Risk of PTSD Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients suffering from addictive disorders is of major concern. This study aimed to explore the presence and potential increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic for patients in opioid substitution therapy (OST). This cross-sectional survey study evaluated a clinical sample of patients in OST ( = 123).

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Risk Factors for Relapse.

The impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups like patients suffering from substance use disorders is expected to be tremendous, and corresponding concerns were raised early on by many experts around the world. Psychosocial distress, financial insecurities and physiological problems associated with the COVID-19 crisis could be especially challenging for this group of patients. In the current study data was collected from a clinical sample of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD; = 127) during the initial stage of the pandemic.

Developments in Drug Addiction During COVID-19-An Austrian Perspective Based on a Clinical Sample.

Concerns about the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with substance use disorder (SUD) were raised by experts in the field around the world. Here we provide an Austrian perspective, discussing the impact of the pandemic on help-seeking patient with drug use disorder during the initial stage of the pandemic. Our perspectives are based on the situation as perceived at our clinical facility, and supported by original data collected from a small clinical sample of patients with drug use disorder ( = 32).

Neurobiological processes during the Cambridge gambling task.

Although vast research has been conducted concerning gambling behavior this is the first study combining behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data while using the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT). We tested 20 healthy right-handed men and chose an event-related design to allow for precise temporal separation of gambling stages. In the color decision stage participants had to guess whether a yellow token was hidden behind red or blue boxes presented in varying color ratios, then stake wagers during the bet decision stage.

Treatment Duration With Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics After In-hospital Initiation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are recommended especially for patients with multiple admissions and poor adherence. The empirical basis of this strategy is a matter of debate.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study extending over 6 years, all patients admitted for inpatient treatment with a diagnosis of psychotic disorders according to International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (F2) were screened for treatment episodes with a new start of an LAI.

[Between faith and delusion].

Religious beliefs can lead to difficulties in psychiatric diagnosis, when it comes to distinguishing between faith and delusion. Delusion is defined as a false assessment of reality combined with subjective certainty, which is in contrast with the reality of the social environment. The problem with this definition is that reality cannot be examined with scientific methods/criteria and that the assessment of reality itself underlies historical and cultural fluctuations.