Patologia do desempenho: TDAH, drogas estimulantes e formas de sofrimento no capitalismo / Performance pathology: ADHD, stimulant drugs, and forms of suffering in the capitalism / Patología de desempeño: TDAH, drogas estimulantes y formas de sufrimiento en el capitalismo

O consumo de medicamentos estimulantes cresceu nos últimos anos, no Brasil e no mundo. Pessoas de diferentes idades, especialmente crianças e adolescentes, passaram a consumir estimulantes como a principal terapêutica utilizada para tratar o transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). Nesse contexto, estimulantes como as anfetaminas e o metilfenidato, mais conhecidos pelos nomes comerciais de Adderall e Ritalina, ganharam visibilidade social em razão da associação desses psicofármacos ao aperfeiçoamento de funções psíquicas como a atenção e o aumento na qualidade e no tempo de rendimento dos sujeitos nas mais variadas atividades. Com isso, aumentou também a procura desses estimulantes por pessoas que não estão em tratamento médico, mas que buscam aprimorar seu desempenho nas atividades que realizam. Diante desse cenário, o objetivo deste artigo foi demonstrar como o crescimento no consumo de estimulantes, seja por sujeitos em tratamento médico ou não, está relacionado aos processos de socialização hegemônicos nas sociedades capitalistas atualmente. Articulando o contexto apresentado com os conceitos da psicanálise lacaniana, foi possível concluir que o consumo massivo de estimulantes está relacionado aos processos de patologização e medicalização da existência, colocados em movimento por uma articulação entre o discurso médico-científico e o discurso do capitalista na contemporaneidade.(AU)

The consumption of stimulating drugs has grown in recent years in Brazil and worldwide. People of all ages, especially children and adolescents, started to use stimulants as the main therapy used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this context, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, better known by the trade names Adderall and Ritalin, have gained social visibility due to the association of these psychoactive drugs with the improvement of psychic functions such as attention and the increase in quality and performance time of subjects in the most varied activities. As a result, the demand for these stimulants has also increased by people who are not undergoing medical treatment, but who seek to improve their performance in the activities they perform. Given this scenario, this article aimed to demonstrate how the growth in the consumption of stimulants, whether by subjects undergoing medical treatment or not, is related to the hegemonic socialization processes in capitalist societies today. Articulating the context presented with the concepts of Lacanian psychoanalysis, it was possible to conclude that the massive consumption of stimulants is related to the processes of pathologization and medicalization of existence, set in motion by an articulation between the medical-scientific discourse and the capitalist discourse in contemporary times.(AU)

El consumo de drogas estimulantes ha crecido en los últimos años, en Brasil y en otros países. Diversas personas, especialmente niños y adolescentes, comenzaron a usar estimulantes como la terapia principal utilizada para tratar el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH). En este contexto, los estimulantes como las anfetaminas y el metilfenidato, mejor conocidos por los nombres comerciales Adderall y Ritalina, han ganado visibilidad social debido a la asociación de estas drogas psicoactivas a la mejora de las funciones psíquicas, como la atención y el aumento de la calidad y el tiempo de rendimiento de los pacientes en diversas actividades. Como resultado, la demanda de estos estimulantes también ha aumentado por las personas que no reciben tratamiento médico, pero que buscan mejorar su desempeño en las actividades que realizan. Dado este escenario, el objetivo de este artículo era demostrar cómo el crecimiento en el consumo de estimulantes, ya sea por sujetos que reciben tratamiento médico o no, está relacionado con los procesos de socialización hegemónica en la sociedad capitalista actual. De la articulación del contexto presentado con los conceptos del psicoanálisis lacaniano se concluye que el consumo masivo de estimulantes está relacionado con los procesos de patologización y medicalización de la existencia, puestos en marcha por una articulación entre el discurso médico-científico y el discurso capitalista en los tiempos contemporáneos.(AU)

Caracterización de adolescentes fallecidos por suicidio / Characterization of adolescents who died from suicide

Introducción: En la actualidad un grupo poblacional que tiene alto riesgo de suicidio son los adolescentes. Objetivo: Caracterizar a adolescentes que fallecieron por suicidio. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa descriptiva. La información de las muertes provino de los registros de defunción que gestiona el Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística de la República de Colombia, la cual es una fuente secundaria anónima. Se calcularon medidas de frecuencia relativa y absoluta. Resultados: En el período comprendido entre 1998-2017 se registraron 174 suicidios en adolescentes del Departamento de Putumayo. 59,1 por ciento eran mujeres, 22,4 por ciento tenía algún tipo de unión marital, 77,0 por ciento murió por envenenamiento. La tasa se ubicó en 12,0 suicidios por cada 100 000 adolescentes (9,6 en hombres y 14,5 en mujeres). Conclusiones: Se concluye que las tasas encontradas de suicidio son altas y ubican dicho departamento en los primeros lugares de suicidio en adolescentes del país, motivo por el cual las autoridades de salud deben implementar estrategias para mitigar esta situación(AU)

Introduction: Currently a population group that has a high risk of suicide are teenagers. Objective: To characterize suicide in teenagers in the Department of Putumayo, between the years 1998-2017. Methods: A descriptive quantitative investigation was carried out. The information on the deaths came from the country's death records managed by the National Administrative Department of Statistics of the Republic of Colombia which is an anonymous secondary source. Relative and absolute frequency measures were calculated. Results: In the period between 1998-2017 there were 174 suicides in teenagers in the Department of Putumayo. 59,1 percent were committed by women, 22,4 percent had some type of marital union, 77,0 percent died of poisoning. The rate was 12,0 (9,6 men and 14,5 women). Conclusions: It is concluded that the suicide rates found are high and place this department in the first places of suicide in teenagers in the country, which is why health authorities must implement strategies to mitigate this situation(AU)

Associations between cyberbullying victimization and depressive symptoms in early adolescence / Associações entre vitimização por cyberbullying e sintomas de depressão em jovens adolescentes

OBJECTIVE: To explore distinctive links between specific depressive symptoms (e.g., anhedonia, ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem) and cyberbullying victimization (CBV). METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data from 268 adolescents between the ages of 13 to 15 years-old (50.7% female) who responded to the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and to the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory (RCBI). RESULTS: CBV was positively associated with all CDI's domains (anhedonia, ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem). Demographics ­ such as age and gender ­ were not significant in explaining CBV. However, ineffectiveness (B = .46, p = .04) and negative mood (B = .37, p < .05) significantly predicted CBV. CONCLUSION: This study reports the first Brazilian examination of the links existing between CBV and specific types of depressive symptoms. Data reinforce the negative impact of cyberbullying experiences on youth's mental health, highlighting stronger associations between negative mood and CBV, which could inform more tailored interventions.

OBJETIVO: Explorar as associações diferenciais entre sintomas depressivos específicos (anedonia, ineficácia, problemas interpessoais, humor deprimido e autoestima negativa) e vitimização por cyberbullying. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e transversal que coletou dados de 268 adolescentes, com idades entre 13 e 15 anos (50,7% do sexo feminino), que responderam ao Inventário de Depressão Infantil (CDI) e ao Inventário de Cyberbullying revisado. RESULTADOS: A vitimização por cyberbullying esteve associada positivamente com todos os domínios avaliados pelo CDI (anedonia, ineficácia, problemas interpessoais, humor deprimido e autoestima negativa). Dados demográficos ­ como idade e sexo ­ não se mostraram significativos na predição da vitimização por cyberbullying. Todavia, ineficácia (B = 0,46, p = 0,04) e humor negativo (B = 0,37, p < 0,05) foram preditores significativos da vitimização por cyberbullying. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo apresenta os primeiros resultados empíricos brasileiros associando a vitimização por cyberbullying com sintomas específicos de depressão. Os dados reforçam o impacto negativo das experiências de cyberbullying na saúde mental dos jovens, revelando associações mais robustas entre humor deprimido e vitimização por cyberbullying, o que pode subsidiar ações de tratamento e prevenção.

Encuesta Sociedad de Psiquiatría y Neurología de la Infancia y Adolescencia (SOPNIA) 2019: análisis y proyecciones / SOPNIA SURVEY 2019: analysis and projections

En octubre 2019 se envió una encuesta, diferenciada, por mail o Whatsapp a todos los socios SOPNIA (Sociedad de Psiquiatría y Neurología de la Infancia y Adolescencia), activos y no-activos, y a los neuropediatras y psiquiatras no-socios de nuestros registros, con el fin de saber cómo valoran a SOPNIA, que esperan de nuestra sociedad y cuales debiesen ser los objetivos a desarrollar a futuro. Para ello se confeccionó una encuesta por mail o Whatsapp a responder por Survey Monkey, que constaba de una parte de selección múltiple y otra sección de opinión. RESULTADO: se enviaron 662 encuestas (441 socios y 121 no-socios), respondiendo 149 socios y 60 no-socios. Tanto socios como no-socios hicieron una buena evaluación del funcionamiento de SOPNIA, con excelente evaluación de nuestro congreso anual. Ambos grupos tuvieron opiniones similares en cuanto a los objetivos a mejorar, en relación a mayor participación en políticas públicas y mayor relevancia como líderes de opinión en los temas que nos competen. Por otro lado, los profesionales no socios no han ingresado a la sociedad, mayoritariamente por lo engorroso del trámite de ingreso. CONCLUSIÓN: Para los encuestados, SOPNIA tiene un buen funcionamiento, pero falta fortalecer un mayor rol social, como líderes de opinión en materias de infancia y adolescencia, participando más en políticas públicas. Se reconoce una falencia en comunicar a sus socios todas las actividades que se realizan en este ámbito. Sopnia debe mejorar su página Web y hacer más fácil el ingreso de nuevos socios.

In October 2019, a differentiated survey was sent by email or WhatsApp to all SOPNIA (Sociedad de Psiquiatría y Neurología de la Infancia y Adolescencia) members, both active and non-active, and to non-member neuropediatricians and psychiatrists in our registries, in order to know how they value SOPNIA, what they expect from our society and what our future objectives should be. For this, a survey was sent by mail or WhatsApp to be answered by Survey Monkey, which consisted of a multiple-selection part and another opinion section. RESULTS:662 surveys were sent (441 members and 121 non-members), with responses received from 149 members and 60 non-members. Both members and non-members made a good evaluation of the operation of SOPNIA, with excellent evaluation of our annual congress. Both groups had similar opinions regarding the objectives to be improved, in relation to greater participation in public policies and greater relevance as opinion leaders on the issues that concern us. On the other hand, non-member professionals have not joined the society, mainly due to the cumbersome entry process. CONCLUSION: For those surveyed, SOPNIA has a good functioning, but it is necessary to strengthen a greater social role as opinion leaders in matters of childhood and adolescence, participating more in public policies. It is recognized that there is a weakness in communicating to its partners all the activities carried out in this area. SOPNIA must improve its website and make it easier for new members to enter.

Series de Pediatría Garrahan. El adolescente en el consultorio del pediatra / Garrahan Pediatrics Series. The adolescent in the pediatrician's office

La adolescencia es un período de cambios dinámicos y profundos y representa, para el pediatra, desafíos particulares. En este nuevo volumen se han seleccionado temas específicos con el fin de actuailizar el conocimiento y transmitir pautas de abordaje desde una mirada interdisciplinaria. Entre sus aspectos sobresalientes se incluyen: El estudio de temas de interés especial como el abordaje del adolescente en la consulta de salud mental, los marcos legales vinculados al ejercicio de los derechos individuales, la sexualidad incorporando los aspectos de género y diversidad, así como las problemáticas relacionadas con el embarazo, la anticoncepción y las enfermedades de transmisión sexual en esta etapa de la vida. También se incluyen capítulos sobre el consumo problemático de sustancias y el impacto de las enfermedades crónicas en adolescentes. El enfoque práctico y la discusión de casos clínicos ubicando al pediatra en un papel central como coordinador de la atención interdisciplinaria y la inclusión en cada capítulo de aspectos clave y lecturas recomendadas. Una obra actualizada que aporta información científica y la experiencia de los profesionales del Hospital Garrahan dedicada a todos los miembros del equipo de salud que atienden y cuidan adolescentes dondequiera que trabajen al servicio de la salud infantil.

Adolescente con autolesiones no suicidas en un entorno de adversidad psicosocial / Adolescent with non-suicidal self-harm in a psychosocial adversity environment

Las conductas lesivas no suicidas suponen un problema sanitario de creciente importancia, con una prevalencia en muestras comunitarias de adolescentes del 15-20 %. Las autolesiones pueden tener un significado diverso; se clasifican en intrapersonales o interpersonales; son un factor de riesgo y evolutivo, con inicio en la adolescencia temprana. Se presenta el caso de una adolescente de 12 años con factores de riesgo psicosociales, que acudió a la consulta por cortes autoinfligidos en los brazos y las piernas, realizados con una cuchilla de afeitar, detectados en el colegio. Se intervino potenciando la autoestima y en regulación de emociones con intervención multidisciplinar (sistema educativo, servicios sociales, psiquiatría infantojuvenil y pediatría), con una evolución positiva. Es vital su detección y abordaje con el paciente y su familia para evitar riesgos futuros, especialmente, de patología psíquica. La intervención se realiza desde la Atención Primaria, pero precisa la colaboración de otros profesionales.

Non-suicidal harmful behaviors pose a health problem of increasing importance, with a prevalence in community samples of adolescents of 15-20 %. Self-harm can have adverse meaning, qualifying in intrapersonal or interpersonal; they are a risk and evolutionary factor, with an age of onset in early adolescence. We present the case of a 12-year-old adolescent with psychosocial risk factors, who went to the consultation for self-cuts in arms and legs, made with a razor, detected in the school. It was enhanced her self-steem an guided in regulation of emotions with multidisciplinary intervention (educational system, social services, infantile-juvenile Psychiatry and Pediatrics), with a positive evolution. It is vital to detect and approach this issue with the patient and the family to avoid future risks, especially psychic pathology. The intervention is done from Primary Care, but it is necessary the collaboration of other professionals.

Prevalencia de trastornos mentales en menores de edad atendidos en un hospital psiquiátrico departamental / Prevalence of mental disorders in children treated in a public psychiatric hospital

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de los trastornos mentales presentados en menores de edad en un hospital psiquiátrico departamental. Método Estudio de prevalencia de periodo. Se empleó una base de datos secundaria suministrada por el Hospital Psiquiátrico Universitario del Valle (HPUV) de Santiago de Cali, proveniente del registro de la historia clínica sistematizada correspondiente al año 2014. La población estuvo conformada por los pacientes menores de edad que consultaron durante el periodo, se utilizó la totalidad de los registros disponibles en la base de datos. Resultados Del total de consultas atendidas se encontró que el 35,7% (755) correspondía al sexo femenino y el 64,3% al masculino (1 361). El principal diagnostico psiquiátrico atendido en esta población fue el episodio depresivo con 11,6% seguido por los trastornos mixtos de la conducta y de las emociones con un 8,5%. Conclusiones La evolución en el tiempo de la salud mental no ha cambiado significativamente. La pasada encuesta nacional de salud mental 2015 presenta resultados similares al encontrado en el presente estudio, particularmente en la región pacífica, donde la depresión y trastornos de conducta son más prevalentes.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the prevalence of mental disorders in children treated at a regional psychiatric hospital. Materials and Methods Period prevalence study. A secondary database was supplied by the Hospital Psiquiátrico Universitario del Valle (HPUV) of Santiago de Cali. This database came from the systematized clinical history of the year 2014. The population consisted of underage patients who consulted during the period. All the records available in the database were used. Results Of the total number of children who visited the clinic, 35.7% (755) were females and 64.3% were males (1 361). The main psychiatric diagnosis observed in this population was depressive episode (11.6%), followed by mixed behavioral and emotional disorder (8.5%). Conclusions The evolution of mental health over time has not changed significantly. The 2015 National Mental Health Survey presents similar results to those found in this study, particularly in the Pacific region, where depression and behavioral disorders are more prevalent.(AU)

One Small Step, but One Giant Leap for the Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

No abstract available.

Comparison of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Practice in Adults According to a Training Background in Child Psychiatry

OBJECTIVES: Awareness of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults has significantly increased; however, clinical data specific to the Korean population are insufficient. Clinical experience of ADHD may differ based on whether psychiatrists have received pediatric psychiatry-specific training. In order to prepare a practice parameter for adult ADHD patients in Korea, we examined questionnaire data to observe how pediatric psychiatry training could affect clinical practice for adults with ADHD. METHODS: A questionnaire about the diagnosis and treatment process was distributed to both general psychiatrists (GPsy) and child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAP) at the summer and winter workshop meetings of Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. RESULTS: In total, 142 psychiatrists participated in the survey (86 GPsy, 56 CAP). GPsy and CAP preferred pharmacotherapy (GPsy 82.40%, CAP 64.30%) as the primary treatment option and answered that the clinical psychiatric interview is the most necessary step in diagnostic assessment (GPsy 22.16%, CAP 19.00%). The GPsy responded with an optimal and average treatment duration that was shorter than that reported by CAP. CONCLUSION: Identification of the initial presenting symptom as the correct diagnosis and the optimal duration of pharmacotherapy differed between GPsy and CAP in practice, whereas concepts in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults were similar for both groups. These results suggest the urgent need for the Continuing Medical Education program for psychiatrists treating adults with ADHD.

Rhabdomyolysis and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Associated with Very Low-dose Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescent

Along with the field of adult psychiatry, antipsychotic agents are increasingly used in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Although neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and rhabdomyolysis are rare complication associated with antipsychotic agent, clinicians should need to pay attention to all potential adverse drug reaction (ADR). Also, ADRs in child and adolescent could show different signs and symptoms compared with those in adult. In this case report, we present a case of NMS in a child which occurred shortly after the resolution of rhabdomyolysis which was induced by low-dose risperidone.

A Preliminary Survey on Clinical Practice for Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria in Japan: Current Situation and Challenges

Little is known about the treatment of gender dysphoria among children and adolescents in Japan. This preliminary survey aims to improve understanding of current clinical practice for treatment of children with gender dysphoria. Subjects were 315 certified child and adolescent psychiatrists in Japan. The questionnaire asked about clinical experiences concerning gender dysphoria and gender identity-related concerns. A total of 128 psychiatrists responded to the questionnaire. Mean length of clinical experience was 24.2±10.0 years in total and 16.9±11.5 years as child and adolescent psychiatry specialists. Among the respondents, 74 (57.8%) had seen children and adolescents with DSM-5 gender dysphoria, and 87 (67.7%) had examined cases with gender identity-related concerns. The mean number of experienced cases with gender dysphoria was 1.80±2.3 per respondent. We found that even among certified child and adolescent psychiatrists in Japan, experience with treatment of children with gender dysphoria was limited.

Temperament and Character Profiles Associated with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify temperament and character profiles associated with internalizing and externalizing problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Children with ADHD (n=114, 8.51±1.87 years) were selected from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Jeju National University Hospital. They were diagnosed by Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version and evaluated using the Advanced Test of Attention and Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition. Their parents completed the ADHD Rating Scale, Korean-Child Behavioral Checklist, and Junior Temperament and Character Inventory. RESULTS: The participants with both internalizing and externalizing problem had more severe ADHD symptoms and significantly higher novelty seeking, harm avoidance, and self-transcendence, as well as lower self-directedness and cooperativeness than those who had not comorbid problems. Harm avoidance was correlated with their level of internalizing problems regardless of severity of ADHD symptoms. In addition, novelty seeking and sex (male) were being associated with the level of externalizing problems. CONCLUSION: Differences were observed in the temperament and character profiles of children with ADHD according to their comorbid psychopathology. Results suggested that temperament and character profiles may affect the comorbid psychopathology in children with ADHD regardless of ADHD symptom severity.

Child and adolescent mental health in Africa: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives of emerging mental health clinicians and researchers using an online platform

Objective: Using a social ecological framework, this study aimed to establish emerging mental health clinicians and researchers' perspectives about child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) in Africa.Method: Perspectives of 17 participants from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia, whose professional backgrounds ranged from psychiatry to speech-language therapy, were collected at an African CAMH conference. Data were gathered using open-ended questions, using an online survey. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis.Results: An adapted social ecological framework highlighted: An increased need for commitment from governments to improve CAMH in Africa; and addressing mental health stigma and discrimination through community awareness. The need for specialised CAMH facilities were identified, particularly in the public health sector. The need for multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary partnerships for advocacy, service delivery, and continuity of care were also identified. Participants emphasised the importance of CAMH awareness, and the role of governments in recognising CAMH needs and using policies to improve CAMH in Africa. Participants were hopeful about the transformation of CAMH on the continent.Conclusion: The participants prioritised government- and community-level awareness to increase the resources and support offered by CAMH services in Africa

Detección de hipomanía o depresión en adolescentes hijos de pacientes con trastorno bipolar del Hospital Policlínico Arce durante el año 2017 / Detection of hypomania or depression in adolescent children of patients with bipolar disorder at the Arce Polyclinic Hospital during 2017

El trastorno bipolar es un padecimiento mental, de curso crónico, que amerita tratamiento de por vida una vez hecho el diagnóstico, existiendo dificultad para su detección oportuna. Diferentes estudios coinciden que los hijos de padres con trastorno bipolar presentan cuatro veces más probabilidades de sufrir el trastorno bipolar en comparación con hijos de padres que no sufren dicho padecimiento mental. Además, mencionan que en más de la mitad de los adultos diagnosticados con trastorno bipolar, la sintomatología de la enfermedad inicia antes de los 20 años de edad. En El Salvador no se cuenta con estudios al respecto, por lo que la presente investigación pretendió detectar depresión o hipomanía en adolescentes entre los 10 y 19 años, hijos de padres ya diagnosticados con trastorno bipolar que llevan sus controles en el Hospital Policlínico Arce, en el período de enero a diciembre 2017. Se realiza un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, con 32 adolescentes, aplicando a los participantes el Cuestionario de Depresión Infantil y el Hypomania Check List 32. Se evidenció que aproximadamente la mitad de los jóvenes abordados presentaban depresión o hipomanía. En los pacientes con afectación del estado del ánimo, la depresión fue la entidad que predominó, afectando principalmente al sexo femenino, a la descendencia de las madres con diagnóstico de trastorno bipolar y a las edades entre los 14 a 18 años. La hipomanía afectó por igual a ambos sexos y a los hijos ya sea de madre o padre con diagnóstico de trastorno bipolar, evidenciando que la mitad de jóvenes con hipomanía tenían 17 años. Ningún adolescente presentó de manera simultánea hipomanía y depresión. Al detectarse adolescentes con depresión o hipomanía se les brindó orientación a los cuidadores y al mismo adolescente, además fueron referidos a las instancias respectivas para un seguimiento en salud mental adecuado procurando de tal manera evitar complicaciones futuras en beneficio del adolescente y su grupo familiar

Low Muscle Mass and Depressed Mood in Korean Adolescents: a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

BACKGROUND: Muscle mass and muscle function are related to depressed mood in studies of adults. Like adults, Korean students are highly likely to suffer from decreased muscle mass due to social conditions. In this study, we evaluated the muscle mass status of Korean adolescents and assess the effect of muscle on depressive mood. METHODS: A total of 1,233 adolescent boys and girls participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were enrolled in our study. Participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for assessment of appendicular muscle mass and completed questionnaires regarding depressed mood, stress, suicidal ideations, and attempts. RESULTS: There was no difference in depressive mood according to muscle mass among boys (P = 0.634); girls with decreased muscle mass had a greater tendency for depressed mood compared to girls with optimal muscle mass (P = 0.023). After adjusting for age, waist circumference-to-height ratio, smoking status, alcohol consumption, frequency of physical activity, self-reported obesity, weight-loss efforts, and monthly household income, girls with low muscle mass (LMM) were 2.60 times more at risk of developing depression than girls with normal muscle mass (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–6.49; P = 0.040). This trend was similar for girls with LMM with obesity (95% CI, 1.00–11.97; P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Adolescent girls who have insufficient muscle mass are more likely to report depressed mood than girls who have ideal muscle mass. Interventions for maintaining proper muscle mass are required.

No Association between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D and Oxytocin Receptor Genes and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in a Sample of Turkish Children

OBJECTIVE: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social skills and communication with repetitive behaviors. Etiology is still unclear although it is thought to develop with interaction of genes and environmental factors. Oxytocin has extensive effects on intrauterine brain development. Vitamin D, affects neural development and differentiation and contributes to the regulation of around 900 genes including oxytocin receptor gene. In the present study, the contribution of D vitamin receptor and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms in the development of ASD in Turkish community was investigated. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining these two associated genes together in the literature. METHODS: Eighty-five patients diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 who were referred to outpatient clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Başkent University and Mersin University and 52 healthy, age and gender-matched controls were included in the present study. Vitamin D receptor gene rs731236 (Taq1), rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm1), rs7975232 (Apa1) polymorphisms and oxytocin receptor gene rs1042778 and rs2268493 polymorphisms were investigated using real time polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: No significant difference between groups in terms of distribution of genotype and alleles in each of polymorphisms for these genes could be found. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of genes and polymorphisms associated with the development of ASD may be beneficial for early diagnosis and future treatment. Further studies with larger populations are required to demonstrate molecular pathways which may play part in the development of ASD in Turkey.