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Quality of life is an integral element of a new perspective on health. Even though the definition and structure of the concept of quality of life are still being debated, researchers exploring the topic agree that it has both objective and subjective dimensions. When the quality of life of patients is examined somatically, the objectives formulated in the study procedure are usually easily achieved, particularly when the basic hypothesis is that good physical health generates a high quality of life. However, where mental diseases and dysfunctions are investigated, and the analysis involves a large number of variables constituting quality of life, the relationship is not so clear-cut. Consequently, in addition to methodological accuracy the researcher must put a major focus on the patients and their manifestations. The thesis stating that it is impossible to measure quality of life in this population, or worse still, that there is no need for such measurements, is indefensible, considering that people with mental disorders have the same right to a good life as healthy individuals, and achieving an improvement in their quality of life becomes an increasingly common target among anticipated therapeutic benefits. Looking at the issue from the perspective of findings obtained in multiple studies, it is evident that quality-of-life measurements are not easy, but a successful attempt may provide researchers with a source of valuable non-clinical data and even enhance their personal satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Researchers are increasingly interested in the role of sex hormones and their impact on other than reproductive systems, including mental functioning. Estrogens acting through the receptors ESR1 and ESR2 may participate in the regulation of mood and cognitive functions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of genes ESR1 and ESR2 encoding estrogen receptors in depressive disorders and search for relationship between gene expression, cognitive functioning and socio-demographic data. Material and methods: A total of 236 people (131 depressed patients, 105 healthy controls) participated in the study. Socio-demographic data were collected. Neuropsychological test have been carried out to evaluate cognitive functions. Venous blood was collected from all participants. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of genes ESR1 and ESR2 at mRNA level and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to evaluate gene expression at protein level. Results: Participants suffering from depression were characterized by a higher level of ESR1 expression both at the mRNA and protein level. Expression of ESR1 and ESR2 genes might be related to functioning in the examined cognitive areas. Expression of ESR1 and ESR2 genes does not differ statistically significantly in terms of gender. Conclusions: ESR1 and ESR2 genes might play an important role in depression and cognitive functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected many aspects of life. The aim of this study was to assess the mental state of medical personnel most involved with patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The survey research was conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. The study group included 46 paramedics, 48 nurses, and 6 individuals from both professions, ranging in age from 21 to 67 years. Data were collected using paper questionnaires that contained 44 questions. Results: During the pandemic, respondents maintained good contact with their colleagues and were competent enough to help their patients. The main factors that influenced their stress or dissatisfaction were the number of patients and the number of tasks. The nurses and paramedics most frequently reported symptoms related to tension, insomnia, and problems with intellectual performance. The pandemic situation led to the abandonment of hobbies and deterioration of relationships with friends and family. Conclusion: As a result of high stress levels, paramedics and nurses frequently suffered from tension and insomnia. The factors described were associated with poorer well-being of the subjects in various functional areas, even before the pandemic period. This was mainly related to the large number of patients and the tasks. However, this work, as well as studies by other authors, come to alarming conclusions that should draw attention to the mental state of medical staff, as this is the group that is highly responsible for the medical care of patients, especially in such a difficult time as a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Polish penalty procedure, the witness is an important source of evidence. The court assesses his credibility in the light of the free assessment of evidence directives' principles (Article 7 of the Code of Criminal Procedure -- CCP). In a situation where there is doubt about the mental state of the witness, his mental development condition, his ability to perceive or recreate perceptions, the court or the prosecutor, according to the content of Article 192 § 2 of the CCP, may order an interrogation of a witness with the participation of, among oth- ers, expert psychologist. This may take place, for example, in case of a witness with mental disorders or a witness in old age. Opinions drawn up by an expert psychologists are also very helpful in the process of assessing the credibility of the witness's testimony, especially in interrogation of a witness under the age of 15 (Article 185a and b of the CCP). The psychologist may also take part in interrogation of a witness in cases related to offenses specified in Article 197--199 of the CC (Article 185c § 3 of the CCP). The presence of an expert psychologist in the courtroom or in a place specifically designated by the procedural authorities, is conditioned by the disclosure of circumstances justifying the suspicion of the existence of factors that disrupt or exclude the ability to perceive, remember and reproduce observations and reporting facts. These circumstances are not always the real doubts concerning the mental state of the witness, and the role of an expert psychologist in these tasks is often not fully used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicide is a serious world public health problem and still an interesting, controversial and difficult subject for theoretical and empirical considerations. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the prevalence of suicide in Poland in context of suicidal situation worldwide. Material and methods : This article is based on the available literature, National Polish Headquarters reports and World Health Organization data. Results and discussion: Many publications on suicide to date focus on showing the correlation between the suicide act and age, gender, social background, education, place of residence, marital status, season, climate, day of the week, and even a daily cycle. Profiles of a potential suicide are created. Suicide is the most serious cause of death among patients with mental disorders. However, scientific reports among people who commit suicide and attempt suicide also mention people, who are not mentally ill. There is no medical suicide reporting and analysis system in Poland. The National Police Headquarters publish annual report containing the number of suicides committed in Poland. Conclusions : Based on these statistics, from 1999 to 2018, we observe a variable level of suicide rates. In the discussed years 1999--2018 over 95,000 people have successfully committed suicide in our country. Poland is currently in second place in Europe in terms of juvenile suicides and one of the European countries where the gender disparity (advantage of men over women) in terms of suicides is the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim. Based on a comprehensive approach to the problem of stress, we have decided to evaluate all components of a stress response - immunological (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNF-alpha) and hormonal one (CRH, ACTH), as well as to evaluate the psychological indicators of stress, coping with stress, and controlling emotional reactions as psychological markers that predispose to the most beneficial adaption in relation to stressors affecting flight personnel taking part in peace missions abroad. Material and method. The research studies being the subject matter of the project were conducted among 113 antiterrorists and 123 representatives of aircrew (236 respondents in total) who participated in peace missions outside Poland. The study was conducted both before departure and during the missions. The study included a biochemical evaluation (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNF-alpha, CRH, ACTH) as well as a psychological assessment based on the Perceived Stress Scale by S. Cohen (PSS-10) and the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS) by M. Watson and S. Greer, and the COPE Inventory by J. Corver. Results. Based on a statistical analysis of the variables, a relationship between the level of perceived stress and the methods of coping with it as well as between the selected methods of emotion control and inflammatory response indicators, was found. Conclusions. In difficult situations, accompanied by an increase in the variables responsible for the biochemical inflammatory response of an organism, the effective model of coping with difficult situations and emotion control increases, while the subjective level of perceived stress drops [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Self-destructiveness involves behaviours whose likely negative effect is mediated by additional factors, and the relationship between behaviour and damage is perceived as probable. The main objective of the research is to evaluate the behaviour of indirect self-destructiveness in patients with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (compared to the persons without mental disorders-control group). Material and method: Clinical group included 40 patients of the Department of Adult Psychiatry at the Medical University of Lodz - people reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depressed mood. The control group consisted of people without mental disorders. Polish version of Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CS-DS) adapted by Suchanska and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Modified (HADS-M) by Snaith and Zigmond were used. The survey aimed at collecting sociodemographic data. Results: Differences were noticed between the clinical and control group in the following indirect autodestructive behaviours: Poor Health Maintenance, Lack of Planfulness, Personal and Social Neglects, Helplessness and Passiveness. Behaviours in all of those areas were more frequent in the clinical group. There were no significant differences noticed between groups in terms of: Transgression and Risk, alcohol use and smoking. Conclusions: Anxiety and depressive disorders promotes occurring of indirect self destructive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]