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Introduction In this research, we investigate how Aberrant Salience (AS), Psychotic-Like Experiences (PLEs), and anxiety are interlinked in both healthy individuals and subjects with psychotic disorders. AS is a trait contributing to a susceptibility to psychosis and anxiety, while PLEs are subclinical states often leading to psychosis. We hypothesize that AS impacts the occurrence and severity of PLEs, which in turn influences anxiety. Objectives The goal is to offer a more nuanced understanding of the risk factors leading to psychotic disorders and to shed light on anxiety psychopathogenesis in healthy and psychotic populations. Methods We used self-reported questionnaires like the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI), Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), and Symptom Check List-90-revised (SCL-90-R). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and mediation analysis, adjusting for age, gender, and education. Controls were sourced through convenience and snowball sampling, while out-patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder with psychotic features, or Major Depression with psychotic features were recruited from Florence University Hospital. Results A total of 207 participants were included, with 163 controls and 44 patients. Descriptive statistics are shown in Table 1. Mediation analysis showed that PLEs frequency acted as a mediator between AS and anxiety only in the control group (Figure 1), not in patients (Figure 2). Table 1. Descriptive statistics - Mean ± Std. Deviation. Control Group (N=163) Psychotic Group (N=44) p-value ASI 11.690 ± 6.098 14.360 ± 7.163 0.014 CAPEposF 1.391 ± 0.340 1.617 ± 0.488 0.001 CAPEposD 1.792 ± 0.615 1.941 ± 0.694 0.167 SCL-90-R-ANX 0.678 ± 0.600 0.905 ± 0.643 0.030 Legend: ASI, Aberrant Salience Inventory; CAPEposF, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences - positive dimension - Frequency; CAPEposD, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences - positive dimension - Distress; SCL-90-R-ANX, Symptom Check List-90-revised, Anxiety. Image: Image 2: Conclusions PLEs triggered by AS led to anxiety in the control group but not in psychotic patients. The discrepancy could be due to reduced novelty and awareness of experiences in the patient group. This may affect how bodily responses to PLEs are perceived and suggests the need for specialized treatment approaches for anxiety in these two groups. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction The aim of this project is to study to which extent salience alterations influence the severity of psychotic symptoms. However, rather than studying them individually, we decided to focus on their interplay with two additional variables, that is: observing their effect in a vulnerability phase (adolescence) and with another added, well-recognized risk factor (cannabis use). The reason for this study design lies in the fact that, in our opinion, it is fundamental to observe the trajectory of psychotic symptoms over a continuum; however, rather than adopting a longitudinal approach, we decided to structure it as a cross-sectional study confronting patients from two age brackets - adolescence and adulthood. Objectives The primary purpose of this study was to assess a difference between THC-abusing and non-abusing patients in adolescent and adult cohorts, using the Italian version of the psychometric scale “Aberrant Salience Inventory” (ASI), and the possible correlation with more severe psychotic symptoms. The employment of several different psychometric scales and the inclusion of a variegated cohort allowed to pursue multiple secondary objectives. Methods We recruited 192 patients, subsequently divided into six subgroups based on age and department of recruitment (whether adolescent or adult psychiatric or neurologic units - the latter serving as controls). Each individual was administered a set of questionnaires and a socio-demographic survey; the set included: Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI), Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Mania Rating Scale (MRS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Association for Methodology and Documentation in Psychiatry (AMDP) and Cannabis Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Results The data analysis showed statistically significant (p

BackgroundNewborns’ deaths and life-threatening conditions represent extremely stressful events for parents and professionals working in NICUs, facilitating the onset of secondary traumatic stress symptoms. The STRONG study aims to better understand the psychological impact on Italian NICUs staff of bereavement care.MethodsThe STRONG (STress afteR lOss in NeonatoloGy) study is a cross-sectional study based on a web survey consisted of four sections: sociodemographic, CommuniCARE-Newborn questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.Results227 NICU workers (42.7% nurses, 23.3% midwives, 22.2% physicians, 11.8% other HCPs) answered the survey. The hardest tasks were “communicating baby’s death” and “informing on autopsy results”; 44.7% of HCPs did not receive formal training in communicating bad news, 44.2% ‘learned from the field’ by watching other colleagues; 41.2% declared that they do not have any communication strategy. More than 90% of professionals thought that training on bereavement care is necessary. The majority of HCPs showed some degree of post-traumatic stress symptoms: 34% medium and 35.3% severe. Professionals with training in bereavement care and/or in communication had less probability to develop stress symptoms. A multivariate analysis showed that higher levels of burnout were associated with 4 or more monthly losses and medium or severe stress symptoms. Having a well-defined communication strategy for breaking bad news was independently associated with a better personal accomplishment.ConclusionDealing with newborns’ deaths is a highly stressful task; professionals should receive proper support such as debriefing, psychological support and training in order to prevent post-traumatic stress symptoms and reduce professional burnout.

Abstract Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) may be a mirror of a poor cardiometabolic state. In a small pilot study enrolling 71 women with FSD, we previously demonstrated that clitoral Pulsatility Index (PI) evaluated by using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU), reflecting vascular resistance, was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Data on uterine CDU in this context are lacking. First, to confirm previously reported data on the direct association between clitoral PI and cardiometabolic risk factors on a larger study population of women consulting for sexual symptoms; second, to investigate eventual similar correlations between cardiometabolic risk factors and CDU parameters of the uterine artery. We also ascertained whether uterine artery PI, similarly to what had previously been observed for clitoral artery PI, was directly related to body image uneasiness and psychopathological symptoms, assessed by validated questionnaires. N = 230 women consulting our clinic for sexual symptoms were examined with clitoral CDU and blood sampling and were asked to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). In a subgroup of women (n = 164), we also performed transvaginal CDU with measurement of uterine artery parameters. At multivariate analysis, we found a direct association between clitoral PI and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.004), triglycerides (p = 0.006), insulin (p = 0.029) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.009). Furthermore, a correlation between obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and a higher clitoral PI was observed (p = 0.003 and p = 0.012, respectively). Clitoral PI was also correlated with MHQ-S (p = 0.010), a scale exploring somatized anxiety symptoms, and BUT-B Positive Symptom Distress Index (p = 0.010), a measure of body image concerns. Similarly, when investigating the uterine artery, we were able to demonstrate an association between its PI and BMI (p

Introduction Attachment style is defined by the American Psychological Association as “the characteristic way people relate to others in the context of intimate relationships”. Four attachment styles have been described: secure, fearful, preoccupied, and dismissing. While the effect of attachment style on psychotherapy was widely investigated, few studies have investigated its role in determining beliefs about medicines in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoccupied attachment style and beliefs about medicines in patients with MDD. Methods 27 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of MDD were enrolled. Working Alliance Inventory - patient version (WAI-P), Relationship Style Questionnaire (RSQ) and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) were administered. An ANCOVA model having BMQ total score as dependent variable and age, sex, RSQ preoccupied attachment subscale and WAI-P task subscale as predictors was considered. WAI-P task was intended to assess the role of agreement on therapeutic choices. Results The overall model was significant (F(4,22)=9,571, P

Introduction There is a known association between the core psychopathological features of anorexia nervosa (AN) and sexual dysfunctions, to the point that the recovery of healthy sexuality could be considered a marker of recovery. However, no studies have evaluated the role of insecure attachment in moderating this recovery during treatment. Objectives To evaluate the role of insecure attachment as a possible moderator of the recovery of healthy sexuality in patients with AN treated with Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E). Methods A total of 65 patients with anorexia nervosa were treated with CBT-E in a multidisciplinary environment, after filling out self-administered questionnaires for the evaluation of general (SCL-90-R) and ED-specific psychopathology (EDE-Q), female sexuality (FSFI) and adult attachment style (ECR). The assessment was repeated after one (T1) and two years (T2). Results At baseline, all domains of sexual dysfunction were significantly predicted by avoidant attachment. A significant amelioration of both general and eating disorder-specific psychopathology and sexual dysfunctions was observed at all follow-up evaluations with respect to baseline levels. However, only 45% of remitted patients also showed a complete recovery of healthy sexuality: this subgroup reported significantly lower avoidance scores when compared to patients who only recovered from AN. Moderation analysis indicated that sexual desire did not increase in participants with higher levels of avoidant attachment. Conclusions This study highlighted the crucial role of avoidant attachment in the relationship between AN and sexual dysfunctions, underlining the importance of assessing adult attachment for a better characterization and treatment. Attachment-focused interventions may be beneficial for a full recovery. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Clinical relapses in schizophrenia remain a frequent event. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics enhance adherence, but low blood levels can sometimes be observed despite an adequate posology. Nonetheless, the evaluation of this parameter is uncommon in clinical practice. Objectives To explore the potential advantages of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of LAIs as a predictor of relapse in clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia. Methods 44 individuals who had reached the pharmacokinetic steady state of LAI treatment (paliperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole) underwent an anamnestic and psychopathological assessment. LAI blood levels were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and classified as “in range” or “under range” according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP) guideline values. Individuals who relapsed during the one-year follow-up were compared to non-relapsers (Fisher’s exact test, χ2 or Mann-Whitney U). An exploratory binary logistic regression tested the role of other possible relevant predictors of relapse. Results No differences were observed in baseline use of mood stabilisers (p=0.211), antidepressants (p=0.530), or prescribed LAI (p=0.563). Other comparisons are presented in the table: among these variables, in-range LAI levels were the only significant predictor of relapse (F=5.95, p=0.015; OR 0.04, 95%CI 0.02-0.56). Relapse (n=6) No relapse (n=38) p Age (years) 41.33±10.78 43.95±12.98 0.667 Male 4 (66.7%) 21 (55.3%) 0.600 Illness duration (years) 21.83±2.64 19.13±11.82 0.289 Previous acute episodes 3.50±1.05 3.29±1.47 0.652 PANSS-total 49.33±14.83 42.74±14.14 0.231 In-range LAI 2 (33.3%) 32 (84.2%) 0.006 Conclusions TDM of LAIs may optimise the clinical management of schizophrenia by highlighting a suboptimal dosage and a consequent higher relapse risk. Large-scale, drug-specific assessments are needed to confirm these findings. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Theory of Mind (ToM) is defined as the ability to understand mental states of other people. Recent studies explored its role in various psychopathological disorders, but evidence lacks on the relationship existing between specific psychopathological domains and ToM. Objectives We aimed to investigate the relationship between psychopathology of Anxiety Disorders (AD) and Theory of Mind. Methods We enrolled 35 patients admitted to the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi Hospital in Florence with diagnosis of AD. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RMET). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between variables. Results A significant positive correlation was detected between RMET scores and ZSAS total scores (r=0.385, p=0.022), MCQ-30 Negative Beliefs about Uncontrollability and Danger subscale (MCQ-30-Neg, r=0.407, p=0.015), and MCQ-30 Cognitive Self-Consciousness subscale (MCQ-30-CSC, r=0.349, p=0.040). Correlations between the variables in the study and Reading the mind in the eyes total scores are shown. RMET total score r p MCQ-30-Neg 0.407 0.015 MCQ-30-CSC 0.349 0.040 MCQ-30 Positive beliefs about Worry 0.073 0.667 MCQ-30 Lack of Cognitive Confidence -0.245 0.155 MCQ-30 Need to Control Thoughts 0.311 0.069 ZSAS total scores 0.385 0.022 Conclusions Such preliminary data suggest a relationship between Theory of Mind and AD psychopathology. In particular, some dimensions of AD psychopathology seem to predict higher Theory of Mind levels. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction It is proven that high levels of disgust contribute to implementing protective behaviors. Investigators also discovered that the emotion of disgust plays a central role in determining anxiety related to the contraction of COVID-19. Few data are available about the role of the contamination disgust, a specific disgust domain, in this relationship. Objectives The effect of contamination disgust on COVID-19-related anxiety was investigated. Methods 295 healthy subjects were enrolled through an online survey. They completed Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) and were asked to estimate their levels of Covid-19-related anxiety in 12 proposed situations. A total score was then calculated. An ANOVA model having Covid-19-related anxiety total score as dependent variable, and DS-R contamination disgust, age, and sex as predictors was estimated. Results The overall model was significant (F(3,291)=6.402, p

Introduction The high technical barrier to entry in the field of neuroimaging can hinder early insight from promising results and the development of evidence-based clinical practice. Objectives The working group focused on published literature in order to develop a new methodology in the analysis, visualization, and representation of fMRI data in the psychiatric setting. Methods Three valid and established measures were chosen, in order to achieve dimensionality reduction, stability and explainability of results, namely Regional-Homogeneity; fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations; Eigenvector-Centrality. Each measure was color coded and individual images per subject compiled, averaging results by functional networks as described the FIND lab of the University of Stanford. 272 individual scans were processed (130 neurotypicals, 50 patients with Schizophrenia, 49 with Bipolar Disorder, 43 with ADHD). Results The discriminative power between clinical groups of the novel method was significant both by human eye, and later confirmation by statistical tests, and by computer vision algorithms (Convolutional Neural Networks). The precision-recall Area Under the Curve, dividing by 80/20 proportion between train and test sets, was >84.5% for each group. The group of patients with Bipolar Disorder showed a partial overlap with the group of patients suffering from Schizophrenia – by a dominance of Eigenvector-Centrality and Regional-Homogeneity, as well as a lower prevalence of fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations, for both in comparison to controls. Conclusions The present study offers preliminary evidence for the adoption of i-ECO (integrated-Explainability through Color Coding) in fMRI analyses during rest in the Psychiatric field. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Theory of Mind is defined as the ability to understand mental states of other people, and is notoriously impaired in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A growing body of evidence suggests an impairment of Theory of Mind in several other psychopathological disorders. However, only few studies have assessed Theory of Mind in patients with Anxiety Disorders (AD), addressing only patients with Social Anxiety Disorder. Objectives We aimed to investigate the differences in Theory of Mind between patients with AD and Healthy Controls (HC). Methods We enrolled 35 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of AD and 31 HC. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Empathy Quotient (EQ), Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RMET), and Faux Pas test (FP). A t-test for independent samples was performed to assess between-group differences. Results Zung total scores proved to be significantly higher in patients (t(60)=4.375, p

Introduction Working Alliance is defined as the emotional bond and the agreement on therapeutic goals and tasks between patients and therapists. Despite the wide use of the construct of working alliance in research on psychotherapy, few studies have investigated the role of working alliance in influencing adherence to pharmacotherapy, and drug attitude. A deeper knowledge of the interplay between working alliance and drug attitude could help to challenge low adherence to psychopharmacological treatments in Major Depressive Disorder. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between working alliance and drug attitude in patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Methods 27 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorders were enrolled. Working Alliance Inventory - patient version (WAI-P), Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI) and Beliefs about Medicines (BMQ) were administered. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between variables. Results A significant positive correlation was detected between BMQ total scores, DAI total scores and WAI-P task, bond, and goal subscales. Correlations between WAI-P subscales and BMQ and DAI total scores DAI total scores BMQ total scores r p r p WAI-P task 0.551 0.003 0.613 0.001 WAI-P bond 0.430 0.001 0.560 0.004 WAI-P goal 0.621 0.001 0.603 0.002 Conclusions Such preliminary data suggest a relationship between Working Alliance and drug attitude. This could contribute to provide tools to challenge low adherence to psychopharmacological treatments in patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction The comorbidity between anxiety disorders (AD) and eating disorders (ED) has already been well discovered, and because of the link between disgust, food choice and rejection (which appear to be key factors of eating psychopathology), it can be suggested that these three aspects may be related. Accordingly, it can be hypothesized that individuals who express heightened levels of both disgust and eating concerns are at a higher risk to develop an AD. By contrast, disgust, as a negative emotion, influences ED symptoms through a greater level of anxiety. Objectives We aimed to investigate the psychopathological role of disgust and eating disorder symptoms in the development and maintenance of anxiety symptoms in patients with AD. Methods We enrolled 84 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Disgust Propensity and Sensibility Scale-revised (DPSS-r) and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Results A multiple regression model having ZSAS total as dependent variable, and EDE-Q total and DPSS disgust sensitivity subscale as independent variables explained 29% of ZSAS total variance (R²=0.290). The effect of EDE-Q total was positive, significant (β=0.331, t=2.631, p=0.011) and explained 11.9% of ZSAS total variance (pr²=0.119). The effect of DPSS disgust sensitivity was positive, significant (β=0.326, t=2.595, p=0.012) and explained 11.6% of ZSAS total variance (pr²=0.116) (Fig.1). Conclusions Such preliminary data suggest a possible role of feelings of disgust and eating disorder symptoms in development and maintenance of anxiety symptoms in patients with AD, making them a potential target for psychotherapy. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Several studies demonstrate that disgust, defined as a revulsion response aimed at distancing an individual from a potentially harmful or noxious stimulus, is linked to post-traumatic stress following sexual trauma even when accounting for associated fear and anxiety. One of the suggested mechanisms implicated in this association is a feeling of mental contamination. Recent neuroimaging studies demonstrated that exposure to contamination activates the insular cortex. In addition, disgust sensitivity correlates with the activation of the insular cortex. Objectives We aimed to investigate the psychopathological role of the emotion of disgust in the developement of anxiety symptoms in patient with an history of abuse. Methods We enrolled 84 patients admitted in Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders. We administered to them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-revised (DPSS-r). Results Results showed a significant mediation of the association between CTQ emotional abuse scores and total ZSAS scores via DPSS disgust sensitivity scores in patients with anxiety disorders (p=0.022). Total effect and indirect effect of emotional abuse on severity of anxiety symptoms were significant (total effect = 0.494; p=0.051, indirect effect: 0.256, p=0.022), while there was no significant direct effect from emotional abuse to anxiety symptoms in the total model (direct effect: 0.237, p=0.356). The model explained 18% of variance in anxiety symptomatology (R2=0.18). Conclusions Such preliminary data suggest a possible mediating role of disgust in development and maintenance of childhood abuse-related anxiety, making it a potential target for psychotherapy. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Amenorrhea is one of the most frequent and serious consequences of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Resumption of menses (ROM) is considered an important goal and is associated with a better outcome. Objectives To investigate the role of age, Body Mass Index (BMI), diagnostic subtype (restrictive vs binge-purging), history of childhood abuse, duration of illness, psychopathology and sex hormones on ROM in AN. Methods 52 patients with AN and amenorrhea were enrolled at the start of treatment. Clinical parameters of interest were collected, and questionnaires were administered for the assessment of general (SCL-90-R) and specific (EDE-Q) psychopathology. Blood samples were taken to assess FSH, LH and estradiol levels. All patients were monitored regularly through psychiatric checkups until ROM, for up to four years. Results A total of 30 (57.7%) subjects recovered their menstrual cycle in the follow-up period (mean time: 18.7 ± 14.8 months). Recovery was more frequent in the binge-purging subtype than in the restrictive subtype (82.4% vs 48.6%, p=0.019), and was significantly associated with diagnostic crossover (odds ratio=10.0, p=0.032). Multivariate Cox regression showed an increased likelihood of menstrual recovery for binge-purging subtype (p=0.005) and for those reporting a history of childhood abuse (p=0.025). Early ROM was also associated with baseline SCL-90-R scores (p=0.002) and FSH (p=0.011), while a longer duration of illness (p=0.003) and EDE-Q scores (p=0.009) predicted a later recovery. Conclusions This study highlights the role of duration of illness, childhood abuse history and psychopathological characteristics in subjects with AN at the start of treatment in predicting ROM. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Disgust is a basic emotion characterized by the feeling of revulsion and evoked by unpleasant stimuli such as contaminated food, poor hygiene and contact with sick or dead organisms. Disgust is a contributing factor to the development of several mental disorders including anxiety disorders (AD). Several studies have tried to explore the relationship between disgust and eating disorders (ED), with heterogeneous findings. Subjects with ED showed a heightened level of disgust sensitivity (DS) when compared with healthy controls (HC). Objectives Our study aims to evaluate levels of disgust and anxiety in ED, AD and HC in order to assess associations between these two emotions. Methods We enrolled 74 patients admitted to Psychiatric Unit of Careggi, 41 with diagnosis of Eating Disorder, 33 with Anxiety Disorders, and 40 healthy controls. We administered to all groups: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS) and Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-revised (DPSS-r). Results Both patients with anxiety disorders and eating disorders showed higher levels of disgust propensity and sensitivity than healthy controls. Moreover, there was no significant differences in anxiety, Disgust Propensity (DP) and Disgust Sensitivity levels between patients with eating disorders and anxiety disorders. Among healthy controls there was a significant association between DS and Anxiety levels (B: 0.579, T:3,416 p:0,001). Conclusions Anxiety and disgust are typical emotions of anxiety disorders and eating disorders. However, they are increased both in anxiety and eating disorders and they are associated in healthy controls. The nature of this association needs to be deeply investigated. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Sexual dysfunction is common in eating disorders (EDs), but its relevance is often overlooked. Objectives To describe different ED clinical subgroups in terms of psychopathology, putative biological correlates, and consequences of dysregulated sexuality, focusing on the role of childhood trauma. Methods Healthy controls (n=60), binge-purging (n=38), and restricting patients (n=24) were compared (age- and BMI-adjusted ANOVA; Bonferroni post-hoc tests), using total scores of Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Emotional Eating Scale (EES), SCL-90-R Global Severity Index (GSI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), Hypersexual Behaviour Inventory (HBI), and patients’ hormonal profiles (gonadal and pituitary hormones, ghrelin). Self-reported voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) and promiscuous sexual activity were recorded. For ED patients (N=62), regression analyses between significant variables and HBI were carried, applying moderation models for different CTQ scores. Results Table 1 outlines significant between-group comparisons (°: different from controls; *: different from restricting patients; p

Introduction The COVID-19 epidemic that spread in Italy in the early 2020, together with the general lockdown, are high-risk events for vulnerable populations who need high levels of assistance, such as patients with eating disorders (EDs). Objectives To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown on subjects suffering from EDs, considering previous vulnerabilities. Methods 74 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) already on treatment and 97 healthy controls were evaluated between November 2019/January 2020 (T1), and again in April 2020, 6 weeks after the start of lockdown (T2). Patients were also evaluated at baseline (T0). At each assessment, general and ED psychopathology (SCL-90-R and EDE-Q) were assessed. Childhood abuse experiences (CTQ) and adult attachment (ECR-R) were investigated at T1, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (IES-R) at T2. Results Patients reported a significant increase in compensatory exercise; in addition, patients with BN and those who achieved remission at T1 showed a significant exacerbation of binge-eating. The longitudinal trend (T1-T2) of psychopathology was not different between patients and controls, however the expected benefit from treatment on ED psychopathology was significant only for AN, while no changes were noted in BN. Patients with BN reported more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms than AN and controls, and these symptoms correlated positively with prior traumatic experiences and an insecure attachment style. Conclusions The COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown had a significant impact on subjects with eating disorders, both by interfering with the treatment process and in terms of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting containment measures, such as “lockdown” and “social distancing”, have had important consequences on people’s mental and physical health. Objectives We aimed to study the effect of social isolation and subsequent re- exposure and eventual changes in general and ED-specific psychopathology in people with Eating Disorders (EDs). Methods Three-hundred twelve Italian people with EDs (179 Anorexia Nervosa, 83 Bulimia Nervosa, 48 Binge Eating Disorder and 22 Other Specific Feeding Eating Disorder) were asked to fill-in an online survey to explore several dimensions such as: anxiety, depression, panic, insomnia, suicide ideation, stress, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Differences in ED specific and general symptoms among the 3 investigated time periods (before, during and after the end of lockdown) were assessed with a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Subsequently, ED diagnosis was introduced as covariate in the analysis in order to investigate the possible contribution on psychopathological changes. Results ED core symptoms increased during the lockdown but most of them returned to pre-COVID19 levels at re-opening. The severity of general psychopathology also increased during the lockdown and persisted high in the following phase, except for depression and suicide ideation. None of this symptoms was affected by ED diagnosis, participants’age and illness duration. Conclusions People with EDs showed worsening of both general and specific psychopathology; moreover, changes in general psychopathology persisted in the re-opening period suggesting a higher stress vulnerability in this kind of patients. Disclosure No significant relationships. Keyword COVID19 and Eating Disorders

Introduction In the first months of 2020 the COVID-19 epidemic spread in Italy, and the Italian government implemented a general lockdown. These events are at high risk for psychiatric symptoms in the general population, including anxiety/depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Objectives To characterize the psychopathological correlates of the spread of COVID-19 and lockdown in a sample of subjects from the Italian population, with a before-after follow-up. Methods Six weeks after the lockdown, 671 subjects aged 18-60 years completed the Brief Symptom Inventory and Impact of Event Scale-Revised, for the evaluation of psychopathology and PTSS respectively. Environmental factors and subjectively-perceived deteriorations related to COVID-19 were also investigated. Pre-COVID-19 data on psychopathology, collected in December 2019/January 2020, were available for 130 subjects and were used for longitudinal analyses. Results With respect to males, female subjects more frequently reported deteriorations of relations (21.5% vs 10.9%), household arguments (26.0% vs 12.6%), sleep quality (47.6% vs 26.6%), episodes of overeating (22.5% vs 12.5%), worries for oneself (19% vs 8.9%) and for loved ones (55.7% vs 36.5%). These changes were associated with increased psychopathology, PTSS, and numerous environmental conditions, including significant economic damage from COVID-19/lockdown. Longitudinal analyses showed an increase in phobic anxiety in the whole sample, and in depression for female subjects only, following the spread of COVID-19. Pre-existing psychopathology was a significant predictor of PTSS. Conclusions COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown have a high impact on psychopathology and PTSS. Female subjects and those with pre-existing psychopathology were found to be more vulnerable and may need additional support. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Patients’ attitudes and subjective experience are crucial in the management of severe mental illness, but their practical value is overlooked. Objectives To identify predictors of future adherence to LAI antipsychotic maintenance treatment of schizophrenia among socio-demographic, clinical, and psychometric characteristics – including Drug Attitude Inventory-10 (DAI-10) and Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics short form (SWN-K) scores. Methods Retrospective baseline data from 53 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia switched from oral to LAI therapy were collected. Patients continuing treatment at the time of analysis (n=29) were compared to those who had discontinued it (n=24). Selected variables were further evaluated in survival analyses. Results Between-group differences are presented in Table 1 (**: p

Introduction There is a growing literature suggesting disgust plays a major role in religiosity. Asceticism is a personality trait characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Since few studies suggested that higher disgust levels may lead to greater fear of sin, contamination disgust may serve as effective mechanisms for inflated scrupulosity. Objectives We aimed to investigate the role of contamination disgust on a specific religious belief in two clinical groups: eating disorders and anxiety disorders. Methods We enrolled 84 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders (AD) and Eating Disorders (ED). We administered them: Disgust Scale Revised (DS-R) and Eating Disorders Inventory 2 (EDI-2) Results A t-test for independent samples between AD patients and ED patients showed no difference in DS-R contamination disgust subscale (t=1.437, p=0.153), while significantly higher EDI-2 asceticism scores were detected in ED patients (t=2.452, p=0.010). An ANCOVA model having EDI2 Asceticism subscale as dependent variable, and DS contamination disgust subscale, diagnosis, and interaction between contamination disgust and diagnosis was estimated. The overall model was significant (F(1,136)=4.854, p=0.003) and accounted for 9.7% of variance of EDI2 Asceticism subscale (R2=0.097). The effect of contamination disgust was positive and significant (β=0.302, t=2.781, p=0.006), and accounted for 5.4% of variance of EDI2 Asceticism (partial η2=0.054). No effect was detected for diagnosis (F(1,136)=0.012, p=0.912) or interaction between contamination disgust and diagnosis (F(1,136)=1.346, p=0.248). Conclusions Contamination disgust may have a trans-diagnostic effect on asceticism and may be a possible driver for specific religious behaviors. Disclosure No significant relationships.

JET, the world’s largest operating tokamak with unique Be/W wall and tritium handling capability, completed a Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) campaign in 2021 (Maggi et al 29th Fusion Energy Conf. ) following a decade of preparatory experiments, dedicated enhancements, technical rehearsals and training (Horton et al 2016 Fusion Eng. Des. 109–111 925). Operation with tritium raises significant technical, safety and scientific challenges not encountered in standard protium or deuterium operation. This contribution describes the tritium operational requirements, pulses and technical preparations, new operating procedures, lessons learned and details on the achieved operational availability and performance. The preparation and execution of the recent JET tritium experiments benefitted from the previous experience in 1991 (Preliminary Tritium Experiment), 1997 (DTE1 campaign) and 2003 (Trace Tritium Campaigns) and consisted of the following five phases: technical rehearsals and scenario preparation, tritium commissioning, 100% tritium campaign, D-T campaign (DTE2), tritium clean-up. Following the clean-up JET resumed normal operation and is currently undertaking a further D-T campaign (DTE3).