Protocols for Psychological Assessment of Recidivism and Dangerousness: a systematic review of the Brazilian scientific production / Protocolos de Avaliação Psicológica de Reincidência e Periculosidade: uma revisão sistemática da produção científica brasileira

The psychological assessment of recidivism and dangerousness aims to provide subsidies to legal operators on the possibility of an individual to repeat criminal offenses. In the present study, a systematic review of Portuguese-language articles was carried out in the "SciELO", "Lilacs" and "Periódicos Capes" databases to identify available instruments to carry out this assessment in Brazilian populations and their predictive capacity. It was found that the Brazilian scientific production is too scarce, only nine empirical studies have been published on the subject and only one instrument with this objective is suitable for use in forensic practice. Six other instruments have been studied, but none are suitable for practical implementation. These results point to the need for scientific production on psychological assessment of recidivism and dangerousness to provide psychologists with the necessary instruments for their performance in Legal Psychology.

A avaliação psicológica de reincidência e periculosidade tem por objetivo fornecer subsídios aos operadores do Direito sobre a possibilidade de um indivíduo reincidir. No presente trabalho foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de artigos em português nas bases de dados "SciELO", "Lilacs" e "Periódicos Capes" para identificar instrumentos disponíveis para realizar esta avaliação em populações brasileiras e qual a sua capacidade preditiva. Descobriu-se que a produção científica brasileira é demasiado escassa, apenas nove trabalhos empíricos foram publicados no tema e somente um instrumento com este objetivo está apto para uso na prática profissional. Seis outros instrumentos foram estudados, mas nenhum está apto para utilização na prática. Estes resultados apontam a necessidade de produção científica sobre avaliação psicológica de reincidência e periculosidade para munir psicólogos com os instrumentos necessários para sua atuação nesta área da Psicologia Jurídica.

Psychological demands of health professionals in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Recent literature emphasizes how the specific stressors of the COVID-19 outbreak affect the general population and frontline professionals, including those conducting support or backup activities in health units, which can lead to vicarious traumatization. Vicarious traumatization has been used to describe negative emotional reactions in mental health professionals who assist or treat victims of traumatic events. Thus, the aim of this article is to report the actions used in the face of the psychological demands of professionals in a hospital, who were not on the frontline of COVID-19. We collected their sociodemographic information and checked the psychological impact using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21), which was followed by a psychoeducational program (topics related to COVID-19 control and prevention), and individual psychological care for the most severe cases. A total of 118 professionals participated in this study; they were between 20 and 67 years old. Mild to moderate anxiety was observed in 36.5% of the medical teams, 83.3% of the administrative staff, and 65.7% of general service workers, while stress symptoms were observed in 80.2%, 83.3%, and 59.9%, respectively. Depressive symptoms (35.3%) were more frequent in general service workers. The medical teams reported the benefits of primary psychological care, while the other professionals demanded more institutional support services related to the prevention and use of personal protective equipment. This study highlights relevant psychological demands that have repercussions on the daily lives of professionals. The psychoeducational program was considered positive regarding clarification actions. However, it was not perceived as effective in reducing fear, which may result from vicarious traumatization and requires other intervention modalities.

Personality traits and parenting styles in boys victims of sexual abuse: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: We examined the association between personality traits and parenting styles in boys victims of sexual abuse (SA). Methods: Sixty-two (62) boys were divided into two groups: 32 (Victims of SA group, age 11.7±1.28) and 30 non-victims of SA (Comparison group, age 11.6±1.22). All participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-J) and the Parenting Styles Inventory (PSI). The intelligence quotient (IQ) was also assessed. Results: Both groups did not differ in terms of IQ. In the SA group, men (97%) were the biggest abusers, 85% of the parents were divorced and the father was the biggest aggressor (44%). The SA victims had higher neuroticism (p <0.001) and identified riskier parental practices, while the comparison group reported good parental practices (p<0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that higher negative paternal parental style scores increase the chance of belonging to the victims group. Discussion: Victims of SA present a higher risk of neuroticism and perception of dysfunctional family dynamics, with seriously reversed social roles. Further studies are needed to investigate the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, personality and parental styles, and the development of psychological intervention programs and other professional practices for victims of SA and their families in various contexts of violence.

Is All Psychiatry Forensic? Association between Mental Disorders and Legal Proceedings

ABSTRACT Background: Psychiatric disorders cause significant impact to the individual, leading to lack of productivity and involvement with the legal system. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the association of mental disorders and an individuals' odds of involvement with the legal system Methods: Through a descriptive cross-sectional study, 126 patients selected according to convenience sampling were interviewed for the study on their appointment days at University of São Paulo School of Medicine hospital. They were divided into a case group (n = 63) with patients from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychiatry and a control group (n = 63), with patients from the outpatient clinic of Department of Internal Medicine. These patients were asked to answer a questionnaire on sociodemographic information, age, medical diagnosis, and legal proceedings as related to their diagnoses. Results: We found high difference between the groups, in longer absences 57.10% of psychiatric patients, with only 33.3% in clinical group. This difference also appears in the requirement for forensic medical exams - 65.1% of psychiatric patients versus 44.4% of clinical patients. Discussion: This data clearly shows that involvement of psychiatric patients in legal matters is quite common, and therefore it is increasingly important for psychiatrists to be aware of legal implications when evaluating their patients.

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.

Adaptação transcultural do instrumento de avaliação de desempenho em tarefas rotineiras Routine Task Inventory - Extended (RTI-E) para uso com idosos com demência no Brasil / Cross-cultural adaptation of functioning evaluation Routine Task Inventory - Extended (RTI-E) for use in elderly people with dementia in Brazil

Resumo Objetivo Realizar a adaptação transcultural do Routine Task Inventory-Expanded para uso com idosos com demência no Brasil. Método Estudo de adaptação transcultural de instrumento de avaliação, seguindo diretrizes reconhecidas para tradução, retrotradução e comitê de especialistas. Pré-teste realizado com 10 sujeitos idosos sem prejuízos cognitivos. Estudo de confiabilidade (concordância entre avaliadores e análise de consistência interna) realizado com sujeitos idosos com e sem demência (n=26). Resultados A tradução inicial foi revista para não alterar o construto do instrumento. A partir da revisão por especialistas e do pré-teste identificou-se necessidade de ajustes nos itens C.Banho, G.Uso de telefone e H.Uso de equipamentos adaptativos para conferir maior clareza à compreensão dos itens. O instrumento apresentou consistência interna α= 0,813 ABVD/autorrelato a α=0,966, AVD/cuidador e confiabilidade entre avaliadores ICC (IC95%) de 0,987 em AIVD a 1,000 em comunicação. Conclusão Alcançou-se a adaptação transcultural do Routine Task Inventory- Expanded mantendo sua equivalência em relação ao instrumento original.

Abstract Objective Cross-cultural adaptation of the Routine Task Inventory-Expanded assessment for use in Brazil. Method This cross-cultural adaptation study of the Routine Task Inventory-Expanded followed translation, back-translation, and expert committee review guidelines. The pre-test was performed with 10 elderly subjects with no cognitive impairment. The reliability study (agreement between evaluators and internal consistency) was executed with elderly subjects with and without dementia (n=26). Results The initial translation was revised to preserve the instrument's construct. Adjustments were made to task C. Bathing, task G. Use of the telephone, and task H. Use adaptive equipment to clarify the meaning of items. The instrument showed internal consistency α= 0.813 ADL/self-report to α=0.966, ADL/caregiver, and reliability between ICC evaluators (95%IC) from 0.987 in IADL to 1.000 in communication. Conclusion The cross-cultural adaptation of the Routine Task Inventory-Expanded was achieved, maintaining equivalency to the original instrument and providing a new instrument to assess cognitive functional abilities of elderly individuals living with dementia in routine daily living activities for use in Brazil.

The effects of parental depression and anxiety on child behavior from 6 to 12 years old: a review

ABSTRACT Background: Parental depression and anxiety are relevant factors that may influence child externalizing and internalizing behavior; also influenced by stigmatized knowledge about such mental illnesses. Objectives: To identify which instruments were used in studies on the effects of parental depression and anxiety on child behavior from 6 to 12 years old; to analyze the main results in offspring's behaviors on articles published between 2011 to 2019. Methods: we did a literature review searching PubMed, BVS, ISI, and Scopus databases; keywords: "Maternal Depression", "Maternal Anxiety", "Paternal Depression", "Paternal Anxiety", "Mother's (also Mothers') Depression", "Mother's (also Mothers') Anxiety", "Father's (also Fathers') Depression", "Father's (also Fathers') Anxiety", "Parental Depression", "Parental Anxiety" AND "Child Behavior", in Portuguese and English. Results: We found 1,500 articles, after applying the inclusion criteria, n = 23 were selected and analyzed. 78.3% of studies were performed with mothers, 17.4% with both parents, and 0% with fathers alone. Different instruments were used to assess depression or anxiety in parents, and child behavior. Discussion: studies that included both parents and parental anxiety assessments were scarce; no study in this review evaluated only fathers. Social abilities, personality traits, self-conceptions, and knowledge about anxiety and depression could enhance the quality of studies' results.

Pragmatic Language and Schizophrenia: Interpretation of Metaphors

ABSTRACT Background: Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder with significant cognitive deficits, which are considered structural markers for the disease. Language disturbances have an important role in patients' social functioning and interpersonal relationships. Objectives: Evaluate the capacity to understand pragmatic language in schizophrenic patients, through the comprehension of non-literal meaning in metaphors and the ability to use contextual clues to better understand their meanings. Methods: Thirty patients were evaluated using Abbreviated Intelligence Scale (WASI), Interpretation of Metaphors subtest of the Montreal Communication Evaluation Battery (MAC). Results: The linear regression model showed that schizophrenic patients presented below average performance in the interpretation of metaphors task, with tendency to concrete interpretations. Variables such as IQ, WASI Vocabulary subtest and years since onset influenced the patients' pragmatic language skills. This relation was not found for family history. Existence of the metaphor in native colloquial language (Portuguese) and being given alternatives to choose from, enhanced patients' performance. Discussion: Results corroborate findings regarding this population's difficulties in the language cognitive domain. Development of interventions aiming comprehension of pragmatic language could help ease patients' social difficulties, especially if started early at onset. Also, better understanding of this deficit can help create rehabilitation strategies.

Memory training combined with 3D visuospatial stimulus improves cognitive performance in the elderly: pilot study / Treinamento de memória combinado com estímulo visuoespacial em 3D melhora o desempenho cognitivo em idosos: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT. Studies suggest that the engagement of aged participants in cognitive stimulation programs can reduce expected cognitive decline associated with age. Objective: To evaluate the effects of memory training (MT) associated with three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) in the elderly. Methods: Forty-four participants (>60 years of age) were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups: experimental (EG; n=22) and comparative (CG; n=22). Both groups performed 12 one-hour MT sessions, twice a week, consisting of specific computerized stimuli associated with teaching of mnemonic strategies; 10 minutes of NT was part only of the EG's sessions. In pre- and post-training periods, both groups were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire, neuropsychological assessment, as well as a specific measure offered by NT. Results: Both groups benefited from the MT and reported more positive feelings regarding their memory and quality of life. However, the EG obtained better results in tests consistent with the strategies trained and which involved attentional resources, reaction time, visual processing speed, episodic, semantic, subjective and working memory as well as aspects of social cognition. Conclusions: This study showed that the combination of MT and 3D-MOT contributed for a better cognitive performance in the EG. Thus, the results of the present study encourage further research and the development of combined cognitive interventions for the elderly population with and without cognitive deficits.

RESUMO. Estudos sugerem que o envolvimento de idosos em programas de estimulação cognitiva pode reduzir o declínio cognitivo esperado associado à idade. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um treinamento de memória (TM) associado a um estímulo visuoespacial tridimensional (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) em idosos. Método: Quarenta e quatro participantes (>60 anos) foram recrutados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental (GE; n=22) e comparativo (GC; n=22). Ambos os grupos realizaram 12 sessões do TM de uma hora, duas vezes por semana, consistindo em estímulos computadorizados específicos associados ao ensino de estratégias mnemônicas; apenas nas sessões do GE foram utilizados 10 minutos com o NT. Nos períodos pré- e pós-treinamento, ambos os grupos foram avaliados por meio de questionário sociodemográfico, avaliação neuropsicológica e medidas cognitivas específicas do NT. Resultados: Ambos os grupos se beneficiaram do TM e relataram sentimentos mais positivos em relação à memória e à qualidade de vida. No entanto, o GE obteve melhores resultados em testes consistentes com as estratégias treinadas e que envolviam recursos atencionais, tempo de reação, velocidade de processamento visual, memória episódica, semântica, subjetiva e de trabalho, além de aspectos da cognição social. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que a combinação do TM e 3D-MOT contribuiu para um melhor desempenho cognitivo no GE. Dessa forma, os resultados do presente estudo incentivam novas pesquisas e o desenvolvimento de intervenções cognitivas combinadas para a população idosa com e sem déficits cognitivos.

Effect of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of the elderly: a pilot project / Efeito das oficinas de estimulação cognitiva na autoestima e cognição do idoso: um projeto piloto

ABSTRACT According to the WHO, by 2025 Brazil will be ranked sixth in the world in terms of proportion of elderly in the population. Within this scope, cognition plays a central role in the aging process, having an important association with quality of life, which suggests the need to develop intervention programs, such as cognitive training. Objective: To determine the effects of a program of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of elderly people. Methods: Thirty-eight elderly subjects completed the three-step protocol: 1) Survey of demographic data and evaluation of cognition by a neuropsychological battery and of self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), prior to training; 2) Participation in twelve cognitive stimulation workshops; and 3) Cognitive evaluation and RSS after the training. Results: Results showed that the use of training produced positive effects on cognitive test performance of the elderly with and without cognitive impairment. By extension, this demonstrates positive impact on their self-esteem. Conclusion: These findings encourage investment in cognitive stimulation programs as a resource for improved cognition and quality of life for the elderly. Subjective cognitive complaint may have served as a predictor of decreased self-esteem; therefore, as training improved cognition, it also improved self-esteem.

RESUMO Segundo a OMS, em 2025 o Brasil ficará em sexto lugar no ranking mundial em termos de proporção de idosos na população. Nesse âmbito, a cognição desempenha um papel central no processo de envelhecimento, tendo uma importante associação com a qualidade de vida, o que sugere a necessidade de desenvolver programas de intervenção, como o treinamento cognitivo. Objetivo: Determinar os efeitos de um programa de oficinas de estimulação cognitiva na autoestima e cognição de idosos. Métodos: Trinta e oito idosos completaram o protocolo de três etapas: 1) Levantamento de dados demográficos e avaliação da cognição por uma bateria neuropsicológica e de autoestima utilizando a Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg (RSS), antes do treinamento; 2) Participação em doze oficinas de estimulação cognitiva; e 3) Avaliação cognitiva e RSS após o treinamento. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que o uso de treinamento produziu efeitos positivos no desempenho do teste cognitivo de idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo. Por extensão, isso demonstra um impacto positivo em sua autoestima. Conclusão: Estes resultados encorajam o investimento em programas de estimulação cognitiva como um recurso para melhorar a cognição e a qualidade de vida dos idosos. Queixa cognitiva subjetiva pode ter servido como um preditor de diminuição da autoestima; portanto, como o treinamento melhorou a cognição, também melhorou a autoestima.

Cognitive impact in children with "benign" childhood focal epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

Abstract Background Cognitive alterations are associated with benign childhood focal epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) including aspects of executive functions. Objectives This study presents the performance profile on attention and executive function tests of fifty-eight children (BCECTS, n = 30 and controls, n = 28) aged 8-13 years. Methods The following tools were employed: Vocabulary and Block Design subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III, Stroop Test, Modified Card Sorting Test, Controlled Oral Word Association - FAS and Tower of London. Results Children with BCECTS presented average IQ measure, although their performance was statistically worse when compared to the control group. Children with BCECTS showed significantly lower performance compared to the control group in the following variables: total number of recollected words on the oral fluency test, total number of categories, categorization effect and total number of errors in MCST; and execution time for the Stroop Test Card 1. After controlling for the IQ effect, the total number of errors in the MCST did not show any significant difference between the groups. Discussion Children with BCECTS showed lower performance in attention and executive functions when compared to healthy children. The results suggest that the concept of "benign" BCECTS should be reconsidered.

Transtornos mentais comuns em educadores sociais / Common mental disorders in social educators

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a presença de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) em Educadores Sociais de albergues e abrigos do município de São Paulo. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 104 orientadores socioeducativos, entre 18 e 60 anos (masculino e feminino), que prestam serviço para a Secretaria Municipal de Assistência e Desenvolvimento Social (SMADS). Utilizou-se um Questionário Sociodemográfico, além do Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Resultados Os dados demonstraram que há maior prevalência de mulheres nessa função, a maioria dos profissionais já passou por situações de risco no trabalho, 68,3% (71 sujeitos) apresentaram índices que caracterizam a presença de TMC, e 40,4% das mulheres apresentam sintomas de TMC, enquanto o índice de TMC nos homens foi de 27,9%. Conclusões Neste cenário, observou-se que o público feminino é mais vulnerável à presença de TMC em relação ao público masculino.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the presence of common mental disorders (CMDs) in Social Educator of hostels and housings in the city of Sao Paulo. Methods The sample was composed by 104 Guiding Youth between 18 and 60 years (male and female), who worked at the Municipal Assistance and Social Development in São Paulo. We used a demographic data questionnaire in addition to the Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Results The main results demonstrated a higher prevalence of women in this function; most professionals have experienced risk situations at work; 68.3% (71 individuals) presented indices that characterize the presence of CMDs; 40.4% of women presented CMDs symptoms, whereas the CMDs rate in men was 27.9%. Conclusions In this scenario, we can conclude that the female audience is more vulnerable to the presence of CMDs in comparison to the male audience.

Psicopatia: o que as pessoas sabem de fato sobre este conceito / Psychopathy: what people really know about this concept

A ausência de sentimentos éticos e altruístas, unidos à falta de sentimentos morais, impulsiona algumas pessoas a cometer crimes com requintes extremados de brutalidade e crueldade. O objetivo deste estudo foi levantar junto ao público de uma maneira geral o conceito de psicopatia. Método: participaram deste estudo 154 pessoas via redes sociais online. Os principais resultados demonstraram que psicopata é uma pessoa com transtorno mental ocasionado por uma pré-disposição genética (37,7%) e que não possui empatia ou remorso por alguém, podendo ser agressivos, mas tudo depende do nível de psicopatia. Portanto foi possível observar que apesar das pessoas não saberem dar muitos detalhes, eles entendem e tem um conhecimento sobre psicopatia. A definição das características de psicopata da população coincidiu com a teoria dos principais autores do assunto, diferindo apenas na ideia de transtorno mental.

The absence of ethic and altruist feelings, together with a lack of moral feelings, pushes some People to commit crimes with extreme refinements brutality and cruelty. The objective of this study it was to identify, on a general way,the concept of psychopathy. Method: participated on this study 154 People via online social media. The principal results show that psychopathy is a person with mental disorder occasioned by a pregenetic disposition (37,7%) and doesn’t have empathy or remorse with anyone, he can be aggressive, but it all depends the level of psychopathy. There fore it was possible to see that even People doesn’t know how to give much details, they understand and have knowledge about psychopathy. The characteristics of psychopaths given by the People came together with the theory of the principals authors of the subject, differing just the Idea of mental disorder.

Memory training and benefits for quality of life in the elderly: A case report / Treino de memória e seus benefícios na qualidade de vida do idoso: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Studies emphasize the training of cognitive functions to decrease losses in the population. Memory training associated with neurotracker was performed by an 80-year-old man with memory complaints. A battery for measuring memory, quality of life and stress was initially applied and showed low scores. The patient underwent a program for stimulating memory and attention comprising 32 sessions (2 weekly sessions of 90 minutes each). The post-test follow-up showed improvements in the process of storage and retrieval of episodic and working memory, greater use of strategies, faster information processing speed, as well as reduction in complaints and positive impact on quality of life. The results suggest that the use of Neurotracker for training cognitive processes is valid for cognitive rehabilitation programs to promote improvements in quality of life in the elderly.

RESUMO Estudos enfatizam o treinamento de funções cognitivas para diminuição de prejuízos na população. Um treino de memória associado ao neurotracker foi realizado com homem, 80 anos, com queixas de memória. Foi usada uma bateria para aferição da memória, qualidade de vida e estresse nos quais apresentou baixos escores. Ingressou em programa de estimulação da memória e atenção por 32 sessões (2 sessões semanais de 90 minutos). No pós-teste apresentou melhoras no processo de armazenamento e evocação da memória episódica e de trabalho, maior uso de estratégias, rapidez de processamento de informações, bem como, redução de queixas e repercutindo positivamente na qualidade de vida. Os resultados sugerem que o uso do neurotracker para o treinamento de processos cognitivos se mostra consistentes como programas de reabilitação cognitiva corroborando a melhora da qualidade de vida em idosos.

Qualidade de vida de usuários de parques públicos / Life quality of public parks users

Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar uma amostra de freqüentadores de um parque público, avaliar qualidade de vida e comparar os resultados. Estudou-se uma amostra aleatória de 201 indivíduos do sexo feminino e masculino, em três faixas etárias, adolescentes, adultos e idosos. A pesquisa foi realizada num parque público e para a coleta de dados foram utilizados o WHOQOL - Bref, a Escala de Avaliação Socioeconômica - ABIPEME e um questionário para caracterização da população. As pessoas freqüentam o parque pela acessibilidade, beleza, segurança, limpeza, música, bem-estar e para fazerem amigos. Os idosos freqüentam o parque para prevenirem doenças ou para evitar o agravamento de doença estabelecida, o adulto para prevenir doenças e o jovem pelo prazer de estar no parque. Os resultados indicaram que possuir boa qualidade de vida não está relacionado apenas à condição econômica do indivíduo, mas inclui vários fatores como maior nível de escolaridade, oportunidades sociais e de lazer

The objective of this study was to describe a sample of regular visitors to a public park, evaluate their quality of life, and compare the results. Participated a random sample of 201 individuals of both genders, and three age groups: adolescents, adults, and elders. The research took place at a public park. The instruments used were the WHOQOL-Bref, and the Socioeconomic Evaluation Scale-ABIPEME, and a questionnaire for participants description. The reasons why people visit the park are its convenience, beauty, security, and cleanliness; there they listen to music, take care of their well-being, and make friends. The elders visit the park to prevent diseases or to prevent the aggravation of a disease they suffer from; adults to prevent diseases; and adolescents for the pleasure of being at the park. The results indicated that achieving a good quality of life is related not only to an individual's economic position, but also to other elements, such as a high level of education, social acquaintances and leisure hours

Forensic neuropsychological assessment: a review of its scope

Issues related to the field of mental health and justice require a multifactorial understanding of the possible causes of such issues. Objective To conduct an integrative literature review of controlled studies describing forensic neuropsychological assessment. Methods The articles were compiled and analyzed in two phases: 1) first, we retrieved all papers in PubMed by the keywords “Forensic Neuropsychology” and generated a growth curve for the subject and a cluster-based thematic distribution of publications. 2) We then conducted a curated analysis of all relevant papers indexed in Medline, PubMed and ISI, between 2000 and 2012. Results The evolution of the field during the last 15 years reveals an unstable growth pattern and three main thematic clusters. In terms of our curated analysis, a total of 390 articles were pre-selected, resulting in the selection of 44 fully-relevant studies, which comprise four main categories: cognitive damage in forensic psychiatric patients; imitation of cognitive damage; civil capacity, penal liability and violence risk; and validation of neuropsychological assessment tools. Discussion Two aspects appeared as the most relevant in this study: growth in the use of neuropsychological assessment as a diagnostic tool in the forensic context; and the necessity to enhance conformity in assessments...

Forensic neuropsychological assessment: clinical case of depression and working incapacity / Avaliação neuropsicológica forense: caso clínico de depressão e incapacidade para o trabalho

Issues related to mental health in relation to court matters have increasingly required the participation of the psychologist. We present the use of forensic neuropsychological assessment in a case of retirement reversal. Incapacity was attested due to disability resulting from depression of a 35-year-old attorney, and the case was forwarded from the courts to the Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Unit at the USP Clinical Hospital. A clinical interview and application of cognitive tests was conducted. Despite the depression, significant cognitive losses that would prevent return to his professional assignments were not detected. The neuropsychological assessment has been shown to be an important tool in the forensic context, as it assists with diagnostic value for clarification of functional aspects in the various psychopathological areas in terms of disabilities or potentialities.

Assuntos relacionados à saúde mental na corte vêm demandando crescente participação de psicólogos. Sob este mote, apresentamos uma aplicação de um assessment neuropsicológico em um caso de reversão de aposentadoria por invalidez. Trata-se do caso de um juiz de 35 anos, que chegou à nossa Unidade de Tratamento Forense Psicológico e Psiquiátrico, no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. Para suprir a demanda, inicialmente conduzimos uma entrevista clínica e, em seguida, aplicamos uma bateria neuropsicológica, a partir da qual foi revelada a inexistência de limitações do desempenho cognitivo, as quais recomendariam a reafirmação do afastamento do profissional. Tal como revelado, o uso adequado do assessment neuropsicológico mostra-se uma importante ferramenta em contexto forense, auxiliando o esclarecimento de aspectos funcionais do diagnóstico, em vários contextos psicopatológicos.

Adolescência, drogas e religiosidade no município de São Paulo - Brasil / Adolescence, drugs and religiosity in the municipality of Sao Paulo - Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de drogas em uma amostra representativa de 2.434 estudantes do Município de São Paulo, relacionando o consumo às religiões mais praticadas. Para isso aplicou-se o "Questionário sobre uso de drogas" para avaliar o consumo dessas substâncias. Os resultados revelaram que a maior parte da amostra é católica; os estudantes que menos consumiram drogas se intitulam protestantes. Os que se classificam como não tendo religião estão entre os que mais consomem drogas nesta amostra. Aqueles que se denominam praticantes, seja qual for a religião, tenderam a apresentar menor consumo de drogas

The Aim of this study was to evaluate drug use amongst a representative sample of 2,434 students in the municipality of Sao Paulo, linking consumption to the most practiced religions. For this, the "Survey on Drug Use" was implemented to assess the consumption of these substances. The results were: the majority of the sample is Catholic; students who consumed fewer drugs identify themselves Protestant; those who classify themselves as having no religion are amongst those who consumed most drugs in this sample; Those who call themselves practicing, whatever religion it may be, tended to exhibit lower drug use