Life satisfaction mediates the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms: a study in a sample of Brazilian adolescents

Objective: To evaluate the interrelationships between childhood maltreatment, life satisfaction (LS), and depressive symptoms, and to investigate LS as a mediating factor in the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. Methods: The sample consisted of 342 adolescents, aged 11 to 17 years (mean = 13.3, SD = 1.52 years), recruited from a public school in Salvador, Brazil. Participants filled out instruments for the collection of sociodemographic data and evaluation of childhood maltreatment, LS, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the mediating effect of LS. Results: We detected significant negative correlations between childhood maltreatment and LS and between LS and depressive symptoms. We observed a significant positive correlation between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. LS partially mediated the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms, mitigating the impact of maltreatment. Conclusion: LS played an important mediating role in the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies are recommended to fully elucidate these associations, reinforcing the need for attention and care of this vulnerable population.

Construction of a biological rhythm assessment scale for children / Construção de uma escala de avaliação do ritmo biológico para crianças

Abstract Introduction Biological rhythm is associated with the level of alertness, cognitive performance and mood of the individuals. Its regularity is essential to preserve good health and quality of life. Objective To present the steps for the construction of the scale entitled Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry - Kids (BRIAN-K), designed to measure biological rhythm disruptions in Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods Items were developed following the adult version of the scale. Analysis of the psychometric characteristics of the scale was based on the responses of 373 parents/caregivers of school age children (7 and 8 years old). Results A theoretical model of 17 items with the purpose of evaluating four domains (sleep, activities, social rhythm and eating pattern) was determined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and via identification of a general factor. The psychometric properties of the BRIAN-K showed favorable properties. Conclusion Only two items needed to be rewritten. Further studies are needed to investigate the instrument's adequacy to different age groups and additional evidence of validity and reliability.

Resumo Introdução O ritmo biológico está associado ao nível de alerta, desempenho cognitivo e humor dos indivíduos. Sua regularidade é essencial para preservar uma boa saúde e qualidade de vida. Objetivo Apresentar as etapas de construção da escala intitulada Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry - Kids (BRIAN-K), criada para medir disrupturas do ritmo biológico em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos Os itens foram desenvolvidos seguindo a versão adulta da escala. A análise das características psicométricas da escala se baseou nas respostas de 373 pais/cuidadores de crianças em idade escolar (7 e 8 anos). Resultados Um modelo teórico de 17 itens, com o objetivo de avaliar quatro domínios do ritmo biológico (sono, atividades, ritmo social e padrão alimentar) foi determinado usando análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) e pela identificação de um fator geral. As propriedades psicométricas da BRIAN-K mostraram-se satisfatórias. Conclusão Apenas dois itens precisaram ser reescritos. São necessários mais estudos para investigar a adequação do instrumento a diferentes faixas etárias e evidências adicionais de validade e confiabilidade.

Does comorbid bipolar disorder increase neuropsychological impairment in children and adolescents with ADHD?

Objective: To assess differences in executive functioning between children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid or not with bipolar disorder (BD), and to study the neuropsychological profile of subjects with the comorbidity in a clinical sample from a developing country. Method: Case-control study comparing 23 participants with BD + ADHD and 85 ADHD-only subjects aged 6 to 17 years old. Both groups were drug-free. Executive function domains were assessed with the Stroop Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Continuous Performance Test II. Results: The group with juvenile BD + ADHD showed a significantly worse performance on the Stroop task, including time in color (p = 0.002), time in color-word (p < 0.001), interference, number or errors in color and color-word (p = 0.001), and number of errors in word cards (p = 0.028). No between-group differences were found in other tests. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ADHD-only and ADHD + BD do not show differences in inhibitory control and set-shifting domains. However, children and adolescents with BD and comorbid ADHD show greater impairment in processing speed and interference control. This suggests a potentially higher impairment in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and may be a potential neuropsychological signature of juvenile BD comorbid with ADHD. .

Pharmacotherapy of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents: an update

Objective: To review the options for acute and maintenance pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, including the treatment of bipolar depression and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Narrative review of randomized clinical trials and open-label studies published from 2000 to 2012. The PubMed and PsycINFO websites were queried. Case series were included when a higher level of evidence was not available. Results: Published data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in acute mania/hypomania with significant responses are available for lithium, topiramate, risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole. Open trials of lithium and lamotrigine show that these drugs may be effective in the treatment of depressive episodes. No trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been conducted. In the treatment of comorbid ADHD, there are encouraging findings with mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine; conflicting results are observed with methylphenidate. Conclusions: Published RCTs of traditional mood stabilizers are scarce, but the best available evidence (results from meta-analytic regression) suggests that second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) as a group are more effective in reducing manic symptoms. Risperidone was the only one included in head-to-head comparisons (vs. lithium and divalproex), showing superiority in terms of efficacy, but with more metabolic side effects, which were also more common in most of the SGAs. There are few studies addressing the treatment of ADHD and depression. Brazilian guidelines for the treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder should also include some SGAs (especially risperidone and aripiprazole) as first-line treatment, and these drugs should be provided by the public health services. .

Tradução e adaptação semântica para versão em português do Stressful Life Events Schedule (SLES) / Translation and semantic adaptation for the version in Portuguese of the Stressful Life Events Schedule / Traducción y adaptación semántica de la versión en portugués del Stressful Life Events Schedule (SLES)

O Stressful Life Events Schedule (SLES) é um instrumento que visa investigar a presença e o impacto de eventos de vida estressantes (EVE) ocorridos nos últimos 12 meses. O objetivo deste trabalho é traduzir e adaptar por equivalência semântica os itens da escala para a língua portuguesa. Seis etapas foram realizadas: (1) Tradução; (2) Retrotradução; (3) Revisão técnica e adaptação semântica; (4) Avaliação e validação do conteúdo e do significado geral considerando o contexto da população; (5) Realização de uma medida de confiabilidade em relação ao construto dependência/independência dos EVE; e (6) Produção da versão final do instrumento. O tempo verbal se manteve na maioria dos itens da escala. Algumas alterações foram necessárias como um acréscimo da variação de alguns termos. A versão adaptada demonstrou ser de fácil aplicação, não tendo sido avaliada como extensa e contemplando um número considerável de EVE.

The Stressful Life Events Schedule (SLES) is an instrument to investigate the presence and impact of stressful life events (SLE) occurred during the latest 12 months. The aim of this study is to translate and adapt, through semantic equivalence, the items from the instrument to the Portuguese language. The process had six steps: (1) Translation; (2) Backtranslation; (3) Technical review and semantic adaptation; (4) Assessment and content validation and overall meaning, considering the context of the population; (5) A measure of reliability was conducted in relation to the dependence/ independence construct; and (6) Production of the final version of the instrument. The verbal conjugation was maintained in most of the scale's items. Some changes were required, such as an addition of the variation of some terms. The adapted version proved to be of easy application, not too extensive and contemplating a considerable number of SLE.

El Stressful Life Events Schedule (SLES) es una escala que objetiva investigar la presencia y el impacto de los acontecimientos vitales estresantes (EVE) en los últimos 12 meses. El objetivo del presente estudio es traducir y adaptar por equivalencia semántica los ítems de la escala para la lengua portuguesa. Las seis etapas realizadas fueron: (1) traducción y (2) retraducción, (3) revisión técnica y adaptación semántica, (4) evaluación y validación del contenido y del significado general teniendo en cuenta el contexto de la población, (5) realización de una medida de fiabilidad para el constructo dependencia / independencia de los EVE, y (6) producción de la versión final del instrumento. El tiempo verbal se mantuvo en la mayoría de los ítems de la escala. Algunas modificaciones fueran necesarias, tales como el aumento de la variación de algunos términos. La versión adaptada se mostró de fácil aplicación, no evaluada como extensa y contemplando un número considerable de EVE.

Desempenho neuropsicológico de adolescentes com transtorno de humor bipolar / Neuropsychological performance in adolescents with bipolar disorder

Recentes achados no campo da neuropsicologia apontam para possíveis prejuízos neurocognitivos associados ao Transtorno Bipolar (TB) em crianças e adolescentes. O presente estudo buscou avaliar o funcionamento cognitivo de adolescentes com TB. Participaram dele 23 adolescentes diagnosticados com TB e 20 adolescentes controles. Utilizou-se uma bateria neuropsicológica e clínica para avaliar as múltiplas funções. Os grupos apresentaram desempenho similar nas tarefas neurocognitivas, entretanto, evidenciou-se prejuízos relacionados à memória de trabalho visuo-espacial, planejamento e tomada de decisão. A identificação precoce de prejuízos neurocognitivos pode ser um fator determinante para minimizar o impacto de tais prejuízos no funcionamento global de crianças e adolescentes. Além disso, possibilita maior eficácia das estratégias de intervenção e prevenção de recaídas nestes indivíduos.

Recent researches in neuropsychology indicate neurocognitive impairments in children and adolescent with Bipolar Disorder (BD). This study aims to assess the cognitive functioning of adolescents diagnosed with BD. In this, 23 adolescents with BD and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. A clinical and neuropsychological battery was used to assess multiple functions and conditions of the participants. Both groups showed similar performance in the neurocognitive tasks, however, there were evidences of impairments related to visual working memory, planning and decision making. The early identification of neurocognitive impairments could be the key for minimize the impact of these deficits in the global functioning of children and adolescents. Besides, early identification increases efficacy of strategies of prevention of relapse in those individuals.

The Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF gene does not influence Wisconsin Card Sorting Test results in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of the Val66Met polymorphism at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene on the performance of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder [juvenile bipolar disorder (JBD)] on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). METHODS: Children and adolescents were assessed by the K-SADS-PL and a clinical evaluation for BD and comorbid conditions. Manic and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Children Depression Rating Scale - Reviewed. The Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF was genotyped from a blood sample. Patients' IQ and executive functions were assessed by a standard cognitive flexibility test (WCST). RESULTS: Fifty-three subjects were included in the study. No significant difference was observed between the Val/Val and Val/Met+Met/Met groups on any WCST scores in the MANCOVA (F48,5 = .76; p = .59; Perseverative Errors, p = .66; Nonperseverative Errors, p = .58; Categories Completed, p = .34; Attempts to Reach First Category, p=.64; and Percentage of Conceptual Level Responses, p = .99). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from this sample of children and adolescents with BD do not replicate results from studies of adults and suggest the existence of differences in the neurobiology of this disorder across the life cycle. Investigations of larger samples are necessary to confirm these data.

Mood disorders in childhood and adolescence

The identification and treatment of mood disorders in children and adolescents has grown over the last decades. Major depression is one of the most common and debilitating disorders worldwide, imposing a massive burden to the youth population. Bipolar disorder is being increasingly recognized as having its roots early in life, and its presentation during childhood and adolescence has been submitted to extensive research. This review aims to highlight clinical aspects of the current knowledge on mood disorders in the pediatric population, presenting updated information on epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, and management strategies. Limitations of available evidence and future directions of research in the field are also discussed.

Adaptação da escala brian para uso emcrianças e adolescentes: um estudopreliminar / Brian scale adaptation for use in childrenand adolescents: a preliminary study

Introdução: Alterações nos ritmos circadianos tem sido frequentemente observadas entre pacientes com Transtorno do Humor Bipolar (THB). No entanto, existem poucos instrumentos para medi-las e a maioria deles mede exclusivamente distúrbios do sono. A escala BRIAN, validada para adultos com THB, avalia a regularidade dos ritmos biológicos em quatro diferentes aspectos: sono, atividades, social e padrão de alimentação. O objetivo deste estudo-piloto foi adaptar a escala BRIAN para uma população de crianças e adolescentes (BRIAN-K) e avaliar se o novo instrumento é capaz de detectar diferenças entre pacientes e controles saudáveis. Métodos: Foram avaliados 20 pacientes com THB entre 8-16 anos e 32 controles pareados por sexo e idade. Os sujeitos foram avaliados por meio de entrevista clínica, K-SADS-PL e testagem cognitiva. A BRIAN-K foi aplicada em ambos os grupos. Resultados: O grupo de pacientes com THB apresentou escores mais altos de alterações em seus ritmos circadianos pelo escore total da BRIAN-K, quando comparados com o grupo controle (p=0,022). Particularmente, maior irregularidade foi observada no domínio “atividades” no grupo de pacientes (p=0,001). Nossos resultados também mostraram uma correlação positiva entre a idade de diagnóstico e o domínio “sono” da BRIAN-K (r=0,485; p=0,03). Conclusões: Estes dados preliminares sugerem que a versão BRIAN-K, recentemente adaptada para crianças e adolescentes, é capaz de discriminar pacientes com THB e controles. Futuros estudos com maior tamanho amostral são necessários para determinar a confiabilidade, a validade interna e externa do presente instrumento.

Background: Alterations in the circadian rhythms have been frequently observed in patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD). However, there are few instruments to measure these changes, and most of them only assess sleep disorders. The BRIAN scale validated for adults with BD, evaluates the regularity of the biological rhythms in four different aspects: sleep, activities, social rhythm, and eating pattern. The objective of this pilot study was to adapt the BRIAN scale to a sample of children and adolescents (BRIAN-K) and to evaluate if the new instrument is capable of detecting differences among patients and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty patients with BD, aged between 8 and 16 years, and 32 controls matched for gender and age were included. Participants were assessed using the clinical interview Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children (K-SADS-PL) and cognitive testing. The BRIAN-K was administered to both groups. Results: The group of patients with BD had higher scores of alterations in the circadian rhythms according to the BRIAN-K total score when compared to the control group (p=0.022). Particularly, more irregularity was found in the “activities”domain in the group of patients (p=0.001). Our results have also showed a positive correlation between the age at diagnosis and the “sleep” domain of the BRIAN-K(r=0.485; p=0.03). Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that the BRIAN-K version, recently adapted for children and adolescents, can differentiate patients and controls. Future studies with a larger sample size are necessary to determine the reliability, as well as the internal and external validity of the present instrument.

Aprendizagem e transtorno bipolar: reflexões psicopedagógicas / Learning and bipolar disorder: psychopedagogical reflection

Este artigo objetiva realizar um contraponto entre questões relacionadas à aprendizagem, refletindo acerca de aspectos específicos de dificuldade de aprendizagem, dificuldade de aprendizagem secundária a outras patologias e transtorno de aprendizagem, buscando-se correlacionar com as alterações ocasionadas na cognição e os prejuízos acadêmicos causados pelo transtorno bipolar na infância e na adolescência.

This review aims to discuss issues related to the learning process inchildren and adolescents with bipolar disorder, reflecting on learning problems, learning difficulties secondary to other disorders, and learning disorders, and their relation with the cognitive and academic deficits.

A família que morava na casa dos ratos: um relato de caso / The family living in the mice's house: a case report

Este trabalho baseia-se na perspectiva psicossocial para salientar que a interação pais-bebê é um dos pilares sobre o qual se constrói o desenvolvimento. Propõe comunicar uma experiência de grupo com pais e bebês no mesmo ambiente terapêutico. Apresentaremos estudo do caso de uma família com situação sócio-econômica desfavorável, em que os pais apresentavam ansiedades e sentimentos de incapacidade quanto ao manejo da filha que nasceu com uma malformação congênita. Conseguiram se estruturar com a ajuda do atendimento em grupo, sendo este o único método de tratamento utilizado,

This paper is based on the psychosocial approach so as to emphasizethat the parent-infant bonding is one of the pillars of the construction of the development. It proposes to communicate an experience in a group of parents and infants, in the same therapeutic setting. We present a case study of a family with unfavorable socioeconomic status, whose parents presented anxiety and feelings of inability concerning the care of their daughter, who was born with a congenital malformation. They managed to organize themselves with the only support of the group treatment.

Intervenção psicoterápica de grupo com pais e bebês: relato de um caso / Psychotherapeutic group intervention for parents and infants: a case report

OBJETIVOS: Demonstrar a eficácia de uma intervenção psicoterápica em grupo (grupo operativo de reflexão) onde pais e bebês são atendidos concomitantemente. METODOLOGIA: Através do relato de caso de uma menina com quadro de crises de agressividade, são discutidos aspectos da intervenção psicoterápica. RESULTADOS: Houve resolução dos sintomas, e aspectos saudáveis da interação mãe-bebê foram restabelecidos. DISCUSSÃO: No caso apresentado, o grupo operativo de reflexão foi fundamental para a melhora dos problemas apresentados por uma dupla mãe-bebê, auxiliando a mãe e o bebê a modificar aspectos disfuncionais na sua interação. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar dos bons resultados para essa família, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar o efeito do grupo operativo de reflexão.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the efficacy of a psychotherapeutic group intervention (reflective operational group), in which parents and infants are seen concomitantly. METHODS: In a case report of a female infant who presented aggressiveness, aspects of the psychotherapeutic intervention are discussed. RESULTS: There was resolution of symptoms, and healthy aspects of the mother-infant interaction were reestablished. DISCUSSION: In the reported case, the reflective operational group was fundamental to symptom improvement presented by a mother-infant dyad, helping the mother and the baby change dysfunctional aspects of their interaction. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the good results for this family, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of the reflective operational group.

Behaviorial inhibition and history of childhood anxiety disorders in Brazilian adult patients with panic disorder and social anxiety disorder

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a presença de história de comportamento inibido e de transtornos de ansiedade na infância em pacientes brasileiros adultos com transtorno do pânico e com transtorno de ansiedade social, comparando-os com um grupo controle. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta pacientes com transtorno do pânico, 50 com transtorno de ansiedade social e 50 controles participaram do estudo. Para avaliar a presença de história de ansiedade na infância foi utilizada a Escala para Avaliação de Transtornos Afetivos e Esquizofrenia para Crianças em Idade Escolar - Versão Epidemiológica (K-SADS-E) e o Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents-Parent Version (DICA-P). A presença de comportamento inibido na infância foi avaliada através da Escala Auto-Aplicativa de Comportamento Inibido - Versão Retrospectiva (RSRI-30). RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentavam uma prevalência significativamente maior de história de transtornos de ansiedade e de comportamento inibido em relação ao grupo controle. Pacientes com transtorno de ansiedade social apresentavam, também, taxas significativamente maiores de transtorno de evitação (46% x 18%, p = 0,005), transtorno de ansiedade social (60% x 26%, p = 0,001), presença de pelo menos um transtorno de ansiedade na infância (82% X 56%, p = 0,009), comportamento inibido global (2,89 ± 0,61 vs. 2,46 ± 0,61, p < 0,05) e comportamento inibido escola/social (3,56 ± 0,91 vs. 2,67 ± 0,82, p < 0.05) na infância em comparação com pacientes com transtorno do pânico. CONCLUSAO: Nossos dados são similares aos encontrados na literatura e corroboram a teoria da diátese de ansiedade, sugerindo que a história de transtornos de ansiedade na infância é associada com transtornos de ansiedade, principalmente transtorno de ansiedade social, na vida adulta.