Desensibilización y reprocesamiento por movimientos oculares (EMDR) para trastornos ansiosos y depresivos en niños y adolescentes: revisión de la evidencia disponible / Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents: a review of the available literature

Resumen Introducción: la desensibilización y reprocesamiento por movimientos oculares (EMDR) tiene abundante evidencia de eficacia en desórdenes del espectro traumático. Su eficacia en trastornos ansiosos (TA) y depresivos (TD) en niños, niñas y adolescentes ha sido escasamente estudiada. Método: se realizó una revisión narrativa para describir la evidencia disponible sobre eficacia de EMDR en TA y TD en población infantojuvenil. Se buscaron artículos disponibles en PubMed/Medline, SciELO, PsycINFO y Cochrane Library. Se incluyeron todos los artículos primarios y secundarios que evaluaron el efecto de EMDR en TA y TD en población infantojuvenil. Se revisaron sus referencias como segundo método de inclusión. Resultados: se identificaron nueve estudios (cinco en TA y cuatro en TD); tres fueron observacionales y seis experimentales. Todos tuvieron tamaños muestrales reducidos. En TA, los estudios corroboraron la eficacia de EMDR sobre el temor fóbico en fobia a las arañas, pero no sobre la conducta evitativa, donde sería superior la exposición in vivo. Dos series de casos expusieron la utilidad de EMDR en fagogobia y en TA asociados a epilepsia. En TD, EMDR fue eficaz en la reducción de sintomatología depresiva en el contexto del trastorno depresivo mayor, trastorno de estrés agudo y trastornos conductuales. EMDR fue comparable a terapia cognitivo-conductual. Conclusiones: la evidencia corrobora la eficacia de EMDR en TA y TD en niños, niñas y adolescentes. Sin embargo, es muy escasa y cuenta con limitaciones metodológicas. Es necesario realizar estudios experimentales con protocolos estandarizados y especializados de EMDR para TA y TD en población infantojuvenil.

Introduction: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has abundant evidence of efficacy in traumatic spectrum disorders. Its efficacy in anxiety disorders (AD) and depressive disorders (DD) in children and adolescents has been scarcely studied. Methods: We conducted a narrative review to describe the available evidence on the efficacy of EMDR in AD and DD in children and adolescents. We searched for articles available in PubMed/Medline, SciELO, PsycInfo and the Cochrane Library. All primary and secondary studies evaluating the effect of EMDR on AD and DD in children and adolescents were included. Their references were reviewed as a second method of inclusion. Results: nine studies were identified (five in AD and four in DD); three were observational and six experimental. All had small sample sizes. In AD, studies corroborated the efficacy of EMDR on phobic fear in spider phobia, but not on avoidance behavior, where in vivo exposure would be superior. Two case series reported the efficacy of EMDR in choking phobia and AD associated with epilepsy. In DD, EMDR was effective in reducing depressive symptomatology in the context of major depressive disorder, acute stress disorder, and conduct disorders. EMDR was comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy. Conclusions: The evidence corroborates the efficacy of EMDR in AD and DD in children and adolescents. However, it is very scarce and has methodological limitations. It is necessary to carry out experimental studies with standardized and specialized EMDR protocols for AD and DD in the child and adolescent population.

Tratamiento del trastorno depresivo en adolescentes: revisión bibliográfica / Treatment of depressive disorder in adolescents: literature review

El trastorno depresivo en adolescentes es un diagnóstico en aumento que se ha asociado con una alta incidencia de patologías psiquiátricas en la adultez, con repercusiones en los resultados educativos, vocacionales, relaciones interpersonales, salud y bienestar físico y mental. Por lo tanto, es crucial el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento adecuado. El objetivo de la presente revisión bibliográfica fue analizar las alternativas terapéuticas tanto farmacológicas como no farmacológicas disponibles. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en PubMed de artículos publicados en los últimos 5 años y en Google Scholar desde el 2018. Los resultados sugieren que la terapia cognitivo conductual sigue siendo la intervención de primera línea con mayor respaldo de evidencia. Sin embargo, se observa que actividades como la actividad física, intervenciones psicoeducativas, estimulación magnética transcraneal, musicoterapia, yoga, biorretroalimentación, terapia del bosque, terapia basada en el arte e intervenciones digitales también han demostrado alivio de los síntomas en medida heterogénea. En cuanto al tratamiento farmacológico, los antidepresivos son la terapia de primera línea, siendo la fluoxetina y el escitalopram los más respaldados por la evidencia. Esta revisión destaca el interés en investigar el uso de otros fármacos como la lamotrigina y la ketamina, aunque la evidencia es incipiente y se requieren más ensayos controlados aleatorizados para determinar su efectividad.

Depressive disorder in adolescents is a diagnosis that has been increasing and is associated with a high incidence of psychiatric pathologies in adulthood, impacting educational and vocational outcomes, interpersonal relationships, as well as physical and mental well-being. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial in addressing these issues. The objective of this bibliographic review was to examine available pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives. The review involved a search on PubMed for articles published in the last 5 years and on Google Scholar since 2018. The available evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy remains the first-line intervention with the most support. However, physical activity, psychoeducational interventions, transcranial magnetic stimulation, music therapy, yoga, biofeedback, forest therapy, art-based therapy, and digital interventions have shown varying degrees of symptom relief. In terms of pharmacological treatment, antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine and escitalopram, are considered the first-line therapy based on the strongest evidence. The review also highlights the interest in exploring the use of other drugs such as lamotrigine and ketamine. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to establish their effectiveness conclusively.

Depression in the workplace: screening and treatment

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Non-pharmacological motor-cognitive treatment to improve the mental health of elderly adults

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To propose a program of physical-cognitive dual task and to measure its impact in Chilean institutionalized elderly adults. METHOD: Experimental design study with pre and post-intervention evaluations, measuring the cognitive and depressive levels by means of the Pfeiffer test and the Yesavage scale, respectively. The program was applied for 12 weeks to adults between 68 and 90 years old. The statistical analysis was based on the nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired samples and was contrasted with its parametric version. The statistical software R was used. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were obtained in the cognitive level (p-value < 0.05) and highly significant (p-value < 0.001) in the level of depression with both tests (parametric and nonparametric). CONCLUSION: Due to the almost null evidence of scientific interventions of programs that integrate physical activity and cognitive tasks together in Chilean elderly adults, a program of physical-cognitive dual task was proposed as a non-pharmacological treatment, easy to apply and of low cost to benefit their integral health, which improves significantly the cognitive and depressive levels of institutionalized elderly adults.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Propor um programa físico-cognitivo e medir seu impacto em idosos institucionalizados chilenos. MÉTODO: Estudo de planejamento experimental com avaliações pré e pós-intervenção, medindo os níveis cognitivo e depressivo por meio do teste de Pfeiffer e da escala de Yesavage, respectivamente. O programa foi aplicado por 12 semanas a idosos entre 68 e 90 anos de idade. A análise estatística foi baseada no teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon para amostras pareadas e foi contrastada com sua versão paramétrica. O software estatístico R foi utilizado. RESULTADOS: Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram obtidas no nível cognitivo (p < 0,05) e altamente significante (p < 0,001) no nível de depressão com ambos os testes (paramétrico e não paramétrico). CONCLUSÃO: Porque quase não existe evidência científica de programas de intervenções que integram a atividade física e tarefas cognitivas em chilenos idosos, um programa físico-cognitivo foi proposto como tratamento não farmacológico, fácil de implementar e de baixo custo, para beneficiar a sua saúde integral, melhorando significativamente os níveis cognitivos e depressivos de idosos institucionalizados.

The role of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in improving attachment patterns, defense styles, and alexithymia in patients with depressive/anxiety disorders / O papel da psicoterapia psicodinâmica de longo prazo na melhora de padrões de apego, estilos de defesa e alexitimia em pacientes com transtornos depressivos e de ansiedade

Abstract Introduction Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) emphasizes the centrality of intrapsychic and unconscious conflicts and their relation to development. Although there is evidence supporting the efficacy of LTPP in mental disorders, little research has been published on the efficacy of LTPP for depressive and anxiety disorders. Objective To examine whether patients with anxiety and depressive disorders demonstrate improvement in their attachment styles, defense styles, psychiatric symptoms, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and alexithymia with LTPP. Methods In this retrospective, descriptive study, the psychological outcomes of patients who were treated at the psychoanalytic clinic of Babol University of Medical Sciences were assessed. Fourteen patients diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorder participated in the study of LTPP using the self-psychology approach. The Beck Depression Inventory II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Adult Attachment Scale, 40-item Defense Style Questionnaire, and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale were administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze changes in psychological outcomes after each of the three assessments. Results The mean scores of depression and anxiety and secure attachment improved significantly after LTPP with self-psychology approach from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Also, the mean scores of neurotic and immature defenses, difficulty in identifying feelings, difficulty in describing feelings, externally oriented thinking, and total alexithymia scores decreased significantly from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insecure attachment styles, alexithymia, and neurotic/immature defense styles improved after the LTPP with self-psychology approach. Moreover, the improvements persisted at the 6-month follow-up.

Resumo Introdução A psicoterapia psicodinâmica de longo prazo (PPLP) enfatiza a centralidade dos conflitos intrapsíquicos e inconscientes e sua relação com o desenvolvimento. Apesar da evidência em favor da eficácia da PPLP em transtornos mentais, há poucos dados sobre a eficácia da PPLP em transtornos de depressão/ansiedade. Objetivo Examinar se pacientes com transtornos de depressão/ansiedade demonstram melhora em seus estilos de apego, estilos defensivos, sintomas psiquiátricos, sintomas de ansiedade/depressão e alexitimia com PPLP. Métodos Neste estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, os desfechos psicológicos de pacientes tratados na clínica psicanalítica da Babol University of Medical Sciences foram avaliados. Quatorze pacientes com diagnóstico de transtorno de depressão ou ansiedade participaram do estudo sobre PPLP com abordagem de psicologia do self. O Inventário de Depressão de Beck II, o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck, a Escala de Apego do Adulto, o Questionário de Estilo de Defesa-40 e a Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto-20 foram administrados antes e após o tratamento e no seguimento de 6 meses. Equações de estimação generalizadas foram usadas para analisar mudanças nos desfechos psicológicos após cada avaliação. Resultados Os escores médios de depressão/ansiedade e apego seguro melhoraram significativamente após PPLP com abordagem de psicologia do self do início do estudo ao pós-tratamento e seguimento. Além disso, os escores médios de defesas neuróticas e imaturas, dificuldade em identificar sentimentos, dificuldade em descrever sentimentos, pensamentos orientados externamente e escores totais de alexitimia diminuíram significativamente do início do estudo ao pós-tratamento e seguimento. Conclusão Sintomas de transtornos de ansiedade, transtornos depressivos, estilos de apego inseguro, alexitimia e estilos de defesa neuróticos/imaturos melhoraram após PPLP com abordagem de psicologia do self. Além disso, as melhoras persistiram no seguimento de 6 meses.

Safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in a patient with deep brain stimulation electrodes / Segurança da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua em uma paciente com implante de eletrodos de estimulação cerebral profunda

ABSTRACT Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated in movement disorders, making it a therapeutic alternative in clinical settings. However, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate treatment protocols in most cases, and the presence of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes has been regarded as a contraindication to the procedure. We recently studied the effects of cerebellar tDCS on a female patient already undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for generalized dystonia. She also presented with chronic pain and depression. With STN-DBS, there was improvement of dystonia, and botulinum toxin significantly reduced pain. However, depressive symptoms were worse after STN-DBS surgery. Methods: Neuromodulation with 2 mA anodal cerebellar tDCS was initiated, targeting both hemispheres in each daily 30 minute session: 15 minutes of left cerebellar stimulation followed by 15 minutes of right cerebellar stimulation. The DBS electrodes were in place and functional, but the current was turned off during tDCS. Results: Although our goal was to improve dystonic movements, after 10 tDCS sessions there was also improvement in mood with normalization of Beck Depression Inventory scores. There were no complications in spite of the implanted STN-DBS leads. Conclusion: Our results indicate that tDCS is safe in patients with DBS electrodes and may be an effective add-on neuromodulatory tool in the treatment of potential DBS partial efficacy in patients with movement disorders.

RESUMO Descrição: A estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) tem sido investigada nos distúrbios de movimento, tornando-a uma alternativa terapêutica no contexto clínico. Contudo, não há consenso quanto aos protocolos mais apropriados na maioria dos casos e a presença de eletrodos de estimulação cerebral profunda (ECP) é geralmente considerada uma contraindicação. Recentemente, estudamos os efeitos da ETCC cerebelar em uma paciente do sexo feminino com implante de eletrodos de estimulação cerebral profunda (ECP) para distonia generalizada. Ela também apresentava dor crônica e depressão. A ETCC foi realizada dois anos após o implante de eletrodos de ECP. Com a ECP houve melhora da distonia e a toxina botulínica reduziu a dor. Contudo, os sintomas depressivos pioraram após a cirurgia de ECP. Métodos: Foi proposta ETCC cerebelar anódica de 2mA, sobre os dois hemisférios em cada sessão de 30min: 15 min de ETCC cerebelar esquerda seguida de 15min de ETCC cerebelar direita. Resultados: Embora o nosso objetivo tenha sido melhorar os movimentos distônicos, após 10 sessões de ETCC houve melhora também do humor da paciente. Não houve nenhuma complicação, apesar da presença de eletrodos de ECP. Conclusão: Nossos resultados apontam para a segurança da tDCS e sua aplicação potencial e efetiva como ferramenta neuromodulatória adicional no tratamento de possíveis sintomas persistentes após a ECP em pacientes com distúrbios de movimento.

Deep brain stimulation - depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Clinical practice guidelines for post-stroke depression in China

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a very common complication that leads to increased physical disability, poor functional outcome, and higher mortality. Therefore, early detection and treatment are very important. Since there are currently no specific guidelines for this disorder in China, the purpose of this study was to develop PSD guidelines and provide suggestions for clinicians and related workers.

Eficacia de la meditación trascendente ­ método xirione en reducción de ansiedad - estado en pacientes con trastorno mixto ansioso ­ depresivo / Efficiency of transcendental meditation - Method of reducing anxiety - Condition in patients with mixed anxiety disorder - Depressive

Objetivo. Comprobar la eficacia de la Meditación Método Xirione en la reducción del nivel de ansiedad ­ estado en pacientes diagnosticados con trastorno mixto ansioso ­ depresivo. Materiales y Métodos: Un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, de grupos paralelos. Se incluyeron a cuarenta pacientes diagnosticados por un médico psiquiatra con trastorno mixto ansioso-depresivo (F41.2), los cuales fueron distribuidos al azar, con una relación 1:1, en un grupo experimental (n=20) y un grupo control (n=20). La intervención de estudio se desarrolló a lo largo de ocho sesiones cuya duración fue de dos horas, dos veces por semana y se centró en el aprendizaje y práctica de los 5 principales primeros pasos de la Meditación Trascendente - Método Xirione. El outcome a medir antes y después de la intervención fue la medida del inventario de ansiedad rasgo-estado (IDARE). Resultados. Después de la intervención con el Taller de Meditación Método Xirione se observó que, en el grupo experimental, el 60% de integrantes presentó ansiedad-estado baja. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los niveles de ansiedad-estado de los grupos de estudio después de concluida la intervención (p<0.05). Además, se encontró un tamaño de efecto calificado como alto de acuerdo a los resultados de la D de Cohen=0.92. Conclusión. La intervención con Meditación Método Xirione en pacientes diagnosticados con trastorno mixto ansioso­depresivo, redujo significativamente el nivel de ansiedad­estado en comparación a los pacientes que solo recibieron terapia farmacológica.

Objectives. To verify the effectiveness of the Xirione Method of Trascendental Meditation. in reducing the level of anxiety - status in patients diagnosed with mixed anxiety - depressive disorder. Materials and Methods. A randomized, parallel group clinical trial. Forty patients diagnosed with mixed anxietydepressive disorder (F41.2) were included, who were randomized, with a 1: 1 ratio, in an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention is developed in eight sessions, which were extended for two hours, twice a week. The sessions were focused on learning and practicing the 5 main steps of Xirione Method. The outcome was the score of anxiety-state inventory (IDARE) before and after the intervention. Results. On experimental group, a 60% of intervened had low anxiety-state levels, after intervention. This differences were statistically significant (p <0.05). Additionally, a high effect size was found (Cohen's D = 0.92). Conclusion. The intervention with Xirione Method of Transcendental Meditation in patients diagnosed with mixed anxiety - depressive disorder, significantly reduced the level of anxiety - state in comparison with patients who only receive pharmacological therapy.

Comorbilidad en personas con depresión que consultan en centros de la atención primaria de salud en Santiago, Chile / Comorbidity in people with depression seeking help at primary health care centers in Santiago, Chile

Background: International evidence has shown the complex interaction between depression and chronic physical diseases. Depression in scenarios involving multiple comorbidities has not received enough attention in Chile. Aim: To characterize the depressed people who consult at Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs), taking into account the presence of chronic physical or psychiatric comorbidity. Materials and Methods: A secondary analysis of databases used in a clinical trial. Two hundred fifty six adults seeking professional help were recruited in four PHCCs located in the Metropolitan Region. These people had a major depressive episode, identified with a structured psychiatric interview (MINI), and gave their informed consent to participate. Socio-demographic information was collected, depressive symptomatology was measured with the patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and chronic physical diseases were self-reported by the patients. Descriptive analyses of all the variables were conducted. Results: Seventy percent of patients had a history of depression, with a median of two prior depressive episodes. Depressive symptoms were mostly considered as moderate to severe and severe and 31% of the patients had high suicide risk. Seventy eight percent displayed a physical or psychiatric comorbidity. Of these patients, 29% only had a chronic physical comorbidity, while 46% suffered from an additional psychiatric disorder. Conclusions: Depressed individuals who seek help at PHCCs constitute an especially complex population that must be treated taking into account multiple comorbidities.

Depresión posparto en padres: ¿por qué también es importante? / Paternal postpartum depression. Why is it also important?

La supervisión de salud es una oportunidad privilegiada para acompañar a las nuevas familias en su transición a la parentalidad. Este período trae importantes desafíos para la madre y el padre, y en ocasiones la demanda puede superar los recursos emocionales de la familia; este desbalance puede favorecer que madres y padres presenten sintomatología depresiva. La depresión posparto puede afectar de uno a dos de cada diez hombres, siendo la depresión materna un factor de riesgo importante para desarrollarla. La depresión posparto en el padre impacta a todos los miembros de la familia, siendo el desarrollo infantil, el vínculo y la salud mental del niño los que pueden verse alteradas a corto, mediano y largo plazo. Parece relevante por lo tanto pensar en un tamizaje para pesquisar precozmente la depresión posparto no sólo en madres sino también en padres y dar así un primer paso a ampliar la mirada desde la diada madre-hijo a la triada. El control de salud del niño es una oportunidad única para poder realizar esta pesquisa, sin embargo la validación de una escala de tamizaje de depresión posparto en padres chilenos es una tarea pendiente.

Health supervision is a privileged opportunity to walk along with the new families during their transition to parenthood. This period is challenging for both mother and father, and there is the potential danger that demand surpasses the existing resources of the family. This imbalance may lead to mothers and fathers to develop depressive symptomatology. Postpartum depression may affect one to two out of ten men, and maternal depression is a major risk factor for developing it. The postpartum depression in the father impact all the family members, being the child development, the bonding, and the child´s mental health which can be disturb at a short, medium and long term. Therefore, it seems to be relevant to think about screening for post partum depression not only in mothers but also fathers, and give a first step to broaden the gaze from the dyad to the triad. The health supervision is a unique opportunity to be able to carry out this screening; however, the validation of a postpartum screening test for Chilean fathers is a pending task.

Perfil del paciente hiperfrecuentador y su asociación con el trastorno ansioso depresivo en servicios de atención primaria de Cali, Colombia / Profiles of high-frequency users of primary care services and associations with depressive anxiety disorders in Cali, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar el perfil de los pacientes hiperfrecuentadores en servicios de atención primaria y su asociación con el trastorno ansioso depresivo en Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de casos y controles. Se definió como caso hiperfrecuentador a aquellos pacientes con un percentil >75 en la frecuencia de uso de consulta externa por demanda espontánea en los últimos 12 meses y como controles a aquellos con percentil <25. Se utilizó el análisis de correspondencias múltiples para describir los perfiles de los pacientes y mediante regresión logística se determinó la influencia de la depresión y ansiedad en la hiperfrecuentación. Resultados. Participaron 780 pacientes; las diferencia en los perfiles entre los hiperfrecuentadores y controles se observaron en los factores de predisposición: sexo, edad, escolaridad; de capacidad: tiempo en acudir a la institución y el medio de transporte que utilizan; y de necesidad: percepción de salud, apoyo social, función familiar, y la presencia de trastornos ansiosos o depresivos. Tener depresión o ansiedad se asoció con la hiperfrecuentación (ORa 1,99; IC 95%: 1,19-3,31) así como tener un sistema de referencias (ORa 1,61; IC 95%: 1,01-2,76), la disfunción familiar leve o buena se asoció de manera negativa (ORa: 0,79; IC 95%: 0,48-0,88) después de ajustar por edad, sexo, etnia e institución prestadora de servicios de salud. Conclusiones. Los pacientes hiperfrecuentadores tienen diferentes perfiles de capacidad, necesidad y predisposición que los controles, los últimos se asociaron de manera independiente a la hiperfrecuentación. En particular, lo trastornos ansioso depresivos duplicaron el riesgo de hiperfrecuentar en atención primaria.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the profiles of highly frequent users of primary care services and the associations of these profiles with depressive anxiety disorders in Cali, Colombia. Materials and Methods. A case-control study, high-frequency cases were defined as those involving patients with a percentile >75 with regard to the frequency of spontaneous use of outpatient facilities in the last 12 months; controls were defined as those with a percentile <25. A multiple correspondence analysis was used to describe patient profiles, and the influences of depression and anxiety on frequent attendance was determined via logistic regression. Results. Among the 780 participating patients, differences in the profiles among frequent users and controls were related to predisposing factors such as sex, age, and education, capacity factors such as the time required to visit the institution and the means of transport used, and need factors such as health perceptions, social support, family function, and the presence of anxiety or depressive disorders. A depression or anxiety disorder was found to associate positively with frequent attendance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.31) and a referral system (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.01-2.76), but negatively with mild or no family dysfunction (aOR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.48-0.88) after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and health service-providing institutions. Conclusions. The profiles of high-frequency patients differ from control patients with respect to factors related to capacity, need, and willingness; in particular, the latter were independently associated with frequent attendance. Notably, the presence of an anxious or depressive disorder doubled the risk of highfrequency attendance at a primary care facility.

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.

Habilidades clínicas para el manejo de trastornos depresivos en médicos generales en Santiago de Chile / Clinical skills of Chilean general practitioners for the management of depressive disorders

Background: Diverse and sustained efforts have been developed to improve the management of depression by general practitioners (GPs), but they have not improved treatment coverage and quality of services. Aim: To explore the level of knowledge and clinical skills to diagnose and treat depression by GPs in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago de Chile (RM). Material and Methods: Theoretical knowledge (TK), diagnostic skills (DS) and treatment skills (TS) were evaluated in 56 GPs of the RM with a battery of specially designed instruments. Results: In TK there were significant differences between GPs aged 31 years or less and their older counterparts and between Chilean and foreign doctors. Five percent of observed differences in TK were explained by age and nationality, respectively. Chilean GPs achieved higher scores in recognition of symptoms (RS), one of the dimensions of DS. No significant differences by age or nationality were observed for DS and TS. Conclusions: Achievement of GPs on tests measuring TK, DS, and TS was generally below 50%. This deficiency should be improved.

Transtornos depressivos em pacientes que buscam cirurgia plástica estética: uma visão ampla e atualizada / Depressive disorders in patients who seek cosmetic surgery: a broad and updated view

INTRODUÇÃO: A cirurgia estética pode melhorar a qualidade de vida de pacientes, porém alguns que se apresentam para o procedimento são portadores de transtornos depressivos (TD) e podem evoluir, no pós-operatório, de forma desastrosa do ponto de vista psicológico e até mesmo evoluir para o suicídio. A prevalência de TD em pacientes de cirurgia plásticaestética é em média de 20%, podendo chegar até 70%. Este artigo tem por objetivo fazer uma revisão sobre depressão e cirurgia estética bem como alertar e conscientizar os cirurgiões plásticos sobre o crescente aumento destes pacientes nos consultórios. Objetiva, ainda, orientar os cirurgiões quanto a abordagem adequada e condutas específicas perante estes. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se busca nos bancos de dados MEDLINE/PubMed e Embase e cruzamento de palavras chaves, incluindo "cirurgia plástica estética", "depressão"; "transtornos de humor", "transtorno depressivo", "sintomas depressivos", "suicídio e cirurgia plástica". RESULTADOS: O sucesso de uma cirurgia plástica depende em muito da seleção dos pacientes para o procedimento. Pacientes suspeitos, pacientes com sintomas depressivos elevados nos questionários (como o BDI) e pacientes com "marcadores" de psicopatologia deverão ser encaminhados ao psiquiatra para avaliação adequada. CONCLUSÃO: Pela elevada prevalência de TD em cirurgia plástica estética, todo paciente de cirurgia plástica deverá ser avaliado adequadamente para identificação daqueles com possíveis TD no pré-operatório e encaminhado ao psiquiatra, para assim tentar se evitar evolução psicológica desfavorável pós-operatória.

INTRODUCTION: Aesthetic surgery can improve the quality of life of patients, but some candidates for the procedure have depressive disorders (DDs) that may develop, in the postoperative period, in a disastrous manner from a psychological point of view and even progress to suicide. The prevalence of DDs in cosmetic surgery patients is 20% on average and reaches 70%. This article aims to review depression and aesthetic surgery as well as to alert and educate plastic surgeons on the growing number of these patients in clinical settings. It also aims to guide surgeons to the appropriate approach and specific behaviors with these patients. METHODS: A search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase, and key words were entered, including "cosmetic surgery," "depression," "mood disorders," "depressive disorder," "depressive symptoms," and "suicide and plastic surgery." RESULTS: The success of plastic surgery depends a great deal on the selection of patients for the procedure. Suspect patients, patients with elevated depressive symptoms in questionnaires (such as the BDI), and patients with psychopathology "markers" should be forwarded to a psychiatrist for proper evaluation. CONCLUSION: Due to the high prevalence of DDs in aesthetic plastic surgery patients, every plastic surgery patient should be evaluated properly to identify those with possible DDs in the preoperative period, and those should be forwarded to a psychiatrist, thus avoiding an unfavorable postoperative psychological evolution.

Electroconvulsive therapy in Parkinson´s disease / A eletroconvulsoterapia na doença de Parkinson

Purpose To analyze the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy for the management of depression and/or psychosis refractory to drug therapy in patients with Parkinson disease.Methods A retrospective study was carried out including patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy during the period between 2002 and 2013. A review of the literature was performed.Results A total of 27 patients were included. In regards to the neuropsychiatric diagnosis, 14 patients had major depression, 12 patients had both psychosis and depression, and only one patient had isolated psychosis. The mean number of electroconvulsive therapy sessions was 12 ± 2.8. After electroconvulsive therapy, all patients showed a statistically significant improvement in the Brief Psychiatric Rating scale (reduction of 52% points) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (reduction of 50% points) independent of the presence of psychosis, depression or both.Conclusion Electroconvulsive therapy is effective for the treatment of refractory neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.

Propósito Analisar a eficácia da eletroconvulsoterapia para o tratamento da depressão e/ou psicoses refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso em pacientes com doença de Parkinson.Métodos Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado com pacientes tratados com a eletroconvulsoterapia, durante o período entre 2002 e 2013. Uma revisão da literatura foi realizada.Resultados Um total de 27 pacientes foram incluídos. Em relação ao diagnóstico neuropsiquiátrico, 14 pacientes tinham depressão maior, 12 pacientes tiveram tanto psicoses e depressão, e apenas um paciente tinha isolado psicoses. O número médio de sessões de eletroconvulsoterapia foi de 12 ± 2,8. Após a eletroconvulsoterapia, todos os pacientes apresentaram uma melhora estatisticamente significativa no Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (redução de 52% de pontos) e Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (redução de 50% de pontos), independente da presença de psicose, depressão ou ambos.Conclusão Eletroconvulsoterapia é eficaz para o tratamento de sintomas neuropsiquiátricos refractários na doença de Parkinson.

Impacto de una capacitación en trastornos depresivos para médicos generales de atención primaria en salud: Resultados cualitativos / Qualitative impact of a training program on depressive disorders for primary care physicians

Background: There are suggestions that, despite training efforts for Primary Health Care physicians, difficulties in making accurate diagnoses and timely treatments persist. Aim: To evaluate the impact of a new training model in Depressive disorders integrated with Mindful Practice, on the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of primary care general physicians. Material and Methods: A voluntary sample of 56 general physicians was studied. The design of this study was experimental and randomized, with two groups attending theoretical sessions followed by differing workshops that were carried out in a parallel fashion. The Quantitative phase of this study considered measuring the impact of training in physician s skills. The Qualitative phase included nine semi-structured interviews and Qualitative Content Analysis. This paper reports the results of the interviews. Results: As a consequence of training sessions, physicians learned that above the mental health problems, other issues such as self-efficacy and self-confidence are important for the management of depressive patients. Conclusions: This qualitative study shows that physicians are obtaining significant benefits from their training sessions.