Psychiatrists' attitudes towards functional neurological disorders: results from a national survey.

Introduction: Functional neurological disorder (FND) presents motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms characterized by clinical signs incongruent with known neurological disease. Together with other health professionals, like neurologists, psychiatrists can play an essential role in diagnosing and managing these disorders. Hence, understanding their opinion and clinical experience with FND is of utmost importance to catch potential educational needs and improve healthcare services for patients. This study aims at assessing the knowledge, opinion, and clinical approach of Italian psychiatrists to FND. Methods: Members of the Italian Society of Psychiatry completed a 14-item web-based survey investigating their approach to FND. Results. Overall, 174 questionnaires were completed. Our main findings suggest that Italian psychiatrists have a psychogenetic conceptualization of FND. "Conversion disorders", in fact, is the term most frequently used by Italian psychiatrists to refer to FND, thus implying a psychological etiology of these disorders. Congruently with this view, psychotherapy associated with pharmacological therapy is considered the most appropriate treatment by psychiatrists, while physiotherapy is an under-recognized treatment option for FND. Discussion: The present study highlights that a psychogenetic view of FND dominates among Italian psychiatrists. This could be due to out-of-date knowledge about the pathophysiology of this group of disorders. Promoting education about novel approaches to FND would be of crucial importance to improving care for patients suffering from this condition.

Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Treatment during Pregnancy: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Data from the literature show that prolonged-release injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) ensure constant blood drug levels better patient compliance and offer a simpler treatment regimen for both patients and caregivers. This observational-descriptive study aims to detect the possible complications found in newborns of women with bipolar or psychotic disorders and LAI therapy during pregnancy. METHODS: This study involved women with psychotic disorders during pregnancy who contacted the Teratology Information Center of Bergamo, Italy between 2016 and 2021 to receive counseling on the possible risks of exposure to LAI therapy. The follow-up procedure was carried out by telephone interview or direct contact with the patient and/or her physician. RESULTS: In this study, LAI treatment in pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of malformations. All but one of the children in the sample were born healthy and the mothers maintained psychopathological compensation during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that, despite the small size of the sample under examination, the administration of LAIs do not compromise the normal intrauterine development of the unborn child and there were no evident major malformations.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 after hospital discharge: A follow-up study on Italian recovered patients.

BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 outbreak, clinical experience on its management during the acute phase has rapidly grown, including potential effects on the psychopathological dimension. However, still few data are available regarding the impact on survivors' mental health over the long-term. METHODS: A sample of 1457 COVID-19 patients underwent a multidisciplinary follow-up protocol, approximately 3 months after hospital discharge, including a psychological evaluation. The primary outcomes were anxiety, depression, resilience, post-traumatic symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, we examined the potential role of hospitalization and delay in the follow-up assessment on the increased burden of illness. RESULTS: Although a general high level of resilience emerged, suggesting most patients relied on their individual and interpersonal resources to face difficulties related to the pandemic, almost one third of the sample reported signs of psychological distress over time, especially post-traumatic symptoms, with anxiety being more represented than depression. Furthermore, hospitalization - regardless of the setting of care - and promptness in follow-up evaluation were found to play a protective role on patients' recovery and mental wellbeing. LIMITATIONS: Selection bias of patients exclusively admitted to the hospital; absence of a control group; psychological assessment relying on self-reported instruments. CONCLUSIONS: The current crisis demands resilience and adjustment resources, either in the acute and post-acute phase. Thus, the clinical effort should aim at relieving the traumatic impact of such condition through timely interventions. Further investigation may address potential predictors of developing a traumatic stress response, in order to identify and promptly treat at-risk subpopulations.

Mobility trends in Psychiatry trainees: an Italian perspective.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatry has been affected by the 'Brain Drain' phenomenon for decades, with professionals usually migrating from lower- to higher-income countries. Whilst Italy faces a decreasing Psychiatric workforce in the near future, little is known about the factors that influence migration of Psychiatry trainees in Italy. AIM: To explore the migration tendencies of Psychiatry trainees training in Italy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was disseminated to Psychiatry trainees in Italy. RESULTS: The vast majority (84.2%) of the trainees had 'ever' considered leaving Italy, and more than half (60.4%) considered leaving the country 'now'. Only a quarter (25.3%) had taken 'practical steps' towards migration. Male trainees were more likely to have 'ever' considered leaving Italy. Trainees without children were more likely to have 'ever' considered leaving and more likely to consider leaving 'now'. More southern Italian trainees were considering leaving the country 'now' compared to those from the centre-north. 'Academic' and 'work' reasons were the two most cited factors given both as a reason for wanting to leave Italy and as conditions that should be improved in the country. The main reason cited to remain in the country was personal. CONCLUSIONS: Several Psychiatry trainees in Italy consider migration as a possibility, mainly driven by work and academic reasons. The main factor keeping trainees in Italy was personal reasons. Highlighting the reasons why trainees leave is crucial to facing these issues and either finding ways to encourage trainees to remain or finding other solutions for the medical shortage.

Factors associated with lifetime suicide attempts in bipolar disorder: results from an Italian nationwide study.

The purpose of the present study was to detect demographic and clinical factors associated with lifetime suicide attempts in Bipolar Disorder (BD). A total of 1673 bipolar patients from different psychiatric departments were compared according to the lifetime presence of suicide attempts on demographic/clinical variables. Owing to the large number of variables statistically related to the dependent variable (presence of suicide attempts) at the univariate analyses, preliminary multiple logistic regression analyses were realized. A final multivariable logistic regression was then performed, considering the presence of lifetime suicide attempts as the dependent variable and statistically significant demographic/clinical characteristics as independent variables. The final multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that an earlier age at first contact with psychiatric services (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, p < 0.01), the presence of psychotic symptoms (OR = 1.56, p < 0.01) or hospitalizations (OR = 1.73, p < 0.01) in the last year, the attribution of symptoms to a psychiatric disorder (no versus yes: OR = 0.71, partly versus yes OR = 0.60, p < 0.01), and the administration of psychoeducation in the last year (OR = 1.49, p < 0.01) were all factors associated with lifetime suicide attempts in patients affected by BD. In addition, female patients resulted to have an increased association with life-long suicidal behavior compared to males (OR: 1.02, p < 0.01). Several clinical factors showed complex associations with lifetime suicide attempts in bipolar patients. These patients, therefore, require strict clinical monitoring for their predisposition to a less symptom stabilization. Future research will have to investigate the best management strategies to improve the prognosis of bipolar subjects presenting suicidal behavior.

Delirium in COVID-19 patients: a multicentric observational study in Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Although recent data show that SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to affect the central nervous system (CNS), little is known about the neuropsychiatric effects resulting from this condition. In addition to the well-known neurotrophism of coronaviruses, recent evidence shows also that the "cytokine storm" induced by the infection is at the basis of the neuroinflammation of the CNS. Furthermore, prolonged hospitalization, polypharmacotherapy, and isolation could be at the basis of the onset of delirium in hospitalized COVID patients. This multicentric observational study explores the incidence of the onset of delirium in an Italian cohort of SARS-CoV-2 positive inpatients. METHODS: Data were collected in the COVIDhospitals of Brescia, Bergamo, Chieti, and Genova. Different socio-demographic, medical, neurological, and pharmacological parameters were collected. As a rapid screening for delirium, the 4AT scale was used. Eighty COVID-19 inpatients (mean age 74.7 ± 14.5 years) met the inclusion criteria (confirmed positivity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus; the presence of delirium and/or psychomotor agitation and/or new onset of other neuropsychiatric symptoms during hospitalization). RESULTS: The majority of these patients (68.8%) had "hyperactive delirium" subtype. Polypharmacotherapy, current treatment with corticosteroids, and higher age were associated with delirium severity. CONCLUSION: These data provide an insight into the onset of delirium among COVID-19 patients underlining the need for monitoring, especially in elderly patients, the neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the therapy in order to have shorter hospitalization times and better outcomes.

The Management of Psychomotor Agitation Associated with Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder: A Brief Review.

The early and correct assessment of psychomotor agitation (PMA) is essential to ensure prompt intervention by healthcare professionals to improve the patient's condition, protect healthcare staff, and facilitate future management. Proper training for recognizing and managing agitation in all care settings is desirable to improve patient outcomes. The best approach is one that is ethical, non-invasive, and respectful of the patient's dignity. When deemed necessary, pharmacological interventions must be administered rapidly and avoid producing an excessive state of sedation, except in cases of severe and imminent danger to the patient or others. The purpose of this brief review is to raise awareness about best practices for the management of PMA in emergency care situations and consider the role of new pharmacological interventions in patients with agitation associated with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Pathways to care for people with dementia: An international multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to characterize the clinical pathways that people with dementia (PwD) in different countries follow to reach specialized dementia care. METHODS: We recruited 548 consecutive clinical attendees with a standardized diagnosis of dementia, in 19 specialized public centres for dementia care in 15 countries. The WHO "encounter form," a standardized schedule that enables data concerning basic socio-demographic, clinical, and pathways data to be gathered, was completed for each participant. RESULTS: The median time from the appearance of the first symptoms to the first contact with specialist dementia care was 56 weeks. The primary point of access to care was the general practitioners (55.8%). Psychiatrists, geriatricians, and neurologists represented the most important second point of access. In about a third of cases, PwD were prescribed psychotropic drugs (mostly antidepressants and tranquillizers). Psychosocial interventions (such as psychological counselling, psychotherapy, and practical advice) were delivered in less than 3% of situations. The analyses of the "pathways diagram" revealed that the path of PwD to receiving care is complex and diverse across countries and that there are important barriers to clinical care. CONCLUSIONS: The study of pathways followed by PwD to reach specialized care has implications for the subsequent course and the outcome of dementia. Insights into local differences in the clinical presentations and the implementation of currently available dementia care are essential to develop more tailored strategies for these patients, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Osteoactivos en insuficiencia renal crónica avanzada: a propósito de un caso / Osteoactive in advanced chronic renal failure: a case report

El propósito de la terapia en el desorden del metabolismo óseo mineral asociado a la enfermedad renal crónica (IRC) consiste en restaurar el balance mineral, y, en la osteoporosis, mantener o aumentar la masa ósea. Ambas terapias tratan de evitar la fractura ósea. La mayoría de los osteoactivos están contraindicados en la insuficiencia renal crónica avanzada (estadios 4 y 5), y las terapias son empíricas. Algunos autores opinan que sin anomalías bioquímicas del desorden del metabolismo óseo mineral asociado a la enfermedad renal crónica avanzada se podría intentar el tratamiento estándar para la osteoporosis. Antes de intentar la terapia osteoactiva se debe corregir el desorden mineral óseo que pudiera presentarse asociado a la IRC, y en la indicación del tipo de osteoactivo se sugiere seleccionar al paciente según su estado óseo. Se aconseja que la administración de los antirresortivos se realice a dosis menores con respecto a los que tienen mejor función renal junto con aportes adecuados de calcio y vitamina D, antes y durante el tratamiento para prevenir el riesgo de severas hipocalcemias y un efecto óseo excesivo. Se presenta el caso clínico de una mujer de 65 años, con diagnóstico de osteoporosis de etiología multifactorial, fractura de pelvis, múltiples fracturas vertebrales e insuficiencia renal crónica avanzada, entre otras comorbilidades, y probable enfermedad ósea adinámica. Recibió inicialmente terapia con teriparatide y luego con denosumab, complicándose con hipocalcemia asintomática. (AU)

The purpose of therapy for the bone mineral metabolism disorder associated with chronic kidney disease is to restore the mineral balance; and to maintain or increase bone mass in osteoporosis. The goal of both types of therapy is to avoid bone fractures. Most antiosteoporotic drugs are contraindicated in advanced chronic renal failure (CRF) stages 4 and 5, and the therapies are empirical. Some authors believe that without biochemical abnormalities of the mineral bone metabolism disorder associated with advanced chronic kidney disease, standard treatment for osteoporosis could be attempted. Before attempting antiosteoporotic therapy, the bone mineral disorder that may be associated with CRF must be corrected, and in the indication of the type drug it is suggested that the patient be selected according to their bone status. It is advised that the administration of anti-resorptives be performed at lower doses in individuals with poor renal function compared to those with better renal function together with adequate calcium and vitamin D, before and during treatment to prevent the risk of severe hypocalcemia, and an excessive bone effect. We present the clinical case of a 65-year-old woman with a diagnosis of osteoporosis of multifactorial etiology, pelvic fracture, multiple vertebral fractures and advanced chronic renal failure, among other comorbidities and probable adynamic bone disease. The patient received initial therapy with teriparatide and followed by denosumab administration and exhibited asymptomatic hypocalcemia. (AU)

Women, Partners, and Mothers-Migratory Tendencies of Psychiatric Trainees Across Europe.

Introduction: Combining a successful career with family planning has become increasingly important in recent years. However, maintaining a relationship, deciding upon the optimal time for pregnancy and other family planning decisions can still be quite challenging, especially for junior doctors whose training is long and demanding. Currently, women form an important part of the medical workforce, and there is noticeable feminization in migration. However, little is known about the personal characteristics of junior doctors in Europe and how these play a role in their decision to migrate. Methods: Survey of psychiatric trainees in 33 European countries, exploring how personal characteristics, such as gender, relationship status and parenthood, impact their attitudes toward migration. Results: 2,281 psychiatric trainees in Europe took part in the study. In this sample, the majority of psychiatric trainees were in a relationship, but only one quarter had children, although there were variations across Europe. Both men and women indicated personal reasons as their top reason to stay. However, women ranked personal reasons as the top reason to leave, and men financial reasons. Single woman were the most likely of all subgroups to choose academic reasons as their top reason to leave. Interestingly, when women were in a relationship or had children, their attitudes toward migration changed. Conclusions: In this study, a low number of psychiatric trainees in Europe had children, with differences across Europe. These findings raise awareness as to the role of parental conditions, which may be favoring or discouraging parenthood in junior doctors in different countries.

Psychopathological Features of Bipolar Depression: Italian Validation of the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (I-BDRS).

Background: Aim of the study was the validation of the Bipolar Disorder Rating Scale (BDRS) in an Italian population. Secondary aim was the evaluation of differences between unipolar and bipolar depression and between bipolar I and II depressed patients. Method: 125 Bipolar Disorder and 60 Major Depressive Disorder patients were administered an Italian translation of the BDRS (I-BDRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Results: I-BDRS showed considerable validity and reliability. Factor analysis found 3 subscales, two linked to depressive symptoms and one to mixed symptoms. Measures concerning depression (MADRS and HAM-D) were positively related to the I-BDRS's subscales, but mostly to the two subscales measuring depression. In mixed symptoms, the mean of the bipolar group was significantly higher than the unipolar group suggesting that the BDRS was able to distinguish between unipolar and bipolar depressed patients. Conclusion: I-BDRS is a valid scale for the measurement of depression in BD patients, with a notable internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.82), a significant consistency between items/total (Cronbach's α from 0.80 to 0.82) and positive correlation with other scales (MADRS r = 0.67, p < 0.001; HDRS r = 0.81, p < 0.001; YMRS r = 0.46 p < 0.0001). The mixed state sub-scale shows usefulness in differentiating bipolar from unipolar patients. I-BDRS could be a sensitive tool, both in pure depression and in mixed states, and could be used in the everyday screening and treatment of Bipolar Disorder.

[Association between central diabetes insipidus and type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Asociación de diabetes insípida central y diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Central diabetes insipidus is a rare disease of the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis. It is very unusually found in the adult with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is manifested by a polydipsic polyuric syndrome, which must be distinguished from the poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given the similarity of both entities and the unusual nature of their coexistence, their suspicion is difficult. The case of a 72-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus with poor insulin control (fasting hyperglycemia greater than 180 mg/dl) who had a long-standing polyuric syndrome is here presented. Hypernatremia and plasma osmolality elevated together with a low urinary osmolality led to the suspicion of diabetes insipidus, which was subsequently confirmed by the dehydration test and the administration of desmopressin sc. With 61% increase in the calculated urinary osmolarity one hour post desmopressin s.c., diabetes insipidus of central type was diagnosed. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance showed a bright spot with normal neurohypophysis, contributing to the diagnosis of the idiopathic form.

Asociación de diabetes insípida central y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Association between central diabetes insipidus and type 2 diabetes mellitus

La diabetes insípida central es una enfermedad rara del hipotálamo y de la neurohipófisis, y muy inusualmente se halla en el adulto con diabetes mellitus 2. Se manifiesta por un síndrome poliúrico polidípsico, que debe diferenciarse de la diabetes mellitus mal controlada. Ante la similitud de ambas entidades, y lo infrecuente de su coexistencia, se dificulta su sospecha. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 72 años de edad, con diabetes mellitus 2 y pobre control de la misma (hiperglucemias de ayuno mayores a 180 mg/dl) que cursó un síndrome poliúrico de larga data. La hipernatremia y la osmolalidad plasmática elevadas, junto a una osmolalidad urinaria baja llevaron a la sospecha de diabetes insípida, que posteriormente se confirmó con la prueba de deshidratación y la administración de desmopresina s.c. Con un aumento del 61% de la osmolalidad urinaria calculada una hora post desmopresina s.c. fue diagnosticada como diabetes insípida del tipo central. La resonancia magnética nuclear mostró una mancha brillante con neurohipófisis normal, contribuyendo al diagnóstico de la forma idiopática.

Central diabetes insipidus is a rare disease of the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis. It is very unusually found in the adult with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is manifested by a polydipsic polyuric syndrome, which must be distinguished from the poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given the similarity of both entities and the unusual nature of their coexistence, their suspicion is difficult. The case of a 72-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus with poor insulin control (fasting hyperglycemia greater than 180 mg/dl) who had a long-standing polyuric syndrome is here presented. Hypernatremia and plasma osmolality elevated together with a low urinary osmolality led to the suspicion of diabetes insipidus, which was subsequently confirmed by the dehydration test and the administration of desmopressin sc. With 61% increase in the calculated urinary osmolarity one hour post desmopressin s.c., diabetes insipidus of central type was diagnosed. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance showed a bright spot with normal neurohypophysis, contributing to the diagnosis of the idiopathic form.

[Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism in women]. / Hiperparatiroidismo primario asintomático en mujeres.

Primary hyperparathyroidism may have different characteristics. One is the asymptomatic form. This is a mild variant of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism, characterized by a calcemia not greater than 1 mg/dl above the upper limit of the method, a high intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), absence of renal stones, renal function impairement, and osteoporosis, less than 50 years of age, and less than 400 mg/day calciuria. It is not a surgical entity, but its evolution may require it. Twenty-four postmenopausal women, all older than 50 years, with a diagnosis of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, were studied. Clinical manifestations, densitometric changes, biochemical parameters and bone remodeling were analyzed and the results were compared with the classic and normocalcemic variants of the disease. Diagnostic criteria were established and observed that only 2 (8.3%) of patients, during a follow up of 44 ± 12 months, had need for a parathyroidectomy. In conclusion, the asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is a benign disorder, of periodic clinical follow-up, which rarely may require surgery.

Hiperparatiroidismo primario asintomático en mujeres / Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism in women

El hiperparatiroidismo primario puede tener diferentes características. Una de ellas es la forma asintomática. Esta es una variante leve del hiperparatiroidismo primario hipercalcémico, que se caracteriza por una calcemia no mayor a 1 mg/dl sobre el límite superior del método, hormona paratiroidea intacta (PTHi) elevada, ausencia de litiasis renal, deterioro de la función renal y de osteoporosis, edad menor de 50 años, y calciuria menor a 400 mg/día. No es una entidad quirúrgica, pero en su evolución puede llegar a serlo. Se estudiaron 24 mujeres postmenopáusicas, todas mayores de 50 años, con diagnóstico de hiperparatiroidismo asintomático, se describieron las manifestaciones clínicas, los cambios densitométricos, los parámetros bioquímicos y del remodelado óseo y se compararon los resultados con las variantes clásica y normocalcémica de la enfermedad. Se establecieron los criterios diagnósticos y se observó que solo 2 (8.3%) de las pacientes, durante un seguimiento de 44 ± 12 meses tuvo necesidad de paratiroidectomía. En definitiva, el hiperparatiroidismo primario asintomático es una alteración benigna, de seguimiento clínico periódico que, en pocas ocasiones, durante el seguimiento puede requerir cirugía.

Primary hyperparathyroidism may have different characteristics. One is the asymptomatic form. This is a mild variant of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism, characterized by a calcemia not greater than 1 mg/dl above the upper limit of the method, a high intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), absence of renal stones, renal function impairement, and osteoporosis, less than 50 years of age, and less than 400 mg/day calciuria. It is not a surgical entity, but its evolution may require it. Twenty-four postmenopausal women, all older than 50 years, with a diagnosis of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, were studied. Clinical manifestations, densitometric changes, biochemical parameters and bone remodeling were analyzed and the results were compared with the classic and normocalcemic variants of the disease. Diagnostic criteria were established and observed that only 2 (8.3%) of patients, during a follow up of 44 ± 12 months, had need for a parathyroidectomy. In conclusion, the asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is a benign disorder, of periodic clinical follow-up, which rarely may require surgery.

Evaluation of safety at work in a psychiatric setting: the "Workplace Safety Assessment".

OBJECTIVES: Workplace violence is a common risk for mental health professionals, and psychiatrists often encounter it in a variety of settings. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and features of violent episodes toward psychiatrists in various mental healthcare system settings. METHODS: All psychiatrists from the Region of Puglia (Apulia) were contacted (N=285) via email and were administered an on-line standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The response rate by psychiatrists was 57%. The main types of violence revealed were "threats" and "verbal aggression" and, of particular importance, "stalking". Female psychiatrists seemed to be at a higher risk of becoming victims of workplace violence, especially as regards verbal abuse (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-6.5, c2 6.7, p=0.0095) and reported more serious psychological consequences with need for rest after the episode of aggression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that mental health workers, particularly psychiatrists, are healthcare professionals at high risk for workplace violence. Future implementation of preventive strategies with the aim of reducing aggressive episodes towards psychiatrists should be a high priority for managers and policy-makers operating in the Italian healthcare sector.

Equal access for all? Access to medical information for European psychiatric trainees.

Access to medical information is important as lifelong scientific learning is in close relation with a better career satisfaction in psychiatry. This survey aimed to investigate how medical information sources are being used among members of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees. Eighty-three psychiatric trainees completed our questionnaire. A significant variation was found, and information availability levels were associated with training duration and average income. The most available sources were books and websites, but the most preferred ones were scientific journals. Our findings suggest that further steps should be taken to provide an equal access to medical information across Europe.

Social contacts and loneliness in people with psychotic and mood disorders.

BACKGROUND: Social relations can be measured through: a) objective indicators, i.e. the number of social contacts in a given time interval or b) subjective indicators, i.e. feelings of loneliness. Comparing subjective and objective indicators in patients with psychotic and mood disorders may help to understand whether diagnosis-specific interventions should be designed for increasing their social relations. In this study we assessed social contacts outside home, work environments and mental health services, which may be increased by these interventions. We also explored feelings of loneliness which could influence readiness of patients to participate in interventions. METHODS: 100 patients in outpatient mental health care were asked to: a) list their social contacts; b) report their feelings of loneliness on a validated five point Likert scale. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test associations of diagnostic categories with: a) having more than one social contact in the previous week; b) reporting at least moderate feelings of loneliness. RESULTS: Patients had on average 1.7 (SD=1.7) social contacts in the previous week (median=1.0); 77 patients reported at least moderate feelings of loneliness. Patients with psychotic disorders (n=30) showed a statistical trend towards having just one or no contacts in the week before the assessment (Odds ratio, OR=2.246, p=.087). Patients with mood disorders were more likely to report at least moderate feelings of loneliness (OR=2.798; p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psychotic disorders, compared to those with mood disorders, may be less likely to report feeling lonely although they tend to have less social contacts. Strategies to enhance social relations of people with psychotic disorders may include approaches to increase patients' drive to establish new social contacts and to emotionally support them in this process.

Social networks of patients with psychosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Social networks are important for mental health outcomes as they can mobilise resources and help individuals to cope with social stressors. Individuals with psychosis may have specific difficulties in establishing and maintaining social relationships which impacts on their well-being and quality of life. There has been a growing interest in developing social network interventions for patients with psychotic disorders. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the size of social networks of patients with psychotic disorders, as well as their friendship networks. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases using a combination of search terms relating to 'social network', 'friendship' and 'psychotic disorder'. RESULTS: The search identified 23 relevant papers. Out of them, 20 reported patient social network size. Four papers reported the mean number of friends in addition to whole network size, while three further papers focused exclusively on the number of friends. Findings varied substantially across the studies, with a weighted mean size of 11.7 individuals for whole social networks and 3.4 individuals for friendship networks. On average, 43.1 % of the whole social network was composed of family members, while friends accounted for 26.5 %. CONCLUSIONS: Studies assessing whole social network size and friendship networks of people with psychosis are difficult to compare as different concepts and methods of assessment were applied. The extent of the overlap between different social roles assessed in the networks was not always clear. Greater conceptual and methodological clarity is needed in order to help the development of effective strategies to increase social resources of patients with psychosis.