Genetic vulnerability to mental disorders has been associated with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcomes. We explored whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for several mental disorders predicted poorer clinical and psychological COVID-19 outcomes in people with pre-existing depression.

Data from three assessments of the Australian Genetics of Depression Study (N = 4405; 52.2 years ± 14.9; 76.2% females) were analyzed. Outcomes included COVID-19 clinical outcomes (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] infection and long COVID, noting the low incidence of COVID-19 cases in Australia at that time) and COVID-19 psychological outcomes (COVID-related stress and COVID-19 burnout). Predictors included PRS for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety. The associations between these PRSs and the outcomes were assessed with adjusted linear/logistic/multinomial regressions. Mediation (N = 4338) and moderation (N = 3326) analyses were performed to explore the potential influence of anxiety symptoms and resilience on the identified associations between the PRSs and COVID-19 psychological outcomes.

None of the selected PRS predicted SARS-CoV-2 infection or long COVID. In contrast, the depression PRS predicted higher levels of COVID-19 burnout. Anxiety symptoms fully mediated the association between the depression PRS and COVID-19 burnout. Resilience did not moderate this association.

A higher genetic risk for depression predicted higher COVID-19 burnout and this association was fully mediated by anxiety symptoms. Interventions targeting anxiety symptoms may be effective in mitigating the psychological effects of a pandemic among people with depression.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we rapidly implemented a plasma coordination center, within two months, to support transfusion for two outpatient randomized controlled trials. The center design was based on an investigational drug services model and a Food and Drug Administration-compliant database to manage blood product inventory and trial safety.

A core investigational team adapted a cloud-based platform to randomize patient assignments and track inventory distribution of control plasma and high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma of different blood groups from 29 donor collection centers directly to blood banks serving 26 transfusion sites.

We performed 1,351 transfusions in 16 months. The transparency of the digital inventory at each site was critical to facilitate qualification, randomization, and overnight shipments of blood group-compatible plasma for transfusions into trial participants. While inventory challenges were heightened with COVID-19 convalescent plasma, the cloud-based system, and the flexible approach of the plasma coordination center staff across the blood bank network enabled decentralized procurement and distribution of investigational products to maintain inventory thresholds and overcome local supply chain restraints at the sites.

The rapid creation of a plasma coordination center for outpatient transfusions is infrequent in the academic setting. Distributing more than 3,100 plasma units to blood banks charged with managing investigational inventory across the U.S. in a decentralized manner posed operational and regulatory challenges while providing opportunities for the plasma coordination center to contribute to research of global importance. This program can serve as a template in subsequent public health emergencies.

Diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder allow for heterogeneous symptom profiles but genetic analysis of major depressive symptoms has the potential to identify clinical and etiological subtypes. There are several challenges to integrating symptom data from genetically informative cohorts, such as sample size differences between clinical and community cohorts and various patterns of missing data.

We conducted genome-wide association studies of major depressive symptoms in three cohorts that were enriched for participants with a diagnosis of depression (Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Australian Genetics of Depression Study, Generation Scotland) and three community cohorts who were not recruited on the basis of diagnosis (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Estonian Biobank, and UK Biobank). We fit a series of confirmatory factor models with factors that accounted for how symptom data was sampled and then compared alternative models with different symptom factors.

The best fitting model had a distinct factor for Appetite/Weight symptoms and an additional measurement factor that accounted for the skip-structure in community cohorts (use of Depression and Anhedonia as gating symptoms).

The results show the importance of assessing the directionality of symptoms (such as hypersomnia versus insomnia) and of accounting for study and measurement design when meta-analyzing genetic association data.

Craniofacial malformations have long been associated with a heightened risk of psychiatric disorders. Understanding this link is crucial, as it can inform early intervention and support for affected individuals, enhancing their overall well-being. Research in this area aims to shed light on the prevalence and nature of these disorders within the craniofacial population, ultimately improving healthcare and quality of life for affected individuals.

This study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between craniofacial malformations and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, our objectives include: assessing prevalence, identifying risk factors, evaluating impact and informing clinical practice. This research aims to improve the holistic care and mental well-being of individuals with craniofacial malformations, contributing to a more comprehensive approach in the field of psychiatry.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a prominent referral hospital named Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre during the month of August 2023.

Participant Selection: Patients with craniofacial malformations of all ages and both genders.

Data Collection: We conducted structured interviews with participants to gather demographic information, medical history, and details of their craniofacial conditions.

Medical Records Review: Medical records were reviewed to corroborate craniofacial diagnoses and identify any comorbid conditions.

Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques to assess the association between craniofacial malformations and psychiatric disorders.

Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to all ethical guidelines, with informed consent obtained from participants or their legal guardians. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital’s Institutional Review Board.

Data Handling: Confidentiality and data security were ensured throughout the study, with all data anonymized to protect participant privacy.

In our study, we assessed 132 different patients, comprising 62 females and 70 males. The youngest patient was 2 months old, while the oldest was 56 years old. The mean age of the patients was 16.22 years, with a median of 9 years, a harmonic mean of 18 years, and a standard deviation of 15.23 years.

Among the patients, 24 exhibited psychiatric disorders, evenly split between 12 males and 12 females. Their average age was 16.21 years, with a median of 10 years, a harmonic mean of 6.13, and a standard deviation of 14.57. The youngest patient with evidence of a psychiatric disorder was 2 years old.

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Our study underscores the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among craniofacial patients, which seems to be greater than the general population, emphasizing the need for integrated care that considers both medical and psychological aspects, thus enhancing the overall well-being of these individuals.

None Declared

Schizotypal personality is a condition suffered by 4% of the population. It is defined by presenting interpersonal, behavioral and perceptual features similar to the clinical features of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, in less intensity and dysfunctionality, but at risk of reaching psychosis.

Presentation of a clinical case about a patient with premorbid schizotypal personality traits presenting with an acute psychotic episode.

Literature review on association between schizotypal personality and psychosis.

A 57-year-old woman with a history of adaptive disorder due to work problems 13 years ago, currently without psychopharmacological treatment, goes to the emergency room brought by the emergency services due to behavioral alteration. She reports that “her husband and son wanted to sexually abuse her”, so she had to run away from home and has been running through the streets of the town without clothes and barefoot.

Her husband relates attitude alterations and extravagant behaviors of years of evolution, such as going on diets of eating only bread for 40 days or talking about exoteric and religious subjects, as believing that the devil got inside her husband through a dental implant. He reports that these behaviors have been accentuated during the last month. She has also created a tarot website, and has even had discussions with several users. She is increasingly suspicious of him, has stopped talking to him and stays in his room all day long, with unmotivated laughter and soliloquies.

It was decided to admit him to Psychiatry and risperidone 4 mg was started. At the beginning, she was suspicious and reticent in the interview. As the days went by, communication improved, she showed a relaxed gesture and distanced herself from the delirious ideation, criticizing the episode.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding the association between schizotypy and serious mental disorder. Several theories understand schizotypy as a natural continuum of personality that reveals genetic vulnerability and that can lead to psychotic disorder when added to precipitating factors. Other theories define schizotypy as a “latent schizophrenia” where symptoms are contained and expressed in less intensity.

Around 20% evolves to paranoid schizophrenia or other serious mental disorders. It is complex to distinguish between those individuals in whom schizotypy is a prodrome and those in whom it is a stable personality trait. To date, studies applying early psychotherapeutic or pharmacological interventions have had insufficient and contradictory results, and the follow-up and treatment of these individuals could be a stress factor and a stigma. Some studies are looking for reliable markers of evolution to schizophrenia in order to establish adequate protocols for detention, follow-up and treatment.

None Declared

Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the ability of the brain to cope with damage or pathology. In bipolar disorder (BD), it has been seen that the effects of the disease may potentially reduce CR, thus compromising cognitive outcomes. This concept takes on special relevance in late life in BD, due to the increased risk of cognitive decline because of the accumulative effects of the disease and the potential effects of aging. Therefore, we believe that CR may be a protective factor against cognitive decline in older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD).

The aim of this study was to study the CR in OABD compared with healthy controls (HC) and to analyze its association with psychosocial functioning and cognitive performance.

A sample of euthymic OABD, defined as patients over 50 years old, and HC were included. CR was assessed using the CRASH scale. Differences in demographic, clinical, and cognitive variables between patients and HC were analyzed by t-test or X2 as appropriated. Lineal simple and multiple regressions analyses were used to study the association of CR and several clinical variables with functional and cognitive performance.

A total of 83 participants (42 OABD and 41 HC) were included. Compared to HC, OABD exhibited poorer cognitive performance (p<0.001), psychosocial functioning (p<0.001) and lower CR (p<0.001). Within the patient’s group, the linear simple regression analysis revealed that CR was associated with psychosocial functioning (β=-2.16; p=0.037), attention (β= 3.03; p=0.005) and working memory (β = 2.98; p=0.005) while no clinical factors were associated. Age and CR were associated with processing speed and verbal memory, but after applying multiple regression model, only the effect of age remained significant (β =-2.26; p= 0.030, and β =-2.23; p= 0.032 respectively). CR, age, and number of episodes were related to visual memory, but the multiple regression showed that only age (β = -2.37; p= 0.023) and CR (β = 3.99; p<0.001) were associated. Regarding executive functions only the number of manic episodes were significant. CR and age at onset were associated with visuospatial ability, but multiple regression only showed association of CR (β =2.23; p=0.032). Other clinical factors such as number of depressive or hypomanic episodes, illness duration, admissions, type of BD, and psychotic symptoms were not associated.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that studies the CR in a sample of OABD. We demonstrated that OABD had lower CR than HC. Importantly, we observed that CR was associated with cognitive and psychosocial functioning in OABD, even more than disease-related factors. These results suggest the potential protector effect of CR against cognitive impairment, supporting that improving modifiable factors associated with the enhancement of CR can prevent cognitive decline.

L. Montejo: None Declared, C. Torrent Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00344) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluacio ́n and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), S. Martín: None Declared, A. Ruiz: None Declared, M. Bort: None Declared, G. Fico Grant / Research support from: Fellowship from “La Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434 - fellowship code LCF/BQ/DR21/11880019), V. Oliva: None Declared, M. De Prisco: None Declared, J. Sanchez-Moreno Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00060) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluacio ́n and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER),, E. Jimenez Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00060)integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluacio ́n and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER),, A. Martinez-Aran: None Declared, E. Vieta Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI18/ 00805, PI21/00787) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and cofinanced by the ISCIIISubdireccio ́n General de Evaluacio ́n and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III; the CIBER of Mental Health (CIBERSAM); the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Economia i Coneixement (2017 SGR 1365), the CERCA Programme, and the Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya for the PERIS grant SLT006/17/00357; the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (EU.3.1.1. Understanding health, wellbeing and disease: Grant No 754907 and EU.3.1.3. Treating and managing disease: Grant No 945151)., B. Sole: None Declared

In recent years, research has focused on the older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD), aged 50 years and over, a constantly growing population due to the increased of life expectancy. Actually, some authors suggest that these individuals constitute a distinct subtype with a specific and different needs such as seen in epidemiologic, clinical and cognitive features. Further research has revealed significant differences between females and males with BD in clinical and cognitive variables in middle-aged and young patients, but this topic among OABD population remains unclear.

The aim of this study is to identify the distinctive profile in clinical, functional and neurocognitive variables between females and males in OABD.

A sample of OABD and Healthy Controls (HC) were included. Euthymic patients or in partial remission were included. Neurocognition was measured with a battery of tests that included premorbid intelligence quotient, working memory, verbal and visual memory, processing speed, language and executive functions. Independent t-test and Chi-squared test analysis were performed as appropriated.

According to the analysis, statistically significant differences were seen between females and males. A more impaired cognitive profile is observed in women. They performed worse in the subscales of Arithmetic (F= 6.728, p = <0.001), forward digits (F= 0.936, p= 0.019) and Total Digits (F= 1.208, p= 0.019) of the WAIS-III, in the Stroop Color Word Test, color reading (F= 0.130, p= < 0.001), in the Continuous Performance Test, block change measure (F= 2.059, p= 0.037), in the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure-copy (F= 0.005, p= 0.029) and in the Boston Naming Test (F= 0.011, p= 0.024). Nor significant differences were found in clinical neither in psychosocial functioning variables.

In view of the following results, and since no differences were observed between women and men in terms of clinical and functional outcomes, it could be said that the differences observed in cognition cannot be explained by disease-related factors. Furthermore, these results highlight the need to develop a gender-specific cognitive interventions in OABD population. In this way, we could have an impact on the course of the illness to reach a better quality of life.

S. Martín-Parra: None Declared, C. Torrent Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00344) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIIISubdireccion General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), A. Ruiz: None Declared, M. Bort: None Declared, G. Fico Grant / Research support from: Fellowship from “La Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434 - fellowship code LCF/BQ/DR21/11880019), V. Oliva: None Declared, M. Prisco: None Declared, J. Sanchez-Moreno Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00060) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), E. Jimenez Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00060) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), A. Martinez-Aran: None Declared, E. Vieta Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI18/ 00805, PI21/00787) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and cofinanced by the ISCIII Subdirección General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III; the CIBER of Mental Health (CIBERSAM); the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Economia i Coneixement (2017 SGR 1365), the CERCA Programme, and the Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya for the PERIS grant SLT006/17/00357; the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (EU.3.1.1. Understanding health, wellbeing and disease: Grant No 754907 and EU.3.1.3. Treating and managing disease: Grant No 945151), B. Sole: None Declared, L. Montejo: None Declared

Bipolar disorder (BD) in the elderly patient may present as the evolution of illness initiated earlier in life or as a new-onset entity. Therefore, two groups of patients are distinguished: “late onset” (LOBD) when the first mania occurs in old age and “early onset” in elderly patients with long-standing history. BD in elderly patients (≥60 years) constitutes 25% of all BD cases. Specific aspects of older age bipolar disorder (OABD) are somatic and psychiatric comorbidity, impaired cognition and age-related psychosocial functioning. The management of BD in the elderly is complex given the high sensitivity of these patients to pharmacological side effects, particularly of psychotropic drugs.

The case of a patient with LOBD is presented, followed by a theoretical review of the subject.

A case is presented with a bibliographic review.

A 76-year-old woman who had no prior history of mental health issues until March 2023 when she was initially admitted to a geriatric hospitalization unit for manifesting manic symptoms. She was readmitted in July 2023 due to worsening depressive symptoms that included a declining mood, passive thoughts of death, deterioration in self-care, weight loss, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth despite recent changes in her medications. She was on treatment with escitalopram (which was gradually discontinued and replaced with mirtazapine), quetiapine, lormetazepam, and lorazepam. Imaging tests showed chronic ischemic lesions in her brain and a small meningioma, the rest of the test were normal.

The initial diagnostic hypothesis was a bipolar depressive episode, and her treatment was adjusted accordingly. She was started on lithium, and her quetiapine dosage was increased, along with the anxiolytic lorazepam. Due to the persistence of depressive symptoms, including low mood, anhedonia, apathy, and negative thoughts, she was also prescribed antidepressant medication (venlafaxine and mirtazapine). Her condition gradually improved, with better eating and sleep patterns, increased participation in activities, and reduced somatic complaints and anxiety.

As she continued to experience somnolence and decreased morning energy, her antipsychotic medication was switched from quetiapine to lurasidone. The dose of lithium was decreased due to tremors in her extremities, although they remained within the therapeutic range. Despite these adjustments, her mood significantly improved, and she showed no signs of worsening or psychotic symptoms, leading to her discharge.

Summarizing different studies, LOBD who develop mania for the first time at an advanced age (≥ 50 years) constitute 5-10% of all BD. It is important to perform a thorough differential diagnosis, as an organic substrate and diverse etiologies may be present. Current guidelines recommend that first-line treatment of OABD should be similar to that of BD in young patients, with careful use of psychotropic drugs.

None Declared

Eating disorders have a key paper at the ongoing society. A key symptom of the Anorexia Nervosa and the Bulimia Nervosa is the alteration of the corporal image which observes that it continues being present after remitting the most flowery symptomatology. In terms of gender, we can observe that the esting disorders have a higher incidence in the feminine gender.

Research how body image affects eating disorders and how the role of gender is a risk factor for developing Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed. Twelve studies were identified in order to do this review.

At the twelve surveys included at the review we can observe that the incidence of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa is higher in women than men. There are many facts that take part on the development of eating disorders, but there is consensus to understand them with a biopsicosocial point of view (interaction between the environment and biological facts). Body image disturbance takes part in both men and women, but it affects them in different ways.

Body image disturbances are a crucial factor when considering eating disorders’ symptomatology. One of the main components that affects its alteration is the internalization of standards of beauty. Women tend to focus on thin body types, meanwhile men’s attention tends to point to muscular and defined body types. Nevertheless, it must be taken into account that today’s gender conception may appear as one of the most important roles to understand Anorexia and Bulimia aetiology. Regarding gender, in nowadays society exists a dichotomy where masculinity and femininity lie in total opposites poles; but if the gender approach socially changed, Anorexia and Bulimia might take a different portrayal.

None Declared

Delusional parasitosis, also known as delusional infestation or Ekbom’s syndrome, is a rare psychotic disorder characterized by the false belief that a parasitic skin infestation exists, despite the absence of any medical evidence to support this claim. These patients often see many physicians, so a multidisciplinary approach among clinicians is important. Many patients refuse any treatment due to their firm belief that they suffer from an infestation, not a psychiatric condition, so it is crucial to gain the trust of these patients.

The comprehensive review of this clinical case aims to investigate Ekbom syndrome, from a historical, clinical and therapeutic perspective.

Literature review based on delusional parasitosis.

A 65-year-old woman comes to the psychiatry consultation referred by her primary care physician concerned about being infested by insects that she perceives through scales on her skin for the last three months. She recognizes important impact on her functionality. She is also convinced that her family is being infected too. As psychiatric history she recognizes alcohol abuse in the past (no current consumption) and an episode of persecutory characteristics with a neighbor, more than ten years ago. On psychopathological examination, she shows delusional ideation of parasitosis, with high behavioral repercussions, cenesthetic and cotariform hallucinations, as well as feelings of helplessness and anger. Treatment with Pimozide was started and the patient was referred to dermatology for evaluation, a plan she accepted. Her primary care physician and dermatology specialist were informed about the case and the treatment plan. In the recent reviews, the patient is calmer, however, despite the corroboration of dermatology and in the absence of organic lesions in cranial CT, she is still unsatisfied with the results, remaining firm in her conviction of infestation. It was decided to start treatment with atypical neuroleptics (Aripiprazole), with progressive recovery of her previous functionality.

Despite the increase in the number of studies in recent years, there are still few studies on this type of delirium. The female:male ratio varies in the bibiliography (between 2:1 and 3:1). The onset is usually insidious, generally appearing as a patient who comes to his primary care physician convinced of having parasites in different skin locations. It is usual to observe scratching lesions or even wounds in search of the parasite. In the past, the most used and studied treatment was Pimozide. Currently the treatment of choice is atypical neuroleptics due to their lower side effects. The latest reviews on the prognosis of this disorder show data with percentages of complete recovery between 51% and 70%, and partial responses between 16.5% and 20%. Finally, for a good diagnosis and therapeutic management, it is important to achieve a multidisciplinary approach.

None Declared

Craniofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses congenital and acquired deformities of the head and face. While the physical outcomes of craniofacial surgery are well-documented, less attention has been given to the psychological well-being of adult patients. This abstract aims to explore self-esteem issues among adult patients treated at the Craniofacial Surgery Sector of HCPA (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre), where a substantial proportion of adult patients have reported self-esteem problems.

1. 1. To assess the prevalence of self-esteem issues among adult patients (≥18 years old) attending the HCPA Craniofacial Surgery Sector.

2. 2. To examine potential contributing factors to self-esteem problems in this specific patient population.

3. 3. To evaluate the impact of self-esteem on the mental health and psychosocial functioning of adult craniofacial surgery patients.

4. 4. To propose recommendations for psychosocial support and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of adult patients in this context.

This cross-sectional study involved 132 adult patients who had undergone or were scheduled for craniofacial surgery at HCPA. Participants reported self-esteem issues in their talk with the hospital’s physicians, and their medical records were reviewed to collect demographic and clinical data. Additionally, participants provided information about their mental health status and psychosocial functioning.

Among the 39 adult patients included in the study, 37 (94.9%) reported experiencing self-esteem issues, such as lack of confidence or feeling unattractive. The most commonly reported contributing factors were visible facial differences, social interactions, and prior surgical experiences. Patients with lower self-esteem had a higher likelihood of reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety and reported lower overall psychosocial functioning compared to those with higher self-esteem.

This reveals a strikingly high prevalence of self-esteem issues among adult patients attending the Craniofacial Surgery Sector at HCPA. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing the psychological well-being of adult craniofacial surgery patients. Comprehensive psychosocial support, including counseling, peer support, and interventions to enhance self-esteem, should be integrated into the care of these patients. By addressing self-esteem concerns, healthcare providers can improve the mental health and overall quality of life of adult craniofacial surgery patients.

None Declared

The Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS), characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and cleft palate, has long been a subject of clinical interest. Recent research suggests a potential association between PRS and cognitive or psychiatric disorders. This study explores this intriguing connection, shedding light on the complex interplay between craniofacial anomalies and mental health.

This study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Pierre-Robin Sequence and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, our objectives include: assessing prevalence, evaluating impact and informing clinical practice. This research aims to improve the holistic care and mental well-being of individuals with craniofacial malformations, contributing to a more comprehensive approach in the field of psychiatry.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a prominent referral hospital named Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, an international reference in Pierre-Robin Sequence, during the month of August 2023.

Participant Selection: Patients with PRS. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals of all ages and both genders.

Data Collection: Trained medical personnel conducted structured interviews with participants to gather demographic information, medical history, and details of their craniofacial conditions.

Medical Records Review: Medical records were reviewed to corroborate craniofacial diagnoses and identify any comorbid conditions.

Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques to assess the association between PRS and psychiatric disorders.

Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to all ethical guidelines, with informed consent obtained from participants or their legal guardians. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital’s Institutional Review Board.

Data Handling: Confidentiality and data security were ensured throughout the study, with all data anonymized to protect participant privacy.

In our study, we assessed 28 different patients with Pierre-Robin Sequence, comprising 13 females and 15 males. The youngest patient was 2 months old, while the oldest was 22 years old. The mean age of the patients was 4.75 years, with a median of 3 years and a standard deviation of 5.36 years.

Among the patients, 6 exhibited psychiatric disorders, split between 4 males and 2 females. Their average age was 10 years, with a median of 9 years and a standard deviation of 4.2. The youngest patient with evidence of a psychiatric disorder was 5 years old.

This study underscores a concerning reality within the Pierre-Robin population, pointing to a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated care, emphasizing the importance of early psychiatric assessment and tailored interventions to enhance the overall well-being of individuals facing the challenges of PRS.

None Declared

We identify a set of essential recent advances in climate change research with high policy relevance, across natural and social sciences: (1) looming inevitability and implications of overshooting the 1.5°C warming limit, (2) urgent need for a rapid and managed fossil fuel phase-out, (3) challenges for scaling carbon dioxide removal, (4) uncertainties regarding the future contribution of natural carbon sinks, (5) intertwinedness of the crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, (6) compound events, (7) mountain glacier loss, (8) human immobility in the face of climate risks, (9) adaptation justice, and (10) just transitions in food systems.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Reports provides the scientific foundation for international climate negotiations and constitutes an unmatched resource for researchers. However, the assessment cycles take multiple years. As a contribution to cross- and interdisciplinary understanding of climate change across diverse research communities, we have streamlined an annual process to identify and synthesize significant research advances. We collected input from experts on various fields using an online questionnaire and prioritized a set of 10 key research insights with high policy relevance. This year, we focus on: (1) the looming overshoot of the 1.5°C warming limit, (2) the urgency of fossil fuel phase-out, (3) challenges to scale-up carbon dioxide removal, (4) uncertainties regarding future natural carbon sinks, (5) the need for joint governance of biodiversity loss and climate change, (6) advances in understanding compound events, (7) accelerated mountain glacier loss, (8) human immobility amidst climate risks, (9) adaptation justice, and (10) just transitions in food systems. We present a succinct account of these insights, reflect on their policy implications, and offer an integrated set of policy-relevant messages. This science synthesis and science communication effort is also the basis for a policy report contributing to elevate climate science every year in time for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

We highlight recent and policy-relevant advances in climate change research – with input from more than 200 experts.

Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (mECT) is an option in the treatment of affective disorders which progress is not satisfactory. It is certainly neglected and underused during the clinical practice.

To evaluate the efficacy of mECT in reducing recurrence and relapse in recurrent depression within a sample of three patients.

We followed up these patients among two years since they received the first set of electroconvulsive sessions. We applied the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in the succesives consultations for evaluating the progress.

The three patients were diagnosed with Recurrent Depressive Disorder (RDD). One of them is a 60 year old man that received initially a cycle of 12 sessions; since then he received 10 maintenance sessions. Other one is a 70 year old woman that received initially a cycle of 10 sessions; since then she received 6 maintenance sessions. The last one is a 55 year old woman that received initially a cycle of 14 sessions; since then she received 20 maintenance sessions.

All of them showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms evaluated through BDI and clinical examination. In the first case, we found a reduction in the BDI from the first consultation to the last that goes from 60 to 12 points; in the second case, from 58 to 8 points; and in the last case, from 55 to 10 points. The main sections that improved were emotional, physical and delusional.

As side-effects of the treatment, we found anterograde amnesia, lack of concentration and loss of focus at all of them.

We find mECT as a very useful treatment for resistant cases of affective disorders like RDD.

It should be considered as a real therapeutic option when the first option drugs have been proved without success.

None Declared

Subjective memory complaints remain a relevant aspect to be considered in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Likewise, their association with depressive symptoms, quality of life and cognitive performance is also an objective to be studied in such patients.

Our clinical case represents just one opportunity to study how memory complaints are related to depressive states and how they affect the quality of life of patients with mild cognitive impairment.

We conducted a bibliographical review by searching for articles in Pubmed.

PERSONAL HISTORY: Male, 73 years old, separated, residing alone in Valladolid. He has home help, a person comes to help him with the household chores. Little social and family circle.

He has a history of an admission in 2013 to this Short Hospitalization Unit for ethanol detoxification. Since then, he has been followed up in the Mental Health Unit. According to the reports, he has been diagnosed with depressive disorder and cluster B personality disorder.

Current psychopharmacological treatment: diazepam, olanzapine, duloxetine 60 mg, quetiapine.

Toxic habits: history of chronic ethanol consumption. Smoker. He denies other toxic habits.

The patient presents a worsening of his mood of 15 days of evolution, coinciding with a voluntary decrease of his psychopharmacological treatment that the patient has carried out on his own. He walks with the aid of a crutch. Hypomimic facies. Slowed language, circumstantial, with speech focused on current discomfort.

On assessment, he reports initial improvement after reducing his medication, but in recent days he has experienced a decrease in initiative accompanied by feelings of emptiness, sadness and loneliness. He refers to memory complaints for which he is awaiting evaluation by Neurology. The patient explains that at other times in his life he has presented self-harming ideas that he has been controlling. At this time he expresses desire for improvement and adequate future plans, and accepts plans to attend a memory workshop. He also reports visual hallucinations with no affective repercussions and preserved judgment of reality.

Treatment adjustment: Duloxetine 60 mg, 2cp/day. The patient is recommended to lead an active lifestyle and attend a day center or memory workshop.

In numerous patients with mild cognitive impairment, we have observed that memory complaints are closely related to depressive symptoms and to the patient’s functioning in daily life.

In one study memory complaints were a negative predictor of quality of life in these patients.

Therefore, in addition to considering the importance of treating depressive symptoms, it is also important to address quality of life in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

None Declared