Annual Trainee Doctors’ Prize Day, Thursday 10th November 2016 : Postgraduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital

Background With increasing age, the processes of functional decline in the immune system that are collectively termed immunosenescence result in an imbalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. The resulting low grade chronic proinflammatory state is associated with the development of age related conditions including Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. The primary aim of the study was to investigate cytokine concentrations change with age in healthy individuals without chronic disease. Methods Plasma samples were examined for cytokines IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12(p70), eotaxin-1, GM-CSF, IP-10 and TNF-α. This information was used to compare cytokine levels with average polyphenol intake and increase in age. Results 63 healthy participants aged 20–84 years were divided into young and old groups. IL4 and IL8 exhibited statistically significant declines in plasma concentrations with age. When comparing cytokine levels between females and males the two anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were higher in women than men and all pro-inflammatory cytokines were decreased. Links between diet, exercise, BMI and plasma cytokine levels were assessed and this identified two associations as significant in young people only: IL-1ra vs. fruit and IP-10 vs. dairy. Discussion the results of this study indicate a signal of healthy ageing which differs between genders, with a less inflammatory cytokine milieu observed in females and more substantial proinflammatory changes in men. Introduction/Aim EUPD is a controversial yet common mental disorder affecting 1-2% of the population. We explored why Psychiatrists are reluctant to diagnose EUPD and disclose it to patients. Method A thematic analysis of transcribed, semi-structured interviews with four Consultant Psychiatrists was performed in 2016. Results Emerging themes showed the immense stigma that both Psychiatrists and patients associate with this disorder. There is still a lack of training, therapeutic options and support available to Psychiatrists in managing patients with this condition, leading to a reluctance to disclose the condition to patients. Important relational processes also occur between the Psychiatrist and patient that appear to limit the clinician’s ability to reflect, formulate a diagnosis and disclose it to the patient. Discussion The study shows the need for improvement in training so that Psychiatrists can employ a psychotherapeutic framework in understanding patients’ behaviours and indeed, their own responses to patients. Personality disorder services and treatments need to be developed locally, to support Psychiatrists in their diagnosis, disclosure and treatment of patients with EUPD.