South African Psychiatry - August 2022

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER AGENDA

12:15 - 13:15 SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2022

Session 2 (B)

1 Tarina Steenkamp (presented by Carla Kotze)
University of Pretoria

Clinical factors associated with longer admission in elderly patients with major neurocognitive disorder
at Weskoppies psychiatric hospital between 2015 and 2019.
2 Sharain Suliman
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa
Using the Child Depression Screening Tool in Children at Risk of Depression: South African Findings
3 Patricia Cathryn Swart
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South AfricaGenomics of Brain Disorders Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town,
South Africa
Identifying genetic loci associated with a change in gene expression (eQTLs) in PTSD patients a South
African cohort.
4 Kester Tindi
Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health
Sciences, Makerere University
Unravelling the genetic risk associated with major depressive disorder among an ethnically diverse
African ancestry population
5 Estmia Van der Walt
Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, South Africa
Schizophrenia in black Africans: The influence of antipsychotics on psychiatric symptoms and tryptophan
metabolism
6 Alberta SJ van der Watt
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa
Factors associated with distress following a romantic relationship breakup: The moderating role of
attachment style among emerging adults
7 Christof Ziaja
Institute of Stress Diagnostic and Intervention Fatigue Science, Prof Stark, Beim Schlump 29, 20144
Hamburg
Autonomic Nervous System functioning in patients with Post Viral Syndrome: A case-series study of a
healthy control subject: A long Covid patient and a ME-CFS patient
8 Christof Ziaja
Institute of Stress Diagnostic and Intervention Fatigue Science, Prof Stark, Beim Schlump 29, 20144
Hamburg
Childhood trauma as a risk factor for a dysfunctional heart rate variability in patients with CFS/ME
9 Pamela Zungu
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa
A multiple case of perinatal women’s experience of non-fatal suicidal behaviour in South Africa
10 Yanga Thungana
Walter Sisulu University
Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool administered in a
memory clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 51

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS

POSTER PRESENTATION

ABSTRACTS

SESSION 1 (A) for knowledge generation and liberal discourse
where a high degree of objectivity is expected.
_____________________________________________ Xenophobia directed at African international
students (AISs) at HEIs in South Africa (SA) has been
PRESENTER'S DETAILS documented. However, there have been no studies
Title: Dr specifically assessing the association between
Name: Akeem xenophobia and perceived mental health (MH)
Surname: Adedolapo outcomes in this population.
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
Aims: To describe xenophobic experiences and
of Medicine and Health Sciences, their association with MH outcomes of AISs at a SA
Stellenbosch, University, Cape Town, University.
South Africa
METHODOLOGY:
Email: dolapoakeem73@yahoo.com This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving
postgraduate students studying at a SA University.
AUTHORS Participants were invited through a university email
distribution list to participate in an online survey
Author 1: Akeem Adedolapo between December 2020 and March 2021. Data
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty were analysed using Stata (version16). Associations
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences, between xenophobia and MH outcomes
Stellenbosch, University, Cape Town, (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress [PTS],
South Africa and alcohol use), were assessed using Mann-
Soraya Seedat Whitney U tests.
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, RESULTS:
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, A total of 208 students were invited to participate
South Africa in the survey, of these, 161 (77.40%) responded.
Merga Belina Feyasa Nearly half of the respondents (72; 44.52%)
Division of Epidemiology and Biostatics, reported xenophobic experiences in SA. There
Department of Global health, Faculty were statistically significant associations between
of Medicine and Health Sciences, reported xenophobic experiences and depression
Stellenbosch, University, Cape Town, (p = 0.021), anxiety (p = 0.009), and PTS symptom
South Africa scores (p = 0.001) but not with alcohol use (p
=0.687). Social support had a significant moderating
TITLE: effect on the association between self-reported
Xenophobic Experiences and Association with xenophobia and PTS severity (p-value = 0.008).
Mental Health in African Students at a South
African University. CONCLUSION:
This study found that xenophobic experiences
BACKGROUND: were common among AISs and that xenophobic
Xenophobia is a global phenomenon and has experiences were also probably associated with
been previously documented in African countries. the presence of MH issues. This emphasises the
Higher educational institutions (HEIs) are spaces need for additional research to better understand

52 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

the MH health issues associated with xenophobia, METHODOLOGY:
discrimination, and other multicultural issues Participants were 51 hazardous student drinkers who
affecting AISs, refugees, and other immigrants in drink to cope with negative affect. Participants in
SA. the active group (n=25) were trained online over two
Findings from this study can inform interventions weeks to respond to personalised negative drinking
such as enhanced social support to address triggers by retrieving a personalised adaptive
xenophobia among AISs at HEIs. Such programs can strategy they might use to mitigate negative affect.
help AISs to cope with xenophobia, discrimination, Participants in the control group (n=26) received
and rapidly adapt to university life. These may standard risk information about binge drinking
encourage other students from their countries to at university. Measures of daily drinking quantity,
study in SA. This could foster more international drinking motives, self-efficacy and use of protective
relations, attract more AISs, and contribute to HEIs behavioural strategies were obtained at baseline
academy and research entrepreneurship of SA. and four-week follow-up.
_____________________________________________
RESULTS:
PRESENTER'S DETAILS SPSS version 27 was used to run Two-Way mixed
Title: Mrs ANOVAs to determine the difference between
Name: Fatima baseline and follow-up drinking habits in the
Surname: Ahmed intervention and control groups, and a one-way
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch ANOVA was further used for the main effect. There
was a decrease in social and coping drinking
University motives and in depressive symptoms from baseline
to four-week follow-up in the active intervention
Email: fahmed@sun.ac.za group, relative to the control group. Exploratory
mediation analysis showed that the intervention
AUTHORS effect on reduced coping drinking motives was
achieved through reduced depressive symptoms.
Author 1: Fatima Ahmed
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch CONCLUSION:
Author 3: University, SA These findings show that this online negative affect
Author 4: Chloe Shuai focused intervention can improve drinking-related
Author 5: School of Psychology, University of outcomes in hazardous, negative affect student
Exeter, UK drinkers in SA, potentially through increased
Jenny Bloom resilience to negative affect. The findings support
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch the utility of an interventions for substance use in
University, SA low- and middle-income countries and over an
Lee Hogarth extended follow-up period.
School of Psychology, University of
Exeter, UK _____________________________________________
Soraya Seeda
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch PRESENTER'S DETAILS
University, SA Title: Dr
Name: Alison
TITLE: Surname: Bentley
Effect of brief coping skill training on alcohol use Affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Wits
in high-risk student drinkers.

BACKGROUND: Email: dralisonbentley@gmail.com
Negative life events have been associated with
an increase in alcohol use in adolescents. The AUTHORS
hazardous levels of alcohol consumption in South
Africa (SA), especially in the Western Cape have Author 1: Alison Bentley
been documented. Author 2: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty
of Health Sciences, University of the
Studies have demonstrated the high levels of Witwatersrand
alcohol dependence that can begin very early in Michelle Baker
life. Given that research has shown older adults in Department of Family Medicine, Faculty
South Africa have demonstrated moderate to high of Health Sciences, University of the
rates of risky drinking (Peltzer et al, 2013), including Witwatersrand
high rates of binge drinking (Vellios & van Walbeek,
2018), it is therefore important that useful coping TITLE:
strategies are learnt from an early age to limit the Symptom assessment by questionnaire and
effects of alcohol abuse later in life. narratives of insomnia disorder in a South African
population.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 53

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

BACKGROUND: AUTHORS
When assessing a new patient with insomnia
symptoms can be obtained from questionnaires Author 1: Kimberly V. Blake
or a narrative interview. Both approaches have Author 2: Neuroscience Institute, Department of
strengths and weaknesses but very few studies Author 3: Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty
have compared the information gathered from of Health Sciences, University of Cape
both in the same patients and whether there are Author 4: Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South
any gender differences. The aim was to investigate Africa
the expression of insomnia symptoms by sleep Author 5: Ziphozihle Ntwatwa
questionnaires and intake narratives in a group of Author 6: Neuroscience Institute, Department of
South African adults with insomnia. Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty
METHODOLOGY: of Health Sciences, University of Cape
A mixed-methods retrospective design was Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South
applied. The records of patients who had attended Africa
the private practice of a Clinical Psychologist in Tobias Kaufmann
Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa were used. Patients Department of Psychiatry and
had previously completed questionnaires before Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for
an intake interview for treatment for insomnia. Mental Health, University of Tübingen,
Instruments were two selected, validated Tübingen, Germany. NORMENT, Division
questionnaires (the Sleep Symptoms Checklist of Mental Health and Addiction Oslo
(SSC), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)) and content University Hospital & Institute of Clinical
analysis of documented patient intake narratives. Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo,
Symptoms expressed by ≥50% of the participants on Norway
the questionnaires were included for analysis. Dan J. Stein
RESULTS: Neuroscience Institute, Department of
A total of 12 males and 13 females responded. Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty
Subjects selected significantly more sleep symptoms of Health Sciences, University of Cape
on the questionnaires compared to the narrative. Town, Cape Town, Western Cape,
Core symptoms of insomnia including difficulty South Africa. SA-MRC Unit on Risk and
in falling asleep, often due to worry, daytime Resilience in Mental Disorders, University
dysfunction and physical symptoms were common of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western
to both techniques. There were no significant Cape, South Africa
gender differences either in demographics nor Jonathan C. Ipser
basic sleep measures nor on the number of Neuroscience Institute, Department of
symptoms expressed either on the questionnaires Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty
or narratives. of Health Sciences, University of Cape
CONCLUSION: Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South
While the use of questionnaires for insomnia may Africa
provide a more comprehensive picture it is likely Nynke A. Groenewold
that the narratives reveal the most concerning Neuroscience Institute, Department of
symptoms to the patient. With no gender Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty
differences a combination of both approaches of Health Sciences, University of Cape
would be recommended in all patients presenting Town, Cape Town, Western Cape,
with insomnia. South Africa. SA-MRC Unit on Child
_____________________________________________ and Adolescent Health, Department
of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red
PRESENTER'S DETAILS Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital,
Title: Ms University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
Name: Kimberly Western Cape, South Africa
Surname: Blake
Affiliation: Neuroscience Institute, Department of TITLE:
Advanced brain ageing in adult psychopathology:
Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty a systematic review and meta-analysis of
of Health Sciences, University of Cape structural MRI studies.
Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South
Africa. BACKGROUND:
Evidence suggests that psychopathology is
Email: BLKKIM003@myuct.ac.za associated with an advanced brain ageing
process, typically mapped using machine learning
models that predict an individual’s age based on
neuroimaging data (Ballester et al., 2021; Han et al.,
2020; Kaufmann et al., 2019). The brain predicted
age difference (brain-PAD) captures the deviation of
brain age from chronological age. The magnitude

54 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

of the brain-PAD in adult psychopathology is BACKGROUND:
unclear due to substantial heterogeneity between Subjective well-being when on neuroleptic
studies. treatment (SWBN) has been established as a
METHODOLOGY: good predictor of adherence, early response
The present meta-analysis aimed to quantify the and prognosis in patients with schizophrenia. The
structural MRI-based brain-PAD in adult psychotic 20-item subjective well-being under neuroleptic
and mood disorders, while addressing possible treatment scale (SWN-K 20) is a self-rating scale
sources of heterogeneity related to diagnosis that has been validated to measure SWBN. However
subtypes, segmentation method, age and sex. We the SWN-K20 has not been previously used in a
systematically reviewed clinical factors influencing Low and Middle income country (LMIC). This study
brain ageing in axis 1 psychiatric disorders. Thirty- explored the psychometric properties of this scale
three studies were included for review. in a sample of Xhosa speaking African patients with
RESULTS: schizophrenia.
A random-effects meta-analysis revealed a
brain-PAD of +3.21 (standard error=0.49) years in METHODOLOGY:
psychotic disorders (n=16 studies), +2.04 (0.10) As a part of a large genetic study, 244 study
years in bipolar disorder (n=5), and +0.90 (0.20) participants with a confirmed diagnosis of
years in major depression (n=7). An exploratory schizophrenia completed the translated SWN-K
meta-analysis found a brain-PAD of +1.57 (0.67) in 20 scale. Internal consistency analysis as well
first episode psychosis (n=4), which was smaller as convergent analysis were performed, and
than that observed in psychosis and schizophrenia exploratory analysis and conducted using Principal
(n=10, +3.87 (0.61)). Component Analysis (PCA).

Further, patient mean age significantly explained RESULTS:
heterogeneity in effect size estimates in psychotic The PCA extracted 4 components which cumulatively
disorders, but not mood disorders. The systematic explained 52.21% of the total variance. The internal
review found that clinical factors, such as higher consistency of the SWN-K 20 was 0.86 and those
symptom severity, may be associated with a larger of the sub scales ranged between 0.47 and 0.59.
brain-PAD in psychopathology. The total scores of the SWN-K 20 demonstrated
CONCLUSION: moderate correlation r= 0.44 with GAF scores. The
In conclusion, larger structural MRI-based brain-PAD sub scale scores had lower correlations ranging
was confirmed in adult major psychiatric disorders. between r=.41 and r=.30 with the GAF scores.
Preliminary evidence was obtained that brain
ageing is greater in those with prolonged duration CONCLUSION:
of psychotic disorders. Although most included The Isi-Xhosa version of the SWN-K 20 scale can be used
studies are cross-sectional in nature, these results for clinical and research purposes in LMICs. The sub-
imply advanced brain ageing. scales on their own however, were less reliable when
_____________________________________________ translated into Isi-Xhosa and hence not meaningful
measures of specific domains of wellbeing. These
PRESENTER'S DETAILS findings merit further evaluation to determine whether
Title: Dr cultural and linguistic specific sub-scales might
Name: Judith provide further insight and recommendations for use
Surname: Boshe in the South African context.
Affiliation: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
_____________________________________________

Email: jboshe@live.com PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Title: Mrs
AUTHORS Name: Erine
Surname: Bröcker
Author 1: Dan Stein Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry and Mental
Health, University of Cape Town, South of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Africa Stellenbosch University
Megan Campbell
Rhodes University Email: erineb@sun.ac.za

AUTHORS

TITLE: Author 1: Erine Bröcker
Psychometric properties of the Isi-Xhosa version Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
of the Subjective Wellbeing Under Neuroleptic of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Treatment scale. Stellenbosch University
Soraya Seedat

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 55

WITH PHARMA DYNAMICS ADHD RANGE

For further product information contact PHARMA DYNAMICS www.pharmadynamics.co.za
Email info@pharmadynamics.co.za CUSTOMER CARE LINE +27 21 707 7000

RADD 18, 27, 36, 54 mg. Each prolonged-release tablet contains 18, 27, 36, 54 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride respectively. S6 A51/1.2/0289, 0290, 0291, 0292. For full prescribing
information, refer to the professional information approved by SAHPRA, February 2021. ATTENCIT 10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80 mg. Each capsule contains atomoxetine hydrochloride equivalent to 10,
18, 25, 40, 60, 80 mg atomoxetine respectively. S5 A51/1.2/0376, 0377, 0378, 0379, 0380, 0381. For full prescribing information, refer to the professional information approved by SAHPRA,
October 2020. NSCRA738/04/2022

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Author 3: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Author 4: of Medicine and Health Sciences, Title: Dr
Stellenbosch University Name: Belinda
Sharain Suliman Surname: Bruwer
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty Affiliation: University of Stellenbosch Department
of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Stellenbosch University of Psychiatry
Miranda Olff
Department of Psychiatry, Academic Email: drbelindabruwer@gmail.com
Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam AUTHORS

TITLE: Author 1: Dr Belinda R Bruwer
Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of Author 2: University of Stellenbosch
web-based and mobile PTSD Coach: A systematic Author 3: Professor Daniel J H Niehaus
review and meta-analysis. University of Stellenbosch
Professor Jukka M Leppänen
University of Tampere, Finland

BACKGROUND: TITLE:
Timely and effective interventions have the potential The role of social-cognitive processes in mother-
to either alleviate or prevent the development infant bonding.
of clinical symptomatology in trauma exposed
individuals. However, many trauma-exposed BACKGROUND:
individuals do not receive this due to limited access Humans have an inherent need to foster a close
to appropriate resources, and/or stigma around emotional bond with other humans. In infants, this
accessing mental health services. Internet-based bond is usually with the primary caregiver and
interventions are increasingly used as a treatment provides a sense of safety and reassurance for the
alternative in response hereto. baby.

OBJECTIVE: It is known that the quality of this mother-infant
This review aims to (1) provide an overview of the bond influences the child’s future relationships and
available research on ‘PTSD Coach’, inclusive of mental health.
the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness
for trauma exposed individuals (2) assess the The mother requires the ability to identify her
quality of this research, and (3) identify challenges baby’s facial expressions so that she can respond
and recommendations related to PTSD Coach appropriately to the infant’s needs.
intervention delivery.

METHODOLOGY: Facial affect recognition (FAR) may be influenced
Searches will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, by various factors such as socio-economic status
PsycINFO, EMBASE, PLoS, Web of Science, PTSDpubs, and psychiatric illness. The association between
Scopus, and clinical trial databases (ClinicalTrials. impaired FAR and the quality of mother-infant
gov; International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; bonding in mothers with 6-week-old infants warrants
Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry; International clarification.
Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number).
METHODOLOGY:
Review inclusion will be based on predefined This investigation, embedded in a larger prospective
inclusion criteria, and study quality assessed with observational study, used cross-sectional data
three tools (the risk-of-bias tool for randomized from visit 1 (6 weeks postpartum) to respond to
trials, the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of this literature gap by investigating the associations
interventions, and the mixed methods appraisal between maternal FAR, maternal mental illness, and
tool) depending on study type. Where feasible other maternal factors, as well as whether impaired
meta-analytical pooling of results will be conducted. FAR associates with poorer quality bonding of a
mother with her infant.

RESULTS: This study was conducted at 2 maternal health
Data collection in progress. clinics in the Western Cape, South Africa, and
included heterogenous mother-infant dyad
CONCLUSION: participants.
The results of this review are expected to further
support the feasibility, acceptability, and Various measurement tools were used, including
effectiveness of PTSD Coach as an intervention for a psychiatrist-administered Mini-International
trauma exposed individuals at risk for developing Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Edinburgh
posttraumatic stress symptomatology. The results Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Postpartum
of this systematic review will contribute towards Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Mother-to-Infant
recommendations for future research. Bonding Scale (MIBS), Maternal Postpartum
Attachment Scale (MPAS), Recent Life Events

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 57

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Questionnaire (RLEQ), maternal FAR ability and TITLE:
physiological measurements of pupil dilatation in Psychiatric Disorders and Suicidal Behaviour
response to pictures depicting a range of positive Seen at a Transgender Clinic in South Africa.
and negative infant facial expressions. BACKGROUND:
Descriptive statistical analysis, likelihood ratio tests International research indicates that due to
(LRT), and a 3-step latent class analysis (LCA) the impact of stigma, marginalisation and
model was performed. discrimination, transgender individuals are a
A post-doc analysis examining the effect of maternal vulnerable population at risk of psychiatric disorders
pupillometric responses to distressed infant faces and suicidal behaviour.
was performed to find an objective measure of the
autonomic nervous system (ANS) response when Despite this, there is a lack of research on the
identifying facial emotional expressions when prevalence of mental health conditions and suicidal
compared to the mother’s subjective response. behaviour amongst transgender individuals in
South Africa.
RESULTS: OBJECTIVE:
Findings suggest an association between impaired This study aimed to assess the prevalence of
FAR in low socio-economic status participants psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour in
with increased adverse life events and depression transgender individuals seen at the Transgender
scores. Maternal FAR deficits influenced mother- Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital.
infant bonding quality. METHODOLOGY:
CONCLUSION: The study was a retrospective folder review of
Study findings offer ways to identify and intervene individuals attending the clinic from November 2018
in high-risk mother-infant dyads to improve mother- until December 2019. This study was conducted at
infant bonding quality and outcomes. the multidisciplinary Transgender Clinic at Groote
_____________________________________________ Schuur Hospital, South Africa.
RESULTS:
PRESENTER'S DETAILS Forty-four (44) individuals attended the clinic during
Title: Dr the study, all of which were included in the analysis.
Name: Fatima Depression was the most commonly self-reported
Surname: Dangor symptom (n=13, 29.5%). Other common symptoms
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Mental included those of panic and generalised anxiety
(n=10, 22.7%).
Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, After assessment at the TGC, thirty-one (70.5%)
South Africa individuals met the criteria for a psychiatric disorder.
Mood disorders were the most common DSM–5
Email: dangorf@gmail.com diagnoses (n=28, 63.6%).

AUTHORS Thirteen (41.9%) individuals with a current psychiatric
disorder were on treatment. Almost three-quarters
Author 1: Fatima Dangor of the individuals (n=32, 72.7%) reported alcohol
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry and Mental consumption, of which only 2 individuals (4.5%)
Author 3: Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, reported regular daily consumption.
Author 4: University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
South Africa Twenty-one individuals were tobacco smokers
Deirdre I Pieterse (47.7%), and approximately one-third used cannabis
Department of Psychiatry and Mental (n=16, 36.4%). Eighteen (40.9%) individuals reported
Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, suicidal behaviour, and fourteen (31.8%) non-
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, suicidal self-injury.
South Africa CONCLUSION:
Adele Marais Transgender individuals attending the GSH
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Transgender Clinic had a high prevalence of
Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour.
University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
South Africa Our improved understanding of the mental health
John R Torline needs of individuals attending the Transgender
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Clinic will better inform future gender affirming care.
Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
South Africa

58 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

PRESENTER'S DETAILS Clinicians were non-compliant with NICE guidelines
Title: Dr and there is a need to review and standardise local
Name: Michelle Veronica guidelines to prevent premature discontinuation of
Surname: Daniels Clozapine, especially in non-Caucasian patients.
Affiliation: University of KwaZulu Natal
_____________________________________________
Email: drmvdaniels@gmail.com
PRESENTER'S DETAILS
AUTHORS Title: Mr
Author 1: Michelle Veronica Daniels Name: Morne
Surname: Du Plessis
University of KwaZulu Natal Affiliation: ¹ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty

TITLE: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
A retrospective chart review on clozapine Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
monitoring at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in South Africa. ² South African Medical
Durban. Research Council / Stellenbosch
University Genomics of Brain Disorders
BACKGROUND: Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine &
Clozapine is a second-generation anti-psychotic, Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
and the only FDA- and NICE-approved drug for Cape Town, South Africa
treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Its potentially
life-threatening haematological side-effects of Email: duplessism@sun.ac.za
neutropaenia and agranulocytosis mandate
rigorous monitoring of neutrophil counts according AUTHORS
to international norms and practices. Despite its
benefits, its use presents a set of local challenges, Author 1: Morne Du Plessis
unique to a third-world population. Author 2: ¹ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
OBJECTIVE: Author 4: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
The aim was to describe a local Clozapine white South Africa. ² South African Medical
cell monitoring practice and ascertain the Research Council / Stellenbosch
frequency of Clozapine-induced neutropaenia University Genomics of Brain Disorders
and/or agranulocytosis to establish the relevance Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine &
of the international monitoring guidelines in the Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
local context, whilst considering benign ethnic Cape Town, South Africa
neutropaenia. Leigh van den Heuvel
¹ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
METHODOLOGY: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
This was a descriptive, retrospective chart review, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
conducted at a specialist Psychiatry unit in Durban, South Africa. ² South African Medical
KwaZulu Natal, in which 120 medical records of all Research Council / Stellenbosch
patients who had received Clozapine treatment University Genomics of Brain Disorders
from 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2020 were Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine &
accessed and reviewed. Their demographic and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
clinical information was captured in an online Cape Town, South Africa
Redcap database. Soraya Seedat
¹ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
RESULTS: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
The demographics indicated that the study Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
population were from a low socioeconomic South Africa. ² South African Medical
background, with low levels of education Research Council / Stellenbosch
and employment. Contrary to NICE guideline University Genomics of Brain Disorders
recommendations, only 48.3% of files had recorded Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine &
a baseline neutrophil count. Despite 87.5% of the Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
sample being non-Caucasian, there were only Cape Town, South Africa
three patients (2.5%) who developed neutropaenia Sian Hemmings
based on NICE guidelines, and 0% developed ¹ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
agranulocytosis. of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
CONCLUSION: South Africa. ² South African Medical
The haematological monitoring of patients Research Council / Stellenbosch
receiving Clozapine was sub-optimal at this hospital. University Genomics of Brain Disorders
Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine &
Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
Cape Town, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 59

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

TITLE: Email: evaneiselen@gmail.com
Evaluating the performance of polygenic risk
score- and machine learning-based classification AUTHORS
for the prediction of PTSD in a South African
population. Author 1: Evan Eiselen
Author 2: University of Pretoria
BACKGROUND: Author 3: Prof Kalaivani Naidu
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex University of Pretoria
psychiatric disorder characterised by symptoms of Maryn Viljoen
intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviours, hyper- Private statistician
arousal and negative alterations in cognition
and mood. PTSD is unique among psychiatric TITLE:
disorders in that its identification is conditional Attitudes of Final Year Medical Students toward
upon exposure to a traumatic incident. While 50- the Legalisation of Cannabis.
85% of individuals will encounter a traumatic event
in their lifetime, the prevailing prevalence of PTSD BACKGROUND:
lies approximately between 1.3 and 12.2%. This Recreational and Medicinal use of Cannabis is very
discrepancy serves to highlight the existence of topical in the light of more permissive legislation
factors granting individuals contingent resilience regarding the substance worldwide. The primary
or vulnerability to developing PTSD. While the purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes
biological underpinnings elemental to PTSD remain that final year medical students at the University
largely unknown, prior heritability estimates have of Pretoria hold with regard to recreational and
suggested that the disorder presents a genetic medicinal use of Cannabis.
component that interacts with non-genetic factors
to confer risk of or resilience to PTSD. An important secondary objective is to assess the
students’ perception about the adequacy of their
METHODOLOGY: medical school training in this regard.
This study aims to elucidate the molecular METHODOLOGY:
mechanisms underlying PTSD by comparing The study followed a cross-sectional, comparative,
the predictive performance of a series of PTSD- quantitative study design.
risk proxies in a uniquely admixed South African
population. Polygenic risk score- and machine Data was collected by means of a structured
learning-based predictive approaches will be used questionnaire filled out by participants. The research
to construct, optimize and subsequently validate was conducted at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital,
models tailored to assess genetic risk. In addition, a specialist psychiatric hospital located in Pretoria
we will explore the utility of genetically supported West and affiliated with the University of Pretoria.
predictor variables by utilising transcriptome
analysis to test the generated risk proxies against Final year medical students rotating at Weskoppies
potential molecular contributors. Hospital were identified as participants via a
convenience sampling technique. Participation
RESULTS: was voluntary, anonymous, and dependent on the
Data will be presented on preliminary polygenic ability to provide informed consent.
risk score models attempting to identify the optimal RESULTS:
method to predict PTSD status in our sample A total of 57 valid responses were included in the
population. study. The study shows that the majority of medical
students had relatively permissive views about
CONCLUSION: cannabis. It also shows that most medical students
These findings will add to the growing knowledge feel that they aren’t being adequately trained to
base on polygenic risk score- and machine advise patients on the topic of medical cannabis
learning-based methods in psychiatric studies, in a lecture setting (64.9%, n=37) or clinical setting
supplement our current research on the genetic (68.4%, n=38). Results also illustrated that students
mechanisms underlying PTSD, as well as help who had previous personal experience with
improve existing analytical capabilities associated cannabis, are more likely to have more permissive
with interrogating complex datasets in resource- views about cannabis.
limited environments. CONCLUSION:
_____________________________________________ This study illustrates the already established need
for more academic research with regards to
PRESENTER'S DETAILS medicinal cannabis, but more interestingly shows
Title: Dr that medical students want more training and
Name: Evan guidance from their training institution with regards
Surname: Eiselen to the topic.
Affiliation: University of Pretoria

60 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

SESSION 1 (B) of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine
and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch
_____________________________________________ University, Cape Town, South Africa,
7550 d.) SA Research Chairs Initiative
PRESENTER'S DETAILS in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,
Title: Dr Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
Name: Jean-Paul of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Surname: Fouche Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
Affiliation: a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty South Africa, 7550
TITLE:
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abnormal cortical gyrification morphology in
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, PTSD and association with symptom severity and
South Africa, 7550 b.) SAMRC Genomics metabolic parameters.
of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of BACKGROUND:
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Cortical gyrification is an indication of the folding
Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, of gyri and sulci. Cortical gyrification is associated
Cape Town, South Africa, 7550 with the functional efficiency of neuronal wiring and
is a potential neural marker for neuropsychiatric
Email: jfouche@sun.ac.za disorders.
AUTHORS To date there is a paucity of literature on gyrification
in PTSD and comorbid MetS with previous work
Author 1: Jean-Paul Fouche that demonstrated higher gyrification in regions
Author 2: a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of the parietal and occipital lobes in PTSD patients
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences, compared to trauma-exposed controls (TEC).
Author 4: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, The aim of this study was to investigate cortical
Author 5: South Africa, 7550 b.) SAMRC Genomics gyrification in PTSD patients and further assess for
Author 6: of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of any associations with PTSD symptom severity and
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and metabolic parameters indicative of cardiovascular
Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, disease risk.
Cape Town, South Africa, 7550 METHODOLOGY:
Stefan du Plessis 317 adult participants (n=160 with PTSD; n=147 TEC)
a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty from the “Shared Roots” study, conducted in Cape
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Town, South Africa, were included in the analysis.
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, MRI data acquired on a Siemens 3T scanner
South Africa, 7550 b.) SAMRC Genomics underwent processing in Freesurfer to calculate
of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of the local gyrification index (LGI), a quantification of
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and gyrification in the brain.
Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Data were analysed with Freesurfer’s QDEC
Cape Town, South Africa, 7550 application using general linear models to
Leigh van den Heuvel investigate group differences between PTSD and
a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty TEC, and associations with PTSD symptom severity
of Medicine and Health Sciences, and MetS status.
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, RESULTS:
South Africa, 7550 b.) SAMRC Genomics There was a significant (p < 0.05) between-group
of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of difference in LGI in PTSD patients and TEC. Higher
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and LGI was found in temporal and middle frontal
Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, regions for the PTSD group compared to TEC.
Cape Town, South Africa, 7550 In addition, there was a significant positive
Chanelle Hendrikse association of LGI and PTSD severity in the left frontal
a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty region and positive associations of MetS status in
of Medicine and Health Sciences, clusters of the parietal, temporal and frontal regions.
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, When controlling for MetS status as a covariate in
South Africa, 7550 c.) Department of the model, only the clusters in the left frontal region
Pediatrics and Child Health, University were signficant at p <0.05.
of Cape Town, South Africa
Robin Emsley
a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa, 7550
Soraya Seedat
a.) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa, 7550 b.) SAMRC Genomics
of Brain Disorders Unit, Department

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 61

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

CONCLUSION: as worries children and adolescents encountered
The results in this study are an indication that and how they spent their time during COVID-19
abnormal gyrification, ie. higher LGI in the frontal lockdown were elicited through a survey that was
cortices, could be a neural marker for PTSD. completed by parents/carers, who self-reported as
In addition, abnormal gyrification of the well as reported on behalf of their children.
prefrontal cortex seem to be associated with PTSD METHODOLOGY:
symptomatology, whereas gyrification in other Two hundred and fifty-seven parents/carers of
more widespread regions of the brain seem to children in school, Grades R to 12 (aged 4 – 20
be associated with metabolic syndrome. Cortical years), in South Africa filled out an online survey
gyrification could be a biological risk factor for about the mental health and wellbeing of a child
PTSD, however longitudinal studies are needed to in their care.
confirm this.
_____________________________________________ The survey included a 7-item Pandemic Anxiety
Scale (PAS) plus questions about the children’s
PRESENTER'S DETAILS worries and how these children spent their time. The
Title: Ms PAS consists of two subscales, disease anxiety and
Name: Ezethu consequence anxiety.
Surname: Gaxo
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty RESULTS:
Covid-19 lockdown had a negative impact on
of Medicine and Health Sciences, both parents and children. The top three sources
Stellenbosch University of stress among parents/carers were i) their
work (56.8%), ii) their child's future (53.8%), and
Email: ezethugaxo@sun.ac.za iii) their child's education (51.6%). Anxiety levels
of children and adolescents were (11.60 ± 6.14)
AUTHORS and (14.62 ± 5.56), respectively, and factors
significantly associated with high anxiety levels
Author 1: Ezethu Gaxp included a child’s age, household income, and
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty family composition.
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences, CONCLUSION:
Author 4: Stellenbosch University The findings indicate that the lockdown negatively
Jenny Bloom impacted on levels of stress and anxiety and was
Author 5: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty associated with high levels of these for both parents
Author 6: of Medicine and Health Sciences, and their children. Identifying vulnerable groups
Stellenbosch University affected by the pandemic and understanding
Anusha Lachman the factors that contribute to their mental health is
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty crucial in delivering effective strategies to manage
of Medicine and Health Sciences, mental health difficulties that are a direct result of
Stellenbosch University COVID-19.
Eugene Lee Davids _____________________________________________
Division of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry PRESENTER'S DETAILS
and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Title: Dr
Sciences, University of Cape Town Name: Sisikelelwe
Jace Pillay Surname: Gwanya-Mdletye
SARCHI Chair: Education & Care in Affiliation: Walter Sisulu University
Childhood, Faculty of Education,
University of Johannesburg Email: sisikelelwe.m2@gmail.com
Soraya Seedat
Executive Head of Psychiatry, Faculty AUTHORS
of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Stellenbosch University

TITLE: Author 1: Sisikelelwe Gwanya-Mdletye
Pandemic anxiety and stress: COVID-19 pandemic Author 2: Walter Sisulu University
stress and anxiety among South African parents Dr Thupana Seshoka
and their children. Walter Sisulu University

BACKGROUND: TITLE:
We determined levels of stress and anxiety among Psychotropic treatment and risk of Covid-19
parents and their children during the COVID-19 adverse outcomes in patients with serious mental
pandemic. Sources of stress for parents/carers as well illness.

62 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

WITH PHARMA DYNAMICS ANTIPSYCHOTIC RANGE

QUETIAPINE 50 mg, 150 mg, www.pharmadynamics.co.za
200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg

For further product information contact PHARMA DYNAMICS
Email info@pharmadynamics.co.za CUSTOMER CARE LINE +27 21 707 7000
QUERO XR 50, 150, 200, 300, 400 mg. Each prolonged release tablet contains quetiapine fumarate equivalent to 50, 150, 200, 300, 400 mg quetiapine respectively. S5 A49/2.6.5/0280, 0281,
0282, 0283, 0284. For full prescribing information, refer to the professional information approved by SAHPRA, May 2021. ZOXADON 0,5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg. Each tablet contains 0,5 mg,
1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg risperidone respectively. S5 A41/2.6.5/0468, 0445, 0446, 0469, 0470. NAM NS3 10/2.6.5/0021, 0022, 0023, 0024, 0025. For full prescribing information, refer to the
professional information approved by SAHPRA, 6 January 2020. ZOXADON ODT 0,5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg. Each orodispersible tablet contains 0,5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg risperidone respectively.
S5 A46/2.6.5/0362, 0363, 0364. For full prescribing information, refer to the professional information approved by SAHPRA, May 2019. NSCRA736/04/2022

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

BACKGROUND: Email: cbuckle@sun.ac.za
Some psychiatric medications are known to have
cardio-metabolic and immune system related side- AUTHORS
effects. Psychiatric patients are also known to carry
increased risk of adverse Covid-19 outcomes, and it Author 1: Chanellé Hendrikse
is common to find patients with serious mental illness Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
being treated with a combination of psychotropic Author 3: University, Cape Town, 8000, South
medications. The interaction of Covid-19 with these Africa
aspects of psychiatric medications has not been Author 4: Stefan du Plessis
sufficiently studied in this population. Author 5: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
University, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa;
The aim of this study was to explore association Author 6: Genomics of Brain Disorders Research
between outcomes of Covid-19 disease and Unit, South African Medical Research
psychiatric treatment. Author 7: Council / Stellenbosch University, Cape
METHODOLOGY: Town, 8000, South Africa
To identify relevant published literature for review, a Jean-Paul Fouché
systematic search was conducted between 27 April Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
2022 and 22 May 2022 in the PubMed, Cochrane University, Cape Town, 8000, South
Library and Google Scholar databases. Relevant Africa; Genomics of Brain Disorders
literature focused on the topic were selected for Research Unit, South African Medical
review. The reference list of each selected paper Research Council / Stellenbosch
was checked to identify any missing studies. University, Cape Town, 8000, South
Narrative review of the literature was written up Africa
by the presenter under supervision by the second Hilmar Lückhoff
author. Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
RESULTS: University, Cape Town, 8000, South
38 studies were identified and 29 were included for Africa
final review. The excluded studies were not relevant Leigh van den Heuvel
to the study question and one was not available Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
in English. The studies found were conducted University, Cape Town, 8000, South
primarily in Europe, America, and Asia, and there Africa; Genomics of Brain Disorders
were no relevant African studies found on the Research Unit, South African Medical
search. Serious mental illness was not associated Research Council / Stellenbosch
to risk of Covid-19 infection but when infected with University, Cape Town, 8000, South
SARS Co-V-2, patients with serious mental illness Africa
have poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates. Robin Emsley
Psychiatric medications which have been studied Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
have not been convincingly identified as causal, University, Cape Town, 8000, South
nor have they been conclusively linked to the Africa; Genomics of Brain Disorders
poorer outcomes. While some of the medications Research Unit, South African Medical
have been found to have antiviral properties, they Research Council / Stellenbosch
have not demonstrated a reproducible protective University, Cape Town, 8000, South
effect in the face of Covid-19 infection. Africa
CONCLUSION: Soraya Seedat
Further studies are necessary to reproduce the Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
findings in Africa, and to explore the interaction University, Cape Town, 8000, South
of psychotropic drugs with Covid-19 infection. Africa; Genomics of Brain Disorders
Moreover, studies are required to establish the non- Research Unit, South African Medical
treatment-related factors which render this patient Research Council / Stellenbosch
group prone to adverse Covid-19 outcomes, and University, Cape Town, 8000, South
thus a high-risk population. Africa
_____________________________________________
TITLE:
PRESENTER'S DETAILS Fronto-limbic white matter microstructural
Title: Mrs changes in healthy adults with childhood trauma.
Name: Chanellé
Surname: Hendrikse BACKGROUND:
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch Childhood trauma may influence the developing
brain in ways that increase the risk of developing
University, Cape Town, South Africa several psychiatric disorders later in life. Excessive
secretion of stress hormones during early-life may
alter white matter development by inhibiting the
proliferation of glial cells required for myelination.

However, few studies have examined the
association between childhood trauma and

64 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

white matter microstructure in healthy adults Department of Paediatrics and Child
living in a developing country. We investigated the Health, University of Cape Town, South
association between childhood trauma and white Africa
matter fractional anisotropy (FA) of limbic tracts Author 2: Shantanu Joshi
involved in emotional regulation, memory, and Department of Neurology, University of
executive function. California, Los Angeles, United States of
METHODOLOGY: America
A total of 143 healthy controls participating in a Author 3: Annerine Roos
cross-sectional study (“Shared Roots”) conducted Department of Psychiatry and Mental
in Cape Town, South Africa, underwent diffusion Health, University of Cape Town, South
tensor imaging (DTI) on a 3T Siemens Skyra MRI Africa
scanner, and completed the Childhood Trauma Author 4: Catherine Wedderburn
Questionnaire (CTQ). We excluded participants Department of Paediatrics and Child
with significant medical or psychiatric diagnoses, Health, University of Cape Town, South
psychiatric medication use, or poor-quality imaging Africa
data. DTI scans were processed using Tortoise Author 5: Jessica Ringshaw
software and FA values were extracted using the Department of Paediatrics and Child
FSL Tract-based Spatial Statistics pipeline. Health, University of Cape Town, South
Africa
This was followed by a hypothesis-driven Author 6: Laila Bradford
investigation of the associations between Department of Paediatrics and Child
childhood trauma (measured as a continuous Health, University of Cape Town, South
variable) and five bilateral limbic white matter tracts Africa
(fornix, stria terminalis, uncinate fasciculus, anterior Author 7: Nadia Hoffman
limb of the internal capsule (ALIC), cingulum) Department of Psychiatry and Mental
entered simultaneously as dependent variables in Health, University of Cape Town, South
a multivariate analysis of covariance. Africa
RESULTS: Author 8: Katherine Narr
The final sample comprised 69 healthy adults Department of Neurology, University of
(age 47 ± 17 years; 70% women; mean CTQ-total California, Los Angeles, United States of
score 44 ± 15 out of 125). Childhood trauma had America
a statistically significant effect on FA for the regions Author 9: Heather Zar
of interest, adjusting for age, sex, and educational Department of Paediatrics and Child
level. Higher CTQ-total scores were associated with Health, University of Cape Town, South
lower FA for the stria terminalis and ALIC. The effect of Africa
childhood trauma on the ALIC remained significant Author 10: Dan Stein
after correction for multiple comparisons. Department of Psychiatry and Mental
CONCLUSION: Health, University of Cape Town, South
Childhood trauma is associated with white matter Africa
microstructural changes in healthy adults. The Author 11: Roger Woods
ALIC predominantly carries fibres connecting the Department of Neurology, University of
thalamus with prefrontal cortical regions. Damage California, Los Angeles, United States of
to the microstructural integrity of the ALIC may be America
associated with functional brain changes which, in
turn, may increase the risk of a range of psychiatric TITLE:
disorders, including depression and substance White matter changes in 6-year-old children with
abuse. prenatal alcohol exposure: Preliminary findings
_____________________________________________ from a South African birth cohort.

PRESENTER'S DETAILS BACKGROUND:
Title: Mrs Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) remains one of
Name: Chanellé the most common preventable risks to brain health
Surname: Hendrikse and development. Nevertheless, evidence remains
Affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child limited on the impact of PAE on white matter
integrity in early life. Previous studies have shown
Health, University of Cape Town widespread changes in white matter microstructure
in infants and 2-3-year-old children following PAE.
Email: chanelle.hendrikse@uct.ac.za This study addresses the question of whether these
AUTHORS changes persist to age 6 years in a South African
Author 1: Chanellé Hendrikse and Kirsten Donald birth cohort.

METHODOLOGY:
Diffusion weighted images (DWI) were acquired
during a quiet, awake scan on a 3T Siemens MRI
scanner on a subset of 6-year-old children from

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 65

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

the Drakenstein Child Health study, previously Author 2: University, South Africa; South African
scanned as neonates and at 2-3 years of age. Author 3: Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch
After exclusions, the final sample consisted of 130 Author 4: University Genomics of Brain Disorders
children (75 ± 5 months); PAE (n=43, 49% boys) and Research Unit, Stellenbosch University,
unexposed controls (n=87, 54% boys). Author 5: South Africa
Diffusion data was processed using Tortoise TITLE: Naeemah Abrahams
software and standard diffusion tensor parameters Gender and Health Research Unit, South
were extracted using Tract-based Spatial Statistics. African Medical Research Council
This was followed by exploratory between-group Soraya Seedat
comparisons of brain stem, limbic, association, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
and commissural tracts that may associate with University, South Africa; South African
PAE. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch
and a p-value smaller than 0.05 was considered University Genomics of Brain Disorders
statistically significant. Research Unit, Stellenbosch University,
South Africa
RESULTS: Jani Nöthling
PAE was significantly associated with increased FA Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
in the right inferior cerebellar peduncle and left University, South Africa; Gender and
superior cerebellar peduncle, and decreased FA in Health Research Unit, South African
the right cingulum projecting to the hippocampus, Medical Research Council; South
controlling for sex and age at scanning. African Medical Research Council/
These associations remained significant when Stellenbosch University Genomics
further adjusting for prenatal tobacco exposure, of Brain Disorders Research Unit,
and additional associations were evident between Stellenbosch University, South Africa
PAE and increased FA of the left uncinate fasciculus Sian Hemmings
and left anterior corona radiata, and decreased FA Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
in the left cingulum. University, South Africa; South African
Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch
CONCLUSION: University Genomics of Brain Disorders
PAE is associated with white matter microstructural Research Unit, Stellenbosch University,
changes in 6-year-old children. Our findings are South Africa
consistent with prior studies showing altered FA
of brain stem and limbic tracts in young children The association between pituitary adenylate-
following PAE. cyclase-activating polypeptide plasma levels and
PAE-related limbic white matter changes across symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in a
these critical years of development may be a sample of rape-exposed women over 12 months.
particularly relevant marker of impairment in
functional areas of emotion regulation and memory BACKGROUND:
domains, known to be impaired in children with Rape is associated with a high risk of post-traumatic
foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. stress disorder (PTSD) compared to other trauma types.
_____________________________________________ One biological mechanism mediating the interaction
between rape exposure and PTSD risk is dysregulation
PRESENTER'S DETAILS of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The
Title: Ms adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 1 gene
Name: Lianna (ADCYAP1), along with its protein product PACAP, is a
Surname: Kapp master regulator of the HPA-axis and stress response.
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
In an epigenome-wide analysis study (EWAS) we found
University, South Africa; South African that ADCYAP1 was differentially methylated in relation
Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch to PTSD status in the Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation
University Genomics of Brain Disorders (RICE) study. As a second step, we investigated
Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, changes in PACAP plasma levels in relation to PTSD
South Africa symptom trajectories and status over 12 months.
Email: 21842418@sun.ac.za Increased PACAP levels have been associated with
AUTHORS increased PTSD symptom severity in women.
Author 1: Lianna Kapp
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch METHODOLOGY:
In vitro quantitative PACAP plasma levels were
investigated in a subset of 30 rape-exposed isiZulu
speaking women residing in and around the
eThekwini region of South Africa, using an enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PTSD symptoms
were measured using the Harvard Trauma Scale.

66 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

PTSD symptom scores and PACAP levels were Ironically, these same safety measures have
assessed at baseline (within 20 days post-rape), 3-, 6-, negatively impacted on the lives of children and
and 12-months post-rape. The data will be analysed their caregivers resulting in increased mental health
using mixed regression models to investigate the problems.
covariance between PTSD symptoms and PACAP This study forms part of the multicountry Co-SPACE
plasma levels over 12 months. (COVID-19: Supporting Parents, Adolescents and
Children during Epidemics) study that explores how
RESULTS: families are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic,
We will present findings related to PACAP plasma and what caregivers can do to help support their
levels and PTSD symptom changes over time at the children’s mental health.
conference. We hypothesise that higher levels of This paper aims to gain a better understanding
PACAP plasma levels will be associated with higher of the mental health status of families specifically
PTSD symptom scores over time. in South Africa in the early onset of the pandemic
during restrictive lockdown measures, and identify
CONCLUSION: certain risk factors that might contribute towards
This study may contribute to understanding the role deteriorating mental health.
of PACAP and the HPA-axis in PTSD development
and recovery. These findings may also provide METHODOLOGY:
support for PACAP as a potential therapeutic target Two hundred and fifty-four South African parents
and biomarker of PTSD pathogenesis. and carers of children and adolescents completed
_____________________________________________ an online survey about their child’s mental health
as well as their own mental health during and post-
PRESENTER'S DETAILS hard lockdown in South Africa. Data collection took
Title: Dr place over the period of the first and second waves
Name: Anusha of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.
Surname: Lachman RESULTS:
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty Results showed that children experienced
significantly higher mental health problems than
of Medicine and Health Sciences, adolescents (p = .016).
Stellenbosch University Younger children were particularly negatively
affected by lockdown and had more mental health
Email: anusha@sun.ac.za problems than adolescents (p = .023); including
AUTHORS emotional problems (p = .017), misconduct (p =
.030), and hyperactivity (p = .001). Additionally,
Author 1: Dr Jenny Bloom the presence of special educational needs/
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty neurodevelopmental disorders (SEN/ND) was
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences, associated with more mental health problems (p =
Author 4: Stellenbosch University .001).
Author 5: Dr Anusha Lachman Surprisingly, single parent households, which
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty is another well-known risk factor showed no
of Medicine and Health Sciences, differences in mental health problems compared
Stellenbosch University to nuclear families.
Ezethu Gaxo There was also a reciprocal relationship between
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty parental/carer mental health and child/adolescent
of Medicine and Health Sciences, mental health, with higher level of endorsement
Stellenbosch University of mental health problems in children by parents/
Prof Jace Pillay caregivers associated with higher levels of
Department of Educational Psychology, depression, anxiety and stress in parents/careers
Faculty of Education, University of (all p’s < .001).
Johannesburg CONCLUSION:
Prof Soraya Seedat These results highlight the dramatic impact that
Executive Head of Psychiatry, Faculty COVID-19 had on children, adolescents and
of Medicine and Health Sciences, parents in South Africa early in the pandemic, and
Stellenbosch University emphasises the need for specific support structures
to be implemented within the SEN/ND community,
TITLE: as well as for younger children and single parent
Child, adolescent, and caregiver mental health households.
difficulties and associated risk factors early in the
COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

BACKGROUND:
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early
2020 in South Africa, many safety measures were
implemented to protect the lives of the population.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 67

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

PRESENTER'S DETAILS School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Title: Ms
Name: Catherine Author 8: Debbie Kaminer
Surname: Lohrentz
Affiliation: 1 South African Medical Research 6 Department of Psychology, University
of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Council / Stellenbosch University
Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Author 9: Soraya Seedat
Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health
Sciences, Stellenbosch University, 3 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
Cape Town, South Africa 2 Division of Medicine & Health Sciences,
of Molecular Biology and Human Stellenbosch University, Cape
Genetics, Department of Biomedical Town, South Africa 4 Department of
Science, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Konstanz,
Health Science, Stellenbosch University Konstanz, Germany

Author 10: Sian M. J. Hemmings

3 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
of Medicine & Health Sciences,
Stellenbosch University, Cape
Email: clohrentz@sun.ac.za Town, South Africa 4 Department of

AUTHORS Psychology, University of Konstanz,
Konstanz, Germany
Author 1: Catherine Lohrentz
1 South African Medical Research TITLE:
Author 2: Council / Stellenbosch University The role of oxytocin receptor gene variants in
Genomics of Brain Disorders Research appetitive aggression: A study in a South African
Author 3: Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health population.
Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
Author 4: Cape Town, South Africa 2 Division BACKGROUND:
Author 5: of Molecular Biology and Human Exposure to childhood trauma, continuous stress
Author 6: Genetics, Department of Biomedical and violence can negatively impact psychological
Author 7: Science, Faculty of Medicine and development and promote the development of
Health Science, Stellenbosch University aggressive behaviour.
Patricia C Swart
1 South African Medical Research Appetitive aggression, a sub-category of
Council / Stellenbosch University instrumental aggression, is characterised by the
Genomics of Brain Disorders Research enjoyment of participating in violent behaviour
Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health towards others. Oxytocin has been suggested
Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape to play a role in the aetiology of aggressive
Town, South Africa 3 Department of behaviour.
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health
Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Research has shown that variants in the oxytocin
Town, South Africa receptor (OXTR) gene are associated with poor
Jacqueline S Womersley social behaviour, specifically in terms of actively
1 South African Medical Research aggressive behaviour.
Council / Stellenbosch University
Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Whilst studies have investigated the role of OXTR
Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health variation in aggressive behaviour, no studies
Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape have investigated the interactions between OXTR
Town, South Africa 3 Department of genotypes and childhood trauma, and their role in
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health appetitive aggression.
Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape
Town, South Africa OBJECTIVE:
Jessica Sommer The aim of the current study was to explore
4 Department of Psychology, University interactions between genotypic variants in OXTR
of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany SNPs rs2254298 and rs53576 and childhood trauma
Martina Hinsberger exposure on appetitive aggression in a high-risk
4 Department of Psychology, University cohort of adult Xhosa males.
of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
Thomas Elbert METHODOLOGY:
4 Department of Psychology, University This research is an extension of a recent study
of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany conducted by Hinsberger et al. where the same
Roland Weierstall study sample was used to investigate attraction
4 Department of Psychology, University of to violence in the context of continuous trauma
Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany 5 Clinical exposure. This investigation found that appetitive
Psychology & Psychotherapy, Medical aggression scores were predicted by experienced
and witnessed traumatic events.

68 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

Depression can
make keeping
on top of daily
tasks a struggle

Vortioxetine Lundbeck® can help with her mood,
concentration and fatigue, so she is
able to organise her day again1,2

References: 1. Baune BT et al. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21 (2):97-107.2. Fagiolini A et al. Journal of Affective Disorders. Nov 2020. S5 Vortioxetine 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg Lundbeck® Film-coated Tablets. Each film-coated tablet contains
vortioxetine hydrobromide equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg vortioxetine. Reg No.: 5 mg 55/1.2/0580; 10 mg 55/1.2/0581; 20 mg 55/1.2/0583 S5 Brintellix® (vortioxetine) film coated tablets. Each tablet contains vortioxetine hydrobromide - equivalent
to vortioxetine. Reg No. 5 mg: 48/1.2/0429; 10 mg 48/1.2/0430; 20 mg 48/1.2/0432 H. Lundbeck (Pty) Ltd. Office A1002 Knightsbridge, 33 Sloane Street, Bryanston, 2190 Tel: +27 11 699 1600. For full prescribing information refer to the professional
information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. ZA-VOR-0017 June 2022

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

The sample group comprised of 250 adult male Author 6: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Xhosa participants, recruited from the townships of Author 7: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
Khayelitsha and Gugulethu in Cape Town, South South Africa,
Africa. OXTR SNP variants were determined using Lebogang Phahladira
a PCR and restriction enzyme digest genotyping Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
approach and were investigated for their of Medicine and Health Sciences,
association with levels of appetitive aggression Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
(as measured by the Appetitive Aggression Scale South Africa,
(AAS)) using a Poisson regression analysis. Robin Emsley
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
RESULTS: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
OXTR rs2254298 G/G and A/G genotypes were Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
found to be significantly associated with lower South Africa,
AAS scores (p < 0.001) compared to participants
with the A/A genotype. There were no significant TITLE:
associations between OXTR rs53576 genotypes and Sexual dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenia
AAS scores. spectrum disorders.

CONCLUSION: BACKGROUND:
This study needs to be viewed in light of several Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in patients
limitations, however it is one of the first studies to with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders
suggest that OXTR OXTR rs2254298 genotype may (FES). We examined the prevalence and correlates
be associated with appetitive aggression, providing of SD in a sample of patients with FES (n = 77).
insight into the genetic aetiology of appetitive
aggression. METHODOLOGY:
_____________________________________________ Sexual functioning was examined using the Arizona
Sexual Experiences Scale. Clinical measures of
PRESENTER'S DETAILS interest included duration of untreated psychosis,
Title: Dr psychopathology, depressive symptoms, level of
Name: Hilmar functioning, and quality of life. Biochemical testing
Surname: Luckhoff was also performed to measure prolactin, lipid
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty profiles, and fasting glucose levels.

of Medicine and Health Sciences, RESULTS:
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, In total, 27 (35%) patients met the criteria for SD,
South Africa, which was significantly more prevalent in females
than males (p = 0.027). Higher depression scores,
Email: hilmarklausl@gmail.com poorer social and occupational functioning, and
lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
AUTHORS predicted overall SD. Female sex, more pronounced
global psychopathology, and poorer quality
Author 1: Hilmar Luckhoff of life were also predictors of domain-specific
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty impairments in sexual functioning, adjusting for the
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences, extent of antipsychotic exposure.
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
Author 4: South Africa, CONCLUSION:
Author 5: Laila Asmal SD has a high prevalence in patients with FES,
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty particularly females. There is a need for a more
of Medicine and Health Sciences, nuanced understanding of SD in new-onset
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, schizophrenia, and to establish its relevance in
South Africa, terms of comorbid depressive symptoms and poor
Freda Scheffler quality of life. SD may require specific attention and
Department of Psychiatry and Mental tailored treatment in females with FES.
Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, _____________________________________________
South Africa; Neuroscience Institute,
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, PRESENTER'S DETAILS
South Africa Title: Dr
Stefan du Plessis Name: Georgina
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty Surname: Spies
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Affiliation: NRF/DSI South African Research
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa, Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department
Retha Smith of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University,
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty

70 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Cape Town, South Africa; SAMRC the other sub-group of 52 PWH completed the
Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, abbreviated version. Deficit scores of each
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch participant was calculated. These scores were
University, Cape Town, South Africa used as the gold standard against which the
abbreviated battery was compared.
Email: ggiocos@sun.ac.za RESULTS:
The final shortened screening battery takes an
AUTHORS average of 28 minutes to administer - a reduction of
81% in administration time when compared to the
Author 1: Melanie Deist full version of the battery.
Author 2: NRF/DSI South African Research
Author 3: Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department The abbreviated battery demonstrated good
of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, sensitivity (75.0%) and excellent specificity
Author 4: Cape Town, South Africa (94.9%) when compared with the full version. The
Sharain Suliman abbreviated battery showed good diagnostic
NRF/DSI South African Research accuracy in identifying NC impairment in an HIV-
Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department positive South African sample with a significant
of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, reduction in administration time, making it a more
Cape Town, South Africa practical option in busy South African clinic settings.
Georgina Spies CONCLUSION:
NRF/DSI South African Research The results of this study may facilitate the growth of
Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department neuroAIDS research and aid initial identification of
of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, HIV-related NC impairment in resource-constrained
Cape Town, South Africa; SAMRC settings.
Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit,
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch SESSION 2 (A)
University, Cape Town, South Africa
Soraya Seedat _____________________________________________
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
University, Cape Town, South Africa

TITLE: PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Screening for HIV-associated neurocognitive Title: Ms
impairment: Development and validation of an Name: Rivona
abbreviated neuropsychological test battery. Surname: Harricharan
Affiliation: University of KwaZulu-Natal
BACKGROUND:
The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center Email: rivonah3@gmail.com
International Neurobehavioral Battery is a culturally
valid battery sensitive to the neurocognitive (NC) AUTHORS
effects of HIV-infection.

The battery assesses multiple cognitive domains Author 1: Rivona Harricharan
and has proved to be culturally sensitive in South Author 2: University of KwaZulu-Natal
African settings. However, its lengthy administration Author 3: Rohen Harrichanparsad
time makes the battery impractical in resource- University of KwaZulu-Natal
limited settings, like South Africa, which are often Thandinkosi Madiba
faced with an overwhelming disease burden, a lack University of KwaZulu-Natal
of neurological and neuropsychological expertise,
and staff shortages. TITLE:
Outcomes of Patients with Diffuse Traumatic Brain
The present study therefore sought to develop Injuries at a Quaternary Hospital in Durban – A
an abbreviated version of the HNRC Battery and Retrospective Study.
validate this battery in a sample of people with HIV
(PWH) in South Africa. BACKGROUND:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause
METHODOLOGY: of death and disability. TBIs are classified into
Six measures, each assessing ability domains most focal and diffuse injuries. Diffuse TBIs encompass
likely affected by HIV infection, were selected for the diffuse axonal injury and damage. Diffuse TBIs
abbreviated battery. Test selection was based on are underreported in Low- and Middle-Income
the NC test performances of 103 PWH and 135 HIV- Countries including South Africa. The aim of this
negative South African adults. study was to describe the profile and outcomes of
patients with diffuse TBIs managed at a quaternary
For the validation, a sub-group of 103 PWH level hospital.
completed the full version of the battery, while

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 71

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

METHODOLOGY: Author 3: Soraya Seedat
Study setting: Neurosurgery Department, Inkosi Author 4: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Author 5: University, South Africa; South African
Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch
Study population: All patients with diffuse TBI University Genomics of Brain Disorders
managed in the Unit. Research Unit, Stellenbosch University,
South Africa
Study design: Retrospective analysis of patients Jani Nöthling
with TBI from October 2015 to January 2020. Data Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
analyzed included demographics, aetiology, University, South Africa; South African
grade of injury, management, and outcome. Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch
surgical outcome and mortality. University Genomics of Brain Disorders
RESULTS: Research Unit, Stellenbosch University,
Of 217 patients identified, 190 (88%) were male (M:F South Africa; Gender and Health
ratio 7:1). Mean age was 25.6 years. The common Research Unit, South African Medical
mechanisms of injury were assault (30%), PVA Research Council
(26.3%), MVA (19.4%), and falls (12.4%). Patients Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
with grade III (23%) and IV (24%) TBIs had raised Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
intracranial pressure. University, South Africa; South African
Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch
The GCS at the base hospital was significantly University Genomics of Brain Disorders
higher than the GCS at IALCH (p<0.0001). The GCS Research Unit, Stellenbosch University,
at discharge had significantly improved compared South Africa
to the GCS on admission (p<0.0001). All patients
underwent surgical intervention with a mortality TITLE:
rate of 15.7%. Postoperative sequelae included Genetic differences in the ADCYAP1, ADCYAP1R1
1/217(0.46%). and BRSK2 genes in rape exposed women with
CONCLUSION: and without PTSD.
Diffuse TBIs were male predominated. GCS was
higher in base than quaternary hospitals. Marshall BACKGROUND:
Grade II had the highest mortality rate. GCS Rape and sexual assault are associated with a high
improved during admission in the majority. Mortality risk for the development of post-traumatic stress
rate was 15.7%. disorder (PTSD) compared to other trauma types.
_____________________________________________
Genetic differences in genes encoding
PRESENTER'S DETAILS components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
Title: Mr (HPA) axis, such as the adenylate cyclase activating
Name: Kabelo polypeptide 1 (ADCYAP1) gene and its receptor
Surname: Maloka 1 (ADCYAP1R1) potentially contribute to the risk of
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch developing PTSD.

University, South Africa; South African Few studies have investigated the longitudinal
Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch course of PTSD following rape exposure and none,
University Genomics of Brain Disorders to our knowledge, have investigated genetic
Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, differences as predictors of PTSD symptom
South Africa trajectory and risk post-rape. An epigenome-wide
association study (EWAS) from the parent project
Email: 22215999@sun.ac.za found that ADCYAP1 (chr18:905177-905180) was
differentially methylated in relation to PTSD in rape-
AUTHORS exposed women (n=48) at 3-months post rape. As
a second step, we will investigate ADCYAP1 and
Author 1: Kabelo Mabokane Simon Maloka ADCYAP1R1 polymorphisms in relation to PTSD status
Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch and symptom scores over time.
University, South Africa; South African
Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch METHODOLOGY:
University Genomics of Brain Disorders Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, ADCYAP1 (rs1893154, chr18:905124 and rs2856966,
South Africa chr18:2856966) and ADCYAP1R1 (rs2267735,
Naeemah Abrahams chr7:31095890) will be investigated using
Gender and Health Research Unit, South Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) genotyping
African Medical Research Council in women with (n=206) and without (n=248) PTSD
(measured using the Harvard Trauma Scale) at
3-months post-rape.

72 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

The SNPs will also be investigated in relation to PTSD METHODOLOGY:
symptoms at baseline (within 20 days of the rape), We enrolled 121 health care professionals and
3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 18- and 24-months post-rape. The students in Tanzania from the fields of midwifery,
data will be analyzed using mixed linear regression nursing and medicine, and conducted 18 focus
models. group discussions stratified by both professional
RESULTS: and clinical experience.
We will present findings related to the interaction
between SNPs and PTSD status/symptom trajectory Two clinical scenarios were presented across all
at a conference. We hypothesize that genetic groups and participants were asked to give their
differences in the ADCYAP1 and ADCYAP1R1 genes opinions on how the hospital they worked in would
are potential mediators between rape-exposure manage the cases.
and PTSD symptom trajectory over 24 months.
CONCLUSION: Case 1 focused on how to address a case of an
The findings may provide support for ADCYAP1 and injured woman beaten by her husband (and
ADCYAP1R1 as potential therapeutic targets and whether the perpetrator would be reported to the
biomarkers of PTSD pathogenesis and course. police). Case 2 focused on how to handle a rape
_____________________________________________ victim who is brought to the hospital by the police.
RESULTS:
PRESENTER'S DETAILS Participants considered both cases as emergencies.
Title: Dr There was a similarity in the clinical care procedures
Name: Lucy across both scenarios. This included building
Surname: Mgopa rapport with the patient, prioritization of the
Affiliation: Psychiatrist and Lecturer-Muhimbili medical care, history taking, and referring to other
specialties for follow-up.
University of Health and Allied Sciences
Participants differed in how they would handle the
Email: lucymgopa@gmail.com legal aspects of both cases, including whether and
AUTHORS how to best follow mandated reporting policies.
Author 1: B.R Simon Rosser Providers wondered if they should report the
husband in case study 1, the criteria for reporting,
University of Minnesota and where to report. Providers displayed a lack
Author 2: Michael W. Ross of knowledge about resources needed for sexual
violence victim and the availability of resources.
University of Minnesota CONCLUSION:
Author 3: Inari Mohamed These findings indicate that cases of intimate partner
violence and rape are likely to be under-reported
University of Minnesota within hospitals and clinics in Tanzania. Health care
Author 4: Gift G. Lukumay providers lack training in their required obligations
and procedures that need to be followed to ensure
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied victim’s safety. The findings confirm that there is a
Sciences need for health care students in Tanzania (and
Author 5: Agnes F. Massae possibly Africa) to receive comprehensive training
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied in how to handle such cases.
Sciences _____________________________________________
Author 6: Stella E. Mushy
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Sciences Title: Dr
Author 7: Dorkasi L.Mwakawanga Name: Khanya
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Surname: Mona
Sciences Affiliation: University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, School of
Author 8: Ever Mkonyi
University of Minnesota clinical medicine, College of Health
Author 9: Maria Trent sciences
Johns Hopkins University
Author 10: Zobeida E. Bonilla Email: monakhanya@gmail.com
University of Minnesota
TITLE: AUTHORS
Clinical care of victims of interpersonal violence
and rape in Tanzania: A qualitative investigation. Author 1: Khanya Mona
BACKGROUND: University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, School of
Africa has high rates of interpersonal violence and Clinical medicine, College of Health
rape, although little is known about how these sciences
cases are handled in the clinical setting.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 73

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Author 2: Vuyokazi Ntlantsana 0.96). 48% of the participants had three or more
Author 3: university of Kwa-Zulu natal, School of admissions and re-admissions were associated
Clinical medicine, College of Health with cannabis use (p=0.01).
Author 4: sciences
Andrew Tomita There was a lack of association between cannabis
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, KwaZulu use, readmission and HIV status, after controlling for
Natal Research Innovation and variables such as alcohol use and gender.
Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of CONCLUSION:
Health sciences, Centre of Rural Health, Close to 50 % of people admitted with schizophrenia
School of Nursing and Public health spectrum disorder and other psychotic disorders
Saeeda Paruk have co-morbid current cannabis use. There is an
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, School of urgent needs to develop more dual diagnosis units
Clinical medicine, College of Health to address co-morbid substance use in people with
sciences psychosis as it is associated with poorer long-term
outcomes.
TITLE: _____________________________________________
A retrospective chart review of cannabis use in
people living with psychosis at a psychiatric PRESENTER'S DETAILS
hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Title: Dr
Name: Creeshen
BACKGROUND: Surname: Muddapah
Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum Affiliation: Stellenbosch University
and other psychotic disorders have a high
prevalence of cannabis use. Co-morbid cannabis Email: muddapahcp@gmail.com
use in this population of patients is associated with
poorer long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: AUTHORS
The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence
of cannabis use in patients with schizophrenia Author 1: Creeshen Muddapah
spectrum and other psychotic disorders who were Author 2: Registrar in Psychiatry, Department of
attending a psychiatric hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and
Province, South Africa. Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Lize Weich
METHODOLOGY: Senior Psychiatrist and Lecturer,
A retrospective chart review of clinical files of Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
patients admitted to the hospital from the 01 June of Medicine and Health Sciences,
2018 till 31 June 2020 was conducted. Inclusion Stellenbosch University
criteria, inpatients, aged 13 years or older, and
admitted to King DinuZulu hospital between 01 TITLE:
June 2018 till 31 June 2020. Assessing the Revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal
for Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar) use at Stikland
Hospital.

A structured clinical data questionnaire was used BACKGROUND:
to extract clinical data from the files. Clinical data Alcohol use disorder is a major public health
collated included socio-demographic information, concern in South Africa. Abrupt cessation or
family history of mental illness and substance use, reduction of alcohol intake in the chronic user can
age of index presentation to psychiatry, DSM 5 result in withdrawal symptoms.
diagnosis, chronic medical illnesses including HIV,
current and lifetime cannabis use history, and other Benzodiazepines are recognised as the treatment
substance use history as reported by the patient of choice but need to be used cautiously in patients
or as obtained from family members, number of with a lifetime history of substance abuse given
hospitalizations. their highly addictive potential. Symptom-triggered
prescription of benzodiazepines during alcohol
RESULTS: withdrawal using the Revised Clinical Institute
370 clinical files were reviewed of which 48,9% Withdrawal for Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar) has been
reported current and 57,9% lifetime cannabis use. associated with improved safety and reduced
Male gender was significantly associated with benzodiazepines use.
current and lifetime cannabis use (OR = 4.90,
95% CI 2.49-9.62 and OR = 6.27, 95% CI 3.28- 11.95 OBJECTIVE:
respectively). Current alcohol use was associated To investigate if implementation of the CIWA-Ar
with current cannabis use (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 1.78- during alcohol detoxification impacted the amount
5.28). Age 45 years and older was associated with
lower odds of cannabis use (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-

74 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

of benzodiazepines used and withdrawal-related Author 2: Candida Moshiro4
outcomes in a specialized alcohol rehabilitation
unit at Stikland Psychiatric Hospital in the Western 4 Department of Epidemiology and
Cape, South Africa. Biostatistics Muhimbili University of
METHODOLOGY: Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 135 Salaam Tanzania.
admissions over a six month period before (2015)
and after (2017) implementation of the CIWA-Ar. Author 3: Charlotte Hanlon5,2,3
RESULTS:
We noted no differences in sociodemographic 5 Centre for Global Mental Health,
and alcohol-associated variables at admission Health Service and Population Research
between the two groups and there were no Department, Institute of Psychiatry,
recorded complications in either group. Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s
College London, London, United
The 2017 group had a lower percentage of patients Kingdom.
that required benzodiazepines (33.8% vs 51.4%,
p=0.04) and a lower median total amount of Author 4: Joel M Francis6,4
benzodiazepines used during alcohol withdrawal Author 5: 6 Department of Family Medicine
(0mg vs 5mg, p=0.01). and Primary Care, Witwatersrand
CONCLUSION: University, Faculty of Health Sciences,
The findings indicate that using the CIWA-Ar rating Johannesburg, South Africa. 4
scale to determine benzodiazepines requirements Department of Epidemiology and
in the specialised alcohol rehabilitation unit Biostatistics Muhimbili University of
was a safe and effective alternative to pro re Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es
nata benzodiazepines prescribing in the South Salaam Tanzania.
African setting and decreased the amount of Solomon Teferra2
benzodiazepines used during alcohol withdrawal. 2 Department of Psychiatry, School of
Medicine, College of Health Sciences,
PRESENTER'S DETAILS Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Title: Dr
Name: Dorothy TITLE:
Surname: Mushi Missed opportunity for alcohol use disorder
Affiliation: 1 Department of Psychiatry and Mental screening and management in primary health
care facilities in northern rural Tanzania: A cross-
Health, Muhimbili University of Health sectional survey.
and Allied Science, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania. 2 Department of Psychiatry, BACKGROUND:
School of Medicine, College of Health The study aimed to identify the missed opportunity
Sciences, Addis Ababa University, for detection and management of alcohol use
Ethiopia. 3 Centre for Innovative Drug disorder by primary health care workers.
Development and Therapeutics Trial for
Africa (CDT-Africa) College of Health METHODOLOGY:
Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Design, A cross-sectional survey
Ababa Ethiopia.
Setting, Outpatient services in the six governmental
Email: dorrymush@yahoo.com primary health care facilities in Moshi district council
AUTHORS in Tanzania. Participants, A total of 1604 adults were
Author 1: Dorothy Mushi1,2,3 screened for alcohol use disorder (AUD) using the
Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT).
1 Department of Psychiatry and Mental
Health, Muhimbili University of Health Participants scoring eight or above then provided
and Allied Science, Dar es Salaam details about their help-seeking behavior and
Tanzania. 2 Department of Psychiatry, barriers to seeking care. Participants’ records were
School of Medicine, College of Health reviewed to assess the screening and management
Sciences, Addis Ababa University, of AUD.
Ethiopia. 3 Centre for Innovative Drug
Development and Therapeutics Trial for RESULTS:
Africa (CDT-Africa) College of Health In the last 12 months, 60.7% reported alcohol use,
Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis and heavy episodic drinking (HED) was reported by
Ababa Ethiopia. 37.3%. AUD (AUDIT ≥8) was present in 23.9%. Males
were more likely to have HED (aPR= 1.43;95% CI:1.3
to 1.4) or AUD (aPR=2.9; 95% CI 1.9 to 4.2). Both HED
and AUD increased with age. Only one participant
(0.3%) had documented AUD screening and
management. Only 5% of participants screening

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 75

TpalRipeEridoVneIpCalmTitaAte®

prolonged release suspension for injection

THE
TREVICTA® PLAN*

What’s your plan for your patients
living with schizophrenia?

Help your patients to 4 PER YEAR
take ownership of their TREVICTA®
schizophrenia with the
enduring efficacy and Paliperidone
convenience of the unique Palmitate. 7
four-per-year (4PY)
TREVICTA®. 1,2,3,4,5,6

MONTHLY
XEPLION®

Paliperidone
Palmitate. 8

DAILY
ORALS

Risperidone/
Paliperidone. 8,9

* The TREVICTA® Plan is the initiation of XEPLION® then moving to TREVICTA® when stabilised - in line with the approved indications for both treatments.7 XEPLION® is indicated for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and
for the prevention of recurrence of symptoms of schizophrenia. 8 TREVICTA®, a 3-monthly injection is indicated for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients who are clinically stable on 1-monthly paliperidone
palmitate injectable product. 7
References: 1. Schreiner A, Bergmans P, Cherubin P, et al. A Prospective Flexible-Dose Study of Paliperidone Palmitate In Nonacute But Symptomatic Patients With Schizophrenia Previously Unsuccessfully Treated With Oral
Antipsychotic Agents. Clinical Therapeutics 2014;36(10):1372-1388e1. 2. Berwaerts J, Liu Y, Gopal S, et al. Efficacy and Safety of the 3-Month Formulation of Paliperidone Palmitate vs Placebo for Relapse Prevention of Schizophrenia.
A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2015;72(8):830-839. 3. Savitz A, Xu H, Gopal S, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Paliperidone Palmitate 3-Monthly Formulation for Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Multicenter,
Double-Blind, Noninferiority Study. International Journal of Neuropharmacology 2016;19(7):1-14. 4. Hargarter L, Bergmans P, Cherubin P, et al. Once-monthly paliperidone palmitate in recently diagnosed and chronic non-acute
patients with schizophrenia. Expert Opinion on Pharmacology 2016;17(8):1043-1053. 5. Caroli F, Raymondet P, Izard I, et al. Opinions of French patients with schizophrenia regarding injectable medication. Patient Preference and
Adherence 2011;5:165-171. 6. Gopal S, Vermeulen A, Nandy P, et al. Practical Guidance for Dosing and Switching from Paliperidone Palmitate 1-Monthly to 3-Monthly Formulation in Schizophrenia. Current Medical Research and
Opinion 2015;31(1):2043-2054. 7. TREVICTA® Professional Information Leaflet. December 2020. 8. Xeplion Professional Information Leaflet. May 2019. 9. INVEGA® Professional Information Leaflet. January 2010.
S5 TREVICTA® 175 mg, 263 mg, 350 mg, 525 mg prolonged release suspension for injection. 175 mg prolonged release suspension for injection: Each pre-filled syringe contains 273 mg paliperidone palmitate equivalent to 175 mg
paliperidone. 263 mg prolonged suspension for injection: Each pre-filled syringe contains 410 mg paliperidone palmitate equivalent to 263 mg paliperidone. 350 mg prolonged release suspension for injection: Each pre-filled syringe
contains 546 mg paliperidone palmitate equivalent to 350 mg paliperidone. 525 mg prolonged release suspension for injection: Each pre-filled syringe contains 819 mg paliperidone palmitate equivalent to 525 mg paliperidone.
Marketing Authorisation Number/s: EU/1/14/971/007; EU/1/14/971/008; EU/1/14/971/009; EU/1/14/971/010. For full prescribing information, refer to the latest professional information leaflet. December 2020.
S5 XEPLION® 50, 75, 100 or 150mg Prolonged release suspension for intramuscular injection. Each pre-filled syringe contains sterile paliperidone palmitate equivalent to 50, 75, 100 or 150mg of paliperidone respectively. Reg.
Nos.:44/2.6.5/0866; 44/2.6.5/0867; 44/2.6.5/0868;44/2.6.5/0870. For full prescribing information, refer to the latest professional information insert. May 2019.

JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA (PTY) LTD, (Reg. No. 1980/011122/07), No 2, Medical Street, Halfway House, Midrand, 1685. www.janssen.com. Medical Info Line: 0860 11 11 17.
CP-243117

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

positive for AUD had sought help. Reasons for not TITLE:
seeking care were thinking that the problem would HIV prevalence and access to HIV testing and
get better by itself (55.0%), wanting to handle the care among patients with recent onset psychosis.
problem alone (42.0%), or not being bothered by BACKGROUND:
the problem (40.0%). Background: HIV and psychosis share a complex
CONCLUSION: bidirectional relationship, with people living with HIV
While reported alcohol use, HED, and AUD are being at increased risk of psychosis, and those with
common among patients presenting to primary psychosis at increased risk of HIV. However, people
healthcare facilities in northern Tanzania, help- living with severe mental illness often have limited/
seeking behavior and detection are very low. Not reduced access to HIV testing and care.
screening for AUD in primary health care is a missed OBJECTIVE:
opportunity for early detection and management. To determine the prevalence of HIV and describe
There is an urgent need to develop interventions the access to HIV testing and care among adult
to increase the detection of AUD by health care patients with recent onset psychosis who were
providers while also addressing help-seeking admitted to a psychiatric hospital in, KwaZulu-Natal
behavior and barriers to seeking care. Province, South Africa.
_____________________________________________ METHODOLOGY:
A retrospective chart review of 294 patients with
PRESENTER'S DETAILS recent onset psychosis admitted between May
Title: Dr 2018 and November 2020.
Name: Mbalenhle Pearl Nompumelelo RESULTS:
Surname: Mwelase 291 (99%) patients had access to HIV testing during
Affiliation: Postgraduate Programme (Master of the study period, with the HIV seroprevalence rate
being 21.5% among the 294 patients.
Medicine), Discipline of Psychiatry,
School of Clinical Medicine, College of HIV seropositivity was associated with the 25-49
Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu- age category (aOR=3.09, 95% CI 1.27-7.50), female
Natal, Durban, South Africa gender (aOR=9.55, 95%CI 4.40-20.74), current
alcohol and/or cannabis use (aOR 3.43, 95% CI
Email: mwelasepmn@gmail.com 1.01-11.62), family history of psychosis (aOR 3.22,
95%CI 1.03-10.02) and no tertiary education (aOR
AUTHORS 3.7, 95% CI 0,14-0,99).

Author 1: Mbalenhle Mwelase All those living with HIV were on antiretroviral
Author 2: Postgraduate Programme (Master of treatment.
Author 3: Medicine), Discipline of Psychiatry,
School of Clinical Medicine, College of CONCLUSION:
Author 4: Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu- This study showed that while HIV testing and care
Author 5: Natal, Durban, South Africa was accessible, the prevalence of HIV in people
Vuyokazi Ntlantsana living with recent onset psychosis remains high,
Discipline of Psychiatry, School of indicating the need for further HIV prevention
Clinical Medicine, College of Health strategies in this population, specifically for young
Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, females with severe mental illness.
Durban _____________________________________________
Andrew Tomita
KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation PRESENTER'S DETAILS
and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Title: Dr
College of Health Sciences, University Name: Jani
of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa Surname: Nöthling
4. Centre for Rural Health, School of Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
Nursing and Public Health, College of
Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu- University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town
Natal, Durban, South Africa 8000, South Africa; Gender and Health
Bonginkosi Chiliza Research Unit, South African Medical
Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Research Council, P.O. Box 19070,
Clinical Medicine, College of Health Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Durban
Saeeda Paruk
Discipline of Psychiatry, School of
Clinical Medicine, College of Health
Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Durban

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 77

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Email: janinothling@sun.ac.za exposed women.
METHODOLOGY:
AUTHORS The overarching aim was to investigate the
relationship between FKBP5 intron 7 methylation
Author 1: Jacqueline Womersley and PTSD symptom scores over 6 months in a
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch rape-exposed sample. We also investigated the
Author 2: University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, interaction between childhood trauma, rs1360780
Author 3: South Africa; South African Medical genotype and FKBP5 methylation in relation to PTSD
Author 4: Research Council Unit on the Genomics scores over time.
Author 5: of Brain Disorders, Department of RESULTS:
Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Rape-exposed women (n = 96) were recruited from
Author 6: Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa rape clinics in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Total
Shibe Mhlongo PTSD symptom scores, derived from the Davidson
TITLE: Gender and Health Research Unit, South Trauma Scale, were assessed at baseline, 3-months
African Medical Research Council, P.O. and 6-months post-rape.
Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Carl Lombard Methylation levels at five FKBP5 intron 7 CpG sites
Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical were determined using EpiTYPER Sequenom
Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, MassArray technology. Genotyping of rs1360980
Tygerberg 7505, South Africa was completed using the Agena MassArray
Naeemah Abrahams genotyping system. Mixed linear regression models
Gender and Health Research Unit, South were used to analyse the data.
African Medical Research Council, P.O.
Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa Results: Decreased FKBP5 methylation was a
Soraya Seedat predictors of increased PTSD symptoms scores
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch over time. Decreased FKBP5 methylation at 3- and
University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, 6-months post-rape was associated with increased
South Africa; South African Medical PTSD scores at 3- and 6-months post-rape.
Research Council Unit on the Genomics CONCLUSION:
of Brain Disorders, Department of This is the first study to investigate longitudinal
Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. changes in FKBP5 methylation in a demographically
Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa homogenous same-trauma sample. The findings
Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings implicate FKBP5 methylation in the etiology of PTSD
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch in the aftermath of rape and may guide future
University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town therapeutic interventions.
8000, South Africa; South African _____________________________________________
Medical Research Council Unit on
the Genomics of Brain Disorders, PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch Title: Dr
University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town Name: Jani
8000, South Africa Surname: Nöthling
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
The relationship between FKBP5 intron 7
methylation and posttraumatic stress disorder in University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town
rape-exposed women. 8000, South Africa; Gender and Health
Research Unit, South African Medical
BACKGROUND: Research Council, P.O. Box 19070,
Emotional distress and posttraumatic stress Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
disorder (PTSD) are often reported following rape.
Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Email: janinothling@sun.ac.za
(HPA) axis, a core regulator of the stress response,
has been implicated in the aetiology and chronicity AUTHORS
of PTSD.

FK506 binding protein (FKBP5) is a co-chaperone Author 1: Jani Nöthling
and functional regulator of the glucocorticoid Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch
receptor and the HPA-axis. University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town
8000, South Africa; Gender and Health
No studies to date have investigated longitudinal Research Unit, South African Medical
methylation changes in the FKBP5 gene in rape- Research Council, P.O. Box 19070,

78 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Author 2: Tygerberg 7505, South Africa Addressing rape stigma and the misattributions
Author 3: Naeemah Abrahams of rape in women who present to rape clinics may
Author 4: Gender and Health Research Unit, South reduce the long-term adverse effects on mental
Author 5: African Medical Research Council, P.O. health outcomes, such as PTSD. Rape survivors
Author 6: Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa who present with high levels of depression soon
Rachel Jewkes after a rape should be carefully monitored and
Author 7: Gender and Health Research Unit, South appropriately treated in order to reduce PTSD
African Medical Research Council, P.O. severity.
TITLE: Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa _____________________________________________
Shibe Mhlongo
Gender and Health Research Unit, South PRESENTER'S DETAILS
African Medical Research Council, P.O. Title: Dr
Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa Name: Amanda
Carl Lombard Surname: Sibanyoni
Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Affiliation: University of Pretoria
Research Council, P.O. Box 19070,
Tygerberg 7505, South Africa Email: amandasibanyoni01@gmail.com
Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch AUTHORS
University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000,
South Africa; South African Medical Author 1: Marinda Joubert
Research Council Unit on the Genomics University of Pretoria
of Brain Disorders, Department of Author 2: Kalaivani Naidu
Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. University of Pretoria
Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Soraya Seedat TITLE:
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch Are female bipolar patients of reproductive age
University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town aware of the teratogenic risk of sodium valproate?
8000, South Africa; South African A qualitative study.
Medical Research Council Unit on
the Genomics of Brain Disorders, BACKGROUND:
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch Sodium valproate is considered the most teratogenic
University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town of all anticonvulsant drugs. Internationally, new
8000, South Africa regulations require women to sign risk assessment
forms if initiated on it.
Risk and protective factors affecting the symptom
trajectory of posttraumatic stress disorder post-
rape.

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE:
The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder This study aimed to explore patients’ awareness
(PTSD) in rape survivors is considerably higher than of the teratogenic risk of sodium valproate.
the prevalence in non-sexual trauma survivors. Setting: Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Tshwane,
Few studies have investigated risk and protective Gauteng.
factors in survivors early-after-rape in a prospective
longitudinal design. METHODOLOGY:
We conducted a qualitative study comprising
METHODOLOGY: 23 semi-structured interviews with female bipolar
Baseline data from a sample of 639 rape-exposed patients of reproductive age at a tertiary psychiatric
women assessed within 20 days of rape were hospital in South Africa.
analysed as putative predictors of PTSD symptom
severity scores up to 6-months post-rape. RESULTS:
Patient psychoeducation and self-education is
RESULTS: improving as many patients were aware of the risk of
The incidence of PTSD at 3-months and at 6-months teratogenicity of sodium valproate either by being
post-rape was 48.5% and 25.4%, respectively. educated or by searching online after developing
Experience of rape stigma and depression were an interest. Our study identified the need for female
significant predictors of PTSD symptom scores in patients to be educated about contraceptive
mixed linear regression models. use when starting on sodium valproate to avoid
Higher levels of depression and rape stigma at pregnancy.
baseline (measured in quartile ranges) were
associated with higher PTSD scores at all timepoints. CONCLUSION:
Our study shows that patients are becoming more
CONCLUSION: aware of the teratogenic risk of sodium valproate.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 79

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

This suggests that consultations focusing on worse’) on the CGI scale; deliberate self-injury;
the issues of conception and the use of sodium clinically significant suicidal or homicidal ideation;
valproate in women of childbearing potential has or violent behaviour. Substance use was assessed
improved. based on collateral family interviews and urine
_____________________________________________ toxicology. We used logistic regression analysis to
identify predictors of relapse.
PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Title: Ms The predictors of time to relapse were examined
Name: Retha using Cox regression analysis. The changes in the
Surname: Smit predictors of relapse over time were assessed using
Affiliation: Stellenbosch University linear mixed effect models for continuous repeated
measures.
Email: amsmit@sun.ac.za RESULTS:
A higher number of positive urine toxicology tests
AUTHORS was a significant predictor of relapse risk (Odds
Ratio, 1.43; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.11–1.84;
Author 1: Anna Margaretha Smit p = 0.006), adjusting for age, sex, highest level of
Stellenbosch University education, and duration of untreated psychosis. We
Author 2: Hilmar Klaus Luckhoff also found that poorer quality of social relationships
Stellenbosch University was a significant predictor of a shorter time to
Author 3: Lebogang Phahladira relapse (Hazard Ratio, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.95; p =
Stellenbosch University 0.003), adjusting for the same covariates.
Author 4: Stefan du Plessis CONCLUSION:
Stellenbosch University Increased cannabis use frequency might represent
Author 5: Robin Alexander Emsley an independent risk factor for relapse in patients
Stellenbosch University with FES, even when treated adherence is assured.
Author 6: Laila Asmal The association of poor social relationships with a
Stellenbosch University shorter time to relapse suggests that quality of life is
an important determinant of prognosis in FES.
TITLE:
Predictors of relapse other than treatment SESSION 2 (B)
non-adherence in first-episode schizophrenia
spectrum disorders: a 24-month follow-up study. _____________________________________________

BACKGROUND: PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Relapse rates are very high in schizophrenia. Title: Dr
However, little is known about the predictors of Name: Tarina
relapse other than treatment non-adherence. Surname: Steenkamp
Affiliation: University of Pretoria
Here, we performed a comprehensive examination
of neurodevelopmental, clinical, and biological Email: tarinalab@gmail.com
factors associated with relapse in a sample of AUTHORS
patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum
disorders FES (n = 126) who received assured depot Author 1: Dr. Tarina Steenkamp
antipsychotic over 24 months. University of Pretoria
Author 2: Dr. Paslius Sizwe Mazibuko
METHODOLOGY: University of Pretoria
The patients were assessed using socio- Author 3: Prof. Carla Kotze
demographic questionnaires and validated clinical University of Pretoria
instruments. The putative neurodevelopmental
markers of interest were cognition, neurological soft TITLE:
signs, premorbid adjustment, schizophrenia patient Clinical factors associated with longer admission
history, childhood trauma, obstetric complications, in elderly patients with major neurocognitive
and substance use. disorder at Weskoppies psychiatric hospital
between 2015 and 2019.
We also examined other clinical (e.g., duration of
untreated psychosis, psychopathology, depressive BACKGROUND:
symptoms), functional (e.g., quality of life) and Major neurocognitive disorder presents many
metabolic (e.g., fasting glucose, lipid profiles) challenges to patients, families, and healthcare
predictors of interest. Relapse was defined using systems, especially when a patient requires
the Csernansky criteria, a 25% increase from PANSS
total baseline score, clinical deterioration with a
change score of 6 ('much worse') or 7 (‘very much

80 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

admission to a psychiatric hospital. Findings.
The aim of this study was to identify characteristics BACKGROUND:
of older patients with major neurocognitive disorder Despite the prevalence and long-lasting effects of
at risk of prolonged admission to a psychiatric child depression, few receive treatment. One of the
hospital. significant barriers is the unavailability of reliable,
METHODOLOGY: easy-to-use depression screening tools adapted for
A retrospective review was conducted using the sub-Saharan African children.
Weskoppies Hospital database and clinical files.
Clinical and demographic data were collected A brief screening test, that is free or affordable, is
from the files of 50 inpatients, 60 years and older with thus vital. We therefore aimed to adapt the Child
the diagnosis of a major neurocognitive disorder, Depression Screening Tool (CDST) to the South
admitted between 2015 and 2019. Deidentified African context, as a tool that could effectively
data were captured and submitted for statistical screen for depression in children suffering from
analysis to investigate the relationship between chronic illnesses, trauma, and difficulties related to
patient characteristics and length of hospital COVID-19, family, and community hardships.
admission. METHODOLOGY:
RESULTS: The MINI Kid (diagnostic interview) and CDST
The average duration of admission was 18.29 (screening measure) were administered to 315
months. Age, type of major neurocognitive participants (age: 7-14 years, mean = 11.66 ±2.11
disorder, and number of comorbidities showed no years; female: 52%). Descriptive statistics and
correlation with the dependent variable. univariate analysis were conducted to describe
sample characteristics and scores on the CDST
Involuntary admission status, level of assistance were compared to depression diagnoses on the
required, availability of social support, and the MINI Kid to determine sensitivity and specificity of
presence of behavioural/psychological problems the measure.
showed significant correlation with longer RESULTS:
admission. Using a stepwise regression model, the The prevalence of depression was 9.5% as
only significant variable associated with a shorter determined by the MINI Kid. It was more prevalent in
length of stay was the presence of social support. older children, children who disliked or considered
CONCLUSION: dropping out of school, had lost their mothers,
The findings of this study emphasize the important experienced a recent frightening event, had
role that social support plays in the management COVID-related trauma or a chronic illness, and in
of patients with major neurocognitive disorder. The those who smoked cannabis.
study also draws attention to the need for adequate
placement facilities in South Africa, for patients who The CDST mean score was 5.4 (±4.6). According
have no other form of support. to the Receiver Operator Characteristic analysis a
_____________________________________________ CDST cut-point of 5.0 with an Area Under the Curve
of 0.79, and sensitivity and specificity of 80% and
PRESENTER'S DETAILS 71% respectively, is optimal. At this cut-point 34%
Title: Dr met criteria for probable depression.
Name: Sharain
Surname: Suliman CONCLUSION:
Affiliation: Stellenbosch University Given the fair performance of the CDST screener as
compared to clinical interview, it may offer a clinically
Email: sharain@sun.ac.za sound, sustainable path towards the diagnosis and
treatment of child depression in South Africa.
AUTHORS
Given the association between cannabis use and
Author 1: Sharain Suliman depression, as well as established links between
Stellenbosch University cannabis use and poorer school performance
Author 2: Jenny Bloom and dropping out of school, these should be
Stellenbosch University evaluated and a target of treatment by health care
Author 3: Maryke Hewett professionals and community health workers.
Stellenbosch University _____________________________________________
Author 4: Soraya Seedat
Stellenbosch University PRESENTER'S DETAILS

TITLE: Title: Dr Psychiatry, Faculty
Using the Child Depression Screening Tool in Name: Patricia Cathryn
Children at Risk of Depression: South African Surname: Swart
Affiliation: 1 Department of

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 81

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

of Medicine and Health Sciences, METHODOLOGY:
Stellenbosch University. 2 Stellenbosch Genome-wide genotyping (MEGA array) and
University/South African Medical RNAseq data were obtained from 32 trauma-
Research Council Genomics of Brain exposed controls and 35 PTSD patients of self-
Disorders Unit reported mixed-ancestry, as part of the SHARED
ROOTS project. These data were quality controlled
Email: patswart@sun.ac.za using PLINK1.9 and DESeq2, respectively.

AUTHORS The resulting 145,030 SNPs (MAF > 5%) and 11,312
genes were used in conjunction with the R package,
Author 1: Patricia C Swart Matrix eQTL, to map potential eQTLs. Matrix eQTL
Author 2: 1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty constructs linear regression models between the
Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences, expression level of each gene and all SNPs within
Author 4: Stellenbosch University. 2 Stellenbosch (cis-eQTLs) and further than (trans-eQTLs) 1 Mb of
TITLE: University/South African Medical that gene.
Research Council Genomics of Brain
Disorders Unit Based on the number of SNP-gene pairs tested, the
Morne du Plessis significance threshold for cis-eQTLs and trans-eQTLs
1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty were p = 4.39x10-8 and p = 3.05x10-11 respectively
of Medicine and Health Sciences, (Bonferroni correction).
Stellenbosch University. 2 Stellenbosch
University/South African Medical Age, sex, smoking, RIN, metabolic syndrome, cell
Research Council Genomics of Brain type composition (CD16 positive monocytes and
Disorders Unit neutrophils) and the first 10 principal components
Soraya Seedat were included as covariates.
1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty RESULTS:
of Medicine and Health Sciences, The preliminary analysis described has identified
Stellenbosch University. 2 Stellenbosch several putative cis- and trans-eQTLs. However, the
University/South African Medical findings need to be confirmed and contextualised
Research Council Genomics of Brain within PTSD-related literature.
Disorders Unit CONCLUSION:
Sian MJ Hemmings Here we will describe potential eQTLs which may
1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty provide insight into the molecular mechanisms
of Medicine and Health Sciences, underlying the development of PTSD.
Stellenbosch University. 2 Stellenbosch
University/South African Medical This analysis is the first of its kind in this study
Research Council Genomics of Brain population and encourages further multi-omics
Disorders Unit approaches towards investigating psychiatric
disorders in non-European samples.
Identifying genetic loci associated with a change _____________________________________________
in gene expression (eQTLs) in PTSD patients a
South African cohort.

BACKGROUND: PRESENTER'S DETAILS
The molecular mechanisms underlying the Title: Dr
development of posttraumatic stress disorder Name: Yanga
(PTSD), following exposure to a traumatic event, are Surname: Thungana
yet to be elucidated and understood. Affiliation: Walter Sisulu University

One way to investigate these molecular mechanisms Email: ythungana@wsu.ac.za
is to combine genomic and transcriptomic
data to identify expression quantitative trait loci AUTHORS
(eQTLs) associated with the disorder. eQTLs are
DNA sequence variants that can influence gene Author 1: Yanga Thungana
expression, in a local (cis-) or distal (trans-) manner, Author 2: Dept of Psychiatry and behavioural
and subsequently impact cellular and system Sciences, Walter Sisulu University,
physiology which may contribute to a disease Mthatha, South Africa
phenotype. Prof. Robert John Wilkinson
Wellcome Center for Infectious Diseases
This study aims to identify genetic loci associated Research in Africa, Institute of Infect.
with a change in gene expression in PTSD patients Disease and Mol. Med and Dept.
in a South African cohort in order to better med. Univ. Cape Town, South Africa.
understand the molecular mechanisms underlying
PTSD.

82 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

DULOXETINE HCI PITCH

for PERFECT

HARMONY

TOGETHER we are

STRONGER

Dual serotonin and noradrenaline
reuptake inhibitor1

HARMONY in MENTAL HEALTH2

Dr. Reddy’s HELPLINE : 0800 21 22 23 Dr. Reddy’s
www.sadag.org

References: 1. Yelate 30/60 package insert. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. January 2020. 2. Galderisi S, Heinz A, Kastrup M et al.
Toward a new definition of mental health. World Psychiatry, 2015;14(2): 231-233.

S5 Yelate 30/60. Each capsule contains duloxetine hydrochloride equivalent to duloxetine 30/60 mg. Reg No’s 44/1.2/0114;0115. Dr.
Reddy’s Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. Reg no. 2002/014163/07. Block B, 204 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton. 2057. www.drreddys.co.za.
ZA/03/2021-23/Yel/003

For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority.

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Author 3: Department of Infectious Disease, CONCLUSION:
Imperial College, London, W12 ONN, There is a high burden of mental disorders in patients
UK. The Francis Crick Institute, London, with tuberculosis, and mental health services must
NW1 IAT, UK be integrated into the management of patients
Prof. Zukiswa Zingela with tuberculosis.
Executive Dean’s Office, Nelson
Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, Routine screening of common psychiatric disorders,
South Africa including depression, anxiety, and substance use
disorders, using already available easy-to-use
TITLE: screening tools amenable for use at the primary
The Point Prevalence of Co-Morbid Mental Ill- care level could aid the early detection, referral,
Health in Tuberculosis Patients under Treatment in and treatment of those with mental illness and
a Rural Province of South Africa. tuberculosis.
_____________________________________________
BACKGROUND:
Tuberculosis remains prevalent despite the PRESENTER'S DETAILS
availability of effective anti-TB medications. South Title: Mr
Africa is among the top eight countries that account Name: Kester
for two-thirds of the global TB infections. Evidence Surname: Tindi
suggests a high rate of mental disorders in people Affiliation: Department of Immunology and
with TB. Psychiatric disorders and tuberculosis share
several risk factors, such as homelessness, HIV/AIDS, Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical
substance use, stigma, malnutrition, and poor Sciences, College of Health Sciences,
socioeconomic status. Makerere University

Psychiatric comorbidities in tuberculosis patients Email: tindikester@gmail.com
are associated with poor treatment outcomes
and treating comorbid psychiatric disorders can AUTHORS
improve tuberculosis outcomes. This study explored
psychiatric comorbidity and its clinical correlation Author 1: Kester Bevin Bataringaya Tindi
in individuals receiving tuberculosis treatment. Author 2: Department of Immunology and
Author 3: Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical
METHODOLOGY: Author 4: Sciences, College of Health Sciences,
A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two Author 5: Makerere University
primary care clinics at King Sabata Dalindyebo Ronald Galiwango
District, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Department of Immunology and
Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical
Patients receiving TB treatment in these two clinics Sciences, College of Health Sciences,
were interviewed between September 2020 and Makerere University
June 2021 by a trained interviewer using the Mini- Dickens Howard Akena
International Neuropsychiatric Interview to screen Department of Psychiatry, School of
for psychiatric disorders. Medicine, College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University
All descriptive and inferential statistics were Eugene Kinyanda
performed with STATA/SE “(version 16.1 for Mac),” Department of Psychiatry, School of
and the significance level was p < 0.05. Medicine, College of Health Sciences,
RESULTS: Makerere University
In a sample of 197 participants, most patients were Allan Kalungi
male (62%), had HIV diagnosis (65%), and screened Department of Psychiatry, School of
positive for a mental disorder (82%) with anxiety (48%), Medicine, College of Health Sciences,
depression (38%), and substance use disorders (43%) Makerere University
being the most common psychiatric conditions.

On average, individuals had 4 (SD 2) lifetime mental TITLE:
disorders, excluding substance use disorders. Unravelling the genetic risk associated with major
Females had higher rates of depression (p = 0.005) depressive disorder among an ethnically diverse
and nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment (p African ancestry population.
= 0.003). Alcohol use disorder was more common
in males (p< 0.001) and those nonadherent to BACKGROUND:
tuberculosis treatment. Major depressive disorder (MDD), which is a
significant contributor to the global health burden
Low education levels and unemployment were also is characterised by a pervasive low mood and an
associated with depressive and anxiety disorders inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable
(p < 0.05).

84 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

activities. Most MDD genetic studies have Author 2: Christiaan B Brink
been carried out mainly on European ancestry Author 3: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical
populations limiting the generalisability of findings Sciences, North-West University, South
to non-European populations like the highly diverse Africa
African population. This study aimed to investigate Esmé Jansen van Vuren
the common genetic variants and other risk factors Hypertension in Africa Research Team,
(sociodemographic, psychosocial, biological) North-West University, South Africa; South
associated with MDD among general out-patient African Medical Research Council: Unit
participants from an African ancestry population for Hypertension and Cardiovascular
attending the NeuroGAP study. Disease, North-West University, South
Africa
METHODOLOGY:
A case-control study was carried out on 13,616 TITLE:
control participant data from the parent NeuroGAP Schizophrenia in black Africans: The influence
study for whom phenotypic data was currently of antipsychotics on psychiatric symptoms and
available and 653 of these participants also had tryptophan metabolism.
genome wide association study (GWAS) data
available. These participants were recategorised as BACKGROUND:
MDD cases and MDD free controls using a Kessler Altered tryptophan metabolism in schizophrenia
psychological distress scale (K10) cut-off score (SCZ) is well-established. However, the precise
of 13. The participant sample data was analysed mechanism of influence of this altered metabolism
using a GWAS pipeline generated using R software, on the presentation and severity of psychiatric
a functional mapping and annotation tool (FUMA) symptoms remains unclear. Furthermore, the
and binomial regression for the phenotype question of whether alleviation of SCZ symptoms is
analyses. mediated by effects of antipsychotics on tryptophan
metabolism, remains unanswered.
RESULTS:
The main GWAS findings in this study were the We investigated changes in tryptophan metabolism
107 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms and psychiatric symptom severity of black African
(SNPs) (P =< 5X10-8) in 34 risk loci identified to SCZ patients over a six-week treatment period with
be associated with MDD. The main findings from antipsychotics. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate
the phenotype analysis were that among these whether any correlations exist between improvement
outpatient participants; increasing negative life in psychiatric symptoms and changes in tryptophan
events, the physical comorbidity of arthritis, and the metabolism.
psychosomatic problems of chronic neck or back
pain and frequent or severe headaches were the METHODOLOGY:
strongest independent determinants of MDD. Newly diagnosed or relapsed black African
individuals diagnosed with SCZ, according to DSM-V
CONCLUSION: criteria, were recruited from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda
These results suggest that psychosocial factors, District in the Northwest Province, South Africa.
physical co-morbidities and psychosomatic
complaints are major risk factors for MDD among Psychiatric symptoms scores (total, positive, negative
an African ancestry population. The GWAS results and general) were obtained with the Positive and
suggest a possibility for novel MDD genetic risk loci Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and levels of
discovery in African ancestry populations. tryptophan, kynurenine and 5-HT (serotonin) were
_____________________________________________ measured in serum with liquid chromatography/
mass spectrometry (LCMS) at baseline and after the
six-week follow-up period.

PRESENTER'S DETAILS RESULTS:
Title: Ms A total of 15 patients, aged between 22 and 53 years,
Name: Estmia were included (mean age: 34 years, 80% male).
Surname: Van der Walt Significant decreases (p<0.001) were observed for
Affiliation: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical the PANSS positive, general, and total scores with no
significant changes observed for the PANSS negative
Sciences, North-West University, South score, tryptophan, kynurenine or 5-HT.
Africa

Email: estmia.hm@gmail.com An inverse correlation was observed for the baseline
positive PANSS score with baseline tryptophan
AUTHORS (p=0.05) while adjusting for confounders (age,
weight and socio-economic status). Furthermore,
Author 1: Estmia van der Walt decreases in the general PANSS score positively
Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical correlated with baseline levels of 5-HT (p=0.02)
Sciences, North-West University, South while adjusting for confounders.
Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 85

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

CONCLUSION: METHODOLOGY:
This study reveals significant improvement of Participants (n = 886; female = 70.1%; mean age
psychiatric symptom severity over a six-week = 20.52 years) completed a demographic and
treatment period with antipsychotics. The relationship questionnaire, an attachment style
abovementioned correlations between select measure, and the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS).
PANSS score decreases with tryptophan and 5HT
baseline levels, suggest that these biomarkers are Associations were calculated using Pearson’s
associated with neuropathology, and that the correlations and ANOVAs. To determine the
baseline values may predict treatment response. potential moderating effect of attachment style,
we used separate SEMs for each of the three
However, whether alleviation of symptoms was attachment styles (i.e., secure, anxious-ambivalent,
mediated by the effects of antipsychotics on avoidant) with total BDS scores as the endogenous
tryptophan metabolism, is still unclear, warranting variable.
bigger study samples of which treatment is RESULTS:
standardised to ascertain the influence of Participants reported comparatively high BDS scores
tryptophan metabolism on SCZ symptoms. (mean = 33.73, SD = 15.610, range = 0 – 64). Various
_____________________________________________ factors were significantly associated with BDS
scores including number of prior traumatic RRBs,
PRESENTER'S DETAILS relationship characteristics prior to the breakup (e.g.,
Title: Ms perceived closeness), and breakup characteristics
Name: Alberta SJ (e.g., initiator status and reason for the breakup).
Surname: van der Watt
Affiliation: Stellenbosch University Secure, avoidant, and anxious-ambivalent
attachment styles played a moderating role in the
Email: bertevdwatt@sun.ac.za relationship between these factors, respectively –
sometimes in an unexpected manner.
AUTHORS CONCLUSION:
Non-marital RRBs are associated with significant
Author 1: Alberta SJ van der Watt distress in emerging adults. Interventions should
Stellenbosch University consider breakup characteristics, reasons for the
Author 2: Martin Kidd breakup, and attachment style.
Stellenbosch University _____________________________________________
Author 3: Annerine Roos
SAMRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Author 4: Mental Disorders Title: Dr
Soraya Seedat Name: Christof
Author 5: Stellenbosch University Surname: Ziaja
Elmien Lesch Affiliation: Institute of Stress Diagnostic and
Stellenbosch University
Intervention Fatigue Science, Prof Stark,
TITLE: Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg
Factors associated with distress following a
romantic relationship breakup: The moderating Email: christofziaja@gmail.com
role of attachment style among emerging adults.
AUTHORS

BACKGROUND: Author 1: Dr. Christof Ziaja
Romantic relationship breakups (RRBs) during Author 2: 1 DGHS University of movement science,
emerging adulthood may lead to severe distress. analysis and development of sports,
Attachment styles influence emotion regulation Franklinstraße 28-29, 10587 Berlin,
and how individuals deal with stressful events; it Germany. Christof.ziaja@edu.dghs-
is plausible that attachment style may serve as hochschule.de 2 UKE Department of
moderator of breakup distress. Neuroradiology Hamburg, Martinistraße
52, West 14, Room 57 20251 Hamburg,
We aimed to determine the associations between Germany. 3 Institut of stress diagnostic
breakup distress and (i) the number of prior and intervention Fatigue science, Prof
traumatic RRBs; (ii) relationship characteristics prior Stark, Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg.
to the breakup; (iii) breakup characteristics; and Dr. Susanne Young
(iv) whether attachment styles had a moderating South African Research Chairs Initiative
effect on these associations. (SARChI) Chair in Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) Department of

86 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

Author 3: Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, PRESENTER'S DETAILS
South Africa. Email 16073371@sun.ac.za Title: Dr
Prof. Dr. Michael Sadre Chirazi-Stark Name: Christof
Institut of stress diagnostic and Surname: Ziaja
intervention Fatigue science, Prof Stark, Affiliation: Institute of Stress Diagnostic and
Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg.
Email kontakt@prof-stark.de Intervention Fatigue Science, Prof Stark,
Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg
TITLE: Email: susanneyyoung@gmail.com
Autonomic Nervous System Functioning in
Patients with Post Viral Syndrome: A Case-Series AUTHORS
Study of a Healthy Control Subject, a Long Covid
patient and a ME-CFS patient. Author 1: Ms Antonia von der Reidt
Author 2:
Author 3: 1. Universität zu Lübeck, Institut für
Author 4: Psychologie, Lübeck 2. Institute of Stress
Diagnostic and Intervention Fatigue
BACKGROUND: Author 5: Science, Prof Stark, Beim Schlump 29,
It is suggested that Long COVID, or post-COVID Author 6: 20144 Hamburg
syndrome (PCS), like CFS, may be related to a virus- Author 7:
or immune mediated disruption of the autonomic Author 8: Dr. Susanne Young
nervous system (ANS). Aims were to assess
hypothalamic-pituitary axis stress response differences 1. South African Research Chairs
and sympathetic nervous system activation. Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) Department of
Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South
Africa. 2. Institute of Stress Diagnostic
METHODOLOGY: and Intervention Fatigue Science, Prof
This case study series examined cardiovascular and Stark, Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg
neuromuscular systems functioning using Heart
Rate Variability (HRV) analysis (in supine position) Ms Hilda Neumann
and Micro-vibrational System (MVS) analyses
using The Nerve Express HRV System, Kubios HRV, Klinische Psychologie und
and the Faros 180 Sensor and analyses software. Psychotherapie Institut für Psychologie
Fakultät für Psychologie und
Bewegungswissenschaft Universität
Hamburg
Low Frequency (LF) (0.04 Hz - 0.15 Hz) and very/
ultra-LF (VLF/ULF; 0.015 Hz - 0.04 Hz) correspond Dr. Christof Ziaja
to a hypothalamic-pituitary axis stress response
and sympathetic nervous system activation. 1 DGHS University of movement science,
ME_CFS and PCS diagnosis were established analysis and development of sports,
using a combination of clinical diagnosis, Franklinstraße 28-29, 10587 Berlin,
self-report measures and ICD-9 coding. Germany. Christof.ziaja@edu.dghs-
hochschule.de 2 UKE Department of
Neuroradiology Hamburg, Martinistraße
RESULTS: 52, West 14, Room 57 20251 Hamburg,
The 3 participants were female (Age M= 50, Germany. 3 Institut of stress diagnostic
sd= 5), measured at rest for a period of 30-45 and intervention Fatigue science, Prof
minutes in supine position. HRV measurements of Stark, Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg.
both the PCS and ME/CFS patients showed high
sympathetic nervous system activation (LF and VLF/ Dr. Katarina Krkovic
ULF ranges), specifically, the LF bandwidths (Long
Covid; 0.02 - 0.15 Hz; EDR <0.2, ME/CFS, LF= 0.02-0.23 Klinische Psychologie und
Hz, EDR= 0.15-0.23), whilst the HC subject showed Psychotherapie Institut für Psychologie
parasympathetic nervous system recruitment (0.25 Fakultät für Psychologie und
Hz) after an 8-minute supine position. Bewegungswissenschaft Universität
Hamburg

Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Psych. Tania Lincoln

Klinische Psychologie und
Psychotherapie Institut für Psychologie
Low Total power (TP) values in PCS (TP = 362 – 452, Fakultät für Psychologie und
pulse = 70-74), ME/CFS patient (TP = 575 -280, pulse Bewegungswissenschaft Universität
79-89) and HC (TP = 1679 -348 , pulse= 55-57 Bpm. Hamburg
A noticeable phase shift of the MV in both patients
PCS, MV = 14 Hz, ME/CFS MV = 13 Hz, HC MV = 6 Hz. Prof. Dr. Soraya Seedat

CONCLUSION: South African Research Chairs Initiative
In line with an emerging body of research, (SARChI) Chair in Posttraumatic
our comparisons of cardiovascular and Stress Disorder (PTSD) Department of
musculoskeletal outcomes of the 2 patient subjects Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University,
show comparable rates of ANS dysregulation, South Africa.
increased skeletal muscle tone as compared to a
HC subject. Further research into ANS dysregulation Prof. Dr. Michael Sadre Chirazi-Stark
in PCS and ME-CFS is warranted.
Institute of Stress Diagnostic and
Intervention Fatigue Science, Prof Stark,
Beim Schlump 29, 20144 Hamburg

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 87

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - POSTER ABSTRACTS

TITLE: PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Childhood trauma as a risk factor for a Title: Dr
dysfunctional heart rate variability in patients Name: Pamela
with CFS/ME. Surname: Zungu
BACKGROUND: Affiliation: Stellenbosch University
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as Myalgic
encephalomyelitis, is a severe and complex Email: pzungu@sun.ac.za
multisystemic disease with a heterogenous
combination of symptoms. Studies have shown AUTHORS
decreased heart rate variability (HRV) in this
population. Moreover, there is a growing body of Author 1: Pamela
evidence showing high levels of childhood trauma Stellenbosch University
(CHT) among CFS/ME patients. Author 2: Jason Bantjes
Stellenbosch University
Traumatic experiences in childhood are linked to a Author 3: Phillip Slabbert
decreased HRV. Specially, emotional traumatization Stellenbosch University
impacts HRV. The present study investigates HRV in Author 4: Kerry -Ann Louw
the context of CHT in a CFS/ME population. Stellenbosch University
METHODOLOGY:
39 patients diagnosed with CFS/ME participated in TITLE:
this study. Demographic-, clinical data, the degree A multiple case of perinatal women’s experience
of disability, and the RMSSD parameter of HRV were of non-fatal suicidal behaviour in South Africa.
extracted from patient records.
BACKGROUND:
CHT was administered using the Childhood Trauma The aim of this study was to identify and describe
Questionnaire Short Form. Disability was assessed the socio-economic and cultural context in which
using the Bell Disability Scale. perinatal women engage in non-fatal suicidal
behaviour (NFSB).
Multiple regression analyses were conducted using
the CHT total scores and emotional abuse and METHODOLOGY:
emotional neglect subscales in relation to HRV. A reflexive thematic analysis involving eight cases
RESULTS: of women who had engaged in NFSB during the
No relationships between CHT total and subscales perinatal period and attributed their suicidality to
and HRV were found. A slight degree of correlation some aspect of pregnancy or motherhood. Cases
between CHT and disability was found. This was not were selected from a larger study (n=80) of cases of
significant. medically serious NFSB admitted to a public urban
hospital in Cape Town (South Africa).
Comparing prevalence rates of CHT of the
investigated sample with general German RESULTS:
population showed differences. CHT was more All women lived in resource-constrained
prevalent in the sample of the present study. environments and were receiving care in a
Comparing subscale prevalence showed that public (state-funded) hospital at the time of
all subscales of CHT were more prevalent with the interviews. Analysis of interviews elicited
exception of physical neglect, which had a lower four overarching themes, including: (1) living
prevalence compared to a non CFS/ME German in resource constrained and dangerous
sample. communities; (2) disruption and loss; (3) stigma,
CONCLUSION: shame and withdrawal; and (4) abandoned to
In sum, the results of the study suggest that CHT is assume the role of mother without support. These
more prevalent in CFS/ME populations. However, themes evidenced the hardships and distress
an effect of childhood trauma on HRV function and of these women relative to their pregnancy and
disability could not be demonstrated in this sample. contributed to their NFSB.

The findings indicate that the underlying CONCLUSION:
pathophysiologic mechanism of CHT in CFS/ME Interventions to reduce NFSB among young
are more complex and not expressed in HRV. Future perinatal women in low-resource environments
studies should include additional aspects and might be enhanced by considering how pregnancy
examine the impact of childhood trauma by looking disrupts the educational opportunities of young
at other biological systems affected in CFS/ME. women. The injurious effect of poverty on women’s
maternal health highlights the fact that any society
that is serious about maternal mental wellbeing,
should also prioritise the financial empowerment of
women

88 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER AGENDA

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS

SANS POSTER
P R E S E N TAT I O N

AGENDA

12:20 - 13:15 SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2022

Session 2 (C)

1 Carlien Rust
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa
Stress-related disorders, the gut microbiome and platelet-conveyed 5-hydroxytryptamine

2 Amalia Naita Awala
Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape
Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape
Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
Investigating cestode modulation of the neuroimmune response in neurocysticercosis

3 Sooraj Baijniath
School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand
Advances in spatial mass spectrometry enable in-depth neuropharmacodynamics and neurophysiology

4 Johann Burke
Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, North-West University,
Potchefstroom, South Africa
Chronic escitalopram exposure and behavioural restriction in deer mice presenting with low and high
stereotypical behaviour: perspectives on behavioural persistence

5 Anja de Lange
Division of Cell Biology, Division of Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, and CMM AFRICA Medical
Mycology Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Cape Town
Taenia larvae modulate host immunity in a mouse hippocampal organotypic brain slice model of
neurocysticercosis

6 Emily Ruth Higgitt
Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Science, University of
Cape Town. Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur
Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
Verifying the utility of an in vivo mouse model of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis for the study of
neuroimmune responses

7 Mariaan Jaftha
UCT, CPUT
Corpus callossum (CC) thickness is inversely associated with disability (EDSS) in patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS).

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 89

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER AGENDA

12:20 - 13:15 SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2022

Session 2 (C) continued

8 Sahar Jamal
Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town . Neuroscience Institute,
University of Cape Town
Investigating gene regulation in the maturing human brain at single-nucleus resolution

9 Danielle Jansen van Rensburg
Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Science, Stellenbosch University
Identifying microRNA species associated with anxiety proneness in South African adolescents

10 Maahir Kauchali
Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital,
Cape Town, South Africa 3Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of
Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa 4CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology
Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
The inflammatory neuroimmune response to cryptococcal infection in mouse hippocampal slices

12:20 - 13:15 Session 2 (D)

1 Sagel Kundieko
University of Cape Town
Investigating the effects of neuroinflammation on network excitability in neurocysticercosis

2 Crystal Lubbe
NWU-Potchefstroom
A preclinical rodent model of capture myopathy in wildlife: Initial validation and metabolic signature

3 Lauren Martin
Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Species-level profiling of the maternal vaginal bacteriome using full-length 16S rRNA amplicon
sequencing with application to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

4 Zama Msibi
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Gold nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery combined with oleanolic acid treatment confers enhanced
gene expression in 6-hydroxydopamine-exposed PC12 cells

5 Michaela O'Hare
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of
Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Characterisation of the gut microbiome associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in South African
participants

6 Leandrie Pienaar
University of the Witwatersrand
The molecular effects of acute ketamine administration in treatment resistant depression

7 Marelie Roets (presented by Dr Stephan Steyn)
Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University,
Potchefstroom, South Africa
Baby blues: The influence of pregnancy and maternal separation on the behavioural profile of FSL and
FRL animals

8 Farhanah Sallie
NeuroCNS, Physiology
Chronic administration of ACTH in a rodent model of treatment resistant depression

9 Daniel van Rensburg
North-West University – Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences –
South Africa
Reviewing the mitochondrial dysfunction paradigm in rodent models as platforms for neuropsychiatric
disease research

10 Jacqueline Womersley
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
South Africa
A proposal for a study of biological aging profiles of cognitive function and depression in South African
women with HIV

90 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

QUETIAPINE FUMARATE TRUST is
EARNED

Treatment with

PROVEN EFFICACY

For the treatment of schizophrenia
and manic episodes associated
with bipolar disorder1

HARMONY in MENTAL HEALTH2

Dr. Reddy’s HELPLINE : 0800 21 22 23 Dr. Reddy’s
www.sadag.org

References: 1. Dopaquel Package Insert. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. June 2017. 2. Galderisi S, Heinz A, Kastrup M et al. Toward a new
definition of mental health. World Psychiatry, 2015;14(2): 231-233.

S5 Dopaquel 25/100/200/300. Each tablet contains quetiapine fumarate equivalent to quetiapine 25 mg/100 mg/200 mg/300 mg.

Reg No’s 43/2.6.5/0429;0430;0431;0432. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. Reg no. 2002/014163/07. Block B, 204 Rivonia Road,

Morningside, Sandton. 2057. www.drreddys.co.za. ZA/03/2021-23/Dop/005.

For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority.

This content is for HCPs only and the intended recipient should not share or forward it.

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS

POSTER PRESENTATION

ABSTRACTS

SESSION 2 (C) TITLE:
Investigating cestode modulation of the
_____________________________________________ neuroimmune response in neurocysticercosis.

PRESENTER'S DETAILS BACKGROUND:
Title: Ms Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a helminthic brain
Name: Amalia Naita infection caused by the larvae of the tapeworm
Surname: Awala Taenia solium (T. solium). NCC is also leading cause
Affiliation: 1. Division of Cell Biology, Department of adult acquired epilepsy in the developing world.
Surprisingly, viable larvae can exist in the brain for
of Human Biology, Faculty of Health extended periods with no symptomatology but when
Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape they die clinical symptoms develop. The hallmark for
Town, South Africa 2. Neuroscience symptomatic NCC is neuroinflammation however
Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, the neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying the
University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur disease remain grossly understudied. Particularly
Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa unknown is the role that microglial cells, the
primary immune cells in the brain, play during the
Email: awlama001@myuct.ac.za neuroimmune response to T. solium infection.

AUTHORS OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study is to characterize microglial
Author 1: Amalia Naita Awala activation and responses in neurocysticercosis.
1. Division of Cell Biology, Department
Author 2: of Human Biology, Faculty of Health METHODOLOGY:
Author 3: Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape To investigate the neuroinflammatory effects
Town, South Africa 2. Neuroscience of the parasite, we stimulated cultured mouse
Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, organotypic brain slices (OBSs) with Taenia larvae
University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur homogenate for 24 hours. Treated slices were
Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa compared with untreated control slices, and slices
Rachael Dangarembizi stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is
1. Division of Physiological Sciences, an established neuroimmune activator. The potential
Department of Human Biology, Faculty immunosuppressive effects of the Taenia larvae on
of Health Sciences, University of Cape microglial activation were assessed by concurrently
Town, Cape Town, South Africa 2. treating OBSs with LPS and Taenia larvae homogenate.
Joseph V. Raimondo Inflammatory activation of microglial cells was
1. Division of Cell Biology, Department measured by immunostaining for inflammatory
of Human Biology, Faculty of Health transcription factor nuclear factor for interleukin-6
Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape (NFIL6), a robust marker for cell activation, as well
Town, South Africa 2. Neuroscience as by measuring the release of the proinflammatory
Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, cytokines Il-6 and TNF-a through immunoassays.
University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur
Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

92 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

RESULTS: METHODOLOGY:
We found that the co-application of LPS and High resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption
Taenia larvae homogenate suppresses the ionization (MALDI)-MSI was used for the multiplexed
microglial activation and the cytokine release that visualization of the spatial tissue distribution of
we observed in the LPS only treatment group, this exogenous drug molecules, neurotransmitters,
constitutes an anti-inflammatory effect that could lipids and neuropeptides in a wide variety of
explain how Taenia larvae are able to suppress an mammalian tissues.
inflammatory response whilst still viable in the brain.
Microglial activation was not observed in untreated RESULTS:
control slices or in slices treated with Taenia larvae Using MALDI-MSI a wide range of functional
homogenate only, these groups also had negligible biological molecules were imaged in discrete
levels of Il-6 and TNF-a production as compared to compartments within the brain. When applied to
the LPS group. pharmacokinetic studies MSI was able to follow the
entry and distribution of drugs in the brain. While
CONCLUSION: pharmacodynamic studies showed alterations
This data offers valuable contributions towards in neurotransmitters, lipids and neuropeptides in
understanding the neuroinflammatory mechanisms experimental models of Parkinson's disease.
underlying this infection, which could potentially
aid in how we treat and manage the disease. CONCLUSION:
MALDI-MSI has established itself as a versatile
_____________________________________________ technique with a multitude of applications that
have transformed neuropharmacological research
PRESENTER'S DETAILS and enabled research into brain physiology at
Title: Dr unprecedented spatial resolution.
Name: Sooraj
Surname: Baijnath _____________________________________________
Affiliation: School of Physiology, University of the
PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Witwatersrand Title: Dr
Name: Sooraj
Email: sooraj.baijnath@wits.ac.za Surname: Baijnath
Affiliation: School of Physiology, University of the
AUTHORS
Author 1: Sooraj Baijnath Witwatersrand

School of Physiology, University of the Email: sooraj.baijnath@wits.ac.za
Witwatersrand

TITLE: AUTHORS
Author 1: Burke, J.
Advances in spatial mass spectrometry enable
in-depth neuropharmacodynamics and Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical
neurophysiology. Sciences, Department of Pharmacology,
North-West University, Potchefstroom,
BACKGROUND: South Africa
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) is a powerful Author 2: Mograbi, D.
technique that combines microscopy’s ability Department of Psychology, Pontifical
to provide spatial information about multiple Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
molecular species with mass spectrometry’s (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
specificity for unlabeled mapping of analytes in Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology &
diverse biological tissues. Initial pharmacological Neuroscience, King’s College London,
applications focused on drug distributions in London, United Kingdom
different organs, including the compartmentalized Author 4: Wolmarans, PD
brain. However, recent technological advances Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical
in instrumentation, software, and chemical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology,
tools have allowed its use in quantitative spatial North-West University, Potchefstroom,
omics. It now enables visualization of distributions South Africa
of diverse molecules at high lateral resolution TITLE:
in studies of drugs’ pharmacokinetic and Chronic escitalopram exposure and behavioural
neuropharmacodynamic effects on functional restriction in deer mice presenting with low- and
biomolecules. high stereotypical behaviour: perspectives on
behavioural persistence.

OBJECTIVE: BACKGROUND: expression by
The aim of this study is to characterize microglial Spontaneous stereotypical
activation and responses in neurocysticercosis.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 93

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

laboratory-housed deer mice (Peromyscus Physiology, Neuroscience Institute,
maniculatus bairdii) is a proposed model and CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology
of compulsive-like behaviour. However, the Research Unit, Faculty of Health
relationship between said motor manifestations Sciences, University of Cape Town.
and altered neurocognitive constructs, remains
unknown. Thus, we aimed to explore this theme in Email: anjadelange@gmail.com
stereotypical (HS), as opposed to non-stereotypical
(NS) behaviour, by 1) establishing how it would AUTHORS
respond to sub-acute and chronic exposure to
the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Author 1: Anja de Lange
escitalopram, and 2) investigating whether such Author 2: Division of Cell Biology, Division of
behaviours are modulated by sub-acute and Author 3: Physiology, Neuroscience Institute,
chronic behavioural restriction. Author 4: and CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology
METHODOLOGY: Research Unit, Faculty of Health
80 deer mice (equally distributed between sexes; Sciences, University of Cape Town.
ethics approval number NWU-00424-21-A5) were Teresa J. Steyn
divided into NS and HS cohorts (n = 40 each). Each Division of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
cohort was further divided into four intervention Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences,
groups (n = 10 per group), i.e. control (CTRL), University of Cape Town.
escitalopram (ESC; 50 mg/kg/day), restriction (R; Rachael Dangarembizi
preventing the execution of running and jumping) Division of Cell Biology, Division of
and combined ESC and R. Stereotypical expression Physiology, Neuroscience Institute,
was measured by automated beam detection and CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology
at three time points, i.e. at baseline, after 5 days Research Unit, Faculty of Health
of CTRL or ESC exposure (and where applicable Sciences, University of Cape Town.
during three nights of short-term behavioural Joseph V. Raimondo
restriction), and again after 4 weeks of ESC or R Division of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
intervention. Each animal underwent three 12-hour Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences,
long screening sessions during each testing phase. University of Cape Town.
RESULTS:
Our preliminary results indicate that both phenotype TITLE:
and drug exposure had a significant main effect on Taenia larvae modulate host immunity in a mouse
the expression of stereotypy across both parameters hippocampal organotypic brain slice model of
analysed, i.e. time spent engaging in HS behaviour neurocysticercosis.
(phenotype: p < 0.0001; drug exposure: p = 0.006)
and the intensity of stereotypical expression BACKGROUND:
(phenotype: p < 0.0001; drug exposure: p = 0.037). Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a disease in which
While the stereotypical expression of ESC-exposed larvae of the tapeworm Taenia solium infect the
HS, but not NS mice trended towards decreasing central nervous system of humans. The disease
over time, statistically significant differences have may be asymptomatic for several years, despite
not been shown, likely given that the project and the presence of larval cysts in the central nervous
additional behavioural analysis, must still be system. Asymptomatic NCC is typically associated
completed. with a lack of an inflammatory host immune
CONCLUSION: response, presumably due to larval modulation of
The preliminary data obtained from this investigation host immunity. Contrastingly, symptomatic NCC
indicate a robust effect of ESC on the expression (which most commonly involves seizures), has been
of HS, but not NS behaviour. This finding is in line closely tied to an intense pericystic inflammatory
with our current understanding of serotonergic host response. The ways in which these larvae
mechanisms in OCD. However, to what extent NS interact with the host immune system remains
and HS behaviour may be differentially modulated largely unknown.
by motor restriction, remains to be established,
pending ongoing investigation. METHODOLOGY:
_____________________________________________ To explore parasite-host immune interactions, we
utilised a mouse hippocampal organotypic brain
PRESENTER'S DETAILS slice culture model of neurocysticercosis, in which
Title: Dr brain slices were exposed to larval products of a
Name: Anja model parasite, Taenia crassiceps. The effect of
Surname: de Lange the larval products on innate host immunity was
Affiliation: Division of Cell Biology, Division of assessed by the measurement of inflammatory
cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis
factor-alpha (TNF-α)) in culture medium using
ELISAs.

RESULTS:
Our results illustrate that none of an array of

94 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

larval extracts elicited an increase in IL-6 or TNF-α. TITLE:
Contrastingly, larval extracts were able to strongly Verifying the utility of an in vivo mouse model of
suppress the production of IL-6 or TNF-α when cryptococcal meningoencephalitis for the study
applied to brain slices in combination with known of neuroimmune responses.
immunogenic agents (LPS, Zymosan-A, and BACKGROUND:
Poly(I:C)). Fractionation of whole cyst homogenate Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is
by ammonium-sulfate precipitation revealed a neglected fungal brain infection which kills
that the immune modulating element is a highly approximately 136 000 people in Sub-Saharan
hydrophilic molecule and crude size fractionation Africa annually.
revealed that it is a molecule that is larger than 100
kDa in size. Some studies suggest that the fatal neurological
CONCLUSION: damage accompanying Cryptococcus neoformans
These results, along with some exploratory snRNAseq infection of the brain is mediated by a potent
data, shed light on the ways in which viable Taenia neuroinflammatory response. However, other studies
larvae modulate the host immune response. report a lack of neuroinflammation associated with
_____________________________________________ mortality.

PRESENTER'S DETAILS Thus, whether the neuroinflammatory response to
Title: Ms CM is detrimental or protective is currently unclear.
Name: Emily Ruth To investigate neuroimmune responses to CM,
Surname: Higgitt reliable experimental animal models of this disease
Affiliation: 1 Division of Physiological Sciences, are required. Thus, this study aimed to verify the
utility of one in vivo mouse model of CM to study
Department of Human Biology, Faculty the neuroimmune response.
of Health Science, University of Cape METHODOLOGY:
Town. 2 Neuroscience Institute, Faculty Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were
of Health Sciences, University of Cape intravenously injected with either 5x10⁵ CFU C.
Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape neoformans, lipopolysaccharide (positive control),
Town, South Africa or phosphate-buffered saline (negative control).

Email: hggemi001@myuct.ac.za Three days post-infection, the mice were
euthanised for brain and blood sample collection
AUTHORS for fungal load determination, histology, and
immunofluorescence. Neuroinflammatory
Author 1: Emily Ruth Higgitt activation was determined by fluorescent
1 Division of Physiological Sciences, immunohistochemical staining for inflammatory
Author 2: Department of Human Biology, Faculty biomarkers, nuclear factor for interleukin 6 (NF-IL6)
Author 3: of Health Science, University of Cape and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Town. 2 Neuroscience Institute, Faculty
of Health Sciences, University of Cape Circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL6
Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)) were
Town, South Africa. 3 CMM AFRICA measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent
Medical Mycology Research Unit, assays.
Institute of Infectious Disease and RESULTS:
Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Histological staining of brain slices from C.
Sciences, University of Cape Town. neoformans-infected mice showed successful
Jennifer Claire Hoving fungal infiltration of the cortex and cerebellum three
Institute of Infectious Diseases and days post-infection. Interestingly, C. neoformans
Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health did not activate inflammatory signalling, as
Science, University of Cape Town demonstrated by low levels of NF-IL6 and COX-2
Rachael Dangarembizi activation within infected brain slices.
1 Division of Physiological Sciences,
Department of Human Biology, Faculty Peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (IL-6;
of Health Science, University of Cape TNF-α) were raised in LPS-treated mice but not in C.
Town. 2 Neuroscience Institute, Faculty neoformans-infected mice.
of Health Sciences, University of Cape CONCLUSION:
Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape This study's results validate this model's use in
Town, South Africa. 3 CMM AFRICA studying the pathogenesis of CM. The results
Medical Mycology Research Unit, suggest that C. neoformans does not induce a
Institute of Infectious Disease and robust neuroinflammatory response in mice.
Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Cape Town.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 95

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

PRESENTER'S DETAILS RESULTS:
Title: Ms The CCI was significantly lower in the MS patients
Name: MARIAAN than the controls (p=0.03). Splenium thickness was
Surname: JAFTHA also significantly lower in the MS patients than in the
Affiliation: UCT, CPUT controls (p=0.01). The EDSS values of the patients
did not correlate with the number of lesions in the
Email: mariaan.jaftha@uct.ac.za CC. In contrast, a significant inverse association
(p<0.01) was found between the CCI and the
AUTHORS EDSS, and the EDSS and the thickness of the genu,
midbody and splenium (p<0.01).
Author 1: Mariaan Jaftha
University of Cape Town and Cape CONCLUSION:
Author 2: Peninsula University of Technology Measurement of the CC could be a useful tool as an
Author 3: Susan Janse Van Rensburg indicator of disease progression. The findings of this
Author 4: Stellenbosch University study confirm previous results that indicated brain
Author 5: Clint Johannes volume loss as the primary cause of MS disability
Stellenbosch University progression and may help to develop therapy
Author 6: Merlisa Kemp methods that will preserve brain volume to prevent
Author 7: Cape Peninsula University of Technology progressive neurological decline associated with
Penelope Engel-Hills some MS cases.
Cape Peninsula UniversityoOf
Technology _____________________________________________
Ronald Van Toorn
Stellenbosch University
Maritha J Kotze
Stellenbosch University and NHLS PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Title: Ms
TITLE: Name: Sahar
Corpus callossum (CC) thickness is inversely Surname: Jamal
associated with with disability (EDSS) in patients Affiliation: Division of Cell Biology, Department
with multiple sclerosis (MS).
of Human Biology, University of Cape
BACKGROUND: Town; Neuroscience Institute, University
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated, of Cape Town
chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the central
nervous system (CNS) and which may result Email: saharbathshebajamal@gmail.com
in disability. MS primarily affects young adults
between the ages 20-40 years, especially women. AUTHORS
The disorder is associated with demyelination and
axonal loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is Author 1: Sahar Jamal
an important tool aiding the diagnosis as well as Division of Cell Biology, Department
the temporal and spatial distribution of lesions. Author 2: of Human Biology, University of Cape
Town; Neuroscience Institute, University
More refined MRI sequences have vastly improved Author 3: of Cape Town
the characterisation of brain volume and focal Christina Steyn
white matter lesions. Previous studies have found a Author 4: Division of Cell Biology, Department
correlation between brain volume loss and thinning Author 5: of Human Biology, University of Cape
of the corpus callosum (CC). The corpus callosum Author 6: Town; Neuroscience Institute, University
index (CCI) is a normalized measurement that Author 7: of Cape Town
reflects these changes in brain volume. Thijs Verhoog
Division of Cell Biology, Department
METHODOLOGY: of Human Biology, University of Cape
MRI scans of the brains of 25 adult females Town; Neuroscience Institute, University
diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS and 25 of Cape Town
control subjects without MS were evaluated. Three Ursula Rohlwink
different regions of the CC were measured: the Neuroscience Institute, University of
genu, the midbody and the splenium. Cape Town; Division of Neurosurgery,
University of Cape Town
In the MS patients measurements of the CCI and Nico Enslin
the number of lesions in the CC were compared Neuroscience Institute, University of
with their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) Cape Town; Division of Neurosurgery,
assessments, which is the gold standard to University of Cape Town
measure MS disability. The EDSS ranges from 0 (no Chris Dulla
disability) to 10 (death due to MS). Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences, Tufts University
Joseph V. Raimondo
Division of Cell Biology, Department

96 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

of Human Biology, University of Cape dissected to reveal cell-type specific putative cis-
Town; Neuroscience Institute, University regulatory regions that display differential activity
of Cape Town; Institute of Infectious across different age groups.
Disease and Molecular Medicine,
University of Cape Town In addition, these regions of the genome may be
Author 8: Muazzam Jacobs used as input for in-silico transcription factor binding
Neuroscience Institute, University of motif assays to evaluate putative functionality.
Cape Town; Institute of Infectious CONCLUSION:
Disease and Molecular Medicine, Therefore, this investigation will allow for insight
University of Cape Town into both cis- and trans- regulatory elements, their
Author 9: Anthony Figaji interactions, and the contribution of these to the
Neuroscience Institute, University of modulation of gene expression in the maturing
Cape Town; Division of Neurosurgery, human brain.
University of Cape Town _____________________________________________
Author 10: Dorit Hockman
Division of Cell Biology, Department PRESENTER'S DETAILS
of Human Biology, University of Cape Title: Ms
Town; Neuroscience Institute, University Name: Danielle
of Cape Town Surname: Jansen van Rensburg
Affiliation: Division of Molecular Biology and
TITLE:
Investigating gene regulation in the maturing Human Genetics, Department of
human brain at single-nucleus resolution. Biomedical Science, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Science,
BACKGROUND: Stellenbosch University
The human brain is a highly complex and dynamic
organ that undergoes continuous change in Email: daniellejvr@sun.ac.za
processes such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis
and immune response. Robust evidence exists for AUTHORS
the critical role of gene regulatory mechanisms
in brain development, cognition, and disease. Author 1: Danielle Jansen van Rensburg
However, no studies have been conducted that Author 2: Division of Molecular Biology and Human
investigate these mechanisms at the single- Author 3: Genetics, Department of Biomedical
cell level, across age groups spanning the full Author 4: Science, Faculty of Medicine and
human lifespan. The Hockman Lab, through Author 5: Health Science, Stellenbosch University
collaboration with Cape Town Neurosurgeons, Patricia C Swart
has assembled a biobank of ante-mortem brain Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
tissue samples. Access tissue has been obtained of Medicine and Health Sciences,
through elective epilepsy surgery, from a wide Stellenbosch University; SU/SAMRC
variety of age groups. Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit,
Stellenbosch University
This research will serve to bridge a gap in the Jacqueline Samantha Womersley
study of brain maturation as it will include samples Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
representative of the paediatric stage. As the brain of Medicine and Health Sciences,
comprises a diverse array of cell types, further Stellenbosch University; SU/SAMRC
stratified into functionally significant subtypes, Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit,
there is imperative to unravel the cell type-specific Stellenbosch University
gene regulatory mechanisms responsible for Soraya Seedat
these specifications and the dynamic intercellular Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
interactions enabling the complex organisation of Medicine and Health Sciences,
and function of the human brain across the course Stellenbosch University; SU/SAMRC
of maturation. Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit,
Stellenbosch University
METHODOLOGY: Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
An analysis of chromatin accessibility utilising Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
single-nucleus Assay for Transposase Accessible of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Chromatin sequencing (snATAC-seq), corroborated Stellenbosch University; SU/SAMRC
with single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit,
data will allow for a robust interrogation of key Stellenbosch University
gene regulatory mechanisms influencing gene
expression within the maturing human brain. TITLE:
Identifying microRNA species associated with
RESULTS: anxiety proneness in South African adolescents.
Chromatin accessibility data will be computationally

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 97

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

BACKGROUND: PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Anxiety proneness (AP) is the tendency to react Title: Mr
fearfully to stressors due to the belief that these Name: Maahir
stressors have harmful consequences. AP is an Surname: Kauchali
intermediate phenotype common to individuals Affiliation: Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health
who develop anxiety disorders. The underlying
biological mechanisms of AP remain unclear, Sciences, University of Cape Town,
although it is a trait with both genetic and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town,
environmental aetiology. South Africa 3Division of Physiological
Sciences, Department of Human
Epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences,
(small, non-coding RNAs of 19-20 nucleotides), may University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
explain how the combination of genetic variation South Africa 4CMM AFRICA Medical
and environmental risk factors, such as childhood Mycology Research Unit, Institute of
trauma (CT), can increase risk for the development Infectious Disease and Molecular
of anxiety disorders. This cross-sectional study aims Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences,
to investigate differential microRNA expression University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
associated with AP using whole blood obtained South Africa
from South African adolescents with variable
exposure to CT. Email: kchmaa001@myuct.ac.za
METHODOLOGY:
AP was determined using the State-Trait Anxiety AUTHORS
Inventory and Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index,
to create a composite score reflecting trait anxiety Author 1: Maahir Kauchali
and anxiety sensitivity, respectively. CT exposure Author 2: Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health
was determined using the Childhood Trauma Author 3: Sciences, University of Cape Town,
Questionnaire. Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town,
South Africa 3Division of Physiological
Total RNA was extracted from whole blood Sciences, Department of Human
samples, using the PreAnalytix PAXgene Blood Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences,
miRNA kit. High quality total RNA samples (n=87) University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
were sent for microRNA-sequencing. DESeq2 South Africa 4CMM AFRICA Medical
will be used to identify differentially expressed Mycology Research Unit, Institute of
microRNAs between high- and low-AP groups. Infectious Disease and Molecular
We will determine the effect of CT exposure on Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences,
microRNA expression between the high-/low-AP University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
using factorial analysis of variance. South Africa
RESULTS: Rachael Dangarembizi
The majority of adolescents were female (75.86%) Division of Cell Biology, Department
with an average age of 15 (± 1.19) years. There were of Human Biology, Faculty of Health
no significant differences in age, sex, education, Sciences, University of Cape Town,
body mass index, smoking or use of medication for Cape Town, South Africa 2Neuroscience
stress, anxiety and/or depression between high/ Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences,
low AP or CT groups. University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur
Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
The proportion of participants by self-reported 3Division of Physiological Sciences,
ancestry group differed significantly between Department of Human Biology, Faculty
the high-/low-AP and high-/low-CT groups of Health Sciences, University of Cape
(p=0.013), which will be statistically corrected for Town, Cape Town, South Africa 4CMM
during differential expression analysis. microRNA AFRICA Medical Mycology Research
expression results will be presented. Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and
CONCLUSION: Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health
We hypothesize that adolescents with high AP Sciences, University of Cape Town,
scores will have differentially expressed microRNAs, Cape Town, South Africa
when compared to the adolescents with low-AP Joseph Raimondo
scores. Also, that AP-associated microRNAs will differ Division of Cell Biology, Department
according to CT experience. This research will help of Human Biology, Faculty of Health
to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Sciences, University of Cape Town,
AP in adolescence, a critical developmental period Cape Town, South Africa 2Neuroscience
during which anxiety disorders are most likely to Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences,
arise. University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur
Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

TITLE:
The inflammatory neuroimmune response to
Cryptococcal infection in mouse hippocampal
slices.

98 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

BACKGROUND: AUTHORS
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a fungal infection
of the brain that proves fatal for 70 – 100% of infected Author 1: Carlien Rust
individuals. This equates to almost 200 000 people Author 2: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Considering Author 3: of Medicine and Health Sciences,
its considerable impact, very little is known about Author 4: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
the pathogenesis of CM, including the potential South Africa
contribution of innate immune responses elicited Stefanie Malan-Muller
by the fungus. The aim of this study was to explore Department of Pharmacology and
inflammatory neuroimmune responses to a Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine,
fluorescent strain of H99 Cryptococcus Neoformans, Universidad Complutense de Madrid,
which is the major species of fungus that causes CM. Madrid, Spain
METHODOLOGY: Etheresia Pretorius
To achieve this, mouse hippocampal organotypic Department of Physiological Sciences,
brain slices (HOBSs) were stimulated with 1 x 108 Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch
CFU of fluorescent H99 for 24 hours. HOBs treated University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
with 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a strong Sian Hemmings
inflammatory agent, served as positive controls. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
Dual fluorescent immunohistochemical staining of Medicine and Health Sciences,
of Iba1 and the inflammatory nuclear factor for Stellenbosch University, Cape Town,
interleukin – 6 (NF-IL6), was utilised to visualize the South Africa
activation of microglia to a pro-inflammatory state.
The stained slices were imaged using confocal TITLE:
microscopy and image analysis was performed in Stress-related disorders, the gut microbiome and
ImageJ. HOBS culture medium was assessed for the platelet-conveyed 5-hydroxytryptamine.
presence of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent BACKGROUND:
assays (ELISAs). Stress-related disorders, including major depressive
RESULTS: and anxiety disorders, are associated with
Confocal images revealed large clusters of endothelial dysfunction, increased inflammation,
encapsulated fluorescent H99, many of which were and platelet reactivation related to serotonin.
engulfed by microglia. Serotonin (5-HT) functions as a neurotransmitter
However, fluorescent H99 treated slices showed a in the central nervous system, whereas in the
significantly lower level of NF-IL6 positive microglial periphery, it acts as a ubiquitous hormone involved
cells as compared to LPS treated slices. The levels of in platelet function. Interestingly, 95% of serotonin is
IL-6 and TNF in the culture medium of HOBS treated produced by microbiota in the gut and conveyed
with fluorescent H99 were also much lower than by platelets through the circulation system.
those treated with LPS.
CONCLUSION: Platelets are suggested to be the link between the
These results demonstrate that the fluorescent H99 inflammatory response and stress-related disorders.
strain successfully infected HOBSs, but suggest that However, to our knowledge, the link between stress-
the presence of Cryptococcus Neoformans cells related disorders, the human microbiome, and the
does not elicit an inflammatory microglial response role of platelets has not been reviewed.
in the brain.
_____________________________________________ METHODOLOGY:
This study aimed to critically review published articles
PRESENTER'S DETAILS using PubMed and Google Scholar searches to
Title: Ms elucidate a proposed pathway between stress-
Name: Carlien related disorders, gut microbiome, and the role of
Surname: Rust platelets.
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty
We used the following terms as criteria for searches:
of Medicine and Health Sciences, “Stress-related disorders” OR “Depression” OR
Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, “PTSD” OR “Anxiety”; AND “Gut microbiome”; AND
South Africa “Serotonin” OR “5-HT” OR “Tryptophan”; AND
Email: 17524296@sun.ac.za “Platelets” OR “Platelet indices”.

RESULTS:
We identified 103 publications using the
aforementioned search terms. Of these, 30
publications were found not to be suitable for
review, as they themselves were reviews, however,
they did broaden the publication search. Research
articles excluded from the review did not fall within
the scope of this review.

SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021 * 99

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY CONGRESS - SANS POSTER ABSTRACTS

CONCLUSION: experimentally. This study aims to investigate
the relationship between inflammation and
Alteration in microbial composition due to stress neuroexcitability in organotypic brain slice cultures.
increases intestinal permeability which allows the
translocation of microbial products known to trigger METHODOLOGY:
the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing Hippocampal organotypic brain slices of 7-day-old
platelets to become hyperactive and secreting C57BL/6 mice were prepared. Slices were left (a)
serotonin into the plasma. Consequently, increased untreated or treated with (b) lipopolysaccharide
circulation levels of serotonin induce the activation (LPS) – to induce inflammation, (c) Taenia crassiceps
of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1). IDO1 is homogenate (Hom) – a model for Taenia solium,
involved in the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway, or (d) a combination of the two. After 3 days in
which subsequently reduces 5-HT levels in the culture, slices were placed in an interface chamber
brain. Moreover, higher levels of pro-inflammatory and local field potential recordings were used to
cytokine levels, possibly due to increased intestinal record neuronal network activity. Magnesium was
permeability, increase blood-brain-barrier omitted from the artificial cerebrospinal fluid to
permeability, allowing inflammatory mediators to induce seizure-like events (SLEs). The media that
enter the brain to cause inflammation. Inflammation contained the brain slices was collected for Enzyme-
is suggested as a key causative factor for stress- linked immunosorbent assays, which were used to
related disorders. Hence, microbiota-dependent measure the pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
effects significantly impact platelet function and
consequently affect several downstream pathways, RESULTS:
altering serotonin levels to contribute to inflammation. LPS induced inflammation through the significant
Platelets can thus be a link between gut dysbiosis, release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines
inflammation, and stress-related disorders. interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. I report
that Hom was able to significantly attenuate this
SESSION 2 (D) inflammatory response. However, the established
inflammatory milieu did not influence the network
_____________________________________________ excitability of the slices when looking at the time to
the first SLE and the intensity (power) of the SLEs.
PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Title: Ms CONCLUSION:
Name: Sagel These results suggest that inflammation alone may not
Surname: Kundieko drive changes in excitability, as has been hypothesized.
Affiliation: University of Cape Town This means that the susceptibility to seizures observed
in NCC may be caused by other factors.
Email: sageljulia@gmail.com _____________________________________________

AUTHORS PRESENTER'S DETAILS
Author 1: Kundieko Title: Mrs
University of Cape Town Name: Crystal
Surname: Lubbe
TITLE: Affiliation: NWU-Potchefstroom
Investigating the effects of neuroinflammation on
network excitability in neurocysticercosis. Email: crystal10lube@gmail.com

BACKGROUND: AUTHORS
Acute and chronic epileptic seizures have
been shown to induce significant levels of pro- Author 1: Crystal Lubbe
inflammatory cytokine release in rodents. On the Author 2: NWU-Potchefstroom Campus
other hand, experimental models that induce Author 3: Brian H Harvey
inflammation have also shown changes in network Author 4: NWU- Potchefstroom Campus
excitability that resulted in seizures. Hence, it is Francois Viljoen
unclear whether inflammation causes seizures or if Author 5: NWU-Potchefstroom Campus
the association between these two events is causal Leith Meyer
in both directions. This is important to understand Center for Veterinary Wildlife Studies-
in the context of neurological conditions that are University of Pretoria
characterized by inflammation and seizures, such De Wet Wolmarans
as Neurocysticercosis (NCC). NCC is caused by NWU-Potchefstroom Campus
an infection of the brain by the tapeworm Taenia
solium and has a high prevalence in developing TITLE:
countries. It is widely assumed that the tapeworm A preclinical rodent model of capture myopathy
could be altering seizure susceptibility in this in wildlife: Initial validation and metabolic
disease. However, this remains to be demonstrated signature.

100 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 29 2021