Precision psychiatry look for tailoring mental health interventions according to individual biological and clinical characteristics. Robotic technology has emerged as a promising complement to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and personalized treatments delivery in this area.

This mini-review aims to explore and synthesize the current advances in robotic technologies that support the development of precision psychiatry.

This review summarizes the recent developments in robotic applications relevant to precision psychiatry, with an emphasis on neuromodulation, therapeutic robotics and the integration of artificial intelligence for tailor-made psychiatric care. A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed sources published over the past five years, focusing on translational research and clinical applicability.

Our review demonstrated the powerful role of robotics, which represents a valuable catalyst in precision psychiatric medicine, facilitating adapted and effective mental health care through improved neuromodulation and therapeutic support. Robotic systems integrated into neuromodulation therapies, such as robot-assisted transcranial magnetic stimulation, improve targeting accuracy and treatment reproducibility by adjusting the positioning of the coil in real time according to neuroimaging and patient-specific movements. Social care robots offer supportive roles in therapy, providing engagement and behavioral intervention for disorders such as autism and dementia. In addition, integration with AI improves individualized data-driven treatment planning. While microscopic robotic devices for direct interventions on the brain remain experimental, current robotic technologies significantly advance the objectives of precision psychiatry.

Robotic tools contribute to the establishment of personalized psychiatric care by improving the specificity of the intervention, consistency and interaction with the patient. The challenges include technical complexity, accessibility and ethical considerations. Ongoing research aims to optimize robotic-human integration in order to maximize clinical benefits.

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War is an intense traumatic experience that can result in severe psychological distress. Peritraumatic distress (PTD) refers to the emotional and psychological response experienced during or immediately after trauma and is a known predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Resilience has an important role in coping with trauma-related distress, reducing its intensity, and promoting recovery. Understanding the relationship between PTD and resilience is essential for developing effective mental health interventions in war-affected populations.

This study aimed to explore the association between PTD and resilience among a developing population exposed to war-related trauma and to explore the influence of sociodemographic and health-related factors on these psychological responses.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 660 Palestinian adults exposed to war-related trauma. Participants completed validated Arabic versions of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and linear regression models.

Participants reported moderate PTD levels (Mean = 36.1, SD = 9.00), with 16.5% scoring high levels. Resilience scores were also moderate (Mean = 32.35, SD = 9.00), with nearly half (49.7%) scoring in the high range. Higher PTD was significantly associated with higher resilience (B = 0.3, β = 0.301, p < 0.001), a finding that may reflect adaptive coping processes in highly stressful environments. Additional predictors of resilience included age, educational level, employment status, and health condition.Table 1.

peritraumatic distress and resilience levels among the participants

Our findings suggest a significant relationship between PTD and resilience, suggesting that PTD may activate adaptive coping mechanisms during war-related trauma. The study also emphasizes the need for early mental health interventions, resilience-building programs, and targeted support in war-affected regions to control long-term psychological consequences.

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Introduction-Post-traumatic stress disorder remains a mental pathological situation in which the cause is readily identifiable.

Aim-Aim of this study is to present cases with post-traumatic stress disorders cases in geriatric patients with mild craniocerebral injuries.

Material-Methods-20 geriatric patients are presented. 18 males (90%) and 2 females (10%) Range of age between 68-78 years old. All of theme (20-100%) were evaluated, with clinical and radiological exam(ct,mri) plus with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and presentation of patients with PTSD.

ResultsGood results in 18 cases (90%) and moderate in 2 (20%). Collaboration between various medical disciplines is essential in order to achive optimal results and clarify the theory,the etiology, and treatment effectiveness.

Conclusions-Recommendations regarding effective psychotherapy, neurological,psychiatric and pharmacotherapy, emerging treatment, and accurate management are necessary in order to achieve optimal overall treatment.

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Introduction-Post-traumatic stress disorder remains a mental pathological situation in which the cause is readily identifiable.

Aim-Aim of this study is to present cases with post-traumatic stress disorders cases in amateur male athletes with mild craniocerebral injuries.

Material-Methods-10 male amateur athletes are presented. Range of age between 18-38 years old .Kind of sports activity:3 cycling activity(30%), 4 combat sports (40%), 3 team sports(30%). All of theme (10-100%) were evaluated, with clinical and radiological exam(ct,mri) plus with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and presentation of patients with PTSD.

Results-Good results in 9 cases (90%) and moderate in 1 (10%). Collaboration between various medical disciplines is essential in order to achive optimal results and clarify the theory,the etiology, and treatment effectiveness.

Conclusions-Recommendations regarding effective psychotherapy, neurological,psychiatric and pharmacotherapy, emerging treatment, and accurate management are necessary in order to achieve optimal overall treatment.

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SEE FAR CBT (Somatic Experience–Fantastic Reality–Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is an integrative, trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and anxiety disorders. It has been applied in clinical practice for over two decades, with consistent positive feedback from patients and therapists regarding its effectiveness and acceptability. Its Fantastic Reality component refers to the capacity of individuals under extreme stress to enter a protected imaginative space, where traumatic experiences can be externalized and playfully transformed, enabling survivors to engage creatively with difficult material while maintaining emotional safety. This process is activated in therapy through COPE cards—associative artistic drawings—designed to evoke emotional states and facilitate therapeutic engagement. Although used clinically, empirical validation of COPE cards remains limited.

To evaluate the efficacy of COPE cards in eliciting differential psychophysiological, behavioral, and neural markers of emotional arousal in women who had experienced sexual assault and consequently presented with symptoms of PTSD.

Two complementary studies were conducted.

Psychophysiological study: Participants completed baseline recordings of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate variability (HRV), then viewed negatively-valenced (arousing) cards followed by positively-valenced (safe) cards, with measures taken after each phase (Fig 1).

Neurocognitive study: Participants viewed negative, ambivalent, and positive cards while providing ratings, mismatch detection, and reaction times (RT), alongside EEG recordings of brain event-related potentials (ERP: P1, P2, P3, LPP).

In study 1, relative to baseline, exposure to negative (stressful/arousing) cards increased HR and BP and reduced HRV, while subsequent exposure to positive (safe) cards produced the opposite pattern, reflecting differential ANS reactivity (Fig 2). In study 2, ratings showed a valence gradient (positive highest, ambivalent intermediate, negative lowest). Ambivalent cards elicited the most mismatches. RTs differed across valence conditions, with ambivalent stimuli eliciting the slowest responses, followed by negative and then positive stimuli. ERP analyses revealed robust modulation by emotional condition, with negative cards eliciting enhanced P1, P2, P3, and LPP amplitudes, consistent with heightened neural sensitivity to negative cues (Fig 3).Image 1:Image 2:

Across physiological, behavioral, and neural domains, COPE cards reliably elicited distinct arousal-affective states, providing empirical support for their use as therapeutic tools. Within the SEE FAR CBT framework, they offer a playful yet safe means of influencing emotional processing and facilitating symbolic transformation of trauma-related material.

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Aphantasia, the inability to voluntarily generate mental visual images, may influence emotional processing and memory encoding. While its effects on memory and cognition have been studied, its role in traumatic memory and PTSD remains underexplored. Understanding how aphantasia interacts with PTSD, depression, and social phobia is crucial, underscoring the need for further investigation into this unique neurocognitive phenotype.

To examine how absent visual imagery shapes PTSD symptoms, highlight diagnostic challenges, and propose clinical adaptations for imagery differences.

A narrative review guided by PRISMA methodology was conducted using keyword pairings such as aphantasia and PTSD across PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and grey literature published between 2010–2025. Of 602 records screened, 44 relevant sources were identified; after deduplication and manual screening, 10 were included (empirical studies, case reports, theoretical reviews).

Distinct PTSD profiles are observed in individuals with aphantasia, as impaired visual imagery limits flashbacks and intrusive memories. In a study of 183 trauma-exposed participants, only 43% of individuals with aphantasia reported flashbacks versus 92.9% of controls, despite similar overall PTSD severity. Instead, they exhibited higher rates of guilt, rumination, and detachment. Another study of 125 participants confirmed lower re-experiencing scores (p < .01) but higher negative mood and cognition (p < .05) in individuals with aphantasia. When imagining fearful scenarios, controls showed autonomic arousal (mean +0.46 μS), whereas individuals with aphantasia showed no significant change (–0.06 μS; p = 0.039). Neuroimaging similarly revealed reduced activation of visual cortices during imagery tasks in aphantasia, reflecting absent sensory re-engagement. Conditioning studies demonstrated reduced fear responses, suggesting that recovery in aphantasia occurs through verbal or conceptual pathways rather than visual reliving.Image 1:

Aphantasia does not preclude PTSD but may buffer against hallmark symptoms such as flashbacks. Traditional treatments for PTSD, such as prolonged exposure and EMDR, have been reported as less effective in this population highlighting the need to assess mental imagery ability during diagnosis to improve symptom interpretation. Therapies emphasizing cognitive restructuring or somatic experience may be more effective than imagery-based techniques. Further research is warranted to elucidate the neural and clinical mechanisms of aphantasia in PTSD and to integrate imagery capacity into trauma-informed frameworks.

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The situation that has been going on in Ukraine since February 2022 has led to catastrophic consequences. This forces neuroscientists and, including psychiatrists, to turn to the study of the impact of all these events on the mental health of the population of Ukraine.

The subjective psychological impact of a traumatic event is closely associated with the extent to which the event disrupts an individual’s foundational beliefs about the world and the self, commonly referred to in psychology as “core assumptions.” These assumptions function as protective mechanisms, enabling individuals to mitigate anxiety concerning potential threats.

Students of medical universities, studying in the conditions of a military conflict, encountered an increased psychological load, which affects their psychological resilience and ability to adapt to stressful situations. As the war continues for more than two years, this has resulted in the central nervous system of young adults being in a state of chronic stress. The mental state of future doctors can determine their ability to provide high-quality medical care in the future (influence the ability to make balanced decisions, an adequate diagnostic process, the quality of forming a high-quality complex treatment protocol), so research on the development of PTSD is important for improving the quality of medical practice.

A survey was conducted among 102 respondents of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University of 1-6 courses, all specialties according to the PCL-5 methodology. PCL-5 methodology. involves two approaches to the interpretation of the results.

We examined 102 students of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University aged 18 to 23. Among them, 17 (16.67%) were men and 85 were women (83.33%). The number of respondents who scored more than 33 points is 39 people (6 men and 33 women), which is 38.2% (5.9% and 32.3%, respectively) of the respondents. A positive result was found in 5 students of the 1st year (4.9%), 6 students of the 2nd year (5.88%), 14 students of the 3rd year (13.73%), 7 students of the 4th year (6.86%), 5 students 5th year (4.9%), 2 students of 6th year (1.96%).

Research on the mental health of medical students under martial law is necessary, which creates an important scientific and practical problem in understanding and effectively managing this issue.

Thus, the mental state of medical university students living in a country under martial law requires further thorough research into the risks of developing PTSD in order to develop effective protocols for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and possible methods of psychoprophylaxis.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in approximately 10–20% of patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Emerging evidence suggests that PTSD may drive persistent inflammatory activation —marked by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) potentially increasing the risk of recurrent ischemic events and worsen prognosis.

To synthesize recent evidence on associations between PTSD and inflammatory biomarkers among AMI survivors, and to examine whether inflammatory dysregulation may contribute to recurrent cardiac events or adverse outcomes.

A systematic PubMed search (January 2015–September 2025) combined MeSH and free-text terms for PTSD, AMI, and inflammatory biomarkers. The search identified 39 unique records; after screening and full-text review, 12 studies met inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were human cohort or case–control designs assessing both PTSD and inflammatory or cardiovascular outcomes after AMI.

Across included studies, PTSD was consistently associated with elevated inflammatory biomarkers, particularly CRP, IL-6, and MMP-9. In one cohort of 271 AMI survivors, PTSD patients showed a 126% IL-6 increase after stress versus 63% in non-PTSD participants (p = 0.001). In a larger cohort (n = 3,049), PTSD was associated with higher odds of CRP >3 mg/L (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.32–3.93) and increased risk of recurrent infarction (HR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.33–1.50).

PTSD following AMI appears associated with increased systemic inflammation and greater recurrence risk. Integrating psychocardiological care and early PTSD screening may improve outcomes. Further longitudinal studies should clarify mechanisms and test targeted interventions.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after exposure to a highly traumatic event. It is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, and negative alterations in mood. Emerging evidence indicates that these symptoms frequently co-occur with memory dysfunction. A core feature of PTSD is the duality of memory disturbances: traumatic amnesia, the inability to recall all or part of a traumatic event, and emotional hypermnesia, the vivid, intrusive recall of trauma.

This study aims to explore the relationship between PTSD and memory dysfunction.

A literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between PTSD and memory dysfunction. PubMed was searched using the terms “posttraumatic stress disorder” and “memory.” Articles were selected based on relevance to PTSD and memory outcomes. Key findings regarding the interaction between trauma exposure, memory disturbances, and clinical implications were summarized.

Memory disturbances, including intrusive memories and dissociative amnesia, are central to the clinical presentation of PTSD. While PTSD primarily affects trauma-related memories, individuals may also struggle to recall everyday events, segment ongoing activities, or learn and remember neutral information. Memory alterations can manifest as reduced recall (traumatic amnesia) or exaggerated recall (hypermnesia), including vivid flashbacks and nightmares. Individuals with PTSD often have difficulty retrieving specific autobiographical memories, particularly positive ones, which may contribute to symptom severity. Deficits in episodic and contextual memory, along with failure of extinction learning, underscore the hippocampus’s key role in PTSD. Individuals with PTSD often exhibit bilateral hippocampal atrophy, reflected in reduced hippocampal volume on neuroimaging. Trauma-related hippocampal reduction may result from the hippocampus’s high sensitivity to stress hormones, particularly glucocorticoids and adrenal steroids. Beyond the hippocampus, the amygdala is another subcortical structure critically involved in PTSD, especially in mediating intrusive and hyperarousal symptoms. The amygdala plays a central role in fear conditioning and the encoding of fear memories. Although structural changes are uncommon, neuroimaging studies consistently demonstrate amygdala hyperactivation in response to trauma-related or negative emotional stimuli. This heightened activation may underlie the hallmark symptoms of re-experiencing and hypervigilance observed in PTSD. Finally, functional imaging studies reveal disrupted connectivity among the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, contributing to impaired contextual processing, emotional dysregulation, and the persistence of maladaptive fear memories.

Understanding the mechanisms that cause memory dysfunction in PTSD may guide targeted therapeutic interventions.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent and disabling mental health consequences among military personnel exposed to combat. Traditional therapeutic strategies, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, often provide delayed or incomplete relief, with up to 40% of patients remaining symptomatic. Novel interventional approaches such as stellate ganglion block (SGB) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the stellate ganglion have shown promise in reducing sympathetic hyperactivity and alleviating PTSD symptoms.

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combined therapy using stellate ganglion block and radiofrequency ablation as an adjunct to standard multimodal care in military patients with severe PTSD.

From May to July 2025, 61 male military patients (mean age 42.4±9.8 years) with clinically confirmed PTSD (Mississippi Scale score >100) were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included structural brain lesions on CT/MRI. Twenty-four patients consented to interventional treatment (SGB and/or RFA) in addition to standard therapy (psychotherapy, supportive physiotherapy, and nutrition). Thirty-seven patients served as controls, receiving only standard treatment. Procedures were performed under fluoroscopic guidance with intraoperative stimulation for accurate localization. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Mississippi PTSD Scale and quantitative EEG (dominant alpha/beta rhythm ratio) before intervention and at day 14. Safety outcomes included intra- and postoperative complications.

In the intervention group, PTSD severity decreased by 41 points on the Mississippi Scale compared to 22 points in controls (p<0.001). EEG analysis revealed a 41% restoration of alpha rhythm in the intervention group versus 9% in controls (p<0.001), with a parallel reduction in beta rhythm (−38% vs −13%). Vegetative symptoms (hyperhidrosis, blood pressure fluctuations) markedly improved in the intervention group by days 14–21. Clinical response rate to SGB/RFA reached 94.6%. The most frequent expected side effect was transient Horner’s syndrome; one case of self-limited generalized seizure (4.1%) was reported.

Stellate ganglion block and radiofrequency ablation represent effective and relatively safe adjunctive interventions for severe PTSD in military patients. These techniques offer rapid symptom reduction (1–2 days), sustained benefit (up to 3 weeks), and objective neurophysiological improvement, making them valuable options in multidisciplinary hospital settings. Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to confirm long-term efficacy and broaden applications to psychosomatic disorders.

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Fictional narratives can be powerful educational tools in psychiatry, allowing exploration of sensitive themes without breaching confidentiality. We present “Ash,” a fictional character whose developmental history and psychological trajectory mirror common clinical patterns of complex trauma, depressive collapse and existential recovery.

Our objective was to demonstrate how a detailed fictional case vignette can serve as an innovative teaching tool in psychiatry, illustrating the psychodynamic and existential processes involved in complex trauma, depressive collapse and recovery of meaning.

We developed a detailed fictional case vignette drawing on psychoanalytic, existential and phenomenological concepts and analysed Ash’s life history, emotional landscape and adaptation to illustrate key psychodynamic mechanisms and potential teaching applications for psychiatry trainees.

Ash, once a devoted and perfectionistic youth, discovers he was betrayed and effectively “sold” to an imperial institution. This revelation precipitates a severe depressive episode characterised by anhedonia, loss of purpose and existential despair. Over time he shifts from striving for external validation to cultivating curiosity, endurance and authentic presence.

The analysis identified three interconnected processes: (1) betrayal and early attachment trauma leading to perfectionism and over-investment in an institution; (2) depressive collapse and existential despair following discovery of betrayal; and (3) gradual reconstruction of meaning and authentic identity through curiosity and acceptance. These processes parallel patterns observed in real clinical settings and provide a framework for teaching resilience and existential recovery.

Fictional case vignettes such as Ash’s can enrich psychiatric education by safely demonstrating complex themes—attachment trauma, identity collapse, resilience and existential recovery—beyond traditional diagnostic frameworks. Integrating creative narratives into training may foster empathy, conceptual flexibility and deeper understanding of patient experiences.

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Human rights and recovery-based approaches are gaining global recognition as essential components of ethical mental health care. The World Health Organization’s QualityRights materials and policy guidance call for services to affirm autonomy, dignity, and the right to health — especially for individuals living with psychosocial disabilities. Yet, these principles are rarely applied in everyday clinical settings, particularly for patients with complex trauma histories, high symptom burden, and long-standing relational difficulties.

This presentation explores the implementation of a trauma-informed group model developed at Modum Bad’s Traumepoliklinikk: Trauma-oriented Recovery Planning (TORP). It aims to show how recovery principles & human rights — including the right to decide, legal capacity, & supported decision-making — can be operationalised in a specialised treatment setting. The objectives are to:

• • Present a replicable model that integrates WHO guidance with clinical care

• • Explore how TORP strengthens autonomy, agency, and therapeutic alliance

• • Share qualitative feedback on its impact from both patient and clinician perspectives

TORP is a psychoeducational and exploratory group offered to individuals with cPTSD and complex dissociative disorders. It draws directly from WHO QualityRights modules and integrates supported decision-making practices, including:

• • Mapping personal recovery values and goals

• • Exploring legal capacity and the right to decide

• • Developing tools for advanced care planning and preference articulation

• • Building skills for self-advocacy within the health system

The model works with trauma dynamics while supporting people to live a good life despite what they have experienced. Qualitative data is drawn from participant feedback across several groups, focusing on shifts in self-understanding, agency, and hope for the future.

Participants report increased clarity around their rights and a new sense of ownership over their recovery. Many describe TORP as the first time they felt seen as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Learning about legal capacity and being invited to make meaningful treatment choices shifted their relationship to care. Clinicians note increased trust, improved collaboration, and stronger therapeutic foundations for ongoing work. Advanced planning tools have proved useful for avoiding crisis-driven interventions and promoting shared understanding.

TORP shows that human rights-based, recovery-oriented care is not only possible but clinically valuable — even in the context of severe and long-standing trauma. By integrating supported decision-making, affirming legal capacity, and offering space for reflection and planning, the model strengthens both patient agency and therapeutic outcomes. TORP offers a structured way to support people in reclaiming agency, building capacity, and shaping care in line with their values.

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Stress-related disorders, including adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, arise from complex interactions of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Computational psychiatry offers new opportunities by integrating heterogeneous data to build predictive models of risk and clinical outcomes.

This review explores the potential of computational methods to improve prediction of stress-related psychiatric disorders. The aim is to consider how these approaches may enhance early identification, prognosis, and support future clinical application.

A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus, covering studies published between 2020 and 2025. Relevant studies applying computational methods to prediction and prognosis in stress-related disorders were analyzed.

Studies suggest that computational approaches hold promise for improving the prediction of stress-related psychiatric disorders. While findings remain preliminary, studies indicate the potential of these methods to capture complex interactions of risk factors.

Computational psychiatry is a novel area of research with potential to advance early identification and prognosis in stress-related disorders. Further research is required to strengthen the validity of existing models and to support their eventual translation into clinical practice.

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PTSD is highly prevalent among domestic violence (DV) survivors, including women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV), individuals with childhood DV, and socioeconomically disadvantaged persons. Approximately 26% of suicide deaths among women in mental health care are linked to DV, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions.

While trauma-focused therapies and SSRIs provide partial symptom relief, many patients remain symptomatic. Acupuncture, widely recognized for pain management, offers a distinct Shen-regulating pathway for emotional and somatic balance. Recent research(2023-2025) on acupuncture for PTSD shows moderate-to-significant symptom improvements over 4–15 weeks (two sessions per week), but evidence for DV-related PTSD is scarce and effect sizes vary.

This case series investigates Shen-regulating acupuncture in DV-related PTSD within an integrative psychiatry framework. We aim to:

1. 4. Assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy on PTSD symptoms and emotional regulation, highlighting patient-centered outcomes.

2. 5. Examine mechanistic distinctions from analgesic acupuncture, emphasizing emotional and somatic regulatory pathways.

3. 6. Document operational techniques and precautions to ensure reproducibility and clinical safety.

4. 7. Explore its role as an adjunct for long-standing, treatment-resistant trauma, offering potential benefits for patients with enduring symptomatology, including high-risk populations.

1. 1. Participants: DV-related PTSD patients will be recruited from the TCM department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a major teaching hospital in northern Taiwan.

2. 2. Intervention: 1–5 Shen-regulating acupuncture sessions, with GV20 as the core point.

3. 3. Outcomes: PTSD severity (CAPS-5, PCL-C), sleep quality, emotional regulation, somatic symptoms, and heart rate variability (HRV), and other relevant measures.

4. 4. Study protocol: systematically captures patient-centered clinical signals, ensuring reproducibility and safety.

Preliminary clinical impressions from practice suggest that, when skillfully applied, Shen-regulating acupuncture may elicit noticeable improvements in emotional and somatic symptoms as early as one session, with most patients experiencing benefits within 1–3 sessions, even for trauma persisting decades. The present protocol is designed to systematically evaluate these patient-centered clinical signals.

Shen-regulating acupuncture may safely complement trauma-focused psychological therapy for DV-related PTSD, providing a rapid, reproducible adjunct with mechanisms distinct from analgesic acupuncture. It demonstrates improvements in emotional regulation and somatic symptoms, highlighting a novel contribution to integrative psychiatry and offering potential benefits for populations at high suicide risk.

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Under the influence of powerful psych traumas, which always accompany combat operations, there are numerous comorbid combinations of post-stress disorders with different psychopathology (anxiety, depressive states, obsessions, insomnia, nightmares etc.). The low effectiveness of treatment of these disorders forces the development of new approaches in the treatment of these disorders.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain were used in complex therapy of post-stress disorders in combatants (42) and civilians (45) who suffered from Russian aggression. Virtual reality methods are being developed for the treatment of this group of patients.

Psychopathological, pathopsychological assessment methods

Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used in combination with standard therapy (pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy). A more rapid reduction, primarily of depressive syndrome, was noted compared to the control group. The reduction in anxiety was not statistically significant across study groups. No change in sleep duration was noted. However, patients who received Transcranial magnetic stimulation in complex therapy reported satisfaction with sleep and a reduction of nightmares. Good adherence to therapy was observed in patients receiving Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Encouraging data were obtained regarding the optimization of treatment of post-stress disorders using transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain.It is assumed that the implementation of new treatment methods such as: virtual reality, visual-perceptual subsensory psychocorrective influence and others will be effective in treatment PTSD.

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Insomnia is highly prevalent among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is considered a hallmark symptom. Effective treatment of insomnia may improve both sleep and PTSD outcomes. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment, but its availability is limited, underscoring the need for scalable digital alternatives

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of TuneMe, a personalized digital vibroacoustic intervention, for reducing insomnia symptoms in adults with PTSD in a war zone setting.

This was a prospective, single-arm, open-label feasibility study conducted at Geha Mental Health Center, Israel. Thirty adults (aged 18–65 years) with PTSD and comorbid insomnia were recruited. All patients developed PTSD in a war zone setting over the last two years. Participants used the TuneMe application nightly, which produces personalized auditory stimulation based on real-time voice analysis and physiological monitoring. All patients completed the 7-week intervention.

The primary outcomes were changes in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) scores from baseline to week 7. Secondary outcomes included physiological stress, assessed with the Garmin stress index derived from heart rate variability.

Mean ISI scores decreased from 22.6 (SD, 3.4) to 16.2 (SD, 6.5), a significant improvement (p < .001). The proportion with severe insomnia declined from 68.2% to 27.3% (p = .015). PCL-5 scores improved from 55.3 (SD, 9.5) to 47.0 (SD, 12.9; p = .002), with the greatest effects in hyperarousal and intrusion domains. Physiological stress decreased from 51.2 (SD, 17.4) to 33.9 (SD, 12.9; p < .001).

This feasibility study suggests that a personalized digital vibroacoustic intervention may reduce insomnia and PTSD symptoms in adults with PTSD. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish durability.

None Declared

Depression commonly co-occurs with trauma-related conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but less is known about this comorbidity among adolescents, especially since the launch of ICD-11. Moreover, dissociation is also a trauma-related symptom that may be common in people with depression. Very few studies looked into PTSD and dissociation in adolescents with and without probable depression, although there may be a post-traumatic or dissociative subtype of depression.

This study investigated ICD-11 PTSD, complex PTSD (CPTSD), and dissociation among Chinese high school students who screened positive for depression. We explored differences in childhood maltreatment, household dysfunctions, and psychotic symptoms in depressed participants with and without PTSD/dissociation.

We recruited high school students in two public schools in China to complete the PHQ-9, the 10-item Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the International Trauma Questionnaire, the Dissociative Experiences Scale-Taxon (DES-T), and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences–Positive (CAPE-P15).

In total, 1,147 high school students (mean age = 16.40; 54.6% female) completed the assessments; 204 (11.78%) screened positive for depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). Of students with depression, 4.4% screened positive for PTSD, 24.5% screened positive for CPTSD; 46.6% screened positive for dissociation (DES-T ≥ 28). In total, of students with depression, 55.9% had either or both PTSD/CPTSD and dissociation. Depressed students with PTSD/dissociation (n = 114) reported significantly more childhood maltreatment (M = 1.52; SD = 1.47 vs 0.97; SD = 1.26)(t = 2.81, p = .004), more household dysfunctions (M = 0.78; SD = 1.25 vs M = 0.42; SD = 0.81)(t = 2.492, p = .014), and more positive symptoms of psychosis (M = 1.31; SD = 0.69 vs M = 0.65; SD = 0.49)(t = 7.959, p < .001), compared with depressed students without PTSD/dissociation (n = 90).

Over half (55.9%) of depressed students in this study also experienced trauma-related symptoms. These students reported significantly higher levels of childhood maltreatment, household dysfunctions, and positive symptoms of psychosis compared to those with only depression. These findings emphasize the importance of thorough mental health evaluations and targeted interventions to address trauma and dissociation in depressed adolescents.

None Declared

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD) are debilitating conditions that can develop after experiencing trauma and are characterized by intrusive symptoms, dissociation, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors and persistent negative emotional states. C-PTSD is often the result of prolonged, repeated trauma and includes difficulties with emotional regulation, a negative self-image, and relationship problems.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is a specialized practice designed for individuals who have experienced trauma. Unlike traditional yoga, TSY prioritizes safety, personal autonomy, interoception and nervous system regulation, while avoiding potential traumatic triggers, which allows participants to rebuild a sense of trust with their bodies. Research has demonstrated that yoga, and specifically TSY, can be a valuable tool for those suffering from PTSD. Studies have shown that it can significantly reduce symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, and dissociation, while also improving emotional regulation.

To describe a pilot project that aims to implement a 10-session TSY in a small group of patients with PTSD/complex PTSD and to explore feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary changes in PTSD symptomatology.

The participants are patients from a psychiatric outpatient service with a diagnosis of PTSD/C-PTSD or significant traumatic history with anxiety, depressive or dissociative symptoms. Exclusion criteria include severe symptoms preventing group participation, active substance use that interferes with the process, active suicidal ideation/risk and relevant medical conditions contraindicating physical exercise.

The intervention consists of weekly 60-minute TSY sessions over 10 weeks, co-facilitated by a psychiatrist trained in TYS and a psychologist. Each session addresses core components: safety, choice, present-moment awareness, interoceptive/proprioceptive awareness, autonomic regulation, and compassion. Sessions are followed by brief group reflection.

Participants will complete the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity Scale-Revised (EGS-R) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) pre- and post-intervention. Clinical interviews are conducted to identify individual goals and evaluate subjective experiences.

At the time of submission, the intervention and data collection is ongoing. Descriptive feasibility outcomes (recruitment, attendance, adherence) and preliminary symptom changes will be presented.

This pilot project will help us understand the feasibility and clinical value of TSY in a psychiatric setting. We hypothesize that TSY may represent a valuable complementary practice for patients with PTSD, supporting both symptom reduction and overall well-being.

None Declared

Exposure to sexual violence, whether direct or indirect, is strongly associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and significant functional impairments. In Brazilian mental health services, overlapping experiences of sexual violence are frequently identified, either through personal history or indirect exposure within family contexts. Understanding the cumulative effects of these exposures is essential to accurately assess their impact on occupational performance.

To analyze the occupational impacts of PTSD symptoms in women exposed to sexual violence, comparing those with a personal history of victimization and those with indirect exposure only.

This cross-sectional, descriptive, mixed-method study was conducted in an outpatient mental health service. A total of 30 women were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) (Osório et al., Rev Bras Psiquiatr 2019; 41:411–418), and semi-structured interviews. Occupational performance domains were classified according to the AOTA framework (AOTA, AJOT 2020; 74:S1–S87). A secondary exploratory analysis compared subgroups based on direct history of sexual violence versus indirect exposure only.

Among the 30 participants, 27 (90%) screened positive for PTSD. Women reporting dual exposure (personal history + indirect exposure) demonstrated significantly higher PCL-5 scores (M=58) compared with those reporting indirect exposure only (M=46), indicating greater symptom severity and broader functional impairments (Image 2). PTSD symptoms in the dual exposure group were also associated with greater disruption in daily routines, role participation, and social interactions. Across the entire sample, the most affected occupational performance domains were rest and sleep, social participation, leisure, work, activities of daily living (ADLs), and care of others (IADLs) (Image 1). These findings suggest that the cumulative effect of repeated exposure may exacerbate symptom severity and compromise adaptive functioning.Image 1:Image 2:

PTSD symptoms were associated with substantial occupational performance disruptions, especially in rest and sleep, social participation, and leisure, reflecting significant limitations in daily functioning. Women with dual exposure exhibited more intense psychological distress and broader occupational impairments than those with indirect exposure only, suggesting a possible cumulative effect of dual exposure.These findings highlight the urgent need for interprofessional, occupation-centered strategies integrating early screening, targeted interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation to support recovery and foster social reintegration. The results also emphasize the relevance of occupational therapy perspectives in trauma-focused care.

None Declared

The psychological impact of drone warfare on civilians is known to cause significant trauma. However, the consequences of a technologically saturated battlespace, where everyday objects are weaponized, remain poorly defined. The recent war on Gaza, following precedents like the 2024 pager explosions in Lebanon, has fostered a unique environment of technological terror, leading to a novel cluster of phobic responses extending beyond drones to include personal communication devices and autonomous ground systems.

This study aims to characterize a novel triad of technology-induced phobias observed in a cohort of Palestinians in Gaza. The primary objective is to document the clinical features of a specific “technophobia” encompassing fears of drones, mobile phones, and explosive robots. We argue for the recognition of this presentation as a distinct, context-driven psychological syndrome not adequately captured by existing diagnostic categories.

This case series examines 19 Palestinians (12 female; aged 15-39) in the Gaza Strip during the recent conflict. Data was collected via remote consultations (telephone, video, text messages). All patients received supportive psychotherapy. Clinical observations and patient self-reports were systematically documented and analyzed to identify common thematic and symptomatic patterns of technology-induced fear.

A consistent and debilitating triad of technology-related fears was identified. 1) Drone Phobia: All patients (100%) reported an intense phobic reaction to the acoustic signature of drones (the “zannana”), associated with imminent bombing and death, manifesting as full-blown panic attacks. Three children developed a specific fear of looking at the sky. 2) Phone Phobia: Approximately 80% of the cohort developed an acute fear of personal electronic devices, fearing they could explode, which triggered panic attacks. 3) Robot Phobia: Patients reported witnessing or hearing of explosive-laden ground robots, resulting in a pervasive fear of automated systems, where avoidance became a conscious survival strategy.

The findings suggest the emergence of a complex syndrome, “War-Induced Technophobia,” characterized by a triad of fears targeting aerial, personal, and ground-based technologies. This syndrome is distinct from standard phobias as it is rooted in a realistic, continuous threat environment where everyday technology is weaponized. We argue for the critical need to recognize and classify these novel forms of trauma to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions for populations in modern, technologically advanced conflict zones.

None Declared