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.

Unified Protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in virtual and group format in Argentina: three months follow-up of a pilot study / Protocolo Unificado para el tratamiento transdiagnóstico de los trastornos emocionales en formato virtual y grupal en Argentina: tres meses de seguimiento de un estudio piloto.

Introduction: The Unified Protocol (UP) is a psychotherapeutic intervention that has proven to be effective for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders, both in individual and group format. Recently, its virtual application through teletherapy has begun to be studied. In a previous pilot study carried out in Argentina in a sample of 7 subjects, significant decreases were observed in levels of depression, difficulties in emotional regulation, hopelessness and negative affect and a significant increase in quality of life after having applied the PU in virtual and group format to people with emotional disorders. Method: The present work aims to evaluate the maintenance of the results observed in this study after three months. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the variables analyzed, which shows that the results achieved have been maintained. Discussion: The UP is presented as a promising intervention for the treatment of emotional disorders in a virtual and group format, although further research is required in order to generalize the results.

Introducción: El Protocolo Unificado (PU) es una intervención psicoterapéutica que ha demostrado ser efectiva para el tratamiento transdiagnóstico de los trastornos emocionales, tanto en formato individual como grupal. Recientemente, comenzó a estudiarse su aplicación de manera virtual a través de teleterapia. En un estudio piloto previo realizado en Argentina en una muestra de 7 sujetos se observaron disminuciones significativas en niveles de depresión, dificultades en la regulación emocional, desesperanza y afecto negativo y un aumento significativo en calidad de vida luego de haber aplicado el PU en formato virtual y grupal a personas con trastornos emocionales. Método: El presente trabajo pretende evaluar el mantenimiento a los tres meses de los resultados observados en dicho estudio. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en  ninguna de las variables analizadas, lo que da cuenta de un mantenimiento de los resultados alcanzados. Discusión: El PU se presenta como una  intervención prometedora para el tratamiento de trastornos emocionales en formato virtual y grupal, aunque se requiere mayor investigación con el objetivo de generalizar los resultados.

Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS): Adaptation and Validation in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Background: The OASIS and ODSIS scales are two transdiagnostic brief 5-item instruments designed to assess the severity and functional impairment associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. The present study aimed to adapt and validate the online versions of both scales in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Method: A sample of 344 women and men from the general population of Buenos Aires completed a test battery consisting of the OASIS, the ODSIS, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and the Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI). Descriptive statistics and item discrimination of both scales were analyzed, as well as their factorial structure, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity, using the R programming language. Results: The results showed a unidimensional factorial structure, excellent internal consistency, and adequate construct validity for both the OASIS and the ODSIS. Conclusion: These results supports the use of both scales as valid and reliable instruments to assess severity and interference due to anxiety and depression in the general population of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Adaptación y validación de la Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional en adultos del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Adaptation and Validation of the Emotional Regulation Difficulty Scale in Adults in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires / Adaptação e validação da Escala de Dificuldades na Regulação Emocional em adultos da Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires

La desregulación emocional (de) fue identificada como uno de los principales procesos involucrados en el surgimiento y mantenimiento de los trastornos emocionales. A su vez, los trastornos emocionales son los más prevalentes mundialmente, volviendo a la deun objeto de estudio de gran relevancia. El presente trabajo consiste en la adaptación y validación de la Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004), para ser usada en población general del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 315 participantes entre 18 y 65 años. La consistencia interna resultó adecuada (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). Se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial confirmatorio mediante el paquete Lavaan, quedando la escala conformada por 30 ítems que se ajustan a las seis dimensiones originales. También se presenta evidencia de validez convergente y discriminante, la capacidad de discriminación de los ítems, diferencias por sexo y edad, y valores normativos para adultos del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. La adaptación al español de la ders representa una herramienta válida y confiable para medir distintos aspectos del proceso de regulación emocional

Emotional dysregulation (ed) was identified as one of the main processes involved in the emergence and maintenance of emotional disorders. In turn, emotional disorders are the most prevalent worldwide, making ed an object of study of great relevance.The present study consists of the adaptation and validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) for its use in the general population of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 315 participants between 18 and 65 years old. Internal consistency was adequate (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the Lavaan package, leaving the scale with 30 items which fit the six original dimensions. There is also evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, the items' discrimination ability, differences by sex and age, and normative values for adults in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. The Spanish adaptation of the ders represents a valid and reliable tool to measure different aspects of the emotional regulation process.

A desregulação emocional (de) foi identificada como um dos principais processos envolvidos no surgimento e manutenção dos transtornos emocionais. Por sua vez, os transtornos emocionais são os mais prevalentes no mundo, tornando a de um objeto de estudo de grande relevância. O presente estudo consiste na adaptação e validação da Escala de Dificuldades na Regulação Emocional (ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) para sua utilização na população geral da região metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Foi realizado um estudo transver-sal com 315 participantes com idade entre 18 e 65 anos. A consistência interna foi adequada (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). Realizou-se uma análise fatorial confirmatória utilizando o pacote Lavaan, deixando a escala com há também evidências de validade convergente e discriminante, capacidade de discriminação dos itens, diferenças por sexo e idade, e valores norma-tivos para adultos na Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. A adaptação espanhola do ders representa uma ferramenta válida e confiável para mensurar diferentes aspectos do processo de regulação emocional.

Indice de calidad de vida percibida en pacientes con trastornos gastrointestinales funcionales en Buenos Aires, Argentina / Perceived Quality of Life Index in Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at a Public Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Resumen Los trastornos gastrointestinales funcionales (TGF) son enfermedades crónicas que configuran un problema relevante en la salud pública, asociados en investigaciones previas a una peor calidad de vida. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la calidad de vida en pacientes que acuden a un servicio de neurogastroenterología en un hospital de Argentina y compararlo con población control. Para ello, se realizó un estudio cuantitativo y transversal incluyendo población clínica diagnosticada con algún TGF (n = 35) y una muestra control sin diagnóstico de TGF (n = 37). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre personas con TGF y sujetos control, X 2 (1, N = 70) = 30.23,p < .001 en todas las subdimensiones de la escala de calidad de vida (MQLI), exceptuando satisfacción espiritual (PE). Similar a investigaciones previas, los resultados de este estudio sugieren que, en Argentina -al igual que en otros países-, los individuos con TGF muestran una peor percepción de calidad de vida que la población general. Estos hallazgos podrían contribuir al diseño de intervenciones que contemplen variables biopsicosociales, con el objetivo de una mejoría integral en la calidad de vida de las personas que padecen estos trastornos.

Abstract Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGDS) are chronic diseases that constitute a relevant public health problem, associated in previous research with a poorer quality of life. The aim of this study was to study the quality of life in patients attending a Neurogastroenterology Service at an Argentinean public hospital and compare it with a control population. A quantitative and cross-sectional study was carried out including a clinical population diagnosed with some FGD (n = 35) and a control sample without diagnosis of FGD (n = 37). Significant differences were found between people with FGD and control subjects, X 2 (1, N = 70) = 30.23, p < .001 in all sub-dimensions of the Quality of Life Index (MQLI), except Spiritual Fulfillment (SF). Similar to previous research, the results of this study suggest that individuals with FGD show a worse perception of quality of life than the general population. These findings could contribute to the design of interventions that contemplate biopsychosocial variables, with the aim of a comprehensive improvement in the quality of life of people with these disorders.

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.

Psicopatología como red causal compleja de síntomas interactivos / Psychopathology as a complex network of causally interacting symptoms

Resumen El modelo de la psicopatología como red de síntomas propone centrarse en las interacciones dinámicas y causales entre los síntomas constitutivos del problema clínico. La idea principal es que la activación de un síntoma clínico lleva a la activación de otro síntoma vecino. Las conexiones entre ellos pueden ser biológicas, psicológicas o sociales. Los trastornos mentales son concebidos como estados estables alternativos de redes de síntomas fuertemente conectados. Esto permite un modelo explicativo común para todos los trastornos mentales, un modelo integral de psicopatología. A pesar del éxito de este nuevo camino metodológico, la mayoría de la información relevante se encuentra publicada en inglés. En este artículo, se presenta, en idioma español, la teoría de la psicopatología como red de síntomas y su modelo, su relevancia para la investigación, docencia y práctica clínica de la psicología y la psiquiatría, a los fines de incrementar su difusión y diseminación.

Abstract Over the past years, psychopathology has frequently been represented as a complex system, where psychiatric symptoms are causally interconnected in a network architecture. The network theory of psychopathology has led to more than 300 novel publications, academic courses, methodology for estimating novel models, and freely available software. However, despite the success of this novel research avenue, all relevant information has mostly been published in English. This paper translates the network theory of psychopathology and its model, together with its relevance for research and clinical practice of psychology and psychiatry, to the Spanish language. To serve the dissemination of this theory, this paper serves as an introductory paper for Spanish scholars, for example, as a starting point to learn more about the approach or for academic courses. The main idea of the network theory of psychopathology is that the activation of one clinical symptom in the network leads to the activation of a neighboring symptom. If symptoms are strongly connected with each other, for example, excessive worry and insomnia, they are more likely to be in the same state, meaning that if a person faces a stressful life event such as losing one's job, the activation of the symptom excessive worry will increase the probability they will also suffer from insomnia. In this way, a whole symptom activation pattern develops from which mental disorders emerge. Mental disorders are conceived as stable states of strongly connected symptom networks, allowing for a common explanatory model for multiple mental disorders, thereby providing a comprehensive model of psychopathology. Traditional representations of mental disorders conceptualize symptoms as merely passive indicators of latent, underlying mental disorders which act as common causes for patients' symptomatology. The network theory of psychopathology flips the explanatory and statistical model: instead of focusing on one underlying cause or underlying causes, it proposes to study the direct interactions between these symptoms. This imposes two important implications for the conceptualization of mental disorders. First, symptoms are no longer statistically exchangeable since every symptom can have a different role in the onset and development of psychopathology. Some symptoms can be more important than others in keeping the whole system "stuck" in a disordered state. Second, comorbidity is conceptualized as clustering symptoms which are connected to each other via certain "bridge symptoms". Bridge symptoms are symptoms which are attributed to two (or more) mental disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). If a person suffers from symptoms of MDD, such as loss of motivation and depressed mood, this can lead to the activation of bridge symptoms such as fatigue and concentration problems, which by themselves lead to the activation of GAD symptoms such as irritability and excessive worry.

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.

Digestivamente: Mobile application for patients with irritable bowel syndrome / Digestivamente: Aplicación móvil para pacientes con Síndrome de Intestino Irritable.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that represents a significant public health problem due to the impact it produces on quality of life. Recommended treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address psychological factors that may exacerbate symptoms. The use of technology and particularly mobile applications has grown significantly in recent years. In Argentina, no applications have been developed for IBS. Digestivamente is a mobile application, based on cognitive-behavioral therapy developed in this country. It aims to register the psychological factors of patients with IBS, in the context of a psychotherapeutic treatment. This work describes the application and its functionalities. The use of the application is expected to allow greater adherence to treatment and an improvement in the symptoms of these patients.

El Síndrome de Intestino Irritable (SII) es un trastorno gastrointestinal funcional crónico que representa un problema en salud pública debido al impacto que produce en la calidad de vida. Los tratamientos recomendados incluyen a la terapia cognitivo-conductual para el abordaje de aquellos factores psicológicos que exacerban los síntomas. El uso de la tecnología y particularmente de aplicaciones móviles ha crecido de manera significativa durante los últimos años. En Argentina no se han desarrollado aplicaciones para SII. Digestivamente es una aplicación móvil, basada en la terapia cognitivo-conductual desarrollada en este país. Tiene por objetivo el registro de los factores psicológicos de los pacientes con SII en el contexto de un tratamiento psicoterapéutico. En el presente trabajo se describe la aplicación y sus funcionalidades. Se espera que la utilización de la aplicación permita mayor adherencia al tratamiento y una mejoría en la sintomatología de estos pacientes.

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.

[Argentine consensus on the diagnosis and therapeutics of treatment resistant schizophrenia]. / Consenso argentino sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de la esquizofrenia resistente al tratamiento.

Approximately 30% of people with schizophrenia fail to respond to first-line antipsychotic treatment which impacts the burden of the disease. Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) denotes patients with failure to respond to at least two adequate trials of different antipsychotics. Clozapine is a unique drug approved for treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia, however 1/3 of patients fail to respond to clozapine. Even though different strategies have been proposed for treating clozapine-resistant schizophrenia, the evidence is very limited, unclear, and of poor quality. A formal literature search was conducted and then, panel members were asked to complete 35 questions addressing different aspects of TRS. A modified Delphi method was used to unify expert opinion and achieve consensus. The expert consensus in diagnostic and treatment of TRS is the result of experts from the main national scientific societies under the organization of the Argentine Association of Biological Psychiatric (AAPB). The consensus statement aims to guide on diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Psychotherapy for personal growth? A multicultural and multitheoretical exploration.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports on a focus-group discussion of four expert psychotherapy researchers facilitated at an international conference from the Society of Psychotherapy Research. A discussion was facilitated to explore their perspectives on psychotherapy practices of personal growth (intentionally working towards a strengthened sense of autonomy, mastery, and self-acceptance) in different countries (United States, Canada, Argentina, and Chile) and different modalities (psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy). METHODS: Following the conference, the audio recording of this discussion was transcribed and analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. RESULTS: Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma. RESULTS: Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma. CONCLUSION: Future research examining the cost-effectiveness and benefits of psychotherapy for personal growth is warranted. Building on the six domains, specific future research projects on the evidence-based practice of psychotherapy for personal growth are suggested.

Perspectiva de los pacientes sobre el tratamiento combinado de psicoterapia y farmacoterapia / Patients' perspective on combined treatment of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy

La investigación sobre Tratamientos Combinados (TC) se ha centrado en estudiar los criterios que utilizan los profesionales a la hora de implementar este tipo de abordaje, pero son escasas las investigaciones que permitan conocer la perspectiva del paciente respecto a este tipo de tratamiento. Este es un estudio exploratorio, cualitativo conformada por 49 sujetos, residentes en CABA y GBA, que han recibido TC en los últimos dos años o lo están recibiendo en la actualidad, con el fin de evaluar los siguientes aspectos: 1) orientación teórica de profesionales; 2) comunicación entre profesionales; 3) efectos adversos de los tratamientos; y 4) experiencias de los pacientes respecto al TC. Los resultados preliminares sugieren que los pacientes en su mayoría conocen el tipo de tratamiento que realizan los psicólogos, siendo mucho menor el porcentaje de pacientes que conoce el tratamiento aplicado por su psiquiatra. En lo que respecta a informar los efectos adversos de los tratamientos son los psiquiatras quienes lo hacen en la mayoría de los casos pero es alta la cifra de pacientes que no han recibido esta información de ningún profesional tratante. Los pacientes presentan mayormente experiencias positivas respecto al TC basadas principalmente en la potenciación de los tratamientos y la contención de ambos profesionales. En lo que concierne a las experiencias negativas, la mala comunicación entre profesionales es la característica destacada. Este estudio se encuentra en proceso y sus conclusiones son provisionales.

Research on Combined Treatment (CT) is based largely on studies that seek to explore the criteria used by professionals involved in the combined therapies, though, there is little research exploring the perspective of CT users. We perform an exploratory qualitative study. A questionnaire was administered to 49 patients from CABA and GBA that are having CT or had been received it during the last two years to assess the following aspects: 1) professional´s theoretical orientation; 2) communication among professionals; 3) Side effects of treatments; and 4) patient experience regarding CT. Preliminary results suggest that most patients know the type of treatment carried out by psychologists, being lower the percentage of patients who know the psychiatric treatment. Regarding providing information about treatments side effects, psychiatrists reported in most cases, but there is a high number of patients who have not received this information from any treating professional. Concerning patient´s perspective on CT, the majority have positive experiences, being highlighted the empowerment of both treatments and professional care. On the other hand, bad communication between treating professionals were emphasized among negative experiences. This study is ongoing so its conclusions are tentative.

[Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and the 'Third Wave' of Cognitive-Bahavioral Therapies (CBT)]. / Terapia Cognitiva basada en Atención Plena (mindfulness) y la 'tercera ola' en Terapias Cognitivo-Conductuales.

The paper presents the reasons that led to the incorporation of mindfulness as part of a cognitive therapy approach to the prevention of relapse of recurrent depressive disorders. It describes the context in which models focused on the contents of cognition gave way to models focused on cognitive processes. We highlight the problems encountered by the standard cognitive model when trying to account for the cognitive vulnerability of individuals who, having experienced a depressive episode, are in remission. We briefly describe the theoretical foundations of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and its therapeutic approach.