The life journeys of women who have experienced childhood violence are often marked by great complexity. This study aimed to better understand the links between childhood trauma and the development of substance use disorders, in order to propose therapeutic interventions tailored to the specific needs of these women

identify the most frequent types of trauma and their frequency in the studied sample. To describe the most commonly used substances, patterns of use, and the severity of substance use disorders.

sample of 53 women who frequented harm reduction centers participated in this study. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was employed to evaluate experiences of childhood trauma, while the Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT) was utilized to assess the severity of substance use disorders. Data collection was conducted anonymously, and subsequent analysis was performed using statistical software spss.

In our study, 53 women consulting risk reduction centers met the inclusion criteria.

• - A history of childhood trauma (CTQ ≥ 35) was observed in 92.5% of cases (n=49). Severe trauma scores were found in:

• - 45% for emotional neglect

• - 23% for physical neglect

• - 51% for emotional abuse

• - 59% for physical abuse

• - 21% for sexual abuse

• - A drug dependence (DUDIT ≥ 2) was observed in 72% of cases (n=38), i.e., all women in the study who used psychoactive substances. The most frequent dependencies were related to cannabis (53%), followed by benzodiazepines (41%) and pregabalin (36%).

• - Injectable drug use was observed in 23% of cases, with Subutex being the most common (n=10; 5%). Two women used heroin (1%).

These results highlight the importance of integrating a trauma-informed approach into the care of women with substance use disorders. Specific therapies, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), can be particularly beneficial in helping these women manage their post-traumatic symptoms and reduce their substance use.

None Declared

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an invisible condition, yet it can be difficult for young people to accept. Many attempt to hide or downplay their illness, potentially leading to significant psychological distress.

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of academic failure among children with T1D, as well as the associated risk factors, including the impact of substance use such as tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis.

This is a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted at the Endocrinology Department of Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse, covering the period from January 2015 to January 2020. The study analyzed the school and professional trajectories of T1D patients, considering their clinical, biological, and social data. Academic failure, the dependent variable, was defined as either the interruption of studies or the repetition of at least one academic year. Additionally, the prevalence of smoking, alcohol, and cannabis use in this population was recorded.

The study included 70 patients (31 males and 39 females), with a mean age of diagnosis of T1D at 7.36±4.41 years. Academic repetition was observed in 71.4% of cases, and school dropout in 47.1%. The reasons for academic delays were attributed to recurrent hospitalizations (31.4%) and glycemic instability, including hyper/hypoglycemic episodes (17.1%). Multivariate analysis adjusted for diabetes type revealed that significant risk factors for academic failure included: ≥5 hospitalizations for ketosis (p=0.037) and higher mean HbA1c levels at recent consultations (p=0.001). Protective factors were functional insulin therapy (p=0.031) and the use of insulin analogs (p=0.004). Concerning substance use, tobacco addiction was present in 22.9% of patients, alcohol consumption in 14.3%, and cannabis use in 8.6%. Patients using tobacco and alcohol exhibited a higher risk of school dropout and lower academic performance, with a significant correlation between cannabis use and glycemic instability.

The risk of academic failure among T1D patients is substantial and should not be underestimated. Frequent hospitalizations, poor glycemic control, and substance use (especially tobacco and cannabis) further exacerbate this risk. The physical and psychological complications of T1D, combined with the socioeconomic challenges and limited access to medical care in rural or isolated areas, contribute to school dropout. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive medical and psychosocial support to improve both health and academic outcomes in this vulnerable population.

None Declared

The cannabis use has increased widely in Tunisia during the ten past years, especially in adolescents and young adults. Cannabis use can lead to mental and physical health problems.

The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated to problematic cannabis use.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study including 115 subjects arrested for suspected drug use, carried out using a pre-established questionnaire, the CAST (Cannabis Abuse Screening Test) for the assessment of cannabis use, the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scale, the 5-word Test of Dubois for memory evaluation, and the Rosenberg scale for the assessment of self-esteem.

A urine dosage of cannabis was also performed.

The mean age of the study population was 25.19 ± 6.7 years. The sex ratio was 8.16. the problematic users represented 73.9% of the study population. The cannabis was used in the form of joints. Memory decline was noted in 73% of the cases, and 52% of users had anxiety and depression symptoms.

Problematic use was associated to male gender (p<0.001), to an age older than 21.5 years (p= 0.01), to early initiation (p= 0.005), to memory decline (p= 0.003) and the higher scores of anxiety (p< 0.001)

The frequency of cannabis consumption and the vulnerability factors of problematic use must be taken into account in prevention campaigns.

None Declared

Studies in the general population and those based on clinical assessments of individuals with schizophrenia have shown a high degree of overlap between schizophrenia and substance-related disorders.

The prevalence of substance abuse throughout life is so common that the likelihood of a specific link inevitably arises. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the high comorbidity between schizophrenia and substance abuse, making these patients challenging to manage due to potential pharmacological interactions between the substances they consume and neuroleptic medications.

To explore the nexus between nicotine dependence and schizophrenia through a case report and a review of the literature.

We discuss a 40-year-old divorced man, father of one daughter, unemployed, with a history of psychiatric follow-up in private care for seven months before admission for untreated schizophrenia, and polyaddiction to substances including tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine.

He was transferred to our facility for management of behavioral disorders and aggression with a refusal of oral treatment. The patient had been incarcerated in France for four years for assault with a bladed weapon. He was admitted to our emergency psychiatric service with his brother due to arson within his residence where he lives alone. Upon admission, the patient was well-oriented in time and space, with neglected hygiene, easy contact, neutral facial expressions, sad mood, blunted affect, motor instability, and a dissociative syndrome: irrelevant responses, tangential speech, and persecution delusions without a specific persecutor, confirming his behavioral disorder and trivializing it with impaired judgment and no suicidal ideations.

The patient was hospitalized and underwent a complete blood test and ECG, both of which returned normal results, and was treated with olanzapine 10 mg/day and chlorpromazine 200 mg/day. During his hospitalization, he made several attempts to start fires within the ward, explaining his actions as a constant desire to inhale smoke to relieve discomfort, and he experienced a craving for smoke. After a month in our facility, and following the resolution of the dissociative and delusional syndromes, we scheduled a leave for the patient to assess clinical improvement. Upon returning from leave, the patient expressed multiple persecutory delusions towards family members who prevented him from starting a fire in his garden, which he considered necessary for his well-being.

Comorbidity between addiction and schizophrenia is very common in our social context, and management should be simultaneous, without neglecting the importance of family support.

None Declared

The critical importance of preventing, recognizing early, and effective treatment of complicated form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (cAWS) lies in its high mortality rate. cAWS include alcohol-related seizures (ARS), and delirium tremens (DT). The Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale (PAWSS) was developed to identify patients at risk of developing cAWS. Recently, history of ARS and/or DT (“kindling mechanism”-related predictors) have been suggested as the strongest risk factor for developing cAWS.

The present study aimed to validate the Hungarian version of the PAWSS as suitable for evaluating the risk of developing cAWS and determining the significance of past ARS and/or DT occurrences.

A total of 70 inpatients were enrolled from at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, Hungary in 2023 with a principal diagnosis of AWS. PAWSS, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were used. Demographic variables (age, sex) and clinical outcomes (development of cAWS) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, binary logistic regression analyses and chi-square test.

The ROC analysis showed that ≥ 6 is the optimal cutoff point in our sample. The sensitivity (73.91%), specificity (82.98) and positive- (68.00%) and negative- (86.67%) predictive values were highest for the threshold value of 6. In the first binary logistic regression model our results indicate that the PAWSS score of 6 or more was identified as a significant predictive factor for the current cAWS (OR = 12.332; 95% CI = 3.468–43.85; p < 0.001). The results of the second binary logistic regression showed that the history of the cAWS (OR = 6.811; 95% CI = 2.084–22.25; p = 0.001) and the SADQ total score (OR = 1.048; 95% CI = 1.001–1.10; p = 0.043) were significant predictive factors for the current cAWS. The chi-square test results showed significant difference between the rate of the history of cAWS and the current cAWS (χ2 (1) = 13.0; p < 0.001) and 21.4% (n = 15) of the patients had both current and previous cAWS. The Phi-coefficient was 0.431, which indicates that the history of complicated AWS has a relatively strong effect on the current cAWS.

Our results revealed that the Hungarian version of PAWSS is a valid tool for predicting cAWS with a different cutoff score compared to the original version. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the risk of developing cAWS is independent of the severity of alcohol use disorder. Our results also demonstrated that a history of cAWS is a significant predictor in the development of future episodes of cAWS.

None Declared

As global internet usage continues to expand, concerns regarding its effects on adolescent mental health have gained prominence. Cyberaddiction and anxiety-depressive disorders are increasingly recognized as interconnected among adolescents. Excessive use of digital platforms, social media, and online gaming can contribute to heightened stress, social isolation, and emotional instability. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective mental health strategies and encouraging healthier online behaviors among adolescents.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cyberaddiction and anxiety-depressive disorders among adolescents in Tunisia.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study, that was conducted on adolescents aged 12 to 18, enrolled in three educational institutions in Sousse, Tunisia. Data were collected using the Young Internet Addiction Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A pre-established data collection form was used to gather additional demographic and behavioral information.

Our study included a population of 416 adolescents, with a mean age of 15.05 ± 1.724 years. The majority of the participants were female (56.7%). Among the participants, 41.6% were high school students, and 58.4% were middle school students. Our results showed that 83.2% of participants exhibited problematic internet use, with potentially adverse effects on their daily lives. Additionally, 11.3% managed to maintain control over their internet usage despite occasionally exceeding planned time, while 5.5% experienced severe internet addiction, significantly impacting their personal and social lives Regarding internet usage patterns, the majority (64.9%) reported that social media was their primary online activity, while 35.1% preferred online gaming. The HADS revealed that 43% of the participants experienced varying degrees of anxiety disorders, and more than half (50.7%) showed symptoms of depressive disorders. Notably, 88.5% of the participants displayed symptoms of both anxiety and depression. A statistically significant correlation was observed between anxiety-depressive disorders and cyberaddiction (p = 0.008).

Our study highlights a concerning prevalence of both cyberaddiction and anxiety-depressive disorders among adolescents. These findings emphasize the urgent need for preventive measures and targeted interventions. Addressing these issues through education, mental health support, and regulated internet use could mitigate the negative impacts on adolescents’ well-being.

None Declared

Cyberaddiction, characterized by excessive and uncontrollable internet use, has been linked to various psychological and behavioral issues. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these risks, as they are heavy users of digital platforms, often spending long hours online for social interaction, entertainment, and gaming. While research on this issue is expanding, our study seeks to contribute further insights into the factors associated with problematic internet use and its implications for adolescent well-being.

The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of cyberaddiction among adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia and to investigate its relationship to self-esteem.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical objectives among adolescents aged 12 to 18 from schools in Sousse Medina, Tunisia during February, March, and April 2024. We used a demographic information form, the Young Internet Addiction Test and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for data collection.

Our population consisted of 416 adolescents. The most represented age group was 14 years old (22.1%), with a mean age of 15.05 ± 1.7 years. The sample comprised 236 females (56.7%) and 180 males (43.3%). Our findings indicate that 83.2% of participants exhibited problematic internet use with potential life consequences, 11.3% showed occasional excessive use but maintained control, and 5.5% experienced severe repercussions from their internet use. Additionally, 43% of participants spent more than 2 hours per day online. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the amount of time spent online and cyberaddiction (p = 0.009, with higher levels of cyberaddiction associated with increased internet usage. According to the Rosenberg Scale, 51.9% of adolescents had low self-esteem, however, no statistically significant relationship was observed between self-esteem and cyberaddiction.

Our findings highlight a concerning prevalence of problematic internet use among adolescents, with no significant correlation identified between self-esteem and cyberaddiction. This suggests that other underlying factors may contribute to the challenges faced by this population. It is crucial for healthcare professionals and policymakers to prioritize preventive measures and awareness campaigns, promoting healthier online habits and ultimately fostering the well-being of young people in an increasingly digital world.

None Declared

The worldwide prevalence of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is thought to range from 0-2%. Those at greatest risk include the homeless, the elderly, and psychiatric patients (1). In treatment, typical regimens include high doses of intravenous thiamine, three times daily for at least three days. Electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected and fluids replaced.

We are interested in studying the evolution of a patient with alcohol withdrawal syndrome progressing to wernicke’s encephalopathy.

We conducted a literature review by searching for articles in Pubmed.

A 40-year-old male, with no medical or surgical history of interest, alcohol consumer, was admitted to the hospital ICU for an episode of ataxia and agitation in the context of four days of alcohol abstinence. He was sedated and orotracheal intubation was performed and treatment was started with thiamine, tiapride and diazepam. After hemodynamic and respiratory stability, the patient was transferred to the Internal Medicine ward where he presented clinical symptoms compatible with Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (cerebellar ataxia and nystagmus). Psychiatry was consulted to adjust treatment and to carry out a psychosocial approach for discharge (alcohol withdrawal center).

The patient’s evolution has been favorable with the adjustment of psychopharmacological treatment. In the neurological examination we observed nystagmus and cerebellar ataxia. In the psychopathological examination the suspicious contact, psychomotor restlessness, mild generalized tremor in both MMSS are remarkable. Speech difficult to understand due to language barrier. Traits of impulsivity in the foreground. Unstructured biological rhythms. Partial insight. Intellectual functions and volitional abilities preserved.

In the complementary tests without significant remarkable alterations. In the treatment adjustment, a de-escalation of diazepam has been carried out for discharge. Treatment with pregabalin, tiaprizal, thiamine and vitamins B1-B6-B9 was also prescribed. Recommendation of absolute cessation of alcohol consumption and follow-up by internal medicine, psychiatry and social work.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a clinical diagnosis and Wernicke’s encephalopathy should be suspected in any person at risk of thiamine deficiency presenting oculomotor findings, ataxia or confusion (1). Thus, in our patient presenting ataxia and nystagmus in the context of alcohol abstinence and some malnutrition, an early approach with thiamine can be performed to prevent progression to Korsakoff’s syndrome.

Once amnesia and executive deficit are present, Korsakoff’s syndrome should be suspected. The key to good outcomes is therefore to detect Wernicke’s encephalopathy early and treat it with thiamine (1). Severe concomitant infections, including sepsis of unknown origin, are frequent during Wernicke’s phase (2). In our patient there were no complications.

None Declared

Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, has shown potential in treating depression, especially in cases resistant to conventional treatments. This study systematically reviews the scientific literature to assess its efficacy and safety.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin for the treatment of depressive disorder through a systematic review of the current scientific literature

An exhaustive search was conducted in databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, using specific MeSH term and selecting studies published between 2019-2024 that investigated the effects of psilocybin in treating depression.

The included studies demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms with psylocibin compared to standard treatments. Studies reports a rapid and sustained symptom reduction, with few adverse effects.

Psilocybin could be an effective and safe alternative for treating depression, providing symptomatic relief with fewer treatment sessions and a favorable safety profile. However, further research is needed to overcome current limitations and fully understand its therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms.

None Declared

Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition associated with multiple relapses, leading to recurrent admissions to inpatient units. The success of treatment is closely tied to the psychosocial rehabilitation of these patients, as a means to ensure long-term abstinence.

We aim to characterize the psychosocial profile of frequent users of an Inpatient Alcohol Detoxification Unit in Lisbon and to reflect on the need for psychosocial interventions to prevent relapse risk.

A retrospective analysis of data collected from the clinical records of patients admitted two or more times within one year to an Alcohol Detoxification Unit in Lisbon, during the period between January 2022 and December 2023.

During the study period, 37 patients with two or more admissions in a year were identified. The average age was 51.9 years, and 67.6% were male. It was found that 48.6% of the patients were divorced or separated; more than half of the patients were unemployed at the time of admission (62.2%), and nearly half were experiencing financial hardship (48.6%). In terms of integration into rehabilitative and abstinence maintenance structures, 40.5% had attended the Day Care Center of the Hospital Center, and only 5.4% had been part of a Therapeutic Community (TC). Before their last admission, 8.1% of the patients had been referred to a TC, 10.8% to the Day Care Center, and 51.4% to outpatient care, while 24.3% left against medical advice. In contrast, during the last admission in the study period, 13.5% were referred to the Day Care Center, and 35.1% to a TC.

The results highlight the need for psychosocial intervention and rehabilitation in patients with alcohol use disorder. Treatment should include a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account socioeconomic support and integration into rehabilitative structures, as these promote long-term abstinence and therapeutic success.

None Declared

Medical students face high demands in college, which may cause significant psychological stress and mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Several studies worldwide have shown that such individuals are more likely to experience anxiety. However, few studies have examined how generational status and being a first-generation medical student lead to mental health issues.

In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in first-generation medical students (FGMS) compared with non-FGMS and to determine the correlation between socioeconomic factors and other variables with depression and anxiety in FGMS.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at the College of Medicine. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the students using convenience sampling. The questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information (e.g. age, gender, marital status), a General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale to assess anxiety, and a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression among medical students.

Among the 309 medical students who completed the questionnaire, 65.4% were female and 75.7% were FGMS. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students was 36.2% and 39.5%, respectively, and was higher among FGMS, but not significantly different (p<0.05). Independent risk factors for anxiety and depression among FGMS included a previous history of mental disorders and lack of social and emotional support, while fair sleep quality was identified as a significant independent preventive factor for anxiety and depression. The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among patients with FGMS were 39.3% and 41.9%, respectively. A previous diagnosis of mental disorder was a significant risk factor for anxiety and depression, whereas fair sleep quality was a significant protective factor. Further research is needed to identify the factors that influence anxiety and depression among FGMS in our region.

Anxiety and depression are common among first-generation medical students. FGMS with a history of mental disorders tended to exhibit symptoms of both anxiety and depression compared to the rest of the FGMS. However, satisfactory sleep quality could result in better mental condition in FGMS. Institutional measures should be adopted to help students improve their living conditions. Furthermore, institutional leaders should spearhead the destigmatisation of psychological disorders and advocate help-seeking behaviours when students need mental help, particularly when they are anxious or depressed.

None Declared

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric conditions, while cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug globally. Both MDD and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) hold significant epidemiological and health implications. Emerging evidence suggests a co-occurrence between cannabis abuse, dependence and depression, though studies remain limited.

To estimate the percentage of individuals with CUD who have comorbid MDD and those with MDD who have comorbid CUD.

PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords: ((abuse, cannabis[MeSH Terms]) OR (cannabis dependence[MeSH Terms])) AND ((depressive disorder, major[MeSH Terms]) OR (depressive disorder[MeSH Terms])). Original articles in English or Portuguese were included. Data collection followed PRISMA, MOOSE guidelines, and JBI critical appraisal. The final sample included 53 articles: 36 for the first meta-analysis and 17 for the second. A heterogeneity test (Q test) and "leave-one-out meta-analysis" were used. Prevalence rates were aggregated using random-effects models. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

MDD showed a high prevalence among individuals with CUD, at 31.12% (95% CI: 25.71% to 36.80%). Prevalence was not significantly influenced by year, age, gender, population type, assessment period, region, or diagnostic criteria. CUD prevalence among those with MDD was 10.95% (95% CI: 7.08% to 15.53%), with higher rates in men and younger individuals. CUD prevalence appears to be increasing over time, though population type and assessment period did not significantly affect overall prevalence.

This meta-analysis reveals a high prevalence of MDD among individuals with CUD and a significant prevalence of CUD among those with MDD, confirming a strong comorbidity. Cannabis use may exacerbate depressive symptoms, while those with MDD are at higher risk of developing CUD. Age, gender, and geographical factors influence this relationship. With increasing cannabis use, particularly among younger populations, the CUD-MDD comorbidity presents a growing public health issue. Further research is needed to explore the longitudinal link between these disorders.

None Declared

Stigmatization has been associated with unfavorable outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses, as it acts as a barrier to seeking help and achieving age-appropriate functional goals. Among mental disorders, people with schizophrenia are most frequently stigmatized, followed by those with alcohol-related disorders, substance use disorders, and depressive disorders.

Substance use disorders have often been viewed as stigmatizing conditions

To assess perceived stigmatization and its consequences among patients followed and hospitalized for the management of opioid use disorder in the addiction service at Arrazi Psychiatric Hospital in Salé.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that includes sociodemographic and clinical criteria, as well as an assessment of perceived stigmatization among patients followed and hospitalized for the management of opioid use disorders in the addiction service at Arrazi Psychiatric Hospital in Salé.

Perceived stigmatization was measured using the Perceived Stigma of Addiction Scale (PSAS). This scale consists of 8 items measuring perceived stigma among substance users.

patients of both sexes, aged 18 to 65, diagnosed with opioid use disorder.

A total of 72 responses were retained. Approximately 60% were male, the majority lived with their families, and about 85% were unemployed. Codeine and tramadol were the most commonly used substances, while heroin was less prevalent. Psychiatric comorbidity was present in about the majority of participants (anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, personality disorder, and 2% with psychosis).

The mean (standard deviation) score of the perceived stigma scale for the study population was 21.23. The mean perceived stigma score was significantly associated with the place of residence, with significantly higher perceived stigma found in participants living alone. Stigmatization was also higher depending on the route of opioid administration and was correlated with the participants‘ socio-economic status.

The study suggests that stigma is a major concern among patients with opioid use disorders. Further research is needed to assess the relationship between stigma and the extent of substance use, personality factors, treatment-seeking behaviors, and its impact on quality of life. Studies could evaluate the evolution and trajectory of stigma throughout treatment in order to develop interventions that could help address the issue of stigma in mental health.

None Declared

In the 2019 Choose Psychiatry guidance for medical schools in the UK, medical students voiced a need for more extracurricular activities focused on mental health. They specifically requested the inclusion of psychiatric clinicians in their education to deepen their understanding of psychiatry and its different roles. Applications for core psychiatry training have risen dramatically, leading to oversubscription in recent years. In response to this demand, PsychED UK, a national teaching programme was created to further foster students’ knowledge and interest in psychiatry.

• - Increase medical students’ engagement in psychiatry as a career.

• - Enhance students’ knowledge and confidence in psychiatric practice.

• - Boost interest in psychiatry through practical insights and exposure.

Between December 2023 and February 2024, six one-hour teaching sessions were offered to medical students and Foundation Programme trainees through Medall, a virtual healthcare platform, delivered by consultants, registrars, and core trainees, ensuring a broad range of experiences.

In order to increase engagement we selected different types of presentation content: session 1 and session 4 focused on practical and personal tips on life as a psychiatry trainee, session 2 and session 3 delivered high-yield content tailored to support exam revision and lastly session 5 and session 6 gave an insight into subspecialties, providing a glimpse into exciting career pathways beyond the general practice.

Pre- and post-session questionnaires were used to measure the satisfaction scores, including likert scale ratings focusing on the student’s knowledge, confidence, and interest in a career in psychiatry and free text box for qualatative data.

We had a strong turnout, with 126 attendees participating across six sessions. The audience included a diverse range of individuals, from first-year medical students to Foundation Year 2 trainees, with participants joining from across the UK and even internationally. The results showed strong overall satisfaction, with all sessions scoring 77% or higher. Sessions 1, 3, and 4 received the highest satisfaction ratings, and Sessions 1 and 4 had the highest percentage of attendees providing feedback, indicating strong engagement with the content. Free-text feedback analysis highlighted that attendees were seeking more personal experiences and insights from current core trainees.

Image 1:

Image 2:

The PsychED UK programme effectively enhanced medical students’ knowledge and confidence in psychiatry, addressing key areas identified in previous student feedback. Based on these positive results, a second series of teaching sessions is planned, with further refinements to the programme. Due to the high level of engagement and satisfaction with sessions 1 and 4, the second cycle will be presented by two speakers in a conversational format, focusing on the experiences of psychiatry trainees.

None Declared

Burnout is a pervasive issue among psychiatry residents, with long-term consequences for both individual well-being and the quality of care provided to patients. The role of emotional competencies, including emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mentalization, is increasingly recognized as critical in mediating burnout outcomes, according to the job demands-resources model of burnout.

The study objective was to investigate predictors of burnout and burnout correlates in a sample of psychiatry trainees.

This study examines longitudinal data from the QASP project (Questionnaire and Assessment of Stress and Performance in psychiatry residents), which also aims to assess the relationship between emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment in medical residents across multiple centers in Italy. Using a mixed longitudinal model, we explored predictors of burnout and its correlates, in particular mentalization deficits, emotional dysregulation, and attachment insecurity.

The study involved 827 psychiatry residents enrolled across different psychiatry training programs in Italy, enrolled in two waves: 2022 and 2023. To date, 351 follow-up assessments were retrieved. Emotional exhaustion showed a rapid increase during the early years of residency, then stabilizing in later years (Figure 1).

The results also indicated a strong relationship between increased exposure to violence and elevated burnout dimensions. However, coping strategies were observed to evolve and refine during residency training, with psychiatry trainees displaying a shift from avoidance to problem-focused approaches over time. Residents were also more likely to report less attachment insecurity after one year of training (Longitudinal Mixed Models - Figure 2).

Interpersonal competencies, sustained by mentalization skills, were observed as following a coupled longitudinal trajectory with burnout, so that an increase in interpersonal competencies was associated with a lower elevation in burnout dimensions (Figure 3).

Image 1:

Image 2:

Image 3:

Our findings suggest that enhancing emotional personal and interpersonal competencies could mitigate burnout, improve training outcomes, and potentially increase later workforce retention among psychiatry trainees. These results underscore the need for interventions targeting emotional competencies and mentalization during psychiatric training, such as focused clinical supervisions by senior staff members. Such interventions could enhance residents’ resilience, promote effective coping mechanisms, and ultimately improve the quality of psychiatric care.

None Declared

Mental health treatment gap is over 92% in Bangladesh. The situation is more disappointing for those living in the slums in this country where basic health care and other facilities are limited. Due to the lack of easy and affordable access to biomedical care, the slum populations predominantly seek mental health care from traditional and faith-based healers, community health workers (CHWs), and local medicine sellers for serious mental disorders. In the TRANSFORM research, we are working with these 4 important stakeholders and codeveloped two different training programs clustering them in two different groups. In one group, we provided training for traditional and faith based healers and in another group community health workers and medicine sellers and a total 153 people received our 3 days long codeveloped training in 4 batches.

We aimed to document the different types of challenges; we encounter to conduct 3 days long training program on serious mental disorders in two groups in the 4 batches.

A mixed-methods approach was employed to document challenges faced in three stages: pre-training assessment, during-training documentation, and post-training evaluation. During the pre and post feedback assessment we asked participants to provide feedback on specific challenges they faced. The process documentation and event notes throughout the program were collected. After training of each batch, we organized FGDs to gather qualitative insights about the challenges and separate FGD was organized with the facilitators, organizing team members and researchers to get their views also. Thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data, and descriptive statistics were used to assess quantitative findings.

The challenges were clustered in 5 key thematic areas 1) challenge related to manage the diversity of the training participants within the group in terms of age, educational level, religions, 2) challenge related to time and schedule management – due to the rain, traffic jam, ramadan and eid holidays, 3) sociocultural and stigma related challenges: such as old women were unwilling to take part in role 4) Challenge emerged due to disaster : A devastating fire ravaged the slum leaving thousands homeless during the training, in addition the heavy rain and storm, 5) political and policy related challenges - During the fourth training batch, political unrest led to roadblocks and safety concerns, making it difficult for participants and facilitators to attend the training.

The understanding and early identification of challenges might be helpful in successful implementation of psychiatry training in different settings.

None Declared

The UK Royal College of Psychiatrists and the General Medical Council both recognise the value of and commend the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in understanding and treating Psychiatric disorders. It is now mandatory to incorporate in CBT in psychiatry training. Previous research and the authors’ own experiences as a trainee have shown that despite being trained in CBT, there continues to be limited use of CBT in routine clinical practice by psychiatry trainees. This study was conducted at a UK NHS Trust as an educational service evaluation.

Despite trainees receiving extensive CBT training and completing a 12-session CBT case early in their training, many do not use this skill. The objective of the study was to explore any barriers psychiatry trainees encountered in utilising CBT in routine clinical practise.

A qualitative, ethnographic approach using focus group discussions was used. Three Focus groups were conducted. These were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using a General Thematic Analysis. A coding framework was used to organise emergent themes into five broad categories and are shown in the results section.

Table 1:

Barriers to CBT use

Psychiatry trainees were eager to use their CBT skills more often yet find barriers hindering their aspirations. In a specialty where talking with patients can sometimes be as effective as offering them medications, having a deeper understanding of the hindrances trainees encounter with regularly deploying this skill is crucial.

None Declared

Balint groups are recognized for preventing burn-out and ehanced empathy by general practionners. Since few years, they are also identified for enhancing empathy by medical students for difficult patients. With the introduction of a six weeks psychiatric internship during the master medical studies at Fribourg University, a compulsory participation in four Balint Group sessions was implemented for medical trainees during there clinical psychiatric rotation.

Hilighting main psychiatric topics concerns by medical trainees during the first and the second years of implementation Hypothesing about imposition participation for medical trainees versus a freely participation.

An intervision space between group leaders take place to supervising this new design..Each group leader made a presentation about the groupal dynamic and the broached subjets during their session with medical trainees.

These finding were wrintig, discussed beteween and compiled, in order to target a future enquiry’s questions.

The fisrt year, main topics concern psychiatry’s foundations: what to do when a relative or friend is hospitalized? How to manage relational distance? How far should one be empathetic towards suicidal patients or directive with the setting of care? It was noticed an emotionally context where the tendency of students to identify with the patient was prevalent.

In consequence’s, the groupal dynamic required a great attention on the part of the moderators, to enhancing and building the medical identity of the trainees.

During the second year, in contrast, the emotional climate was quieter, the cases presented in a more balanced way.Trainees were distanced from the patient’s position as victim and accept better identify to the therapists.

Image 1:

Image 2:

Balint group for medical student during their immersion in the psychiatry field are useful to help students to improve empathy in the patient relationship and to better understanding the specificity of the doctor relationship in psychiatry. But the confrontation with the mental illness and their treatment, especially seclusion treatment, asked a lot of questions from the trainees. The students during the first year of Balint introduction showed a great identification with the patient, essentially catched by the manifest speech and complaints. We observed some changes between the both year, with some hypothesis: better prepared students with previous teaching but also the better frame for their attend by the medical staff in hospital or in ambulatory services.

Further studies must be conducted with qualitative items (satisfaction enquiry by the students, and quantitative findings.

None Declared

Eating disorders (ED) are serious mental illnesses affecting both physical and psychological health. In Turkey, no systematic research has been conducted on the adequacy of ED education in psychiatric residency programs. This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of psychiatric residents regarding the adequacy of their ED training and to offer suggestions for curriculum development.

The primary objective is to assess psychiatric residents’ perceptions of the adequacy of their training in EDs and compare this with their training in other psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the study aims to propose improvements to the training curriculum.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 133 psychiatric residents across Turkey. Participants were recruited through social media groups for psychiatric residents, and data were collected in August 2024. The minimum sample size was determined to be 111, based on power analysis. The survey included sociodemographic questions (age, gender, institution type, years of residency) and questions regarding ED training, supervision experience, and other psychiatric disorders. Categorical variables were summarized using percentages and frequencies, while continuous variables were presented as means and medians. McNemar’s test was used to assess differences in training and self-efficacy between two diagnostic groups. Ethical approval was obtained from Başkent University (KA24/297).

The mean age of the participants was 28.3 years (SD: 2.1), and the average duration of their residency was 2.6 years (SD: 1.1). Regarding ED training, 46.2% (n=62) reported receiving theoretical lessons, while 84.2% (n=112) reported no supervision. Additionally, 56.4% (n=75) considered their ED training insufficient, and 55.2% (n=73) felt inadequately prepared to manage EDs, which was significantly different from other disorders (for psychotic disorders: χ² = 34.225, p <.001; χ² = 29.167, p <.001, anxiety disorders: χ² = 9.031, p =.003; χ² = 35.027, p <.001, sleep disorders: χ² = 18.581, p <.001; χ² = 34.028, p <.001, neurocognitive disorders: χ² = 34.028, p <.001; χ² = 30.031, p <.001).

This study demonstrates that psychiatric residents in Turkey, perceive their training in EDs as inadequate. This may stem from the limited time allocated to ED education, lack of supervision, and insufficient clinical experience. The perception that EDs are less common and complex could contribute to limited resources being allocated to their education. These inadequacies may affect residents’ ability to manage ED patients effectively. A comprehensive review of training programs, including more practical experience and supervision, could address these deficiencies.

None Declared

Youth suicide is a significant public health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of death among youth worldwide. Pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) play a critical role as the first line of care for suicidal patients. However, PED personnel, who often lack psychiatric training, need to be equipped with the skills necessary to assess suicidality and provide immediate intervention. This study explores the readiness of non-psychiatric medical personnel in Israeli PEDs to identify and care for suicidal children and adolescents.

The primary objective is to evaluate the readiness of non-psychiatric PED personnel to detect and intervene with suicidal youth. Specific objectives include assessing:

1. Frequency of suicidal patient encounters in PEDs.

2. Training and confidence in managing suicidal cases.

3. Experience and self-assessed ability to provide immediate care to suicidal patients.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 87 non-psychiatric PED medical staff across Israel using a questionnaire distributed through REDCap. The survey included both quantitative questions on a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended qualitative questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative responses and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

A majority (76%) reported treating suicidal patients within the past year, though only 35% felt confident in providing care. Training levels were insufficient, with participants scoring an average of 2.25/5 on whether they had received adequate training. Most respondents (45%) expressed a need for further education in pediatric psychiatry, and 60% disagreed with the adequacy of current tools for identifying and managing suicidality. The qualitative analysis revealed a perceived gap in training and preparedness, emphasizing the importance of specialized education.

Israeli PED personnel frequently encounter suicidal youth but often feel underprepared to provide appropriate care. There is a clear need for enhanced training programs, particularly in suicide prevention, to equip medical staff with the tools necessary to effectively identify and treat at-risk patients. Recommendations include curricular updates and specialized workshops for PED personnel to improve suicide intervention outcomes.

None Declared