Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz

Introduction: Consequences of depressive syndrome are changes in central nervous system, especially the reduction in volume and disturbances in neuronal metabolism. There are disturbances in cerebral blood flow, in areas responsible for concentration, memory and regulation of behaviour and emotions. ECT method has shown considerable effectiveness in treatment of depression. It has invariably remained effective as a form of treatment in psychiatry for many years. The way in which the method itself is applied and location of stimulation electrodes remains controversial. In clinical practice, bitemporal, bilateral or right unilateral applications are used, each of which activates slightly different regions in brain, resulting in different therapeutic effects. Methods: A review of available literature was performed by searching PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: bifrontal ECT, bitemporal ECT, right unilateral ECT, cognitive function for original papers, meta-analyses and review papers in Polish and English published from 1990 to 2022. The SANRA scale was used to maintain the high quality of the narrative review. Results: All three methods are effective in treating depressive disorders, but differ in impact on cognitive function. Bi-frontal stimulation is the most effective in emergencies, however related to a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Milder cognitive impairment, with similar therapeutic efficacy, is observed with bitemporal and unilateral placement. Conclusions: Individualised selection of ECT method is recommended, depending on patients' needs and clinical condition. The importance of individualising the dose, location of electrodes, and monitoring of cognitive function is emphasised in order to increase the effectiveness and minimise side effects. Keywords: bifrontal ECT, bitemporal ECT, right unilateral ECT, cognitive function

Background: The aim of the cross-sectional study was to conduct an exploratory analysis of identifying factors related to mood, metacognitive beliefs, and limitation on individual freedom associated with lockdown restrictions during COVID-19, and to determine whether they may be relevant to the deteriorating well-being of adolescents. Methods: A total of 387 adolescents (M = 15.37; SD = 1.62): 85 with depression (DG) and 302 without any psychiatric diagnosis group (WPDG) were examined using the health survey and the CDI-2 questionnaire to assess the symptoms and severity of depression and MCQ-A to measure the intensity of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs. Results: The feeling of restriction of freedom had an influence on worsened well-being in the whole group of responders OR = 4.15; p < 0.001 but was more in the DG than the WPDG (OR = 20.00; p < 0.001 vs. OR = 4.77; p < 0.001). Positive metacognitive beliefs were related to well-being (DG), but no effect was observed in the WPDG (OR = 0.88; p < 0.05 vs. OR = 1.05; p = 0.136). The lower age of the WPDG negatively impacted well-being (OR = 1.20; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and the feeling of restriction of freedom are important in the deterioration of adolescents’ well-being, but these factors have a stronger impact on well-being in the DG.

Introduction: With the increase in popularity of VOD (Video on Demand) platforms, there has been an increase in binge-watching and associated processes, which may influence the development of ‘mean world syndrome’. The aim of this study is to analyse current knowledge of the above phenomena and their interrelationships. Material and methods: A narrative review of the available literature was conducted by searching PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: binge-watching, mean world syndrome, fear of missing out (FOMO), speed-watching from 2000 to 2021 Results: The most important motivations for the development of binge-watching are social aspects, fear of missing out (FOMO), hedonistic needs and escape from reality. The process is exacerbated by depressive-anxiety disorders, loneliness, pathological overeating and neglect of responsibilities. To save time, viewers often practice speed-watching. A positive correlation has been shown between the severity of binge-watching and mean-world syndrome in viewers who watch series such as: House of Cards, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Marco Polo, Bloodline and Daredevil, as well as the frequency of watching horror films and viewers’ belief that they are more likely to die. In contrast, no relationship was shown with fear for safety in one’s home. People, who watch reality shows with a competitive scenario, perceive the world to be more hypocritical and manipulated. Conclusions: Compulsive viewing of violent programmes co-occurs with the phenomena of FOMO and speed-watching and can exacerbate the perception of the world as a dangerous place. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, both phenomena have increased, affecting the functioning of society.