Title: The Psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among dentists: An evaluation of perceived stress, psychological distress and coping strategies

Abstract:

Given the unprecedented existential challenges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health care professionals (HCPs) worldwide, it is essential to monitor, examine, and understand the ongoing consequences and determine structured mitigation efforts for their short- and long-term control. We investigated the background of perceived stress among dental health care professionals (DHCPs) and identified risk factors contributing to perceived stress because of the COVID-19 crisis. We further sought to determine the hierarchy of coping management strategies which would prove most effective in mitigating the stress and psychological distress ensuant from the psycho-disruptions of the pandemic. Licensed dentists who were members of the Hungarian Dental Association were invited to answer an electronic test battery. Data pertaining to general demographic and dental related variables was electronically collected from 182 dental practitioners. Income and financial status were included among the general demographic individual and contextual variables, and aerosol propagation among the dental related variables. Factor analysis was used to ascertain COVID-19 related perceived stress. Distress manifested as impulsiveness, lack of interest in social connections, emotional disengagement, mood swings, and acknowledgment of emotional exhaustion because of the pandemic. Financial status, number of years in practice and the feeling that not even the strict compliance with professional rules can fully resolve the issues caused by aerosol propagation significantly predicted the level of perceived stress, while age, financial status and the feeling that not even the strict compliance with professional rules can fully resolve the issues caused by aerosol propagation significantly predicted the level of perceived distress.The randomization of the data controlled the relevant confounding factors pertaining to perceived stress because of contagion from aerosols and financial insecurity. Years spent in dental practice and age were protective factors against perceived stress. Physical activity and socialization were found to be the primary stress management strategies used to sustain and/or enhance mental health. Addressing the resolution of financial concerns, engaging in practice management revisions, and involvement with the implementation of infection control measures were perceived as being more useful than mindfulness and volunteering, techniques that are typically associated with behavioral psychotherapy for stress management. The findings suggest the need to develop support systems and include stress management education in the curricula of health care institutions, and as a component of continuing professional education programs, to foster positive mental health coping management strategies for HCPs.

Biography:

To be clear, I am not a researcher. I undertook this project after interviews with colleagues at the outset of COVID for clinial purposes. However, the discussion invariably redirected to their concerns for their careers, their fears about being infected, the effect on their family and their levels agitation, angst and depression. By chance this turned into the pursuit of a PhD in this area. In spite of literally no research background outside clinical dentistry, the effort is going remarkably well.

Title: A review of mental health responses to pandemics

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Author reviewed the literature published from 2005 regarding mental health responses to pandemics. METHOD: The review began with a computerized literature search. Further sources were located through citations from articles identified in the original search. RESULTS: The author synthesized the contents of the articles reviewed using the categories of 1) Identifying the mental health related implications of a pandemic as well as effects from being in quarantine 2) Effects on healthcare professionals 3) Identifying high risk populations 4) Optimizing screening protocols 5) Administering intervention and treatment effectively 6) Evidence based treatments targeting mental health symptoms CONCLUSION: Prior research has shown that there can be profound mental health related effects from a pandemic and those who are already dealing with mental illness have an exacerbation of symptoms. High risk populations should be identified with heightened screening, and appropriate evidence-based interventions administered which can help decrease mental health related symptoms.

Title: A new framework for the treatment of dissociative states through Functional Dissociation

Biography:

Bernard Mayer has many years of expertise in the treatment of simple and complex psychotrauma and dissociative states in his psychotherapy practice in Paris. President and founder of the IETSP: www.ietsp.com and co-founder of the AFPJ :www.pierrejanet. org , he is the creator of the Integrative Body-Mind Psychotherapy / TICE, certified practitioner in EMDR for more than 30 years, in Somatic Experiencing and Hypnosis. Member of the ESH, ESTD, he speaks at various conferences and symposiums in France and abroad on request. - It is a new psychotherapy which allows to reach the somatic and emotional unconscious memories (subcortical zones) which contain "the frozen memory of the trauma", the words are not enough, nor even the analysis... Moreover, amnesia is a central symptom of psychotrauma. It is a non-verbal and non-cognitive therapy that acts directly on the neurophysiological level and frees the blocked memories of the trauma It is a Psychotherapy and a Neuro-therapy

Title: A Novel Nanotechnology for Psychiatric Disorders: A Multicultural Nanoprobe for Amyloidosis of the Skin in Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Abstract:

The superstar, Robin Williams, had a long documented history of clinical depression that has been shown to be empirically associated with the disorder of Parkinson. Nonetheless, it was later found during his autopsy that the neurotransmitter, dopamine,was missing, Actually, half of the biomarker, dopamine, was missing in the motor neurons in the brain of the beloved Robin Williams. Moreover, Lewy bodies were found! Lewy bodies contain the molecules that cause depression and it so happens that these Lewy bodies contain the molecules that lead to not only depression but also neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease. Let’s look at this carefully. The discoveries made for our Robin, our star, were  post-mortem, that is, after death. One woman is looking to change all this. Patricia Broderick has found a way to see inside the brain of the Parkinson patient LIVE! In fact, she has discovered the Tau Peptide, responsible for Alzheimer and Parkinson and she has made this discovery LIVE! Eazysense Nanotechnologies Inc.is the start-up company that has successfully manufactured the tiny probe, smaller than a human hair, for the human and the animal patient. The nanoprobe is named after her father, Paddy Broderick. The BRODERICK PROBE^® senses the neurotransmitters as the subject walks. The nanoprobe sensors also see inside the brain of depression and bipolar diseases easily. Our new photodiode nanoprobe sensor is poised to revolutionize the industry. The nanosensor is comprised of carbon polymers and proteins from the opsin family that provide a new voltaic optical sensor. The polymeic carbon allotrope, fullerene, is, indeed, a semiconductor. In proud association with the Technology Commercialization Office, CUNY, the Reaearch Foundation of CUNY and its patent lawyers, Dr. Broderick has achieved the value of the Eazysense start-up company at the billion dollar acquisition level. The Broderick Brain Foundation is the non-profit arm of Eazysense Nanotechnologies Inc, in NY and is available worldwide for service. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) NY State Tax Exempt Organization. Support for this organization is tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Biography:

Patricia A. Broderick has completed her PhD from St John’s University, Queens, NY, USA and her postdoctoral studies from The Albert Einstein Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA and Cornell University Medical School, White Plains, NY, USA. Patricia serves as Tenured and Full Medical Professor in the Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences at the City University of New York School of Medicine and as Director of the Neurobiology Course at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, CUNY School of Medicine, CCNY. A highly recognized expert and prominent editor, author, inventor and lecturer, Patricia has published more than 500 papers in reputed journals and sought after books and she serves as an editorial board member of repute worldwide. Dr. Broderick holds several patents and trademarks and is the Founder and CEO of Eazysense Nanotechnologies Inc.and the Broderick Brain Foundation

Title: Mediating Effects of Self Concept and Social Identity between Peer Relations and Delinquency

Abstract:

Adolescent delinquency is a growing concern in different parts of the world and role of peer relations in delinquent behavior is well-researched subject. However, relationship between peer relations, self-concept , social identity, and delinquency is less known. This study examined the mediating effects of self-concept and social identity between peer relations and delinquency among adolescents in Pakistan. Survey research design was used through convenient sampling to collect data. The sample comprised of adolescents (N = 498; 218 female and 280 male adolescents) aged 11-18 years old. Participants provided data on questionnaires measuring self-concept, social identity, peer relations, and delinquency. Findings revealed that peer relation has significant impact on delinquency behavior and social identity of adolescents. However, peer relation was not found connected with self-concept significantly. Findings further indicated that social identity played meditating role between the relationship of peer relation and delinquency while self-concept did not mediate the impact of peer relation on delinquency. This study is helpful in determining factors leading to delinquency behavior and how delinquency behavior can be reduced by working on self-concept and social identity.

Biography:

Afra Mahmood holds degree of Master of Philosophy in Applied Psychology from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. She served as Psychologist at Social welfare & Baitul Maal Department Punjab, Pakistan (2017-2020). She currently provides telehealth services as Clinical Therapist in Chicago.

Title: Training of Faculty and Staff in Recognising Undergraduate Medical Students’ Psychological Symptoms and Providing Support: A Narriative Literature Review

Abstract:

Mental illness among medical students in particular, and higher education students in general, is very high. Many measures have been suggested in order to improve the situation, including training members of faculty and staff. However, to the best of our knowledge there seem to be no studies proposing training programmes for medical schools’ faculty and staff in response to recognising students’ psychological difficulties and symptoms in order to provide the relevant support. Also, in cases where such training for supporting medical students with psychological symptomatology exist, the efficacy of the approach employed is not known. By employing a careful literature search according to published guidelines for narrative literature reviews, this study aimed to fill in this identified gap in the literature. From the literature search, 14 articles were included in this review and the results show that no training tailored for faculty and staff in medical schools was identified. However, articles that related to higher education were included because they were useful in providing insights for medicine, and show the following: (a) faculty and staff acknowledged the importance of mental illness among students, (b) many of them discussed with their students psychological symptoms and provided support, (c) they tended to feel unprepared for recognising students’ psychological symptoms successfully and providing support, (d) they embraced the idea of being trained, and (e) any training seemed to be helpful for members of faculty and staff. From the results of this narrative review, we propose the CReATE circular pathway to ensure a sustainable process of training and support for students’ development

Biography:

Hamreet graduated from McMaster University with a BSc in Life Science and a background in psychology, neuroscience, and behaviour. She is now in her second year of medical school at St George’s University of London and has been involved in studies related to mental health in medical professionals and students

Title: The Mental Health of Older Adults in the Densely Populated Areas of Tacna Region—Peru, 2021: Implications of the COVID-19 Information

Abstract:

The purpose of this research was to analyze the implications of exposure to various news channels that broadcast information on COVID-19 and their impact on the mental health of older adults in the sparsely populated area of the Tacna Region during the year 2021. The present study used a descriptive correlational type of quantitative approach on a sample of 389 older adults aged 60 years and over, who were recruited by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. For the application of the survey technique, the instrument used was a questionnaire modified by the authors. In terms of research ethics for the development of the study, the respondents provided informed consent, and other ethical considerations were addressed. In relation to sociodemographic variables of mental health, it was found that women had a greater incidence of anxiety (p < 0.01) and that people with fewer years of study had a greater incidence of depression (p < 0.01) and anxiety in sparsely populated areas. Exposure to news through television was associated with depression, and news obtained from other people was associated with depression (p < 0.001). An association was also found between the number of hours of television news and stress (p < 0.05), and radio news was associated with anxiety (p < 0.05). In terms of psychological consequences, the highest mean for television exposure was fear, while the greatest psychological consequence of radio news was fear, followed by stress and awareness. Finally, negative, inverse, and significant relationships were found that indicate protective factors, such as depression with awareness and indignation, and anxiety was inversely related to awareness.

Biography:

University Professor at the Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University of Tacna, specialist in Health Services Management, Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Educational Technology, PhD in Psychology, Dr. in Nursing. With 30 years of experience, undergraduate teacher, postgraduate teacher at: UNJBG. Undergraduate and postgraduate thesis advisor, with publications in Latindex, Scielo and Scopus magazines. Semillero Mentor Currently Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences

Title: Association between Depression, Happiness, and Sleep Duration: Data from the UAE Healthy Future Pilot Study

Abstract:

The United Arab Emirates Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) is one of the first large prospective cohort studies in the region which examines causes and risk factors for chronic diseases among the nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this study is to investigate the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) as a screening instrument for depression among the UAEHFS pilot participants.

Biography:

Mitha Al Balushi is a research associate in the Public Health Research Center-New York University Abu Dhabi. She is a PHD candidate in public health-the institute of public Health of the UAE University. She Had post graduate Diploma in Diabetes from Sweden and her degree in nursing sciences from Griffith Australian University. Her experience is over 15 years in public health and clinical nursing care and research. Some of her research was published in peer reviewed high IF international journals. She presented her research in nation and international conferences. She is an active member of the Emirates Public Health Association.

Title: A Brazilian Experience in Treating Borderline Personality Disorder Patients in a Specialized Academic Outpatient Clinic on the Outskirts of the City of São Paulo

Abstract:

Personality Disorders are a current challenge for health professionals, as well as for patients, family members, social groups and society as a whole. The evolution of knowledge and research in neuroscience, associated with the contributions of modern psychotherapy and treatment techniques, have brought professionals to a more optimistic view of these disorders, especially for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Until recently, patients with this diagnose were considered extremely difficult to treat and with poor prognosis. However, in recent years, there has been a paradigmatic shift regarding the evolution and treatment for BPD. The accumulated knowledge of genetic, epigenetic and neurobiological factors that determine personality development, from temperament to character constitution, provided a greater understanding of the factors involved in the etiology and evolution of BPD. The experience of working with a population marked by economic and social vulnerabilities, in the suburbs of a megalopolis like São Paulo, associated with medical education and training of psychiatric residents, brought us important insights into the long-term follow-up of patients with severe BPD, considering the difficulties in relation to a scarce multidisciplinary team and therapeutic resources. The author aims to provide an academic landscape regarding the Santo Amaro Medical School outpatient clinic experience for severe patients with BPD, the main techniques for case management and the psychopharmacological treatment for this population.

Biography:

Graduation in Medicine in 1998, Santo Amaro Medical School (Santo Amaro University - “UNISA”) - São Paulo - Brazil. Following academic training in Psychiatry at Santa Casa Medical School (2001) with Certification from Brazilian Psychiatric Association (2003). Has clinical experience in Preceptorship with residents and was Assistant Psychiatrist and Professor of “Medical Psychology” at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo Medical School until 2011. Current Professor of Psychiatry at Santo Amaro Medical School; Chief Psychiatrist of Bipolar Disorder and Personality Disorder Programs: Santo Amaro Medical School. Has Clinical Experience in Private Practice since 2001.

Title: The power of the senses: A case study of an ASD patient demonstrating Color Psychotherapy approach

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Color Psychotherapy (CPS) is a unique psychodynamic therapeutic approach which offers a portal to understanding the intra-psychic intricacies of individuals and their functioning in personal and social arenas. CPS is a philosophy and methodology of processes: processes of development, perception, thought and emotional experience, the center of psychological life. This therapeutic method involves a quest for the client’s healthy cores. Accordingly, the stimuli we offer in therapy account for the client’s functional strengths, or seeds of strength, in order to empower the Theoretical application: One of the most important aids in CPS for translating psychological functions into expressive qualities of colors and materials is the Fluid-Form Axis (Cohen-Or and Fischer, 2015).

 The emotional world is ascribed to the Fluid dimension of the psyche (the Id). This is characterized mainly by cravings, urges and a chaotic, instinctual need for physical-emotional satisfaction. The Ego, is a functional state which is governed by elements of Form, including thought, organization and planning. Its main function is to make space for emotion and channel it into a rational medium.

Biography:

Yoav Fischer is an expert clinical psychologist and supervisor in psychotherapy and psychodiagnosis. Graduated with a BA in psychology from Bar Ilan University and holds a Master in clinical child psychology from Tel Aviv University. Yoav has been a therapist for children, teenagers and adults for over 20 years in private practice, employing play therapy, dynamic verbal psychotherapy, in addition to color psychotherapy. Yoav is also a supervising psychologist for teams of therapists in the public sector. Yoav teaches the foundations of color psychotherapy to professional groups, including psychologists, social workers and art therapists. Yoav has recently published a book entitled “Color Psychotherapy & Slime: A voyage through the substances of existence” (2023).

Title: Communal coping as a new perspective on stress management in sport

Abstract:

Stress and coping in sport psychology have mainly been examined from an intrapersonal perspective. However, given that team sports are fundamentally a social context involving numerous interactions between athletes, coaches, staff, and the performance environment, it is necessary to understand how athletes interact within the social environment of the team and to what extent stress adaptation processes are shared in response to stressful situations (e.g., refereeing, level of the opposing team, hostile public). It appears therefore important to further examine how coping takes place within sports teams as a communal process (i.e., coordinated and shared strategies to collectively deal with stressors). An overview of research on the processes of psychological adaptation to stress in a sporting context and more particularly their collective dimension will be proposed to introduce a new field of sport psychology relating to the collective management of stress by teams (i.e., communal coping). Research perspectives in this area and practical applications aimed at training teams to manage stress collectively and effectively will also be considered.

Biography:

Emilie Pété has completed his PhD in sport psychology from Nantes Université, France. She is now temporary teaching and research fellow at Université de Bourgogne. Her research focus essentially on collective stress management (i.e., communal coping) in team sports to improve team performance and mental health of athletes.
 

Title: Investigating the Buffering Effects of Greenery on the Adverse Emotional, Mental and Behavioral Health during the Pandemic Period

Abstract:

In light of the adverse emotional, mental and behavioral outcomes caused by the pandemic period, this research analysed the associations between emotional distress and poor health outcomes and the buffering effects of greenery on these outcomes. An online cross-sectional survey between June–November 2021 was distributed among 1314 young Italian adults. Bivariate associations and multivariate regression analyses were applied to the data. Findings showed that emotional distress was positively related to poor mental health outcomes and to some of the unhealthy behaviors. In addition, green pathways differently impacted on health: the indoor features confirmed buffering effects on adverse emotional and mental health responses, whereas the outdoor features played no salutogenic role. In conclusion, whereas the outbreak period of the pandemic has led to the rediscovering/reinforcement of the attachment to nature to cope with negative affective states, the successive waves characterized by selected limitations and new living rules of social adaptation may have brought about a reduced affinity toward nature. Target interventions in terms of biophilic design for indoor environmental sustainability are needed in order to increase the innate human–nature connection and thus to promote public health.