Non-binary gender, vulnerable populations and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the COVID-19 MEntal health inTernational for the general population (COMET-G) study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant mental health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations, including non-binary gender individuals. The COMET international study aimed to investigate specific risk factors for clinical depression or distress during the pandemic, also in these special populations. METHODS: Chi-square tests were used for initial screening to select only those variables which would show an initial significance. Risk Ratios (RR) were calculated, and a Multiple Backward Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis (MBSLRA) was followed with those variables given significant results at screening and with the presence of distress or depression or the lack of both of them. RESULTS: The most important risk factors for depression were female (RR = 1.59-5.49) and non-binary gender (RR = 1.56-7.41), unemployment (RR = 1.41-6.57), not working during lockdowns (RR = 1.43-5.79), bad general health (RR = 2.74-9.98), chronic somatic disorder (RR = 1.22-5.57), history of mental disorders (depression RR = 2.31-9.47; suicide attempt RR = 2.33-9.75; psychosis RR = 2.14-10.08; Bipolar disorder RR = 2.75-12.86), smoking status (RR = 1.15-5.31) and substance use (RR = 1.77-8.01). The risk factors for distress or depression that survived MBSLRA were younger age, being widowed, living alone, bad general health, being a carer, chronic somatic disorder, not working during lockdowns, being single, self-reported history of depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, suicide attempts and of other mental disorders, smoking, alcohol, and substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted preventive interventions are crucial to safeguard the mental health of vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of diverse samples in future research. LIMITATIONS: Online data collection may have resulted in the underrepresentation of certain population groups.

Psychiatric profiles in suicidal attempters: Relationships with suicide behaviour features.

BACKGROUND: Suicide constitutes a major health concern worldwide, being a significant contributor of death, globally. The diagnosis of a mental disorder has been extensively linked to the varying forms of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The aim of our study was to identify the varying diagnostic profiles in a sample of suicide attempters. METHODS: A sample of 683 adults (71.3% females, 40.10±15.74 years) admitted at a hospital emergency department due to a suicide attempt was recruited. Latent class analysis was used to identify diagnostic profiles and logistic regression to study the relationship between comorbidity profile membership and sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: Two comorbidity profiles were identified (Class I: low comorbidity class, 71.3% of attempters; Class II: high comorbidity class, 28.7% of attempters). Class I members were featured by the diagnosis of depression and general anxiety disorder, and low comorbidity; by contrast, the high comorbidity profile was characterized by a higher probability of presenting two or more coexisting psychiatric disorders. Class II included more females, younger, with more depressive symptoms and with higher impulsivity levels. Moreover, Class II members showed more severe suicidal ideation, higher number of suicide behaviours and a greater number of previous suicide attempts (p<.01, for all the outcomes), compared to Class I members. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric profiles may be considered for treatment provision and personalized psychiatric treatment in suicidal attempters as well as tackle suicide risk.

Somatic multicomorbidity and disability in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population: a quasi-epidemiological investigation in 54,826 subjects from 40 countries (COMET-G study).

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of medical illnesses is high among patients with psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to investigate multi-comorbidity in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population. Secondary aims were to investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome and treatment appropriateness of mental disorders. METHODS: The sample included 54,826 subjects (64.73% females; 34.15% males; 1.11% nonbinary gender) from 40 countries (COMET-G study). The analysis was based on the registration of previous history that could serve as a fair approximation for the lifetime prevalence of various medical conditions. RESULTS: About 24.5% reported a history of somatic and 26.14% of mental disorders. Mental disorders were by far the most prevalent group of medical conditions. Comorbidity of any somatic with any mental disorder was reported by 8.21%. One-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients were also suffering from a mental disorder depending on the severity and multicomorbidity. Bipolar and psychotic patients and to a lesser extent depressives, manifested an earlier (15-20 years) manifestation of somatic multicomorbidity, severe disability, and probably earlier death. The overwhelming majority of patients with mental disorders were not receiving treatment or were being treated in a way that was not recommended. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were not related to the development of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that one-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients also suffered from a mental disorder strongly suggests that psychiatry is the field with the most trans-specialty and interdisciplinary value and application points to the importance of teaching psychiatry and mental health in medical schools and also to the need for more technocratically oriented training of psychiatric residents.

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the health professionals (COMET-HP) study: depression, suicidal tendencies and conspiracism.

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p < 0.0001). Suicidal tendencies were at least doubled in terms of RASS scores. Approximately one-third of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop clinical depression was associated with a history of Bipolar disorder (RR = 4.23). CONCLUSIONS: The current study reported findings in health care professionals similar in magnitude and quality to those reported earlier in the general population although rates of clinical depression, suicidal tendencies, and adherence to conspiracy theories were much lower. However, the general model of factors interplay seems to be the same and this could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable.

The effect of different degrees of lockdown and self-identified gender on anxiety, depression and suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the international COMET-G study.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic various degrees of lockdown were applied by countries around the world. It is considered that such measures have an adverse effect on mental health but the relationship of measure intensity with the mental health effect has not been thoroughly studied. Here we report data from the larger COMET-G study pertaining to this question. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, data were gathered with an online questionnaire from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Anxiety was measured with the STAI, depression with the CES-D and suicidality with the RASS. Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: It included the calculation of Relative Risk (RR), Factorial ANOVA and Multiple backwards stepwise linear regression analysis RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds were currently living under significant restrictions due to lockdown. For both males and females the risk to develop clinical depression correlated significantly with each and every level of increasing lockdown degree (RR 1.72 and 1.90 respectively). The combined lockdown and psychiatric history increased RR to 6.88 The overall relationship of lockdown with severity of depression, though significant was small. CONCLUSIONS: The current study is the first which reports an almost linear relationship between lockdown degree and effect in mental health. Our findings, support previous suggestions concerning the need for a proactive targeted intervention to protect mental health more specifically in vulnerable groups.

Validation of a European Spanish adaptation of the Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S) in patients with schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Apathy is a negative symptom of schizophrenia and is associated with poor real world functioning. Therefore, it is important to have validated psychometric instruments to assess this symptom. This is the first study to validate the Spanish adaptation of the self-rated version of the Apathy Assessment Scale (AES-S) in patients with schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Naturalistic, cross-sectional, validation study in 104 patients with schizophrenia evaluated using the following scales: Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Self-report of Negative Symptoms (SNS), Motivation and Pleasure Scale-Self-Report (MAP-SR), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S). RESULTS: Reliability: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.908. Convergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between AES-S and CAINS-MAP total scores was -0.483 (p<0.001). For SNS, total and avolition subscale scores were -0.803 and -0.639 (p<0.001), respectively. With the MAP-SR, the correlation coefficient was -0.727 (p<0.001). Divergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between AES-S and PSP total scores was 0.504 (p<0.001). Furthermore, with the CDSS, the correlation coefficient was -0.431 (p<0.001). Discriminant validity: The AES-S discriminated between different levels of illness severity according to CGI-S scores. Factor analysis: A three-component solution explained 57.32% of the variance. Pearson correlations between coefficients were 1-2=0.265, 1-3=0.464, and 2-3=0.060. CONCLUSION: The Spanish AES-S is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing apathy in Spanish patients with schizophrenia. It seems to be appropriate for use in everyday clinical practice as a means of monitoring apathy in these patients.

Validation of a European Spanish-version of the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in patients with schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Negative symptoms can be grouped into five domains: apathy/avolition, anhedonia, asociality, alogia, and affective flattening. There are few validate self-rated measures that assess these five dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in Spanish patients with schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, validation study in 104 outpatients with schizophrenia evaluated using the Spanish version of the following scales: Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale for Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Motivation and Pleasure Scale - Self-Report (MAP-SR), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS). RESULTS RELIABILITY: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.915. Convergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between MAP-SR and SNS Total scores was 0.660 (p<0.001). For PANSS-N, the correlation was 0.437 (p<0.005) and with the CAINS-Total was 0.478 (p<0.005). Divergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between SNS and PSP was r=-0.372 (p≤0.001), and with SF-36 Physical and Mental Summary Component scores were r=-0.213 (p=0.066) and r=-0.144 (p=0.219), respectively. Discriminant validity: SNS Total scores were significantly statistically different according to the severity of the negative symptomatology rated by the CGI-SCH negative scale (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The SNS is a reliable and valid instrument to self-rate the five domains of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and seems to be appropriate for use in everyday clinical practice as a complementary measure to the evaluation performed by the clinician.

Validation of a European Spanish-version of the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in patients with schizophrenia / Validación de la versión española de SNS (Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms-Autoevaluación de síntomas negativos) en pacientes esquizofrénicos

Introduction:Negative symptoms can be grouped into five domains: apathy/avolition, anhedonia, asociality, alogia, and affective flattening. There are few validate self-rated measures that assess these five dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in Spanish patients with schizophrenia.Material and methods:Cross-sectional, validation study in 104 outpatients with schizophrenia evaluated using the Spanish version of the following scales: Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale for Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Motivation and Pleasure Scale – Self-Report (MAP-SR), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS).Results Reliability:Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.915. Convergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between MAP-SR and SNS Total scores was 0.660 (p<0.001). For PANSS-N, the correlation was 0.437 (p<0.005) and with the CAINS-Total was 0.478 (p<0.005). Divergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between SNS and PSP was r=−0.372 (p≤0.001), and with SF-36 Physical and Mental Summary Component scores were r=−0.213 (p=0.066) and r=−0.144 (p=0.219), respectively. Discriminant validity: SNS Total scores were significantly statistically different according to the severity of the negative symptomatology rated by the CGI-SCH negative scale (p<0.001). (AU)

Introducción:Los síntomas negativos pueden agruparse en 5 dominios: apatía/abulia, anhedonia, conductas asociales, afasia y aplanamiento afectivo. Existen pocas medidas validadas autocalificadas que evalúen estas 5 dimensiones. Por tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue validar la herramienta Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS, Autoevaluación de síntomas negativos) en pacientes españoles esquizofrénicos.Material y métodos:Estudio transversal de validación en 104 pacientes esquizofrénicos externos, evaluados utilizando la versión española de las escalas siguientes: Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale for Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Motivation and Pleasure Scale-Self-Report (MAP-SR), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) y la SNS.Resultados: Respecto a la fiabilidad,la consistencia interna (α de Cronbach) fue de 0,915. En cuanto a validez convergente, el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre las puntuaciones totales de MAP-SR y SNS fue de 0,660 (p < 0,001). Para PANSS-N, la correlación fue de 0,437 (p < 0,005) y de 0,478 (p < 0,005) con CAINS-Total. Respecto a la validez divergente, el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre las puntuaciones SNS y PSP fue de r = –0,372 (p ≤ 0,001) y con las puntuaciones de SF-36 Physical and Mental Summary Component fueron de r = −0,213 (p = 0,066) y r = −0,144 (p = 0,219), respectivamente. En la validez discriminante, las puntuaciones totales de SNS fueron diferentes desde un punto de vista estadístico significativo, conforme a la gravedad de la sintomatología negativa calificada por la escala negativa CGI-SCH (p < 0,001). (AU)

Validation of a European Spanish adaptation of the Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S) in patients with schizophrenia / Validación de la adaptación a español de Europa de la versión de auto-evaluación de la escala de evaluación de la apatía (AES-S) en pacientes esquizofrénicos

Introduction: Apathy is a negative symptom of schizophrenia and is associated with poor real world functioning. Therefore, it is important to have validated psychometric instruments to assess this symptom. This is the first study to validate the Spanish adaptation of the self-rated version of the Apathy Assessment Scale (AES-S) in patients with schizophrenia.Materials and methods: Naturalistic, cross-sectional, validation study in 104 patients with schizophrenia evaluated using the following scales: Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Self-report of Negative Symptoms (SNS), Motivation and Pleasure Scale-Self-Report (MAP-SR), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S).Results: Reliability: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.908. Convergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between AES-S and CAINS-MAP total scores was −0.483 (p<0.001). For SNS, total and avolition subscale scores were −0.803 and −0.639 (p<0.001), respectively. With the MAP-SR, the correlation coefficient was −0.727 (p<0.001). Divergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between AES-S and PSP total scores was 0.504 (p<0.001). Furthermore, with the CDSS, the correlation coefficient was −0.431 (p<0.001). Discriminant validity: The AES-S discriminated between different levels of illness severity according to CGI-S scores. Factor analysis: A three-component solution explained 57.32% of the variance. Pearson correlations between coefficients were 1–2=0.265, 1–3=0.464, and 2–3=0.060. (AU)

Introducción: La apatía es un síntoma negativo de la esquizofrenia, y está asociada a un mal funcionamiento del mundo real. Por tanto, es importante disponer de instrumentos psicométricos validados para valorar este síntoma. Este es el primer estudio que valida la adaptación al español de la versión auto-evaluada de la escala de evaluación de la apatía (AES-S) en pacientes esquizofrénicos.Material y métodos: Estudio naturalista, transversal y de validación realizado en 104 pacientes esquizofrénicos evaluados utilizando las escalas siguientes: Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Self-report of Negative Symptoms (SNS), Motivation and Pleasure Scale-Self-Report (MAP-SR), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) y Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S).Resultados: Fiabilidad: La consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach) fue de 0,908. Validez convergente: El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre las puntuaciones totales de AES-S y CAINS-MAP fue de −0,483 (p<0,001). Para SNS, las puntaciones totales y de la subescala de abulia fueron de −0,803 y −0,639 (p<0,001), respectivamente. En cuanto a la escala MAP-SR, el coeficiente de correlación fue de −0,727 (p<0,001). Validez divergente: El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre las puntuaciones totales de AES-S y PSP fue de 0,504 (p<0,001). Además, en la escala CDSS, el coeficiente de correlación fue de −0,431 (p<0,001). Validez discriminante: La escala AES-S discriminó entre los diferentes niveles de gravedad de la enfermedad, conforme a las puntuaciones CGI-S. Análisis factorial: Una solución de tres componentes explicó el 57,32% de la varianza. Las correlaciones de Pearson entre los coeficientes fueron de 1-2=0,265, 1-3=0,464 y 2-3=0,060. (AU)

The Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP) is effective in patients with severe mental disorder without gender differences. / El programa multicomponente de apoyo para el cese del tabaquismo (McSCSP) es efectivo en pacientes con trastorno mental grave sin diferencias de género.

High prevalence of smoking in people with severe mental disorders (SMD) contributes to their medical morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Despite the evidence of gender differences in smoking cessation, few studies have tested those differences among people with SMD. This is a non-randomized, open-label, prospective, 9-month follow-up multicentre trial to examine gender differences in the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP). The results showed that there were no significant differences in short- (males 44.9% vs females 57.7%, chi-square = 1.112, p = 0.292) or long-term efficacy (week 24: males 40.8%, females 42.3%, chi-square = 0.016, p = 0.901; week 36: males 36.7%, females 38.5%, chi-square = 0.022, p = 0.883) between gender, neither controlled by diagnosis or treatment. Regarding safety and tolerability, there was significant increase in abdominal perimeter in males [from 105.98 (SD 13.28) to 108.52 (SD 14.01), t = -3.436, p = 0.002)], but not in females. However, there were no significant gender differences in adverse events (constipation, abnormal/vivid dreams, nausea/vomiting or skin rash/redness around patch site). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that is effective and safe to help either male or female patients with stabilized SMD to quit smoking. However, it might be a tendency in females to respond better to varenicline treatment in the short-term. Future research with larger samples is required to more clearly determine whether or not the there are differences, in addition to their reliability and robustness.

La elevada prevalencia del tabaquismo en personas con trastorno mental grave (TMG) contribuye a su morbilidad médica y reduce su esperanza de vida. A pesar de la existencia de diferencias de género en el cese del tabaquismo, pocos estudios han evaluado esas diferencias en personas con TMG. Este es un ensayo multicéntrico de seguimiento prospectivo, no aleatorizado, abierto de 9 meses para examinar las diferencias de género en la eficacia, seguridad y tolerabilidad de un programa multicomponente de apoyo para el cese del tabaquismo (McSCSP). Los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencias de género significativas en la eficacia a corto (hombres 44,9% vs mujeres 57,7%, chi cuadrado = 1,112, p = ,292) ni a largo plazo (semana 24: hombres 40,8%, mujeres 42,0.3%, chi cuadrado = 0.016, p = ,901; semana 36: hombres 36,7%, mujeres 38,5%, chi cuadrado = 0,022, p = ,883), incluso controlando por diagnóstico o tratamiento.  Con respecto a la seguridad y la tolerabilidad, hubo un aumento significativo en el perímetro abdominal en los hombres [de 105,98 (DT 13,28) a 108,52 (DT 14,01), t = -3,436, p = ,002)], pero no en las mujeres. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias de género significativas en los eventos adversos (estreñimiento, sueños anormales/vívidos, náuseas/vómitos o erupción cutánea/enrojecimiento alrededor de la zona del parche). En conclusión, hemos demostrado que es efectivo y seguro ayudar a los hombres y mujeres con TMG estabilizados a dejar de fumar.  Sin embargo, podría haber una tendencia en las mujeres a responder mejor al tratamiento con vareniclina a corto plazo. Se requiere investigación futura con muestras más amplias para determinar con más claridad la existencia de diferencias, además de la fiabilidad y robustez.

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study.

INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.

El programa multicomponente de apoyo para el cese del tabaquismo (McSCSP) es efectivo en pacientes con trastorno mental grave sin diferencias de género / The Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP) is effective in patients with severe mental disorder without gender differences

La elevada prevalencia del tabaquismo en personas con trastorno mentalgrave (TMG) contribuye a su morbilidad médica y reduce su esperanzade vida. A pesar de la existencia de diferencias de género en el cese deltabaquismo, pocos estudios han evaluado esas diferencias en personascon TMG. Este es un ensayo multicéntrico de seguimiento prospectivo,no aleatorizado, abierto de 9 meses para examinar las diferencias de género en la eficacia, seguridad y tolerabilidad de un programa multicomponente de apoyo para el cese del tabaquismo (McSCSP). Los resultadosmostraron que no hubo diferencias de género significativas en la eficaciaa corto (hombres 44,9% vs mujeres 57,7%, chi cuadrado = 1,112, p =,292) ni a largo plazo (semana 24: hombres 40,8%, mujeres 42,0.3%, chicuadrado = 0.016, p = ,901; semana 36: hombres 36,7%, mujeres 38,5%, chi cuadrado = 0,022, p = ,883), incluso controlando por diagnóstico otratamiento. Con respecto a la seguridad y la tolerabilidad, hubo unaumento significativo en el perímetro abdominal en los hombres [de105,98 (DT 13,28) a 108,52 (DT 14,01), t = -3,436, p = ,002)], pero no enlas mujeres. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias de género significativasen los eventos adversos (estreñimiento, sueños anormales/vívidos, náuseas/vómitos o erupción cutánea/enrojecimiento alrededor de la zonadel parche). En conclusión, hemos demostrado que es efectivo y seguroayudar a los hombres y mujeres con TMG estabilizados a dejar de fumar.Sin embargo, podría haber una tendencia en las mujeres a respondermejor al tratamiento con vareniclina a corto plazo. Se requiere investigación futura con muestras más amplias para determinar con más claridadla existencia de diferencias, además de la fiabilidad y robustez. (AU)

High prevalence of smoking in people with severe mental disorders(SMD) contributes to their medical morbidity and reduced lifeexpectancy. Despite the evidence of gender differences in smokingcessation, few studies have tested those differences among peoplewith SMD. This is a non-randomized, open-label, prospective,9-month follow-up multicentre trial to examine gender differencesin the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a Multi-Component SmokingCessation Support Programme (McSCSP). The results showed thatthere were no significant differences in short- (males 44.9% vs females57.7%, chi-square = 1.112, p = 0.292) or long-term efficacy (week 24:males 40.8%, females 42.3%, chi-square = 0.016, p = 0.901; week 36:males 36.7%, females 38.5%, chi-square = 0.022, p = 0.883) between gender, neither controlled by diagnosis or treatment. Regarding safetyand tolerability, there was significant increase in abdominal perimeterin males [from 105.98 (SD 13.28) to 108.52 (SD 14.01), t = -3.436,p = 0.002)], but not in females. However, there were no significantgender differences in adverse events (constipation, abnormal/vividdreams, nausea/vomiting or skin rash/redness around patch site). Inconclusion, we have demonstrated that is effective and safe to helpeither male or female patients with stabilized SMD to quit smoking.However, it might be a tendency in females to respond better tovarenicline treatment in the short-term. Future research with largersamples is required to more clearly determine whether or not thethere are differences, in addition to their reliability and robustness. (AU)

Lifestyle changes and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A repeated, cross-sectional web survey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare self-reported changes on lifestyle behaviors during two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, and to evaluate clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with lifestyles. METHODS: Two cross-sectional web surveys were conducted during lockdown (April 15-May 15, 2020) and seven months later (November 16-December 16, 2020). Lifestyle behaviors were self-reported by a multidimensional scale (SMILE-C). Two separate samples of respondents were analyzed. A multivariate regression model was performed to evaluate the association of SMILE-C scores with demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: The sample comprised, 3412 participants from the first survey (S1) and in the S1 and 3635 from the second (S2). SMILE-C score decreased across surveys (p < 0.001). The rates of positive screenings for depression and anxiety were similar between the surveys, whereas those for alcohol abuse decreased (p < 0.001). Most participants in S2 reported that their lifestyle had not changed compared to those before the pandemic. Variables independently associated with an unhealthier lifestyle were working as an essential worker, lower educational level, previous mental disease, worse self-rated health, totally/moderate changes on diet, sleep or social support, as well as positive screenings for alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design and recruitment by non-probabilistic methods limit inferring causality and the external validity of the results. CONCLUSIONS: Overall lifestyle worsened seven months after the lockdown in Spain. Several demographic and clinical factors were associated with lifestyle scores. The contribution of common mental disorders to unhealthier lifestyles should be considered in order to prevent the negative impact of the pandemic.

Lifestyle in Undergraduate Students and Demographically Matched Controls during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain.

Few studies have used a multidimensional approach to describe lifestyle changes among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic or have included controls. This study aimed to evaluate lifestyle behaviors and mental health of undergraduate students and compare them with an age and sex-matched control group. A cross-sectional web survey using snowball sampling was conducted several months after the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. A sample of 221 students was recruited. The main outcome was the total SMILE-C score. Students showed a better SMILE-C score than controls (79.8 + 8.1 vs. 77.2 + 8.3; p < 0.001), although these differences disappeared after controlling for covariates. While groups did not differ in the screenings of depression and alcohol abuse, students reported lower rates of anxiety (28.5% vs. 37.1%; p = 0.042). A lower number of cohabitants, poorer self-perceived health and positive screening for depression and anxiety, or for depression only were independently associated (p < 0.05) with unhealthier lifestyles in both groups. History of mental illness and financial difficulties were predictors of unhealthier lifestyles for students, whereas totally/moderate changes in substance abuse and stress management (p < 0.05) were predictors for the members of the control group. Several months after the pandemic, undergraduate students and other young adults had similar lifestyles.

Real-World Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia: Beyond Negative and Cognitive Symptoms.

Introduction: Interest in the idea of recovery for certain patients with schizophrenia has been growing over the last decade. Improving symptomatology and functioning is crucial for achieving this. Our study aims to identify those factors that substantially contribute to real-world functioning in these patients. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in stable outpatients with schizophrenia on maintenance antipsychotic monotherapy. Patients: We studied 144 outpatients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR criteria) meeting the following criteria: (1) 18-65 years of age; (2) being clinically stable for at least the previous three months; (3) on maintenance antipsychotic monotherapy (prescriptions ≤ 10 mg olanzapine, ≤200 mg quetiapine, or ≤100 mg levomepromazine as hypnotics were also allowed); and (4) written informed consent. Assessment: We collected information on demographic and clinical variables by using an ad hoc questionnaire. For psychopathology, we employed the Spanish versions of the following psychometric instruments: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS-Sp), and the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS). In addition, cognitive domains were assessed using the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Trail Making Test, parts A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B). Finally, we employed the Spanish versions of the University of California San Diego Performance-based Skills Assessment (Sp-UPSA) and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) for assessing functional capacity and real-world functioning, respectively. Statistical analysis: A forward stepwise regression was conducted by entering those variables significantly associated with PSP total score into the univariate analyses (Student's t-test, ANOVA with Duncan's post-hoc test, or bivariate Pearson correlation). Results: A total of 144 patients; mean age 40 years, 64% males, mean length of illness 12.4 years, PSP total score 54.3. The final model was a significant predictor of real-world functioning [F (7, 131) = 36.371, p < 0.001] and explained 66.0% of the variance. Variables retained in the model: BNSS-Sp abulia, asociality, and blunted affect, PANSS general psychopathology, Sp-UPSA transportation, TMT-B, and heart rate. Conclusion: Our model will contribute to a more efficient and personalized daily clinical practice by assigning specific interventions to each patient based on specific impaired factors in order to improve functioning.

[Empirically Supported Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents: State of the Art].

Empirically Supported Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents: State of the Art. BACKGROUND: The empirical evidence accumulated on the efficacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of psychotherapeutic treatments in children and adolescents calls for an update. The main goal of this paper objective was to carry out a selective review of empirically supported psychological treatments for a variety of common psychological disorders and problems in childhood and adolescence. METHOD: A review was carried out of the psychological treatments for different psychological disorders and problems in social-emotional or behavioral adjustment in the child-adolescent population according to the Spanish National Health System (Clinical Practice Guidelines) levels of evidence and degrees of recommendation. RESULTS: The findings suggest that psychological treatments have empirical support for addressing a wide range of psychological problems in these developmental stages. The degree of empirical support ranges from low to high depending on the phenomenon analyzed. The review suggests unequal progress in the different fields of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: From this update, psychologists will be able to make informed decisions when implementing those empirically supported treatments to address the problems that occur in childhood and adolescence.

Are older adults also at higher psychological risk from COVID-19?

OBJECTIVE: Given the lack of information on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on people aged ≥60, we aimed to describe their psychological responses to this pandemic and lockdown situation and compare them with those under 60 years of age. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a larger online cross-sectional study designed to determine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown across Spain. We analyzed a total of 1690 respondents aged ≥60 years and compared them with 13,363 respondents under 60 years of age. We employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and the Impact of Event Scale to evaluate psychological responses. RESULTS: In all, 52.6% of women and 34.3% of men were found to be probable cases of any emotional distress (p < 0.001). In both sexes, the most common psychological response was avoidance behavior (34.7% and 23.8%, respectively), followed by depression (28.5 and 14.2%). Older women and men were considered probable cases of any emotional distress less often than younger ones (women: 52.6% vs. 72.3%, p < 0.001; men: 34.3% vs. 50.6%, p < 0.001). Finally, the results of the binary logistic regression showed that only depressive and stress responses are psychological factors associated with age group [age ≥ 60 years, O.R. = 0.617 (95% CI = 0.501 - 0.759) and 0.437 (95% CI = 0.334 - 0.573), respectively]. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our hypothesis and despite the high percentage of emotional distress we found in older adults, especially women, they are actually at lower risk of developing depressive and stress consequences from COVID-19 and lockdown than those under 60 years of age. That said, we believe our results highlight the need for expert guidance in this age group, especially older women living alone.

Early Psychological Correlates Associated With COVID-19 in A Spanish Older Adult Sample.

OBJECTIVE: Main aims of the study are to examine the early psychological correlates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the mental health of a Spanish older adult sample and to analyze the influence of past mental disorder (PMD) and current mental disorder (CMD) on those correlates. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on an online snowball recruiting questionnaire. Psychological correlates assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Impact of Event Scale (IES). Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify risk and protective factors. RESULTS: Final sample included 2,194 individuals aged 60 years or more (mean age [SD]: 65.62 [5.05]; females: 1,198 [54.6%]). There were 342 (15.6%) individuals who reported a PMD and 162 (7.4%) who reported a CMD. Avoidant (32.1%) and depressive (25.6%) styles were the most prevalent, regardless of mental health status. Main risk factors for negative affectivity were female gender and history CMD or PMD. However, job stability and the ability to enjoy free time were generally associated with better outcomes. No differences were found in psychological correlates between those with no lifetime history of mental disorder versus PMD on the DASS-21 or IES. However, CMD was associated with higher anxiety scores on the DASS-21 (odds ratio: 1.838, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Regardless of mental status, avoidant and depressive styles were the most prevalent in this older adult sample. Main protective factor in all subgroups was the ability to enjoy free time, whereas the main risk factors were being female and current or past history of mental disorder.

Validation of a European Spanish adaptation of the Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S) in patients with schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Apathy is a negative symptom of schizophrenia and is associated with poor real world functioning. Therefore, it is important to have validated psychometric instruments to assess this symptom. This is the first study to validate the Spanish adaptation of the self-rated version of the Apathy Assessment Scale (AES-S) in patients with schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Naturalistic, cross-sectional, validation study in 104 patients with schizophrenia evaluated using the following scales: Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Self-report of Negative Symptoms (SNS), Motivation and Pleasure Scale-Self-Report (MAP-SR), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Apathy Evaluation Scale-self-rated version (AES-S). RESULTS: Reliability: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.908. Convergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between AES-S and CAINS-MAP total scores was -0.483 (p<0.001). For SNS, total and avolition subscale scores were -0.803 and -0.639 (p<0.001), respectively. With the MAP-SR, the correlation coefficient was -0.727 (p<0.001). Divergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between AES-S and PSP total scores was 0.504 (p<0.001). Furthermore, with the CDSS, the correlation coefficient was -0.431 (p<0.001). Discriminant validity: The AES-S discriminated between different levels of illness severity according to CGI-S scores. Factor analysis: A three-component solution explained 57.32% of the variance. Pearson correlations between coefficients were 1-2=0.265, 1-3=0.464, and 2-3=0.060. CONCLUSION: The Spanish AES-S is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing apathy in Spanish patients with schizophrenia. It seems to be appropriate for use in everyday clinical practice as a means of monitoring apathy in these patients.

Validation of a European Spanish-version of the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in patients with schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Negative symptoms can be grouped into five domains: apathy/avolition, anhedonia, asociality, alogia, and affective flattening. There are few validate self-rated measures that assess these five dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in Spanish patients with schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, validation study in 104 outpatients with schizophrenia evaluated using the Spanish version of the following scales: Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale for Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), Motivation and Pleasure Scale - Self-Report (MAP-SR), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS). RESULTS RELIABILITY: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.915. Convergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between MAP-SR and SNS Total scores was 0.660 (p<0.001). For PANSS-N, the correlation was 0.437 (p<0.005) and with the CAINS-Total was 0.478 (p<0.005). Divergent validity: The Pearson correlation coefficient between SNS and PSP was r=-0.372 (p≤0.001), and with SF-36 Physical and Mental Summary Component scores were r=-0.213 (p=0.066) and r=-0.144 (p=0.219), respectively. Discriminant validity: SNS Total scores were significantly statistically different according to the severity of the negative symptomatology rated by the CGI-SCH negative scale (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The SNS is a reliable and valid instrument to self-rate the five domains of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and seems to be appropriate for use in everyday clinical practice as a complementary measure to the evaluation performed by the clinician.