- Email: [email protected]
P.1.f.003 Psychopathology assessment of fifty patients with morbid obesity who applied for bariatric surgery
S306
P.1.f. Basic and clinical neuroscience − Neurodevelopment
and depressive symptoms of patients when they were planning the treatment and follow up. Because the duration and severity of FMS is related with depressive symptoms and personality features. Further studies will be needed to determine the relationship between the patterns of temperament and the character dimensions and fibromiyalgia syndrome along with the longitudinal course of the patients.
[1] Mufson M., Regestein Q.R. 1993 The spectrum of fibromyalgia disorders. Arthritis Rheum 136, 647–650. [2] Rice, P. L Stress and health. 3.edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, New York. 1999.
psychological problems or an unrealistic belief in dealing with a problem situation on one’s own. Actual research on help-seeking behavior reveals, that the reasons for not seeking professional mental health can be grouped in five categories: Need for Control and Self-Reliance, Minimizing of the Problem and Resignation, Concrete Barriers and Distrust of Caregivers, Privacy, and Emotional Control. Methods: Participants were selected randomly and divided into two groups: those who decided to seek professional help right after first symptoms of illness appeared (control group) and those who, by choice, hesitated with consulting a specialist for more then one month from the beginning of a disorder (research group). All the participants were eventually evaluated with Minnesota Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Evaluations that fulfilled the criteria of validity on MMPI-2 Validity Scales (Gauss Factor between 12 and −12), served for further research. The research group consisted of 25 and the control group of 26 patients. Our goal in this point was to test the hypothesis that MMPI-2 scores of both groups differ from each other. We used the Mann-Whitney U test as a statistic method. The testing included scores on Clinical Scales and Clinical Subscales of the inventory (48 scales in total). Results: Clinical Scales are the ten main scales of MMPI-2. The Clinical Subscales are the components of the main scales that show specific areas, which each Clinical Scale consists of. All together they compose a personality profile. The statistically significant differences appeared in scales such as Hs − Hypochondriasis, Hy − Hysteria, Pd − Psychopathic Deviation, Pa − Paranoia, Pt − Psychasthenia and Sc − Schizophrenia. Among the Clinical Subscales scores show significant differences between groups on scales: D5 − Brooding (Depression), Hy3 − Lassitude-Malaise and Hy4 − Somatic Complaints (Hypochondriasis), Pd4 − Social Alienation and Pd5 − Self-Alienation (Psychopathic Deviate), Pa2 − Poignancy (Paranoia), Sc2 − Emotional Alienation, Sc3 − Lack of Ego Mastery, Cognitive, Sc4 − Lack of Ego Mastery, Conative, Sc5 − Lack of Ego Mastery, Defective Inhibition and Sc6 − Bizarre Sensory Experiences (Schizophrenia). High scores in these scales in MMPI-2 may be treated as barriers responsible for delay in the process of help-seeking of people with mental help problems. High scores in these scales in MMPI-2 may not be treated as barriers responsible for delay in a process of help-seeking of people with mental help problems. Conclusion: This research revealed which attributes of personality in MMPI-2 personality profile are connected with hesitation with help-seeking of people with mental health problems. This knowledge may be useful for prevention purposes for all the institutions and individuals that use the MMPI-2.
P.1.f.002 Personality and help-seeking attitudes of people with mental health problems
References [1] Mansfield, A., Addis, M., Courtenay, W., 2005, Measurement of men’s help seeking: Development and evaluation of the barriers to help seeking scale, Psychology of Man & Masculinity 6, 95–108.
K. Krysta1 ° , J. Brzezicki1 , S. Lech1 , M. Janas-Kozik1 , A. Klasik2 . 1 Medical University of Silesia, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Katowice, Poland; 2 University of Opole, Neuropsychology, Opole, Poland
P.1.f.003 Psychopathology assessment of fifty patients with morbid obesity who applied for bariatric surgery
Table: Comparison of temperament and character dimensions between patients with fibromyalgia and normal control subjects Temperament character sub-groups
Patients with fibromyalgia (n = 51) mean±SD
Normal control (n = 51) mean±SD
ANCOVA p
Novelty Seeking Exploration-excitability Impulsiveness Extravagance Disorderlines Harm Avoidance Worry and Pessimism Fear of uncertainty Shyness with strangers Fatiguability and asthenia Reward Dependence Sentimentality Attachment Dependence Persistence Self-directedness Responsibility Purposefulness Resourcefulness Self-acceptance Congruent second nature Cooperativeness Social acceptance Empathy Helpfulness Compassion Pure-hearted principles Self-transcendence Self-forgetfulness Transpersonal identification Spiritual acceptance
15.5±4.0 (16.4) 4.9±2.2 (5.3) 3.8±1.4 (3.7) 3.7±1.8 (4.3) 3.2±1.4 (3.0) 21.8±6.6 (19.3) 6.8±2.3 (5.7) 5.2±1.6 (4.8) 4.0±2.3 (3.6) 5.7±2.0 (5.1) 13.4±3.4 (13.3) 7.3±1.8 (7.1) 4.0±1.8 (4.1) 2.2±1.5 (2.2) 4.3±1.6 (4.3) 25.1±7.1 (28.1) 4.0±1.9 (4.7) 4.8±1.9 (5.5) 2.9±1.3 (3.4) 5.8±2.5 (6.3) 7.5±2.3 (8.3) 27.9±5.4 (30.1) 5.5±1.8 (6.3) 3.7±1.7 (3.9) 4.7±1.2 (4.9) 7.3±2.4 (8.3) 6.6±1.3 (6.7) 18.4±4.9 (18.4) 5.9±2.3 (5.7) 5.1±2.2 (5.3) 7.5±2.3 (7.4)
16.5±4.7 5.7±2.1 3.4±1.7 4.6±2.1 2.8±1.6 17.4±4.8 5.3±1.8 4.6±1.5 3.6±2.0 3.9±1.9 14.7±3.8 6.9±1.8 4.9±1.9 2.9±1.4 4.9±1.5 30.1±5.7 5.3±1.8 6.6±1.4 3.9±1.0 5.9±2.5 9.7±1.5 29.7±6.4 6.2±1.7 4.1±1.7 5.0±1.5 7.1±2.6 7.3±1.4 17.4±5.2 5.4±2.2 4.5±1.7 7.5±2.8
0.97 0.03 0.41 0.00 0.46 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.09 0.00 0.21 0.27 0.03 0.05 0.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15 0.33 0.00 0.05 0.62 0.48 0.16 0.94
(2.38) (3.7) (0.91) (7.69) (0.78) (20.03) (26.19) (4.80) (2.46) (18.25) (1.58) (1.30) (3.63) (3.14) (2.14) (27.30) (13.02) (17.26) (21.01) (1.88) (31.26) (9.07) (15.62) (1.97) (1.11) (8.36) (3.04) (0.49) (0.75) (1.88) (0.06)
ANCOVA with HAM-D scores as covariates.
References
Introduction: Voluntary help-seeking for psychological problems is a process that proceeds in three stages: recognition that there is a problem, belief that outside help is needed and eventual contact with helper or helping agency. Barriers to help-seeking are understood as factors which prevent this process to happen and can appear on each of these stages. A reason for not seeking professional help may be self-denial of having emotional and
E. Perez Martinez1 ° , C.J. van der Hofstadt1 , S. Tirado Gonzalez2 , M. Mateu Vicente1 . 1 Hospital General Universitario Alicante, Dept of psychiatry, Alicante, Spain; 2 Miguel Hernandez University, Dept of Health Psychology, Elche, Spain Purpose of the study: Obesity is a chronic disorder that calls for a multidisciplinary approach. Bariatric surgery is one option,
P.1.f. Basic and clinical neuroscience − Neurodevelopment usually at the end of different alternatives, which present a higher interindividual response. This variability could be associated to the presence of psychological comorbility. Our aim is to incorporate a psychopathology evaluation in a group of patients suffering from morbid obesity who apply for bariatric surgery and who take part in a specific program for surgery preparation (Multidisciplinary program of pre-surgery intervention group). Methods used: A total of consecutive 50 subjects were assessed using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI III). The sample was an average age of 46±9.6 years old. 62% are women, 68% are married, 78% achieved primary or secondary education and 40% are active employees. Regarding biometric characteristics, the average weight is 131.7±22.2 kg (Rank = 96– 202) the average height is 165±0.09m (Rank = 1.45–1.80). So calculated body mass index is 48.4±6.4 (Rank = 36.7–67.5). We want to show the presence of a feature or syndrome of the possible disorders referred to Axis I with DSM-IV-TR. On the other hand, we are also going to show the presence of a feature or personality disorder in accordance with Axis II classification from DSM-IV-TR. Summary of results: In relation to Axis I, we find the existence in twenty subjects (40%) of one syndrome (scores between 75 and 84); prominence of syndrome in eleven subjects (22%) (scores higher than 85) and eight people show cormobility. The greater prevalence occurs in anxiety disorder (17 patients) and bipolar disorder (6 patients). The presence or prominence of the syndrome is not found in 25 people. In respect to Axis II in thirty-three cases (67%) we identify the presence of some personality feature (scores between 75−84); in ten cases (10%) there are personality disorder (scores higher than 85) and two of them show cormobility. The greater prevalence focuses on histrionic personality disorder (there are three cases as a feature and twelve cases as a disorder), and also compulsive personality disorder (ten cases as a feature and four as a disorder). Only nine patients (18%) don’t have feature or disorder. We found significant differences in the outcomes depending on the sex associating schizoid personality (t = 2.268; p = 0.028) to males, and histrionic personality (t = −3.876; p = 0.000) to females. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with previous studies showing higher prevalences of psychiatric pathology in similar samples. Anxiety Dissorders (36%) and Affective Dissorders (26%) are the most common clinical syndromes. Concerning Personality Dissorders, we find Cluster C in 48% (Compulsive, Dependent and Avoidant), followed by Cluster B in 38% (Histrionic and Narcissistic). The mental health clinician, as part of a multidisciplinary team, can formulate specific psychosocial and behavioral recommendations and provide critical feedback that may greatly enhance the chances for postsurgical success. P.1.f.004 Communal nest reduces vulnerability to depression-like behaviour and enhances brain dopamine function in adult male mice D’Andrea1 ° ,
Santarelli1 ,
Alleva1 ,
Branchi1 .
S. E. I. I. 1 Istituto Superiore di Sanit` a, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rome, Italy During the early postnatal phase the central nervous system is provided by a considerable plasticity which allows epigenetic factors to profoundly and permanently alter developmental trajectories. Adverse experiences early in life, such as maternal neglect or
S307
childhood abuse, are associated with increased vulnerability to psychopathology at adulthood. Monoamine, particularly dopamine (DA) and its major metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA), are key molecules involved in adult social and emotional behavior, and alterations in DA levels have been widely associated to several psychiatric disorders, including major depression. The critical role of the early social experiences in shaping adult brain and behavior, has been extensively investigated in animal models of maternal deprivation. However, these models overlooked a second key factor profoundly affecting infant development: peer interactions. In order to investigate the contribution of both factors, recently, we exploited a novel paradigm: the Communal Nest (CN). CN consists in a single nest where three mouse mothers keep their pups together and share care-giving behavior from birth to weaning. In CN not only maternal behavior, but also peer interactions are markedly increased. Thus, it represents an highly stimulating social environment for pup development [1]. At adulthood, CN male mice show endophenotypes associated with reduced vulnerability to depression. In particular, when compared to mice reared in standard laboratory conditions (SN), they display more elaborate social skills [2] accompanied by higher brain BDNF levels [3]. With the purpose to elucidate the role played by early social experiences in shaping adult behaviour and brain function, here we analyzed the levels of maternal care and peer interactions during the first two weeks of life as well as emotional behavior and brain monoamine levels at adulthood. CN pups, compared to SN ones, received higher maternal care levels, such as arched-back nursing and ano-genital licking (ABN/AL; F1,15 = 108.362, p < 0.0001), and showed higher levels of displacing behavior and tenacious attachment − indexes of sibling competition (respectively, Fs1,15 = 13.106 and 8.036, ps = 0.0025 and 0.0125). At adulthood, CN mice had higher HVA levels in the hypothalamus (F1,11 = 5.477, p = 0.0391). These positively correlated with ABN/AL (R = 0.695 p = 0.0275) and tenacious attachment (R = 0.620 p = 0.0419), suggesting that such early experiences act as key elements for the development of dopamine system function. Furthermore, in line with the neurochemical data, CN mice showed an increased resilience to stress compared to SN mice. In particular, during exposure to social stress, they showed reduced anhedonia (F1,16 = 5.154 p = 0.0357), lower corticosterone levels (F1,30 = 6.423 p = 0.0048) and decreased anxietylike behavior (F1,17 = 7.640 p = 0.0133). Overall, these findings show that not only mother-offspring interaction but also peer interactions play a crucial role in shaping adult emotional behavior and brain function. In addition, being reared in a CN profoundly affects DA metabolism and, accordingly, reduces vulnerability to depression-like behavior at adulthood. Finally, our results suggest that modifications of the monoamine system could represent one of the factor mediating the effects of the early social experiences on adult behavior. References [1] Branchi, I., D’Andrea, I., Fiore, M., Di Fausto, V., Aloe, L., Alleva, E., 2006 Early social enrichment shapes social behavior and nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the adult mouse brain. Biol Psychiatry 60, 690–696. [2] D’Andrea, I., Alleva, E., Branchi, I., 2007 Communal nesting, an early social enrichment, affects social competences butnot learning and memory abilities at adulthood. Behav Brain Res 183, 60−66. [3] Branchi, I., D’Andrea, I., Sietzema, J., Fiore, M., Di Fausto, V., Aloe, L., Alleva, E., 2006 Early social enrichment augments adult hippocampal BDNF levels andsurvival of BrdU-positive cells while increasing anxiety- and “depression”-like behavior. J Neurosci Res 83, 965–973.
P.1.f. Basic and clinical neuroscience − Neurodevelopment
and depressive symptoms of patients when they were planning the treatment and follow up. Because the duration and severity of FMS is related with depressive symptoms and personality features. Further studies will be needed to determine the relationship between the patterns of temperament and the character dimensions and fibromiyalgia syndrome along with the longitudinal course of the patients.
[1] Mufson M., Regestein Q.R. 1993 The spectrum of fibromyalgia disorders. Arthritis Rheum 136, 647–650. [2] Rice, P. L Stress and health. 3.edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, New York. 1999.
psychological problems or an unrealistic belief in dealing with a problem situation on one’s own. Actual research on help-seeking behavior reveals, that the reasons for not seeking professional mental health can be grouped in five categories: Need for Control and Self-Reliance, Minimizing of the Problem and Resignation, Concrete Barriers and Distrust of Caregivers, Privacy, and Emotional Control. Methods: Participants were selected randomly and divided into two groups: those who decided to seek professional help right after first symptoms of illness appeared (control group) and those who, by choice, hesitated with consulting a specialist for more then one month from the beginning of a disorder (research group). All the participants were eventually evaluated with Minnesota Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Evaluations that fulfilled the criteria of validity on MMPI-2 Validity Scales (Gauss Factor between 12 and −12), served for further research. The research group consisted of 25 and the control group of 26 patients. Our goal in this point was to test the hypothesis that MMPI-2 scores of both groups differ from each other. We used the Mann-Whitney U test as a statistic method. The testing included scores on Clinical Scales and Clinical Subscales of the inventory (48 scales in total). Results: Clinical Scales are the ten main scales of MMPI-2. The Clinical Subscales are the components of the main scales that show specific areas, which each Clinical Scale consists of. All together they compose a personality profile. The statistically significant differences appeared in scales such as Hs − Hypochondriasis, Hy − Hysteria, Pd − Psychopathic Deviation, Pa − Paranoia, Pt − Psychasthenia and Sc − Schizophrenia. Among the Clinical Subscales scores show significant differences between groups on scales: D5 − Brooding (Depression), Hy3 − Lassitude-Malaise and Hy4 − Somatic Complaints (Hypochondriasis), Pd4 − Social Alienation and Pd5 − Self-Alienation (Psychopathic Deviate), Pa2 − Poignancy (Paranoia), Sc2 − Emotional Alienation, Sc3 − Lack of Ego Mastery, Cognitive, Sc4 − Lack of Ego Mastery, Conative, Sc5 − Lack of Ego Mastery, Defective Inhibition and Sc6 − Bizarre Sensory Experiences (Schizophrenia). High scores in these scales in MMPI-2 may be treated as barriers responsible for delay in the process of help-seeking of people with mental help problems. High scores in these scales in MMPI-2 may not be treated as barriers responsible for delay in a process of help-seeking of people with mental help problems. Conclusion: This research revealed which attributes of personality in MMPI-2 personality profile are connected with hesitation with help-seeking of people with mental health problems. This knowledge may be useful for prevention purposes for all the institutions and individuals that use the MMPI-2.
P.1.f.002 Personality and help-seeking attitudes of people with mental health problems
References [1] Mansfield, A., Addis, M., Courtenay, W., 2005, Measurement of men’s help seeking: Development and evaluation of the barriers to help seeking scale, Psychology of Man & Masculinity 6, 95–108.
K. Krysta1 ° , J. Brzezicki1 , S. Lech1 , M. Janas-Kozik1 , A. Klasik2 . 1 Medical University of Silesia, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Katowice, Poland; 2 University of Opole, Neuropsychology, Opole, Poland
P.1.f.003 Psychopathology assessment of fifty patients with morbid obesity who applied for bariatric surgery
Table: Comparison of temperament and character dimensions between patients with fibromyalgia and normal control subjects Temperament character sub-groups
Patients with fibromyalgia (n = 51) mean±SD
Normal control (n = 51) mean±SD
ANCOVA p
Novelty Seeking Exploration-excitability Impulsiveness Extravagance Disorderlines Harm Avoidance Worry and Pessimism Fear of uncertainty Shyness with strangers Fatiguability and asthenia Reward Dependence Sentimentality Attachment Dependence Persistence Self-directedness Responsibility Purposefulness Resourcefulness Self-acceptance Congruent second nature Cooperativeness Social acceptance Empathy Helpfulness Compassion Pure-hearted principles Self-transcendence Self-forgetfulness Transpersonal identification Spiritual acceptance
15.5±4.0 (16.4) 4.9±2.2 (5.3) 3.8±1.4 (3.7) 3.7±1.8 (4.3) 3.2±1.4 (3.0) 21.8±6.6 (19.3) 6.8±2.3 (5.7) 5.2±1.6 (4.8) 4.0±2.3 (3.6) 5.7±2.0 (5.1) 13.4±3.4 (13.3) 7.3±1.8 (7.1) 4.0±1.8 (4.1) 2.2±1.5 (2.2) 4.3±1.6 (4.3) 25.1±7.1 (28.1) 4.0±1.9 (4.7) 4.8±1.9 (5.5) 2.9±1.3 (3.4) 5.8±2.5 (6.3) 7.5±2.3 (8.3) 27.9±5.4 (30.1) 5.5±1.8 (6.3) 3.7±1.7 (3.9) 4.7±1.2 (4.9) 7.3±2.4 (8.3) 6.6±1.3 (6.7) 18.4±4.9 (18.4) 5.9±2.3 (5.7) 5.1±2.2 (5.3) 7.5±2.3 (7.4)
16.5±4.7 5.7±2.1 3.4±1.7 4.6±2.1 2.8±1.6 17.4±4.8 5.3±1.8 4.6±1.5 3.6±2.0 3.9±1.9 14.7±3.8 6.9±1.8 4.9±1.9 2.9±1.4 4.9±1.5 30.1±5.7 5.3±1.8 6.6±1.4 3.9±1.0 5.9±2.5 9.7±1.5 29.7±6.4 6.2±1.7 4.1±1.7 5.0±1.5 7.1±2.6 7.3±1.4 17.4±5.2 5.4±2.2 4.5±1.7 7.5±2.8
0.97 0.03 0.41 0.00 0.46 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.09 0.00 0.21 0.27 0.03 0.05 0.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15 0.33 0.00 0.05 0.62 0.48 0.16 0.94
(2.38) (3.7) (0.91) (7.69) (0.78) (20.03) (26.19) (4.80) (2.46) (18.25) (1.58) (1.30) (3.63) (3.14) (2.14) (27.30) (13.02) (17.26) (21.01) (1.88) (31.26) (9.07) (15.62) (1.97) (1.11) (8.36) (3.04) (0.49) (0.75) (1.88) (0.06)
ANCOVA with HAM-D scores as covariates.
References
Introduction: Voluntary help-seeking for psychological problems is a process that proceeds in three stages: recognition that there is a problem, belief that outside help is needed and eventual contact with helper or helping agency. Barriers to help-seeking are understood as factors which prevent this process to happen and can appear on each of these stages. A reason for not seeking professional help may be self-denial of having emotional and
E. Perez Martinez1 ° , C.J. van der Hofstadt1 , S. Tirado Gonzalez2 , M. Mateu Vicente1 . 1 Hospital General Universitario Alicante, Dept of psychiatry, Alicante, Spain; 2 Miguel Hernandez University, Dept of Health Psychology, Elche, Spain Purpose of the study: Obesity is a chronic disorder that calls for a multidisciplinary approach. Bariatric surgery is one option,
P.1.f. Basic and clinical neuroscience − Neurodevelopment usually at the end of different alternatives, which present a higher interindividual response. This variability could be associated to the presence of psychological comorbility. Our aim is to incorporate a psychopathology evaluation in a group of patients suffering from morbid obesity who apply for bariatric surgery and who take part in a specific program for surgery preparation (Multidisciplinary program of pre-surgery intervention group). Methods used: A total of consecutive 50 subjects were assessed using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI III). The sample was an average age of 46±9.6 years old. 62% are women, 68% are married, 78% achieved primary or secondary education and 40% are active employees. Regarding biometric characteristics, the average weight is 131.7±22.2 kg (Rank = 96– 202) the average height is 165±0.09m (Rank = 1.45–1.80). So calculated body mass index is 48.4±6.4 (Rank = 36.7–67.5). We want to show the presence of a feature or syndrome of the possible disorders referred to Axis I with DSM-IV-TR. On the other hand, we are also going to show the presence of a feature or personality disorder in accordance with Axis II classification from DSM-IV-TR. Summary of results: In relation to Axis I, we find the existence in twenty subjects (40%) of one syndrome (scores between 75 and 84); prominence of syndrome in eleven subjects (22%) (scores higher than 85) and eight people show cormobility. The greater prevalence occurs in anxiety disorder (17 patients) and bipolar disorder (6 patients). The presence or prominence of the syndrome is not found in 25 people. In respect to Axis II in thirty-three cases (67%) we identify the presence of some personality feature (scores between 75−84); in ten cases (10%) there are personality disorder (scores higher than 85) and two of them show cormobility. The greater prevalence focuses on histrionic personality disorder (there are three cases as a feature and twelve cases as a disorder), and also compulsive personality disorder (ten cases as a feature and four as a disorder). Only nine patients (18%) don’t have feature or disorder. We found significant differences in the outcomes depending on the sex associating schizoid personality (t = 2.268; p = 0.028) to males, and histrionic personality (t = −3.876; p = 0.000) to females. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with previous studies showing higher prevalences of psychiatric pathology in similar samples. Anxiety Dissorders (36%) and Affective Dissorders (26%) are the most common clinical syndromes. Concerning Personality Dissorders, we find Cluster C in 48% (Compulsive, Dependent and Avoidant), followed by Cluster B in 38% (Histrionic and Narcissistic). The mental health clinician, as part of a multidisciplinary team, can formulate specific psychosocial and behavioral recommendations and provide critical feedback that may greatly enhance the chances for postsurgical success. P.1.f.004 Communal nest reduces vulnerability to depression-like behaviour and enhances brain dopamine function in adult male mice D’Andrea1 ° ,
Santarelli1 ,
Alleva1 ,
Branchi1 .
S. E. I. I. 1 Istituto Superiore di Sanit` a, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rome, Italy During the early postnatal phase the central nervous system is provided by a considerable plasticity which allows epigenetic factors to profoundly and permanently alter developmental trajectories. Adverse experiences early in life, such as maternal neglect or
S307
childhood abuse, are associated with increased vulnerability to psychopathology at adulthood. Monoamine, particularly dopamine (DA) and its major metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA), are key molecules involved in adult social and emotional behavior, and alterations in DA levels have been widely associated to several psychiatric disorders, including major depression. The critical role of the early social experiences in shaping adult brain and behavior, has been extensively investigated in animal models of maternal deprivation. However, these models overlooked a second key factor profoundly affecting infant development: peer interactions. In order to investigate the contribution of both factors, recently, we exploited a novel paradigm: the Communal Nest (CN). CN consists in a single nest where three mouse mothers keep their pups together and share care-giving behavior from birth to weaning. In CN not only maternal behavior, but also peer interactions are markedly increased. Thus, it represents an highly stimulating social environment for pup development [1]. At adulthood, CN male mice show endophenotypes associated with reduced vulnerability to depression. In particular, when compared to mice reared in standard laboratory conditions (SN), they display more elaborate social skills [2] accompanied by higher brain BDNF levels [3]. With the purpose to elucidate the role played by early social experiences in shaping adult behaviour and brain function, here we analyzed the levels of maternal care and peer interactions during the first two weeks of life as well as emotional behavior and brain monoamine levels at adulthood. CN pups, compared to SN ones, received higher maternal care levels, such as arched-back nursing and ano-genital licking (ABN/AL; F1,15 = 108.362, p < 0.0001), and showed higher levels of displacing behavior and tenacious attachment − indexes of sibling competition (respectively, Fs1,15 = 13.106 and 8.036, ps = 0.0025 and 0.0125). At adulthood, CN mice had higher HVA levels in the hypothalamus (F1,11 = 5.477, p = 0.0391). These positively correlated with ABN/AL (R = 0.695 p = 0.0275) and tenacious attachment (R = 0.620 p = 0.0419), suggesting that such early experiences act as key elements for the development of dopamine system function. Furthermore, in line with the neurochemical data, CN mice showed an increased resilience to stress compared to SN mice. In particular, during exposure to social stress, they showed reduced anhedonia (F1,16 = 5.154 p = 0.0357), lower corticosterone levels (F1,30 = 6.423 p = 0.0048) and decreased anxietylike behavior (F1,17 = 7.640 p = 0.0133). Overall, these findings show that not only mother-offspring interaction but also peer interactions play a crucial role in shaping adult emotional behavior and brain function. In addition, being reared in a CN profoundly affects DA metabolism and, accordingly, reduces vulnerability to depression-like behavior at adulthood. Finally, our results suggest that modifications of the monoamine system could represent one of the factor mediating the effects of the early social experiences on adult behavior. References [1] Branchi, I., D’Andrea, I., Fiore, M., Di Fausto, V., Aloe, L., Alleva, E., 2006 Early social enrichment shapes social behavior and nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the adult mouse brain. Biol Psychiatry 60, 690–696. [2] D’Andrea, I., Alleva, E., Branchi, I., 2007 Communal nesting, an early social enrichment, affects social competences butnot learning and memory abilities at adulthood. Behav Brain Res 183, 60−66. [3] Branchi, I., D’Andrea, I., Sietzema, J., Fiore, M., Di Fausto, V., Aloe, L., Alleva, E., 2006 Early social enrichment augments adult hippocampal BDNF levels andsurvival of BrdU-positive cells while increasing anxiety- and “depression”-like behavior. J Neurosci Res 83, 965–973.