e-Mental Health is an emergent area within e-Health. In the evaluation area, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has been used to investigate separately on different psychiatric disorders while a comprehensive tool to cover the entire spectrum of mental health has not yet been developed. In this study, we aimed to present the MEmind wellness tracker and to characterize the group of patients who use it.

We developed an EMA web application: MEmind, accessed through the web page http://www.memind.net. Since 20th May 2014 on, adult outpatients (n = 13,883) attended in all psychiatric services within the Psychiatry Department of Fundación Jimenez Diaz in Madrid were proposed to use MEmind and then registered. Data collected from first year of implementation of the tool were transferred to an SPSS sheet and then analysed. A comparison between patients using and not using MEmind were performed.

MEmind users (n = 2842) were significantly younger than MEmind non-users (n = 11,041) (42.2 ± 13.5 vs. 48.5 ± 16.3; P = 0.000) and mostly women (65% vs. 61.4%; P = 0.001). Also, patients with neurotic disorders were the main users of MEmind (see Table 1). Furthermore, patients with thoughts about death and suicide were more likely to use MEmind (Table 2).

Women, young people and patients with neurotic disorder were the main users of MEmind. Furthermore, people with suicidal thoughts were willing to use MEmind. Novel interventions for suicide prevention could be developed with the use of EMA web-based tools. Further studies are warranted.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Internet-delivered treatments for depression have proved successful, with supported programs offering the potential for improved adherence and outcomes. Internet interventions are particularly interesting in the context of increasing access to interventions, and delivering interventions population-wide.

Investigate the potential feasibility and effectiveness of an online intervention for depression in the community.

Establish the effectiveness of a supported online delivered cognitive behavioural intervention for symptoms of depression in adults in the community.

The study was a randomized controlled trial of an 8-module internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program for adults with depressive symptoms (n = 96) compared to a waiting-list control group (n = 92). Participants received weekly support from a trained supporter. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The program was made available nationwide from an established and recognized charity for depression.

For the treatment group, post-treatment effect sizes reported were large for the primary outcome measure (d = 0.91). The between-group effects were moderate to large and statistically significant for the primary outcomes (d = 0.50) favoring the treatment group. Gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up.

The study has demonstrated the efficacy of the online delivered space from depression treatment. Participants demonstrated reliable and statistically significant changes in symptoms from pre- to post-intervention. The study supports a model for delivering online depression interventions population-wide using trained supporters.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

We recently demonstrated that weight gain could be prevented in young people experiencing a first-episode of psychosis commencing treatment with antipsychotics. A 12-week, intensive lifestyle and life skills intervention – the Keeping the Body in Mind program, – was delivered by dedicated nursing, dietetic and exercise physiology clinicians, for new referrals with < one month of antipsychotic exposure. (Curtis et al., Early intervention in psychiatry, in press). At the conclusion of the intervention the 16 young people participating in the program experienced a mean weight gain of 1.8 kilograms, and a mean increase in waist circumference of 0.1 centimeters. The participants were followed up for two years after initial referral.

During the two-year follow-up, participants had continuing access to an in house gym and weekly cooking groups, but without the same intensity of follow-up. Two year follow-up data were obtained from 11 participants form the original cohort.

Mean weight gain at two-year follow-up was 0.90 (SD 8.7) kilograms, and this difference was not statistically significant [t (10) = 0.3, NS]. Waist circumference decreased by 0.7 (SD 7.7) centimeters, which was not t statistically significant [t (10) = 0.3, NS]. Nine of the participants (82%) did not experience clinically significant weight gain two years after initiation of antipsychotic medication.

This two-year follow-up data demonstrated that it is feasible to prevent weight gain in youth with first-episode psychosis over the first two years of treatment.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Diverse prescription patterns and differences in length of psychiatry inpatient stay among European and American countries have been reported [1,2].

To describe and compare clinical features and drug prescriptions in two Acute Psychiatric Units from Spain and USA.

Cross-sectional and comparative study. Sample: 73 inpatients from Reno (USA-Inpatients) and 65 from Oviedo (Spain-Inpatients) admitted to public Adult Acute Psychiatric Unit over a two-month period. Sociodemographic/clinical data and drug prescription were collected.

Sociodemographic/clinical comparison (Table 1) and drug prescription differences (Table 2) are shown.

No significant differences in antipsychotics’ prescription except for the most frequently used [risperidone in Spain (36%)/ziprasidone in US (19.6%), Chi2 = 39.7**].

(A) Psychiatric inpatients in US are younger, have longer hospitalization, show more comorbid substance use disorder and differ from Spanish inpatients in frequency of diagnostic categories (schizophrenic disorders represent a larger proportion).

(B) Inpatients in Spain usually receive polytherapy, and are more frequently treated with antidepressants and anxiolytics, especially benzodiazepines. In contrast, USA-Inpatients take lithium more often [1,2].

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Early diagnostics and treatment of comorbid disorders in drug addicts is an integral part of the rehabilitation process and a critical factor in the success of rehabilitation measures as a whole.

One hundred and thirty-three patient of inpatient rehabilitation department. The inclusion criteria in the study were: age above 18 years, withdrawal status, diagnosis (F 11.20 ICD-10). They were divided into two groups: HIV positive (n = 38) and HIV negative (n = 95).

To estimate the prevalence of HIV infection and comorbid mental disorders in substance abuse patients and the impact of comorbidities disorders on the compliance.

Clinico-anamnestic method, clinical-psychopathological method (criteria ICD-10 and clinical diagnostic scales: PANSS, HADS, MMPI). All participants also had serological blood test for antibodies to HIV.

According to our data, the incidence of comorbid mental disorders among HIV negative patients is 65%. The research also showed a correlation (P < 0.05) between HIV infection and mental disorders. So, mental disorders were diagnosed in 82% of HIV infected patients. Patients who stopped their treatment early (n = 42) significantly (P < 0.05) more often had specific personality disorders (17%). Most of them suffered from dissocial personality disorder (9%) and borderline personality disorder (18%).

This analysis showed that HIV is not significant factor (P > 0.05) of early rehabilitation treatment interruption. But comorbid personality disorders in both groups are a significant factor (P < 0.05) of the treatment interruption, while the endogenous, neurotic or affective mental disorders are not.

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

To study characteristics of aggression of male and female offenders with substance dependence.

One hundred and fifty-five male and 110 female adolescents abusing psychoactive substances and serving their sentence were examined. “Hand-test” and Buss-Durkee questionnaire were used in this study.

During comparison of number of offences committed by male and female adolescents, it was revealed that male adolescents commit significantly more crimes against life and female adolescents more crimes against property. Conducted analysis showed high level of aggressive and hostile reactions in this sample, indices of female adolescents (13.7 ± 2.95 and 27.6 ± 5.5) are significantly higher (P < 0.05), than in male adolescents (8.6 ± 2.8 and 23.6 ± 5.3). Significant correlations between level of aggression in female adolescents and beginning of substance use were revealed (r = 0.46, P < 0.05). In male adolescents, long-term substance use correlated with increase in level of physical aggression and tendency to manipulative behaviour (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). In male adolescents, high potential of adjustability, use of communication for self-assertion and achievement of goals, low level of attachment were revealed. Female adolescents are more aggressive in contacts, build relationships according to type of control-submission.

Conducted study allowed revealing gender traits of juvenile offenders influencing the structure of aggressive behaviour, allowing the broadening the understanding of mechanisms of aggressive behaviour.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Alcohol use disorders have been associated with an increased risk of frequent readmissions. This study aimed to examine factors that contribute to the risk for readmission within one year after discharge from an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Rehospitalization status was assessed for all patients with an alcohol use disorder as primary diagnosis (n = 468) admitted to our inpatient unit between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2014. All patients were followed up for one year after their first hospitalization (index hospitalization) within this period. Time to readmission within one year after discharge was measured using the Kaplan–Meier method. Risk factors for readmission were examined using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Three set of variables were selected to be included in the analyses:

– demographic features at time of admission of index hospitalization;

– comorbid conditions at time of admission of index hospitalization;

– treatment-related variables in relation to the index hospitalization including observer-rated outcome measures.

Readmissions within one year after discharge from an alcohol rehabilitation program as well as the corresponding time to readmission were linked to higher numbers of previous hospitalizations and the presence of comorbid opioid use disorders.

Higher numbers of past treatments for AUD are indicators for a chronic course of the disorder, which, in turn, increase the risk of further relapses. Our findings further confirmed previous findings suggesting high rates of comorbidity among alcohol and opioid use disorders, and their link with poorer clinical outcomes.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Mephedrone is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of “New-Novel Psychoactive Substances”. Synthetic cathinones are marketed as “bath salts” or “plant food” and gained notable popularity for similar effects to 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), or amphetamines. Mephedrone is commonly consumed simultaneously with alcohol.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between mephedrone and ethanol in humans.

Twelve healthy male, recreational users of psychostimulants participated as outpatients in four experimental sessions. They received a single oral dose of mephedrone (200 mg) and alcohol (0.8 g/kg), mephedrone placebo and alcohol (0.8 g/kg), mephedrone (200 mg) and placebo alcohol, and both placebos. Design was double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, cross-over and controlled with placebo. Study variables included: vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and pupil diameter), subjective effects (visual analogue scales-VAS, ARCI-49 item short form, and VESSPA questionnaire).

The combination produced an increase in the cardiovascular effects of mephedrone and induced more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being in comparison to mephedrone and alcohol. Mephedrone reduced the drunkenness and sedation produced by alcohol.

These results are similar to those obtained with the combination of other psychostimulants as amphetamines and MDMA. Abuse liability of the combination is greater that induced by mephedrone.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Since 2004, herbal mixtures for smoking use have been sold under the generic brand “Spice”. Many of them contain synthetic cannabinoids (agonists of the cannabinoid receptors). JWH-018 was one of the first spice drugs. There is no scientific evidence of their effects on humans, except cases of intoxications and users opinions.

The present study describes the presence of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH's and their characteristics in the samples delivered for analysis to the harm reduction NGO Energy Control from 2010 to 2014 in Spain.

From 15,814 samples analyzed from 2010 to 2014, those containing synthetic cannabinoids JWH's were studied (n = 47). Analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

From these 47 samples containing JWH, 55% were delivered as “legal highs” (n = 21) and 44% as JWH. Most common presentations were powder 47% and herbals 32%. Samples containing JWH 45%(n = 21) were mixed with more than one kind of JWH or were adulterated and other active principles were found 28% (n = 13) JWH-018, 11% (n = 5) JWH-210, 8% (n = 4) JWH-081 and the 6% WH-250 (n = 3). Origin of the sample was Catalunya 23% (n = 11), other provinces of Spain 46% (n = 22); other EU countries 23% (n = 11) and internet-unknown country 8% (n = 8). From the (n = 47) samples, were delivered (n = 16) in 2012, (n = 12) in 2013, (n = 11) in 2011, (n = 3) in 2010 and (n = 3) in 2014.

JWH'S represent a low percentage of new psychoactive substances analyzed. Its presence in the market seems decreasing.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Tobacco is a source of mineral elements that can affect human health in various ways, such as lithium, which is used as a psychiatric medication. Lithium salts are used as mood-stabilizing drugs and indicated in the treatment of manic-depressive psychosis.

Studying the lithium content in tobacco over the smokers’plasma content and evaluate the potential role of lithium in tobacco addiction.

A total of 18 different tobacco products (cigarettes, smokeless and water pipe tobacco) and 125 plasma samples (45 from smokers, 10 from ex-smokers and 70 from non-smokers) were collected to determinate the lithium content. Tobacco samples were digested with nitric acid and lithium concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission. The collected plasma samples were diluted 1/10 with a nitric acid solution and the lithium level was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

The average concentration of lithium in the cigarettes (16.59 ± 0.59 μg/g) was higher compared to those in the smokeless tobacco (8.39 ± 4.44 μg/g) and in the water pipe tobacco (6.13 ± 6.32 μg/g) but with no significant difference (P = 0.182). For plasma lithium levels, there was no significant difference (P = 0.186) between smokers and non-smokers (6.20 ± 6.24 vs. 4.98 ± 6.20 μg/g). However, a significant negative correlation was noted between plasma and the lithium content in tobacco products (r = –0.435; P = 0.04). The lithium plasma level was significantly and negatively correlated with the dependence score (r = –0.316; P = 0.031).

The correlation between plasmatic lithium and dependence score in smokers suggests that lithium would be involved in tobacco addiction probably through his regulating action of mood.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

To study the effectiveness of antidepressant sevpram (citalopram) and its combination with galavit (imunomodulyator) on a background of standard pharmacotherapy in heroin addiction. To evaluate the immune status of the following methods:

– evaluation of lymphocytes (CD4), (CD8) with monoclonal antibodies in cytotoxicity assay;

– determination of serum immunoglobulin classes A, M, G performed by turbidimetric analysis;

– the concentration of the CIK (circulating immunnokompleks) was determined by precipitation with polyethylene glycol.

Patients of the 1st group was administered into the sevpram 10 mg/day in combination with galavit (25 mg daily); group 2 – only the standard therapy (ST).

As a result of the treatment in the first group showed an increase of 34.8%) the number of immunoglobulin A, which however does not reach the level of healthy people and reducing the number of circulating complexes by 13.8%, which also indicates the normalization of this index. The first group – a significant improvement of immunological parameters increase of 3 indicators (CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8) and a decrease in the CIK. Analysis of changes in indicators Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, also notes a reduction in the symptoms scores.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Exercise addiction is characterized by increasing exercise amounts, withdrawal symptoms and lack of control. Eating disorders and exercise addiction often appear together, but only eating disorders are recognized as diagnoses. However, exercise addiction can exist independently from eating disorders and can be as harmful as any other addictive behavior.

The Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) is useful to identify exercise addiction symptoms in adults and prevalence rates of 3–10% have been found. But a scale for adolescents does not yet exist even though behavioral addictions seem to be more prevalent among young people.

To develop an instrument for identification of exercise addiction in adolescents and to estimate the prevalence and negative consequences.

We developed a Youth version of the EAI and screened 383 adolescents in sport settings and 69 patients from an eating disorder department (age range 11–20 years).

The psychometric properties of the scale were good (Cronbachs alpha 0.71). The prevalence of exercise addiction was 5.5% in adolescents in sport settings and 21.2% in eating disorder patients. We found a positive linear relationship between EAI-score and “high weekly exercise amounts” (r = 0.4, P = 0.00), “the tendency to exercise in spite of injury” (r = 0.4, P = 0.00), “feelings of guilt when not exercising” (r = 0.5, P = 0.00), “reduced sport performance related to overtraining” (r = 0.2, P = 0.00), and “food dominating life” (r = 0.2, P = 0.00).

On basis of this study, we recommend the EAI-Y for identification of exercise addiction in adolescents. Early identification is important since it can prevent excessive and obsessive exercise, injuries, reduced sport performance and eating disorder pathology.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) use is progressively increasing year on year. The new analogues of phencyclidine are frequently sold as legal dissociative anesthetic drug with hallucinogenic and sedative effects, a legal alternative to ketamine, acting as a high affinity and selective ligand of NMDA receptor antagonists.

To describe the presence of 3- and 4-MeO-PCP in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2009 to 2015 in Spain.

A total of 21,198 samples were analyzed from august 2009 to august 2015. Only those samples containing 4-MeO-PCP or 3-MeO-PCP were studied. They were analyzed by Energy Control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analyzing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

All the samples resulted to be the acquired drug of the consumer. Three samples were adulterated with substances as tramadol, cocaine, acetone among others.

Three and 4-MeO-PCP consumption is not found to be an emerging issue according to the results of our samples. Even the potential harmful effects of these dissociative drugs, our indirect indicator seems to show that consumption has not increased. A more precise monitoring would make a better approach to the real consumption and the impact of these substances in our society.

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

In recent years, the increasing use tendency of NPS has motivated both awareness and concern about their identification and potential harmfulness. Synthetic cathinones represent a significant proportion of the NPS available and methylone is one of the most frequently found in Europe.

The aim of the present study is to determine methylone presence and characteristics from the samples analyzed by Energy Control between the years 2009 and 2015 in Spain.

From all 21,198 samples analyzed from august 2009 to august 2015, only those in which methylone was found are studied (n = 140). The samples have been analyzed by Energy Control, a spanish harm-reduction NGO that offers to users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. The analysis is done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

From the 140 samples containing methylone, 87 were handled as methylone, 20 as MDMA, 8 as other synthetic cathinones and 25 as other substances. The peak of consume was registered in 2011 with 41 samples then the number decreased until 10 samples in 2015.

Results suggest that methylone is most frequently handled as methylone or as MDMA and that its consumption could be decreasing. Further pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, clinical and epidemiological studies should be conducted to enhance the knowledge not only about methylone consumption, but also about synthetic cathinones in general in order to assess their potential risk and study the complications and its management.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that have recently appeared on the market and are not under international control. NPS use is experiencing an unprecedented increase. DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT are new psychoactive tryptamines and their effects may differ from those of other psychoactive tryptamines.

To explore the presence of DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT from samples delivered to and analyzed by Spanish harm reduction service Energy Control.

All samples analyzed from 2009 to 2014 delivered as DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DPT or containing these substances. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

From 17,432 samples, 4-HO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-HO-DiPT (6); 4-AcO-DiPT (7); DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). 4-AcO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-AcO-DiPT (12); 5-MeO-DMT (1); 5-MeO-DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). Only 4 samples contained DiPT, all presented as DiPT. Nine samples contained both 4-AcO-DiPT and 4-HO-DiPT. During the years of study, 4-HO-DiPT deliverance was increasing (4 samples in 2014) while deliverance of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT was decreasing (1 sample in 2014).

Increasing 4-HO-DiPT presence could translate a progressive replacement of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT recreational use. Clinical relevance comes from its growing use and the absence of scientific evidence on humans, therefore relying on users subjective experience to predict the effects.

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

The recommendations of duration of treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUD) in clinical guidelines are based on consensus decisions. There is a risk that patients will receive too little or too much therapy. We hypothesize that there is an association between duration and effect up until a point where the effects of treatment diminish.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of psychosocial interventions in the alcohol outpatient treatment centers. Population: adults (> 17 years) suffering from AUD treated with at least two sessions of therapy.

Multiple linear regression analysis with outcome measured in percentage of days abstinent (PDA), percentage of heavy days drinking (PHD), drinks per drinking day (DDD) and/or proportion of participants abstinent (ABS) as a function of duration of treatment.

Forty-four studies with 8485 participants were included. Mean duration: 18 (8–82) weeks and 15 (2–36) sessions. Mean follow-up time: 43 (8–104) weeks with a mean of 5 (2–18) research assessments. Only ABS was significantly associated with duration of treatment; ABS increased with 1.6%-point (P < 0.01) with each additional week in treatment. Surprisingly the analysis showed that each research assessment increased PDA with 11%-point (P < 0.001), decreased PHD with 4%-point (P < 0.05) and decreased DDD with 8%-point (P < 0.001).

Duration of treatment was associated positively with proportion of participants abstinent but not percentage of days abstinent drinks per drinking day or percentage of heavy drinking days. The three latter outcomes were affected positively by number of research assessments.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Longitudinal studies on how temperament is related to alcohol use in general population are scarce.

Finding relations with temperament and problematic alcohol use using prospective birth cohort data.

To investigate trends in self-reported alcohol consumption in adulthood.

In the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 5247), alcohol use was studied with questionnaires at ages 31 and 46. Participants were classified into abstainers, bingers, heavy drinkers, steady drinkers, increasers or reducers based on the change in consumption (g/day). Cloninger's TCI-scores were calculated for each group. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted with TCI-scores as factors influencing the change in alcohol consumption.

High novelty seeking was associated with increased consumption, binging and heavy drinking among both sexes at both time points (P < 0.01). Lower persistence was associated with increased consumption at both time points among men and among women at age 46. Baseline novelty seeking predicted both increasing (OR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0–1.1) and reducing (1.1; 1.0–1.1) for men and for women also increasing (1.1; 1.0–1.1) and reducing (1.1; 1.0–1.1), but when adjusted with baseline alcohol use novelty seeking only predicted increasing for men (1.0; 1.0–1.1).

High novelty seeking and low persistence are associated with problematic alcohol use among middle-aged Northern Finns. Gender differences in predictors existed: novelty seeking predicted increase only for men in the adjusted model. Temperament scores do not seem to affect strongly changes in alcohol use.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The objective of current study was to investigate whether associaction exist between depression and low BMD during menopausal and post-menopausal period.

A cross-sectional descriptive study and 1650 women aged 45–65 years were included during 1182 women agreed to participate (71.6%). Data on body mass index (BMI), clinical biochemistry variables including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were collected. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered for depression purposes.

A total of 1182 women agreed to participate and responded to the study. The mean age and SD of the menopausal age were 48.71 ± 2.96 with depressed and 50.20 ± 3.22 without depressed (P < 0.001). Also, the mean and SD of postmenopausal age were 58.55 ± 3.27 depressed and 57.78 ± 3.20 without depressed (P < 0.001). There were statistically significance differences between menopausal stages with regards to number of parity, and place of living. There were statistically significance differences between menopausal stages with regards to BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency and sheesha smoking habits. Overall, osteopenia and osteoporosis and bone loss were significantly lower in post-menopausal women than in menopausal women (P < 0.001). Similarly, T-score and z-score were lower with depressed menopause and postmenopausal women (P < 0.001).

The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the depression, the mean serum vitamin D deficiency, calcium level deficiency, less physical activity, co-morbidity, number of parity, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and sheesha smoking habits were considered as the main risk factors associated with bone mineral loss after adjusting for age, BMI and other variables.

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

To determine correlation between depression, anxiety and stress in menopausal and post-menopausal women and shedding more light on a complex relationship.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was used and 1468 women aged 45–65 years were included and 1101 women agreed to participate (75.0%). Depression, anxiety and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Data on body mass index (BMI), clinical and other parameters was used.

A total of 1101 women agreed to participate after informed consent was obtained. The mean age and SD of the menopausal age was 49.55 ± 3.12, the mean and SD of postmenopausal age was 58.08 ± 3.26 (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between menopausal stages with regards to age, ethnicity, educational status, occupation status, and place of living. Also, there were statistically significant differences between menopausal stages with regards to BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, and diseases. Depression and anxiety were more common among post-menopause women. Also, there were no differences between the groups regarding the frequency of certain levels of stress among menopause and post-menopause. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that age in years, diastolic BP, consanguinity, regular exercise were predictor for depression. Meanwhile, diastolic BP, occupation and physical activity considered the main risk factors for anxiety. Furthermore, age in years, occupation and sheesha smoking habits were considered as the main risk factors associated with stress.

A large number of factors were associated with experiencing menopausal and psychosocial problems which had negative effects on the quality of life among Arabian women.

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common psychiatric chronic disorders (prevalence 2–3%) and has been associated with various neurocognitive impairment, including visual memory function. Although the relapse rate of OCD is highly considerable, little is known regarding the relationship between neurocognitive dysfunction and the chronicity of the illness, mainly because there are confounding factors as the medication effect. Therefore, we compared the difference of neurocognitive functions of the first-episode, medication-naive OCD patents to chronic, medication-naïve OCD patients.

We defined the first-episode (FEOCD) if the illness duration was less than 3-year by DSM-IV criteria. Twenty-one FEOCD and 28 chronic OCD patients performed Korean version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS), the Trail Making Test (TMT). All the participants were medication-naïve.

There was no differences in the severity of illness (YBOCS), depressive symptoms (Hamilton depression rating scale), general anxiety symptoms (Hamilton anxiety rating scale). FEOCD group showed significant impairment on the block design subtest of the K-WAIS (P = 0.04, t = 1.294).

These results suggest that visual spatial cognitive dysfunction in patients with OCD may deteriorate as the untreated duration of illness get longer.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.