Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Panic disorder has long been associated with the changes in various neurotransmitters, such as Neuropeptide-S (NPS). Objective: In this study we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between blood NPS levels and panic disorder. Methods: Twenty nine patients with panic disorder and thirty two healthy control subjects who were age and gender matched were enrolled to the study. Blood samples were taken from participants and plasma NPS levels were quantified by using an ELISA kit. Results: In the study group, median NPS blood level was 16.7 pg/mL and in the control group it was 32.5 pg/mL. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.021). Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity of NPS blood level, for diagnosing panic disorder was calculated, and it was found 79.3% and 56.25% respectively (AUC:0.672, 95% CI: 0.540-0.787). Discussion: Malfunction at the NPS modulatory system in the cortical areas (which is causing excitations in brain areas, such as amygdala and hypothalamus) does not only increase anxiety symptoms and risk of panic disorder but also causes panic disorder patients to have lower plasma NPS levels than the control group. Therefore it can be argued that such malfunction can be treated with a systemic treatment. Baykan H et al. / Arch Clin Psychiatry. 2018;45(4):79-81

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Cohabitation with the elderly may bring benefits to social relationships and exert an influence on the recognition of facial expressions of emotion. Objective: Compare emotion recognition skills between a cohabitation group (CHG) of older adults who live with a dependent elderly individual and a non-cohabitation group (NCHG) of older adults who do not live with an elderly individual. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 62 older adults in the CHG and 56 in the NCHG. The two groups were similar with regard to gender, age, schooling, degree of dependence, cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms. A dynamic task with six emotions (anger, disgust, happiness, surprise, sadness, and fear) and four levels of intensity was administered to evaluate the recognition of facial emotions. Results: The CHG performed better than the NCHG regarding the correct identification of emotions, specifically surprise (60%), disgust (60%, 80%, and 100%), fear (80%), and sadness (80% and 100%). Discussion: Cohabitation with an elderly individual seems to offer benefits to older adults in terms of recognizing facial expressions of emotion.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) may be contribute to the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) by affecting the release of neurotransmitters. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the SNAP-25 gen (DdeI = rs1051312 and MnlI = rs3746544) polymorphism and the temperament and character traits. Methods: A total of 85 female patients diagnosed with FMS and 70 age-matched healthy female subjects were enrolled into the study. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were performed on all the patients. SNAP-25 gene polymorphism was determined in the patients group and controls group. Results: No significant difference between groups was found regarding the distribution of SNAP-25 MnlI polymorphism (p > 0.05), but it was seen that the frequency of TC genotype for DdeI gene was higher in the patients group (p < 0.05). Increased hazard avoidance was found in the patients group (p < 0.05). When TCI scores were assessed in terms of SNAP-25 gene polymorphism, no statistically significant relationship was detected between the TT, TG, GG genotypes for MnlI gen and TCI scores (p > 0.05). However, increased hazard avoidance was detected in patients with TC genotype for DdeI gene compared to patients without such genotype. Discussion: SNAP-25 might be an etiological factor in FMS pathogenesis and might affect personality traits of FMS patients by mediating neurotransmitter release.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Homophobic harassment can compromise mental health of sexual minority youths. Objectives: This study examined the rates of persistent and multisite homophobic harassment and their associations with school difficulties during childhood and adolescence among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. Methods: Participants were recruited through advertisements on the Facebook, Bulletin Board Systems, and the home pages of health promotion and counseling centers for the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community. The experiences of traditional and cyber harassment based on gender role nonconformity and sexual orientation of 500 gay or bisexual men were examined. The associations of multisite and persistent harassment victimization with school difficulties were evaluated. Results: A total of 239 (47.8%) and 131 (26.2%) participants experienced persistent and multisite harassment victimization, respectively. Harassment victimization was significantly associated with low satisfaction with academic performance in any stage of study. Moreover, the participants who were harassed in senior high schools were more likely to miss classes or be truant than those who were not harassed. The victims of multisite harassment at senior high schools were more likely to miss classes or be truant than those of school-only harassment. Discussion: Prevention and intervention programs are warranted to reduce homophobic harassment in sexual minority youths.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Turkey is the leading refugee-hosting country in the world. However, there are few studies which investigate mental wellbeing of refugee children in Turkey. Objective: The paper aims to examine the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems and associated risk factors among Syrian refugee minors in Turkey. Methods: The research involved 85 students from 2 th to 8 th grades. We investigated emotional and behavioural problems with parent-reported Arabic form of Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Socio-demographical findings and children's war-related experiences were also examined. Results: The study sample consisted of 49 (63.6%) girls, and 28 (36.4%) boys (total 77) from age 7 to 17. Average time after resettlement was 29.8 ± 11.2 (5 to 50 months) months. 66 (85.7%) children reported to had lost at least one familiar person due to the war. The mean experienced war-related traumatic events were calculated as 2.92 ± 1.86. Total difficulty scores of 30 (39.0%) children were above the cut off values. The rates of children whose SDQ problem scores exceeded the cut-off values were as high as 45.5% (35) for Emotional problems, 64.9% (50) for Peer, 27.3% (21) for conduct and 19.5% (15) for Hyperactivity problems. Discussion: Results indicate high prevalence rates of severe traumatic experiences and possible psychiatric disorders among child survivors of Syrian war which in its seventh year now.