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Day 2 : May 11, 2018

Keynote Forum

Monica Mendes

Valiant Clinic, UAE

Keynote: Depression in young men: A study of risk and protective factors for depressive symptomatology in a Portuguese young men community sample

Time : 09:30-10:15

Conference Series Stress 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Monica Mendes photo

Biography:

Monica Mendes is a Specialist in Clinical Psychology with over 10 years’ experience in Psychotherapy and Counselling for a variety of emotional and situational problems.

She customizes therapy to suit each client, drawing from a variety of techniques to enable patients to find the best path to healing and growth. She coordinated the Psychology and Mental Health Department of the Lisbon University Medical Health Center for over 12 years and was Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology

and Educational Psychology for 14 years in the Higher Institute of Sciences and Education (ISEC). As a Senior Supervisor of Clinical Psychology trainee of the Portuguese Board of Psychology, she coordinated the Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology Consultation of the College Pedagogical and Counselling Center of the Faculty of Psychology of Lisbon University, Portugal and Co-founded the Early Intervention Center for Child Development and Family Support in Portugal.

Abstract:

This study aims to describe the risk factors and protective factors for prevalence of depressive symptomatology among young men in a Portuguese non-clinical representative community sample, with ages between 18 and 29. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales (CES-D; Radloff, 1977), and a questionnaire including sociodemographic variables, general health variables and interpersonal stress factors were mailed to a sample of 1480 subjects. A phone line was available and local papers asked for collaboration. Sixty three young men aged between 18 and 29 answered the CES-D and the questionnaire and found a high level intensity of depressive symptomatology in this sample (18.56+13.7 CES-D mean score). Logistic regression has shown that recent unemployed young men, non college and young men living in rural areas have a significant higher of being depressed in comparison with employed men, college students or young men living in urban areas. It also has shown an increment risk of depression symptomatology among young men with previous depressive episodes, high concerns about body appearance and weight and high concerns about sexual performance. Nevertheless, being employed and/or being student and a self-perceived good health state (self-perceived) founded to be high protective factors for depressive symptomatology. The need for preventionfocused programs for that specific gender group (especially recent unemployed young men, with previous depressive episodes and/or high concerns about body appearance and weight) is discussed.

Keynote Forum

Anat Ben-Artsy

Valiant Clinic, UAE

Keynote: A reconceptualization of depression as a psychic autoimmune disease

Time : 10:15-11:00

Biography:

Anat Ben Artsy is a MA licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Supervisor at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Israel. She has worked with civilians (children and adults) in distress following damage to their homes during times of war. She has years of experience in psychotherapy in children, adolescents and adults, as well as teaching and supervising in hospital and education settings – Tel-Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University. She focuses on the reconceptualization of depression. This reconceptualization of depression as a psychic autoimmune disease facilitates a significant improvement in psychotherapy. Using this reconceptualization illuminates the process of the attack on the self and massive self-destruction manifested in depression. She found some support for the above from biological research regarding the connection between depression and autoimmune disease.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The attack against the self and massive self-destruction that we see in depressive individuals elicits the question, why do people (i.e., the Self) allow it to happen? Researchers have linked individual depressive symptoms to immune

activation biomarkers; others found evidence that many genes identified as risk alleles for depression were also associated with immune factors related to pathogen host defense. The “infection-defense" hypothesis proposes that immune vulnerability to infection elicits depressed mood. Autoimmune diseases and infections are risk factors for subsequent mood disorder diagnosis.

In autoimmune disease, the body’s defense system attacks healthy tissues rather than threatening invaders. Freud's Project for a Scientific Psychology attempted to define mental processes in neurological terms. Solan compared the process of the healthy narcissistic immune system in the self to the activity of the biological immune system.

Purpose & Method: The purpose of this study is to focus on the role of the psychic immunological system as related to the unbearable emotional pain inflicted by the acknowledgement of reality, disappointment, guilt, anxiety or aggression. A comparison is made between a healthy process versus clinical depression. Moreover, the defense mechanisms underlying depression including

their processing and links to the psychic immune system, are examined. Furthermore, the study has elaborated their goals and their primary and secondary gains for the individual as they relate to the destruction of the self.

Conclusion & Significance: Theoretically, there is a wide spectrum or continuum between how the healthy psychic immune system copes with loss (e.g., sadness, sorrow, grief) and depressive phenomena (in its various forms). Depression is understood as functioning like a psychic autoimmune disease against the self.

Recommendation: This reconceptualization of depression as autoimmune disease can explain the process of attack against the self and self-destructive behavior. It may provide an important metaphor to work-through in treatment.

Break: Networking and Refreshments Break 11:00-11:15 @ Foyer

Keynote Forum

Anna Contardi

European University of Rome, Italy

Keynote: Causal analysis and multilevel motivational structure: New procedures of assessment

Time : 11:15-12:00

Conference Series Stress 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Anna Contardi photo

Biography:

Anna Contardi is an Assistant Professor, Psychotherapist and Researcher in Clinical Psychology since 2009. She teaches “Cognitive and Personality Psychology” and “General Psychodiagnostics and Laboratory” for the undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at the European University of Rome. She is the Coordinator of the MA in Psychology for the UER and has been a Member of the Doctoral Committee (Cognitive Psychology and Clinical Assessment) at the same university. She collaborates with the research group of the Institute Skinner of Rome, to build a causal cognitive model. Her main research topics includes: attention and therapeutic processes, cognitive causal psychology, psychological diagnosis and clinical investigation, food addiction and Binge eating and disorders.

Abstract:

In the last years, the interest in clinical psychology in the scientific research about mind has shifted from a focus on mental contents centrality to cognitive process analysis. At present, interests, motivations and aims represent the fulcrum of the mental working models, based on the analysis of feed-forward psychological processes. The cognitive perspective offers a further version of functional analysis (increasing it from 3 to 7 columns) and of downward arrow technique (causal analysis technique) dedicated to highlighting the motivational aspects of the observed behaviour. This new technique is used in the assessment phase as a necessary tool in understanding the deep levels of structure the personality and the dynamics, which produces the psychological disease. The basic hypothesis is that there is present in a person a multilevel motivational structure capable of explaining the origin, the meaning and the role of a person’s each and every behaviours. The assessment aim is to specify the different motivational levels related to several aspects, in which the individual fulfils himself: oneself area, relational area, self-efficacy, area of the psychophysiological wellbeing, area of control or vital wish the world has particular characteristics, considered absolutely necessary. Defining the structure starts with the purpose of the action and the causal analysis is used to ask the subjects why it is important to achieve that goal and then, resuming its response, continue to ask what it wants to achieve as long as it expresses the desired condition, the priority interest, which explains the personological operation in the area investigated. These five areas of motivational structure levels are chained by a syllogism between motivational area of control and wellbeing until area of self.

Knowledge of the individual’s motivational structure improves the diagnostic work and allows a more incisive therapeutic plan.

Workshop

Location: Eifel

Session Introduction

Robert M Gordon

American Psychological Association, USA

Title: Anxiety and depression as expressions of personality syndromes

Time : 12:00-12:45

Biography:

Robert M Gordon, PhD ABPP is a Diplomate of Clinical Psychology and a Diplomate of Psychoanalysis and served the governing council of the American Psychological Association. He was the President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and received its Distinguished Service Award. He was elected Honorary Member of the American Psychoanalytic Association. He teaches personality assessment to Doctoral students and lectures the China American Psychoanalytic Alliance. He authored many scholarly articles and books in the areas of ethics, the MMPI-2, psychotherapy, relationships, forensic psychology, and personality assessment, diagnoses. He is an Editor of “Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, a PDM-2” and Co-author of “Psychodiagnostic Chart”. He is rated by Research Gate as a top Researcher.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Anxiety and depression are often viewed in terms of just symptoms when they may be personality syndromes. They can be life long styles of personality, which require a different type of treatment. The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual -2 (PDM-2) is a new taxonomy that has reformulated mental disturbances. The PDM-2 includes Anxious and Depressive personality syndromes. The Personality Syndromes in the PDM-2 are: Depressive, Dependent, Anxious, Obsessive and Compulsive, Schizoid, Somatizing, Hysterical, Narcissistic, Paranoid, Psychopathic, Sadistic, and Borderline Personalities. They are arranged in order from internalizing to externalizing. Each personality syndrome may be organized at the neurotic, borderline or psychotic levels. The PDM-2 uses the Psychodiagnostic Chart-2 as an assessment tool (PDC-2, search for a copy to help understand and score the PDM-2). Robert Bornstein and I developed the PDC so that practitioners could easily operationalize the PDM-2. The PDM-2 also assesses mental functions. For example, no two people with depression will have the same prognosis since they may differ in such mental functions as insightfulness, ability to relate, ability to learn and so on.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Although the PDM-2 is based in psychodynamic theory, the taxonomy is based on empirical research and the taxonomy has been found to be helpful to practitioners of all the major theoretical orientations.

Conclusions & Significance: When anxiety and/or depression are personality syndromes, they often do not respond well to medications or psychotherapies that just focus on the symptoms. That is because the anxiety and depression are part of who the person is, rather than just what they have.

Recommendations: A through psychological assessment and a PDM-2 formulation is needed to help determine if the anxiety and depression are symptoms (as in an adjustment disorder) or if they are personality syndromes. The latter requires long-term work on identity for any lasting changes to occur.

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Mike Lawrence

London Metropolitan University, UK

Title: How to alleviate work stress: The importance for organizations to implement a more holistic view of the employee to alleviate stress

Time : 12:45-13:30

Biography:

Mike Lawrence is a highly experienced senior manager gained within the private and public sector namely cosmetic, IT, civil service and leisure industries coupled with an insatiable passion and background in holistic therapy spanning 15 years, which lead to the opening of his successful holistic therapy clinic in the UK. His energic, modern and forward-thinking techniques are underpinned by studying the works of Sigmund Fraud, Milton Erickson on psychanalysis and Dr Thurman Fleet he was an amazing chiropractic healer and teacher of metaphysics who called his work concept therapy which had the effect of stress relief in the body.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Britain in the grip of a stress epidemic because of 'always on' workplace culture. 73% of UK employees suffer from work related stress, leading to an annual £57 bn loss in productivity and 49% of all working days lost in 2016-2017. However, since the publication of the guide implementing a European Social Partner agreement in 2014 jointly drawn up by the CBI, TUC, CEEP UK, FPB HSE and the DTI the levels of stress are still on the increase.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe what should be done in order to tackle this growing epidemic.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Provide employers and employees with a framework of measures which will identify and prevent problems of work-related stress and help to manage them when they do arise. Under the agreement, the responsibility for determining the appropriate measures rests with the employer. These measures are carried out with the participation and collaboration of workers. These measures can be collective, individual or both. They can be introduced in the form of specific measures targeted at identified stress factors or as part of an integrated stress policy encompassing both preventive and responsive measures.

Conclusion & Significance: As the work environment continues to shift and grow, it is increasingly important for organisations to take on and implement a more holistic occupational fulfilment view of the employee. Identifying the triggers of stress and providing coping mechanisms for employees. Employees would feel more positive towards their employer if they were offered better health and wellbeing benefits good line management and a supportive team. However there’s also evidence that when employees perceive that they’re ‘cared for,’ they are happier and better employees.

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Sessions: Stress | Stress Therapies | Sexual Abuse and Substance Use Disorders | Depression | Insomnia | Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder | Work Stress

Location: Eifel

Chair

Robert M Gordon

American Psychological Association, USA

Co-Chair

Paolo Scapellato

European University of Rome, Italy

Session Introduction

Verena Hein

4academy, Germany

Title: Implications of the polyvagal-theory for counseling, coaching and therapy and a new concept for the activation of the social engagement system

Time : 13:30-14:00

Biography:

Abstract:

Counseling, coaching and short-term therapy became more and more popular in Germany. The problems, wishes, requirements are varying in a wide range as well as the personalities, fates and experiences of the clients. It is challenging to build up a trustful client-coach-relationship in several hours, sort the demands of the clients, identify the main problem and root cause, find the best fitting technique and accompany the client through the process. Some clients report serious life events, negative experiences, irrational behavior and anxiety. Sometimes clients change their view on their problems, have strong negative emotions, produce transference, feel fury and become unstable during the coaching process. Although this is a progress it lowers the capability of the client for effective goal-oriented work and cost time. The Polyvagal-Theory describes the three stages of the autonomous system the frozen state (dorsal vagus nerve), the flight-fight state (sympathicus) and the social engagement system SES (ventral vagus nerve) activation. Clients exhibit a preferred activation state for example the permanent action-oriented/fight mode of workaholic. The problems which suffer a client are mostly coupled with one of the flight-fight-freeze stress reaction which means with the dorsal vagus nerve or sympathicus activation. For the coaching process which bases on positive social interaction and re-learning with positive emotions the SES state is the most effective. This state can be reached quite quickly by safety mediating instructions and embodiment techniques which activates the SES related brain nerves. In contradiction to existing procedures positive affirmations and relaxation will not be used in the beginning of the process. The paper will explain the implications of the Polyvagal-Theory for effective short-term counseling (coaching) and therapy investigations and it will present a concept for the activation of the SES in an early stage of the work with the clients.

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Figure: 1: EmpAtECS ® to change psychological states.

Break: Lunch Break @ 14:00-14:45 @ Rastaurant palate friend

Maria Teresa Aydemir

Eastern and Central European Community of Jungian Analysts (ECECJA), Poland International Association for Analytical Psychology, Poland

Title: Snow white-a life in the midst of emotional dwarfs: A clinical case study of longterm psychotherapy of a recurrently sexually abused patient

Time : 14:45-15:15

Biography:

Maria Teresa Aydemir is a Certified Jungian Analyst, Clinical Psychologist and Individual and Group Analytical Psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience in the field of Psychotherapy and Psychological Assessment. She majored in long-term analytical psychotherapy of patients suffering from various conditions linked to traumatization. During several years, she worked in the health mental clinics in the Upper Silesian Region in south-western Poland. She is currently working only in her own private practice in Katowice, Poland. She is an Individual Member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology and a Founder-Member and the President of the Board of Directors of the Eastern and Central European Community of Jungian Analysts. She is also a President of the Board of Trustees in a charitable Foundation Footprints. She has been a Speaker on several international conferences in Europe and in Japan. She has authored several articles and guest of radio and TV programmes on the mental health.

Abstract:

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss an issue of stress connected with sexual abuse in childhood. Special attention will be paid to the subject of long-term stress reaction to this type of abuse. Primarily, its impact on a person's adult life will be analyzed. This topic will be illustrated by a case study of a therapy of an adult female patient who persistently fell victim to sexual molestation as a child. The matters of an incest, pedophilia, alcoholism and domestic abuse will also be discussed here. During my over 20-year clinical practice, both in the health mental clinics and private consulting rooms, I repeatedly faced the problem of various types of sexual violence in my patients' life stories. A large number of my adult patients permanently endured long-term stress resulting from sexual assaults which took place in their childhood. As a psychologist and analyst, I accompanied them in their process of recovery. The history of struggling by one of those patients with difficulties in overcoming this ordeal stress will be the guide thread of my presentation. The “Snow White” fairytale will be used as a metaphor to picture the trauma which the patient had to go through. As it was in the case of the main character of the fairytale, my patient's dazzling beauty also put her in trouble. Just like Snow White, she also suffered from a harrowing relationship with her mother. Just like Snow White was abandoned in the forest, my patient, as a child, was also left alone with all her unbearable feelings of pain, dread, helplessness and loss. The lecture will be delivered in the form of a 25-minute multi-media oral presentation in English.

Ishita Pateria

State of Mind - The Emotional Wellness Centre, India

Title: Sexual abuse and the individual: An integrative approach to treat adult survivors

Time : 15:15-15:45

Biography:

Ishita Pateria completed her MSc in Mental Health - Psychological Therapies from Queen Mary University, London, UK in 2012 followed by her second MSc in Counselling Psychology from City University, London in 2016. Previously, she had worked at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai and Promis Clinics, Each Counselling and NHS in London. She has been involved in the area of Mental Health for over 10 years and has gained experience in diverse clinical settings and populations with complex mental and emotional needs, i.e. depression, anxiety, panic disorders, phobia, stress management, comorbid mental health, addictions, trauma, abuse, PTSD, eating disorders, relationship issues, bereavement, infertility, oncology, self-esteem, etc. She is the Founder of State of Mind – The Emotional Wellness Centre in Mumbai and provides therapeutic care to individuals, couples and families through an integrative approach based on the client’s needs. She also consults at MPower – Mind Matters and Doctor Mashru’s Mumbai Clinic in Mumbai.

Abstract:

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a universal problem, and its prevalence varies across cultures and nations. Research suggests that India has the world’s largest number of CSA cases with one in every 10 children being sexually abused. Despite its magnitude, CSA continues to be a hidden issue in India today. People remain silent due to societal norms, social stigma, communication gaps between parents and children and lack of trust towards government and health care professionals. CSA can affect adult developmental outcomes and alters cognitive and emotional orientation by causing distortions in one’s self-concept especially towards trust and intimacy. The long-term consequences span over mental health, psychological wellbeing, sexual risk-taking and physical health. Feelings of guilt, shame and blame are disclosed collectively with symptoms reflecting depression, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders. Despite its prevalence, most research is restricted and illustrates CSA’s effect on adult mental and physical health. The emphasis on the therapeutic paradigms and its applicability in clinical practice remains limited. This presentation will highlight this gap in existing research globally and specifically within the Indian context. It will examine the inclusion of variables such as gender differences, severity of abuse, timing and response to disclosure, culture, class and education. Existing literature has not studied these variables collectively, which limits and inhibits the complex nature of this problem. However, drawing from this literature as well as my clinical experience, an integrative therapeutic approach will be proposed centred around the individuality and sensitivity required in addressing this multifaceted problem. Previous efforts of existing therapeutic models within this population will be discussed and future directions for research will be suggested. These suggestions can further be used to improve clinical practice including assessment, treatment and professional training not only in India but also globally.

Itsara Boonyarit

Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Title: Moderating role of psychosocial safety climate in the effects of work stress and work attendance behaviours

Time : 15:45-16:15

Biography:

Itsara Boonyarit is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Postgraduate Committee in Master of Science program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. His research interests include occupational health and well-being at work, positive organizational behavior, workplace forgiveness, and psychometrics in applied settings.

Abstract:

The dysfunctional effects of two types of work attendance behaviours (i.e. presenteeism and absenteeism) were largely on both individual and organizational outcomes. Occupational health psychologists mentioned that these may be caused by high job-demand and stress at work. This study employed the psychosocial safety climate theory (PSC) to understand the linkage between work stress and work attendance behaviours. It was proposed that PSC would alleviate the effect of work stress on presenteeism and absenteeism. Data were collected from 280 nurses working in several hospitals located in northern Thailand. Using moderated regression analysis, the results revealed that PSC moderated the positive effects of work stress on both presenteeism and absenteeism. This suggests that PSC could play as a buffer role against the detrimental impact of work stress on work attendance behaviors. PSC implications for organizational development to manage work attendance behaviours, reduce psychological stress, and increase productivity were discussed.

Rajesh Kumar

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India

Title: Impact of academic climate on academic stress, personality and coping styles in nursing students

Time : 16:15-16:45

Biography:

Rajesh Kumar is presently working as Assistant Professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India. He has authored over 40 papers at national &

international journals and two books for the nursing and research professionals. He is nominated for faculty position for examiners at different renowned universities.

Abstract:

Introduction: Stress is imbalance between interactions of an individual to his environment. Stress is consequence of long time

expected and unfulfilled demand of body. Long standing unresolved stress had negative impacts on academic performance and use of coping styles in nursing students. Therefore, the present study was planned and executed to assess impact of academic climate on stress and use of coping styles among nursing students at a tertiary care autonomous public institute, India.

Materials & Methodology: Study was conducted on 114 randomly selected nursing students. They were administered a sociodemographic data sheet, The Short Form revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-A Hindi edition (EPQRS-H), Academic Stress & Climate Scale and the Brief COPE. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation.

Results: Findings revealed that there are many stressors causing stress in nursing students and environmental & personal stressors are quite common in beginner as compared to senior students. The 69%, 73% and 65% students were agreed and strongly agreed with academic, clinical and environmental stressors, respectively, which causes stress to nursing students.

Academic stress shows negative correlation to extroversion (p<0.05), neuroticism (p<0.05), lie (p<0.05) and psychoticism (p<.05) personality domains of nursing students. Extroversion shows significant positive impact on more use of support seeking style (p=0.05), avoiding (p=0.05), venting negative feelings (p=0.05) and less use of substance abuse (p=0.05) styles.

Conclusion & Significance: The outcomes of the present study shall help to design a beneficial intervention programme for nursing students to deals environmental and personal stress to avid marked deviation in personality and more use of healthy coping styles.

Break: Networking and Refreshments Break 16:45-17:00 @ Foyer

Fouad Ktiri

ISPITS, Morocco

Title: New dimensions of stress and its numerical modeling

Time : 16:15-16:45

Biography:

Ktiri Fouad is a Clinical Psychologist, a Psychology Teacher, a Researcher and a Yoga Coach. His experiences in Clinical Psychology and Yoga-Relaxation made him publish, a book entitled “Stress - How to prevent and fight it - New psychological, spiritual, body and cognitive techniques” in 2015. From 2009, he has attended conferences and participated in many radio psychological programs. His experiences as a physics and computer graduate helped him to combine psychology and mathematics, which allowed him to elaborate a new stress numerical model and published it in 2016. He is continuing to do researches in Psychology and writes articles weekly in Moroccan newspapers.

Abstract:

In the present study we introduce a new stress approach, which completes the transactional theory of Folkman and Lazarus (1984). It is a numerical model in which we consider another variable named PSS (Previous State of Stress) that we estimate necessary to explain why psychological state of stress occurs or not. In our model, stress is presented in the form of a mathematical equation of three variables (PSS, SV, and R). By evaluating each of these components, this equation enables us to evaluate the generated stress intensity of a person. By improving this formula, the present model enables us to consider another type of stimulus (positive stimulus) and to evaluate it. Many instances of daily stress, that takes into account these new dimensions, have been cited. The stress formula efficiency has been tested by applying it on these examples and to some concepts like violence and stress accumulation. RQSI (Required Quantity of Stress Index) is an index that we have introduced in our numerical model. The calculated RQSI enables us to evaluate the average amount of stress (positive or negative) that a person receives from each stimulus he has been exposed to during a period. A new definition of stress phenomena, based on our new numerical data model, is proposed.

Workshop

Location: Eifel

Session Introduction

Deb Saville

Education & Training Consultants Pty. Ltd, Australia

Title: I wish I had a brain tumour

Time : 12:00-12:45

Biography:

Deb Saville is highly qualified, has over 30 years’ experience in training, coaching, and quality evaluation and was known as The Energiser Bunny. In 2012 the energy started to fade and niggly health issues started; feeling nauseaus, often fatigued, seeing flashing lights. A three year roller coaster ride through the gamut of medicos and health systems followed to try and get answers and solutions. Diagnosed with Benign Vestibular Paroxysmia, MTH-FR Genetic Disorder and Lyme-Like Disease the roller coaster ride continued. Western Medicine has no answers, indeed is part of the problem. Deb shares her journey in the hope that medicos build better customer relations through a holistic approach with a personal touch.

Abstract:

I was known as the Energiser Bunny and Queen of Preparation, running two successful businesses, MC’ing Concerts aimed at raising funds for worthy causes. In 2012 my energy and skills insidiously started to seep away. There followed a three year journey to seek answers….in 2015 I had 3 diagnoses – the Trifecta if you will – and the blow delivered that I had to stop work.

Then came the roller-coaster ride of my illnesses, partnered with the confusion, frustration and powerlessness of having to deal with ‘the system(s)’, the politics of Western medicine and navigating a way through.A brain tumour would be easier! If you are working in any capacity in the medical system, either as a service professional, administrative position maybe you will be interested in hearing my story.

Sessions: Stress Therapies | Anxiety | Depression | Work Stress | Schizophrenia | Mental Health Rehabilitation

Location: Eifel

Chair

Andrew J Ashworth

Bonhard Medical Ltd, UK

Co-Chair

Paolo Scapellato

European University of Rome, Italy

Session Introduction

Sophia Almpani

Costeas Geitonas School, Greece

Title: Intervention in the school field

Time : 12:45-13:15

Biography:

Sophia Almpani is a Psychologist with MSc in School Psychology and a Family Therapist at Costeas Geitonas School. She is also a Coordinator of the School Psychology Department who draws and implements with her team the psychological services towards the school community. Her aim is to promote mental health in the school environment by administrating programs of social and emotional education inside classroom. At the same time, having a strong history in the field of diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders, helps children, adolescents and their families, on an individual basis, to confront difficulties and achieve change. As a Systemic Therapist, she believes in the power of cooperation between school, children, families and social services, when needed, and she ensures that the above mechanism works for the benefit of children. She has supported families suffering from mood disorders, behavioral problems, divorce, grief, loss and chronic illness.

Abstract:

At CGS the school psychology department draws and implements the services towards the school community – children/ teachers/families with a systemic point of view. Our services expand in two basic axes: Promoting mental health, by implementing Primary Prevention Programs in classrooms, according to the developmental needs of each age group. At Nursery we work on diversity, at First Grade on Team building, at Second, on Feelings, at Third, on Self-image, at Fourth, on Conflict, at Fifth, on Bulling and at Sixth, on sex education. With adolescents we work on safer – internet, professional orientation and exam anxiety. The second’s axe target is to identify any psychological mood disorder in our student population and treat it properly. Children experience separation anxiety, peer pressure, performance anxiety, divorce, grief and chronic illness. We follow a structure which includes observation, psychological assessment, therapeutic sessions and counseling with parents. Based on family’s narratives, change occurs. A differentiated procedure of thinking occurs, communication patterns change, personal attitudes change, and a better feeling is stated. We present the following case study: John is a 6-year-old boy.

His teacher reports a deep sad feeling. His mother reports death anxiety. John’s sister, Anna, is diagnosed with cancer. She had a surgery recently. She is under chemotherapy and cannot attend school. Our department drew the classroom intervention plan such as explanation of illness through metaphor-sometimes beautiful gardens needs medicine to grow stronger; communication with Anna using technology; communication with the hospital’s psychologists and preparing party on her birthday. Psychological assessment of John involved psychoeducational support; counseling with parents; referral to the Grief Organization “Merimna”. The above intervention had following impact: 1. according to family’s narrations, John is feeling better, attending the appointments with the school psychologist. His drawings are colorful. 2. Anna’s parents feel comfortable at the sessions in “Merimna”. Anna will soon attend school.

Break: Lunch Break @ 13:15-14:00 @ Rastaurant Palate Friend

Rae Farmer

Next Steps - learning for life Ltd, UK

Title: How to keep the energy vampires from the door?

Time : 14:00-14:30

Biography:

Rae Farmer is the Director/CEO at Gangster of Light and Next Steps - Learning for Life Ltd, UK. She uses a mix of person-centred therapies including Reiki to support individuals and groups to move forward with their goals to find a place where they are able to bounce forward from traumatic experiences, taking the lessons of those experiences and moulding themselves into a new chapter. She has 23-years experiences of supporting children, young people and adults to find a safer space to be. Her career includes: developing a City-wide early intervention programme for CAMHS, creating ‘Urban Education’ an off-site education facility for children who were excluded from mainstream educational settings, developing well-being programmes for primary school’s children who are used throughout Newcastle and Gateshead. She is also a qualified independent domestic and sexual violence Adviser with 4 years experiences of being Operations Manager for a domestic violence charity prior to setting up her own Social Enterprise, Next Steps – Learning for Life Ltd and a community interest company called ‘Gangsters of Light’.

Abstract:

What do you do to ensure that your energy levels are not zapped or stolen from you whilst working with others who need to feel lighter? Do you have any conscious thoughts about emotional self-protection? Many of us who work with vulnerable individuals describe feeling exhausted, drained, and sometimes even numb after working with others. Many children and young people describe feeling dark, heavy or shattered after hearing or watching information which is emotional.

Emotional Armouring (EA) is a tool which can aid us to protect ourselves whilst supporting others and day to day in the world we live. Rae Farmer has developed the concept of Emotional Armouring and has successfully used this throughout her 23-year career supporting children, young people and adults who are experiencing conflict, chaos or change. Emotional Armouring and its benefits is now being used within primary schools in the UK to enable children and staff to build their levels of emotional resilience, self-awareness and general robustness within day to day life. Rae intends to share her experiences of using EA both with children and adults and discuss how she has taken this concept and developed emotional risk assessment tools to minimize emotional hazards in various settings including; schools and places of work. Evidence so far points to the overall benefits of EA within emotional resilience and protection for children and adults alike. ‘How to keep the energy vampires from the door?’ is a book written by Rae exploring this concept and can be purchased directly from Rae at the conference at a discounted price. Her risk assessment tools: The Emotional Risk Assessment (ERA) and The Resilience Assessment Framework (RAF) are also available directly via her website at www.nextsteps-learningforlife.co.uk

Hanieh Abeditehrani

Islamic Azad University, Iran

Title: Effectiveness of psychodrama on reduction of anxiety among male schizophrenic patients

Time : 14:30-15:00

Biography:

Hanieh Abeditehrani is currently a PhD Candidate in clinical psychology, Young Researcher and Elite Club, Robatkarim Branch, Islamic Azad University, Robatkarim, Iran. She completed her M Psych at Allameh Tabatabai University in 2011-2013 and B Clinical Psychology from University of Tehran in 2006-2010. Before starting PhD program, she worked as a Clinical Psychologist in Tehran, Iran diagnosing and treating clients in hospitals, private and public clinics implementing CBT and psychodrama among others. Her PhD research is focused on comparing the effectiveness of psychodrama and CBGT in treatment of social anxiety disorder under the supervision of Professor Arnoud Arntz and Dr Corine Dijk.

Abstract:

Background: Anxiety is one of the symptoms in chronic schizophrenic patients. Past research studies show that psychodrama as a group therapy is effective in treatment and rehabilitation of psychological disorders.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of psychodrama on the reduction of anxiety in schizophrenic patients.

Methods: Twenty-six male hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patients were randomly assigned into an experimental group (n=13) and a control group (n=13). Both groups were treated with antipsychotic drugs and were evaluated by using Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Then the patients in the experimental group received 20 sessions of the treatment of psychodrama. Finally both groups were evaluated again. The pre-test and post- test scores were comprised by using T student Test.

Results: After psychodrama therapy, the average of total anxiety scores and affective symptoms of anxiety subscale decreased significantly in the experimental group (p<0.05), but there is no significant difference in somatic symptoms of anxiety subscale.

Aarti Sharma

Govindrakshak Ayurvedic and Acupuncture Centre, India

Title: Clinical study on management of depression through ayurveda

Time : 15:00-15:30

Biography:

Aarti Sharma completed Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from one of the premier Ayurvedic Colleges, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Patiala (India) in 2007. Since then she has been practising ayurveda for the treatment of lifestyle disorders, stress, gynecological issues, hepatic disorders, arthritis and other chronic ailments in her own clinic named Govindrakshak Ayurvedic and Acupuncture centre, Ludhiana (Punjab). During these years, she also completed Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics, Postgraduate Diploma in Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga and Naturopathy along with a short-term course in Panchkarma. Suggesting a patient about diet, yoga, naturopathy, panchkarma along with Ayurvedic medicines and healthy lifestyle has always helped her patients for better recovery in a short span. She has been presenting her findings at various national and international conferences. Her work has been appreciated in all conferences.

Abstract:

Depression is very common mental health disorder which affects person’s way of thinking and behaviour. The present study was conducted at my clinic on 63 male patients between 40 to 45 years age who were clinically diagnosed of moderate depression based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. These patients were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C). They were given ayurvedic treatment along with psychological counselling. Group A had 20 patients who were prescribed shavasan and anulom vilom pranayama. Group B had 17 patients who were given panchkarma treatment of Shirodhara in addition to above mentioned yoga and pranayama. Group C had 25 patients who were prescribed two ayurvedic formulations namely Saraswatarishta and Ashwagandharishta along with treatment prescribed to Groups A and B. These patients were clinically assessed after 7, 30, 60 and 90 days by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Results obtained after 7 days, showed 15, 24 and 28% improvement in group A, B and C respectively. The patients showed gradual improvement and their anxiety level decreased, their interest in life increased. After one month, 35, 54 and 56% improvement in group A, B and C was observed. The patients exhibited more positivity in thoughts with an improvement in sleep. After two months of treatment, patients in group A, B and C showed 50, 66 and 72% of improvement respectively. Their persistent sadness, feeling of guilt gradually reduced. After three months of treatment, an improvement of 60, 72 and 84%, respectively was noticed in three groups. A remarkable improvement with positivity in thoughts and feeling of happiness was noticed. Results obtained showed that mental health disorders like depression can be effectively managed by ayurveda along with psychological counselling.

Yael Weinstein

University of Haifa, Israel

Title: The effect of different terror exposures on the course of schizophrenia

Time : 15:30-16:00

Biography:

Yael Weinstein fields of interests are Trauma, Mental Health and Rehabilitation. Accordingly, her articles examine the connection between exposures to different types of trauma on a person’s mental health, and even examine the effects on the offspring’s, mental health. Her other field of interest is Statistical Methods. She currently teaches methodological courses in several academic universities is Israel. Furthermore, she is the R & D Director at Shekulo Tov Group, Israel. Shekulo Tov Group is an NGO which specializes in providing occupational services for people with mental disabilities all over Israel. As part of her job, she conducts internal research in the group, implement new methodological models, embed the Group’s Integrative Unit Model in new businesses and manages national and international collaborations with other researcher and professionals.

Abstract:

Statement of Problem: Between 40%-60% of the general population are victims of any lifetime trauma. Among persons with schizophrenia, however, this figure is estimated to be as high as 98%. Similarly, in the general population, the rate of exposure to man-made terror with reactive psychopathology of a posttraumatic psychiatric disorder is 7.5%, but among persons with schizophrenia disorder, this figure increases to 13%-29%. Despite these findings, few studies have examined the psychopathological aftermath of exposure to terror or the psychopathological consequences of different types of terrorist attacks among persons with schizophrenia.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A nationally representative random sample with schizophrenia was merged with (I) psychiatric hospitalization data in the Israeli National Psychiatric Case Registry (1990-2012) and (II) terror attack data in the Global Terrorism Database. Time to psychiatric rehospitalization and the Colorado Symptom Index were examined following exposure to terror using Cox regression modeling and ANCOVAs after adjustment for confounders.

Findings: Increased likelihood of psychiatric rehospitalization was statistically (P<.05) associated with prior exposure to terrorist attacks involving bombings or explosions compared to exposure to armed assaults (adjusted HR=1.42, 95% CI=1.09- 1.84); and for attacks involving 1-3 fatalities (adjusted HR=1.47, 95% CI=1.22, 1.77) compared with no fatalities. This trend of statistical significance replicated for terrorist attack types across five sensitivity analyses. The effect of likely exposure to attacks with 1-3 fatalities was significant (P<.05) among males, however, not significant for females, or for 60, 90 and 120 days of follow-up.

Conclusion & Significance: Exposure to attacks with bombings or explosions and 1-3 fatalities among males modestly, but significantly, exacerbated the course of schizophrenia for subjective and objective outcomes. A tentative mechanism is that earlier age of onset among males facilitates less time for premorbid learning and subsequent postmorbid stress adjustment, thereby increasing reactive psychopathology.

Martina de Witte

University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Title: The effectiveness of music interventions on stress reduction: results of a meta-analysis

Time : 16:00-16:30

Biography:

Martina de Witte, MA, MT-BC, NMT, is Lecturer and Researcher in Music Therapy and Coordinator of Research & Innovation at the Institution of Arts Therapies of HAN University of Applied Sciences in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. She is a Senior Certified Music Therapist at STEVIG (The Netherlands); a mental health institution for psychiatric treatment to people with mild intellectual disabilities. In partnership with the University of Amsterdam and the research group KenVak, she is running a PhD program. Her PhD program is focused on the effect of music (therapy) on arousal regulation in people with mild intellectual disabilities and stress related problems. The meta-analysis which is central in this presentation is one of the studies of this PhD program and offers a comprehensive overview of the effect of music interventions on stress regulation. Her work mainly focuses on bringing together the latest scientific evidence about the effects of music on stress regulation with everyday practice of music therapists and other professionals.

Abstract:

Listening to music and music making have been associated with a broad range of positive outcomes in the domains of health and well-being. Stress is believed to be one of the major factors negatively affecting our health in the 21st century and high stress levels have been shown to be strongly associated with many physical and emotional problems, such as cardiovascular disease, chronical pain, anxiety disorders, depression and burnout. Music interventions are used for stress reduction in all kinds of settings because of the assumed positive effects of music on stress reduction. Stress manifests itself as physiological arousal, indicated by increases in heart rate, blood pressure and hormonal levels. These physical components are also being influenced by music. More and more neurological evidence is available regarding the effects of music on stress regulation. Due to this growing body of evidence a meta-analysis of 69 randomized controlled trials (RCT), containing 235 effect sizes and 6,969 participants, were performed to assess the strength of the effect of music interventions on stress-related outcomes. Results are promising and show significant overall effects. Further, main results also provide evidence regarding the moderating factors of the music interventions which leads to the best effects. Implications for theory and practice are discussed regarding the use of music interventions for stress reduction.

Jaime Senabre

University of Alicante, Spain

Title: Secondary traumatic stress in fire fighters because of the interaction with the victims

Time : 16:30-17:00

Biography:

Jaime Senabre is a Psychologist and Master in Psychopathology and Health. He completed doctoral studies in the Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment of the UNED, related to Stress and the Immune System, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Moobing. Chief of Brigade in the Forest Fire Service of the Generalitat Valenciana, with more than 20 years of experience. With multidisciplinary training at the Master's level in areas such as: Occupational Health and Safety, Emergency Management, Sport sychology, Human Resources Management, Mediation, Conflict Resolution and Coaching. Postgraduate in Environmental Consulting and Criminology. As a psychologist, he collaborates with several private clinical centers. Also, with several companies and institutions in the area of training in Psychology in Emergencies and Human Resources management. He is Professor at the University of Valencia in the Master in "Intervention and operational coordination in emergencies and catastrophes" and other postgraduate courses on emergencies. Director and President of the International Scientific-Professional Committee of the National Symposium on Forest Fires (SINIF). He is part of the Editorial Board of several international scientific journals and published numerous articles on forest fires, stress, psychosocial risks and emotional trauma, mainly in relation to emergency services and natural isasters. Member of the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress (SEAS), and the Spanish Association of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology (AEPCP).

Abstract:

Generally, when any type of disaster or catastrophe occurs, be it of natural or human origin, there is much talk about the number of victims and deaths, the magnitude of infrastructure and material goods affected, the economic amounts lost in the event, etc.

In the same way, much has been said and written about the psychological impact on victims and the community exposed to such an event. However, there is a type of hidden victims that, in many cases, tend to go unnoticed, perhaps in part because of their resistance to accepting that they are also vulnerable. I am referring to the members of the first response teams in emergencies (fire, police, health, etc.).

The presence of the scene, the proximity to the deadly victims and the nteraction with the survivors, as well as the work in highly toxic atmospheres or of great risk for the physical integrity, together with problems of organizational, familiar or interpersonal type, will exert a strong impact on these troops, with possible repercussions on their physical and mental health.

Moreover, they can be factors of vulnerability to suffer more or less severe episodes of Acute Stress, Post Traumatic Stress and Secondary Traumatic Stress, among others.

In the present work an approximation is made to the Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) construct, a type of emerging labor condition in the professionals who develop their tasks of help and rescue with people exposed to critical incidents or vital events, as is the case of the Fire fighter Departments.

Factors such as the history of personal traumas, the organizational context, the characteristics of the intervention and the individual personality, will significantly condition the capacity of resistance to the traumas in the professionals of the Fire Services.

Poster Presentations

Location: Eifel

Chair

Mike Lawrence

London Metropolitan University, UK