It has been suggested that suicidal behavior may be associated with inflammatory processes. Several studies found altered blood count derived markers in suicide attempters. This study evaluated the potential association...It has been suggested that suicidal behavior may be associated with inflammatory processes. Several studies found altered blood count derived markers in suicide attempters. This study evaluated the potential association of inflammatory factors with completed suicide. Data of in-patient and post-discharge suicide cases and matched controls were obtained from a preexisting data file. Blood count values with a focus on inflammatory parameters were compared. None of the blood count and inflammatory parameters assessed differed significantly between groups. Previous indications of an association of blood count derived inflammatory factors with attempted suicide were not replicated in completed suicides.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major worldwide impact resulting in more than 7 million deaths due to COVID-19. Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been observe...The COVID-19 pandemic had a major worldwide impact resulting in more than 7 million deaths due to COVID-19. Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been observed in COVID-19 survivors worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 survivors three months after discharge from hospital and examine associated risk factors. 186 COVID-19 patients were assessed at baseline and three months after hospital discharge using questionnaires for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD). Medical data, including comorbidities, complications, and psychiatric history, were collected, and analyzed. The study found a prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms of 14%, 14% and 10.8% respectively three months after hospital discharge. Female gender was a risk factor for PTSD (OR 4.54), depression (OR 3.55) and anxiety (OR 3.06). Patients with psychiatric history were at higher risk of depression (OR 8.46) and anxiety (OR 4.00) but not of PTSD. No association was found with other clinical variables including inflammation markers. The prevalence of psychopathological outcomes in COVID-19 survivors in this study was increased compared to the general population and in line with previous research. Female gender and psychiatric history increased the risk of anxiety and depression. The absence of correlation between inflammation or other clinical variables and psychopathological outcome measures is discussed in comparison with prior research. More research is needed to understand these associations and the long-term effects of COVID-19 on mental health.
The present study aims to explore the self-reported traumatic stress symptoms related to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and to investigate associations among trauma-related stress symptoms, demographic, work-related...The present study aims to explore the self-reported traumatic stress symptoms related to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and to investigate associations among trauma-related stress symptoms, demographic, work-related, and clinical characteristics in a sample of professionals drawn from psychiatric services in Greece. The following online questionnaires were used in this study. An I. self-reported questionnaire about demographic, work-related, and clinical characteristics, and II. the Impact of Event Scale, with modifications for COVID-19 (IES COVID-19). The research period was from June 5, 2021, to September 9, 2021, during which Greece had just emerged from a six month total lockdown. We included 363 employees of public mental health services (females 77%, mean age 44±9 years). More than half of the participants (54.5%) answered that they felt that their patients might not have been offered the optimal possible care due to measures against COVID-19 dissemination, in the workplace. Linear regression analysis revealed that female gender (β= 6.42, 95% CI: 3.01, 9.82, p<0.001), being divorced/separated/widowed (β= 5.31, 95% CI: 0.86, 9.77, p=0.02) and feeling that patients might not have been offered the optimal possible care due to measures against COVID-19 dissemination (β=4.40, 95% CI: 1.53 - 7.26, p=0.003) were found to be significant factors for total IES COVID-19. Challenges faced by those working in psychiatric and mental health services have received less attention and understanding, although they faced ethical dilemmas that have a significant impact on both patients and professionals, during the pandemic. These ethical dilemmas, in turn, may contribute to increased role stress and traumatic symptoms among mental health professionals.
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in attachment dimensions and the perceived parental acceptance / rejection among adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) in comparison to the control group, and the...The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in attachment dimensions and the perceived parental acceptance / rejection among adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) in comparison to the control group, and the contribution of the attachment dimensions and parental acceptance /rejection to the CD. The group of male and female adolescents with CD (N=97) and a control group of male and female adolescents with no signs of CD (N=97) participated in this study. Attachment and parental acceptance/rejection were determined in the relationship between adolescents and their mothers and fathers by using self-evaluation questionnaires. The results showed that subjects with CD had insecure (avoidance) attachment, perception of lower parental acceptance and higher parental rejection more often compared to controls. Higher levels of complex father rejection predicted CD. The main findings of this study indicated that the subjects with a conduct disorder felt less accepted and more rejected by parents compared to control group subjects. Complex father rejection was shown as a significant predictor of conduct disorder. Parental attachment may affect adolescents' perception of parental acceptance/rejection which may result in an expression of CD symptoms.
Childhood trauma can disrupt one's sense of the meaning of life. Forgiveness can be an important strategy in restoring the meaning of life and gaining a new meaning. In this context, the present study aims to test the th...Childhood trauma can disrupt one's sense of the meaning of life. Forgiveness can be an important strategy in restoring the meaning of life and gaining a new meaning. In this context, the present study aims to test the theoretical model evaluating the hypothesis that forgiveness repairs the meaning of life deteriorated after traumas and makes positive contributions. A total of 552 individuals, 369 female (66.8%) and 183 male (33.2%), participated in the study. The sample group of the study was found by using a convenience sampling method via online survey. Introductory information form, The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), Heartland Forgiveness Scale, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. Means and standard deviations of the variables and the correlation coefficients between the variables were calculated using descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation. The hypothesized model was tested by using structural equation modelling. In the model, childhood traumas have a negative and significant direct effect on forgiveness (β:-.362) and meaning in life (β:-.256). Forgiveness has a positive and significant effect on meaning in life (β:.715). Also, the mediating (indirect) effect of forgiveness in the relationship between childhood mental traumas and meaning in life was statistically significant (β:-.259). Structural equation modeling showed that forgiveness was the mediating variable affecting changing meaning in life.
This study was planned to evaluate the effect of a placebo administered with deception vs. without deception on psychomotor and cognitive functions in healthy human volunteers compared to no treatment as placebo response...This study was planned to evaluate the effect of a placebo administered with deception vs. without deception on psychomotor and cognitive functions in healthy human volunteers compared to no treatment as placebo responses tend to be circumstantial. An open-label, 3-period, 6-sequence randomized controlled cross-over trial was conducted with 54 participants in a tertiary care center. After the initial screening for eligibility, the patients were randomized into sequences. Psychomotor, executive, and memory function tests were performed before and 30 minutes after the administration of the intervention on three different days (one intervention each day). Participants showed a significant reduction in reaction time in most of the computerized tests for evaluation of psychomotor function (simple reaction time: one hand: 47.15; 95% CI: 30.99 to 63.32; p <0.001, both hands: 63.90; 95%CI: 46.23 to 81.57; p <0.001|| choice reaction time (79.83; 95%CI: 41.27 to 118.40; p<0.001) and digit picture substitution test (182.12; 95% CI: 116.0 to 248.24; p < 0.001)), executive function and memory with deceptive placebo when compared to nondeceptive placebo. No statistical difference in the paper and pencil tests was observed; however, there was a significant reduction in deceptive placebo over nondeceptive placebo or no intervention groups for trail-making tests for the executive functions. No significant difference was observed for motor functions. A deceptive placebo has a significant effect on psychomotor function compared to a nondeceptive placebo and no treatment; thus there could be differences in placebo responses in clinical trial versus clinical practice or double blind versus open label placebo. The calculation of actual drug effect in a clinical trial needs the development of an algorithm balancing for placebo response.
The aim of this study was to compare the levels of thyroid hormones in children with ADHD and ADHD-NOS and to assess the relationship between ADHD symptom severity, anxiety symptom severity and thyroid hormone levels. Th...The aim of this study was to compare the levels of thyroid hormones in children with ADHD and ADHD-NOS and to assess the relationship between ADHD symptom severity, anxiety symptom severity and thyroid hormone levels. The study was planned as a cross-sectional, retrospective study. The records of patients who applied to the study center in between January 2012 and January 2013 were screened and 205 ADHD and ADHD-NOS cases' records were evaluated. Both groups were compared according to thyroid hormon levels. The diagnosis of 205 patients' records and their comorbid psychiatric disorders was made clinically. ADHD symptom severity was assessed by Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S). Anxiety symptom severity was assessed by The Screen for Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Groups were compared with parametric or non-parametric methods according to assumptions of normality. P was set at 0.05 (two-tailed). Among the whole sample, 99 (48.3 %) patients were ADHD, and 106 (51.7 %) patients were ADHD- NOS. The average age of the children in the ADHD group was 10.88 ± 3.02 years, and the average age of the children in the NOS-ADHD group 9.93 ± 2.49 years. Thyroid hormone levels were detected in 81 of 205 patients participating in the study. We found statistically significantly higher T4 levels in the ADHD group compared to the ADHD-NOS group (p=0.006). A statistically significant negative correlation between the total number of diagnoses and T4 level was noted (p=0.001). TSH levels correlated significantly with T-DSM-IV-S total score and symptom counts in the Hyperactivity subscale of this measure. Thyroid hormone levels may be affected in children with impairing ADHD symptoms and increased comorbidities. Our results should be supported with future studies.
Progress in psychiatric treatment has led to important improvements in the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness (SMI). Nevertheless, the life expectancy of patients with SMI remains two decades shorter...Progress in psychiatric treatment has led to important improvements in the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness (SMI). Nevertheless, the life expectancy of patients with SMI remains two decades shorter than that of the general population, and the most prevalent cause of death is cardiovascular disease. Given that the delivery of somatic care to a population of individuals with mental illness is specific, we developed a screening and intervention programme aimed at this vulnerable population. The "SOMA" programme is a complex somatic health intervention system consisting of screening and a set of interventions. Risk screening is evaluated automatically; the interventions include dietary intervention, healthy lifestyle education (HSE), physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy, and occupational therapy (KOP). The programme was introduced into the practice of the hospital, and its outcomes were monitored with a pilot population divided into 2 subprogrammes. CV risk factor prevalence study (n= 5481) as the most common CV risk factors identified hypertension (56.6 %) and smoking (55.7 %), high-risk patients proportion was 1364 (27 %). HSE (n=40) enrolled patients improved their body weight. KOP results show that patients with schizophrenia preferred physical activity less than others; 53 % of patients have no physical activity during hospitalization, and spontaneous physical activity depends on BMI in our sample. We observed improvement in cognitive functioning, perception of physical functions, or perceived limitations was comparable to the general population. Results show the usability of the program design; initial screening with two intervention branches can increase motivation for physical activity and adoption of health-promoting behaviors and support a recovery process in SMI patients. SOMA project is unique in the Czech environment, however, larger sample with longer observation period is needed.
There is a growing interest in the German thinker Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), sometimes referred to as "the psychologist of the "will", but scarce empirical research has been conducted on the relevance of his philos...There is a growing interest in the German thinker Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), sometimes referred to as "the psychologist of the "will", but scarce empirical research has been conducted on the relevance of his philosophy for psychology and psychiatry. Following his death, philosophers, psychologists, psychiatrists, artists, writers, and natural scientists commended him. However, he was harshly criticized by others, notably by Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger. Schopenhauer entitled his capital work as "The world as will and representation" (1818). His key concept is the "Will" which refers to the metaphysical source of all that exists. He considered deliberate human actions as a small part of the whole Will, which is mostly unconscious, blind, and purposeless. While the primeval Will is unknowable, the inner perception of our body in wishing is the closest approximation to the Will. Living beings have a "Representation" of the Will. With this construct, Schopenhauer explored most areas of knowledge in his time. The Will's nature, conceived as a tendency or imperative to exist, unavoidably leads to normative self-centeredness in all living beings, and often to egoism and malice in humans. Notwithstanding, he envisioned a path for individual (but not collective) salvation based on aesthetic contemplation, compassion, and asceticism. After describing his text's plan, we propose that selected contemporary constructs of psychotherapy may meet Schopenhauer's path to individual salvation. This sets the basis for approaching Schopenhauer to standard and novel psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational tools, as we illustrate here in selected aspects of clinical cases. The psychological correlates of the Will as postulated by Schopenhauer, and the sharp prose by which he referred to human motivations, are his key contributions to contemporary psychotherapy and psychoeducation. Since Schopenhauer funded his thought on the natural sciences, it may also enrich the integrative trends in contemporary psychiatry and psychology.
Several theories have been proposed over the last few decades on identifying various fundamental psychological human needs. These theories were compared to a more recent theory using concepts from a fast growing form of...Several theories have been proposed over the last few decades on identifying various fundamental psychological human needs. These theories were compared to a more recent theory using concepts from a fast growing form of psychotherapy called schema therapy. The empirical basis of the model from schema therapy was provided using Eastern and Western samples. Points of overlapp with the other models and schema therapy were discussed. The model of needs from schema therapy was based on work conducted by principal author in 2020 using samples from Eastern (Singapore n=628; Kuala Lumpur, n=229), and Western countries (United States, n=214). Four separate categories consisting of the 14 Early Adaptive Schemas (positive schemas) were identified. Each group or positive schema domain represents a core emotional need that was adequately met, and these four were used as the basis for human psychological need from the vantage point of schema therapy. All models of human needs were examined and compared with one another with special focus on constructs that had overlapped. Some models did not begin with infancy. However, there were definite points of convergence showing support for basic concepts of human psychological needs that were theorized over the last few decades, and its congruence with the model from schema therapy.
This review article explores the relationship between psychodynamic factors, personality organization, and loneliness. It focuses on extensive research into attachment styles, shame, pathological narcissism, and personal...This review article explores the relationship between psychodynamic factors, personality organization, and loneliness. It focuses on extensive research into attachment styles, shame, pathological narcissism, and personality disorders. Insecure attachment styles, both anxious and avoidant, emerge as significant predictors of loneliness. Their effects are shown to be mediated by disconnection-rejection schemas and diminished emotional intelligence. The shame and pathological narcissism, especially narcissistic vulnerability, also correlate strongly with increased loneliness and decreased life satisfaction. Identity diffusion, a core concept in Kernberg's personality organization model, is closely linked to chronic, pervasive loneliness. Notably, individuals diagnosed with personality disorders report substantially higher levels of loneliness compared to the general population. The article also highlights a reciprocal relationship between loneliness and depression, particularly important among adolescents. Early relational experiences are emphasized as having a role in shaping social-emotional development and the experience of loneliness. Empathy was identified as a powerful factor against loneliness and its associated depressive symptoms. It serves as a mediator in the loneliness-depression relationship and as a crucial element in both clinical practice and community well-being. This holistic perspective deepens our understanding of human relationships in modern society and advises a holistic, empathetic approach to addressing loneliness and related mental health challenges.
A global culture of empathy appears crucial for the survival of humankind and life on our planet. There is no health without mental health and no mental health without a culture of empathy at all levels: individual, fami...A global culture of empathy appears crucial for the survival of humankind and life on our planet. There is no health without mental health and no mental health without a culture of empathy at all levels: individual, family, national, and global. Similarly, there is no global security without peace, and no peace without a culture of empathy. While peace is associated with mental health promotion, wars are associated with poor or ill mental health. Humanity needs a fresh goal for global peace and sustainability that promotes the culture of empathy to prevent millions of innocent victims from dying, becoming ill, or being maimed. Education focusing on empathy, peace, and mental health literacy forms the foundation for a better future for all and Earth's sustainability. If we, as Homo sapiens - beings capable of foresight, choice, and action - are to survive, there must be New Enlightenment: a positive vision of an empathetic form of globalization for all humankind.