Temperament and character traits associated with the use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens: evidence from a large Brazilian web survey

Objectives: To evaluate how personality traits are associated with occasional use, abuse, and dependence of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens in a large availability sample of adults via online questionnaires. Methods: The sample consisted of 8,646 individuals (24.7% men and 75.3% women) who completed an anonymous web survey. Involvement with drugs and temperament/character traits were assessed through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Temperament and Character Inventory - Revised (TCI-R), respectively. Interactions among variables were analyzed using MANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment. Results: Novelty seeking was the trait most associated with increased involvement with alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. There was a significant association between harm avoidance and benzodiazepine use. Persistence was lower in cannabis-, benzodiazepine-, and cocaine-dependent subjects, as well as in hallucinogen abusers. Self-directedness was reduced in dependents of all drug classes. No strong relationships were found between other temperament or character dimensions and the severity of drug use. Conclusions: Novelty seeking was associated with increased involvement with all drugs studied in this sample, although to a lesser extent with benzodiazepines and hallucinogens. The temperament and character profile for benzodiazepine use was different from that of other drugs due to the relationship with higher harm avoidance and self-transcendence and lower self-directedness. .

Healthy maternal bonding as a resilience factor for depressive disorder

INTRODUCTION: Depressive disorders (DDs) are very prevalent disorders particularly in women, a high-risk gender group. Determining the risk and protective factors associated with the development of DDs is fundamental to planning preventive and therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the correlations between healthy maternal attachment and the development of DDs in adulthood. METHODS: We evaluated 52 women at 6 months to 1 year after premature childbirth at Maternidade Vila Nova Cachoeirinha. They were evaluated using the following instruments: Brazilian Criteria of Economic Classification, Parental Bonding Inventory (PBI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Cut-off scores on the CES-D and EPDS were used to classifythe subjects as currently having a DD or having probable postpartum disorder (PPD) after childbirth. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with DDs. RESULTS: We found that 49.1% of the sample had a current depressive episode, and 73.6% had probable PPD. Based on logistic regression, current depression (odds ratio = 1.092 [confidence interval: 1.005; 1.186]), and a PPD (odds ratio = 1.108 [confidence interval: 1.011; 1.21]) were negatively correlated with affective maternal relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Women who reported healthy attachment with their mothers did not develop DDs when faced with stressful situations such as premature childbirth.

Depressive symptoms in HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy / Sintomas depressivos em pacientes infectados pelo HIV tratados por terapia antiretroviral altamente ativa

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of depressive disorders in HIV-infected patients ranges from 12% to 66% and is undiagnosed in 50% to 60% of these patients. Depression in HIV-infected individuals may be associated with poor antiretroviral treatment (ART) outcomes, since it may direct influence compliance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of symptoms and risk factors for depression in patients on ART. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Certified interviewers administered questionnaires and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and participants' self-reported compliance to ART. Clinical and laboratory variables were obtained from clinical records. Patients with BDI > 12 were defined as depressed. RESULTS Out of the 250 patients invited to participate, 246 (98%) consented. Mean age was 41 ± 9.9 years; most were male (63%). Income ranged from 0-14 Brazilian minimum wages. AIDS (CDC stage C) had been diagnosed in 97%, and 81% were in stable immune status. One hundred ninety-one (78%) reported compliance, and 161 (68%) had undetectable viral loads. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 32% (95% CI 26-40). In multivariate analysis, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with income (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.97; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are frequent in patients on ART, and are associated with low income.

INTRODUÇÃO:A prevalência de transtornos depressivos em pacientes infectados pelo HIV varia de 12% a 66% e não é diagnosticada em 50% a 60% desses pacientes. A depressão em indivíduos HIV positivo pode se associar a resultados fracos do tratamento antirretroviral (TAR) porque pode influenciar diretamente a aderência ao regime. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de sintomas e de fatores de risco de depressão em pacientes em TAR. MÉTODOS: Estudo em corte transverso. Entrevistadores certificados administraram questionários e o Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), e os participantes fizeram o autorrelato da aderência ao TAR. Variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram obtidas dos prontuários clínicos. Os pacientes com escore ao BDI > 12 foram definidos como deprimidos. RESULTADOS: Dos 250 pacientes convidados a participar, 246 (98%) concordaram. A média de idade foi de 41 ± 9,9 anos; a maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (63%). A renda variou de 0-14 salários mínimos brasileiros. A AIDS (estágio C dos CDC) havia sido diagnosticada em 97% e 81% estavam em estado imune estável. Dos pacientes, 191 (78%) relataram aderência e 161 (68%) tinham carga viral não detectável. A prevalência dos sintomas depressivos foi de 32% (IC 95% 26-40). Em análise multivariada, os sintomas depressivos se associaram significativamente à renda (razão de prevalência [RP] = 0,85, IC 95% 0,74-0,97; p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Os sintomas depressivos são frequentes em pacientes em TAR e se associam a uma renda baixa.