Smartphone-assisted online brief cognitive behavioral therapy to treat maternal depression: findings of a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To test the efficacy of smartphone-assisted online brief cognitive behavioral therapy (b-CBT) to treat maternal depression compared to online brief CBT plus an active control app. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), midpoint (T1, week 4-5), post-treatment (T2, week 8), and follow-up (T3, 2-month postnatal follow-up) by blinded interviewers. The primary outcome was depression measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at T2. We also assessed anxiety, stress, sleep quality, well-being, physical activity, treatment response, and offspring child behavior problems. Results: Eighty-one participants were randomized to the intervention (n=37) or active control (n=44) groups. Seventy-one participants completed the post-treatment assessment or reported primary outcome data. No differences were found between the intervention and active control groups regarding maternal depression or other mental health outcomes. Overall, we found large within-group effect sizes, with 80% of the total sample responding to treatment. Conclusions: Our data showed no difference between the groups, suggesting that adding apps to psychotherapy treatment may not enhance treatment effects on prenatal depression. A within-groups analysis showed that most participants with depression responded to treatment; however, future studies are needed to confirm whether this effect is related to factors other than the intervention.

Emotional, hyperactivity and inattention problems in adolescents with immunocompromising chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective: To assess factors associated with emotional changes and Hyperactivity/Inattention (HI) motivated by COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with immunocompromising diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 343 adolescents with immunocompromising diseases and 108 healthy adolescents. Online questionnaires were answered including socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and validated surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0). Results: The frequencies of abnormal emotional SDQ scores from adolescents with chronic diseases were similar to those of healthy subjects (110/343 [32%] vs. 38/108 [35%], p = 0.548), as well as abnormal hyperactivity/inattention SDQ scores (79/343 [23%] vs. 29/108 [27%], p = 0.417). Logistic regression analysis of independent variables associated with abnormal emotional scores from adolescents with chronic diseases showed: female sex (Odds Ratio [OR = 3.76]; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 2.00-7.05; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.08-3.88; p = 0.028) and intrafamilial violence during pandemic (OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.12-4.19; p = 0.021) as independently associated with abnormal emotional scores, whereas total PedsQL score was inversely associated with abnormal emotional scores (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.93-0.96; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis associated with abnormal HI scores from patients evidenced that total PedsQL score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; p = 0.010], changes in medical appointments during the pandemic (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.19-0.79; p = 0.021), and reliable COVID-19 information (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.16-0.77; p = 0.026) remained inversely associated with abnormal HI scores. Conclusion: The present study showed emotional and HI disturbances in adolescents with chronic immunosuppressive diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reinforces the need to promptly implement a longitudinal program to protect the mental health of adolescents with and without chronic illnesses during future pandemics.

Impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental functioning in adolescents with disabilities in a sports nongovernmental organization / Impacto da COVID-19 no funcionamento físico e mental de adolescentes com deficiência em organização não governamental esportiva

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to assess physical and mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) parameters in adolescents with physical disabilities enrolled in a sports nongovernmental organization (NGO) versus adolescents without disabilities during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 adolescents with disabilities and 86 adolescents without disabilities who responded to an online questionnaire with sociodemographic data and self-rated healthcare routine information during the COVID-19 quarantine. Validated self-report versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were also applied. Results: The median of emotional [4 (0-10) vs. 5 (0-10), p=0.018] and prosocial [7 (0-10) vs. 9 (3-10), p=0.006] problems was lower in adolescents with disabilities versus adolescents without disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities had significantly lower global function [68 (21-99) vs. 94 (67-100), p<0.001] and higher happiness scores in the PODCI scale [90 (65-100) vs. 80 (0-100), p=0.016] compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that physical activity/week (OR=1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05, p=0.002) was higher in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. However, housework activities (OR=0.14; 95%CI 0.04-0.43, p=0.001) and screen time ≥3 h/day (OR=0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.38, p=0.001) were lower in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. Conclusion: Adolescents with disabilities attending a sports NGO were not at higher risk of adverse health-related indicators; despite showing reduced physical function, they reported more physical activity, higher happiness, and less screen time compared to adolescents without disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os parâmetros de saúde física e mental, de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS), em adolescentes com deficiência física matriculados em organização não governamental (ONG) esportiva vs. em adolescentes sem deficiência, durante a pandemia da doença do coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 30 adolescentes com deficiência e 86 adolescentes sem deficiência que responderam a questionário online com dados sociodemográficos e informações de rotina de saúde autoavaliadas durante a quarentena da COVID-19. Versões validadas de autorrelato do Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) e Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) também foram aplicadas. Resultados: A mediana de problemas emocionais [4(0-10) vs. 5(0-10),p=0,018] e pró-social [7(0-10) vs. 9(3-10),p=0,006] foi menor em adolescentes com deficiência vs. adolescentes sem deficiência. Adolescentes com deficiência tiveram função global significantemente inferior [68(21-99) vs. 94(67-100),p <0,001] e pontuações de felicidade mais altas do PODCI [90(65-100) vs. 80(0-100),p=0,016] em comparação com o grupo sem deficiências. A análise de regressão logística demonstrou que a atividade física/semana (odds ratio — OR=1,03; intervalo de confiança — IC95%=1,01-1,05,p=0,002) foi maior nos adolescentes com deficiência. No entanto, atividades domésticas (OR=0,14; IC95%=0,04-0,43,p=0,001) e tempo de tela ≥3 horas/dia (OR=0,09; IC95%=0,02-0,38,p=0,001) foram menores nos adolescentes com deficiência. Conclusões: Os adolescentes com deficiência que frequentam uma organização não governamental (ONG) esportiva não tiveram maior risco de apresentar indicadores adversos à saúde; apesar de apresentarem função física reduzida, relataram mais atividade física, maior felicidade e menos tempo de tela em comparação com adolescentes sem deficiência durante a pandemia da COVID-19.

Brazilian Portuguese Childhood Autism Spectrum Test: an investigation of the factor structure of autistic traits in school-aged children

Objective: There is limited evidence about the cross-cultural validity of autistic symptoms in school-aged children in Brazil. We used data from a large school survey to evaluate the factor structure of autism symptoms in community-dwelling children and adolescents. Methods: We translated the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test to Brazilian Portuguese and performed factor analyses to investigate the factor structure of parent-reported autistic symptoms in a large sample (n=8,571) of children/adolescents from a school survey in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. Results: Autistic symptoms were best conceptualized under a correlated-factors model with two factors: one predominantly characterized by social-communication symptoms and the other by symptoms of inflexible/restricted language, behaviors, and interests. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that the structure of autistic symptoms in Brazil is similar to that described in other countries, indicating the cross-cultural validity of autism in Brazil.

Inattention symptoms in early pregnancy predict parenting skills and infant maltreatment during the first year of life

Objective: Maternal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has not been investigated in relation to parenting skills in adolescent mothers. This study investigated whether maternal inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms early in pregnancy predict poorer parenting skills and infant maltreatment during the first year of life in adolescent mothers living in adverse environmental conditions. Methods: The participants in this study were 80 adolescent mothers aged 14-19 years and their babies who were taking part in a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a home-visiting program on infant development. Symptoms of maternal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were assessed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Parenting skills (maternal competence, attachment to the baby, home environment) and child maltreatment were assessed when the infants were aged 6 and 12 months. Multilevel linear regression models were constructed to test the extent to which prenatal maternal inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms predicted these parenting variables during the first year of the infant's life. Results: Prenatal inattention symptoms significantly predicted lower maternal competence and attachment, a poorer home environment, and greater maltreatment during the first year of life. Hyperactivity did not significantly predict parenting skills or maltreatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that inattention symptoms may interfere with parenting abilities in adolescent mothers and should be considered in early intervention programs.

Physical and mental health impacts during COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions

Abstract Objective: To evaluate physical and mental health indicators in adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 355 adolescents with chronic conditions and 111 healthy adolescents. An online self-rated survey was used to investigate socio-demographic features, healthcare routine, and the quarantine impact on physical and mental health. The validated self-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was also applied. Results: The median of age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p = 0.733] and frequencies of female (61% vs. 60%, p = 0.970) were similar between adolescents with preexisting chronic conditions and healthy adolescents during quarantine of COVID-19 pandemic. The frequencies of abnormal total difficulties score of SDQ were similar in patients and controls (30% vs. 31%, p = 0.775). Logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR = 1.965; 95% CI = 1.091-3.541, p = 0.024), fear of underlying disease activity/complication (OR = 1.009; 95%CI = 1.001-1.018, p = 0.030) were associated with severe psychosocial dysfunction in adolescents with chronic conditions, whereas school homework (OR = 0.449; 95% CI = 0.206-0.981, p = 0.045) and physical activity (OR = 0.990; 95% CI = 0.981-0.999, p = 0.030) were protective factors. Further analysis of patients with chronic immunocompromised conditions and previous diagnosis of mental disorders (9%) compared with patients without diagnosis showed higher median of total difficulties score (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.005), conduct (p = 0.007), peer problems (p = 0.001) and hyperactivity (p = 0.034) in the former group. Conclusion: Adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions during COVID-19 quarantine were not at higher risk of adverse health indicators. Being female, fear of underlying disease activity/complication, and household members working outside of the home were relevant issues for adolescents with preexisting chronic conditions. This study reinforces the need to establish mental health strategies for teens with chronic conditions, particularly during the pandemic.

COMVC-19: A Program to protect healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. What we have learned

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a work and stress overload to healthcare workers, increasing their vulnerability to mental health impairments. In response, the authors created the COMVC-19 program. The program offered preventive actions and mental health treatment for the 22,000 workers of The Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This paper aims to describe its implementation and share what we have learned from this experience. METHODS: Workers were able to easily access the program through a 24/7 hotline. Additionally, a mobile phone app that screened for signs and symptoms of emotional distress and offered psychoeducation and/or referral to treatment was made available. Data from both these sources as well as any subsequent psychiatric evaluations were collected. RESULTS: The first 20 weeks of our project revealed that most participants were female, and part of the nursing staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. The most frequently reported symptoms were: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The most common diagnoses were Adjustment, Anxiety, and Mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a mental health program in a multimodal intervention was feasible in a major quaternary public hospital. Our data also suggests that preventive actions should primarily be aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms, with a particular focus on the nursing staff.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Poor Sleep quality and health-related quality of life impact in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions during COVID-19 quarantine

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible factors that influence sleep quality in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions quarantined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 305 adolescents with chronic immunocompromised conditions and 82 healthy adolescents. Online surveys were completed, which included questions on socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and the following validated questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). RESULTS: The median current age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p=0.847] and frequency of female sex (62% vs. 58%, p=0.571) were similar in adolescents with chronic conditions compared with healthy adolescents. The frequency of poor sleep quality was similar in both groups (38% vs. 48%, p=0.118). Logistic regression analysis, including both healthy adolescents and adolescents with chronic conditions (n=387), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-6.8; p=0.008) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.5; p=0.008) were independently associated with poor sleep quality in these adolescents. However, the PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for poor sleep quality (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99; p=0.001). Further logistic regression, including only adolescents with chronic conditions (n=305), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-6.8; p=0.006) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4; p=0.011) remained independently associated with poor quality of sleep, whereas a lower PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for sleep quality (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Self-reported increases in screen time and intrafamilial violence report impacted sleep quality in both healthy adolescents and those with chronic conditions. Decreased health-related quality of life was observed in adolescents with poor sleep quality.

Diagnostic operationalization and phenomenological heterogeneity in psychiatry: the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / Operacionalización diagnóstica y heterogeneidad fenomenológica en psiquiatría: el caso del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad

Abstract Introduction We assessed the impact of polythetic conceptualizations of mental disorders on the validity and reliability of psychiatric diagnosis, with a specific focus on two levels of heterogeneity: phenomenological and pathophysiological. Objective We investigated this issue using attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an example. Method We examined individuals from two samples enriched for psychopathology (n = 1 255 children in Porto Alegre and 1 257 children in São Paulo, Brazil). We conducted a series of data analyses to investigate phenomenological heterogeneity, including confirmatory factor analysis. We also investigated pathophysiological heterogeneity using symptom-level regressions between ADHD symptoms and four neurocognitive processes consistently linked to ADHD (working memory, inhibitory control, intra-subject variability in reaction times, and temporal processing). Lastly, we assessed the performance of polythetic systems for reliability testing inter-rater and test-rest reliability of two well-known symptomatic scales. Results Among the 116 200 possible combinations of symptoms to achieve DSM symptomatic threshold for categorical ADHD diagnosis, we found 173 combinations in the two independent samples, and only four were replicated in both samples (2.3%). We also found that the number of ADHD symptoms is a poor indicator of variation in the general ADHD latent trait. Overall, symptoms did not have specific profiles of associations with any of the neurocognitive processes. Reliability analyses revealed that increasing the number of items augments overall reliability of measurements. Discussion and conclusion Our findings illustrate both potential benefits and problems inherent to the polythetic system for ADHD. Implications for the search of mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders are discussed.

Resumen Antecedentes Evaluamos el impacto de las conceptualizaciones politécnicas de los trastornos mentales en la validez y la fiabilidad del diagnóstico psiquiátrico, con un enfoque específico en dos niveles de heterogeneidad: fenomenológico y fisiopatológico. Objetivos Investigamos este problema utilizando el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) como ejemplo. Método Examinamos individuos de dos muestras enriquecidas por psicopatología (n = 1 255 niños en Porto Alegre y 1 257 niños en São Paulo, Brasil). Llevamos a cabo una serie de análisis de datos para investigar la heterogeneidad fenomenológica, incluido el análisis factorial confirmatorio. También investigamos la heterogeneidad fisiopatológica utilizando regresiones al nivel de síntomas entre los síntomas del TDAH y cuatro procesos neurocognitivos consistentemente vinculados al TDAH (memoria de trabajo, control inhibitorio, variabilidad intrasujeto en tiempos de reacción y procesamiento temporal). Por último, evaluamos el rendimiento de los sistemas politéticos para la prueba de confiabilidad interevaluador y la confiabilidad test-rest de dos escalas sintomáticas bien conocidas. Resultados Entre las 116 200 posibles combinaciones de síntomas para alcanzar el umbral sintomático del DSM para el diagnóstico categórico de TDAH, encontramos 173 combinaciones en las dos muestras independientes y sólo cuatro se replicaron en ambas muestras (2.3%). También encontramos que la cantidad de síntomas de TDAH no es un buen indicador de la variación en el rasgo latente general del TDAH. En general, los síntomas no tenían perfiles específicos de asociaciones con ninguno de los procesos neurocognitivos. Los análisis de confiabilidad revelaron que aumentar el número de artículos aumenta la confiabilidad general de las mediciones. Discusión y conclusión Nuestros hallazgos ilustran tanto los beneficios potenciales como los problemas inherentes al sistema politécnico para el TDAH. Se discuten las implicaciones para la búsqueda de mecanismos subyacentes a los trastornos psiquiátricos.

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in children with first degree relatives diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Objective: A first-degree relative affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in childhood is an important risk factor for developing the disorder in adulthood. The relationship between a family history of OCD and the presence of OCS and its correlates in childhood is not well established. Methods: A total of 66 children whose parents or siblings have been diagnosed with OCD were assessed for the presence of OCS and clinical correlates. Results: Three children (4.5%) were reported to have received an OCD diagnosis and another 26 (39.4%) were identified as having OCS. Children with OCS had higher rates of coercive behavior and came from families with lower socioeconomic status. Contamination/cleaning dimension symptoms in the proband were associated with OCS in the assessed children. Conclusion: OCS are frequent among family members of individuals with OCD and are associated with socioeconomic status, coercive behaviors and proband contamination/cleaning symptoms. Future longitudinal studies should test the risk of developing OCD in association with these characteristics.

Socioeconomic diversities and infant development at 6 to 9 months in a poverty area of São Paulo, Brazil / Diversidades socioeconômicas e o desenvolvimento infantil de 6 a 9 meses no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Introduction The effects of socioeconomic disparities on cognitive development tend to emerge early in infancy and to widen throughout childhood, and may perpetuate later in life. Although the study of how poverty affects early childhood has increased in the last 20 years, many of the effects remain largely unknown, especially during the first year of life. Aim To investigate the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal education on infants' language, motor and cognitive development. Methods The cognitive, language and motor skills of 444 infants aged 6 to 9 months selected from a poor neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil, were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. A questionnaire on socioeconomic background was administered to the participants' families. Results A positive association was found between SES and infants' performance on language and motor scales. Additionally, higher maternal education was associated with higher language and cognitive scores. Conclusion Our findings indicate that SES effects are detectable very early in infancy. This result has implications for the timing of both screening and intervention efforts to help children overcome the consequences of living in poverty.

Resumo Introdução Os efeitos das disparidades socioeconômicas no desenvolvimento cognitivo tendem a surgir no início da primeira infância e a se ampliar ao longo da infância, e podem perpetuar-se mais tardiamente. Embora estudos mostrando os efeitos deletérios de um menor nível socioeconômico (NSE) no desenvolvimento na primeira infância tenham aumentado nos últimos 20 anos, muitos desses efeitos ainda permanecem desconhecidos, especialmente durante o primeiro ano de vida. Objetivo Investigar a influência do NSE e da escolaridade materna no desenvolvimento linguístico, motor e cognitivo do bebê. Método Foram avaliadas as habilidades cognitivas, linguísticas e motoras de 444 lactentes com 6 a 9 meses de idade selecionados em um bairro de baixo NSE na zona oeste de São Paulo, Brasil, utilizando-se as Escalas Bayley de Desenvolvimento Infantil. Um questionário também foi administrado para coletar dados sobre o background socioeconômico das famílias das crianças participantes. Resultado Foi observada uma associação positiva entre NSE e o desempenho dos lactentes nas escalas de linguagem e desenvolvimento motor. Adicionalmente, maior educação materna esteve associada a escores mais altos nas escalas de desenvolvimento linguístico e cognitivo. Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo indicam que os efeitos do NSE são detectáveis muito cedo na primeira infância. Este resultado tem implicações para o timing de avaliações e intervenções que possam ajudar as crianças a superar as consequências de viver na pobreza.

Cost-utility analysis of methylphenidate treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD in Brazil

Objective: To perform a cost-utility analysis on the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with methylphenidate immediate-release (MPH-IR) in children and adolescents from Brazil. Method: A Markov model was constructed to compare MPH-IR vs. no treatment. A 24-week naturalistic study was conducted to collect transition probabilities and utility data. Effectiveness was expressed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), and costs reported in 2014 international dollars (I$). The perspective was the Brazilian Unified Health System as payer, and the time horizon was 6 years. Results: Of 171 patients, 73 provided information at baseline, and 56 at week 24. Considering the MPH-IR monthly cost of I$ 38, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of treatment was I$ 9,103/QALY for children and I$ 11,883/QALY for adolescents. In two-way sensitivity analysis, considering one Gross National Product per capita (I$ 11,530) as willingness-to-pay, a cost of no-treatment lower than I$ 45/month would render MPH-IR a cost-saving strategy. Discussion: MPH-IR treatment of children and adolescents is cost-effective for ADHD patients from the Brazilian public health system perspective. Both patients and the healthcare system might benefit from such a strategy. Trial registration number: NCT01705613.

Methylphenidate use in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / Uso de metilfenidato em crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade

A Brazilian Health Technology Assessment Bulletin (BRATS) article regarding scientific evidence of the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has caused much controversy about its methods. Considering the relevance of BRATS for public health in Brazil, we critically reviewed this article by remaking the BRATS search and discussing its methods and results. Two questions were answered: did BRATS include all references available in the literature? Do the conclusions reflect the reviewed articles? The results indicate that BRATS did not include all the references from the literature on this subject and also that the proposed conclusions are different from the results of the articles chosen by the BRATS authors themselves. The articles selected by the BRATS authors showed that using methylphenidate is safe and effective. However, the BRATS final conclusion does not reflect the aforementioned and should not be used to support decisions on the use of methylphenidate.

O Boletim Brasileiro de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (BRATS), em matéria sobre as evidências científicas da eficácia e segurança do metilfenidato para o transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH), gerou controvérsias sobre sua metodologia. Considerando a relevância do BRATS para a saúde pública no Brasil, realizou-se análise crítica dessa matéria ao refazer a busca do BRATS e discutir sua metodologia e achados. Foram respondidas duas perguntas:o BRATS incluiu todas as referências disponíveis na literatura? As conclusões refletiram os textos revisados? Identificou-se que o BRATS não incluiu todas as referências da literatura sobre o tema e que as conclusões propostas estão diferentes dos resultados dos artigos escolhidos pelos próprios autores do BRATS. Os artigos selecionados pelos autores do BRATS apontam para a eficácia e segurança do uso do metilfenidato. Entretanto, a conclusão final dos autores não reflete isso e não deveria ser usada como referência para orientar decisões sobre o uso do metilfenidato.

Irritability in children and adolescents: past concepts, current debates, and future opportunities

Irritability is defined as a low threshold to experience anger in response to frustration. It is one of the most common symptoms in youth and is part of the clinical presentation of several disorders. Irritability can present early in life and is a predictor of long-term psychopathology; yet, the diagnostic status of irritability is a matter of intense debate. In the present article, we address two main components of the debate regarding irritability in youth: the misdiagnosis of chronic irritability as pediatric bipolar disorder, and the proposal of a new diagnosis in the DSM-5, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, whose defining symptoms are chronic irritability and temper outbursts.

Developments and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, often associated with other psychiatric comorbidities, functional impairments, and poor long-term outcomes. The objective of this selected review is to describe current advances and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The disorder is associated with neurobiological underpinnings and is highly heterogeneous in various aspects, such as symptom profiles, cognitive impairments, and neurobiological and genetic features. The efficacy and safety of short-term pharmacological treatments across the life cycle is well studied, but further research investigating long-term treatment, impact of treatment in preschoolers, and non-pharmacological interventions is needed. Future research is also needed to better characterize the neurodevelopmental pathways of the disorder, linking clinical and neurobiological information, less investigated populations, and new interventions.