Satellite Conference “New horizons in mental health” organized within the Anniversary Congress “80 Years of Innovation in Health and Medical Education” of Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 20-23 October 2025, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. Abstract book

Autism spectrum disorder and the gut-brain axis: diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives

2026-02-26T11:22:45Z

Autism spectrum disorder and the gut-brain axis: diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives Boronin, Larisa; Nastas, Igor; Belous, Mihaela; Jelaga, Dorin; Coșulean, Radislav; Bivol, Mădălina; Chihai, Jana Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition influenced by complex interactions between genetic, immune, metabolic, and microbial factors. Growing evidence suggests that the bidirectional gut–brain axis—linking intestinal microbiota, immune activity, and neural pathways— plays a substantial role in behavioral and physiological regulation. A narrative synthesis was performed based on publications indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2015–2025) focusing on clinical and translational studies that explored microbiota composition, immune and neurotransmitter modulation, and therapeutic interventions targeting the gut–brain axis in ASD. Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed human or translational animal studies addressing microbial, inflammatory, and behavioral parameters. Based on the analysis of published studies, consistent patterns indicate that intestinal dysbiosis and epithelial barrier dysfunction contribute to systemic inflammation and altered neuroimmune signaling. Microbial metabolites modulate serotonergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic pathways, influencing sensory processing, social interaction, and behavioral regulation. Integrated evaluation of clinical data shows small-to-moderate behavioral improvements and stable gastrointestinal benefits following microbiota-targeted approaches such as probiotics, psychobiotics, dietary modulation, and anti-inflammatory therapy. Behavioral domains most responsive include irritability, aggression, and emotional regulation, while global ASD severity shows limited change. These findings suggest that therapeutic modulation of the gut–brain axis acts primarily through restoration of microbial balance and neurochemical stability rather than direct modification of core autistic traits.

Perfectionism, eating behaviors, and body image in adolescents

2026-02-24T12:19:47Z

Perfectionism, eating behaviors, and body image in adolescents Butuc, V. Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait characterized by setting excessively high standards, often linked to disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. This study aimed to investigate perfectionism, eating behaviors, and body image in adolescents, comparing those engaged in sports (dance, ballet) with non-sport participants. A total of 181 adolescents (165 females, 16 males) aged 15–25 years were assessed using the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). Participants were recruited from various educational institutions, with surveys administered online. FMPS results showed that most adolescents exhibited moderate to high levels of perfectionism, indicating tendencies to set excessive standards. EAT-26 revealed risky eating behaviors in 24% of non-sport adolescents and 35% of sport participants, mainly focused on dieting and oral control, with minor bulimic tendencies. MBSRQ indicated higher appearance and fitness evaluation and orientation scores among sport participants, reflecting increased concern for physical form. Both groups reported moderate health evaluation scores, with sport participants showing heightened weight-related anxiety. These results highlight a complex interplay between perfectionism, eating behaviors, and body image, intensified by the demands of aesthetic sports and social pressures. Adolescents engaged in aesthetic sports are at increased risk for disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. Preventive and educational interventions should focus on maladaptive perfectionism and fostering a healthy body image.

Schema therapy in borderline personality disorder with a history of emitional abuse : an efficacy analysis

2026-02-24T12:15:54Z

Schema therapy in borderline personality disorder with a history of emitional abuse : an efficacy analysis Novac, L.; Adeola, Cornelia Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is frequently associated with early exposure to emotional abuse, a major etiological factor in the development of early maladaptive cognitive schemas. These manifest through affective instability, dysfunctional relationships, and persistent negative self-evaluation. To analyze the effectiveness of schema-focused therapies in reducing BPD symptomatology in patients with a documented history of childhood emotional abuse. A narrative review of the literature (2018–2024) was conducted using search terms such as “borderline personality disorder,” “schema-focused therapy,” “early maladaptive schemas,” and “emotional abuse” in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases. Twenty relevant articles were analyzed, of which five were included in the final review, comprising randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. Inclusion criteria targeted studies assessing the effectiveness of schema-focused therapy in reducing BPD-related symptoms in individuals with a documented history of childhood emotional abuse, with methodological validity and clinical relevance. Exclusion criteria included opinion articles, nonsystematic reviews, and studies involving non-adult populations. The analyzed studies reported a significant reduction in BPD symptoms, particularly impulsivity and unstable relationships, as measured by standardized instruments (e.g., Borderline Symptom List, BSL-23), with reductions ranging between 30% and 45% (p < 0.05). These findings are consistent with data from a multicenter study published in JAMA Psychiatry, which showed that after three years of treatment, the clinical recovery rate in the Schema Therapy (ST) group was 45.5%, compared to 23.8% in the Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) group. Furthermore, the proportion of patients achieving significant clinical improvement was 65.9% in ST versus 42.9% in TFP, confirming the superior efficacy of ST in improving core BPD symptomatology. Schema-focused therapy has proven effective in addressing BPD symptoms associated with emotional trauma, such as impulsivity and emotional instability. Deep restructuring of maladaptive schemas was accompanied by significant improvements in patients’ emotional and relational functioning.

Vicarious trauma prevention in mental health professionals

2026-02-24T12:09:31Z

Vicarious trauma prevention in mental health professionals Stițiuc, I.; Privalov, D. Vicarious trauma (VT) represents a significant occupational risk for mental health professionals who are regularly exposed to clients’ traumatic experiences. It can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and reduced quality of care. In recent years, the prevention of VT has attracted growing attention, reflecting an increased awareness of the need to safeguard both clinicians’ well-being and treatment effectiveness. This review is based on studies published between 2020 and 2025, including systematic reviews, surveys, and intervention trials, which examined individual and organizational strategies to reduce vicarious trauma. Evidence indicates that mindfulness practices and structured self-care routines are consistently associated with reduced symptoms of vicarious trauma. Participation in group supervision provides not only emotional relief but also professional validation. Furthermore, interventions focused on self-compassion and emotion regulation have shown promise in strengthening resilience. On the organizational side, structured case discussions, supportive workplace culture, and fair distribution of workload play an important protective role. Research suggests that the most effective results are achieved when individual strategies are combined with systemic support. Therefore, institutions should encourage open conversations about difficult cases, provide regular supervision, and ensure access to emotional support services. Looking forward, it is essential to design and evaluate prevention programs that are flexible, practical, and sensitive to different professional settings and cultural contexts.