Anxiety affects around one in five women during pregnancy and after birth. However, there is no systematic information on the proportion of women with perinatal anxiety disorders who want or receive treatment.

To examine (a) the prevalence of anxiety disorders during pregnancy and after birth in a population-based sample, and (b) the proportion of women with anxiety disorders who want treatment and receive treatment.

This study conducted 403 diagnostic interviews in early pregnancy (n = 102), mid-pregnancy (n = 99), late pregnancy (n = 102) or postpartum (n = 100). Participants also completed self-report measures of previous/current mental health problems and desire for treatment at every time point.

The prevalence of anxiety disorders over all time points combined was 19.9% (95% CI 16.1–24.1), with greatest prevalence in early pregnancy (25.5%, 95% CI 17.4–35.1). The most prevalent disorders were obsessive–compulsive disorder (8.2%, 95% CI 5.7–11.3) and generalised anxiety disorder (5.7%, 95% CI 3.7–8.4). The majority of women with anxiety disorders did not want professional help or treatment (79.8%). Most women with anxiety disorders who did want treatment (20.2%) were receiving treatment. The majority of participants with anxiety disorders had a history of mental health problems (64.6%).

Prevalence rates overall are consistent with previous research, lending validity to the findings. However, findings challenge the assumption that everyone with a psychological disorder wants treatment. These findings highlight the importance of relationship-based care, where individual needs and contextual barriers to treatment can be explored.

The global burden of mental disorders continues to grow with significant health, social and economic consequences. Unfortunately, the gap between the need for mental health care and its provision remains wide all over the world. The recruitment and retention of psychiatrists is a long-standing concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with social stigma playing a potential role. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect the choice of psychiatry as an area of practice by psychiatrists in the UAE. A secondary aim was to assess differences in the factors which affected career decisions among those participants with different backgrounds to establish any cultural and generational differences in choosing psychiatry as a career.

We conducted correlational research using an anonymised 30-item online questionnaire. We recruited qualified psychiatrists currently working in the UAE. The structured questionnaire assessed the participants’ sociodemographic factors and reasons for choosing psychiatry. Ethical approval was received from the Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SS-REC) at United Arab Emirates University. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlations and chi-square tests, was performed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Out of 70 participants approached, 54 completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 77%. 69% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 38 years. 46% were UAE citizens. We found that the doctors trained in the UAE were statistically more likely to face opposition to specialising in psychiatry (p-value <0.001). Participants with a family member or friend as a psychiatrist were more likely to choose psychiatry as a first choice (p-value 0.01). Psychiatrists below the age of 35 were more statistically likely to face opposition to their decision to specialise in psychiatry (p-value 0.006). Psychiatrists who regretted their decision to specialise in psychiatry were statistically more likely to feel this way in their first year of residency (p-value <0.001). This study had its limitations, including the generalisability of findings and the sociodemographic factors of participants. The self-reported methodology could have subjected findings to bias, including social desirability bias.

Multiple sociodemographic factors influence the decision to specialise in psychiatry in the UAE. These findings would be helpful to identify hurdles faced by the young UAE clinicians in choosing psychiatry, partly explaining the dearth of UAE-trained psychiatrists in the country. Further research is required to study these reasons in detail, helping to improve the recruitment and retention of UAE psychiatrists in the future.

The psychiatry ‘bootcamp’ forms part of the psychiatry induction for junior doctors within NHS Lanarkshire. It was developed to better prepare them for common scenarios on-call and therefore alleviate any anxieties. The session is based upon a weekend on call where a fictional patient is admitted to the psychiatry ward with a psychotic presentation. It introduces the participant to the topics of Mental Health Act utilisation, capacity, acute behavioural disturbance management, and adverse effects of psychotropic medications.

Focussed teaching regarding fundamental theory for each topic is provided. Following this the facilitators engage the audience through reflective group discussion. Relevant parts of the session involve practical work including individual completion of detention paperwork. Targeted teaching is provided by the facilitators for any knowledge gaps identified.

Pre and post course questionnaires are completed by participants where they provide both written feedback and score various domains between 0 (least confident) and 10 (most confident). Domains are capacity assessment, assessing detention criteria, the process of detaining a patient, and recognition and management of extrapyramidal side-effects.

This course has been run on two separate occasions with a total of 28 participants. All domains assessed on feedback questionnaires have shown an increase in confidence amongst the participants. Following analysis of all pre and post course questionnaires session one showed an average improvement from 4.87/10 to 7.56/10 across all domains. Session two showed an average improvement from 5.34/10 to 8.6/10.

Themes identified on participant feedback included the benefit of having the opportunity to individually practice completing detention paperwork. Another theme identified was that participants found the case used for session delivery relevant to their practice. A final theme identified was the engaging nature of the session which encouraged the participants to ask questions. If a didactic approach was used this could restrict such discussion.

Feedback received suggested that this session was well received by all participants and was felt to be beneficial in both preparing them for and alleviating anxieties ahead of their first shift on-call within psychiatry. Feedback demonstrated that running the session in small groups with a blended approach of direct teaching, reflective discussion, and practical work maximised engagement and was an appropriate approach for session delivery. Feedback suggests that this session has the potential to be an essential part of future junior doctor inductions due to it identifying and meeting the learning needs of the participant.

To compare current trust practice to NICE clinical guideline 91. To identify patients with a history of depression or chronic physical illness on admission to acute medical services. To assess such patients for evidence of new or ongoing depression and establish prevalence of depressive symptoms in high risk patient groups. To establish appropriate pathways for referral to mental health services

Cycle one: Eligible adult medical patients were screened for self-reported symptoms of low mood and anhedonia over the 2 weeks prior to admission. Inclusion criteria required patients to have either a past history of a chronic physical health condition or a past history of depression.

For those who answered “YES” to depressive symptoms, clinicians were prompted to refer to mental health services.

Intervention:

Screening questions were added to the adult medical clerking proforma for routine screening of admitted patients.

Patients self-identifying as depressed were triaged as requiring either inpatient liaison psychiatry team support or were referred to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) team on discharge with GP follow up.

Acute Medical departmental teaching session held on CG91 and new referral pathway created with input from liaison psychiatry team.

Cycle two:

Audit cycle repeated, including audit of outcomes following identification of patients with depressive symptoms.

In cycle one, of 123 patients, 90 were eligible for inclusion (PPHx depression n=39; PMHx chronic physical condition n=51).

Of those with a past history of depression, 85% reported YES to current symptoms.

Of patients with a chronic physical condition, without prior history of depression, 48% reported low mood or anhedonia in the past two weeks.

Following introduction of electronic screening questions, completion rate by clinicians was 65% (eligible patients n=102; PPHx depression n=43; PMHx chronic physical condition n=59). 44% of patients with a chronic physical health problem self-reported symptoms of depression.

After local educational meeting, 84% of identified patients had a planned referral to primary or secondary care for further mental health assessment and support.

Around half of patients with chronic physical health conditions self-report high levels of depressive symptoms, without a known mental health diagnosis or support in place.

Screening of patients on admission provides an opportunity for appropriate intervention.

Establishing clear referral pathways and ongoing education is needed to ensure all identified patients are referred for further assessment.

The worldwide prevalence of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the adult population is estimated to be 2.5%. Prevalence studies have shown rates to be consistently around ten times higher in the prison population, but there is less known about secure psychiatric hospital populations. ADHD has relevance as a predictor for offending, for challenging behaviours when incarcerated, for lower quality of life and high costs for both the NHS and prison systems. This service evaluation aimed to establish estimated prevalence of ADHD within one male medium secure unit.

A cross sectional review of computerised medical records for all service users on the male medium secure forensic unit took place, to identify those who met inclusion criteria. Service users who were too acutely unwell or had an established or pending diagnosis of ADHD were excluded.

The Brief Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale (B-BAARS), a 5 minute screening questionnaire, was given to service users to complete. Anonymised responses were converted to electronic format and the compiled results analysed.

There were 125 service users at the time of information gathering, with 112 eligible according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. 2 of the excluded service users already had an ADHD diagnosis. 70 service users out of those approached, agreed to take part in the screening (62.5%). 2 out of 70 (2.9%) service users met criteria for a possible diagnosis of ADHD.

Using the B-BAARS, 2.9% of service users on the male medium secure forensic unit reported clinically significant symptoms suggestive of a diagnosis of ADHD. This estimate is significantly lower than other studies in prison settings. When combined with the figure for service users with a pre-existing diagnosis, however, the figure is still higher than in the general population (5.5% compared to 2.5%), and illustrates that screening tools can have a useful function in forensic settings.

There may have been methodological issues with this evaluation, including the self-reported nature of symptoms, the comparatively high level of functioning required to complete the questionnaire and the low response rate amongst the service users.

This evaluation serves to increase awareness about ADHD in the forensic population in general. It also highlights the value of this simple screening tool, or one similar, to clinical teams on the forensic wards. The screening tool could be further utilised in low secure and women's services to establish if results are similar amongst these populations.

A 53-year-old male was admitted with non-resolving Priapism for 36 hours and was reviewed for advice regarding his psychotropic medications. He previously took Viagra about 2 days ago, and had an erection which resolved spontaneously. He underwent penile aspiration in the hospital which provided relief. Following that, he developed signs of infection which was treated with IV antibiotics. He was then waiting for further surgical correction.

He has a background history of psychotic illness and been treated with Quetiapine, Mirtazapine, Sertraline and Zopiclone, which were kept on hold during his admission. He reported that he currently suffers from depression and signs of psychosis, which take the form of auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions.

He has been taking Viagra occasionally for years, but has not experienced side-effects like this before. He is a social drinker and previously smoked cannabis.

From the above scenario, there appears to be two clinical questions:

1. 1. Are the current medications responsible for his priapism?

2. 2. What medication(s) would be a suitable alternative if his priapism was indeed caused by his current drug regimen?

The major causes of Priapism are: direct trauma; haematological diseases; neurological diseases; cerebrovascular diseases; Medications; TPN and Neoplasm. Apart from medication side-effects, these other causes were ruled out.

The Summary of Product Characteristics for mirtazapine, sertraline, quetiapine and zopiclone were studied for their relative risk of causing priapism, and this is summarised below:

• • Mirtazapine: unknown

• • Sertraline: rare

• • Quetiapine: rare

• • Zopiclone: not listed

However, a paper by Salonia et al found that all the above medications except Zopiclone can increase the risk of priapism. Internationally published case reports also list priapism-associated medications as: risperidone; quetiapine; sildenafil; mirtazapine; citalopram; chlorpromazine and olanzapine.

Anti-psychotics cause priapism by Alpha-1 blockade and anticholinergic actions. Most of the antipsychotics have anticholinergic action. The medication which demonstrates the least alpha-1 blockade is Amisulpride which acts by blocking dopaminergic receptors in the brain.

Thus, it is clear from the above discussion that Amisulpride has the least possibility to cause Priapism. The patient was advised to take low dose Amisulpride and afterwards, no other complications were noted.

Ekbom's syndrome (ES), also called delusional parasitosis, is a condition where the patient has an unshakable belief and a perception of being infested with parasites. ES is thought to mainly affect postmenopausal females and because patients are usually mono-symptomatic, they usually seek care from dermatologists. It is advocated to form a liaison between dermatology and psychiatry to ensure a full range of differential diagnoses, in order to form the most suitable management plan.

Case report

An 87-year-old widow was referred to the outpatient psychiatric clinic of King Abdullah University Hospital by a dermatologist because of generalized chronic pruritus that she believes is caused by a bug infestation. The symptoms started one year prior to presentation (soon after an ischemic stroke) with the perception that macroscopic parasites were crawling over her body, biting her face, head, and hands, and entering her eyes. She tried various strategies to eradicate the parasites with no benefit. Psychiatric examination findings included hypochondriac delusional ideas and dysphoria. When her general medical condition and her medications were reviewed, it was found that she had been diagnosed with hypertension and ischemic heart disease. She was taking anti-hypertensive drugs and blood thinners. After haloperidol 5 mg daily was added, she had a progressive clinical improvement.

ES is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that can follow primary psychotic or depressive disorders, dementia, or other organic diseases. Consultation-liaison by psychiatrists and dermatologists will be useful to assure timely referral. Better awareness of such an illness by general physicians, early recognition, good rapport, and empathic treatment are the cornerstones of management in such cases.

Delirium is a common medical problem with a prevalence of over 50% in over 65s admitted to general hospitals (1,2) . Delirium is linked with poor clinical outcome, including increased risk of falls, prolonged admissions and an overall increased risk of morbidity and mortality (2,3,4). Delirium in older adults is also associated with an increased rate of cognitive decline, future risk of cognitive decline and a risk of depression (5,6,7). There is potential to improve clinical practice by improving assessment and management of delirium. It is imperative that where delirium is detected, it should be clearly documented to aid handover to primary care providers and medical teams (8,9).

The standard for this audit was set according to SIGN 157 (9). Data were collected retrospectively from consults sent to a liaison psychiatry of old age service within an acute hospital setting. The medical discharge summaries from July to December 2019 were reviewed. Two key data points were collated, the diagnoses of delirium by either medical or liaison psychiatry team and the inclusion of this diagnosis in the patient discharge summaries. An updated delirium protocol was devised and introduced in the hospital setting in January 2020 to include tools for effective diagnosis of delirium and instruction to include this diagnosis if made in patient's discharge summaries. Re-audit was initiated following the introduction of the updated delirium protocol for the period of January to March 2020.

A total of 116 patients were assessed from July to December 2019. 102 discharge summaries were available for review for the purpose of this audit. Prior to the introduction of the updated delirium protocol, delirium was diagnosed by the liaison team in 57% of all referrals. Delirium was underdiagnosed by medical teams in 73% of those subsequently diagnosed. The diagnosis of delirium was present in 42% of all discharge summaries to primary care providers. Subsequent to the introduction of the updated protocol, delirium was diagnosed in 48% of all liaison referrals during the time period specified. The proportion of under-diagnosis of delirium by medical teams stayed at 73%, the diagnosis of delirium was present in 53% of discharge summaries.

The recognition and diagnosis of delirium in the general medical setting continues to be a key issue in the management of older adults. The importance of this diagnosis and it's associated after effects needs to be disseminated amongst all care providers. Greater efforts to enhance these aspects of delirium management in the acute hospital setting are required.

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have increased risk of coronary artery disease.

To investigate long-term outcomes of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder and coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG).

Data from patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (n = 126) were retrospectively compared with propensity-matched (1:20) control patients without schizophrenia spectrum disorder (n = 2520) in a multicentre study in Finland. All patients were treated with CABG. The median follow-up was 7.1 years. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Patients with diagnosed schizophrenia spectrum disorder had an elevated risk of 10-year mortality after CABG, compared with control patients (42.7 v. 30.3%; hazard ratio 1.56; 95% CI 1.13–2.17; P = 0.008). Schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events during follow-up (49.9 v. 32.6%, subdistribution hazard ratio 1.59; 95% CI 1.18–2.15; P = 0.003). Myocardial infarction (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.86; P = 0.003) and cardiovascular mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.65; P = 0.017) were more frequent in patients with versus those without schizophrenia spectrum disorder, but there was no difference for stroke. Psychiatric ward admission, antipsychotic medication, antidepressant use and benzodiazepine use before CABG were not associated with outcome differences. After CABG, patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder received statin therapy less often and had lower doses; the use of other cardiovascular medications was similar between schizophrenia spectrum and control groups.

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have higher long-term risks of death and major adverse cardiovascular events after CABG. The results underline the vulnerability of these patients and highlight the importance of intensive secondary prevention and risk factor optimisation.

We aim to explain more about PMDD in young people and explore the evidence looking at the role of CBT as an intervention. We aim to develop high-quality psychoeducation material with the involvement of young people, to be able to offer clinically relevant information and empower young people with PMDD.

A literature search was conducted in 2019 and updated in February 2022 using the Cochrane Library, Psych-info, MEDLINE, Cinahl, EMBASE and Google Scholar, to look at the evidence available for CBT in young people with PMDD or PMS. The search included PMS as well as PMDD due to the heterogeneity in definitions used in studies.

Focus groups with young people are underway to develop high quality written psychoeducation material about PMDD.

There were no specific studies looking at CBT as an intervention in young women under the age of 18 with PMS or PMDD. There was one intervention study with a treatment arm of psychoeducation in 62 young people under 18 with PMS versus a no treatment group (Taghizadeh 2013), with improvement in symptoms after 3 months from baseline reported.

There were more studies available in women over the age of 18. The search identified 3 meta- analyses in 2009 and 2012 (Busse 2009, Lusty, 2009; Kleinstauber 2012) and a more recent systematic review (Landolt 2020). Kleinsteiber et al included 22 RCTs, with a median age of 39, and broadly showed CBT to have a small to medium positive effect size, although any conclusions were limited due to the small numbers involved in the individual trials and methodological flaws. Landolt 2020 looked at CBT or elements of CBT as an intervention arm over the last 30 years or so in woman of all ages. Variations of CBT including virtual, group, couple and psychoeducation alone were included, and all were reported to have favourable outcomes.

There is a huge gap in research looking at PMDD in the adolescent population. Translating research from adults is not ideal. Increasing awareness and developing psychoeducation is a step in the right direction.

To evaluate a multidisciplinary inpatient treatment programme for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD), focussing on clinical effectiveness and patient experience. To produce recommendations for service development and future evaluation.

We conducted a service evaluation of the multidisciplinary inpatient programme for FND and NEAD at the Rosa Burden Centre. We contacted all inpatients discharged between December 2019 and March 2020 via telephone in August/September 2020. Quantitative outcomes were gathered on quality of life and psychological distress using the EQ-5D-5L and Core10 tools. Scores were compared to those gathered routinely at admission and discharge, using Wilcoxon's test for differences. Qualitative feedback on patient experience was gathered using open-ended prompts, and thematic analysis of this data was conducted independently by two researchers. Approval was gained from Southmead Clinical Audit Department (CE10237).

19 of 22 patients successfully completed the service evaluation. Quantitative results tended toward improvement on all measures between admission and discharge. Following discharge, there was a mixed pattern - sustained improvement in overall quality of life, but regression in other scores. Improvement in overall quality of life between admission and follow-up was statistically significant (p = 0.012, Z = 2.52). Changes in psychological distress (Core10) were also statistically significant, reducing between admission and discharge (p = 0.004, Z= –2.84) and increasing between discharge and follow-up (p = 0.016, Z = 2.42). Changes in other scores were not statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level. Qualitative results highlighted the value of the individual therapies offered, the multidisciplinary approach, and the supportive environment. Participants reported improved understanding of their diagnosis, and of self-management strategies. There was demand for greater access to psychological therapies, and increased provision of follow-up post-discharge. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the ward round format and excess “down-time”. The programme was described as a “turning point” for 9 participants.

Quantitative results suggest the programme is associated with global improvement in quality of life, and post-discharge, some benefits are sustained while others are transient. However, interpretation is limited by sample size. We recommend further evaluation with a larger sample to replicate findings, assess effect sizes, and assess which patients or symptoms benefit most. To support this, we recommend improved collection of outcome measures, including routine collection of follow-up data. Positive qualitative findings highlight the strengths of the service and its value to patients. Recommendations for service development include recruiting a psychologist to provide further psychological therapy sessions; expanding the nurse-led follow-up service; and adjustments to the ward round format and activity programme.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) describes a mental health condition in which affected patients experience persistent obsessions, which may often, but not always result in compulsions, causing major distress and anxiety. Obsessions are defined as intrusive thoughts with a high emotional valence, whereas compulsion are repetitive actions, which demonstrate the attempt to eliminate obsessive thoughts.

When speaking of OCD, risk of suicide is rarely a topic of concern. There is still no consensus about whether OCD and suicide are associated. Early schools of clinical sciences propose a low risk of harm, which was taught to most mental health practitioners currently working in health services. Moreover, the World Health Organisation currently classifies OCD as the 11th leading cause of nonfatal burden, indicating that despite the potential for causing significant disabilities, OCD does not pose any serious health risks. Contemporary evidence, however, suggests that the risk for suicide may be underestimated.

This literature review aims to cumulate evidence for the risk of suicide in OCD and its associated underlying factors to clarify and resolve the discrepancies that currently exist regarding this topic.

To identify eligible studies, the databases MEDLINE(R), PubMed, and PsycINFO are used. Selected studies provide data on suicide rates, attempts, and risk factors. Grey literature is included in the review to consider results from studies which may not have qualified for publishing. This literature review is conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines.

After deduplication, 653 studies could be found out of which 15 studies meet the inclusion criteria. Rates of suicide attempts appear to lie between 12% and 27%. Death-to-suicide rates in OCD are shown to range from 0.7% to 1.4%. Associated risk factors for suicide in OCD include, mistrust and unacceptable thoughts, depression, and comorbid substance use disorders. The strongest predictor for death caused by suicide is having a history of previous suicide attempts. Higher education and comorbid anxiety disorders act as protective factors. Lastly, gender differences remain unclear since some studies classify female sex as a protective, and some as a risk factor.

This review provides a good overview of the actual risk for suicide in OCD. Current evidence suggests high suicidality in patients with OCD, leading to suicide attempts in affected patients, but not necessarily resulting in death, as the death-to-suicide rates are low. Genetic heritage and comorbidities of further mental health disorders may increase the risk for suicide in OCD.

This study aims to find out how alcohol use disorder (AUD) correlates to personal well-being and life satisfaction.

AUD is prevalent and leads to significant physical, physiological, and social-occupational impairment. Mental well-being involves the overall positive psychological state of a person – being well adjusted, socially engaged, and emotionally healthy. Despite the paradigm shift from purely treating mental illness to promoting positive mental health, there is limited literature describing the relationship between alcohol use disorder and mental well-being.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a general hospital in Singapore. Patients admitted across a span of two years were screened for possible alcohol use disorder. Patients were included if they were male, aged 21 years and above, and had the mental capacity to give consent. They were excluded if they had illicit drug use, acute mental illness, inability or refusal to give consent, or if they were already receiving intervention for addiction issues. Participants were administered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Those who scored 8 or above were classified as being at risk for AUD, while those who scored 7 or less were classified as at low risk. They were also administered the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and the “Satisfaction with Life as a Whole” question. The PWI measures individuals’ subjective well-being across seven domains. The “Satisfaction with Life as a Whole” question measures, on an eleven-point Likert scale, how satisfied the respondent feels with life in general. Demographic data were also collected and STATA v. 12.1 was used for statistical analysis.

Among a total of 134 participants, 25 of them scored ≥8 on the AUDIT and 109 scored 7 or less. On the PWI, the group at risk scored significantly lower at 71.3 (95% CI: 66.0–76.7) compared to the group not at risk at 77.9 (95% CI: 75.8–79.9), p < 0.01. The results were similar on the “Satisfaction with Life as a Whole” item. The group at risk had a mean of 6.72 (95% CI: 6.03–7.41) while the group not at risk had a mean of 7.67 (95% CI: 7.41–7.93), both p < 0.01. The differences between the high risk and low risk groups remained statistically significant even after adjusting for differences in age, race, education level, and employment status.

This study demonstrated a statistically significant association between AUD and personal well-being as well as satisfaction with life among males.

Errors in the pathology sampling process can be costly for all stakeholders in any clinical setting; however, this process is often overlooked within psychiatry. Over the space of just a few short months at Hollins Park Psychiatric Hospital (HPH) such errors were reported to be numerous with staff raising multiple issues relating to the pathology sampling process. These issues often had a negative impact on patient care, leading to outcomes such as as re-bleeding of patients and delays in interventions. Here, we aim to identify the predominant sources of error in this process and suggest possible improvements to minimise these errors in the future.

Initially, we mapped and analysed each step of the sampling process as it is currently performed in order to identify areas of possible improvement. We then distributed questionnaires to all junior doctors - who are responsible for the handling of samples within the clinical setting – in order to establish error type and frequency. Questions also assessed individual confidence and familiarity with the sampling process.

When mapping the sampling process, we identified all key steps required when sending samples from HPH to Warrington and Halton Hospitals laboratory. This included one pathway for sending routine bloods, and one pathway for urgent bloods. The process for sending routine bloods required more steps and ultimately took longer for samples to reach the laboratory – as expected. Of the issues identified during mapping of the pre-analytical phase, a majority of 77.7% of clinicians reported samples had gone missing or were unreported – with the reasons for this being undetermined in most cases – and 55.5% reported their samples never reached the lab. While on the whole participants were comfortable with the steps involved in sending samples to the laboratory, 77.7% were not aware of the requirement to log samples as they were being sent.

The reasons underlying errors in the sampling process at HPH were multifactorial and included a lack of clinician familiarity with correct procedure, poor sample recording/tracking and lengthy transit times between the patient and laboratory. Here we outline some simple evidence-based recommendations (including education of staff and improved tracking through an electronic requesting system) to help reduce errors and streamline the sampling process in the hopes of improving both efficiency and accuracy, reducing the financial and clinical impact.

Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees.

This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors.

Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores.

The conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

Diogenes syndrome is a neurobehavioural syndrome characterised by domestic squalor, hoarding and lack of insight. It is an uncommon but high-mortality condition, often associated with dementia.

To describe the clinical features and treatment of Diogenes syndrome secondary to behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD).

We describe a case of bvFTD in a 77-year-old man presenting with Diogenes syndrome.

The patient's medical and psychiatric histories were unremarkable, but in recent years he had begun packing his flat with ‘art pieces’. Mental state examination revealed confabulation and more structured delusions. Neuropsychological evaluation outlined an impairment in selective attention and letter verbal fluency, but no semantic impairment, in the context of an overall preserved mental functioning. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose showed mild bilateral temporo-insular atrophy and hypometabolism in the left-superior temporal gyrus respectively. An amyloid PET scan and genetic analysis covering the dementia spectrum were normal. A diagnosis of bvFTD was made.

The clinical framing of behavioural symptoms of dementia such as hoarding poses a diagnostic challenge. This case illustrates the importance of a deeper understanding of Diogenes syndrome, leading to timelier diagnosis and effective therapeutic strategies.

Depression is highly prevalent in children and adolescents in Pakistan, yet, factors affecting depression have not been widely studied. This study aims to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of depression in children and adolescents and identify associations between parental marital status and confounding factors for depression.

A descriptive retrospective study was undertaken at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Patient records of children and adolescents (aged under 18 years), presenting to the psychiatry clinic with depression from 2015-2019 were reviewed. The diagnosis of clinical depression was made based on clinical assessment according to international guidelines. Patients whose medical records had missing information were excluded. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Continuous data are presented as mean +/- standard deviation, whereas categorical data are presented as percentages (%). Pearson Chi-square test of association has been used to assess the association between parental factors and confounding factors. In instances where Pearson's Chi-square test could not be applied, Fisher's exact test is used instead. Associations at p <0.05 (95% confidence limit) are considered statistically significant.

A total of 133 participants were included, of which 78 (58.6%) were female, and 55 (41.4%) were male, with a mean age of 15.5 +/- 2.4 (Range: Ages 4–18). The population had a 50.4% prevalence of suicidal ideation, 21.1% of self-harm, 15% of substance abuse and 14.3% of suicide attempts. Academic stress (54.9%), inter-parental conflict (30.1%) and child abuse (29.3%) were the most common confounding factors reported. Other confounding factors include a family history of depression (20.3%), experience of bullying (16.5%) witnessing domestic violence (16.5%), substance abuse (15.0%) and experiencing sexual abuse (6.0%). There is a statistically significant association between children having parents with non-intact marriages and experiencing sexual abuse (p < 0.001, Odds Ratio (OR) = 21.48), having a family history of depression (p < 0.001, OR = 7.04), child abuse (OR = 3.78). Children of non-traditional (not living with both parents) families were more likely to witness domestic violence (p < 0.001, OR = 4.28), have a family history of depression (p < 0.001, OR = 3.44), abuse substances (OR = 3.20) and experience child abuse (OR = 2.48).

This study identifies factors that may put children at an increased risk of developing depression and performing high-risk behaviours. The findings can help develop better screening programs and counselling for children and adolescents, allowing prevention and ensuring early diagnosis and care.

The aims of this study included investigating the relationship between perceived stress levels and food consumption patterns amongst Pakistani medical students. Additionally, the study meant to determine whether there is a significant difference in food choice between high-stress and low-stress groups of students. Lastly, the study aimed to identify the specific food types most commonly consumed by medical students under high stress conditions.

The investigators of this study hypothesised that there is a significant difference in food choices between high-stress and low-stress groups of medical students.

Among the common health problems reported by medical students, stress stands out as one. Factors related to educational and psychological domains result in the development of stress. Changing dietary patterns is a commonly employed strategy used to deal with stress.

This study utilised an online survey administered among medical students across Pakistan. The data collection period was 4 weeks from 5th July to 5th August 2023. The survey was distributed conveniently using social media platforms. Sampling was done via the snow-ball method. Data analysis was done via SPSS.

Our results from the population of 138 females (68.6%) and 63 males (31.3%) concluded that there were no significant differences in the perceived stress score between genders (p-value = 0.377) and between hostelites and non-hostelites (p-value = 0.816) using the Mann–Whitney test. We found statistically significant differences in the perceived stress score among the different frequencies for the consumption of snacks (p = 0.02) and fast foods (p = 0.008), but the stress score remained non-significant for fruits and vegetables (p-value = 0.089), ready-to-eat foods (p-value = 0.134), and sweets (p-value = 0.051) with the Kruskal–Wallis test.

While previous studies have shown a difference in perceived stress across genders and living arrangements, ours found none. In addition, we found snacks and fast foods to be the go-to for students in times of stress, but the consumption of healthier foods was not associated with a lower level of stress.