Introduction
Stress related to high expectations towards students, a large amount of knowledge necessary to assimilate in a brief period of time, and peer pressure are an important factor in the ...deterioration of the mental state of medical students. As a consequence, it can lead to burnout and even the development of mental disorders such as depression. Mechanisms of coping with difficulties play an extremely important role in moderating this risk. For this reason, it was of the interest what strategies medical students adopt in the face of everyday stress and how it affects their well-being and functioning.
Objectives
The objective was to determine how medical studies impact mental health of students and what coping strategies are used by them to mitigate the negative influence of stress associated with high expectations, peer pressure and overwork.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of polish medical faculties using an online questionnaire. Risk of depression was assessed using validated BDI inventory, aggression using STAXI inventory and evaluation of coping strategies was conducted with Brief-COPE inventory.
Results
Study was conducted among 329 participants. The majority of respondents were female (71.4%; n=235) and average age in the whole population equaled 22.46 years (95%CI: 22.1-23.01). There was no statistically significant difference in age between females and males. Average outcome in BDI equaled 13.84 (95%CI: 12.8-14.8) with higher levels among females (13.84 vs. 12 p<0.05). 165 (49.6%) students had a score above threshold for the increased risk of depression while 32 (9.63%) for severe symptoms of it. In case of aggression average outcome of STAXI equaled 24.89 (95%CI: 22.6-27.1). There was a statistically significant correlation between STAXI and BDI (r=0.3; p<0.05). In terms of the coping mechanisms in terms of coping strategies, a clear advantage of approach strategies was observed (65.36% of respondents). In the multiple regression analyses coping strategies did not influence neither STAXI nor BDI outcomes.
Conclusions
What draws attention are the high level of depression among the surveyed students, where over 50% show results above the cut-off point for an increased risk of a depressive episode. The advantage of approach strategies is also interesting, especially in terms of planning strategies and positive reformulation. Interestingly coping strategies in the analysed population did not constitute a significant protective factor in relation to the severity of the depressive symptoms and agression. Meanwhile, the sense of satisfaction and contentment with the chosen direction was a very good protective factor in terms of the severity of depressive symptoms.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
A lot of issues have raised since the beginning of the pandemic and doctors had to learn how to deal with increasing problems of stress and anxiety. The new situation was a great threat ...to one’s safety and some more vulnerable people could experience a higher level of anxiety. Patients with autistic traits might be more prone to it. It is essential to find out who is more exposed and who will require additional care.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the level of fear of COVID-19 and explore its possible correlation with the severity of the particular autistic traits in the general population.
Methods
The study was conducted online, utilizing the questionnaire consisting of Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to assess the severity of autistic traits (social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication and imagination) and questionnaire FCV-19S that was used to assess the level of fear of COVID-19. Access to the questionnaire was possible from 16.02.2021 to 11.06.2021 and 214 unique records were gathered during this period.
Results
In the multiple regression (R
2
= 0,16, p<0,0001) a positive relationship between the level of felt fear of COVID-19 and the severity of difficulties with attention switching (p=0,006) and age (p=0,000015) was found.
Conclusions
People with higher severity of problems with attention switching demonstrated higher levels of fear of COVID-19 due to cognitive stiffness and disturbances in the regulation of emotions. Older people presented a higher level of fear as well.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous group of disorders that affects virtually every population, regardless of their ethnic or socioeconomic origin. In recent years, the attention ...of researchers has been drawn to the participation of the oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic systems in the development of autism spectrum disorders. A relatively large number of studies have investigated the association of SNPs in these genes with the development of ASD, however, there is a lack of studies in the literature focusing on their actual effect on expression and on the effect of their expression on the risk of ASD.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the levels of expression of OXTR and AVPR1a genes and evaluate their links with both risk of ASD and genotypes of the most studied polymorphisms.
Methods
The study included 132 people, 77.5% of whom were male (n = 100). 113 participants (85.6%) were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders confirmed by the ADOS-2 test conducted by a certified diagnostician. In this group, men constituted 76.1% of the population (n = 77). The remaining 28 people did not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, and in the ADOS-2 study they obtained the result below the cut-off level. The mean age in the whole group was 14.4 years (95% CI: 13.92-14.93).
Results
Significant decrease in expression of the OXTR gene was found in case of rs53576 where presence of the alternative allele (G) was linked to the 20% decrease in expression (2^(-ΔΔCt) = 0.8). In case of AVPR1a alternative allele (T) of SNP rs10877969 was linked to the 20% increase in the gene expression(2^(-ΔΔCt) = 1.197). SNPs rs2254298 (2^(-ΔΔCt) = 0.97) and rs7294536 (2^(-ΔΔCt) = 0.97) did not influence expression of the appropriate genes in significant way. In comparison between the test and control group in participants with confirmed diagnosis of ASD 13% lower expression of AVPR1a was found (2^(-ΔΔCt) = 0.87).
Conclusions
Genotype of SNPs rs53576 and rs10877969 significantly influenced the levels of expression of the genes OXTR and AVPR1a respectively. In case of rs2254298 and rs7294536 observed effects were negligible. Presence of ASD diagnosis was linked to the 13% lower expression of AVPR1a. Abnormalities in AVPR1a expression seem to be more important for the development of autistic traits than the more attention-grabbing gene abnormalities for the oxytocinergic system.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous group of disorders that affects virtually every population, regardless of their ethnic or socioeconomic origin. The pathogenesis of ASD is ...probably multifactorial, based on interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Their key elements are disorders in the field of social communication, establishing and maintaining relationships and the so-called stereotypical and repetitive patterns of interests and activities. However, of the above- mentioned symptoms, the most important are communication disorders, which are the basis for many of the functional difficulties observed in these patients.
Objectives
The aim of the presented study was to analyze the clinical picture of social cognition deficits in males with autism spectrum disorders, and to link its elements with the frequency of alleles of selected polymorphisms within the OXTR and AVPR1A genes.
Methods
The study included 132 people, 77.5% of whom were male (n = 100). 113 participants (85.6%) were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders confirmed by the ADOS-2 test conducted by a certified diagnostician. In this group, men constituted 76.1% of the population (n = 77). The remaining 28 people did not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, and in the ADOS-2 study they obtained the result below the cut-off level. The mean age in the whole group was 14.4 years (95% CI: 13.92-14.93).
Results
A higher frequency of the rs53576 A allele and the rs10877969 C allele could be observed than expected on the basis of the European / world population. In the case of the rs7294536 and rs2254298 polymorphisms, no differences in the distribution of alleles in relation to the expected values were observed. In the network analysis reference allele (T) of SNPs rs10877969 was linked to the higher outcome of the “social affect” domain of ADOS-2 and through it influenced ADOS-2 outcome. All other SNPs did not significantly affect neither domain of ADOS-2. Reference allele (A) of rs53576 was linked with higher odds ratio of clinical diagnosis of ASD in logistic regression. Similarly the rs10877969 polymorphism within the AVPR1a gene significantly shaped the risk of autism spectrum disorders, while in the combined analysis with rs7294536 within the haplotype, the observed effect was significantly stronger.
Conclusions
The studied polymorphisms may constitute an element of larger haplotypes which, depending on the number of mutated alleles, may determine the severity of autism spectrum traits, from the neurotypical population, through people with a broad autism phenotype, to people diagnosed with ASD. Further research is required on the potential clinical application of genotype analysis of the studied polymorphisms and on the exact mechanism of their impact on the risk of ASD and the development of social cognition disorders.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
One of the defining features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are deficits in social interaction and communication. Although their etiology is poorly understood, several lines of ...evidence from studies on humans and rodents suggest that two nonapeptides – oxytocin and vasopressin – might play a pivotal role in their development.
Objectives
To evaluate if single nucleotide polimorphisms in OXTR and AVPR1A genes are linked to the severity of symptoms in autism spectrum disorder.
Methods
The study was conducted on the group of 40 Caucasian males with average age of 14,22 (SD: 1,71) years. ADOS-2 examination was utilized for confirmation of ASD diagnosis as well as evaluation of symptoms severity in each patient. The genotyping of preselected SNPs for each gene (rs10877969; rs7294536; rs2254298; rs53576) was conducted.
Results
“CC” genotype at rs7294536 (p=0,033) was significantly associated with higher outcomes of ADOS-2 especially in terms of social affect. In case of oxytocin receptor gene, frequency of “AA”/”AG” genotype at rs2254298 equaled 100% and of “AA”/”AG” genotype at rs53576 equaled 85% of the study group (expected “A” allele frequency in neurotypical European population was respectively 11% and 35% according to 1000Genomes database). For rs10877969 prevalence of “CC”/”CT” genotype equaled 95% while expected frequency of “C” allele in neurotypical European population was 13%.
Conclusions
Overrepresentation of minor alleles at rs2254298, rs53576 and rs10877969 in patients with ASD might indicate their link to development of ASD. Furthermore, significant association between minor allele at rs7294536 and symptoms severity suggest potential role of arginine-vasopressin receptor deficiency in clinical picture of ASD.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
IntroductionAccording to the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, juveniles considered to be socially maladjusted are referred to the facilities called Youth Educational Centres. The ...aforementioned decision must be processed by court. Adolescents held there are guilty mainly of truancy, acts of vandalism, and the crime of theft. Other reasons might include substance abuse, fleeing from home and loitering without legal guardian’s supervision. The key purpose behind those institutions is adjusting to social standards, as well as rehabilitation of each juvenile delinquent. On the other hand, such behaviors may result from various mental disorders, which are often overlooked and underestimated.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the inmates of Youth Educational Centres with a primary Focus on bipolar disorder. The existing knowledge on this subject is insufficient whereas the only available papers are based on retrospective studies of documents, which may have led to underestimation of mental condition in this population.MethodsPatients were examined in person, using the K-SADS diagnostic interview. The missing details were also collected during reviewing the inmates’ documents. The study group consists of juveniles staying in two Youth Educational Centres, a male and female one, located in Silesian Province of southern Poland. Participation in the research was voluntary whereas information gathered during the interview remains confidential.ResultsThe study included 80 adolescents who previously had consented to participate. 60% (n=48) of them were males. Among the male patients 27.08% met the criteria for an episode of mania/hypomania, 37.5% for a depressive disorder whereas 22.92% fulfilled the criteria for both mania and depression. Seven boys were diagnosed beforehand, those included: one case of bipolar disorder, one schizoaffective disorder and five of them were receiving outpatient treatment for depressive episodes. Among female inmates: 40.63% met the criteria for both mania/hypomania and depressive disorder whereas as many as 78.13% claimed to have depressive disorder. Two girls have already been diagnosed – one suffered from bipolar disorder, manic depression and schizophrenia and the other was treated for depressive episodes.ConclusionsSocial maladjustment is often accompanied by a mental disorder or may be caused by one. Psychiatric disorders in adolescents, particularly bipolar disorder, usually have an atypical course, which can delay the appropriate diagnosis. Postponement of the crucial treatment is directly related to significant deterioration of the patient’s prognosis. In order to provide adequate and necessary support, juveniles referred to the Youth Educational Centres should be examined by a certified psychiatrist before the admission to such facility.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Background According to the data from literature the neurocognitive changes in schizophrenia are mild to moderate and are modestly related to negative symptoms. Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia ...are regarded by many psychiatrist as an important symptom, which requires appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. There are different conditions, which may have an influence cognitive impairment in schizophrenic patients. One the factors differentiating subgroups of schizophrenic patients when neuropsychological functioning is analyzed is sex. Subjects and methods This Review was focused on cognitive functioning of schizophrenic patients of different sexes. In order to achieve this result PubMed was searched using following terms: cognitive functions, schizophrenia, gender differences, sex hormones, memory, attention, neuropsychological, psychopatological symptoms. Results Most of the analyzed papers reflecting the cognitive differences between men and women suffering from schizophrenia postulate a worse performance in neuropsychological test by male patients. However according to some authors there are no gender differences in cognitive functioning in schizophrenic patients or those differences are not clinically significant. Conclusions The above analysis shows that there is a number of studies, according to which differences between men and women among schizophrenic patients are present, however the problem of sex-specific differences in cognitive functioning in patients in schizophrenia needs further investigation.
Substance abuse is common issue in youth and may influence youth's suicide thoughts or actions. It can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, loss of work or school, estrangement from family and ...friends – all these may create a core of stresses that may lead to suicidal tendencies. Analysis addictive factors correlating with occurrence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among adolescents at the age of 18–20. Study was based on authorial, previously validated questionnaire, included 16 questions about suicidal thoughts. Questionnaires were filled by adolescents (age 18–20) of 21 Secondary Schools in Katowice. From the group of 965 adolescents, 28.8% had suicidal thoughts. From all respondents: 31.3% smoked, 92.7% drunk alcohol, 16.0% used legal hights and 30.9% – drugs; 35.8% of smoking adolescents had suicidal thoughts. In group of non-smoked adolescents – 25.6%. There was statistical significant difference ( P = 0.0012) between these groups. Among adolescents who drunk alcohol, 28.8% had suicidal thoughts. In the group of non –drinking alcohol adolescents – 27.9%. There was no statistical significant differences ( P = 0.88233) between these groups. There were 43.7% adolescents with suicidal thoughts who used legal hights. In the group of non-users of legal hights, 26.0% adolescents had suicidal thoughts. Adolescents that are using examined stimulants are in the group risk of suicidal thoughts and autodestructive behaviours. Results show the need of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic support that is aiming to prevent suicides and autodestructive behaviours in this group. Screening questionnaires that are assessing the problem of addiction within the adolescent may help to identity persons with suicidal tendencies.
Objective Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is an excessive fixation on the consumption of healthy food and an obsession with its biological purity. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ON in ...a population of Polish urban adolescents and some possible contributory factors. Method Validation and adaptation of the ORTO-15 Questionnaire was made in the group of 399 participants (15–21 years old). The validation procedure incorporated three basic methods to be applied in the reliability analysis. The reliability analysis of the ORTO-15 Questionnaire based on repeatability of the responses presents a very good (kappa: 0.81–1.00 for 5 items) and a good repeatability (kappa: 0.61–0.80 for 10 items). The reliability analysis based on the value of the Cronbach's α reached a satisfactory level (0.7–0.9). The ORTO-15 questionnaire was considered a reliable tool to identify the risk of ON in population studies in the group of urban youth aged 15–21. Assessment was made among 1899 high school students, 992 girls, and 907 boys, aged 15–21 years. Results The mean value of the ORTO-15 was 39.2 ± 3.6 points, with no sex difference. The main factors connected with orthorexia, according to the “Orthorexia 35” definition were excess weight, sporting activities, out-of-school activities, smoking status, working parents and a high family income. Conclusions This study, of a large number of adolescents, showed a prevalence of ON similar to that recorded in adult populations. This is a first assessment of orthorexia among adolescent population.
The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of suicidal tendencies among adolescents at the age of 18-20. Material and Methods: The study was based on authorial questionnaire which has been ...validated. Questionnaire included 16 questions about suicidal thoughts – frequency and causes, non-suicidal self-injuries, trials of committing suicide. Questionnaire was filled by 965 adolescents (age 18-20) of 21 Secondary Schools in Katowice. Statistic analysis was created by Statsoft Statistica v10. Results Study group were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. 28,8 % of respondents had suicidal thoughts (6,1%- often and 2,5% -very often). There was statistical significance between the occurrence of suicidal thoughts and gender, financial state of family, drug use, occurrence of chronic diseases, taking long-term medicaments, number of smoked cigarettes. 16% of respondents with suicidal thoughts have ever tried to commit suicide. 36,8% adolescents that took part in the study would look for help at specialist (29,8% at Psychologist, 7% at Psychiatrist). Conclusion There exists a need of educational campaign of the adolescents attending the secondary school, because about 1/3 do require observation due to the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. Risky behaviors (such as smoking, taking psychoactive drugs and legal highs), the worse financial situation, physical and mental condition coexist in the population with a higher occurrence of the suicidal thoughts, which is also higher in adolescents that met individuals with suicidal attempts and suicides within their environment and family.
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