Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, self-esteem and the impact of treatments.

OBJECTIVES: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience repetitive failures in their school and social life and often receive negative feedback from their environment, endangering the development of their self-esteem. Self-esteem is a forecasting factor for social, psychological, professional and familial well-being. Poor self-esteem is a risk factor for the development of depression, anxiety disorder, and personality disorder. The aim of this article is to evaluate the child's self-esteem at the initial time of ADHD diagnosis, describe self-esteem evolution after diagnosis and identify clinical and therapeutic factors associated with improved self-esteem. METHODS: In a longitudinal descriptive study, 6-12-year-old patients with ADHD underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation including a diagnostic interview (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present/Lifetime version: K-SADS), a symptoms severity assessment with parent questionnaires (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale: ADHD-RS), a neurocognitive testing of attention and IQ, and a self-esteem interview (Self-Esteem Inventory of Coopersmith: SEI). The follow-up assessment included a K-SADS-PL, ADHD-RS and SEI assessments and recorded treatment history. We compared the score of self-esteem between these two assessments. RESULTS: Among the 108 screened patients, we obtained complete data from 55 patients at the second assessment. At first evaluation, two-thirds of children with ADHD had low self-esteem scores. At the second evaluation, our results indicate a significant improvement of global, personal, and social self-esteem score (SEI) and symptoms severity score (K-SADS-PL and ADHD-RS). CONCLUSIONS: Self-esteem improved in patients with ADHD after specific treatments.

Development and validation of the Symptomatic Transdiagnostic Test (S2T).

INTRODUCTION: The categorical approach in psychiatry has received many criticisms. Modern research tends to develop a transdiagnostic approach. However, transdiagnostic works lack an overall understanding and focus mainly on anxiety and depression. The aim of the present study was to develop an easy to use tool to evaluate multiple dimensions opening the way for further research in the transdiagnostic approach. This will allow researchers to quickly assess the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions on multiple psychopathological dimensions. METHOD: First, we identified the main symptoms of psychopathology in a sample of mental healthcare workers. Second, we developed the Symptomatic Transdiagnostic Test (S2T) to assess the main symptoms of psychopathology. Third, we evaluated its psychometric properties (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency) in three non-clinical samples and one clinical sample. RESULTS: The 66-item S2T included eleven factors referring to: i) negative thoughts and mood; ii) psycho-traumatic and maladaptive symptoms; iii) addiction symptoms; iv) disturbed eating behavior; v) disturbed perception and behavior; vi) panic and agoraphobia; vii) emotional lability; viii) dejection; ix) neurodevelopmental manifestations; x) anxiety and xi) psychic hyperactivity. We found a high internal consistency for the general scale (α=0.96) and the subscales. We found a good concurrent validity. As expected, we found higher levels of symptoms within the clinical population as compared to the non-clinical samples, except for addiction symptoms and disrupted eating behavior. We found negative associations between the symptomatic dimensions and psychological skills. CONCLUSION: The S2T is a relevant tool for clinicians and researchers to assess the psychopathological profile. The main psychopathological symptoms are negatively related to the psychological skills.

Feedback on a socio-aesthetic program for the benefit of young patients with self-endangerment.

OBJECTIVES: Socio-aesthetics is a practice born in psychiatric departments but has since developed particularly in the field of oncology. For our part, since January 2018, we have initiated an experiment of this type at the Espace Unit of the CHU in Nantes, a unit that takes care of young patients who find themselves in a situation of crisis and endangerment of themselves. METHODS: The qualitative evaluation of the interest of a socio-aesthetic mediation (relaxation modelling, facial care, make-up) with young patients was carried out by a collection of their feelings. RESULTS: Youth who expressed an overall judgment of socio-esthetic mediation appreciated it in 61% of cases. They express their satisfaction with words such as "I liked", "I loved", "I'm happy", "it was too good", "super good" or "great". CONCLUSION: This successful socio-aesthetic therapy practice experiment will continue with a quantitative analysis to demonstrate the relevance of this type of service to psychiatric patients.

[Food addictions]. / Les addictions alimentaires.

Addictions are invading our daily lives. Eating and body image have become major preoccupations. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders with a high risk of chronicity and death. Curing them and preventing their recurrence requires a solid therapeutic alliance that aims to work around individual symptoms. The low self-esteem associated with these disorders may contribute to their maintenance, despite their negative impact on quality of life. One of the challenges of treating these disorders is to help patients find the motivation to seek treatment.

[Surftherapy, an innovative mediation in an addiction treatment program]. / La surfthérapie, une médiation innovante dans un parcours de soins en addictologie.

Imagine a dream where ocean waves become allies for the caregiver. This vision took shape in a project begun in 2020 at the Clinique de l'Odet, the addictology department of the public mental health establishment in South Finistère: surf therapy as a tool for addictology care, the ocean as an ecological framework for rehabilitation. In this exceptional adventure, the dream of a care team to support patients' recovery through surfing has become a reality, where every wave is a step towards freedom; every take-off a victory on the road to recovery.

Reliability and Validity of the Colombian Version of the Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory.

Sociosexuality refers to an individual's disposition to have casual sex without establishing affective bonds and has been widely studied worldwide using the Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI-R; Penke & Asendorpf, 2008). Despite its many validations in different cultural contexts, no psychometric analyses of this instrument have been conducted in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. To address this gap in the literature, we examined the psychometric properties of the SOI-R in Colombia. In a cross-sectional study with a large sample of participants (N = 812; 64% women), we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to identify different factor structures and determine which had the best fit for our sample and examined the reliability of the scale. Results showed that a three-factor structure, with sociosexual behaviors, attitudes, and desire as first-order factors, and global sociosexuality as a second-order factor, had the best fit indexes. Each factor presented good reliability indexes. Replicating already established gender differences, we also found that men scored higher on each factor when compared to women. These findings show that the SOI-R is a reliable and valid instrument to assess sociosexuality in countries where sociosexuality research is underrepresented.

Optimizations of Double Titanium Nitride Thermo-Optic Phase-Shifter Heaters Using SOI Technology.

A commercial thermo-optic phase shifter (TOPS) is an efficient solution to the imbalance problem in the fabrication process of Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) arms. The TOPS consumes electrical power and transforms it into thermal energy, which changes the real part of the effective refractive index at the waveguide and adjusts the MZM transfer function to work in the linear region. The common model being used today is constructed with only one heater; however, this solution requires more electrical power, which can increase the transmitter system cost. To reduce the system energy cost, we propose a pioneering optimal double titanium nitride heater model under forward biasing at 1550 nm wavelength using the standard silicon-on-insulator technology. Numerical investigations were carried out on the key relative geometrical parameters, heat distribution at the silicon layer, thermal crosstalk, and laser wavelength drift. Results show that the optimal TOPS design can function with a low electrical power of 19.1 mW to achieve a π-phase shift, with a low thermal crosstalk of 0.404 and very low optical losses over 1 mm length. Thus, the proposed device can be used for improving the imbalance problem in MZMs with low electrical power consumption and low losses. This functionality can be utilized to obtain better performances in transmitter systems for data centers and long-range optical communication system applications.

Investigation of Limitations in the Detection of Antibody + Antigen Complexes Using the Silicon-on-Insulator Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor.

The SOI-FET biosensor (silicon-on-insulator field-effect transistor) for virus detection is a promising device in the fields of medicine, virology, biotechnology, and the environment. However, the applications of modern biosensors face numerous problems and require improvement. Some of these problems can be attributed to sensor design, while others can be attributed to technological limitations. The aim of this work is to conduct a theoretical investigation of the "antibody + antigen" complex (AB + AG) detection processes of a SOI-FET biosensor, which may also solve some of the aforementioned problems. Our investigation concentrates on the analysis of the probability of AB + AG complex detection and evaluation. Poisson probability density distribution was used to estimate the probability of the adsorption of the target molecules on the biosensor's surface and, consequently, to obtain correct detection results. Many implicit and unexpected causes of error detection have been identified for AB + AG complexes using SOI-FET biosensors. We showed that accuracy and time of detection depend on the number of SOI-FET biosensors on a crystal.

Refractive Index Measurement Using SOI Photodiode with SP Antenna toward SOI CMOS-Compatible Integrated Optical Biosensor.

This paper proposes a new optical biosensor composed of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) p-n junction photodiode (PD) with a surface plasmon (SP) antenna. When the phase-matching condition between two lateral wavelengths of the diffracted light from the SP antenna and the waveguiding mode in the SOI PD is satisfied, we observe sharp peaks in the spectroscopic light sensitivity. Since the peak wavelength depends on the RI change around the SP antenna corresponding to the phase-matching condition, the SOI PDs with an SP antenna can be applied to the optical biosensor. The RI detection limit is evaluated in the measurements with bulk solutions, and 1.11 × 10-5 RIU (refractive index unit) can be obtained, which is comparable to that of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, which is well known as a representative optical biosensor. In addition, the response for intermolecular bonds is estimated by the electromagnetic simulations using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to clarify its ability to detect biomolecular interactions. The results of this paper will provide new ground for high-throughput label-free biosensing, since a large number of SOI PDs with an SP antenna can be easily integrated on a single chip via an SOI complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication process.

RF-SOI Low-Noise Amplifier Using RC Feedback and Series Inductive-Peaking Techniques for 5G New Radio Application.

This paper presents a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with an integrated input and output matching network designed using RF-SOI technology. This LNA was designed with a resistive feedback topology and an inductive peaking technology to provide 600 MHz of bandwidth in the N79 band (4.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz). Generally, the resistive feedback structure used in broadband applications allows the input and output impedance to be made to satisfy the broadband conditions through low-impedance feedback. However, feedback impedance for excessive broadband characteristics can degrade the noise performance as a consequence. To achieve a better noise performance for a bandwidth of 600 MHz, the paper provided an optimized noise performance by selecting the feedback resistor value optimized for the N79 band. Additionally, an inductive peaking technique was applied to the designed low-noise amplifier to achieve a better optimized output matching network. The designed low-noise amplifier simulated a gain of 20.68 dB and 19.94 dB from 4.4 to 5.0 GHz, with noise figures of 1.57 dB and 1.73 dB, respectively. The input and output matching networks were also integrated, and the power consumption was designed to be 9.95 mA at a supply voltage of 1.2 V.

Oasis Senior Supportive Living: Description of a Novel Aging-in-Place Model in Ontario.

Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada, and the majority of older adults want to age-in-place within their communities. Many older adults live in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), unplanned communities with a high proportion of older residents. NORC supportive services programs can help older adults successfully age-in-place. One such program is Oasis Senior Supportive Living, a partnership between older adults, building owners and managers, community partners, funders, and researchers. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with Oasis participants to understand their experiences of Oasis. This article will describe the three pillars upon which Oasis programming is based and provide insights from Oasis participants. It will discuss nutrition programming implemented in these NORCs and suggest how dietitians can support NORC residents.

Carbon stocks of tree plantations in a Western Ghats landscape, India: influencing factors and management implications.

Biomass and carbon stock assessments in data-deficient plantations and identifying the factors influencing tree growth, distribution, and carbon stocks are extremely important for implementing sound silvicultural management and monitoring practices to achieve REDD+ goals. We conducted carbon stock assessments in five major plantation types in a regional landscape in the central Western Ghats, India, by establishing fifty 0.1-ha plots across the landscape. We quantified the overall carbon stocks by summing the carbon pools across mature trees, deadwood, and soil (0 -15 cm) components. Allometric equations were compared to address the uncertainty in the tree biomass carbon. The tree biomass carbon and soil organic carbon varied significantly across the plantation types (F = 55.23, p < 0.00). The present study yielded the highest carbon stocks in Pinus plantation (201.91 ± 9.52 Mg ha-1) and the least in Eucalyptus (122.63 ± 9.73 Mg ha-1). The correlation analysis displayed a strong influence of mean annual precipitation and edaphic factors on soil organic carbon, while basal area and elevation were good predictors of tree biomass carbon. The principal component analysis revealed an association of predictor variables in the distribution of plantation types. We found a strong association between mean annual precipitation on Pinus plantation and mean annual temperature on Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations. On the other hand, teak pure plantation was associated with structural and topographic variables, while edaphic factors mainly influenced the distribution of teak mixed plantations. The findings of the present study conclude substantial carbon storage ability of the plantations in the studied landscape which can play a significant role in mitigating the effects of climate change and reaching carbon neutrality.

Does identity disturbance contribute to inhibition in borderline personality? A preliminary report.

A research protocol was developed to test a theoretical model regarding impulsivity in borderline personality (BP) disorder. It was hypothesized that the impact of identity disturbance of individuals with BP features on their response-inhibition functions could be explained by the disposition of their self-concept to increase the intensity of negative emotions. Participants with different levels of BP features were assigned to a self-description condition (N=29) that had the potential to manipulate the identity coherence, or a control condition (N=27) prior to a response inhibition task with high and low arousal emotional stimuli. We also explored the relationship between participants' self-description and their performance on the inhibition task. The results showed a significant interaction between condition, level of BP features, valence, and stimulus intensity on commission errors. Post-hoc analysis did not reveal significant differences. In addition, a moderate correlation was found between a lesser differentiated description of the self and a higher mean of errors of commission. This preliminary study highlights the relevance of studying the relationship between the self-concept and inhibition regarding borderline impulsivity. The findings should be replicated with a larger sample and with individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria.

[Discrimination, stigma and identity: A literature review]. / Discrimination, stigmatisation et identité : une revue de littérature.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to update the scientific knowledge concerning the relationship between discrimination, stigma and self-concept. METHODS: A review was conducted and allowed to include 15 peer-reviewed articles for qualitative analysis, consisting of 13 unique samples (n=2830; Mage=37.6). The search was conducted on Pubmed and PsychInfo following this research protocol: "de stigmatization" ([Title/Abstract] or "destigmatization" [Title/Abstract] or "self-stigma" [Title/Abstract] or "Perceived stigma" [Title/Abstract] or "anticipated discrimination" [Title/Abstract] or "experienced discrimination" [Title/Abstract]) and (identi*[Title] or "self-concept" [Title]). The search resulted in 43 articles, plus three articles identified from other sources. Thirty-one articles were excluded because they did not align with the aim of the review. RESULTS: Among the 15 articles included, there were 11 quantitative studies, two qualitative studies, one literature review and one theoretical article. The stigma was related to a mental disorder (n=8), a physiological or ethnic difference (n=5) or sexual orientation and gender identity (n=2). Among the 11 quantitative studies based on unique samples, all included both males and females (n=2616; Mage=36.7; 61.1% of women). Four studies established a significant impact of perceived stigma on social identity. This impact was negative when there was at least one other parallel social identity perceived favorably by the individual, and positive otherwise. In two studies, this impact was moderated by the importance of the stigmatized social identity in the self-concept. In one study, social identity was correlated to psychological distress. The sign, positive or negative, of this correlation depended on self-stigma. When self-stigma was high (i.e., self-concept is strongly perceived through the prism of negative stereotypes associated with the social identity), then social identity was positively associated with psychological distress. Otherwise, the sign of this association was negative. In one study, four distinct variables were predictors of suicidal ideation: experienced discrimination, perceived stigma, anticipated discrimination and self-stigma. Experienced discrimination predicted suicidal ideation through anticipatory discrimination and self-stigma; and perceived stigma predicted suicidal ideation through anticipated discrimination. Self-stigma and anticipatory discrimination predicted suicidal ideation at the same level. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a key variable to address in order to reduce the negative consequences of discrimination and stigmatization is self-stigma, i.e., the fact of conceiving the self-concept through the filter of the negative stereotypes associated with the characteristic perceived as discriminated. The altered self-concept should therefore be a main transnosographic diagnostic and therapeutic target. An easy-to-use proxy to detect the altered self-concept is the propensity to feel the emotion of shame, which is correlated to self-stigma.

How to target disturbed identity in borderline patients? Self-identification program: A case study.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and relatively prevalent psychiatric disorder, responsible for high rates of suicidal behaviors. Disturbed identity appears as at the very core of this disorder, being inter-related with all other BPD features. Notably, from a dimensional perspective on mental disorders, one should realize that it is from our usual self-representation that we live all our daily experiences. Then, if the understanding of self-concept (or identity) is impaired, all the interventions implemented to decrease the self's suffering will subsequently be impaired. The purpose of the present case study was to illustrate the nine identity diffusion categories described by Jørgensen & Bøye (2022) and how the level of identity function can be improved in a third-wave cognitive and behavioral therapy targeting progressive correct self-identification.

[The contribution of physical activity to motivation in patients with minor to major cognitive impairment]. / Apport de l'activité physique sur la motivation des patients atteints de troubles cognitifs mineurs à majeurs.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) brings with it the need to think about the loss of autonomy caused by cognitive impairment, and how to manage it. In this context, adapted physical activity has been shown to benefit the overall quality of life of people suffering from the disease. In our study of thirteen patients with AD or related neurodegenerative diseases, we assessed the impact of physical activity on self-esteem and motivation, with patients taking part in group exercise sessions lasting twelve weeks, one hour a week.

[Art therapy support for patients suffering from burn-out]. / L'accompagnement en art-thérapie de patients en situation de burn-out.

The persons suffering from burn-out is in a situation of physical and psychological exhaustion. They are cut off from their ability to mobilize their resources. The art therapist invites the patient to spontaneous and creative introspective work based on bodily and emotional feelings. This process leads the patient to the discovery of his or her sensitive identity. By gradually getting in touch with his inner resources, he asserts himself and regains confidence in his potential.

[Identity and its trance]. / L'identité et sa transe.

Identity is a widely debated topic. The fact that human beings want to change sex and gender poses a fundamentally societal question. Long marginalized, this reality has become a phenomenon with varying degrees of media coverage. The definition and place of sex, gender, its acceptance and transformation are anthropologically characteristic of the human race and its very nature. The question is that of the limits of the body, of biology and anatomy. We are entering a process of transition through transgenderism, its medicalization and change of civil status. Things can be seen as a trajectory, not a state.

[Healing the mind by healing the body in anorexia nervosa]. / Soigner le mental en soignant le corps dans l'anorexie mentale.

In anorexia nervosa, physical and psychological vulnerability confines the sufferer to the confines of his or her pathology. The physical body is the first victim of undernutrition, but also the first resource for restoring the psychic and emotional body. Reduced food intake has repercussions on cognition and affect, all of which affect relational capacities. Accompanying, understanding and caring for people means reaching out to them and their bodies, to re-establish the link between what has been broken, and to establish a relationship of trust with them.

[Thadeo, a listening service for caregivers]. / Thadeo, un service d'écoute pour les soignants.

Caregivers, like all working people, can encounter difficulties in the course of their professional activities. These difficulties, compounded by the particularities of caregiving practice, can lead to situations of isolation, overwork, exhaustion, disagreement and even ethical dilemmas in complex situations. Thadeo's free listening service offers support to caregivers who need it.