The Impact of COVID-19 on Suicidal Behavior in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION:  During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global increase in mental health issues, including suicidal behaviors. This study focuses on assessing the impact of the pandemic on the prevalence and characteristics of suicidal behavior at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 580 patients from January 2017 to December 2022, focusing on those aged 18 and above referred for suicide evaluation. Data were collected via chart reviews and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 25; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Our study reviewed 580 patient charts, with 555 (95.7%) meeting the inclusion criteria. The majority of participants were in the 18-29 age group (66.7%). We observed an increase in the number of cases undergoing suicide attempt assessment post COVID-19, with 296 incidents (53.3%) from March 2020 to December 2022 (about a year and eight months), compared to 259 incidents (46.7%) from January 2017 to March 2020 (over three years). A significant post-pandemic increase was noted in individuals with secondary education or higher (p = 0.004). No significant changes were found in other demographic variables or in the profiles of individuals with an intention to end life before and after the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the nuanced impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing an increased demand for suicide assessments, particularly among educated individuals. However, no corresponding increase was observed in the rate of high-intent suicidal cases or other significant variables. The findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing suicidal behavior during the pandemic and the need for targeted mental health interventions. Future research, ideally supported by a national database, is essential for a comprehensive understanding of suicidal behavior in Saudi Arabia.

A Process Evaluation of a Mobile App for Medical Students Aimed at Increasing Resilience and Decreasing Stigma in Mental Health.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct a process evaluation of a mental health and wellness mobile health (mHealth) application for medical students designed to increase resilience and decrease mental health stigma. METHODS: The customized application, MindfulMEDS, was developed with peer-focused interactive modules specific to medical students within an existing system called Sharpen®. The Sharpen® system contains an extensive library of didactic and experiential mental health and wellness content built specifically to promote evidence-based protective factors for resilience. A mixed-methods approach including surveys and focus groups assessed participant resiliency, perception of mental health within the context of medical school, and evaluation of the app. Assessments were conducted at baseline (n = 66), six months (n = 30), and one year (n = 24). Demographic information was collected once at baseline as a part of the initial survey.  Results: A total of 215 users were registered in MindfulMEDS, consumed 83 courses, and engaged in 1,428 "connect clicks" to community resources and crisis-response supports. Resilience levels did not change significantly between surveys; however, a significant decrease in the perception of mental health stigma associated with utilizing mental health resources was observed. Focus group participants (n = 11) reported the screening tools to be useful, encouraged expansion, and suggested additional reminders to access the app to increase engagement. CONCLUSION: Findings of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of implementing MindfulMEDS (an mHealth app focused on mental health and wellness) among medical students. Students found the app experience valuable, accessed mental health screeners embedded within the app, utilized the app to seek help, and engaged with the app to learn more about mental health. There was also a decrease in mental health stigma observed during the course of the study. Based on these results, we propose that medical schools incorporate mobile-based technology into their mental health support programs.

[Portrait of an IPA PSM specialising in suicide prevention]. / Portrait d'un IPA PSM spécialisé en prévention du suicide.

Suicide prevention is a major public health issue, both nationally and internationally. The management of suicidal patients leaving emergency departments is crucial to preventing the risk of suicidal recurrence. Advanced practice nurses in psychiatry and mental health can provide real added value thanks to their specialist training, their ability to carry out a comprehensive and detailed clinical assessment, their mastery of medicinal and non-medicinal therapeutic interventions, their skills in coordinating the various players involved in the care pathway, their commitment to prevention and their skills in supporting the development of the skills of care and research teams.

Perceptions of Mental Health Professionals on Nutritional Psychiatry as an Adjunct Treatment in Mainstream Psychiatric Settings in New South Wales, Australia.

Background Nutritional psychiatry refers to the practice of using food, or nutrition, as alternative or complementary treatment for mental health disorders. It is a growing area of research that has shown links between the biological processes in the gut and how the food we consume can impact cognitive function, which then can impact our mood and behaviour. However, there is a lack of understanding on the knowledge and education of nutritional psychiatry in mental health clinicians, and further, how nutritional psychiatry, if at all, is practised in psychiatric clinical settings. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perceptions, knowledge, and education of mental health professionals within the state of New South Wales, Australia regarding their clinical practice and knowledge of nutritional psychiatry.  Methods In this cross-sectional study, a self-administered structured questionnaire created by the authors was successfully completed by 40 mental health professionals (mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, medical officers, and other allied health workers) who were working in New South Wales, Australia. 49 questionnaires were attempted with nine excluded due to these being predominantly incomplete, including demographic data only or empty, ensuring integrity of the remaining data and analysis. The questionnaire aimed to uncover their perceptions, knowledge, and education in nutritional psychiatry and its role in mental health settings. The questionnaire included 16 questions that covered various themes such as the frequency and importance of discussing nutrition with patients, nutrition referrals for issues regarding nutrition, the value of including nutritional psychiatry in their clinical practice, and clinician training and willingness to train or gain further education in nutritional psychiatry. Data was analysed through a series of frequency tables to categorise patterns and identify patterns through the use of descriptive statistics in our analysis of the distribution of attitudes and practices among mental health professionals regarding nutritional psychiatry.  Results A total of 40 mental health clinicians successfully completed the survey and their results were analysed. The results suggest that most clinicians (85% to 93%) recognised the importance of nutrition in mental health, however, revealed various barriers which hindered their clinical practice such as a lack of time, knowledge, and access to nutritional services. Further, 54% of clinicians rated their knowledge of nutritional psychiatry as low, however, 92% revealed that they would attend nutritional psychiatry training if given the opportunity. Additionally, the clinicians reported varied levels of education in nutrition, with 43% reporting no education at all on nutrition in their preclinical studies.  Conclusions Clinicians recognise the importance of nutrition in mental health settings, but revealed lack of time, knowledge, and nutritional services as barriers in clinical practice. Further, clinicians reported a lack of pre-clinical education on nutrition together with an overwhelming interest in engaging with nutritional psychiatry education if it were made available. These conclusions provide important insights for higher education and health policy.

[A survey of psychiatry and mental health IPAs]. / Une enquête auprès des IPA parcours psychiatrie et santé mentale.

A survey was conducted in June 2022 among the graduate RPNs in the field of psychiatry and mental health. 48 people responded and gave their views on their implementation and job satisfaction. The results were generally positive.

Assessing Variability in Reporting Severity of the Same Symptom (Fatigue) in the Context of Different Psychiatric Syndromes.

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the variability in the self-reported fatigue symptom severity in major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of 100 patients evaluated for fatigue using depression and anxiety questionnaires. The study examined whether ratings of fatigue varied based on whether fatigue was being rated by the patient in the context of MDD vs. when fatigue was being rated by the same patient in the context of GAD. A related-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the median differences between depression and anxiety fatigue scores. The significance level used was 0.05. Results This study found a statistically significant difference in the median difference of the paired depression fatigue and anxiety fatigue scores (depression score - anxiety score) regardless of the order of administration (Wilcoxon signed-rank test statistic = 135.500, p-value =.008, N = 100 paired scores). Conclusion The study's conclusions show that although the symptom of fatigue is listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) criteria for MDD as well as GAD, it may be perceived by patients differently based on the context of the syndrome. This emphasizes the importance of considering the context of symptom reporting in patients with MDD and GAD to improve diagnostic methodologies and treatment strategies.

Psychiatric Illnesses, Somatic Complaints, and Treatments in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders differ in frequency and symptoms based on the cultural and ethnic background of patients. This can make diagnosing and treating patients challenging globally. In Pakistan, most psychiatric patients report multiple somatic complaints. Our goal was to investigate the causes of these complaints, identify common psychiatric conditions, and analyze their various manifestations in clinical practice. We also aimed to identify ways to improve the quality of care provided to our patients. METHODOLOGY: We collected and organized data by utilizing predetermined tables from a sample of 231 patients who visited the outpatient clinics. Inpatients were not included in this study because of the absence of a psychiatric unit at our facility. Patients' past medical and psychiatric records were thoroughly examined, and pertinent information was extracted. The most common psychiatric disorders within the studied population were diagnosed based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: In this study, a sample size of 231 was examined to determine the most common diseases (ICD-10) in males and females. In males, the most prevalent diseases were mixed anxiety and depression (MAD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Females, on the other hand, presented more with depression, GAD, mixed anxiety and depression, conversion or dissociative disorder, OCD, and panic attacks. Headaches were the most frequently reported symptom, experienced by 61.9% the of participants, followed by lethargy, extremity pains, palpitations, loss of appetite, heartburn or acidity, heaviness on the head, shoulder pains, bloating, dizziness, chest pains, hot flashes or shivering, and constipation. Meanwhile, a quarter of the males did not complain of any somatic symptoms, compared to 10% of the females. Additionally, 7.3% of females reported more than six somatic symptoms, compared to 5.7% of males. When it came to treatment preferences, 73.6% of the participants preferred medication over psychotherapy and over a combination of both. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to conduct a chi-square test of independence to analyze the obtained data. For post hoc analysis of quantitative data (i.e., the number of somatic symptoms reported by participants), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied, followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive study of its kind for this population and region. It emphasizes that clinicians should be aware of the variety of somatic symptoms and psychiatric presentations among this population. Such awareness can improve clinical practices and reduce the burden on health services.

Closing the Mental Health Access Gap Through Novel Analytics.

Depression and anxiety are associated with substantial morbidity, including physical deterioration. Connecting individuals to timely care improves outcomes. Unfortunately, significant gaps remain between the demand for behavioral healthcare and the supply of care. Further, estimates of demand are based on retrospective and/or non-localized measures, which impedes planning. This poses an opportunity to rethink how to close this gap. Health systems are better positioned than ever to do so, given novel technologies, data, and community integration. By developing more localized, real-time models of depression and anxiety demand and healthcare supply, health systems can better prioritize resource deployment and partnerships to proactively meet patient needs.

Divulging the Impetus of Yoga on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Its Persona in Alleviating Anxiety Experienced by Youth: A Cohort Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND:  Globalization endangers youngsters worldwide with new standards and possibilities. Hereat of being exposed to greater demands and expectations, when it comes to performance review, their life may become more distressed. Yoga with revolutionary methods may assist youngsters in bettering their physical health regarding their maximal oxygen uptake, and also help manage their anxiety. This study ascertains the effect of yoga on youth's anxiety levels and cardio-respiratory fitness. METHODS:  It was a longitudinal interventional study recruiting 99 medical students wherein VO2 max (maximal oxygen uptake) on the treadmill/ergometer exercise and anxiety scores through Spielberger's anxiety scale was assessed at baseline and evaluated after 6 months of a regular yogic regime. The VO2 max was recorded by the metabolic module of Labchart software (Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia). FINDINGS:  The VO2 max evaluated by incremental exercise to volitional fatigue was found to be 2.64 ± 0.49 L/min in males and 1.51 ± 0.44 L/min in females pre-yoga and 2.81 ± 0.52 L/min in males and 1.69 ± 0.47 L/min in females post yoga. The difference in the endline and baseline VO2 max values of yoga-performing males (t=6.595, p<0.001) and females (t = 2.478, p = 0.017) was found to be significantly higher than non-yoga performers. The METS value obtained in males was 11.96 and in females was 7.68 before yoga. Post-yoga values were 13.44 and 8.37, respectively. The difference in total anxiety scores post-intervention was 34.6 which was statistically significant (t= 4.959, p <0.001). CONCLUSION:  From the viewpoint of a physiologist, higher VO2 max in young adults links to better physical fitness which is the potential outcome of regular yogic practice. As a result of regular yogic practice, initial soaring anxiety levels of subjects culminated in a drastic observable reduction in anxiety, which helped inculcate a judicious acumen in youngsters.

Reduction in Substance-Related Composite Harm Scores Through Street Soccer.

Introduction Street soccer makes the sport accessible to people affected by homelessness or precarious housing. There is overwhelming evidence that exercise improves physical and mental health. In addition, sport facilitates positive peer pressure that leads to beneficial life changes. Method To examine participants' accounts of the effects of street soccer in a sample of socially disadvantaged players from Western Canada, we collected 73 cross-sectional self-reports of life changes via a questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on social, mental, and physical health, including substance use. This allowed the calculation of a modified composite harm score. Results Participants reported improved physical (46% of participants) and mental (43% of participants) health, reduced cigarette (50% of smokers), alcohol (45% of users), cannabis (42% of users), and other non-prescribed drug use, increased number of friends (88% of participants), improved housing (60% of participants), increased income (19% of participants), increased community medical supports (40% of participants), and decreased conflicts with police (47% of those with prior recent conflict). Perceived reductions in substance use were supported by significant changes in composite harm score. Conclusion Street soccer appears to promote improved physical, mental, and social health among people affected by homelessness or precarious housing, with reduction in substance use likely to be a key factor. This work builds upon past qualitative research showing the benefits of street soccer and supports future research which may help elucidate the mechanisms by which street soccer has beneficial effects.

Parents' Awareness of Bullying Involvement in Relation to Physician Practices: Implications for Practice Modifications.

Background Bullying is a complex abusive behavior with potentially serious consequences. Persons who bully and those who are bullied have consistently been found to have higher levels of depression, suicidal ideation, physical injury, distractibility, somatic problems, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and school absenteeism than those not involved with bullying. Objectives To our knowledge, no study has compared physicians' practices of bullying prevention across different hospital settings and the effect of these practices on parents' level of awareness. This article represents a subset (phase I) of the inter-departmental quality improvement study for comparing practices of healthcare professionals regarding bullying prevention between the pediatric outpatient clinic and child & adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic, and parents' awareness about provider's anti-bullying practices. Methods Phase I was conducted as a cross-sectional study with the target population of adolescents (age 12-17 yrs) and corresponding guardians, seeking care from healthcare providers (residents, fellows and attendings) in the child & adolescent outpatient psychiatry clinic and pediatric outpatient clinic. It targeted both patients and providers, with adolescents/guardians completing questionnaire about bullying experiences, physician's anti-bullying practices during past healthcare visits and adolescent Peer Relations Instrument. Providers answered questions about bullying assessing practices, level of self-preparedness and limitations. Results Data were analyzed in SAS 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) and SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and Chi-square tests were used for analyses of variables, and cross-comparing results for particular subsets. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed. Among the provider surveys, self-reported level of preparedness (on a scale of 1-5; 1- least, 5-most) for assessing bullying was more in Psychiatry providers (Median 4, Mean 4.1) as compared to Pediatric providers (Median 3, Mean 2.9). In the first evaluation, very unprepared, unprepared and neutral (1, 2, 3) responses were contrasted with prepared to very prepared responses (4,5). The second evaluation excludes the neutral responses (3) and tests responses for the unprepared group (1,2) with the prepared group (4,5). The first evaluation resulted in Chi-Squared = 6.810, significant at p = 0.05 and the second evaluation resulted in Chi-squared = 4.774, also significant at p = 0.05. Conclusions This study identifies differences in healthcare professional's anti-bullying practices and helps in identifying limiting factors. This identification of the practice gap helps in developing interventional strategies to improve the assessment of bullying situations across specialties.

The Validation of Beck's Depression Inventory in Patients With Systemic Diseases: A Psychometric Study at a Dental Institute.

Background Depression seriously threatens the world's public health, manifesting symptoms like loss of interest, fatigue, guilt, and impaired focus. Major depressive disorder is a common problem for those with chronic systemic illnesses. Since this illness has an impact on psychosocial well-being and interacts with anxiety and stress, it is crucial to assess psychological functioning. Depression-related issue has a negative impact on oral health and can cause cognitive dysfunction, social interaction problems, and low self-esteem. For the purpose of identifying and effectively managing depression in patients with systemic illnesses undergoing dental procedures, screening tools like the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. The BDI's benefits include its strong internal consistency, sensitivity to change, broad concept validity, adaptable criteria validity for separating depressed and nondepressed people, and global dissemination. Materials and methods A cross-sectional prospective study was carried out after receiving the necessary institutional ethical approvals, and the participant's agreement was also obtained. The questionnaire was explained to the patients. The entire participation was voluntary. Results In the current study patient's ages ranged from 34 years to maximum age of 83 years with a mean age of 59.70±13.16 years, with 40% of the population falling into the 51-65 years age group. According to the results, participants who had multiple systemic disorders were more likely to experience depression than people who had one systemic illness. The chi-square test showed no statistically significant results between the depression scores and the number of systemic diseases (p-0.574). Seventy-five per cent of individuals with depression required tooth extractions. Conclusion Those with systemic disorders who were receiving dental care in the current study showed elevated levels of depression. An important finding was the correlation between depression and tooth extraction, highlighting the need for proactive mental health assessments in dental care. Tailored interventions can mitigate the impact, enhancing the holistic well-being of patients suffering from systemic diseases and depression.

Necessidades do cuidador informal da pessoa idosa com síndrome demencial / Needs of the informal caregiver of elderly people with dementia syndrome

Este Relatório de Estágio, elaborado no âmbito do Mestrado em Enfermagem na Área de Especialização em Enfermagem de Saúde Mental e Psiquiátrica, pretende retratar as aprendizagens dos dois estágios que alicerçam a aquisição e o desenvolvimento de competências específicas do Enfermeiro Especialista em Saúde Mental e Psiquiátrica (EESMP), baseadas na experiência da prestação de cuidados ao cuidador informal da pessoa idosa com síndrome demencial e adolescentes/adultos jovens. O primeiro estágio decorreu num serviço de internamento de psiquiatria de um hospital da região de Lisboa, no período de 23 de novembro de 2020 a 7 de fevereiro de 2021. Posteriormente, na vertente comunitária, o estágio decorreu numa Unidade de Cuidados na Comunidade (UCC) da região do Oeste, de 15 de fevereiro de 2021 a 16 de abril de 2021. Foi desenvolvida uma estratégia baseada na metodologia qualitativa, integrando e desenvolvendo atividades terapêuticas em cada serviço, recorrendo à realização de entrevistas não estruturadas, observação participante e elaboração de notas de campo que serviram de base a este relatório. A relação terapêutica constituiu-se a essência de todo o projeto desenvolvido, uma ferramenta indispensável no cuidar do outro, e indispensável para o EESMP. Para fundamentação das intervenções terapêuticas desenvolvidas procedeu-se à realização de uma revisão da literatura. A identificação das necessidades particulares dos cuidadores informais da pessoa idosa com síndrome demencial, foi fundamental para a adaptação das intervenções terapêuticas que lhe foram dirigidas. Verificou-se que as necessidades se vão alterando com a progressão da demência, e são vivenciadas de forma individual, perante o contexto e experiência do cuidador. As intervenções psicoeducativas, o aconselhamento e apoio emocional, numa abordagem individualizada, traduziram-se numa melhoria do bem-estar emocional do cuidador, aumento de competências para cuidar, aquisição de estratégias de resolução de problemas, com consequente melhoria da perceção de autoeficácia e satisfação no papel desempenhado.

The present internship report is part of the Master's in Nursing, Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing Specialization. This report contains and reinforces the learnings acquired in two distinct internship experiences which allowed the development of skills and competences essential for a Psychiatry and Mental Health Specialized Nurse based on the experience of providing care to the informal caregiver of the elderly with dementia syndrome and teenagers/young adults. The first internship took place in a psychiatric inpatient service of a hospital in the Lisbon region, from November 23rd , 2020 to February 7th, 2021. Subsequently, in the community standpoint, the internship took place in a Community Care Unit (UCC) of the Oeste region, from February 15 th to April 16th , 2021. A strategy based on qualitative methodology was developed, integrating, and using therapeutic activities in each service, using unstructured interviews, participant observation and preparation of field notes that are the basis of this report. Therapeutic interaction is determinant to the essence of any project developed, a key tool in caring for others, and crucial for Psychiatry and Mental Health Specialized Nurse. Moreover, a literature review was carried out to support the therapeutic interventions developed in this study. Identification of the specific needs of the informal caregivers of the elderly person with dementia syndrome was fundamental for the adaptation of the therapeutic interventions that were addressed to them. It was found that the needs evolve with the progression of dementia, and are experienced individually, in the context and experience of the caregiver. Psychoeducational interventions, counseling, and emotional support represented individualized approach and resulted in caregiver's emotional well-being improvement, increased care skills, acquisition of problem-solving strategies, resulting in self-efficacy perception improvement and fulfilment in the role played.

A Case Report of Postcoital Dysphoria: A Paradoxical Melancholy.

Sexual engagement usually leads to positive and satisfactory feelings under typical circumstances. However, studies conducted in recent years have revealed that some people experience feelings of depression, anxiety, agitation, or aggression following sexual activity or masturbation. This condition, known as postcoital dysphoria (PCD), is a rare psychiatric disorder that has been reported more in women than in men. We present a rare case of a 24-year-old male who suffers from PCD. This provides clinical insight for studies further attempting to investigate PCD among males.

[Advanced practice nursing in psychiatry and mental health]. / Pratique avancée infirmière en psychiatrie et santé mentale.

With more than 500 advanced practice nurses in psychiatry and mental health (APN-PMH) graduating by 2023, this new profession is shaking up the codes of interprofessional functioning and the care of people suffering from mental disorders. It seems important to shed some light on the issues involved in the implementation of the APN, but also to present the training, roles and certain theoretical inspirations that make the APN-PMH a multicultural actor in care.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Depression/Depression-Like Symptoms Among Different Genders and Races.

Background While being overweight is a risk factor for hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, it can also be a risk factor for depression and vice versa. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of depression symptoms between genders and races. Methodology A nationally representative sample was utilized to explore the relationship between depression-related symptoms and BMI status by comparing different genders and racial identities. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was used in this study. Data from 2013 to 2016 were included in the analysis. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to collect information regarding responses to eight primary questions based on gender, race, and BMI status. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and the chi-square test. Results Data were presented as percentages. A majority of both men and women who admitted to having depression or depression-like symptoms more than half the days or nearly every day were overweight or obese. However, men had a higher prevalence compared to women for most questions. Statistical analysis showed that among men and women who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, 61.5% (χ2 = 5.045, p = 0.992) and 50.9% (χ2 = 17.186, p = 0.308) were overweight, respectively. Among the races, those who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, non-Hispanic Asian individuals had the lowest percentage of being overweight at 47.7% (χ2 = 7.099, p = 0.955), while Hispanic individuals other than Mexican Americans had the highest percentage of being overweight at 67.4% (χ2 = 8.792, p = 0.721). Conclusions Being overweight or obese appears to have a positive relationship with depression and depression-like symptoms for each gender and race. Similarly, individuals who report having depression-like symptoms are likely to be overweight or obese. Further research is needed to determine other differences in etiologies between genders and races, along with determining whether more individuals become depressed due to being overweight or obese or whether more individuals become overweight or obese due to being depressed. The results of this study are limited to the data obtained through NHANES.

Stopping the Revolving Door: Reducing 30-Day Psychiatric Readmissions With Post-discharge Telephone Calls.

This prospective study sought to determine the effect of a post-discharge telephone call on 30-day readmission rates at a short-term inpatient psychiatric facility. The patient population consisted of English-speaking adults in the age group of 18-65 years with a high school education or higher and met involuntary commitment criteria. Participants received a telephone call 72 hours after discharge using a standard script. Three hundred and forty-two patients completed the study. A Pearson Chi-Square test was used to analyze the data. We used an alpha level of 0.05 for all statistical tests. Total readmissions were reduced by 3.4% (p = 0.004) during the time of the intervention when compared to patients receiving standard care the year prior. During the intervention period, the average readmission rate was 9.9% (95%CI 5.9-12.1%). We conclude that systematic telephone follow-up has the potential to reduce 30-day readmission rates for inpatient psychiatric facilities.

The Effects of Depression and Anti-Depressants on Quality of Life After Breast Reconstruction: A Post-Hoc Analysis.

Background A personal history of depression prior to breast cancer diagnosis and its effect on post-diagnosis quality of life (QOL) in women undergoing breast reconstruction is relatively unknown. We performed the current study to determine if depression alters QOL for patients who undergo breast reconstruction by assessing the pre-to-post-operative change in patient-reported BREAST-Q scores. Methodology We conducted a single-center, post-hoc analysis of 300 patients with completed BREAST-Q data who underwent breast reconstruction from November 2013 to November 2016 following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Patients completed the BREAST-Q at four time points: pre-operatively, six weeks following tissue expander (TE) insertion for patients undergoing staged reconstruction, and six and 12 months following the final reconstruction. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients who had a pre-cancer diagnosis of clinical depression and/or anti-depressant medication use. BREAST-Q scores were compared between groups and within groups. Groups compared were the depression (n = 50) and no depression (n = 250) patients, along with anti-depressant (n = 36) and no anti-depressant (n = 14) use in the depression group. Results Within-group Sexual Well-being scores at the six-week post-TE follow-up for patients in the depression group (median = 37, interquartile range [IQR] = 25-47) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the scores for patients in the no depression group (median = 47, IQR = 39-60). There were no statistically significant differences in BREAST-Q scores in other domains. When compared to patients diagnosed with depression who were not taking anti-depressants, anti-depressant medication use did not result in statistically significant higher BREAST-Q scores, although Satisfaction With Breasts six months post-operatively, Psychosocial Well-being at six weeks post-TE, Sexual Well-being at six weeks post-TE and six months post-operatively were clinically higher in patients taking anti-depressants for depression. Conclusions Patients with a diagnosis of depression prior to breast cancer had lower BREAST-Q Sexual Well-being scores in the six-week TE group with or without anti-depressant medication. Patients with a pre-cancer diagnosis of depression considering TEs may benefit from additional counseling prior to breast reconstruction or electing a different method of breast reconstruction. Anti-depressant medications may provide clinically higher BREAST-Q scores in patients with a pre-cancer diagnosis of depression. Adding an anti-depressant medication to a patient's treatment plan may provide additional benefits. Larger samples are required to properly determine the impact of anti-depressant medications on BREAST-Q scores in patients with a pre-cancer diagnosis of depression.

Oedipism and Self-Amputation in a Schizoaffective, Depressed Type Patient: To Heal or Feel Pain?

Major self-mutilation, defined as self-inflicted physical harm without suicidal intent, can be a catastrophic complication of schizoaffective disorder. Oedipism and self-amputation are two sequelae seen in schizoaffective patients. Oedipism is a type of self-mutilation where an individual inflicts an ocular injury to oneself, often leading to blindness. Self-amputation, another complication seen in those with schizoaffective disorder, is defined as the act of deliberately removing healthy limbs. This case report discusses a 39-year-old Ukrainian-American male with a history of schizoaffective disorder who displayed both oedipism and self-amputation behavior of varying extremities. The patient's plan of care was established once an extensive history was obtained and medical records were consolidated. This report contributes to the literature on rare cases of oedipism and self-amputation in patients diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, depressed type.

Towards Tailored Gut Microbiome-Based and Dietary Interventions for Promoting the Development and Maintenance of a Healthy Brain.

Mental health is determined by a complex interplay between the Neurological Exposome and the Human Genome. Multiple genetic and non-genetic (exposome) factors interact early in life, modulating the risk of developing the most common complex neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with potential long-term consequences on health. To date, the understating of the precise etiology underpinning these neurological alterations, and their clinical management pose a challenge. The crucial role played by diet and gut microbiota in brain development and functioning would indicate that modulating the gut-brain axis may help protect against the onset and progression of mental-health disorders. Some nutritional deficiencies and gut microbiota alterations have been linked to NDDs, suggesting their potential pathogenic implications. In addition, certain dietary interventions have emerged as promising alternatives or adjuvant strategies for improving the management of particular NDDs, at least in particular subsets of subjects. The gut microbiota can be a key to mediating the effects of other exposome factors such as diet on mental health, and ongoing research in Psychiatry and Neuropediatrics is developing Precision Nutrition Models to classify subjects according to a diet response prediction based on specific individual features, including microbiome signatures. Here, we review current scientific evidence for the impact of early life environmental factors, including diet, on gut microbiota and neuro-development, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences on health; and also summarize the state of the art regarding the mechanisms underlying diet and gut microbiota influence on the brain-gut axis. Furthermore, we describe the evidence supporting the key role played by gut microbiota, diet and nutrition in neurodevelopment, as well as the effectiveness of certain dietary and microbiome-based interventions aimed at preventing or treating NDDs. Finally, we emphasize the need for further research to gain greater insight into the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiome and brain development. Such knowledge would help towards achieving tailored integrative treatments, including personalized nutrition.