ISSN: 2081-3910 e-ISSN: 2353-8627 Yearbook (from 2023) SUBMISSIONS - The authors should submit papers for the journal Current Problems of Psychiatry via the internet platform. Click to log in. Current Problems of Psychiatry is a continuation of yearbook "Research on Schizophrenia" and is intended for a wide group of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The yearbook is a reviewed scientific journal of international scope, publishing original papers, review papers, case studies, conference reports, letters to the editor and book reviews. The journal obtained 70 points in the list of scientific journals announced in the notice of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Analysis of food additives in selected food products and their potentialimpact on mental health
Introduction: Food additives are commonly used to improve the taste, color, shelf life and texture of products. Although most of them are approved for use after safety assessments, there are still concerns regarding their impact on health, including mental functioning. The aim of this study was to qualitatively analyze the presence of selected chemical substances in chosen food products and to discuss the hypothetical mechanisms of their effects on mental health. Material and methods: Fifteen food products were analyzed. The presence of chemical substances was determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), a technique that enables the identification of compounds based on their characteristic absorption spectra. Results: The analysis revealed the presence of typical technological additives as well as trace chemical compounds, some of which may theoretically influence mental health, for example by altering perception, modulating glycemia or affecting memory and mood. FTIR was used as a screening method, which does not allow for definitive or quantitative identification of trace, atypical or controversial compounds. The obtained spectra may reflect both actual components and signals originating from the matrix, packaging, or library matching. Reports concerning some potentially harmful substances do not confirm their actual presence and require verification using confirmatory analytical methods. Conclusions: The results should therefore be interpreted with caution and further research is necessary.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ewa Trzaskowska, Joanna Rog (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Aquatic Biodiversity and Mental Health: Lack of Association Evidence from Empirical Studies and Global Research Trends
Introduction: Aquatic biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting ecosystem services, and enhancing human well-being. This study aimed to assess global research trends and empirical evidence on the relationship between aquatic biodiversity and mental health outcomes, while identifying thematic gaps and emerging areas of inquiry. Materials and methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection (2014–2025) and analysed in R with Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny). From an initial 19,320 records, 159 highly cited original research articles were screened using the Rayyan systematic review platform, resulting in 10 eligible studies that directly examined human mental health in relation to aquatic biodiversity or blue space quality. Results: The study results show that research at this intersection remains limited, with mental health often treated as a secondary or indirect aspect within broader ecological or sustainability frameworks. Emerging but underexplored topics include emotional exhaustion, depression, and stress linked to the degradation of aquatic ecosystem and water insecurity. Content analysis of the 10 studies revealed no direct quantitative evidence linking measured aquatic biodiversity to mental health outcomes. Instead, perceived environmental quality and visible wildlife presence consistently predicted higher well­being and more frequent engagement with aquatic environments, suggesting that perceived biodiversity may serve as a key intermediary for psychological benefits. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for longitudinal, interdisciplinary research that integrates ecological metrics with psychological assessments. Strengthening collaboration among environmental scientists, psychologists, and public health experts will be essential to establishing an evidence-based frameworks linking aquatic biodiversity with mental health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ovinuchi Ejiohuo, William Akuffo-Addo, Preye Edi, Cyril Onwuelazu Uteh, Helen Onyeaka (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The lexicon of emotions and personality traits
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the emotion lexicon and the Big Five personality traits. This is the first psycholexical study to analyse the convergence of individual differences in personality traits and emotions. The aim and methods: The study employed a list of emotion descriptors presented as short sentences, allowing the measurement of predispositions to experience eleven emotions. Personality traits were assessed using the IPIP-50 questionnaire in its Polish adaptation. A total of 360 participants took part in this cross-sectional study. Results: Canonical analysis revealed four statistically significant, non-redundant canonical roots explaining the variance in personality traits and predispositions to experience emotions. There were two roots dominated by a single trait, whereas the other two represented personality types associated with different patterns of emotional experience. Emotional stability was linked to less frequent experiences of anxiety, sadness, distress, and shame. Intellect co-occurred with the experience of interest. Combinations of low versus high levels of Extraversion and greeableness correlated with individual differences in contempt, shame, and emotion regulation. Conclusions: The observed patterns partially confirm previous findings and highlight new relationships that had not been detected previously due to the use of tools measuring a limited range of emotions. The Big Five model explains only a part of the predispositions to experience emotions. A more comprehensive understanding of individual differences in emotions requires personality models developed from psycholexical research using a high-dimensional and inclusive approach.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oleg Gorbaniuk, Julia Gorbaniuk, Maciej Talewski (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytotherapy as an adjunctive tool in the treatment of anorexia nervosa:a review of potential neuroregulatory and appetitogenic plants
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder. Globally, eating disorders affect 25% of the population over the course of a lifetime and occur significantly more often in women than in men. AN is associated with high mortality, complications. The comorbidity of AN and depression highlights the need for a holistic therapeutic approach. Material and methods: This literature review was conducted on the basis of scientific articles published from 2013 to 2025. As sources were used:PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar using the following keywords: norexia nervosa, phytotherap, cannabinoids, Angelica archangelica, Artemisia absinthium. Results: Phytotherapy may support recovery and improve quality of life in patients with AN, which remains a therapeutic challenge despite the growing treatment options. This article explores phytotherapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy, offering clinicians guidance on natural supplements. Cannabinoids can stimulate appetite and mood, Angelica archangelica may help manage anemia and cognitive impairment, while Artemisia absinthium alleviates anorexia-related symptoms caused by zinc deficiency. These approaches highlight phytotherapy’s potential role in enhancing treatment effectiveness and supporting patient outcomes. Conclusions: Phytotherapy including cannabinoids, A. archangelica, and A. absinthium offers promising support in the treatment of AN. Cannabinoids may improve appetite and mood, A. archangelica supports the treatment of anemia and cognitive impairment, while A. absinthium helps alleviate symptoms of anorexia resulting from zinc deficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oliwia Burdan, Natalia Picheta, Julia Piekarz, Filip Gajewski, Grzegorz Kurec, Katarzyna Szklener (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Forms of Expression of Love and the Intensity of Young’s Early Maladaptive Schemas in a Group of Adult Poles
Introduction: Romantic relationships are a key component of an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. Attachment theory and Young’s early maladaptive schema theory indicate that early childhood experiences shape how close relationships are established in adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between forms of expressing love (distinguished on the basis of Chapman’s theory) and the intensity of early maladaptive schemas in a group of adult Poles in romantic relationships (the term “intensity of schemas” refers to the overall level of consolidation and the strength of the influence on an individual’s functioning of the beliefs underlying early maladaptive schemas). An additional objective was to determine whether the quality of a romantic relationship depends on the forms of expressing love and the intensity of early maladaptive schemas in the individual being assessed. Material and method: The study involved a group of 296 adult Poles in romantic relationships (aged between 18–70 years (M = 30.11; SD = 10.97); 65% women). Participants completed the following questionnaires: the Young Parenting Inventory (YPI); the Forms of Expression of Love Questionnaire (FOREM) and the Partnership Questionnaire (PFB). Since the distributions of the variables studied were not normal , non-parametric statistical methods were applied. Results: Retrospectively assessed paternal behaviors were found to be significantly associated with the development of early maladaptive schemas in two domains: Disconnection/Rejection and Impaired Limits, whereas maternal behaviours, in the participants’ assessment, were significant for the development of two other schema domains: Impaired Autonomy and Performance and Other-Directedness. For the domain Overvigilance and Inhibition, both parents were perceived to have a comparable influence on the formation of schemas in this area. Higher intensity of early maladaptive schemas was associated with lower intensity of preferred forms of expressing love, particularly in the domains of physical touch, acts of service, quality time, and words of affirmation. Relationship quality was positively correlated with preferred forms of expression of love, whereas the intensity of early maladaptive schemas showed no significant association with relationship quality. Conclusions: 1. Higher intensity of early maladaptive schemas is linked to less frequent displays of intimacy in romantic relationships. This applies to four forms of expression of love: physical touch, acts of service, quality time, and words of affirmation. 2. A greater variety of intimacy expressions is positively related to the subjectively perceived quality of a romantic relationship.
Copyright (c) 2025 Monika Ewa Talarowska, Maria Frąckiewicz (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Utilization of trance phenomena in the process of treating traumatic experiences
Introduction: This article presents a case of trauma treatment using key elements of Ericksonian therapy - utilization and clinical hypnosis. The described approach aligns with current concepts indicating hypnosis as an effective tool in trauma therapy through the restructuring of memories and restoration of a sense of control. Material and methods: The case study describes a 42-year-old female patient with complex trauma, whose primary reason for seeking help was trismus. The symptom was treated not as an obstacle but as a potential resource, and clinical hypnosis was employed to facilitate access to unconscious healing mechanisms, enabling the therapeutic processing of traumatic memories. Results: The therapeutic process led to a redefinition of traumatic experiences - giving them a new meaning as a situation from which the patient could learn and gain a sense of control in her internal experience. Through the visualization technique and the symbolic categorization of memories, the patient was able to access emotions and subsequently integrate them. The symptom of trismus was resolved after three months of therapy. Conclusions: Clinical hypnosis was used as a framework for trauma treatment; trance phenomena, being a consequence of painful trauma (such as dissociation, regression, and amnesia), were viewed as helpful tools for the reconstruction and integration of experiences. Symptomatic trance became the starting point for the therapeutic trance; with change occurring through the focusing and narrowing of attention, as well as systematically returning control to the patient over the pace and scope of the work - which was crucial in cases where trauma had compromised the sense of agency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Katarzyna Zaborska, Katarzyna Szymańska (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antidepressants and Sexual Health – How to Improve Patients’ Quality of Life?
Introduction: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with its prevalence continuously increasing. Consequently, more individuals are using antidepressants and experiencing various adverse effects. One of the important, yet often overlooked, side effect of depression pharmacotherapy is sexual dysfunction. This article aims to review sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant therapy, explore available management strategies, and highlight emerging therapeutic options. Materials and methods: A literature review was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases, covering publications from 2020 to 2024 focused on antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Open-access publications in English-language were included, comprising original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and narrative reviews. Results: The most frequently reported antidepressant-related sexual dysfunctions include decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia, and erectile dysfunction. These effects are most often observed in patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). A lower, though still relevant, risk is associated with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Medications such as vortioxetine, agomelatine, vilazodone, and bupropion offer promising therapeutic alternatives with a reduced risk of sexual side effects. Moreover, growing evidence supports the effectiveness of adjunctive and non-pharmacological interventions. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunctions significantly impair patients’ quality of life and often lead to treatment discontinuation and recurrence of depressive symptoms. Despite their prevalence, many patients do not report these symptoms due to embarrassment, which underscores the need for a conscious, empathetic approach from doctors. Active monitoring and implementing effective strategies to minimise these side effects without compromising antidepressant efficacy are essential.
Copyright (c) 2025 Weronika Maria Woźniak, Katarzyna Wiktoria Witczak, Zuzanna Winiarska, Marcin Wieleba, Ewelina Anna Soroka (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sense of quality of life and professional burnout among nurses in the light of personality dimensions and stress coping strategies
Introduction: In healthcare occupations, stress and occupational burnout are common. Therefore, what can enhance nurses’ mental well-being and their quality of care despite the experienced stress and the risk of occupational burnout? Objective: This article aims to illustrate the nurse-based relationship between the life quality sense and occupational burnout, stress-coping styles, seniority, and dimensions of the MOA Personality and the Axiological Model (competence, relationships, and autonomy), new to psychology. Methods: The study involved 200 nurses aged 22 to 66, total surveys 218. The following research tools were used to measure the variables: new Modified Sense of Life Quality Questionnaire Z-KPJŻ, the CISS Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, the ACL Adjective Checklist, and the MBI Maslach Burnout Inventory. Discussion: The correlation analysis showed that the sense of life quality is positively correlated with a task-oriented style and with all dimensions of the new Personality and Axiological Model. The sense of life connects negatively with an emotion-oriented coping style. Occupational burnout shows a positive correlation with the emotion-oriented coping style and a negative correlation with the competence and relationships of the MOA Model. The regression analysis demonstrated the MOA Model explained up to 29,4% of the sense of life quality. Conclusions: The results show that there is a relationship between stress coping styles and the dimensions of the new Personality and Axiology Model and the sense of life quality. The MOA Model is a stronger predictor of the sense of the life quality level than stress-coping strategies. The new MOA Personality and Axiological Model allows for a recognition of nurse's personality in a broader context and includes three dimensions: competence, relationships, and autonomy. Strategies that improve nurses’ stress-coping skills are very important in the leadership of a group and complex healthcare environment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Barbara Mróz, Aleksandra Różańska, Julia Garus, Olimpia Brzostek, Kamil Greschütz, Julia Sampolska (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Exploding Head Syndrome – A Puzzling Parasomnia: A Literature Review
Introduction: Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rarely diagnosed sleep disorder classified as a parasomnia. It is characterised by sudden auditory hallucinations resembling explosions, gunshots, or loud cracking sounds that occur during falling asleep or waking up. Although EHS seldom causes physical pain, it is often associated with severe anxiety and sleep disruption. Despite its relatively high prevalence, awareness of this disorder among physicians and patients is low. The aim and methods: The purpose of this article is to present the current state of knowledge about the EHS, its classification, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment methods. A literature review was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 1980–2025, searching for the following terms: exploding head syndrome, parasomnias, sleep disorders. Results: The incidence of EHS has not been clearly defined, while research results indicate that it may affect 10–52.7% of the population. Although the first descriptions of this disorder date back to the 17th century, the ICD Classification included this syndrome for the first time together with the criteria for its diagnosis in the last 11th edition. This syndrome may co-occur with other sleep disorders, neurological disorders, and mental disorders. The etiology remains unclear, but the most popular theories suggest that it may be related to abnormal brainstem activity, GABAergic, and serotonergic neurotransmission disturbances or sensory processing dysfunctions. Treatment is based mainly on psychoeducation, improved sleep hygiene, and in some cases, pharmacotherapy. Conclusions: EHS is an underdiagnosed disorder that requires further research. Increased awareness and better diagnostics can improve the quality of life of patients. Additional research is needed to investigate its mechanisms and effective treatment methods.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paulina Wróbel-Knybel, Klaudia Kister (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Differences in cognitive functioning between older and younger people with multiple myeloma
Introduction: The aim of the study was to illustrate the difference in how multiple myeloma and its treatment affect the cognitive functioning of both older and younger patients. Material and methods: The study involved the use of selected neuropsychological methods, i.e., experimental trials based on the Battery of Tests for Assessing Cognitive Functions PU1 and the Choynowski’s Memory Scale. Results: The interaction of health status and age appeared to be a differentiating factor between subjects under and over 65 years of age. Younger people with multiple myeloma displayed poorer performance in direct auditory memory compared to subjects of the same age without a cancer diagnosis. Similarly, regarding long-term verbal memory, patients in middle adulthood showed inferior performance in verbal memory as compared to those without multiple myeloma. Phonemic and semantic verbal fluency levels were also lower across some indicators in younger patients compared to older people with plasma cell myeloma. Better task performance by younger patients subjects with cancer was only noticeable in terms of short-term visual memory. Discussion and conclusions: Decreased cognitive functioning in the middle adulthood group was associated with a worse disease course. Although the disease progresses rapidly and is detected at an advanced stage, but this does not translate negatively into patient survival, which results from a good response to treatment, mainly bone marrow transplantation. The younger age group is also subjected to more aggressive forms of treatment, known as high-dose chemotherapy, which may be associated with their poorer condition and diminished mental and physical condition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Measuring depression as a short-term state and as a trait: multilevel approach
Introduction: The Whole Trait Theory allows to conceptualise constructs as a short-term state and as a trait. Depression also can be understood in two ways as a short-term state and as a trait. The aim of the presented study was to verify the factor structure of depression scale at both the inter- and intra-individual levels and to examine the correlation between the density of depression state and depression as a trait. Material and methods: The study used the depression scale from the DASS-21, and conducted a diary study that lasted 14 days and was based on repeated measurements on a sample of 147 people (49.3% female, 50.7% male). The research was conducted as an online survey, with items displayed in random sequence for each person every day. Respondents reported daily on the intensity of their experience of depression. Results: A two-level confirmatory factor analysis proved that single-factor structures are the best way to explain the inter- and intra-individual variance of depression. The congeneric reliability for the measurement of depression as a state and as a density of states was high. The correlation between the average measurement of depression as a state and a single measurement of depression as a trait was very strong, thus providing empirical evidence of the Whole Trait Theory. Conclusions: The present study opens new possibilities for measuring depression in research and clinical practice using repeated measurements of depression as a state. The study of the dynamics of changes in depression states allows for more precise prediction of a person's tendency to experience depression.
Associations of Autistic Traits with Early Maladaptive Schemas by J. Young
Introduction: Associations between the severity of autistic traits and variables such as early maladaptive schemas (EMS) have not been widely studied to date. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in the intensity of individual EMS between individuals with and without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to examine whether higher intensity of autistic traits in the ASD group is accompanied by higher intensity of individual early maladaptive schemas. Material and methods: The study involved 102 individuals with a mean age of 18 – 49 years (mean age: M = 29.47; SD = 7.79), including 51 individuals with an ASD diagnosis and 51 individuals not treated for Axis I or II mental disorders. The respondents were asked to fill in the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test, the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3-PL), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The median score for the AQ Test, which measures the intensity of autistic traits, was 30.14 (for the group of participants with an ASD diagnosis). Those with an ASD diagnosis scored higher in four of the five domains of early maladaptive schemas. The exception was the Other-Directedness domain. The respondents with an ASD diagnosis also scored higher on most EMS. Statistical significance was found for two schemas, i.e., Social Isolation/Alienation (p=0.0002*) and Emotional Inhibition (p=0.015). Statistically significant correlations between the intensity of autistic traits and EMS refer to the following domains (from the strongest relationship to the weakest): Overvigilance/Inhibition, Disconnection/Rejection, and Impaired Autonomy and Performance. Among the individual schemas, the order from the strongest relationship to the weakest was as follows: Social Isolation/Alienation, Emotional Inhibition, Unrelenting Standards/Hypercriticalness, Dependence/Incompetence, Vulnerability to Harm or Illness, Absolute strictness/Punitiveness, Negativity/Pessimism, and Defectiveness/Shame. Conclusions: 1. In comparison to the control group , individuals with ASD diagnosis present significantly higher intensity of the following two early maladaptive schemas: Social Isolation/Alienation and Emotional Inhibition. 2. The intensity of autistic traits in the group with ASD diagnosis is correlated with both the intensity of the domains and schemas relating specifically to social isolation and emotional reactions.
Robot-mediated therapy: Emotion Recognition and Social Skills Trainingfor children with ASD. Analysis of the use of Zoomorphic Robot Brian - preliminary reports
Introduction: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the zoomorphic robot Brian in the therapy of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to standard therapist-led interventions. The assessment focused on the child's level of interest in the robot, willingness to respond to verbal commands given by the robot, adaptive behaviors, social communication, imitation during play, and recognition of emotional states presented by the robot. Materials and methods: The study included fourteen children, with a total of 116 therapy sessions conducted. Each child participated in four sessions with the zoomorphic robot and four sessions with a therapist. During the sessions, the children's responses to verbal commands, ability to recognize emotions, and skills in social communication and imitation were evaluated. Results: The study showed a significantly greater willingness of autistic children to respond to verbal commands given by the robot than to the same commands spoken by the therapist. Additionally, children with ASD demonstrated better recognition and naming of emotional states displayed on the robot’s face compared to those on a human face. Conclusions: In interaction with the robot, autistic children acquired and exhibited desired social communication and imitation behaviors more quickly than in traditional therapy conducted by a therapist. These results suggest that robots may serve as an effective tool to support the therapy of children with ASD.
Orthorexia in a population of Polish university students: prevalence aswell as demographic and psychological risk factors
Introduction: The number of publications on orthorexia is steadily increasing, however little is still known about the psychological risk factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk of orthorexia in a population of students doing various university courses, and to estimate psychological risk factors for orthorexia in this group. The relationships between the risk of orthorexia and demographic factors were also analyzed. Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 447 respondents (350 women, 97 men) aged 17-50 years (mean 22.34). The Polish version of the ORTO-15 scale with a threshold of 35 points was used to estimate the risk of orthorexia. Results: The risk of orthorexia was identified in 22.6% of the total study group. Gender, the course of study, being in a relationship and body mass index were unrelated to the risk of orthorexia. However, such risk was higher in those from singleparent families and those who exercise more often. The risk of orthorexia was increased by attachment anxiety and overall risk of eating disorders, and decreased by the preference for a physically active lifestyle. Emotional intelligence and perceived social support were unrelated. Conclusions: The risk of orthorexia is common in the population of Polish students, and is increased by a general tendency for eating disorders, insecurity in close relationships, and being raised in a single-parent family. Those at higher risk of orthorexia engage in physical activity more frequently, although they may derive less pleasure from it.
The major goal in treating diabetes is the effective metabolic control of the disease as well as avoiding hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is an abnormally diminished content of glucose in the blood (below 55 mg/dl (3.0 m/M)) and an intrinsic element in every diabetic’s life. Diabetics experience hundreds or even thousands symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes throughout their lives. Acute hypoglycaemic episodes may lead to convulsions, coma or even death. They increase the risk of trauma resulting from those episodes. Recurrent acute hypoglycaemic episodes may lead to changes in behaviour as well as cause the worsening of cognitive functions. Episodes of hypoglycaemia occur more often in people suffering from diabetes type 1, however the frequency of those episodes significantly increases with the duration of diabetes type 2 and the risk of occurrence of those episodes approaches the risk present in diabetes type 1. The occurrence of hypoglycaemia worsen the quality of patient’s life. The problem of hypoglycaemia in diabetes particularly concerns children, their parents and elderly people. The consequence of recurrent hypoglycaemia is more frequent occurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms. Hypoglycaemia is also one of the main factors limiting the correct control of glycaemia in patients. Striving to achieve glycaemic targets should be individualised in many cases. Moderating the criteria of balancing carbohydrate metabolism in the case of elderly people may not be efficient to prevent hypoglycaemic incidents. An additional proceeding to effectively limit the risk of hypoglycaemic incidents among patients is educational activity.
Copyright (c) 2011 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
This article aims to analyze the Japanese concept of “Mottainai” and its possible new application.
A review of Internet addiction with regards to assessment method design and the limited parameters examined
“Internet addiction” (IAD) was formally introduced in the late 1990’s, and while it has not been extensively researched compared to other pathologies, it is significant enough to be considered for inclusion into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). [1,2]. Although many methods evaluating internet usage have been developed, a gold standard IAD test has not been recognized, and knowledge is therefore limited regarding the consequences of pathological internet use on a person’s well-being [3]. This article attempts to highlight a sample of the general IAD literature with regards to its shortcomings and its findings regarding sample population demographics, lifestyle, and predictive values.
Cardiac complications of antidepressants
Depressive disorders are an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. There are also a risk factor for death in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease. Modern antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) increase the safety of therapy in patients with depressive disorders, mainly through its favorable profile of adverse effects. Although they are not free from defects, and some risk of cardiac side effects exist, as confirmed by scientific reports.
Risk of Internet addiction among secondary school children
Introduction. The increasingly universal access to computers and the Internet has numerous positive aspects. However, the fact that using the Internet may also create a threat to the correct physical, psychological, intellectual, social or moral development, must not be overlooked. Aim. To assess the risk of Internet addiction among secondary school children in Bialystok Material and methods. The study was conducted from December 2010 to March 2011 among the students of 8 gymnasia in Bialystok. A group of 320 students aged 13-15 years was investigated with a questionnaire survey designed by the authors. Results. Most respondents had a computer with the Internet access at home (97.5%) and used the Internet every day (69.1%). Every tenth respondent declared that he or she always used the Internet longer than planned. Almost 10% of the respondents continually thought about what they would do after switching on the computer or logging in to the Internet. In the case of every eighth student, people from their immediate environment reproved them for spending too much time on the Internet. Internet-dependency was reported by 11.6% of the students , while 5.3 % devoted over 5 hours a day to using the Internet. Conclusion. To make it possible for computers and the Internet to play a useful role, education of children, youth, as well as their parents and guardians, in this field is necessary.
Health and welfare situation of the disabled and their families in their natural residential environment
The aim of this study was to assess the health and welfare situation of the disabled and their families in their natural residential environment. The study covered 199 persons with motor disability and their families. Ninentynine study participants lived in nursing homes, while 100 – in their family homes. The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey. The disabled who lived in nursing homes were mainly single women from rural environments, with primary education; their health problems were related to the disorders of motor organs and nervous system. Most of them either had limited independence and needed occasional care or were fully dependent and needed twenty-four-hour care. The surveyed disabled who lived in family homes came from urban environments and had secondary or university education. The welfare situation of the disabled living in family homes was positively affected by a high percentage of professionally active family members. Thanks to the support of their families, people with a limited independence that lived in family homes coped with their dis-ability and its psychological effects better than the disabled living in nursing homes.
the family of the person with a disability
Psychosocial effects of mandibular prognathism treatment with the use of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy
Mandibular prognathism is a dentofacial deformity, in which the most pronounced feature is mandibular anterior excess. Unfavorable psychosocial effect deriving from unaesthetic facial appearance is the major indication for treatment of dentofacial deformities but other important factors are disturbed mastication, speech, pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a popular technique among several methods utilized in tratment of dentofacial deformities including mandibular prognathism. The aim of this paper was the evaluation of impact of surgical correction of mandibular prognathism with use of BSSO on self-assessment of facial esthetics, mastication, general health, social interactions in conjunction with improvement of wellbeing. The material was the medical records of 54 patients treated for mandibular prognathism in The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Medical University of Lublin. Two questionnaires and one psychological test were utilized to assess the orthodontic-surgical impact on patients’ physical and psychological function. In the evaluated group of patients considerable increase in self-assessment and self-confidence was noted after surgical treatment. They also pointed at better social interactions postoperatively in comparison with the presurgical period as well as less constraint during meal consumption. Moreover, speech improvement was noted in the evaluated group of patients. In conclusion, it was found that in majority of evaluated patients there was improvement of self-acceptance which reflects high degree of satisfaction obtained from the treatment.
Review of Internet addiction comorbities and physiological parameters
Despite the growing research collective regarding Internet Addiction (IAD) and its demographics, lifestyle influences, and predic-tors very little experimentation has been done to assess IAD comorbidities and associated physiological parameters [1]. Cross-sectional studies that have been performed often determine a high comorbidity rate of IAD with psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and affective disorders [2]. However, despite a similar associative incidence rate, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is seldom mentioned in such analysis’. This article attempts to highlight IAD comorbidities with particular emphasis on the literature written regarding BPD and IAD. It will also examine various physiological parameters that have been assessed and suggest possible treatment modalities that may be effective for this morbidity in the future.
Selenium and its role in medicine with special regard to psychical disorders
Since the end of 1950s the knowledge about biological role of the selenium compounds has been steadily growing. Along with the development of biochemistry and molecular biology, there is more and more evidence pointing out to incredibly significant role of the selenium compounds in the cell metabolism processes. The analyses covering the protective properties of selenium concerning the phenomenon of oxidative stress seem to be particularly important from the point of view of the research on broadly understood etiology of neoplastic, inflammatory, degenerative and genetic processes as well as the immunological disorders. The aim of this work is to present the recent scientific findings discussing the most important directions of the research on the physiological role of selenium compounds and their influence on the occurrence of the human organism structure and functioning with special regard to the disorders concerning the central nervous system. Selenium, being the component of the centers of active enzymes such as gluthatione peroxidase, is necessary for the proper course of numerous enzymatic processes. The significance of selenium is also frequently emphasized in the prophylactics of cancers, diseases of the cardio-vascular system and rheumatic diseases. This paper focuses on the main directions of the research on the pathogenetic and therapeutic role of selenium compounds in affective diseases, schizophrenia, autism, disorders of cognitive functions connected i.e. with Alzheimer’s disease. Undoubtedly the vital fact is that there has been discovered an intensified gene expression for SELENBP-1 protein in the experimental animals in which the states were induced that may constitute the model of psychotic and affective disorders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Current Problems of Psychiatry
Selen i jego rola w medycynie ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zaburzeń psychicznych
Od końca lat pięćdziesiątych dwudziestego wieku, wiedza na temat biologicznej roli związków selenu nieustannie się poszerza. Wraz z rozwojem biochemii i biologii molekularnej przybywa dowodów na niezwykle istotną regulacyjną rolę związków selenu w procesach metabolizmu komórkowego. Szczególnie ważne z punktu widzenia badań nad szeroko rozumianą etiologią procesów nowotworowych, zapalnych, degeneracyjnych, zaburzeń immunologicznych, jak również genetycznych wydają się analizy obejmujące ochronne właściwości selenu dotyczące zjawiska stresu oksydacyjnego. Celem niniejszej pracy jest przedstawienie aktualnych doniesień naukowych omawiających najważniejsze kierunki badań nad fizjologiczną rolą związków selenu oraz ich wpływem na występowanie zaburzeń struktury i funkcji organizmu ludzkiego ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zaburzeń dotyczących ośrodkowego układu nerwowego. Selen jest niezbędny dla prawidłowego przebiegu wielu procesów enzymatycznych, stanowiąc składnikiem centrów aktywnych enzymów m.in. peroksydazy glutationowej. Często podnosi się znaczenie selenu w profilaktyce chorób nowotworowych, jak również chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego i schorzeń reumatycznych. W niniejszej pracy opisano główne kierunki badań nad rola patogenetyczna i terapeutyczną związków selenu w chorobach afektywnych, schizofrenii, autyzmie, zaburzeniach funkcji poznawczych związanych m.in. z chorobą Alzheimera. Niewątpliwie istotne wydaje się odkrycie wzmożonej ekspresji genów dla białka SELENBP-1 u zwierząt doświadczalnych, u których wywołano stany mogące stanowić model zaburzeń psychotycznych i afektywnych.
The concept of social support has long been used in contexts of problematic situations, crises, difficult and traumatic events, as one of elements of seeking help and the mechanisms of health and disease. Recently it has been used in analyzing the problems of stress and ways of coping with it. Social support is one of the elements of psychosocial resistance resources, known as the properties of individuals and groups that are necessary to cope with difficult situations and as a consequence - to achieve an optimal state of adaptation. Mere fact of having social support, as an interactive resource, stemming from the outside, is not synonymous with the ability to cope with problems and maintaining health. There is a need of readiness of the individual and her own activity to its causative use and processing. A number of difficulties in giving clear definition of this phenomenon have a multifaceted character. They are dictated by the genesis of dealing with social support inherent in man's practical experience, and derived from natural need to help others.
Mental disorders in the course of neoplasms
In the course of neoplastic disease in patients mental adaptation disorders can appear, being the response to the situation of severe disease and also as a result of pathological changes which are caused in organism by progressive degenerative process. Some patients suffer from mental disorders which exist irrespective of tumour. However in most of them these disturbances are related with oncological factors. Mental disorders which most often appear in the course of neoplasms are: depression and anxiety disorders, also disorders of consciousness, psychoorganic and psychotic disorders. Pathological psychic symptoms manifested by patients hamper communication between the patient and the doctor and also limit the ill person's possibilities to express own needs and describe pain. Moreover in case of brain tumours, psychic symptoms often appear before focal neurological symptoms. Therefore it's very important to diagnose them early in oncological patients and initiate suitable pharmacological therapy and psychological support.
Psychiatric disorders in urology patients – a review of the literature
The purpose of this study was to analyze the existing literature regarding patients’ mental disorders after urological treatment. Special attention was paid to problems of patients with cancer, treated surgically, and with andropause and intimate problems. Mental disorders occurring in the course of somatic diseases may be a reaction to the disease itself, its severity, nuisance, and limitations coming along with the disease. It may also be a result of poor prognosis, as well as significant change of social situation, and the outcome of somatic factors influencing the central nervous system. Also it may be a combination of two mentioned above conditions. Cancer, due to its stereotypical social perception, is mainly identified with death in agony, which can be an enormous psychological burden, even though it may not cause any limitation to physical or social activities. Many surgical procedures are associated with particularly high anxiety. The issue of andropause, called simultaneously the male midlife psychoendocrine syndrome is also associated with changes in the psyche, and patients intimate sphere. Taking into consideration urological aspect, sexual disorders occurring after surgery can be a consequence of invasive treatment. These disorders affect both men and women, although the literature devoted to women’s sexual disorders with purely urological problems is poor. Reduced sexual ability can lead to various disorders, complex and reduced self-esteem; for instance: psychosomatic, depressive and neurotic disorders, relationship and interpersonal problems, low patience. Based on the literature, it can be concluded that patients undergoing urological treatment are facing various psychological or psychiatric disturbances. These problems are often margina-lized in somatic medicine. In many cases setting proper diagnosis is difficult due to similarity of symptoms that occur in both disturbances: urological, and psychiatric. It is worth to carry on the therapy holistically, combining psychological and somatic symptoms.
Diagnostic issues regarding the patient with personality disorder – case report
A case of 22 years old woman has been presented. This patient was hospitalized in the Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Lublin due to strong suicidal thoughts and worsened mood. The patient was psychiatrically treated for one year, although first mental problems had appeared in the period of early adolescence with the picture of mood liability and suicidal ideations. Almost one year before the admission she had taken a suicidal attempt. During current hospitalization a variety of diagnostic examinations was performed that excluded psychotic disorder. The results of psychological tests indicated disordered personality traits as a reason of patient’s problems. Based on psychiatric and psychological examinations the diagnosis was made – personality disorder type histrionic with borderline personality elements.
Psychiatric aspects of the phenomenon of stigmata
A stigma is a notion used in some religions to describe the wounds which were symbols of a special relationship to God. The phenomenon is known in Christianity (the wounds corresponding to Christ’s wounds in his forehead, hands, feet and side) and Islam (the wounds corresponding to those of Mohammed that he suffered during his battles). Stigmata were the reason of lots of controversies, especially those concerning their authenticity and the ability of their bearers to control them. In the article I would like to refer the phenomenon of stigmata occurrence to the interpretation suggested in the subject literature – in terms of dissociational or controversial phenomena.
Relations in the families of women at risk and not at risk of mobile phone addiction
The aim of this work was to verify the hypothesis that there are statistically significant differences between women at risk and not at risk of mobile phone addiction in their relationships with their parents. Material and methods. The study included 80 women at a mean age of 25 years. The following instruments were used in this study: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Mobile Phone Addiction Assessment Questionnaire by Potembska and Pawłowska, and Pawłowska's Parent-Child Relationship Questionnaire. Based on the general KBUTK scale a group of 30 women at risk of mobile phone addiction was singled out as well as a group of 50 women who were not at risk of this addiction. Results. The women at risk of mobile phone addiction significantly more often, as compared to women who are not at risk of this addiction, inform us about emotional violence experienced from their parents, punishment, sense of loneliness in the family, lack of acceptance, understanding, lack of interest in their problems and not taking into account their opinion. They experience a lack of support and care, they think that parents need their support because they are helpless, they mention participation in the conflicts between their parents, feel guilty for their problems and think that their existence is the cause of the problems of their parents as well as of their failures and conflicts between them. The women at risk of mobile phone addiction significantly more often as compared to the control group (i.e. women who are not at risk of this addiction) inform us that they drew their parents’ attention only when they were sick or caused problems at school and indicate that their parents formulated contradictory requirements in relation to them, they undermined up-bringing principles practised by the other parent, they indicate that they were a disappointment to their mothers and that in the future they would not like to be like their mothers as well as that they are afraid of adult life. The results of linear regression show that addiction to mobile phone conversation as well as texting, their symptoms being: making unsuccessful attempts to cut down on the number of conversations and text messages, limiting the hours of sleep due to phone conversations, paying extremely high bills exceeding their budget for phone conversations and text messages, concealing the costs of phone conversations from their families, belittling the number of mobile phone conversations, are accounted for in 73% by family factors: sense of lack of understanding shown by their parents, being a disappointment to their mothers, experience of indifference and lack of time shown by their parents and of situations when the examined women defended their mothers from their fathers. The experience of loneliness in a situation when no phone conversations and text messages are received is accounted for in 57% by the following: fear of adult life and parents’ indifference to their children’s problems. Excessive use of mobile phone in order to listen to music, make films, take pictures, play games, stay online account for 37% of family factors: participation in conflicts between parents and assuming responsibility for the fathers’ conduct. Preferring interpersonal interactions and expressing emotions via phone conversations and text messaging to “face- to -face” interactions as shown by the examined women account for 46% of the desire to get care and advice and by the sense of indifference shown by their mothers when they mentioned problems. Conclusions. Women at risk of mobile phone addiction assessed their relationships with their parents significantly more negatively than women at no risk of this addiction. Women at risk of mobile phone addiction more frequently than women not at risk had experienced conflicts, loneliness, emotional abuse, punishment, and lack of acceptance, understanding and interest in their families. The most significant predictors of mobile phone addiction include family factors, in particular, experiencing indifference, lack of understanding, disappointment with the child from their parents, sense of loneliness in a family as well as the fear of adult life.