Previous studies showed associations of stress and episodes of active disease [1,2]. We reported survey data on psychosocial problems of IBD patients [3]. This study investigates associations of stress with health impairments and analyses a scale of perceived stress as an indicator for psychosocial impairments (construct/criterion validity) [4].

In a multiregional German survey in 2005, 1083 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis were recruited (gastroenterological practices, university outpatient clinics, patient organization). The questionnaire incorporated WHO's ICF [5] and established items and scales (i.a. HADS [6]). Scale construction followed item response theory analysing psychometric properties.

Of the survey responders (58% CD, 65% female, mean age 42yrs), ⅓ reported severe fatigue. Clinically relevant anxiety was observed in 24%, depression in 29% of men and 21% of women. With three items we constructed a scale with good psychometric properties. Three groups (low, moderate, high perceived stress) were identified, differing substantially in reported anxiety/depression and the GIBDI disease activity score.

IBD patients report multiple psychosocial impairments. The scale of perceived stress may identify IBD patients with high demand for psychosocial attendance, if confirmed in independent samples. For enhanced secondary prevention [7] we propose integration of this psychosocial indicator into the diagnostic process.

Longer DUP (duration of untreated psychosis) is associated with poorer outcome in schizophrenia. Factors unrelated to disease pathology (socioeconomic status, availability of care, recognition of illness and stigma) may contribute to DUP.

Investigating the relation between DUP and fear of stigma in patients and their family members.

38 patients(diagnosed by ICD X as F20-F29), treated at the Institute of Psychiatry,University Clinical Center in Belgrade and their family members(parents or siblings), were assessed through a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this cross sectional study. Data were obtained on fear of being stigmatized and first contact with psychiatrist (in patients) and stigmatization attitudes,estimated DUP,illness mode of onset,initial treatment mode,present evaluation of patients condition,adherence to therapy (in family members).

Patients included in this study were mostly female (68,42%), with high school education (84,2%), single(84,2%), with average age of 30 and 2,53 hospitalizations.

47,37% of family members,as well as 31,58%of patients were afraid of stigmatization by psychiatric treatment-which prolonged DUP. 42,10%of patients felt that they are presently stigmatized.100%of patients have never heard for antistigma programs.

Average period from first behavioral changes to first contact with psychiatrist was 16,34 weeks and 32,6 weeks until starting a continuous treatment (via hospitalization in 57,9%; abrupt illness onset in 42,10%)

Correlation found between DUP and fear of stigma in patients and their family members requires focused antistigma interventions in order to improve psychotic disorders treatment strategies.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the social skills of students addicted to computer games with normal students. The dependent variable in the present study is the social skills.

The study population included all the students in the second grade of public secondary school in the city of Isfahan at the educational year of 2009–2010. The sample size included 564 students selected using the cluster random sampling methods. Data collection was conducted using Questionnaire of Addiction to Computer Games and Social Skills Questionnaire (The Teenage Inventory of Social Skill or TISS).

There was a significant difference between the social skills of students addicted to computer games and normal students. In addition, the results indicated that normal students had a higher level of social skills in comparison with students addicted to computer games.

Addiction to computer games may affect the quality and quantity of social skills. In other words, the higher the addiction to computer games, the less the social skills. The individuals addicted to computer games have less social skills.

most obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients meet psychiatrists 5 to 10 years after onset of OCD. Its relatively high prevalence ratio and the delay in seeking help suggest that patients with OCD may seek help at nonpsychiatric clinics. the present study was undertaken to provide some epidemiological data on the prevalence and severity of OCD in dermatological patients.

The participants included 265 consecutive patients with primary dermatologic chief complaint. They were visited by a dermatologist and diagnosis of dermatological lesion was done according to ICD-10. All patients were visited by a psychiatry resident and were screened for OCD using the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-I). If the diagnosis of OCD has been made, the Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale(Y-BOCS) was used to evaluate the severity of OCD. To analyze the data student t-test for quantitative variables and X2 tests for categorical variables.

From the total of 265 patients, 24(9.1%) met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for OCD and 9(37.5%) with OCD had previously been diagnosed with OCD, however, only three were treated pharmacologically. The most symptoms were pathological doubt (29.1%), fear of contamination(29.1%)and washing (54.16%). Severity of OCD according to Y-BOCS was evaluated among patients with OCD. Six (25%) were found with subclinical OCD, 11(45.8%) had mild OCD, six(25%) had moderate OCD, and one (4.2%) was detected with sever OCD.

prevalence of OCD in dermatology clinic was higher compared with general population.

Behavioral intervention is an evidence-based treatment for children with autism but there still exists some disagreement regarding how intensive the treatment needs to be. Little previous research has directly compared the effects of high to low-intensity behavioral intervention.

To compare the effects of high versus low-intensity behavioral intervention.

Compare outcomes in the area of diagnostic classification, intellectual functioning, executive functions, challenging behavior, language, socialization, and independent living skills after two years of treatment.

60 children with autism, under five years old, comprised two groups who received behavioral intervention services. The high-intensity group received 25–35 hours per week for two years and the low-intensity group received 8–15 hours per week of treatment. For all participants, a comprehensive battery of assessments was conducted prior to treatment and at annual intervals.

The high-intensity group outperformed the low-intensity group on all measures after two years of treatment.

This study provides further evidence that high intensity behavioral intervention produces greater gains than low-intensity treatment and the results suggest that children with autism under the age of five years should receive access to high-intensity treatment

This study examined the relation between schizotypy and the encoding style in a sub-clinical sample. We evaluated, first, the level of schizotypy with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQB) (Raine and al, 1995). Three factors are evaluated

1. a) cognitive-perceptual factor,

2. b) b) interpersonal factor and disorganisation.

A total of 184 students (113 women and 71 men) participated at this study. The mean age of the sample was 22,58 years (SD = 1,96). They were test using a French version of the ESQ, the brief SPQB, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale.

The results demonstrated that we have a positive correlation between internal encoding style, schizotypy, depression and anxiety. Secondly, a high level of internal encoding style means a high level of congnitivo-perceptual and for interpersonal factors with an impact of depression and anxiety.

An internal encoding style is link with a high score in schizotypy.

Substance use disorder, depression and sexual minority are well documented risk factors for suicidal behaviour, far less is known about behavioural addictions.

First, to explore associations between behavioural addictions (gaming, gambling, cybersex, internet, smartphone, work) at age 25 and the incidence and reoccurrence of suicide ideation (SID), suicide attempts (SAT), and suicide attempts among those with suicide ideation (SATID) at age 28. Second, to test whether these associations were impacted by adjusting for cannabis and alcohol use disorder, nicotine dependence, sexual orientation and depression.

Based on two waves of a prospective cohort study of 5,428 young Swiss men, nested models with and without adjustment for risk factors were used to regress SID, SAT and SATID on preceding behavioural addictions.

Without adjustment, each of the behavioural addictions at age 25 significantly predicted the incidence of SID and SAT at age 28. Gambling and cybersex addiction furthermore predicted SATID. When adjusting for other risk factors, associations with behavioural addictions were reduced, whereas depression and cannabis use disorder were the most important and consistent predictors for the incidence and recurrence of SID, SAT and SATID.

Among young Swiss men, behavioural addictions are important predictors of SID and SAT, however a large part of their association is shared with depression and cannabis use disorder. Treatment for addictive behaviors, especially cannabis use can open the door to larger mental health screening and targeted intervention. Crisis intervention among men presenting addictive behaviours with or without substance may therefore be key to preventing suicidal behaviour.

No significant relationships.

Compassion can be defined as an intentional sensitivity to the suffering, with a motivation and commitment to try to relieve it, which can have a positive impact on individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being. The relevance of compassion focused therapies is well established and this makes the development of reliable instruments for the assessment of the different facets of compassion targeting different age groups crucial for research and clinical practice. The Compassionate Attributes and Actions Scale (CAAS) aims to assess compassion on three directions: self-compassion, compassion for others or compassion received from others. Each of the scales assesses one's compassionate attributes and compassionate actions separately when dealing with difficult or painful situations.

This study aimed to adapt the CAAS for adolescents and to explore its factor structure and psychometric properties in a sample of Portuguese adolescents.

A total of 336 Portuguese adolescents with ages ranging from 12 to 19 years old participated in the study. Several exploratory factor analyses were conducted.

Exploratory factor analysis showed that, except for the attributes section of the self-compassion scale (that showed to be bi-factorial), all the other scales (and their sections) presented a single-factor structure. The three scales, and its sections, demonstrated a good reliability and excellent test-retest reliability and good convergent and discriminant validity.

Results were in line with the factor structure found in the adults’ version. The scales and its sections have shown good psychometric characteristics and constitute a useful instrument to assess and investigate the three directions of the compassion.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Cognitive functions have a decisive influence and prognostic value for functional recovery. The NIMH MATRICS initiative established a consensus on neuro-cognitive and social cognitive domains relevant for the treatment of schizophrenia. Against this background we developed the Integrated Neurocognitive Therapy (INT) covering all MATRICS domains. INT is strongly based on therapeutic principles of the Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT) designed by our research team several years ago. INT is partly computer based and intends to restitute and compensate neuro-cognitive and social cognitive functions.

INT was evaluated in an international multi-cite RCT with centers in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The Swiss National Science Foundation supported this study. INT was compared with a treatment as usual control condition (TAU). INT patients received 30 therapy sessions twice a week. 169 schizophrenia outpatients participated in the study.

Using an ANOVA model, INT groups show superior effects after therapy and 1-year follow-up in proximal outcomes of neuro- and social cognition. Significant effects are evident in most of the MATRICS-domains. Additionally, significant effects in more distal outcomes are evident for INT patients in psychosocial functioning and negative symptoms after therapy and at follow-up. A low drop-out rate of 12% of the INT patients indicates a high acceptance by the patients.

Results support evidence for the efficacy of INT in proximal and distal outcome dimensions. Further evaluations on INT have to investigate its relevance for different psychotic populations such as young early psychotics and more chronic older patients.

An integrated program (Institutional Psychiatric Open Light Treatment) for psychosis and personality disorder was enriched with audiovisual functions provided through a dedicated website.

The aim of the present study was to observe how and if these added functions support the patients in their daily living, influencing the quality of the recovery process.

Recent studies highlighted how telemental health services are effective to provide access, improve basic outcome, facilitate empowerment of patients and be well-accepted (Hilty, 2013; Hailey, 2008) and how integrated community-based treatment, such as Community-Based Psychodynamic Treatment Program (Chiesa and Fonagy, 2009) or Assertive Community Treatment (Veldhuizen and Bahler, 2013) are effective in SMI.

Telemental health services may become factors improving real-life functioning, integrating community-based treatment for psychosis and bettering social cognition, functional capacity, resilience, internalized stigma and engagement with mental health services, so positively affecting outcomes of psychosis treatment.

All patients admitted (May 2010–April 2015) were included. Aged between 18 and 65, with schizophrenia, psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorder.

Some troubles with the website use (Voice2Voice) led to a second version, more friendly and simple to use (app2gether).

App2gether provided several functions: audio/video conference rooms for patients or family (synchronous virtual space to interact, at scheduled time, with a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a peer support worker, in free groups); chat (asynchronous virtual space for any question or information).

We considered primary outcomes proposed by Cochrane Collaboration (Shek, 2010): hospital admissions, days of hospitalization, day-hospital admissions, day-program attendance (e.g. weekly), treatment compliance (voluntary discharge or missing scheduled date).

We considered, as secondary outcomes, variables closely associated with real-life functioning (Galderisi, 2015): global functioning (Italian translation of Global Assessment of Functioning Scale), quality of life (Short Form 36 item), social relationships (Personal and Social Performance), internalized stigma (Internalized Stigma Mental Illness Inventory), empowerment (Empowerment Scale).

Patients were divided into four cohorts:

– 1-using “app2gether” functions in the follow-up, attending day treatment program (n = 35);

– 2-attending day treatment program (n = 52);

– 3-attending transitional day-hospital program (n = 171);

– 4-not included in the IPOLT-program (n = 188).

Patients were included in the first group only based on their basic computer skills and fast Internet availability.

At first, we compared (2) and (3) with (4), as control group. For each patient, we considered an identical observation period before and after day-hospital admission (ANOVA, P < 0.05).

We found a significant improvement in primary outcomes and global functioning, but not in other secondary outcomes, for the groups (2) and (3) compared with (4).

Over 6-months observation, patients using “app2gether” functions in the follow-up showed:

– a significantly decrease in hospital admissions and hospitalization length, compared to non-IPOLT-program group;

– a reduction in day-hospital admissions and day-hospital attendance, compared to (2) and (3) groups;

– a notable effect on secondary outcomes, compared to all other groups.

A dedicated website in the IPOLT-program supports patients in their living's place, does not interfere with daily activities, decreases social costs, encourages community integration and reduces stigma.

Synchronous telepsychiatry allow a professionally modulated intervention in “here and now”; asynchronous contacts with specialists combine professional intervention with chances of autonomy and autoregulation. These services reduce costs, in terms of FTE (Full Time Equivalent), but not the efficacy.

Future advances in the websites should be designed, simplifying the contact surface with the treating-team and reducing the social impact of therapeutic practice.

A better understanding of the complex variables influencing real-life functioning and new sensitive tools to detect it are needed.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The Burnout Syndrome Study screened for burnout in psychiatric trainees in 22 countries, along with associated factors. This paper reports the results of the PHQ-9 depression screen that formed part of the study.

It is well documented that physicians have higher rates of mental illness compared to the general population. Post-graduate medical trainees may work long hours and be exposed to stressful or saddening situations regularly. Their environment and workload means they may not exhibit appropriate help-seeking behaviours and be at significant risk of depression.

The study used a cross sectional, multi-country online survey. Participants were asked to participate via an email invitation. The participants were asked to complete the PHQ-9 questionnaire, which is validated as a primary care self-administered screen for depression. Mixed methodology was used when recruiting trainees to obtain the most representative sample possible from each country. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Complete data was obtained from 1980 trainees with an average age of 31.9 years and with 2.8 years of training. The prevalence of depression in psychiatric trainees varied by country from 50% in Latvia to 7.1% in Belarus. The average rate of depression was 20.8%.

Prevalence of depression in the US general population is estimated at 6.7%, making the prevalence of depression in trainees of 20.8% a sign that action needs to be taken to reduce depression rates in trainees.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease requiring treatment that manages a broad spectrum of symptoms. Cariprazine is a dopamine D3 and D2 receptor partial agonist antipsychotic candidate with preferential D3 receptor binding.

Evaluate the pharmacological/behavioral profile of cariprazine in animal models.

To determine the activity and receptor occupancy of cariprazine in rat models at doses that confer antipsychotic-like efficacy.

Cariprazine was evaluated in rat paradigms that model symptoms of schizophrenia, mania, and depression. Occupancy of cariprazine, aripiprazole, and risperidone at D3 and D2 receptors was also compared.

Cariprazine showed antipsychotic-like efficacy on conditioned avoidance response and amphetamine-induced motor activity tests (ED50: 0.8 and 0.1 mg/kg) with potencies similar to risperidone (ED50: 0.9 and 0.2 mg/kg) and greater than aripiprazole (ED50: 18 and 3.9 mg/kg). While all 3 compounds displayed high in vivo occupancy of D2 receptors, only cariprazine displayed potent in vivo occupancy of D3 receptors at antipsychotic-like doses (ED50 [% inhibition]: cariprazine, 0.43 mg/kg [99.3]; aripiprazole, >30 mg/kg [26.4]; risperidone: ~2.3 mg/kg [53.4]). At or below antipsychotic-like doses, cariprazine demonstrated antimanic-like, antidepressant-like, anxiolytic-like, and procognitive effects in rats. As determined using D3 receptor knockout mice, procognitive and antidepressant-like effects of cariprazine were shown to be mediated via the D3 receptor.

At antipsychotic-like effective doses in rats, cariprazine demonstrated balanced and significant occupancy at both dopamine D2 and D3 receptors; other antipsychotics displayed relatively low D3 receptor occupancy. Additionally, at antipsychotic-like doses cariprazine demonstrated efficacy in different rat models of mania, mood, anxiety, and cognition.

Evaluate the efficacy of art therapy during acute psychotic episodes.

Thirty-six inpatients with ICD-diagnoses of schizophrenia (F20.0–F20.9) age between 20–60 were randomised to either 12 twice-weekly sessions of psychodynamic group art therapy plus treatment as usual or to standard treatment alone. Art therapy was administered in 12 sessions of 90 minutes for 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, 55% of patients randomised to art therapy, and 66% of patients receiving treatment as usual were examined. Scales used: 17 – Item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) for depression and Scale for the assessment of negative symptoms (SANS).

The approach was non-directive – patients could choose to create whatever they wanted and use any available material. Interventions by the art therapist aimed at supporting the art process and helping to understand the image. The last 30 minutes of a session were reserved for a shared viewing and reflecting on the images.

With post-treatment and follow-up scores of SANS and HRSD patients who had received AT had a significantly greater mean reduction of positive and negative and also depressive symptoms at 12-week follow-up than patients treated as usual. Social functioning was significantly higher in the AT group. There were no significant interactions between intervention group and gender.

Evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of AT in patients with schizophrenia is far from being conclusive and benefits might be limited to a subgroup of patients. Results of this study suggest AT can be implemented in routine hospital settings for patients experiencing acute psychotic states.

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