Psychotic disorders present a significant lifetime risk for suicide. Past estimates suggest that up to 25-50% of individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) may attempt suicide during their lifetime. A growing body of literature indicates that the level of cognitive performances may be associated with a differing level of lifetime suicide attempts, albeit inconsistently depending on the diagnostic category and study setting. However, the vast majority of the literature in the field is composed of cross-sectional studies, limiting the overall interpretation of the available evidence.

In the present study, we probed the possible association of BDNF plasma levels, cognitive functions assessed through the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) and lifetime suicide ideation and/or attempts (LSI+LSA). More specifically, we tested whether such association would persist during the 2 years follow-up divided in 5 different timepoints at 6-month intervals, if present.

The present study represents a secondary analysis of a previously described cohort (Manchia et al. Brain Sci. 2022 Dec 4;12(12):1666). The sample comprised 105 subjects with SZC or schizoaffective disorder. We employed the 1) Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data 2) linear modelling to test the possible association of BACS-defined cognitive task performances with LSI+LSA. We also investigated if either BDNF plasma levels or four tested BDNF SNP genes would mediate this association.

From a total of 105 subjects, data relevant to the analysis were available for 89 subjects. We observed a significant association between BACS-Letter fluency task (BACS-LF) with LSI+LSA, persisting even when adjusting for gender, duration of untreated psychosis, total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score, age, chlorpromazine equivalents of antipsychotic therapy and for the effect of time. The association remained significant even when adjusting with the Bonferroni-Holms method for multiple comparisons (p=0.002). No association was found either for BDNF plasma levels or the tested BDNF genes for the tested outcomes.

In our sample, higher BACS-LF performances appeared to be associated with a higher lifetime risk of LSI+LSA. This report adds to the previous literature suggesting that different cognitive performance levels may represent one of the many chronic risk factors associated with LSI+LSA, and that may ultimately complexly interact with more proximal ones.

None Declared

Stroop test iteration performances and metabolism of tryptophan (TRP) via serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (KYN) have both been associated with suicidal behaviors. This study aims to probe their possible interactions.

We explored the association of the performances on the Emotion Inhibition Subtask (EIS) of the Brief Assessment of Cognition for Affective Disorder and the plasmatic levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 5-HT, KYN, melatonin (MLT) among subjects with Lifetime Suicidal Ideation (LSI) vs non-LSI, and with Lifetime Suicide Attempts (LSA) vs non-LSA.

Using R studio, we employed: 1) the t-test for parametric data and the Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data; 2) Linear Modeling to probe the associations of EIS performances with MLT, KYN, 5-HTP or 5-HT plasmatic levels.

In a sample comprising 45 individuals affected by Bipolar Disorder, we found a statistically significant difference for the Color Naming (CN, image 1) and the Neutral words (NW) subtasks among LSA vs non-LSA. In LSI vs non-LSI, only the NW retained significance, but not the CN. A significant association emerged between CN and 5-HTP in LSI but not in non-LSI (image 2). Similarly, in LSA, an association was found between CN and 5-HTP, but not in non-LSA (image 3). No statistically significant difference emerged among groups regarding gender composition, age, pharmacological therapy, Body Mass Index, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, or Clinical Global Impression scale - Severity.

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We found that the plasmatic levels of the metabolites of TRP via 5-HT were correlated to some EIS performances. These findings may represent a hypothesis-generating platform for further investigations.

None Declared

Armed conflicts produce a wide series of distressing consequences, including death, all of which impact negatively on the lives of survivors. This presentatiin focuses specifically on the mental health consequences of war on adults and child/adolescent refugees or those living in war zones basing upon review of all systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses published from 2005 up until the current time, that is Fifteen systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses conducted in adult populations, and seven relating to children and adolescents. Prevalence rates of Anxiety, Depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were two-three-fold higher amongst people exposed to armed conflict compared to those who had not been exposed, with women and children being the most vulnerable sujects. A series of war-related, migratory and post-migratory stressors contribute to short- and long-term mental health issues in the internally displaced, asylum seekers and refugees. Based upon these evidences psychiatrists and psychiatric associations should take also the ethical responsibility for raising awareness of political decision-makers as to the mental health consequences caused by armed conflicts as a further reason for improving peace-keeping initiatives.

None Declared

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are among the most debilitating mental disorders and evidence on its pathophysiological underpinnings is scant. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of these complex psychiatric disorders.

The present study investigates the longitudinal variation of serum BDNF levels in a 24-month observational cohort study of Sardinian psychotic patients (LABSP). This study assessed the variation in BDNF serum levels and its relationship with psychopathological and cognitive changes. Further, we also examined if genetic variations within the BDNF gene could moderate these relationships.

Every six months 105 LABSP patients were assessed for their BDNF serum levels, as well as for a series of psychopathological, cognitive, and drug-related measures. Four tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene were selected and analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models (MLRM).

Analysis showed significantly lower peripheral BDNF levels in psychotic patients with depressive and negative symptoms. BDNF levels were also decreased in patients scoring lower in cognitive measures such as symbol coding and semantic fluency. In addition, Val66Met polymorphism within the BDNF gene significantly moderated the relationship between the severity of negative symptoms and BDNF levels.

Our findings are consistent with previous literature suggesting that peripheral BDNF levels are associated with some cognitive domains and mood disruption in major psychosis. The results also suggest the lack of association between most BDNF genetic variants, except Val66Met polymorphism, with the severity of negative symptoms.

No significant relationships.

No significant relationships.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting containment measures, such as “lockdown” and “social distancing”, have had important consequences on people’s mental and physical health.

We aimed to study the effect of social isolation and subsequent re- exposure and eventual changes in general and ED-specific psychopathology in people with Eating Disorders (EDs).

Three-hundred twelve Italian people with EDs (179 Anorexia Nervosa, 83 Bulimia Nervosa, 48 Binge Eating Disorder and 22 Other Specific Feeding Eating Disorder) were asked to fill-in an online survey to explore several dimensions such as: anxiety, depression, panic, insomnia, suicide ideation, stress, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Differences in ED specific and general symptoms among the 3 investigated time periods (before, during and after the end of lockdown) were assessed with a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Subsequently, ED diagnosis was introduced as covariate in the analysis in order to investigate the possible contribution on psychopathological changes.

ED core symptoms increased during the lockdown but most of them returned to pre-COVID19 levels at re-opening. The severity of general psychopathology also increased during the lockdown and persisted high in the following phase, except for depression and suicide ideation. None of this symptoms was affected by ED diagnosis, participants’age and illness duration.

People with EDs showed worsening of both general and specific psychopathology; moreover, changes in general psychopathology persisted in the re-opening period suggesting a higher stress vulnerability in this kind of patients.

No significant relationships.

COVID19 and Eating Disorders

No significant relationships.

No significant relationships.

Compulsory admission procedures of patients with mental disorders vary between countries in Europe. The Ethics Committee of the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) launched a survey on involuntary admission procedures of patients with mental disorders in 40 countries to gather information from all National Psychiatric Associations that are members of the EPA to develop recommendations for improving involuntary admission processes and promote voluntary care.

The survey focused on legislation of involuntary admissions and key actors involved in the admission procedure as well as most common reasons for involuntary admissions.

We analyzed the survey categorical data in themes, which highlight that both medical and legal actors are involved in involuntary admission procedures.

We conclude that legal reasons for compulsory admission should be reworded in order to remove stigmatization of the patient, that raising awareness about involuntary admission procedures and patient rights with both patients and family advocacy groups is paramount, that communication about procedures should be widely available in lay-language for the general population, and that training sessions and guidance should be available for legal and medical practitioners. Finally, people working in the field need to be constantly aware about the ethical challenges surrounding compulsory admissions.

Évaluer la tolérance, la sécurité d’emploi et la réponse à un traitement par le palmitate de palipéridone (PP) administré en doses mensuelles flexibles dans un sous-groupe de patients adultes atteints de schizophrénie, non-aigus mais symptomatiques, après échec d’un traitement par aripiprazole oral.

Étude internationale multicentrique, ouverte, prospective de 6 mois.

Changement du score total de PANSS, de CGI-S et CGI-C, du fonctionnement personnel et social (Personal and Social Performance Scale [PSP]), des symptômes extrapyramidaux (Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale [ESRS]) et événements indésirables (EIs).

Quarante-six patients (73,9 % d’hommes, âge moyen 34,4 ± 9,4 ans, 78,3 % souffrant de schizophrénie paranoïde) ont été étudiés. La principale raison de la substitution d’aripiprazole oral (dose moyenne de 22,7 ± 10,7 mg/jour) par le PP était « le choix du patient » (39,1 %) ; 67,4 % des patients ont terminé l’étude à 6 mois. Le score total moyen de PANSS a diminué de 74,7 ± 14,9 à l’inclusion à 62,6 ± 16,5 lors de la dernière observation (soit une variation moyenne de −12,2 ± 16,7 points ; IC 95 % [−17,1 ; −7,2] ; p < 0,0001). Chez 52,2 % des patients, l’amélioration du score total de PANSS a été ≥ 20 % ; le pourcentage de patients considérés légèrement malades ou moins selon les critères de la CGI-S est passé de 23,9 % à 56,5 %. Au total, 75,5 % des patients ont été jugés améliorés à la CGI-C par rapport au traitement antérieur par aripiprazole. Le score de l’échelle de fonctionnement PSP s’est amélioré de 58,9 ± 13,4 à 62,9 ± 15,2 (p = 0,041). Les EIs touchant ≥ 5 % des patients étaient : anxiété (n = 6), douleur au site d’injection, bronchite, insomnie, akathisie (n = 4 chacun) et augmentation du poids, dépression et douleur aux extrémités (n = 3 chacun). Les symptômes extrapyramidaux selon ESRS se sont améliorés de façon significative depuis l’inclusion jusqu’à 6 mois chez les patients ayant terminé l’étude (−1,4 ± 2,7 ; p < 0,006).

L’utilisation de doses flexibles de PP a permis une amélioration symptomatologique et fonctionnelle cliniquement significative chez des patients atteints de schizophrénie, non-aigus et en échec de traitement par aripiprazole oral. Le PP a été bien toléré avec une diminution des symptômes extrapyramidaux.

Évaluer la tolérance, la sécurité d’emploi et la réponse à un traitement par palmitate de palipéridone (PP) à doses flexibles chez des patients non aigus atteints de schizophrénie, après échec d’un traitement par un autre antipsychotique injectable à action prolongée : décanoate d’halopéridol (Déc-Hal), décanoate de flupentixol (Déc-Fpt), décanoate de fluphénazine (Déc-Flu), zuclopenthixol (Zuc) ou rispéridone à libération prolongée (RIS-LP).

Étude internationale, prospective, ouverte, de six mois, chez des patients atteints de schizophrénie, non aigus mais insuffisamment contrôlés par d’autres antipsychotiques injectables à action prolongée.

Taux de réponse (amélioration ≥ 20 % du score total à la PANSS [Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale]), score à la PSP (Personal and Social Performance scale), événements indésirables (EIs).

Les analyses ont été réalisées sur la population en intention de traiter de façon stratifiée pour chaque traitement : 53 patients Déc-Hal, 35 Déc-Fpt, 44 Déc-Flu, 42 Zuc, 56 RIS-LP. Les scores totaux moyens à la PANSS initiale variaient de 67,7 ± 20,3 [RIS-LP] à 75,7 ± 13,2 [Déc-Hal]. Entre 71,4 % [RIS-LP] et 85,7 % [Déc-Fpt] des patients ont terminé l’étude. À la fin de l’étude, 53,7 % [Zuc], 54,7 % [Déc-Hal], 59,1 % [Déc-Flu], 61,1 % [RIS-LP] et 61,8 % [Déc- Fpt] des patients ont vu leur score total à la PANSS diminuer d’au moins 20 %. Les scores moyens de PSP de base étaient de 48,7 [Déc-Hal], 59,6 [Déc-Fpt], 53,5 [Déc-Flu], 52,9 [Zuc] et 60,1 [RIS-LP], et le changement en fin d’étude était respectivement de : 5,2 ; 6,1 ; 6,0 ; 6,4 ; et 5,2 (p ≤ 0,0163 pour tous les traitements). Les EIs rapportés au moins une fois dans tous les sous-groupes : douleur au site d’injection, insomnie, trouble psychotique.

Le PP à doses flexibles a été bien toléré et a permis une réponse thérapeutique cliniquement significative chez des patients non aigus atteints de schizophrénie, après échec d’un traitement par d’autres antipsychotiques injectables à action prolongée.

Évaluer la tolérance, la sécurité d’emploi et l’efficacité de doses flexibles de PP chez des patients adultes en période d’exacerbation aiguë d’une schizophrénie, après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux.

Étude internationale, prospective, ouverte, de six mois.

Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), événements indésirables (EI), changement de poids.

Deux cent douze patients (population en intention de traiter) : âge moyen 36,4 ± 12,1 ans, 59,0 % d’hommes, 85,4 % souffrant de schizophrénie paranoïde ont été inclus. La principale raison de la substitution d’un antipsychotique oral par le PP était un manque d’efficacité (45,8 %). 70,3 % des patients ont terminé l’étude de six mois. Les raisons les plus fréquentes d’arrêt précoce ont été : le choix du patient (9,4 %), des EI (9,0 %), les perdus de vue (4,7 %), le manque d’efficacité (2,8 %). Le score total moyen à la PANSS initiale (98,5 ± 20,1) a diminué, et ce dès j8, pour atteindre 67,4 ± 24,0 à la fin de l’étude (diminution de −31,0 ± 29,0, p < 0,0001). 66,7 % des patients ont eu une amélioration de plus de 30 % du score PANSS total et le pourcentage de patients jugés manifestement malades ou pire (CGI-S) a diminué de 75,1 % à 20,5 %. Les EIs (≥ 5 % patients) : douleur au site d’injection (13,7 %), insomnie (10,8 %), trouble psychotique (10,4 %), céphalées (6,1 %) et anxiété (6,1 %). Le changement moyen de poids a été de 2,6 ± 5,6 kg (IC 95 % [1,8; 3,4]).

Ces résultats confirment que le PP à doses flexibles est bien toléré et permet une réponse clinique précoce et cliniquement significative chez des patients en période d’exacerbation aiguë de leur trouble schizophrénique, après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux.

Évaluer l’amélioration fonctionnelle chez des patients atteints de schizophrénie sous palmitate de paliperidone (PP) à doses flexibles après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux.

Analyse menée dans deux sous-groupes de patients atteints de schizophrénie : aigus (n = 202) et non aigus (n = 593) après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux, inclus dans une étude internationale, prospective, de six mois.

Changement du score total à la PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), à la PSP (Personal and Psychosocial Performance scale), et à la Mini-ICF-APP (Mini International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health Rating for Activity and Participation Disorders in Psychological Illnesses).

Les deux sous-groupes ont présenté une amélioration significative du score total à la PANSS : de 98,5 ± 20,1 à l’inclusion à 67,4 ± 24,0 à la fin de l’étude (diminution moyenne = −31,0 ± 29,0) chez les patients aigus et de 71,5 ± 14,6 à 59,7 ± 18,1 (diminution moyenne = −11,7 ± 15,9) chez les patients non aigus. Cette réponse thérapeutique était associée à une augmentation significative du score total à la PSP de 43,9 ± 15,0 à 62,9 ± 17,1 (amélioration moyenne = 19,0 ± 18,7, p <0,0001) chez les patients aigus, et de 58,1 ± 13,4 à 66,1 ± 15,7 (amélioration moyenne =8,0 ± 14,0, p < 0,0001) chez les patients non aigus. Il existait une amélioration significative du score à la Mini-ICF-APP qui diminuait de 26,8 ± 8,5 à 18,5 ± 9,8 (diminution moyenne = −8,0 ± 10,4, p < 0,0001) chez les patients aigus et de 19,8 ± 7,9 à 15,9 ± 8,8 (diminution moyenne = −4,0 ± 7,5, p < 0,0001) chez les patients non aigus.

L’amélioration symptomatique sous PP à doses flexibles chez des patients aigus ou non-aigus atteints de schizophrénie après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotique oral s’est accompagnée d’une amélioration fonctionnelle cliniquement significative.

Évaluer la tolérance, la sécurité d’emploi et la réponse à un traitement mensuel par palmitate de paliperidone (PP) à doses flexibles chez des patients adultes atteints de schizophrénie, non-aigus mais symptomatiques, après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux.

Analyse d’un groupe de patients atteints de schizophrénie, non-aigus mais symptomatiques, inclus dans une étude internationale, ouverte, prospective de six mois, évaluant la symptomatologie clinique : PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) et CGIS-S (Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale), les événements indésirables (EIs) et le changement de poids.

Cinq cent quatre-vingt-treize patients (population en intention de traiter) : 63,1 % d’hommes, âge moyen 38,4 ± 11,8 ans, 78,6 % souffrant de schizophrénie paranoïde. La principale raison de la substitution d’un antipsychotique oral par le PP était un manque d’efficacité (24,3 %). 74,5 % des patients ont terminé l’étude de six mois. Les raisons les plus fréquentes d’arrêt précoce étaient : le choix du patient (9,3 %), des effets indésirables (EIs) (6,1 %), les perdus de vue (3,0 %) et le manque d’efficacité (2,5 %). Le score total moyen à l’échelle PANSS a diminué de 71,5 ± 14,6 à l’inclusion à 59,7 ± 18,1 à la fin de l’étude (soit une différence de −11,7 ± 15,9 points ; 95 % IC 95 % [−13,0 ; −10,5] ; p <0,0001). 64,0 % des patients ont eu une amélioration supérieure ou égale à 20 % du score total à la PANSS et le pourcentage de patients légèrement malades ou moins (CGI-S) est passé de 31,8 à 63,2 %. Les EIs touchant plus de 5 % des patients sont : douleur au site d’injection (12,3 %), insomnie (8,6 %), anxiété (6,7 %), trouble psychotique (6,1 %) et céphalées (5,6 %). Le changement moyen de poids a été de 1,2 ± 5,0 kg (IC 95 % [0,7 ; 1,6]).

Ces résultats confirment la bonne tolérance et l’efficacité thérapeutique du PP à doses flexibles chez des patients non aigus atteints de schizophrénie, après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux.

As many studies suggest, schizophrenic spectrum disorders outcome is linked with the duration of untreated first-episode psychosis; the longer is the gap between the onset of the disease and the first medical treatement the worst is the outcome. Cognitive impairment is one of the major predictor of poor outcome.

We study if there is a correlation between a long duration of untreated first-episode psychosis and cognitive impairment in the long term outcome.

Our sample consisted of 41 subjects (27M and 14 F) with a mean age of 48.6 years (SD = 11.91) with a mean age of onset of 23.4 years (SD = 7.68) and a mean duration of illness of 22.1 years (SD = 14.8) who has been diagnosed schizophrenic according to DSM-IV TR through the SCID-I and evaluated with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) to study neuro-cognitive profile.

A long duration of untreated psychosis is associated with redution in the performance scale of association symbols to number (p = 0.04) and performance IQ (p = 0.04) regardless of the duration of illness.

This study confirms an association between long duration of untreated psychosis and cognitive deterioration. The reduced performance suggest a deficit in memory, attention and concentration, speed of performance, coordination,skill and non verbal ability in the sample with the longer DUI.

Effective antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia should, beyond symptom control, translate into meaningful functional improvements. This study explored functional outcomes in patients with schizophrenia switched from previous unsuccessful treatment with oral antipsychotics to flexible doses of paliperidone palmitate (PP).

Two groups of acute (N=212) and non-acute (N=593) patients from an international prospective open-label 6-month study. Outcomes were change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, Personal and Psychosocial Performance scale (PSP) and Mini International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health Rating for Activity and Participation Disorders in Psychological Illnesses (Mini-ICF-APP).

Both groups significantly improved from baseline to endpoint in mean PANSS total score from 98.5±20.1 to 67.4±24.0 (mean change -31.0±29.0) in acute and from 71.5±14.6 to 59.7±18.1 (mean change -11.7±15.9) in non-acute patients (all p<0.0001). Patient functioning in PSP total score increased from 43.9±15.0 at baseline to 62.9±17.1 at endpoint (mean change 19.0±18.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.4;21.6) in the acute and from 58.1±13.4 at baseline to 66.1±15.7 at endpoint (mean change 8.0±14.0; 95%CI 6.8;9.1) in the non-acute group (both groups p<0.0001). Illness-related disabilities of activity and participation within groups improved significantly in Mini-ICF-APP global score decreasing from 26.8±8.5 to 18.5±9.8 (mean change -8.0±10.4; 95%CI -9.5;-6.5) in acute and from 19.8±7.9 to 15.9±8.8 (mean change: -4.0±7.5; 95%CI - 4.6;-3.3) from baseline to endpoint in non-acute patients (both groups p<0.0001).

Symptom reduction in acute and non-acute patients with schizophrenia treated with PP after previous unsuccessful treatment with oral antipsychotics was associated with clinically meaningful functional improvements.

This study explores tolerability, safety and treatment response of flexible doses of the atypical long-acting antipsychotic paliperidone palmitate (PP) in adult patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia previously unsuccessfully treated with oral antipsychotics.

International prospective open-label 6-month study. Outcome parameters were change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and weight change.

212 acute patients, 59.0% male, mean age 36.4 ±12.1 years, 85.4% paranoid schizophrenia were enrolled. 70.3% of patients completed the study. Most frequent reasons for early discontinuation were subject choice (9.4%), or an adverse event (9.0%). Recommended initiation regimen of PP (150 mg eq on day 1 and 100 mg eq on day 8) was administered in 92.9% of subjects. Mean baseline PANSS total score decreased from 98.5±20.1 as of day 8 of treatment to 67.4±24.0 at endpoint (mean change -31.0±28.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]-35.0;-27.1; p<0.0001). 66.7% of patients improved ≥30% in PANSS total score and percentage of patients rated markedly ill or worse in CGI-S decreased from 75.1% at baseline to 20.5% at endpoint. TEAEs reported in ≥5% were injection site pain (13.7%), insomnia (10.8%), psychotic disorder (10.4%), headache (6.1%) and anxiety (6.1%). Mean weight change at endpoint was 2.6±5.6 kg (95%CI 1.8; 3.4).

These data support results from previous randomized controlled studies that flexibly dosed paliperidone palmitate is well tolerated and associated with an early and clinically relevant treatment response in acute schizophrenia patients previously unsuccessfully treated with oral antipsychotics.

The psychological benefits of regular physical activity is well known, neverthless only recently the impact on physical and mental health in patients with severe mental disorders has begun to be analyzed. the low incidence rates of depression and some anxiety disorders in subjects performing physical activity raises the question about the use of exercise in the prevention of some mental disorders.

Our study aims to assess preferences, degree of physical effort, level of motivation and perceived barriers that prevent the development of more regular physical activity in patients with psychiatric illness.

We collect data and clinical records of 131 randomized patients. We therefore designed a 15 questions questionnaire associated with a useful section with personal and clinical data of patients.

The 52.7% of the sample (n = 69) has a body mass index above 25, thus confirming the trend of overweight and obesity that are secondary both to psychiatric therapies practiced and to a general lack of physical effort, which is due to poor level of motivation, although most of the patients agree that exercise is crucial for their physical and mental health.

Any psychoeducational interventions aiming to implement healthy lifestyles including physical care activities are therefore appropriate. the very nature of the disorder and treatment practiced explains the main barriers perceived by patients to perform physical activity; thus in the therapeutic area is important to ensure euthymic condition and limit the use of drugs that give fatigue and sedation.