Adolescent suicidal behaviors have seen a marked increase in incidence, particularly following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic (Revet et al. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32 249–256). This surge has presented challenges for emergency and psychiatric services. It highlighted the need for improved understanding of predictive and protective factors linked to recurrent suicide attempts.

This study aims to analyze the clinical trajectories of adolescents admitted to emergency departments for suicide attempts between 2019 and 2021 and to identify predictors of recurrence, with a particular focus on conditions that may elevate the risk of repeat attempts (Tomaszek et al. Front Psychiatry 2024).

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Montpellier University Hospital, examining pediatric emergency visits related to suicide attempts over three consecutive years (2019–2021). The dataset included patient demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, treatments prescribed, and hospitalization metrics such as duration and readmission frequency. Statistical analyses employed a multivariate linear regression to identify significant predictors of recurrence.

The incidence of emergency visits for adolescent suicide attempts rose elevenfold from 2019 to 2021, reflecting the global trends in mental health deterioration post-Covid-19 (Lespes-Hislen et al. 2023). Recurrence rates were notably higher among patients initially admitted in 2021, with 54% of these adolescents re-presenting for subsequent suicide attempts, indicating a persistent crisis in mental health among this demographic. The selected model identified ADHD diagnosis, the use of mood stabilizers, and prolonged hospitalization as significant predictors of recurrence. In the regression model, each additional day of hospitalization was associated with an estimated increase in recurrence risk of 0.16 additional attempts per 1-day of hospital stay.

This study confirms an increase in suicidal behaviors after the pandemic and highlights the importance of personalized care, especially for adolescents with ADHD. The association between hospitalization duration and recurrence raises questions about the effectiveness of prolonged hospital stays in this population.

None Declared

Studies indicate that approximately 50% to 70% of children will experience at least one adverse childhood event, such as abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, community violence, or natural disasters.

Yet, accutely traumatized children are rarely seen in outpatient clinics until months or even years later, often presenting with chronic symptoms or maladaptive behaviors. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been linked to a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse. Beyond mental health, ACEs have been correlated with higher rates of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases, as well as a reduced life expectancy. Furthermore, children who are abused are more likely to perpetuate abuse in adulthood, leading to a cycle of violence that spans generations. Given its widespread and long-lasting effects, childhood trauma is indeed a public health pandemic.

Enhancing our response to and prevention ACEs requires a multisectoral approach.

One key approach is a collaborative response with law enforcement. Police officers have unique access to children at risk, but they often lack the specialized training to respond effectively. With appropriate training, law enforcement can serve as a critical bridge to mental health assessments for children and their families.The Child Development-Community Policing Program exemplifies such collaboration. This initiative, a partnership between the New Haven Department of Police Services and the Yale University Child Study Center, brings together police officers and mental health professionals for joint training, consultation, and support. This partnership enables them to provide direct, interdisciplinary intervention to children and families who are victims, witnesses, or perpetrators of violent crimes. Law enforcement can refer cases to the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), designed for the peritraumatic period.

CFTSI focuses on enhancing the caregiver’s understanding and response to both their own and their child’s traumatic reactions. It also aims to improve the child’s comprehension of their emotional responses. The intervention includes establishing strategies to address trauma responses and assessing pre-existing vulnerabilities to determine the need for long-term treatment. Studies have shown that CFTSI is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in Child Abuse & Neglect found that children who received CFTSI had significantly fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms compared to those who received standard care.

Early intervention like this can make a significant difference in the lives of affected children, helping to mitigate the long-term impact of trauma and promote healing and resilience.

None Declared

Pharmacogenomic testing is a cutting-edge precision medicine tool that analyzes genetic variations influencing drug metabolism. By assessing an individual’s unique genetic profile, this testing enables the personalization of treatment strategies, improving therapeutic outcomes, and enhancing patient care. Integrating pharmacogenomic testing into clinical practice holds great promise for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health care delivery. In this case, a 17-year-old patient presented with a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder showed no response to treatment with sertraline (250mg). Sertraline is metabolized into N-desmethylsertraline through multiple pathways, including CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and other CYP enzymes, with pharmacokinetic studies identifying CYP2C19 as the primary metabolic pathway.

The patient had a poor response to pharmacological treatments previosly used, our aim was to determine the possible involvement of patient specific responses to treatments based on his pharmacogenetic proffile.

A blood sample was submitted for pharmacogenetic testing. This analysis includes genes involved in the metabolism of sertraline (CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and, to a lesser extent, CYP2B6 and CYP2D6) as well as other pharmacogenes associated with the metabolism and response to psychiatric medications, including HTR2A, OPRM1, COMT, and DRD2.

Gene | Genotype | Inferred Phenotype

• - CYP2C19 | *1/*1 | Normal Metabolizer

• - CYP2B6 | *1/*1 | Normal Metabolizer

• - CYP2D6 | *3/*4 | Poor Metabolizer

• - CYP3A4 | *1/*1 | Normal Metabolizer

• - OPRM1 | AA | Normal Genotype

• - HTR2A (rs7997012 A>G) | GG | Normal Genotype

• - HTR2A (rs6311 G>A) | GA | Heterozygous

• - DRD2A (rs1799732 G>-) | GG | Normal Genotype

• - DRD2A (rs1799978 A>G) | TT | Normal Genotype

The patient did not exhibit clinically significant alterations in the metabolism of sertraline (CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and CYP2B6). However, the lack of response to treatment should be further investigated, factors such as potential drug interactions, and other variables including age, renal function, and liver function should be considered. In contrast, the patient has notable alterations in CYP2D6 and HTR2A, which could be important for guiding future treatment decisions. Variants in HTR2A can significantly influence a patient’s response to antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), specific polymorphisms in HTR2A, such as rs7997012 and rs6311 have been associated with differences in treatment outcomes, side effects, and remission rates. Has a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer, this patient may be at risk for higher drug levels and increased side effects when taking medications such as venlafaxine, fluoxetine, paroxetine (SSRIs), haloperidol, and risperidone.

None Declared

Children and adolescents frequently encounter a range of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which encompass various forms of adversity such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. These experiences can have profound and lasting effects on an individual’s health and well-being. Alarmingly, nearly three out of four children—approximately 300 million aged 2 to 4 years—are subjected to physical punishment and/or psychological violence by parents and caregivers. Moreover, statistics indicate that one in five women and one in thirteen men were sexually abused during their childhood (ages 0-17). Despite the widespread prevalence of these experiences, trauma in children often goes unrecognized. The nature of trauma can make it challenging for both the child and caregivers to identify and articulate trauma-related symptoms. Children may struggle to understand or express their experiences, and caregivers might misinterpret or overlook these signs, leading to underreporting and a lack of timely intervention.

Experiencing adverse events during childhood or adolescence is particularly concerning because it can significantly disrupt normal developmental trajectories, affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. During these formative years, the brain is highly plastic and sensitive to environmental influences, making it especially vulnerable to the effects of trauma and stress. Such exposure can result in long-term consequences, including a heightened risk of developing mental health disorders, behavioral issues, and challenges in academic and social settings.

In this context, early identification of children and adolescents who have faced adverse experiences is crucial. By providing appropriate support and resources early on, it is possible to foster resilience and promote more positive growth despite the challenges posed by early adversity.

Using tools like the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS), a widely recognized self-report instrument designed to assess the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18, can be especially effective for identifying and evaluating the impact of trauma exposure in young individuals and facilitating early intervention.

Research published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that early identification through screening can lead to timely interventions, significantly reducing the psychological harm associated with trauma exposure.

Research strongly supports the effectiveness of screening for trauma symptoms in children and adolescents, emphasizing its critical role in early detection, timely intervention, and the prevention of long-term negative outcomes. This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate psychological impact of trauma but also contributes to improved long-term well-being and quality of life for those affected.

None Declared

Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a range of motor, cognitive, affective, and autonomic disturbances. It is often associated with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and pervasive developmental disorders in children. Despite its potential severity, catatonia can be effectively treated with timely intervention, including the use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, treating catatonia in the context of schizo-obsessive disorder presents significant challenges.

The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing catatonia, as well as the need for more ECT sessions in schizo-obsessive catatonia.

Clinical case report and brief literature review on schizo-obsessive catatonia was done. Informed consent from the patient’s legal guardians was obtained.

We present a case report of a 16-year-old male from Ankara, living with his family, who is a middle school graduate but could not start high school due to his disorder. He had been followed in our outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for 4 years. The patient presented to the emergency department with agitation, disrobing, attempting to climb out of a window, and experiencing delusions. He was initially diagnosed with psychosis and started on risperidone 1 mg and lorazepam 1 mg.

Five days later, during a follow-up, he exhibited non-compliance with commands, mutism, refusal to eat, and urinating in the living room for the past three days. Examination revealed no eye contact, no verbal communication, and a flexed arm posture, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of catatonia and hospital admission. Physical examination, blood tests, brain imaging, and EEG showed no pathological findings. No substances were detected in urine. Despite increasing lorazepam to 6 mg, catatonia symptoms persisted, leading to the initiation of ECT on the fifth day.

After 20 ECT sessions, catatonia symptoms and psychotic content improved, though obsessions persisted. He was diagnosed with schizo-obsessive disorder and treated with fluvoxamine 200 mg/day, olanzapine 10 mg/day, and clonazepam 4 mg/day, with maintenance ECT ongoing.

This case report highlights the complexity of schizo-obsessive catatonia and the necessity for a multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The patient’s journey from an initial diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to the emergence of psychotic and catatonic symptoms underscores the fluidity of psychiatric diagnoses. The significant improvement following multiple, longer ECT sessions underscores the therapy’s potency, particularly in schizo-obsesive catatonia. This case underscores the importance of flexibility in psychiatric treatment, advocating for a tailored approach that evolves with the patient’s symptoms.

None Declared

Substance abuse among adolescents has risen significantly in recent years, with serious implications for mental health and development. Factors such as peer pressure, socio-economic stress, and mental health issues contribute to this trend. Early substance use is linked to long-term risks, including substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. This study examines data from CHC Rijeka, highlighting trends in adolescent substance use over recent years, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

This study aims to analyze the number of adolescent patients having issues with drug abuse, who were hospitalized at the Adolescent Psychiatry ward in order to identify trends, assess associated risk factors.

We compared the numbers of hospitalized patients who were dignosed with substance abuse, as well as the percentages of those patients per year, from 2019 until 2024.

From 2019 to 2024, the number of adolescents hospitalized for substance abuse at the Adolescent Psychiatry ward increased. In 2019, substance abuse was diagnosed in approximately 20% of all adolescent admissions, whereas by 2024, this figure had risen to 28%. This rise in the percentage of substance abuse diagnoses, relative to the total number of admissions, indicates a growing prevalence of substance use disorders among hospitalized adolescents. This trend mirrors broader national patterns of increasing adolescent substance use and underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies, both in clinical settings and within the community.

The rising percentage of adolescents hospitalized for substance abuse highlights a critical public health issue. To address this, efforts should focus on early intervention, increasing access to mental health and substance use services, and implementing school-based prevention programs. Additionally, enhancing community support networks and reducing the stigma around substance abuse treatment are key to preventing further escalation of this growing trend.

None Declared

Adolescence and motherhood are transitional phases, moving from childhood to adulthood and from womanhood to motherhood. These processes involve significant psychological conflicts, where childhood narcissistic vulnerabilities risk being exposed.

The study aims to describe the mother-infant bond and the management of adolescent motherhood. This case informs the psychopathological and therapeutic reflections throughout the study.

This study examines a clinical vignette of a 16-year-old adolescent followed in the Perinatal Department at Rouen University Hospital, alongside a literature review. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the adolescent mother and her family from July 2019 to April 2020, covering sociodemographic data, pregnancy experiences and consequences, the adolescent’s baby, the baby’s father, and the adolescent’s family. Written consent was obtained from the mother at the study’s outset.

The case involves M.D, a 16-year-old at 16 weeks gestation, is the youngest of two siblings and is in a relationship with a 25-year-old man. Her family history includes maternal depression, and her personal history includes ADHD with irregular follow-up, behavioral hospitalization at age 7, and a pregnancy termination in 2018. She was referred by a midwife due to challenges in envisioning her pregnancy. M.D. lives in a disrupted family dynamic marked by intrafamilial violence, conflicts with her brother, and repeated runaways. She was placed under social services following a report from her mother concerning behavioral issues. Her pregnancy was marked by anxiety over a potential forced termination, conflicts between adolescence and motherhood, and worries about childbirth. Motherhood posed additional challenges, such as infantile regression, irritability, impulsivity, difficulty caring for the baby, emotional immaturity, and ambivalence toward her pregnancy and motherhood. Her interactions and emotional attunement with the baby were inadequate. M.D. received multidisciplinary support (gynecologist, pediatrician, social worker, psychiatrist, child psychiatrist, psychologist, childcare provider) with extensive family and partner involvement. Improvements were noted in mother-infant bonding, reduced impulsivity, and decreased marital conflicts with Methylphenidate.

A collaborative care network is essential to support the bond between the adolescent mother and her child. The father’s role can serve as a separating third party, facilitating the child’s access to symbolic thinking. This role may also be filled temporarily by professionals who act as substitute third parties, supporting both the mother’s and child’s development.

None Declared

Childhood sexual abuse, a serious issue for all societies, is a complex experience that requires many legal and professional initiatives(Odacı et al. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar,2023).It is a widespread, multidimensional problem worldwide, with physical, mental, social, moral, cultural, and legal aspects(İşeri et al. Çocuk ve Ergen Psikiyatrisi Temel Kitabı,2008).

This study aimed to evaluate risk factors and medicolegal assessment results in children who were sexually abused.

The records of children who were victims of sexual abuse retrospectively reviewed at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, between January 2010 and December 2023.Sociodemographic, clinical, psychometric, and medicolegal evaluation data were analyzed.

Of the 537 cases that underwent medicolegal evaluation, 80.3% were male and 19.7% were female.The mean age at the time of sexual abuse incident was significantly higher in females(12.5±3.4) than in males(9.8±3.4).Before the incident, 63.0% of cases had at least one psychiatric diagnosis(most commonly Mental Retardation or Developmental Delay(57.5%), MDD(5%), and Conduct Disorder(4.7%)).The period after the incident, 77.1% had at least one psychiatric diagnosis(most commonly PTSD(57.9%) and MDD(49.7%)), most of which occurred after the incident.22.7% of the cases were victims of incest, 77.3% were victims of extra-familial abuse.The most common abuser was the father in incest(7.1%) and a familiar person(neighbor, etc.) in extra-familial abuse(22.4%).51.4% of cases experienced simple sexual abuse, while 48.6% faced sexual penetration.In 42.7% of the cases, sexual abuse was first disclosed to family members. In incest victims, compared to cases of extra-familial sexual abuse; the rates of being female(86.9%-78.3%), having successful-average academic success(55.2%-43.3%), having normal-borderline intelligence(77.7%-67.7%), having an unemployed father(25.5%-16.2%), being subjected to simple sexual abuse(63.1%-48.0%), being subjected to sexual abuse by a single perpetrator(90.2%-81.2%), being subjected to repeated sexual abuse(69.7%-45.8%), living in a broken family(66.7%-38.9%), not having a psychiatric diagnosis before the incident(50.8%-34.2%), and withdrawing the abuse allegation/complaint(18.9%-6%) were statistically significantly higher.The age at the date of the incident was significantly younger(median:11-13), and the time taken to apply to judicial authorities (months) was significantly longer(median:18.5-12).Predictive variables of incest have also been evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

In this study, the findings found in cases that underwent medicolegal evaluation support the literature findings regarding risk factors for sexual abuse and the negative effects of sexual abuse on children and adolescents.

None Declared

A neurodevelopmental disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 54 children. It has a complex etiology, but little is known about its neurological and genetic basis. (Loomba et al., 2021 Psychiatry Research:Neuroimaging, 313, 111301.) The septum pellucidum is a part of the limbic system, which consists of two layers of gray and white matter and forms the medial walls of the lateral ventricles. A cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) is a septum pellucidum that has a division between its two layers. All fetuses have CSP, although around 85% fuse within three to six months after birth. The posterior expansion of the CSP is called the cavum vergae (CV). Up to 30% of neonates have this structure, although less than 1% of people have it in adulthood. (Landin-Romero et al., 2015 Journal of Affective Disorders,186,53-57.)

The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between ASD and CV.

The patient, seven year old, applied to clinic accompanied by his parents due to speech delay in January 2024. He was product of full-term delivery, born by caesarian section secondary to servical stenosis. His mother had servical bleeding in the 6th week of pregnancy which she had taken progesterone for several days.

During our examination, he did not respond to his name every time, maintained eye contact for a short time, did not initiate communication most of the time, did not continue even if he initiated it, showed more interest in objects than people, had echolalia and dysprosody. Based on our evaluation, we diagnosed as ASD and referred for special education. Although most of his tests were normal, CV was reported in brain MRIs (Image1). Retaining the CSP or CV after birth may indicate abnormalities in the development of the brain. Co-occurrence of enlarged CSP and CV persistent into adulthood is less common, but it has also been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, decreased mental status, psychosis and bipolar disorder. (Landin-Romero et al.,2015 Journal of Affective Disorders,186,53-57.) This case, based on the idea that CV is seen more frequently in psychiatric diseases, supports the idea that neuroimaging findings that have emerged in recent years are changes in the neuroanatomical structure and brain connection of ASD.

Image 1:

Retaining the CSP or CV after birth may indicate abnormalities in the development of the brain. Isolated CV is rather unusual. Co-occurrence of enlarged CSP and CV persistent into adulthood is less common, but it has also been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, decreased mental status, psychosis and bipolar disorder. (Landin-Romero et al., 2015 Journal of Affective Disorders, 186, 53-57.) This case, based on the idea that CV is seen more frequently in psychiatric diseases, supports the idea that neuroimaging findings that have emerged in recent years are changes in the neuroanatomical structure and brain connection of ASD.

None Declared

Psychological bullying in schools is a pervasive issue that affects the emotional and psychological well-being of countless children. This phenomenon often manifests as emotional abuse, leading to significant long-term consequences for victims.

Determine the prevalence of psychological bullying in schools in the Sousse region and to describe its associated factors

This is a descriptive and analytical cross sectionnal study that took place in two middle schools and three public high schools in the Sousse region(Tunisia) among adolescents aged between 12 and 18. A pre-established data collection form enabled us to gather socio-demographic characteristics, personal history and bullying behaviours, drawing on questionnaires available in the scientific literature.

Our study included 420 students with an average age of 15.63±1.87 years. The sex ratio was 0.98. More than half the students (58.1%) reported being victims of bullying. The rate of harassment was higher among girls (53.7%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.063). The perpetrator was a friend in 89.8% of cases, and a teacher in 35.2%. The body or physical appearance was the object of harassment in more than half of the cases. We noted that 74.1% of students with a chronic illness reported having been victims of bullying, compared to only 55.5% of students with no medical history. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001; OR= 2.94). This phenomenon was also noted in 81.4% of students treated for psychiatric disorders, a rate significantly higher than that of students with no psychiatric history (p<10-3; OR= 3.47).Our results showed that harassment was reported by 78.13% of adolescents living with their fathers, compared to a significantly lower proportion among those living with their mothers (51.16%) and those living with both parents (56.7%) (p = 0.008).

Our study reveals a concerning prevalence of psychological bullying among adolescents, with over half of the participants reporting victimization. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address bullying in schools, particularly for vulnerable populations.

None Declared

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents specific characteristics in child development. Behavioral and, mainly, communicative aspects are the most frequent for diagnostic closure (APA Artmed 2014; Asperger Archiv F. Psychiatrie 1944; 117 76-136). The absence, delay or difficulties in establishing expressive language are important social markers in early childhood, being one of the main reasons that lead families to seek therapeutic guidance (Amato USP 2006; Andrade UFPB 2017; Andrade Pró-Fono 2023). One of the aspects related to the communication of children with ASD is the interest in foreign languages, which manifests itself from early childhood (Avelar Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie 2018). The use of a foreign language for interpersonal communication presented spontaneously, by children with ASD, is something that needs to be evaluated within the functional aspects of social communication, since the major communicative difficulties faced are related to pragmatic aspects (Andrade Pró-Fono 2023; Balestro et al. Rev Soc Bras Fonoaudiol 2012; 17 279-86). The form and means of communication, length of permanence and communicative quality are fundamental elements to be analyzed when comparing expected child development to chronological age. In a research process involving humans, it makes perfect sense to anticipate and understand linguistic, cultural and educational differences, in order to avoid contextual and communicative variables that conflict with the proposed aims.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional communication of children with ASD in Portuguese and English language contexts.

16 children were selected, aged 42 to 72 months, without relatives and/or living with multilingual people. Samples were collected by recording spontaneous communication between patient and therapist in a natural intervention environment. 5-minute clips of greater interaction were made and, from these, the analyzes were carried out. This research has an opinion approved by the Ethics Committee, under number 6,890,786.

Parents’ perception of their children’s communication difficulties were unanimously reported. Greater communicative ability was demonstrated in the Portuguese language, however, communicative ability and functionality was verified in the English language, without significant statistical differences when comparing the two languages. In the production of grammatical classes, there was greater production in the Portuguese language, with greater lexical production.

Image 1:

The children under observation and evaluation in this study showed satisfactory correlation and performance in the proposed tests. There was communicative performance, with results without significant statistical differences in the Functional Communication Profile in both languages. More studies will be needed to support these results.

None Declared

Autism is defined as a broad and complex neurodevelopmental disorder with alterations in behavioral and social communication aspects. Sensory symptoms also occur prevalently in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are present early in the etiology, however, little is known about the early developmental patterns of these symptoms (Mccormick et al. Autism 2016; 5 572-579). Among these various sensory-perceptual alterations, auditory hypersensitivity is a prevalent sensory alteration in the ASD population (Dunlop et al. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10 1-12), defined as excessive or abnormal sensitivity and distress to auditory stimuli that are evident in the individual’s behavioral reactions (Stefanelli et al. CoDAS 2020; 32 1-9). Furthermore, auditory hypersensitivity can trigger atypical reactions that can impact social and academic domains (Danesh et al. Audiol. Res 2021; 11 547-556).

This research aimed to identify the occurrence and describe the auditory hypersensitivity behaviors presented by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, composed of parents/guardians of 161 children diagnosed with ASD. The sample consisted of parents of children of both sexes, aged 4 to 12 years. Caregivers answered a sociodemographic form and reported on the presence or absence of auditory hypersensitivity and the behaviors presented by the child. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee under opinion number: 5,862,943.

161 parents of children with ASD participated, who declared that 108 (67.1%) of the children had auditory hypersensitivity and 53 (32.9%) did not, with 83 (69.2%) of the children being male and 37 (30.8%) female. The most frequently reported behaviors were: difficulty sleeping (79.8%), difficulty concentrating (76.8%), put your hands over ears (74.8%), nervousness (74.6%), fatigue and stress (72%), and irritability (71.8%) in the presence of sound (Table 1).

Tabela 1. Comportamentos de hipersensibilidade auditiva na percepção de pais de crianças com TEA

Image 1:

The results suggest that there is a high prevalence of auditory hypersensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorder and that this symptom can have negative impacts on the individual’s quality of life.

None Declared

This study focuses on studying the most common psychological and physiological phenomena of adolescents, which directly and indirectly affect adolescent behavior and emotions, especially school children, using the BESR-2 test. Youth and peer pressure, crime, family and school stress, drug use, alcohol use, smoking, rape, theft, etc., create anxiety and psychological causes for teenagers in our society. In order to prevent and reduce the negative impact on the behavior and emotional state of the youth, it is imperative to study the current problems and find better solutions. In relation to this social need, the purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot study on how to diagnose the behavior and emotional state of adolescents using the BERS-2 test.

When analyzing the relevant theories and principles of the BERS-2 test, the research selects appropriate methods and methodologies (1) review and analyze the theoretical basis of the author’s use of the test; (2) examine the internal reliability and convergent validity of the BERS-2; (3) use and examine internal reliability and convergent validity; and finally (4) identify research limitations and future research directions.

1,812 students from Ulaanbaatar and the local area, 1,812 teachers, and 1,812 parents, a total of 5,436 participants are participating in the pilot study. In this study, one of the most widely used strengths assessment tools in social services is the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-2 (BERS-2), which includes separate rating scales for youth, parents, and teachers. Although the three assessment forms are similar, a few items have been slightly worded to better reflect the views of Mongolian youth, parents, and teachers. The Interpersonal Strengths subscale (14 items) measures a child’s ability to interact with others in social situations. Family involvement (10 items) assesses the child’s relationship with the family. The internal self-efficacy subscale (11 items) focuses on how the child perceives his or her own functioning. The school functioning subscale (9 items) assesses the child’s performance and abilities in school. The Power Influence subscale (7 items) measures a child’s ability to exert and receive influence from others.

The main results of the study are presented as follows.

1. 1. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for test validity was 0.816.

2. 2. Behavioral and emotional indicators of the surveyed teenagers are 34.56% on average.

3. 3. In terms of self-esteem of teenagers, their behavioral and emotional indicators are 47.6% or average; parents - 33.3%; teachers are 29.6%.

it was observed that the superiority of emotions and attitudes is weak for middle class students. In other words, Mongolian children believe that it is necessary to develop emotional and behavioral strengths.

None Declared

The ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Day Therapeutic Unit is a third-level care unit. It consists of 20 beds for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with ASD. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in suicidal thoughts, self-harm and completed suicide in these patients. At the ASD Day Hospital, we offer multidisciplinary and intensive treatment to these patients, but we also want to delve into the causes of this situation: real prevalence, existing psychiatric comorbidities, gender differences, etc. with the aim of being able to improve our clinical and care dedication

The objective is to know the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with thoughts of death, self-harm and completed suicide, in our autism day hospital.

A review of the clinical history of patients included in the ASD Day Hospital from 2021 to 2023 (both complete) is carried out. The psychiatric comorbidity, age of the patients, gender, multidisciplinary treatment received and average stay are analyzed.

During the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, a total of 255 children (92 women and 163 men) were treated in HD for ASD, with an average age of 11.64 years for women and 11.44 for men. It was found that 40 (15 + 22) of them had suicidal thoughts, where (9 + 16) were women, (6 + 6) men. One patient committed suicide (woman), and 25 presented self-harming behaviors (16 women and 9 men). The most frequently found comorbidities were: anxiety, depression, ADHD and conduct disorders. And the most frequently prescribed drug was fluoxetine, followed by aripiprazole.

Patients with ASD have a high comorbidity with anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders, probably as a consequence of the ongoing socio-family requirements they present. This situation leads to an increase in the prevalence of harmful behaviours and thoughts of death in underage patients, occasionally leading to suicide.

Work on social skills, as well as multidisciplinary intervention, improves the clinical situation of these patients, which should be considered an economic and moral investment for future generations.

None Declared

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic condition (autosomal dominant inheritance - ANKRD11 mutation) with a particular phenotype (short stature, craniofacial dysmorphism and skeletal abnormalities) and neurodevelopmental delay or intellectual disability. Patients with this condition usually have a greater tendency to present symptoms related to impulsivity and distractibility typical of ADHD, as well as behavioral disturbances and aggressiveness.

We present the case of a 12-year-old male child who is being followed up at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department for intellectual disability and ADHD combined.

To address the importance and multidisciplinary approach of the KBG Syndrome in the pediatric population with a diagnosis of ADHD based on the presentation of the aforementioned clinical case.

Bibliographic search and description of a clinical case of a patient under follow-up for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the “Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid”.

A 12-year-old boy from Spain was referred to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department for attention and concentration difficulties and impulsivity problems. The parents describe the patient as a restless and nervous child who is sometimes aggressive in moments of important frustration. They point out that he impulsively performs dangerous acts, such as crossing the road without making sure that a car is not coming by, and is easily distracted. The School Center reports that the child is incapable of following the rules and shows great difficulty in learning.

He has a medical history of growth delay with problems of right dorsal scoliosis requiring the use of a night corset, moderate hypoacusis in the right ear, myopia and astigmastism and macrodontia. He also underwent surgery for epigastric hernia.

In addition, he shows a particular phenotype that shares with his mother and for which genetic studies have been performed that determined the ANKRD11 mutation, confirming the diagnosis of KBG syndrome.

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with cognitive and behavioral difficulties in combination with a distinctive phenotype.

The importance of the diagnosis of this entity lies in being able to offer a better multidisciplinary medical approach at the organic and mental health level.

It is also important to be able to plan and propose an adapted education at school and to provide tools and management strategies to the family at home for a better prognosis and quality of life of the patient and his environment.

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Childhood is a pivotal developmental phase, with experiences during this period significantly shaping future outcomes. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are linked to long-term adverse health outcomes, risky behaviors, and impaired cognitive function. These experiences can also negatively impact academic performance and life satisfaction. Despite the prevalence of (ACE), there is limited research in the Middle East.

The study aim to examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), academic performance, cognition, and life satisfaction among Sultan Qaboos University students.

This cross-sectional study recruited undergraduate students from Sultan Qaboos University using self-administered surveys distributed via social media and college administrations. It assessed ACE scores, academic performance (GPA), cognitive function, and life satisfaction through validated instruments.

The study found that 26.5% of students had high ACE scores, with emotional abuse being the most common. Higher ACE scores were associated with a history of mental illness, urban residence, and lower family financial status. Significant negative correlations were found between ACE scores and life satisfaction, GPA, and cognitive function. Regression analysis revealed that higher ACE scores increased the likelihood of lower GPA and decreased life satisfaction, emphasizing the substantial impact of ACEs on university students’ well-being and academic performance.

Table 1: Multinomial Logistic Regression Results of GPA as Dependent Factor.

Table 2: multiple linear regression analysis SWLS as dependent variable.

The Study highlights the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the diverse needs of students affected by (ACE). By understanding the long-term consequences of (ACE) and the mediating role of sociodemographic factors, educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals can develop strategies to promote resilience and well-being among young adults.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical public health issue that often results in lasting cognitive and behavioral impairments.

These impairments include heightened risks for psychiatric disorders, such as aggression, social withdrawal, and mood instability.

Managing TBI-related behavioral symptoms can be complex, particularly in adolescent patients, where non-adherence to medication presents additional challenges.

To evaluate the effectiveness of long-acting injectable paliperidone palmitate in managing severe behavioral disturbances following TBI in an adolescent patient with a history of non-adherence to oral antipsychotic treatments.

A case study approach was employed to detail the treatment and outcomes of a 16-year-old male who developed persistent aggressive and impulsive behaviors following a severe TBI at age 9.

The patient’s treatment history involved multiple oral antipsychotic trials, each limited by adherence issues or side effects, before transitioning to paliperidone palmitate injections.

Behavioral outcomes were monitored, and family-reported assessments of improvement were collected.

Following the initiation of monthly paliperidone palmitate injections at an initial dose of 100 mg, later increased to 150 mg, the patient showed significant reductions in aggression and improved behavioral control.

Family members observed fewer aggressive outbursts and better social interactions.

Mild side effects, including weight gain and an increase in prolactin levels, were reported, but these were generally well tolerated by the patient.

This case demonstrates the potential benefits of long-acting injectable antipsychotics for managing behavioral dysregulation in TBI patients who struggle with medication adherence.

Paliperidone palmitate was effective in stabilizing the patient’s behavior, underscoring the need for tailored, multidisciplinary treatment plans that incorporate both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions to optimize long-term recovery in TBI-related neuropsychiatric care.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on teaching skills regarding the acceptance of circumstances and coping with emotional responses.

The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of DBT in patients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BD) in order to ascertain whether it improves the recurrence of manic and depressive symptoms.

A systematic search of the PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify studies that had applied DBT to patients with a diagnosis of BD.

A total of 343 patients were included in the study, comprising participants from eight randomized and non-randomized trials. Of whom, 196 patients (57.1%) underwent DBT and pharmacological treatment, while 147 patients (42.9%) were treated with alternative interventions. A total of 12 to 36 sessions of DBT were conducted across all trials, with a follow-up period ranging from three to 15 months. The age range of the participants was 15.8 to 49.3 years. All studies included patients diagnosed with BD type I (n=175), five articles included patients with BD type II (n=100), and two included patients with BD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) (n=68). The primary endpoint analyzed was the mean change in the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), as reported by three of the included studies. The meta-analysis yielded no statistically significant results, with a mean difference of -4.49 (95% CI: -11.75, 2.76; I² = 6%; p = 0.22) (Figure 2). The analysis of the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) revealed a mean of 5.96 in a total of 72 patients (95% CI: 0.29-11.64; I² = 97.39%; p < 0.001) (Figure 3).

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The DBT was observed to have a beneficial impact on mood episodes and symptomatic manifestations among adolescents and adults diagnosed with BD. Therefore, it may be postulated that the DBT could be employed in conjunction with pharmacological agents to mitigate the severity of symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life in patients with such a diagnosis.

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Conduct disorder (CD) is a behavior disorder mostly presented during childhood and adolescence, with a lifetime prevalence between 2 and 10%. Atypical antipsychotics are considered the most effective pharmacotherapy for CD, nonetheless, they are associated with sedation and extrapyramidal side effects. The pediatric use of lithium is well-documented for managing bipolar disorder; however, its efficacy in treating conduct disorders in children remains uncertain.

In this study, the authors evaluate the adverse effects of lithium in pediatric patients with conduct disorder.

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials and controlled observational studies in pediatric patients with conduct disorder, following the PRISMA protocol. The search strategy included the following keywords: “Pediatric Population”, “Conduct disorder”, and “Lithium”. Review Manager 5.4 and Inverse Variance Random Effects were used for statistical analysis and heterogeneity was examined with the Cochran Q test and I² statistics.

From the search of the databases, 1.258 articles were found. After removing duplicates and ineligible studies, 3 articles were included in this study according to the inclusion criteria. We included 161 patients from 3 non-randomized trials. (Figure 1) A total of 136 (84.5%) patients were male. The mean ages between studies ranged from 5.2 to 14.2 years. Only the outcome of adverse effects related to the study population could be found in the 3 studies, and this was used to carry out the single-arm meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of adverse events was 68% (95% CI; 0.30-1.00; I² = 98%; p < 0.01). (Figure 2) Adverse events included: decreased appetite, stomachache, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pallor, and fatigue, among others.

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In pediatric patients, lithium appears to be a viable treatment option for conduct disorder. However, some patients may experience adverse events such as decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, among others. Therefore, more comparative studies are needed to validate the safety and efficacy profile of lithium in this population.

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Lithium is a key treatment for bipolar affective disorder, effectively managing mania, depression, and reducing suicidality. Due to its narrow therapeutic range, regular monitoring of plasma levels is essential to avoid toxicity. However, blood plasma testing can be costly and inconvenient. Non-invasive alternatives, such as saliva testing, have been explored, but with inconsistent results. Previous studies have shown discrepancies in saliva collection and storage, variations in processing methods, and differences in lithium detection techniques. Recent research suggests that erythrocyte lithium levels may better reflect brain concentrations and predict treatment response. This study investigates the correlation between lithium concentrations in different types of biological media, aiming to find a more convenient and effective monitoring method for patients.

This study aimed to examine the correlation between lithium concentrations in saliva, plasma, and erythrocytes at multiple daily time points in patients undergoing lithium carbonate treatment.

A total of 77 patients were recruited from the Clinical Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia, between January and August 2024. Participants included inpatients and day hospital patients diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder, treatment-resistant depressive disorder, or depressive disorder with a high suicide risk. All participants were newly initiated on lithium carbonate therapy, receiving 300 mg at 9:00 and 21:00 for 5 days. Exclusion criteria included conditions affecting salivation, pregnancy, and medications that alter lithium levels. Lithium concentrations in saliva, plasma, and erythrocytes were collected at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 20:00. Samples were processed and analyzed using a spectrophotometric method.

To assess the correlation between lithium concentrations in saliva, plasma, and erythrocytes, linear regression analysis was conducted. The results indicated a statistically significant correlation between lithium levels in saliva and plasma (p<0.01). However, no significant correlations were observed between lithium concentrations in saliva and erythrocytes (p>0.01) or between plasma and erythrocytes (p>0.01).

Aforementioned finding suggest that saliva could be used for lithium monitoring. Utilizing saliva could significantly enhance treatment options for patients with mood disorders while contributing to treatment efficacy, patient safety, and adherence.

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