The period after delivery is characterised by physical, hormonal and psychological changes. Up to 20% of women can present depressive and anxiety symptoms and difficulties in the interaction with the newborn, emotional lability. This condition is also called “Maternity Blues (MB)”.

To: 1) assess the frequency of MB presentation of depressive symptoms immediately after the delivery; 2) identify those characteristics more frequently associated to the onset of depressive symptoms after the delivery; and 3) verify the hypothesis that the presence of maternity blues is a risk factor for the onset of a depressive episode in the 12 months after the delivery.

From December 2019 to February 2021 all women who gave birth at the University of Campania “Vanvitelli” were enrolled. Upon acceptance, they filled in the EPDS Scale. Sociodemographic, gynaecological, peripartum and psychiatric anamnesis was collected at baseline. Women have been reassessed after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

359 women were recruited, with a mean EPDS score of 5.51. Among these, 83 reported the presence of MB (EPDS score≥10; 23.12%). Anxiety disorders with onset prior to pregnancy (p<.000), preeclampsia (p<.01), increased foetal health rate (p<.01), conflicts with relatives (p<.001) and anxiety disorders the partner (p<.01) emerged as predictors of Mb. The presence of MB increase 7 time the risk to have higher EPDS score at follow-up assessments (p<.000).

The presence of MB should always be assessed in the immediate post-partum and psychosocial interventions should be provided to women with MB to reduce its potential negative effect on mental health.

No significant relationships.

Severe mental disorders (SMD) are associated with higher morbidity rates and poorer health outcomes compared to the general population. They are more likely to be overweight, to be affected by cardiovascular diseases, and to have higher risk factors for chronic diseases.

To assess physical health in a sample of patients with SMD and to investigate which mental health-related factors and other psychosocial outcomes could be considered predictors of poor physical health.

Patients referring to the psychiatric outpatients unit of the University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli” were recruited, and were assessed through validated assessment instruments exploring psychopathological status, global functioning and stigma. Physical health was assessed with an ad-hoc anthropometric schedule. A blood sample has been collected to assess levels of cholesterol, blood glucose, triglycerides, and blood insulin.

75 patients have been recruited, with a mean age of 45.63±11.84 years. 30% of the sample had a diagnosis of psychosis, 27% of depression and 43% of bipolar disorder. A higher BMI is predicted by higher number of hospitalizations, a reduced score at MANSA (p<.000), and PSP (p<.05), and higher score at ISMI and BPRS (p<.05). A higher cardiovascular risk is predicted by a reduced MANSA score (p<.000), a higher ISMI score and a poorer adherence to pharmacological treatments (p<.05). Higher ISMI score (p<.0001) and number of hospitalizations (p<.05) are predictors of insulin-resistance.

Our study shows that psychosocial domains negatively influence physical health outcome. It is necessary to disseminate an integrated psychosocial intervention in order to improve patients’ physical health.

No significant relationships.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most burdensome psychiatric illnesses, being associated with a negative long-term outcome and high suicide rate. Although affective temperaments are considered possible mediators of outcome, their role on the course and outcome of BD remains poorly studied.

The aims of the present study are to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with BD more frequently associated with the different affective temperaments and to verify which affective temperaments are associated with a more severe clinical picture in a sample of patients with BD.

All patients with BD referring to the outpatient units of two Italian university sites have been recruited. Patients’ psychiatric symptoms, affective temperaments, and quality of life were investigated through validated assessment instruments.

199 patients were recruited. 54.8% of patients had a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. 56.8% of the sample reported at least one episode of aggressive behaviours and 30.2% of suicidal attempt. Predominant cyclothymic and irritable temperaments predicted more frequent relapses, a poorer quality of life (p<;0.05), more aggressive behaviours and suicide attempts (p<;0.01). The predominant hyperthymic disposition was a protective factor for several outcome measures, including relapses and suicidality (p<;0.01), and was correlated with a less severity of psychiatric symptoms and later age at onset (p<;0.05).

Early identification of affective temperaments in BD patients can help clinicians to identify those who could show a worse prognosis. A screening of affective temperaments can be useful to develop early targeted integrated pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.

No significant relationships.