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.

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.

Effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in online and group format in Argentina: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic intervention based on emotional regulation for the treatment of emotional disorders. Its application in individual and group formats has been studied worldwide, obtaining similar results to specific protocols but with a lower drop-out rate and improving the cost-benefit ratio, since a larger number of patients can benefit from it. Moreover, the inclusion of digital technologies in psychotherapy aims to improve the accessibility of treatments, especially since the pandemic of COVID-19 that forced the implementation of treatments through teletherapy increasing its use. To date, no studies have been carried out in Argentina on the application of the UP in a group format and through teletherapy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of the UP in a group format and through teletherapy in the Argentine population. METHODS: A parallel-group, controlled, randomized trial, with pre-post and repeated follow-up measures intergroup design will be conducted. One hundred eighty patients will be randomized to one of the following conditions: an online, group-based UP intervention or a waiting list. The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory will be used to compare primary outcomes and the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, and Multicultural Quality of Life Index will be administered for secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months follow-up. Ad-hoc questionnaires will be used to assess patients' experiences and treatment satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the online and group application of the UP in the Argentine population, as well as to evaluate the patient's experience and satisfaction with the treatment. It is expected that the findings of this study will be useful in reducing anxious and depressive symptomatology, will allow us to adapt the UP to our culture, and will improve accessibility to treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05275322. Registered on 11 March 2022.

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.

Contemporaneous Emotion Regulation Theoretical Models: A Systematic Review / Modelos Teóricos Contemporáneos de Regulación Emocional: Una Revisión Sistemática

ABSTRACT Background: Emotions and their regulation are a phenomenon present in everyday life. Despite its relevance and growing interest, a consensual and univocal definition has not yet been reached. Objective: This paper aims to review contemporary theoretical models of emotion regulation, looking for agreements and divergences between authors. It seeks to identify the main processes considered when working with emotional dysregulation. Method: Our team conducted a systematic review in the form of a narrative synthesis following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. The database used were SCOPUS, PUBMED, and Dialnet. We included articles published between 2018 and 2020, which have been peer-reviewed in indexed scientific journals, whose central theme was the theoretical presentation of the construct of emotional regulation. We excluded articles that conceptualized only one dimension of the construct focused on specific populations and empirical studies without a theoretical conceptualization of the construct. The information was systematized in a table identifying authors' information, country of institutional affiliation, main characteristics of the given definition of emotion regulation, regulation skills mentioned, and underlying theoretical frameworks. Results: We identified ten different theoretical frameworks that propose models of emotion regulation. The main components found in the definition were the complexity of the construct, goal orientation, intra- or interpersonal regulation, the proposal of moderators, and its voluntary character. Discussion: There is a consensus on the use of emotion regulation strategies to adapt to environmental demands, achieve goals and increase well-being. We identify that people's learning history is an important factor in the development of emotional regulation skills. In addition, context and personality traits are proposed as moderators of the therapeutic efficacy of interventions focused on emotional regulation. Further studies along these lines would favor the implementation of preventive interventions and the personalization of treatments.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Las emociones y su regulación son un fenómeno presente en la vida cotidiana. A pesar de su relevancia y creciente interés, aún no se ha alcanzado una definición consensuada y unívoca. Objetivo: El presente trabajo pretende revisar los modelos teóricos de regulación emocional contemporáneos buscando acuerdos y divergencias entre autores. Se busca identificar los principales procesos tomados en cuenta para el trabajo con la desregulación emocional. Método: Nuestro equipo realizó una revisión sistemática en forma de síntesis narrativa siguiendo las directrices de PRISMA. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron SCOPUS, PUBMED y Dialnet. Se incluyeron artículos publicados entre 2018 y 2020, que han sido revisados por pares en revistas científicas indexadas, cuyo tema central fuera la presentación teórica del constructo de regulación emocional. Se excluyeron artículos que conceptualizaban una sola dimensión del constructo, se enfocaban en poblaciones específicas y estudios empíricos sin una conceptualización teórica del constructo. La información fue sistematizada en una tabla identificando información de los autores, país de afiliación institucional, características principales de la definición dada de regulación emocional, habilidades de regulación mencionadas y marco teórico de base. Resultados: Se identificaron diez marcos teóricos diferentes que proponen modelos de regulación de las emociones. Los principales componentes encontrados en las definiciones fueron la complejidad del constructo, la orientación a metas, la regulación intra o interpersonal, la propuesta de moderadores y su carácter voluntario. Discusión: Existe un consenso sobre el uso de estrategias de regulación de las emociones para adaptarse a las demandas del entorno, alcanzar metas y aumentar el bienestar. Identificamos que la historia de aprendizaje de las personas es un factor importante en el desarrollo de las habilidades de regulación emocional. Además, el contexto y los rasgos de personalidad son propuestos como moderadores de la eficacia terapéutica de las intervenciones centradas en la regulación emocional. Más estudios en esta línea favorecerían la implementación de intervenciones preventivas y la personalización de los tratamientos.

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.

Tratamiento de la desregulación emocional en hospitales del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires: una encuesta a profesionales / Treatment of emotional dysregulation in hospitals of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires: a survey to practitioners

Resumen El proceso de regulación emocional está siendo foco de gran cantidad de investigaciones en la actualidad. Se estima que se encuentra asociada al desarrollo y mantenimiento del 75 % de los trastornos mentales del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales (DSM, por sus siglas en inglés). En esta línea se han estado estudiando en los últimos años, a nivel global, protocolos transdiagnósticos que tienen, como foco de tratamiento, dicho proceso. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en explorar la familiaridad de los profesionales de la salud mental, de hospitales públicos del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires, con el constructo de la desregulación emocional y los protocolos diseñados para el tratamiento de pacientes con dichas características. A su vez, se buscó conocer el grado de acercamiento de los profesionales clínicos a las investigaciones sobre psicoterapias. A estos fines, se diseñó un cuestionario con 40 preguntas de respuestas abiertas y opción múltiple que fue completado por 75 profesionales (psicólogos y psiquiatras) de hospitales públicos del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires. La mayoría reportó conocer el constructo de desregulación emocional, pero al pedirles que conceptualicen un caso diseñado para este estudio muy pocos utilizaron el constructo. En cuanto a los protocolos transdiagnósticos diseñados para intervenir en la desregulación emocional, son muy poco implementados. Por su parte, menos de la mitad reportó haber leído investigaciones empíricas. Los cursos elegidos para continuar la formación son en su mayoría psicoanalíticos y la participación en congresos internacionales es escasa. Se propone la necesidad de fomentar el uso de intervenciones basadas en evidencia en hospitales públicos y la divulgación de protocolos transdiagnósticos con evidencia para la desregulación emocional.

Abstract A substantial amount of evidence regarding comorbidity among mental disorders has been accumulated during the last years. Moreover, it has been identified that there is a great variability within nosological categories. These limitations of categorical systems lead to the development of the transdiagnostic paradigm which contemplates the existence of underlying processes common to different diagnoses. The process of emotional regulation is currently the focus of many investigations. It is estimated that it is associated with the development and maintenance of 75 % of DSM mental disorders. Emotional dysregulation is being studied particularly as a common factor in depression and anxiety, the two most prevalent disorders in Argentina. Related to this, transdiagnostic protocols aiming this process have been studied in the last years at a global level. The Unified Protocol has been developed by Barlow from a transdiagnostic perspective aiming to offer an evidence-based intervention that could be faithfully used in heterogeneous groups. It was created for emotional disorders with a specific focus on emotional dysregulation, contemplating comorbidity and heterogeneity. This makes the Unified Protocol a proper and valid intervention for the most prevalent disorders in Argentina. The objective of this study was to explore the familiarity of mental health practitioners, of public hospitals in the metropolitan area of ​​Buenos Aires, with the emotional dysregulation construct and protocols designed for the treatment of patients with these characteristics. Moreover, the degree in which clinicians approach psychotherapy research was evaluated. For this purpose, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried on. A questionnaire was designed with 40 questions (25 with closed answer and 15 with short open answer) that investigated five thematic areas: demographic characteristics, therapeutic approach, knowledge about the emotional dysregulation construct and treatment protocols, knowledge about the transdiagnostic paradigm and approach to empirical research. The questionnaire was completed by 75 practitioners (psychologists and psychiatrists) from public hospitals of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. After analyzing the results, it can be said that the most prominent theoretical framework from which practitioners work in public hospitals is psychoanalysis. The most prevalent diagnoses are anxiety and depression and comorbidity is frequent (M = 2.23, SD = .707). When studying the familiarity to the construct of emotional dysregulation, it was observed that even though most of them reported knowing the emotional dysregulation construct (89.3 %), when asked to conceptualize a person with intense and long-lasting emotional distress and difficulty in controlling their behavior and recognizing their emotions, very few mentioned difficulties in the regulation of emotions (13.51 %). Individual format treatment was the most chosen by psychologists for patients with these characteristics (69 %). Psychiatrists reported pharmacotherapy as the most chosen treatment (87.5 %). Group format is not frequently used. In regards to transdiagnostic protocols designed to intervene in emotional dysregulation, they are very poorly implemented. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy was reported to be known by 80 % of the sample, but used by 33.9 %, while the Unified Protocol was referred to be known by 34.7 % and used by 7.69 % of them. On the other hand, the gap between clinical practice and research seems to be wide. Less than half of the practitioners reported reading empirical research (44 %). And the transdiagnostic paradigm is known by 46.7 % of practitioners. When asked to mention the most influential authors in their practice, Freud and Lacan (classical psychoanalytic authors) were mentioned by the majority. The courses chosen to continue their training are mostly psychoanalytic and participation in international congresses is low (10.45 %). These results show the need to look for ways to encourage the use of evidence-based interventions in public hospitals and specifically the dissemination of transdiagnostic protocols with evidence for emotional dysregulation, being emotional disorders the most prevalent.

The Mental Health Ecosystem: Extending Symptom Networks With Risk and Protective Factors.

Inspired by modeling approaches from the ecosystems literature, in this paper, we expand the network approach to psychopathology with risk and protective factors to arrive at an integrated analysis of resilience. We take a complexity approach to investigate the multifactorial nature of resilience and present a system in which a network of interacting psychiatric symptoms is targeted by risk and protective factors. These risk and protective factors influence symptom development patterns and thereby increase or decrease the probability that the symptom network is pulled toward a healthy or disorder state. In this way, risk and protective factors influence the resilience of the network. We take a step forward in formalizing the proposed system by implementing it in a statistical model and translating different influences from risk and protective factors to specific targets on the node and edge parameters of the symptom network. To analyze the behavior of the system under different targets, we present two novel network resilience metrics: Expected Symptom Activity (ESA, which indicates how many symptoms are active or inactive) and Symptom Activity Stability (SAS, which indicates how stable the symptom activity patterns are). These metrics follow standard practices in the resilience literature, combined with ideas from ecology and physics, and characterize resilience in terms of the stability of the system's healthy state. By discussing the advantages and limitations of our proposed system and metrics, we provide concrete suggestions for the further development of a comprehensive modeling approach to study the complex relationship between risk and protective factors and resilience.

Argentinian Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Screening Study of the General Population During Two Periods of Quarantine.

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Argentina has been under mandatory quarantine. We have aimed to investigate the state of mental health of the Argentine population and the behaviours adopted to cope with mental distress during quarantine. Method: An online survey was conducted using a probabilistic sampling technique and stratified according to the geographic regions of the country. The survey covered days 7-11 (n = 2,631) and days 50-55 (n = 2,068) after compulsory quarantine. The psychological impact was measured using the 27-item Symptom CheckList (SCL-27), which provides a Global Severity Index (GSI). An ad hoc questionnaire registered problematic, healthy and other behaviours. Two network models were estimated using a Mixed Graphical Model. Data from the two periods were compared and analysed. Outcomes: Higher GSI scores and greater risk of experiencing mental disorder were found in Period 2 as compared with Period 1. The lowest GSI scores were associated with physical activity in both periods, and meditation and yoga in Period 1. Drug users reported the highest GSI scores in both periods. The Network Comparison Test confirmed a significant change in symptomatology structure over the two quarantine periods. Conclusion: This study showed that psychological symptoms and the risk of experiencing mental disorder increased significantly from Period 1 to Period 2. Network analysis suggested that the quarantine might have brought about changes in the relationships between symptoms. Overall results revealed the relevance of mental health and the need to take mental health actions upon imposing quarantine during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychotherapists' emotional and physiological reactions toward patients with either borderline personality disorder or depression.

Objective: There is a marked difference between the effects of psychotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), with treatment being less effective for the latter. Considering the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the prognosis of therapeutic results, some of these differential effects might be explained by the distinctive reactions that patients elicit in their therapists. The aim of the present research was to characterize therapists' perceptions of their emotional and physiological reactions to patients diagnosed with MDD or BPD. Method: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 43 clinical psychologists from Argentina with different theoretical orientations. These professionals treated at least one patient diagnosed with BPD and one with MDD during the previous year. Therapists' reactions were categorized through a modified consensual qualitative research analysis. Results: Our findings suggest that psychotherapists feel emotions of dysregulation with BPD patients and sensations of fatigue with MDD patients. Conclusion: The results provide some support for the idea that therapists may mirror their patients' internal experiences.

Revisión de las nociones de la alianza terapéutica, sus antecedentes conceptuales y aportes a la investigación / Review of the notions of the therapeutic alliance, conceptual background and contribution to research

Existe un fuerte consenso acerca del valor de la Alianza terapéutica (AT) en diferentes modelos de psicoterapia, ya que este es considerado un fuerte predictor de los resultados de la misma. (Del Re, Flückiger, Horvath, Symonds &Wampold, 2012; Gelso, 2009; Horvath, Del Re, Flückiger& Symonds, 2011).En este trabajo se presenta una revisión de los orígenes del concepto de AT hasta su operacionalización y uso posterior en investigaciones empíricas a partir de la década del ´70. También se exploran los términos históricamente vinculados a la misma, desde su origen en los inicios del psicoanálisis, se citan los principales instrumentos de medición de la misma y los estudios más destacados que dan soporte a su utilidad.

There is a strong consensus about the value of the Therapeutic Alliance (TA) in different moels of psychotherapy, since this is considered a strong predictor of the results of the same. (Del Re, Flückiger, Horvath, Symonds & Wampold, 2012; Gelso, 2009; Horvath, Del Re, Flückiger & Symonds, 2011). This paper presents a review of the origins of the concept TA until its operationalization and later use in empirical research from the decade of ¨70. It also explores the historically linked terms in it, from its origin in the beginnings of psychoanalysis, the main instruments of measurement and the most outstanding studies that support its usefulness.

La comunicación entre psicólogos clínicos y psiquiatras en el tratamiento combinado (psicoterapia y farmacoterapia) en salud mental / The communication between clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in combined treatment (psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy) in mental health

Actualmente, la aplicación de TC tiene evidencia a favor para una importante cantidad de trastornos mentales. Sin embargo, aún no hay estudios acerca del trabajo interdisciplinario que deben llevar a cabo psicólogos y psiquiatras en un TC. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer las variables que favorecen y obstaculizan la comunicación entre psiquiatras y psicólogos clínicos dentro de un TC, en la Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo, de análisis cualitativo. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 10 psicólogos clínicos y 10 psiquiatras, a quienes se les realizó una entrevista y se trabajó con viñetas clínicas. Los resultados muestran que si bien, tanto psicólogos y psiquiatras, indicaron comunicarse con el otro profesional, parecería que los psicólogos lo realizan con mayor frecuencia. Por otro lado, se observó que en general los profesionales suelen comunicarse ante situaciones de urgencia, aunque más de la mitad refiere no tener un plan de acción acordado para casos de emergencia. Los participantes que afirmaron tener un plan de acción, compartían el lugar de trabajo con el otro profesional.

Recently, there is evidence for the combined treatment for a considerable number of mental disorders. However, the interdisciplinary task of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists that make combined treatment possible lacks of appropriate study. The aim of this study is to know aspects that improve and as wells as those that obstruct the communication between clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in the context of the combined treatment that have place in Buenos Aires city. This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative analysis. The sample is compound by 10 clinical psychologists and 10 psychiatrists, to whom it applied an interview with clinical vignettes. The results indicated that clinical psychologists and psychiatrists said that they tried to communicate with his or her colleagues; it seemed that clinical psychologists tried to communicate more frequently. Besides, it observed that both professionals tried to communicate in emergency situations. However, a half of the sample referred that they have not a protocol accorded to emergency. Those who said having a protocol share the setting with the other professional.

Relación terapéutica: estudio en población de psicólogos clínicos / Therapeutic relationship: a study within a clinical psychologist population

Diferentes estudios han observado que la Relación Terapéutica (RT) resulta un predictor del éxito de los tratamientos psicoterapéuticos (Del Re et al., 2012; Hartmann et al., 2014), a la vez que observan que las características del terapeuta afectan positivamente la RT. Por este motivo, el presente trabajo se propone evaluar las nociones acerca del impacto de la RT en los resultados de los tratamientos y de la percepción de las características de los terapeutas de mayor relevancia para el fortalecimiento de la RT en una muestra de 121 psicólogos clínicos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Los resultados permiten observar que los profesionales consideran que la RT impacta positivamente en los resultados del tratamiento a la vez que otorgan importancia a diferentes características del terapeuta en el fortalecimiento de la RT, tales como el interés en la problemática del paciente y la flexibilidad del encuadre, entre otras. En segundo lugar, se observa que la formación y experiencia de los psicólogos se asocia a la percepción de una mayor relevancia de compartir características socioculturales con los pacientes para el fortalecimiento de la RT. Estos resultados resultan consistentes con distintos estudios previos en los que se ha observado que la formación profesional y la supervisión promueven características de los terapeutas que fortalecen la RT y los resultados del tratamiento (Orlinsky & Rønnestad, 2005; Zeeck et al, 2012)...

Relación terapéutica: estudio en población de estudiantes universitarios / Therapeutic relationship: a study within a university students: population

En la actualidad, se considera que parte del éxito de un tratamiento psicoterapéutico depende de la relación entre paciente y terapeuta. Sin embargo, se ha observado que la inclusión de esta temática es escasa en los planes de estudio de la Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Por este motivo, el presente trabajo se propone evaluar, a partir de un cuestionario autoadministrable desarrollado ad hoc, las creencias acerca de los factores que influyen en la relación terapéutica en el tratamiento (inicio, sostenimiento y resultados) y de las características del terapeuta más importantes para el establecimiento de la relación terapéutica (e.g. adaptación a las necesidades del paciente, actitud empática, expresión abierta de interés, actitud cálida, cultura/religión) en una muestra compuesta por 290 estudiantes de la Carrera de Psicología de la UBA seleccionada a través de una técnica de muestreo no probabilística de tipo intencional. La mayoría de los estudiantes consideró importante la relación terapéutica tanto en el inicio, como en el sostenimiento y la culminación del tratamiento. Para el establecimiento de la relación terapéutica valoran la ôadaptación a las necesidades del pacienteö, la ôactitud empáticaö, la ôexpresión abierta de interésö y la ôactitud cálidaö, junto a un ôdiálogo fluidoö. Finalmente, cuantas más materias presentan aprobadas los estudiantes, consideran más relevantes a la ôactitud empáticaö y la ôescucha abstinenteö, otorgando menos relevancia a la ôactitud cálidaö, el ôdiálogo fluidoö y la ôexpresión abierta de interésö. Se analizan estos resultados en el marco de las corrientes teóricas más relevantes en el contexto local y se concluye la necesidad de fortalecer la formación sobre relación terapéutica en la Carrera de Psicología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. (AU)

It is considered that psychotherapy outcomes partially depend on the therapeutic relationship. However, it has been observed that teaching this issue is scarce in the Bachelor of Psychology curriculum at the University of Buenos Aires. For this reason, this paper aims to assess beliefs about the factors that influence the therapeutic relationship in a sample of 290 psychology students. These factor range from adaptation to the client´s needs, empathetic attitude, warm Attitude, Culture / Religion, etc. Most students considered important the therapeutic relationship in the psychotherapy process. For the establishment of the therapeutic relationship there were valued "adaptation to the client´s needs" an "empathetic attitude", "open expression of interest" and a "warm attitude" with a "fluid dialogue". Advanced students tend to consider "empathetic attitude" and "Abstinence" most important than beginner students, while decreasing the perception of relevance in relation to the ôwarm attitudeö, ôfluid dialogueö and ôinterestö. These results are discussed in the context of relevant theoretical trends in the local context. It is concluded the need to strengthen the training about Therapeutic Relationship at the University of Buenos Aires. (AU)

Evidencia empírica de la combinación de psicoterapia y tratamiento farmacológico de la fobia social: trastorno de ansiedad social / A systematic review of empirical evidence on the combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in social phobia: social anxiety disorder

El tratamiento combinado (TC) de la fobia social o trastorno de ansiedad social es frecuente en la práctica clínica. Sin embargo, la evidencia acerca de su superioridad sobre la psicoterapia o la farmacoterapia administradas en forma de monoterapia no está clara. En los últimos años se han publicado estudios clínicos que evalúan la eficacia del TC en la fobia social. En este artículo se realiza una revisión sistemática de estudios clínicos sobre el TC de la fobia social a través de las bases de datos: EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration y el Portal de Búsqueda de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud. Se hallaron 8 estudios controlados y aleatorizados. En la mayoría de los estudios clínicos se observó una superioridad del TC sobre la monoterapia, sea psicoterapéutica o farmacológica. Se discuten estos hallazgos en función de las limitaciones metodológicas de los estudios clínicos encontrados y las sugerencias clínicas que de ellos pueden extraerse. Se concluye que existe evidencia acerca de la superioridad del TC sobre la monoterapia en el tratamiento de la fobia social aunque se sugiere cautela en la generalización de esta conclusión. (AU)

Combined treatment (CT) for patients with social anxiety disorder or social phobia is quite common in clinical practice. However, the superiority of TC over psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy as monotherapy is still not clear. Over the last few years, several clinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of CT in social phobia have been published. A systematic review of clinical studies about CT in social phobia was carried out in this article in the following database: EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration and the ôPortal de Búsqueda de la Biblioteca Virtual en Saludö. We found 8 randomized controlled studies. There is a superiority of CT over monotherapy in most of them, either psychotherapeutic or pharmacologic. We discuss these findings in terms of the methodological limitations of all clinical studies found, and based on clinical suggestions derived therefrom. Given this, it is concluded that there is evidence about the superiority of CT over monotherapy in social phobia treatment, although caution in generalizing this conclusion is suggested. (AU)

Relación terapéutica: estudio en población de estudiantes universitarios / Therapeutic relationship: a study within a university students: population

En la actualidad, se considera que parte del éxito de un tratamiento psicoterapéutico depende de la relación entre paciente y terapeuta. Sin embargo, se ha observado que la inclusión de esta temática es escasa en los planes de estudio de la Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Por este motivo, el presente trabajo se propone evaluar, a partir de un cuestionario autoadministrable desarrollado ad hoc, las creencias acerca de los factores que influyen en la relación terapéutica en el tratamiento (inicio, sostenimiento y resultados) y de las características del terapeuta más importantes para el establecimiento de la relación terapéutica (e.g. adaptación a las necesidades del paciente, actitud empática, expresión abierta de interés, actitud cálida, cultura/religión) en una muestra compuesta por 290 estudiantes de la Carrera de Psicología de la UBA seleccionada a través de una técnica de muestreo no probabilística de tipo intencional. La mayoría de los estudiantes consideró importante la relación terapéutica tanto en el inicio, como en el sostenimiento y la culminación del tratamiento. Para el establecimiento de la relación terapéutica valoran la “adaptación a las necesidades del paciente”, la “actitud empática”, la “expresión abierta de interés” y la “actitud cálida”, junto a un “diálogo fluido”. Finalmente, cuantas más materias presentan aprobadas los estudiantes, consideran más relevantes a la “actitud empática” y la “escucha abstinente”, otorgando menos relevancia a la “actitud cálida”, el “diálogo fluido” y la “expresión abierta de interés”. Se analizan estos resultados en el marco de las corrientes teóricas más relevantes en el contexto local y se concluye la necesidad de fortalecer la formación sobre relación terapéutica en la Carrera de Psicología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires.

It is considered that psychotherapy outcomes partially depend on the therapeutic relationship. However, it has been observed that teaching this issue is scarce in the Bachelor of Psychology curriculum at the University of Buenos Aires. For this reason, this paper aims to assess beliefs about the factors that influence the therapeutic relationship in a sample of 290 psychology students. These factor range from adaptation to the client´s needs, empathetic attitude, warm Attitude, Culture / Religion, etc. Most students considered important the therapeutic relationship in the psychotherapy process. For the establishment of the therapeutic relationship there were valued "adaptation to the client´s needs" an "empathetic attitude", "open expression of interest" and a "warm attitude" with a "fluid dialogue". Advanced students tend to consider "empathetic attitude" and "Abstinence" most important than beginner students, while decreasing the perception of relevance in relation to the “warm attitude”, “fluid dialogue” and “interest”. These results are discussed in the context of relevant theoretical trends in the local context. It is concluded the need to strengthen the training about Therapeutic Relationship at the University of Buenos Aires.

Evidencia empírica de la combinación de psicoterapia y tratamiento farmacológico de la fobia social: trastorno de ansiedad social / A systematic review of empirical evidence on the combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in social phobia: social anxiety disorder

El tratamiento combinado (TC) de la fobia social o trastorno de ansiedad social es frecuente en la práctica clínica. Sin embargo, la evidencia acerca de su superioridad sobre la psicoterapia o la farmacoterapia administradas en forma de monoterapia no está clara. En los últimos años se han publicado estudios clínicos que evalúan la eficacia del TC en la fobia social. En este artículo se realiza una revisión sistemática de estudios clínicos sobre el TC de la fobia social a través de las bases de datos: EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration y el Portal de Búsqueda de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud. Se hallaron 8 estudios controlados y aleatorizados. En la mayoría de los estudios clínicos se observó una superioridad del TC sobre la monoterapia, sea psicoterapéutica o farmacológica. Se discuten estos hallazgos en función de las limitaciones metodológicas de los estudios clínicos encontrados y las sugerencias clínicas que de ellos pueden extraerse. Se concluye que existe evidencia acerca de la superioridad del TC sobre la monoterapia en el tratamiento de la fobia social aunque se sugiere cautela en la generalización de esta conclusión.

Combined treatment (CT) for patients with social anxiety disorder or social phobia is quite common in clinical practice. However, the superiority of TC over psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy as monotherapy is still not clear. Over the last few years, several clinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of CT in social phobia have been published. A systematic review of clinical studies about CT in social phobia was carried out in this article in the following database: EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration and the “Portal de Búsqueda de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud”. We found 8 randomized controlled studies. There is a superiority of CT over monotherapy in most of them, either psychotherapeutic or pharmacologic. We discuss these findings in terms of the methodological limitations of all clinical studies found, and based on clinical suggestions derived therefrom. Given this, it is concluded that there is evidence about the superiority of CT over monotherapy in social phobia treatment, although caution in generalizing this conclusion is suggested.

Principales desarrollos y enfoques sobre alianza y relación terapéutica / Major developments and approaches on alliance and therapeutic relationship

Existe un consenso general de que una parte importante del éxito de un tratamiento psicoterapéutico depende de la relación entre paciente y terapeuta. Los diferentes modelos psicoterapéuticos conceptualizan la relación terapéutica de diversas maneras; en par t icular, dicho concepto presenta importantes diferencias entre la perspectiva psicoanalítica y la cognitivo-conductual. En el presente artículo, se intenta reseñar dichas diferencias en la literatura pertinente proponiendo, de este modo, una actualización del estado de conocimiento sobre el tema. En función de ello, se mencionan los principales antecedentes históricos del concepto de relación terapéutica y las líneas clásicas y actuales de investigación sobre el mismo. Para ello se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de los trabajos disponibles en las bases de datos EBSCO y Jstore. Las palabras clave utilizadas son: Relación Terapéutica, Alianza Terapéutica, Psicoanálisis, TCC. Se tomaron en cuenta principalmente los trabajos realizados a partir de 1990.(AU)

There is general consensus that an important part of the success of psychotherapy depends on the relationship between patient and therapist. Psychotherapeutic models conceptualize the therapeutic relationship in various ways; in particular, this concept has important differences between the psychoanalytic perspective and the cognitive-behavioral one. In this article, we attempt to outline the differences in the relevant literature and update the state of knowledge on this subject. According to these objectives, we discussed the main historical background of the therapeutic relationship and the classic and current lines of research on it. This article is a literature review of the information available in EBSCO and Jstore databases. The keywords used are: therapeutic relationship, therapeutic alliance, Psychoanalysis, CBT. We used data that was published after 1990.(AU)

Principales desarrollos y enfoques sobre alianza y relación terapéutica / Major developments and approaches on alliance and therapeutic relationship

Existe un consenso general de que una parte importante del éxito de un tratamiento psicoterapéutico depende de la relación entre paciente y terapeuta. Los diferentes modelos psicoterapéuticos conceptualizan la relación terapéutica de diversas maneras; en par t icular, dicho concepto presenta importantes diferencias entre la perspectiva psicoanalítica y la cognitivo-conductual. En el presente artículo, se intenta reseñar dichas diferencias en la literatura pertinente proponiendo, de este modo, una actualización del estado de conocimiento sobre el tema. En función de ello, se mencionan los principales antecedentes históricos del concepto de relación terapéutica y las líneas clásicas y actuales de investigación sobre el mismo. Para ello se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de los trabajos disponibles en las bases de datos EBSCO y Jstore. Las palabras clave utilizadas son: Relación Terapéutica, Alianza Terapéutica, Psicoanálisis, TCC. Se tomaron en cuenta principalmente los trabajos realizados a partir de 1990.

There is general consensus that an important part of the success of psychotherapy depends on the relationship between patient and therapist. Psychotherapeutic models conceptualize the therapeutic relationship in various ways; in particular, this concept has important differences between the psychoanalytic perspective and the cognitive-behavioral one. In this article, we attempt to outline the differences in the relevant literature and update the state of knowledge on this subject. According to these objectives, we discussed the main historical background of the therapeutic relationship and the classic and current lines of research on it. This article is a literature review of the information available in EBSCO and Jstore databases. The keywords used are: therapeutic relationship, therapeutic alliance, Psychoanalysis, CBT. We used data that was published after 1990.