What helps the helpers? Resilience and risk factors for general and profession-specific mental health problems in psychotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected wellbeing of at-risk groups, most research on resilience employed convenience samples. We investigated psychosocial resilience and risk factors (RFs) for the wellbeing of psychotherapists and other mental health practitioners, an under-researched population that provides essential support for other at-risk groups and was uniquely burdened by the pandemic. Method: We examined 18 psychosocial factors for their association with resilience, of which four were chosen due to their likely relevance specifically for therapists, in a cross-sectional multi-national sample (N = 569) surveyed between June and September 2020. Resilience was operationalized dimensionally and outcome-based as lower stressor reactivity (SR), meaning fewer mental health problems than predicted given a participant's levels of stressor exposure. General SR (SRG) scores expressed reactivity in terms of general internalizing problems, while profession-specific SR (SRS) scores expressed reactivity in terms of burnout and secondary trauma, typical problems of mental health practitioners. Results: Factors previously identified as RFs in other populations, including perceived social support, optimism and self-compassion, were almost all significant in the study population (SRG: 18/18 RFs, absolute ßs = 0.16-0.40; SRS: 15/18 RFs, absolute ßs = 0.19-0.39 all Ps < 0.001). Compassion satisfaction emerged as uniquely relevant for mental health practitioners in regularized regression. Discussion: Our work identifies psychosocial RFs for mental health practitioners' wellbeing during crisis. Most identified factors are general, in that they are associated with resilience to a wider range of mental health problems, and global, in that they have also been observed in other populations and stressor constellations.

Experiencia del personal sanitario durante la primera ola de Covid-19 en España: un estudio cualitativo con grupos focales / Experience of health workers during the first wave of Covid-19 in Spain: a qualitative study with focus groups

Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia de los profesionales que atendieron en primera línea a los pacientes infectados durante la primera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Los participantes fueron reclutados entre médicos y enfermeras de varios hospitales y centros de salud en España. Sus narrativas se obtuvieron a través de tres grupos focales. Se empleó la metodología cualitativa, de acuerdo con sus principios exploratorios, inductivos y etnográficos. Resultados: La experiencia del personal sanitario se clasificó en seis categorías: La reacción y organización de los sanitarios, el material y las pruebas, los aspectos emocionales en relación con la asistencia, los conflictos éticos, la gestión sanitaria de la pandemia y el papel social de los sanitarios. Conclusiones: Los sanitarios adoptaron un rol proactivo durante la pandemia. Se señalan las vulnerabilidades y las fortalezas de la asistencia. Los aspectos que tiene que ver con la regulación emocional de los sanitarios resultan claves para el funcionamiento asistencial. (AU)

Objectives: to analyze the experience of health professionals who provided first-line care to infected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic during the first wave. Material and Methods: Participants were recruited from among physicians and nurses in several hospitals and health centers in Spain. Narratives were obtained through three focus groups. Qualitative methodology was used according to exploratory, inductive, and ethnographic principles. Results: The experience of the health personnel was classified into six categories: The reaction and organization of health workers, materials and tests, emotional aspects of care, ethical conflicts, health management of the pandemic, and the social role of health workers. Conclusions: Healthcare workers took a proactive approach during the pandemic. Weaknesses and strengths in the provision of health care were. The capacity of emotional self-regulation of the health care workers is shown to be key to the ability of the health care system to continue operating. (AU)

Chilean validation of the operationalized psychodynamic diagnosis-structure questionnaire (OPD-SQ) for personality structure.

BACKGROUND: This is the validation of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis-Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQ). METHODS: A clinical sample of 399 adults and a nonclinical general population sample of 50 healthy adults completed measures of depression, attachment, psychiatric symptomatology and distress. Internal consistency and concurrent validity were assessed. Test-retest and Reliable Change Index were also calculated, as was the ability of the OPD-SQ to distinguish between the clinical and general population groups. RESULTS: High internal consistencies were found; significant differences between clinical and nonclinical samples, and significant associations with psychiatric symptomatology, depression and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The Chilean OPD-SQ has good reliability, and discriminates between clinical and healthy samples.

Long-term outcomes of psychological interventions on children and young people's mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Over 600 RCTs have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for children and young people's mental health, but little is known about the long-term outcomes. This systematic review sought to establish whether the effects of selective and indicated interventions were sustained at 12 months. METHOD: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on studies reporting medium term outcomes (12 months after end of intervention). FINDINGS: We identified 138 trials with 12-month follow-up data, yielding 165 comparisons, 99 of which also reported outcomes at end of intervention, yielding 117 comparisons. We found evidence of effect relative to control at end of intervention (K = 115, g = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.30-0.47 I2 = 84.19%, N = 13,982) which was maintained at 12 months (K = 165, g = 0.31, CI: 0.25-0.37, I2 = 77.35%, N = 25,652) across a range of diagnostic groups. We explored the impact of potential moderators on outcome, including modality, format and intensity of intervention, selective or indicated intervention, site of delivery, professional/para-professional and fidelity of delivery. We assessed both risk of study bias and publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial interventions provided in a range of settings by professionals and paraprofessionals can deliver lasting benefits. High levels of heterogeneity, moderate to high risk of bias for most studies and evidence of publication bias require caution in interpreting the results. Lack of studies in diagnostic groups such as ADHD and self-harm limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Programmes that increase such interventions' availability are justified by the benefits to children and young people and the decreased likelihood of disorder in adulthood.

Using the attachment network Q-sort for profiling one's attachment style with different attachment-figures.

Attachment instruments vary substantially in practicability of administration, employment of categorical versus dimensional scoring, quality of scales, and applicability to different attachment figures. The Attachment Network Q-sort (ANQ) is a self-report, quasi-qualitative instrument that discriminates relationship-specific attachment styles for multiple attachment figures. The current study assesses the properties of the ANQ in psychotherapy patients and in non-patient respondents, using mother, father and romantic partner as possible attachment figures. Analyzing the ANQ-data with latent class analysis, we found four types or classes of participants: a group with an overall secure profile, a group only insecure for father, a group only insecure for mother, and a group insecure for mother as well as father but not for partner (if available). These profiles proved to have good concurrent, discriminant and construct validity. We conclude that the ANQ is potentially a useful alternative clinical self-report instrument to assess combinations of attachment styles for a range of attachment figures such as parents and a romantic partner.

[Sudomotor dysfunction diagnostic test for early detection of diabetic neuropathy]. / Prueba diagnóstica de disfunción sudomotora en la detección precoz de la neuropatía diabética.

BACKGROUND: Sudomotor dysfunction may appear in early stages of diabetic neuropathy. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic capacity of the Neuropad test, based on the detection of sudomotor dysfunction, as an early indicator of diabetic neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In Forty-two type 2 diabetic patients, the Neuropad test was compared with the 10 g monofilament test (proposed in the technical orientation of diabetic foot of the Ministry of Health of Chile), deep and thermal sensitivity. RESULTS: The surface sensitivity assessed with a brush had a sensitivity and specificity of 18.8 and 100% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. When compared with the Neuropad, the figures were 9 and 100%, respectively. Pain perception sensitivity and specificity were 13 and 100% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. The figures were 6 and 100%, when compared with the Neuropad. Thermal discrimination had a sensitivity and specificity of 88 and 33% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. The figures were 75 and 25% respectively when compared with the Neuropad. The deep sensitivity evaluated with a 128 Hz tuning fork had a sensitivity and specificity of 31 and 100% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. The figures were 16 and 31% respectively when compared with the Neuropad. The Neuropad had a sensitivity and specificity of 94 and 29% respectively were compared with the 10 g monofilament. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropad had a good diagnostic yield for the early detection of sudomotor dysfunction.

Prueba diagnóstica de disfunción sudomotora en la detección precoz de la neuropatía diabética / Sudomotor dysfunction diagnostic test for early detection of diabetic neuropathy

Background: Sudomotor dysfunction may appear in early stages of diabetic neuropathy. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic capacity of the Neuropad test, based on the detection of sudomotor dysfunction, as an early indicator of diabetic neuropathy. Material and Methods: In Forty-two type 2 diabetic patients, the Neuropad test was compared with the 10 g monofilament test (proposed in the technical orientation of diabetic foot of the Ministry of Health of Chile), deep and thermal sensitivity. Results: The surface sensitivity assessed with a brush had a sensitivity and specificity of 18.8 and 100% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. When compared with the Neuropad, the figures were 9 and 100%, respectively. Pain perception sensitivity and specificity were 13 and 100% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. The figures were 6 and 100%, when compared with the Neuropad. Thermal discrimination had a sensitivity and specificity of 88 and 33% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. The figures were 75 and 25% respectively when compared with the Neuropad. The deep sensitivity evaluated with a 128 Hz tuning fork had a sensitivity and specificity of 31 and 100% respectively when compared with the 10 g monofilament. The figures were 16 and 31% respectively when compared with the Neuropad. The Neuropad had a sensitivity and specificity of 94 and 29% respectively were compared with the 10 g monofilament. Conclusions: Neuropad had a good diagnostic yield for the early detection of sudomotor dysfunction.

A randomised controlled trial of mentalization-based treatment versus structured clinical management for patients with comorbid borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

BACKGROUND: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is an under-researched mental disorder. Systematic reviews and policy documents identify ASPD as a priority area for further treatment research because of the scarcity of available evidence to guide clinicians and policymakers; no intervention has been established as the treatment of choice for this disorder. Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is a psychotherapeutic treatment which specifically targets the ability to recognise and understand the mental states of oneself and others, an ability shown to be compromised in people with ASPD. The aim of the study discussed in this paper is to investigate whether MBT can be an effective treatment for alleviating symptoms of ASPD. METHODS: This paper reports on a sub-sample of patients from a randomised controlled trial of individuals recruited for treatment of suicidality, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder. The study investigates whether outpatients with comorbid borderline personality disorder and ASPD receiving MBT were more likely to show improvements in symptoms related to aggression than those offered a structured protocol of similar intensity but excluding MBT components. RESULTS: The study found benefits from MBT for ASPD-associated behaviours in patients with comorbid BPD and ASPD, including the reduction of anger, hostility, paranoia, and frequency of self-harm and suicide attempts, as well as the improvement of negative mood, general psychiatric symptoms, interpersonal problems, and social adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: MBT appears to be a potential treatment of consideration for ASPD in terms of relatively high level of acceptability and promising treatment effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN ISRCTN27660668 , Retrospectively registered 21 October 2008.

Iniciativas disponibles para el reporte de resultados en investigación biomédica con diferentes tipos de diseño / Initiatives for reporting biomedical research results with different types of designs

La calidad del reporte de los resultados de una investigación no es óptima, razón por la cual, se han desarrollado numerosas iniciativas tendientes a mejorar este aspecto a lo largo de los años. El objetivo de este artículo es mencionar y describir las iniciativas existentes para el reporte de resultados de investigación biomédica en diversos escenarios de investigación clínica y situaciones especiales. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos THE COCHRANE LIBRARY, MEDLINE, SciELO y Redalyc; y en los buscadores Clinical Evidence, TRIP database, Fisterra, Rafabravo, EQUATOR Network, portal de BIREME y Programa HINARI; para obtener las listas de verificación existentes. Los documentos recuperados fueron agrupados de la siguiente forma: relacionados con escenarios de terapia, diagnóstico, pronóstico, evaluaciones económicas y misceláneas. La búsqueda generó un total de 31 documentos. Doce para escenarios de terapia (CONSORT, QUOROM, MOOSE, STRICTA, TREND, MINCIR-Terapia, RedHot, REHBaR, PRISMA, REFLECT, Ottawa y SPIRIT), 5 para diagnóstico (STARD, QUADAS, QAREL, GRRAS y MINCIR-Diagnóstico), 3 para pronóstico (REMARK, MINCIR-Pronóstico y GRIPS), 4 para evaluaciones económicas (NHS-HTA, CHEERS, ISPOR RCT-CEA y NICE-STA,); y 7 misceláneos (STROBE, COREQ, GRADE, SQUIRE, STREGA, ORION y MINCIR-EOD). Existen diversas iniciativas y declaraciones. Estas deben ser conocidas y utilizadas por escritores, revisores y editores de revistas biomédicas; de forma tal de incrementar la calidad del reporte de resultados de la investigación biomédica.

Quality of results reporting is not perfect, many initiatives tending to improve this aspect of clinical research have been developed in the last decade. The aim of this manuscript is to mention and describe the existent initiatives for reporting biomedical research results in different scenarios and special situations. To obtain check-lists, a search in THE COCHRANE LIBRARY, MEDLINE, SciELO y Redalyc; Clinical Evidence, TRIP database, Fisterra, Rafabravo, EQUATOR Network, BIREME and HINARI Program was developed. Identified documents were grouped in relation with clinical research scenarios (therapy, diagnosis, prognosis and economic evaluations) and miscellaneous. The search allows finding 31 documents. Twelve for therapy (CONSORT, QUOROM, MOOSE,STRICTA, TREND, MINCIR-Therapy, RedHot, REHBaR, PRISMA,REFLECT, Ottawa and SPIRIT), 5 for diagnosis (STARD, QUADAS, QAREL, GRRAS and MINCIR-Diagnosis), 3 for prognosis (REMARK, MINCIR-Prognosis and GRIPS), 4 for economic evaluations (NHS-HTA, CHEERS, ISPOR RCT-CEA and NICE-STA,) and 7 miscellaneous (STROBE, COREQ, GRADE, SQUIRE, STREGA, ORION and MINCIR-EOD). Different initiatives and statements were found. These must be noted and used by writers, reviewers and editors of biomedical journals, in order to improve the quality of reporting results.