Manía unipolar: un ineludible diagnóstico: revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Unipolar mania: an unavoidable diagnosis: case report and literature review

Resumen Introducción: La manía unipolar (MU) es un trastorno que se comporta de manera distinta al trastorno bipolar-I (TB-I), sin embargo, no es considerado como una entidad independiente por los manuales diagnósticos vigentes, sino que es incluido dentro del diagnóstico de TB-I. Caso clínico: Hombre de 21 años presenta cuadro clínico de 3 meses de evolución caracterizado por ánimo exaltado y síntomas psicóticos congruentes al estado de ánimo. El paciente niega episodios depresivos previos. Se instaura tratamiento con litio y aripiprazol que resulta satisfactorio, sin presentar recurrencias tras 5 años de seguimiento. Revisión de la literatura y discusión: Los manuales diagnósticos describen que para diagnosticar TB-I no se requiere la presencia de un episodio depresivo mayor, lo que implica que pacientes con MU quedan dentro de la misma categoría diagnóstica que pacientes con TB-I. Diferencias entre MU y TB-I han sido demostradas en estudios epidemiológicos, clínicos y genéticos, por lo tanto, incluir pacientes heterogéneos dentro de la misma categoría podría dificultar la interpretación de estudios y limitar los avances en el conocimiento de ambos trastornos. Conclusión: De la revisión de la literatura se sugiere que la MU debe ser reconocida como un diagnóstico independiente. A pesar de su baja prevalencia, al validarlo como tal, en un futuro podríamos contar con mayor cantidad y mejor calidad de datos sobre este. De esta forma se podrá definir de manera más concreta sus características distintivas, y por consiguiente mejorar el abordaje clínico de estos pacientes.

Introduction: Unipolar mania (UM) is a disorder that behaves differently from bipolar-I disorder (BP-I), however, it is not considered an independent entity by current diagnostic manuals, but rather included within the diagnosis of BP-I. Case report: A 21-year-old man presented a 3-month-long episode characterized by exalted mood and mood-congruent psychotic symptoms. The patient denies previous depressive episodes. Treatment with lithium and aripiprazole was established, which was satisfactory, not showing recurrence after 5 years of follow-up. Literature review and discussion: Diagnostic manuals describe that to diagnose BP-I the presence of a major depressive episode is not required, which implies that patients with UM fall into the same diagnostic category as patients with BP-I. Differences between UM and BP-I have been demonstrated in epidemiological, clinical, and genetic studies, therefore, including heterogeneous patients within the same category could hinder the interpretation of studies and limit advances in the knowledge of both disorders. Conclusion: Based on the literature review, it is suggested that UM should be recognized as an independent diagnosis. Despite its low prevalence, by validating it as such, in the future we could have more and better-quality data about this diagnosis. In this way, its distinctive characteristics can be defined more concretely, and therefore improve the clinical approach of these patients.

Psicosis depresiva como forma de presentación de un tumor cerebral / Depressive Psychosis as an Onset Symptom of a Brain Tumor

Introducción: Los tumores cerebrales a veces tienen una presentación clínica compleja y atípica en sus inicios, en dependencia de su localización, lo que puede confundirse con trastornos de la esfera psiquiátrica. Objetivo: Describir un caso clínico interpretado como una psicosis por su sintomatología cuyo diagnóstico resultó un glioblastoma multiforme de alta malignidad. Caso clínico: Mujer de 35 años que comienza desde hace varios meses con trastornos de la conducta, síntomas depresivos, irritabilidad y conflictos en el hogar. Se instala un cuadro de depresión profunda que no mejora con tratamiento farmacológico impuesto por psiquiatría y se decide tratamiento electroconvulsivo, después del cual cae en estado de coma con elementos de hipertensión intracraneal y focalización neurológica. La tomografía de urgencia evidencia un tumor intracraneal, con áreas de necrosis, infiltración y desplazamiento de estructuras adyacentes y signos de hipertensión intracraneal. Al realizar intervención microquirúrgica fallece. La necropsia reveló glioblastoma multiforme de alta malignidad con focos de necrosis y de hemorragias. Conclusiones: La depresión y manifestaciones de trastornos mentales pueden tener causa orgánica, un hecho que debe considerarse en el contexto clínico. La historia clínica bien obtenida, la evaluación psicopatológica y las técnicas de imágenes en la actualidad son herramientas fundamentales en la precisión diagnóstica(AU)

Introduction: Brain tumors sometimes have a complex and atypical clinical presentation at the beginning, depending on their location, which can be mistaken for psychiatric disorders. Objective: To describe a clinical case interpreted as a psychosis for its symptoms and whose diagnosis was a highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme. Clinical case: This is the case of a 35-year-old woman who, several months ago, started to present behavioral disorders, depressive symptoms, irritability, and conflicts at home. Clinical signs of deep depression onset, which does not improve with pharmacological treatment prescribed by the psychiatry specialist; electroconvulsive treatment is decided, after which she falls into a coma with elements of intracranial hypertension and a neurological focus. The emergency tomography shows an intracranial tumor, with necrotic areas, infiltration, and displacement of adjacent structures, as well as signs of intracranial hypertension. When microsurgical intervention is performed, she died. The necropsy revealed highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme with necrosis focuses and hemorrhage. Conclusions: Depression and manifestations of mental disorders may have an organic cause, a fact that must be considered in the clinical setting. A well-obtained clinical history, psychopathological evaluation, and imaging techniques are currently essential tools for an accurate diagnosis(AU)

Metacognição no transtorno bipolar: uma revisão sistemática / Metacognition in bipolar disorder: a systematic review

OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão sistemática investigando a metacognição no transtorno bipolar (TB). Os objetivos secundários incluem explorar os correlatos clínicos e sociodemográficos da metacognição no TB e como a metacognição varia de acordo com o estado afetivo, estabelecer uma comparação com outros transtornos mentais e investigar se as intervenções metacognitivas no TB são eficazes ou não. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura científica sobre a metacognição em pacientes com TB. Foram buscados estudos clínicos originais sobre o tema nas bases de dados Medline, ISI, PsycINFO e SciELO. Os termos de busca empregados foram: "metacognition" OR "metacognitive" OR "metamemory" AND "bipolar" OR "mania" OR "manic". RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados nove artigos. A metacognição parece estar mais prejudicada no TB do que em controles e menos prejudicada do que na esquizofrenia. Por sua vez, parece não haver diferença entre bipolares e deprimidos unipolares quanto à capacidade metacognitiva. Maior nível educacional e maior duração da doença parecem estar associados a uma melhor capacidade metacognitiva, enquanto a maior gravidade dos sintomas de TB está associada a uma pior metacognição. O treinamento metacognitivo em pacientes com TB é uma perspectiva clínica promissora. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos sobre metacognição no TB são escassos, mas a literatura existente indica possíveis fatores clínicos e sociodemográficos associados a pior metacognição no transtorno, sugerindo também que intervenções terapêuticas metacognitivas podem ser clinicamente relevantes para o manejo do TB.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review investigating metacognition in bipolar disorder (BD). Secondary objectives include exploring clinical and sociodemographic correlates of metacognition in BD, how metacognition varies according to affective state, establishing a comparison with other mental disorders, and investigating whether metacognitive interventions in BD are effective or not. METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature on metacognition in BD patients was carried out. Original clinical studies on the subject were searched in the Medline, ISI, PsycINFO and SciELO databases. The search terms included were: "metacognition" OR "metacognitive" OR "metamemory" AND "bipolar" OR "mania" OR "manic". RESULTS: A total of nine articles were selected. Metacognition appears to be more impaired in BD than in controls, but less impaired than in schizophrenia. There seems to be no difference between bipolar and unipolar depression regarding metacognitive capacity. Higher educational level and longer duration of illness seem to be associated with better metacognitive capacity, while higher severity of BD symptoms is linked to worse metacognition. Metacognitive training in BD patients is a promising clinical perspective. CONCLUSION: Studies on metacognition in BD are scarce, but the existing literature indicates potential clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with poorer metacognition in the disorder, also suggesting that metacognitive therapeutic interventions may be clinically relevant for the management of BD.

Trastornos del ánimo y demencia: aspectos clínicos y estudios complementarios en el diagnóstico diferencial / Mood disorders and dementia: clinical aspects and complementary studies in the differential diagnosis

Los trastornos del ánimo en el adulto mayor, especialmente aquellos de inicio tardío son difíciles de diferenciar de la demencia en su etapa inicial, dado que existe un traslape sintomático. Esto puede llevar a errar o a retrasar el diagnóstico e impedir la entrega de un tratamiento adecuado. Para el diagnóstico diferencial es fundamental obtener una historia rigurosa tanto del paciente como de la familia, un examen mental y neurológico. Se complementa con un estudio neuropsicológico y con biomarcadores de demencia. Hoy en día se dispone de nuevas técnicas de diagnóstico precoz en la demencia como la volumetría de hipocampos, el PET/CT F18-FDG y PET de amiloide, beta-amiloide y proteína Tau en el LCR, entre otras, que ayudan en casos complejos de diagnóstico diferencial. Este artículo de revisión reúne elementos clínicos y estudios complementarios, con el objetivo de ayudar al psiquiatra en la tarea de diferenciar ambos cuadros.

Mood disorders in the elderly, especially those with late onset are difficult to differentiate from Dementia in its initial stage, given that there is a symptomatic overlap. This can lead to miss or delay the diagnosis and subsequently prevent an appropriate treatment. For the differential diagnosis it is essential to obtain a rigorous history of both the patient and the family, a mental and neurological examination. It is complemented with a neuropsychological assessment and with biomarkers of Dementia. Nowadays, new early diagnosis techniques are available in Dementia such as hippocampal volumetry, PET/CT F18-FDG and PET of amyloid, beta-amyloid and Tau protein in the CSF, among others, which help in complex cases of differential diagnosis. This article reviews clinical elements and complementary studies that help the psychiatrist in the task of differentiating both disorders.

Transtorno afetivo bipolar: determinantes sociais de saúde, adesão ao tratamento e distribuição espacial / Bipolar affective disorder: health social determinants, adherence to treatment and space distribution / Trastorno afectivo bipolar: determinantes sociales de la salud, adherencia al tratamiento y distribución del espacio

Objetivo: identificar os determinantes sociais de saúde dos pacientes com transtorno afetivo bipolar (TAB), sua distribuição espacial e a adesão ao tratamento. Métodos: estudo descritivo e transversal, com amostragem não probabilística, realizado no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial de Divinópolis/Minas Gerais, no período de fevereiro/2017 a fevereiro/2018 com 35 pacientes diagnosticados com TAB, submetidos a um questionário, escala clínica e telefonemas. Análise estatística realizada através de técnicas univariadas e multivariadas. Estudo aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: a maioria da população estudada apresentou predição positiva à adesão ao tratamento, que se associou ao sexo, idade, estilo de vida saudável, apoio de redes sociais e comunitárias, saneamento básico, acesso a serviços sociais de saúde e benefício do governo. Conclusão: a adesão ao tratamento é um produto da interação entre as dimensões relacionadas ao paciente, ao serviço de saúde, aos fatores socioeconômicos e à terapêutica proposta.

Objective: to identify the health social determinants of patients with bipolar affective disorder (BAD), their spatial distribution and treatment adherence. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling, carried out at the Psychosocial Care Center of Divinópolis/Minas Gerais, from February/2017 to February/2018 with 35 patients diagnosed with BAD, submitted to a questionnaire, clinical scale and phone calls. Analysis performed through univariate and multivariate techniques. Study approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: most of the population studied had a positive prediction for treatment adherence, which was associated with gender, age, healthy lifestyle, support from social and community networks, basic sanitation, access to social health services and government benefit. Conclusion: adherence to treatment is a product of the interaction between the dimensions related to the patient, the health service, the socioeconomic factors and the proposed therapy.

Objetivo: identificar los determinantes sociales de la salud de pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar (TAB), su distribución espacial y la adherencia al tratamiento. Métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal con muestreo no probabilístico, realizado en el Centro de Atención Psicosocial de Divinópolis/Minas Gerais, de febrero/2017 a febrero/2018 con 35 pacientes diagnosticados de TAB, sometidos a un cuestionario, escala clínica y llamadas telefónicas. Análisis realizado a través de técnicas univariadas y multivariadas. Estudio aprobado por Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: La mayoría de la población estudiada tenía una predicción positiva para la adherencia al tratamiento, que se asoció con el género, la edad, el estilo de vida saludable, el apoyo de las redes sociales y comunitarias, el saneamiento básico, el acceso a los servicios de salud social y los beneficios del gobierno. Conclusión: la adherencia al tratamiento es producto de la interacción entre las dimensiones relacionadas con el paciente, el servicio de salud, los factores socioeconómicos y la terapia propuesta.

Mood versus energy/activity symptoms in bipolar disorder: which cluster of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale better distinguishes between mania, depression, and euthymia? / Sintomas de humor versus sintomas de energia/atividade no transtorno bipolar: qual grupo da Escala de Depressão de Hamilton distingue melhor entre mania, depressão e eutimia?

Abstract Introduction Although bipolar disorder (BD) is traditionally included among mood disorders, some authors believe that changes in energy and motor activity, rather than mood changes, represent the true cardinal symptoms in mania and depression. The aim of the current study was to identify which cluster of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) better distinguishes between mania, depression and euthymia. Method A group of 106 patients with BD were followed for 13 years and repeatedly assessed with the HAM-D as well as with other clinical scales. To perform a comparison, HAM-D items were classified according to clinical criteria into three clusters: energy/activity symptoms, mood symptoms, and other symptoms. Item response theory (IRT) analyses were performed to provide a test information curve for those three clusters. We measured the prevalence of one cluster of symptoms over the other two throughout the latent trait. Results Considering HAM-D items individually, the IRT analysis revealed that there was a mixture of mood and energy/activity symptoms among the most discriminative items, both in depression and in euthymia. However, in mania, only energy/activity symptoms - i.e., general somatic symptoms and retardation - were among the most informative items. Considering the classification of items, both in depression as in mania, the energy/activity cluster was more informative than the mood cluster according to the IRT analysis. Conclusion Our data reinforce the view of hyperactivity and motor retardation as cardinal changes of mania and depression, respectively.

Resumo Introdução Embora o transtorno bipolar (TB) seja tradicionalmente incluído entre os transtornos do humor, alguns autores acreditam que as alterações na energia e na atividade motora, em vez das alterações no humor, representam os verdadeiros sintomas cardinais na mania e na depressão. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar qual grupo da Escala de Depressão de Hamilton (HAM-D) distingue melhor entre mania, depressão e eutimia. Método Um grupo de 106 pacientes com TB foram acompanhados por 13 anos e avaliados repetidamente com a HAM-D e com outras escalas clínicas. Para realizar uma comparação, os itens da HAM-D foram classificados de acordo com critérios clínicos em três grupos: sintomas de energia/atividade, sintomas de humor e outros sintomas. Foram realizadas análises da teoria da resposta ao item (TRI) para fornecer uma curva de informações de teste para esses três grupos. Medimos a prevalência de um grupo de sintomas em comparação aos outros dois através do traço latente. Resultados Considerando os itens da HAM-D individualmente, a análise da TRI revelou que havia uma mistura de sintomas de humor e de energia/atividade entre os itens mais discriminativos, tanto na depressão quanto na eutimia. No entanto, na mania, apenas os sintomas de energia/atividade - ou seja, sintomas somáticos gerais e retardo - estavam entre os itens mais informativos. Considerando a classificação dos itens, tanto na depressão quanto na mania, o grupo energia/atividade foi mais informativo que o grupo humor, de acordo com a análise da TRI. Conclusão Nossos dados reforçam a visão da hiperatividade e do retardo motor como as alterações cardinais de mania e depressão, respectivamente.

Irritabilidad como síntoma transdiagnóstico / Irritability as a transdiagnostic Symptom

Resumen. La irritabilidad es un síntoma transdiagnóstico que atraviesa la barrera de las patologías internalizantes y externalizantes. Se define como un umbral bajo para experimentar la ira en respuesta a la frustración y es uno de los síntomas más comunes en niños y adolescentes. Las conductas relacionadas con la ira apropiadas para el desarrollo tienden a reflejar frustración en contextos esperados, mientras que la irritabilidad crónica es inapropiada para la situación. La presentación de la irritabilidad, crónica o episódica, es crucial para comprender su significado psicopatológico, en particular porque las estructuras de la irritabilidad episódica y crónica son separables y permanecen estables a lo largo del tiempo. Existen varios estudios acerca de la irritabilidad en patologías como trastorno afectivo bipolar y trastorno de desregulación disruptiva del estado del ánimo, en ambos casos es importante plantearse como punto de partida la identificación de la episodicidad. La irritabilidad también se encuentra presente en el trastorno de personalidad límite observándose dentro de una inestabilidad afectiva debida a una reactividad notable del estado de ánimo. Estas emociones tienen un correlato anatómico relacionado con deficiencias de los circuitos frontolímbicos. Para el manejo de la irritabilidad en las distintas patologías, la evidencia del tratamiento incluye terapia cognitivo conductual, intervención de los padres, mindfulness, pero existe una necesidad apremiante de investigación sobre el tratamiento farmacológico complementario.

Irritability is a transdiagnostic symptom that crosses the barrier between internalizing and externalizing pathologies. It is defined as a low threshold to experience anger in response to frustration and it is one of the most common symptoms in children and adolescents. Behaviors related to appropriate developmental anger tend to reflect frustration in expected contexts, while chronic irritability is inappropriate to the situation. The presentation of irritability, chronic or episodic, is crucial to understanding its psychopathological meaning, particularly because the structures of episodic and chronic irritability are separable and remain stable over time. There are several studies about irritability in pathologies such as bipolar affective disorder and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, in both cases it is important to consider the identification of episodicity as a starting point. Irritability is also present in borderline personality disorder, where it is expressed as an affective instability due to a remarkable reactivity of the state of mind. These emotions have been anatomically related to deficiencies of the frontolimbic circuits. For the management of irritability in different patholo-gies, the evidence includes cognitive behavioral therapy, parental intervention, mindfulness, but there still is a pressing need for research on complementary pharmacological treatment.

Trastorno Bipolar. Consideraciones clínicas y epidemiológicas / Bipolar disorder. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics

RESUMEN El trastorno bipolar es un trastorno crónico y recurrente que se caracteriza por fluctuaciones patológicas del estado del ánimo. Las fases de la enfermedad incluyen episodios hipomaniacos, maniacos y depresivos. Estos episodios interfieren de forma significativa en la vida cotidiana del paciente y en su entorno, con importante repercusión en su salud y calidad de vida. Para los psiquiatras es de suma importancia el diagnóstico precoz de esta enfermedad para proporcionar un tratamiento oportuno a los pacientes, teniendo en cuenta la severidad de los síntomas y las complicaciones a las que lleva esta enfermedad. Ante esta realidad se decidió describir las características generales de este desorden mediante una revisión bibliográfica donde se exponen sus principales manifestaciones clínicas, clasificación, aspectos epidemiológicos, curso de la enfermedad, complicaciones y comorbilidad. Para ello se realizó una revisión de los trabajos más relevantes publicados y con ello contribuir al proceso de educación médica continuada para los profesionales de la salud.

ABSTRACT Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurrent disorder characterized by pathological fluctuations of the mood states. The stages of the disease include hypomanic, maniac and depressive episodes. These episodes interfere in a significant way in the patient´s daily life and his surroundings, with an important repercussion on his health and life quality. For the psychiatrists, the precocious diagnosis of this disease is very important, in order to provide a timely treatment to patients, taking into account the severity of the symptoms and the complications of this disease. Due to this reality, the authors decided to describe the general characteristics of this disorder through a bibliographic review where they exposed the main clinical manifestations, classification, epidemiological aspects, the course of the disease, complications and co-morbidity. The most relevant published works were reviewed to contribute to the process of continued medical education of the health professionals.

Increased levels of plasma IL-1b and BDNF can predict resistant depression patients

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: There is no strong evidence on the link between inflammatory profile and pattern of drug treatment response in depressive patients that could result in Coronary Artery Disease occurrence. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the subclinical atherosclerosis markers, inflammatory profile, and BDNF production in Resistant Depression (RD) or Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) patients under conventional treatment. METHODS: The population evaluated was comprised of 34 RD, 43 BAD, and 41 controls. Subclinical atherosclerosis markers were evaluated using ultrasonography, tomography, and exercise stress test. Plasma concentrations of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and BDNF were measured using Luminex100™. The usCRP concentration was measured using turbidimetric immunoassay. IL1B, IL6, and TNFA expression were determined using TaqMan®. For the statistical analysis, the significance level was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: Concerning subclinical atherosclerosis markers, only O2 consumption was reduced in the BAD group (p = 0.001). Although no differences were found in gene expression, BDNF and IL-1β plasma concentration was increased in the RD group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively) even with an antidepressant treatment, which suggests that these drugs have no effect in IL-1β secretion and that the inflammasome may play a role in therapy response. CONCLUSION: Taken together, both BDNF and IL-1β plasma concentrations could be used to the early identification of RD patients.

RESUMO FUNDAMENTAÇÃO: Não há fortes evidências sobre a associação entre o perfil inflamatório e o padrão de resposta ao tratamento medicamentoso em pacientes depressivos que podem resultar em ocorrência de doença coronariana. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os marcadores de aterosclerose subclínica, o perfil inflamatório e a produção de BDNF em pacientes com Depressão Resistente (DR) ou Transtorno Afetivo Bipolar (BAD) sob tratamento convencional. MÉTODOS: A população avaliada incluiu 34 RD, 43 BAD e 41 controles. Os marcadores de aterosclerose subclínica foram avaliados por ultrassonografia, tomografia e teste de esforço. As concentrações plasmáticas de TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 e BDNF foram medidas utilizando Luminex100TM. A concentração de usCRP foi medida por imunoensaio turbidimétrico. A expressão de IL1B, IL6 e TNFA foi determinada usando TaqMan®. Para as análises estatísticas, foi estabelecido o nível de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Quanto aos marcadores de aterosclerose subclínica, apenas o consumo de O2 foi reduzido no grupo BAD (p = 0,001). Embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças na expressão gênica, a concentração plasmática de BDNF e IL-1β foi aumentada no grupo RD (p = 0,002 e p = 0,005, respectivamente) mesmo sob tratamento antidepressivo, o que sugere que esses medicamentos não têm efeito na secreção de IL-1β e que o inflamassomo pode desempenhar um papel na resposta terapêutica. CONCLUSÃO: Juntas, as concentrações BDNF e IL-1β poderiam ser usadas para a identificação precoce de pacientes com DR.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala EMUN-AR determinadas mediante el análisis de Rasch / Psychometric variables of the EMUN-AR scale using Rasch analysis

Resumen Introducción. Las escalas de autorreporte se han considerado útiles para evaluar y vigilar los síntomas de la enfermedad maníaco-depresiva. Uno de estos instrumentos, la escala de medición de la enfermedad maníaco-depresiva mediante autorreporte (EMUN-AR), no se ha validado aún. Objetivo. Validar la escala EMUN-AR usando el modelo de Rasch. Materiales y métodos. La escala EMUN-AR mide 26 ítems que evalúan por dimensiones los síntomas de la enfermedad maníaco-depresiva en tres categorías: frecuencia, intensidad y grado de molestia causada. Para evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala, se efectuaron análisis factoriales exploratorios con el fin de tener una aproximación de su estructura latente, y se usaron modelos de Rasch que incluyeron la 'unidimensionalidad', la confiabilidad, el ajuste de ítems, el ordenamiento de umbrales, y los mapas de personas e ítems. Resultados. Se seleccionó una muestra de 267 pacientes hospitalizados, 204 de los cuales había sufrido un episodio maníaco (76,4 %) y estaba recibiendo tratamiento farmacológico. Se encontró una estructura factorial que puede resumirse en cuatro dominios: activación, inhibición, ideas depresivas e inadaptación. El análisis de Rasch evidenció la unidimensionalidad en los factores, adecuados valores de confiabilidad, buen ajuste de los 26 ítems en general (excepto en el ítem que mide las ideas de muerte o suicidio), un funcionamiento deficiente del sistema de calificación de los ítems y un cubrimiento limitado de los síntomas de la enfermedad correspondientes a las formas atenuadas. Conclusión. Se modificó la escala original en dos aspectos: se ajustó un ítem cuyos indicadores marginales tenían mal ajuste y se redujo el número de categorías. En su forma actual, el instrumento es apropiado para medir las formas graves de la enfermedad maníaco-depresiva, mas no así las atenuadas.

Abstract Introduction: Self-report scales have been considered to be useful for evaluating and monitoring symptoms of manic-depressive illnesses. The EMUN-AR scale is one of such scales but it has not been validated. Objective: To validate the EMUN-AR scale using Rasch models. Materials and methods: The EMUN-AR scale measures 26 items to assess comprehensively symptoms of manic-depressive illnesses in three domains: Frequency, severity, and level of disturbance caused by the symptoms. To test the psychometric properties of this scale, we used the exploratory factorial and Rasch analyses. The Rasch analysis included unidimensionality, reliability, item fit, threshold ordering, and person-item maps. Results: The study included 267 hospitalized patients, most of them with a manic episode diagnosis (n=204, 76.4%), and receiving pharmacological treatment. The factor structure was summarized in four domains: Activation, inhibition, depressive ideation, and maladaptive behavior. The Rasch analysis supported unidimensionality of the EMUN-AR factors, satisfactory levels of reliability, and appropriate item fit, except for one of the items measuring death or suicidal thoughts. However, the scale did not measure adequately the mild forms of the illness given its redundant and unordered thresholds. Conclusion: The EMUN-AR was modified in two aspects: An item whose marginal indicators were poorly adjusted and the reduction in the number of categories. In its current form, the EMUN-AR is appropriate for measuring severe forms of the illnesses, but it does not adequately measure the mild forms of manic-depressive illnesses.

Síndromes psicóticos / Psychotic syndromes: clinical case summary

Paciente de 47 años, casada, con 3 hijos. Antecedentes de patología psiquiátrica en madre y hermano. Sin antecedentes psiquiátricos previos. Ingresa hace 4 años al Servicio. Con síntomas polimorfos, varios diagnósticos desde el ingreso, pero con respuesta al tratamiento y con periodos de estabilidad psicopatológica demás de un año. Conocida en varios dispositivos del servicio. Diagnósticos: Trastorno Delirante, Obs. Trastorno Afectivo Bipolar, Trastorno Esquizoafectivo

Patient 47 years old, married, with 3 children. History of psychiatric pathology in mother and brother. No previous psychiatric history. Enter the Service 4 years ago. With polymorphic symptoms, several diagnoses from admission, but with response to treatment and with periods of psychopathological stability over a year. Known in several service devices. Diagnoses: Delusional Disorder, Obs. Bipolar Affective Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder

Changes in energy and motor activity: core symptoms of bipolar mania and depression?

Objective: To evaluate how well symptom rating scales differentiate bipolar disorder (BD) episode types. Methods: One hundred and six patients with BD were followed for 13 years. At each visit, the following clinical scales were administered: Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and Clinical Global Impressions scale for use in bipolar illness (CGI-BP). To perform a comparison between the affective states of BP, three time points in each patient's follow-up period were chosen for evaluation: the most severe manic episode, the most severe depressive episode, and the euthymic period with least symptoms. Canonical discriminant analyses (CDA) were performed to identify which symptoms best discriminated episodes. Results: CDA revealed HAM-D was worse than YMRS and CGI-BP to discriminate mood states. The items evaluating increased motor activity in YMRS (2, increased motor activity/energy) and HAM-D (9, agitation) were the best to distinguish mania, depression, and euthymia. In contrast, HAM-D item 8 (retardation) and the HAM-D and YMRS items related to mood symptoms were less important and precise. Conclusion: Higher levels of energy or activity should be considered a core symptom of mania. However, our results do not confirm the association between a decrease in energy or activity and depression. HAM-D probably does not assess motor activity adequately.

Validity and reliability of the Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment (COBRA) in Brazilian bipolar patients / Validade e fidedignidade da Escala de Disfunções Cognitivas no Transtorno Bipolar (COBRA) em pacientes bipolares brasileiros

Abstract Introduction: In Brazil, there is no valid instrument to measure subjective cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder. The present study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment (COBRA) in Brazilian bipolar patients. We further investigated the relationship between the COBRA, objective cognitive measures, and illness course variables. Methods: The total sample (N=150) included 85 bipolar disorder patients and 65 healthy controls. The psychometric properties of the COBRA (e.g., internal consistency, concurrent validity, discriminative validity, factor analyses, ROC curve, and feasibility) were analyzed. Results: The COBRA showed a one-factor structure with very high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.890). Concurrent validity was indicated by a strong correlation with the cognitive domain of the FAST (r=0.811, p<0.001). Bipolar patients experienced greater cognitive complaints (mean=14.69; standard deviation [SD]=10.03) than healthy controls (mean=6.78; SD=5.49; p<0.001), suggesting discriminative validity of the instrument. No significant correlations were found between the COBRA and objective cognitive measures. Furthermore, higher COBRA scores were associated with residual depressive (r=0.448; p<0.001) and manic (r=0.376; p<0.001) symptoms, number of depressive episodes (r=0.306; p=0.011), number of total episodes (r=0.256; p=0.038), and suicide attempts (r=0.356; p=0.003). Conclusion: The COBRA is a valid instrument to assess cognitive complaints, and the combined use of subjective-objective cognitive measures enables the correct identification of cognitive dysfunctions in bipolar disorder.

Resumo Introdução: No Brasil, não existem instrumentos válidos para medir a disfunção cognitiva subjetiva no transtorno bipolar. O presente estudo analisou as propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Disfunções Cognitivas no Transtorno Bipolar (COBRA) em uma amostra brasileira de pacientes bipolares. Adicionalmente, investigamos a relação entre a COBRA, medidas cognitivas objetivas e curso da doença. Métodos: A amostra total (n=150) incluiu 85 pacientes com transtorno bipolar e 65 controles saudáveis. As propriedades psicométricas da COBRA (consistência interna, validade concorrente, validade discriminativa, análise fatorial, curva ROC e fidedignidade) foram analisadas. Resultados: A COBRA apresentou estrutura de um fator com alta consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach=0,890). A validade concorrente ficou demonstrada pela forte correlação com o domínio cognitivo da FAST (r=0,811, p<0,001). Pacientes bipolares tiveram mais queixas cognitivas [média=14,69; desvio padrão (DP)=10,03] que os controles (média=6,78; DP=5,49; p<0,001), sugerindo a validade discriminativa do instrumento. Não houve correlação significativa entre a COBRA e medidas cognitivas objetivas. Além disso, escores mais altos na COBRA estiveram associados com sintomas residuais depressivos (r=0,448; p<0,001) e maníacos (r=0,376; p<0,001), número de episódios depressivos (r=0,306; p=0,011), número de episódios totais (r=0.256; p=0.038) e tentativas de suicídio (r=0,356; p=0,003). Conclusão: A COBRA é um instrumento válido para avaliar queixas cognitivas, e o uso combinado das medidas cognitivas subjetivas-objetivas possibilita a correta identificação das disfunções cognitivas no transtorno bipolar.

Telomere length and hTERT in mania and subsequent remission

Objective: The findings of telomere length (TL) studies in bipolar disorder (BD) are controversial. The aim of the present study was to detect TL, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in severe mania and subsequent remission. Methods: Twenty-one medication-free male patients and 20 age and gender matched controls were recruited. The patients were followed in the inpatient clinic, and comparisons were made between the same patients in their remission state and controls. Patients received lithium plus antipsychotics during the follow-up period. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify leukocyte TL and whole blood hTERT gene expression levels. Serum BDNF levels were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared to controls, manic patients presented shorter telomeres (p < 0.001) whose length increased with treatment (p = 0.001). Patients in the late stages showed shorter TL than those in the early stages and controls (p < 0.001). hTERT gene expression levels were up-regulated in mania and remission compared to controls (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). BDNF changes did not reach statistically significant levels. Conclusions: TL and hTERT gene expression might reflect a novel aspect of BD pathophysiology and TL might represent a novel biomarker for BD staging.

Perfil de utilización del carbonato de litio en pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar en 25 ciudades de Colombia / Profile of lithium carbonate use in patients with bipolar disorder in Colombia

Resumen Introducción. El litio es el medicamento de elección para el tratamiento del trastorno afectivo bipolar. Objetivo. Determinar el perfil de uso y las reacciones secundarias del litio en pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectiva entre el 1° de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2013, en pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno afectivo bipolar tratados con carbonato de litio en 25 ciudades colombianas. Se evaluaron las variables sociodemográficas, las dosis del litio, la medicación simultánea con otros fármacos, las interacciones medicamentosas y las reacciones adversas. Se hizo un análisis multivariado utilizando el programa SPSS 22.0®. Resultados. La edad promedio de los 331 pacientes fue de 44,5 ± 13,9 años, 59,2 % de ellos eran mujeres, la dosis promedio de litio fue de 898 ± 294 mg/día, y 22 % recibía dosis inferiores a las recomendadas; los participantes habían recibido el medicamento durante 38,0 ± 39,5 meses en promedio (rango: 12-159 meses), y solo a 13,5 % de ellos se les había hecho el análisis de litio en sangre. El 71,3 % recibía otros medicamentos como tratamiento coadyuvante para el trastorno afectivo bipolar, especialmente clozapina (16,6 %) y ácido valproico (16,6 %). Las principales enfermedades concomitantes fueron el hipotiroidismo (18,1 %) y la hipertensión arterial (12,7 %). Se encontraron 390 interacciones medicamentosas potencialmente tóxicas y se reportaron reacciones secundarias en 1,2 % de los casos. Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa con un menor riesgo de recibir tratamiento combinado en pacientes tratados en las ciudades de Bogotá (odds ratio, OR=0,4; p=0,025), Cartagena (OR=0,3; p=0,015) e Ibagué (OR=0,3; p=0,025). Conclusiones. El litio se administraba en las dosis e intervalos recomendados, pero un porcentaje significativo recibía dosis inferiores a las recomendadas y no fue posible contrastar el efecto con los niveles de litio en suero. Se debe mejorar el reporte de reacciones adversas y la medición de los niveles de litio en suero en los pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Lithium is the drug of choice for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. Objective: To define lithium therapeutic profile and adverse reactions to its use in patients with bipolar affective disorder in Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study between January 1 and December 31, 2013, which included patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder treated with lithium carbonate in 25 Colombian cities; we evaluated socio-demographic variables, lithium dose, co-medication, drug interactions and adverse reactions. A multivariate analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Results: The 331 patients had an average age of 44.5 ± 13.9 years; 59.2% were women. The mean dose of lithium was 898 ± 294 mg/day; 22% received doses lower than recommended, and patients had received lithium for 38.0 ± 39.5 months (range: 12-159 months). Lithium levels in blood had been measured only in 13.5% of patients; 71.3% of them had received adjuvant therapy for bipolar disorder with other drugs, especially clozapine (16.6%) and valproic acid (16.6%). The main comorbidities were hypothyroidism (18.1%) and hypertension (12.7%); 390 potentially toxic drug interactions were found, and adverse reactions were reported in 1.2% of patients. A statistically significant association was found between a lower risk of combination therapy and receiving treatment in the cities of Bogotá (OR=0.4, p=0.025), Cartagena (OR=0.3, p=0.015) and Ibagué (OR=0.3, p=0.025). Conclusion: Lithium was generally used at recommended doses and intervals, but a significant percentage of patients received lower doses than those recommended, and it was not possible to compare with lithium levels in blood. Adverse reactions and blood lithium levels reporting should be improved in patients with bipolar disorder in Colombia.

Transtorno bipolar: uma revisão dos aspectos conceituais e clínicos / Bipolar disorder: a review of conceptual and clinical aspects

Esta revisão tem o objetivo de introduzir aspectos históricos, epidemiológicos e etiológicos do transtorno bipolar, além de apresentar a caracterização e curso da doença e algumas questões relativas ao diagnóstico, tratamento e prognóstico. O Transtorno Bipolar (TB) é caracterizado por graves alterações de humor, que envolvem períodos de humor elevado e de depressão intercalados por períodos de remissão. O transtorno se diferencia em dois tipos principais: o Tipo I, em que ocorrem episódios de mania, e o Tipo II, em que a elevação do humor é mais branda e breve, caracterizando episódios de hipomania. O conceito de espectro bipolar amplia a classificação do TB, incluindo padrões clínicos e genéticos. O TB é uma doença comum, que atinge cerca de 30 milhões de pessoas no mundo, afetando homens e mulheres de modo diferente. As causas do TB incluem uma interação de fatores genéticos e ambientais, distinguindo-o como um transtorno complexo e multideterminado. O diagnóstico segundo os critérios do DSM-5 envolve a identificação de sintomas de mania ou hipomania e da avaliação do curso longitudinal da doença. A depressão é geralmente o quadro mais comum e persistente entre os pacientes bipolares. Embora não existam sintomas específicos que distinguem a depressão unipolar da depressão bipolar, foram encontradas características clínicas típicas de cada manifestação (e.g., perfil dos sintomas, história familiar, e curso da doença). O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento dos episódios agudos de humor melhoram significativamente o prognóstico. O tratamento de primeira escolha é com medicamentos estabilizadores de humor, anticonvulsivantes e antipsicóticos atípicos. A combinação de medicamentos com intervenções psicossociais tem se mostrado efetiva. Não obstante, o uso de antidepressivos em monoterapia não é recomendado. (AU)

This review aims to introduce historical, epidemiological and etiological aspects of bipolar disorder, also to present the characterization and course of the disease, as well as some issues related to the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by severe mood disturbances, involving periods of elevated mood and depression intercalated with periods of remission. The disorder is distinguished into two main types: Type I, in which episodes of mania occur; and Type II, in which mood elevation is milder and briefer, characterizing episodes of hypomania. The concept of bipolar spectrum extends the classification of BD, including clinical and genetic patterns. BD is a common disease that strikes about 30 million people worldwide, affecting men and women differently. The causes of BD include the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, distinguishing it as a complex and multidimensional disorder. The diagnosis according to DSM-5 involves the identification of mania or hypomania symptoms and the longitudinal evaluation of the disease course. Depression is usually the most common and persistent condition among bipolar patients. Although there are no specific symptoms that distinguish unipolar depression from bipolar depression, typical clinical features of each manifestation were found (e.g., symptom profile, family history, and disease course). Early diagnosis and the treatment of acute mood episodes significantly improve the prognosis. The first choice treatment involves mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics. The combination of medication with psychosocial interventions has been proved effective. However, the use of antidepressant monotherapy is not recommended. (AU)

Challenges and developments in research of the early stages of bipolar disorder

Recently, attention in the field of bipolar disorder (BD) has focused on prevention, including early detection and intervention, as these strategies have the potential to delay, lessen the severity, or even prevent full-blown episodes of BD. Although knowledge of the neurobiology of BD has advanced substantially in the last two decades, most research was conducted with chronic patients. The objective of this paper is to comprehensively review the literature regarding the early stages of BD, to explore recent discoveries on the neurobiology of these stages, and to discuss implications for research and clinical care. The following databases were searched: PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and SciELO. Articles published in English from inception to December 2015 were retrieved. Several research approaches were used, including examination of offspring studies, retrospective studies, prospective studies of clinical high-risk populations, and exploration of the progression after the first manic episode. Investigations with neuroimaging, cognition assessments, and biomarkers provide promising (although not definitive) evidence of alterations in the neural substrate during the at-risk stage. Research on BD should be expanded to encompass at-risk states and aligned with recent methodological progress in neuroscience.

Outcomes of inpatients with severe mental illness: a naturalistic descriptive study

Objective: To describe and evaluate the response and predictors of remission during inpatient treatment in a psychiatric unit in a general hospital based on symptomatology, functionality, and quality of life (QoL). Methods: Patients were admitted to a psychiatric unit in a tertiary general hospital in Brazil from June 2011 to December 2013 and included in the study if they met two of the severe mental illness (SMI) criteria: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) ≤ 50 and duration of service contact ≥ 2 years. Patients were assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Severity Scale , GAF, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument – Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-Bref), and specific diagnostic scales. Results: A total of 239 patients were included. BPRS mean scores were 25.54±11.37 at admission and 10.96±8.11 at discharge (p < 0.001). Patients with manic episodes (odds ratio: 4.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-14.30; p = 0.03) were more likely to achieve remission (CGI ≤ 2 at discharge) than those with depressive episodes. Mean length of stay was 28.95±19.86 days. All QoL domains improved significantly in the whole sample. Conclusion: SMI patients had marked improvements in symptomatic and functional measures during psychiatric hospitalization. Patients with manic episodes had higher chance of remission according to the CGI.