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Subjective quality of life could be considered one of the indicators of health behavior and wellbeing of women in the perinatal period. Accordingly, the aim of this paper was to examine how women in perinatal period perceive quality of life in various domains. Its relationship to age, number of pregnancies, course of pregnancies, and method of delivery and experience with Covid-19 pandemic was investigated, as well. Our sample consisted of 366 pregnant women in any period of pregnancy who came in for regular outpatient examinations and control, those who were hospitalized due to pathological pregnancy or due to the need for intensive care, as well as women in their postnatal period, one year after delivery, who were seeking professional advice from a gynecologist. The majority were aged 20 to 30 years (53.8%). The findings showed that assessed domains of subjective quality of life were related to a variety of experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic. The results are presented and discussed in detail. Implications and limitations are given, as well.

Introduction: Mental health problems have increased internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents and their caregivers form a vulnerable group for the development of mental health problems. However, most data stems from high-income countries, and there is a clear lack of prevalence rates and potential risk factors from Balkan countries. No data is available on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in adolescents and their caregivers in North Macedonia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents and their caregivers in a school setting in rural and urban areas of North Macedonia. Survey items assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and respondents’ fear of COVID-19, as well as a number of risk factors, such as gender and living environment. Results: 506 adolescents and 492 caregivers completed the survey. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were mild to moderate in adolescents and their caregivers. Women and girls generally scored higher than men and boys, and adolescents in high school scored higher than those in elementary school. Prevalence rates for depression were 29.2% for adolescents and 10.4% for caregivers, while rates of anxiety were 23.7% for adolescents and 6.1% for caregivers. Conclusion: This study provides a first insight into the mental health of adolescents and their caregivers after the COVID-19 pandemic in North Macedonia. Further research is required to investigate the relatively low rates of caregivers’ mental health problems compared to data from other countries.

Background: Despite the importance of effective assessment and treatment of negative symptoms among patients with psychosis, no validated instruments are available in the Republic of North Macedonia. The aim of this paper was to explore psychometric properties, namely factorial structure, internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity of the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). Subjects and methods: In this cross-sectional study 82 outpatients diagnosed with psychosis (64 with schizophrenia and 18 with bipolar disorder; female=34, mean age=41.05±10.09) were assessed. Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed two factorial structure of the negative symptoms as measured by the CAINS, i.e. ‘expression and motivation’ and ‘pleasure’. Two items aimed to measure motivation for family relations and motivation for work/school activities loaded on the expression factor instead on motivation and pleasure factor which differs from the original version of the CAINS. Convergent validity was proven by positive relationship to negative symptoms as measured by the BPRS. Positive, but weak correlation with BPRS positive symptoms demonstrated its discriminant validity. Internal consistency of overall CAINS scale and its two subscales was very high. Conclusion: The CAINS can be used to assess negative symptoms in individuals with psychosis in the Macedonian clinical context. Consequently, this work can provide a foundation for further clinical advancement and research of negative symptoms in Macedonian healthcare.

The aim of this study was to identify the contextual attributes in North Macedonia and their characteristics relevant to the implementation of a new digital intervention to improve mental health, called DIALOG+. This research is the first of its kind in North Macedonia due to the analysis of contextual attributes that may affect the effectiveness of the intervention and its acceptability in various settings of mental health care. Some of the data processed in this paper were provided and analyzed by the National Mental Health Strategy 2018-2025 and other relevant accompanying documents from the World Health Organization and action plans, as well as through interviews with stakeholders (patients, carers, clinicians and policy makers) for their opinion before introducing the DIALOG + intervention and the report on the assessment of the situation in the centers where the implementation of the intervention should have started. The collected data were then mapped to a framework developed by the Ottawa Implementation Group, which included 14 contextual attributes. The results are summarized in 2 subgroups, and are presented as facilitators and barriers to implementation, specific to the mental health system in North Macedonia. The characteristics of DIALOG + (widely applicable psychosocial intervention) are in accordance with modern assumptions for psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with psychosis. Hence, we can conclude that it is a useful tool for professionals in monitoring and achieving the true vision and mission of these institutions. It will help patients reintegrate into society, become more independent and use their full potential in the pursuit of healthy and functional living., Целта на оваа студија беше да ги идентификува контекстуалните атрибути во Северна Македонија и нивните карактеристики релевантни за спроведување на нова дигитална интервенција за подобрување на менталното здравје, наречена DIALOG+. Ова истражување е прво од ваков вид во Северна Македонија поради анализата на контекстуалните атрибути што може да влијаат на ефективноста на интервенцијата и на нејзината прифатливост во различни поставки на здравствената заштита на менталното здравје. Дел од податоците обработени во овој труд се обезбедени и анализирани од Националната стратегија за ментално здравје 2018-2025 и други соодветни придружни документи од Светската здравствена организација и акциски планови, како и преку интервјуа со засегнатите страни (пациенти, негуватели, клиничари и креатори на политики) за нивното мислење пред воведување на интервенцијата DIALOG+ и извештајот за проценка на состојбата во центрите каде требаше да се започне со имплементирање на интервенцијата. Потоа, собраните податоци беа мапирани на рамката развиена од Групата за имплементација на Отава, која вклучува 14 контекстуални атрибути. Резултатите беа сумирани во 2 подгрупи, и се прикажани како фацилитатори и бариери за спроведување, специфични за ментално-здравствениот систем во Северна Македонија. Карактеристиките на DIALOG+ (широко применлива психосоцијална интервенција) се во согласност со современите претпоставки за психосоцијална рехабилитација на пациенти со психоза. Оттука, може да заклучиме дека претставува корисна алатка за професионалците во следење и остварување на вистинската визија и мисија на овие установи. Тоа ќе им помогне на пациентите да се реинтегрираат во општеството, да станат понезависни и да ги искористат своите целосни капацитети во потрага по здравствено и функционално живеење.

Background: There is increasing interest in the use of telemedicine as a means of health care delivery especially in circumstances of pandemics. This is partly because technological advances have made the equipment less expensive and simpler to use and partly because increasing health care costs and patient expectations have increased the need to find alternative modes of health care delivery. Introduction: Telemedicine and telepsychiatry, in particular, are rapidly becoming important delivery approaches to providing clinical care and information to patients in cases wherein the medical resources and the patients are very hard to be brought together with respect to rules of behavior in case of epidemics. The reliance on technology to bridge the obstacles between the patients (consumers) and medical resources (providers) can create problems that impact service delivery and outcomes, but in cases such as this (COVID-19 pandemics), this is virtually the only tool for providing clinical care and information to patients. Materials and Methods: A client satisfaction survey was undertaken in a daily hospital (a part of University Clinic of Psychiatry in Skopje). The anonymous modified self-report questionnaire (short form patient satisfaction questionnaire [PSQ-18]) covering demographic, gender, and age variables was endorsed by 28 participants. The mean age of the subjects was 40.25 ± 22 years, with a small majority of men (18 participants) versus women (11 participants). Results: Overall satisfaction with psychiatric care was high (80.22%). None of the demographic or other variables correlated significantly with satisfaction. Discussion: We had to reduce rate and time length of our face-to-face contacts with patients as a result of pandemics but they were able to reach their doctors virtually at all times. Conclusions: Many mental health professionals are using widely available, commercial software downloaded from the internet to provide care directly to a patient's home.

Background: Negative symptoms are core features of schizophrenia and very challenging to be treated. Identification of their structure is crucial to provide a better treatment. Increasing evidence supports the superiority of a five-factor model (alogia, blunted affect, anhedonia, avolition, and asociality as defined by the NMIH-MATRICS Consensus); however, previous data primarily used the Brief Negative Symptoms Scale (BNSS). This study, including a calibration and a cross-validation sample (n = 268 and 257, respectively) of participants with schizophrenia, used the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) to explore the latent structure of negative symptoms and to test theoretical and data-driven (from this study) models of negative symptoms. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out to investigate the structure of negative symptoms based on the CAINS. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested in a cross-validation sample four competing theoretical (one-factor, two-factor, five-factor, and hierarchical factor) models and two EFA-derived models. Result: None of the theoretical models was confirmed with the CFA. A CAINS-rated model from EFA consisting of five factors (expression, motivation for recreational activities, social activities, vocational, and close/intimate relationships) was an excellent fit to the data (comparative fix index = 0.97, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.96, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.07). Conclusions: This study cannot support recent data on the superiority of the five-factor model defined by the NMIH-MATRICS consensus and suggests that an alternative model might be a better fit. More research to confirm the structure of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, and careful methodological consideration, should be warranted before a definitive model can put forward and shape diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health of women in the perinatal period, with an accent on the intensity of depressive symptomatology, and explore the relationship between the specific aspects of Covid-19 pandemic and the registered risk factors for perinatal depression in women. Methods: The study sample consisted of 54 patients, with heterogeneous demographic characteristics (age, marital status, educational background, socio[1]economic status and religious affiliation) selected from the Cabinet for women with perinatal mental health issues at the University Clinic for Psychiatry in Skopje, where they were treated in the period from January 2020 until December 2021 The included patients met the criteria for the diagnosis F.32 during pregnancy, or F32.01/F32.02 postpartum depression in compliance to the ICD 10, and were treated accordingly with a combined approach using psychological interventions and psychopharmaceutic treatment encompassing antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, mood stabilizing drugs or a combination of the above mentioned. The inclusion criteria mandated that they were pregnant or had a child in the past two years. The participants could have been subjected to inpatient, or outpatient treatment, or a combination of both modalities during this time. In order to minimize the risk of infection during pandemic times, and protect the health of participants and researchers, the interviews were conducted via telephone beginning with obtaining an informed consent for participation in the study from the patients who were primarily informed in detail about the aims of the study, their rights and protection of their data and anonymity. We used the following methodology: - A structured, non-standardized socio-demographic questionnaire including 11 items regarding age, parity, realized pregnancies, course of pregnancy and delivery, type of treatment, pharmacological therapy, marital status, socio-economic status, educational background, religious affiliation and presence of previously established risk factors in the world literature; - A structured, non-standardized questionnaire regarding the effects of Covid-19 pandemic consisting of 11 questions; - Edinburgh Depression Perinatal Scale (EDPS) This is a 10-questions self-reported scale, which proved to be a valuable and efficient tool for screening perinatal depression. Namely, a presence of clinical depression was registered in 17.2% of the included participants using the EDPS, the percentage of perinatal depression before the COVID-19 pandemic ranged between 10-14% and has been presented in the literature. Of these, 37.8% were registered in Spain, and 40.7% in Canada [3]. Results: The statistical analysis of data from the structured non-standardized questionnaire for the effects of Covid-19 pandemic showed no statistical significance in the subjectively reported effects from the pandemic on participants’ mental health based on the question from the structured non-standardized Covid-19 questionnaire “Do you feel that the Covid-19 pandemic had an effect on your mental health prior or after the childbirth?” where 55.6% answered with “Yes” and 44.4% with “No”. In spite of this, we gained a perspective of the prevailing risk factors in this population and the correlational analysis of data from the questionnaires granted us insights into further investigation of the relationship between the co-variables.

Considering that both observer ratings and patient self-reports on severity of psychopathological symptoms are being used in research and clinical settings, this paper aims to explore the degree of congruence between these two sources. Eighty-two adult outpatients diagnosed with psychotic disorders rated their symptoms using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Observers assessed patients' functioning using the Brief Psychiatry Rating Scale (BPRS). Self-ratings (overall BSI) were strongly correlated to observers' evaluations (overall BPRS). Anxiety/depression symptoms dimension of the BPRS were significantly associated with all nine symptom dimensions of the BSI, while positive symptoms dimension and unusual and withdrawal behavior in the BPRS showed a significant relationship to seven symptom dimensions as measured with the BSI. Mania/activation in the BPRS was significantly and negatively related only to phobic anxiety in BSI. Eight symptom dimensions of the BSI (interpersonal sensitivity was an exception), as well as unusual and withdrawal behavior and positive symptoms in the BPRS were rated as more severe in unemployed study participants. Self-rated paranoid ideation was higher in less educated participants. No sex or marital status differences were found in the BSI and BPRS dimensions. The obtained pattern of correlations implied that congruence was highest in regards to affective symptomatology, followed by positive symptoms, and lowest for disorganization and withdrawal behavior.

This study aimed to analyze treatment guidelines of 12 SEE countries to identify non-pharmacological interventions recommended for schizophrenia, explore the evidence base supporting recommendations, and assess the implementation of recommended interventions. Desk and content analysis were employed to analyze the guidelines. Experts were surveyed across the 12 countries to assess availability of non-pharmacological treatments in leading mental health institutions, staff training, and inclusion in the official service price list. Most SEE countries have published treatment guidelines for schizophrenia focused on pharmacotherapy. Nine countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—included non-pharmacological interventions. The remaining three countries—Kosovo (UN Resolution), Romania, and Slovenia—have not published such treatment guidelines, however they are on offer in leading institutions. The median number of recommended interventions was seven (range 5–11). Family therapy and psychoeducation were recommended in most treatment guidelines. The majority of recommended interventions have a negative or mixed randomized controlled trial evidence base. A small proportion of leading mental health institutions includes these interventions in their official service price list. The interventions recommended in the treatment guidelines seem to be rarely implemented within mental health services in the SEE countries.

Background: Non-pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia includes educational, psychotherapeutic, social, and physical interventions. Despite growing importance of these interventions in the holistic treatment of individuals with schizophrenia, very little is known about their availability in South-East European countries (SEE). Objective: To explore mental health care experts’ opinions of the availability of non-pharmacological treatment for people with schizophrenia in SEE. Methods: An online survey containing 11 questions was completed by one mental health expert from each of the following SEE countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo†, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Data were collected on estimated rates of received non-pharmacological interventions, type of services delivering these interventions, and expert views of availability barriers. Results: In eight countries, the estimated percentage of people with schizophrenia who receive non-pharmacological treatments was below 35%. The primary explanations for the low availability of non-pharmacological treatments were: lack of human and financial resources, lack of training for clinicians, and pharmacotherapy dominance in the treatment for schizophrenia. Conclusion: Lack of personal and institutional resources and state support were identified as primary obstacles to staff training and delivering non-pharmacological treatments to people with schizophrenia on individual and systemic levels, respectively. This evidence can be used to improve holistic, evidence-based treatment for schizophrenia in the SEE countries.

The study investigated behavioral measures of social distance (i.e., desired proximity between self and others in social contexts) as an index of stigma against those with mental illness among medical students in the Republic of North Macedonia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Poland, using the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS), a standardized, self-administered behavioral measure based on the Star Social Distance Scale. The students' responses to standardized clinical vignettes on schizophrenia, and depression with suicidal ideation, were also assessed. A total of 257 North Macedonian (females, 31.5%; 1-4 grades, 189; 5-6 grades, 68); 268 Turkish (females, 43.3%; 1-4 grades, 90; 5-6 grades, 178); 450 Kazakh (females, 28.4%, 71.6%; 1-4 grades, 312; 5-6 grades, 138); 512 Azerbaijani (females, 24%; 1-4 grades, 468; 5-6 grades, 44; females, 24%), and 317 Polish (females, 59.0%; 1-4 grades, 208; 5-6 grades, 109) students were surveyed. The responses on the RIBS social distance behavior measures did not improve with advancing medical school grade, but students across all sites viewed schizophrenia and depression as real medical illnesses. The results support the development of enhanced range of integrated training opportunities for medical student to socially interact with persons with mental illness sharing their experiences with them.

Background: CMHTs deliver healthcare that supports the recovery of people with mental illness. They should achieve a sufficient level of good quality teamwork, composed of individual professional skills as well their adaptation within the clearly defined roles in teams in order to work efficiently. This paper analyses to what extent team members of five CMHTs newly implemented in five countries had introduced aspects of the recovery-oriented approach and evaluates what the team members’ perceptions on their collaborative care roles and their level of confidence with this role are.Method: A quantitative survey was administered among 66 professionals and peer worker including the Recovery Self-Assessment Tool Provider Version (RSA-P), the Team Member Self-Assessment Tool (TMSA), and demographic questions. Result: The RSA-P showed that all teams had the perception that they provide recovery–oriented practice to a moderately high degree after a training week on recovery-oriented care. Healthcare providers with fewer years of professional experience perceived more frequently that they operated in a recovery-oriented way (p=0.036, B -0.268). Nurses and peer workers did not feel confident or responsible to fulfil specific roles.Conclusion: Trainings on community-based practices and collaborative teamwork may facilitates recovery-oriented care and helps to improve team cohesion. Trial registration: Each trial was registered before participant enrolment in the clinicaltrials.gov database: Croatia, Zagreb (Trial Reg. No. NCT03862209); Montenegro, Kotor (Trial Reg. No. NCT03837340); Romania, Suceava (Trial Reg. No. NCT03884933); Macedonia, Skopje (Trial Reg. No. NCT03892473); Bulgaria, Sofia (Trial Reg. No. NCT03922425)

Background Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) deliver healthcare that supports the recovery of people with mental illness. The aim of this paper was to explore to what extent team members of five CMHTs newly implemented in five countries perceived that they had introduced aspects of the recovery-oriented, strength-based approach into care after a training week on recovery-oriented practice. In addition, it evaluated what the team members’ perceptions on their care roles and their level of confidence with this role were. Method An observational intervention study using a quantitative survey that was administered among 52 health professionals (21 Nurses, 13 Psychiatrists, 9 Psychologists, 8 Social Workers) and 14 peer workers including the Recovery Self-Assessment Tool Provider Version (RSA-P), the Team Member Self-Assessment Tool (TMSA), and demographic questions was conducted. The measures were self-reported. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the means and standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables (TMSA tool and demographic data). The standard technique to calculate scale scores for each subscale of the RSA-P was used. Bivariate linear regression analyses were applied to explore the impact of predictors on the subscales of the RSA-P. Predictors with significant effects were included in multiple regression models. Result The RSA-P showed that all teams had the perception that they provide recovery–oriented practice to a moderately high degree after a training week on recovery-oriented care (mean scores between 3.85–4.46). Health professionals with fewer years of professional experience perceived more frequently that they operated in a recovery-oriented way (p = 0.036, B = − 0.268). Nurses and peer workers did not feel confident or responsible to fulfil specific roles. Conclusion The findings suggest that a one-week training session on community-based practices and collaborative teamwork may enhance recovery-oriented practice, but the role of nurses and peer workers needs further attention. Trial registration Each trial was registered before participant enrolment in the clinicaltrials.gov database: Croatia, Zagreb (Trial Reg. No. NCT03862209); Montenegro, Kotor (Trial Reg. No. NCT03837340); Romania, Suceava (Trial Reg. No. NCT03884933); Macedonia, Skopje (Trial Reg. No. NCT03892473); Bulgaria, Sofia (Trial Reg. No. NCT03922425).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this scoping review was to identify and map the available evidence on recent innovations in community mental healthcare across the globe. RECENT FINDINGS This review highlights the different innovative approaches and strategies being currently used in the field of community mental health. Key approaches found in the reviewed studies include collaborative care with the inclusion of peer workers, growing use of e-health and telepsychiatry, improved reforms on national mental health policies and de-institutionalization, modification of outreach models and mental health promotion in the community. The studies reviewed here suggest that continued innovation and implementation of new models and strategies have the potential to reduce the burden of disease and increase the quality of life for patients with mental health issues. SUMMARY Growing body of evidence shows that integrative care is the new standard of care for people with mental illnesses, with necessity of continuity of care from emergency department to community mental health services. Social determinants of rehabilitation and recovery, and peers support remain a new main topic of research in area of treatment of people with severe mental illnesses. E-health tools are becoming prevalent in the processes of promotion, prevention and treatment in mental healthcare.

Background: It is considered that depressive disorder most often begins in the reproductive period, around 20 years of age. Introduction: The greatest risk or danger for the young depressed mother is suicide, which is being considered the second cause of death in the young during the reproductive years. Unfortunately, it happens usually at the end of the pregnancy or during the first postpartum year. Materials and methods: The investigation comprised 69 patients at the age between 18 and 44 years, with postpartum depression. Patients were diagnosed and treated during their pregnancy and postpartum period. Patients were analyzed by using a structured clinically diagnostic psychiatric interview, psychodiagnostic instruments for assessment of anxiety and depression, HAM-A and HAM-D. Depression and anxiety were evaluated in the beginning of the treatment and after three months of treatment. Patients were treated with psychological interventions and pharmacological treatment, SSRI or SNRI antidepressant therapy, during pregnancy or postpartum period. Results: Cross-sectional study was conducted in a 3-month-period and comprised 69 patients, of which 71.0% were at the age older than 30 years, and 29.0% younger than 30 years. Of these, 81.5% of patients received antidepressants, 24.6% received antipsychotics and anxiolytics, alone or in combination. Discussion: The results have shown a statistically significant presence of risk factors in patients with antenatal or postpartum depression. The results have shown a significant reduction of anxiety and depression after application of SSRI therapy and psychological individual and group interventions by empowering the mother to care for herself and her child. Conclusion: Proper care for the mental health of the mother is the care for the entire society, healthy mother, healthy children and healthy society. Early recognition of the risk factors for development of antenatal depression leads to prevention of onset of antenatal or postpartum depression.

BACKGROUND: Mother’s mental state during pregnancy is of substantial importance for the mother, but also for the infant and his/her future growth and development. Depressive maternal disorders during pregnancy have a significant influence on the development of the baby during pregnancy as well as on the future development and mother-baby relation, the breastfeeding process and care for the baby. AIM: This study aimed to determine the influence of SSRI antidepressant therapy and psychosocial and therapeutic interventions on depression during pregnancy. It was also our aim to determine the relation between severity of depression and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: The study included 40 women, with diagnosis F32 and F33 according to ICD 10, that is, with severe depressive disorder within depressive episodes or recurrent depressive disorder. Patients were evaluated at the beginning of the treatment and 3 months after antidepressant treatment. They were followed-up for two years. RESULTS: The results obtained have shown that a larger number of mothers treated with antidepressant medications, had normal childbirth with the unremarkable condition of both, the mother and the newborn baby. CONCLUSION: A well-combined treatment of maternal depression during pregnancy reduces the risk of postpartum depression, which is by itself a prerequisite for normal emotional and behavioural development of the child.

BACKGROUND: The depressive disorder is one of the most frequent mental disorders, which is often associated with severe dysfunctionality. Personality traits are considered as important factors for the occurrence of depressive disorder.AIM: To determine the specificity of personality dimensions as predictive factors of depressive disorder.METHODS: This research was conducted at the University Psychiatric Clinic Skopje as a "case-control" study. TCI-R (temperament and character inventory – revised) was used as the main research instrument.RESULTS: There are specific personality traits expressed through high scores of Harm Avoidance and low scores of Self –Directedness traits as predictive factors related to an incidence of the depressive disorder.CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that certain personal traits, and more specific HA and SD, are with a specific predictability of the depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: The depression is a cross-cultural condition that occurs in all cultures and within all nations with certain specificities, even though there are some differences in its manifestation. The hereditary load is of major importance, but also the individual personality factors, in the form of risk factors, are associated with the occurrence of depression. Personality characteristics have a significant impact on the occurrence of the recurrent depressive disorder and the outcome of the treatment as well.AIM: To identify the specific personality traits in people with the recurrent depressive disorder and the impact of the affective state on them.METHODS: Three questionnaires were used: a general questionnaire, Beck's scale of depressive symptoms, and TCI-R (inventory for temperament and character).RESULTS: The most indicative differences in the dimensions are found in the Harm avoidance and the Self-direction dimensions, and most variable dimensions dependent on effective state are Novelty seeking and Reward dependence.CONCLUSION: The people with the recurrent depressive disorder have a different profile of personality traits (temperament and character) compared with the control group, and their characteristics depend on their current affective state.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with schizophrenia have severe problems with self-care which affects their quality of life.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper was to monitor self-care in patients with schizophrenia and to find out the differences regarding socio-demographic characteristics and ambulatory and day hospital treatment.METHOD: The investigation included 120 subjects each with diagnosis F20 according to ICD 10 criteria; divided in two groups of 60 patients regarding their actual treatment (the first group received ambulatory care whereas those from the second group had a day hospital treatment). Patients were of different age and gender, receiving regular antipsychotic therapy. They were included in individual and group psychosocial therapeutic procedures during the day hospital treatment. The investigation utilized the following diagnostic instruments: standardized clinical interview and Personal and social performance scale (PSP scale), non-standardized questionnaire of socio-demographic data, family support and existence of mental disorder in other family members.RESULTS: The results have shown better personal and social functioning in patients who had family support, in those who are employed, in those with no mental disorder in other family members and in patients on day hospital treatment against patients receiving ambulatory care.CONCLUSION: Day hospital treatment, family support and social support improve self-care of patients with schizophrenia.

The sleep-related problems of shift workers usually occur as transient phenomena related to the timing of work. Sleep disorders, related to sleep deprivation, have a major impact on the quality of life and health status of healthcare workers. Reduced quantity and quality of sleep negatively affects the activities of shift workers, particularly in terms of their social functioning, quality of life and health. However, it seems that health authorities and the medical staff are negligent when it comes to the negative effects on health caused by work in night shifts. Recently published studies in this field suggest that appropriate public health preventive programs dealing with sleep disorders successfully contribute towards the quality of life of workers.

BACKGROUND: World statistical data show that a large number of individuals suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to the intense traumatic event. PTSD can have a chronic course with enduring changes in the functioning of the person.CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report two adult individuals of different gender and education who were exposed to the extremely severe stressful event after which difficulties in psychological functioning developed. The first case we present is a 46-year-old man, with completed high education, divorced, father of two children, who lives with his parents, and is retired. Disorders appeared 20 years ago when he was exposed to extremely severe stressful events in war circumstances that included captivity, torture, and loss of fellow soldiers. The second case is a 50-year-old female patient, with a university degree, professor of art, married, and mother of two children of whom the son died six years ago. She suffered from disorders after the sudden injury of her son that ended with his death.CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic stress disorder after the intense stress is a risk of development enduring personality changes with serious individual and social consequences.Â

Background: Gender issues are extensively explored in schizophrenia. A mounting body of research evidence suggests that there are gender differences in the age at onset, duration of untreated psychosis and presented psychopathology. In recent years, in order to obtain neurophysiologic explanation for the disturbed behavior and thinking in schizophrenia, numerous studies have been performed focusing on the QEEG parameters. However, the results were inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender differences in some clinical and QEEG parameters in schizophrenia patients. Subjects and methods: Thirty schizophrenia patients were enrolled in the study (M/F ratio 13/17; mean age 34 years). The QEEG parameters which were analyzed were amplitude, mean frequency and relative power of the main bands of the basic activity. Clinical assessment was performed using the PANSS, BPRS and CGI scales. Results: QEEG parameters demonstrating statistically significant difference were amplitude and relative power in beta activity and lower mean theta frequency over left frontal, temporal and parietal regions in female patients who also had statistically significant differences in PANSS and BPRS scores. Conclusion: Differences in amplitude and relative power in the beta bands in female schizophrenic patients are associated with more severe actual psychopathology. Considering the relatively small sample, the current results must be replicated with a larger group of drug-free patients to confirm the findings.

The functioning of the human body is regulated by the rhythmical change between rest and activity. The SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) is responsible for the central control of the biorhythm and the genetic prediction of the individual chronotype, whereas peripheral time cues such as light, social contacts and times of meals modulate the rhythmical activity of the body. Shift workers suffer from a disruption of the sleep-wake rhythm, insomnia and a lack of melatonin. These factors might trigger the development of breast cancer in female shift workers. The growing amount of data which indicate the high risk of breast cancer in female shift workers demonstrates the need for the implementation of prevention strategies against insomnia in shift workers. These strategies include regular sleep education courses on the prevention of sleep disorders in companies. The individual chronotype could be an important predictor for the adaptability to shift work.

Eight community mental health care centres (initiated by the South-Eastern Europe Stability Pact) in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Romania were evaluated. Characteristics of patients, patient reported outcomes and patient views of care were assessed in 305 psychiatric patients. Patient characteristics varied across centres, with most patients having long term psychotic disorders. Treatment satisfaction and therapeutic relationships were rated favourably. Subjective quality of life mean scores were rather low, with higher satisfaction with health and dissatisfaction with the financial and employment situation. Being unemployed was the only factor associated with poor quality of life and lower treatment satisfaction. Most developing centres target patients with persistent psychotic disorders. Care appears highly valued by the patients. The findings encourage establishing more centres in the region and call for employment schemes for people with mental illnesses.

Background Implementation of psychosocial interventions in mental health services has the potential to improve the treatment of psychosis spectrum disorders (PSD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where care is predominantly focused on pharmacotherapy. The first step is to understand the views of key stakeholders. We conducted a multi-language qualitative study to explore the contextual barriers and facilitators to implementation of a cost-effective, digital psychosocial intervention, called DIALOG+, for treating PSD. DIALOG+ builds on existing clinician-patient relationships without requiring development of new services, making it well-fitting for healthcare systems with scarce resources. Methods Thirty-two focus groups were conducted with 174 participants (patients, clinicians, policymakers and carers), who were familiarized with DIALOG+ through a presentation. The Southeast European LMICs included in this research were: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, (Kosovo is referred throughout the text by United Nations resolution) North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Framework analysis was used to analyse the participants’ accounts. Results Six major themes were identified. Three themes (Intervention characteristics; Carers’ involvement; Patient and organisational benefits) were interpreted as perceived implementation facilitators. The theme Attitudes and perceived preparedness of potential adopters comprised of subthemes that were interpreted as both perceived implementation facilitators and barriers. Two other themes (Frequency of intervention delivery; Suggested changes to the intervention) were more broadly related to the intervention’s implementation. Participants were exceedingly supportive of the implementation of a digital psychosocial intervention such as DIALOG+. Attractive intervention characteristics, efficient use of scarce resources for its implementation and potential to improve mental health services were seen as the main implementation facilitators. The major implementation barrier identified was psychiatrists’ time constrains. Conclusions This study provided important insights regarding implementation of digital psychosocial interventions for people with PSD in low-resource settings by including perspectives from four stakeholder groups in five LMICs in Southeast Europe – a population and region rarely explored in the literature. The perceived limited availability of psychiatrists could be potentially resolved by increased inclusion of other mental health professionals in service delivery for PSD. These findings will be used to inform the implementation strategy of DIALOG+ across the participating countries. The study also offers insights into multi-country qualitative research.