Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are common following traumatic stress exposure (TSE). Identification of individuals with PTSS risk in the early aftermath of TSE is important to enable targeted administration of preventive interventions. In this study, we used baseline survey data from two prospective cohort studies to identify the most influential predictors of substantial PTSS.

Self-identifying black and white American women and men (n = 1546) presenting to one of 16 emergency departments (EDs) within 24 h of motor vehicle collision (MVC) TSE were enrolled. Individuals with substantial PTSS (⩾33, Impact of Events Scale – Revised) 6 months after MVC were identified via follow-up questionnaire. Sociodemographic, pain, general health, event, and psychological/cognitive characteristics were collected in the ED and used in prediction modeling. Ensemble learning methods and Monte Carlo cross-validation were used for feature selection and to determine prediction accuracy. External validation was performed on a hold-out sample (30% of total sample).

Twenty-five percent (n = 394) of individuals reported PTSS 6 months following MVC. Regularized linear regression was the top performing learning method. The top 30 factors together showed good reliability in predicting PTSS in the external sample (Area under the curve = 0.79 ± 0.002). Top predictors included acute pain severity, recovery expectations, socioeconomic status, self-reported race, and psychological symptoms.

These analyses add to a growing literature indicating that influential predictors of PTSS can be identified and risk for future PTSS estimated from characteristics easily available/assessable at the time of ED presentation following TSE.

To audit completed liaison service high risk care plans against local and national guidelines.

Sample comprised of a snapshot of all liaison patients currently on the case load on 14th December 2021. Electronic notes were reviewed to identify High Risk Care Plans (HRCPs) and audit completion against local guidance. Currently there is no national guidelines.

In addition staff from the liaison team were surveyed to consider their confidence in completing HRCPs in order to direct staff training. Acute hospital staff were also surveyed to ascertain positive and negative aspects of the current HRCPs, in order to suggest quality improvements ahead of the upcoming integration of new Digital notes system.

Sample size 284. High Risk Care Plans completed 11, with an additional 2 required but not found in the notes.

Non pharmacological deescalation advice was specified in only 2/11.

Regular medication was documented in 5/11.

Specialist rapid tranquillisation medication advice in 8/11.

8/11 made reference to the local rapid tranquillisation policy, which was not made available in the notes.

Absconsion risk is documented in 8/11 and advised level of observation 10/11.

According to local guidelines High Risk Care Plans were appropriate for 4.6% of the liaison case load, but record was included in the notes for 3.9%. Of those completed mandatory fields including non pharmacological deescalation and rapid tranquillisation advice were not always complete. Reference to rapid tranquillisation policy not immediately available in the notes is largely unhelpful in an emergency.

Our local target is for 100% completion of appropriate high risk care plans and full documentation for each of the mandatory fields in the high risk care plan. Improved training and record keeping is required.

Staff survey suggested unfamiliarity with document and unclear boundaries between standard and patient specific information impaired utility of high risk care plans. We recommend familiarising staff with the document and encourage highlighted font for key information.

Psychiatric mother and baby units (MBUs) are recommended for severe perinatal mental illness, but effectiveness compared with other forms of acute care remains unknown.

We hypothesised that women admitted to MBUs would be less likely to be readmitted to acute care in the 12 months following discharge, compared with women admitted to non-MBU acute care (generic psychiatric wards or crisis resolution teams (CRTs)).

Quasi-experimental cohort study of women accessing acute psychiatric care up to 1 year postpartum in 42 healthcare organisations across England and Wales. Primary outcome was readmission within 12 months post-discharge. Propensity scores were used to account for systematic differences between MBU and non-MBU participants. Secondary outcomes included assessment of cost-effectiveness, experience of services, unmet needs, perceived bonding, observed mother–infant interaction quality and safeguarding outcome.

Of 279 women, 108 (39%) received MBU care, 62 (22%) generic ward care and 109 (39%) CRT care only. The MBU group (n = 105) had similar readmission rates to the non-MBU group (n = 158) (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.86–1.04, P = 0.29; an absolute difference of −5%, 95% CI −14 to 4%). Service satisfaction was significantly higher among women accessing MBUs compared with non-MBUs; no significant differences were observed for any other secondary outcomes.

We found no significant differences in rates of readmission, but MBU advantage might have been masked by residual confounders; readmission will also depend on quality of care after discharge and type of illness. Future studies should attempt to identify the effective ingredients of specialist perinatal in-patient and community care to improve outcomes.

Studying phenotypic and genetic characteristics of age at onset (AAO) and polarity at onset (PAO) in bipolar disorder can provide new insights into disease pathology and facilitate the development of screening tools.

To examine the genetic architecture of AAO and PAO and their association with bipolar disorder disease characteristics.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and polygenic score (PGS) analyses of AAO (n = 12 977) and PAO (n = 6773) were conducted in patients with bipolar disorder from 34 cohorts and a replication sample (n = 2237). The association of onset with disease characteristics was investigated in two of these cohorts.

Earlier AAO was associated with a higher probability of psychotic symptoms, suicidality, lower educational attainment, not living together and fewer episodes. Depressive onset correlated with suicidality and manic onset correlated with delusions and manic episodes. Systematic differences in AAO between cohorts and continents of origin were observed. This was also reflected in single-nucleotide variant-based heritability estimates, with higher heritabilities for stricter onset definitions. Increased PGS for autism spectrum disorder (β = −0.34 years, s.e. = 0.08), major depression (β = −0.34 years, s.e. = 0.08), schizophrenia (β = −0.39 years, s.e. = 0.08), and educational attainment (β = −0.31 years, s.e. = 0.08) were associated with an earlier AAO. The AAO GWAS identified one significant locus, but this finding did not replicate. Neither GWAS nor PGS analyses yielded significant associations with PAO.

AAO and PAO are associated with indicators of bipolar disorder severity. Individuals with an earlier onset show an increased polygenic liability for a broad spectrum of psychiatric traits. Systematic differences in AAO across cohorts, continents and phenotype definitions introduce significant heterogeneity, affecting analyses.

Psychotropic medication is commonly used in people with Intellectual disabilities (ID). This may be attributed in part to an increased prevalence of mental illness in this population and the presence of challenging behaviour which has been shown to increase rates of prescribing. Whilst there are a number of studies looking at regularly prescribed medication there are few studies on “as and when” required (PRN) medication.

Psychotropic medication continues to be used to manage behavioural disturbances in people with ID. Where there is no clear cut psychiatric illness, the role of psychotropic medication is an adjunct to a comprehensive multimodal treatment plan.

The aim is to find out if prn psychotropic medication for behavioural disturbance is being used appropriately and safely in these individuals.

Files and PRN protocols of individuals known to be using prn psychotropic medications for the management of acute episodes of agitation and behavioural problems and supported by professional staff teams was studied.

We collected the data by contacting the residential homes, carers, Collecting details from case notes, from the Staff nurse who made the protocol for their patients

A questionnaire based on the standards mentioned above was developed and files and prn protocols were marked against these standards.

The standards from the medical file were 100 % achieved. Thus indicating the importance of the psychotropic prn medication and documentation of the same.

However, the protocol that needs to be with the patient/carers had some lacuna/deficits. Overall only in 53% of the case, standards were achieved. This needs to be highlighted to the team.

The Audit gave an insight into what needs to be improved.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS NEEDED IMPROVEMENT

1. 1. There should be a prn protocol/ similar instruction to the staff about the use of prn medication(written by appropriately trained professional)

2. 2. Prn protocol should be accessible to direct care staff

3. 3. There should be a description of when to use the prn medication

4. 4. There should be a description of what non-pharmacological de-escalation methods ought to be tried before using prn/ is there a detailed behaviour support plan available

5. 5. Protocol should describe what the medication is expected to do

6. 6. Protocol should describe the minimum time between doses if the first dose has not worked

7. 7. Protocol should state the maximum dose in 24 hour period

8. 8. Use of prn should be recorded

I hope this audit will help in improving the patient care with the right psychotropic prn medication, with correct doses and further details as mentioned in the standards of the protocol.

We also hope to ensure that in our area, prn psychotropic medication used for agitation and behavioural disturbance is used safely, appropriately and consistently by staff teams. This would be in accordance with the guidelines.

The aim is to find out if the physical health monitoring is adhered to in accordance with NICE guidelines in individuals with Intellectual disability who are on mood stabilisers and known to LD services.

We sought to explore if the physical health monitoring for prescribing mood stabilisers in a sample of people with ID was consistent with good practice guidelines.

We collected the data by reviewing the clinical records of individuals with LD who were under the care of mental health services in the CLDT- Wrexham and prescribed a mood stabiliser drug. We also contacted the patient's carers who came to outpatients and by calling the GP surgery and enquiring about the details. We also assessed the Welsh clinical portal in order to assess the blood tests.

Data were collected by trainee doctors in Psychiatry. This was a retrospective audit, looking at data from Learning Disability psychiatry caseload. We identified about 16 patients on mood stabilisers.

Physical health monitoring for prescribing mood stabilisers was almost consistent with good practice guidelines. This has shown that the majority of the monitoring has complied. There are few lacunae, such as Thyroid function not being monitored every 6 months for patients on Lithium, Serum Carbamazepine levels not being monitored as per guidelines with 1 patient not having blood done at all whilst on Carbamazepine. Moreover, the details are not readily available for the Consultant/ team when needed, thus making it very tedious for them to search/ contact the GP, etc.

Medications such as mood stabilisers can increase the risk further if the patient's physical health is not monitored regularly. This can lead to compromised quality of life for the patient and in some cases increased morbidity. Hence we have come up with a proforma that can be attached to patient case notes. This will serve as a record for us and prompt for physical monitoring. We will keep a database online with reminders set. This is to ensure a continuity of care for the patients.

To establish whether physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication is according to NICE guidance (2018).

To determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, directly impacting on academic, occupational, or social functioning. It affects between 1-5% of children and young people (CYP) most often presenting in early-mid childhood.

Pharmacological treatment can be considered in CYP if certain criteria are met, where licensed medications include methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications require frequent physical health monitoring due to their side effects including an increase in blood pressure and/or heart rate, loss of appetite, growth restriction and tics.

Standards and criteria were derived from the NICE guidance (2018), whilst local trust policies were reviewed, demonstrating discrepancies. Standards were expected to be met for 100% of patients.

Electronic patient records were reviewed retrospectively from a representative cohort of CYP reviewed by clinicians in a community CAMHS service during March-November 2020. Data were entered manually into a spreadsheet for evaluation.

A total of 27 CYP records were reviewed, average age 13yo, on a range of stimulant/non-stimulant preparations.

5 (19%) had height checked every 6 months, with 4 delayed to 7-8 months.

For those >10yo, only 5 (19%) had weight checked every 6 months.

Only 2 (7%) had their height and weight plotted on a growth chart and reviewed by the healthcare professional responsible for treatment.

Just 4 (15%) had heart rate and blood pressure recorded before and after each dose change, whilst similarly only 4 (not the same) had these parameters recorded every 6 months.

17 patients were reviewed by telephone/video call, where 5 patients provided physical health parameters (measured at home).

Across all parameters, standards are not being met for the required physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the working conditions for community teams, impacting face to face reviews, creating challenges for physical health monitoring.

Our ongoing implementations for change include the use of a proforma for physical health measurements, improving psychoeducation for families, exploring potential barriers with senior colleagues and collaborating with pharmacy colleagues to update local guidelines in accordance with the latest NICE recommendations. We aim to re-audit in June 2021.

This is the first report on the association between trauma exposure and depression from the Advancing Understanding of RecOvery afteR traumA(AURORA) multisite longitudinal study of adverse post-traumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae (APNS) among participants seeking emergency department (ED) treatment in the aftermath of a traumatic life experience.

We focus on participants presenting at EDs after a motor vehicle collision (MVC), which characterizes most AURORA participants, and examine associations of participant socio-demographics and MVC characteristics with 8-week depression as mediated through peritraumatic symptoms and 2-week depression.

Eight-week depression prevalence was relatively high (27.8%) and associated with several MVC characteristics (being passenger v. driver; injuries to other people). Peritraumatic distress was associated with 2-week but not 8-week depression. Most of these associations held when controlling for peritraumatic symptoms and, to a lesser degree, depressive symptoms at 2-weeks post-trauma.

These observations, coupled with substantial variation in the relative strength of the mediating pathways across predictors, raises the possibility of diverse and potentially complex underlying biological and psychological processes that remain to be elucidated in more in-depth analyses of the rich and evolving AURORA database to find new targets for intervention and new tools for risk-based stratification following trauma exposure.

Alcohol misuse is common in bipolar disorder and is associated with worse outcomes. A recent study evaluated integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy for bipolar disorder and alcohol misuse with promising results in terms of the feasibility of delivering the therapy and the acceptability to participants.

Here we present the experiences of the therapists and supervisors from the trial to identify the key challenges in working with this client group and how these might be overcome.

Four therapists and two supervisors participated in a focus group. Topic guides for the group were informed by a summary of challenges and obstacles that each therapist had completed at the end of therapy for each individual client. The audio recording of the focus group was transcribed and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

We identified five themes: addressing alcohol use versus other problems; impact of bipolar disorder on therapy; importance of avoidance and overcoming it; fine balance in relation to shame and normalising use; and ‘talking the talk’ versus ‘walking the walk’.

Findings suggest that clients may be willing to explore motivations for using alcohol even if they are not ready to change their drinking, and they may want help with a range of mental health problems. Emotional and behavioural avoidance may be a key factor in maintaining alcohol use in this client group and therapists should be aware of a possible discrepancy between clients’ intentions to reduce misuse and their actual behaviour.