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Introduction: The term "post-COVID-19 syndrome" describes a range of symptoms persisting beyond the acute phase of the disease. These symptoms predominantly include fatigue, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and psychological issues. Research additionally suggests the possibility of long-term neurological and psychiatric impairment associated with COVID-19. Methodology: The study included patients who visited the post-COVID outpatient clinic between April 2020 and June 2022. The examination included the detailed history taking, including the COVID-19 course, posteroanterior chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. Anxiety level was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The relationship between anxiety, demographic data, and course of the disease, need for hospital admission during the acute phase, oxygen therapy, post-inflammatory changes on the chest X-ray and lung function parameters was investigated. Results: This study included 1756 patients who experienced COVID-19 and visited a post-COVID outpatient clinic. The majority of individuals experienced a mild form of the infection. The results showed that younger age and female gender were associated with significantly higher anxiety scores. Inpatients had lower BAI values than those who were not hospitalized during acute phase. Patients with post-inflammatory changes on chest X-ray had surprisingly lower BAI values. Lower values of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide), and KCO (carbon monoxide transfer coefficient) were associated with significantly higher BAI values. Female gender was associated with higher levels of anxiety. In contrast, higher FEV1 values reduced the risk of a pathological level of anxiety. Conclusion: In our study, the influence of age, gender, inpatient care during the acute phase of infection, the presence of post-inflammatory changes on the chest diagram and selected parameters of lung function (FEV1, DLCO, and KCO) were shown to be important factors in the assessment of anxiety symptoms in post-COVID patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychotic symptoms in BPD are not uncommon, and they are diverse and phenomenologically similar to those in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Despite their prevalence in BPD patients, knowledge about the characteristics and severity of hallucinations is limited, especially in modalities other than auditory. Aim: This review summarises the causes, phenomenology, severity, and treatment options of hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms in BPD. Methods: The PubMed database was used with the following key terms: "borderline personality disorder" and 'hallucinations' and "psychotic symptoms". Articles were selected between January 1990 and May 2021. The primary keyword search yielded a total of 545 papers, of which 102 articles met the inclusion criteria and were fully screened. Papers from the primary source reference lists were also screened, assessed for eligibility, and then added to the primary documents where appropriate (n = 143). After the relevance assessment, 102 papers were included in the review. We included adult and adolescent studies to gather more recent reviews on this topic. Results: Hallucinations are significantly prevalent in BPD, mainly auditory, similar to schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The relationship between hallucinations and depression, anxiety, suicidality, schizotypy, and loneliness in BPD has been discovered but requires more research. Studies for treatment options for hallucinations in BPD are lacking. Conclusion: Recognition of psychotic symptoms in patients with BPD as distinguished psychopathological phenomena instead of diminishing and overlooking them is essential in the clinical assessment and can be useful in predicting complications during treatment. More focused research in this area is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The parallel process is a psychosocial phenomenon where the relationship dynamics between the therapist and the client are repeated in the supervisory relationship between the therapist and the supervisor. The concept of the parallel process can be a useful tool for understanding and solving problems in therapy. However, it can induce supervision drift or block the supervision process., Objective: This article aims to familiarize the reader with parallel processes in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and schema therapy supervision and discuss how to manage this phenomenon in supervision., Method: This article is a narrative review with illustrations of supervision interviews in which the parallel process unfolds. The text provides an overview of theoretical constructions and empirical studies related to the parallel process. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant resources using the keywords "parallel process," "cognitive behavioural therapy," "schema therapy," "transference," and "countertransference." Case vignettes were collected from trainees, training leaders and supervisors to provide real-life examples of how self-reflection and self-experience can enhance CBT and schema therapy training, practice, and supervision.

Schema therapy is an integrative approach to treat patients with personality disorders and other complex psychological problems. Group schema therapy has been developed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of schema therapy by providing a supportive and stimulating environment for change. This article introduces the River of Life Method, a novel technique for facilitating group schema therapy, based on the metaphor of a river of life. The method helps patients to identify and modify their maladaptive schemas and modes in a nurturing process in the group. The article describes the theoretical background, the practical steps, and the clinical applications of the method. It also presents the patients' experience with the method, based on their feedback and self-reports. The results showed that the method was well received by both patients and therapists, and that it had positive effects on schema modes, psychological distress, and coping with adversities and hope for the future.

This article emphasizes the critical role of self-care in the professional lives of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) therapists and supervisors. It delves into the importance of self-care, elucidating its significance in maintaining therapists' mental health and effectiveness. The article presents a range of practical strategies that promote self-care, providing therapists and supervisors with specific steps to incorporate self-care into their daily routines. Moreover, the article explores common challenges and barriers to self-care, such as a lack of time, feelings of guilt associated with prioritizing one's needs, and a lack of available resources for self-care. The article aims to deepen our understanding of the complexities of practising self-care by shedding light on possible obstacles. In addition, the article includes case vignettes that demonstrate tangible examples of the positive impact of self-care on therapists' mental health and effectiveness. The overarching goal of this article is to encourage ongoing discussion and research on self-care. It advocates a greater emphasis on self-care in CBT and CBT supervision (CBTS), intending to promote the health and well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The insights and strategies presented in this article serve as a resource for therapists and supervisors striving to achieve a balanced lifestyle while effectively catering to the needs of their clients.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common symptom of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypersomnia. The most common tools for assessing EDS are various specialized questionnaires such as Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). However, the scores obtained from self-rating questionnaires do not seem to measure physiological sleepiness but rather a more complex phenomenon of subjective sleepiness modulated by other factors such as motivation, expectation, and capability of self-perception. The golden standard for measuring physiological sleepiness and assessing EDS is the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). However, MSLT is very time consuming and requires trained personnel and expensive equipment. Different method modifications are employed in various medical and industrial fields for different purposes. The infrared pupillography in darkness has the potential to measure objective physiological sleepiness, especially the Pupillographic Sleepiness Test (PST), which is the method of choice for pupillographic measurement of daytime sleepiness. The method has also been employed in several specific sleep disorders, outlining possible future usage. This narrative review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the relevance and usefulness of pupillography in sleep medicine.

Background: Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from an excessive fear of abandonment, leading to tense moments in their intimate relationships. These struggles translate into lower marital satisfaction perceived by both intimate partners. However, this connection is bidirectional, since conflicts with a romantic partner are the most common precipitating factors of decompensation in BPD patients., Method: This narrative review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases with keywords "borderline personality disorder", "partnership", marital problems", and "marital conflicts". Articles, books, and book chapters published within January 1980 - December 2020 were extracted and analysed. Additional sources were found while reviewing references of relevant articles. The total of 131 papers met the inclusion criteria., Results: Patients with BPD struggle with reaching marital satisfaction. They often find themselves in disharmonic and unfulfilling relationships. The association between the relationship issues and BPD may partly come from misunderstanding one or both partners' behaviour. Individuals with BPD tend to misinterpret their partner's behaviour, struggle with communication, and sometimes be verbally and physically aggressive. They often do not recognize that their intrapersonal processes influence their interpersonal struggles. Understanding the role of the maladaptive personality traits in the relationship and their management could be beneficial for both partners., Conclusion: Individuals with BPD often report dysfunctional romantic relationships characterized by insecure attachment, maladaptive communication, and lower relationship satisfaction. Future studies should focus on finding effective strategies of couples´ therapy working with this population.

Introduction: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) presents a highly stigmatised condition. Individuals with BPD may experience stigmatising attitudes and remarks from the general population and mental health professionals. Significant self-stigma also seems common. The paper reviews the current knowledge regarding the stigma connected to BPD., Method: The Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases identified studies published from January 1990 to January 2023. Additional references were found using analyses of the primary articles. The search terms included "borderline", "stigma", and "self-stigma"., Results: Public knowledge of BPD is scarce. The general population may interpret the BPD symptoms as "purposeful misbehaviour" rather than signs of a mental disorder. Mental health professionals commonly distance themselves from patients with BPD and may prematurely give up their treatment efforts. This stance often comes from believing BPD is difficult or impossible to treat. Therefore, treating patients with a personality disorder should be consulted with a supervisor, especially when the psychotherapist shows a negative attitude towards the patient. Generally, few BPD-specific destigmatisation interventions have been verified by research. Limited evidence suggests that targeted training of the healthcare providers can reduce stigmatising attitudes and that interventions combining positive messages of the recovery potential with biological aetiology of the disorder are most impactful in reducing the stigma., Conclusion: BPD is commonly stigmatised by the general population and mental health professionals. Destigmatising efforts need to tackle the stigma's primary sources, namely the general population's lack of understanding and the pessimistic beliefs in the healthcare providers. More BPD-specific research on stigma is needed.

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients commonly suffer from nightmares. Still, the prevalence of this issue does not match the little clinical attention it usually receives. Nightmares impact sleep and daily functioning and may play a role in BPD symptomatology, including suicidality. Since BPD has been linked with high rates of suicide, the potential connection with suicidality is crucial to address., Aims: To create an up-to-date review of current knowledge on nightmares in BPD and to explore the links between nightmares, insomnia, and suicidality or self-harm in BPD patients., Method: This narrative review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to search for articles published between January 1990 and October 2022, using the following key terms: 'borderline personality disorder' and 'nightmares' or 'insomnia' and 'suicidality' or 'self-harm' or 'self-injuring'. The final list consisted of 99 publications., Results: Sleep disturbances often occur in BPD patients. The prevalence of nightmares in BPD is higher than in general or clinical populations. Nightmares influence borderline personality traits and vice versa through emotional dysregulation, poorer sleep quality, nightmare anxiety, higher arousal, and worsened self-control. A link between nightmares and suicidal behaviour was established in some psychiatric conditions (depression, insomnia); studies on BPD are lacking in this area. Studies comparing nightmares in BPD to other disorders are also missing. There are some suggestions for pharmaceuticals or psychotherapy in treating nightmares, but their application to BPD needs more research., Conclusion: Sleep disturbance and nightmares are common among individuals with BPD yet underrepresented in research. Nightmares have been linked with suicidality in other conditions (depression, PTSD) but only indirectly in BPD. More clinical studies are needed to explore the phenomenon further.

Purpose: Self-awareness can be characterised as impartial, non-judgmental thoughtful attention towards the self. Self-reflection in therapy is when a therapist reviews their experiences, thoughts, and behaviours concerning therapy and changes them as needed to enhance the therapeutic process. Therapists with good quality self-reflection can make more effective and ethical decisions, differentiate their own needs from clients', understand transference and countertransference, and consider the optimal response during a session. Practising the CBT approach and reflecting on one's own experiences can be essential for successful therapeutic development. Furthermore, self-reflection forms the basis of a fruitful therapeutic relationship and the therapist's self-confidence and sense of competence.

Objective: Both panic disorder (PD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are frequent conditions that can be comorbid. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about the comorbidity of PD and OSA and the effectiveness of therapy in patients with this comorbidity., Method: Articles obtained via PubMed and Web of Science search were selected; the publishing date was between January 1990 and December 2022. The applied search terms were: obstructive sleep apnea; panic disorder; CPAP; antidepressants; anxiolytics; antipsychotics. Eighty-one articles were chosen by primary search via keywords. After a complete assessment of the full texts, 60 papers were chosen. Secondary papers from the references of the primary documents were investigated, evaluated for suitability, and included in the list of documents (n = 18). Thus, seventy-eight papers were incorporated into the review article., Results: Studies describe a greater prevalence of panic disorder in OSA patients. So far, there is no data on the prevalence of OSA in PD patients. Limited evidence is found regarding the influence of CPAP treatment on PD, and this evidence suggests that CPAP can partially alleviate PD symptoms. Medication used in PD treatment can significantly impact comorbid OSA, as explored in several studies., Conclusions: The relationship between the two conditions seems bidirectional, and it is necessary to assess OSA patients for comorbid panic disorder and vice versa. Both disorders can worsen the other and must be treated with a complex approach to ensure improvement in patients' physical health and psychological well-being.

Role-play helps the supervisor present a moment of therapy, and reflect on what has happened to the therapist to the patient and further model the therapeutic skills. Usually, the supervisor or other supervisees (in group supervision) play the patient, and the therapist plays a significant moment in the psychotherapeutic session. Supervisors or supervisees in group supervision can play the patient in different situations, and can also reverse roles when the therapist plays their patient, and the supervisor plays the therapist. Before role-playing, there is a need to set a specific goal. Playing roles in supervision can focus on (a) conceptualizing the case; (b) assessing and optimizing therapeutic strategies; (c) a better understanding of the therapeutic relationship. A specific goal needs to be set before role-playing. The technique can focus on (a) case conceptualization; (b) assessment and optimization therapeutic strategies; (c) a better understanding of the therapeutic relationship. A variety of approaches can be used for role-playings, such as pattern learning, modelling, chaining, encouragement and feedback, or psychodrama techniques such as monologue, an empty chair, role change, alter-ego, using multiple chairs or toys.