Browsing by Author "Latas, Milan (6507748007)"

The conceptualization of mental disorders varies among professionals, impacting diagnosis, treatment, and research. This cross-disciplinary study aimed to understand how various professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, medical students, philosophers, and social sciences experts, perceive mental disorders, their attitudes towards the disease status of certain mental states, and their emphasis on biological versus social explanatory attributions. A survey of 371 participants assessed their agreement on a variety of conceptual statements and the relative influence of biological or social explanatory attribution for different mental states. Our findings revealed a consensus on the need for multiple explanatory perspectives in understanding psychiatric conditions and the influence of social, cultural, moral, and political values on diagnosis and classification. Psychiatrists demonstrated balanced bio-social explanatory attributions for various mental conditions, indicating a potential shift from the biological attribution predominantly observed among medical students and residents in psychiatry. Further research into factors influencing these differing perspectives is necessary. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.

The conceptualization of mental disorders varies among professionals, impacting diagnosis, treatment, and research. This cross-disciplinary study aimed to understand how various professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, medical students, philosophers, and social sciences experts, perceive mental disorders, their attitudes towards the disease status of certain mental states, and their emphasis on biological versus social explanatory attributions. A survey of 371 participants assessed their agreement on a variety of conceptual statements and the relative influence of biological or social explanatory attribution for different mental states. Our findings revealed a consensus on the need for multiple explanatory perspectives in understanding psychiatric conditions and the influence of social, cultural, moral, and political values on diagnosis and classification. Psychiatrists demonstrated balanced bio-social explanatory attributions for various mental conditions, indicating a potential shift from the biological attribution predominantly observed among medical students and residents in psychiatry. Further research into factors influencing these differing perspectives is necessary. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.

Alexithymia presents a reduced ability to identify, express, and describe one's own emotions. In medical professionals, alexithymia is associated with increased burnout and substance use, as well as reduced altruistic behavior. Our aim was to examine the association between alexithymia and different sociodemographic, psychological, and somatic parameters among medical students. Participants included 186 third- and sixth-year students of the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade, Serbia. Data were collected through an online survey, composed of 1) a general questionnaire (sociodemographic data, education satisfaction, grade point average, presence of psychological and somatic disorders), 2) Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, 3) Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and 4) Beck Anxiety Inventory. Third-year students had significantly higher rates of alexithymia compared with sixth-year students. Negative correlation was found between alexithymia and educational satisfaction (r = −0.276**) and alexithymia and grade point average (r = −0.186*). A positive correlation was found between alexithymia and depression (r = 0.424**) and alexithymia and anxiety (r = 0.338**). The negative impact of alexithymia on educational satisfaction and psychological health is pronounced in the population of medical students, indicating a need for preventive programs aimed in medical schools. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Purpose of reviewTo review recent studies which assess comorbidity, that is, prevalence of co-occurrence, relationships and treatment implications between anxiety disorders and various medical illnesses.Recent findingsThe prevalence rates of anxiety disorders in patients with medical illnesses are high, with percentage up to 29% in patients with epilepsy, 48.9% in patients with multiple sclerosis, 30.1% in patients with Parkinson's disease, 30% in patients with cardiovascular disease, 47.0% in patients with diabetes mellitus, and so on. The most prevalent anxiety disorders among individuals with somatic illnesses are generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. In addition, various medical illnesses are highly prevalent in samples of patients with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders co-occurring with medical illnesses have a number of clinical implications, including a greater severity and negative impact on treatment outcome of both medical illnesses and anxiety disorders.SummaryIt is important for clinicians to look for possible anxiety disorders among patients with medical illnesses. Further studies need to ascertain how to best treat individuals suffering from both anxiety disorders and medical illnesses, and focus on the issue of causality when these conditions co-occur. © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Smartphones are a medium for performing online activities, and one such activity could be the compulsive online health information search — cyberchondria. This study aimed to test whether cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) positively predict smartphone addiction (SA), adjusted for age, gender, daily use duration, the reason for using smartphones, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The sample consisted of 471 adults (55.2% women) from the general population without chronic diseases (Mage = 38.67). Regression analysis showed that IU was a positive predictor of SA (β =.17, p <.001), as well as cyberchondria (β =.14, p <.001), which had a unique contribution to the explanation of SA, relative to IU. Other significant predictors were average daily smartphone use and entertainment use, the latter being the strongest predictor in the model. These results revealed cyberchondria as a unique predictor of SA. © The Author(s) 2023.

The aim of this study was the micromorphological analysis of the distribution of microvessels, mast cells and ganglionic neurons in two parts, proximal and distal of the human superior cervical sympathetic ganglions (SCSGs). Statistical analyses were applied to detect the possible metric regional differences in their densities. Five injected human SCSGs with colored India ink and gelatin were microdissected and examined. Second group of five human SCSGs was prepared and serially sliced for CD34 and mast cell tryptase immunostaining. The microscopic fields of two parts of the SCSGs were analyzed for the following quantifications: microvessel density (MVD), mast cell density (MCD), and ganglionic cell count and measurements. The mean number of CD34-positive microvessels in microscopic fields, the MVD, had a value of 83 for the upper parts, and 82.7 for the lower parts of SCSGs. The mean number of tryptase-positive mast cells in microscopic fields, the MCD, was 4.5 in the proximal parts, and 4.7 in the distal parts of SCSGs. The mean number of ganglionic neurons in microscopic fields was 19.5 in the proximal parts, and 19.8 in the distal parts of SCSGs. The density of CD34-positive microvessels, the density of tryptase-positive mast cells, and the density, mean diameters and mean areas of ganglionic neurons were not significantly different in two observed parts, upper and lower of the SCSGs. In conclusion, the distributions of microvessels, mast cells, and neurons in two parts of the SCSGs were uniform with no specific micromorphological variations, there is a homogenous vascular and cellular pattern within the SCSGs. Copyright © 2024 Boljanović, Milisavljević, Latas, Puškaš, Bogosavljević, Vujačić, Aleksandrić, Ćetković, Branković, Dožić and Ćetković.

The aim of this study was the micromorphological analysis of the distribution of microvessels, mast cells and ganglionic neurons in two parts, proximal and distal of the human superior cervical sympathetic ganglions (SCSGs). Statistical analyses were applied to detect the possible metric regional differences in their densities. Five injected human SCSGs with colored India ink and gelatin were microdissected and examined. Second group of five human SCSGs was prepared and serially sliced for CD34 and mast cell tryptase immunostaining. The microscopic fields of two parts of the SCSGs were analyzed for the following quantifications: microvessel density (MVD), mast cell density (MCD), and ganglionic cell count and measurements. The mean number of CD34-positive microvessels in microscopic fields, the MVD, had a value of 83 for the upper parts, and 82.7 for the lower parts of SCSGs. The mean number of tryptase-positive mast cells in microscopic fields, the MCD, was 4.5 in the proximal parts, and 4.7 in the distal parts of SCSGs. The mean number of ganglionic neurons in microscopic fields was 19.5 in the proximal parts, and 19.8 in the distal parts of SCSGs. The density of CD34-positive microvessels, the density of tryptase-positive mast cells, and the density, mean diameters and mean areas of ganglionic neurons were not significantly different in two observed parts, upper and lower of the SCSGs. In conclusion, the distributions of microvessels, mast cells, and neurons in two parts of the SCSGs were uniform with no specific micromorphological variations, there is a homogenous vascular and cellular pattern within the SCSGs. Copyright © 2024 Boljanović, Milisavljević, Latas, Puškaš, Bogosavljević, Vujačić, Aleksandrić, Ćetković, Branković, Dožić and Ćetković.

We compared female and male patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) in terms of characteristics of agoraphobia (AG). Ninety- five patients (73 women and 22 men) with the SCID-based diagnosis of PDA were administered the National Institute of Mental Health Panic Questionnaire (NIMH PQ), and women and men were compared on the items of the NIMH PQ that pertain to AG and symptoms of panic attacks. Male and female patients did not differ significantly with respect to demographic characteristics, age of onset of panic disorder and AG, duration of PDA, and severity and frequency of symptoms experienced during panic attacks. Women avoided more situations than did men, but this difference was not statistically significant. Women avoided buses and being in unfamiliar places alone significantly more often. The only situation that was avoided more often by men, although not significantly, was staying at home alone. Women were significantly more likely to stay at home to avoid agoraphobic situations and significantly less likely to go outside of home alone. When going outside, women required a companion significantly more often. There were significantly more married women than married men who required a spouse as a companion, and significantly more women with children than men with children who required a child as a companion. Women thought that AG had affected the overall quality of their lives significantly more adversely. Whereas the overall 'profile' of agoraphobic situations does not seem to distinguish between female and male patients with AG, females may be more impaired and appear more dependent than men in terms of requiring companions to move outside of the home. Cultural and psychological factors may be most likely to account for these findings.

We compared female and male patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) in terms of characteristics of agoraphobia (AG). Ninety- five patients (73 women and 22 men) with the SCID-based diagnosis of PDA were administered the National Institute of Mental Health Panic Questionnaire (NIMH PQ), and women and men were compared on the items of the NIMH PQ that pertain to AG and symptoms of panic attacks. Male and female patients did not differ significantly with respect to demographic characteristics, age of onset of panic disorder and AG, duration of PDA, and severity and frequency of symptoms experienced during panic attacks. Women avoided more situations than did men, but this difference was not statistically significant. Women avoided buses and being in unfamiliar places alone significantly more often. The only situation that was avoided more often by men, although not significantly, was staying at home alone. Women were significantly more likely to stay at home to avoid agoraphobic situations and significantly less likely to go outside of home alone. When going outside, women required a companion significantly more often. There were significantly more married women than married men who required a spouse as a companion, and significantly more women with children than men with children who required a child as a companion. Women thought that AG had affected the overall quality of their lives significantly more adversely. Whereas the overall 'profile' of agoraphobic situations does not seem to distinguish between female and male patients with AG, females may be more impaired and appear more dependent than men in terms of requiring companions to move outside of the home. Cultural and psychological factors may be most likely to account for these findings.

Background: Magnesium (Mg) is the second most abundant intracellular cation. Ionized Mg is the only active form of Mg. The concentration of ionized Mg could be a potentially novel biomarker for anxiety and depression. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the serum concentration of ionized Mg and its correlation with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with anxiety and depression. Methods: In this study included 93 respondents were divided into 3 groups: C (control group—18 respondents); A (patients with anxiety disorder, dissociative/conversion disorders and somatoform disorders—36 patients); D (patients with depression—39 patients). Clinical diagnosis was based on ICD-10 criteria. Blood samples were used for standard laboratory analysis, ionized Mg analysis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters. Results: Statistical significance was recorded between healthy volunteers and patients (anxiety/depression) in ionized Mg values. In anxious patients, malondialdehyde (MDA) had a positive correlation between the parameters of oxidative stress with ionized Mg. In depressive patients, MDA had a positive correlation, and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) a negative correlation with the concentration of ionized Mg. Conclusion: Ionized Mg and its correlation with parameters of oxidative stress could be potential biomarkers in anxious and depressive patients. © The Author(s) 2022.

Background: Magnesium (Mg) is the second most abundant intracellular cation. Ionized Mg is the only active form of Mg. The concentration of ionized Mg could be a potentially novel biomarker for anxiety and depression. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the serum concentration of ionized Mg and its correlation with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with anxiety and depression. Methods: In this study included 93 respondents were divided into 3 groups: C (control group—18 respondents); A (patients with anxiety disorder, dissociative/conversion disorders and somatoform disorders—36 patients); D (patients with depression—39 patients). Clinical diagnosis was based on ICD-10 criteria. Blood samples were used for standard laboratory analysis, ionized Mg analysis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters. Results: Statistical significance was recorded between healthy volunteers and patients (anxiety/depression) in ionized Mg values. In anxious patients, malondialdehyde (MDA) had a positive correlation between the parameters of oxidative stress with ionized Mg. In depressive patients, MDA had a positive correlation, and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) a negative correlation with the concentration of ionized Mg. Conclusion: Ionized Mg and its correlation with parameters of oxidative stress could be potential biomarkers in anxious and depressive patients. © The Author(s) 2022.

Objective: Trazodone is an effective antidepressant. The present study was designed as a non-interventional open-label, multi-centre, post-marketing study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and tolerability of trazodone retard formulation (Trittico® retard) in everyday clinical practice. Methods: Two hundred and forty-two patients with depressive disorder from 19 different centres were included in the study. The antidepressant and anxyolitic effects were assessed using Hamilton anxiety rating scale 14 items version, Hamilton depression rating scale 14 items version and Clinical Global Impression Severity scale. Results: After only two weeks of therapy, a statistically significant improvement in the HAM-D score, was observed. This observation was maintained over the whole study period, up to the day 56. Conclusions: Our study points toward clinical effectiveness of the prolonged-release formulation of trazodone in the treatment of unselected depressed patients in real-world practice. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Background/Aim. Obesity is the chronic disease and health threatening condition. The number of obese people in the world has taken epidemic conditions. Medical nutritional therapy is the first choice in the treatment of obesity, but it is also accompanied with a great percentage of attrition and a significant weight regain. The aim of our study was to evaluate if psychiatric and specific psychological factors (impulsivity) could be the predictors of successful weight loss. Methods. A study sample consisted of 84 consecutive overweight/obesity women, 20 to 40 years old, who were willing to adhere to the medical nutrition therapy after the initial anthropometric measurements were performed. All participants received a personalized nutritional counseling and a daily diet treatment with 20% caloric restriction from estimated daily energy requirement. At the beginning of the study, the 90-item Symptom Check-list (SCL-90) and the 30-item Barratt Impulsiveness scale (BIS-11) were administrated. At the end of six months of caloric restriction, the conventional diet therapy and control weight measurement, the patients were divided into two groups: the group I – 40 participants (48%) who lost ≥ 10% of their initial body weight (successful group) and the group II – 44 participants (52%) who lost < 10% of their initial weight (unsuccessful). Results. There were no significant differences between groups in the demographic data (age, education level, employment, marital status), baseline anthropometric measurements, and in the general psychopathology total score. Groups I and II were significantly different in the total BIS-11 score (p < 0.001) and in Factor II (motor impulsivity) (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Even though the successful and unsuccessful diet responded participatnts did not differ in the general psychopathology and symptom dimensions, our results pointed out impulsivity as a discriminative factor between them. The total impulsivity and Factor II (motor impulsivity) as an indicator of binge eating were higher in the unsuccessfully responding overweight/obese women on the conventional diet treatment. A focus on impulsivity in a psychotherapeutic work might leed to better outcomes in the medical nutrition therapy. © 2019 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related containment measures have grossly affected the daily living and created a need for alternative ways of social communication and entertainment. The aim of this study was to explore the use of various Internet contents depending on sociodemographics and on psychiatric history of participants. This cross-sectional, population-based study is a part of a wider international multicenter study. A total of 1275 participants across Serbia (71.1% of females; average age = 41.81 ± 12.52 years) were recruited using two-level chain-referral sampling method. The participants filled in an anonymous online questionnaire that included questions on sociodemographic data, psychiatric history, and various aspects of increased Internet use since the pandemic. The data were analyzed using a series of multiple logistic regressions. About two-thirds of the sample reported using Internet more during the pandemic. All of the tested regression models, apart from models predicting browsing religion and travel/tourism, were significant, explaining from about 2% (for the contents specific for COVID-19) up to 34.4% (for the sexual content) of variance of use. Reporting a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder was a significant predictor of greater Instagram use and browsing sexual and sport-related content since the pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, the study is the first to report on the relationship between Internet using and mental health, during COVID-19 pandemic, in the Balkan region. The findings showed various patterns of the increased use of Internet contents since the pandemic referring to both potentially positive and negative Internet influences. © 2020 Indian Journal of Psychiatry Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow.

The aim of our study was to examine whether the participation in Balint group is associated with the reducing burnout syndrome among primary health care doctors. This investigation was conducted on a population of 210 doctors employed in primary health centers in Belgrade. Out of 210 doctors, 70 have completed Balint training for a period of at least 1 year, whereas 140 doctors have never attended this training (the Non-Balint group). The level of burnout among physicians was assessed with the Serbian translation of the original 22-item version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey which defines burnout in relation to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment. We found that 45.0% of the Non-Balint participants and 7.1% of the Balint-trained participants responded with symptoms of high level of emotional exhaustion, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). In relation to depersonalization, 20% of the Non-Balint subjects were highly depersonalized compared to 4.4% of the Balint-trained subjects, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Regarding the personal accomplishment, 21.4% of the Non-Balint subjects and 7.1% of the Balint-trained subjects had a perception of low personal accomplishment, with a statistical significance (p < 0.001). In the multiple ordinal logistic model, with emotional exhaustion as a dependent variable, statistically significant predictor was female gender (OR = 2.51; p = 0.021), while Balint training was obtained as a protective factor (OR = 0.12; p < 0.001). Non-specialists were detected as a risk factor for depersonalization (OR = 2.14; p = 0.026) while Balint group was found as a protective factor (OR = 0.10; p < 0.001), according to the multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis. Regarding the reduced personal accomplishment, our results indicated that nonspecialists were at risk for this subdimension (OR = 2.09; p = 0.025), whereas Balint participants were protected (OR = 0.18; p < 0.001). Participation in Balint groups is associated with the reduced burnout syndrome among primary health care doctors. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Aim To determine oral health status and identify predictors of oral health in a representative sample of psychiatric in-patients in Serbia. Methods The study included 186 psychiatric in-patients and 186 control participants without psychiatric illness matched to the study group by age, sex, marital status, education level, employment, and monthly income. Dental examinations were done in both groups to measure the following indices of oral health: decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index; community periodontal index; and plaque index. Participants were also interviewed about their dental health behavior and their medical records were examined. Results Psychiatric in-patients had higher caries prevalence, poorer periodontal health, and poorer oral hygiene than controls. The average DMFT score in the patient group was 24.4 and 16.1 in the control group (P < 0.001). Periodontal diseases were significantly more prevalent among psychiatric in-patients than among controls (P < 0.001). The average plaque index for patients was 2.78 and 1.40 for controls (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that 1) DMFT index was associated with age, male sex, duration of mental illness, use of antidepressants, time since the last visit to the dentist, and snacking frequency; 2) community periodontal index was associated with male sex; and 3) plaque index was associated with age, male sex, education level, employment, monthly income, tooth brushing technique, and snacking frequency. Conclusion Psychiatric in-patients in Serbia have poorer oral health than healthy controls. It is necessary to intensify preventive dental care in this vulnerable population.

We assessed the impact of real danger on several aspects of the panic disorder (PD) patients' psychopathology and level of disability. At the time of the NATO air strikes on Belgrade, 84 PD patients who were in partial or complete remission were administered the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). All had been treated previously, and the majority (58.3%) were taking antipanic medications. The PAS, which was used as part of the regular follow-up assessment battery for PD patients, measures the overall severity of PD and the severity of key aspects and components of PD. Compared to the PAS assessments made before the onset of air strikes, the PAS assessments made at the time of air strikes showed significant differences in terms of decreased overall severity of PD, fewer health concerns, decrease in the level of disability, and greater intensity and frequency of anticipatory anxiety. Differences on the measures of panic attacks and agoraphobic avoidance were negligible. These results suggest that there is no relationship between panic attacks and real danger and lend support to the notion that panic attacks and fear induced by real danger are different phenomena. Contrary to the expectations of many PD patients, the presence of real danger does not seem to be associated with deterioration in their functioning, and PD patients can be reassured that they are not likely to cope worse under conditions of danger. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

We assessed the impact of real danger on several aspects of the panic disorder (PD) patients' psychopathology and level of disability. At the time of the NATO air strikes on Belgrade, 84 PD patients who were in partial or complete remission were administered the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). All had been treated previously, and the majority (58.3%) were taking antipanic medications. The PAS, which was used as part of the regular follow-up assessment battery for PD patients, measures the overall severity of PD and the severity of key aspects and components of PD. Compared to the PAS assessments made before the onset of air strikes, the PAS assessments made at the time of air strikes showed significant differences in terms of decreased overall severity of PD, fewer health concerns, decrease in the level of disability, and greater intensity and frequency of anticipatory anxiety. Differences on the measures of panic attacks and agoraphobic avoidance were negligible. These results suggest that there is no relationship between panic attacks and real danger and lend support to the notion that panic attacks and fear induced by real danger are different phenomena. Contrary to the expectations of many PD patients, the presence of real danger does not seem to be associated with deterioration in their functioning, and PD patients can be reassured that they are not likely to cope worse under conditions of danger. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To systematically review the recent studies which examined the co-occurrence and relationships between anxiety disorders and personality disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence rates of personality disorders in patients with anxiety disorders are high, with 35% in posttraumatic stress disorder, 47% in panic disorder with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder, 48% in social phobia, and 52% in obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is a high rate (39%) of the DSM cluster C personality disorders among individuals with anxiety disorders. Moreover, anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in samples of people with personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder (80-84.8%). Personality disorders co-occurring with anxiety disorders have a number of clinical implications, including an increased risk of suicide, greater severity of anxiety disorders, and negative impact on the treatment outcome of anxiety disorders. SUMMARY: It is important for the clinicians to look for possible personality disorders among patients with anxiety disorders. Further studies need to ascertain how best to treat individuals suffering from both anxiety disorders and personality disorders and focus on the issue of causality when these conditions co-occur. © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The aim of this study was to ascertain predictors of comorbid personality disorders in patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDAG). Sixty consecutive outpatients with PDAG were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID- II) for the purpose of diagnosing personality disorders. Logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of any comorbid personality disorder, any DSM-IV cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C personality disorder. Independent variables in these regressions were gender, age, duration of panic disorder (PD), severity of PDAG, and scores on self-report instruments that assess the patient’s perception of their parents, childhood separation anxiety, and traumatic experiences. High levels of parental protection on the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), indicating a perception of the parents as overprotective and controlling, emerged as the only statistically significant predictor of any comorbid personality disorder. This finding was attributed to the association between parental overprotection and cluster B personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder. The duration of PD was a significant predictor of any cluster B and any cluster C personality disorder, suggesting that some of the cluster B and cluster C personality disorders may be a consequence of the long-lasting PDAG. Any cluster B personality disorder was also associated with younger age. In conclusion, despite a generally nonspecific nature of the relationship between parental overprotection in childhood and adult psychopathology, the findings of this study suggest some specificity for the association between parental overprotection in childhood and personality disturbance in PDAG patients, particularly cluster B personality disorders. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.