Social provocation modulates decision making and feedback processing: Examining the trajectory of development in adolescent participants.

Increasingly, research is turning to the ways in which social context impacts decision making and feedback processing in adolescents. The current study recorded electroencephalography to examine the trajectory of development across adolescence, with a focus on how social context impacts cognition and behaviour. To that end, younger (10-12 years) and older (14-16 years) adolescents played a modified Taylor Aggression Paradigm against two virtual opponents: a low-provoker and a high-provoker. During the task's decision phase (where participants select punishment for their opponent), we examined two event-related potentials: the N2 and the late positive potential (LPP). During the outcome phase (where participants experience win or loss feedback), we measured the feedback related negativity (FRN). Although N2 amplitudes did not vary with provocation, LPP amplitudes were enhanced under high provocation for the younger group, suggesting that emotional reactivity during the decision phase was heightened for early adolescents. During the outcome phase, the FRN was reduced following win outcomes under high provocation for both groups, suggesting that a highly provocative social opponent may influence the reward response. Collectively, the data argue that social context is an important factor modulating neural responses in adolescent behavioural and brain development

A mixed methods survey to explore views of staff and patients in mental health inpatient wards prior to introduction of a digital early warning system for physical deterioration

Introduction Technological innovation offers opportunities to improve mental health care, however, little evidence exists regarding attitudes of inpatient staff and patients to such changes. We present a survey of staff and patients prior to introduction of a digital version of the National Early Warning Score (eNEWS) system for identifying physical deterioration. Aim To collate views of staff and inpatients related to prospective use of eNEWS, to inform the plan for implementation. Method Paper questionnaires were distributed to both groups in six wards prior to eNEWS implementation. Two discussion groups were then held. Results Eighty two staff and 26 inpatients completed questionnaires. Some inpatients expressed concerns about data confidentiality. Most staff were neutral or positive about the planned change, but raised possible safety risks and the risk of electronic recording being misinterpreted by patients. The implementation plan was modified in response to this information, principally by improving communication processes with patients. Discussion This study adds to the existing evidence by reporting specific staff and patient concerns towards a form of information technology. Further evaluations would help determine the transferability of these findings. Implications for Practice Listening to patient and staff views about planned technological innovation is essential for effective implementation

Bereavement Interventions and care in Europe

In the 11th edition of the International Classificationof Diseases (ICD-11) the diagnostic criteria of pro-longed grief disorder (PGD) is included as a newmental disorder. Consequently, there is a growingneed for high-quality mental health care for bereavedpersons. This care encompasses different forms of helpfor different levels of grief and can be conceptualizedfrom a stepped care perspective in which (1) low-threshold Internet-based interventions, which couldbe appropriate for high-risk groups with subsyndromalPGD, (2) psychotherapy for patients suffering alreadyof PGD. This symposium will describe current bereave-ment interventions studies for bereaved children andbereaved siblings. Further, an overview will be given ofthe state of the field for European-based bereavementinterventions. The network for Bereavement Researchand Care in Europe (BRACE) will be introduced

Prevalence matters : The influence of socio-demographic and loss-related variables on the development of prolonged grief disorder

A meta-analysis is currently being conducted on pro-longed grief disorder (PGD) following unnatural losses.Preliminary results indicate a much higher prevalencethan the prevalence of PGD following natural losses. Inaddition, other loss-related variables may be associatedwith PGD prevalence. This symposium aims to illustratethe clinical implications of these‘prevalence matters’bypresenting two studies of large help-seeking samples ofbereaved individuals. The first study is based on datafrom 942 Western homicidally bereaved individuals. Thesecond study examined data from 2404 Arabic speakingbereaved individuals. The third study introduces a cultu-rally-sensitive online assessment measure of PGD forSwiss, Japanese and Chinese bereaved individuals

Rapid systematic review of psychological symptoms in health care workers COVID-19

Background: Worldwide, health care professionals are facing unprecedented stress levels due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A rapid systematic review of peer-reviewed studies examining psychological symptoms in HCW working during COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. 13,999 participants were included. Results: After 3408 studies were screened for inclusion, 10 were included in the final analysis. About half of HCW presented with possible PTSD (i.e. scored above a clinical cutoff). Limitations: An update of the search should be conducted. Conclusions: These initial studies suggest a high rate of possible PTSD diagnosis in frontline HCW

Rapid systematic review of psychological symptoms in health care workers COVID-19

Background: Worldwide, health care professionals are facing unprecedented stress levels due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A rapid systematic review of peer-reviewed studies examining psychological symptoms in HCW working during COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. 13,999 participants were included. Results: After 3408 studies were screened for inclusion, 10 were included in the final analysis. About half of HCW presented with possible PTSD (i.e. scored above a clinical cutoff). Limitations: An update of the search should be conducted. Conclusions: These initial studies suggest a high rate of possible PTSD diagnosis in frontline HCW

Responding to the new International Classification of Diseases-11 prolonged grief disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: a new bereavement network and three-tiered model of care

The field of bereavement research and care is at a tipping point. The introduction of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) has ignited clinical interest in this new disorder, along with debate over challenges in validating and implementing these new criteria. At the same time, the global COVID-19 pandemic has launched several local and international efforts to provide urgent support and comfort for individuals and communities suffering from grief. Recently, grief experts have called for a collective response to these complicated bereavements and possible increase in PGD due to COVID-19. Here we outline a new European network that aims to unite a community of grief researchers and clinicians to provide accessible, evidence-based support particularly during times of unprecedent crisis. The Bereavement Network Europe (BNE) has been developed with two main aims. Firstly, to develop expert agreed, internationally acceptable guidelines for bereavement care through a three-tiered approach. Secondly, to provide a platform for researchers and clinicians to share knowledge, collaborate, and develop consensus protocols to facilitate the introduction of PGD to diverse stakeholders. This article outlines the current status and aims of the BNE along with the plans for upcoming network initiatives and the three-tiered bereavement care guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic