ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Bipolar Disorders (BD) are a mood disorders group charactered by recurrent manic or hypomanic episodes, alternating with depressive episodes. Its prevalence is 4%, and several studies have shown that they generate disability. There are effective therapeutic options for acute episodes. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve functional recovery and adequate well-being. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There was done in Buenos Aires, Argentina a cross-sectional study comparing psychosocial functioning, with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and subjective well-being with the Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), among a sample of stabilized BD patients undergoing treatment at the Center of Medical Education and Clinical Research (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) and the Bipolar Foundation (Fundación Bipolares de Argentina), with a control group. RESULTS: A total of 102 BD patients and 52 controls where included. The FAST mean for patients and controls was 20.71 and 9.73 respectively (P=0.0000). The WHO-5 mean for patients was 59.11 and 69.76 for controls (P=0.0011). More than 70% of the patients presented functional alteration (FAST ≥12), and almost 35% presented inadequate subjective well-being (WHO-5 ≤52). Depressive symptoms conditioned worse scores on both scales. FAST scores were better among those who participated in mutual aid groups (P=0.026). While patients who underwent psychoeducation and those who received anticonvulsant drugs, presented better WHO-5 scores (P = 0.028 and P=0.048 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BD showed poor Functionality and poor Well-being despite being stabilized. There is direct relationship between both conditions. Depressive symptoms generated worst scores on the scales.
Subject(s)
Bipolar Disorder , Argentina , Bipolar Disorder/diagnosis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , World Health OrganizationABSTRACT
Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de 42 años de edad con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia de larga data e insuficiencia renal crónica estadio V. Tras tratamiento sustitutivo de aproximadamente dos años ingresa en lista de espera para trasplante renal con donante fallecido. Recibe trasplante donante fallecido con buena evolución y favorable adaptación a las intercurrencias acontecidas en el transcurso del proceso. Este caso representa una posibilidad para pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia puedan recibir un trasplante renal con favorable evolución resaltando diversos aspectos a contemplar a fin de garantizar el éxito de dicha intervención
We report the case of a female patient, aged 42, with long-term schizophrenia and end-stage chronic kidney disease. After approximately two years undergoing replacement therapy, she is put on the waiting list for deceased donor kidney transplant. She receives a transplant from a deceased donor with good progress and favorable adaptation to the intercurrent diseases occurring during the course of the process. This case represents a possibility for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia; they may receive a kidney transplant with good progress, highlighting different aspects to be considered in order to guarantee the success of the procedure
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Schizophrenia , Clinical Evolution , Kidney TransplantationABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the definition of advanced directive, understand the implications for the patient, family and healthcare team, and address the obstacles involved in the implementation. RECENT FINDINGS: Advanced directives propose a model of healthcare based on patient preferences. Although there is sufficient evidence related to their usefulness, various factors are known to affect the use of advanced directives. Therefore, rules need to be established in order to optimize the implementation process. SUMMARY: An advanced directive is a legal document based on the principle of autonomy that expresses the desire of the patient in relation to different medical treatments when the patient is unable to make those decisions. The advanced directives are represented in three formats: Living Will, Appointment of a Healthcare Proxy and Legal Status of Preferences. The uses of advanced directives have an impact not only on the patients and their families, but also on the healthcare team. Despite their utility being well known, there are several general barriers that affect implementation, as well as factors related to characteristics of each study population.
