Obesity has increased worldwide and concerns comorbidity in patients with schizophrenia, and is linked to a high mortality rate in this group. Although bariatric surgery is the gold standard treatment for refractory obesity, it rarely is indicated for subjects with schizophrenia due to psychotic symptoms recurrence.

Report weight-loss outcome and psychopathology changes over 36 months follow-up of 5 patients with schizophrenia submitted to bariatric surgery.

Patients have been followed for 36 months. Clinical and anthropometric assessments such as percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) and body mass index (BMI) have been performed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months follow-up. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychopathology status. Wilcoxon test was used to assess statistical differences.

The sample included four female and one male subject, with BMI at baseline 42,81± 5,66. The results of BMI and EWL over time are described in Table 1. A significant statistical difference was found between BMI at baseline and at T6, T12, T24, and T36 (p<0,05). EWL was higher at T12 ( compared with T6), but not different from other measurements. PANSS scores at the baseline were 7,7 ± 1,6 for a positive domain, 8,7 ± 2,3 for a negative domain, and 19,2 ± 6 for general psychopathology, with no statistically significant differences during the follow-up.

Despite the small sample, bariatric surgery has been shown a safe and efficient refractory obesity treatment in patients with schizophrenia.

No significant relationships.

Some projects have described post-disaster psychosocial services and planning across Europe. However, little is known about the real psychosocial disaster responses such as low-intensity initiatives after a terrorist attack

This study aims (1) to describe psychological support (PS) in the immediate (<48 hours), post-immediate (48 hours – 1 week) periods and more than one week after a terrorist attack among terror-exposed people, and (2) to identify factors associated with a lack of short-term PS among those who suffered from mental health disorders.

This study used data from a longitudinal survey of 189 civilians exposed to the January 2015 terrorist attacks conducted 6 months after the attacks. Factors associated with lack of PS after the attacks was identified using a Robust Poisson regression in three separate models (for the 3 periods).

Among participants who suffered from PTSD (n=34), depression (n=74), or anxiety (n=59) 6-9 months after the terrorist attacks, respectively, 9%, 18% and 12% did not received psychological support. The lack of immediate PS was associated with geographical distance, type of exposure, and support in daily life. The lack of post-immediate PS was associated with geographical distance, peri-traumatic reactions and past psychological follow-up. The lack of PS after one week was associated with geographical distance and social isolation.

Characteristics of exposition and social support seem to play an important role in lack of PS after a terrorist attack and highlights the need to use strategies to reach out to people regardless of the type of exposure.

No significant relationships.

Schizophrenia is a complex and multifactorial psychiatric condition characterized by thought, speech, perception and behaviour disorders, and social and occupational impairment. It has been related that viral prenatal infection may contribute to schizophrenia development. As such, there are some hypotheses regarding SARS-Cov-2 prenatal infection and its potential relation with “future” offspring schizophrenia.

Literature review of schizophrenia development and relation with viral infections, and data research of COVID-19 neurotropic effects.

Non-systematic review through literature using databases as Pubmed and UpToDate. Keywords used: schizophrenia, prenatal, viral infection, COVID-19, SARS-Cov-2.

Several studies had shown a relationship between prenatal viral infections, such as Influenza, and development of schizophrenia in the offspring. It relates with viral neurotropism mechanisms and inflammatory processes in the fetal neurology system. Regarding SARS-Cov-2, it is early to assume a relation between prenatal COVID-19 and offspring schizophrenia development. However, literature describes psychiatric manifestations post COVID, such as psychotic and manic episodes. As such, a SARS-Cov-2 neurotropic effect is demonstrated.

Schizophrenia has a multifactorial etiology. Since prenatal viral infections may interfere and contribute to schizophrenia development, it is logical to assume prenatal SARS-Cov-2 infection may also contribute. It may be relevant to investigate whether these offspring will manifest schizophrenia symptoms.

No significant relationships.

There are sufficient amount data on the immune cells and their biologically active products leading role in the pathogenesis of depression, which allows viewing modulated immune cells as model objects for developing new approaches to depression immunotherapy.

We first demonstrated the ability of immune cells modulated outside the body by caffeine to edit depression-like behavior and showed the central cytokines-mediated mechanisms of this effect. Considering theimportant role of the peripheral immune system in the pathogenesis of depression, we investigated the main parameters of its functional activity after transplantation of modulated immunocytes.

(CBAxC57Bl/6) F1 depressive-like male mice, developed under the long-term social stress, were undergoing the transplantation of syngeneic immune cells with in vitro caffeine-modulated functional activity. Recipient’s behavior and immune systems functional activity parameters were studied.

We showed earlier significant positive psychoneuromodulatory effect of caffeine-treated immune cells in depressive-like recipients which manifests itself in the behavioral editing (anhedonia reduction, stimulation of exploratory behavior and activity in forced swimming test); hippocampal neurogenesis stimulation against the background of increased BDN and modulation of brain cell’s cytokines production. Transplantation of caffeine-modulated immune cells in syngeneic depressive-like recipients also leads to positive changes in the immune system functional activity as evidenced by enhanced immune response, splenocytes proliferation stimulation on the background of modulation of cell’s cytokines production and decreased tryptophan catabolism, reducing systemic inflammation.

Results demonstrated that in vitro caffeine-modulated immune cells caused positive psychoneuroimmunomodulating effect in depressive-like recipients. So, its may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of depression.

No significant relationships.

Mental health care is considered to be one of the main sources of mental illness stigmatization. Detailed information about these stigmatization experiences is needed to reduce stigma in mental health practices.

The study aimed i) to identify the most relevant stigmatizing situations in mental health care encountered by users and families, ii) to characterize the relative importance of these situations in terms of frequency, experienced stigmatization and suffering, and iii) to identify individual and contextual factors associated with these experiences.

In a focus group, users were asked to select the 15 most relevant stigmatization situations among those they elicited and those that were taken from the literature. An online survey was then conducted among users and family members to characterize these situations and identify predictors.

A total of 235 participants were included: 59 participants with schizophrenia diagnosis, 96 with other psychiatric diagnoses and 80 family members. The results revealed 15 situations with different levels of frequency, stigmatization and suffering. Participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia experienced more situations of stigmatization and with a higher frequency. Moreover, factors such as recovery-oriented practices and measures without consent were the best predictors of experienced stigmatization.

These original stigmatization situations could be targeted to reduce stigmatization and associated suffering in mental health practices. Results strongly suggest that recovery-oriented practice should be fostered to fight stigma in mental health care.

No significant relationships.

Psychosocial functioning is an an important issue in the follow-up processes of patients with bipolar disorder. Potential predictors of functional impairment in bipolar disorder may give a chance to improve functioning in this group of patients.

We aimed to assess the differences between patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls due to childhood traumas, attachment styles, dysfunctional attitudes, affective temperaments and to assess which of these factors may significantly predict the overall functional impairment in patients with bipolar disorder.

63 remitted patients with bipolar disorder and 61 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Asessment was conducted using a sociodemoghraphic and clinical questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item version (HAM-D-17) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(CTQ-28), Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-A) and Functioning Assesment Short Test (FAST).

In the patient group scores of childhood traumas, dysfunctional attitudes, cyclothymic, depressive and anxious temperaments, all domains of functional impairment scores except financial issues, and overall functional impairment scores were significantly higher than the control group. Besides this, secure attachment scores were significantly higher in the control group. In the regression analysis anxious temperament and subclinical depressive symptoms significantly positively predicted functional impairment and hyperthymic temperament significantly negatively predicted functional impairment in patients with bipolar disorder.

In the assessment of functioning of patients with bipolar disorder subclinical depressive symptoms, hyperthymic and anxious affective temperament styles might be taken into consideration.

No significant relationships.

Antidepressants that offer a rapid onset of action without requiring chronic use are greatly needed in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD). Zuranolone is an investigational, oral, neuroactive steroid and GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator in clinical development as a 2-week treatment course for MDD and PPD.

To present the efficacy and safety of zuranolone vs placebo in Phase 2 and 3 trials.

In the studies presented (Table 1), improvements in depressive symptoms were assessed by least-squares mean (LSM) using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures on the change from baseline (CFB) at Day 15 in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score (HAMD-17; primary endpoint for all trials) and the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS; secondary endpoint) following a 14-day treatment course of once-daily zuranolone.

Compared with placebo, zuranolone treatment led to rapid improvements in depressive symptoms across clinical trials, with significant improvements (LSM treatment difference [SE] in CFB) in HAMD-17 and MADRS scores at Day 15 in 3 of the 4 trials (Table 2). Common treatment-emergent adverse events (≥5% in zuranolone treatment arms) were headache, somnolence, dizziness, nausea, sedation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and fatigue (Table 3). No incidences of loss of consciousness or excessive sedation were observed.

Across the completed studies in the zuranolone clinical trial program, patients receiving zuranolone consistently experienced improvement in depressive symptoms following a 2-week treatment course. Treatment with zuranolone was generally well tolerated with a consistent safety and tolerability profile.

The MDD-201B, MOUNTAIN, and ROBIN studies were sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc; the WATERFALL study was sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc, and Biogen. Medical writing and editorial support were provided by MediTech Media, Ltd, and funded by Biogen.

The pandemic of a new coronavirus infection can be considered as a long-term traumatic event. It is known that chronic stress is characterized by dynamics of emotional state caused by processes of adaptation and maladaptation.

Our study aimed to investigate the dynamics of depression, anxiety, and stress levels among Russian students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data were collected from May to July 2020 (the first pandemic wave) and from October 2020 to April 2021 (the second wave). A total of 170 non-medical university students participated in the study. We used the DASS-21 to determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

We found that during the first wave of the pandemic, 57 % of students showed no symptoms of depression, 77 % had no symptoms of anxiety, and 76 % showed no signs of stress. In the second wave, 50 % of students showed no depression, 65 % no anxiety and 67 % no stress. Analysis of mean values showed that the second pandemic wave provoked higher levels of anxiety (M = 3.32±4.25 vs M = 4.71±4.71, p < 0.05) and stress (M = 6.50±4.50 vs M = 7.99±4.97, p < 0.05) .

The second wave of the new coronavirus pandemic provoked more severe emotional reactions among Russian students than the first. By these results we suggest that the duration of the pandemic harms the emotional state of the general population. Therefore, it is essential to develop and implement psychotherapeutic programs to restore the mental health of Russian citizens.

No significant relationships.

The appearance of inhibitory symptoms encompassed in what are known as negative symptoms is part of the usual symptoms of schizophrenia. Sometimes this inhibition reaches a significant severity, so it is essential to know its approach.

Case report and literature review regarding the treatment of resistant schizophrenia with a predominance of negative symptoms

We present the clinical case of a 28-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia at 23 years old, whose onset was characterized by delusional ideas of harm (poisoning) and delusions with a mystic-religious theme that lead him to reduce his intake until requiring a first admission for severe desnutrition. Subsequently, after two more admissions, the patient presents selective reduction in food intake, decrease in daily activity and apathy without positive symptoms.

Throughout the treatment, several lines of antipsychotic treatments have been tried at the maximum tolerated dose (haloperidol, oral paliperidone and depot, aripiprazole and clozapine up to a dose of 600 mg). Clozapine resistance required testing various augmentation strategies (Venlafaxine, Lamotrigine and Electroconvulsive therapy) with low results. Finally, to complement the treatment, the patient was transferred to a mid-stay unit where psychosocial treatment with a multidisciplinary approach was started. This has allowed more continuous follow-up and thus a partial improvement of the clinic.

Numerous studies describe numerous augmentation strategies for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia with negative symptoms. However, the results are still inconclusive, needing more research. Meanwhile, we want to highlight the importance of complementing the treatment with psychosocial approaches.

No significant relationships.

Younger schoolchildren with psychological development disorders have low cognitive activity, insufficient development of basic school skills, and a low level of educational motivation. In accordance with the requirements of the educational program for students it is important to develop the ability to predict the results of their actions and deeds.

The study of predictive competence in primary schoolchildren with psychological development disorders.

The study involved 60 children aged 8-10 years with a psychological development disorder. To study predictive competence, the methodology “The ability to predict in situations of potential or real violation of social norms” was used.

The study revealed a low level of the cognitive and speech-communicative spheres of prognostic competence development in primary schoolchildren with psychological development disorders, as well as a deficit in prediction in the field of learning, which includes educational cooperation and educational communication of the child. Generalized statements, a passive position in future situations and pessimistic attitudes prevailed in the predictions of schoolchildren when constructing an image of the future. For schoolchildren the prognosis is presented by monosyllabic answers, with the observable poverty of speech utterances.

The features of prognostic competence revealed in the study make it possible to develop individual programs for the development of the prognostic abilities of schoolchildren with psychological development disorders, to teach how to predict the development of events in educational activities, to recognize the emotions of the participants in the events. This paper has been supported by the Kazan Federal University Strategic Academic Leadership Program.

No significant relationships.

Lead as an industrial pollutant can be detected at all stages of the working and living environment. Lead, based on its properties, solubility and mobility, accumulates in the soil, so that the average concentrations of oil in the soil are between 15 and 25 mg/kg (Radojević at all., 1999). Due to increased human activity, the amount of copper in the air, soil and water has increased. Glutathione (GSH) is an essential cofactor of many enzymes, such as: formaldehyde dehydrogenase, glyoxalase, prostaglandin endoperoxide isomerase, dehydrochlorinase and others. GSH is a biological redox in the metabolism of erythrocytes, it also plays a role in the transport of amino acids. Reactive forms of oxygen cause oxidative biomolecules (lipids, proteins, DNA) (Freidovich, 1999; Massaad i Klann, 2010).

The aim of this research was to examine the protective role of supplements GSH in conditions of chronic intoxication with sublethal doses of lead acetate and copper II sulfate.

The preparation of biomaterials for testing and making homogenates of brain tissue of albino rats of Wistar strain was performed and the activity of acid and alkaline DNase was measured spectrophotometrically (Kocić i sar., 1998).

Lead otherwise “as soft Lewis acid” has a pronounced affinity for interaction with “soft bases” such as S-atoms of the thiol group in antioxidants, natural biomolecules and supplements in this case in glutathione.

It can be said that GSH is a desirable supplement and antioxidant in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species in rats exposed to lead poisoning.

No significant relationships.

Bipolar disorder can be a severe psychiatric disorder. The combined prevalence of bipolar I, bipolar II, and unspecified bipolar disorders according to DSM-IV is 1.8%. Mean age at first affective episode has been estimated to 20 years among out-patients in the United States (2).

We present the case of a 40-year-old patient, diagnosed with type I bipolar disorder. In her story, multiple admissions are recorded for both manic and depressive episodes. The patient showed a desire to be a mother and multiple therapeutic interventions were performed, de-escalation of stabilizers until she was withdrawn, which triggered generally manic episodes that required hospital admission.

Given the controversy in the decision to maintain or not drug treatment during pregnancy and the lack of clear criteria, in this case it was decided to try to gradually withdraw the treatment, which triggered several serious relapses. It was then decided to maintain the treatment at lower doses than usual or complete withdrawal, which in all cases precipitated relapses. Finally the patient reconsidered her wishes and abandoned the possibility of pregnancy.

Bipolar I Disorder

Although most studies have found similar lifetime prevalence rates of bipolar disorder between men and women, gender differences may be evident in the impact of reproductive life events on affected women. In addition to the controversy regarding the decision to maintain or not treatment during pregnancy, there is also the certainty that childbirth can be the specific trigger for a manic or hypomanic episode.

No significant relationships.

Tinnitus is an auditory perception of a “phantom” nature with highly changing features. There is an established correlation between anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and tinnitus.

To evaluate the prevalence of sleep disorders and emotional disorders during tinnitus and their correlation to the severity of the symptomatology

A descriptive cross-sectional study of 60 patients consulting for subjective tinnitus. For each patient we collected epidemiological data and performed an ENT and general examination, an audiometric and psychoacoustic evaluation and a psychometric evaluation. To evaluate the severity of the tinnitus we used the visual analog scale VAS and the subjective tinnitus severity test (STSS). Disability was assessed by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Anxiety and depression were assessed by: the Hamilton anxiety Rating scale and the Beck depression inventory.

The prevalence of emotional disorders was: 21.7% for depression, 48.33% for generalized anxiety disorder, 11.67% for dysthymia, 5% for agoraphobia 16.67% for panic disorder and 1.67% for social phobia. The intensity of tinnitus was correlated with more panic disorder (p=0.008). Subjective severity of tinnitus was correlated with disability (p=0.0001), awareness of tinnitus in relation to sleep duration (p=0.006) and disturbed sleep (p=0.047). Disability was correlated with subjective tinnitus severity (p=0.0001), panic disorder (p=0.0007), generalized anxiety disorder (p=0.033), and poor sleep quality (p=0.005).

Our results emphasize the importance of emotional disorders as well as sleep disorders in chronic “tinnitus”. These disorders should be systematically investigated and eventually treated in order to optimize the management of the patients.

No significant relationships.

Bipolar disorder in later life is a complex & confounding neuropsychiatric syndrome with diagnostic & therapeutic challenges.

To assess the clinical characteristics of late onset bipolar disorder and to compare with adult onset bipolar disorder and to compare the medical co morbidity between age, sex matched healthy control group.

It was a hospital based, observational, analytical and cross-sectional study conducted over 2 and half years. The patients > 60 years presenting with manic features after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were the study group. Control group -1 was selected from adult onset bipolar disorder. YMRS, MMSE, SCID were applied for both. Control group -2 was selected from age, sex, education matched normal population and the three groups were compared for co morbidity. Secondary mania cases are excluded from the study.

Mean age at onset was 67.4 years. 63.3% of our patients were female. H/O psychiatric illness in family is more in control group (53.3%) than in study group (26.7%) (p=0.035). 86.6% patients present with irritability. 73.3% patients were presented with aggression. Control group –irritability=90%, aggression=75% The difference is not statistically significant. Scoring of each symptom showed significant difference. It means presence & severity of delusion is significantly more in young bipolar control group.(p=0.035 for % score, p=0.015 for mean SAPS score). 70% presented with co morbidities.

Geriatric mania shows mixed presentation compared to early onset disease. Psychotic features are more common. Late onset mania is less associated with family history. Common co morbidities are DM, HTN, Hypothyroidism, neurologic disorders.

No significant relationships.

Realizamos un estudio prospectivo en 15 pacientes, diagnosticados de psicosis, según el DSM V, y que son usuarios de una Unidad de Rehabilitación activa, estos pacientes utilizan las modalidades de hospitalización residencial o el programa de hospitalización parcial.

El objetivo principal fue establecer el perfil del paciente (retrato de robot), que utiliza este tipo de dispositivo.

Se lleva a cabo un protocolo de evaluación que incluye la entrevista de evaluación psicopatológica (DSMV) y las escalas: impulsividad (Barrat), agresividad (Burke), calidad de vida (Woqol bref), actitud ante la medicación (DAI), Avd ( RAI), riesgo de suicidio (Plutchick), riesgo de caídas (Downton), funcionalidad (EEAG) y hábitos de consumo (DAU).

Con todos estos elementos y teniendo en cuenta la edad y sexo de los pacientes, intentamos establecer el tipo de perfil de paciente del área de Rehabilitación activa de nuestro servicio, luego luego de mediciones periódicas de todas estas variables estableceremos la influencia de Terapia de rehabilitación en la mejora o empeoramiento de nuestros pacientes.

CONCLUSIONES El perfil de tipo del paciente incluido en una Unidad de Rehabilitación Activa está compuesto por un varón de 42 años, con consumo esporádico de toxinas, con rasgos de personalidad donde predomina la agresividad, con un perfil bajo de efectos adversos y con conciencia parcial de la enfermedad. y mala adherencia a la medicación Cabe señalar que sus niveles en la escala de calidad de vida son altos, incluso comparables o en ocasiones superiores a los de la población general según la escala Woqol bref.

No significant relationships.

No significant relationships.

Treatment options for ADHD in adults consist of psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacotherapy or a combination thereof. Current studies do not yet provide insights into the additive effects of CBT and pharmacotherapy regarding the quality of life in adults with ADHD.

In this study, we investigated the effect of CBT combined with pharmacotherapy on the quality of life in adults with ADHD compared to pharmacotherapy alone.

In this multicenter prospective cohort study a total of 627 patients were included, 305 where included in the pharmacotherapy only group and 322 in de combination group (CBT and pharmacotherapy). The Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life scale (AAQoL) was conducted at baseline and at the end of treatment.

No significant differences were found in gender or age between groups at baseline. The average improvement in the AAQoL total score in the pharmacotherapy group was 26.81(17.12) and in the combination group 25.45(16.33) and showed no significant difference (t(543) = 0.96, p = 0.34). At baseline the average total score in the pharmacotherapy group was 45.5(12.37) and 42.22(12.73) in the combination group (t(543)=2.86, p = 0.004). The average total score at the end of treatment in the pharmacotherapy and combination group was 72.31(12.99) and 67.67(12.45), respectively (t(543)=426, p <0.001).

To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the value of CBT in addition to pharmacotherapy on the quality of life in adults with ADHD. Contrary to our expectations, there was no significant effect of CBT in addition to pharmacotherapy on the quality of life.

No significant relationships.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder displaying inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity as core symptoms. It can affect several areas of life including sexual health. Clinicians have often made assumptions concerning the bound of specific ADHD symptoms affecting sexual desire by increasing its frequency and intensity. Yet, there is still a lack of knowledge about the comorbidity between ADHD, hypersexuality, and paraphilias. A recent literature review could show that some individuals who suffer from ADHD report about hypersexual and paraphilic fantasies and behaviors, but as far as we know, no clear empirical data has emerged supporting the idea that hypersexuality and paraphilias are more frequent in individuals with ADHD.

The present investigation aimed to compare several sexuality related aspects between individuals with and without ADHD.

Therefore, we designed an extensive online survey based on established questionnaires, such as the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI). The survey was implemented in a outpatient sample, ADHD specific fora as well as other general online channels.

In total, N = 238 individuals participated in the survey (n = 160 with ADHD). Thereby, individuals with ADHD reported significantly more often about a wide range of hypersexual fantasies and behaviors in comparison to individuals without ADHD. Furthermore, individuals with ADHD reported significantly more often about paraphilic fantasies and behaviors including fetishistic and sadistic sexual fantasies. No differences were found concerning other paraphilias. Further results regarding other facets of sexuality, such as sexual orientation, are to be presented and discussed.

The present study contributes to closing the knowledge gap regarding sexuality in individuals with an ADHD.

No significant relationships.

The American Psychiatric Association and NICE’s Guidelines for schizophrenia recommend psychosocial interventions as adjuvants to pharmacological treatment, highlighting the role of cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis, psychoeducation, family intervention, cognitive remediation, autonomy training, social skills training, and supported employment. Although highly recommended in their individual forms current guidelines make no definitive statement about their group applicability.

The goal of this work was to critically review the evidence of group interventions in schizophrenia

Non-systematic review of the literature with selection of scientific articles published in the past 10 years; by searching Pubmed and Medscape databases using the combination of MeSH descriptors. The following MeSH terms were used: “schizophrenia”, “group therapy”.

Group therapy has shown important benefits in different conditions over the years, likely through mechanisms such as peer motivation, controlled confrontation, increased insight and even a tendency to homogenous results between group participants through peer influence. These results have been reproduced in schizophrenia though the benefits of applying group concepts to structured psychosocial interventions is still under study.

Recent evidence suggests some evidence-based interventions can be applicable in group form, namely social skills training, cognitive remediation, psychoeducation, and multifamily groups, synergizing the already known benefits with newer therapy models and decreasing costs for patients and healthcare systems. Adequate controlled studies between individual and group therapy will shed further light on this matter.

No significant relationships.

The fact of emergence of a child with special needs in a family is followed by intensive emotional reaction of the parents. One of the pronounced feelings in those circumstances is the sense of guilt.

The research aim is studying the emotional experience of mothers of children with special needs connected with the sense of guilt and the characteristics of the parent-child relationship in such families.

The research sample includes 25 mothers of children with special needs in the age from 3 to 10 years old with the diagnosis ASD, cerebral palsy and epilepsy as well as 29 mothers of normally developing children of the same age. Research methods: Guilt Inventory (Jones &Kugler); Inventory of Parental Attitude (Varga &Stolin); Inventory of the Parent’s Psychological Type(Tkacheva).

The mothers of children with special needs show the more pronounced sense of guilt comparing with the mothers of the healthy children. They are less optimistic towards the future of the child, more sensible to the failures of the child, but demonstrate the higher degree of readiness to cooperation with the child. Those results can be applied when designing the intervention programs for the families of children with special needs.

Those results can be applied when designing the intervention programs for the families of children with special needs.

No significant relationships.