K.G. Paplos

Suicidal intention, depression and anhedonia among suicide attempters

Material and Methods The sample consisted of 31 patients (female 77%) with a mean age of 34.1 (± 14.1) years, consecutively admitted to a general hospital, in Athens, after they attempted suicide. Suicidal intention was assessed by the Beck Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). Depression was assessed by the MontgomeryAsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Anhedonia was measured using the item 8 (inability to feel) of the MADRS. For the statistical evaluation Spermans rank correlations coefficients were used.

Medical students' attidudes on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide: sex differences

Results 251 students (55% women) completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 24.7 (± 1.8) years. 52 % and 70% of the respondents were for the acceptance of EUT or PAS, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between men and women in most of the parameters studied. However, more men than women were in favor of the view that PAS may by morally acceptable under circumstances (65% vs 57%, p = 0.03) and that a request for PAS from a terminally ill patient is evidence of existence of a mental disorder (27% vs 13%, p = 0.01). In contrast, more women than men strongly agreed that religious belief deter physicians from facilitating a patients death (43% vs 33%, p = 0.003) and that, the risk that PAS might misused with certain disadvantaged groups could influence the respondent view on the issues of EUT or PAS (98% vs 92%, p = 0.01). Discussion Gender is considered as a factor differentiating attitudes on EUT and PAS among final year medical students. from International Society on Brain and Behaviour: 1st International Congress on Brain and Behaviour Hyatt Regency Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece, 20–23 November, 2003

Psychiatric trainees' opinions toward novel antipsychotics

Material and Methods A study of a convenience sample of Greek psychiatric trainees (n = 160) was conducted, in 2001. Their mean age was 32.8 (± 2.7) years. There were 82 male (51%) and 78 female (49%). 111 trainees (69%) were working at National Health System and 49 (31%) at University Departments. All respondents completed a 10-items questionnaire that measures opinions and prescribing practices toward novel antipsychotics.