Categorizing and identifying preferred interests in autistic toddlers.

Preferred interests are characteristic of autism spectrum disorder and are reported by parents starting at an early age. However, limited research has explored the presentation of preferred interests in toddlerhood. Previous literature suggests that both the intensity and type of preferred interests held by autistic individuals differ from those held by peers with developmental delay and no diagnosis and that autistic interests are more unusual in nature. While preferred interests are seen in typical child development, previous research suggests that the presence of preferred interests in children with no diagnosis declines with age. Literature also indicates that the sex and cognitive ability of autistic children influences preferred interests. Identification of early preferred interests commonly held by autistic toddlers could serve as a useful clinical indicator of future diagnosis. This article explored whether diagnostic group, age, sex, and cognitive ability predict the likelihood that parents reported preferred interests in children aged 12-36 months with diagnoses of autism, developmental delay, and those with no diagnosis. Additionally, we explored potential diagnostic group differences in interest type. Results suggest that diagnostic group, but not age, sex, or cognitive ability, predicts the likelihood that parents report preferred interests. No differences in the type of interests among diagnostic groups were identified. These results support the use of preferred interests as an early sign of autism but suggest that interest type may not be a helpful clinical indicator of autism in toddlerhood.

Implementation of the MiNDToolkit intervention for the management of behavioral symptoms in MND by healthcare professionals: a mixed-methods process evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: MiNDToolkit is a novel psychoeducational intervention for carers to support management of behavioral symptoms in people living with motor neuron disease (PlwMND). Implementation of MiNDToolkit involves delivery of an online intervention to carers, which is reinforced by trained healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: A mixed-methods process evaluation of the MiNDToolkit feasibility trial was conducted, focusing on reinforcement of the intervention by HCPs. Quantitative data, descriptively analyzed, were included from platform analytics, questionnaire, and 10 semi-structured interviews with HCPs. Interviews were transcribed verbatim; data were inductively analyzed using Reflective Thematic Analysis. RESULTS: The MiNDToolkit training and platform is a beneficial and acceptable resource for HCPs with potential to increase knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing behavioral symptoms in MND. Implementation barriers included HCPs' perceptions that highlighting behavior changes would be burdensome to carers and assumptions that carers would take the initiative to ask for support from clinicians. Degree of intervention reinforcement varied, with most HCPs delegating intervention delivery solely to the online platform. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the MiNDToolkit was viewed to be feasible and the platform thought to increase accessibility of support to carers. The flexible approach to delivery (online platform and optional HCP reinforcement) is acceptable as an intervention for supporting carers of PlwMND with behavioral symptoms. However, MiNDToolkit should not negate HCP involvement in providing medical and practical information to PlwMND and families. Future research should explore ways to incorporate support for carers in the management of PlwMND alongside standard care, alongside tools such as the MiNDToolkit.

An online intervention for carers to manage behavioral symptoms in motor neuron disease (MiNDToolkit): a randomized parallel multi-center feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on management of behavioral symptoms in motor neuron disease (MND) is lacking. The MiNDToolkit, an online psychoeducational platform, supports carers dealing with behavioral symptoms (BehSymp). The study objectives were to ascertain recruitment and retention rates, carer and healthcare professional (HCP) use of the platform, and completion of online assessments, to inform a full-scale trial. Design: Randomized, parallel, multi-center, feasibility trial. SETTING: England and Wales, across diverse MND services; recruitment from July/21 to November/22; last participant follow-up in March/23. PARTICIPANTS: Carers of people with motor neuron disease (PwMND) with BehSymp, recruited through MND services. After confirming eligibility, participants completed screening and baseline assessments online via the MiNDToolkit platform and were randomized centrally in a 1:1 ratio to MiNDToolkit or control. INTERVENTION: MiNDToolkit offered tailored modules to carers for the 3-month study period. Carers in the intervention group could receive additional support from MiNDToolkit trained HCPs. The control group was offered access to the intervention at the end of the study. Data were collected on platform usage and psychosocial variables. MAIN OUTCOMES: One hundred and fifty-one carers from 11 sites were invited to join the study (letter, face-to-face); 30 were screened; 29 were randomized. Fifteen people were allocated to the control arm; 14 to intervention. Carers were mostly female; median age for was 62.5 (IQR: 58, 68; intervention) and 57 (IQR: 56, 70; controls). Study retention was high (24/29 = 82.76%); carers engaged with the platform on average 14 times (median (IQR):14.0 (10.0, 18.5)) during the study period. CONCLUSION: The MiNDToolkit study was feasible and well accepted by carers and trained HCPs. A definitive trial is warranted.

Examining pain, function, behavioral symptoms and associations with engagement in meaningful activity for residents with dementia in assisted living.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with engagement in meaningful activity among residents with dementia in assisted living. We hypothesized that greater functional independence, less pain, and lower behavioral and psychological symptom severity would be associated with higher engagement in meaningful activity after controlling for residents' age, gender, comorbidities, and cognition. Understanding factors associated with engagement in meaningful activity can help to inform strategies for optimizing engagement among residents with dementia in assisted living. METHOD: This descriptive study used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial, Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC-4-BSD). Linear regression was used to examine factors associated with engagement in meaningful activity. RESULTS: A total of 71 residents from 5 assisted living settings were included in the sample. Most participants were female (n = 52, 73%), White (n = 62, 87%), and mean age was 85 years old (SD = 8.2). Controlling for age, gender, comorbidities, and cognition, pain was significantly associated with engagement in meaningful activity (b= -2.09, p < 0.05). There were no associations found between function and behavioral symptoms with engagement in meaningful activity. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study show that pain is a significant factor that is negatively associated with residents' engagement in meaningful activity. Ongoing research is needed to help improve pain management for residents with dementia in assisted living and support their engagement in meaningful activity.

[Supporting psychobehavioral disorders at home and in institutions: a systemic approach]. / Accompagner les troubles psycho-comportementaux à domicile et en institution : une approche systémique.

Caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders is a complex process, that of a chronic illness. Psychological and behavioral symptoms associated to dementia can appear in all neuro-degenerative diseases to varying degrees, and depend on numerous factors that need to be understood in order to take appropriate action. We propose a systemic approach to psychological and behavioral symptoms, with a view to preventing their onset or reducing their severity.

Guideline Recommendations on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize recommendations on assessing and managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) in existing clinical practice guidelines on dementia care to learn from and adapt recommendations to a Canadian context and language for describing BPSDs. DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Moderate to high-quality clinical practice guidelines on dementia care that made 1 or more recommendations on BPSD assessment or management. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, JBI EBM, PsycINFO, AgeLine, and gray literature for clinical practice guidelines on dementia care making recommendations on BPSD, published between January 1, 2011, and October 13, 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and data abstraction. Four independent reviewers completed quality appraisal using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool; included guidelines had a mean overall AGREE II score ≥4. RESULTS: Our systematic review identified 23 moderate to high-quality clinical practice guidelines (264 recommendations). The mean overall quality score on the AGREE II tool ranged from 4 to 6.5. Recommendations were clearly presented (mean clarity of presentation score 73.5%), but guideline applicability was not consistently addressed (mean applicability score 39.3%). BPSD was the most prevalent term describing neuropsychiatric symptoms (number of guidelines [n] = 14). People with lived experience contributed to 6 guidelines (26.1%). Ten guidelines (43.5%) described 1 or more health equity considerations. Guidelines made recommendations for assessing and managing agitation (n = 12), aggression (n = 10), psychosis (n = 11), depression (n = 9), anxiety (n = 5), apathy (n = 6), inappropriate sexual behavior (n = 3), nighttime behavior (n = 5), and eating disturbances (n = 3). There was substantial variability in recommendation statements, evidence quality assigned to each statement, and strength of recommendations. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There are several moderate to high-quality clinical practice guidelines making recommendations on BPSD assessment and management, but variability in recommendation statements across guidelines and insufficient consideration of guideline applicability may hamper guideline dissemination and implementation in clinical practice.

The effects of individual music therapy in nursing home residents with dementia to improve general well-being: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is often associated with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS) such as agitation, depression, hallucinations, anxiety, that can cause distress for the resident with dementia in long-term care settings and can impose emotional burden on the environment. NPS are often treated with psychotropic drugs, which, however, frequently cause side effects. Alternatively, non-pharmacological interventions can improve well-being and maintain an optimal quality of life (QoL) of those living with dementia. Other QoL related outcomes, such as pain, discomfort and sleep disruption are relevant outcomes in music trials as well. Music therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that can reduce NPS and improve well-being, and its associated symptoms in dementia. METHODS: The research will be conducted at eight nursing home facilities of a health care organization in the Netherlands. A sample size of 30 in each group (experimental and control group) is required, totalling 60 residents increased to 80 when considering expected drop out to follow up. The participants in the intervention group receive 30 min of individual music therapy (MT) in their own room by a music therapist twice a week for 12 weeks. The participants in the control group will receive 30 min of individual attention in their own room by a volunteer twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessments will be done at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. An independent observer, blinded for the intervention or control condition, will assess directly observed well-being (primary outcome) and pain (secondary outcome) before and after the sessions. Nurses will assess other secondary outcomes unblinded, i.e., perceived quality of life and NPS, both assessed with validated scales. The sleep duration will be indirectly assessed by a wrist device called MotionWatch. Information about psychotropic drug use will be derived from electronic medical chart review. DISCUSSION: The main purpose of this study is to assess the effects of individual music therapy on directly observed well-being controlled for individual attention in nursing home residents with dementia with NPS. The outcomes refer to both short-term and long-term effects consistent with therapeutic goals of care for a longer term. We hope to overcome limitations of previous study designs such as not blinded designs and music facilitators that were not only music therapists but also occupational therapists and nurses. This study should lead to more focused recommendations for practice and further research into non-pharmacological interventions in dementia such as music therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal in the Netherlands Trial Registration number NL7708, registration date 04-05-2019.

Impact of the Pandemic Time on the Mental Health of People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers in Brazil and Chile: One-Year Follow-Up.

Background: Previous studies reported the negative impact of social isolation on mental health in people with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers, butlongitudinal studies seem scarcer. Objective: To describe a one-year follow-up impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PwD and their caregivers in both Brazil and Chile. Methods: This study analyzed the impact of the pandemic on the psychological and physical health of PwD and their family caregivers after one year of follow-up in three outpatient clinics in Brazil (n = 68) and Chile (n = 61). Results: In both countries, PwD reduced their functional capacity after one year of follow-up (p = 0.017 and p = 0.009; respectively) and caregivers reported worse physical and mental health (p = 0.028 and p = 0.039). Only in Chile, caregivers reported more sadness associated with care (p = 0.001), and reduced time sleeping (p = 0.07). Conclusions: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had a long-lasting impact on PwD and their caregivers. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the inherent progression of dementia itself may also influence changes observed over a year.

An Overview of UBTF Neuroregression Syndrome.

Recently, a recurrent de novo dominant mutation in UBTF (c.628G>A, p.Glu210Lys; UBTF E210K) was identified as the cause of a neurological disorder which has been named UBTF Neuroregression Syndrome (UNS), or Childhood-Onset Neurodegeneration with Brain Atrophy (CONDBA). To date, only 17 cases have been reported worldwide. The molecular etiology is a pathogenic variant, E210K, within the HMG-box 2 of Upstream Binding Transcription Factor (UBTF). UBTF, a nucleolar protein, plays an important role in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis, nucleolar integrity, and cell survival. This variant causes unstable preinitiation complexes to form, resulting in altered rDNA chromatin structures, rRNA dysregulation, DNA damage, and ultimately, neurodegeneration. Defining clinical characteristics of the disorder include but are not limited to developmental regression beginning at approximately three years of age, progressive motor dysfunction, declining cognition, ambulatory loss, and behavioral problems. Histological and neuroimaging abnormalities include cortical atrophy, white matter deficits, and enlarged ventricles. Herein, we present a detailed overview of all published cases as well as the functional roles of UBTF to better understand the pathophysiology. Bringing undiagnosed cases to the attention of clinicians and researchers by making them aware of the clinical features will improve research and support the development of therapeutic interventions.

Validation of the French COVID-Related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms Questionnaire (Cov-Tabs): A self-report assessment.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-Related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms (Cov-Tabs) is a self-reported questionnaire developed to identify the presence of psychological distress and anxiety-related behavior associated with COVID-19. This scale has been used since the first episodes of mass contamination of COVID-19 disease in the USA without psychometric validation analysis. The objective of this paper is to validate the French version of the Cov-TaBS. METHOD: In this study, we assessed a French translation of Cov-Tabs in 300 subjects from the general population. Moreover, we assessed convergent and discriminant validities using an anxiety and depression scale and a paranoid ideation scale. Statistical analyses consisted of evaluating internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity as well. RESULTS: The French translation of the Cov-Tabs demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability, as well as good temporal stability over a period of less than 2 weeks. It also showed strong convergent validity with anxiety and depression traits and divergent validity with paranoid ideation. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the French version of the Cov-Tabs has robust psychometric properties and is a valid tool for evaluating behavioral symptomatology and thoughts related to COVID-19 disease. Therefore, the French version of the Cov-Tabs is a valid tool that can be used in French-speaking individuals.

Quality of life, cognitive and behavioural impairment in people with motor neuron disease: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Motor neuron disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disease, progressively impacting function and self-perceived quality of life (QoL). Up to 50% of people with MND can present with cognitive and behavioural impairment, with an associated increase in caregiver burden or strain. However, there has been no systematic exploration of the relationship between QoL and cognitive or behavioural impairment in MND. The aim was to determine if there is a relationship between QoL and cognitive/behavioural impairment in MND, while also supplementarily looking to determine the types of cognitive/behavioural and QoL measures utilised in these studies. METHODS: A systematic search was performed across multiple databases (PsychINFO, Embase, Medline, AMED) for research published up to the date of February 22, 2023. Studies utilising quantitative methods of measuring QoL, cognitive/behavioural functioning/impairment were included. Findings examining relationships between QoL-cognitive/behavioural impairment were extracted and synthesised. RESULTS: A total of 488 studies were identified, with 14 studies included in the systematic review. All 14 studies were observational (11 cross-sectional, 3 longitudinal). 13 studies utilised MND non-specific measures, particularly in relation to QoL and cognitive impairment. Of 8 studies measuring behavioural impairment 62.5% (N = 5) found either a lower QoL difference or association. Only 33.3% (N = 4) of 12 studies measuring cognitive impairment found a lower QoL difference or association. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review shows that behavioural impairment may have an impact on QoL in MND. There is variability in types of assessments used to measure QoL and also cognitive/behavioural impairment, most of which are disease-non-specific. Recommendations for future research are to use comprehensive disease-specific, multidomain measures to further elucidate the QoL-cognitive/behavioural impairment relationship.

Network Analysis of Comorbid Depressive and Anxious Symptoms in Family Caregivers of People with Dementia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is an in-depth approach to depressive-anxious comorbidity in caregivers according to stress reactivity to disruptive behaviors using network analysis. METHODS: The sample was composed of 317 primary family caregivers recruited through Day Care Centers and Neurology Services. The sample was split into low and high stress reactivity groups, based on their reports of reaction to disruptive behaviors. Depressive and anxious symptoms, daily hours dedicated to caregiving, time of caring, frequency of disruptive behaviors, co-residence, and kinship were also cross-sectionally measured. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 62.38 years (SD = 12.97) and 68.5% were women. Regarding the network analysis, while the low reactivity group presents a sparse network, with no connection between anxious and depressive symptoms, the high reactivity group shows a high connection of intra and intercategory symptoms, with apathy, sadness, feeling depressed, and tension being the bridge symptoms between disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers' stress reaction to disruptive behaviors might be a key factor for understanding comorbidity between depressive and anxious symptoms. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Tension, apathy, sadness, and feeling depressed should be clinical targets in the interventions, as they act as bridge symptoms between anxious and depressive symptomatology.

The effect of mobbing on the development of depression in anesthesia workers: A prospective, multicenter, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Mobbing in the workplace is a critical problem affecting healthcare workers' psychological health and performance. However, there is a lack of data on the relationship between mobbing and depression and a lack of regulations to create a decent working environment. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the frequency of exposure to mobbing and the depression levels that may be related to mobbing among the employees of the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Clinic. METHODS: In this multi-center cross-sectional study, employees were evaluated with Leymann's Inventory of Psychological Terror scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Of the participants, 86.2% stated that they were exposed to mobbing. The presence of mobbing was also associated with the presence of psychological and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The frequency of mobbing was relatively high among Anesthesiology and Reanimation clinic employees. Mobbing exposure was found to be associated with a high level of depression. Institutional and legal precautions should be taken, and awareness of mobbing should be increased to eliminate mobbing and its consequences on healthcare workers.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Hypersexuality in Patients with Dementia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia are frequently observed in clinical practice, and those related to sexuality are particularly challenging. However, few studies have evaluated the prevalence or factors associated with hypersexuality in patients with dementia. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypersexuality in patients with dementia, describe associated factors, and qualitatively report the most common presentations and treatments. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study collected data from semi-structured charts of dementia patients who were followed up at a secondary care reference center between 2015 and 2019. Results: Of 552 total patients, 52 (9.3%) were hypersexual, which was associated with male sex (P < .000; OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.73-5.01), frontotemporal dementia (P < .007), alcohol use (P < .015; OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.73) and tobacco use (P < .000; OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.61-5.13). CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings were similar to the literature, their significant variability reflects the limited and low quality of the available evidence and a lack of standardization regarding terminology, definitions, and diagnostic criteria for hypersexuality.

Diagnosis of behavioral symptoms as a predictor of institutionalization among Medicaid patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: Behavioral symptoms are commonly observed in the course of dementia. This study aimed to assess the association of the diagnosis of a cluster of behavioral symptoms (e.g., agitation, aggression, psychotic symptoms, and delirium/wandering) with the likelihood of subsequent institutionalization. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of adults aged 65 and above diagnosed with dementia identified in the IBM® MarketScan® Multistate Medicaid database between October 01, 2015, and September 30, 2019, was conducted. The index date was defined as the first diagnosis date of dementia. The presence or absence of behavioral symptoms was identified in the 6 months prior to the index date (baseline). Institutionalization was evaluated 12 months (follow-up) post the index date. The association between diagnosed behavioral symptoms during the baseline period and institutionalization in the follow-up period was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The study cohort included 40,714 patients with dementia. A diagnosis of behavioral symptoms was found among 2,067 (5.1%) patients during the baseline period. An increased likelihood of institutionalization was found during the follow-up among patients with agitation and aggression in baseline (OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.18-1.92)) compared to patients without these symptoms at baseline. Patients with psychotic symptoms in baseline had significantly higher odds of getting institutionalized during the follow-up compared to patients without psychotic symptoms in baseline (OR = 1.36 (95% CI: 1.20-1.54)). Similarly, patients with symptoms of delirium and wandering in baseline had a higher likelihood of institutionalization than patients without these symptoms at baseline (OR = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.30-1.99)). CONCLUSION: Several diagnosed behavioral symptoms were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization among older adults with dementia and should be considered when planning treatment strategies for the effective management of the condition.

Clinical impact of a multifaceted intervention aimed at decreasing distress in people living with dementia: evaluating the Reconnect program.

Background: To better meet the needs of people living with advanced dementia, Orchard Care Homes, United Kingdom have established an enhanced person focused program, namely the Reconnect program, which provides an enriched psycho-social care to enhance peoples' quality of life and well-being. Here we aimed to review the impact of this program on people living with dementia. Methods: In this study the implementation of the Reconnect program was evaluated for two six-month periods (April-September 2020 and April-September 2021). The focus of this evaluation was on three key interventions: increasing meaningful occupation and engagement; improving pain identification and management, and reducing constipation. The Reconnect program was conducted in a single for-profit care home. It involved residents with complex dementia needs who previously not responded to support in alternative settings or found previous care ineffective in relieving their distress and reducing risks they pose to themselves or others. Results: A total of 24 people participated in the program during this evaluation. We observed a substantial increase in engagement in meaningful activity per person, including an increase of outdoor access to fresh air. Pain management improved as evidenced by more standardized pain assessments using the PainChek system and coverage of people with either regular and/or "when required" pain management. Constipation relief also improved. For the two comparison periods, distress responses per resident reduced from 14.5 to 10.6 events and use of regular pain relief increased from 21.7 to 48.1%. Use of "when required" benzodiazepine halved from 6 months average of 46 to 23.2 doses given. Benzodiazepine dose reductions increased from 13.3 to 31.8%, while cessations increased from 20 to 50%. We also observed a reduction from 76.3 to 56.3% in antipsychotic use. Their dose reductions increased from 8.3 to 40% and drug cessation was made in 30% of people using antipsychotics (compared to the first period in which no medication cessation was observed). A 91.7% reduction (i.e., from 36 to 3 events) in safeguarding events related to behaviors was also observed. Conclusion: Introduction of the Reconnect program, through its interventions focused on meaningful activity engagement, pain management and constipation relief resulted in substantial improvements related to people's distress, safeguarding and psychotropic use.

Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in high school adolescents in a northern border city of Mexico and their type of family / Conductas internalizantes y externalizantes en adolescentes de una escuela preparatoria en una ciudad fronteriza al norte de México y su tipo de familia

Objective: Identify externalizing and internalizing behaviors in high school adolescents in three schools in a northern border city in Mexico and their type of family. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Location: Three schools in the city of Tijuana, Mexico: two public and one private. Participants: 454 baccalaureate students 14–19 years old. Main measurements: We utilized Youth Self Report Scale, adapted and validated in Spanish, that measure internalization behaviors (anxiety, depression, isolation or somatic complaints), and externalization behaviors (verbal aggressiveness, delinquent behavior and attention-seeking). For dichotomous discrimination between deviant and nondeviant scores, we use the borderline clinical range by classifying YSR scale's T scores≥60, and to analyze the relationship between behavior problems or competencies and living or not in a nuclear family we utilized multiple logistic regression. Results: 55% were female, mean age 16.4 years±0.98, and 62.3% came from a nuclear family. Prevalence of internalizing behaviors was 15.6%, and externalizing behaviors 14.8%. Women had statistically higher mean scores in depressive, anxious and verbally aggressive behavior, somatic complaints, and thought problems. The prevalence of internalizing behaviors in adolescents with nuclear family was 11.7% (n=33), and for adolescents with another type of family was 22.2% (n=38), OR 2.17 (CI 95% 1.30–3.61, p=0.003), but no differences was observed for externalizing behaviors and family type. When adjusted for sex, age, and public or private school, internalizing behaviors and specifically depressive behavior remained significant. Conclusions: We detected a moderate prevalence of internalizing behaviors in Mexican adolescents, predominantly among women, and also observed that not living with a nuclear family increases the odds of presenting internalizing behaviors...(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar conductas internalizantes y externalizantes en adolescentes de escuelas preparatorias en una ciudad fronteriza al norte de México y su tipo de familia. Diseño: Encuesta transversal. Emplazamiento: Tres escuelas de la ciudad de Tijuana, México: dos públicas y una privada. Participantes: 454 estudiantes de preparatoria de 14-19 años de edad. Principales mediciones: Se utilizó la escala Youth Self Report validada al español, que mide conductas internalizantes (ansiedad, depresión, aislamiento y quejas somáticas) y externalizantes (agresión verbal, conducta delictiva y búsqueda de atención). Para la discriminación dicotómica entre puntajes desviados y no desviados, usamos el rango clínico límite al clasificar los T scores de ≥ 60 de la escala YSR, y para analizar la relación entre problemas de comportamiento o competencias y vivir o no en una familia nuclear utilizamos regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: El 55% eran mujeres, la media de edad fue de 16.4 años±0.98, y el 62.3% procedían de familias nucleares. La prevalencia de conductas internalizantes fue de 15.6% y de conductas externalizantes de 14.8%. Las mujeres tenían puntuaciones medias estadísticamente más altas en conducta depresiva, ansiosa y verbalmente agresiva, quejas somáticas y problemas de pensamiento. La prevalencia de conductas internalizantes en adolescentes con familia nuclear fue de 11.7% (n=33), y para adolescentes con otro tipo de familia fue de 22.2% (n=38), OR 2.17 (IC 95% 1.30-3.61, p=0.003), pero no se observaron diferencias para conductas externalizantes y tipo de familia. Al ajustar por sexo, edad y escuela pública o privada, las conductas internalizantes y específicamente la conducta depresiva se mantuvieron significativas...(AU)

Neuropsychiatric symptoms after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury in Vietnam: Assessment, prevalence, and impact on caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been well documented in WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations. In non-WEIRD populations, such as Vietnam, however, patients with TBI clinically remain uninvestigated with potential neuropsychiatric disorders, limiting on-time critical interventions. This study aims to (1) adapt the Vietnamese Neuropsychiatric Inventory (V-NPI), (2) examine NPSs after moderate-to-severe TBI and (3) evaluate their impact on caregiver burden and well-being in Vietnam. METHOD: Caregivers of seventy-five patients with TBI completed the V-NPI, and other behavior, mood, and caregiver burden scales. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity, and structural validity of the V-NPI. Caregivers reported that 78.7% of patients with TBI had at least three symptoms and 16.0% had more than seven. Behavioral and mood symptoms were more prevalent (ranging from 44.00% to 82.67% and from 46.67% to 66.67%, respectively) and severe in the TBI group. Importantly, NPSs in patients with TBI uniquely predicted 55.95% and 33.98% of caregiver burden and psychological well-being, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the first evidence for the presence and severity of NPSs after TBI in Vietnam, highlighting an urgent need for greater awareness and clinical assessment of these symptoms in clinical practice. The adapted V-NPI can serve as a useful tool to facilitate such assessments and interventions. In addition, given the significant impact of NPS on caregiver burden and well-being, psychosocial support for caregivers should be established.

Prevalence and Risk of Behavioral Symptoms among Patients with Insomnia and Alzheimer's Disease: A Retrospective Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the prevalence and patterns of behavioral symptoms, including agitation/aggression (AA), psychotic symptoms (PS), anxiety/mood disorders (MD), and delirium among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their association with diagnosed insomnia. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid Database 2016-2020. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥50 with newly diagnosed AD (N = 56,904) were identified during 2017-2019 and categorized into insomnia and non-insomnia groups based on billing codes recorded in medical and pharmacy claims. METHODS: The index date was defined as the earliest date of diagnosis/medication of insomnia. The new diagnosis of AD had to be established within 12 months before (baseline) or 3 months after the index date. Point prevalence of behavioral symptoms was estimated during baseline and the 12-month follow-up period. Propensity score matching was performed to match patients with and without insomnia. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to assess the risk of diagnosis of behavioral symptoms among insomnia and non-insomnia groups. RESULTS: The study cohort included 7808 patients with newly diagnosed AD (mean age = 79.4, SD = 9.6 years). The point prevalence of behavioral symptoms was as follows: among those with insomnia (n = 3904), in the baseline, AA = 9.0%, PS = 12.5%, and MD = 57.8%, and during the follow-up, AA = 13.9%, PS = 16.3%, and MD = 72.1%; among those without insomnia (n = 3904), in the baseline, AA = 6.2%, PS = 9.2%, and MD = 41.4%; and during the follow-up, AA = 7.4%, PS = 10.4%, and MD = 49.2%. The likelihood of being diagnosed with any behavioral symptoms in the follow-up period was significantly higher among patients with insomnia than those without [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.4-3.1]. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In patients with AD, prevalence of behavioral symptoms and likelihood of being diagnosed with behavioral symptoms were significantly higher among patients with diagnosed insomnia. Further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between insomnia and behavioral symptoms in patients with AD.

Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychopharmacology of Dementia: a Guide to Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Management.

In the present study, I provide an examination of the neuropsychiatric approach to patients with various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and more. With a focus on the intersection of psychiatry and neurology, this paper underscores the importance of comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation, rigorous diagnosis, and evidence-based management. The paper delineates the neuropsychiatric manifestations specific to each type of dementia and explores both non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies, aiming to equip psychiatrists with the latest evidence-based approaches. Case studies are included to demonstrate real-world clinical scenarios and to provide insights into the practical application of the theories discussed. Additionally, this guide addresses current challenges in the neuropsychiatric approach to dementia and highlights potential solutions and future research directions. The primary objective of this guide is to enable psychiatrists to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia by improving understanding, diagnosis, and management of the neuropsychiatric aspects of these conditions.