High COVID-19 morbidity and mortality risk among smoked drug users in Brazil

Abstract In much of the West, including Brazil, drug use has increased since social distancing began in response to the pandemic. Use of smoked and modified drugs, and their impacts on health, may contribute to aggravate the effects of the pandemic. However, studies on the relationship between use of smoked drugs and the new coronavirus are still scarce and have not received enough attention in global health recommendations. This paper aims to briefly review the relationship between use of smoked drugs and acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. Recent studies also suggest that drug consumption increases the risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 and leads to worse prognosis, particularly consumption of drugs that affect lung function. Use of smoked drugs, especially tobacco, is strongly associated with lung diseases that are risk factors for contamination by SARS-CoV-2. It is essential to develop strategies based on specific characteristics of drug users and for mental health professionals to be included in strategic teams. It is also necessary to invest in information campaigns regarding risks and prevention of harm caused by smoked drugs as well as to design strategies that facilitate access to psychosocial treatment during the pandemic.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder reinforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is unquestionably impacting on the mental health of the population worldwide. Fear of contamination can both increase levels of stress in healthy individuals and intensify psychiatric symptoms in patients with pre-existing conditions, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the imminent risk of contamination creates a logical need for self-surveillance and hygiene habits. However, this kind of information can have drastic implications for subjects with OCD, since cognitive distortions and compensatory strategies (cleansing rituals) are no longer irrational or oversized - rather, these ideas become legitimate and socially accepted, generating plausible validation for the intensification of compulsive cleaning rituals. Patients who presented remission of OCD symptoms would be more likely to have a relapse, and subclinical patients may scale up and ultimately be diagnosed with OCD due to the reinforcement of their habits, emotions and thoughts.

Depressive symptoms and neurotrophin levels in ostomy patients / Sintomas depressivos e níveis de neurotrofina em pacientes com ostomia

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the depressive symptoms and changes in neurotrophins (BDNF, NGF, NT-3), and cortisol levels in serum of peripheral blood from ostomy patients compared to healthy control group. Methods: We evaluated ostomy (n = 29) and healthy control (n = 30) patients. The neurotrophin (BDNF, NGF, NT-3), and cortisol levels were assessed by ELISA in serum of peripheral blood. Depressive symptoms were defined based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and major depression disorder was based on clinical interviews and was confirmed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Results: The results showed a significant decrease in BDNF levels and, a significant increase in NT-3 levels in serum of peripheral blood from ostomy patients when compared to healthy controls. The levels of NGF and cortisol showed no significant differences between groups. The depressive symptom evaluations by HDRS demonstrated a significant increase in ostomy patients when compared to healthy controls. The major depression disorder diagnosis by SCID-I showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest ostomy triggers significant depressive symptoms and alterations in neurotrophins levels in serum of peripheral blood samples collected from these patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os sintomas depressivos e alterações nos níveis de neurotrofinas (BDNF, NGF, NT-3) e cortisol em soro de sangue periférico de pacientes ostomizados em comparação com grupo controle saudável. Métodos: Foram avaliados pacientes ostomizados (n = 29) e controles saudáveis (n = 30). Os níveis de neurotrofinas (BDNF, NGF, NT-3) e cortisol foram avaliados por kit ELISA em soro de sangue periférico. Os sintomas depressivos foram definidos com base na Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), e o transtorno depressivo maior foi baseado em entrevistas clínicas e confirmado pela Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Resultados: Os resultados mostraram diminuição significativa nos níveis de BDNF e aumento significativo nos níveis de NT-3 no soro de sangue periférico de pacientes ostomizados quando comparados com controles saudáveis. Os níveis de NGF e cortisol não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. As avaliações dos sintomas depressivos pela HDRS demonstraram aumento significativo em pacientes ostomizados quando comparados com controles saudáveis. O diagnóstico de transtorno depressivo maior pela SCID-I não mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que a ostomia desencadeia sintomas depressivos significativos e alterações nos níveis de neurotrofinas no soro de sangue periférico coletadas desses pacientes