding these attachment styles is particularly relevant, as they can influence academic performance, peer relationships, and overall well-being. Students who experienced adverse childhood events may display heightened anxiety, avoidance, or ambivalence in their relationships, potentially affecting their ability to connect with peers and mentors in the demanding environment of medical education.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different attachment styles among medical externs using the RSQ scale and to examine the relationship between these attachment styles and childhood trauma.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study. It was conducted over a period of five months among students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax using an online form that included sociodemographic data, medical history, lifestyle habits and the “Relationship Scale Questionnaire” (RSQ).

The average age was 21.63 years. The distribution of students according to their attachment styles showed that avoidant attachment was the most prevalent (29%, n=150), and women exhibited more ambivalent attachment than men (p=0,031). Ambivalent attachment was significantly associated with sexual orientation (p=0,025).

Students with an ambivalent attachment were more likely to be victims of verbal aggression during childhood (p=0.002), whereas students with a disorganized attachment were more likely to be victims of sexual aggression during childhood (p=0.020).This aligns with other studies that have shown that children who have been victims of abuse are more likely to develop insecure attachment, particularly disorganized attachment.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted support systems that promote emotional resilience and healthier relationships within the educational context. The findings suggest that students with insecure attachment styles, often stemming from adverse childhood experiences, may face unique challenges in their academic and social environments. Further research is needed in that area.

None Declared

The theory of attachment is one of the most influential theories in developmental psychology. It was originally developed by John Bowlby.This theory states that early relational experiences, particularly those with primary attachment figures (usually parents), influence the formation of internal working models that guide social interactions and attitudes toward oneself and others throughout life. This framework is particularly relevant in the context of students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, where the pressures of rigorous academic demands intersect with personal histories that may include parental separation and divorce. Research indicates that parental separation and divorce can negatively impact attachment security, leading individuals with such experiences to have a higher likelihood of developing distrust in relationships.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different attachment styles among medical externs using the RSQ scale and to examine the relationship between these attachment styles and parental separation or divorce.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study. It was conducted over a period of five months among students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax using an online form that included sociodemographic data, medical history, lifestyle habits and the “Relationship Scale Questionnaire” (RSQ).

The average age was 21.63 years. The distribution of students according to their attachment styles showed that avoidant attachment was the most prevalent (29%, n=150), and women exhibited more ambivalent attachment than men (p=0,031). Ambivalent attachment was significantly associated with sexual orientation (p=0,025). A significant link was demonstrated between parental marital status and avoidant attachment style (p=0,008).Indeed, an avoidant attachment style was more frequently found among students whose parents were separated or divorced. Ambivalent and disorganized attachment styles were associated with separation from the mother during the first five years of life (p=0,004 and p= 0,011) and separation from the father during the first five years of life (p=0,034 and p = 0,010). A correlation was found between repeating a year and avoidant attachment style (p=0,018). Single students were primarily avoidant (p=0,039), while married students showed more secure (p=0,019) and disorganized attachment (p=0,029).

In conclusion, the attachment styles developed in childhood, particularly in the context of parental separation and divorce, have significant implications for students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax.By addressing the impact of attachment styles, educators and counselors can better equip students to thrive both personally and professionally, ultimately enhancing their contributions to the medical field.

None Declared

The theory of attachment is one of the most influential theories in developmental psychology. It was formulated by British psychologist John Bowlby in the 1950s and 1960s. This theory states that early relational experiences, particularly those with primary attachment figures (usually parents), influence the formation of internal working models that guide social interactions and attitudes toward oneself and others throughout life. The theory of attachment has important implications for adult relationships. An important time to study attachment is during university years, when many young adults are on their own for the first time and must establish new relationships which represents a moment of vulnerability.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different attachment styles among medical externs using the RSQ scale and to examine the relationship between these attachment styles and suicidality.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study. It was conducted over a period of five months among students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax using an online form that included sociodemographic data, medical history, lifestyle habits and the “Relationship Scale Questionnaire” (RSQ)

The average age was 21.63 years. The distribution of students according to their attachment styles showed that avoidant attachment was the most prevalent (29%, n=150), and women exhibited more ambivalent attachment than men (p=0,031). Ambivalent attachment was significantly associated with sexual orientation (p=0,025).

Personal psychiatric history was associated with secure (p=0.008), ambivalent (p=0.005), and disorganized attachment styles (p=0.011). A significant link was found between personal history of suicide attempts and ambivalent attachment style (p=0.005).Our results were compared with existing literature and studies on this topic agree on the importance of assessing students’ attachment styles and their emotional needs.

This study highlights the significant relationship between attachment styles and suicidality among students at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax.

Further research is needed to advance our understanding of the implications of these findings and how to address the emotional and psychological needs of students.

None Declared

Globally, anxiety disorders are ranked as the sixth largest contributor to non-fatal health loss (WHO, 2017). Data on anxiety in primary care patients in low- and middle-income countries are sparse.

Determining prevalence and demographic correlates of symptoms of anxiety in primary care across Serbia.

Cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 primary care facilities from whole Serbia. Sample consisted of 10-12 consecutive patients interviewed by each of the 270 partaking general practitioners, total of 2041. The participants answered sociodemographic questionnaire, and if they were previously diagnosed with F40 or F41. GAD-7 questionnaire was used for the assessment of symptoms of anxiety (cut-off score ≥ 10). Multiple logistic regression was applied.

Positive screening for anxiety was found in 22.7% of participants. It was significantly associated with gender (male OR: 0.769, 95% CI: 0.602-0.982), marital status (divorced OR: 1.901, 95% CI: 1.346-2.686; single OR: 1.573, 95% CI: 1.042-2.375), education (high school OR: 0.578 95%, CI: 0.410-0.814; university OR: 0.489, 95% CI: 0.323-0.740), employment (unemployed OR: 1.903, 95% CI: 1.355-2.672; retired OR: 1.797, 95% CI: 1.209-2.672; homemaker OR: 3.018, 95% CI: 1.842-4.945) and region of residence (Beograd OR: 0.595, 95% CI:0.430-0.824; Central Serbia OR: 0.371, 95% CI:0.231-0.597) Percentage of participants who have screened positively for anxiety without having previously established anxiety (F40, F41) diagnosis was 61.4%.

Anxiety is relatively prevalent among patients in primary care in Serbia and it is associated with gender, marital status, education, employment, and region of residence, with homemakers, divorced and the ones with only primary school being the most likely to have positive screening for anxiety. Even though positive screening for anxiety as measured here does not necessarily imply diagnosis of anxiety disorder, it nevertheless, means that the person experiences distress, and may need clinical attention - substantial percentage of patients with positive screening for anxiety is unrecognized and untreated.

None Declared

The university period is a time during which individuals experience both physical and social changes, encounter conflicts and intense anxieties that can be categorized under various subheadings such as behavioral, emotional, sexual, social, economic, and academic. Moreover, studying in the department of architecture includes additional stressors that differ from other faculties, such as non-objective materials and educational outputs, the requirement for versatile abilities and originality, subjective evaluation processes, constant exposure to criticism, performance anxiety. The level of an individual’s current anxiety and the coping methods they will develop in response to stress are determined by the fundamental analysis methods of their personality traits. In this context, the aim of our study is to determine the significance of the relationship between personality traits, anxiety levels, and stress coping styles of architecture students studying at faculties located in the Marmara region, and to identify whether these factors vary according to demographic characteristics.

The levels of anxiety that arise due to various reasons, the coping styles developed in response to stressor factors, and the personality traits, which are often considered the key determinants of these two factors, are examined within the scope of architecture students, who are exposed to intense stressors as the study population. Analyzing the relationships between these elements is crucial both to address gaps in the existing literature and to contribute to public health.

A study was conducted with 432 architecture students, who volunteered to participate in the study, from the Faculties of Architecture in universities located in the Marmara Region of Turkey. Data were collected using Random Sampling Method (Voluntary Basis), Online Survey Application, Socio-Demographic Information Form, Big Five Personality Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Coping with Stress Lifestyle Scale. The results of the study were evaluated using SPSS, Cronbach’s alpha analysis, Mahalanobis distance values, T-TEST, One-Way Analysis of Variance, LSD TEST, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Standard Multiple Regression Analysis.

As a result of the study, significant relationships were found between anxiety levels and gender, personality traits, types of schools, coping styles with stress, parental education levels; between coping styles with stress and types of schools, parental education levels, personality traits, and father’s education level, family income level; and between anxiety levels and coping styles with stress.

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This research has demonstrated that anxiety, personality traits, and coping styles in architecture students are influenced by various factors. This finding indicates the need for further studies focusing on architecture students.

None Declared

There is very little information about the mental health status of people with disabilities in Iran, while monitoring the status of this index is very necessary to properly address problems, design appropriate interventions, and evaluate the impact of interventions.

in this regard, this study investigated the prevalence of mental disorders among adults with physical and sensory disabilities in Sanandaj City, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on people with physical and sensory (sight, hearing and speech) disabilities over 18 years of age in Sanandaj city in 2023. A two-part questionnaire was used in order to collect data in this study. The first part consisted of age, sex, type of disability, basic health insurance status, supplementary health insurance, education, employment status, and economic status (wealth assets). The second part included Goldberg’s 28-item questionnaire (GHQ-28) that was used as a screen tool for mental disorders. Data were analyzed using STATA software version 16.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA.)

Finally A total of 607 people (response rate: 99%) participated in this study that 317 were men (52.2%) and 290 were women (47.8%). The prevalence of mental disorders suspicion was 56.7% (344 people) and its prevalence based on the severity of the disorder was 29.7% mild, 16.6% moderate and 10.4% severe. Results indicated that over 56% of participants were suspected of having a mental disorder, with the most common being depression and anxiety. Females, younger participants, the unemployed, those without supplementary health insurance, and those from lower economic classes had significantly higher odds of mental disorder suspicion. An uneven distribution was observed, with a disproportionate concentration among the lower economic status group.

The findings highlight a high prevalence of suspected mental disorders among people with disabilities and inequalities in gender, age, employment, insurance coverage, and socioeconomic status. Addressing mental health needs is crucial through targeted screening, prevention programs, and promoting access to appropriate services for this vulnerable population.

Disabled individuals, Disability, Mental health, Psychiatric disorders, Psychology, Health inequality, Iran.

None Declared

Mental and behavioral disorders resulting from alcohol use are a significant public health issue. As the nation’s most populous state, São Paulo encounters distinct challenges in this domain. According to the 2022 Census, the most recent national demographic survey, the state of São Paulo’s population is estimated at 44,411,238, representing approximately 21.9% of Brazil’s total population of 203,080,756. Understanding the epidemiological profile of these disorders is crucial to better assess their impact on the healthcare system and to guide effective resource allocation and management strategies.

The present study aims to analyze statistical data related to hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders caused by alcohol use in the state of São Paulo in 2023.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted, focusing on hospitalizations of individuals diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use in the state of São Paulo during 2023. Data were collected from the Department of Health Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) within the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, examining variables such as age range, gender, ethnicity, and length of hospital stay.

In 2023, São Paulo recorded 5,898 hospitalizations for alcohol-related mental and behavioral disorders, with total expenditures amounting to R$ 9,215,994.94. The average length of stay was 22.9 days, and the overall mortality rate was 0.64%, with 38 deaths. The highest number of hospitalizations occurred in the 35-39 years (12.1%), 40-44 years (14.7%), and 45-49 years (15.5%) age groups, which together accounted for 42.3% of all cases. Men represented 86.1% of hospitalizations, with an average length of stay of 23.4 days compared to 19.9 days for women. The ethnic distribution showed that 52.9% of hospitalizations were among White individuals, 8.3% were Black, 37.5% were Multiracial, and 0.7% were Asian. The longest average stays were among White individuals (25.1 days), followed by Black (22.2 days) and Multiracial (20.2 days). The overall mortality rate was 0.64%, with a slightly higher rate in men (0.65%) compared to women (0.61%). Black individuals had the highest mortality rate (1.23%), particularly among men (1.25%).

This study underscores the public health impact of alcohol-related mental and behavioral disorders in the state of São Paulo, particularly among middle-aged men. Ethnic disparities in hospitalization duration and mortality suggest the need for targeted healthcare strategies to meet diverse demographic needs. These findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions and strategic resource allocation to reduce the burden of alcohol-related disorders and enhance health equity.

None Declared

Suicide represents a significant and growing public health challenge in Brazil, reflecting a complex interplay of social, economic, and mental health factors.

The increasing rates of suicide highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies. Understanding the demographic characteristics associated with suicide, particularly in relation to sex and age, is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and health policies. This study utilizes data from the 2024 epidemiological bulletin, “Panorama dos Suicídios e Lesões Autoprovocadas no Brasil de 2010 a 2021.”

This study aims to provide an analysis of the mortality rates from suicide in Brazil for the year 2021. The primary focus is on exploring the distribution of suicide rates by sex and age group, as well as evaluating the proportional mortality in relation to the total number of deaths in the country.

The study utilized data sourced from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the aforementioned epidemiological bulletin, which compiles comprehensive mortality data across Brazil. We analyzed the rates of mortality from suicide, categorizing the data by age groups: 05 to 14 years, 15 to 19 years, 20 to 29 years, 30 to 49 years, 50 to 69 years, and 70 years and older. The analysis further differentiated the data by sex, allowing for a nuanced understanding of demographic variations.

In 2021, Brazil reported a total of 15,507 deaths attributed to suicide. Of these, 12,072 (1.21% proportional mortality) were male, and 3,431 (0.43% proportional mortality) were female, indicating a substantial gender disparity in suicide rates. The mortality rates from suicide per 100,000 inhabitants varied significantly by age group: 0.7 for males and 0.9 for females in the 05 to 14 years age group; 9.3 for males and 4.5 for females in the 15 to 19 years group; 14.6 for males and 3.9 for females in the 20 to 29 years group; 14.9 for males and 3.8 for females in the 30 to 49 years group; 15.4 for males and 3.8 for females in the 50 to 69 years group; and 18.1 for males and 2.9 for females aged 70 years and older. Notably, among the leading causes of death, suicide ranked 11th for the 05 to 14 years age group (3.41%), 3rd for the 15 to 19 years age group (6.90%), and 4th for the 20 to 29 years age group (5.56%). These figures underscore the significant impact of suicide on young populations.

The high mortality rate from suicide in Brazil underscores the urgent need for public health policies focused on suicide prevention. Effective interventions should include mental health support, community outreach programs, and increased awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health issues. By addressing the underlying social and economic factors contributing to suicide, Brazil can improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for at-risk populations.

None Declared

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study has generated a plethora of worldwide data on mortality and disability, including the disease burden due to mental disorders, often amenable to interventions, essential for health planning.

This work aims to report the burden of mental disorders in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), from 2001 to 2021, globally and in the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions.

Retrospective descriptive study, using secondary data from the GBD 2021 Results Tool. Globally and for each of the six WHO regions, age-standardised DALY rates are reported and respective 95% uncertainty intervals, between 2001-2021, for both sexes and for males and females. All data analysis was performed using R version 4.0.5.

In 2021, the both-sex age-standardised DALY rate due to mental disorders was 1909.15 (1440.16 – 2437.88) DALYs per 100,000 globally, with great heterogeneity across regions: the Americas with 2379.96 (1786.30 – 3026.74) DALYs per 100,000, the highest burden, and the Western Pacific with 1517.45 (1159.48 – 1910.43) DALYs per 100,000, the lowest. Between 2001-2021, the global both-sex age-standardised DALY rate remained relatively stable and even decreased slightly until 2019 but a sharp increase occurred in 2020 and 2021. This pattern generally held up across regions, with the Americas consistently the region with the highest burden, followed by Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, South-East Asia and Western Pacific. The European region showed the largest increase in 2001-2021 (from 1895.12 (1435.12 – 2420.97) to 2162.03 (1609.92 – 2777.89)). The same pattern occurred in females across regions, but an important difference in males was observed, with the Eastern Mediterranean region presenting the highest burden in 2021 (2012.54 (1523.41 – 2569.42), after overtaking the Americas in 2008.

The burden of mental disorders remained relatively stable between 2001-2019 with a sharp increase in 2020-2021 globally, and great heterogeneity between regions and some important differences between sexes. Besides opportunities for mutual learning, essential for health planning, cultural sensitivities and social/economic contexts can be important factors associated to these patterns: the COVID-19 pandemic may have been an important trigger for this sharper increase in burden. These results highlight the different patterns of disease burden due to mental disorders in the world and the need for tailored strategies.

V. Pinheiro Conflict with: This article was supported by National Funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDB/4255/2020)., J. V. Santos: None Declared

Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders, affects around 50 million people worldwide. It is unpredictable, intrusive illness that impacts not only the patients but also those who care for them. Caregivers are vulnerable to great burden; depressive and psychosomatic symptoms, as well as physical, emotional, and economic pressures.

To explore the psychiatric comorbidities, attributes related to caregiver burden and psychosocial intervetions available to allivate the burden in Caregivers of patients with Epilepsy.

A narrative review of the relevant studies focusing on psychiatric comorbidities and psychosocial interventions for reducing the caregiver burden in caregivers of patient with epilepsy was comducted.

Caregivers of patient with epilpsy have poor quality of life and are at risk of developing psychiatric illnesses. Caregiving was reported to negatively impact one’s physical and mental health, overall family functioning, and financial status. Psychological interventions such as psychoeducation, individual, group or family counselling, Interpersonal and social support networks, relaxation therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy have been used to treat caregiver burden associated with epilepsy caregiving.

Caring for patients with epilepsy is challenging and it is associated with enormous burden. It can lead to mental health problems which ultimately affects the compliance to treatment and overall prognosis. Psychosocial interventions can prepare caregivers for a better role of caregiver and better management of the care process. There is increased need to focus on this unexplored area through research and to provide effective interventions as a part of clinical services.

None Declared

A multi-site randomized controlled study demonstrated that the community mental health intervention GBV, when combined with standard care in the German healthcare system, led to greater improvements in empowerment, quality of life, and needs-orientation for people living with severe mental illness. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding, it is essential to include service users’ perspectives alongside effectiveness data.

This study aimed to assess the implementation of GBV from the service users’ viewpoint, providing a holistic evaluation of the intervention beyond randomized trial results.

A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the service users’ experiences with GBV. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analysed using thematic content analysis. Additionally, fidelity ratings were collected after 12 months of intervention, based on a scale developed from GBV quality standards, focusing on needs orientation, relationship building, and service availability.

The process evaluation revealed a greater increase in empowerment, subjective quality of life and treatment satisfaction as well as a greater reduction in unmet needs with a subjectively higher perceived manual fidelity. Qualitative interviews supported these findings, emphasizing the critical role of strong relationships with GBV staff, personalized care tailored to individual needs, and adherence to GBV’s quality criteria.

While the effectiveness of GBV has been established, ensuring fidelity to the intervention’s manual is crucial for large-scale implementation. Key factors for success include a focus on relationship building and needs-orientation, ensuring that service delivery aligns with the predefined GBV quality standards.

None Declared

As a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD was once predominantly associated with Western medical discourse. However, recent years have seen a notable rise in self-diagnoses of ADHD among young people in Kyrgyzstan.

This research aims to explore the myths surrounding ADHD in the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on how these misconceptions contribute to the destigmatization of mental health disorders and create challenges for mental health professionals. The research also seeks to examine the gap between public awareness of ADHD and the actual resources available for diagnosis and treatment in Kyrgyzstan.

This analysis is qualitative and is based on, (1) observations of self-diagnosis trends among young people in Kyrgyzstan, and (2) anecdotal evidence from mental health professionals working in the country. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 adolescents, self-diagnosed with ADHD, and 15 mental health care specialists working in Bishkek. Informed consent was presented before the interviews and both patients and specialists were rewarded by 15 dollars after the interview.

Three key myths emerged from the analysis: (1) ADHD as a Temporary Condition: A prevalent belief in Kyrgyzstan is that ADHD can be easily cured by a few visits to a “good” psychologist. It reflects the unrealistic expectations of therapy and the lack of understanding that ADHD often requires long-term management. (2)ADHD as a Fashionable Disorder: There is a growing trend, particularly among urban youth, to romanticize ADHD as a “cool” or “fashionable” diagnosis. While this has contributed to greater awareness of ADHD, it also trivializes the disorder, promoting self-diagnosis and diluting the seriousness of the condition. (3) ADHD as a Childhood Disorder: Another widespread misconception is that ADHD primarily affects children and that individuals grow out of it with age. This myth prevents many from seeking early intervention.

The growing awareness of ADHD in the Kyrgyz Republic is a double-edged sword. On one side, it is helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders, providing people with a socially acceptable way to discuss and understand their struggles. Conversely, the myths accompanying this awareness hinder effective diagnosis and treatment, making it difficult for individuals to access proper care. Mental health professionals must not only treat ADHD but also work to correct these societal misconceptions, a task made more difficult by limited resources in Kyrgyzstan. A more nuanced public understanding of ADHD, supported by accurate information and improved mental health infrastructure, is essential for addressing these challenges

None Declared