Factores asociados con síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos en estudiantes de medicina durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 en Perú: un estudio transversal / Factors associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru: a cross-sectional study

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar la prevalencia de síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos entre estudiantes de medicina de Perú durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 y sus factores asociados. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal en 270 estudiantes de medicina de una universidad pública peruana. Los participantes fueron reclutados mediante muestreo no probabilístico. Los síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos fueron evaluados con la Escala de Yale-Brown de Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (Y-BOCS). Luego del análisis descriptivo, se empleó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para determinar los factores asociados a Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo probable (TOC probable). Se calcularon las razones de prevalencia crudas (RPc) y ajustadas (RPa), junto con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados. La prevalencia de síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos fue de 13,3% en estudiantes de medicina. Durante el análisis bivariado, los estudiantes con TOC probable eran más jóvenes (p=0,044) y tenían un nivel más bajo de conocimiento sobre COVID-19 (p=0,045). En el modelo crudo, se encontró una menor prevalencia de TOC probable entre aquellos con un nivel adecuado de conocimiento en comparación con aquellos con un nivel inadecuado (RPc: 0,52; IC del 95%: 0,28 a 0,98). Sin embargo, después de ajustar por otras variables, ninguna de las variables descritas fue estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones. Uno de cada diez estudiantes de medicina presentó síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos clínicamente significativos. Implementar futuras intervenciones es crucial para preservar el bienestar mental de esta población vulnerable.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among medical students in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study in 270 medical students from a Peruvian public university. Participants were recruited through non-probability sampling. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Scale (Y-BOCS). After the descriptive analysis, Poisson regression with robust variance was used to determine the factors associated with probable obsessive compulsive disorder (probable OCD). The crude (PRc) and adjusted (PRa) prevalence ratios were calculated, along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results. The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms was 13.3% in medical students. During bivariate analysis, students with probable OCD were younger (p=0.044) and had a lower level of knowledge about COVID-19 (p=0.045). The crude model showed a lower prevalence of probable OCD among those with an adequate level of knowledge compared to those with an inadequate level (PR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.98). However, after adjusting for other variables, none of the described variables were statistically significant. Conclusions. One in ten medical students presented clinically significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Implementing future interventions is crucial to preserve the mental well-being of this vulnerable population.

Correlation between compulsive behaviors and plastic changes in the dendritic spines of the prefrontal cortex and dorsolateral striatum of male rats.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental affliction characterized by compulsive behaviors often manifested in intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions. The quinpirole model has been used with rats to replicate compulsive behaviors and study the neurophysiological processes associated with this pathology. Several changes in the dendritic spines of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) have been related to the occurrence of compulsive behaviors. Dendritic spines regulate excitatory synaptic contacts, and their morphology is associated with various brain pathologies. The present study was designed to correlate the occurrence of compulsive behaviors (generated by administering the drug quinpirole) with the morphology of the different types of dendritic spines in the mPFC and DLS. A total of 18 male rats were used. Half were assigned to the experimental group, the other half to the control group. The former received injections of quinpirole, while the latter rats were injected with physiological saline solution, for 10 days in both cases. After the experimental treatment, the quinpirole rats exhibited all the parameters indicative of compulsive behavior and a significant correlation with the density of stubby and wide neckless spines in both the mPFC and DLS. Dendritic spines from both mPFC and DLS neurons showed plastic changes correlatively with the expression of compulsive behavior induced by quinpirole. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the involvement of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the neurobiology of OCD.

Relación entre trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y alteración en funciones ejecutivas / Relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder and executive function alteration

Resumen Introducción: El trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) se caracteriza por obsesiones y compulsiones. Las obsesiones corresponden a ideas o imágenes intrusivas y la compulsión es el acto motor o cognitivo para aplacar la obsesión. Su prevalência mundial es del 3 % y existen diferentes factores que influyen en su aparición, que pueden ser biológicos, psicológicos o ambientales. Por otra parte, las funciones ejecutivas son un conjunto de habilidades que regulan la cognición y el comportamiento, donde este estudio busca describir la relación y afectación de las funciones ejecutivas en personas que padecen TOC. Materiales y métodos: Artículo de revisión narrativa a partir del estado del arte sobre el TOC y las funciones ejecutivas. Resultados: Diversos estudios han reportado la relación clínico-anatómica entre signos y síntomas característicos del TOC y la alteración evidenciada en funciones ejecutivas. Las funciones ejecutivas impactan el funcionamiento en la vida diaria y se encuentran fuertemente relacionadas al TOC, generando limitaciones funcionales en estos pacientes. Para esta afección hay tratamientos como las terapias farmacológica, psicológica y quirúrgica. Discusión: Se encuentra la necesidad de implementar, dentro de su tratamiento, la rehabilitación neuropsicológica para rehabilitar y fortalecer las funciones ejecutivas, buscando que se desarrolle de manera integral y que le permita a la persona desenvolverse de manera óptima en su día a día. Conclusión: Las funciones ejecutivas son un componente fundamental para nuestro funcionamiento y autonomía, es por esto que al estar el TOC directamente relacionado con fallas en estas funciones, se considera un punto importante para tener en cuenta al acompañar y tratar a personas que presentan este trastorno.

Abstract Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions correspond to intrusive ideas or images and compulsion is the motor or cognitive act to appease the obsession. Its worldwide prevalence is 3%. There are different factors that influence its appearance, which can be biological, psychological and environmental. Executive functions are a set of skills that regulate cognition and behavior. The objective is to describe the relationship and impact of executive functions in people who suffer from OCD. Materials and methods: Narrative review article based on the state of the art on obsessive-compulsive disorder and executive functions. Results: Various studies report a clinical-anatomical relationship between characteristic signs and symptoms of OCD and alterations evident in executive functions. Executive functions impact functioning in daily life. These functions are strongly related to OCD, generating functional limitations in these patients. For this condition there are treatments such as pharmacological, psychological and surgical therapy. Discussion: There is a need to implement neuropsychological rehabilitation within its treatment to rehabilitate and strengthen such processes, seeking to develop it comprehensively and allow the person to function optimally in their daily lives. Conclusion: Executive functions are a fundamental component for our functioning and autonomy, which is why, since OCD is directly related to failures in these functions, they are considered an important point to take into account when accompanying and treating people who present this condition. disorder.

Towards the correlates of stressful life events as precipitants of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and metanalysis.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent condition with multifactorial etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. The present study aims to summarize the correlates of stressful life events (SLEs) in OCD by reviewing studies comparing OCD associated or not with SLEs before its onset. To do so, a systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases for studies published between the database's inception and November 27, 2023. Studies including individuals whose OCD was precipitated or not by SLEs (SLEs OCD and NSLEs OCD, respectively) were assessed. Effect sizes or odds ratios were then calculated to identify the strength of association between SLEs and clinical characteristics, such as gender, age of onset, family history of OCD, severity of OCD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and mood comorbidities among patients with OCD. Out of the 4083 records initially identified, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria and 3 were comparable through a meta-analysis. Notably, the analyses were limited by the small number of studies available in the literature. The meta-analysis demonstrated SLEs OCD to be associated with female gender, later OCD onset, and increased comorbidity rates with mood disorders. Despite the cross-sectional nature of the reviewed studies, women may be more vulnerable to develop a later onset of OCD following SLEs, which may also lead to mood disorders. Caution is needed to avoid prematurely classifying this presentation as a distinct subtype of OCD.

Inferential confusion in the worldview of individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): a qualitative approach / Confusión inferencial en cosmovisión de individuos con Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (TOC): un un acercamiento cualitativo

Abstract Introduction The Inference-based Approach (IBA) is an etiologic, therapeutic research paradigm regarding inferential confusion (IC) as an exclusive metacognitive process of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). IC is the rational tendency of individuals with OCD to underrate abstract data and personal experiences and overrate hypothetical possibilities. IC therefore fosters uncertainty and facilitates the justification of obsessive constructs. IBA has noted that qualitative research on IC and the exploration of IC in non-OCD cognitive constructs are required to refine cognitive and therapeutic OCD models. This could help clarify whether OCD treatment by IBA is overlooking non-obsessive IC habits which, if left untreated, could compromise treatment success. Objective To identify the possible influence of IC on non-obsessive, cognitive worldview constructs of individuals with OCD and to compare these constructs with those of individuals without OCD. Method Twenty-five semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted, 15 with individuals with OCD and 10 with a comparison group without OCD or OCD symptoms. Data were collected and analyzed using Grounded Theory methodology. Results IC was identified in the non-obsessive cognitive worldview constructs of every participant with OCD. IC was not identified in the comparative group. Discussion and conclusion The results suggest that IC affects the rational composition of non-obsessive cognitive worldview constructs of individuals with OCD. The implications this could have for the cognitive and therapeutic models of OCD are discussed.

Resumen Introducción La Aproximación Basada en Inferencia (ABI) es un paradigma de investigación (etiológico-terapéutico) que considera a la confusión inferencial (CI) como un proceso metacognitivo exclusivo del TOC. La CI es la tendencia racional, de individuos con TOC, de infravalorar datos abstractos y experiencias personales, y sobrevalorar posibilidades hipotéticas. Por lo que la CI promueve incertidumbre y facilita la justificación de constructos obsesivos. La ABI señaló recientemente que, para refinar el modelo cognitivo-terapéutico del TOC, falta investigación cualitativa de CI y exploración de CI en constructos cognitivos no-obsesivos. Esto podría esclarecer si el tratamiento del TOC, de la ABI, descuida hábitos no-obsesivos de CI que, al no ser atendidos, comprometan el éxito terapéutico. Objetivo Identificar la posible influencia de CI en constructos cognitivos no-obsesivos de cosmovisión (interpretación formal o informal del mundo) de individuos con TOC y comparar a dichos constructos con los de individuos sin TOC. Método Se realizaron 25 entrevistas semiestructuradas a profundidad, 15 a participantes con TOC y 10 a un grupo comparativo sin TOC, ni sintomatología de TOC. Los datos se recolectaron y analizaron mediante la metodología Teoría Fundamentada. Resultados Se identificó influencia de CI en constructos cognitivos no-obsesivos de cosmovisión de todos los participantes con TOC. No se identificó influencia de CI en el grupo comparativo. Discusión y conclusión Los resultados permiten aportar que la CI influye en la composición racional de constructos cognitivos no-obsesivos de cosmovisión de individuos con TOC. Se discuten las implicaciones que esto puede tener en el modelo cognitivo-terapéutico del TOC.

Sex differences in the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine: Involvement of nitric oxide pathway but not AMPA receptors.

Memantine, an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, has been examined as a potential treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Yet, there is limited knowledge regarding how it works to reduce compulsive behaviour and whether it has different effects on individuals based on their sex. Herein, we investigated if there are sex differences in the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine in adult Swiss mice. Additionally, we explored whether the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors play a role in memantine's effects. To start, we assessed the impact of a single intraperitoneal dose of memantine (at 3, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on behaviours exhibited in the open field test (OFT) and the marble-burying test (MBT), the latter being a predictive test for anticompulsive effects. All doses of memantine reduced marble-burying behaviour in both male and female mice without affecting their locomotor activity in the OFT. This anticompulsive-like effect was also confirmed in another predictive test, the nest-building test, with the highest memantine dose (10 mg/kg) reducing nest-building behaviour without significant differences between male and female mice. We observed that pre-treatment with L-arginine, a NO precursor, mitigated the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine in male mice but had no effect in female mice in the MBT. Finally, NBQX, an AMPA receptor antagonist, did not block the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine. In summary, our study suggests that the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine does not appear to be sex-specific, does not depend on AMPA receptors, and involves the NO pathway primarily in male mice.

Clinical characteristics of probands with obsessive-compulsive disorder from simplex and multiplex families.

Genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with strong evidence of familial clustering. Genomic studies in psychiatry have used the concepts of families that are "simplex" (one affected) versus "multiplex" (multiple affected). Our study compares demographic and clinical data from OCD probands in simplex and multiplex families to uncover potential differences. We analyzed 994 OCD probands (501 multiplex, 493 simplex) from the Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (C-TOC). Clinicians administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) to diagnose, Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to assess severity, and Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS) to assess symptom dimensionality. Demographics, clinical history, and family data were collected. Compared to simplex probands, multiplex probands had earlier onset, higher sexual/religious and hoarding dimensions severity, increased comorbidity with other obsessive-compulsive-related disorders (OCRD), and higher family history of psychiatric disorders. These comparisons provide the first insights into demographic and clinical differences between Latin American simplex and multiplex families with OCD. Distinct clinical patterns may suggest diverse genetic and environmental influences. Further research is needed to clarify these differences, which have implications for symptom monitoring and management.

Influência da microbiota intestinal no transtorno obsessivo- compulsivo e nos transtornos relacionados: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Influence of the gut microbiome on obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders: scoping review protocol

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar e mapear as evidências disponíveis sobre a composição da Microbiota Intestinal em indivíduos com Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo e seus transtornos relacionados. Métodos https://osf.io/bd2ns Resultados Espera-se encontrar uma relação entre a composição da Microbiota Intestinal, em quantidade e tipo de espécies, e os sintomas do TOC e dos seus Transtornos relacionados. Conclusão Esta será a primeira scoping review que procura investigar a relação entre a microbiota intestinal e o Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo e Transtornos relacionados. A publicação prévia deste protocolo de revisão irá colaborar para um melhor planejamento do estudo e divulgação da investigação junto da comunidade científica.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify and map the available evidence regarding Gut Microbiota composition in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder and its related Disorders. Methods https://osf.io/bd2ns Results It's hoped to find a relationship between the composition of the gut microbiota, in terms of quantity and type of species, and the symptoms of OCD and its related disorders. Conclusion This will be the first scoping review that seeks to investigate the relationship between Gut Microbiota and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and its related disorders. The previous publication of this review protocol will collaborate for a better planning of the study and dissemination of the research to the scientific community.

Thermocoagulation in Multiple Targets to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Associated with Drug Addiction: Case Report / Termocoagulação de múltiplos alvos para tratar transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo associado à drogadição: Relato de caso

Substance-related disorders are chronic psychiatric conditions defined by substance abuse, and they compromise patients both clinically and functionally. Currently, pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, or an association of both are the treatments of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder associated with drug addiction. However, the refractoriness to treatment, as a result of the high failure rates of these approaches, has led to the need to develop surgical techniques to treat severe cases of substance-related disorders. In the present article, we report the case of a patient who underwent neurosurgery through the stereotactic technique after refractoriness to the conventional treatment for drug addiction. The patient showed sustained improvement in his addiction to drugs. Despite the numerous reports on the effectiveness and applicability of neurosurgery in psychiatric disorders, some concerns regarding stereotactic surgery as a treatment for drug addiction still remain, especially in relation to its efficacy, safety, and ethical implications.

Transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias são condições psiquiátricas crônicas definidas pelo abuso de substâncias, que deixam o paciente comprometido clínica e funcionalmente. Atualmente, a farmacoterapia, a terapia comportamental ou a associação de ambas são os tratamentos de escolha para o transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo associado ao vício em drogas. Contudo, a refratariedade ao tratamento, resultante das altas taxas de fracasso dessas abordagens, tornou necessário o desenvolvimento de técnicas cirúrgicas para tratar casos graves de transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de um paciente submetido a neurocirurgia pela técnica estereotáxica após fracasso do tratamento convencional para drogadição. O paciente apresentou melhora sustentada do vício em drogas. Apesar dos inúmeros relatos sobre a eficácia e a aplicabilidade da neurocirurgia em transtornos psiquiátricas, ainda existem certa preocupação a respeito da cirurgia estereotáxica como tratamento para a drogadição, principalmente em relação à sua eficácia, segurança e implicações éticas.

Recomendaciones clínicas para la solicitud de evaluación de neurocirugía en el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo / Clinical recommendations for requesting neurosurgical evaluation in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Estas recomendaciones clínicas delinean los criterios utilizados por el Equipo de Cirugía de los Trastornos Psiquiátricos del Hospital de Clínicas para la selección de candidatos a neurocirugía en pacientes con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo grave y refractario al tratamiento convencional. Los criterios de inclusión se enfocan en la cronicidad, la gravedad y la resistencia, considerando procedimientos ablativos o de neuromodulación. La gravedad se evalúa mediante la Escala Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive, junto con una evaluación integral del desempeño y la discapacidad. La refractariedad se define como la falta de respuesta, según criterios consensuados, a diversos tratamientos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos respaldados por evidencia científica significativa para el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo. Es esencial realizar una evaluación dimensional del desempeño global y estimar el pronóstico sin intervención quirúrgica. Los criterios de exclusión abarcan comorbilidades graves, trastornos de personalidad específicos y discapacidad intelectual. Además, se especifican pruebas paraclínicas necesarias, incluyendo evaluaciones sanguíneas, serológicas, cardíacas y neurológicas. Se detallan las tablas utilizadas para el registro de información necesaria para la evaluación. Todas las evaluaciones de neurocirugía culminan en un ateneo clínico conjunto entre el Equipo de Cirugía de los Trastornos Psiquiátricos del Hospital de Clínicas y la Unidad Académica de Psiquiatría de la Facultad de Medicina en donde se determinan las estrategias terapéuticas posibles.

These clinical recommendations outline the criteria used by the Psychiatric Disorders Surgery Team for selecting neurosurgery candidates among patients with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder refractory to conventional treatment. Inclusion criteria focus on chronicity, severity, and resistance. Ablative procedures or neuromodulation are taken into consideration. Severity is assessed by means of Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and a comprehensive evaluation of performance and disability. Refractoriness is defined as lack of response, according to consensus criteria, to various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder supported by significant scientific evidence. It is essential to conduct a dimensional assessment of overall performance and estimate prognosis without surgical intervention. Exclusion criteria encompass serious comorbidities, specific personality disorders, and intellectual disability. Furthermore, necessary paraclinical tests are specified, including blood, serological, cardiac, and neurological evaluations. Tables used for recording essential information for assessment are detailed. All neurosurgical assessments culminate in a joint clinical discussion of possible therapeutic strategies between the Psychiatric Disorders Surgery Team and the Psychiatry Academic Department (Facultad de Medicina) at the Hospital de Clínicas.

Corrigendum: Deep brain stimulation neuromodulation for the treatment of mood disorders: obsessive compulsive disorder and treatment resistant depression.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.764776.].

Revisión narrativa de escalas para cribado de trastorno obsesivo compulsivo y adaptación cultural uruguaya / Revisione narrativa delle scale di screening dei disturbi disturbo ossessivo compulsivo e adattamento culturale uruguaiano

El trastorno obsesivo compulsivo es diagnosticado tardíamente, factor que empeora su pronóstico. Contar con una escala de cribado facilitaría el diagnóstico oportuno. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron seleccionar la escala más adecuada para cribado de trastorno obsesivo compulsivo en adultos y someterla a un proceso de adaptación cultural uruguaya. Se efectuó una revisión narrativa de escalas diseñadas para cribado de este trastorno en Internet, entre febrero y mayo de 2021. Las escalas fueron analizadas según una lista de criterios preestablecidos, que permitió descartar progresivamente aquellas que no reunían las condiciones: extensión menor a 30 ítems, método autoaplicado, adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, punto de corte establecido para la detección, incluir las temáticas y presentaciones características de la patología. Seleccionado el inventario, se efectuó su traducción directa y reversa, y revisión conceptual por comité de expertas. Fue seleccionada la escala Florida Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (FOCI), que presenta buena apariencia lógica, lenguaje accesible y una sensibilidad del 92 % para detección de trastorno obsesivo compulsivo. De su adaptación cultural se obtuvo una versión preliminar en lenguaje regional. La versión preliminar de FOCI deberá ser testeada cualitativamente en estudio piloto, donde será completada por usuarios con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo, para obtener una versión regional equivalente a la original.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is diagnosed late, a factor that worsens its prognosis. Having a screening scale would facilitate timely diagnosis. The objectives are to select the most appropriate scale for obsessive-compulsive disorder screening in adults and submit it to a process of Uruguaiyan cultural adaptation. Between February and May 2021, a narrative review of scales designed for that disorder screening on the Internet was carried out. The scales were analyzed according to a list of pre-established criteria, which made it possible to progressively discard those that did not meet the conditions: an extension less than 30 items, self-applied method, adequate psychometric properties, cut-off point established for the detection, including the topics and characteristic presentations of the pathology. Once the inventory was selected, its direct and reverse translation was carried out, as well as a conceptual review by a committee of experts. The Florida Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (FOCI) scale was selected, which presents good logical appearance, accessible language and a sensitivity of 92 % for obsessive-compulsive disorder screening. From its cultural adaptation, a preliminary version in regional language was obtained. The preliminary version of FOCI must be qualitatively tested in a pilot study, where it will be completed by users with obsessive-compulsive disorder, in order to obtain a regional version equivalent to the original.

Considerations for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients who have comorbid major depression.

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most common comorbidities reported in people with OCD. The emergence of MDD in individuals with OCD can be attributed to the increased severity of OCD symptoms and their profound impact on daily functioning. Depressive symptoms can also modify the course of OCD. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors explore potential shared neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie both OCD and MDD, such as disturbed sleep patterns, immunological dysregulations, and neuroendocrine changes. Furthermore, they address the challenges clinicians face when managing comorbid OCD and MDD. The authors also discuss a range of treatment options for OCD associated with MDD, including augmentation strategies for serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. aripiprazole), psychotherapy (especially CBT/EPR), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). EXPERT OPINION: Although there is no 'rule of thumb' or universally acceptable strategy in the treatment of OCD comorbid with MDD, many clinicians, including the authors, tend to adopt a unique transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of OCD and related disorders, focusing on strategies known to be effective across diagnoses. Nevertheless, the existing 'cisdiagnostic approaches' still retain importance, i.e. specific therapeutic strategies tailored for more severe forms of individual disorders.

Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part II: cognitive-behavioral therapy

Objectives: To summarize evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment and propose clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: The literature on CBT interventions for adult OCD, including BT and exposure and response prevention, was systematically reviewed to develop updated clinical guidelines for clinicians, providing comprehensive details about the necessary procedures for the CBT protocol. We searched the literature from 2013-2020 in five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, and Lilacs) regarding study design, primary outcome measures, publication type, and language. Selected articles were assessed for quality with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Results: We examined 44 new studies used to update the 2013 American Psychiatric Association guidelines. High-quality evidence supports CBT with exposure and response prevention techniques as a first-line treatment for OCD. Protocols for Internet-delivered CBT have also proven efficacious for adults with OCD. Conclusion: High-quality scientific evidence supports the use of CBT with exposure and response prevention to treat adults with OCD.

A "transatlantic" follow-up study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive symptom fluctuations may be contingent on the number of stressful pandemic-related events and the resilience characterizing different cultures. We investigated the influence of the pandemic on symptom changes in a sample of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients from Brazil and Italy, two countries that were highly affected by the outbreak. METHODS: Ninety-one OCD outpatients were evaluated at baseline and about one year later. Thirty of them were assessed in Brazil and 61 in Italy. Socio-demographic variables, symptoms' severity and the number of stressful pandemic-related events were collected. Comparisons between countries' samples were performed, and a linear regression examined whether the country of origin, demographic features and the number of stressful events were able to predict the symptoms' severity at the follow-up. RESULTS: Brazilian patients experienced more stressful pandemic-related events than Italian patients (p = 0.018). However, along with higher age (p < 0.01) and increased severity of symptoms at baseline (p < 0.01), lower number of events predicted increased symptoms' severity after one year (p < 0.01). Country of origin was not a significant predictor of severity. LIMITATIONS: Small number of subjects; lack of information regarding duration of illness; and potential sample differences between countries. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, the occurrence of more stressful pandemic-related events was associated with decreased severity of patients' OCD symptoms. Nevertheless, older patients and those with more severe symptoms seemed prone to exhibit increased OCD severity at follow-up.

Obsessive-compulsive existential type: a dialectical-phenomenological approach.

The clinical presentation of obsessive-compulsive patients is characterized by unwanted, intrusive, nonsensical, self-related, and recurrent ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses associated with active compulsive compensations. Under the operational diagnostic criteria adopted by the biological- and cognitive-oriented neopositivist medical paradigm, it is known as "obsessive-compulsive disorder." However, this paradigm has been criticized for its controversial assumptions, limited methodologies, theoretic biases, and inconsistency in producing practical outcomes. To bypass some of these issues, we propose a complementary approach that draws on and further develops existing psychopathological studies of the obsessive-compulsive anthropological condition based on dialectical phenomenological psychopathology. As such, we refer to the global clinical configuration as the "obsessive-compulsive existential type." Our theoretical inspiration comes from the classical phenomenological work on obsessions undertaken by Straus and Gebsattel, which identified the negative transformation of the obsessive-compulsive life-world or the endogenous emergence of the anti-eidos (diluting existential force). We then propose to broaden the concept of anti-eidos, especially in its dialectical correlation with eidos (unifying existential force), representing the existential dialectic between transformation and permanence. Next, we detail the dynamics of anthropological disproportions in obsessive-compulsive existential type, essentially the supremacy of the anti-eidos over the eidos. This primary imbalance modifies the obsessive-compulsive existential structure, consisting of polymorphic temporality; weakened intentionality; maladjusted calibration of distance with the world and others; an integral, isolated, besieged self with dwindling self-agency, and tense and over-protecting embodiment. We also analyze compensatory hyperreflexivity and compulsive rituals as expressions of structural counterbalancing designed to contain the primary structural disproportions and derangements. The heterogeneous obsessive-compulsive clinical manifestations are the complex result of the primary structural alteration and subsequent phenomenological compensations. They tend to be variable in temporal span and rarely assume a fixed form, hindering diagnosis. We correlate structural frameworks with multiple clinical examples. Finally, we raise some insights on how our study may contribute to scientific research and therapeutic proposals.

Brazilian research consortium on obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part II: Cognitive-Behavior Therapy treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment and propose clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on CBT interventions for the treatment of adult OCD, comprising behavior therapy and exposure and response prevention (ERP) was done. The objective of this study is to present updated clinical guidelines to clinicians, providing comprehensive details regarding the necessary procedures to be incorporated into the CBT protocol. We searched the literature published from 2013-2020 in five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Psycinfo and Lilacs), considering: study design, primary outcome measures, type of publication and language. Selected articles were assessed for quality with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). RESULTS: We examined 44 new studies used to update the APA guidelines from 2013. High-quality evidence supports CBT including ERP techniques as the first-line CBT treatment for OCD. In addition, protocols for internet-delivered CBT have also demonstrated their efficacy for the treatment of adults with OCD. CONCLUSION: CBT based on ERP is a widely used treatment according to high-quality scientific evidence to treat adults with OCD.

Prevalence and psychopathology features of mental rituals in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A descriptive exploratory study of 1001 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Mental rituals (MR) are compulsions with no overt behavioural or motoric signs. It is presently unclear whether MR found in obsessive-compulsive disorder are associated with a distinctive clinical profile. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this paper were to assess the prevalence and psychopathological correlates of mental rituals in a large sample of OCD patients. METHODS: This exploratory case-control study compared 519 patients with versus 447 without MR in terms of sociodemographics, presence and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities, sensory phenomena, suicidality, and insight. RESULTS: Current MR were found in 51.8%, while lifetime MR were found in 55.4% of the sample. The multiple logistic regression model determined that the most relevant clinical factors independently associated with current MR in OCD patients were the absence of any sensory phenomena and the presence of lifetime suicide ideation. CONCLUSION: Due to its relation to OCD clinical aspects, MR are a frequent feature among OCD patients. It also seems to be associated with a range of features that are probably relevant for treatment, especially sensory phenomena and suicidality.

Incidence of adverse events and comparative tolerability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and stress disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) show similar efficacy as treatments for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and stress-related disorders. Hence, comparisons of adverse event rates across medications are an essential component of clinical decision-making. We aimed to compare patterns of adverse events associated with SSRIs and SNRIs in the treatment of children and adults diagnosed with these disorders through a network meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane, websites of regulatory agencies, and international registers from inception to 09 September 2022, for randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of SSRIs or SNRIs. We analyzed the proportion of participants experiencing at least one adverse event and incidence rates of 17 specific adverse events. We estimated incidence rates and odds ratios through network meta-analysis with random effects and three-level models. We analyzed 799 outcome measures from 80 studies (n = 21 338). Participants in medication groups presented higher rates of adverse events (80.22%, 95% CI 76.13-83.76) when compared to placebo groups (71.21%, 67.00-75.09). Nausea was the most common adverse event (25.71%, CI 23.96-27.54), while weight change was the least common (3.56%, 1.68-7.37). We found higher rates of adverse events of medications over placebo for most medications, except sertraline and fluoxetine. We found significant differences between medications for overall tolerability and for autonomic, gastrointestinal, and sleep-related symptoms. Adverse events are a common reason that patients discontinue SSRIs and SNRIs. Results presented here guide clinical decision-making when clinicians weigh one medication over another. This might improve treatment acceptability and compliance.

Omega-3 as an adjuvant in the treatment eating and psychological symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to assess the effects of omega-3 supplementation as an adjunct treatment for eating and psychological symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the terms 'anorexia nervosa' AND 'Fatty Acids, Omega-3'. Five randomised controlled trials with a total of 144 participants, published between 2003 and 2022, were included. RESULTS: The effects of supplementation of omega-3 on anxiety were standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.08 to 1.66; p = 0.08; I² = 3%; two studies, 33 participants; moderate quality of evidence. For depression, the supplementation of omega-3 was SMD: 0.22, 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.93; p = 0.18; I² = 45%; two studies, 33 participants; moderate quality of evidence. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the supplementation of omega-3 was SMD: -0.22, 95% CI: -0.70 to 2.25; p = 0.36; I² = 0%; three studies, 32 participants; low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: This research showed that regardless of dose, time or, if associated with other components, the use of omega-3 supplementations as an adjuvant treatment showed no evidence of effect in eating and psychological symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa.