During the current crisis of COVID 19, recent studies evident that it has a huge impact on public mental health and individuals’ behavior.

Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of high denial attitude towards the emerging pandemic of COVID 19 among the general population of Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from April 3, 2020 to May 5, 2020. All participants (N= 1817) were asked to complete an online questionnaire survey that included socio-demographic and other variables, and Denial Attitude Questionnaire towards COVID-19 pandemic (DAQ-COVID-19).

High denial attitude was prevalent among 728 (40.1 %) of the participants. It was associated with old age, being married, having low educational level, working in a non-medical professions, do not have a past history of infectious diseases, spending less than one hour following COVID-19 news, satisfied with the government procedures for COVID-19, and highly depressed and anxious respondents, where p-values were 0.001, 0.019, <0.001, 0.027, <0.001, <0.001, 0.004, 0.008, and 0.026; respectively.

About two out of five participants had high denial attitude. To our knowledge, the current study is the first study that tries to evaluate a high denial attitude during the initial COVID 19 outbreaks, especially in Saudi Arabia. However, further exploration in this field is needed. We suggest conducting such a study at the end of the current pandemic or in the second wave of the outbreak

Improving the mental health diagnosis in young children is the high-priority problem in reducing the rate of child disability due to mental illnesses. In 2015, the Ministry of Healthcare (Russia) introduced the pilot project – the total screening of the paediatric population at an early age, detecting autism spectrum disorders (ASD) risk group.

To determine the broad range of mental disorders: from minor borderline states (states of risk) to serious mental disorders, with an emphasis on determination of ASD in children aged 16–24 months in general population.

The survey was conducted by the total screening in primary health care institutions (in the three largest regions of Russia: Volgograd, Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk regions). The screening tool: checklist for parents aimed at detection of risk of occurrence of ASD in early children, for screening in general population.

During 2015, 34,770 parents of children aged 16–24 were questioned. Of these 4102 children or 11.8% (118:1000) formed the risk group in ASD. By the risk group in ASD predisposition (diathesis) is understood, that does not correspond fully to the clinical criteria of illness. This state of predisposition may last for several years and pass either to illness or to health.

The part of the children of the risk group in ASD were consulted by psychiatrist on a voluntary basis (2774 cases). Fifteen children (0.4:1000) were diagnosed with prominent clinical disorders in ICD-10 (F84). This prevalence rate cannot be extrapolated on the general population of the children at the considered age.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales are widely used in clinical and non-clinical populations, both in research and clinical settings. The need for briefer but valid and reliable instruments has motivated the reduction of the original 42-item scale to a short 21-version. On Portuguese samples, Pais-Ribeiro et al. (2004) found that the original 3-factor solution (stress, anxiety and depression) explained 50.35% of the variance and in an exploratory analysis; Xavier et al. (2015) presented a two factor solution and a modified three-factor solution with a sample of pregnant women, both with adequate factors’ reliability (< 0.70) and explaining above 50% of the variance.

Based on the previous results of factor analysis with Portuguese samples, the present study aimed to perform confirmatory factor analyses (using Mplus software) to evaluate which dimensional structure best fitted the data.

The sample comprised 234 students (78.2% female), between 18–26 years old (M = 20.55; SD = 1.66). Eighty-five percent of the participants were on their first three years of college education. Participants filled the Portuguese version of the DASS-21.

Our results showed that the original 3-factor structure had the best model fit [χ2(186) = 475.465, P < 0.05; RMSEA = 0.082, 90% CI = 0.073–0.091; CFI = 0.918; TLI = 0.908; SRMR = 0.05]. Good reliability was found for all subscales (0.92 for stress, 0.87 for anxiety and 0.91 for depression subscale).

The DASS-21 is a reliable instrument that, with student populations, seems to have better performance when used with a 3-factor structure. Further research is needed to confirm this structure in Portuguese clinical samples.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Supportive text messages have the potential to provide personalised support for patients with depression and co-morbid Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The objectives of the study are to explore the six months follow-up effects of twice daily supportive text messages delivered over a three month period on mood and abstinence outcomes for patients with depression and co-morbid AUD.

Participants (n=54) with a DSM IV diagnosis of unipolar depression and AUD who completed an in-patient dual diagnosis treatment programme were randomised to receive twice daily supportive text messages (n = 26) or a fortnightly thank you text message (n = 28) for three months. Primary outcome measures at six months were Beck's Depression Inventory (BDIII) scores and Cumulative Abstinence Duration (CAD). Trial registration: NCT0137868.

Unlike at three months, there was no statistically significant difference in six month BDI-II scores between the intervention (n=24) and control (n=24) groups; 13.28 (SD=8.7) vs. 15.08 (SD=11.37) respectively after adjusting for the baseline scores, F (1, 45) =0.192, p=0.66. There was also no significant difference in CAD between the text message group and the control group: 84.14 days (9.20) vs. 74.73 days (28.97), t= 1.422, df=41, p=0.16. However, patients in the intervention group had significantly higher days to first drink compared to those in the control group: 119.9 (47.7) vs. 62.4 (44.9), t=2.99, df=22, p=0.01.

The effects of supportive text message intervention were not sustained beyond the period that the patients were receiving the intervention.

The aim of this work was:

• • to understand and measure the emotional effects of chemotherapy-induced alopecia by exploring self-esteem, body image, anxiety and depression in cancer patients

• • to analyse the strategies used to cope with hair loss.

This was a cross-sectional study. It involved the use of a questionnaire with patients from the medical oncology unit of the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital. The questionnaire included Socio-demographic data, type and stage of cancer, data concerning the alopecia (partial or total) and its impact on social life, work, and sexuality.

Four measurement scales were used:

1. - Rosenberg's Self-Esteem scale,

2. - Bruchon-Schweitzer's Body image questionnaire (QIC)

3. - Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD)

4. - Brief cope

Preliminary study

It was a population of 24 patients. 55.2% were males. The mean age was 45.9 years. 75.9% were married.

Alopecia was the most distressing side effect of chemotherapy in 30.4% of cases. 45.8% were suffering from the stigma of the alopecia which disturbed their social interaction. It led to a loss in self-confidence in half of patients and altered sexuality in third. Self-esteem was low in 34.5%.

The average score of the scale body image was 61. 41.4% of patients were anxious and only 27.6% were depressed.

The religion was the major strategy used to cope with alopecia.

The findings suggest that the chemotherapy-induced alopecia has the potential to affect various aspects of patient's life, but Tunisian cancer patients seems to be less affected compared with literature.

Military action in Ukraine led to increasing in the number of patients with PTSD among children. Open-label studies demonstrated the efficacy of SSRI’s for the treatment of PTSD, primarily paroxetine. Feasibility of using of these drugs in children and adolescents is controversial [1-2].

To evaluate a short and long-term efficacy and tolerability of fluoxetine in the treatment of PTSD in children.

double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week study with a fixed dose of fluoxetine (20-40 mg). The trial design consisted of 1-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period, followed by a 12-week treatment period and a 2-week taper phase. Were randomized 110 children aged from 12 to 18 years (MD = 14,2), that have been moved from the combat zone in the east of Ukraine and met the DSM-5criterias for PTSD. Drug efficacy was assessed weekly using the CAPS-2; CGI-I / CGI-S. Safety assessed: Adverse event (AE) recording, suicidality assessment.

The reduction in CAPS-2 scales was statistically significant among children randomized to fluoxetine treatment compared with placebo in a week 12 endpoint (treatment difference -11.10; 95% Cl-13.4, -7,38; p <0.001). Significant greater proportion of fluoxetine-treated patient (52%) than placebo-treated (43%) were defined as treatment responders based on CGI scale (adjusted odds ratio = 2.28; 95% Cl 1.75, 2.93; p <0.001). The most common adverse effects in fluoxetine group were somnolence, headache and irritability, each occurring in <20% patients.

Fluoxetine at a dose of 20-40 mg / day is more effective than placebo, well-tolerated and can be recommended in pediatric practice.

Suicide rates among patients with cancer are higher than ones in the general population.

This meta-analysis aims to estimate the suicide risk in patients with cancer.

We searched Medline, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library to identify articles published before July 1, 2016, examining the association between suicide [death (SD), attempt (SA), ideation (SI)] and any form of diagnosed cancer.

We initially identified 4880 records and after unsuitable studies were removed, our search yielded 102 publications of which 14 were used in the meta-analyses. Patients with cancer had higher risk of SD (seven studies, 247.869 participants; odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.22–1.89, P = 0.0002) compared with those without cancer (among case-control studies focused on SD versus living controls). Among studies focused on SD versus other deaths, patients with cancer had higher risk of SD (two studies, 23.839 participants; OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.03–2.27, P = 0.03). No difference has been detected for risk of SA (four studies, 8.147.762 participants) and for SI (two studies, 37.879 participants).

Since publication bias was detected, the “trim and fill” method was applied. The majority of the included studies have a high quality at the STROBE statement.

The assessment of suicide risk in this population is crucial.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

According to scientific literature, cognitive impairment is a disabling feature of the bipolar disorder (BD), present in all the phases of the disease. Obesity and metabolic disorders represent another risk factor for cognitive dysfunctions in BD, since the excess of weight could adversely influence several cognitive domains.

To highlight the presence of impairment of cognitive functions in a sample of subjects suffering from BD and obesity.

Evaluation of the cognitive performance in a sample of BD patients, considering their anthropometric measures (height and weight) and body mass index (BMI).

The neuropsychological battery MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was administered by trained physicians for the evaluation of seven different cognitive domains in 46 patients (mean age: 43.17 years old; 39.13% male), affected by BD enrolled in the psychiatric unit of Azienda Sanitaria Locale and University of Foggia. In particular, cognitive functions assessed were speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. BMI was calculated, and patients were divided into a group of normal weight and another one of overweight or obese, on the base of BMI value (BMI cut-off = 25).

The obese patients amounted at 56.52%. We have found the presence of cognitive deficits in two of the seven domains assessed, that are speed of processing (P < 0.01) and reasoning and problem solving (P < 0.05) in the sample of overweight patients.

Cognitive deficits are clearly revealed in BD patients during the euthymic phase of the disorder. The obesity in BD could contribute to increase dysfunctions in cognitive domains.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

As a component of personal characteristics, mental health has always been associated with marital satisfaction. Mental disorders associated with depression and anxiety are common in the workplace. Many studies have found a close link between job satisfaction and these two factors.

The present study investigated the relationship of the level of job satisfaction, with mental health indicators and marital satisfaction in women.

This study aimed to explain the relationships of job satisfaction (as an organizational key factor) with mental health and marital satisfaction of women at the workplace considering the practical implications for promoting mental health.

To achieve the goal of research, a sample of 100 married women who worked at least for 5 years were selected by randomized sampling method in an organizational setting in Iran. Enrich Marital Inventory, Brayfield and Rothe's job satisfaction scale, and General Health Questionnaire were used for data gathering. Data was analyzed by utilizing hierarchical regression.

Findings indicated that most respondents were satisfied with their jobs. In general, subjects with more severe psychological distress and lower level of marital satisfaction reported lower levels of job satisfaction.

Factors related to organizational attitudes such as job satisfaction were especially important in overall mental health and severity of psychological distress. Improving job attitudes is a key factor for promoting marital satisfaction and mental health in women.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Cyberbullying is an emergent problem associated to terrible consequences, especially in young adults.

To analyse the levels of behaviours of victimization and aggression of cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, mood states and consumption of psychoactive substances in a sample of college students from the University of Beira Interior (UBI), as well as to analyse the relationship between these variables.

Analytical cross-sectional study that integrates quantitative methodology. Data collection took place via online survey in the population of students at the UBI (n = 475, 329 females, mean age 22.2 ± 4.1 years). The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, mental health and internet use data and the Portuguese versions of self-reported scales to measure mood states, consumption of psychoactive substances, the levels of behaviours of victimization and aggression of cyberbullying and the levels of suicidal ideation.

The levels of aggression of cyberbullying were significantly higher in male students and in users of social networks. There was a significant positive correlation between behaviours of victimization and aggression of cyberbullying, and between them and suicidal ideation and negative affect. The levels of both behaviours of cyberbullying and suicidal ideation were significantly higher in students consuming alcohol with drugs, just drugs and sedatives. There was a significant positive correlation between suicidal ideation and negative affect and a significant negative correlation between suicidal ideation and positive affect.

Both behaviours of cyberbullying were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and negative affect. Thus, stands out the relevance of an earlier identification of these behaviours and an adequate intervention by health professionals.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Coronary Angiography (CA) allows life saving diagnosis and treatment methods. However, because of its being an invasive intervention, it causes patient to live through fear and anxiety due to the process.

The present study was carried as a descriptive study in order to determine the anxiety condition in patients before coronary angiography.

296 patients to be subjected to the coronary angiography were included in the study. The research data gathered with individual information form and State Trait Anxiety Inventory of Spielberger.

It was found that the anxiety points of the patients changed between 28 and 55 and the average anxiety score was 41.22 + 6.16. It was determined that the anxiety scores were high in the patients with a body mass index of 25 and above, using cigarette, having another chronic disease, previously diagnosed with heart disease, having someone in his/her family who has heart disease story, not being introduced to the angiography team before the operation, having angiography story, having angiography complication story and not having health insurance.

It was found that patients lived through anxiety either at small or medium levels before coronary angiography. It is needed that the anxieties of the patients should be determined before the angiography and the approaches to decrease anxiety should be applied, the patients should be introduced to the angiography team before the operation.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an informative factor on body fatness which has been associated to higher levels of Perinatal Depression (PD) and complications during pregnancy. We aimed to explore the impact of pre-pregnancy and postnatal BMI on the risk of Perinatal Depression and pregnancy outcomes among women recruited at their third trimester of pregnancy.

We report on findings from a large multi-centre study conducted in the South of Italy and involving 1611 women accessing three urban gynaecological departments from July to November 2020. Pregnant women were assessed at their third trimester of pregnancy (T0) and after the childbirth (T1) ;The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been employed for the screening of PD over time (T0 and T1) as well as other standardized measures for neuroticism, resilience, and quality of life at baseline. BMI (T0 and T1) and other socio-demographic and clinical characteristics have been collected.

Over-weight and obesity (higher levels of BMI) were associated with higher risk of PD (higher scores of EPDS), higher neuroticism and poorer subjective psychological well-being among enrolled women. Also, obesity and over-weight were associated with lower education, higher number of physical comorbidities, medical treatments and complications during pregnancy.

Over-weight and obesity may impact on mental health and pregnancy outcome of women enrolled. Psycho-educational interventions aimed to improve the management of physical and emotional issues may reduce the risk of PD and complications during pregnancy.

Childbirth represents for women a time of vulnerability to postpartum mood disorders. These disorders range in severity from the early maternal blues to postpartum psychosis. Along this spectrum is postpartum depression (PPD) that may have many risk factors.

The study aims to examine the prevalence of PPD and associated risk factors among a sample of Tunisian women receiving cares in the hospital of Sfax.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study regarding 150 parturients examined during the first and the sixth week post-delivery. The EPDS (Edinburgh postnatal depression scale) was used to assess PPD.

The total sample had a mean age of 29.61 years. During the sixth week study period, 126 of 150 were examined. Almost all of the women have a low school level (82.7%). Only 9.3% had a personal psychiatric history. Multiparity was found in 43.3% of cases. The current pregnancy was undesired in 15.3% of cases. Sympathetic signs of pregnancy were reported by 64.7% of women. The prevalence of PPD in the first week was 14.7% and 19.8% in the sixth week after delivery. The PPD was associated with the maternal age (> 35 years), the low school level, the existence of mood personal background, the parity, the difficulty to accept the pregnancy and sympathetic signs of pregnancy.

Postpartum depression is common on our sample. Identifying risk factors of PPD allows clinicians to detect subgroups of women with an increased vulnerability who might receive early psychiatric care.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.