Dissecting Psychiatric Heterogeneity and Comorbidity with Core Region-Based Machine Learning / 神经科学通报·英文版

Machine learning approaches are increasingly being applied to neuroimaging data from patients with psychiatric disorders to extract brain-based features for diagnosis and prognosis. The goal of this review is to discuss recent practices for evaluating machine learning applications to obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and to advance a novel strategy of building machine learning models based on a set of core brain regions for better performance, interpretability, and generalizability. Specifically, we argue that a core set of co-altered brain regions (namely 'core regions') comprising areas central to the underlying psychopathology enables the efficient construction of a predictive model to identify distinct symptom dimensions/clusters in individual patients. Hypothesis-driven and data-driven approaches are further introduced showing how core regions are identified from the entire brain. We demonstrate a broadly applicable roadmap for leveraging this core set-based strategy to accelerate the pursuit of neuroimaging-based markers for diagnosis and prognosis in a variety of psychiatric disorders.

Psychoactive substance abuse and dependence and its association with anxiety disorders: a population-based study of young adults in Brazil

Objective: To evaluate the association between abuse of and dependence on different psychoactive substances and the presence of anxiety disorders in a sample of young adults from a city in southern Brazil. Methods: Between 2007 and 2009, we carried out a cross-sectional, population-based study of individuals aged 18-24 years who lived in Pelotas, a city in southern Brazil. We evaluated anxiety disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI), and use of psychoactive substances with the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST 2.0/0MS). We used Fisher's exact test for univariate analysis, and Poisson regression models with robust variance for multivariable analysis. Results: The sample consisted of 1,560 young adults. The overall prevalence of abuse/dependence was 26.9% for alcohol, 24.9% for tobacco, and 7.3% for illicit substances. Individuals with agoraphobia had a 32% higher prevalence of tobacco abuse/dependence (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.32 [95%CI 1.01-1.74]). Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) had a 2.41-fold (95%CI 1.22-4.77) and 1.76-fold (95%CI 1.00-3.11) higher prevalence of illicit substance abuse/dependence, respectively. Conclusion: In this population-based sample, we found associations between GAD, PTSD, and increased prevalence of illicit substance abuse/dependence. In addition, individuals with agoraphobia seem to have increased tobacco abuse/dependence.

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.

Familial misophonia or selective sound sensitivity syndrome: evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance? / Misofonia familiar ou síndrome da sensibilidade seletiva a sons: evidência de herança autossômica dominante?

Abstract Introduction: Misophonia is a recently described, poorly understood and neglected condition. It is characterized by strong negative reactions of hatred, anger or fear when subjects have to face some selective and low level repetitive sounds. The most common ones that trigger such aversive reactions are those elicited by the mouth (chewing gum or food, popping lips) or the nose (breathing, sniffing, and blowing) or by the fingers (typing, kneading paper, clicking pen, drumming on the table). Previous articles have cited that such individuals usually know at least one close relative with similar symptoms, suggesting a possible hereditary component. Objective: We found and described a family with 15 members having misophonia, detailing their common characteristics and the pattern of sounds that trigger such strong discomfort. Methods: All 15 members agreed to give us their epidemiological data, and 12 agreed to answer a specific questionnaire which investigated the symptoms, specific trigger sounds, main feelings evoked and attitudes adopted by each participant. Results: The 15 members belong to three generations of the family. Their age ranged from 9 to 73 years (mean 38.3 years; median 41 years) and 10 were females. Analysis of the 12 questionnaires showed that 10 subjects (83.3%) developed the first symptoms during childhood or adolescence. The mean annoyance score on the Visual Analog Scale from 0 to 10 was 7.3 (median 7.5). Individuals reported hatred/anger, irritability and anxiety in response to sounds, and faced the situation asking to stop the sound, leaving/avoiding the place and even fighting. The self-reported associated symptoms were anxiety (91.3%), tinnitus (50%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (41.6%), depression (33.3%), and hypersensitivity to sounds (25%). Conclusion: The high incidence of misophonia in this particular familial distribution suggests that it might be more common than expected and raises the possibility of having a hereditary etiology.

Resumo Introdução: A misofonia é uma condição recentemente descrita, mal compreendida e negligenciada. É caracterizada por fortes reações negativas de ódio, raiva ou medo quando os indivíduos precisam enfrentar alguns sons repetitivos seletivos e de baixa intensidade. Os mais comuns que desencadeiam tais reações aversivas são aqueles provocados pela boca (mascar goma ou mastigar comida, estalar os lábios) ou nariz (respirando, cheirando e soprando) ou pelos dedos (digitando, amassando papel, clicando a caneta, tamborilando na mesa). Artigos anteriores citam que esses indivíduos geralmente conhecem pelo menos um parente próximo com sintomas semelhantes, sugerindo um possível componente hereditário. Objetivo: Encontramos e descrevemos uma família com 15 membros com misofonia, detalhando suas características comuns e o padrão de sons que desencadeiam um desconforto tão forte. Método: Todos os 15 membros concordaram em nos fornecer seus dados epidemiológicos e 12 concordaram em responder a um questionário específico que investigou os sintomas, sons de gatilho específicos, principais sentimentos evocados e atitudes adotadas por cada participante. Resultados: Os 15 membros pertencem a três gerações da família. A idade variou de 9 a 73 anos (média de 38,3 anos, mediana de 41 anos) e 10 eram mulheres. A análise dos 12 questionários mostrou que 10 indivíduos (83,3%) desenvolveram os primeiros sintomas durante a infância ou a adolescência. A média do escore de irritação na Escala Visual Analógica de 0 a 10 foi de 7,3 (mediana 7,5). Os indivíduos relataram sentimentos de ódio/raiva, irritabilidade e ansiedade em resposta a sons, e enfrentaram a situação pedindo para interromper o som, deixando/evitando o lugar e até mesmo discutindo. Os sintomas associados auto-relatados foram ansiedade (91,3%), zumbido (50%), transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (41,6%), depressão (33,3%) e hipersensibilidade aos sons (25%). Conclusão: A alta incidência de misofonia nessa distribuição familiar em particular sugere que possa ser mais comum do que o esperado e suscita a possibilidade de haver uma etiologia hereditária.

Clinical and familial profile of bipolar disorder with and without obsessive-compulsive disorder: an Indian study / Perfil clínico e familiar do transtorno bipolar com e sem transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo: estudo indiano

Abstract Introduction Comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is common in bipolar disorder (BD). Clinical characteristics, functionality and familial pattern of this comorbidity are largely understudied. Objective To assess clinical profile, familial loading of psychiatric disorders and level of functioning in remitted BD patients who have comorbid OCD and to compare results with those of remitted BD patients without OCD. Methods Remitted BD-I subjects were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS). BD patients with and without OCD were compared. Group differences were analyzed using the chi-square test and the independent samples t test. Values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Of the 90 remitted BD-I patients, 35.5% (n=32) had obsessive-compulsive symptoms/OCD. The BD-OCD group showed significantly lower GAF scores, higher rates of suicidal attempts, hospitalizations, manic and depressive episodes compared to the group with BD only (p<0.05). In addition, first and second-degree relatives had higher rates of BD-OCD and OCD, but not of BD. Conclusions BD-OCD is characterized by more severe BD, more dysfunction and higher familial loading of BD-OCD and OCD. Larger studies involving relatives of probands will help to confirm our findings and to delineate nosological status of BD-OCD comorbidity.

Resumo Introdução Transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) comórbido é comum no transtorno bipolar (TB). Características clínicas, funcionalidade e história familiar dessa comorbidade são pouco estudadas. Objetivo Avaliar o perfil clínico, a carga familiar de transtornos psiquiátricos e o nível de funcionalidade em pacientes com TB em remissão que apresentam TOC comórbido e comparar os resultados com aqueles obtidos em pacientes com TB em remissão sem TOC. Métodos Indivíduos com TB-I em remissão foram avaliados usando a Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para o DSM-IV- Transtornos do Eixo I, Escala de Avaliação Global do Funcionamento, Escala de Depressão de Hamilton, Escala de Mania de Young, Escala Obsessivo-Compulsiva de Yale-Brown e Entrevista Familiar para Estudos Genéticos. Pacientes com TB com e sem TOC foram comparados. Diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas usando o teste do qui-quadrado e o teste t para amostras independentes. Valores <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Dos 90 pacientes com TB-I em remissão, 35,5% (n=32) tinham sintomas obsessivo-compulsivos/TOC. O grupo com TB-TOC mostrou escores significativamente mais baixos na Escala de Avaliação Global do Funcionamento, maiores taxas de tentativas de suicídio, hospitalizações, episódios maníacos e depressivos quando comparado ao grupo com apenas TB (p<0,05). Além disso, familiares de primeiro e segundo grau mostraram maiores níveis de TB-TOC e TOC, mas não de TB. Conclusões TB-TOC se caracteriza por TB de maior gravidade, mais disfunção e maior carga familiar de TB-TOC e TOC. Estudos maiores envolvendo familiares de probandos ajudarão a confirmar nossos achados e a delinear o status nosológico de TB-TOC comórbidos.

Qualidade de vida no Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo: um estudo com usuários da Atenção Básica / Quality of life with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a study among Primary Care users

Resumo A qualidade de vida (QV) pode ser afetada pela presença de transtornos mentais, como o Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo (TOC). Assim, a avaliação e o acompanhamento dos índices de QV em pacientes com transtornos mentais permite a identificação de suas prioridades, sendo possível a implementação de ações para a melhora desses índices nos usuários do sistema de saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a QV em portadores de TOC usuários da atenção primária à saúde. Estudo transversal com amostragem por conveniência, incluindo todos os usuários de três Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Pelotas, RS. Para avaliar a QV foi utilizada a WHOQOL-Bref, e o TOC foi avaliado através da M.I.N.I. Foram avaliados 1081 indivíduos. A prevalência de TOC foi de 3,9%. Portadores de TOC apresentaram médias inferiores em todos os domínios da QV quando comparados aos indivíduos sem TOC (p < 0,001). Os achados deste estudo enfatizam a importância de utilizar a QV como instrumento de monitoramento da melhora do transtorno no âmbito da atenção básica à saúde.

Abstract Quality of life (QOL) can be affected by the presence of mental disorders, like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Thus, the evaluation and monitoring of QOL in patients with mental disorders enables the identification of priorities, making it possible to implement actions to improve QOL among health system users. The scope of this article is to measure QOL in OCD patients in primary health care. It involves a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample including all users of three Basic Health Units of Pelotas in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The quality of life was measured with the WHOQOL-Bref and the OCD was assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) This study included 1081 individuals. The prevalence of OCD was 3.9%. OCD patients had a lower average in all domains of QOL when compared to individuals without OCD (p < 0.001). The findings of this study emphasize the importance of using QOL as a monitoring tool of the disorder in basic health care.

Personality disorders in euthymic bipolar patients: a systematic review

Objective: To identify, by means of a systematic review, the frequency with which comorbid personality disorders (PDs) have been assessed in studies of euthymic bipolar patients. Methods: PubMed, ciELO and PsychINFO databases were searched for eligible articles published between 1997 and 2013. After screening 1,249 empirical papers, two independent reviewers identified three articles evaluating the frequency of PDs in patients with bipolar disorders assessed in a state of euthymia. Results: The total sample comprised 376 euthymic bipolar patients, of whom 155 (41.2%) had at least one comorbid PD. Among them, we found 87 (23.1%) in cluster B, 55 (14.6%) in cluster C, and 25 (6.6%) in cluster A. The frequencies of PD subtypes were: borderline, 38 (10.1%); histrionic, 29 (7.7%); obsessive-compulsive, 28 (7.4%); dependent, 19 (5%); narcissistic, 17 (4.5%); schizoid, schizotypal, and avoidant, 11 patients each (2.95%); paranoid, five (1.3%); and antisocial, three (0.79%). Conclusion: The frequency of comorbid PD was high across the spectrum of euthymic bipolar patients. In this population, the most common PDs were those in cluster B, and the most frequent PD subtype was borderline, followed by histrionic and obsessive-compulsive. .

Tourette's syndrome and associated disorders: a systematic review / Cruzamento de patologias na síndrome de Tourette: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: To compile data on Tourette's syndrome (TS), tics and associated disorders. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the 5S levels of organization of healthcare research evidence (systems, summaries, synopses, syntheses, studies), based on the model described by Haynes. The search keywords were Tourette, tics and comorbidity, which were cross-referenced. Studies provided by publishers and articles being processed on July 31, 2013, were also included. Results: Of all studies retrieved during the search, 64 were selected because they analyzed the epidemiology, clinical features and etiopathogenesis of TS and its comorbidities. TS is classified as a hyperkinetic movement disorder, and at least 90% of the patients have neuropsychiatric comorbidities, of which attention deficit hyperactivity and obsessive-compulsive disorders are the most common. The syndrome is clinically heterogeneous and has been associated with a dysfunction of cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits involving various neurotransmitters. Although its genetic etiology has been widely studied, other factors may be important to understand this syndrome and its associated disorders. Conclusions: TS is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from the impact of stress factors on a vulnerable biological substrate during the critical periods of neurodevelopment. The study of TS and its comorbidities may contribute, at different levels, to the understanding of several neuropsychiatric disorders of clinical and therapeutic relevance (AU)

Objetivo: Compilar o conhecimento existente sobre a síndrome de Tourette (ST), tiques e patologias associadas. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura usando os níveis 5S (sistemas, sumários, sinopses, sínteses e estudos) de organização de evidência de pesquisa em saúde, com base no modelo proposto por Haynes. Os termos de busca foram Tourette, tiques e comorbidades, completados por pesquisa por referência cruzada. Os artigos fornecidos pelos editores e aqueles a serem processados para publicação em 31 de julho de 2013 também foram incluídos. Resultados: De todos os artigos encontrados durante a pesquisa, 64 foram selecionados porque analisavam a epidemiologia, as características clínicas e a etiopatogenia da ST. A ST define-se como um distúrbio hipercinético do movimento, e pelo menos 90% dos pacientes apresentam comorbidades neuropsiquiátricas, das quais as mais comuns são a perturbação de déficit de atenção com hiperatividade e a perturbação obsessivo- -compulsiva. Esta síndrome é clinicamente heterogênea e tem sido relacionada com a disfunção dos circuitos córtico-estriado- -tálamo-corticais envolvendo vários neurotransmissores. Apesar de sua etiologia genética ter sido amplamente estudada, outros fatores podem ser importantes para entender esta síndrome e as perturbações relacionadas. Conclusões: A ST resulta de uma perturbação do desenvolvimento neurológico causado pelo impacto de fatores de estresse num substrato biológico vulnerável durante os períodos críticos do desenvolvimento neurológico. O estudo da ST e das suas comorbidades poderá contribuir, em diferentes níveis, para o entendimento de várias perturbações neuropsiquiátricas com relevância clínica e terapêutica (AU)

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents: a population-based study

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and disorder (OCD) among adolescents and to describe OCD characteristics according to gender. Methods: Participants were selected by cluster sampling at seven high-schools in southern Brazil. In the first stage, 2,323 students were screened for OCS; in the second stage, adolescents scoring ≥ 21 on the OCI-R scale were individually interviewed. OCD diagnosis was established using a semi-structured interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children: Present and Lifetime Version - K-SADS-PL). Results: The past-month estimated prevalence of OCS was 18.3%, and the point estimated prevalence of OCD, 3.3%. Girls showed higher scores (OCS: 24.8 vs. 14.4%; OCD: 4.9 vs. 1.4%; p < 0.001). Only 9.3% of OCD adolescents had been diagnosed and 6.7% received treatment. The most frequent/severe DY-BOCS dimensions were miscellaneous (86.7%; mean score 6.3±3.8) and symmetry (85.3%; 5.9±3.8). Female OCD adolescents predominantly showed depression (p = 0.032), and male adolescents, tic disorders (p = 0.006). Conclusions: OCD is underdiagnosed in adolescents, and few are treated. Future studies should investigate the relationship between OCS and the onset of OCD. .

Anxiety disorders in young people: a population-based study

Objective: To assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders and associated factors in young adults. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study of individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years randomly selected from 89 census-based sectors to ensure an adequate sample size. Household selection within the sectors was performed according to a systematic sampling process. Anxiety disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The final sample comprised 1,560 young adults. Results: Of the participants who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 12.3% had agoraphobia, 9.7% had generalised anxiety disorder, 4.0% had social phobia, 3.3% had obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2.5% had panic disorder, and 2.1% had post-traumatic stress disorder; only 23.8% had received any previous treatment. Anxiety disorders were associated with sex, socioeconomic status, psychiatric problems in parents, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use. Conclusions: The identification of factors associated with anxiety disorders in young people enables us to develop intervention strategies. Anxiety disorders are not only highly prevalent but are also associated with significant functional impairment, significant reductions in quality of life, lower productivity, and higher rates of comorbidities. .

[Symptomology of patients with obsessive compulsive disorders when referring to clinical centers in Tehran]

Different cultural habits through creating different beliefs and attitudes can affect phenomenology and prevalence of symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders. This descriptive study was conducted among patients to determine symptomology of obsessive disorder Referred to clinical centers in Tehran with emphasis on culture. In this descriptive study 103 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were selected through non accidental sampling [quota, convenience]. Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale with an open-ended question was used in this study. Convergent and test-retest were also conducted in order to determine the validity and reliability. Data have been analyzed by SPSS software. The results showed that the most common symptoms of obsession in Iranian patients respectively, Included contamination obsession [92.23%], miscellaneous obsessions [66.99%] and physical obsession [57.28%] and the most common symptoms of compulsive respectively, Include miscellaneous compulsive [78.64%], Cleaning and washing [73.78%], and Sift [64.07%]. The overall pattern of Symptomology obsessive-compulsive disorder in this study sample is consistent with the observed pattern in Western and Eastern cultures in some countries, so that the main features of obsessive-compulsive disorder was relatively independent of cultural variables and only exception is content of OCD in which cultural factors may play a significant role

Treating refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: what to do when conventional treatment fails? / Tratando o transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo refratário: o que fazer quando tratamentos convencionais falham?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and impairing condition. A very small percentage of patients become asymptomatic after treatment. The purpose of this paper was to review the alternative therapies available for OCD when conventional treatment fails. Data were extracted from controlled clinical studies (evidence-based medicine) published on the MEDLINE and Science Citation Index/Web of Science databases between 1975 and 2012. Findings are discussed and suggest that clinicians dealing with refractory OCD patients should: 1) review intrinsic phenomenological aspects of OCD, which could lead to different interpretations and treatment choices; 2) review extrinsic phenomenological aspects of OCD, especially family accommodation, which may be a risk factor for non-response; 3) consider non-conventional pharmacological approaches; 4) consider non-conventional psychotherapeutic approaches; and 5) consider neurobiological approaches

O transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) é uma doença crônica e incapacitante. Uma pequena porcentagem de pacientes se torna assintomática após o tratamento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar as alternativas terapêuticas para o tratamento de TOC quando os tratamentos convencionais falham. Os dados foram extraídos de estudos clínicos controlados (medicina baseada em evidências) publicados nas bases de dados MEDLINE e Science Citation Index/Web of Science entre 1975 e de 2012. Os resultados são discutidos e sugerem as seguintes abordagens para profissionais que lidam com TOC refratário: 1) rever aspectos fenomenológicos intrínsecos ao TOC, o que pode levar a entendimentos diferenciados e à escolhas terapêuticas distintas; 2) rever aspectos fenomenológicos extrínsecos ao TOC, principalmente acomodação familiar, que pode ser fator de risco para a não resposta; 3) considerar abordagens farmacológicas não convencionais; 4) considerar abordagens psicoterapêuticas não convencionais; e 5) considerar abordagens neurobiológicas

Outlining new frontiers for the comprehension of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review of its relationship with fear and anxiety / Desenhando as novas fronteiras para a compreensão do transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo: uma revisão de sua relação com o medo e a ansiedade

Anxiety is an important component of the psychopathology of the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). So far, most interventions that have proven to be effective for treating OCD are similar to those developed for other anxiety disorders. However, neurobiological studies of OCD came to conclusions that are not always compatible with those previously associated with other anxiety disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to review the degree of overlap between OCD and other anxiety disorders phenomenology and pathophysiology to support the rationale that guides research in this field. RESULTS: Clues about the neurocircuits involved in the manifestation of anxiety disorders have been obtained through the study of animal anxiety models, and structural and functional neuroimaging in humans. These investigations suggest that in OCD, in addition to dysfunction in cortico-striatal pathways, the functioning of an alternative neurocircuitry, which involves amygdalo-cortical interactions and participates in fear conditioning and extinction processes, may be impaired. CONCLUSION: It is likely that anxiety is a relevant dimension of OCD that impacts on other features of this disorder. Therefore, future studies may benefit from the investigation of the expression of fear and anxiety by OCD patients according to their type of obsessions and compulsions, age of OCD onset, comorbidities, and patterns of treatment response.

A ansiedade é um componente importante da psicopatologia do transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC). Até o momento, a maioria das intervenções que provaram ser eficazes para o tratamento de TOC é semelhante àquelas desenvolvidas para outros transtornos de ansiedade. No entanto, estudos que investigaram a neurobiologia do TOC chegaram a conclusões que nem sempre são compatíveis com aquelas anteriormente associadas aos demais transtornos de ansiedade. OBJETIVOS: Neste artigo, revisamos o grau de sobreposição entre as características do TOC e a fenomenologia e fisiopatologia dos demais transtornos de ansiedade com o intuito de dar suporte ao racional que orienta a pesquisa nesse campo. RESULTADOS: Alguns dados sobre os neurocircuitos envolvidos na manifestação dos transtornos de ansiedade foram obtidos a partir do estudo de modelos animais de ansiedade, e da neuroimagem estrutural e funcional em humanos. Esses trabalhos sugerem que no TOC, além da disfunção das vias corticoestriatais, o funcionamento do circuito amigdalocortical, essencial para a apresentação da resposta de medo e processos de extinção dessa resposta, também pode estar prejudicado. CONCLUSÃO: É provável que a ansiedade seja uma dimensão relevante do TOC, com impacto em outras características desse transtorno. Consequentemente, estudos futuros podem se beneficiar da investigação dos fenômenos de medo e ansiedade e de suas relações com os tipos de obsessões e compulsões, idade de início do TOC, comorbidades e padrões de resposta ao tratamento.

Antipsychotic treatment in OCD

Due to the phenotypical heterogeneity of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder [OCD] and its subtypes, and due to the high rate of co-morbid psychopathology, it remains a challenge to treat OCD using medication effectively, behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] are first-line pharmacotherapy treatments OCD, but up to 50% of patients do not respond to initial treatment of OCD. Therefore, treatment options for non-responders include augmentation of antidepressants with antipsychotics and other medications

Trastorno obsesivo compulsivo en niños y adolescentes: revisión de 55 casos / Obssesive compulsive disorder in child and adolescent: review of 55 cases

El Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (TOC) en niños y adolescentes presenta una prevalencia de 1 a 4 por ciento generando gran compromiso funcional y del desarrollo. En Chile no existen publicaciones sobre series clínicas en este grupo erario. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características clínicas y de tratamiento en 55 pacientes entre 4 y 23 años con diagnóstico de TOC de acuerdo al CIE-10, consultantes a médico de la especialidad de psiquiatría de niños y adolescentes en Clínica privada de Santiago. De la ficha médica se registraron los datos clínicos y de tratamiento. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS 16. El grupo estudiado consistió en 41 hombres y 14 mujeres con promedio de edad de 12.4 años. Se encontró la presencia de comorbilidad en un 65.5 por ciento de los pacientes, principalmente trastornos ansiosos, del ánimo, déficit atencional y tics. Las obsesiones se relacionaron con contaminación, corporalidad, simetría; las compulsiones con limpiar, tocar y ordenar. 50 por ciento presentaron antecedentes familiares de TOC clínico y subclínico. El tratamiento consistió en ISRS e instrucciones cognitivo conductuales en todos los casos. Reportándose un 60 por ciento en remisión, 11 por ciento en mejoría, 18 por ciento sin reporte y 11 por ciento sin cambios. Los resultados encontrados son concordantes con lo reportado en series internacionales, se destaca lo complejo del cuadro, la alta comorbilidad, la agregación familiar y la buena respuesta al tratamiento precoz.

Introduction: The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in child and adolescent population has a prevalence of 1-4 percent. This disorder causes severe social and functional impediment to the patient, jeopardizing the adequate development of the child. In Chile, there is a lack of published clinical information on OCD in pediatric age. Objective: Describe the clinical characteristics and treatment interventions applied to 55 patients between 4 and 23 years of age, who were diagnosed with OCD according to CIE- 10 criteria of the disorder. Method: Data of all patients was collected from de clinical chart and the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-16 program. Results: Of the 55 patients, 41 were male and 14 female, with mean age of 12.4 years. The presence of comorbidity in this sample was as high as 65.5 per cent, with anxiety, mood, attention-deficit and tic disorders being the most frequent co morbid diagnoses made. The contamination, somatic and symmetry obsessions were the most common found in this sample and the compulsive rituals involved with more frequency were cleaning, touching and order. 50 per cent of the sample had family history of clinical and subclinical OCD. Treatment interventions included the combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy with SSRI in all cases. With this combined therapy, data showed 60 per cent of remission, 11 per cent reported symptom improvement, 11 per cent reported no improvement and 18 per cent without information. Conclusions and discussion: These results are coherent with information available of international clinical series and literature, showing the complexity of the pediatric OCD psychopathology, the high comorbidity rates associated, the family aggregation of the disorder and the favorable response to a suitable and precocious treatment intervention.